Guyana Chronicle PepperPot 09-30-2018

Sunday, September 30, 2018

President David Granger attended this year’s Rupununi Regional Heritage celebrations, in St Ignatius Village, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine) where he urged the residents to build resilience to withstand economic pressures. In this photo, the President takes a photograph with little Anna Vieira after declaring the Rupununi Regional Heritage celebration 2018 open. (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

Wrapping up Indigenous Heritage Month 2018

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Chronicle Pepperpot September 30, 2018

All-rounder Gomin Camacho targets the environment

Uses social media to widen her reach “Three Rs”. She said it is a catch-phrase which has been easily practised at schools. “Our presentations are very interactive and we would try to engage the children as much as possible to practice various ways and methods around the house, such as the re-use of containers such as the butter bowl,” she said.

She said this led to the students thinking of other items around the house which can be re-used as well as other ideas to maintain a healthy environment.

Gomin Camacho

AT 03:00hrs one morning early in 2015, an idea came to Gomin Camacho’s mind, one that evolved into the formation of the Guyana Environment Initiative (GEI), a non-governmental group which targets conservation and maintaining a healthy environment.

It was one of several ideas which continue to oc- During an environmental cupy Camacho’s mind, in addition to volunteerism, exercise at the University pushing the involvement of youth in agriculture as of Guyana well as caring for children.

Gomin Camacho mentors a child during one of her many voluntary sessions

Camacho, a former International Relations student of the University of Guyana, told the Pepperpot Magazine that she has been volunteering since her teenage years. But in 2015, the idea of caring for the environment in the place where she had spent most of her years, came to fruition.

She said that during the second semester in 2015 at the University of Guyana (UG), she observed that there are some persons who would eat and leave their garbage lying around in the classroom. She said instead of going around to pick-up person’s garbage, she decided to inform her friends of her vision to beautify and clean the university’s surroundings with a strategic plan. Two of her closest colleagues jumped on board as soon as she shared her vision.

POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA “We sat down and we created a strategic plan of how we can execute this idea that we had, targeting the campus,” Camacho said. “I believe the power of social media really played a key part in my activism and voluntary work at UG and outside of the campus.”

She said after making the post “public” on social media platform `Facebook ‘, the movement encouraged persons to take their plastic bottles to her and her friends. “We created bins and we had an influx of volunteers and we formalised the organisation outside of UG,” she said, noting that the message gained momentum off campus.

Sometime later, a few experts mentored the group as they carried their message to the national level and, according to her, the idea was to target at least half of the student population at UG. This would ensure that those persons can take the message of conservation and maintaining a healthy environment to their homes and villages.

NOT ONLY AN ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVIST At 15 years old, through the Radha Krishna Mandir on Camp Street, Camacho joined the mandir’s youth group which would visit the Paediatric Ward at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to interact with children there.

She described the experience as an eye-opener noting that reading was one of the key tasks undertaken with the children.

THE NEXT PHASE Camacho said the next phase was to target the children and instill the value of maintaining a healthy environment in their everyday life. She said teachers were reaching out to the body and would invite her as part of their class time to mix and lecture to the children.

Schools along the coastland, youth groups and orphanages were among the institutions with which the group interacted, while a few organisations collaborated with them on the movement.

FUNDING Camacho speaks to primary “We made posts on Face- school students during an book asking for materials,” she environmental outreach said, noting that this was the easy way to go while the group awaited their organisation being registered with the authorities, in order to gain funding,” she noted. “We already have a technique, a model of what we teach and we have revised the presentation that we give depending on the group or if they ask for a specific environmental theme.”

She said it is important to follow the theme, “Reduce, Re-use and Recycle” also known in their lectures as the

Camacho is assisted by Elsie Ross, the 2017 University of Guyana valedictorian during an environmental exercise on campus

She also volunteered with the Bahai Spiritual Empowerment Programme working with 11-15-year-olds in different areas, including book work and practising comprehension skills while community service projects are incorporated in the programme.

UGSS PRESIDENCY Camacho, who finished her degree last December, also ran for the presidency of the University of Guyana Student Society last year. “It was a really good experience,” she said, as she noted how vocal she was about issues affecting the student population including fees, the condition of the washrooms, and classrooms among others. She said looking at the `Wall’ at the UGSS offices, she saw few females being past presidents of the society and as such, she decided to embark on her campaign for the presidency.

She gained the most votes in the largest faculty-Social Sciences, while her main opponent and eventual winner Norwell Hinds targeted the smaller faculties. She said that after the elections she committed herself to working with the new UGSS president, and as such, she was nominated to sit on the Academic Board of the University in 2017 as a student representative.

EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY Camacho currently serves on the National Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) of the Guyana Extractive Industries Turn to page IX ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot September 30, 2018

The crucial role of the

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Amerindian Research Unit

By Gibron Rahim

IT IS inevitable that cultures change with time. This is especially evident in multicultural societies, such as Guyana, where cultures interact with and influence each other. The fields of anthropology and archaeology are the key to keeping a record of how cultures have changed and will continue to change over time. It is for this reason that the University of Guyana’s Amerindian Research Unit is so vital.

Anthropology is the study of all human culture while archaeology is a subset of anthropology and is the study of the human past through the recovery and study of material culture. The Amerindian Research Unit (ARU) grew out of the Amerindian Languages Project. The Amerindian Languages Project (ALP) was founded by Guyanese linguist, Dr. Walter F. Edwards, in 1977, with a small grant from the University of Guyana’s research fund which was supplemented by a grant from the Upper Mazaruni Development Authority (UMDA) under its then director the late Desmond Hoyte.

The main objective of the project was to provide dictionaries, grammars and cultural descriptions of as many of Guyana’s nine tribes of Indigenous peoples as possible.

Though the ARU has seemingly been out of the public eye these last few years, the body has been involved in numerous ongoing projects. Louisa Daggers has been the ARU’s coordinator since 2014. She told the Pepperpot Magazine that the Unit has been collaborating with the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology to offer a field school. She related that the Denis Williams Archaeology Field School was started at the University of Guyana in 2007. “It’s a collaboration between Boise State University and the University of Guyana, and subsequently the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology.” Noting that the programme could not have been carried at UG due to financial constraints, she said that the museum took on a majority of its financing.

Later, the decision was taken to diversify the programme and make it more compact.

“We added an academic component to it where students did The cover of a nursery maybe two weeks of classroom level text in Akawaio sessions before going out into prepared by the ARU the field,” Daggers explained.

This has provided students with much-needed background knowledge before they attempted any fieldwork. The ARU has undertaken all of the planning, liaising with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), logistics and classroom sessions. The ARU also supervises the field school in collaboration with Dr. Mark Plew of Boise State University. Dr. Plew has been the face of the field school since it was founded in 2007. “Our target has been University of Guyana students who we believe would like to have more exposure in the field,” said Daggers. The application process is rigorous and environmental science and history majors are among the usual applicants.

The field school also provides capacity building to the communities it works in, as well as for Guyana’s museums. As an example, Daggers noted that the Walter Roth Museum has an archaeological collection and shares its information. “We see [the school] as a means of strengthening their internal capacity,” she said.

In addition to the Denis Williams Archaeology Field School, the ARU offers a service course which is a collaborative effort between five faculties at UG. The course acts as an introduction to anthropology and an introduction to the Indigenous Peoples’ of Guyana. There is also a relatively new associate degree programme in anthropology being offered.

“We’ve been teaching courses out of that,” Daggers related.

She noted that the current cohort of students while numbering only five, is a good start.

Over the last few years, the ARU has been co-publishing the Archaeology and Anthropology Journal in collaboration with Boise State University. The publication is the journal of the Walter Roth Museum and was started by the late Dr. Denis Williams. Daggers noted that the peer-reviewed

journal is the only one of its kind that is published in the English language on the South American continent. “Because of the limited capacity of the museum to produce this journal, we decided that we’re going to do it for them,” she explained. She noted that the journal was made open access to celebrate Guyana’s Golden Jubilee and to boost readership and referencing.

The ARU also publishes Monographs in Archaeology. That publication came about as a result of the field school and contains the records of the excavations conducted in the field with the students and the results. Those materials were Jennifer Wishart (left) and Louisa Daggers, Coordinator of the Amerindian Research Unit at the University of once part of the Archaeology and AnGuyana’s Career Day (Photo courtesy of Louisa Daggers) thropology Journal, but, after the Unit realised the relevance of having a sepainvited by one of the leading U.S. archaeology associations rate publication the decision was made to to present our findings next year,” she related. She noted that start printing the monograph annually.

True to its name, the ARU has also been conducting field the ARU is attempting to move toward using more technoresearch. Daggers acknowledged that the ARU’s focus has logically advanced archaeology methods to keep pace with largely been on archaeology, since that is the staff’s area of the outside academic arena.

Jennifer Wishart, a part-time staffer at the ARU and forexpertise. “But where we can we also do ethnographic work – collecting cultural, socioeconomic data,” she noted. She mer curator of the Walter Roth Museum, handles numerous related that the unit has been undertaking preliminary surveys projects related to the Indigenous languages. She noted that on sites before excavation takes place as well as the survey the upcoming year 2019 has been declared the International and documentation of the socioeconomic conditions of In- Year of Indigenous Languages by the United Nations. She digenous communities. The ARU also sometimes undertakes pointed out that, prior to that announcement an official at the special exercises, as was done a few years ago in the village Ministry of Education had approached the ARU with regard of Aishalton, when the Unit examined a management plan to translating nursery school level texts into four of Guyana’s Indigenous languages for hinterland schools. There was some for archaeological sites.

The Unit has been working delay as the Unit tried to plan logistically.

Then, Akawaio language specialist, Rita Hunter of on developing a management plan for Aishalton by documentation of “everything that’s existing”. “That’s one of the largest petroglyph complexes that we have in Guyana,” Daggers explained. “The initial aim was to have it gazetted through the National Trust and possibly have it as a World Heritage Site once we meet the necessary requirements.” World Heritage

Inside the Amerindian Research Unit

Jawalla, stepped in to help by translating the 16 texts into the Akawaio language. Adrian Gomes, Benita Roberts and Ovid Williams then translated the English text into Wapishana, Macushi and Patamona, respectively. Wishart was responsible for typing up all of the translations which were then handed over to the Ministry of Education. She noted that the ministry has taken a step further and decided that it would like to have the books made into animations.

Daggers emphasised that the ARU’s main purpose The inside of a nursery still remains research. “We’ve recognised that we cannot level text in Akawaio do everything, we don’t have the resources to reach every facet of anthropology and all of our people,” she said, Site status, she pointed out, would require a lot of funding “but we advocate for research and in doing that we support for conservation and also training within the community. For researchers.” Part of this involves facilitating public talks, now, the ARU is focusing on documentation and publications including recent talks given by Dr. Plew and Dr. Mariapia on the site. The unit is doing the same with the village of Shea Bevilacqua. “It’s something that we want to do a lot more which is home to a rock shelter and pictograms. “And we’ve next year because next year is the International Year of Indocumented sites that were known but never documented digenous Languages,” she said.

The work of the Amerindian Research Unit is necesbecause people couldn’t find them.” More recently the ARU has been looking at culture and the influence of coastlanders sary according to Daggers. “It’s actually critical research because culture changes, it’s dynamic, nothing is static,” on economic development in the Rupununi.

The unit received an archaeology grant from the World she said. “Our role is fundamentally documenting things Bank in 2016. The purpose of the grant was to fund a research the way they are.” The unit also plays a vital role in the study to ascertain whether prehistoric populations were con- conservation of artefacts. “It’s really important for us to tributing to climate change, or how their practices stabilised document culture and salvage our archaeological heritage climate change. The project was a success. “It was nicely because these are natural treasures and they’re cultural accepted across the hemisphere,” Daggers confirmed. The patrimony – they belong to the people,” Daggers stated ARU conducted numerous talks stemming out of the project emphatically. “They constitute cultural identity and the and parts of the research were published in the Latin America moment those things are lost, then we start questioning Antiquity Journal this year. Additionally, “We have been who we are and where we belong.”

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Chronicle Pepperpot September 30, 2018

Life with spinal cord injuries

Patients need encouragement, motivation Deputy Head of the Palms Rehabilitation Department, Kelly Coonjah believes that it is necessary for Khan and other persons living with spinal cord injuries (SCI) to be motivated by their health care providers so that it becomes easier for them to accept their new realities.

“At first, it’s very hard to get them to accept that this is their condition. But once you motivate them, they are very willing to work; very eager to become independent,”

the treatment that is offered to persons locally. “We can get better prognosis with our patients and see more spinal cord patients functional in society,” she said.

She referred to 29-year-old Marvin Massiah, who was very independent before a motorbike accident last year. He is now another SCI patient at the facility.

Massiah collided with a car on Aubrey Barber Road and had to do a surgery shortly afterwards. Today, he cannot walk normally. “I hold on to the steps around the house and try to walk but I can only go on the road with a wheelchair,” he told this publication.

With therapy, Massiah expressed confidence that he will be able to walk again.

Marvin Massiah “I was a very independent person and to be in a position where I have to depend on

By Telesha Ramnarine everyone for everything is kind of difficult for me. But AT 55 years old, Latchmin Khan I have to adapt myself. It’s a was doing her best to care for an hard task but we can’t give up.

Latchmin Khan (centre) with her daughter-in-law elderly woman who has no husAmanda Sewdin (right) and Rehabilitation Assistant You have to believe in God band and children; even moving Karen Garnett when it comes to these kinds in with her so as to be able to care of injuries.” for her better. Little did she know Another SCI patient that the time was soon who has been respondcoming when she too ing well to therapy is would become entirely Coonjah expressed 22-year-old Marcel Ardependent on others. during an interview thul who in 2015 was Khan’s life comlately with the Pepinvolved in a vehicular pletely changed earliperpot Magazine. accident. er this year, in June, “Just basicalHe was a porter on when she reached for ly talking to them, a truck heading to Mahher towel on the line cheering them on dia when the accident but ended up falling on during their exerhappened. “The vehicle her back. She damaged cises, telling them turned over and I fell her spine and could no ‘well done.’

Those out. The truck reversed longer walk. things would go a down and turned over,” “I couldn’t even sit far way for them. he recalled. up to eat; I had to come Most of them are Arthul said his life for therapy with the amb e d r i d d e n w h e n has changed completely bulance,” Khan, who they come here and since the accident but had no previous comit’s hard for them that he is grateful for the plaints in life, recalled to see themselves services being offered to during an interview with that way when they him at the Palms. “I can’t the Pepperpot Magawere so functional. walk, can’t feel my feet. zine.

