Pepperpot epaper 03 04 2018

Day 2018

Enjoying the best of both worlds

► Page VI

Women’s International

Empowering Indigenous women of Guyana

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See inside:

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 4, 2018

Empowering Indigenous women of Guyana The work of Dr. Laureen Pierre

Dr. Laureen Pierre served as Regional Coordinator for the Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) programme, in which she organised and co-managed the project in more than 40 Indigenous villages in the Rupununi Savannahs of the Guyana Amazon

By M Margaret Burke LAUREEN Pierre (Dr.) was born and raised in the village of Hosororo, Region One. In 1971, she successfully completed the SSEE examination and attended the Bishops’ High School after being awarded a Hinterland Scholarship.

In her quest for higher education, it did not take long before she began to pursue studies for a Degree at the University of Guyana (UG) majoring in History with a minor in Spanish; then a UG Masters in Guyanese and West Indian History, focusing on Stephen Campbell, who, himself, was an Amerindian.

Still not satisfied, she went on to pursue a doctorate at the University of Massachusetts, specialising in International Education – again focusing on Amerindian communities in Guyana.

“Over the years, apart from the fact that I worked as a Researcher for several years in the Amerindian Research Unit (ARI) at the University of Guyana, my interest was working with communities – specifically in Amerindian communities,” Dr. Pierre told the Pepperpot Magazine. “I taught in the

Rupununi and at Mabaruma and so education was important for me. I saw education as being important to children and later on, I saw why it was also important to adults – and so it does not mean that because you left school the education process in your life could not go on. So in fact, now that I have a Doctorate in Education I focus more on adult and non-formal education, meaning that you do not have to be in a school to learn because learning is a continuous process.”

AMERINDIAN WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP Dr. Pierre told the Pepperpot Magazine that she was looking at what was happening in the 1980s and 1990s, where males dominated the leadership positions in Indigenous villages. But she recalled that in the 60s and 70s in particular, there were a few women whom she saw playing leadership roles. Upon reflection, Pierre asked herself the question, “How did they come to lead their communities; how did they break the barriers, what assisted them?” She said that she later found out that through studies and observation, if the women are allowed the opportunities to

Dr. Laureen Pierre and members of the Varga Foundation - which supported community development projects in Guyana, with special focus on the Indigenous communities

soar at any level – whether it is in the church; whether it is in the health field; as a teacher… that is where they develop the confidence and acquire leadership skills and eventually the community would come to recognise their efforts and begin to take them (the women) more seriously.

“So I came to realise that if I am to begin to change anything; to transform communities, then education would play a great part, and this is whether we are dealing with the children, with the parents or with the men,” she said.

She added that she always tries to share messages that would reinforce some positive images and behavioural attitudes. She said that whether a person is teaching about health, education, sports etc., those messages should come through positively. Also that while people can’t change individuals and they can’t change lives they should strive to reinforce some of the messages which might allow change over time.

CHALLENGE IN CHANGING THEIR COMMUNITIES Dr. Pierre said that so far she has had the opportunity to assist in helping people; especially women, do positive things for the improvement of their lives and that of their families. She said that in her own work she was very pleased with what she saw – the manifestation and the consequences; that it is possible for women to do things when given the opportunity, but that education plays a key role. Communities also play a major role – once they understand certain messages, the more supportive they would be to the project and who may be running it, she stated.

ADVANCEMENTS IN SOCIETY She posited that the challenges now are even greater – the new technology; the way society has moved forward- even though many Amerindian women have gone beyond leadership roles in communities and are even now in every profession in Guyana, there are still some challenges. For many of them, even within their own communities, there are difficulties. Women, for example, still have to rear children; they still have to be with and take care of their families – even though they are now professional women they still have to deal with these things, she said.

CULTURAL PROJECTS Dr. Pierre said she is now more involved in cultural projects as a volunteer. This is done as the team tries to sustain culture – Indigenous or any other culture for that matter; in ways that can create positive things and at

the same time look for advancement, reform, and betterment.

“Right now we have a team in Rewa in the North Rupununi community – an initiative of Mr George Solomon. This is a group of artists who recently graduated from the Burrowes School of Art; an environmentalist; a recent graduate from UG; and a young historian who is Amerindian,” she said. This group is more involved in encouraging ‘art appreciation’, having workshops, environmental and other discussions. “So I am quite pleased to offer whatever assistance I can, and at the same time, knowing that the leader of the team is a woman – Ms Habi Asgar,” she said.

She said that she is very happy to continue to work on helping women to build their entrepreneurial skills “...because we just cannot look at one aspect of the development of women, we have to look at all aspects,” she said.

LITERACY, NUMERACY, MORAL DEVELOPMENT Dr. Pierre has also worked on the early development of children and it also included telling teachers and parents that literacy, numeracy and the moral development of children are all important.

In this regard, she said that she has given them some practical skills to help parents to ensure that the children could learn. “And, at the same time we were doing it with a lot of respect for their culture: their music; their dance; their drama were all incorporated into that,” she said.

Dr Pierre has worked extensively in and out of Guyana, gaining much experience and desire to use her experiences for the advancement of women in Guyana and their families. She has worked extensively in the field of social research, statistical work; in the capacities of regional coordinator as well as Resident Coordinator for the Caribbean Centre for Development Administration, among others. She has documented many research studies and received many awards.

In addressing the IWD theme for 2018: - Time is now: Rural and urban activists transforming women’s lives, she said: “I think that we do have to look at the particular context and apply what factors are influencing particular situations and see how we can respond; and while we are helping to effect transformation that we are conscious of how we are assisting in that process because we are helping other people to feel that they have the power and the potential and that they can use it.” (mercilinburke2017@ gmail.com)

Chronicle Pepperpot March 4, 2018

III

“Women have a very important role to play in the development of this country”

Women in Business Expo 2018 and “Inspire You!” Part One

By Gibron Rahim WOMEN are the backbone of society.

A society comprised of educated and enterprising women is a cradle for development. For this reason, it is essential that Guyanese women have opportunities to unlock, refine and showcase their skills and abilities in business enterprise.

In 2018, the attendees, speakers and exhibitors of the annual Women in Business Expo 2018 and the Dr. Sonia Noel D.H.L. “Inspire You!” motivational event will aim to do just that.

The third annual Women in Business Expo is scheduled for March 10 and 11 at the Pegasus Hotel while the “Inspire You!” event will be held on March 11. Both events will be presented by the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts (SNFCA), in collaboration with the Women’s Association for Sustainable Development (WASD) and to mark International Women’s Day 2018.

The Pepperpot Magazine was able to speak to Dr. Sonia Noel D.H.L., founder of SNFCA and WASD, and gain insight into the aims and importance of the two events. She noted that “Inspire You!” is a motivational event to inspire people to give the world the best version of themselves. “We all have greatness inside but some have difficulties unearthing it,” Noel said. The overarching theme of the event, she explained, will be motivation. The idea of motivation ties together the concepts of believing that it is possible to achieve all of one’s dreams, regardless of one’s background, and realising that such achievement is not possible without a growth plan.

The speakers at “Inspire You!” are women who have distinguished themselves in their diverse fields.

These speakers who will be addressing the attendees are Sherry Ann Dixon, Caron Hawco, Hilda Bourne, Dr. Jackie Evans, Carolyn Caesar Murray Christine Neblett, Ayana McCalman and Dr. Sonia Noel herself.

Just as the speakers of “Inspire You!” will have much to share with attendees, so too will the exhibitors of the Women in Business Expo 2018. The Pepperpot Magazine was able to speak with several of these entrepreneurs to gain insight into their businesses and their motivations for being a part of the expo. Among them was Christine Profitt, the founder of The Scrubs Hub, a medical apparel business that supplies professional uniforms such as scrubs and lab coats, personal protective wear and educational supplies to the public and private sectors in Guyana. Profitt holds a Degree in Medical Technology, has worked in customer service for the past four years and recently became one of Guyana’s Young Leaders of the Americas (YLAI) Professional Fellows Alumni 2017. She became passionate about public health and youth development while growing up in Agricola, a community that has a negative reputation for crime, violence and drug use, especially among youths.

Profitt’s passion for youth development led to the creation of the “I CAN Project”. The programme aims at combatting the negativity that youths face with strategic mentorship, networking and job seeking/entrepreneurial guidance for a

better quality of life. Speaking about her motivation for being a part of the Women in Business Expo 2018, she explained, “I believe in the positive mental effects that support and encouragement bring, especially among women.” She said that her participation will allow her to build her business and its social component the “I CAN Project”. Additionally, she opined that she will be able to build a diversely positive network and increase her self-confidence as a businesswoman in becoming better educated and inspiring others.

Another exhibitor is Carolyn Caesar Murray. Murray and her husband together run Harmony Inn and Secret Villa. Both establishments have become well-known both locally and internationally over the last 20 years in the hospitality industry for their clean, comfortable and affordable apartments with all modern amenities.

Secret Villa was the brainchild of the late Charles Caesar Snr., who believed strongly in education and used his enterprise to provide affordable accommodation to students from rural communities who wanted to attend the University of Guyana. Secret Villa’s sister company Harmony Inn was estabChristine Profitt lished in 2010 by Murray, Caesar Snr., daughter and her husband. Its owners have attributed the draw of Harmony Inn and Secret Villa to their hard work and commitment to continuous improvements in the services they provide and the moments that they create.

Murray noted that, by attending the Women in Business Expo last year, she was able to network with other entrepreneurs and attendees and learn from other members of the hospitality industry. After last year’s positive experience, she is happy to be a part of the event once more this year. “I encourage other women to be a part of it too,” she said.

Leisa Gibson is the owner of Lisa Salon and Beauty Supplies and is also among this year’s exhibitors. She manufactures her numerous hair and skin care products. Among them are hair and scalp conditioners, body butters for hair and skin, scented coconut oil and hair oils, all of which are coconut oil based.

She also makes all-natural foot soaks and body scrubs. She noted that she has definitely seen progress in her business after having been a part of the Expo from its first year. That first year she only had one product to offer. Now she has a whole line. She expressed thanks to God and to everyone who has assisted her thus far to get her products’ names out including Dr. Sonia Noel and the Women in Business Expo.

The main objective of the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts and the Women’s Association for Sustainable Development is to empower and provide platforms for various talents, business and personal growth.

The Women in Business Expo and “Inspire You!” are facets of this objective.

Leisa Gibson Speaking of the importance of events of this nature, Noel noted that our human resources are the most important but also the most underrated. She underscored that there have been other activities leading up to the two events. “This more than just a weekend of activities,” she explained. “We had six weeks of training in dressing for success, self-confidence, makeup and skin care, technology and business development, business and technology and health.”

Attendees to the Women in Business Expo 2018 and “Inspire You!” motivational event (and it is important to note that not only women are welcome to attend) should expect a wide variety of excellent products and services from women from all walks of life and various parts of Guyana, Noel said. There will be local and international speakers to provoke thoughts, promote introspection and encourage them to “press that reset button.” Throughout all of that though, it will be important to keep in mind that, “Women have a very important role to play in the development of this country and we need to provide the forums that will contribute to their mindsets and skillsets.”

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 4, 2018

2018 – The time is now: Rural and urban activists transforming women’s lives

By M Margaret Burke COUNTRIES around the world celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) in different ways. While some recognise it as a national holiday, others treat it more like Mother’s Day, where the men, children and others in the community treat the women in special ways – giving them gifts and letting them rest while they prepare

the meals and do the chores for the day.

This event celebrates the achievements of women in all aspects of life – economic, social, political, religious, cultural and more, at the same time calling for gender equality.

With a history way back in the early 1900s IWD is not affiliated with any particular group, though it brings together different women’s organisations, charities, non-governmental and also governmental organisa-

tions. The day (March 8) is observed around the world with different activities, including arts performances, talks, rallies, networking events, conferences and even marches in some countries.

HOW DID IT START? Studies have shown that IWD can be traced back to 1908 when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding voting rights, better pay and shorter working hours. It is reported that just one year later the first National Woman’s Day was observed in the US on February 28, in accordance with a declaration by the Socialist Party of America. The very next year (1910), Clara Zetkin who led a ‘women’s office’ for the Social Democratic Party in Germany, put forward the idea of an International Women’s Day. She suggested that every country should celebrate women on one day every year to make their demands more effective.

