See inside:
Technology meets culture, progress and inclusion
One woman’s determination to defy the odds
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The Russian Experience
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GTT’s Innov8 Summit
This Kurupukari student was armed with binoculars and bravely trekked across the Canopy during a tour of the Iwokrama Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development
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A learning experience
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Kurupukari Primary School students visit Iwokrama for the first time
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Chronicle Pepperpot March 18, 2018
GTT’s Innov8 Summit Technology meets culture, progress and inclusion By Gibron Rahim
WE ARE living in a technological world. For good or ill, it is undeniable that modern technology is paving the way forward for the human race. It is essential then that we as Guyanese, not only adapt to technological advances but also innovate for ourselves. Motivating us to do just that will be one of the aims of GTT’s upcoming Innov8 Summit. The Innov8 Summit will run from March 24, 25 and 27 at the Marriott Hotel. The summit will comprise two events. The Innov8 Expo, a technology expo, will be held on March 24 and 25. Hosted by GTT, the event will feature the latest Smart Tech and gaming tournaments, among other fixtures. The Innnov8 Business Forum hosted by GTT on March 27 will be aimed at business leaders, techpreneurs and investors and will feature international speakers and world-class technology solutions. Both events are free and all are invited to “come explore the technology future of Guyana”. The inclusion of all Guyanese in technology is very much a part of GTT’s goals, as the Pepperpot Magazine learnt in conversation with Samantha Gooden, Marketing Consultant for GTT. She explained that a big part of GTT’s current initiatives is ensuring that it is equipping the people of Guyana with the ability to connect to an even greater degree with, not just their community, but with each other. “We have found that there’s no better way to get connectivity, or just an understanding of technology, than by helping
to raise the bar with information,” Gooden said. She emphasised that information is not just education – it can also be “edutainment”. The Innov8 Summit will unequivocally be in the category of “edutainment”. Gooden noted that the summit will be bringing together a level of education but also entertainment. GTT as a brand, as she explained, believes in three primary objectives. Being at the heart of its community is the first. “Anywhere our people are, we want to be there,” said Gooden. Sometimes this requires the company to go into various communities as it has been doing over the last several months
is more than mobile phones and Internet access – it is actually the fabric of our lives and lifestyles. GTT’s third primary objective is being at the heart of its products so that they have meaning to everyone who uses them.
they’re our own Guyanese,” she said. There will also be a Google Business Coach who will be sharing with young entrepreneurs the best ways to use Google to improve their businesses.
THE SUMMIT Over the three days of the summit, GTT will attempt to show the meaning of technology. Gooden highlighted the ways in which that exposition will be accomplished. The expo will have many booths with GTT’s strategic partners who are currently actively working in the technology market. “They are
for various campaigns, including Pinktober last year. Innov8 will be one of those occasions where the company would like to encourage the community to come to them with GTT creating a space to facilitate that. Another GTT’s beliefs is in being at the heart of culture. “Culturally, Guyana is so diverse,” said Gooden. “There are six ethnicities that come together into one to make a beautiful, beautiful people.” GTT believes technology is the answer to the question of how to bring the tapestry of Guyanese culture together. Gooden explained that technology
either creating products or they have products that are presently technologically advancements,” she said. Among these strategic partners are Starr Computers and Gizmos and Gadgets. There is also STEMGuyana which she noted has been doing a phenomenal job in working with Guyana’s primary school students and finding ways to make technology easier for our students to use. The Innov8 Summit is coming at a time when GTT has chosen to be a very active corporate participant in Guyana. Last year the company received the awards Large Business of the Year and Corporate Citizenship from the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI). Gooden intimated that GTT would like to continue to do more work along those lines since it has recognised that as it changes, the entire country benefits. The Innov8 Business Forum on March 27 will focus on the business community. The goal of that event will be to expand and share knowledge. “In order for there to be innovation there has to be collaboration,” Gooden stated clearly. “And at the core of collaboration is creativity.” The company aims to have gifted creatives already working in their respective fields sharing lessons with those who wish to learn them. Thus, there will be techpreneurs, developers, makeup artists, YouTubers and creative writers, to name a few. “We want it to be user-generated content from the mouths and hearts of the people who are already in the space, and
WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY GTT strongly supports women in information and communications technology (ICT). Alluding to what happens in communities where women are educated Gooden said, “When women have educated the entire community benefits.” Women share the knowledge they gain with their children, their spouses and eventually their entire community. She noted that STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) has been one of those areas where many opportunities have not been available to women. Thankfully, GTT’s CEO believes very strongly in the empowerment of women, “Not just that their voices are heard,” she said, “but that they take their (Courtesy of GTT) place among their male counterparts.” Among the ways GTT has already been working toward ensuring that women are included in ICT has been through its partnership with STEMGuyana which is run and directed by Karen Abrams. The company recently made a commitment of $8 million toward STEM Guyana which will give Abrams more funds to do more of the work she has already been doing. GTT is also committed to empowering women as, “We believe that when you empower women and give them a platform it also inspires other women,” Gooden said. GTT has also been making efforts to acknowledge women. For International Women’s Day the company’s CEO, Mr. Justin Nedd, took the leading ladies in STEM to lunch at Bistro. These women included The First Lady Sandra Granger, Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, Karen Abrams and Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Chairperson, Della Britton. Technology is leading the way to tomorrow and GTT is committed to helping Guyana along that path. “What you’re going to see GTT doing is being even more active in the community at the primary school level,” Gooden said. “We want all ships to rise together as the tide rises.” Guyana’s women and girls will be among the beneficiaries of that goal being reached. The Innov8 Summit is one of the steps in the direction of the future.
Chronicle Pepperpot March 18, 2018
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A learning experience
Kurupukari Primary School students visit Iwokrama for the first time By Wendella Davidson FOR 45 students of the Kurupukari Primary School (commonly called the Fairview Primary School), the just-concluded Mashramani celebrations will remain etched in their minds as quite a memorable occasion. Though many of them were born and grew up in the community, it was the first time they were afforded an opportunity to visit the Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development. The tour was organised by the school’s recently-appointed headmaster, Quado Vancooten, as he seeks to inject new life into the school community by getting the students to become more aware of places of interest in their community and its environs.
Headmaster of the Kurupakari Primary School, also called Fairview Primary, Quado Vancooten left, with teachers Jessica Jonas and Lance Codwell, the Peace Corps Volunteer
SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR MASHRAMANI Continuing, the headmaster said that with the Mashramani celebrations approaching and hearing about all the hype in the city, he too wanted his students to get into the spirit, so he thought that they should do something special. “I enquired of the staff and pupils of the places they would have previously toured and whether they had anywhere specific in mind,” he said. “I was told that the school had not made any tours outside of the community in a while, except for the participation by a couple of athletes in the region’s inter-branch sports meeting which was held at Moca Moca, in the Rupunini. Right away I had this idea of a visit to the Iwokrama Reservation, which would include walking the famous Canopy since it was located just a few hours
thrown into a state of sadness when she told me that the school only had two teachers,” Vancooten said. He stated that upon hearing that he told himself that if the school at Mashabo, where he was employed at the time, could have its full complement of staff, he didn’t mind leaving to give service to Fairview, since, “I had fallen in love with the area at first sight,” he said. One year later, after giving 17 years of yeoman service in Region Two, Vancooten finally decided that it was time to move on and fulfill his dream of serving in the deep hinterland, and for him, Kurupakari was just ideal. Headmaster Quado Vancooten in a photo-shoot with some of his charges on the stairs of the old school building
In an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, Vancooten, who took up an appointment as the headteacher at the school in December last year, said the tour group consisted of students drawn from Grade Four to Form Three, Peace Corps Volunteer Lance Coldwell, a Biology graduate from the US who teaches Science at the school and also works with the council; primary level teacher, Jessica Jonas, her two-year-old son, Tyson, and the headmaster himself. Prior to moving to the Kurupukari School, Vancooten taught for five years at Mainstay Lake Primary and was then headmaster at Mashabo Primary for 12 years, both schools in Amerindian reservations in Region Two A student walks along the Canopy as other students anxiously look on from both ends
(Pomeroon-Supenaam). Vancooten recalled that his interest in the Kurupukari school began in August 2016, as he was passing through the community. “I was heading to Georgetown from Lethem after visiting the Central Rupununi with the Kids Joy Foundation to distribute back-to-school supplies to the villages of Moca Moca, Kumu, Haiwa, Quarrie and Parishara. And, while on a brief wait at the Kurupukari crossing I struck up a conservation with `Michelle’, a female who operates a snack shop and during the discourse, I asked her about the Fairview school. I was immediately
ARRIVAL According to Vancooten, he hit the ground running The old school building
upon his arrival at the school, stating that he gets a “high” seeing progress in the students as well as in the school to which he is attached. “It has been one stage of development after the other since then,” he remarked with pride, noting too, that at the time of his arrival he met a newly-built sanitary block and renovation works were ongoing on the school. Not long after the entire facility was tiled and repainted. In addition, a government-sponsored school feeding programme got underway in February. Also, a nursery class represented the school at the Annual North Rupununi District Sports for the very first time.