So a little chatting It changed completely She started going for Deputy Head of the Palms Rehabilitation can go a far way and it is difficult now. Altherapy at the Palm’s Department Kelly Coonjah for them,” Coonjah most everything I want I Rehabilitation Departpointed out. gotta ask for. But I come ment where she said Officers within a far way now. For eight she has been receiving the Rehabilitation Department, months, I couldn’t lift much-needed help. Thanks to the therapy she has been rewhich falls under the purmy head. The services Marcel Arthul ceiving, she can now sit up to eat and even move around in view of the Ministry of Public here are helpful. I came a wheelchair.

Health, would also show motihere and learnt how to do Khan has also been receiving support from her daughtervational videos featuring success stories of persons living things I couldn’t do before.” in-law and grandson. “My grandson would put me to sit up Arthul is eagerly looking forward to the time he would and brace me with pillows so I can sit up and eat. I couldn’t with SCI. With the entire month of September being dedicated to be able to walk again. “My goal is to walk again. I want do this before,” she said.

SCI awareness, local health officers are representing Guyana to get back into society as a normal person again. But She is not sure if she will ever be able to walk again, but for the first time this year at an SCI Congress in Curacao. I guess you have to say this is normal too. But it is not with tears in her eyes, she would only say: “In God I trust.

Today is the last day of the Congress. normal for me because this is not what I am accustomed I would love to get up, stand up and walk, even if it’s just a Coonjah believes that the Congress will help to improve to. Getting back normal is walking. That’s my normal.” couple of steps. I’m hoping for the best and trusting in God.”

Herchelle Pellew Chronicle Pepperpot September 30, 2018

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Addressing social issues through his art

By Dominique Hunter

Sometimes I felt as though I needed to leave but I had invested so much already. I had to change my mindset because I had a mental block. It was hard at first. But eventually I began to love painting and leather craft.”

Pellew explained that while it was difficult for him to switch the focus of his studies so abruptly, he was determined to complete the school’s programme. Rather than complain or worse, quit, he instead chose to find new ways of challenging

AT just 22 years old, Herchelle Pellew is finding his niche, making works of art he hopes would spark more meaningful conversations about some of the pressing issues currently plaguing our society. But long before he began conceptualising socially engaged artwork he had a rather modest start, with early influences from both his grandmother and great grandmother.

In a recent interview, the former Hope Secondary School student discussed how a childhood affinity for art survived through the years and eventually led to a somewhat topsy-turvy start to his formal art pursuits.

“My grandmother was the one who saw that I was interested in art and she was the one who motivated me to follow it. She would purchase paper and pencil crayons and tell me to work. Whenever she was doing her craftwork she would let me help her. That was how I got started.”

Over the years, Pellew managed to sustain his passion for creativity despite not having the benefit of formal art training.

He explained that although he could not pursue art at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) level since his school was not offering the subject, he refused to let that

Unity

setback deter him from following his dream. It was at that moment, after being encouraged by a friend who studied in the same field, that he made the decision to enroll at the E.R. Burrowes School of Art. “My expectation of the art school was a fun, free and cool environment. But when I got there I said to myself, ‘my God.’ It was really tough,” he said.

He admitted that he was quite taken aback by how different the school was in reality compared to how he had envisaged it prior to his enrolment. And in the midst of him settling into a “new normal” with the ever-increasing workload, he was served yet another curveball that ultimately forced him to change his course of study.

“My first choice for a major was photography and my second choice was graphic design. But I had to switch subjects because my tutor left. So I took up painting as my major and leather craft as my minor,” he said. “I often asked myself, ‘What am I still doing here?’ because I couldn’t do the subjects I wanted to do.

Desperate Meal

Strength

himself with his media. He was able to build and sustain his enthusiasm by experimenting with things like pyrography and by combining various media to make work with strong social commentary.

“Before I start working I need to understand what I want to Turn to page X ►►► Backwoods Man

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Chronicle Pepperpot September 30, 2018

‘Miracle homes’ at Mainstay/Whyaka

Residents become first-time homeowners

By Indrawattie Natram LIVING in your own home is a dream for many especially when, most times, persons may be living under one roof with an extended family for reasons beyond their control. Renting is another burden that many families are facing especially in the city and hinterland areas.

For many persons, it takes years to own a home but for 10 families living in Mainstay/Whyaka, Region Two, this dream came through when they became the beneficiaries of homes compliments of Food for the Poor Guyana Incorporated. The families described the venture as a pure “miracle” and a direct blessing from the Almighty. It was a dream fulfilled and many of the new homeowners have big plans for the upcoming Christmas season.

The Pepperpot Magazine caught up with a few of the new homeowners who shared their stories living in the Indigenous community of Mainstay/Whyaka. This farming community is A mother and her located approximatechild from the ly 30 miles from the community Anna Regina Public

The happy Pearson couple with their children

Road and can be accessed via roads. According to Toshao of the community, Milton Fredericks, housing is a challenge for the area and although there is lots of land available, families cannot afford to construct their own homes. Fredericks said that the majority of the population lives in cramped dwellings with their families and some are even renting. It is, however, his vision as newly elected Toshao, to transform the housing landscape in the community.

The 10 newly-constructed houses are fully equipped with indoor washroom facilities, solar panels, tables, chairs, a gas stove and beds.

own home. “I used to pray every night before I go to bed. I wished that a day would come for my family to be under one roof. I was living with families and it was very hard,” the mother of seven related.

Twenty-five-year-old Quincy Pearson, a farmer from the community, related that he was living with his mother before he acquired the house. He said he Toshao of the and his wife, Naomi Fredericks, community, conduct farming to sustain their Milton Fredericks livelihood and provide for their three children.

Nobody was excited like Triston Gomes, who related that he will be living in comfort for the Christmas season. Gomes has plans to extend his home by putting in a veranda and also plant some trees around the environment. He said he could have not built a home on his own since he works for a meagre salary. He was living with his mother-in-law before moving over to his newly acquired home.

Sharmaine Fredericks, a mother of three, said that she is very

A DREAM COME TRUE For many of the beneficiaries, this is a dream come true and a new hope for them. For Simone Khandai she was praying for the day when she would be living within the comforts of her

The Fredericks family

happy. “I can cook in my own kitchen now. I feel freer. The money I used to [pay as] rent will now be invested in my children’s education. I was waiting on this day a long time,” she said.

Chief Executive Officer for Food for the Poor Incorporated Guyana, Kent Vincent, said that the humanitarian organisation is happy to provide the families with the homes.

So far, 40 families living in the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region were gifted with new homes for the year 2018. In the past, several Another beneficiary of a home housing projects were executed in the Onderneeming/Red Village, Siriki, Mashabo, Capoey and Mainstay areas. The CEO said the projects were funded by various owners from the United States of America (USA). He said that constant follow-ups are also done on the families to ensure that they are coping and also if further help is needed, same is given. Vincent said that it is the joy of FFTP Inc to see families develop and live in comfort.

Chronicle Pepperpot September 30, 2018

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Chronicle Pepperpot September 30, 2018

She’s just warming up!

Track star Collia Rowe to launch first book

By Colin Bynoe Jr. THE journey of Collia Cassi Rowe’s life thus far has not been one where the tracks on which she ran were always a smooth course. The 20-year-old freshman student, who’s in her second semester at the North Greenville University in South Carolina, shared her story with the Pepperpot Magazine.

“I was born in New Amsterdam and lived there for four years, but then my family relocated to the Corentyne where I began attending the Gibraltar Courtland Primary School. In primary school, I began to run track and I was very good. I qualified for the National Track and Field Championship through my entire six years of primary education,” the young athlete said.

The eldest of her four siblings, Collia gained a place at the JC Chandisingh Secondary School but things took a turn from there on for the young woman and her family.

“For a while my family was going great, but then things started to change, my mother couldn’t afford to take care of me and my other siblings anymore to the best of her ability but nevertheless, my mother always ensured that she got money to send me to school even if it was one side of the bus fare she had. I used that and I asked my friends until I was able to get enough money to come back home,” she said. “[There was] no guarantee if I would reach any food at home to refuel after a difficult day at school. A lot of days I was in the depths of despair because I was tired of the strain but I looked in the other direction, as to who will take care of my siblings if something happened to my mother.”

With track running deep in her genes, Collia is certainly a “chip off the old block”. Her `Super Mom’ Cabina Paul, in her younger days would compete at the National School Championship in the 200 and 400-metre races with success. Coincidently, Collia fell in love with

Rowe (Green and Yellow) in her Secondary School years running at the National Schools Championship

the 400-metre race as well. Collia would excel with ease while in her secondary school years.

“Even if I didn’t train I still was successful in my individual events,” she mentioned, “I was always encouraged to take track seriously, but I never bothered. My focus was on academics since I saw it as the only way out,” she said. “My mother was my number one supporter. She always encouraged me to never give up; that one day better must come. Sometimes I didn’t have much resources to attend high school. I had [two] uniforms and one pair of shoes which I pasted like eight times and I had a red school bag which was given to me by a Food for the Poor organisation when I was successful at my National Grade Six Assessment. As I progressed the different levels at high school I had to get more and more resources, especially the SBA books. Eight hundred dollars was a lot of money for my mother to acquire in order to buy an SBA book for me. Mom could have used that money to buy food for me and my other siblings. I took the old log book that my teacher had and I tore the pages out and I made a SBA book to complete my assignments.

Wanting to excel, Colia decided to write 16 subjects but did not have enough money to afford to pay for the examinations.

“Even when my mother decided that I could have only written eight, she wasn’t even

Young Collia Cassie Rowe (with green bottoms) competing in a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) race earlier in the year

seeing the money to pay for the eight subjects and the sad part of it was the fees needed to be paid three months ahead.

I cried and fasted and prayed and asked God to give me a chance and he opened a door for me. My aunt who lived overseas paid my examination fees for the 16 subjects which I initially wanted to write. I got 12 subjects out of the 16, but I failed Mathematics. My mother decided that she needed to send me to another high school which was Corentyne Comprehensive High to re-sit my math course,” she said. “I wrote four other subjects, but there was a big problem, there were still financial issues in the home, so it was decided that I would ride a bicycle and attend school. My Collia Cassie Rowe strikes a pose in mother saved her money and front of North Greenville University she bought a bicycle for me and in South Carolina I rode to school a total of six miles almost every day, if the rain wasn’t pouring. Paying for my five subjects was not that stressful because my aunt made another sacrifice and paid. This time I passed with Grades One and Two.” But when it was time to work, Collia admitted that her 16 subjects did not help her.

“I sent over 40 applications and I couldn’t find a job. [For] five months I was at home not doing anything, until I eventually heard that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was recruiting athletes to run for them and they would offer a monthly salary. I made my decision and I applied and I got through on the same day. On the following day I began training,” she said. “The Force they provided hospitality and three-square meals, but I had family living in the area so I stayed at their home. The coach that was present at that time was Mr. Robert Chisholm; he saw the potential I had. He encouraged me to take athletics seriously not just do it for the money, but to embrace the pain that comes with it. In three months I ran the time of 57 seconds in my 400m and he was very impressed. He asked what I wanted to do with my life initially before I joined the force. I told him that I wanted to become a doctor, but I wasn’t seeing any hope in doing so. Mr. Chisholm told me that he will search for possible opportunities, so I can go overseas and study, since I was an all-round athlete and I would be better off.”

She said that Chisholm found out about an organisation called REELA SMC, which is a Non-profit Organisation that helps student athletes around the world to be accepted into colleges in the United States of America. “The representatives of the organisation were impressed because I had reached all the requirements they needed. They composed a letter for me to take to the embassy stating that I would be participating in athletics tryout in the USA. I took the letter and I was granted a visitor’s visa,” she said.

On February 29th 2018, Rowe flew out of Guyana to participate in an athletics trial for her 400-meter event. As things would have it she was granted a scholarship by North Greenville University in South Carolina as an international student to run the 400-metre event. She has so far lowered her previous best 400m time of 57seconds to 55 seconds competing in a time trial at her school’s track. Currently, Rowe is a freshman in her second semester majoring in Health Science.

The 20-year-old track star and aspiring doctor has also found a new drive. Now her pace is set to cadence to the next phase. Quite recently, Collia completed writing her first book called, “The struggles you face today will give you strength for tomorrow”.

She has extended her strides towards self-publishing her own book on Amazon, eBay and iTunes. “The message in this book is that no matter how many times life knocks you down, just get up and go again. Sometimes in life, you have to go through certain things to reach where you want to be. [It also teaches that] pain is temporary; it will only be forever if you want it to be.”

Chronicle Pepperpot September 30, 2018

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Minister of Public Health attends 56th Directing Council at PAHO Headquarters

By Francis Quamina Farrier MINISTERS of Health from the Americas met at the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) headquarters in Washington, DC, USA, from September 23 to 27, for the 56th Directing Council, where they discussed plans to reduce the shortage in health personnel, lower the burden of cervical cancer and improve the health of women and adolescents, among other health issues.

"There is a shortfall of almost 800,000 health workers in the Americas," according to a release by PAHO. This year's Directing Council decided on a plan which seeks to expand and access health care by improving the organising of the health system and its

Organisation of American States (OAS) and PAHO/WHO, some decades ago. That came about when in 1962, President Fidel Castro addressed a large public meeting in Havana and referred to the OAS as, "The Yankee Ministry of Colonies and a Military Bloc against the people of Latin America." That sent political shock waves around the entire Region, since the OAS which was founded in 1947, is the oldest and one of the strongest and most prestigious organisations in the Western Hemisphere.

There is the saying, "No man is an Island", and after decades of slow improved diplomatic relations, the island state of Cuba has returned to the OAS and to PAHO/ WHO. Guyana has always maintained diplomatic and working relations with Cuba

Francis Quamina Farrier at the PAHO headquarters in Washington DC

Minister of Public Health, Hon. Volda Lawrence, MP and Dr Karen Boyle at Monday's session of the 56th Directing Council of PAHO (Photo by Francis Q. Farrier)

working conditions offered, especially at the first level of care and in rural and underserved areas in member states.

Among the participating Health Ministers, was Guyana's Minister of Public Health, Hon. Volda Lawrence, M.P., who was gracious in affording me an interview even though her schedule while at the PAHO/WHO headquarters was extremely busy. "This year's focus is generally on Primary Health Care, with all the other aspects of illnesses and diseases, which primary health care focuses on," she said, adding that, "Guyana did make a presentation on the floor [and] highlighted our issues with cancer as a whole."