Zetkin’s suggestion was agreed to at a conference of more than 100 women from 17 countries and so the IWD was formed.

The very next year (1911), this event was celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland for the first time. It was celebrated on March 19.

DATE CHANGE The date for the celebration of the IWD was subsequently changed to March 8, and it has been celebrated on that day ever since.

The day was only recognised by the United Nations in 1975, but ever since it has created a theme each year for the celebration.

WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM According to the World Economic Forum, achieving full gender equality is still a far way off and would not be realised until 2186. Some of the issues that continue to affect women across the globe include the fact that women are still not present in equal numbers in business or politics, as well as the fact that they also continue to receive less pay for the same types of work done as their male counterparts.

According to a 2017 report by the World Economic Forum, it could still take another 100 years before the global equality gap between men and women disappears entirely.

It was said that in 2017, women effectively worked “for free” for 51 days of the year because of the gender pay gap.

Further, recent gender pay gap figures have revealed that women are also paid less than half of what men are paid in some major companies in Britain and elsewhere. This is in addition to reports of women’s rights being discussed all over the media with regard to the ‘global reckoning on sexual misconduct’ moving all over many major industries.

Additionally, studies have shown that globally, women’s education, health and violence toward women are still worse than that of men. Therefore, on IWD women across the world come together to force the world to recognise these inequalities – while also celebrating the achievements of women who have overcome these barriers.

With gender equality is still an apparent 168 years away, many are hoping that the struggle for women’s rights rises as the year continues. (mercilinburke2017@ gmail.com)

Chronicle Pepperpot March 4, 2018

V

Phoenix Recovery Project gets first female CEO

By Shirley Thomas SAMANTHA Young, Co-Founder and wife of the late Founder/Director of Phoenix (Drug) Recovery Project, Clarence Lexter Young, has been named the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the facility, following his demise on October 24, last year.

This move, honoured and implemented by the Board of Directors is in keeping with the specific request of her husband, prior to his passing. He died at age 58, after significantly impacting the lives of persons who were virtually on the brink of disaster, and led them to lives of hope and normalcy.

Phoenix Recovery Project which threw its doors open to the public in the year 2000, targeting only male clients has grown by leaps and bounds and by 2008 had taken in the first batch of female substance abusers.

Today, four months following her husband’s passing, the programme has much to celebrate: First, the celebration of the first-ever female as Chief Executive Officer of a Drug Recovery Programme in Guyana, who also spent18 years as Co-Founder of the entity.

As with any other service being introduced for the first time, the new CEO said that there are both good and tough times, but, defying the odds and working resolutely toward the continued success of the organisation, she is of the firm conviction that the facility will not be interred with his bones, but, under her tutelage and with the help of committed staff and a dynamic Board of Directors, will continue to grow from strength to strength.

The facility’s Mission Statement is: “Encouraging change in People with Substance Abuse problems … One person at a time, to lend support to those persons in attaining improved health and social functioning.”

“The Phoenix Recovery Programme attempts to restructure the client’s life by healing and reawakening the spiritual physical, mental and social areas that have been severely affected The buildings currently housing Phoenix Recovery Programme

by the use and abuse of psychotropic substances,” Young said.

The objective of the programme is for the substance-abuser to go through therapy and ultimately be set free from the shackles of drug addiction and/or alcoholism. But the decision to join the programme should always be a personal one. The user should experience a burning desire to become rehabilitated. It should by no means be a decision that is foisted upon him/her by family members or friends. While others reserve the right to introduce them to the concept of the programme, it should not be thrust upon them or be against their wishes. Albeit, once the substance abuser agrees and starts the programme, it is expected that they (family members) give them as much support as possible.

Phoenix Recovery Project, now located in the community of Mon Repos on the East Coast of Demerara, opened its doors to substance abusers earnestly desiring to be set free from the bondage of substance abuse, and re-integrated into society and living positive lives once more.

WOMEN IN THERAPY Reflecting on the 10 years since the programme incorporated women into the Phoenix Recovery Programme, Young sees it as a decade of amazing progress and expressed gratitude to the Catholic Relief Services in collaboration with the US Department of State, which provided funding for them to jump-start the female recovery programme.

In fact, she still looks back on the initiative 10 years ago with deep emotions, since the main reason why she influenced her husband to start up the business of counselling, was that her

that they fall back on substance abuse) or quit the programme.

Even though recognising that the ‘recovery process’ is for life, the CEO said it is always a painful thing when clients fall into a state of relapse, and so great emphasis is placed on strengthening their physical, spiritual, mental and emotional capacities.

The compact programme includes workshops on a wide range of topics, including Self-esteem, building relationships, narcotics anonymous, Anger Management, Nutrition and the Medical aspects of addiction, smoking cessation and remedial education.

Summing up, she gratefully acknowledged, “By the

Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix Recovery Programme Samantha Young displays a copy of the National Drug Strategic Master Plan in which she says, ‘Phoenix’ is included for subvention

sister was a substance abuser and needed help. And so she (Samantha) worked tirelessly towards this end. But alas, just one month before the launch of the female programme, her sister passed away and never had a chance to start the programme.

“The drive I had to push the programme was mainly because of experiencing first-hand how drugs impact substance abusers,” she said.

The facility has a live-in capacity for six women and always extends a warm welcome and an attitude of love to persons requiring the service. With a capacity for 10 women at a time, some 30 women have already passed through the programme. Currently, there are four women in treatment, one having just completed and returned home.

To date, some 2325 women have benefitted from treatment and therapy. But what brings a greater degree of satisfaction is when the women can go through the programme and come out ‘clean’ (without relapse).

Many of them have been able to access jobs in security firms and other places. Others still have been employed by Phoenix and work with the programme.

The programme usually runs for six to 18 months and is comprised of three phases: Phase One or In-House where clients are required to live-in at the Centre for six to 12 months to undergo Primary Care. Phase 2: The After- Care or HalfWay Treatment, followed by the final Phase – the Follow-Up which also runs for six months.

The project has been doing well, Young says, and they have come to be like family. To date, more than 100 clients have passed through the institution, with an 80 to 82 percent success rate and about 18 per cent having gone into relapse (meaning

One of the pieces of garments Clarence Young wore as a substance abuser in the early 90s

grace of God, we are surviving, and offering a well-rounded programme, even though we are not getting a subvention.”

Young said that in the face of not receiving a subvention, expenses are nevertheless mounting. They are however continuing to pray that this situation is addressed since in the National Drug Strategic Master Plan (2016-2020) Phoenix was included for Subvention. But to date, nothing has been received, “My husband had earnestly looked forward to that day, but he breathed his last breath before that dream could be realised,” she said dolefully.

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 4, 2018

Enjoying the best of both worlds Rosanna Ferreira is living her dreams

By Svetlana Marshall

opportunity to show off her baking skills.

“Baking unique cakes easily became my thing. Remembering my grandma, I started practising and trying to do what I had seen her do so many times. I quickly discovered I was good at it and people loved the cakes I made,” Rose said.

“I was encouraged and pushed by my close friends to take my cake talent to the next level. At first, it was quite scary to start my own business. If anyone had suggested that I should open my own business while I read for my Bachelor of Computer Science I would have laughed. Today it is a different story all together,” she added, while smiling with sense

BY DAY, she is a practicing Information Communication Technology (ICT) Engineer providing technological solutions in a male-dominated world. By night, she puts on her entrepreneurial hat as she whips up her signature cream cheese frosting for her sinfully delicious cupcakes to meet the demands of her clientele.

Rosanna Ferreira is not your typical girl. At 26, she is enjoying the best of both worlds as she fulfills her dream of being an ICT engineer, and simultaneously manages her own business – creating a brand of her own in the cake industry.

Born to Raymond and Susanna Ferreira, Rosanna, fondly called ‘Rose’, spent the first cupcakes eight years of her Her sinfully delicious ture cream na topped with her sig life in Alberttown, ng sti fro cheese Georgetown. It was there that Rose developed a love for baking and decorating cakes. For hours, she would watch her grandmother “Agnes Rutherford’ skillfully icing cakes.

“Her designs were so beautiful and carefully made.

Each curve, each dot and each surface was carefully and neatly done by grandma’s steady hands. It was something to watch,” Rose told the Pepperpot Magazine as she reminisced about those One of the many cakes made ‘good old days.’

by Rosanna Ferreira in 2017 Her life took a drastic turn at the age of eight. Her family had relocated from Alberttown to a gated community – away from the busy city streets. For Rose, it meant no friends or neighbours to play with or even a light afternoon chat. Before she knew it, books took the place of her friends.

At Marian Academy, she successfully wrote eight subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations – all science related. But it was at School of the Nations while completing Sixth Form that Rose started to develop a knack for technology after being introduced to programming.

“My final year of Sixth Form was challenging being the only girl in the class but it was the first step to realising the love I now have for ICT, as that year I graduated with the Computer Science class prize. It was a mark of my first real achievement in the field and I loved how it felt to ac- of accomplishment. complish what seemed nearly impossible,” she said. Rose Acknowledging that the cake industry, though old, rewould later move on to reading for her Bachelor’s Degree in mains very competitive and female dominated, Rose said she Computer Science at the University of Guyana. She was 18. readily took up the challenge, and like many women across As her love for technology grew, so did her love for bak- the world now uses her hobby to generate revenue. ing cakes. At birthdays and anniversaries, and even during “There are always birthdays, weddings, parties and other the festive seasons like Christmas, Rose would seize every special events and so cakes are always on demand... Howev-

Rosanna Ferreira – The ICT Engineer by day and the baker by night

er the industry lacks variety and so if you are looking for a character cake, you can find at least three in five cake decorating businesses with similar designs, in either chocolate or vanilla flavour. My aim is to bring my creativity to this industry not only offering the conventional cakes and cupcakes in a wider variety of flavours, but also a wider variety of desserts and personalised packages which will cater toward customers rather than customers trying to fit into limited choices offered,” the baker by night explained.

It was her determination to be outstanding that led to the name ‘Rose’s cupcakes and Unique Delights’ for her business.

For Rose, her technological skills mixed with her baking and decorating techniques will help her to change the conventional way products and services are offered in this industry.

“For the mere fact that ICT is heavily incorporated into the services offered along with the variety and customisation offered to customers makes Rose’s Cupcakes a complete game changer for the industry,” she posited.

But in order to become an effective manager of her business, Rose in September will begin reading for her Commonwealth Masters in Business Administration.

Though having a full-time job as an ICT engineer and managing her own business is no walk in the park, Rose said her love for both professions makes it rewarding.

“It is no easy task working eight hours during the day and then to complete baking and decorating at nights to complete orders made. Some nights I forget what sleep is but seeing happy and satisfied customers makes me feel great and accomplished,” she said.

And while her days can be really hectic, Rose still finds time to cuddle up in her favourite chair to read a novel while sipping on a glass of wine.

Chronicle Pepperpot March 4, 2018

VII

VIII

Chronicle Pepperpot March 4, 2018

Miss Berbice 2017 delegates, stakeholders undertake clean-up exercise

By Tracey Khan

SEVERAL young aspiring leaders from the “I am a big deal/ Miss Berbice Beauty and Empowerment Pageant” removed the glitz and glam associated with pageantry and teamed up with the police from Rose Hall outpost, the Mayor, workers of the Town Council and other youth, in a clean-up exercise of the country’s smallest town on February 18.

The initiative was not the traditional clean-up campaign that is executed across the country and was the brainchild of RD Production.

Royston Drakes targeted at-risk youth and used the exercise to encourage and involve them in creating positive changes within themselves and the town.

One of the youths Steve `Rudy’ Sukaloo who was living a life of crime explained that he was locked up several times for wrongdoings, but is thankful to Police Sergeant Philbert Wilburg, who took him under his wings.

