See inside: More than just a Miner ► Page II
Alcohol addiction and its dire effectsX ► Page
Technologies are making farming easier for young generations
Diana Persaud from Arya’s Fresh Cut
Food security is becoming more important to youth
Modern farming technologies are attracting more youth
Answering the call to grow food
► Page
III
– how agriculture is attracting more young Guyanese
II
Editor’s note This week we continue to look at the agriculture sector in light of Agriculture Month which is being observed in October. We tell the stories of some young people who have taken the plunge and have dedicated their lives and careers to agriculture. We also look at how one woman has used her unique invention to earn a
living for herself and to place Guyana on the map through her small agro-processing venture. But more than that, we look at other stories, including one woman who is advocating for more breast cancer screening and awareness initiatives to be taken to the hinterland where proper health care is not as accessible as it
Chronicle Pepperpot October 8, 2017
is on the Coast. The Pepperpot also brings you a rare, intimate look at the life of one of our Government Ministers and her fight for equality in the mining sector, as well as the story of a man who has struggled with alcohol addiction and how he has fought to overcome it. Indeed, this week’s Pepperpot Magazine is filled with stories laced with inspiration, spirit and passion, and we hope that you enjoy reading it.
More than just a Miner A glimpse at the life of Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes By Ariana Gordon ALL she ever wanted was to be a successful female miner; to stand among men and prove that women, too, have the ability to be successful in an industry dominated by men. She not only fulfilled that dream but did better; she now sits as the country’s first female Minister of Natural Resources. A miner for approximately 30 years, Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes said politics was never part of her dream. As a child, growing up in the mining town of Bartica, her only intention was to prove that women can be successful at mining- or rather- at anything. But it wasn’t long before she became heavily involved in activism, fighting for women and children who are abused and victims of trafficking in persons. Broomes has also fought tooth and nail for equality within the male-dominated sector and though women are more recognised in the mining sector now as opposed to 15 years ago, she believes much work needs to be done.
But despite her parent’s ambition for her, times were challenging and decisions had to be made. After leaving school, Broomes said she had no relatives living in Georgetown and was not in a financial position to further her education in the city. “I came from a very big family- a family of 15 to be exact, and to elevate academically, you had to go to Georgetown…and as a girl-child not having family there, the decision was foregone,” she explained. THE BEGINNING OF A CAREER “Serious choices had
INTEREST PIQUED Born to St. Lucian parents, Broomes paid keen attention to her father (now deceased) who worked as a contractor cutting roads in the interior. “I could remember clearly, he was a foreman in the UMRP… building roads in the interior and while he was there…he had friends who were also St. Lucians and they would talk a lot about mining [particularly] gold and diamonds,” she recounted during Minister Broomes (second right) an interview with the Pepperpot stands with her three children, Troy (left), Simona (second left) Magazine. and Hector Broomes (right) It was these conversations and the efforts put in by her father and his friends that saw Broomes’ interest to be made and my own was to move right developing for the male-dominated sector. away to business and I chose mining. I was “My father set up little crews and they’d determined to start with a shovel and a spade do mining,” she said, and in those days as it was always my dream to be a woman where little girls were expected to be at miner,” Broomes told the Pepperpot Magahome with their mothers helping around the zine proudly. house or playing with dolls, Broomes broke Moreover, driven by her family’s cirthe stereotype by doing things only boys cumstances, Broomes ultimate goal was to were used to doing. be the “wealthiest woman miner”. The moth“I always liked riding a bicycle, moving er of three said the journey was not an easy a pick- up, driving a truck because those one and noted that at times, the challenges were the equipment around the community. outweighed the positives. The only thing I have not done yet is to move “I was robbed! There was no level of a helicopter or plane,” she said with a slight equal opportunity and in fact, I remember chuckle. when I wanted to get a Prospective Licence
Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes holds her TIP hero award as former U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry applauds in 2013
(PL)…a certain government minister asked me, ‘Why you’re wasting time? As a woman, you need to find something else to do…that is not possible, you don’t have the ability’,” she recounted, though she had the required amount of money to venture into business. Those words served as unhealed wounds on Broomes’ back and have lived with her throughout her journey. “I got a passion for equality, you know …I come with something different, something real…where I’ve come from and what I’ve been through, I’ve really learned to appreciate people and life in a special way and everything that comes with it,” she said. ADVOCACY FOR MINERS As a Minister within the APNU+AFC coalition government, she intends to fight for transparency and equality within the sector she has responsibility for. But while her focus is on the mining sector, Broomes believes that there needs to be equality across the board. “I want to see a sector that is well-managed with respect for miners…miners are precious and they need to be appreciated and educated in areas of environment,” she said, noting the health and safety challenges which continue to plague the industry which
Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes holds a trophy she received from Women of Mission International for humanitarian service. (Kawise Wishart photo)
continues to be a strong contributor to Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). “I know that in our first five years in office everything cannot be achieved… lots have started but in years ahead, we can achieve many things,” the optimistic minister stated. Despite the odds, Broomes never lost hope. She revealed that death appeared before her on many occasions but she persevered. “Boats sinking, I crashed in trucks, swam and was saved by a branch… those things motivated me, kept me…the dangers of the sector are what kept me and I used that to motivate myself,” she said as she reminisced about the vastly different life she lived years ago. She said of all her challenges the unfair system affected her most; but despite her many setbacks, she remembered her ultimate goal of being successful. “To have a scuffle in the backdam never scared me; snakes, tigers, swamps, walking long distances…when I am finished walking for the first 10-15 hours, I am more motivated to go down the road to walking as long as I have to. The rougher the journey, the deeper my passion went,” she said proudly, noting her elevation from the backdam to the government. A MOTHER’S LOVE But her challenges were not solely around working as a female in a male-domTurn to page XX ►►►
Chronicle Pepperpot October 8, 2017
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Answering the call to grow food – how agriculture is attracting more young Guyanese
By Ravena Gildharie TRADITION has it that agriculture is laborious work and appears less attractive to young people. However, with modern technology and techniques, a new trend of young farmers is gaining momentum countrywide. More young people are turning to food production as a serious business that assures self-employment, profitability and extensive opportunities for their socio-economic wellbeing. At age 17, Fawaz Mohib of Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, is highly enthusiastic about his cultivation of hot and sweet peppers, which he grows along with his father. They sell to residents and nearby markets. food year-round amidst changing A current student of the Gov- climate. ernment Technical Institute, Mohib attends to his two-acre plot almost SUPPORT FOR YOUNG daily in the afternoons after classes. FARMERS Though he acknowledged that the He believes that it was these frequent weeding, spraying and har- technologies that revolutionised vesting can be hard work, the young agriculture in Guyana and has been farmer stressed that “once you put drawing young farmers to the land. your mind to it, the work is not hard He noted too that support and and then you begin to see potential technical services have been greatly and can look toward the profits.” enhanced through both state and Mohib is also part of a farmers’ non-state agencies to support young group in his community along with farmers. These include NAREI, the several other young men who are Ministry of Agriculture and various mostly involved in cash crop pro- projects funded by international doduction. While his farming is on the nor partners such as the $20 million traditional open plots, some of the Canada-funded Caribbean Regional other young men are growing with Promotion of Regional Opportunishaded-culture. They are focused on the production of tomatoes, lettuce, celery and sweet peppers. The farmers’ group was founded by Dhaniram Ramchand, a more experienced farmer who took up agriculture as a full-time business when he was 23 years old. He started with a kitchen garden in his backyard, as Young farmer Ameer Ahmad a venture to earn tending to his crops “side income.” Today, he is one of the largest farmers using green- ties for Produce through Enterprises house technology to grow lettuce, and Linkages (PROPEL). Under bell peppers, celery, eschalot, to- this initiative, onions and Irish matoes, parsley and others crops. potatoes are being grown on trial in He supplies Massy Supermarket, West Coast Berbice and other areas. D. Singh and Sons and will soon be Ramchand stated: “these are selling to Pizza Hut. things that we should be excited “Agriculture is a lucrative busi- about, and which I think are opporness once it is done right and once tunities for young farmers. We still you are serious about it,” Ramchand have a high importation bill…we told the Pepperpot Magazine. He import large quantities of onions was once an extension agent with from Barbados and elsewhere, but the National Agricultural Research here now is an opportunity for our and Extension Institute (NAREI) local young farmers to grow this and also worked on a USAID Proj- produce at the same quality as that ect that introduced local farmers to which is being imported, and they green/shade houses and drip irri- can supply the supermarkets.” gation as technologies to produce Funding support for farming is
More youth are showing growing interest in farming
pests and diseases and adverse weather conditions are still some of his main challenges, but he remains a dedicated food producer. SELF-EMPLOYED OPPORTUNITIES For him, farming is better than being employed elsewhere and receiving a meager salary for hard and long hours of work with limited scope for upgrade. He turned to farming when he was 21 years old, growing cash crops which he sells at the Leonora market. Prior to that, he was employed by a business in Bourda and
often difficult to access since agriculture is considered a risky business for financial institutions, creditors and even some small lending agencies. However, Ramchand said he has seen many farmers getting support from the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED)
Bath Settlement farmer Dhaniram Ramchand engages NAREI Officer
and Small Business Bureau, which assists in funding shade house and other climate-smart agriculture ventures. Funding for large-scale agriculture is not as favourable, though there were once national discussions on agricultural insurance in Guyana. Most big agriculture ventures are self-funded and therefore many young farmers are forced to use their own profits to expand. To 27-yearold Ameer Ahmad of Hague, West Coast Demerara, “agriculture is like any other business where you have to look at the cost of production, demands and markets to ensure profitability.” Fluctuating prices,
had to travel every day to the city, leaving him with little to no income at the end of each month. As a farmer, he secured a small grant through the Guyana Agricultural Producers Association (GAPA) to set up a shade house equipped with drip irrigation. That venture changed his life and today he is one of the most successful young farmers, still expanding. He enjoys the comfort of being self-employed and doesn’t see farming as hard work. “Modern technology is making farming much, much easier and less time consuming so once you learn how to manage your farm, you can live comfortably,” the
A group of young people on tour at a Bath Settlement farm
young farmer told this publication. A young couple, Aditya and Diana Persaud are owners of Arya’s Fresh Cut, an agro-producing and packaging business. They started in 2014 and currently grow crops as mint, kale, parsley, cilantro, sijan (moringa), butternut squash, Armenian cucumbers, lettuce, pokchoi, oregano, etc. They also buy from local farmers that are certified with export quality. Arya’s branded products are available at local supermarkets. “The operations are flowing smoothly and have the ability to scale up, however, one main challenge is access to arable land to grow these high-quality vegetables, .as well as producing these non-traditional/ foreign vegetables,” Aditya explained. He noted the weather too as another constraint that affects both quality and quantities but assured that as young farmers, they “strive to keep our gears in motion to ensure they are back on the shelves in a timely manner.” He added “we recognise that fruit and vegetable production and consumption in Guyana and the Caribbean region have shown a marked upward trend over the past several years. Rising consumer demand in Guyana has come with a greater awareness of food safety issues and increased need for convenience and quality. ARYA’s Fresh Co fresh-cut produce was established to respond to these demands, and is currently at different stages of development at each individual process.” The couple continues to reach out and engage other young producers and processors by sharing their experience and knowledge.
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Chronicle Pepperpot October 8, 2017
FILES E S A C COURT
For dishonouring wage contract agreement ‘61
Estate worker ‘Somerset’ loses appeal THE appellant, Somerset, was employed at Ressouvenir Estates Ltd factory under an agreement that wages were not payable for any period in respect of which he had not recorded the time worked on a time card. In respect of a certain period he clocked in but failed to clock out. The respondents admitted that he worked, but not that they knew he had worked, and refused to pay him wages for the period . In a claim by the appellant for wages, the Magistrate found wisdom with the appellant but the Full Court later reversed the judgment. On appeal to the Federal Supreme Court, it was argued for the appellant that (a) the withholding of payment was a deduction from wages in contravention of the Labour Ordinance , Cap. 103 , and that (b) the respondents had repudiated the contract but had no right to do so, as the contract had been substantially performed and they had received the benefit. Held: the recording of the time worked was a condition precedent to the payment of wages . Payment had been made in accordance with the terms of the contract and there was therefore neither any deduction from wages nor any repudiation of the contract. The Appeal was dismissed by the Federal Supreme Court constituted by Sir Alfred Rennee and Judges C. V. H. Archer and C. Wylie. F.R.Wills for the Appellant. J.H.S. Elliot, Q.C., with A.B. Sankar for the Respondents. Delivering the judgment, Justice Archer said : This appeal is concerned with the proper interpretation to be placed upon a term in a contract of employment . The sum at stake
is small, but the princiBy George Barclay ple involved is of some importance. The appellant is a workman employed in the respondent company’s factory. He was under an oral contract and his wages were computed on an hourly basis, but were paid weekly. In 1953 the company instituted a system of time recording by machine on individual cards; workmen manipulated the machine to record the time of their arrival at, and departure from, the factory, and wages were collected in accordance with the hours of attendance in the factory which these cards showed. The system proved, however, not to be entirely satisfactory for claims were sometimes made in respect of work done during hours of attendance not shown on time cards, and, in 1955, the company published a notice from which, the appellant admits, the term of his contract of employment, which is the subject of dispute in this appeal, is to be extracted. That notice is as follows:“Notice” Attention is drawn to the fact that for all workers required to clock in and out of the factory, the authority for payment of wages is the time recorded as worked on their time card. Instances have, however, occurred of workers alleging that they failed to clock in and out of the factory, but representing to the management that they were actually at work. For a record of two weeks from the date of this notice, workers failing to check in and out of the factory during a work period, will on the first occasion be paid for the period, and issued with a written warning that they have committed an offence. Thereafter, any worker who has been warned and who fails to check in and out will not be paid for the period. After this period of two weeks has elapsed, any worker who fails to check in or out will not be paid for the work period concerned. Factory Manager. In his concluding remarks Justice Archer said: The Appellant was not entitled to be paid in respect of any period which he had not recorded on his time card and no question of payment on the basis of work actually done during unrecorded time could therefore arise. I consider, therefore, that the authorities on a substantial performance of a contract, on which counsel for the appellant relied, are not in point. In my judgment the Full Court came to the right conclusion and I would dismiss the appeal with costs. The other two judges of the Federal Supreme Court concurred with the judgment.
Chronicle Pepperpot October 8, 2017
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#SupportCreativity
By Subraj Singh
Darren Aronofsky’s Mother!