She also mentioned the work-in-progress on the renovation of a room at the Maternity Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital, and while a specific date was not given, the minister said that it was coming along. The plan is to make one of the delivery rooms at the Georgetown Public Hospital Maternity Unit, "Father Friendly", where fathers will be permitted to be present during the delivery process of their babies.

While at the PAHO headquarters in Washington, DC, Minister Volda Lawrence sat in on a number of intense sessions from September 23 to 27. Also present at that 56th Directing Council, were representatives from Cuba, a country which had left the

since its Independence. Many Guyanese doctors, for example, have been trained in Cuba; Dr. George Norton and Dr. Jennifer Westford among them. Many Cuban doctors have served and continue to serve with the Ministry of Public Health in many areas of Guyana. It can be said that Guyana stood the course alongside Cuba through the good times and the bad times, and representatives from the two countries were seated close to each other at the PAHO 56th.

One of the highlights of the sessions which were held on Monday last, at the PAHO headquarters, was the honour bestowed on Dr. Tabare Vazquez, President of the South American country of Uruguay.

PAHO named the Uruguayan President "Hero of the Americas", for the effective tobacco control measures he established in his country. That policy in Uruguay, which spread across to other member countries of the OAS, has saved thousands of people from the negative effects of smoking, including death. In more recent years, Guyana has been stepping up programmes for the reduction of tobacco use, especially among the young Guyanese.

Last Tuesday, PAHO put out a statement on Tuberculosis (TB) in the Americas. The organisation stated that between the years 2000 and 2015, deaths from the disease fell by 37.5 per cent. However, the report is that

over a quarter of a million people live with TB in the region of the Americas, and 24,000 died from the disease in 2017. There has, however, been a dramatic reduction in the instances of HIV in Guyana and the rest of Latin America, due to the efforts and projects by PAHO/WHO. There has also been a great reduction with the cases of Tuberculosis (TB) in Guyana. The fact of the country's medical history is that the West Demerara Public Hospital at Best Village on the West Coast Demerara (WCD) was known as the "TB hospital" during the colonial era, since it was exclusively for TB patients. After Independence in 1966, the Public Health Service in Guyana has greatly reduced the number of TB patients and deaths. The Ministry of Public Health now focuses on the reduction and eradication of cervical cancer, with campaigns all over the country, with the issuing of vaccinations, especially for younger females.

"Cervical cancer is among the highest in the country," said Minister Volda Lawrence, who also spoke of the many programmes by

the Public Health Ministry to greatly reduce the disease and save lives.

There was a very moving "Letter to the Editor" in last Sunday's Edition of the Sunday Chronicle, (September 23, 2018). The author of the letter related her journey over years as a victim of cervical cancer, which was one of the top illnesses discussed at the PAHO meeting last week. At the end of the detailed letter, the writer gave the following advice to women and girls; "Gynaecologists who care are needed. Most women don't know the danger of cervical cancer or the importance of a yearly gynaecological exam (I sincerely did not). That's why it's important to share this message. Yearly exams lead to early detection that saves lives." The entire letter is available for reading, in last Sunday's Chronicle.

While still in the USA, Minister Lawrence held a Town Hall Meeting at the Guyana Embassy in Washington, D.C. where she shared with the audience the achievements, activities and future plans of the Ministry of Public Health.

◄◄◄ From page II

scale,” she said.

Some time ago she joined the Caribbean Farmers’ Network, a group of farmers who share best practices and access to markets regionally and internationally. Camacho was Guyana’s rep for the network on these shores and although she held a voluntary position, it provided her with an opportunity for training and being able to attend workshops in the Caribbean.

She said it also allowed her to take her knowledge to farmers and potential suppliers.

“I have been encouraging more and more young people to grow their little kitchen gardens, “she said.

Camacho was recently nominated and received a National Youth Award for volunteer work in the category of Environmental Conservation & Protection.

She said she plans to embark on a master’s programme in Development Studies and expressed the hope that she would be able to secure a scholarship to advance her academic achievements. In the meantime, she aims to continue her activism drive on various fronts, including the environment.

Transparency Initiative (GYEITI) as a civil society representative. She was instrumental in the initial phases as Guyana moved towards becoming a member of EITI. Camacho has expressed confidence in the initiative as a much-needed step to protect Guyana’s patrimony. She strongly believes the natural resources of Guyana belong to the citizenry, and she noted that the EITI will serve as a tool to make public information related to the extractive industry.

She also stated that the efforts of GYEITI are most timely as the mining industry continue to expand, and more importantly with the introduction of the oil and gas industry to the nation’s economy. Guyana was accepted as a member of the international body, EITI, in October 2017.

AGRICULTURE According to the young woman, the way forward for Guyana is agriculture. “Young people can really make Guyana the food basket of not only the Caribbean but on a global

X do. Since my work is about controversial social topics I usually have to do some research.

And, as I continue to do research I would sketch some ideas and scrap other ideas,” he said. “I also try to talk to persons who have been through those situations so that I can understand how they feel. I cannot do work without research because I want to include as much as possible, even if it’s not directly seen by the viewer. Persons must be able to relate to it and in order for that to happen, I need to understand what I’m doing.”

When asked about his decision to centre his creative work on social issues Pellew explained that it was the result of witnessing the unfolding of deeply troubling situations in our society.

“Seeing what some people go through is tough, especially as it relates to domestic violence. It really affects me because ◄◄◄ From page V

I believe in equality. I believe that everyone is here to live a free life and they should be able to live freely [without fear],” he stated. “The aim of my artwork is to create dialogue with persons so that they can express how they feel. Most persons don’t talk about these things. They would probably sit and talk about a football match or celebrity gossip but they wouldn’t talk about things that are affecting them, and they usually have a lot to say.”

He went on to say that although we seem to live in a culture of silence and victim shaming that often prevent persons from speaking out against various forms of abuse, he is hopeful that things will eventually improve. In fact, he feels even more encouraged to continue his exploration of social issues after receiving positive feedback from persons who would’ve seen his work on display a few weeks ago at the Umana Yana benab.

“The public’s response to the work has been great. I was

Chronicle Pepperpot September 30, 2018 surprised actually. I really didn’t expect the response I got. I thought they wouldn’t be comfortable with the work but they were happy that I addressed the topics I did. So I feel like I accomplished what I set out to do.”

Pellew was quick to shut down some of the more popular misconceptions about art practitioners and offered some advice for anyone who might be considering a career in the creative field.

“Like any other career art is tough. But if you really love it you will stick with it. If I had to give some advice to a youngster in school I would say, ‘find yourself.’ When you find who you are as a person, your art will follow,” he said. “Art is much more than aesthetics. It can be used to fight and bring awareness to a lot of issues. We’re at the point where we need to make art functional. More needs to be done to educate the public about art and art appreciation, especially in the public schools.”

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The secret to Jamaica’s booming Tourist Industry

Jamaica Product Exchange 2018 kicks off THE Guyana Chronicle’s Pepperpot Magazine, over the last week, attended a media trip in honour of the 2018 Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX). The trip, which saw attendance from travel writers and media entities from Canada, the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean, included tours and other curated experiences aimed at showcasing the best of Jamaica. This series will, over the next few weeks, explore various aspects of Jamaica’s rich culture which were showcased on this trip.

(MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica)- ON Sep- own recently launched Guyana Trade tember 24, the 2018 Jamaica Product and Investment Exhibition (GUYTIE), Exchange (JAPEX) opened its doors which created networking opportuniwith a packed schedule of ties for Caribbean investors to visit the marketing and netcountry and form investment partnerworking opportuships, JAPEX fonities for tourism cuses on the stakeholders. tourism The two-day industry event, which started in 1990, is hosted annually by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), in association with the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and is dubbed “the Yvette Robinson practising single most imher Hardanger embroidery portant business generator for Jamaica's tourism industry”. Much like Guyana’s

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett with Playa Hotel & Resorts Chief Marketing Officer, Kevin Froemming

Omar Daley weaving one of his bags

Andrew Duhaney with one of his pieces

A section of JAPEX 2018

and brings together tour operators, travel agents, travel media and other stakeholders to network with over 200 of the island’s leading tourism suppliers and conduct business negotiations.

The success of

JAPEX over its 28-year lifespan-due, in part, to the immense opportunities it creates for businesses to showcase their products and services and form strong partnerships- is just one of the secret ingredients to Jamaica’s robust tourism industry.

At the opening ceremony of JAPEX 2018, President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Omar Robinson, said “For Jamaica, we are on a mission to showcase the best of our country and we know our visitors will be truly impressed by the new properties and attractions, the renovations and extensions of old favourites and the amazing manufacturers and service providers that make ‘Brand Jamaica’ so special. These are the elements that have brought record numbers of visitors to our shores this year.”

The island saw 4.3 million tourists visiting the country in the year 2017. For 2018, it has seen 2.9 million tourists thus far, an increase of 5.4 per cent. Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, giving feature remarks at a media breakfast hosted at the Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort and Spa, explained that efforts will continue to make the island the ideal vacation destination.

For this winter alone- one of the island’s peak seasons- Jamaica will make 1.3 million seats available for incoming passengers from North, South and Latin America as well as the Caribbean via air travel. The country will also look to work with its priTurn to page XV ►►►

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Chronicle Pepperpot September 30, 2018

From truck driver to author

Young Guyanese aims to help others to maximise their potential

Young successful Guyanese businessman, Raymond Harlall

“I WANT to teach people to be great at what they do, how to succeed and how to be the best you can be and how to get better results; how to work fewer hours for more money. Stop working hard and start working smart!”

Those are the words of Raymond ‘Ray’ Harlall, a Guyanese-born entrepreneur, author, philanthropist, international speaker and business coach, who did not complete college, yet he owns and operates several businesses and is earning a six figure income Raymond Harlall shares a moment with Hollywood Actor Sylvester Stallone, at an event annually.

Raymond, who has a passion to serve humanity, Health’ which he produced, published and co-authored with is on a mission to give back by sharing his knowledge, skills 20 other world-renowned experts through one of his compaand expertise. He wants to share how to stop working hard nies, the Local Experts Group. He is the author of two other and start working smart so that we can maintain perfect books, including one which he co-authored with New York health, maximise wealth and ultimately, achieve peace of Times best-selling author Dr. Brian Tracy. He is also the mind. award-winning Author of “Financial Freedom by 30”, which The 29-year-old resident of Toronto, Canada, who is has a Foreword written by New York Times best-selling formerly from #56 Village East Berbice Corentyne, is on the author Raymond Aaron. Harlall owns and operates a large verge of launching his third book ‘The Handbook to Holistic transportation company; inclusive of a trucking company,

auto-sale, auto rental, taxi and driving schools internationally, in addition to his publishing company and video marketing companies.

Speaking with the Pepperpot Magazine, Harlall explained that he wants to produce and publish 20 books by 2020, so he can make himself more financially viable to return home to give back and help develop his country.

“I want to build an empire where I don’t need to be present to earn and am free Cover of ‘The Handbook to to move around so Holistic Health’ I can dedicate my time to my homeland. I have a passion for helping youths and I see a lot of our youths in Guyana are very talented but need help, and I want to lead them in the right direction to help realise their full potential,” he said.

No stranger to struggle himself, the humble young man recalled his days at No. 56 Primary School before gaining passes to New Amsterdam Multilateral, where he spent a year but had to transfer to Skeldon Line Path Secondary School.

SELF-MADE At age 14, he migrated with his family to Toronto, Canada where he completed high school and started college but opted to return to Guyana to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering. However, given his Canadian status he had to pay higher tuition rates and decided to return to Canada Turn to page XVI ►►►

Harlall and his wife, Divya Sieudarsan

Chronicle Pepperpot September 30, 2018

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Start with you!

THIS week, I will be continuing the thread of alcohol abuse based on the questions that have been coming in. I received a few emails from spouses and children asking how to help their alcohol-dependent family member. I’m afraid that you’re probably not going to like my answer but it is a very important one. There are things you can do to help them along their recovery, yes, but your priority is and should always be you.

We cannot control the actions of others, regardless of how much we want to. And it may sound like a cliché but you really cannot help anyone if you don’t have it together yourself.

Alcoholism is a family disease which means it affects absolutely anyone in its path. It affects every member physically, emotionally, behaviourally and financially.

A close friend or family member of an alcoholic will experience a roll coaster of emotions, all of which they shouldn’t.

Yes, everyone is different but there are common feelings that are shared.

The individuals closest to the alcoholic tend to feel very guilty for a number of reasons.

The main one is that they often enable the drinker. This means they unintentionally or intentionally make it easier for the person to drink. They either buy the alcohol or cover up or fix any problems that the alcohol may cause. They do it simply because it is easier than fighting with the abuser or because they fear the reaction to any other action.

They often feel responsible for the amount of alcohol the individual is taking. Someone who abuses alcohol will often blame others“you upset me so I had to take a drink” is a common statement to their loved ones. If the person has a problem with alcohol, they will drink regardless of what you do and it is definitely not ever your fault.

There is no need to feel guilty. You are not responsible for anyone’s drinking. You are not a medical or healthcare professional and therefore cannot take control of their treatment.

All you can do is support them when they are ready to seek treatment.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS MAY FEEL ASHAMED This is mainly due to the enabling or any public consequences that come from their drinking. They sometimes feel this way for staying in a relationship that they know is unhealthy. They may be ashamed of their own behaviour when having to deal with the abuser.

Some people scream or go on the road looking for the drinking individual. Many complain that they feel they are losing their own sanity.

They also feel ashamed of the fact that they tend to neglect their own needs and self-care to look after the drinker.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS OFTEN FEEL REJECTED AND UNLOVED They tend to take it personally when the user does not stop drinking alcohol. They

think that if the alcoholic really loved them, they would stop drinking. Unfortunately, it is nowhere near that simple. Regardless, they do often ask the user to quit. The user often promises to stop drinking but this tends to make things worse as they are usually unsuccessful. They often feel lied to and take it as a sign that they are not respected or appreciated.

When someone becomes addicted to alcohol, it becomes their priority and their urges seem uncontrollable. But it is not personal; how can someone be honest with you if they aren’t even honest with themselves?

Friends and family members often feel powerless.

However, this is the only thing you are allowed to feel because you are powerless. You cannot control someone’s drinking when they cannot even control their own drinking!

It will bring on stress and anxiety for a lot of you but once you accept this, you will feel empowered.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO! There are small things you can do that will make a big difference in how you feel.

Firstly and very importantly, educate yourself on alcoholism. When you become aware of what the disease actually is and the effects alcohol has on people, you will learn what to expect, what to avoid, not to take things so personally and so on. In other words, you will find peace.