“I am happy that I can help out the community and I am behaving myself because I was a mischievous youth man and [was] doing a lot of crime with friends but I’m glad like how I

which will result in a stronger community. The young people who were involved were elated to play a part in the exercise and are hopeful that more persons will contribute to the development of Rose Hall Town.

Sergeant Wilburg said under the Police Social Crime Prevention Programme they were delighted to embrace RD Production’s initiative which saw a surprising number of youths showing support.

“We are here to provide security but we know that youths are much more vulnerable in terms of getting themselves involved in crime so we want them to know that we intend to build a much safer community,” the Sergeant said. “They need to understand that life has a place for them

Organiser and deleg ates pose for a pictur e with CEO of the New Amsterdam hospital after the Valentine’s Day outreach wn council workers Youth, Police and To ercise ex up an during the cle

come off the street,” he said. “I hope [other young people like me] will come out... Sergeant Wilburg, I will always big him up because he always put me in the right way, although he locked me up a few times which is his work and I know I was wrong and accept it, but thank you.”

The focus of the RD Production is to empower youths

and not to go on the other side. We have several programmes [planned] for 2018 in terms of getting youths active to stay away from drugs and crime.”

The Mayor, Mr. Vijay Ramoo, wants the exercise to become a regular one and applauded the efforts of the team.

“I am elated because I love when people come together and can do community work like this. This is very good and encouraging for the future and I want this to be done three times for the year, Mashramani, Independence and toward the Christmas season,” he said. “This might sensitise people to be conscious to keep their environment clean...I’m glad the police is on-board and I think more residents should come on-board in the future.”

One of the high points of the clean-up was when the youth decided that they will help the Police to decorate the outpost in their community.

Meanwhile, there was a celebration of love on Valentine’s Day through a small but significant gesture to mothers at the maternity and children wards of the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Delegates presented patients with roses and hampers which helped to cheer them up, despite being hospitalised and away from their families.

The initiative was supported by Nand Persaud Charity Foundation, Integrated Security Service, Extra Beer and Jumbo Jet Auto Sales.

The outreach is among several initiatives by the Miss Berbice Pageant team to give back and build stronger community relations in the region.

The team is hopeful that other groups will emulate their actions, spread love and give back to others regardless of the magnitude.

Allisha Rasheed, a representative of the Nand Persaud Charity Foundation shared her satisfaction with this initiative and committed to working with the Miss Berbice team throughout the year on similar ventures.

The foundation was recently launched to inspire change and help to eradicate social problems.

The event was well received by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the hospital, Colin Bynoe, who commended the organisers and their partners for making the institution more hospitable for patients. He expressed gratitude and urged that the event becomes an annual one.

Chronicle Pepperpot March 4, 2018

IX

A Republic Anniversary Celebration with a Difference in Washington, DC

By Francis Quamina Farrier

From left : Artist Dudley Charles, Pastor Kwesi Oginja, Pastor Gabriel Cunje, TV News Anchor Maureen Bunyan and Educator Paul Tennassee, at the Republic reception. (Photo by FQ Farrier)

THE only music played at the 48th Guyana Republic Anniversary Celebration by the Guyana Embassy in Washington, DC, on the night of Friday, February 23, 2018, were the National Anthems of Guyana and the USA. However, it was a national and patriotic night to remember.

The venue was the awesome Smithsonian Castle Commons, in the heart of Washington, DC, just off the historic National Mall, and about mid-way between the White House and Capitol Hill. In attendance were a cross-section of Guyanese and friends, including the Deputy Under Secretary for Collections and Interdisciplinary Support of the Smithsonian InstiGuyanese Archaeologist Dr. Denis Williams (at left) and Francis Quamina Farrier at the Ashalton Wapishana Indigenous Rock Carvings in the Deep South Rupununi Savannah (circa 1978)

tute, Dr. Scott Miller, as well as some foreign diplomats.

The Smithsonian Institute which has multiple Museums in the heart of Washington, DC, has had a long and impressive relationship with Guyana. That was established by the Guyanese Artist, Archaeologist and Novelist, the late Dr. Denis Williams.

In his address to the gathering, Guyana’s Ambassador to the United States of America and the Organisation of American States, Dr. Riyad Insanally, made mention of Guyana’s “Amazing natural wonders of rich biodiversity, nurtured and nestling in one of the Earth’s most ancient and pristine geological formations.”

That observation by the Ambassador reflected one of the highlights of the evening, which was a scholarly lecture enhanced

harpy eagle which is seen mainly in the Kanuku Mountain range in the Central Rupununi.

“I am pleased to say that in just one month’s time, Guyana will host the 24th Inter-American Tourism Congress, in Georgetown, under the theme, ‘Connecting the Americas through Sustainable Tourism’,” Ambassador Insanally informed the gathering, pointing out that, “It will be a historic occasion, as the Congress will be the first-ever for an OAS ministerial meeting to be held in Guyana.”

Attending that Tourism Congress in Guyana later this month, will be the hemisphere’s tourism ministers and other high-level authorities.

In his address, Ambassador

with slides, by the Smithsonian Research Scientist, Dr. Michael J. Braun. During the past 25 years, Dr. Braun visited Guyana on 14 occasions, where he did in-depth research in many hinterland areas of Guyana, including Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine.

In a 20 minute lecture which was enhanced with slides recorded in Guyana’s Hinterland, the Smithsonian scientist told the Republic Anniversary gathering of his work in collaboration with Guyanese resident in the country’s hinterland, and the success achieved, especially with the gathering of biodata, primarily of the country’s beautiful and exotic birds.

It is known that “Bird Watching” is a growing aspect of Guyana’s Tourism drive, and the country possesses one of the widest range of birds; from the cute, tiny hummingbird to the awesome, giant

Insanally also made mention of Guyana’s future with Oil and Gas extraction, as well as Guyana’s border controversy with Venezuela, which he referred to as, “that country’s spurious claim to our Essequibo region”.

Guyana’s 48th Republic Anniversary Reception in Washington, DC, was jointly sponsored by the Embassy of Guyana and the Smithsonian Institute, with sterling support by a number of Guyanese Corporate Citizens, including Aubrey Stephenson, AA, CEO of Federal Management Systems, who Ambassador Insanally referred to as, “A longtime friend of the Embassy and a highly regarded federal contractor.”

Other Guyanese sponsors which the Ambassador mentioned, were Roy Spooner and Vaughn Williams of DC Yellow Cabs, Patrick Weithers of Nu-Pulse Technologies and Michael Benons and Amsterdam Construction, all very successful Guyanese in Washington, DC, the Capital of the United States of America. The ambassador also had words of praise for the staffers at the Embassy, especially Deputy Chief of Mission, Lesley Dowridge-Collins.

I have to add, that the team of young people serving the drinks and snacks at the reception, by their efficiency and charm, reminded me of being at similar receptions in Guyana, where I have had the pleasure of being served by the efficient students of the Carnegie School of Home economics.

Guyana’s Ambassador Dr. Riyad Insanally in conversation with Ginnette Ast, one of the guests at the reception. (Photograph by FQ Farrier)

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 4, 2018

Chronicle Pepperpot March 4, 2018

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Essequibo ICT Hubs Transforming Lives

By Indrawattie Natram THE Government of Guyana is constantly seeking to develop both human and infrastructural capabilities throughout the country. Even as this is being done, the Ministry of Public Telecommunications through the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) has been working to establish ICT Hubs across the length and breadth of Guyana.

These Hubs, serving as a lens through which we can have a glimpse of the near future, have undoubtedly proven to transform the lives of thousands of Guyanese, and Region Two (Pomeroon- Supenaam) has been no exception.

One of such established Hubs is located at Affiance village and Chairman of the Hub, Humace Odit, has commended the efforts of the NDMA and the Ministry of Public Telecommunications for the initiative, which he attests have transformed the lives of many, especially the youths. Odit said that he is particularly satisfied with the villagers’ approach toward the project, explaining that daily, persons flock the Hub to access available Government services, as well as to do research free of cost- something that is truly welcomed by the community.

“Persons come here daily to use the devices with the WIFI- schoolchildren are using the opportunity to do research, elders who are not computer literate are being taught to use the computers. This initiative has advanced the village of Affiance and we are proud of this project,” Odit said.

He added that at the moment the Hub is equipped with 14 internet-ready laptops and classes are facilitated by knowledgeable persons from within the community. He also added that they are anxious to be part of further training opportunities that will be provided by the NDMA. ‘AFFIANCE RESIDENTS’ LIVES ADVANCING’ Religious leader and treasurer of the Capoey/Colombia Learning Centre, Pandit Kydar Persaud, said that the ICT Hub was a dream come through for the community and as such, villagers are indeed happy for such a realisation. The religious leader said that the Hub has boosted the community and people’s lives have been transformed tremendously.

A student from Abram Zuil Secondary, Anup Singh, has also commended the NDMA for the fruitful venture. Singh said he spends his evenings at the Hub conducting research and studies online. He also teaches persons

Anup Singh from Affiance Hub at his computer

about the computers and the importance of having such devices. Singh, who is a Fifth Form student, said that the Hub was established at an opportune time facilitating his studies for the upcoming CSEC examinations.

Like Singh, other children who were at the Affiance Hub were actively conducting research as well.

‘POSITIVE IMPACT’ The Queenstown Hub is also creating a positive impact to those living within the community. Chairman, Marlon Alves said that already plans are in place to upgrade the Hub by installing a printer as well as have trainers available to teach persons. Alves said that the Hub is also partnering with G Division’s Zara Learning Centre to have trainers volunteer their services.

EMPLOYMENT AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES During interviews conducted with youth from the Queenstown area, it was revealed that persons are using the Hubs for personal upliftment as well. Cimon Azeez, a student from Johanna Cecelia Secondary school said that he visits the Hub so that he can follow his hobby, football. He said that one day he dreams of becoming a professional football

Religious leader Kydar Persaud at a laptop

Chairman of the Affiance Hub Humace Odit at a computer

Youth from the Queenstown Hub on their laptops

Chairman of Queenstown Marlon Alves

Residents at the Affiance Hub accessing the services

player and as such uses the internet to learn some techniques. Another student, Levlier Halls, also said that he is currently doing research on his career and which future path he would like to take. He said he is currently visiting various sites and analysing the qualifications and requirements that certain agencies require. Jerman Jones who has his eyes on joining the Guyana Police Force (GPF) one day, said that he finds the internet very educational and that he spends most of his time online visiting the Guyana Police Force website and those of other agencies in an effort to find out if they are recruiting.

A resident of the Queenstown community, Cromwell Mentis applauded the efforts of the Government for the establishment of the Hub. He said that elders as well as youths are making maximum use of same and thus far there have been tremendous improvements.

Classes for the youths and the elders are being facilitated on different days.

The Queenstown and Affiance Hubs, though functioning before, were officially launched in November of 2017 and have thus far proven to be beneficial to the lives of those accessing the services. Both Hubs have plans of upgrading and to bring Information Technology to the fingertips of residents.

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 4, 2018

Ballroom Dancing An uplifting, healthy and exciting pastime

By Lisa Hamilton FROM the elegance of the waltz to the energy of the cha-chacha and the rhythm of the jive, Ballroom Dancing continues to provide a world of escape for many persons while proving that the human body really can do amazing things.

Locally, the Guyana Ballroom Dancers Association (GBDA) is best known for the promotion and practice of the type of dance, even as it competes with other forms of dance popular in the Caribbean.

To best explain the world of ballroom dancing and Guyana’s deep roots in the practice, the Pepperpot Magazine met up with President of the GBDA, Richard Bynoe; Vice President (ag.)

Osmand McKend; Secretary, Andrea Edwards; and President of the Terpsichorean Ballroom Dance School, Lawrence Drakes.

The representatives were able to explain that under the umbrella of Ballroom Dancing there are two categories: Standard dancing and Latin dancing and which are differentiated by their style.

Standard Ballroom dancing is mostly stable dancing with limited focus on hip movement while Latin dancing sees dancers travelling around the floor with much hip action, often allowing the woman to take charge.

Latin dances include the cha-cha-cha, samba, rumba, pasodoble and jive while Standard ballroom dances include the waltz, quickstep, foxtrot, tango and Viennese waltz.