“IT depicts the rape and torment of Mother Earth ... I represent Mother Earth; Javier, whose character is a poet, represents a form of God, a creator; Michelle Pfeiffer is an Eve to Ed Harris’s Adam, there’s Cain and Abel and the setting sometimes resembles the Garden of Eden” - Jennifer Lawrence
of the artist as someone who tries to fix things, offers the audience a chance to see what is causing the destruction of the earth: human beings. Man and Woman’s appearance in the film heralds the end of all things good, and Aronofsky might be using this approach to remind members of the audience that, like Adam and Eve, we stand a good chance of being “cast out” and destroyed by the world we live in if we do not abide by its rules, and also if we attack or actively contribute to its destruction. “Mother!” is a religious allegory, but it is also a warning for all of humanity. The film also warns of the role of religion in bringing about ruin and devastation. This is evident in the latter scenes in the film when Mother’s house becomes overrun with fanatics who are obsessed with the work of her poet-husband, Him. Their adoration quickly becomes religion and their religion sharply turns into a cult. This, in turn, transforms itself into havoc, with murder, violence and mayhem leading to the obliteration of everyone, but, most importantly, Mother herself and all she represents. It is interesting that even while using religious themes and symbols, Aronofsky is able to distance himself enough to still criticise religion and what it can become. He uses religion to show that we must preserve the earth, while also using religion to comment on how it is intrinsically wound up in the literal end of the world. Religion’s stories, without commenting on whether they are factual or fictional, are rich in images, symbols and metaphors that can be used in a variety of ways in the new stories that we write. This becomes especially useful and important, particularly for writers here in Guyana, where there are multiple religions – meaning that writers have available to them, multiple stories with a myriad of themes, symbols and images to choose from.
Part II: Religious Allegory
“Mother (Theatrical Poster – Paramount Pictures, 2017)
THE Bible has always been a source of inspiration for artists, writers, directors, screenwriters and other creators for as long as the book has existed. Darren Aronofsky has previously tackled subject matter from the Bible with his film, Noah (2014). However, he has used a biblical allegory rather than explicitly filming segments from the text itself, the allusions to the Bible and its symbols. Of course, with this, Aronofsky is following a long literary tradition of using the holy text as an inspirational source of creativity, but also using the text itself to inform the contents of what is created. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and The Chronicles of Narnia books are two good examples which highlight the use of religious allegory. Aronofsky’s use of religion to comment on religion is broad-ranging and while he does seem inspired by the Bible itself, he also does quite a lot to give the audience what appears to be a scathing critique of religion by the film’s end. In the beginning (see what I did there?) of the film, everything seems idyllic – obviously representing, as pointed out by the film’s star, Jennifer Lawrence, the Garden of Eden – and perfect. Lawrence’s character, Mother, and her husband, Him, (Javier Bardem) are at peace and perfectly happy until the duo representing Adam and Eve, Man and Woman (Ed Harris
and Michelle Pfeiffer) arrive. Ed Harris as the figure of Adam plays well against the domineering, scintillating Pfeiffer. Here, and, perhaps, somewhat controversially (given the revisionist approach that has been given to the character of Eve in recent years) Aronofsky chooses to present Eve in the traditionalist sense of being the catalyst for destruction and the end of all things good. Together, Man and Woman, ignore warnings from Him and touch the crystal they have been repeatedly been warned from touching. The crystal falls and shatters and they are asked to leave the house. If you do not know see the parallels between this chain of events and the Bible (Adam and Eve, the Forbidden Fruit, etc.) you might want to revisit you’re the holy book sometime soon. However, more interesting than just being able to see the allegory at work is trying to establish why Aronofsky is choosing to present the religious themes the way he does. What is he trying to say? Of course, as a writer, or creative person, this should be the question that you always ask yourself. What are you trying to say? This becomes especially important when creating allegories or other literary techniques that call for the blending of your own art with another created work. It is always important to establish the difference and similarities between what you want to say and what was said in the work that you are drawing parallels to, in order to emphasise or de-emphasise these similarities. Aronofsky uses the religious allegory to comment on the natural world and its destruction. The crystal and its allure to Man and Woman might symbolise greed and lust for the earth’s natural resources. It is no accident that the destruction of the crystal, the Forbidden Fruit, is what leads to the destruction of everything else. Further, it seems as if Aronofsky, in the role
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Chronicle Pepperpot October 8, 2017
Puran Brothers celebrates 30 years Puran’s is now one of Guyana’s leading solid waste contractors
Reflects on transformation of the company By Telesha Ramnarine WHEN Puran Brothers Disposal Services started its operations in 1987, it relied mainly on a few small tractors, trailers, and lorries. Today, 30 years later, the company is one of Guyana’s leading solid waste contractors. Despite the manner in which it is being treated by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) at the moment, Puran Brothers Disposal Inc. still extends thanks to the municipality which has been working with the company from day one. One of the directors, Mr. Lakenauth Puran, said the company is also grateful to the government, its dedicated workers, business partners and loyal customers who continue to help make the Apart from waste disposal services, the company a success. Puran Brothers grew rapidly and company offers a variety of other services expanded to the point where it needed larger waste capacity vehicles. In 1996, Puran compactor vehicles. “Having experienced much success in Brothers purchased its first set of garbage the solid waste industry, the company, with
its keen eye for investment, expanded its operations to other sectors, such as civil construction and ready-mix concrete,” Puran recalls. Today, apart from waste disposal, the company offers services like ready mix concrete, landfill operations, sewerage management, construction of roads and bridges, road sweeping, toilet and party rentals, tree care services, mobile document shredding, tire shredding and recycling. Further, in October 2016, when the company was awarded the Haag Bosch Landfill contract, it managed it throughout the stipulated period of one year; during which, Puran recalls, the company transformed what was once a mere waste dump into a fully functioning landfill facility, that is now nationally recognised
Waste disposal equipment up for rental
as one of the main sanitary waste management facilities in the country. “In retrospect, Puran Brothers Disposal Inc. took over the site from a deplorable state and it can now be compared to international best practices. Our company, over the years, has successfully completed several landfill sites under the I.D.B programme and has an astounding track record in this regard,” Puran said. The company also partnered with another reputable contractor in a joint agreement that would facilitate greater progress and development. “Puran Brothers Disposal Inc. is confident that the partnership under the new Haags Bosch contract will provide new initiatives, double resources available to the landfill, accelerate current waste disposal techniques, implement new and better ones, and improve Puran’s services have expanded to include the overall management of the faconstruction of roads and bridges cility,” Puran said.
Chronicle Pepperpot October 8, 2017
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Dental materials MORE than 90 percent of the times that someone has dental treatment, the attending dentist uses a drug or material characteristic to dentistry. But ask yourself this, are they safe? Are there any side effects of dental materials? Since these substances are not generally known to the public how can one make a biological evaluation of them? This is especially true for Guyana where 100 percent of the dental materials used are imported. For many years the dental profession worked mainly with rather inert (stable) materials that had a limited contact with living tissue (except dentures). The opportunity for local and systemic complications was therefore minimal. Now dental materials and devices are being treated more like drugs and have to meet the safety and efficacy requirements of drugs and medical devices. The government of Sweden banned amalgam (silver) fillings. This was after the whole world has been using it for nearly two centuries. A few years ago, I stopped using amalgam as a filling material in my clinic. We in Guyana are fortunate in the sense that we are relatively protected by restrictions existent for the manufacture of dental materials in some countries like the United States and Britain. This cannot be said for dental materials originating in many Third World countries, where the standardisation system does not require protracted testing before the laboratories can release the materials on the market. Since every single dental drug and material is imported and because local legislation at the present time does not regulate in any way the use of any of these substances, dentists should be careful about their utilisation. Certain dental materials such as composite resin (used for anterior teeth fillings), are chemically active compounds and may have a detrimental effect on the pulp. Amalgam (silver filling material) because of its mercury content and impression materials because of their former lead content also stimulated considerable interest. Endodontic (root canal) therapy involves the most dangerous drugs in dentistry.
The majority of the medications used are very poisonous. The procedures require canal obtrusion with drugs and materials that remain in constant contact with living tissues. The most common drug used in dentistry is lidocaine which is used as a local anesthetic mainly for extractions. The active ingredient is chemically similar to the illicit drug cocaine but the part of the molecule which is toxic and causes addiction was removed. Cocaine was actually discovered by the Incas, an indigenous tribe of South America who used this extract from the coca plant to numb wounds on the skin. However, it was not until 1884 that Dr. Carl Koller used cocaine medicinally as the first local anesthetic. It is interesting to note that even after the nearly a century in which a weak solution of cocaine ceased to be used for anesthetic, Guyanese remain the only people that I know who refer to dental anesthetic as cocaine. Despite the fact that we do not manufacture dental materials and drugs there is need to legislate and regulate their use. Biocompatibility is the keyword. The history of the development of controls, standards and guidelines began almost 500 years ago and is detailed in a chronological fashion up to the present time. An outline of the revised draft of the International document (ISO Technical Report No. 7405), completed for the harmonisation of human standards within the EC was presented. The Bureau of Standards needs to include dental materials on its list of controlled drugs because “dental quacks� have a field
day in importing sub-standard materials from questionable sources. In fact, a way to eliminate these illegal practitioners is to restrict the availability of dental material, by making its possession illegal for persons not licensed to practice dentistry. No amount of experimental study can guarantee absolute safety for any substance. However, toxicological investigations provide data from which reasonable projections and predictions can be made about the conditions under which the product can be safely used. In today’s world in which the development of a country is measured by how serious it views standards, it would be a boost in this context for the authorities to examine this question.
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Chronicle Pepperpot October 8, 2017
Challenges and opportunities of the nine new towns FOR nearly two centuries Guyana was content to have two towns - Georgetown, the capital of Demerara and later the whole country, and New Amsterdam, the capital of Berbice. In the 21st Century, the Central Governments felt that a number of growing large villages should be given the status of “township. There are now nine new townships which include Lethem, Bartica and Anna Regina. The Central Governments have never issued any white papers giving the reason d’etre of elevating these prosperous growing villages into townships. Had they done so, each of the new townships would have been given special individual reasons for their elevation and a blueprint of individual town-planning would have been evolved. Instead, both the Ministries with responsibility for Local Government as well as the people of these villages and their Mayors and Town Councillors merely had a vague feeling that “township” would bring greater status, better administration and in time, improved social and economic conditions. They did not quite understand that hard creative work was required of them and that there were challenges and opportunities which would present themselves which they should seize with alacrity. These new towns have been operating much as they did before when they were villages. If these new towns are going to be able to deliver a better life to their inhabitants, they must publicise their
development plans, including their aesthetic development. The early history of Georgetown should be an inspiration and guide to these new municipalities: When the British took over the three Guyana colonies - Essequibo, Demerara and Berbice - from the Dutch, Stabroek, the Capital of Demerara now came to be regarded as the administrative capital of the whole country.The British, less than 20 years after their occupation of the colonies, began enforcing enlightened municipal laws and among their achievements, they built impressive buildings. Such buildings include the Law Courts, now the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and the Public Building which initially housed the Governor and the Administration. Most of the early British were in the military and they made their encampment in Kingston where they built their living quarters, barracks, fort and lighthouse to guide the arrival of their ships. This accounts for the street names in Kingston having military associations. Though Kingston was essentially a military encampment, the buildings and the layout of the area were impressive by early 19th century standards. In the next few decades, the colony developed economically and this meant that a growing import/export trade developed. The major shops congregated in Water Street where the port was. The store owners lived in the upper storeys above their shops.
As they became more prosperous, these business folk emigrated to the street behind Water Street, that is Main Street. They constructed stately wooden houses in very large yards where they grew a variety of fruit trees and where children could play. On both sides of the canal which ran through Main Street, they planted large ornamental trees such as the samaan. They were acutely conscious of the aesthetic. On the southern side of the street, they created a social and recreational complex: There was the Royal Agricultural and Commercial Society which housed a library and museum where the Guyana Museum now stands. Here much research was done and the RACS’ journals are still a mine of information. Next door to the RACS was the Assembly Rooms where concerts and plays were performed and events such as the Old Year’s Balls were held. The Assembly Rooms complex also housed the famous Georgetown Club. The Bank of Guyana now stands where the Assembly Rooms were. Across the street from the Assembly Rooms was the St George’s Anglican Cathedral and next door to it was the Masonic Hall. At the southern end of the street was the Tower Hotel which catered for visitors. In a very short time, these early British were able to create a compact town which catered for the social, economic and cultural needs of the townsfolk. The nine towns were all villages and proper planning would preserve the worthwhile things in them. Each of the new towns should engage an able town-planner who should constantly exchange ideas with NGO’s and the town
council. Each town should strive after its own individuality. It would be a creative and revolutionary step if each Council were to provide free architectural help to townsfolk who intend to build. With such planning, the new towns may be aesthetically pleasing for generations to come. One aspect of town planning which should not be overlooked is that the town should have a large contiguous reserve of land where market gardening and diary farming could be accommodated. Old Georgetown was to a large extent self-sufficient in vegetables, ground provisions and milk because of its huge “back-dam”. This “back-dam” has now been converted into housing schemes. In planning the governance of the towns, the Central Authorities should guard against the decline syndrome which overtook Georgetown in the last 50 years. From its foundation until the 1960’s, Georgetown was a well-run town which was clean, beautiful and delightful to live in. The Administration was honest and it was unthinkable to associate any kind of corruption with it. The financial affairs were entirely transparent and this is evidenced that whenever the Town issued bonds, they were all quickly sold.Taxes were paid on time. There was never over-staffing and out-sourcing of the Council’s work never occurred. In their early years, the Central Authorities must give guidance and help to the new Councils so as to avoid them falling into the morass into which Georgetown fell in the last 50 years. The decline of Georgetown and the reasons for its decline could provide a unique guide and education to the new municipalities in their drive to provide their citizens with a better life.