Understand and accept the effects their drinking is having on you. You will get nowhere by denying this. More importantly, you won’t be able to change anything if you don’t recognise it in the first place.

Continuously practise healthy coping skills and self-care. Take half hour a day to focus on you and do things you love. It will be a nice change since most of your time and thoughts currently go to the alcoholic. Also, try or continue to eat well, sleep well and get some exercise.

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS You should always know what help is available for both you and the drinker. Be aware of what treatment options or general counsellors are around. For example, if you are being abused and are scared of the addict, find out where you can go.

Al-Anon, a self-help group meeting for the family and friends of alcoholics, is available in Guyana. Members share their ‘experience, strength and hope’ with the sole intention of providing support to one another. It is free to attend and you can remain anonymous. You do not have to give your full name or even have to say who the alcoholic is.

There is also A lateen which is for young people (mostly teenagers) who are affected by someone else’s drinking. Al-Anon and Al Ateen are for you if you are affected (in any way) by any friends or family members

drinking.

Below are a few institutions/centre you can visit if you need help/assistance.

Help and Shelter walk-in office (for abused women) Homestretch Avenue, Durban Park.

Georgetown 225-4731/ 227-8353 Ministry of Social Protection (for abused partners- male and female) Lamaha Street 225-6545

hrs

Al-Anon Brickdam Presbytery, Georgetown Thursdays Adults (male or female) – 15:15- 16:15

Al Ateen Brickdam Presbytery, Georgetown Thursdays - 18:30-19:30hrs.

After you have agreed and continue to put yourself first, then you can focus on how to help the addict. Next week, I will give you some tips on how to do so but remember the choice to quit drinking is theirs and only theirs.

Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!

Suicide Prevention Helpline – 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444 or 600-7896 Do not be afraid to reach out!

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Chronicle Pepperpot September 30, 2018

NAREI’s Agronomist living her dream of serving Paramaktoi farmers GROWING up in the serene community of Paramakatoi, Region Eight, young Celpha Simon was exposed to farming. Amidst the tall trees and mountains, Celpha’s family planted mainly ground provisions for sustenance. Assisting her father daily on their farm ignited a curiosity about growing crops.

While she was of great help to her family on the farm, her parents ensured that Celpha acquired a formal education. She graduated from the Paramakatoi Secondary School in 2005 and ventured out into a new world. It was time for Celpha to accomplish her dream of one day understanding the science behind growing crops. She was awarded a Government of Guyana Scholarship to study at the University of Maximo Gomez Baez Ciego de Avilla in Cuba.

“Most of my ancestors were farmers and thus from young while working along with my father I grow a passion of cultivating most of the crops. I wanted to learn physiology of plants, physical and chemical properties of soil, and wanted to improve production and implement ideas to primitive way of farming in my village,” Celpha said. “Last but not the least I wanted to show my people farming can be a very lucrative business and not just the way to substantiate family income.”

Following years of hard work and dedication, Celpha Simon is now an Agronomist.

She is employed with the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) as an Extension Officer, assisting farmers in Region Eight. She is currently stationed in

Paramakatoi and is integrally involved in the Sun-Dried Tomato Project.

Her desire to improve the livelihoods of farmers through improved agricultural practices is happening “slowly but surely.”

“At first it was hard to get the wheels roll-

ing. A major challenge was getting the male farmers to take advice from a female officer, on from traditional ways of farming. However once the wheel roll over this obstacle, momentum picked up. Now with everyone working along together, my farmers and I can

tackle farming issues head-on with maximum impact,” she noted.

Building a strong respectful relationship with farmers proved helpful, especially in fulfilling demands for the Sun-Dried Tomato Project. NAREI is responsible for supplying seedling and provision of technical support also in the post-harvesting stage. The Institute also explores possible natural pesticides from commonly known plants around the area.

Celpha said, “I find this project exciting.

It keeps me busy especially the experimental part. Growing organic tomatoes has an important role to play at Paramakatoi this initiative is aimed at rejuvenating local low-cost use of neem as a biocontrol agent as well as introducing a local plant hayari in combination with locally grown pepper. It is meant to serve as a sustainable-agriculture initiative for the future generation.”

While she is engrossed in her current work, the agronomist has a vision for Guyana. She believes that Guyana could become self-sufficient in agricultural production with the hinterland having a pertinent role.

“I think we can expand agriculture in the hinterland regions by introducing more exotic crops such as potato, grapes, strawberries etc. Furthermore, this can be done by having a strong, effective and intelligent agricultural team in each region of Guyana and these regions work together, then Guyana has a greater chance of once again being the breadbasket of the Caribbean,” Celpha believes.

World Habitat Day calls for global cities to transition into ‘Waste-Wise Cities’ ON THE first Monday of October, the international community observes World Habitat Day to reflect on the state of towns and cities and the basic right for adequate shelter. Each year, one unifying theme is chosen with the focus this year being Municipal Solid Waste Management. This calls for cities to become “WasteWise Cities.” The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), along with the Paris Agreement and the New Urban Agenda, addresses the key issue of solid waste management. The target of Sustainable Development Goal 12 is Sustainable Production and Consumption with an emphasis on environmentally sound management of all waste through prevention, reduction, recycling, reuse and the reduction of food waste.

Guyana, like many developing countries, has long struggled with creating systems to ensure proper disposal of its solid waste. This is directly linked with budgetary con-

burning; however, these means of garbage disposal have adverse effects on the environment. For decades, communities have grown used to burning their household garbage. It is common to see household after household burning piles of garbage on Sunday afternoons. Although this is the cheapest way to remove garbage, this method creates significant harm to human respiratory health, and equally, it causes environmental harm since it releases gases such as carbon dioxide which contribute to climate change.

An illegal dumping site

straints, old and inefficient equipment and a lack of reliable transportation to dispose of waste. In Guyana, the current means of disposal is through legal and illegal dumping and

GREEN STATE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (GSDS) As Guyana approaches its Green State Development Strategy (GSDS), it is important to remember that the SDG guidelines call for the integration of actions to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. Alongside the Ministry of Communities, a comprehensive, economically viable, bio-friendly initiative was rolled out to address solid waste management in Guyana.

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Chronicle Pepperpot September 30, 2018 ◄◄◄ From page XI

vate partners in the area of accommodation to add 7,500 new rooms by the year 2021.

“Jamaica has been known for three S’s – sand, sea and sun… now we are adding safe secure and seamless… we will enable a standard and quality that will be across the board with minimum standards for accommodation, whether it be formal or casual because we are very concerned about destination reputation and so we are going to require all our partners to subscribe and contribute to what is required to ensure the highest level of integrity in the experience that we offer in this country,” the minister said.

These efforts will also be complemented by building on the human capacity, the introduction of a pension fund for workers in the tourism industry, as well as, the launch of a comprehensive website that will provide content development and distribution as well as connectivity to all elements of the tourism market.

The island’s unrelenting drive to better its product is, perhaps, the reason Jamaica received the Caribbean’s Leading Destination Award at the 2018 World Travel Awards held on September 22 at Sandals Montego Bay. Tourism partners within the island also racked up several other Caribbean Awards including the Best Tourist Board (Jamaica Tourist Board), Caribbean’s Leading Home Port (Montego Bay) Caribbean’s Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction (Dolphin Cove Jamaica) and many more.

SUPPORTING SMALL ENTERPRISES In addition to selling ‘Brand Jamaica’, JAPEX 2018 also provided a space for small enterprises, which undoubtedly contribute to the country’s cultural blueprint.

Andrew Duhaney has been an artist for more than 40 years. He started working with signs and posters but moved into oil painting where the majority of his income now comes from. Duhaney said that he was contacted by the organisers to be part of JAPEX to showcase his work and he is very grateful. “This is a breakthrough for me. I am glad for this opportunity because I always wanted my work to go abroad for people to see what I am capable of,” he said.

Omar Daley makes bags and other items from coconut straw and white thatch. He has practised this craft for more than 20 years. “The response is crazy- that would be the word… I believe it is great, I hope that more persons like me would get the opportunity to display their skills,” he said.

Yvette Robinson started doing craft more than 20 years ago as well. Recently, she stumbled across the art of Hardanger embroidery, and after falling in love with it, she began to focus her talents on bringing pieces of art to life using the art form. “It is a very beautiful type of art. I started doing this last year January- it is a group of us. We started working with [the Tourism Product Development Company]. They were the ones who offered us the training which we made use of and now they are helping us to get our product out there,” she said. “Something like this is good. I have been in craft for years but I have never been to an event like this so these events give persons like me an opportunity to get their work out there, but you need persons who really have the skill to come out and be a part,” she said.

These three artists will all be part of the soon-to-belaunched Artisan Village in Falmouth, Jamaica, which will join the long list of engaging cultural attractions of the island.

According to Omar Robinson, the JHTA has, over the past decade, built on the JAPEX product and it is now “a perfect mix of exposition and workshops, business and leisure.” JAPEX 2018 included appointments, business sessions, product updates and site visits as well as workshops that focused on marketing small properties, interior decorating, energy efficiency and revenue management which Robinson described as “key areas germane to running a successful enterprise.”

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Chronicle Pepperpot September 30, 2018 ◄◄◄ From page XII

to work and attend college. Upon his return, he decided to start earning to pay for his tuition and worked fulltime as a labourer in a warehouse while attending part-time school on the weekends.

In a bid to elevate himself, he dropped out of college and started doing certification courses to move up the ranks in his company, firstly by becoming a forklift operator, then upgrading his license to become a hauler driver.

He continued by upgrading himself to a forklift trainer and started a YouTube channel giving instructional videos on driving and operating, and with the extra cash he eventually bought his own trucking company moving freight for Amazon and other companies within the US and Canada.

It was on one of these many trips from Canada to the US where he fell asleep at the wheel, however that became the turning point in his life.

“Fortunately I was okay [but] that basically woke me up.

It took me falling asleep, risking my life to make money. At that moment I realised that money is not as important as my life and my health,” he said.

NEW DIRECTION After getting a second chance at life, as he puts it, Harlall evaluated his life and recognised that in a bid to earn and live a celebrity-like lifestyle he was doing more harm than good to himself and decided to consult Dr. George Grant a Health and Wellness coach who is also a professor with the World Organisation of Natural Medicine, to help him on the road to healthy living.

The two formed a great relationship and recognising the fire and passion in him, Dr. Grant introduced him to his colleagues and after learning he had over a million views across 224 countries, they sought his help in reaching the younger population through his channel.

Raymond decided to go hands in and invested over $USD 50,000 in self-development instead of going to a traditional school (College). He went to seminars, training, workshops, read books, did online courses, received coaching and got several mentors for different aspects of life and business such as health and wellness, finance, writing, public speaking, real estate investment etc. and started the Local Experts Group.

FOLLOWING HIS DREAM He then decided to pursue his boyhood dream of writing and did two successful books with renowned authors but he wanted more and he pitched his idea of doing a collaborative effort with Dr. Grant and his colleagues taking from his own successful journey.

The rest, as they say, is now history as what initially started as a collaborative effort with three to five authors is now a mega collaboration with 21 of the sharpest minds on the planet- all experts in their own fields including the Foreword written by one of the world’s number one motivational speakers, Leslie Calvin “Les” Brown.

Despite not yet officially released, the book and its launch titled ‘The Power of Collaboration’ slated for October 27, is an already eagerly anticipated event. On the day of the launch, the e-books will be available on Amazon at a special price.

Given that people can now purchase one book instead of 21 to get the best of the authors. Ray is already looking at how he can produce 17 more books covering various sectors in as short a time as possible so he can focus on his goal of returning home and helping to provide guidance to those in need. “ I want young people who have a passion; who really I see are trying and searching for answers. I don’t want them to spend their whole life searching, I want to help them to be the best at what they do,” he said.

A very strong advocate for local leaders and local development, Harlall is encouraging companies and governments to seek local expertise first before looking outside of the community or country, which is why he returned home in Guyana in 2015 for 25 hours just to exercise his franchise in the national elections.

Though already successful, he feels he has a long way to go in his bid for self-development but is happy that he has his wife, former Miss Guyana India Divya Sieudarsan, by his side to help him along the way.

His advice to those with dreams is, “Take the first step, even if you stumble and fall you would have already started making it a reality, but don’t be like most people who instead of trying, wait and make excuse that ‘I have to go to school first.’ Unless you get up and get it done, it won’t happen. You have options beyond the traditional routes. You can see yourself whole and learn how to balance all the parts in equal harmony.”

Chronicle Pepperpot September 30, 2018

XVII

Phasing out the private lesson system

THE subject of education is of perennial concern to parents and consumers as a whole. It is acutely so at the beginning of the school year and continues throughout the first term of school. There are a variety of problems which confront parents: trying to find a suitable school for their children since all schools are not regarded as equally good; the cost of equipping children for school including clothes and books; pocket money; transport to and from school; and private lessons.

In this offering, the focus will be on private lessons.

Until the last generation, private lessons were unknown in the school system at both the primary and secondary levels.

Today, it is the norm and parents feel that their children would never perform well at school except they have private lessons.

Private lessons are a great financial burden on parents, especially at the secondary level. The fees many private tutors require are often well beyond what the majority of parents could comfortably afford. Indeed, some tutors state their fees in US dollars! Parents may even have to borrow money to meet such extra fees. This private lesson system also has sinister social consequences since it favours the richer and better-off children while the children from poorer homes are left behind. Generally, poorer children are no less able than their wealthier classmates, thus this system emphasises class differences and causes intellectual waste.

The contrast could be clear if we compare secondary schools of the past with the present. At Central High School or Queens College, for example, until the private lesson system made its appearance, the students did as well as they do today. In the case of Queens College, the boys, and it was then a boys’ school, would be involved in sports, the cadet corps, physical exercise and in various clubs. Yet their academic results were always good and the vast majority of boys coming out of Queens in those days made their mark in whatever profession or occupation they entered, both at home and abroad. And it must be remembered that Queens was open to any child whose parents would have decided to send him there. It was not a school which selected the best performers at the primary level as obtains today. The experience of old Queens College evidences that private lessons are not necessary for a student to do well.

Private lessons are not only a financial burden on parents, but it also has negative effects on children. Those children who cannot afford private lessons feel a sense of humiliation and indeed inferiority. In the private lesson system, the child immediately has to go to the tutor as soon as school dismisses and spends the next two or three hours with the tutor.

Sometimes classes are held at 6 o’clock in the morning to eight just in time for the child to attend regular school. This system takes away their childhood from children. They are precluded from being involved in sports and other childhood activity and denied the opportunity of cultivating a broader circle of friends. Childhood, to many who graduate from the private lesson system, is not a happy memory and there are little memories that they could treasure. The denial of childhood could have serious effects on personality.