Headmaster Quado Vancooten is on hand to lend encouragement to each student as they attempt to walk across the Canopy
These students are all smiles as they were given a look-see of a Cessna Caravan aircraft and had a feel of sitting in the pilot’s seat in the cockpit
drive from the village.” Vancooten said the idea was thrown out to the teachers and students and it was immediately accepted, and it was then that he learned, much to his surprise, that several of the students, had never visited the area. Additionally, some of the students have parents who are employed at Iwokrama but they never had the opportunity to pay a visit. Vancooten added that as the excitement grew within the school community, he sought and obtained all the needed approvals to execute the tour from the Education Department in Region Nine, as well as the Management of Iwokrama. Fuel to undertake the trip was donated by Some of the students on their way to visit the Iwokrama Reservation
Mac Vantage, a logging company operating in the area and which is of immense support to the school in any of its endeavours. On the day of the tour, Vancooten said upon arrival at the reservation the group was taken to the `Lodge’ where they were given a warm welcome. He said the tour guide, Kendrick Andrew, remarked that he was having a new experience as it was the first time that the reservation was hosting a primary school group on tour. Vancooten added that the children felt relaxed as Turn to page VII ►►►
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Chronicle Pepperpot March 18, 2018
Celebrating World Poetry Day 2018 By Francis Quamina Farrier “This I have learnt, today a speck Tomorrow a Hero, Hero or Monster You are Involved. Like a Jig shakes the loom Like a web is spun the pattern All are involved, all are consumed.” I HAVE started many of my solo and other Poetry Performances and Readings with that very short Martin Carter poem. As such, I invite you to be totally involved with the essence Martin Carter and AJ Seymour of this feature article, as we approach “World Poetry the East Bank Demerara. Day” 2018, which will be celebrated It was a pleasant surprise when The on Wednesday, March 21, no doubt National Library, under my production, with Poetry Sessions all across the staged a Poetry Show entitled, “See country. More Poetry” at the Theatre Guild As part of its objective for World Playhouse in Georgetown in obserPoetry Day, The United Nations Ed- vance of the Centenary of the birth of ucational, Scientific and Cultural Or- National poet, AJ Seymour. Poetry ganisation (UNESCO), published the lovers turned out in large numbers and following statement; “The Observance the theatre was packed to over-flowing. of World Poetry Day is meant to enIt is impossible for me to name all courage a return to the oral tradition of of the notable poets of Guyana in this poetry recitals, to promote the teaching article, however, here is a very small of poetry, to restore a dialogue between sample; Martin Carter, AJ Seymour, poetry and the other Arts such as The- Rajkumari Singh, Wordsworth McAnatre, Dance, Music and Painting and to drew, Bobby Fernandes, Sheik Sadeek, support small publishers and create an Mahadia Das, Ivan Forrester, John attractive image of poetry in the media, Agard, Grace Nichols, Ian McDonald, so that the art of poetry will no longer Ras Michael Juene, Basil Rodrigues , be considered an outdated form of Art, Stephanie Bowery, Capt. Lloyd Marbut one which enables society as a shall, Dmitri Allicock, Donald Trotman whole to regain and assert its identity.” and Egbert “Leo” Martin (the latter That UNDP object has by-and- writing during the 1890s). large, been observed in Guyana over My interest and love of poetry go the years, with both younger and older all the way back to my early schooling Guyanese, writing and performing at the St Ann’s Anglican at Agricola. poetry in many locations; in theatres, From foreign works for children such schools, libraries, churches and also as, “Mary had a little Lamb” and “Tom, at funerals and other events. There are Tom the Piper’s Son”, to the grand occasions when Poetry is also done works of Guyana’s own Martin Carter outdoors, such as the occasion two and AJ Seymour, and the Caribbean’s years ago when I did a Poetry and Nobel Prize winner for Literature, Storytelling Performance one afternoon Derrick Walcott. under the Big Tree at Mocha Village on But let us retract that English poem
(Nursery Rhyme if you prefer), about Tom the piper’s son. It tells the story of a little boy who stole a pig and ran away with it. For the love of all that’s good, who would want to write a poem about a little fellow who stole a pig? Well, an English gent did! Having taken that (naughty) swing at the English, I have to admit that some of the greatest poets have been English;
and was buried in a pauper’s grave in Paris. Both Carter and Wilde wrote poems about the taking of human life. Martin Carter wrote, “Men Murder men, as men must murder men.” Oscar Wild wrote, “And all men kill the thing they love.” I once asked Carter why he wrote so much about death. His answer was, “From the time we are born, death is hovering to snatch us.” In a previous paragraph mention was made of UNESCO’s promotion of the “Oral Tradition” of poetry, which leads me to one of my own poems which is entitled “Let Me Speak”. In that poem, I implore others to listen to my voice, as Martin Carter wrote, “No, I will not still my voice”, which
Farrier performing Guyanese poems at the International Theatre Exchange in Sydney, Australia in 1993
Blake, Chaucer, Eliot, Keats, Kipling, Milton, Shakespeare, Shelley and others. Now let me juxtapose Oscar Wilde, an Irish Poet and playwright, with Guyana’s Martin Carter. Both men were brilliant writers and very popular in their time. Both writers spent time in prison; Martin Carter as a political prisoner of the British; Oscar Wilde imprisoned by the British on conviction of homosexuality. While Martin Carter lived a relatively comfortable life and on his death was buried at the prestigious Seven Ponds in Guyana’s Botanical Gardens, Oscar Wilde in his later years lived in poverty in France
is the first line of one of my favourite Martin Carter poems, “Looking at your Hands”, a poem which I just love to perform. One of the most performed Guyanese poems is “Ole Higue” by poet and folklorist Wordsworth McAndrew. It has been done in a myriad of ways, including dance. I myself have done it in Guyana and around the Caribbean, as well as in the USA and Canada, England and Australia. In more recent years, this very popular poem has become somewhat controversial since an old woman who villagers concluded was an Ole Higue, was beaten to death in an East Coast
Demerara village a few years ago. That was the same fate of the fictional Ole Higue in that McAndrew poem as death blows are mercilessly rained down on the unfortunate “Old woman wid de wrinkled skin”; “Waxen, waxen, pladai, plai Die yoh witch yoh, die”. While mention was made of poets from Europe, I need to mention just two from the USA, who are my favourites; James Weldon Johnson and Maya Angelou. From Asia, Rabindranauth Tagore of India, and from Africa, President Leopold Senghor of Senegal. There have been many poems about death; Martin Carter’s “Death Must not Find us thinking that we Die” is one said many times, especially at funerals. On the issue of death; suicide, in particular, I wrote a poem entitled “Makonaima’s Sacrifice” which was inspired by the three suicides which were committed at the Kaieteur Falls. It was a challenge for me writing that poem because while I did not want to justify or glorify suicide, at the very same time I was very careful not to make my work one in which I seem to sit in judgement over the victims. So what is going to happen on World Poetry Day 2018 here in Guyana? My hope is that Poetry sessions would be held everywhere; in homes, schools, libraries, churches, hospitals, offices, police stations, beer gardens, prisons, rum shops, in the markets, senior citizens homes, hotel lobbies and orphanages as well as the open-air under the blue sky or big green trees; and certainly in the media - just about everywhere. After all, it’s World Poetry Day. In closing, I extend condolences to the relatives and friends of the great Guyanese novelist and poet, Sir Wilson Harris, who recently passed away on March 8, 2018, at age 96. May his poetry live on in our schools, libraries, stages, radio and television, as well as in our magazines and especially in our hearts.
Chronicle Pepperpot March 18, 2018
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15 Years of Advocacy, 15 Amazing Women By Nicholas Peters THIS year marks the 15th anniversary of the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) as Guyana’s leading advocacy organisation for the human rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people. From its inception, the organisation has aimed to educate and serve communities in its fight to end discrimination based on sexuality and gender identity. Over the years, SASOD as a movement could not have done its work without the dedication of its members, volunteers and supporters. To commemorate this milestone, celebrate International Women’s Day and the first anniversary of SASOD Women’s Arm Guyana (SWAG), SASOD has chosen to feature 15 incredible women whose spirit and fortitude have fuelled its groundbreaking work.