Chronicle Pepperpot October 8, 2017
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Is the iconic Georgetown City Hall destined to disappear? By Francis Quamina Farrier
a terrible state of disrepair; especially the northern wall. There were a few portions RECENTLY, while going past the City Hall on the Av- which had fallen off, and gaping holes were enue of the Republic in Georgetown, someone called my visible on the northern side. Quite a number attention to a chunk of the building which had fallen off. A of citizens expressed their concerns over the portion of about three feet was lying on the ground where declining condition of the tallest wooden it had fallen off. No one at City Hall thought it prudent to structure in the world. However, repairs have it removed immediately. It was there for how long, I began earlier this year, and the building is do not know, advertising to the public that the end of this now in a much better state. iconic building is fast approaching. Another iconic wooden structure which In all fairness to the present Georgetown City Council, was dearly admired by many people was the deteriorating condition of City Hall goes back over two the former New Amsterdam Public Hospidecades. This is an issue which I have raised with then-Mayor tal. That beautiful building was evacuated Hamilton Green and other city mothers and city fathers at City after the new hospital was constructed in Hall many times for almost 15 years. This is an issue which north New Amsterdam at the foot of the I have published on Tony Vieira’s The Evening News, my Canje Bridge and opposite the Fort Canje own Tape4Stories and Farrier’s Friday Feature on television, Mental Asylum. The plan was to have the regularly for about 15 years. My return to this subject today, old hospital building converted into a hostel is because more and more individuals are becoming very con- for nurses, a nursing school and a dispencerned for the future of the City Hall Building, and fear that we sary, according to then-Minister of Health, may lose it, the way that the citizens of New Amsterdam have Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, who had made that lost that iconic wooden Public Hospital Building, which graced announcement to the media. the skyline of New Amsterdam for over a century. I kept checking on the progress over The iconic former New Amsterdam Public Hospital which dominated the New Amsterdam skyline for over a century, was demolished by vagrants Change is inevitable, but change should always be for the time and realised that after about a year, nothone piece at a time. Now it’s gone forever better. Guyana’s wooden heritage is slowly, but somewhat ing was happening. So I decided to approach zens who prefer to see all the wooden buildings torn down surely, disappearing and being replaced with concrete struc- the Minister about the condition of that tures- some of which many citizens believe are concrete mon- iconic wooden structure. He reiterated his previous statement and replaced with concrete structures, no matter how ugly, strosities. Will the Georgetown City Hall disappear forever, about plans for the building. That, in fact, never happened; there are many citizens who have the view that “Wood is and be replaced with an ugly concrete structure? instead, vandals were not only sleeping in the building but Good”, and would like to see our wooden buildings mainThis issue sometimes become very emotional and were demolishing it one board at a time. Now, that building tained, and our Wooden Heritage preserved. The future and history of the City Hall now lie in the balance. heart-rending for those who really love our many classical which was once the pride of wooden structures, such as the Georgetown City Hall, the Red New Amsterdam, dominating House, the official residence of the Prime Minister, the Walter the town’s skyline for over a Roth Museum of Anthropology, the Demerara Mutual Build- century, no longer exists; it is gone forever. Tall grass now grows where it once proudly stood as an example of classic wooden architecture. Some years ago, Mayor Hamilton Green of Georgetown, held a civic meeting at the National Library in Georgetown, for the purpose of soliciting from the public, suggestions for the renaming of some streets in Georgetown. At that public meeting, the issue of the declining condition of the City Hall building was brought up, and suggestions given for its restoration. Obviously, nothing was done, and The cutest little wooden structure in the city, is the Curator’s the building continues to Building at the entrance of the Botanical Gardens in deteriorate. Georgetown, which was constructed in the early 1880s, and is The question now is still standing. (Photo by Francis Quamina Farrier) whether the Georgetown City Hall is destined for ing, churches such as the St. Andrew’s Kirk and the Smith’s a similar and inglorious demise Memorial Congregational Church, the St. Phillip’s Anglican as the New Amsterdam Public Church, and of course, the iconic St. George’s Cathedral, and Hospital. That would break the many others, such as the Curator’s Building, located at the hearts of the many citizens who entrance of the Botanical Gardens in Georgetown. I classify love our Wooden Heritage; that century-old structure as the cutest little wooden building especially those as attractive in Guyana. I have always had an interest in Guyana’s Wooden Her- as the City Hall, which was itage, and so when the Red House was in a terrible state of designed by the European disrepair, almost tumbling down, some years ago, I took an Catholic Priest, Fr. Ignatius unusual line of action as a journalist. With the permission of the Scholes, SJ., who lived and Headmistress of the Kingston Community High School on Bar- worked in British Guiana for rack Street, I took six students around the corner on High Street many years. He died here and to the Red House and asked them to say what they would like is buried in the Le Repentir to see happen to the building. All of them, speaking on-camera, Cemetery. Incidentally, the said that they wanted to see it repaired. Asked about the colour, original cost for the constructhree wanted to see it re-painted in red, while the others choose tion of Georgetown’s iconic white, blue and even green. Fortunately, whether it was as a City Hall was the princely sum result of my feature article, which was aired on television on of $54, 826.62. Of course, that the Evening News, or whether plans were already afoot, the was way back in the 1890s, Red House was later repaired and repainted (RED, of course), when so many things around the world cost so much less and is now serving as The Cheddi Jagan Research Centre. In more recent years, the St. George’s Cathedral was in than is the case today While there are some citi-
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Chronicle Pepperpot October 8, 2017
Alcohol addiction and its dire effects
One man’s battle with sobriety By Shirley Thomas THE only influence worse than a ‘gravitational pull’ that alcohol can exert on its users once they become addicted to it, is a ‘crushing defeat’, to the extent that, if left unattended, your situation can only get progressively worse. For this reason, it is advised that persons avoid at all cost, tendencies to become alcohol abusers. Alcohol abuse means having unhealthy or dangerous drinking habits, such as drinking every day or drinking too much at a time. Alcohol abuse can cause you to become involved in fatal accidents, and if you are a violent person - it can land you in problems with the police; bring harm to your relationships; and cause you to habitually miss work, lose your job and a host of other things. Prolonged drinking also puts you at risk for developing serious health complications and can cause other potentially life-threatening consequences like sclerosis of the liver, elevated blood pressure (hypertension) and blood sugar (diabetes). The person who abuses alcohol continues to drink even though he/ she knows their drinking is causing
problems. Over time, the person’s continued abuse of alcohol can lead to alcohol dependence or addiction. For a classic illustration of the effects of alcohol on its users and the treatment process for abusers, today, we introduce to our readers, a client who is currently on the Substance and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Programme offered by the Salvation Army in Guyana. Ulric B, 42, who is well qualified, having studied at the University of Guyana and the Guyana School of Agriculture, fell prone to consuming alcohol ever since he was a lad. He now tells us what alcohol abuse has done to him and conversely what the recovery programme is doing for him. Ulric B: “I started drinking in my late teens – about 17 or 18 because at that time alcohol was a social norm in my family. My parents both drank, so at that time it appeared to me that they were just social drinkers. We had regular weekend parties, and if there were birthday celebrations there was always alcohol there and then you’d hear some quarrelling. It was a norm and was not seen as anything negative, so I started drinking just like that,” Ulric told the
Pepperpot Magazine. “I started with one beer and it was alright, nobody had a problem with it. As I got into my early twenties it progressed in terms of the quantity of beer that I was drinking. From one and two it became seven and eight, 10 and then I moved on to the spirits (liquor).” Part of the requirements for enrollment to the Salvation Army’s Rehabilitation programme is that the client must genuinely want to ‘come on board’ and be committed to making or bringing about that change in his life. However, Ulric says that by then his parents had both died and together with his siblings, he decided on entering the programme. Ulric commenced treatment at the Rehabilitation Centre about seven years ago, but sadly ‘walked out’ after having stayed just about three months, reasoning that he believed that he was ‘not ready for it’. But upon introspection, Ulric revealed the real reason for walking out: “For me, at that time, it was as if I wasn’t in control, and knowing what I know now, having done some research, I found out that addicts love to be in control. And I felt that I was not in control of what I wanted to do because there were rules; there were regulations; there were stipulations governing the things that you need to do ‘for your own benefit’. But at the time, the addiction had clouded my entire concept of understanding all these things, so I felt as Turn to page XIX ►►►
Chronicle Pepperpot October 8, 2017
We close our series which served to increase awareness of the issue of suicide in light of World Suicide Prevention Day which was celebrated last month. Our final writer has asked to remain anonymous. HOW I KEEP ON LIVING I’ve never had an actual plan to commit suicide but I’m not afraid of dying either- if that makes sense. Some days I wish someone would come and end my life for me - to just make things easier. However, the days aren’t all bad. On the other days, I hope that God wasn’t listening and doesn’t take me. The whole “be careful what you wish for” idea. The reason for this is that my happiness doesn’t lie with me but with everything else around me. For example, if my work, family and relationships are going well, I’m doing well. If I fight with my boyfriend or realise someone doesn’t like me, or that someone is judging me, my day turns horrible. This makes me very unhappy as I cannot control what other people do. I can’t control if I’ll be stuck in traffic or if someone is rude to me. I constantly hate myself for letting these little things get me down and it makes me want to not live sometimes. My happiness lies in the way I look, the way people respect me etc. These are things that won’t always be positive so it really scares me. I also think very negatively. I imagine the worst in any and every situation. It’s so emotionally and physically draining. And of course, my coping skills are purely negative. I drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes and weed to feel better. If I’m not doing that, I’m taking comfort in food or my bed. I decided that I had to make a serious change in my day to day life or I may very well become suicidal with a plan and not just a want. I knew from reading Caitlin’s column that it had to start with my coping skills. I love her usual Sunday column which is why I agreed to do this but I couldn’t put my name because my family doesn’t know how I feel. I don’t
How can we prevent
suicides?
want them to take on any more stress than they have. My parents fight all the time, they have money issues and my brother also gives them a hard time. They think I’m the good one and I guess I have to keep allowing them to think that. I don’t want them to be disappointed and also see me as a burden. As I was saying, the biggest change I made was my coping skills. Which means whenever I was angry, sad or irritated, instead of drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes or weed, I would do something healthier. I would either exercise by dancing (I love trying on my fancy clothes and dancing in a mirror). I would read something interesting or most effectively, I would do a creative project. Last week it was painting and this week I’m going to try building a large puzzle. Since I can’t help but feel sad or angry, I can help how I deal with it and it made a world of a difference. What also helps me is reciting positive words - the opposite of what makes me so insecure. I like to look in the mirror and say that “you are strong, you are beautiful, you are kind and you are enough”. I found this to help as well. I also started to turn to God. I find saying to God that “I’m leaving my mood and happiness in your power today” and that it helps a lot. Because unlike my family, friends, significant other, co-workers and even strangers on the street, my God wouldn’t want to hurt me. He wouldn’t even dream of doing it. I wanted to just share those things and hope that they help you
the way it helps me. I wouldn’t even want my worst enemy to feel what I have been feeling. But I take it day by day. You can too. - Anonymous I cannot thank everyone enough for the bravery, strength and resilience it took to share your stories. HOW CAN WE PREVENT SUICIDES? It takes an entire country to do this. I am not going to talk about the new laws, policies and interventions (for example pesticide restriction laws and school-based prevention programmes) that are needed for this change. I’m going to talk about what any individual can do to make a difference. These are called protective factors - characteristics that make an individual less likely to take their own life. First, start with you. Improve your self-esteem and self-worth. This can be done with the basicseating, sleeping and exercising well. This starts with you but others definitely play a role in how we feel about ourselves. This can make us feel weak at times but it also means that you play a role in how others feel about themselves. We have the power to make someone else feel good today and our willingness to do so says a lot about who we are. COMPLIMENT RATHER THAN RIDICULE Practice healthier coping skills. A lack of healthy coping skills is a serious risk factor for suicide. No one is immune to life’s stressors-
some people are simply better at dealing with them. Make a list of your current coping skills- what you do when you are angry or sad. Do you scream at others? Do you drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes? Do you blame others? Make a list of new, positive coping skills. Listen to music or take a second to recite something that calms you down. Practice (it takes a lot) replacing old habits with the new ones. The beauty about stress is that it doesn’t matter what is causing it- familial issues, financial, work-related etc., the way we deal with all stressors is the same- with good coping skills. Any individual who expresses thoughts of suicide should be taken seriously but there are factors that make individuals particularly high risk. These are intention, plan or means. Does the person intend on taking their own life? Is there a specific plan – place or time? Is there a planned way of doing it? If all of this has been considered, an attempt is very likely to occur. Do you know someone who is considering suicide? Just be there for them. Accompany them to their first and follow up appointments. Basic environmental protective factors include education and awareness of the health care available. Do you know where to get help? What can you do in your home? Reducing access to means of suicide would be a good start. Keeping a clean home does not just mean sweeping or washing up. It means having a non-abusive and drug-free household. Everyone should feel safe, loved and protected in their own home.
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Educate those around youshare your knowledge with members of your community. With the teachers in your local schools, nurses in your local health centres, police officers in your local stations. Be a supportive and caring friend/ family member. I know it is difficult in hard times, especially if you do not know what to say. Here are some things that can get you started: “I thought about you and wondered how you were doing.” “You haven’t been yourself lately, is everything okay?” “Is there anything you would like to talk about?” “How can I best support you right now?” “I can only imagine how you are feeling and just want to help.” “I am here for you, whenever you are ready. I want to be here for you.” Just be yourself – if you show genuine concern, it can trump ‘saying the wrong thing.’ Listen calmly, patiently and empathetically. Do not judge or try to minimise their problems by maximising your own. Do not push your beliefs onto them. Take their words seriously and offer help and reassurance. Many people who are considering suicide do not actually want to die, they simply want to stop hurting. It is a desperate attempt to relieve what seems like incurable pain. However, all suicide does is eliminate the possibility of healing. For those of you who are feeling this way, you are not alone. Just remember that even the darkest hour has only 60 minutes. The worst day of your life has only 24 hours and then resets. The night must become very dark for the stars to finally show. I want to reiterate how important it is to reach out for help. It takes nothing but courage and strength to show vulnerability. A courage that will inspire those around you who may also be afraid to reach out. If you have been looking for a sign to live or get help, this is it. C.S Lewis said – “There are far far better things ahead than anything we leave behind.”