The majority of serious educationists, parents and children are aware that the private lesson syndrome is a serious blemish on Guyana’s Education System, but no one has been able to escape its net. The only way the Education System could free itself from this blemish is by concerted action by all stakeholders.

In the first place, the Ministry of Education should let it be known that it will not tolerate private lessons as now constituted. In this process, the school curricula will have to include compulsory after-school recreational activity such

as cadet corps or field games. It would also mean a closer assessment of teachers in the classroom will have to be undertaken. It is well known that many teachers do not teach during school hours but give private lessons in the same subjects they should have taught in class. Many teachers spend their time on iPads or computers, knowing that the majority of students would have private tuition and may have good grades at CSEC as a result; such results would be credited to these teachers. There may be some teachers who may not know the art of teaching and help should be accorded to them.

Efforts should be made to explain to teachers the negative effects the private lesson system have on students. Parents and students should also have to be formally brought on board. The Ministry of Education will have to take the initiative and responsibility for this effort, using well-known methodologies.

The school administrations must also be involved and one of the first considerations is that they should cease entering

large numbers of subjects for certain students. A few students passing 15 or 20 subjects has done much more to give prestige to the school or advertise it but is of little benefit to the student. The core subjects should be Maths, English, Computers, Foreign language, the Science subjects and a few other subjects in which the student may have a strong interest such as Principles of Business or Art. Schools should also be required to publish their full results and not only those of the high flyers.

Parents must involve themselves in helping their children, especially at the primary level and children must be encouraged to study and to read as widely as possible. They should use the public library system for advice from the librarians on what to read and also borrow books.

The system of private lessons could be brought under control and eventually phased out if all stakeholders are engaged. The Ministry of Education will have to take the initiative. It would be a great educational advancement if the system of private lessons were phased out.

FILES E S A C T COUR

XVIII

Chronicle Pepperpot September 30, 2018

Granted amendment to charge after closure of prosecution’s case

Led to conviction of defendants CHIEF Justice J.A. Luckhoo in a Full Court ruling in 1961 dismissed an appeal

by Appellant Singh against a larceny conviction on the ground that the magistrate was entitled to grant an amendment to the charge although the prosecution had closed its case.

Singh had complained that by the magistrate’s action he and a co-defendant who had denied the opportunity to plead to the amended charge, were found guilty.

But on appeal, he was told by the Full Court of two judges that the magistrate was entitled to grant the amendment sought and to proceed with the hearing without a pleading being taken to the amended charge.

The appeal was dismissed and the decision of the magistrate was affirmed.

The facts of the case disclosed that the appellant Singh and one Dennis Goberdhan, were charged jointly before a magistrate with the larceny of 11 shirts in 1960.

The ownership of the shirts was laid in the charge as that of “Kirpalani Bros”.

The evidence disclosed that the shirts were owned by Murley and Shamdas Kirpalini and that they traded under the name of “Kirpalani Bros.”

At the close of the case for the prosecution, the appellant and Goberdhan also closed their case without leading evidence and their counsel, Mr. B. O. Adams, S.C., submitted that it had not been proved that “Kirpalani Bros,” was a registered company or a corporate body. The magistrate granted an amendment of the charge by substituting the words ”property of Murley Kirpalani and Shamdas Kirpalani” for the words “property of Kirpalani Bros.” and offered the appellant and Goberdhan an opportunity of leading

a defence to the charge as amended and of recalling for cross-examination the witnesses who had testified. Both offers were declined.

On appeal, it was contended that the magistrate erred in granting the amendment and in not calling upon the appellant to plead to the amended charge.

The Full Court constituted by Chief Justice J. A. Luckhoo and Justice Jailal, held: (i) Where the ownership is incorrectly described in the particulars of a charge the court should amend the charge and not dismiss it.

The case of Ralph v Hurrell was applied. (ii) The magistrate was entitled to grant the amendment sought and to proceed with the hearing without a pleading being taken to the amended charge.

At the hearing of the appeal Mr. B. O. Adams, Q. C. appeared for the appellant, while Mr. E. A. Ramao, the then Acting Senior Crown Counsel, appeared for the Respondent.

Chief Justice Luckhoo who delivered the judgment of the Court noted that the appellant Singh was with one Dennis Goberdhan charged jointly with the larceny of eleven shirts, contrary to section 66 (b) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Ordinance, Chapter 14 (B.G.). The ownership of the shirts was laid in the charge as that of “Kirpalani Bros”.

At the close of the case for the prosecution, the two defendants also closed their case without leading evidence. Thereupon, counsel for the defendants submitted that it has not been proved that “Kirpalani Bros” is a registered company or a corporate body.

Apparently, the prosecuting officer applied for an amendment of the charge by the substitution of the words “Property of

◄◄◄ From page XIV

The strategy covers a broad spectrum of waste including residential, commercial, industrial, scrap metal, those produced by healthcare facilities, discarded oils and electrical and electronic refuse. The Ministry of Communities has noted that by 2024, 40 per cent of all generated waste will be recycled, composted or otherwise put to use. The plan will also guide the government’s agenda on collection, transportation and disposal improving the waste management infrastructure, enforcing existing legislation and promoting the waste to energy initiative. In addition, the Solid Waste Management Bill proposed the establishment of a Solid Waste Management Authority (SWMA) which would be expected to function as a corporate body under the Ministry of Communities. This authority would provide oversight functions as well as coordinate all policy, operational and licensing aspects of solid waste management in the country.

Beyond the Ministry of Communities, several agencies within Guyana have a solid waste management agenda such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs), the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and the City/Town Councils.

Kirpalani Bros” for the words “Property of Murley Kirpalani and Shamdas Kirpalani”.

The amendment sought was granted by the magistrate and the magistrate thereupon offered the defendants an opportunity of leading a defence to the charge as amended.

They were also offered an opportunity of recalling for cross-examination the witnesses who had testified. The defendants declined both offers.

The defendants were both convicted on the charge as amended. Both defendants appealed against the decision of the magistrate but the defendant Goberdhan subsequently filed a notice of withdrawal of his appeal.

On behalf of the appellant it was submitted that the magistrate erred in point of law when he amended the charge in that the property had not been laid in a legal persona and was therefore originally bad and that it was not competent for him to amend the charge.

It was also contended that the magistrate erred when he did not call upon the appellant to plead to the amended charge.

Section 7 (4) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Ordinance, Chapter 15 [B.G], provides that the description of any offence to the words of the statute creating the offence, or in similar words, with a specification as far as practicable of the time and place when and where the offence was committed , shall be sufficient in law.

Section 64 of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences), Ordinance, Chapter 15 [B.G.] provides as follows: “64 Statement of ownership of property – (1) Where in any document in any proceeding under this Ordinance, it is necessary to state the ownership of any property whatsoever, whether movable or immovable, which be-

The Ministry of Public Works, the National Bureau of Standards and the Institute of Applied Science and Technology are also involved in waste management.

In Guyana, there has been a push towards moving society away from littering and unlawful disposal of household garbage. Citizens have been engaged in litter campaigns such as the Guyana Shines initiative launched by the US Embassy, the Ministry of Natural Resources “Pick it Up” and President David Granger’s nationwide community clean-up efforts. The country has banned the use of styrofoam and currently, there is a feasibility study being conducted to implement a ban on single-use plastic products by 2020. Furthermore, there is a push for the implementation of a container-recycling project and the introduction of a robust garden/community composting system.

As Guyana takes on this year’s World Habitat Day challenge to become more “Waste-Wise,” there must be collaboration and transparency between all organisations with a municipal solid waste management agenda throughout the country. This is the only way the country can begin to create efficient ways to manage waste through recycling and reuse facilities as well as build up institutional knowledge on

By George Barclay longs to or is in the possession of more than one person, it shall be sufficient to name one of those per sons, and to state the property to belong to the person so named and another or others as the case may be.

(2) Where, in the document, it is necessary to mention for any purpose whatsoever any partners or other joint owners or possessors, it shall be sufficient to describe them in manner aforesaid.

(3) The provisions of this section shall be construed to extend all joint stock companies and associations, societies and trustees.

In conclusion Chief Justice Luckhoo who presided at the Full Court had said, “Having regard to the provisions set out above we were of the opinion that the magistrate was entitled to grant the amendment sought and to proceed with the hearing without a plea being taken to the amended charge .

“He offered the appellant an opportunity of recalling for cross-examination the witnesses who had already testified and offered the appellant an opportunity of leading a defence to the charge as amended. No question of an adjournment arose as the appellant rejected the offers made by the magistrate.

In any event it could hardly be said that the appellant had been deceived or misled by reasons of the defect in the particulars of the charge. The appellant never sought to suggest that the shirts were owned by anyone else. Where the ownership is incorrectly described in the particulars of a charge the court should amend the charge and not dismiss it.

We found the appeal without merit and have dismissed same.

managing waste. Since the main way to dispose of garbage in Guyana is through legal dumping in landfills, there must be stronger policies to ensure that this is done in the safest way possible. Poorly managed landfills pose many health risks and contribute to air and water pollution. Solid Waste Management is a growing global issue; the amount of waste produced increases daily, and therefore, education and outreach to all citizens on the effects of improper waste management is critical. Guyana can begin to use the framework set out by UN-Habitat which promotes an “Integrated Solid Waste Management Framework” including good waste collection services, environment protection through proper treatment, and disposal and resource management. All of these are cost-effective, affordable and inclusive solutions which recognise the role of informal and micro-enterprise sectors in achieving high rates of recycling.

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.

Chronicle Pepperpot September 30, 2018

XIX

#SupportCreativity

By Subraj Singh

Shel Silverstein’s ‘Dirty Face’ I HAVE started to post poems on the doorway leading into my classroom. There is a new poem posted each week, so that on Monday mornings when students are entering my class, they are forced to read a poem, forced to confront and appreciate literature even before entering the classroom. Of course, I take into consideration that young people are usually busy with a thousand different things to get done, and their attention to literature is something that can be fleeting. So, for these reasons, the poems are always short, packed with beauty, and usually speak of something that the students may find interesting. One week, I even included work from an InstaPoet named Atticus.

There is a range of poems that speak to the teenage experience and I try my best to represent these experiences in my choice of poetry. At the beginning of the semester I tacked up a poem on birth and beginnings, and after a week filled with assignments, I posted a poem about persevering and succeeding. Week after week, that is how it goes, me trying to make students read poetry by gauging how they feel and trying to establish what they would react to, as a group, each week.

However, recently, for the first time, I posted a poem because of my own feelings.

It is hard to be surrounded by teenagers every single day and not think of your own experiences as a teenager. The poem I found, “Dirty Face,” by American poet, Shel Silverstein, highlighted that very sensation of nostalgia for the days of wild and free abandonment, long before the arrival of “adulting,” which swiped away the teenage years and replaced it with worry and bills and disillusionment. I write about this poem here because I know so many other adults, like myself, who have forgotten the freedom and wonder of being young, which is the central theme of “Dirty Face.”

“Where did you get such a dirty face, / My darling dirty-faced child?” These are the opening lines of the poem, which offers us the interrogatory adult voice questioning the child. Strange and delightful how these two lines offer us a mental picture immediately of the adult, a long shadow, bending over to speak to the child. The child then responds.

“I got it [the dirty face] from crawling

portant information regarding the child/ adult dissonance that makes up the individual’s life. The poet, when he writes of the child’s face becoming dirty from, “… signing my name in cement with my chin,” or “chewing the roots of a rose,” there is definitely an element of exaggeration here that may face some oppression or lack of comprehension from the mind of the adult who might be reading the poem. However, I believe that is exactly what the poet wants.

It is a calculated decision the poet is making in order to force the reader to confront all that has been lost in childhood, in a similar way, I suppose, that I try to force my students to read literature by tacking a poem on to my door each week. The poet seems to be suggesting that even the adult’s inability to accept some of the more “out-

Shel Silverstein, image source: Wikipedia

in the dirt / And biting two buttons off Jeremy’s shirt,” says the child. “I got it from chewing the roots of a rose / And digging for clams in the yard with my nose.”

Observe the natural environment in which the child-speaker positions him/herself.

The child’s world is nature, with its risks and rewards. Yes, to our adult minds the exaggeration used here to impart children playing in nature is worrying – but to our quickly-vanishing child-minds, that we no longer use, isn’t playing in the mud something that once brought us great joy?

Who never lay face down in the grass as a child? Who never sucked nectar from the red flowers that grew on the thorny plants?

Who never wallowed in the sand on the seashore? As children, we were all one with the nature. As adults, we have drifted farther and farther away from it.

“I got it [the dirty face] from peeking into a dark cave / And painting myself like a Navajo brave.” These lines obviously speak to the ability of children to create characters and to roleplay, something that most adults fail to tap into once they have passed a certain age. It is the poet’s way of continuing to unearth the nostalgia of childhood in his adult readers, forcing us all to confront the fact that along with childhood, we have lost so many other things, including the ability to imagine, to create, to believe – in ourselves and beyond – and to be unable to shield ourselves with the kind of lack of self-awareness that children seem naturally gifted with.

Even the lines of the poem which seem highly exaggerated or unreal contain im-

there” lines in his poem is a signifier of the impact the loss of childhood has on the adult – in the way he/she is unable to immediately understand or appreciate the absurd or the outlandish, which, with children, are often wholeheartedly and immediately accepted without question.

“Dirty Face” is a wonderful poem that every adult should read so that he/she can experience the brief, but wondrous, nostalgia that is the memory of a childhood, half-forgotten, as seen when the child-speaker concludes his/her speech by saying to the adult that he/she got the dirty face from all the wild things that have been listed in the poem thus far, as well as, “…ice cream and wrestling and tears / And from having more fun than you’ve had in years.”

folklore

XX

Millicent

MILLICENT leaned over the fence and chatted animatedly with Beryl, her next-door neighbour. Millie, as she was fondly called, was a buxom woman. Some 300 pounds in solid matter, she rose to about five feet, one inch in height.

Her short stature seemed to give added significance to her size. Her friends quietly whispered to each other that Millie had a lot to look forward to- a direct reference to her enormous breasts-and a lot to fall back upon- a humorous indication of the massive backside with which she was endowed.

Millie was a 51-year-old divorcee with six children in tow. The two eldest were the product of her first encounter before marriage. The third was as a result of her marriage, which lasted a mere two and a half years. The last three were from three separate relationships of convenience.