According to Andrea Edwards, one can tell a dancer from the way he or she walks. She added that the flare, poise and upright position of the body while dancing are some of the main reasons she enjoys the activity.

Meanwhile, Osmand McKend told the Pepperpot Magazine that dancing, for him, is more than a form of exercise but also a means to impact the development of youths.

“There are so many other health benefits that can be derived from doing ballroom dance,” McKend said, adding: “Ballroom dancing can have a tremendous impact on behavioural changes, especially with our youths today. Ballroom dancing can be an alternative to what the children would normally see on the television, [it] can also help in terms of mannerism, etiquette and target group to discuss challenges in their communities.”

However, despite the many benefits and feelings of satisfaction that can arrive from the practice of dance, there are still challenges which the association says it faces when it comes to changing the way the younger population sees the dance.

“Most people feel, when you talk about ballroom dancing, that this thing if for old people,” Bynoe said. “A lot of individuals, they are still ignorant of ballroom dancing, that is one of the challenges that we are facing. It’s very hard now to convince the youths but I think we’re going to get there sometime soon because of social media and the internet.”

DECADES AGO What many young and even older folks today may not know is that dating all the way back to the 60s and 70s, before the forming of the association, ballroom dancing competitions were held in Guyana but persons lacked t h e nec-

Darius Jacobs and Luquantha Thomas are young, skilled dancers in the Guyana Ballroom Dancers Association (GBDA) (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

essary technique to move beyond the basic training stage.

“We were doing ballroom dancing, we were trying to do everything that we see on paper or see on video but there was a big misconception of what actual ballroom dancing is,” Drakes told the newspaper. “The most important part of Ballroom and Latin dancing wasn’t there. We were just doing what we saw and what we interpreted.”

However, collectively contributing to a compact timeline, the four members gave a brief history of how this all changed along with the formation of the association and the many works it achieved over the years.

GBDA’S REACH This year, 11 dancers from the GBDA were awarded medals and certificates following their successful completion of the International Dance Teachers’ Association (IDTA) Medal Testing examination conducted in Trinidad and Tobago.

To date, the GBDA has several Dance Schools which come under the association such as Step Right in Linden; Apex in Festival City; New Image in West Ruimveldt; Let’s Dance in Campbellville; Terpsichorean in Robb Street; Exquisite Dance World at the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU); Beterverwagting Uprising in Beterverwagting and Buxton –Haslington in Buxton.

In the past, it hosted a television programme on Safe TV/2 Channel 2 titled, ‘Shall We Dance: Ballroom Style’ but ventures like these were discontinued due to challenges such as insufficient finances and sponsorship.

In addition to these, the association has no official building to accommodate the association and its dance classes, and with little public awareness about what ballroom dancing contributes an average amount of persons take part in the overseas competition.

T h e self-funded organisation raises its funds through dance shows and other activities while maintaining its objectives to standardise ballroom dancing locally, maintain and improve professional standards and in-

crease public awareness about the association.

FUTURE PLANS In the near future, the GBDA hopes to prepare enough persons locally to be able to provide the human resources for possibilities in the works, even as ballroom dancing is being considered for the Olympics as a sport.

“From very small I can remember mom and dad dancing and then taking me through the pace by placing me on their feet… it was something that was within our family. So I continued that tradition,” said Drakes to whom dancing is a form of relaxation when coming from a hard day’s work.

Summing it all up in a way that best explains his passion and love for the style of dance, the president of the association, Richard Bynoe remarked: “There is no barrier when it comes to ballroom dancing.”

Andrea Edwards and Kenrick Calder demonstrate their fancy footwork (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

Chronicle Pepperpot March 4, 2018

XIII

Filmmaker Ryan Singh wants to come home – Wishes to create opportunities for local industry

By Telesha Ramnarine GUYANESE award-winning producer and director Ryan Singh, who has had the good fortune of migrating to Canada to pursue his dream of filmmaking, is now exploring ideas of returning to Guyana to help those in the local fraternity.

Singh, 40, was born and raised in New Amsterdam, Berbice, and was about 16 years old when he left the country to pursue his dreams. Having spent some 24 years in the filmmaking industry- 10 professionally- he wants to come back and help with capacity building in the local industry.

Son of local poet, writer and producer Leon Saul, Singh attended Trinity Street Primary and New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary and completed university studies in Canada.

Now the father of five-year-old twins, Ava and Sebastian, Singh started off his career on his father’s stage when he was just about six years old and was invited up to recite a poem.

Today a filmmaker, director, producer, actor, and director of photography, Singh is already in contact with some local figures in the acting industry and hopes to ‘start the ball rolling’ on his next visit here sometime this year. “I want to come and help out wherever I can and to help spearhead capacity building,” Singh told the Pepperpot Magazine during an online interview.

His last visit to Guyana was in 2003 when he was a volunteer communications coordinator with the Volunteer Youth Corps. “The last time I went to Guyana, it was then I realised what a rich and diverse culture I came from. But I noticed there was a lack of opportunities for people to create their stories visually and tell it to the world. But the world needs these stories, so if I can empower one person to create, it would make a huge difference for the entire country,” Singh said.

Singh’s first plays, ‘Zenrick and Cleopatra’ and ‘Asylum Wedding’ were both written and directed by his high school teacher, now prominent New York attorney, Vivian Williams.

Although going to Canada did not immediately offer Singh the opportunities he had sought as a young man in Guyana, he eventually succeeded in producing theatre with the help of his dad following his graduation at university.

He would eventually press on to make award-winning documentaries and short films while acting in major productions.

His father, Leon Saul, told the Pepperpot Magazine in an invited comment that he is very proud of his son, his firstborn; and described him as a “chip off the old block.”

Saul said his son has fulfilled his dream of filmmaking which he did not have an opportunity to do, and that they have collaborated on a number of successful projects.

A scene from ‘Mr. Crab’ with Vian Persad

THE BREADWINNER Singh has worked as an actor on ‘Downsizing’ and was the behind-the-scenes videographer on ‘The Breadwinner’ (Nominated for one Golden Globe, six Canadian Screen Awards, and a bevvy of Annie Awards).

He has also been a producer on Rasta: A Soul’s Journey (2011), Housekeeping, IRL: The Series (2016) (TV show and Web Series), Fried Bakes and Dumplings (2014), Mom (2013), Graffiti Alley (2016) and The Black Experience Project Report (2017). He directed Mom, Fried Bakes and Dumplings and Graffiti Alley.

Apart from being behind the scenes, Singh has also acted

Ryan Singh

Ryan Singh and Director David Sudz Sutherland at a conference in Toronto

in ‘Conduct Unbecoming’ directed by Sidney Furie, ‘11 Blocks’ that was co-directed by Matthew Bennett and Sasha Moric and ‘Mr. Crab’ that was directed by Faisal Lutchmedial.

“While I’ve had several great acting experiences, one of the most memorable was working with Alexander Payne who directed ‘Downsizing.’ His approach to working with people was amazingly collaborative and inviting,” Singh expressed, adding, “Equally as impactful was working closely with Nora Twomey, the director for `The Breadwinner’. She is a strong and very specific director, yet she runs her set with humility and love. Each person working with her feel present.”

In `The Breadwinner’, produced by Angelina Jolie, Singh worked as a videographer capturing the actors as they voiced their performances. The footage was then used to add to the visual animation developed for each character as they tell the story of a young girl who must become a boy to feed her family in war-torn Afghanistan.

Among his upcoming projects are two feature-length documentaries, one being a chronicle following Spoken Word Artist, Dwayne Morgan, on his first voyage to continental Africa by way of South Africa. The project also features the impact the trip has on him, his art and his perception of the country; what Nelson Mandela was to the world through stories; and the history Dwayne

learns along the way.

His other documentary, Ray of Hope, is another travel documentary where he accompanies former Member of Parliament for Scarborough Rouge River, Rathika Sitsabaiesan to Sri Lanka. “On the trip, we find ourselves under siege, in hiding and avoiding being arrested by Sri Lankan government operatives. It’s an amazing tale of one woman’s strength to overcome a threatening ordeal. Both films are slated to be completed this year,” said Singh.

On stage, through his company ‘Ryan Singh Enterprises’, he has produced and performed in more than eight stage productions including, “For Better…For Worse,” “Make Love, Not War,” “Fools in Love,” “Curse of Ham,” “Sweet, Sweet Karaila,” and “Sex, Relationships and Sometimes…Love.”

He was the ‘Best Documentary under 40 Minutes’ Winner for ‘Mom’ at the Caribbean Tales International Film Festival CTIFF 2013; and winner of the ‘Audience Choice Awards’ for ‘Fried Bakes and Dumplings’ Greater August Town Film Festival GATFFEST 2016, in Jamaica.

Ryan Singh is the eldest son of Leon Saul

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 4, 2018

An Improved Planting Method to Increase the Production of Tomatoes Under Shaded Conditions TOMATOES are one of the leading vegetable crops grown in Guyana. Production is year round and nearly the entire volume is marketed domestically. The realities of climate change, however, poses serious production challenges for open field production. This includes low yield and quality of produce and high post-harvest losses, leading to low incomes among smallholder tomato farmers.

The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) continue to find innovative ways to improve crop production while adapting to the vagaries of

climate change. The Protected Agricultural Programme of the Soil Management and Farm Mechanisation Department of NAREI recently conducted trials to demonstrate how to increase tomato yield in shade-house cultivations.

It was observed that tomato plant roots became exposed above the soil when cultivated in shallow grow boxes. The challenge of mounding soil to cover exposed roots was recognised and a group of NAREI researchers developed a method to adapt the planting of tomato in shallow soil depth.

Research Assistants, Denisia Whyte and Jon-

Traditional Method of Planting

Innovative Method of Planting

athan Melville, working under the stewardship of Research Scientist, David Fredericks, conducted research trials to compare two methods of planting tomato seedlings.

In the first method, the seedlings were planted in the traditional way with its root system in line with the main stem (Figure 1). In the second method, seedlings in cups were put to lie horizontally until the stem exhibited negative geotropism, that is, the main stem grows upwards forming

90° angle to the root system (Figure 2). All seedlings were then planted in the soil to a depth of 10 cm (four inches) and given the normal agronomic practices of irrigation, fertilizer application and pest and disease management.

Chronicle Pepperpot March 4, 2018

FILES E S A C COURT

Murder accused with alibi defence found guilty of manslaughter Lost appeal – manslaughter verdict accepted ON Boxing Day 1966, John Francisco De Freitas, in an apparent drunken condition strolled into the “Pinky Galaxy” city night spot in Regent Street, where he shot Cleo Samuels, three times.

Samuels later died in hospital.

De Freitas, identified as the killer was later charged with murder. At his trial he led an alibi defence – alleging that he was somewhere else at the time of the crime.

But the jury rejected his story and convicted him of the lesser count of manslaughter.

Dissatisfied with the jury’s verdict, the accused, represented by Mr. J. O. F. Haynes, Q.C. , appealed, but the Appellate Court headed by Chancellor Edward Luckhoo and included Justice of Appeal Guya Persaud and Victor Crane, dismissed the appeal and affirmed the jury’s verdict of manslaughter.

The Appellate Court had agreed with the trial judge, telling the jury that there was no provocation in the case to warrant manslaughter, but after taking the other circumstances in which the accused, in spite of his alibi defence, was properly identified and that there was only a scintilla of evidence in relation to drunkenness, dismissed the appeal and affirmed the jury’s verdict.

The main judgment was delivered by Justice of Appeal Crane.

According to him, at about 8 p.m. on the evening of December 26, 1966, at the “Pinky Galaxy”, a city night spot in Regent Street, Cleo Samuels was wounded several times. He was shot at point blank range by a gunman with whom he had an altercation. Samuels was rushed to the Public Hospital where an emergency operation was performed, but he succumbed from bullet wounds on December 30, 1966.

The accused John Francisco De Freitas, was later identified as the assailant, and his apprehension some three months following the incident led to his being charged with Samuels’ murder.