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Chronicle Pepperpot October 8, 2017
#SupportCreativity
Pushing the boundaries of fine art and craft, Sellone Stanton ture the potential they saw in the work she was producing at the secondary level. After submitting her application and an accompanying portfolio of works, she was accepted into the school’s two-year
A FORMER student at the Christianburg Wismar Secondary School in Linden, Sellone Stanton has spent the last three years pursuing her passion for art and embracing the challenges that came along with the said pursuit. Stanton joined the E.R. Burrowes School of Art following her family’s advice to nur-
certificate programme and thus began her creative journey. Recalling her time at the art school, Stanton explained that her decision to pursue leather and ceramics as her two areas of specialization, was more of a natural inclination as opposed to something she actively contemplated. “When you enroll at the art school you have to do all the courses in the first year before choosing two. I fell in love with leather, even though I knew much more about painting and drawing. Leather became my favourite course so I decided to work with that. With ceramics,
on the other hand, I just loved clay,” Sellone said in an interview. While she admits that staying focused was one of the challenges she encountered during her time at the art school, she eventually learned to cultivate a habit of self-discipline in order to keep up with the
pace of her new creative environment. “Starting there was a little difficult because I was experiencing new things, things that I didn’t know before. But I learned a lot from those things. We’ve had a lot of good experiences with past and present artists at the school and meeting other people. We’ve visited many different places, went on tours etc.,” she said Her treatment of materials, particularly with her leather works, point to an interest in finding new and inventive ways of blurring the line that separates fine art from craft. Despite the fact that leather comes from a long history of being excluded from traditional considerations of fine art, she has found interesting ways of merging the two and using the results of that merger to engage with various aspects of our local ethnicities. “Most of the pieces I did were based on the different races of Guyana. The mirror, for example, has different petals and each petal has the name of each race. My major task was done with peacock feathers representing the beauty of my people. The leather coming down like hair represents the different textures including straight, curly and afro hair,” she said. Although Stanton reflected quite fondly on the three years she spent at the school, she did admit to wishing the programme was longer, since the additional time allowed her to develop her technical skills and solidify the concepts that inform her art production. “If they could change the twoyear certificate course to a threeTurn to page XIII ►►►
Chronicle Pepperpot October 8, 2017
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Women in Agriculture Tracy Persaud is making a difference in the Agricultural Sector IN a world where there is limited involvement of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) is proving to be a gender inclusive organisation. The institute headed by Soil Chemist, Dr. Oudho Homenauth, has a track record of hiring persons based on their strategic fit for each department. This has given female applicants the opportunity to compete fairly with their male counterparts. Additionally, upward mobility in the organisation is premised on competence and advanced qualifications. Increasingly, more female staffers are enhancing their academic qualifications to become Research Scientists. These female Research Scientists have equal access to resources as they work to advance agricultural development in Guyana. In recognition of their efforts, NAREI will be highlighting these important women in this column in coming weeks. This week NAREI introduces Tracy Persaud, a Research Scientist. Tracy joined the institute in 2007 when it was named National Agricultural Research Institute. She began her career at NAREI as a Research Assistant. However, after completing a Masters in Environmental Management in 2015, Tracy was promoted as a Research Scientist. She is now an important member of the Soil Management and Farm Mechanisation Department. Tracy’s involvement in the other crops sector is no accident. In fact, it appears that she was born to be part of this sector that is on the cusp of greatness. “At an early age, I recognised the value of agriculture as a source of food to supplement income. Growing up in Agriculture Road all my neighbours had kitchen gardens and we were no different…I saw the usefulness of its contributions in the kitchen... In addition, my father now retired, was a long-serving member of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Guyana and alum of Guyana School of Agriculture, an institution oblique to my residence,” Tracy said. Tracy’s second encounter with agriculture occurred at the North Georgetown Secondary School, where she wrote Agriculture Science at CSEC. And, as destiny would have had it- Tracy followed in father’s foot-
gation, community disaster risk management, environmental law and environmental impact assessment among others. Studying Environmental Management provided me the capability of creating a harmonious equilibrium between the economic and social needs of man as well as the needs of the environment.” Her area of specialisation allows her to cont r i b u t e t o Tracy doing what she national de- loves velopment. “Working in the Soils Department I was nurtured with the responsibility for chemical analyses, rehabilitation of degraded soils, and aspects of crop diversification. My area of specialisation of environmental management with specific emphasis on crop management allows me to implement appropriate and sustainable agricultural practices in farming systems,” she added. At NAREI, Tracy prepares and implements research projects on rehabilitation of degraded soils, crop diversification; supervises the work of Research Assistants within the
department; and supervises the work in the soil chemistry laboratory- where soil samples provided by farmers are tested. Tracy has worked on several noteworthy projects in the area of crop production using smart agricultural practices. This involved understanding the agronomy and management of crops such as Irish potatoes, onions, carrots, chickpeas and sorrel. Other projects under Environmental Management include the rehabilitation of mine spoils and degraded land to improve soil quality and enhance land cover.
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prevented her from doing so. “I’m planning to go back home to spend some time with my family because I didn’t get to do much of that. I also want to go back to Burrowes to do the Diploma programme and eventually become an art teacher.” Stanton acknowledges that she has a lot to be grateful for, particularly the strong network of support that often braced her through the trying times. “I had my teachers, friends and parents encouraging me. I want to thank my parents, especially, for supporting me all the way but most of all I’d like to thank God.” Stanton and 10 others recently completed the Certificate programme, while three students completed the school’s Diploma programme. The end of their studies was marked by an exhibition of their works at the Umana Yana benab, back in August of this year.
Tracy Persaud graduates from the University of Guyana with a Masters in Environmental Management
steps. She pursued a Diploma in Agriculture at Guyana School (GSA) of Agriculture. Having successfully completed her tenure at GSA, Tracy went on to attend the University of Guyana. “Having graduated with a BSc in Agriculture, I gained employment at NARI which later became NAREI. Here is where I gained real exposure to the research aspect, working under the stewardship of my immediate supervisor, Mr. David Fredericks, who influenced my pursuit to read for a Master in Environmental Management, majoring in Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management,” Tracy related. Studying and working fulltime was a challenge Tracy embraced. Fortunately, she was surrounded by professional colleagues, who valued her efforts in advancing her academic qualifications. “I was fortunate to work under the supervision of Mr. David Fredericks who facilitated the maintenance of balance between my studies and work, and Dr. Oudho Homenauth, the CEO of NAREI, who understood the relevance of my studies to NAREI’s mandate and provided academic guidance,” Tracy emphasised. According to Tracy, of all the areas she could have specialised in she chose Environmental Management because it helps to promote behaviours that make a positive impact on the planet, while enforcing regulations and developing solutions to potential environmental issues in Guyana or worldwide. Tracy noted that “The Master’s Degree programme in Environmental Management taught me the importance of environmental management concepts such as climate change, climate change adaptation and miti-
year course it would be better because I benefitted a lot from the three years I spent there. They could also extend the Diploma programme by an additional year. I think that would help a lot,” Sellone said. Her advice for new entrants hoping to discover their own creative identity at the art school: “When you go to the art school, don’t play with the work. The time to play will be when you go on the tours. That will be your time to play. You will have fun because Burrowes is fun. There might be times when you find yourself struggling but don’t give up. Don’t leave the school. Stay focused and graduate. Never give up on what you want to do,” she said. Speaking about her plans for the future, Sellone expressed a sincere desire to spend more time with her family since her hectic schedule while still a student at the art school,
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Chronicle Pepperpot October 8, 2017
Scenes from the 2017
Miss Indigenous Heritage Pageant THE Miss Indigenous Heritage pageant brought down the curtains on this year’s Heritage Month celebrations, last Saturday night at the National Cultural Centre (NCC). The Guyana Chronicle photographer, Delano Williams, was on hand to capture the 10 delegates during the event. Here are some striking images from that event.
Sherryanna Balkaran , Miss Indigenous Heritage 2017, the Region 8 (Potaro-Siparuni) delegate, is crowned by the incumbent winner , Sherica Ambrose
Dolly Chambers, Miss Region Seven ( Cuyuni-Mazaruni), was a crowd favourite even as she swayed across the stage
An indigenous dance troupe captivated the audience with their dance moves last Saturday night
Miss Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Cassie Junor, during her performance in the talent-piece segment of the event
Miss Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Narefa Allicock, performs her talent piece
Junisha Johnny, Miss Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) saunters across the stage
Narefa Allicock , Miss Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) , stunned the crowd with her evening wear
folklore PLING! PLING! Chronicle Pepperpot October 8, 2017
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By Neil Primus
OLD Vincent looked like a poorly dressed undertaker. He wore a soiled and crumpled white shirt. The old patchy black pants hung precariously on his ‘magga’ hips. On his gnarled calloused and bunion decorated feet, he wore battered leather shoes with no heels and enough holes to keep his toes well ventilated. The old man lived and worked in the interior. He was a pork- knocker and only wore his Sunday best when he was going to church. Every Sunday he would walk three miles to reach the small church in the nearby village. After the service, he would trek slowly back to his camp. Most of his journey was through an open Savannah with large patches of thick bush. He went to church at midday and returned to camp in the dead of night. Vincent had been through a lot. He had married three times. Divorced thrice and had 23 children. He worked as a sailor, watchman, driver, cook and pork-knocker. The latter was his best paying job, that is, whenever things went well in the backdam. No gold, no money and therefore, no child support. Eleven of his children qualified for this but very few received it. Residents of the village began ‘su-suing’ about seeing spirit. This caused most of them to stay indoors after dark. Vincent took little interest in it when the issue was raised with him. “Uncle Vincent, jumbie a wake people night time,” a village woman said to him. The old man smiled tolerantly. “Is true, de spirit does mek a funny noise when it de bout.” “What noise?” he wanted to know. “It does sing or whistle.” “How?” he insisted. “It does sound like Pling! Pling! Or Fing! Fing!” Vincent nearly fell over laughing. It was the most ludicrous thing he had ever heard. “Dis is a bad jumbie, it does attack you.” “Really?” he giggled helplessly. “You could laugh all you want. It does follow people who does walk late in bush.” This statement was meant as a direct warning to the old man. “Anything else?” he murmured in amusement. “If somebody call yo name out loud it does follow or go ahead of you and call yo name. If yo go it does bruk yo neck.” “Just now dis jumbie gon turn a monster,” he said with deep sarcasm. “De ting does even go to yo house and knock. If yo answer it does snatch yo way!” “Jumbie knocking on door!” Vincent looked with disbelief at the woman. “Uncle Vincent, I know you aint believe me. Me grandmother say Fing! Fing! Can only knock up to two times. Once is three or more knock is not a spirit.” Vincent walked away laughing in amusement. The nonsense some people believed. Two weeks later the old man was returning to his camp after a long day in church. It had rained so the place was muddy and wet. Every time he took a step more water seeped into his old shoes.
Squish! Slosh! Plop! His feet were slightly submerged due to the rain. From across the savannah came a distinct sound. “Pling! Pling! Vincent kept walking, unperturbed. Pling! Pling! A shape or form was moving in his direction He stopped, put on his spectacles and squinted into the darkness Pling! Pling! There was that strange sound again. He was sure it was coming from the moving shape about a hundred yards away. Sure enough, the sound echoed shrilly across the flat grassland. Pling! Pling! Then the shape became clearer. It was a woman dressed in white. Even though this was a bit odd, he saw no reason to panic. That is until he noted a few crucial things. The moving person had a long white dress that completely covered her legs. Even though the ground was wet and very muddy, not a speck of mud was on the dress and worse, no sound of slushy walking could be heard. This observation was quite bizarre. As it moved it seemed to float across the open plain. What was scary was the fact that the creature was not walking. It moved swiftly towards the old gentleman and made itself known in a strange fashion. “Vincent! Vincent!” The voice sounded like his friend but that was quite impossible. His friend had abandoned camp a month ago and returned to the city after a week of hard times with no rewards. The last calling of his name evoked memories of his recent chat with friends from the village. He did not believe in this sort of nonsense so he looked straight ahead and walked faster. “Vincent! Vincent!” Something or someone cold touched him on his shoulder. He whirled around in shock. Noting was there. Now that was a bit too much. Dropping his bag with bible, hymn books and snacks, he ran nonstop to his small camp. “Vincent! Vincent!” The voice was ahead of him this time. He re-doubled his efforts. Even though he was over 60, Vincent could still muster a reasonable pace. Pling! Pling! More speed “Vincent! Vincent!” Higher gear. His old feet were pumping smoothly. Vincent reached his dwelling looking like he was involved in a mud fight. As he entered his camp, he disturbed a number of rats searching for food. They scattered wildly and ran off in all directions. From outside a horrible shriek penetrated the peace of his camp and reached the ears of villagers. Vincent peeped out and saw the spirit hopping as it retreated. It was trying
to avoid the rats. Then it hit him. This jumbie was terrified of rats. It also hated noise. The old man started to sing in his loudest voice. This sounded like a cross between an angry croaking toad and a young calf bawling for its mother. The
spirit took off for safe grounds its face resembling members of the church congregation who were unfortunate enough to sit near to Vincent. As for the old man, he started feeding the rats. Strange, don’t you think?
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Chronicle Pepperpot October 8, 2017
International Day for Disaster Reduction
Reducing the number of people affected by disasters by 2030 THOUGH not an island, Guyana is very much a part of the English-speaking Caribbean and like every member of this group is very concerned about the impact of natural disasters. No doubt, this concern is at an all-time high, in the wake of two recent hurricanes that wreaked havoc in our sister countries of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica. However, the threat of natural disasters is not peculiar to the Caribbean region. All around the world, people are faced with the reality of natural disasters, including tsunamis, landslides, volcanoes and tornadoes,
among others. In the face of this reality, the international community recognises the need for people to be ready for these events. Further, it understands the importance of people and communities around the world being able to reduce their exposure to disasters and responding to these events. In this regard, International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR) is observed every year on October 13. This year’s focus is tied to the ‘Sendai Seven’ campaign, which outlines seven targets to be achieved in seven years that will reduce losses from disasters and improve management of disaster risks. As such, IDDR, this year, focuses on Target B of the Sendai Seven campaign, reducing the number of people affected by disasters by 2030.