Chronicle Pepperpot September 30, 2018

By Neil Primus

Times were tough in Guyana so Millie had a hard time taking care of her brood. The eldest was 11 and the youngest one. Because of constant quarrels and fights; due to her warlike nature, the father of her last child had left in frustration and shame.

He had been soundly beaten and verbally abused about things he didn’t even know about himself. He would not be back. The free movement of men in her life was the only constant she was accustomed to. Her gentlemen always fled the scene leaving living evidence of their brief sojourns.

Rumour management was Millie’s favourite past time and she was no ordinary gossip at that. She knew everything about everybody; even more than they knew about themselves. She was humorously dubbed ‘CNN LIVE!’ and she lived up to

her reputation.

She had different categories of gossip. Her First-Class gossip were the stories she spoke about for the first time.

Second-Class were those she repeated and Third Class were the juicy ones she just had to mention a third time.

Now, Millie loved to talk. From the time she opened her eyes to bedtime, it was, chatter, chatter, chatter.

“You hear Doris throw away she child?”

“So I hear but I don’t believe it,” replied Beryl.

“Well girl, a friend of mine working at de clinic, and she tell me dat Doris went to see de Gynecologist and spent three hours in the examination room.” Millie’s tone was emphatic.

“Is gone dat baby gone!”

Beryl sighed and said, “It sound so but you never know what really wrong wid she. De last time you tell me Carlton had AIDS it turn out dat de man had cancer.”

“Dat was not me fault. After all, de man stay so and start fo dry up fast, fast and look like a walking dead. What he expect people to think? He should have told me something and save us a lot of headache.”

Millicent was trying to defend her actions in spreading the malicious rumour that eventually got back to the ears of Carlton. He had come to see her and explained what damage and pain she had caused him with her insensitive behaviour. She had quickly apologised but no sooner had he and his wife left that she had resorted to her old ways: gossip, gossip, gossip.

“Well, why she husband quarrel wid she last night? I hear him telling her that she should have asked him about going.”

Actually, Millie had heard bits and pieces and was on her way to the back fence intent on taking up a strategic position to hear all the ‘low-down’ when her smallest child began to cry.

This put a spoke in her wheel and she was unable to get the full content of the encounter. She was convinced, however, that the fight was about Doris’ abortion. It wasn’t too hard to figure out.

“I hope she know what she doing. Throwing away a child is a big sin.” Millie was sitting in judgment.

Millie would be in a better position to know all about that.

Due to circumstances beyond her control, she had been forced to abort three children. One was for her first-cousin when she was only 17, so that one had to go. The second was for a married man twice her age and the third was for Beryl’s husband. All the abortions had been done outside of the region and while “on vacation”. This ensured that it was kept secret.

Beryl continued to hang her newly washed clothes on the line while Millie prattled on.

“My friend at de clinic says dat Doris is not de only one around here dat trying to get out of de family way.”

Now Beryl showed keen interest for the first time. “Who else girl?”

Millie’s head swelled with pride over being a privileged source of information.

“Child, Vanessa’s daughter throw away she belly two weeks ago.”

“But she only in third form,” was Beryl’s shocked response.

“I know girl. I hear is she father give she dat. You don’t see dat man always gat he daughter with he?” Millie queried.

“You sure?” asked Beryl in a suspicious tone.

Turn to page XXXI ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot September 30, 2018

XXI

Indigenous Heritage Month in retrospect JUST as September passed by, so too, did the activities that were held in commemoration of Indigenous Heritage Month.

There were lots of sharing of the indigenous culture and lots, lots more of the tuma pot and fly.

In 1995, President Cheddi Jagan declared September as the month to honour the contributions of the nation’s First Peoples. This year’s observance was held under the theme, “Proud of our Indigenous identity – celebrating in unity.” At the launch of the activities for the month, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock stressed how important it was for the Indigenous people to connect to their roots while contending with the adaptation needed to benefit in a rapidly changing Guyanese landscape.

Two very important things jumped out at me during the celebrations for Heritage Month, both of which seem to be hindrances to the development of the indigenous people.

The first is that though the standard, ‘across the board’ education system is aimed at fostering equality throughout the country, many indigenous communities contend with a system that is impractical to their culture and livelihood. And the second is that the growth of small and micro enterprises has also spread to indigenous communities but

there remains a gap in streamlining and legitimising these businesses.

Now, navigating both of these topics has been tricky for me.

The month of September usually brings two fields into great focus: Education and Indigenous Heritage. Unfortunately, the activities scheduled for Education Month were largely overshadowed by the teachers’ protest and negotiations between the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU). But it would be nearly impossible to talk about the development of the indigenous people without factoring in education.

Now in all the indigenous communities I’ve visited for this period, I have always been told by the people that the education system is majorly impractical. For some, having to navigate between their native language and English is tricky; and for others, the subjects they pursue bear no connection to what jobs they will go on to assume in their communities.

There are the select few who are able to harness education and elevate themselves but they are far too little for my liking. But how do I make the call to say that having a specialised curriculum tailored specifically to the culture and needs of indigenous peo-

ple is better than having a standard curriculum for all Guyanese? And who will answer my call?

On the other side of this year’s learning experience was the disconnect between small businesses and streamlining these.

For businesses in the outlying areas, business registration can be done at any of the three Deeds Registry offices of the Small Business Bureau, or the seven or 13 National Insurance Scheme (NIS) or Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) offices, respectively. Applying for loans or grants might be a tad bit harder than registering, though.

From a few trips to indigenous communities or even right at the Indigenous Exhibition, held at the National Exhibition complex, it was clear that the indigenous people were embracing this vision of small businesses. Community women groups and community groups were formed and the people joined hands to create a product that could be put up for sale.

While this is all good and well, the issue on hand is that streamlining these businesses is difficult if you are out of Georgetown and acquiring loans or grants majorly hinges on also being in Georgetown.

I will concede, however, that steps are being taken to establish centres in each

region to at least provide information to the indigenous people on registering their businesses and on applying for loans and grants.

A financial assistant of the Small Business Bureau related that the bureau is looking to establish information centres in at least in every region, with the hope of making the process of legitimising small businesses much easier.

So for me, as the country strives toward development even further in the coming months and years, I believe due diligence needs to be given to the indigenous population. It is to this nation’s benefit to learn how these groups of people, who primarily occupy the hinterland regions, have been able to co-exist with nature. Simultaneously, it is important that the first people are not left behind as Guyana develops.

This is my takeaway from this year’s heritage month celebrations and I can only hope that in the coming years, these issues are addressed and resolved so that the celebrations will be even more resounding. As for me, it will probably take me a few more years of learning before I decide to eat the tocuma worms or actually try `the fly’ at heritage celebrations, but till then- it’s the Pepperpot and Cassava bread for the win!

A passion for religion, leadership and community service

Ameera Hassan

SPREADING the word of God, taking a stand as a leader and being a philanthropist are some of the things 19-year-old, Ameera Hassan has started to do but, she does not intend on stopping there.

Hassan, who was baptised as a baby, has stuck to her religion and even started to teach it during her high school years.

In her early teenage years, Hassan migrated from Guyana to the United States of America where she fully realised her passion for religion and her potential. Although she is miles away, Hassan remains patriotic to Guyana.

“I taught Religious Education for all four years of high school at my parish. I was also

an altar server and lectured at my church. I am very passionate about my religion because it allows me to see things from different perspectives,” she said.

Through the religious teachings, she has also learnt the importance of community service and how to love others just as she loves herself.

Many persons describe her as a people’s person because her interactions are often productive and interactive. Her charisma has even inspired her to be a leader.

Given her strong leadership skills she became the Student Body President in High School. Hassan eventually graduated high school and was the recipient of two scholarships.

She has utilised her opportunities and moved on to being a college student. Her vested interest in leadership continues, as she partakes in leadership classes and is even actively part of her college’s emerging leaders’ programme.

“According to a leadership assessment I took for my class, my top five leadership skills were competition, significance, deliberative, communication and activator respectively,” she said, adding that she intends on utilising those traits to be a professional businesswoman.

In five years, Hassan would be graduating college with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Management.

“It’s my vision to have my own business, as such I will be focusing on doing what’s necessary to achieve my vision…additionally, in five years and beyond I also intend to share my successes with the less fortunate,” Hassan said, adding that her homeland will also benefit.

Her father named her Ameera because Muslims believe that people live the meanings of their name.

“Ameera” is an Arabic name which mean princess, leader and rich woman. And she believes that she is definitely living the meaning her name.

A lot young people wish to lead a similar life, so her advice to them was to envision a goal and write out that goal.

“That should be your main goal. Then write a step by step list of things you will need to accomplish in order to achieve that main goal. Be prepared for obstacles and setbacks. After all, when I moved to NYC I had to repeat Eighth Grade (Second Form).

Although a setback, I am proud of myself and my accomplishments thus far,” she said.

Hassan also believes that young people must involve a trusted adult in their journey, someone who could motivate you to keep going. Friends can do this as well, but at times they become envious.

XXII

Chronicle Pepperpot September 30, 2018

Developing Guyana through infrastructural advancements – The Cheddi Jagan International Airport Project AS Guyana continues on the trajectory of growth and development, the Government has recognised that investment in public infrastructure programmes, aimed at putting the country on par with that of other nations in the Caribbean and South America, will spur the transformation of the country’s socio-economic and physical landscape.

One such infrastructural development project is the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Expansion Project, a US$150 million initiative, which President David Granger has described as the ‘gateway to a modern Guyana.’

In this week’s edition of Government in Action, we will take a look at how the project has evolved from one shrouded in secrecy and controversy, to one that will now ensure that Guyanese and visitors alike, enjoy the facilities of an international airport with modern amenities, designed to accommodate the rising number of visitor arrivals.

A PROJECT ONCE SHROUDED IN SECRECY In 2011, news broke through the Jamaica Observer newspaper that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration had signed a secret deal with China Harbour Engineering Company for the expansion of the CJIA. In 2014, the PPP administration took the project to the National Assembly. Despite questions raised by the then Opposition about how the proposed US$150 million for the project would be spent, no answers were forthcoming. The Opposition, then the Alliance for Change (AFC) and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), jointly took a decision to vote against the project, during the 2014 Budget debates. Despite this, the PPP went ahead with the project, but in 2015, after the General and Regional elections, the Coalition Government mandated Minister of Public Infrastructure, Mr. David Patterson to review the expansion project under a different model than the one presented by the previous government.

The new model caters for the expansion and extension of the runway to satisfy international requirements for large aircraft landing and operating out of the CJIA and a modified airport terminal, which would allow them to complete the project with the available funds. Two years later and the project is on stream for a December 2018, completion.

GATEWAY TO A ‘MODERN GUYANA’ While the anticipated deadline for the total completion of the airport is December 31, 2018, on September 22, 2018, history was created as the Arrivals and Departures Terminal was formally opened. This opening also saw the operationalising of the two boarding bridges. The terminal building, which was renovated in the 1960s and 1990s, has been transformed into a state-of-the-art facility.

Chief Executive Officer of CJIA, Mr. Ramesh Ghir, in an interview with the Public Information and Press Services Unit of the Ministry of the Presidency, said that since the opening of these facilities, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

“We opened the new Arrivals Terminal and as a result, all arriving passengers will be using this facility. The feedback from both passengers and the airport stakeholders has been positive so far, and we will continue to work to improve passenger experience. All departing passengers will also utilise the Boarding Corridor and Passenger Boarding Bridges. For

Mr. Hemraj Kissoon

now, these passengers will be restricted to only half of the Check-In and Departures Terminal. Completion of the rest of the terminal is slated for the end of the year,” he said.

Mr. Ghir said that the new terminal is approximately 70 per cent or at least two and half times larger than the old terminal and therefore allows for passengers to traverse in a spacious and comfortable environment.

At the opening of the new Arrivals Terminal, the incoming passengers, particularly Guyanese, who were treated to locally produced snacks and juices, were beaming with pride

Mr. Hemraj Kissoon, a businessman, had just returned to Guyana from Shanghai and South Korea, and as he entered the new terminal he could not help but remark that the new facilities reminded him of “one of the developed countries.”

He said that the facility is “beautiful” and it is evident that “Guyana is going somewhere.”

Dr. Yanick Vibert, who is in Guyana as part of the Bridges Global Missions programme, disclosed that this is her third time here. She said that the new infrastructural developments “show that Guyana isn’t limited by the label of developing country.”

At the close of the project this year-end, the runway will be extended from 7,500 to 10,800 feet, which will accommodate almost every large aircraft. Already, Project Manager at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Mr. Carmichael Thorne said that the runway in the North East direction is almost completed.

“As you know, the runway is being extended in two directions. The northeast direction is completed with regards to the pavement works. There are some minor works like the lighting and so on that are now being installed but to commission this area, beyond construction, we are required to process documents with the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and we have already commenced that process. As soon as the stipulated waiting period has elapsed, we will open that area and we are looking at a November opening for that area,” he said.

The benefit of an extended runway and new terminal

Passengers awaiting their luggage at the newly commissioned baggage carousel at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport

and joy as their eyes flickered from left to right, taking in the transformation. Doreen Jonas, an overseas-based Guyanese returning home for vacation was visibly lost for words as she expressed her excitement with the new facility. Jonas said that she is “impressed” as she noted that Guyana has really “stepped up.”

building is two-fold. With an extended runway, the country’s aviation operators will be able to entice and attract larger transatlantic aircraft, which means that the passenger flow will be significantly increased. The key components of the Airport Expansion Project are four passenger boarding bridges, a CCTV system with approximately 300 cameras, the new terminal building area, 32 check-in counters and a

Chronicle Pepperpot September 30, 2018 450-seat departure area, as well as elevators and escalators. Passengers can also expect additional shopping and duty-free concessions along with a wide variety of restaurants and fast food outlets.

Passengers arriving in the new arrivals Further to this, Mr. Thorne said that on October 1, terminal, which was formally opened 2018, several other facilities, including the apron for on September 22, 2018 parking will be opened.

“On Monday, we will be opening the new remote apron parking for larger aircraft and we will also be opening a second area of the departure lounge, which will allow arriving passengers with connections to connect directly to the departure lounges. So these areas are slated for immediate opening. We have also procured two additional air bridges which will arrive in October and set up by November,” he said.

At the end of the project, a roundabout will also be constructed outside the airport to reduce traffic congestion and to allow for a faster exit from the airport zone.

The transformative project has been described by President Granger as the new ‘gateway to a modern Guyana.’