Renata is a multi-talented entrepreneurial force of nature. This energy also spreads to her advocacy as the representative of the private sector on the Women and Gender Equality Commission, in addition to being SASOD’s Chairperson on its Board of Directors. She channels her energies into lobbying with the private sector to support the amendment to the Prevention of Discrimination Act 1997. These changes to the law would effectively remove sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as reasons to discriminate against anyone. Renata’s advocacy extends to her role as a member of the civil society group RISE Inc. which is pushing for reforms to Guyana’s constitution. MISHKA PURAN
RENATA CHUCK-A-SANG
Mishka is one of Guyana’s leading legal warriors on the frontlines of change. She is an Attorney-at-Law not only in Guyana but
also in 20 states in the continental United States of America. On top of that, Mishka serves as the Secretary on SASOD’s Board of Directors and is a steering member of the Caribbean Lawyering for Social Justice (CariBono). Her passion for the human rights movement has spread to her being part of SASOD’s legal team, appealing the Court of Appeal’s decision on Guyana’s laws which criminalise cross-dressing before the Caribbean Court of Justice this year. TWINKLE BISSOON Twinkle is a bright, young woman blazing the trail for transgender rights in Guyana. This Best Village-born activist wears many hats as the Assistant Secretary on SASOD’s Board of Directors, Communications and Administrative Officer at the Guyana Trans United and the Public Relations Officer of the recently-formed United Caribbean Trans (UCTRANS). Twinkle is a vibrant leader in the representation of Guyanese trans-women and has used her platform to shed light on the barriers which restrain the brilliant capabilities of women like her. TERIANNA BISNAUTH Terianna is a firm and dedicated activist who has represented Guyana on many fronts of the international human rights stage. As the first Chair-
woman of SWAG, Terianna has made sure that lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LBT) women and women allies contribute to Guyana’s growing human rights movement. She has represented SASOD at the 47th General Assembly of the Organisation of American States (OAS) where she presented a copy of the 2017 report titled ‘Guyana’s Voting Records and Responses on LGBT Human Rights Issues at International Fora’, to now-President of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, Margaret May Macaulay. DIANA CRUICKSHANK Diana is a dynamic influencer aiming to re-energise the Guyanese civic engagement. As the
Vice-Chairwoman of SWAG, she empowers LBT women and women allies to claim their rights. She is also reading for her undergraduate Degree in English Literature and Linguistics at the University of Guyana where she is the co-founder of the Student Society Against Human Rights Violations. Her core belief is that Guyanese women must be included and heard in conversations that address women’s inequality in economic, social, political and cultural spheres. SCHEMEL PATRICK Schemel is one of Guyana’s most vibrantly committed social movers and wears her activism proudly. While working at SASOD, Schemel was the pioneering visionary of SWAG and currently serves as its Secretary. Last year, Schemel was among a group of individuals who launched SWAG for International Women’s Day. She launched the women’s group after organising a series of activities which focused on educating women, especially lesbian and bisexual women, on sexual and reproductive health and rights issues. She continues her social crusade as the Chairperson of the Turn to page XXIX ►►►
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Chronicle Pepperpot March 18, 2018
The Russian Experience One woman’s determination to defy the odds By Svetlana Marshall “IT’S a male-dominated field,” they said. “How dare you?” they questioned. “Mining and Surveying is a man thing,” they argued. But their constant banging did not crush her spirit. Instead, she rose to the occasion, and, like many women across the world, proved there is no limit to what women can achieve. On February 13, 2018, Tenesha Jerry-Ann Les Flores stood tall as she graduated with a Specialist Degree in Tenesha Jerry-Ann Les Flores receiving Mining and Surveying from the People’s her certificate on graduation day in Russia Friendship University of Russia, despite Originally from Kwakwani Park in the being repeatedly told that she could not have Berbice River, Region 10, Tenesha, in Sepmade it. tember 2011, journeyed to Russia to read “I remember going on practicals and being for her degree at the People’s Friendship sent back to my living quarters or being asked University in Moscow. She was a part of a ‘Why did you choose a man’s profession?’,” five-member Guyanese team, which had seTenesha said while recalling her experience cured scholarships from the Bauxite Company of studying in Russia. of Guyana (BCGI) – a subsidiary of RUSAL.
Though she did not live with him, it was through her father, an employee of RUSAL, that Tenesha learnt of the opening. Her mother, who she lived with along with her siblings, would not let her give up such golden opportunity. “My mother forced me to apply for it. My mind was already set on becoming a teacher so I most definitely wasn’t interested,” she told the Pepperpot Magazine. It was her childhood dream to become a teacher, and soon after graduating from the Kwakwani Secondary School with nine subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) Examinations, Tenesha volunteered her service at the school, teaching Mathematics and Integrated Science. She was only 16 years old at the time. “I volunteered for a year at the Kwakwani Secondary School, teaching Mathematics and Integrated Science to second formers before
moving on to teach at the Hururu Mission Academy,” she recalled while expressing her deep love and appreciation for teaching. FIRM DECISION It was coming to crunch time, and Tenesha knew it was important for her to make a critical decision. After weighing the pros and cons, she opted to study in Russia. It was a rough road ahead, and Tenesha was up for the challenge. “We all experience life differently, so I wouldn’t say studying in Russia was oh so difficult but there were some challenges and my biggest one was getting robbed only three days after arriving in Russia. I’d say that was the biggest because I had lost all of my documents and money- passport included. Then there was the weather, culture difference, roommates and the language barrier of
course,” she summarised. Originally, Tenesha had signed up to study Economics but was accidentally registered for Mining and Surveying Engineering. Though she was up for the challenge, for others that was a no, no. “It’s difficult being and studying in a male-dominated profession. Sometimes you’ll hear remarks from engineers that you’ll find very disrespectful. Many of them would tell me that ‘mining and surveying are for men.’ My gender was even written as male a few times too and those are the less rude comments made towards me,” she recalled. Tenesha was the only female engineering student at the time. TUNNEL VISION But she would often focus on her reason for being in Russia. Though there were times she felt like walking away, a few encouraging words told to her by her brother, kept her going along with the support of other family members and friends. “He said ‘you gotta war thru, buddy, you gotta finish what you start.’ He probably doesn’t even remember that he said that to me in 2012 but I do and days when I felt like quitting I’d repeat them to myself,” she told this newspaper. “I’ve always been vocal about my ups and downs of studying with other students and that too was my way of coping. [Helping others] distracted me from my own problems and believe it or not humour played a big part too. I made sure I was always laughing and smiling,” she added. THE UPSIDE OF THINGS But life in Russia was not always challenging and stressful for Tenesha, as according to her summer was mostly fun. “Summer times were the best, from being a part of events like “the Caribbean food festival, the Guyanese Labour Day picnic to being a scorekeeper for cricket matches. It meant good weather and a couple days of relaxing for me. I honestly have absolutely NO regrets about embarking on this journey, I’ve gained too much and learned a whole lot more,” she said. After one year of learning the language and five years, six months of studying mining and surveying, Tenesha graduated with her degree at the age of 25. “I am not the same person who left Guyana in 2012. Studying in Russia has most definitely changed my perspective on life. I’ve learned so much about myself as an individual, how to be independent, how to love and appreciate life, family and friends,” she posited. Soon, Tenesha will return to her place of birth to commence her career at RUSAL as a Specialist in Mining and Surveying. The 25-year-old plans to give back to her community by working with the youth in various areas of interest. In the future, she plans to do her PhD in “mining and surveying”, and thereafter continue with her passion for teaching.
Chronicle Pepperpot March 18, 2018 ◄◄◄ From page III
the guide had told them to feel free to ask questions and share what they knew. Armed with knowledge An added hype to the visit, the headmaster said, was that some of the students are members of a wildlife club in the community that was started by the Peace Corps volunteer, and so they ensured that they were armed with binoculars, some of which they borrowed from residents, to use for possible bird sightings. He proudly remarked that during that tour the students easily identified in excess of 35 species of birds that live in the Iwokrama forest area, and recognised too, some of the trees. The children also pointed out the bat seed which is grown in the forested area of their village.
Tour guide attached to the Iwokrama Reservation, Kendrick Andrew, engaging the students during a tour along the nature trail
He said that Andrew, the tour guide commented that his work was made very easy as he was able to relate to the children as they came with the previous knowledge. “The children were all excited at the Canopy because only a few had gone there before … they were in awe at the height of the walkway, and one young lad even remarked that he is accustomed to trees but never knew that persons can build a walkway between them. The youngest child to the canopy top, two-year-old Tyson Jonas [Ms. Jonas’ son] was just as excited like the older children, he was not afraid one bit,” Vancooten said. The new Kurupakari school which was built by the government
(Photos courtesy of Quado Vancooten)
“I was happy at the conclusion and had a feeling of accomplishment as we at the school were able to achieve yet another first. I feel that I came to the school and village at the right time and I have found a unique niche where I can teach and work and live in a place I truly enjoy. A friend remarked on Facebook after seeing my various pics that I am living a working vacation of which I couldn’t agree less,” he added. TEACHERS NEEDED On a more serious note, Vancooten said the school is really in need of more teachers. “We are only three, with an enrollment of 103, but we do try our best with the resources at our disposal. We are happy that we receive administrative support from the Department Office at Lethem and infrastructural support from the Mahdia Regional Democratic Council. The Iwokrama Reservation has always maintained a great working and supporting relationship with the school to the extent
The headmaster with two-year-old Jason Jonas who also walked the Canopy without assistance
that the school gets textbooks and other material support from them, as well as from REPSOL,” he noted. Vancooten said too, that he learnt that Iwokrama’s assistance to the school has been ongoing for some time in that it was also through help from members of the community that the old school building was constructed. He said for the time being, classes are still conducted in the former school building. With the airstrip being nearby, the students on almost a daily basis, witness the take-off and landing of small planes transporting bird-watching and other tourists, including those who come to the area to do sports fishing- which has contributed to Fairview’s reputation as “a fisherman’s
VII paradise.” Vancooten recalled that recently, Trans Guyana Airways pilot, Jonathon Mohamed,gave during one of his stops at the Kurupukari airstrip responded to a request by some of the children to have a look-see at the inside of a Cessna Caravan he had flown there. He gave them a brief view and even allowed them to take turns sitting in the pilot’s seat. According to the headmaster, having witnessed the excitement in the children, then, he has since written to the Trans Guyana Airways administration at Ogle, seeking approval for the children to be given a short flight for them to experience flying in an aircraft. Should the approval be granted the headmaster said it will also be another first and memorable occasion for the children of Kurupakari Primary School.