In Guyana, flooding has been the main threat, not only to those living along our coastline, but also those in our highland regions, such as Mahdia, and the Rupununi. However, while flooding occurs in periods of excessive and high intensity rainfall, our actions sometimes increase our risk of being affected. If we are to reduce the number of people affected by disasters, we also need to think about how our actions have been contributing to the threat of flooding. Here in Guyana, one human action that tends to contribute to flooding is littering. There is much litter still in many drains in the capital city, and in many trenches in our villages. Litter compromises our drainage systems and especially in periods of
heavy rainfall, water cannot drain easily and more often than not, floods the land. It is clear then, that to reduce the number of people affected by flooding, everyone one should desist from littering. Further, we at the EPA would like to remind you that under the Litter Prevention Regulations, littering is a crime that is punishable by law! You are reminded that offences under the Litter Prevention Regulations include: 1. Depositing litter in a public place; 2. Depositing litter from a moving vehicle unto a public place; 3. Causing or permitting persons to commit offences 1 and 2 above; 4. Not providing a receptacle for litter in public transportation;
5. Causing littering from a moving vehicle or trailer; and 6. Littering on another person’s premises. Anyone found guilty of any of these offences, will be liable to fines of between $15,000 and $100,000. While as a country we have been fortunate, so far, in being outside the path of hurricanes and areas affected by earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes, we need to plan well to make ourselves more resilient to the impact of flooding. As such, we need to find solutions to integrate flood resilience in our buildings and homes; use technology to plan flood resilient settlements in areas that may flood; grow crops and livestock that will fare better in flooded conditions; improve our drainage sys-
tems etc. Of course, such planning will require considerable resources but can be accomplished with conscious and continued effort at all levels. It may seem a small act, but by choosing not to litter you can help to reduce the number of people affected by flooding. Sources https://www.unisdr.org/ archive/49524 https://www.unisdr.org/ we/campaign/iddr You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit. epaguyana@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Remote Control Pioneer
By Abdool A. Aziz
THE school was next door but he didn’t attend it. Instead, he littered his mother’s one bedroom apartment with scraps of wires, glass, tin, old bulbs and batteries. His tools were scissors, a pair of old plyers, a screwdriver, his electronic brain, his clever hands and unlimited patience. From morn to night he sat in the midst of the ‘garbage’
creating some genius invention. Though folks brought their old clocks and pocket radio for repairs, he was more keen on creating. One day, he saw a picture of the world’s luxury liner, the Queen Mary. He decided to make a replica of it. Not just a model but a real one that could sail. He went to a local sawmill and collected a piece of silver ball, and carved out its hull. He was a master sculptor. Then he made her four
funnels followed by the anchor and propellers, all from salvaged scrap. I would go and sit on his front step and admire his Midas touch. A young man so imaginative and skilled, from sculpting, to foundry, to engineering. It’s time for the black stone engine, and the genius produced one. I’ll never forget the moment he placed his prized work in a wooden tub of water and switched on the engine. It was a marvel to see those twin screws churn the water and send the unique vessel sailing. Then he switched on the lights and blew the horn. It was a masterpiece- unbelievable! Now he busted his 52 ounces of grey matter. He must maneuver this magnificent craft by remote. His mental brilliance produced the first remote control gadget in British Guiana in the year 1950. He became the pioneer. What an accomplishment for the young illiterate lad! Simple, humble and productive, equipped with an electronic brain. The elite, white management appointed a special day for him to display this crafty creation. The whole estate turned out to watch and marvel Maxwell, humbly set the vessel on the placid water. It drifted to midstream, all wanted to know how he would retrieve it. Then a murmuring sound, the engine began to idle, the light came on. The horn blew and suddenly the propellers kicked up water. The ‘Queen’ began sailing and Max got her to sail in circles. All were amazed. When Her Royal Highness visited Guiana she saw the luxury liner on the canal. She was so impressed she offered to buy the super ship with no sail. Polytechnic in London, he ignored it. To him, the creation of an electronic and electrical gadget fulfilled his ambition, and he made good money. He was par excellence – unique. He was handsome, a wizard and hero to many, well respected and admired. When his mother died he became heartbroken and took to the bottle. His cottage was cluttered with radios, clocks and other equipment waiting to be repaired. He lost interest in the profession. The ‘gold diggers’ took his money. He died a pauper, all wondered about the ‘Queen’ who had it? Where it disappeared? Rumour has it that one of his paramours took it to London and scored big, financially, by selling it to the Royal Museum. If so, then we salute Max – A Guianese masterpiece in high society, but more so our pioneer of remote control. So sorry for a gifted brain to go down the drain.
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Chronicle Pepperpot October 8, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page X
though I wasn’t in control and I didn’t like that,” he said. And so, at the end of three months, he declared himself ‘healed’, saying that he did not need to complete six months, so he was considered as having “walked out of the programme.” ULRIC’S RECOMMITMENT Early this year, after sober reflection and careful consideration, Ulric re-entered the programme, and this time around he is reported by the Programme Manager to be responding favourably. Ulric has exhibited a sincere passion to get on with the programme and to make the best of it. He made the sobering point, however, that, “Pathetically imbibing is a socially acceptable thing. It is legal, and that makes it easier for someone to be trapped under the umbrella of addiction because it’s there, they can use it,” he said. Ulric argued that in Guyana, there are no real enforced stipulated rules, laws or guidelines to make people not purchase alcohol. “I have seen kids seven and eight years old, buying liquor in shops and it’s legal and there’s a general lack of understanding about it,” he said. He continued: “You turn on the television and you see a beverage producer getting certificates for Best Rum in the nation and the like. So the average person will tend to believe that it is okay to drink. And mind you, people are not only identifying with alcohol. They are identifying with sub-conscious issues; underlying issues that they would have had, it is as deep as that. “It is not the alcohol that made us drink, it is the effect of the stimulant; because alcohol is a stimulant, or it is believed to be a stimulant and extensive use can cause depression, so it is also a depressive drug,” he reasoned. SOCIAL ISSUES Meanwhile, there have been calls from other quarters, for a recognition of the fact that alcoholism is at the very core of many social pathologies in Guyana, along with proposals for crafting and executing strategies that would help to tackle this issue. On average, Guyanese, aged 15 years or older are reported to have consumed more than eight litres daily of pure alcohol in 2010, compared to the global figure of 6.2 litres, according to the World Health Organisation
(WHO) 2014 report. THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON THE USER Recalling the effects of alcohol on his mind and body whenever he drank, Ulric said: “Initially, I felt good, there’s no doubt about that. Before entering the Recovery Programme here, there were times when I felt good when consuming alcohol. The euphoria was great. You feel cool, and that is the progressive nature of it. In the early stages when you take two or three beers or Guinness you feel cool, you feel relaxed,” he said. But today Ulric has come to realise that there was really nothing ‘cool’ about consuming alcohol. “Because of the fact that it is a stimulant, to some extent, people say that it relaxes them. So, for persons who are prone to being not as vocal, it tends to free them up, and they would start to speak more than usual. Alcohol tends to embolden them and so things that affected you for ‘donkey years’ and you never spoke about it, you would now come out and say it… [Under the influence], it’s like you become “big and bold” and dare to say anything. ANGER He told of how his addiction led him to develop such unlikable personality traits such as ‘anger’, a normal natural emotion which, if not handled properly can spiral out of control and cause a negative ripple effect on himself and others around. “There were times when I became irritated easily, but sometimes that response is a withdrawal symptom. When you stop using the drug of choice, you tend to get irritated for the slightest thing, and you would lash out at other persons for the simplest of things. You’d complain that the television is a little too loud, or persons are talking a little too much or a little too loud, or just not putting a bottle in the right place where you had it. And sometimes for nothing at all – you are just irritable, so you find yourself lashing out at others and that is unlikeable,” Ulric related. Fortunately he said, he was never a violent person. JOBLESS Ulric confessed: “Sometimes, after drinking, I couldn’t get to work for as long as three days and so I lost many jobs – so many that I cannot count them on my fingers and toes. It was very real, but the only person who could
not have seen it was me. He recalled the days when he held good and well-paying jobs, and on payday, with salary in his pocket, scarcely could he wait for dismissal time to leave work. “The money would be itching in my pocket. I couldn’t wait to get to a bar or a roadside shop to start drinking. And that is when I would meet all sorts of friends. People I didn’t even know, I gon now know. And the truth is that my self-esteem had gotten so low, I would see people I didn’t even know, and just for a little bit of company, I gon start buying drinks for them,” he said. LONELINESS: Then with a shirk of the shoulder he added: “As a child I was neglected and so I felt lonely.” And the trend was that every time he received his pay, he would send in sick leave applications for three days following payday. Having come from a cultured and respectable family, he was not an aggressive person. But on
XIX the other hand, he was often the subject of unprovoked violent attacks, rolling his sleeves up to attest to the debilitating injuries he suffered. He’d be hospitalised, but two and three days following his discharge he was determined to go back to drinking alcohol. “I am learning the nature of addiction. I am also learning how to control urges and not to do the things I used to do, in order to get what I never had – sobriety, peace, happiness,” he said, with a look of gratification. Confident that he will complete the recovery programme this time around, Ulric has already made plans to return to University to complete his studies. “This time around I propose pursuing a Degree in Social Work. I can’t beat the alcoholism, so I’ll study it, and share my knowledge with others,” he concluded. He is also interested in networking with others who would have successfully completed the programme; share thoughts on the way forward and develop that same camaraderie they enjoyed at the Rehabilitation Centre.
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inated industry but being away from her family, including her three young children. Though it was a difficult position and decision, Broomes said she tried to be the best mother despite her predominant absence. “My challenges caused me to be a better mother…every time I leave home and returned, it was like the beginning, it was so special because there was no guarantee of me returning or seeing my kids again,” the Minister told the Pepperpot Magazine. “So when I come home, I want to ensure always that I impart great values to my children…they must be independent, brilliant, have access to the best education, be mannerly and rounded so they can stand out.” Broomes said God was the centre of her family’s life and she implored upon them to lean on God as she fought battles in the jungle. “I told them ‘mommy is not here, but God is here with you…I am going there but I
am going to come back…let your faith be in God’. I used my whole religious belief into comforting them. I never missed a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meeting. I travelled three days just to be there on time. If the school needed to be cleaned I travelled to clean it…Mashramani I am there, Christmas concert, I am there…I had my priorities,” she said. Currently, her two youngest children are studying overseas while her eldest has followed in her footsteps. MORE THAN JUST A MINER Broomes has no regrets and expressed gratitude to former Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn, who is a geologist by profession, for understanding her struggles and helping her with her fight for transparency over the years. “I had nobody I could talk to; I had nobody who understood my language, so
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they could not have embraced me nor supported me. The person who came closest to understanding was Roberson Benn and he gave me three mining blocks…he fought for transparency,” Broomes said. She added that never in her wildest dreams did she envision being a minister of any government. She said her intention was to aid in a process of change and she campaigned for, and with APNU, and subsequently the coalition formed with the AFC. “Even when I served as a councillor in the region, I never really envisioned this… when I got into the 2015 elections, I was fighting for my country and the people. I wanted to go back and have that real opportunity I was robbed of. I gave it my best shot in that campaign. I sit there sometimes and hear people dismiss me as ‘just a miner’ but I am proud…the value that I have and bring to my people and this country…a lot of people can’t,” Broomes said. She said the decision by President David Granger to appoint her a minister in his administration took her by surprise but she embraced it. Asked whether she misses being in the backdam, Broomes gazed for a few minutes, then replied, “I really, really miss it.” THE GUYANA WOMEN MINERS ORGANISATION But before entering politics, Broomes opened an organisation called, the Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO), which is no longer under her stewardship. That organisation was formed with the primary aim of empowering women while bringing to the fore issues of abuse and trafficking in persons. In fact, she was honoured as the one of the 2013 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report Heroes at a ceremony held at the U.S. Department of State to unveil the 2013 Trafficking in Persons Report. “Simona Broomes has demonstrated extraordinary bravery and leadership in raising the awareness of human trafficking in Guyana. After 25 years as a miner, she
established the Guyana Women Miners Organisation in 2012 to empower women miners and address unique challenges women face operating in remote areas. Ms. Broomes has rescued several trafficking victims, and her organisation provides temporary housing for victims to ensure their safety. Under Ms. Broomes’ dynamic leadership, the GWMO and its 440 members take direct action to protect victims and have become consistently powerful advocates against human trafficking,” a statement from the U.S. Embassy here had said. She is now working on syndicates; an initiative she said was generated to get miners into small workable groups that would see benefits being accrued to all. “In the extractive industry as a female, you need to have the appreciation of your male counterpart because the terrain, the structure of the work of mining is a very robust one and bringing them into syndicates you’d find that they would work together. It would eliminate the kind of abuse, fear, insecurity, environment that the woman is placed to work. She explained that the stigma attached to female miners has been reduced as in the past. Before, women who opted to work in the hinterland were labeled prostitutes. “Women never used to want to say I am going in the backdam, or I am a miner…they would lie and say they are going to Barbados or Trinidad. But, those periods where I gave back to civil society, women now are proud to say I am a miner, I am going into the bush…if they are abused, they would come forward now,” she stated. “We have moved to a place where government is empowering women and championing their rights. We no longer have to look to civil society to push for equality,” she told the Pepperpot Magazine. Broomes said she strongly believes women are in a better place and whether she is in or out of government, she will continue to fight for equality.
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Wise beyond her years “Auntie Comesee” is still entertaining Toronto audiences
By Frederick Halley
am not Pauline Thomas at all,” she said.
AT the age of 96, Guyana-born, Pauline Thomas, popularly known as “Auntie Comesee” still plies her trade on the entertainment scene in Toronto, Canada, mainly as a storyteller and singer for Caribbean and Guyanese audiences. Born at Fellowship, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, on February 8, 1921, “Auntie Comesee” was a household name in Guyana, featuring prominently at the Theatre Guild while her thrice-weekly creolese skits heard on the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) were massive hits. In an exclusive interview with the Pepperpot Magazine at her Toronto home, the still lucid and affable Thomas who lives alone, spoke candidly about growing up in Guyana, her contributions and achievements to the art form, both there and in Canada, and earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Toronto at the ripe old age of 79, at the insistence of her daughter Dawne. According to Thomas, she would not trade the experience of obtaining the Bachelor of Arts Degree in World Religion and Fine Arts Studios for anything, boasting that it was a life-changing one. She explained that while her stint at the University of Toronto was supposed to be four years, she went an extra year to complete Studios. “What thrilled me was the fact that the young students looked at me as just another student. They accepted me as though we were buddies and did everything together,” she confessed. Thomas pointed out that “sometimes when I looked outside and saw the snow, I was reluctant to go but it never deterred me and for five years I had to plough through that type of weather. I did it not only for myself but for other women, especially Guyanese women.” A singer of repute, Thomas was also a member of the University of Toronto choir during her academic pursuit there. Commenting on her role as “Auntie Comesee”, Thomas said that in order to
LIFE IN GUYANA Prior to leaving Guyana, Thomas worked as a teacher; a profession she joined at age 16, performing duties at Mahaicony Scots School and Dolphin Government, before joining the Civil Service as a Child Welfare Officer, describing the latter as her most challenging job in her entire working life. She also worked as an Inspector at the National Insurance Scheme (NIS). As a Child Welfare Officer, she was responsible for assessing the suitability of persons applying for the adoption of children and make the necessary recommendations and recalled being approached by the Jim Jones cult for the adoption of a child. She, however, pointed out that the application was refused since all the requirements weren’t met. A former member of the popular Woodside Choir in Guyana, Thomas currently performs with the Stadium Singers, a community choir in Toronto and the Chamber Singers, and is also an avid churchgoer at the Main Street Church of the Nazarene. Thomas’ several awards include the African Canadian Achievement in Arts as a classical singer and actor in 2000; the Guyana Folk Festival Award from the Guyana Cultural Association of New York in 2007; the GAMA Storyteller and Actor Award in 2008; and the Guyana Awards (Canada) for Media and Culture, recognising excellence in 2008. The eldest of eight children, born to Ralph and Edna McArthur, Thomas has two children of her own; Wayne who is a veterinary doctor who resides in Long Island, New York and Dawne who recently retired as deputy headmistress at a Community High School in Toronto. She also has two grandchildren. Auntie Comesee’s favourite past-time is playing crossword and she credits her longevity to working out at the gym and eating healthy and lives by the philosophy : “Enjoy when you can; Endure when you must.”