During a tour of the airport in January, the Head of State said that with the emerging oil and gas sector and development of the ‘Green’ State Development Strategy (GSDS), it is important for there to be greater efficiency in the service provided at Guyana’s main entry point, since he expects that there will be an influx of tourists and investors. He, therefore, charged the management and staff of the CJIA to commit to ensuring that the operations of the newly modernised airport are defined by efficiency, high standards and quality service.

“This is the entry point for the modern state. It is very important to our development. Infrastructure would attract tourists, and now that we are embarking on a new industry people would want to come in their numbers and they should be coming to Guyana at a modern airport. In time to come, we should be able to put a time on visitors, meaning that

A section of the newly commissioned terminal building

no visitor should be able to spend more than 10 minutes in the airport. We need an efficient service so that as soon as someone lands, they can be on their way, of course, after satisfying all security requirements. We need to plan for the future,” he said.

“It will be very functional and it is very important to the future development of our country. It is the gateway to the ‘green’ state and I hope these can be reflected in the murals so that it can showcase the character of the country. It is also a gateway not just to the Caribbean but South America as well, so it is an important cultural statement as well. From a functional point of view, a major problem in Guyana is the absence of adequate infrastructure and, many people do not come to Guyana because it is very bothersome because there are a few direct flights and so this is very functional,” the President said.

The airport’s CEO echoed the sentiments shared by the Head of State, noting that the airport, when unveiled, will become the gateway to the ‘green’ economy and a major contributor to Guyana’s development.

“This is our main international airport and we process about 600,000 passengers a year. Lots of visitors, persons from the Diaspora returning to Guyana and business trav-

el use this port of entry. In addition, the airport itself contributes significantly; aviation contributes just about three per cent of the GDP [gross domestic product] for Guyana. In our estimate, with the expansion work, for example, we’re probably going to have another 200 persons employed within the airport environment. So apart from its contribution to the economy, with the expansion of the airport, it will also allow us to attract, what we call, large Trans-Atlantic flights. The next most important thing, I think, is that we’re going to benefit from the oil and gas [sector] and we’re going to have so many suppliers and business traffic coming. I think the expansion of the airport is opportune,” he said.

Mr. Ghir further noted that over the past few months, the management has received several expressions of interest from investors to do business at the airport. Some of these proposals require large capital outlay. This, he noted, is a clear demonstration of the confidence of investors in Guyana’s economy and confirmation that Guyana is now the place of choice to do business.

“I fully endorse the vision of our President and truly believe that this airport will not only become the gateway to a ‘modern Guyana’, but is also set and poised to become the gateway to the Caribbean and South America. Earlier today, I met with a potential carrier that presented a strong case for airlift between a South American country and North America, using Guyana as the hub for connection. We have been experiencing an average of nine per cent increase in passenger movements for the last three years and, we have no doubt that this will increase even further given the developments taking place in our country,” he said.

AIRPORT EFFICIENCY With a modern airport, however, come the challenges

XXIII of security, health and adequate customer staffing and customer satisfaction. Mr. Ghir said that management has taken these into consideration and has already begun putting systems in place.

With regard to staffing, the CEO said that the expansion and completion of the airport will create additional job opportunities for Guyanese. The Airport Corporation is expected to hire an additional 120 employees between 2018 and 2019.

“We anticipate that the other stakeholders at the airport will recruit a combined total of 200 persons to their staff complement by the end of 2019,” he said.

In relation to security measures, Mr. Ghir said that in addition to a tight security arrangement at the airport and the presence of a body scanner, the airport’s management has commenced the procure-

Aruba Airlines utilising one of the boarding bridges at the airport during a recent flight

ment process for a Cargo Scanner, which is capable of processing pallet-type cargo. This will enhance detection capability and assist with the timely processing of cargo through the airport. Additionally, the Hold Baggage Scanner and Hand Baggage Scanners will also be upgraded.

These will improve the processing time for passengers and will enhance and aid the tasks performed by Screeners and Law Enforcement officials.

In January, the Airport facilitated a visit from representatives from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the United States, who were in Guyana to conduct a security audit at the airport. Guyana performed well in that audit but CJIA management, under the guidance of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, is looking to improve efficiency and security through training.

Further to this, the CJIA continues to partner with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and other partners to upgrade the skills and training of all frontline staff.

“As the ‘Gateway to Guyana’, we recognise that it is important that all employees appreciate that they are ambassadors of our beloved Guyana and, we take every opportunity to train and remind them of this important responsibility,” the CEO said.

There is a Port Health Authority located on site to deal with medical emergencies as well as the Guyana Defence Force’s Medical Corps nearby. With regard to emergencies, such as fires and accidents, the airport is outfitted with two reservoirs at the end of both sides of the runway, and a sprinkler water system in the terminal building. Safety drills are conducted on a frequent basis, with more than 300 stakeholders involved.

As Guyana prepares for the oil and gas industry while pursuing a ‘green’ economy, there is no doubt that the country will become one of the most sought-after investment destinations in the Caribbean and South America. The modern Cheddi Jagan International Airport will, therefore, become the gateway to the new Guyana, where rapid development and a good life for all Guyanese will beckon. Already, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Airport is optimistic that the airport will be able to offer a memorable experience to all visitors.

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The 1872 Devonshire Castle Uprising

Remembering the five slain martyrs Devonshire Castle Monument

The monument that was built in memory of the five slain sugar workers

By Indrawattie Natram ON September 29, the five Indian immigrants who were viciously killed during the Devonshire Castle Uprising in 1872 were remembered. In honour of their memory, a monument was built at Cabbage Dam Devonshire Castle in Region Two. The monument serves as a reminder of the struggles of the Historian Isahack Basir Indian foreparents.

The Pepperpot Magazine caught up with an old historian Isahack Basir, CCH who shared his knowledge on the Devonshire Castle Uprising. The 84-yearold historian related that the Uprising has become part of Essequibo’s history.

Unveiling the story, elder Basir said the indentured labourers were killed because they protested against harsh and inhumane conditions. Speaking on the history he said the labourers were recruited by the white planters due to the high demand for sugar and the lack of workforce/labourers.

Due to the acute labour shortage, plantation owners found it exhausting to find persons from other countries to work on the plantations.

On May 5, 1838, he said Indians were brought to Guyana to work on the plantations as Indentured labourers operating under the indentured system with specific obligations and contractual agreements. During the time on the plantation they were given poor wages, they had to work for incredibly long hours and were even flogged when tasks were not completed. Although the conditions were harsh, Basir said that the workers were not allowed the freedom to represent their interest in the courts.

Due to the intense hardship, the labourers began to strike and stood their ground, but instead gunshots were fired.

During the Uprising, seven male planters were injured and five were killed. Those that died were Kaulica, Beccaroo, Maxidally, Baldeo and Acukloo. These fallen heroes had lost confidence in the estate management and as such had retaliated.

Although they had lost their lives they had brought freedom to other indentured labourers who were facing challenges.

Every year around September 29 various organisations, including the Regional Administration and the Indian Arrival Committee (IAC), remember the fallen heroes with a wreath-laying ceremony.

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Flossing is important WHEN I question my patients about their daily oral health routine most of them do not include flossing their teeth. And all who do not do so, suffer from some degree of bad breath. We should know that flossing delivers several important health-maintenance benefits. Since microorganisms (germs),

both living and dead, build up between contacts where the teeth touch each other, flossing is important for reducing the possibility and incidence of cavities between the teeth (“interproximal decay” in dentistry terms).

Microorganisms at the contacts can process the foods we eat, such as carbohydrates

and starches, and in this processing can produce acids that dissolve enamel. So for those who are susceptible to these types of cavities, flossing is exceedingly important in helping to keep decay between the teeth under control.

Additionally, for those who have had their fillings, or other types of dental restorations on tooth structure, lost to decay between the teeth, it is imperative to effectively and frequently cleanse the surfaces between the teeth to reduce the incidence of new decay in these areas.

Because germs are so abundant under the gums and are so intermingled with sloughedoff epithelial cells from the gum tissue wall of the sulcus, it is important to do what we can to keep this toxic-mixture to a minimum which will consequently reduce the chances of early-stage gum infections (gingivitis) or the more advanced stages of infection and destruction associated with periodontal disease (gum disease). Properly done, flossing can be very effective at dislodging accumulated plaque and cellular debris from the sulcular spaces between the teeth, allowing this plaque to be ultimately removed from the mouth, usually by expectoration (spitting it out).

How do we floss properly? The first step is to choose a brand and type of floss that works for you, one you can, and will, use. There is a confusing array of flosses available waxed and unwaxed, dental tape (wider than floss and easier on the fingers for those with tight contacts), flavoured flosses, and even floss in a handheld device that allows flossing to be done with one hand. Although dentists and hygienists have been known to draw swords over the relative merits of waxed versus unwaxed floss, the best floss is ultimately the one that you will use every day. Start trying out various flosses until you find one you like. I personally prefer medium unwaxed tape. Whatever self-motivation it takes to include flossing as an everyday component of your oral-cleansing activities do it. I’m sure I’d approve of your choice.

Besides all the health benefits of flossing, one further motivator could be that flossing makes breath fresher. Fresh breath is difficult to achieve when loads of necrotic, stinking plaque is left under the gums and between the teeth for long periods of time. Since patients with bad breath seldom smell their own halitosis, they may not even be aware their breath is offensive. A simple test to see if you have a problem is simply to floss, then smell the floss.

The odour, if present, will become worse as the plaque dries. One thing is for certain, flossing and fresh breath go hand in hand. If you floss and the material smells all right, you are on the right track.

If you still need encouragement to floss daily, consider this: the words floss and heart both have five letters. While this observation may seem silly, flossing can keep the inflammation caused by gum disease at lower, safer levels. So, if you aren’t flossing for fresh

breath and healthier gum tissue, or working to keep your cavities and decay between your teeth under control, then floss for better heart health. Poor oral hygiene is associated with heart attacks.

How do you go about flossing safely, easily, and effectively? You’ve chosen your floss already, so the following is the same information I pass on to my patients. Hopefully, it will work for you. I instruct my patients to take a nine-inch section of floss and wind it around the middle fingers of each hand until the index fingers or the thumbs on each hand are close enough to touch. This allows the floss to be directed and controlled, by using both thumbs to direct the floss if flossing the upper teeth, or by using both thumb to direct the floss if flossing the upper teeth, or by using the index fingers when flossing the lower teeth (making sure to use only gentle motions throughout the flossing).

With one to two inches of floss in between, start by flossing the front of the last tooth on the upper right. By using a system, you won’t miss anything, and by starting in the same place every time you floss, you flossing will become a habit. Keep the floss taut with your fingers and with your thumbs, direct it between your upper teeth, then guide it through the contact and scrub the front of the last tooth, up and down, with just a slight amount of rocking motion, until you feel the surface of the tooth is clean. You have just flossed the front of the tooth and cleansed the part of the sulcus at that tooth. The next step is to lift the floss over the gum tissue between the two teeth and floss the back of the next tooth, the one directly in front of the first one you flossed. Remove the floss from between the teeth and insert it into the next contact forward. Floss the front of one tooth and the back of the next tooth and move on to the next contact. Please remember you are not just cleaning the front of one tooth, but you are cleaning the back of a next one, as well as cleaning a bit of the sulcular debris from both sides of the gum tissue in between the teeth (the interdental papillae).

Then, move on to the lower teeth, again systematically flossing to ensure that no surfaces will be missed. You can floss effectively between the lower teeth by keeping the floss taut and directing it between the teeth using your index fingers. If the floss tears or frays from the effects of really tight contacts, rough fillings, or sharp edges between the teeth, just release one wind of floss from one middle finger and take up the slack by winding it onto the other middle finger.

Assuming you have a full complement of teeth, you can do a very effective job in about a minute and a half, so the potential reward in improved health will be a good enough reason to include flossing as an important part of your daily health maintenance regimen.

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Scenes from the launch of the Spanish version of Women Across Borders LAST week I wrote about the launch of the Spanish version of Women Across Borders at the Venezuelan Cultural Institute and this week I need you to get a picture of the event.

Send us your emails to beyondtherunway1@gmail.com as we continue to celebrate life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel

... Inspiring lives through fashion

Venezuela Ambassador to Guyana Reina Margarita Arratia Diaz (centre) with myself and co-author and Spanish translator Ediclia Bastardo, at the event

Sharing a moment with my co-author and translator

MC Candacee Lowe

Captain Raymond Augusto and Eric Phillips The books in Spanish and English with the respective flags

The Venezuela Ambassador enjoying the Spanish music

by Mr & Mrs Valenzuela

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Swapping a teaching career to be a lifetime farmer

With a successful business of growing pineapples and other crops

By M Margaret Burke “MY grandmother always said that one finger don’t ketch lice in the head; it gat to be two…like when you are two people that join together. Therefore she told me that

you must work together in order to help to develop anything and I grew up with my grandparents, who were always taking care of livestock and planting kitchen garden,” Mary Williams told the Pepperpot Magazine.

Picked and ready to eat, some juicy pineapples from the farm

She said that she later left her grandparents’ home to live with her mother and there she was introduced to farming at a somewhat different

level. She said that her mother was engaged in pineapple and other crops farming such as Turn to page XXIX ►►►

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sweet cassava, eddoes, pumpkin, cucumber, watermelon, all vine crops and there was general intercropping.

Mary Williams said that after graduating from school she spent just one school term as a teacher and then went back to

farming. “It is not that I did not enjoy being a teacher, but maybe somehow I loved farming more,” she said. She stated that the sociocultural circumstances of her environment may have also played a part in redirecting her back into farming.

SEVENTH BIRTHDAY

XXIX “I love farming and now I have just recently celebrated my 70th birthday and I can tell you that I had a grand time and am still rearing to keep going! I was able to enjoy a lot of the fruits and vegetables that I grow on the farm, but the only thing is that the pineapple is finished; that crop is over and so I was not able to enjoy it for my birthday,” she said. “However, my birthday was a great occasion and I was able to enjoy most of my own fruit juices – the soursop, watermelon, cherries and other good fruit juices; then I had beautiful meals – all from my farm.”

PINEAPPLE FARMING ‘Aunty Mary’, who hails from Mainstay/Whyaka in Turn to page XXX ►►►

Aunty Mary Williams under one of her fruit trees

Pineapples on the trees ready for picking

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Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), said that first she and her mother worked their pineapple farm and after she got married her husband became a part of the farm as well; then later her children came along and as the grew, they also worked on the farm.

She explained that even after the death of her husband her love for farming has not waned and that she continues to look at cash crops, as well as others that can help to maintain a viable farm. Pineapple, she said is a crop that usually lasts for two years and so the farmer cannot successfully strive on just planting this crop, but must get involved in many more crops while waiting on the pineapple. This type of farming is called intercropping.