The principal witnesses for the prosecution were three female employees of the “Pinky Galaxy” – Theresa Balkarran, Sylvia Austin and Doreen Persaud. They were present at the incident and, at the trial, gave eyewitness accounts of it.

Each identified the accused as the person who was engaged in a quarrel with the deceased and who discharged a loaded revolver at, and a few feet away from him.

Through them, it was established that the accused was a frequent visitor to the “Pinky Galaxy”, where he was in the habit of resorting for entertainment; that on the evening of the fatality he visited the hotel, danced once with Sylvia Austin and slapped her on the face when she refused his request for a repeat dance.

This was the beginning of the trouble, for when Doreen Persaud interceded on Austin’s behalf, she too was slapped.

This incident brought about the intervention of the deceased, Cleo Samuels, and the altercation between him and the accused.

The three women also related how both the deceased and the accused were ordered out of the hotel by the caretaker, how the deceased returned some minutes later followed by the accused who pulled a revolver from his waist and shot the deceased at least three times at very close range.

At his trial, the accused raised an alibi supported by one witness, viz., that at the time when the offence was alleged to have been committed he was at his father’s home, where he passed the entire night, and that his identification by Doreen Persaud at a parade was a case of mistaken identity.

The jury, however, rejected both the alibi and his claim to have been mistakenly identified when they convicted him of the lesser offence of manslaughter.

Continuing, Justice Crane said that foremost among the amended grounds of appeal, is a complaint that the trial judge failed to direct the jury adequately on the effect of drunkenness on the question of mens rea in relation to manslaughter.

It is contended that the jury ought to have been directed that the offence of manslaughter involved some mens rea, that drunkenness could negative it and thus be a complete defence thereto, and that if they were in any doubt about what ever the degree of drunkenness exhibited by the accused in fact neg-

atived his mens rea , they ought to have been told to acquit him altogether of the charge.

According to Judge Crane, the law remains that a condition of drunkenness at the time of the commission of the offence which causes death may only reduce the crime, if it reduces it at all, from murder to manslaughter.

This is still good law today just as it was restated in 1920; there is therefore no room for a verdict of total acquittal from a capital charge when death is occasioned by the influence of alcoholic excess.

The contrary was, however, the suggestion of the learned counsel who argued for the application of the principle in Church’s case (8); but a verdict of manslaughter arising from the inability of an accused to form the specific intent to con-

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stitute murder, stands on

By George Barclay a different footing from any other verdict of the like kind and a specific direction on mens rea (guilty knowledge), as suggested, is unnecessary to sustain the verdict.

Contrary to the counsel’s suggestion the accused indeed lost no chance of an acquittal by the absence of the direction because there can be no complete acquittal, the Appellate Court said.

Justice Crane noted that the only other ground of appeal which it is thought worthy of consideration deals with the complaints on the question of the identification of the accused.

The complaint is made that the judge failed to give a full and sufficient direction on the point as to whether the identity

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 4, 2018

Chronicle Pepperpot March 4, 2018

XVII

HONEY - A PROFITABLE INDUSTRY AWAITING DEVELOPMENT

HONEY is a product which consumers have always used. We, therefore, welcomed the recent effort which has been launched to modernise and expand the honey industry.

From time to time over the last century, there has been talk and sporadic effort by Governments to revivify the industry but such efforts were never sustained. It is hoped that this effort would be more fruitful.

In the Colonial administration, the Ministry of Agriculture always maintained a small section which could supply queens so that prospective beekeepers could begin their own hives. This beekeeping section was situated at the back of the Botanical Gardens before this back section of it was detached. In this section, there were a number of hives which were used to give teachers in training an exposure to beekeeping and to give more intensive training to teachers who would be specialising in Agriculture, since it was the educational idea at the time that all primary schools should have school gardens where the pupils would be taught the rudiments of Agriculture. School groups from all over the country would visit the section where the apiarist would explain how honey was made. These educational efforts by the Ministries of Agriculture and Education have now been phased out.

A number of private beekeepers still continued to produce honey but most of the honey used was still imported. Most beekeepers were amateurs and the only commercial institution among them was that of the Rajkumar family of West Coast, Berbice. After 80 years, Rajkumar honey is still found in the supermarkets.

Before Independence, the bees usually hived were Capilano, a European bee which was non-aggressive and easy to manage. After Independence, Africanised bees made their appearance and gradually became the main

strain in Guyana. A Brazilian scientist was experimenting with cross-breeding European and African bees. Some of the cross-bred Africanised bees escaped from his laboratory, nested in the jungles and multiplied at an astronomical rate, taking over South and Central America and parts of the United States. The Africanised bees, though excellent honey producers, were very aggressive and fierce and attacked in unrelenting swarms, sometimes killing humans and animals with the poison of their numerous stings. The presence of Africanised bees has put another dimension to beekeeping and the honey industry in Guyana.

Honey is among the oldest foods known to man and was gathered in the wilds in early pre-historic times. In all ancient civilisations the Indian, Chinese, Babylonian, Hebrew and Egyptian - it was used for a variety of purposes.

It was offered to the Gods, used for funerary purposes, used as a food and a medication.

Today, its uses and even the methods of gathering in the wilds have changed very little over thousands of years. As a food, it is still much valued. It is regarded as one of the best sweeteners and an increasing number of people are replacing traditional jams and marmalades and other sweeteners with it. References to its value as a food are found in many ancient writings, as for example, the Promised Land in the Bible is a land of “milk and honey”. Or the ambrosia which the Gods of the various ancient religions delighted in was honey-based or the meals of which the North Europeans were so fond.

As a medication, its use has been continuous over thousands of years in much the same way as it is used today. It is used in the treatment of burns, various skin ailments and abscesses, colds and ‘flues and stomach ailments. It is also used in cosmetics.

The honey produced and sold in Guyana is usually pure honey but it is almost all multi floral since it is quite rare for any local apiary to have special types of flowers, as for example orange blossoms, on which the bees are able to feed. Apiaries near to the sugar estates tend to have their bees feed on cane sugar while those near to the mangroves, on mangrove flowers.

But local honey producers would tend to describe their product as a multi floral.

Imported honey, except for the very select and expensive ones, tends to be diluted with other substances such as corn syrup and are usually a blend of several types of honey. In this sense, the pure local honey is preferable.

Honey is a product in demand worldwide and the Guyana market is open and steadily growing. The by-products of honey, especially the wax is used in cosmetics, medically and also to produce a large variety of products.

With the large land mass of the country, unlimited honey production is possible. The honey industry, therefore, has great prospects of growth and profitability.

For the industry to take off, it needs to be fully modernised. The equipment used must be the most effective and efficient. Even small changes could bring about greater production

and productivity as for example when hives changed from fixed to movable honeycomb containers.

The foreign markets, their various regulations and needs must be professionally studied so that the Guyanese exporter would not find them insuperable and be discouraged. And it is quite easy for the Guyanese exporter to be discouraged because all producers are single farmers and are largely country folk. There are no commercial companies as in the developed countries.

For the honey industry to take off and be a substantial job-creator and foreign exchange earner, the Ministry of Agriculture and Go Invest must be involved. The officers deployed to deal with the Industry must have an empathy for it, and must understand that it is unique and very different from other industries. They must be fully abreast of the advances in equipment and methods and techniques of the modern industry abroad and quickly share such knowledge with the apiarists. If Government gave its full and committed support to revolutionising the industry, it could open an avenue of profitable employment and foreign exchange earnings.

folklore

XVIII

‘BOOM BOOM’ MEETS ‘BAM BAM’ ADAM was 30 and unemployed. He had dropped out of school in Second Form (Grade Eight) because he could not cope with the work nor was he so inclined. As a matter of fact, he could not cope with work at the level of Grade Three. He lived all his life with his parents. After many attempts to encourage him to find a job in the large city of Cross Convent or the neighbouring villages, they gave up in exasperation.

Not wanting to allow him to become a bum, they asked him how they could help him to start a small business. He jumped at the offer and asked them to purchase a music set. They agreed, not realising the kind of problems they were taking on. A cheque was written and Adam went out to purchase

the set.

When the young man returned and began off-loading the equipment both his elderly parents groaned to themselves. There were several speakers of various sizes as well as the deck, mixer and mic system.

Adam was happy. He worked all day and finally had it all set up. Then he played his first tune. The neighbourhood he was living in was a noisy and rowdy place, but even they had never heard such noise. People rushed from their houses thinking that a natural disaster was about to occur. His first session lasted two hours. By the time he was finished his parents were both half deaf and were reeling from threats issued by irate neighbours and friends. There were warnings of serious action and even bodily harm if the

Chronicle Pepperpot March 4, 2018

By Neil Primus

commotion did not cease. The two old parents racked their brains for a solution. With no other solution readily coming to mind, they decided to relocate Adam.

They owned a small property in the Oceanside community of Sandy Shore. Mr Caesar’s father had died a year earlier and left the property to his son. He decided to give it to Adam. The young man reluctantly agreed. Two weeks later he arrived at his new home.

As soon as he had unpacked, he assembled the music set. The small village he was living in was a direct contrast to the city from where he came. It was a quiet, laidback community where everybody knew everybody, and treated each other with respect.

Adam soon tore that asunder.

That evening he plugged in the set and began his usual stunt.

Boom!

Boom!

Boom!

Boom!

The enormity of the sound sent lazy birds and animals into a frenzy. Birds flew far, far away, abandoning their nests. Many animals too fled the village. Cats, dogs, sheep, goats, cows and donkeys suffered unspeakable torment and barked, bleated and brayed in protest.

The once peaceful community went into serious sonic shock.

A delegation came knocking on his door.

They asked that he respect their village and stop the racket. He chased them away and paid no attention to their complaints, pleas and appeals. Old Mother Gardener shuffled slowly up to his door. Tapping loudly with her walking stick, she waited for the man to appear. Adam flung the door open and glared angrily at the old woman.

“What you want?” he shouted.

He was not shouting intentionally but was acting out of necessity. It was the only way she could hear what he was saying over the din he was producing.

“Turn off that damn noise!” Her voice quivered in anger.

He threw his head back and laughed in her face.

“Yo better catch you house before yo fall down in de dark!”

“Stop dis or I gon fix you!” Her eyes examined him coldly.

“Bun out granny fit!”

Adam slammed the door in her face and returned to his DJ activities. Many people buried their throbbing heads beneath their pillows and prayed for a miracle Mrs. Gardener went to her room, lit a candle and two sticks of incense and began a slow chant. As she increased her tempo the flame on the candle danced to the same beat.

When she hit a crescendo it went out. A cold breeze whipped through the room and out of her open front door.

Knock!

Knock!

Adam was becoming more and more annoyed by what he decided was a blatant disrespect for his privacy. He stormed to the door and threw it open. There was another delegation there. These were dressed a lot weirder than the first.

“Wat de hell you want?” he demanded rudely.

A young man addressed Adam. He was about six feet tall and built like a Sherman Tank.

“I name Bam Bam. Dis is me crew!”

“Who cares?!”

Adam pushed the door closed, but it flew open violently. It now hung from only one hinge.

“Who de hell bruk me door?” he screamed in rage.

“Not only yo door gon bruk tonight! Yo disturb everybody in dis village. Yo even wake we till down in de cemetery!”

The youth stood looking at them with his mouth and eyes wide with shock. Then he went into aggressive mode.

“Look Bam Bam or whatever yo call yo self, tek yo motley crew and leave!”

“Yo know why dey does call me Bam Bam?” The voice was low but held an ominous warning.

“Why?” Bam! Bam! Adam was flat on his back. Both his eyes were swelling swiftly and he was seeing movement in galaxies uncharted.

Crack!

Pow! Bang!

Wap! By now he was rolling all over the floor bawling. Blows rained down on him in a merciless torrent.

Crash!

Smash!

Bram!

His precious music set was smashed beyond recognition. He managed to escape the house and ran to the yard of his nearest neighbour, Mother Gardener. The thrashing continued.

Pow! Ply! Wax! “Help! Neighbour Help!”

Doors remained closed but drapes had subtle cracks in them.

“Ow! Sarry Mr Bam Bam! Ah gon stop!”