Auntie Comesee during the interview
make the character, “I use to visualise a woman by the name of ‘Aunty Mimi’ who lived in Central Mahaicony in those days. She was a well-known character and I use to imagine myself being her,” she said. However, it all started one night at a dinner and dance, held at Theatre Guild in Georgetown, when she was asked to give a ‘Thank You’ speech, using creolese. At first, she was reluctant but decided to, following several requests. Thomas was immediately “spotted” by a producer from the GBC who asked that she should try out for the station which she readily agreed to. So impressed with her performances and the audience the programme was attracting, she was offered a full-time job at the radio station but refused, citing that she didn’t want to give up her job as a civil servant. Nevertheless, the programme continued until Thomas
migrated to Canada in 1980, heeding the call of her daughter, Dawne. Touching on the programme, Thomas disclosed that there were persons who weren’t in approval of it and even wrote letters to the local newspapers condemning it. “My argument was that creolese was part of our culture. It was more than just a social gig, we must understand it. “I am not saying it is an official language but you must know and enjoy your creolese. In my mind, when I am doing it, I think of Auntie Comesee as being semi-literate but a very self-opinionated person. She will give her opinion on world affairs and personal views. “She is not an unpleasant person, she wants to tell you what to do and how to do it since she has been down here a long time. When I am performing, I am really not myself. When I am talking creolese, I
People, Plane
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Chronicle Pepperpot October 8, 2017
People: assets in de
– President Granger lobbies for the protection of human rights PRESIDENT David Granger has economically and socially marginalised and while there is still some level of prioritised, as a matter of policy adults and children can lift themselves controversy regarding the link between the improvement of the lives of all out of poverty and obtain the means to these storms and global warming, one Guyanese, regardless of geographic, participate fully in their communities.” thing that scientists and reputable interreligious, social and ethnic diversity. Our President lobbied on the basis national organisations such as NASA He believes that the great equaliser that the advancement of these ‘goals’ and the National Hurricane Centre are is education. This policy position is not only being obstructed by the in agreement with, is that in recent falls in line with the United Nations incidence of human rights violations, times, tropical storms have higher wind (UN) Sustainable Development Goal but also by the involuntary migration of speeds, last longer and make landfall (SDG) number 4; Quality Education, people from their homelands, as a result more frequently. This is directly linked which calls for inclusive and equitable of terrorism and warfare. The President to the rise in sea surface temperature. quality education and the promotion said that the UNGA’s theme, ‘Focusing Over the past few weeks, the Western of lifelong learning opportunities for on People: Striving for Peace and a Hemisphere has faced nature’s wrath all. In 2017 alone, the Government of Decent Life for All on a Sustainable with back to back hurricanes, each, an Guyana invested $43.1B in the edu- Planet’, pushes nations to focus on all intense force of destruction that has left cation sector with focus on develop- people. “The theme is about the human millions of people homeless and reverse ment in the areas of Information and condition – of people in states that are decades of economic development in Communication Technology (ICT), large and small; rich and poor; strong countries. Technical Vocational and Education and weak. The theme is about humanIt is for this reason that President Training (TVET) and teacher train- ity’s condition everywhere on earth,” David Granger did not mince words at ing and education and Early Child- he said. The people of the world yearn the recently-concluded United Nations hood Development programmes. “to fulfill their potential in dignity and General Assembly (UNGA), when he Speaking at the 72nd Session of equality and in a healthy environment.” exhorted world leaders to create a broadthe United Nations General Assem- This, he noted,is an attainable objecer platform to effectivebly (UNGA), held in ly provide protection New York, the Head and relief to countries, of State, President particularly Small-IsGranger said the land Developing States adoption of the SDGs, (SIDS) of the Caribbean which is a set of 17 Region that are vulnera“Global Goals” with ble to natural disasters. 169 targets among He noted that urgent them, has catalysed efforts must be made our aspirations for to strengthen the capaa better world into bilities of the Caribbeconcrete and foran Disaster Emergency ward-looking actions Management Agency and objectives. “The (CDEMA), the regional respective ‘Goals’ mechanism that deals seek to promote rewith disaster preparedspect for the inherent ness and response. dignity of people and “We are leaders in their rights as human environmental security beings,” he said. and we have to emphaOn August 21, sise that all states of the President David Granger and United States Ambassador 2017 at the com world must try to preto Guyana, Mr. Perry Holloway ,shake hands at the missioning of three, serve their biodiversity, William J. Perry Center of Hemispheric Studies 35-seater buses which protect their forests and convey school chilmitigate or prevent the dren in the North and South areas of tive of the Sustainable Development situation in which greenhouse gases Georgetown, under the President’s Five Goals, which is endorsed by the United tend to contribute to global warming. ‘Bs’ programme – Boats, Buses, Bicy- Nations. We have got to look at green technology cles plus Breakfast and Books, Minister and environmental measures… So that Ally reassured, “We will invest because THE WORLD CANNOT IGNORE gradually, global warming could be we recognise that education is both a INCREASING CATASTROPHIC brought under control and eventually the human right in itself and an essential EVENTS tendency for the earth to get warm will means of realising other human rights. – PRESIDENT GRANGER be slowed,” the President said. As an important empowerment right, edThere is an average of about 90 tropThe President also met with the ucation is the primary engine by which ical storms annually across the globe, Chairman of the Council of Delegates of
President David Granger in conversation with an official at the 20th Anniversary of the William J. Perry Center of Hemispheric Studies
one of the oldest organisations dealing with military and defence matters in the world, the Inter-American Defense Board (IADB), Brigadier-General Luis Rodríguez Bucio in Washington, D.C. During his address to the Council of Delegates, the Head of State took the opportunity to emphasise the need for the global community to focus its efforts towards mitigating the effects of global warming through the protection of the environment, people, and the perpetuation of peace. The President expressed satisfaction with the changing mission of the IADB, which took into consideration the need to protect the environment and to respond to natural disasters. While Guyanese are spared the anguish and devastation that follows tropical storms, the country is not without its challenges in terms of erratic weather patterns. Prolonged periods of drought and/or flooding are annual phenomena that citizens, particularly in the hinterland, grapple with. These challenges, however, are in no way, shape or form, as difficult as what the rest of the Region is facing at this time, which is why President Granger has reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to supporting displaced citizens of the region. More than that though, Guyana has demonstrated tangibly to the Caribbean and the rest of the world, the seriousness which it attaches to environmental protection by not only placing an additional two million hectares of its forests under conservation and being the most vocal on the issue of climate change in the international arena, but by also committing to a ‘green’ development trajectory.
“Guyana has co becoming a ‘green committed itself to adaptation to meas global warming and Guyana is ideally su presence in the Guia of our commitment of our forests and o introducing green m cern for the planet Granger said during the United Nations h
A bilateral meetin and H.E. David G
et and Peace Chronicle Pepperpot October 8, 2017
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eveloping the world
ommitted itself to state’; Guyana has contributing to the sures to deal with d climate change… uited because of its ana Shield, because to the conservation our commitment to measures… Our conis real,” President a recent interview at headquarters.
Guyana’s Green State Development Policy will place emphasis on the protection of the environment, the preservation of biodiversity, the provision of eco-tourism and eco-educational services and the promotion of practical measures to ensure climate adaptation. This will also see the establishment of more protected areas across the 10 Administrative Regions of the country. Speaking at the First Conference of parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury in Geneva, Switzerland, last week, the Guyanese Head of State said that the Convention, which the country signed on to in October 2013, is a means to achieve its ‘green’ development objectives. He said that phased reduction and eventual elimination of the use of mercury is part of its national mining policy and is consistent with its obligations under the Convention. The President assured that Guyana is well on its way to eliminating mercury use in the mining sector through education, incorporation of mercury-free technologies, enforcement of regulations and the introduction of economically viable alternatives to mercury use to aid in the efficiency of gold production. “The Minamata Convention on Mercury is an important instrument and its implementation must be intensified to avoid further harm by mercury emis-
sions and for the protection of people and the preservation of the planet. Guyana reaffirms its commitment to the implementation of the Minamata Convention. My country set itself the goal of reducing mercury emissions by 55 percent within the next five years and to eliminate mercury use by 2027,” he said. All in all, the country, despite its massive oil and gas potential, has aligned its development priorities to green, sustainable framework that will not only protect the environment but will bring economic prosperity to its citizens. ‘STRIVING FOR PEACE,’ RECONCEPTUALISING SECURITY MECHANISMS IN A CHANGING WORLD - PRESIDENT GRANGER SAYS UN PARAMOUNT IN PROCESS “A good life for the world’s peoples and the sustainable use of the planet’s resources are predicated on peace with justice, including justice within and between states.” These were the words of President Granger as he addressed his counterparts and those in the high ranking UN officials at the UNGA. The United Nations, the President said, is paramount to this peace. “Striving for peace must aim at resolving long-standing inter-state conflicts. Guyana, in this regard, supports the call for the reform
ng is held between Doris Leuthard, President of the Swiss Confederation, Granger, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana
of the Security Council to give even greater voice to developing countries,” President Granger noted, while stressing that this influential international body has a vital role in ensuring respect for international law, using the mechanisms of the International Court of Justice and the Security Council. The mandate of the United Nations, the President reminded, is to ensure peace for the world’s people. To achieve this peace, President Granger said the world’s humanitarian crises, must be addressed, long-standing conflicts must be resolved and justice promoted within and between nations. Critically, the Head of State, while addressing the Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies, on September 21, 2017, pointed to the fact that climate change has now emerged as a major international threat, which now, more than ever, requires a reconceptualisation of peoples’ understanding of security, which incorporates environmental hazards as a threat to both human safety and state security mechanisms. The faculty and staff were called upon to provide intellectual leadership to promote a new era of security relations in the Caribbean Basin, aimed at protecting the people, perpetuating peace and preserving the planet from disaster. The Head of State also believes that
the maintenance of peace and good relations among states are founded on mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and international law and the maintenance of international peace and security. The world is weary of war; therefore the ‘striving for peace’ must be humanity’s ceaseless quest, said President Granger. ‘Striving for peace’ and the right to development, he said, have been Guyana’s deepest concern since Independence in 1966. During his address to the Assembly in September 2016, President Granger reminded that he explained the danger Guyana has been facing on its borders as a consequence of the territorial claims of its western neighbor, Venezuela. With this in mind, the Guyanese Leader took the opportunity to remind leaders that Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s territory has not been diminished or even diverted, pointing to the fact that the disturbing developments within that country, have not only attracted the attention of the world but have aroused the concerns of many. On September 25, 2017, the President met with the UN Secretary-General Mr. António Guterres, where he reinforced Guyana’s commitment to the Good Offices process and the intention to work towards the achievement of the highest expectations. Speaking more recently, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Carl Greenidge, said that during the meeting with Mr. Guterres, the Guyana delegation expressed its firm expectation that the Good Officer, Mr. Dag Nylander will stick to the terms of reference, which stipulates that if significant progress is not made between the two sides in the matter, juridical settlement would be sought, through the International Court of Justice (ICJ). “We sought to get explanations for a number of things that are in those terms of reference or in the mandate, and the assurance that the United Nations, in particular, would adhere to them,” he said. Minister Greenidge expressed hope that Mr. Nylander will bear in mind that the core of the problem has to do with whether Venezuela’s position on the 1899 Arbitral Award, which they subscribed to, is that it is null and void.
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THE BOOK LAST WEEKEND I attended THE GIRLGOBEGREAT Conference in Atlanta. Every conference has some uniqueness about it, but the one common thing is like-minded phenomenal women. Founder Lori Pelzer is a very courageous woman and I must commend her and team for a very empowering conference. My friend and best-selling author, Hilda Bourne, was one of the speakers. Other dynamic speakers were three-time Olympian, Tayyiba Haneef-Park, Kathy Kidd, Monokia Nance, Jessica Washington, Dorci Hill, Deborah Schrepper, Vanessa Klinger, Tequita Brice, Tonya Gerard, Donna Barr, La Quisha Hall, Monika Barr, Monika Lewis and the lone guy, Jaamal Ali. I connected with some great women and many of them have done exceptionally well in business and transforming lives. Some women are interested in collaborating with me on
future projects. Many also expressed interest to visit Guyana for the events hosted during women’s month in March by the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts, in collaboration with the Women’s Association for Sustainable Development. One of the highlights of my weekend was certainly meeting Kathy Kidd again and taking action toward my book. She is one of the founders of Kidd Marketing which assisted over one hundred authors to become best- selling authors. We discussed my book last year at `Motivating the Masses’ and she was super excited with the concept and she is elated that I finally made the decision to make `BEYOND THE RUNWAY’ a Best Seller, God’s willing. I was thrilled when, during her presentation at the conference, she mentioned my upcoming book `BEYOND THE RUNWAY’ and said that she’s looking forward to making it a bestseller. `BEYOND THE RUNWAY’ will offer readers a glimpse
Chronicle Pepperpot October 8, 2017
Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel
... Inspiring lives through fashion into that world that makes every day a masterpiece, even with life challenges. It will show you that when you truly love what you do because you have found your purpose, you will make the impossible possible. It is a journey of struggle, strength, survival, and endurance, but also one of beauty, honour, love, compassion and forgiveness. This book will take you to the core of survival; to the depths of self-acceptance and to the height of celebration. `BEYOND THE RUNWAY’ will inspire you to want to do because in the doing you become. This book will motivate those who are still struggling to be the best version of themselves. I have been working on this book for years but nothing happens before the right time. I am determined to impact lives with this book.You have to be so focused and consistent to achieve your goals. In life, we have to take chances to change things in our lives even when we not sure of the unknown. “Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak.” -Thomas Carlyle Make a decision, today, to take action on something you having procrastinating for some time. Send us an email to beyondtherunway1@gmail.com and visit our FB page as we continue this beautiful journey call life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.