She said that while she enjoys farming, like any other job that a person is serious about, it can be very challenging at times, “But [it is] nothing that you cannot overcome,” she uttered.

CHALLENGES TO FARMING Aunty Mary told of some of her experiences with farming.

“There is nothing that can get to you more than when the monkeys start. The monkeys does come and destroy the pine; then they do not search for the small pines, they search for the very big ones to steal. The small pines can be there but they leave them for the ripe ones; t1he big ones and they break them off and take them to give their babies and also for them to eat,” she said.

She went on to explain that the monkeys also fight back when farmers to defend their farm, explaining, “If you pelt them they pelt you back and make sounds as if they are quarrelling with you... then they work together, where if you run them with a pine in their hand they are able to throw that pine to another one who catches it and get away, not before they sound out some noise to you as if they want to tell you off.”

She stated that there are other challenges such as the acoria animal that would eat up the pumpkins, as well as some types of ants and other insects that also destroy the plants. However, they are able to manage the insects since they use herbs from the same area to put in specific places and these herbs control the insects immediately, or in a relatively short space of time, stating that insecticides are never used on their farms.

MANAGING HOME AND FARM Aunty Mary said that to manage her farm and at the same time ensure that her family was always well looked after was not always easy, but emphasised that it was always a pleasure to take care of that aspect of her commitment.

“I am grateful that all my children did well. Four out of seven of my children attended Georgetown schools: Queen’s College, St. Joseph, Richard Ismael and St. Stanislaus and are all doing well, even though some of them are still interested in doing different levels of farming,” she said.

“Then I am also very thankful that I never had to take any of them to the hospital because of sickness. They eat well – fresh fruits and vegetables from the farm and also maintain healthy lifestyles.”

FUTURE PLANS At 70 years of age, Aunty Mary said that she is still hoping to lead a very productive life in her community. She said that she is hoping to have the pineapple farm, which was established in the area, resuscitated as early as possible.

“We can do better. If we lose the pineapple plants, that’s it, and we don’t want to lose it. I feel that all the young people in this community who are not so productive right now can become very active and successful once the pineapple processing plant [factory] is back in operation and so I hope something can change and very soon too, in the interest of all the people in the Mainstay/ Whyaka area.”

Chronicle Pepperpot September 30, 2018 ◄◄◄ From page XX

Millie rolled her eyes in exaggerated disbelief. “All she school meetings, school sports and things like dat de father at. De man does watch-man he daughter.”

Beryl tried to absorb this but found difficulty doing so. “But she is such a nice, quiet child.”

“She quiet but not so nice,” was Millie’s retort.

“You never see she walking round de house in she underwear?” Millie asked.

“So what ? Me girls does walk around like dat too. It don’t mean a thing,” challenged Beryl.

“Well! Millicent daughters ain’t doing dat. Never!” Millie sounded adamant.

Beryl continued working while her friend

droned on.

“Mrs. Narine get rid of she own too.”

Beryl dropped the skirt and looked incredulously at Millicent.

“Don’t look so shocked. She husband only dead a year ago and she already tek up.”

Millie was now basking in self-importance.

“I hear is she brother-in-law that come from de USA with she smaller sister fo de funeral. He do he mischief and fly out.”

By now Beryl was leaning over the fence drinking in every word. Her clothes were abandoned for the time being.

“She run Berbice an do it quiet, quiet, but a nurse up deh know me friend and she give her de low-down.”

“I hear she going foreign,” Beryl piped in.

“Yeah, let she go up deh and mash up she

sister marriage. I sure dat man would can’t keep he hands off she when she get there.”

Beryl resumed hanging out her clothes.

She had been outside for more than an hour to do a job that usually took less than 20 minutes. She had to cook before her husband got home.

Millicent sensed her urgency and said, “I thank God I don’t have to cook for no man.

When I don’t feel like cooking, dem children does have to mek do wid porridge and fry plantain.”

Beryl was cautious with her reply trying her best not to divulge any information.

“Tony not too fussy about food. De last time I went to Essequibo for a month to look after mummy when she fell sick, he didn’t object.”

Millicent almost burst out laughing.

XXXI Tony had had no complaints because he had eaten good and proper from her. That was how their affair had started. Millie caught herself and spoke before Beryl became suspicious about her silence.

“Well, you lucky girl. You don’t find many men like he.”

Beryl clipped the last vest on the line and turned to go. “See you later Millie” Beryl headed back to her house and Millie straightened her mass and waddled towards her tiny shack, her bow legs causing her to look comical. Time to boil de porridge. Today she would boil, not fry the plantain. She would also boil a few eggs. But first, she must return a call to Thelma at the clinic. This had to be another juicy gossip. She picked up the cell-phone and began to dial.

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LG Watch W7 Hybrid Smartwatch Tipped to Launch on October 3 LG is all set to launch the LG V40 ThinQ smartphone on October 3, and now it seems the LG Watch W7 smartwatch will launch alongside it. The new smartwatch is tipped to be a hybrid - which means it will run on Android Wear OS and sport a mechanical clock setup as well. The LG Watch W7 was leaked earlier in the year as the LG Watch Timepiece, and information about the wearable was leaked back then in full detail.

After many months, LG is finally launching the same device, but is reportedly naming it LG Watch W7.

Tipster Evan Blass tweets that the LG Watch W7 will launch alongside the V40 ThinQ. The smartphone launch event is set for October 3, which means that the

smartwatch will see the light of the day as soon as next week. The tipster also links an old Android Headlines story about the LG Watch Timepiece hinting that the same smartwatch will be launched, just that the name has been changed to LG Watch W7.

According to the Android Headlines report, LG looks to please analog and digital smartwatch lovers both with a mechanical clock setup and the Android Wear OS features integrated inside. The report states that the analog setup ensures long battery life and accurate time tracking. The report states that "the wearable capable of lasting up to a hundred days on a single charge while operating in Watch Mode which effectively has Wear OS (almost) completely disabled. Once its 240 mAh battery is depleted, the device will still be able to continue tracking time for close to a hundred hours, i.e. roughly four days."

Additionally, the LG Watch Timepience aka Watch W7 is reportedly made of stainless steel, and will be IP68 certified as well. It will sport a 1.2-inch (360x360 pixels) LCD panel with 300ppi pixel density. It will measure at 45.5x45.4x12.9mm, and will ship with a interchangeable 22mm silicone rubber strap. The watch will integrate 4GB of eMMC storage, 768MB of LPDDR3 RAM, and be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 2100 SoC. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, and USB Type-C 2.0 port. It should arrive in New Aurora Black and Cloud Silver colour options. Lastly, the report states that the watch should be priced under $250 (roughly Rs. 18,100).

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English THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Memory is an ingredient of effective learning; the accompanying two are Understanding and Doing. Memorising employs the laws of association, repetition, review, and self-testing. Understanding involves conceptualisation, questioning, comparing, contrasting, analysing and problem-solving. Doing involves physical practice sessions to achieve perfection. Get involved with past examination papers, with study-partner discussions, with focus on subject areas, and with reflecting on classroom experiences for greater comprehension and retention. Remember that developing and applying good revision technique is part of examination preparation. Be wise.

Love you IMPROVING WRITING The use of simple language Use simple language. The clearest and most forceful language is usually simple and direct. Do you know that the use of many long, pretentious, and unfamiliar words interferes with easy communication and often creates the impression of insincerity? Yes. It presents the author’s personality rather than presents his/ her message.

Do not try to impress anyone with the usage of ‘big’ terms to show learning. It is a ‘turn-off’ for most listeners and readers alike - both among the learned and the unlearned.

A. Read the following paragraphs aloud to a group of study partners. Let them analyse which better communicates what the author is trying to say. Pick out in the chosen one, samples of extravagant or unfamiliar words; in the other, simple, forceful, expressive language.

First paragraph Miss valentine is a mixed bouquet of orchids, primroses, and butter-cups. She is the

AS long as war is regarded as wicked, it will always have its fascination. When it is looked upon as vulgar, it will cease to be popular.

OSCAR WILDE (1854-1900) The Critic as Artist, Part II STUDY SUCCESS

sophistication of well-guided, obediently-learned technique, and the naïveté of youth at its first party. She is the headiness of a luxurious perfume, and the stamina of a glass of milk. She is the blush of dawn’s sun on a hilltop field, and she is the glow of a sparkling gem in a Cartier case. She is Elizabeth Ann Valentine, whom the leading musicians of the country have welcomed into their sacrosanct realm with brilliant praise and prophecies. She is betty Valentine, modern as the “samba,” ancient as music, and as far from the pathway of tomorrow as the volume of her luscious voice, singing on and on into the stars.

(Adapted from the New Yorker (August 4, 1945, p. 51) Second paragraph All three children carried themselves rather better than the common run of “green” pupils that were brought to Miss Nixon. But the figure that challenged attention to the group was the tall, straight father, with his earnest face and fine forehead, nervous hands eloquent in gesture and a voice full of feeling. This foreigner, who brought his children to school as if it were an act of consecration, who regarded the teacher of the primer class with reverence, who spoke of visions, like a man inspired, in a common schoolroom, was not like other aliens, who brought their children in dull obedience to the law; was not like the native fathers, who brought their unmanageable boys, glad to be relieved of their care. I think Miss Nixon guessed what my father’s best English could not convey.

I think she divined that by the simple act of delivering our school certificates to her he took possession of America.

(From The Promised Land by Mary Antin) B. Which sentences in the following pairs do you prefer? Give your study group the reasons for your preferences.

1a. Will the visiting pastors please indicate their identity by rising?

1b. Will the visiting pastors please rise as I call their names?

2a. We can confidently say that our township owes its greatness to the wise and courageous leadership within our own local council.

2b. I say to you, without fear of successful contradiction, that this great township owes its pre-eminence to the foresight, the courage, and the integrity of the illustrious leaders of our glorious local council.

3a. By what criterion can the younger generation determine what is the desirable course to follow?

3b. How shall the young man direct his way?

GRAMMAR Make pronouns agree with antecedents Reminder: The antecedent of a pronoun may be a noun, another pronoun, or a phrase or clause acting as a noun.

1. Agreement in number and gender A pronoun must agree with its antecedent in number (singular or plural), and gender (masculine, feminine, or neuter).

The two examples below have the pronouns and antecedents in bold type: Mary Antin published her autobiographical work, in 1912. [single feminine pronoun] Spruce and aspen are economical to raise because of their rapid growth. [plural neuter pronoun] When the gender of the antecedent is not known or when it may be either masculine or feminine, a masculine pronoun is traditionally used.

A masquerade dancer must keep his waist slim and strong.

If you do not wish to use the masculine pronoun, you can frequently reword the sentence in one of three ways: (1) by using he or she, his or her, and so forth, (2) by using a plural pronoun, or by eliminating the pronoun.

A pastor must understand his role in the community.

A pastor must understand his or her role in the community.

Pastors must understand their roles in the community.

A pastor must understand a community role. [no pronoun] 2. Agreement in person A pronoun must agree in person with its antecedent.

Do not refer to an antecedent in the third person by using the second-person pronoun you. Use either an appropriate third-person pronoun or a suitable noun.

Sandra and Julianne are going to a store where they can buy a wide variety of wedding ribbon flowers.

Sandra and Julianne are going to a store where shoppers can buy a wide variety of wedding ribbon flowers.

When a pronoun has another pronoun as its antecedent, the two pronouns should agree in person. Do not shift pronouns unnecessarily, as from they to you, I to you, or one to you. [to be continued next week]

Chronicle Pepperpot September 30, 2018

Ried Breadfruit Ingredients: 1 Medium Breadfruit Fat for deep frying Method for preparing and frying breadfruit: Peel the breadfruit, then cut into even pieced about 1/2 inch thick.

Parboil in salted water, then drain.

Fry in hot fat until golden brown and crisp.

Now drain and serve HOT! Note: 1 medium breadfruit usually serves about 15.

XLIII

Entertainment

Led Zeppelin must face new trial claiming it stole 'Stairway' riff Led Zeppelin was ordered by a U.S. appeals court to face a new trial over whether it stole the opening guitar riff for its 1971 anthem “Stairway to Heaven” from an obscure instrumental written four years earlier. In a

3-0 decision on Friday, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco threw out a June 2016 verdict in the rock band’s favor, citing a series of errors by the trial judge.

Lead singer Robert Plant (L) and guitarist Jimmy Page of British rock band Led Zeppelin are seen October 9, 2012 and July 21, 2015 in New York and Toronto in this combination file photo. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri, Hans Deryk/File photos

The decision revives one of the music industry’s most closely-watched copyright cases, potentially exposing Led Zeppelin lead singer Robert Plant and guitarist Jimmy Page to millions of dollars of damages.

Lawyers for the defendants had no immediate comment.

The lawsuit had been filed by Michael Skidmore, a trustee for the songs of Randy Wolfe, a guitarist for the band Spirit.

Skidmore accused Plant, 70, and Page, 74, of stealing the iconic opening to “Stairway” from the Spirit song “Taurus.”

He said the songs had similar chord progressions, and that Page may have written “Stairway” after hearing “Taurus” while Led Zeppelin and Spirit were touring together.

Wolfe, who performed as Randy California, had complained in interviews about the songs’ similarities, but did not sue prior to his death by drowning in 1997.

Jurors determined that while Plant and Page, who testified at the trial, had access to “Taurus,” the song’s riff was not intrinsically similar to the opening of “Stairway.”

But in Friday’s decision, Circuit Judge Richard Paez said the trial judge erred in failing to instruct jurors that the trustee could prevail if Wolfe had created a “sufficiently original combination” of otherwise unprotectable music elements.

Paez also said the judge erred in instructing jurors about the copyrighting of music elements in the public domain, and should have let them listen to “Taurus” while Page testified, to assess his demeanor and help determine whether he had access.

“We do not dispute that Led Zeppelin is one of the greatest bands in history, but their plagiarism indelibly stains their legacy,” Skidmore’s lawyer Francis Malofiy said in an email.

“Led Zeppelin obviously copied ‘Taurus’ by Randy California, a musician they knew well,” he added.

The case was returned to U.S. District Judge Gary Klausner in Los Angeles.

Friday’s decision followed a March 21 copyright ruling by another 9th Circuit panel upholding a $5.3 million judgment to Marvin Gaye’s children. They accused Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams of creating the 2013 smash “Blurred Lines” by copying Gaye’s 1977 song “Got to Give It Up.” The case is Skidmore v Led Zeppelin et al, 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 16-56057.