The students walk along the trail on their way to the top of the Canopy. Young Jason rides on the shoulder of an older student with the tour guide, Kendrick Andrew, behind
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Chronicle Pepperpot March 18, 2018
Becoming the Best Version of Ourselves Women in Business Expo 2018 and ‘Inspire You!’ - Part Two By Gibron Rahim THE celebration of the contributions Guyanese women make every single day to our society extended beyond March 8, as is fitting. Among the events were the Women in Business Expo 2018 and the “Inspire You!” motivational event. The two events highlighted the economic contribution women are making to our country and reaffirmed the bonds of sisterhood
of entrepreneurship, allowed female business owners the opportunity to exhibit their products and services. The “Inspire You!” event was held on March 11, also in the Savannah Suite, and closed the expo. It was marked by powerful speeches delivered by wom-
each other’s achievements,” she said. The networking from the forums and the expo has also sowed the seeds for future partnering between the women. Reona Cathro, owner of the Bumble Bee Daycare and Playgroup, was unfortunately not able to take part in the expo but was a part of the business forums leading up to the event. She noted that the forums were very informative. She explained that she learnt quite a bit relating to the use of technology. She commended Sonia Noel for empowering women since she pointed out that there are women
Sherry Ann Dixon
Hilda Bournes
that strengthen them. The Women in Business Expo, celebrating its third year, was held on March 10 and 11 in the Savannah Suite of the Pegasus Hotel. The twoday event, which followed six weeks of intensive training in various aspects
en who have overcome challenges and are making a difference in their lives and the lives of others. Luann Nero is the owner of Aderita’s Creations which offers event planning services and was also an exhibitor at this year’s expo. She related that she learnt much from the business forums before the expo. She got more than she could have anticipated when she first signed up. “It allowed us also to celebrate women, we celebrated
Ayana McCalman
who do not realise their worth. Meanwhile, Noel, in the opening remarks of “Inspire You!” emphasised the importance of encouraging people to be the best version of themselves. She noted that the lineup of speakers would do a great job in that regard. Noel herself had been scheduled to be one of the speakers but had decided to give her place to a fellow John Maxwell
plained that sometimes discovering and connecting with the best of oneself requires going through some of the worst life experiences. She related that eight years ago she discovered that she had had fibroids which required surgery. After the procedure, Gooden became progressively and inexplicably more ill. She was rushed out of St. Lucia to Trinidad and Tobago for emergency surgery. Christine Neblett
certified speaker. Instead, she took over as M.C. of the event. A clip of the late Maya Angelou reciting her poem “Still I Rise” was played. Noel explained that she always thinks of the poem whenever she ponders life and our purpose on earth. The evening’s first speaker was Hilda Bournes. In her introduction of Bournes, Noel noted that Bournes is a bestselling author and entrepreneur and has been in business for over 16 years. She is also the CEO and founder of Dream 360 through which she is able to reach out to women who have experienced various forms of trauma and help them to dream again. Bournes opened by inviting the audience to look under their seats for cards, each handwritten and with a different message. She then proceeded to guide the assembled audience through the process of overcoming trauma and finding purpose. The process, Bournes explained, is a difficult one and is filled with obstacles. She urged the audience to be helpful and loving toward those who may be going through trauma. Next up to speak was Samantha Gooden, Marketing Consultant at GTT and a John Maxwell certified speaker. She ex-
Dr. Jackie Evans-Phillips
It was discovered by the doctors in Trinidad that one of the fibroids had been missed and had attached itself to her colon. After a second major surgery that saved her life, Gooden was put on three months recuperation. Gooden made numerous resolutions on her sickbed about how she would live once she recovered. However, one resolution – the dream of travelling to Australia – remained out of reach due to numerous setbacks. Referring to dreams, she noted, “If we focus on the ‘how’, we’ll always be discouraged.” Instead, “What we must focus on is the ‘what’ and everything in life will align” as she herself has experienced Turn to page X ►►►
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Helping a few turned into helping hundreds – With the formation of EPIC Guyana
By Telesha Ramnarine
FIFTEEN years ago, Brian Backer used his own resources to help out the children in the Meadow Brook area where he grew up without realising that his generosity would in time move him to form an organisation that would eventually help hundreds of children. Being intimately familiar with the adjoining areas and with families who were in need, Brian decided to extend his help to other communities and hosted a backto-school drive which met the needs of 13 underprivileged kids. After only a few years, the initiative took on a life of its own and the number of recipients grew to almost 200, with parents and guardians reaching out every summer to ensure that their children were included on the list for receiving back-to-school supplies. Two other area residents were recruited to act as community liaisons and to do an in-depth needs assessment of the children in the area so as not to overlook any. In late 2016, after realising that his reach was limited due to costs, Brian decided it was time to formalise his efforts and register
juveniles. The one teacher stationed at the facility cannot adequately meet the needs of the 18 children there, whose ages range from 10 to 16.
Executive Director of EPIC Guyana, Brian Backer
etary donation out of it. Instead, he asks for services and for specific items such as exercise books and pencils if there is a back-to-school drive. “This makes it easier for accountability and transparency so that people know that what they gave went where it was intended to go. It’s also to keep track and make everything more accountable,” he expressed.
SOPHIA JUVENILE DETENTION CENTRE EPIC Guyana was later invited to visit the Sophia Juvenile Detention Centre by Clifton Hicken, then-Assistant Commissioner of Police and then-Commander of A+ Division. Once the initial visit was made to the facility and a detailed assessment of issues, conditions and solutions was made, EPIC Guyana accepted the invitation extended by Commander Hicken to became an official partner of the A+ Division Youth Initiative, and to further their efforts to best serve the needs of the many disadvantaged, underserved, and unrepresented youth that they encounter. EPIC Guyana’s Programme Coordinator Just this past week, EPIC Surujdai Mukhram (right) invited her friend Guyana’s Programme CoorAlex Moore (centre) for an interactive cooking dinator, Surujdai Mukhram lesson. Nikita Lochan assisted the chef invited one of her friends, Alex Moore, a chef, to teach a non-governmental organisation that would increase capacity and give his many support- the kids at the centre how to make spaghetti and meatballs. This was the first time that ers a more visible platform. “Initially, I stood all of the expenses; the the team managed to conduct such a huge support was just for family and friends. But interactive activity with the juveniles. Every Tuesday, when the organisation it continued to grow and as we helped one family, they would introduce others to us and visits, they would either conduct a workshop it started snowballing, so I found it neces- teaching them how to read, write, colour, sary to seek external support so that we can draw and speak publicly. EPIC will also on continue to give this level of service,” Brian occasions invite others to visit and share told the Pepperpot Magazine in an interview. their personal experiences and how they As the impact of the community activ- managed to get out of bad situations. At other times, the youths, who are ities continued to grow, EPIC (Enhancing Potential to Inspire Change) Guyana, a local locked up for various offences are able to non-profit organisation, was registered and enjoy a movie and popcorn. EPIC has also partnered with School its scope of work began to expand. Backer said whenever he approaches a of the Nations where the school’s Sixth business for help, it’s never to get a mon- Formers would regularly visit to teach the
“We know not everyone will listen, but even if we made an impact on one life, we Turn to page XXXI ►►►
X ◄◄◄ From page VIII
numerous times. Eventually, she was able to go to Australia. Then, this past January she was able to go to Bali where she was able to meet people and have experiences she could never have conceived of. And it all began, she said, with a surgery that went wrong. Linda Felix-Johnson then joined Noel on the stage. Felix-Johnson is the President of Women of Mission International (WOMI). In conversation with Noel, she related the experiences that led to her current path. Felix-Johnson had worked on Wall Street for 18 years and almost died during the events of September 11 when she was trapped under rubble. After praying
not to die and being rescued, she changed her life course and began studying nursing. A conversation with the superintendent at her granddaughter’s school led her into education. She would eventually lose her job at the school she was teaching at due to her frequent visits to Guyana to help others. The students at her former school began suffering, leading to the school’s teachers sending the students to her home. Felix-Johnson’s literacy foundation was born out of those sessions. Taking the podium following the conversation with Felix-Johnson was Sherry Ann Dixon. A renowned journalist, transformational speaker and keynote speaker, the Guyana-born Dixon has been living in Guyana these last few
Chronicle Pepperpot March 18, 2018
months while working on her upcoming book. She shared some of her life experiences with the audience. She lost her mother at a young age to uterine cancer. She had left Guyana to live with her aunt in the United Kingdom. She was first a secretary and then a marketer. After discovering her journalistic ability she began writing, leading her to become beauty editor and then editor of PRIDE Magazine. Having become bored, Dixon moved to St. Lucia where she became the editor of SHE Caribbean. She found that she could not stay. “I was lonely in Paradise,” she said simply. It was too late for her to return to her old job, however. The place had been filled. The state of affairs led Dixon into a state of depression. She related how the dreadlocks that had taken her 10 years to grow started to fall out. She did not know who to turn to for help she said. Eventually, her partner suggested that they go to see a doctor who suggested counselling. Though initially skeptical of the idea, she now credits that counsellor as a godsend. Since then Dixon’s upward momentum has not stopped. Speaker Ayana McCalman welcomed the audience to “Soul Care 101”. McCalman is an attorney-at-law, legal researcher and owner of her business, McCalman & Co. Legal Services, which provides legal solutions for business owners. She explained that “Soul Care 101” is based on the two concepts of realising that self-care is not selfish and that “you can’t give from an empty cup”. She shared two practices that have been helping her on her journey to becoming the best version of herself – saying “no” first and the
three Cs of confidence, competence and clarity. Addressing the audience next was Christine Neblett. She is the successful owner of her own shipping business. Neblett related that her life has not been without failings, including in the area of business. However, she shared that money is not an obstacle to starting a business. She had initially been running her business out of her home. Due to her husband’s objection she had to find another location. Though she located to the ideal site for her business, she did not have the money to cover the security deposit and the first month’s rent. Still, she agreed to meet the landlord to draft the paperwork. She received a fortuitous phone call. The individual on the line, though they did not know the challenge she was facing or how much money she needed, wrote her a cheque that covered all the expenses. The evening’s final speaker was Dr. Jackie Evans-Phillips, an author, motivational speaker, life coach and educator. She is also the founder and owner of Life Changers Consulting (LLC) which is a company that provides life empowerment services and educational consulting. The process of life, she explained, is all about valleys and mountaintops. She found this to be evident in her own life. She experienced the dissolution of her marriage and the loss of her job, all close to the time she received her doctorate. The series of events began a three-year process of God breaking and remaking her, she said. Evans-Phillips guided the audience through the steps of that journey that can be applied to their own journeys and struggles.