With Kathy Kidd
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Visibility for Guyana’s Deaf Community By Gibron Rahim IGNORANCE is bliss, or so the saying goes. Human beings, by their nature, seek comfort. While this tendency is by no means negative in itself, it can lead to willful ignorance of the challenges faced by those around us. Yet, those problems do not go away simply because they are ignored. Moreover, willful ignorance takes away all
possibility of fixing solvable issues. This may be one of the takeaways from the recently-concluded Human Rights Film Festival. Among the films featured at the festival was the short documentary ‘Silent Voices’ which highlighted some of the issues faced by Guyana’s Deaf community. The Human Rights Film Festival, a collaboration between the Guyana Equality Forum (GEF) and the Brazilian Embassy in Georgetown, ran from September 28 to October Two youths discussing violence against women in sign language
A youth discussing about being deaf using sign language
4. The rights of the LGBT community, Indigenous peoples, children, persons with disabilities and women were each addressed through Brazilian and Guyanese films on each of the festival’s nights. October 3 was the night dedicated to films about persons with disabilities and marked the premiere of Silent Voices. The documentary was created specifically for the Human Rights Film Festival. President of the Deaf Association of Guyana (DAG), Sabine McIntosh, explained to the Pepperpot Magazine that DAG, as a member of the GEF, was invited to submit a film to the festival. “Well, we had no film,” she said. “So we made one.” Submission to the film festival was only one of the reasons for the documentary’s creation, however. Noting that the word ‘deaf’ is written with a capital letter D when referring to the Deaf community and a common one when referring to deafness as a medical condition, McIntosh said, “Deaf expression is visual expression.” She explained that, given this fact, film is a wonderful medium for Deaf expression. The DAG had wanted to try filmmaking for a long time. Unfortunately for the NGO, a previous grant application to UNESCO was unsuccessful. The documentary was financed solely by funds from DAG’s previous fundraising activities as McIntosh revealed that, while potential sponsors had been invited to a preview of the film, there had been no tangible response. This severely limited the scope of the filming and editing of Silent Voices. Nevertheless, they persevered with filming taking two to Turn to page XXVIII ►►►
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Agro-processor's fruit-flavoured bar-b-que sauce takes off By Ravena Gildharie GUYANESE women have always been at the forefront of innovative agro-processing ventures and Sandra Craig is one of those pioneers. Producer of a line of several
United Kingdom. She is now busy preparing her first shipment for the U.K. and is looking forward to expanding her operations that would also create more direct opportunities for local farmers. She commenced opera-
SS Natural Fruit Flavours
Agro-processor, Sandra Craig, busy in the kitchen
fruit-flavored bar-b-que sauces branded under a local label called SS Natural Fruit Flavours, Craig’s products are gaining popularity beyond these shores. Craig’s products were a big hit during the 13th Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) held last August in Barbados where the producer enjoyed sold-out business and secured at least three export markets, one in Antigua and two in the
tions three years ago as a family-owned venture at Bourda Market where she began experimenting with different fruits to flavour the sauce. She started initially with pineapple sauce and shared among her family and friends to test the product. They were impressed and encouraged Craig to produce more. The pineapple-flavoured sauce became her signature product and she later started using soursop, golden apple, tam-
arind, passion fruit and ginger/garlic. These are all now available bottled and labeled with a shelflife of up to one year. She
Sandra Craig with her fruit-flavoured bar-b-que sauces
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three months and editing a further three days. Creating `Silent Voices’ allowed Deaf youths the opportunity to share some of their experiences in navigating “a hearing and oftentimes unsupportive environment.” The documentary started off with a 12-member team, though not all the team members remained until the end of filming. Filming itself was done by two Deaf and one hearing member of DAG while a single member edited. With the exception of the hearing member who edited, none of the cast and crew had any previous experience in filmmaking. “It had been our vision to use this opportunity to have some of the Deaf youth being trained in film production/editing,” McIntosh said. This vision never materialised due to the lack of sponsorship. She expressed confidence though that it will happen in due time. Having skilled filmmakers in DAG, she explained, would allow them to not only produce more films but also visual learning material for deaf students. `Silent Voices’ addresses issues pertinent to Guyana’s Deaf community. In one segment, a deaf mother explained the difficulty she and others in the community face when seeking medical attention. The lack of knowledge of sign language amongst health care providers means that members of the Deaf community have to wait until someone is available to accompany them to explain or translate on their behalf. One young man told the camera that he eventually had to leave school because of the difficulties he faced in accessing the learning being provided to his hearing peers. Securing employment was also another key issue addressed by `Silent Voices’. And toward the documentary’s end, a team member interviewed two officers of the Guyana Police Force concerning their views about the Deaf being allowed to drive. The issue has been one DAG has been trying to have addressed. McIntosh told the Pepperpot Magazine that the point she hopes the general public realises after viewing Silent Voices is that we have a shared responsibility of making this life a better one for everyone. The film is also for the Deaf, both those involved in its production (and future productions) and those viewing it. With regard to both these groups, she said, “We anticipate that it will promote reflection and awareness of their rights and responsibilities as members of the Deaf community.” There are also actions that the public can take, other than looking at `Silent Voices’. First and foremost, they must “give respect where respect is due.” It is also important, McIntosh said, to strive towards ‘Full Inclusion through Sign Language’ the motto of this year’s Deaf Awareness Week, which is observed annually during the last week of September. This includes service providers realising their responsibility to make their services available to the Deaf through sign language. She indicated that she was referring to GSL (Guyanese Sign Language) since Guyana, like other countries, has its own sign language that is valid in its own right. Additionally, the visual media needs to increase sign language interpretation for the Deaf section of the population while the education sector needs to provide appropriate deaf dedicated education. The Deaf Association of Guyana has been working to create awareness and improve the lives of the members of the Deaf community. It takes note of the achievement and talent displayed, particularly by the community’s young people, in education, art and music, athletics and co-curricular activities and in acquiring qualifications in areas such as advanced garment manufacturing and cosmetology. Nevertheless, it does not shy away from indicating where improvements can be made, as `Silent Voices’ showcased. The effort to create a more inclusive Guyana for everyone is the responsibility of all her citizens. More information can be found at the Deaf Association of Guyana’s website at deafguyana.weebly.com and contact can be made by email at smac888@yahoo.com, landline at 225-4489 and mobile at 687-3597 or 647-3565.
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also produces ketchup and jerk seasoning for the local and overseas market. Her products are on shelves at the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) Guyana Shop on Robb Street and Craig is exploring other similar ventures with local supermarkets including Massy Stores. She has already developed a number of regular customers including restaurant and cook-shop owners and overseas-based Guyanese. Some of her local customers would also purchase the products to take or send to relatives and friends living overseas. “My products are unique and the quality is of the same level as other bar-b-que sauces, plus I think people are seeing the health benefits too,” Craig highlighted. Noting the strong competition with similar imported products, the agro-processor had to readjust her local prices twice to capture more market share.
Sandra Craig started producing the sauces in 2014
“After people started sampling my produce, they even came back to get more and brought their friends. I eventually sold out and they wanted more, but I couldn’t meet the demand,” Craig said. It was at CARIFESTA that she met three different individuals who expressed interest to network and buy her products for retail in the U.K and Antigua. One of the buyers owns a store in the U.K. and is organising with Craig to have the first export before the end of this month. The Antigua buyer supplies restaurants on the island and is looking to finalise export with Sandra soon. As she looks to export, Craig will be looking to expand her operations and seeking farmers to ensure steady supplies of fresh produce. Previously, she produced about 100 bottles per day but has the capacity to produce 500 bottles within that time. With the help of two temporary employees, Craig said she can produce as much as 10, 000 gallons of sauce per day. She purchases the bottles overseas and the costs are a heavy burden on her overall production, but Craig is currently exploring cheaper options. She does her processing at Bourda while the packaging and labeling are done at Grove, East Bank Demerara. Craig is a trained social worker and has benefitted from several agro-processing and business training from GMC, Ministry of Agriculture and the Small Business Trust. She has showcased her products at various exhibitions and events. She believes she is the first person in Guyana that has developed packaged fruit-flavoured barb-que sauce.
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AI Ripples Through Google's New Product Lineup Google on Wednesday launched a bevy of new products into its growing hardware and software ecosystem at its Made by Google event. Many of the new devices are infused with artificial intelligence capabilities. "Since last year and since Google I/O, we've been working hard, continuing our shift from a mobile-first to an AI-first world," Google CEO Sundar Pichai told the gathering. "We are rethinking all our core products and working hard to solve user problems by applying machine learning and AI." HOME IMPROVEMENT Among the new entries are two new smart speakers that target both the mass market and the audiophile niche, and two next-generation upgrades to the company's Pixel phone line. The Google Home Mini is a US$49 smart speaker that is as small as a donut and enclosed by fabric, thus designed to fit comfortably in any room in a home. The new Home Max, Google's premium smart speaker, is designed to compete directly with the Apple HomePod and sophisticated devices from Sonos and Harman Kardon. It comes with 20 times more power than the original Google Home and Smart Sound technology that adjusts the sound based on its location in a room. FOCUS ON CAMERAS Google announced its new Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL smartphones, touting their highest-ever smartphone camera ratings from independent camera expert DxOMark. The camera takes motion photos -- that is, it captures a few seconds of video around each still shot. It also features optical and electronic video stabilization for smoother videos. With augmented reality stickers, Pixel users can add emojis and virtual characters to photos. Pixel 2 and XL users will get an exclusive preview of Google Lens, accessible through Google Assistant, which uses machine learning and computer vision to find landmarks, books, music and art. The phones have a Snapdragon 835 processor and operate on Android 8.0 Oreo. The battery lasts all day and gains up to seven hours of life with only a 15-minute charge. The phones will receive monthly security updates and are water- and dust-resistant to an IP67 standard. The Pixel 2 comes with a 5-inch cinematic OLED display and pricing starting at $549. The Pixel 2 XL has a 6-inch OLED 18:9 display that allows for immersive viewing. Its starting price is $769. Both devices are available for preorder at the Google Store and other outlets in the United States, Canada, Germany, Puerto Rico and the UK. REAL-TIME TRANSLATION Google also introduced its first set of wireless headphones, Pixel Buds, at Wednesday's Made by Google event. The buds provide 24 hours of listening time on a charge and can translate language in real time using Google Assistant technology. They are available for preorder in the U.S., priced at $159. Google also launched a new Daydream View headset with high-performance lenses. It comes in new fog, charcoal and coal colors and can be used with Pixel and other VR-ready mobile phones. Google announced that 250 apps and games are now available for Daydream, up from the 25 apps and games available last year.
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Warrior against cancer
Mitzy Campbell advocates for better awareness measures in hinterland areas By Michel Outridge THIS MONTH makes 19 years since Mitzy Campbell won her battle with breast cancer, and this warrior is advocating for women in the far-flung areas of Guyana to be better educated about the causes and symptoms of breast cancer, to be screened for the disease, and to benefit from proper healthcare. Mitzy is also hoping that systems can be put in place at all health centres across the country where the health worker can ask standard questions to determine whether a patient needs to be screened for cancer or needs treatment to fight the disease. “At the health centres, if certain questions are being asked it is not about finding out your personal business but pointed questions must be asked for early detection,” Mitzy told the Pepperpot Magazine. She told the Guyana Chronicle that it is her hope that everyone who is diagnosed with cancer survives the disease and they must tell themselves they want to live. She said that it is this type of thinking that got her this far. Mitzy said it is the will to survive and one must cling to hope that they will get through the ordeal of battling cancer. “Often when someone finds out they have cancer the next question is ‘would I die?’
and you must tell yourself I will survive because with the right care and treatment your chances of survival is great,” she said. Mitzy related that it was not an easy road to recovery and her aim is to assist others especially women in the far-fetched areas in Guyana, for them to get early treatment. “It is not about me anymore, my story is out there. It has been told many times but education and awareness are necessary for others, because if you do not know you have cancer your chances of survival are minimal,” she said. Mitzy was one of several persons who bravely shared their stories about how cancer has affected their lives at the launch of GTT’s Pinktober on September 28. She told the Pepperpot Magazine that fighting the disease is not a simple task but it is possible since she did it and others can do it too. Mitzy is the Public Relations Officer of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and is fully aware of the implications of cancer and the effects of the disease, which according to her, “literally sucks the life out of you.” Mitzy is originally from North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini) and watched as the number of women in her family was reduced as a result of cancer. She is advocating that women in remote
locations also benefit from screening and awareness campaigns since early detection of the dreaded disease can save lives. “I would like for those women to get proper health care as those in Region Four because they do not have a GPHC so to speak, and access to a good hospital isn’t always possible given their location,” Mitzy said. She is hoping that special visits by health care professionals can be made to provide sensitisation sessions, as well as screening for women in the interior. She believes that these visits could provide these women with information that could assist them to live a healthier life, and encouragement for them to care their bodies and to seek medical intervention at the earliest possible time. “Often in the hinterland, especially, the areas that are not so accessible by land, women are isolated and cancer deaths are not reported, and in those areas a high percentage of women are cancer patients,” Mitzy said. She related that cancer is not confined to the boundaries of the city and she is optimistic that women in the hinterland can be reached as well. “Fighting cancer isn’t easy and without proper medical intervention and support from family it can reduce you to nothing
Cancer Survivor: Mitzy Gaynor Campbell
because cancer is a silent killer which is often ignored,” she said. Having seen firsthand what cancer does to the body and to families, Mitzy did not want to see herself in that position and that is when she reached out and challenged herself to fight the disease after she was diagnosed.