“Yo better. De next time we come back hey we gon walk wid a friend called Bruk Neck!”

“Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!” They were all laughing as they made a menacing circle around him.

Adam’s knees collapsed and he passed out.

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The dangers of extraction THE permanent teeth that are most frequently lost in childhood are the first molars. These are a person's first permanent teeth. If the child’s second molars have not yet erupted, they can be an excellent replacement. For example, if a child’s six-year molar is extracted because of gross decay before the eruption of the second permanent or 12year molar, the developing second molar will drift forward into the space of the first depending on which tooth was lost, upsetting the position of all molars in that arch. To prevent super-eruption of the opposing molar, it should be extracted at the same time, thereby allowing the upper and lower second molars a chance to replace the first molars.

But that child’s dentition becomes abnormal for life.

Dentists see many cases like the one I am about to describe. There is the example of a patient in his mid-fifties who lost all his upper front teeth and a few lower molars

through extractions. He had an upper partial denture with only the front teeth placed, so he can smile without attracting undue attention, but none on the lower jaw. Despite having been warned by his former dentist of the dire consequence of super-eruption of unopposed teeth without the lower partial denture he continued to wear the upper one alone in spite of the constant annoyance. Obviously, super-eruption occurred.

Now, remember, a tooth does not stop growing. What makes it stop is when there is an opposing one called an antagonist.

Eventually, after years he decided to do the lower partial denture. At this time, with all the super-eruption that would have taken place, the lower denture either cannot be placed, will have to be constructed with missing teeth, or otherwise be rather weird, all to accommodate the malformed upper bite.

All this could have been avoided if he had followed a simple rule. Once you had a tooth extracted or lost in an accident, replace it within six weeks.

Many dentists refuse to provide dentures to patients who present mouths exhibiting the consequence of gross neglect.

Frequently the dentist gets the blame for not producing what would clearly a miracle.

Assuming all the first and second molars are in normal occlusion and the lower first molar is extracted sometime during adolescence, the second molar frequently drifts and tilts forward into the space. The bicuspid in front of the space is less likely to drift backward because it is held in place by occluding with the upper teeth.

At this early age, the upper first molar super erupts slightly down into the space below until further movement is prevented by contact with the shifting lower teeth in adjacent spaces.

Quite often the teeth is stabilised at this point, but it is not uncommon for small spaces to remain, which collect food particles and plaque, causing further tooth decay and periodontal breakdown. Thus, it is desirable to prevent shifting of other teeth by replacing the missing tooth soon after extraction. But there should be at least a six-week delay to allow the tooth socket to heal so that the artificial tooth (bridge) will fit snugly against the gum ridge.

If the tooth is replaced immediately after extraction, the gum may shrink away from the bridge but this problem can easily be solved later. Immediate dentures, which I only do for anterior teeth, should only be done in persons whose social standing and/or occupation necessitate them not ever being seen in public without teeth. In these cases, the dentures are made before the extractions are done.

But what if the extraction was many years ago, and the teeth have already shifted so that the space is small and the situation has stabilised. What if the adjacent teeth are sound, with only small fillings or perhaps no filling at all?

What if the bone support is strong and there is no periodontal breakdown around these teeth? What if you do not miss the tooth until your dentist reminds you of the small space and recommends a fixed bridge? Before consenting to a replacement bridge, consider the likelihood of leaving them alone as the time for adequate rectification has passed. So, If you face the circumstances described above, a bridge may not be necessary and should not be done.

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Navigating a plural society WHEN I first began studying Sociology, one of the first topics to really garner my interest was ‘culture’. It was here that I was introduced to the concept of a ‘plural society’ and what it meant to live in this society.

This concept, as advanced by Norwegian anthropologist Fredrik Barth, is defined as a society which consists of ethnic contrasts-which may be different sub-cultures or totally different cultures; the economic interdependence of those groups and the use of different environmental resources by each group.

Barth posited through his studies that interaction in this social system does not lead to the “liquidation” of ethnic distinctions because cultural differences can persist despite inter-ethnic contact and interdependence.

Navigating a plural society can be tricky.

There is the option of ignoring cultural differences and rallying around (or trying to rally around) the “We are one!” slogan and being “colour-blind”. For many reasons, this is a half-baked and fallible attempt at cohesion. Ignoring our cultural differences just perpetuates the very same oppression that made these differences so distinctive in the first place.

Then there’s the option of acknowledging these differences and using it to fuel the ‘uncomfortable’ conversation of our prejudices and stereotypes, especially within our historically- culturally oppressed society.

Phagwah (or Holi) will always be my favourite holiday. It signals both the beginning of the Hindu new year and the beginning of Spring. More importantly for me, is that it is

a day where we are the furthest from being colour-blind, literally and figuratively.

You see, whether viewed through the lenses of acculturation (the merging of cultures as a result of prolonged contact), this holiday is a celebration of the Indian culture.

Contrary to the beliefs I once held, it’s not a festival that allows us to forget our differences because we are ‘colouring’ each other and making our varying skin tones indistinguishable. Our differences are pervasive, not only in how much melanin we have in our skin.

Instead, it is a platform and a celebration that allows us to acknowledge that we are different people but we need not be insular.

It’s this very same celebration that fuelled (or should I say fuels?) the hype over the movie Black Panther. The Marvel blockbuster is an unapologetic celebration of Africanism and I enjoy the vivacious support the movie has been garnering locally by those celebrating the portrayal of their culture.

Both Phagwah and Black Panther have something special in common, however.

They each propound a celebration of distinctive culture but perhaps more than that, is that they illustrate that cultural differences can be appreciated when acknowledged, not ignored. Not only Hindus or East Indians play Phagwah and not only Africans rally around Black Panther.

Jamaican anthropologist, M.G. Smith, on the other hand, believed that social dissonance was inherent in a plural society since the society encompassed cultural groups which are insular and extreme in their differences. For him, the segregation of ethnic groups is facilitated to the point

where society consisted of entirely different sub-societies, each with their own internal structures and institutions.

I have experienced situations where seeing an African boy dressed in a kurta raised eyebrows. And I have experienced instances where knowing more dancehall songs than Indian songs subjected me to ridicule. Despite this, I believe that Smith’s view is very static and does not take into account the role of human agency and how capable we are of cohesion if we really worked toward it.

Living in a plural society renders wariness of being politically correct and often shrouds the uncomfortable conversation of cultural differences.

The political landscape in this country hinges majorly on these ethnic differences.

Race baiting has been a tactic employed to

garner political support. Our differences then serve to divide us, rather than create us into the ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’ we aspire to. Again, we must acknowledge and celebrate our differences rather than ignore them.

In Guyana, we are a land of six peoples drawn from various parts of the world. I am an East- Indian, I am a Hindu but I am also Guyanese and my concerns lie with the ‘Land of many waters’. I wouldn’t want people ignoring or suppressing my Indian heritage, it is who I am. But my Indian heritage is compounded by my Guyanese nationality.

I choose not to ignore cultural differences, and I wish that we all could understand how critical ascertaining and embracing who we are - together- is.

Holi Hai and Wakanda forever!

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Is your relationship healthy?

OVER the last few weeks, I’ve had multiple couples come to see me in an attempt to improve their relationship.

Sadly, I learned that many (probably even most) people do not know or understand what a healthy relationship

is. I don’t think it is certainly our fault, as what we see (in and out of Guyana) is often negatively consistent when it comes to intimate relationships. I’m writing this article with the hope that many of you will have or keep a realis-

tic view of your relationship and subsequently make any attempt to grow and improve it.

The first things to know and understand are the vital components which are needed to make an intimate relationship work healthily. Truthfully, love is not the determining factor for a good relationship. It takes a back seat to multiple others that in their own way can certainly lead to love.

I’m going to start with healthy communication. It’s safe to say that all couples fight; it wouldn’t be a healthy relationship without these arguments that tend to happen as you explore your partner and relationship. Without disagreements, you wouldn’t learn each other’s wants, needs, desires or personal boundaries. The problem isn’t fighting – it’s the way we do it. It should be about stepping away from your desire to be right and realise your partner’s emotions and needs. It requires active listening with the goal of understanding and not responding.

In healthy communication, there is honesty. This means that partners accept, encourage, and support each other no matter what. An honest relationship is one that is transparent.

Knowing how your partner is feeling or what they are doing gives the other a sense of security and consistency within the relationship.

With honesty comes trust, respect and sharing responsibility.

Trust brings self – esteem and confidence due to a sense of safety to both partners. Additionally, it increases bonding and levels of intimacy within the relationship. Respect is critical and without it, the relationship won’t last. One of the most vital desires of human beings is to be respected; all the while knowing the difference between this and fear. A respectful relationship is one without abuse of any kind- – no verbal, emotional, physical, sexual or financial. You feel safe turning to each other for emotional support without the fear of being bullied or misunderstood. It is a relationship with space and freedom. It’s a union of positive influence, security, support, empathy and understanding. Respectful partners consider each other before and when making decisions that affect the relationship; they maintain an equal balance of power.

Sharing Responsibility means just as it sounds - that couples share everything from burdens to chores. This allows for a sense of consideration and teamwork to build.

All of the above leads to understanding and patience. It is vital that you understand and accept the differences between you and your partner. You both have different family histories and life experiences which brought you to where you are.

Instead of attempting to make them feel and act as you do, study why they are who they are. Learning and understanding them will come in time.

Patience during this process will result in acceptance and commitment. Your relationship is not much different than a person itself. You have to often think about its health, progress and future. It means making decisions (together) that only benefit the relationship. Commitment also means staying faithful to one partner and to remain here, you may want to consider more affection which can be a warm embrace or loving words.

Forgiveness is also critical for a relationship to thrive.

There are many times people will be hurt, offended or judged in a relationship. Again, this is natural during the process of really getting acquainted with someone. Letting go of these grudges is beneficial for both parties as it lightens bitterness from the past, present or future.

If you are worried about your relationship now, don’t despair as there are small steps that can make large differences in an intimate relationship.

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#SupportCreativity

By Subraj Singh

A Guyanese at FICCI 58 IT IS remarkable that the gorgeous country of Colombia is separated from our own by only one other country, Venezuela, and yet most Guyanese know very little about it. Perhaps people know Colombia as the birthplace of Shakira, or perhaps they know it from its previous role in the global drug trade.

Whatever the case, Colombia is so much more than what I could have expected it to be. The city of Cartagena, especially, is a testament to the kind of Caribbean beauty, with its colonial influences and rich culture, similar in so many ways to our own and can be found along the

coast of South America. Apart from the giant colonial-era wall that surrounds the city, Cartagena is perhaps most famous for its film festival, which, like any good artistic festival ensures that its attendees are aware that the event is much more than what it promotes itself to be about.

Yes, the 58th Cartagena International Film Festival (FICCI) is about films, but it is about world cinema rather than just Latin American cinema, it is about Cartagena itself, it is about Colombian culture, and, most importantly, when it comes to attracting tourists, the festival, in true Latin American/Caribbean style,

manages to be about both having a good time and enjoying oneself while learning and education.

The way the films are showcased at FICCI this year offer a pattern of viewing

that allows a range of films to be shown, a global array of filmmakers to be featured, and, therefore, a worldview of cinema is Turn to page XXX ►►►

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Real talent in Guyana THIS week was by far the busiest week for me but I also spent more time with my grandson more than any time this year. Jaidyn keeps a smile on my face and I am so thankful for him in my life. He is such a bright kid and the content of his conversation is way beyond his years. Planning and executing two major projects at the same time can be overwhelming and consuming but the gratifying feeling is priceless. Experiencing the growth of some of the exhibitors makes the extreme exhaustion bearable.

A few days ago I was on a radio interview with Renata, who is a first-time exhibitor and Reona who exhibited last year, Reona has grown tremendously over the year and her business has too. She was sharing her success story with us: Last year she had 11 ... Inspiring lives through fashion kids in her daycare, now she has over 40. Stories like these are confirmation that the Sonia Noel Foundation For Creative Arts is making a difference. Stories like these sometimes make two hours of sleep worthwhile and there are many more of these.