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Victoria/Belfield to benefit from ambitious agro-economic programme By M Margaret Burke AGRICULTURAL Specialist and Chairman of the Victoria/ Belfield CDC, Errol Luke and a group of key decision-makers within that community have endeavoured to mount an ambitious programme in an effort to promote farming and other economic activities within the two villages. In so doing, Luke has spared no effort in conducting a feasibility study so as to be able to make effective decisions for the advancement of Victoria and Belfield. In his study, he concluded that there was a need to organise a `farmers’ programme to provide technical assistance to agricultural producers, and training to the youths who desire to work in agribusinesses and organisations in the community or country” and this is being submitted to the government. Through the implementation of the project, he said, local specialists will use their time and expertise and spend three to four weeks on specific technical assignments, working directly with participants in the community to address their needs. The programme is intended to cover all training costs and any work-related expenses. It also aims to bring about poverty reduction and improve the economic and social welfare of the Victoria/ Belfield community. VICTORIA AND BELFIELD Victoria Village on the East Coast of Demerara, Guyana, is located 29 kilometres (18 miles) east of the capital city, Georgetown. This village is also referred as the ‘First Village’, having been the first village bought by 83 ex-slaves from some of the nearby villages such as Ann’s Grove, Douchfour, Enmore, Hope and Paradise. These people (ex-slaves) pooled their money and purchased the village in 1839. Belfield, on the other hand, is the village immediately west Nothing like a ‘back-dam’ pot of good cook-up, the farmers would say
of Victoria, which was made famous since one of Guyana’s former presidents – L.F.S. Burnham made there his home. There is hardly any distance to the two villages since a simple dam/road divides the two villages – people walking on that road hardly even know that they are not in Victoria. COMMUNITY TRAINING Victorians inherited the legacy of farming, marketing and then saving to accomplish their intended goals. They were always an ambitious set of people and many of them to this day still keep farming as a means to an end, even though some of them are not full-fledged farmers at this time. The two sets of people hardly see any difference between themselves and so there is always that ‘community life’ on-going. For this reason, the twin communities work mostly hand-in-hand with each other. Therefore when a plan was hatched it was natural that both of the communities would be included. This community training programme, as it is called, has been designed for expertise in agriculture, aquaculture, small business development, computer and environment specialists and with extensive knowledge and experience in teaching and demonstration. The programme is also designed to conduct crash courses which will seek to improve farm base skills, computer literacy, small business and organisational skills of the people in the community. Further, it intends to provide information and practical exposures to four main topics for discussion. These include crops and animal husbandry; effects of crop and animal rearing on the environment and animal breeding and nutrition, creative entrepreneurship, growing a small business and small business marketing.
Errol Luke (in spectacles) with some farmers in Victoria
EMPOWERING VILLAGERS The intention of this programme, is “To introduce and empower villagers to entrepreneurial opportunities in agriculture and other related ventures; to encourage students perusing various areas of studies in agriculture so as to aid in the development of a thriving aquaculture sector within the Ministry of Agriculture; to motivate farmers and other members of the community to new and updated scientific research findings and new technologies in farming and business,” Luke said. He said that the expected results would be to see: Improved farm base skills; small business and organisational skills; as well as computer literacy of the people in the community. It is expected, that the programme will see sustained farming and business ventures; community supported social/cultural activities; community supported business ventures; also an improved standard of living for members of the community (mercilinburke2017@gmail.com)
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‘Every spoil is a style’ New Generation Clothing switches things up in Linden and, by extension, Guyana. The line consists of custom-made clothing for the ‘new generation’. It is unique and has a local twist to it that cannot be found anywhere else. With the use of bleach, acid, fabric paint and vinyl, Joel creates unique designs on clothing for children, men and women, young and old. He also does customised clothing for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings or any special occasion. Joel started advertising his talent via social media and as his clientele grew, so did his business. “I always wanted to
Linden Designer Joel Waldron sports one of his very own New Generation Clothing pieces
By Vanessa Braithwaite ONE hot sunny day while young Joel Waldron was preparing to do his laundry, he accidentally sprinkled some bleach on his favourite black t-shirt, thus damaging it, or so he thought. At the time, Joel was unemployed and, knowing that clothes did not come along easily, Joel took a moment to pause. Using his artistic discernment, the spoiled jersey now looked fashionable and Joel took the gamble of wearing it. “I wore the jersey and a guy saw it and said that it looks good so I went home back and
New Generation Clothing models show off Mashramani designs
decided to try the same thing because I wasn’t working, but it didn’t come out exactly as the first one. So I tried it on another jersey and this time I did the design into the shape of a Batman and I wore it and a guy saw it and bought the jersey off of me. I had to go home back with my vest,” Joel said. That was the start of the now popular ‘New Generation Clothing’ Line that has revolutionised the fashion industry
get my own business, first persons use to bring their t-shirts to me and I would do the design, but now I provide everything, so now you just tell me what you want and I do the work,” the young and upcoming designer said. Joel now operates his very own shop located in the Wismar Market where he custom designs not only clothing, but hats, bags, cups, plates and other items. “I am very proud Turn to page XVI ►►►
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Mulching
MULCH is a layer of material (at least five to seven cm) which is placed on top of the soil to retain soil moisture, protect plant roots from extremes in temperature, reduce weed growth, and protect soil from erosion by wind and water. Materials used for mulching are either organic or synthetic. Organic materials include peat, sawdust, wood chips, straw, leaves and animal manure. Organic mulch should be placed around plants and trees, taking care not to let it touch the stem as this can cause rot. These are generally applied after the crop is well established. The decomposition of organic materials adds nutrients to the soil for plant uptake. Plastic is the most common synthetic material used for mulching. If available, biodegradable materials are preferred. Plastic mulches should be applied before the crop is planted and removed at the end of the growing season. The plastic edges
must be covered with soil to prevent the plastic from blowing away. Once the plastic has been laid, holes are planted in soil. This could also be done for transplants. An added feature of using plastic mulch is that it could be combined with drip irrigation. If the systems are available, this could also include fertigation. ADVANTAGES OF MULCHING: Weed control: mulches generally help to control weeds. When clear plastic is used, some amount of weed growth occurs due to light penetration. The use of black plastic which prevents light penetration is better for controlling weed growth. Moisture Retention: mulches greatly re-
tard the loss of moisture from the soil. As a result, a more uniform soil moisture regime is maintained and irrigation frequency may be reduced. Irrigation is still needed for mulched crops so that the soil under the mulch does not dry out excessively. A combination of drip irrigation and mulching is
therefore recommended. Reduction of fertilizer leaching: Under mulching, there is a reduction in fertilizer losses due to leaching. As a result, fertilizers are used more efficiently and the potential exists for reducing fertilizer inputs. However, this effect can be negated by over-watering or flooding. Improving soil structure: The mulch acts as a barrier to the pounding action of rainfall. Thus, soil compaction and crusting are prevented. The soil, therefore, remains loose with good aeration for root growth and development. A less compacted soil also provides a better environment for seedling emergence. Disease control: Mulches help keep the fruit from coming into contact with the soil where diseases are located. For vine crops, the mulch serves as a protective barrier between the soil and fruit to reduce rot and keep the fruit cleaner. Mulches also reduce rainsplashed deposits of soil and disease organisms for other crops such as tomatoes and boulanger.
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XVI ◄◄◄ From page XIII
of myself, I now have my own registered business. I had to spend a lot, first when I started I only used my hands, but I have invested in machines and other stuff to give my clients better quality,” he said. It has been close to two years since ‘New Generation Clothing’ has emerged and since then, the line has already made it to a fashion show and can be seen being worn by
local artistes and their dancers in their music videos. Joel even sponsored several artistes at this year’s Soca Monarch Competition in an effort to get his clothing line out there. He also revealed that 68 per cent of his customers are from Linden since he has an aggressive social media campaign. In his employ contractually are 15 models and one permanent staff. Knowing that only a while back he was struggling to find a job and now he can employ persons is a great achievement in his eyes. In the next five years,
Chronicle Pepperpot March 18, 2018 Joel said, “I want New Generation Clothing to not only be a shop but a company; a brand that can be identified anywhere and will soon go international.” The young designer is encouraging youths to take the baton of entrepreneurship as it is one of the main gateways to independence and financial stability. “Stop waiting for things to happen for you, get up and hit the road, be whomever you want to be, follow your dream and don’t settle for less,” he said.