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Entertainment
Shakira & Gerard Pique Split: They Reportedly End Relationship After 6 Years It’s been three months since Shakira and Gerard Pique were seen together in public, and it turns out there might
be a reason for their low-key behavior. The longtime couple, who started dating in 2011, have reportedly split, ac-
cording to Spanish website Cotilleo. Various Spanish and Colombian outlets have speculated about a possible split for a few days now, but Cotilleo claims to have confirmed that the rumors are the real deal from a source close to the duo. However, Shakira and Gerard have yet to make a statement of their own. HollywoodLife.com has reached out to Shak’s rep for comment. Shakira was reportedly the one to pull the plug on the relationship and has moved out of the home the pair share together in Barcelona. It’s unclear where she is living now, or what is going on with the couple’s two kids, Milan, 4, and Sasha, 2. However, in November, Shakira will embark on a tour that will last until February, while Gerard is busy with his career as a soccer player on Spain’s team vying for the 2018 World Cup. News of a split between Shakira and Gerard is quite devastating, especially since, in April, she just released a song about how in love with him she is. In “Me Enamore,” Shak recounts how she met the father of her children, and recalls how she felt while falling in love with him. “With you I would have ten children,” she sings on the track. Sadly, if this shocking new report is true, it seems like that will no longer be the case. HollywoodLifers, are you shocked by Shakira and Gerard ending their relationship?
Wendy Williams Secretly Meets With Her Attorneys Alone Amid Cheating Rumors About Husband Uh oh! The alleged cheating scandal involving Wendy Williams’ husband might be the last straw for the couple. We’ve got EXCLUSIVE details on how she’s meeting with attorneys to plan her next move. For someone who spends so much time dishing about other peoples’ relationship drama, talk show host Wendy Williams, 53, has found herself to be a hot topic with allegations that her husband Kevin Hunter, 46, had a 10-year long affair with a massage therapist. Since the daytime diva is such a strong woman and hardly wants to be portrayed as the fool, she’s been meeting with lawyers to see what her options are. “Wendy has been privately meeting with attorneys, by herself this week. Since her husband’s cheating scandal broke, Wendy has set-up and been to a few different secret meetings with her legal team. No one in her entourage knows what is going on behind the closed-door meetings,” a source close to the host tells HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY.
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Aries You might feel as if you’re being short-changed in a relationship today. It seems like you’re not being heard, no matter what you say. Unfortunately, you may be so worried that you won’t measure up to someone else’s standards,if you don’t even try. However, if you fail to show up now, you could inadvertently create the same situation you were trying to avert in the first place. Author Vironika Tugaleva wrote, “Fear becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Thinking that there is something to be avoided manifests something to avoid.” Taurus Every word you utter today seems to require extra effort. You might even be tempted to remain silent and save the communicating for another day. However, taskmaster Saturn tests gracious Venus as she visits your 5th House of Love, and it’s not in your best interest to ignore this challenge. Although you may feel as if you’re skating on thin ice at first, it becomes more solid as you start the conversational ball rolling. Face your internal struggles and watch the obstructions shatter as you speak your truth. Gemini You may think you’re shouting into the darkness today and could convince yourself that no one can hear you as you share your heart’s desire. You have something important to say and it’s your job to deliver your message even if it seems to fall on deaf ears. But, the truth is that someone might be listening, even if they are pretending otherwise. Your sweet words will have the impact you hope as long as you stay on point. Plato said, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.” Cancer Your desires are pretty simple today. You’re not expecting the Moon and the Stars, only the loyalty of a close friend. Nevertheless, you’re concerned that you still may be asking for too much while needy Venus in your 3rd House of Communication squares naysaying Saturn. But don’t assume the worst; your positive attitude improves the interpersonal dynamics, paving a road to emotional fulfilment. Professor Scott Sorrell said, “You make the world a better place by making yourself a better person.” Leo Love seems hard to find today, even if you know that everything will be okay in the long run. It’s as if your heart is being squeezed through a narrow passage. Although it might not be pleasant in the moment, this process requires you to leave behind unnecessary emotional baggage. Keep your eyes on the light at the end of the tunnel. You could be quite surprised by how exhilarated you feel once you get to the other side. President John Quincy Adams wrote, Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air. Virgo Domestic responsibilities take up so much energy today that you are left without time to pursue your own interests. Nevertheless, your family relationships are of significant value to you, contributing to the stability of your personal life. Unfortunately, you must make choices because you can’t do everything now. The long-term benefits of focusing on those you adore outweigh the fleeting satisfaction of pleasures that will not last. Coach John Wooden said, “Passion is momentary; love is enduring.” Libra You’re not very talkative today -- you don’t have a lot to say if you can’t say something nice. However, keeping your dark thoughts to yourself is not necessarily a wise plan. Delving into the shadows can quickly turn into a downward spiral. Unfortunately, if you suppress negative feelings now, they only gain strength. But self-doubt can be easily avoided by consciously choosing to discuss your dilemma instead of hiding it. Sharing the burden lightens the load. Scorpio You need a reality check from your friends today, partly because you’re wondering if they really like you or if they are just humouring you. Thankfully, your current insecurity could lead to a heart-to-heart chat that enables everyone to put their feelings out into the open. Instead of criticising someone else’s behaviour, try a more encouraging approach. Your attitude will determine the emotional tenor of the ensuing discussion. Esther Hicks wrote, “In optimism there is magic. In pessimism there is nothing.” Sagittarius You may feel blocked in your career, especially if you think your hard work has gone unnoticed. Regardless of how close you may be to success, it seems far away today. You might be considering a change of direction, but this is not a smart time to throw in the towel. Your greatest strength is your faith in your potential, so don’t lose hope now. The glass is half-full, not half-empty; your job is to fill it the rest of the way. Dr. Joyce Brothers wrote, “A strong, positive self-image is the best possible preparation for success.” Capricorn You enjoy setting goals and then excel at creating viable plans to achieve them. Your objectives are clear now, and you’re willing to commit all your resources toward reaching the pinnacle of your success. Although you may spend your time in contemplation today, you’re busy strategising for the action-packed days ahead. It’s not necessary to rush into anything yet; you will be dancing in the spotlight soon enough. Seneca wrote, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” Aquarius You have a strange feeling that something wonderful could happen today, but you’re hesitant to buy into your fantasy because you’re afraid of being disappointed. Whether or not your day turns into a magical one, the power of positive thinking makes all the difference in the world. Nevertheless, if nothing out of the ordinary materialises, don’t write the day off as a failure. Your experience offers you an important lesson if you’re open to it. A Chinese proverb teaches, Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere. Pisces A friend or lover may ask you for a special favour today. Naturally, you want to help if possible. However, previous commitments might make it impossible to assist in the way you wish. Don’t make any promises you cannot keep. It’s better to say no right away than to end up being unreliable. The truth isn’t always easy to deliver, but the sooner you address the facts, the better it is for everyone involved. Honesty is the kindest gift you can give now.
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English THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Teach thy necessity to reason thus; There is no virtue like necessity. WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (1564-1616) Richard II, 1.iii STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Collect samples of short writing from papers, magazines, and books. Look for brief comments, stories, observations, arguments or humour which writers intend to share, and even locate small books of quotations, or lists of maxims. But upon whatever short form of writing you lay your hands, evaluate it for purpose, voice, and language chosen by its writer for that occasion. Once you can find purpose, matters of language use fall into place and your editorial skills improve. Be wise. Love you
LETTER WRITING The Social Business Letter As we look at the social business letter today, do not lose sight of the friendly letter we did last week. People write many letters of a social business nature. They do it to maintain friendly relationships with customers and business acquaintances. Typical social business correspondence includes letters of congratulation, letters of sympathy, letters of invitations, letters of friendship, and thankyou letters. Social business letters do a great deal to
build goodwill. Tools and information that you may need to write your letter: 1. The letter to which you are replying 2. A good dictionary 3. The pertinent bits of information that concern business at hand Perfecting your letter: Whatever kind of letter you are preparing, treat it the following way: 1. Make an outline to help you organise your thoughts, and prevent time and money wastage on follow-up letters. 2. Make a rough draft of your letter. 3. Make changes and improvements in spelling and grammar for completeness and accuracy of details. 4. If you wish, you may improve the wording, or change the order of sentences which is going to make your meaning clear, your words vivid, and allows your ideas to flow. Study carefully this process of revising, or editing, your letter. Its procedure is time-consuming, but it results in a better letter. Something to Do 1. Bring to your study group at least four examples of different types of letters that you are able to collect at home, or from people in business. Be prepared to discuss the following: i. The kind of letter; ii. The reason the letter was written; and iii. The organisational plan used to write the letter. (The organisational plan points out various materials which you may need to plan an effective letter.) 2. For each of the following situations, tell the kind of business letter you would write. Tell what you might put in the letter, and then write the letter you choose. Letters 1. To thank the Victoria Resort for an interview. 2. To congratulate a competitor on a promotion. 3. To invite potential customers to tour a floral arrangement and fabric decoration centre. 4. To request payment on a long overdue account. THE PASSAGE Although Josh Mohan lived in an isolated place, he did not have far to go to get home. He passed through the square, then along the river and under trees of star-apple, avocado pear, mango and breadfruit, up to a mound. As he neared home and could smell corned beef soup in the air, he began to worry. What would she do? Would there be another beating? He tried to read the note, but he could make neither head nor tail of
the hasty scrawl. Slowly, he went up to the thatch-roofed house. It had been whitewashed, and the corners and windows were trimmed in green. The yard was clean and well kept. There was a freshness about the whole place. Even the odd cartwheel leaning against the trunk of the tamarind tree added a rustic something. The smoke from the tiny outdoor kitchen smelled sweet to Josh. He came upon his mother hoeing in the flower garden and cleared his throat to get her attention. She looked up, surprised to see him. And Boy was well. From the position of the sun she knew it was not yet noon. “What are you doing home already?”she asked. “Nothing, ma’am.” “How nothing?” He handed her the note. “Mr. Redmond sends this ma’am.” Brushing her hands upon her apron, she took the note and unfolded it. What to Do 1. Use three sentences to describe the house; and another three sentences to describe the yard. 2. From the question Josh asked himself, what can you say about him? Tell it in three sentences. 3. Who or what was “Boy”? 4. The presence of the cartwheel testifies many things about the family. What could be one of them? Evaluating Exercise Look at each of the following quotations and evaluate it for purpose, voice, and language chosen by its writer for that occasion for which it was written. 1. Merely innocent flirtation, Not quite adultery, but adulteration. LORD BYRON (1788-1824) c. XII. St. 63 2. What men call gallantry, and gods adultery, Is much more common where the climate’s sultry. LORD BYRON (1788-1824) c. I. st. 63 3. He gives the poor man twice as much good who gives quickly. PUBLILIUS SYRUS 1st cent. B.C. Proverbially (He gives twice who gives soon.)
4. A best-seller was a book which somehow sold well simply because it was selling well. DANIEL J. BOORSTIN 1914-? Ch. 4, From Shapes to Shadows: Dissolving Forms, pt. viii 5. Hold the fort, for I am coming. PHILIP PAUL BLISS (1838-1876) The Charm. Ho, My Comrades, See the Signal! 6. It is better that ten guilty persons escape than one innocent suffer. SIR WILLIAM BLACKSTONE (17231780)
Chronicle Pepperpot October 8, 2017
Bollywood news
XLIII
Tu Hai Mera Sunday STORY: A group of five friends, who are ardent football fans, find themselves struggling to keep their lives together after the local welfare club bans them from playing at Juhu beach (their favourite football adda). REVIEW: Set in Mumbai, all the five central characters in the film — Arjun (Barun Sobti), Jayesh (Jay Upadhay), Rashid (Avinash Tiwari), Mehrosh (Nakul Bhalla) and Domi (Vishal Malhotra) — who are thick as thieves and share a common passion for football, seek solace in the sport to escape the trials and tribulations of life. Their world of adventure comes crumbling down when a trivial incident triggers the local welfare body to ban them from playing at their regular venue. The absence of space to play the game, which is
used as a metaphor to showcase the escapist attitude of big-city dwellers, is the catalyst that conjures up a storm in the domestic lives of these friends. 'Tu Hai Mera Sunday' strikes an emotional chord right from the word go because of its relatable content. What adds to its charm is the element of humour, which remains the highlight of the film with a few dramatic scenes thrown in-between. While this slice-of-life film witnesses some of the most natural performances, it is the meltdown scenes that appear to be a tad far-fetched. Director Milind Dhaimade, could have easily underplayed the drama there. Television heartthrob Barun Sobti's performance as the former-corporate-slave-seeking-happiness is pure delight. Avinash Tiwari,
casanova of the gang, and Nakul Bhalla, as the frustrated accountant, have played their parts to the T. Shahana Goswami reminds us of her 'Rock On' character — a fiercely independent yet family-oriented girl. Rasika Duggal and Maanvi Gagroo exude charm with their effortless acting. Jay Upadhay and Vishal Malhotra, caught in an uncomfortable family life, are hilarious and evoke pity from time to time. The music of the film may not be it's strongest asset but the fact that the essence of Mumbai life has been captured well, makes up for the loss. For anyone who feels burdened and bogged down by life, this light-hearted tale of uncertainty and survival is a definite watch. Like they say, laugh it out!
Fried Rice
Ingredients 2 Lbs Chicken Diced 3 Cups Rice 3 Eggs 1 Tbsp Ginger (Grated or Chopped) 1/2 Tbsp Goya Sayzon Seasoning 1/2 Cup Chopped Bell Peppers(sweet peppers) 1 Tsp Black Pepper 1/2 Cup Carrots (Chopped or Grated) 1 Chopped Onion 1/2 Cup Chopped Celery Stalks 1/2 Cup Corn 1/2 Cup Chopped Scallions/Eschalot 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce 2 Tbsp Sesame Oil 4 Tbsp Vegetable Oil Fried Rice Seasoning 1 Tbsp Sugar 1/2 Tbsp Salt 1 Cup Bora/String Beans Method Cook rice with 1/4 tbsp Sayzon Seasoning and ginger until it is loose and firm, leave to cool for about 2 hrs. (Tip – Rice can be cooked a day in advance and refrigerate to acquire a loose texture.) Scramble eggs and set aside. Heat both sesame and vegetable oil in a large pan and add chicken, black pepper, salt, remaining Goya Sayzon seasoning and soy sauce. Stir and leave to cook with occasional checking and turning until almost done. Taste mixture and add more salt if necessary. Now add onions, bora/string beans, carrots and celery sticks and let cook for another 5 minutes. Add Bell peppers and corn and leave to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Make sure all/most liquid is evaporated from chicken and vegetables before adding rice. Now add rice, fried rice seasoning, scallions/ eschallot, scrambled eggs and sugar. Mix well and cook for another 2 to 4 minutes. Note – other vegetables of you choice can be added (broccoli, diced pumpkin, green beans and peas) Serves about 5 to 6 depending on portion size