We are days away from the Expo and the INSPIRE YOU Motivational Event and the

Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel

adrenaline is at a record high. We have a lot of new exhibitors who are soaking up all the valuable information given by competent facilitators such as Eldom Marks, Eric Phillips, Meleesa Payne, Veronica Glenn and Dr. Raveendranauth Ichlangod. The 10th and 11th at the Pegasus will be bursting with great ideas, creativity and talent.

I feel blessed to have the relationship capital that I have because this event would not be possible without it. Not just this, but with many events that I have done over the years. A few nights ago I decided to take a break from Expo work and Women across Borders to attend the opening of Guyana’s first Art Gallery and restaurant, The Duke. The ambience was classy and the local art certainly added sophistication and creativity to the décor. The art is not just there to enhance décor, it is also for sale.

The creative sector is still underrated although we have so much talent in Guyana. I must commend young Gerry Gouveia and team for giving the young creatives a platform. They have an opportunity to not only showcase but to sell, and as I mentioned in my brief remarks that the Roraima Group of Companies has a large overseas clientele. I’m sure some of them will be dining there so there’s a possibility of some of those masterpieces travelling to different parts of the globe.

I met Young Douglas from my hometown, Bartica, and who has been painting from a tender age of six. I was also very impressed with the cuisine by the chief chef, Kevin Gouveia. We sampled a number of delicious dishes and had some fine wine.

The red velvet cake for dessert was too awesome. I think I had a portion for me and someone else! Actual I had Diane’s portion.

I admire how dedicated these two young men are to the family business. Kevin is also a pilot but enjoys running things in the kitchen. His passion for experimenting and creating new cuisines is admirable. I will be dining there soon with the family. My family is dear to my heart and we are very close. I made myself a promise this year to have more precious family time. I am better but nowhere close to what I desire. I am determined to fix that.

Send us a comment about something special that happened to you this week as we continue to enjoy this beautiful Journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY Check our Fb page and send your mails to beyondtherunway1@gmail.com

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NOSEDIVE INTO THE RIVER

By Abdool A. Aziz

AT AGE 10, he stood on the varnished deck of the then elegant ferry boat – the M.V. Queriman (a model is currently at the museum) as it travelled along the Demerara River. He marveled at the huge Saguenay liners bobbing at the anchor. These were overseas merchant vessels. The ferry boat looks like a lifeboat compared to their sizes. As he enjoyed a panoramic view of the harbour he looked to the south and saw a plane nose-diving into the river. He got scared. The aircraft plunged into the murky waters and disappeared. He panicked and grabbed on to his father’s trousers.

“PA, PA!” he bellowed, “People dead!”

His dad laughed.

“No, they are not dead. Keep looking, you’ll see the plane rise to the surface.”

He was tense, he looked and looked and lo and behold he saw the aircraft float to the surface. He smiled, he asked his Papa, “Why it must duck before landing?”

His father promised to explain it all later. “Come on,” he

said.

He followed his dad into the city for the first time but that river incident kept haunting him. Suppose that plane didn’t rise again? He wondered nervously. Ten years later, he would experience this water landing for himself – reliving a nightmare!

AERIAL TRAVELS He became an Interior Development Officer and did most of his travels by air. He utilised all the aircraft designed for domestic flights. The Cessna, the Twin Otter, the Dakota. Now he must use the Grumman amphibious plane, as his destination, Kurupung, was accessible only by river.

THE WATER PLANE This aircraft of German engineering was introduced to British Guiana during World War II. It was well suited for hinterland travels as it could take off and land on earth or water. But due to poor care and service, only one remained.

He was the lone passenger en-route to the Mazaruni Region on this antique plane. The aircraft was short and stocky with

turboprop engines and flotation devices. It was waterproof. It vibrated a lot and he thought it would disintegrate in mid-air.

He was scared sitting all alone and staring at the giant green rug rushing past, sometimes hidden by thick clouds. Now and then, a river snakes itself through the jungle floor.

NIGHTMARE TURNS REALITY The expected announcement came: “Fasten your seatbelts, we will be landing shortly!”

His heart pounded profusely. He was scared. He closed his eyes and began to pray. The plane nose-dived.

He lurched forward. His stomach was growling. He felt nauseated, he braced for impact. It hit the water and dove steeply. The cabin grew dark. The water rushed past the portholes in a flash he was submerged. He held his breath and prayed then suddenly light reappeared in the cabin. He was afloat… praise to the pilot. She sailed like a boat to the landing. That trip was the last he took on the water plane and he was the last passenger too. Grumman, that aircraft, became a statistic. Gone forever.

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WORLD WILDLIFE DAY 2018 Message from the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission (GWCMC) ON March 03, Guyana joined the rest of the world in celebrating World Wildlife Day 2018. At the 16th Conference of Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

(CITES) in 2013, March 3, was declared World Wildlife Day. This day was endorsed on December 20, 2013, at the 68th session of the UN General Assembly.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CITIES The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) arose out of a concern about the sustainability of the international wildlife trade and the need for a mechanism to regulate this trade. International trade means the import, export, re-export or introduction of wild fauna and flora. Wildlife is traded for several reasons; food, building material, medicines, clothing and ornaments as well as for religious and cultural purposes. These various uses can threaten the existence of our wildlife; therefore, it is very important to manage exploitation through systems such as CITES. CITES was signed on March 3, 1973, and entered into force on July 1, 1975.

There are 183 Parties to the Convention including Guyana, which became a member (Party) to CITES in 1977.

CELEBRATING “BIG CATS” This year, World Wildlife Day was observed under the theme, “Big Cats: Predators Under Threat”. Guyana is home to two big cat species – the jaguar (Panthera onca) and the puma (Puma concolor). Therefore, the theme for this year’s celebration is fully relevant to Guyana.

Big cats are important because they are the top predators in their habitat. Large cats such as jaguars and pumas decrease the likelihood of the outbreak of diseases to prey population. This is because they remove the sick and injured members which ensure that only the fittest or healthiest traits are passed on to the next generation. Essentially, big cats are important because they aid in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

In Guyana the Human/Big Cat Interactions can be defined under two broad headings: 1. Conflicts with Indigenous Reservations and Forest Edge Communities; and 2. Conflicts with Ranchers.

The Commission has responded to several conflict reports to date and the response varies according to the circumstances of the conflict. Complaints involving human-big cats interactions were received from Lake Mainstay Reservation, Capoey and Tapakuma in Region Two and Mabura Hill and Fairview Village in Region Nine.

In an effort to reduce the likelihood of such conflicts in the future, the GWCMC advises the following: 1. Where communities or individuals have observed jaguars or any large cats frequenting residential or farming area and perceive or have evidence that the animal poses threat to human life and domestic animals, they are asked not to intervene – do not trap or hunt to kill the animal.

2. Where human life appears under threat all caution should be taken to lower the risks including but not limited to walking at least in pairs, avoiding walking in during the dark if possible, secure yards and houses during dark as far as possible.

3. Where animals are under threat, the animals should be secured in appropriate enclosures to reduce the likelihood of the animal(s) being taken.

4. Where cubs are seemingly left abandoned, monitoring should be done, as big cats usually leave their cubs to hunt for food.

5. By whatever means possible, communities should make contact with the numbers listed below or any governmental organisation or Police Outpost as soon as possible 624-0049, 648-8839,613-6365, 617-4288.

Once contact is made with any of these individuals, efforts will then be taken to coordinate resources (human and otherwise) to swiftly assess the situation and work out an appropriate solution.

Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission (GWCMC)?

The Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission is responsible for the management, conservation and protection of Guyana’s wildlife. It was established by the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act on June 1, 2017.

The Act provides for regulations on the hunting, trapping, trade, protection, conservation, management and sustainable use of wildlife.

The GWCMC looks forward to working with all stakeholders in promoting co-existence and all other adaptable measures possible to ensure the long life of this and other species.

For more information, or to report wildlife conflict, please contact the GWCMC on 223-0940 or by email wildlifescientificcommittee@gmail.com.

References 1. CITES Secretariat (2018) World Wildlife Day Geneva: CITES Secretariat.

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Euros for Generation Next NGO receives donation form Rubis

By Shirley Thomas

RUBIS Caribbean has made a significant contribution to the Information Technology Department of Generation Next, First Assembly of God’s multi-faceted, Community Empowerment facility which offers developmental training, recreation and support for young people in Guyana.

To this end, the company in February made a donation of 2,000 Euros to help in the further development and propagation of the institution’s community project. The donation which comes as Generation Next observes its 10th year in existence is to be used to boost the Information Technology (IT) Department.

At a simple handing over ceremony held at the facility located at D’Urban Street, Wortmanville, Marketing and Sales Manager, Rubis Eastern Caribbean, Ricardo Milford presented the cheque to the Secretary of Generation Next Board of Directors, Pastor Wilbert Lee. Also witnessing the presentation were: Rubis’ Retail Accounts Executive, Rhonda Johnson; Pastor Winston Assanah, Director of Generation Next, and Melissa Mc Cullock, Administrator and members of the media.

Pastor Lee, on behalf of the Chairman and Board of Directors expressed gratitude to Rubis for their contribution – both the Caribbean and the headquarters in France which also formed part of the donor team. He said that Generation Next looks forward to their continuous partnership.

Observing the adage “Rubis fuelling the Caribbean” Pastor Lee said that Generation Next is extremely happy that Rubis has begun ‘fuelling’ here, adding that the company will certainly go a far way towards fueling further development and training of those persons who come and partake in training in the facility’s IT lab.

The Secretary said that over the last 10 years, Generation Next has been seeking to empower unemployed men and women so that they can make a difference in their own lives and in their communities. To date more than 3,000 persons have already been trained, he said.

Courses offered include Information Technology; Technical Vocational Training; Woodworking, Electrical and Electronics; Cake decoration and Fabric designing; Hydroponics; Fine Arts Training; Career Mentorship; Protocol Training and recreational activities.

He said that training is open to all Guyanese. The trainees have come, not only from Georgetown but from the East Bank of Demerara, as far as the Soesdyke, Linden Highway; Mahaicony on the East Coast of Demerara and Parika on the East Bank of Essequibo.

Meanwhile, Rubis’ Accounts Executive, Rhonda Johnson said Rubis was very pleased and delighted to be able to contribute to the Generation Next IT programme. She pointed out that the donation came all the way from Paris, adding that Caribbean countries that have a Rubis presence were asked to identify a charity or programme that each country would like to work with.

“The staff of respective countries came together and in Guyana, we put forward a number of charities, but the one that took the spotlight on Paris was 'Generation Next'," Ms Johnson declared.

She said that the review on Generation Next was very impressive, taking note of the charitable work it does as well. Not only does it cater to the academic needs of the beneficiaries, but their welfare needs as well. The facility offers hot meals for school children at four schools, as well as, it provides dinner for deserving elders every third Tuesday.

“That is commendable. It means that children who go to the schools where you provide this service can be assured of something to eat when the day comes,” Johnson observed.

Congratulating Generation Next, Johnson said that Rubis would like to encourage the institution, and hopes that their contribution will go a far way towards changing lives by giving a second chance for persons who might have dropped out of school or those who might not have seen the need to forge ahead at a particular juncture of their lives. But as they grow older have come to realise how important education is. On behalf of Rubis, she congratulated Generation Next and the beneficiaries to continue doing what they do.

And in an invited comment, Head Pastor of Central Assembly of God Church, Rev. Murtland Raphael Massiah, said that what was unfolding was a partial fulfilment of the vision of Generation Next where the poor and the powerless young people from this community and adjoining communities can benefit from the programmes offered.

“We are grateful for this kind of material support that will help us to roll out the kind of programmes that would really benefit those who have fallen between the margins and those who just need a bit of help,” Rev. Massiah said.

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represented. There are also various sections of screenings.