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DEAFNESS
DEAFNESS and blindness are two of the most terrible afflictions which affect both man and animals. These ailments cut off its sufferers from the world and destroy the quality of life. Sufferers from these ailments require the sympathy, understanding and help of everyone. It is difficult to decide whether deafness or blindness leads to greater suffering but most think that deafness is the worse of the two. Deafness cuts off communication with family, friends and community. It prevents much of the learning process, a great deal of which is based on sound. For example, a deaf person could not hear the news and the various commentaries on television and radio. And a suffer’s enjoyment of music or films is denied. And in the case of children who were born deaf, except timely treatment is given, they will grow up dumb as well. More attention needs to be given by the National Health authorities and relevant NGO’s as to medically treating deafness with the hope of restoring some hearing and secondly, to make life more tolerable for the dumb and deaf. There has very occasionally been, in history, a person who had been able to overcome the disability and contribute to the betterment of mankind. The most famous and well-known of such persons is the music composer Ludwig van Beethoven. Beethoven is one of the most important contributors to Western culture and over the centuries, his music has continued to entertain and inspire millions of people worldwide. Beethoven produced sounds which had never before been heard in the world. Before we consider the treatments for deafness, we should remind ourselves of the causes of the ailment and how it could be avoided. Noise levels are measured in decibels. 80 decibels is a normal and comfortable noise level. When one is subjected to 120 decibels and over for any length of time, hearing becomes impaired. Thus, in those minibuses which play loud music, the conductors and drivers become
hard of hearing and many passengers also so suffer. The Police need to enforce the Laws banning noise in the public transport. The boom boxes which are played in the streets and at working-class dance halls are one of the main sources of impairment of hearing. Loud noises made by machines in a workplace also lead to deafness. Earguards should be worn in such factories, or if these are not available, cotton wool should be placed in the ears to break the sound. Minibus commuters would do well to carry a bit of cotton wool to place in their ears to blunt the noise which may assail them. Babies and young children should be tested to ascertain that they were not born with any hearing problem. If deaf babies and young children are not given early treatment mostly with hearing aids, they would grow up to be both deaf and dumb. The age of five is the cut-off age. The Georgetown Public Hospital, over the years, has been striving to keep abreast with medical advancements, processes and techniques, but owing to the scarcity of more specialist staff and lack of money to spend on equipment and facilities, it has generally fallen short of the ideal. This implies the need for a Speciality Hospital. Every modern country has a Speciality Hospital which provides the cutting -edge of medical advancements. Speciality Hospitals also provide the infrastructure for lucrative medical tourism and would provide help to those patients who may not have enough money to go abroad for treatment. The Chief Physician of the Audiology Department of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Dr. Ruth Quaico has been doing a fine job despite the many handicaps. Every year, for the last 20 years, the department has been conducting campaigns to educate the population about deafness and how to confront it. This year, under the leadership of Dr. Quaico, the campaign is named “Saving Guyana from Deafness”. Effort has been made in the education of the public as to what is deafness and dumbness, the
common causes of these ailments and the treatments available. The media and the school system have been helpful in making the campaign a success. One particular aspect of the campaign is that concerning babies and young children. The GPHC conducts hearing tests on all children born at the institution and extends such help
to children born at other institutions. The Starkey Hearing Foundation of the United States donated 700 hearing aids to Guyana over the last two years and has donated another 400 during the campaign week. Parents of babies and young children who are deaf or cannot speak should seek the help of the Audiology Department of the GPHC.
folklore HEART ATTACK XVIII
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By Neil Primus
BALDEO was a cane cutter. The politically correct title is cane-harvester. He worked very hard under brutal conditions. He worked hard and he drank hard. When he was working nothing else mattered. When he was drinking his focus was rum. After a spree, he would become dumb, dotish and hopelessly drunk. Saturday night was his power night. That was when he really let go. There was no work to go to the next day and he had stopped going to the Temple a long, long time ago. He had a number of drinking buddies.
Frank, Basil, Sugrim, Da Silva and Salim. They were all ‘happy hour’ experts. Once rum was cheaper they were buying and drinking. Every Saturday there were about three ‘happy hours’ in the village. The skilled drinkers were able to sample all three venues. By the time they left the second, most of them were drunk. That Saturday, the group with the exception of Da Silva, drank heavily. It was 05:00hrs when Baldeo caught himself sprawled in front of the rum parlour. He struggled to his feet and staggered towards home. He got home moments before the An-
gelus Bell rang at the Catholic church. On that Sunday, 15:30hrs he was heading for the rum shop. He stopped for Da Silva and the two walked to Gobin’s Rum Parlour. The other members of the gang were there already and they settled in for a nice long session. At around 18:30hrs Da Silva left for home complaining of feeling unwell. The others carried on – fewer friends, more ‘dinner’ served. By 23:30hrs Baldeo was heading home or trying to do so. It was a very difficult task because the road would not stay still. It kept tilting and shifting causing him to waiver in directions he never knew existed. This resulted in an erratic zig-zag, up and down journey. Sometime later he passed by Da Silva’s home. “Silva! Silva!” His loud and annoying bellow woke many of the neighbours. Some cursed and others threatened serious bodily harm if he didn’t get his drunken ‘so and so’ out of there. He was too plastered to take the hint. Da Silva’s wife appeared at the door of the house. She signalled for Baldeo to wait and then hurried out to the road to meet him. “Mr Baldeo you friend dead!”
Baldeo gasped in shock “W–what!” “Yes Silva gone!” She was whimpering with tears streaming down her cheeks. “B-But how?” “De man get sudden heart attack.” “Heart attack?!” Baldeo’s befuddled brain tried to wrestle with this new development, then he exploded in anger. “Well if me heart attack me I would attack it back!” Mrs. Da Silva stared at him in disbelief. Shaking her head in resignation she withdrew to her home. The drunk staggered onwards. He now entered a long stretch of unlit roadway leading to his end of the village. He felt tired and angry and shocked by the news of the demise of his pal. “Bump!” He had walked right into the trunk of a large tree. He knew it was not his fault. That tree should not be there. It was all due to the moving road. It had begun shifting things around. He steadied himself on the tree and Turn to page XXVIII ►►►
FILES E S A C T COUR
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Trustee moves to take over N.A. property
Appellate Court affirms judgment for property owner IN 2008, the Guyana Court of Appeal by a majority judgment affirmed a High Court order that had returned a New Amsterdam property to a 75-year old woman Ena George….who claimed she was being fleeced by her trustee. According to George, before migrating to the United States, she gave her trustee (Collymore) money to renovate and rebuild a house at 35 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam. But, to her dismay her trustee after rebuilding the house, he caused the house to be transported in his name. The plaintiff, George, was granted the relief sought, i.e., she was the owner of the property at 36 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam. The majority judgment of the Court came from Justices of Appeal, Mr. Charles Ramson, S.C. and Ms. Yonette Cummings-Edwards. The dissenting judge was Mr. Ian Chang, S.C. The facts disclosed that in 1980 the plaintiff and her daughter, the second defendant, who was married to the first defendant, moved into a rented accommodation (the property) in New Amsterdam. In 1983 the plaintiff gave US$ 1000 to the first defendant to make a down payment on the property, she then moved to the United States and sent the balance to pay off for the property. Owing to its conditions, the building was demolished and a new wooden house was erected in its place. Renovations were also carried out with money sent by the plaintiff and handed over to the defendants. Unbeknown to the plaintiff, the first defendant obtained transport of the property into his name following application to the Court under Section 35 of the Deeds Registry Act. The plaintiff filed an action, seeking, inter alia, a declaration that she was the owner of the property. At trial, the plaintiff gave evidence. The defendants were resident overseas and chose not to attend court, although their attorney gave some evidence. The trial judge granted the plaintiff the relief sought and the first defendant appealed on the following grounds, inter alia, (1) the trial judge had failed to exercise his discretion to grant an adjournment to the first defendant, for the defendant to return to Guyana and testiify; (2) the law of Guyana did not recognise the equitable concept of a trust, but, if it did the judge had been in error for concluding that a resulting trust had arisen. With Chang dissenting, the Guyana Court of Appeal held: (1) In the light of the fact that both parties resided in the USA and the plaintiff had returned to Guyana to prosecute her case and remained there over the period of postponements granted by the learned trial judge under Ord 33, r 4, to allow for the first defendant to be present to testify in his defence, coupled with the age of the plaintiff,75 yrs, it would not have been expedient in the interest of justice to further adjourn the trial under the same provision. (2) In the instant case the trial judge had found as a fact that the plaintiff had given the first defendant money over a period of time to purchase the property in issue for herself, but the latter,by stealth, engineered the passing of the conveyance in his own name under section 35 of the Deeds Registry Act, Chapter 5: 01. The first defendant had therefore been in a fiduciary position vis-a-vis the plaintiff and the uncontradicted testimony had been to the effect that the property had not only been purchased but substantially rehabiitated after its conveyance over a period of time, with money entrusted to the first defendant upon a written request by the first defendant to the plaintiff. To this, the first defendant had irrefragably been a trustee for the plaintiff and whether an express, constructive,or a resulting trust, it would be inequitable not to divest him of that legal title. By virtue of Section 7 of the Court of Appeal Act, the court was entitled to confirm, vary, amend or make any such order as the Court might have made. In his judgment, Justice of Appeal Ramson had among other things said, “This appeal raises a commonplace concern with respect to the interrelationship between parents and their
scions in whose names immovable property is conveyed by purchases, or transfer simpliciter. The agony of any, if not all disputes, culminates in litigation with an outpouring of emotion which further divides the parties, whatever the ruling of the courts. “Along the journey of life, relationships constructed on the basis of trust that ought to be milestones; are fractured
By George Barclay by greed, covetousness, diabolical selfishness and not infrequently, inexplicable, intransigence. “Paradoxically, it is the law of trusts to which the courts Turn to page XXVIII ►►►
Can Nature solve water problems?
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YOU would have heard time and time again that water is an important building block of life. It not only makes up most of our bodies but also create jobs as well as support social, economic and human development. In reality, we all need water to thrive and survive.
Although water plays a vital role in our lives, it’s often not valued, especially in countries like Guyana, where fresh water seems to be in abundance. However, the grim reality is that Water is in crisis, hence, why there is a special day designated to raise awareness on the value of fresh water and stimulate actions to address the many issues affecting fresh water. In 1992, March 22 annually was designated World Water Day by the United Nations General As-
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sembly, however, the first World Water Day celebrations were held in 1993.
NATURE FOR WATER Celebrated under the theme “Nature for Water”, this year, World Water Day seeks to explore nature-based solutions to the 21st-century water challenges. In an effort to improve livelihoods and rebalance the water cycle, nature-based solutions such as planting of trees, forests, restoring of wetlands and even
reconnecting rivers to floodplains can be implemented. This is taking into consideration that many of the water crisis being faced around the world is driven by human activities and their impacts on the environment along with the changing climate. Learning about the water cycle in primary school was not by accident, the water cycle plays a critical role helping countries to fight, as well as adapt to climate change which can have spin-off effects such as floods, droughts, food security and health issues. As the earth’s population increases rapidly and people continue to move to cities and town, water scarcity and pollution are becoming more prevalent. HOW IMPORTANT IS NATURE? Ecosystems form an important part of the water cycle. In an effort to achieve sustainable water management, the dependence of freshwater comes from a healthy functioning ecosystem. Ecosystems provide a number of services such as helping to combat floods and drought that are linked to climate change. The process of water purification provided by ecosystems helps in providing water suitable for drinking, industries, recreation and wildlife to name a few. EPA PROTECTION OUR WATERS The Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) is responsible groundwater, sewage management and control of pollution of potable water sources. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has oversight for the Regulation of new and existing developments as well as ensuring that SDG goal 6.3 and 6b are met. The major issues experienced by the Agency as it relates to
water pollution as stated in the State of the Environment Report 2016 are: ● Changing land use practices; ● Surface waters are threatened by contamination from sewerage; ● Grey water; ● Agricultural runoffs; ● Mining; and ● Industrial wastewater; During the wet seasons, susceptibility to contamination is higher as flooding allows for contaminants to reach homes. While the Agency has been building capacity in a number of communities on water and sanitation, through the Environmental Authorisation’s process, the impact of development on Water Quality is carefully assessed and monitored. Now that you have learnt so much about water and nature, what will be your answer to the caption? WATER FACTS ● 2.1 billion People lack access to safely managed drinking water. ● Agriculture accounts for 70% of global water withdrawal. ● Today, around 1.9 billion people live in potentially severely water-scarce areas. By 2050, this could increase to around 3 billion people. Source: UNESCO (2018) United Nations World Water Development Report 2018 Join us next week to learn about the Environmental Protection Agency and Water Quality Management. You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown, or email us at eit.epaguyana@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Chronicle Pepperpot March 18, 2018
Dead men do tell tales By Abdool A. Aziz
HE WAS a doctor, now crippled in bed due to a massive stroke. His wife, 10 years his junior was a registered nurse. He loved her so much that he took out an insurance in her name. This would prove fatal. She wanted that bonanza and had no patience to wait. So she began to put her wicked plan to work. While he had a caregiver, she ensured that she would handle the cooking and feeding of Seth her sickly husband. THE SECRET POISONING As a well-trained nurse, she knew of the various food-poisoning chemicals and the one that would most suit her nefarious plan was arsenic. She would introduce it to him in his
soup, little by little. This is a slow-acting toxin. It breaks down the body tissues, weakens the heart and damages other organs. Death is slow, agonising and unnoticed. Even post-mortems fail to detect it, and the nurse was well au fais with this fact. So her strategy worked. The victim, being a doctor, felt its effect within. He was muted by the stroke so he couldn’t raise an alarm. He knew poison was being given to him and by the woman he adored. THE HIDDEN NOTE Eventually, he died and was taken to the morgue. The autopsy did reveal a trace of arsenic but not enough to conclude poisoning on a full scale. But just as the coroner was about to sign off suspicious death, he saw something sticking out the ear of the corpse. He found a note: ‘MY WIFE DID IT’. The police did suspect the wife, now they decided to build a case for murder by the nurse who collected the insurance award and fled the country. A search of the home did reveal phials of arsenic which she obtained from the hospital lab as well as a handbook on sustained poisoning. Only she fed the deceased as testified by the caregiver. Food left over was always dumped. At the funeral, she showed great emotion. All felt sorry for her, but when they learned the truth, they labelled her a Jezebel. Years went by, she went on the run. Money ran out, she was caught shoplifting and later was identified as a fugitive. She was charged and faced trial. But she never saw a courtroom. She swallowed a cyanide capsule. Her death was quicker than her husband’s. Few folks attended her funeral. The killer nurse was buried in an unmarked grave. Greed for money.
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Chronicle Pepperpot March 18, 2018
Woman Defined!
By Cindy Blackman
I am a woman defined Not by the definition of books I am a woman defined It’s far beyond mere looks It’s more than the way I speak and the contours of my lips Even more than the way I dress and how I move my hips It’s much more than the possession of breasts and visible outlines It’s even more than my abilities that truly defines It’s not about the length of my hair or the colour of my skin These are only but meager when compared to what’s within It’s not even about the impression others may have about me And certainly not about how much they allotted for me to be I’m defined by the paths I’ve trod and the scars that are now left The times I stood tall, though I felt weak and bereft I am defined by the strength with which my loins are girded And the determination I harnessed and by this was guided I am defined not by the words of others, but my confidence that springs forth The ability to be in touch with my womanhood and to know my worth I am defined by the love that permeates from the depths of my being The compassion that captures me without any sight of freeing I am defined by the nurturing qualities I possess Endeavouring always to grow and refusing to remain motionless I am defined by the warmth that dwells within my arms Always willing to cradle and keep safe from alarms. I am a woman defined Not by the definition of books I am a woman defined It’s far beyond mere looks
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Calling for Change vs Actual Change REFLECTING on all the activities hosted for International Women’s Day- the marches and forums- begs the question of how effective they actually were. I visited a few of these activities and while they were all excellent initiatives with resounding messages about gender parity, women empowerment and equality, today I ask myself: How do any of these activities make an impact in improving the lives of women? The popular axiom goes: Knowledge is power. Thus, this would mean that awareness is key. So let’s take the ‘Justice for our Girls’ solidarity march organised by the University of Guyana Students’ Society Against Human Rights Violation. Quite a few people, many from human rights organisations, showed up to march from the Square of the Revolution to the Stabroek Square. The supporters were taking a stand against persons in positions of trust and power, whose actions constitute violence against women. It was highlighted that many laughed off the march, calling it wasted effort. But how many persons would take the time to sit and read Guyana’s laws, to equip
themselves with the knowledge needed to protect themselves and those around them? How many persons are aware of the myriad functional human rights organisations in this country and the assistance they can provide? I believe that many citizens can positively respond to these questions yet, many prefer to unleash a diatribe against the event. Supporting events like these are pertinent because of the wealth of information- concise yet critical facts- that is shared. Again, knowledge is power. You can’t expect change by being an armchair revolutionaryyou have to get up and take a stand against what you oppose- even if it means walking and shouting in the Georgetown streets. Another activity that stuck out to me was the Women in Business Expo. Organised by the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts (SNFCA) in collaboration with the Women’s Association for Sustainable Development, the third annual expo served as a platform for women- especially young women- to showcase their products and talents. More than marketing their products, the expo was the climax for the women who liaised with designer Sonia Noel, since the women were engaged in several prepara-
tory activities and forums over the past two months. “It’s not about just having the expo for two days and letting the women just turn up the night before to get their stuff ready, we have to have them ready from the inside,” Noel said at the expo’s opening and reassured, “I have seen so much growth.” This growth was fostered because the training experience sought to inculcate holistic skills in the women, where facets such as leadership, technology and business were offered to these women. Attesting to the merit of these forums was Jennifer Spencer from the Women’s Agro-Processors Development Network, a women’s network of 12 groups spanning from Regions One, Four, Five and Nine, shared that this expo provided them with the opportunity to hone their skills and now market their products. Debbie Argyle from the Mahaica’s women group also shared that with the skills acquired, the group is now poised to improve the crafts and services they offer. For me, this is actual change. Empowering people; empowering these women to head back to their communities and make a living
for themselves. And finally, another stepping stone for women I learned about was the National Gender and Social policy. It’s a policy formulated by the Ministry of Social Protection which seeks to mainstream gender issues into all sectors in order to eliminate all negative, economic, social, and cultural practices that impede equality and equity. As explained by the Ministerial Advisor, Alicia Reece, the policy is one of the government’s newest attempts to promote gender equality and it enables the ministry to collect disaggregated data vis a vis women to implement policies catered to them. Maybe in a few months, this policy will go down as a legacy that would have aided the fight for gender equality and another crack in the figurative glass ceiling. Change, good or bad, is inevitable. It can come from a simple march, an entire host of forums or in a national policy. As citizens, we have the responsibility to demand the change we want to see. It may not come instantly but it will not come at all if we do not pursue. Be it a march, an expo or a policy- better can come. Better must come.