There’s Fiction in the Official Competition, Official Documentary, a section dedicated for Colombia films, a reflection on Spanish Cinema in the last few years, as well tributes to the films of Tilda Swinton, Maribel Verdu and Bruno Dumont, and even other categories of films. In the future, when Guyana has its own film festival, this would probably be the best pattern to follow, since this ensures that there is something for everyone. Even if you miss one film that you really wanted to see, there are always backups upon backups upon backups to choose from. Films from almost every country in Latin America are showcased, with visits from movie stars, directors, critics and other industry personnel. It is indeed something to be in your chair waiting on a film to begin only to look up and see Oscar-winner, Tilda Swinton, tall and refined, sweep into the same room as you, chased by a barrage of photographers.

Of course, apart from FICCI, Cartagena is also known

for its incredible culture, and tourists and other visitors who arrive for the festival inevitably end up being sucked into the multi-coloured vortex of Colombian culture. Food is an important aspect of Cartagena, and being a seaside city, known for its seafood cuisine, dishes made with fish are usually more expensive than anything else on the menu here, but is absolutely worth it, with flavours (coconut, hot pepper, carambola) that remind you of home, blended perfectly with spices (cloves, turmeric, ginger) that remind you of Guyanese food. In Cartagena, there is also a vibrant tradition of arts and crafts, with sculptures and figurines reflecting the African and Native Indian inspirations of the country on

Chronicle Pepperpot March 4, 2018 prominent display in several small stores around the city.

Lastly, is the general atmosphere of Cartagena at the time of the festival, packed with tourists who walk along the great walls that the colonisers once used as a means of guarding the city against attack. The tourists line the streets in their sundresses and Panama hats, gazing up at the intricate Spanish architecture, shifting through maps, waiting in line to see the movies, climbing into the city’s several horse-drawn carriages, or having drinks and dancing salsa with each other. It reminds me a lot of New Orleans – there is the same feel of a never-ending party, except in this case, it is a party of people who love the movies.

Chronicle Pepperpot March 4, 2018 ◄◄◄ From page XXIV

Schedule a date night/quality time one night a week. This time is between the two of you to have fun as well as reflect on the positives of your relationship. Do not forget that your relationship needs attention, openness, better communication and romance.

Give each other space- especially during a fight. This is not running away but rather taking space to calm down and think rationally. In a healthy relationship, one does not feel jealous or threatened by a little space. They are confident that their partners equally want to find a solution. Space isn’t only beneficial during fights. Couples that have separate, personal interests and activities have more to share; when there is personal growth, there is also relationship growth.

During an argument, focus on the solution rather than the argument itself. Arguments are usually prolonged because of what is said during the actual argument, not what is being argued in the first place. If you focus on the solution, the fights become a lot shorter and further in between.

During an argument, acknowledge what your partner has said. The number one reason why people scream is simply because they feel unheard.

A common source of conflict is playing the ‘blame game’ or the ‘comparing game.’ If something big needs to change within a relationship, more often than not, it will require work from both individuals. Don’t shy away from your own personal responsibility.

Take honesty gracefully. People tend to forget that the truth is not luxury and not a necessity. People do not have to

XXXI be honest with us; they choose to be out of love or respect. If your partner is honest about something and your reaction is over the top, do you expect the truth again?

When you have issues, remember why you chose that person in the first place. No one is perfect and may have all the qualities you desire but you can still surprise each other if you both put in the extra effort!

Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com, Or come in to see me at: Georgetown Public Hospital: Psychiatric Department: Monday- Friday – 08:00hrs- 12:00hrs Suicide Prevention Helpline numbers: 223-0001, 2230009, 623-4444, 600-7896 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always

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Chronicle Pepperpot March 4, 2018

English THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

My soul, sit thou a patient looker-on; Judge not the play before the play is done…

FRANCIS QUARLES (1592-1644) from Epigram. Respice Finem STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Refrain from being an examination failure. Behave wisely and check yourself now. Be properly motivated and study well. Cast off that topsy-turvy examination technique and head for success. There are basic reasons for a candidate’s failure in the examination room. Apart from lack of inherent intelligence watch out for the following: inadequate preparation, poor presentation, failure to answer the question set, bad time management, and not keeping up with examination requirements. Be wise.

Love you.

GOOD WRITING 1.. Possessive Personal Pronouns Good writing involves the proper use of possessive forms of personal pronouns. How ugly it looks when its and it’s are mixed up. Remember as you use them that personal pronouns never have apostrophes.

Its, It’s. The possessive pronoun its means “of it” or “belonging to it.” It’s is a contraction - a shortened form of “it is.”

We prefer the Ragmop Printer because of its ability to handle all standard paper sizes. (Its ability, or “the ability of it.” Its is a possessive form of a personal pronoun.)

It’s essential that we increase our production. (It’s, a contraction meaning “it is.” It’s is not a personal pronoun.)

Whose, Who’s. Whose is a possessive pronoun meaning “belonging to whom.” Who’s is a contraction for “who is.”

Do you know whose calculator this is? (Calculator belonging to whom.)

Who’s in charge of the community security staff? (Who is in charge.)

Note: Test the sentence by reading it with the full form of the contraction. If the sentence makes sense, then the contraction is correct.

Something to Do In the following sentences, find all the errors in the use of possessive pronouns.

1. One benefit of this equipment is that its easy to operate.

2. Alan, who’s signature is on this cheque?

3. No, its not too late to order the Screen Writer II programme for your word processor.

4. Who’s voice is that on the loudspeaker?

2. . Possessive Nouns – Special Uses Here are some important rules for using the apostrophe with nouns to show possession. Study them carefully.

Compound Nouns. Form the possessive of a compound noun on the last word of the compound. my daughter-in-law’s dresses (The dresses of my daughter-in-law. Because law does not end in s, add an apostrophe and s to form the possessive.) both general managers’ assistants (The assistants of both general managers. Because managers is a plural ending in s, only add an apostrophe.) an editor in chief’s budget (The budget of an editor in chief. Because chief does not end in s, add an apostrophe plus s.)

Joint Ownership. When two or more “owners” possess something jointly, place the apostrophe (or the apostrophe plus s) on the last owner’s name.

Eva and Janet’s country house is on a large farm. (Eva and Janet own the house jointly – that is, they share it as owners. Place the apostrophe plus s on the latter owner’s name, Janet.)

Sandra and Hazel’s assistant is a highly qualified worker. (Sandra and Hazel share the same assistant, as indicated by placing the apostrophe plus s on Hazel.)

Separate Ownership. When two or more owners possess things individually, place the apostrophe (or the apostrophe plus s) on the name of each owner. REMEMBER: Make separate possessives to indicate separate ownership.

Eva’s and Janet’s country houses are on Gluck Lake and the Strand respectively. (In other words, Eva’s country house and Janet’s country house . . .” separate ownership, separate possessive forms.)

Sandra’s and Hazel’s assistants are highly qualified workers. (That is, Sandra’s assistant and Hazel’s assistant - both are highly qualified workers. Separate ownership, separate possessives.)

NOTE: The key to using possessives correctly to show point ownership and separate ownership is to analyse the context of each sentence.

Something to Do Select the correct word in brackets for each of the following sentences.

1. Ask for a copy of (Frank and Simon’s, Frank’s and Simon’s) report to their supervisor on projected sales for next year.

2. The estimated income for my (son-in-law’s, son’s-in-law) business next year is $30,000,000.

3. (Ms Bimm and Mr Paul’s, Ms Bimm’s and Mr Paul’s) new franchise operations, which each purchased within the past five months, are doing very, very well.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS GOOD WRITING: Communicating for results A.. Paragraph with high-sounding words and phrases rewritten: Answers to the exercise may vary. A possible version is as follows: Stock prices have gone down recently, but the long-term outlook for the economy seems healthy.

We suggest that long-term investments not only keep good stocks, but also buy more. New investors should buy when prices are low. Search out good stocks that combine secure dividends with the chance of going up in price later.

B. Unpleasant, cold words in negative statements are replaced by positive ones: Answers may vary slightly. Sample answers are as follows: 1. Remember the community policing meeting at the end of the month. 2. Ship this order by air freight. 3. Please provide a delivery date. 4. Keep your sugar cakes’ quality high. 5. Always be on time for an appointment with a customer. 6. We will act on your request for a bigger stall soon. 7. We will keep your special request in mind. 8.

Keep the school child’s preferences in mind.

C. Overused, worn-out words replaced by more precise adjectives: Answers will vary. Sample answers are as follows: 1. an unimportant town 2. a miniature car 3. a tiny kitten…4. a trifling matter 5. a slender build 6. a scanty portion 7. a minute one 8. a small baby 9. a trivial issue 10. a thin wire D. Synonyms: Your study partners’ answers may vary from yours. 1. precise measurements; 2. celebrates the anniversary; 3. justify his or her; 4. maintain a positive attitude; 5. a new perspective; 6. Haste is to be avoided; 7. form …campaign; 8. an alternative; 9. was courageous.

Chronicle Pepperpot March 4, 2018

Meat Pie Ingredients 8 oz cold meat brown sauce, gravy or stock 1 onion, chopped 1 tsp tomato sauce or ketchup 1 lb cooked yams Method 1 Remove skin and fat from meat and mince it.

2 Season the meat well with salt and pepper, and add brown sauce, gravy or stock to moisten. Add onion and ketchup.

3 Place the meat in a greased pie dish.

4 Mash yam.

5 Pile the yam crust over the meat and make it neat with a knife dipped in hot water.

6 Cook in a hot oven, 400 degrees, for 10-15 minutes.

Serves 6 Note: Any other root vegetable may be used.

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Entertainment

Brad Pitt Is All Smiles During Surprise Oscars Party Appearance Brad Pitt appeared to be in great spirits while making a surprise, brief appearance at the Gersh Agency's pre-2018 Oscars party on Thursday night.

Wearing a black jacket over a blue top and black pants, as well as a black scarf and hat, the Oscar-winning star arrived at the bash with his manager, Cynthia Pett-Dante. He was all

smiles as he posed for photos alone and with her. He stayed for about half an hour. The party took place at the celebrity hotspot the Chateau Marmont hotel in West Hollywood. This marked a rare public appearance for Pitt, who is notoriously private.

"He was in and out so quick many people didn't even realize he had come," a source told E! News exclusively. "Brad had a big smile on his face and looked really happy, relaxed and healthy. He drank water as he chatted with friends."

"Everyone was excited he came even if it was brief," the source added. "Just seeing him out and happy was great."

The source said Pitt “just wanted to support and congratulate his friends Sam Rockwell and Richard Jenkins on their Oscar nominations.”

Rockwell is nominated for his first Oscar for his supporting role in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, while Jenkins is nominated in the same category for his performance in The Shape of Water, which marks his second Oscar nomination. Rockwell starred with Pitt in the films Confessions of a Dangerous Mind and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, while the Oscar winner also co-produced his latest acting project, Adam McKay’s new movie Backseat, in which he plays former President George W. Bush.

Pitt and Jenkins starred together in the films Burn After Reading and Killing Them Softly, while the former star also served as an executive producer on Eat Pray Love, which stars the latter actor.

At the pre-Oscars party, Rockwell was joined by his longtime partner, actress Leslie Bibb, and his father, Pete Rockwell. Bibb gushed all night to friends about her “amazing husband,” and gave him a big hug and kiss when he arrived, with a Tequila Don Julio margarita in hand.

Other celeb guests at the party included Oscar-nominated stars of I, Tonya, Allison Janney and Margot Robbie, the latter of whom who may appear with Pitt in Quentin Tarantino’s new film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Janney and Robbie were in great spirits at the party, toasting their nominations over flowing glasses of Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Champagne. Janney was spotted giving hugs and starting a dance party with Bibb. She took home a specialty engraved bottle of Don Julio 1942 that read, “The Oscar goes to…

Allison Janney.”

Also in attendance: Elizabeth Olsen, Angela Bassett, Tiffany Haddish, Adam Driver, Kathryn Hahn, John Slattery, Joe Keery, Elizabeth Perkins and Missi Pyle.

It is unclear whether Pitt will appear at this Sunday’s Oscars ceremony. He did not work on the nominated films and has not been announced as a presenter.

His ex Angelina Jolie is expected to attend, as the animated film The Breadwinner, of which she serves as an executive producer, is nominated for Best Animated Feature Film. She filed for divorce from Pitt in 2016. The two continue to co-parent their six children.