Crafting her calling WHAT began as making a simple ‘flower-crown’ for a friend who wanted a gift for his girlfriend, transformed itself into an entrepreneurial venture that would aptly occupy 19-yearold Renuka Tewari’s spare time. You see, Renuka is someone who hates wasting time and that’s probably why she keeps herself busy with managing her craft business and her full-time studies at the University of Guyana. “I’m kind of like a bee,” she joked, “Always here, there and everywhere.” A few months ago, after making that flower-crown, she decided to post the product on her Facebook account and it surprised her when her friends indicated that they would actually support her if she began making more. “People were being so kind with their compliments and it was the little extra push I needed to start,” she related. It was there that ‘CraftCreation&Smiles’ was birthed and according to her the words
Renuka Tewari
aren’t separated because “there’s no space for negativity.” She initially began making flower crowns but eventually expanded to other craft items. And you can tell that the products made are all her own. Whether brightly coloured, intricately designed or eccentric in nature, each piece is a reflection of Renuka Tewari and the happiness and positivity she tries to share. Perhaps what garners the overwhelming support she has been receiving is that all these items are also entirely unique. “I just want to create pieces that won’t be found on YouTube in a tutorial that the whole world could replicate, so I do designs that are fully freestyled and not limited to a rulebook.” In spite of this, she assures that she isn’t a “know- it- all”. “I love being active and doing things that are constructive, quite literally [and] I love people a lot. I love making them smile even if it means being awkward, clumsy me,” she said. She recalled that her calling for making craft items perhaps came from her school days. “In school, I would always go crazy and be
extra on my projects because that was like my little avenue to shine,” she said. “I wasn’t a bad student, I was just better at craft than exams.” Her enthusiasm for a business in art and craft was dampened in her younger days when she was told that there’s no money in the ‘art stuff’. Fortunately, now she can proudly say that that clearly isn’t true. “The support thus far has been like a dream come true,” the entrepreneur said. “Never in a million years, would I have thought it possible to actually make a living off of doing what you love.” In the past few months, she has been able to see so many people fuss over her art and encourage her to keep going strong. Plying her trade at the recent Curl Fete was definitely a highlight for her. It was like she did a full circle- back to where she began- because she made a few floral crowns which sold like hotcakes at a fair. She related that persons were even requesting that she sell the one she was wearing and that was a moment of huge pride for her. She recalled being truly surprised that people liked her little creations.
Making her parents proud has always been the cornerstone of the young woman’s pursuits too and her successes have been able to do so. In fact, she ventured into the world of business and craft to help her parents afford her tertiary studies (and well because she wanted to also). The past few months- since starting her craft business- have been the busiest for Tewari. Commuting from school to her home in Tuschen (which is quite a distance), attending classes during the day and ‘crafting’ in the nights and during the weekends would be enough to make anyone wish for a few more hours in their day. And that’s exactly what Renuka wishes for since time is a huge challenge. “If I could have just a few more hours in my day, I would be so much more at ease and I would be able to expand my business so easily.” She loves what she does nonetheless, so it’s not half bad having only 24 hours in her day.
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Chronicle Pepperpot March 18, 2018
Creating a lifetime of memories Hats off to Kiskadee Kids By Svetlana Marshall
THEIR love for cartoon characters like Superman, Mickey Mouse, Elsa and Anna or even their dreams to become nurses, doctors and soldiers came alive at least for a day when Kiskadee Kids Daycare and Pre-school hosted its Annual Twin Day. Days ahead of the much-talked about event, parents pooled their ideas and resources together to make their pre-schoolers’ dreams a reality, and they did not disappoint. On March 8, 2018, the same day the world celebrated International Women’s Day, excitement filled the air not only because of the celebration of womanhood but because one daycare, that provides more than just a service, gave its toddlers an opportunity to dream big. Mimicking the cartoon characters of `Cinderella’ and `Frozen’ several of the girls who were “twinned” for the day arrived at the school’s Queen Street, Kitty location decked in their royal dresses sweeping the floor with their crowns neatly affixed on their heads while holding on to their magic wands. The well-dressed military boys, the many supermen and superwomen, the Mickey Mouse characters, the nurses and doctors,
Did somebody say ‘Black Panther’? This Twin sported African attire in celebration of the movie and its significance
and those that sported African wear in honour of the movie Black Panther, captivated the attention of many parents, the teachers, and even passersby. Director and owner of the school, Ivor Thompson told the Pepperpot Magazine that Kiskadee Kids is more than just a daycare and pre-school – it is an educational facility that is big on care and socialisation, creating a lifetime of friends and memories. “I think any parent could have their children home and teach them the same thing that we are doing here, but without interaction, they wouldn’t have the confidence as they
Mimicking Elsa and Anna from the movie Frozen, this Twin was more than excited to display their costumes
grow up in life,” Thompson said. Explaining the concept behind Twin Day, the school’s Director said it allows the pre-schoolers to understand they are not alone, and there are twins of different types be it identical or fraternal (or even those paired for a day). In some scenarios, parents give birth to triplets and even quadruplets and the children are taught about those realities. “It also helps them to identify that you could be a twin not only two boys or two girls but it could be a twin that is a boy and girl…it brings more interaction and love among them and their parents,” he explained. Thompson noted too that when the children are grouped together a bond is often times created at both levels. “When you have these parents interact and exchange ideas for Twin Day, they become friends, and their children become friends, so instead of having two parents you have four parents,” he further explained. From a class of 70 children, 66 of them participated in the Annual Twin Day. Thomp-
This King and Queen (in the middle) flanked by four future nurses and doctors
The superheroes of the day
son noted that Twin Day was just one of the many activities the school facilitates annually. The Kiskadee Kids Mashramani Costume and Float Parade, the Easter Hat Show, Independence Dress-up, the Father and Son Fishing Expedition, Pajama Day and a fair are among activities the pre-schoolers engaged in year-round, in addition to the dancing and swimming classes which are done on a weekly basis. “We have a swimming programme. The boys swim. We have a professional coach that comes over and teach them to swim, it helps to strengthen their muscles and so on and build their coordination. We also have a hat show during the Easter season. It is not a hat show that they compete in, but one that allows them to have interaction with their
parents when they sit with their parents and create their own hats,” he explained. Complementing the social activities are a wide range of educational activities that focus on the recital of the alphabet and the identification of letters and numbers, counting, spelling of their names, colouring, drawing and identification of places and things. The administrator pointed out that the school utilises the Basic Phonics Reading Programme. They are also taught etiquette among other life tools. It was noted that the teachers and care providers at the school undergo constant training. Thompson told the Pepperpot Magazine that the daycare and pre-school was opened on May 2, 2008 – approximately 10 years ago but the idea of establishing such a facility came about approximately 19 years ago. “My experience was that the earlier daycare that my kids went to had the same timings with my work. So 16:30hrs I have to pick up my kids and it is up to 16:30hrs I work, so I was always asking the proprietors of the school if you are caring for me and my kids, you have to care for the time when I am not there. So about 19 years ago, I thought to myself and said I will have a daycare, a daycare that could help the parents even when they are studying in the afternoon or even the attendants at the pump stations, the security,” he explained. In making good on his promise and goal, Kiskadee Kids is opened from 07:00hrs to 19:00hrs from Monday-Friday, in addition to Saturdays.
Chronicle Pepperpot March 18, 2018
XXV Other benefits include the reduction in pump reparability and also a reduction in water bills, among others. Surajbali told the Pepperpot Magazine that as a team they are very mindful of the way homes appear when there are bulgy trestles, even when they are high or low. This he said can be eradicated since with the H2Ogy system there is no need for trestles or tanks. According to Surajbali, the H2O project has tremendous benefits and so he is encouraging all members of the public to visit the Technology Summit, which he feels would be of much value to both adults and children, particularly those who have an interest in the areas of STEM. It is expected that both GTT and H2Ogy would have a lot to offer and there may even be a few surprises. The summit will be held at the Marriot Hotel and will be open to the public on March 24 and 25 all day. There will also be a business summit conference the following Tuesday among businessmen. (mercilinburke2017@gmail.com)
H2Ogy brings water to Guyanese Children washing their hands from the flowing water at the Tuschen Primary School
By M Margaret Burke
implemented here in Guyana. What is even more important, he said, is that his project (H2Ogy) will be very much on board at this summit. Surajbali and a small team have been coming to Guyana since 2014 doing some feasibility studies and with the aim of implementing a new water delivery system project here. “It is actually a new water system, which has been focusing on improving the lives of all Guyanese through the uninterrupted delivery of water to households using technology that is green, environmentally friendly, sustainable and affordable,” Surajbali said. So far areas which have benefitted from the system are the Tuschen Primary School; members of the community of Moruca, Region One and members of the community in Parika, Region Three. Surajbali co-developed the H2Ogy, which is a newly registered company in Guyana, with his business partner, Alex Buonanno who is also very skilled and educated in the field. “Our system uses solar charging and sends pressurised water across households for daily use,” Surajabli said as he explained that the water storage tanks refills automatically and do not require human interaction.
An H2Ogy system sitting on a water well in Moruca, Region One
AS Guyana moves steadily toward increasing initiatives geared toward investments in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) Company has committed to having an exhibition-type environment event (a Technology Summit) to bring Guyanese up-to-date with new and budding technology. “My understanding is that the purpose of this technology summit is to focus and showcase technology from around the world and also from Guyana specifically. Also, this event and its timing are to compliment the recent STEM activities that were held across the country,” said Visnudatt Surajbali, Director of the H2Ogy project being
Guava Drink Ingredients: 1 lb ripe guavas 8 oz sugar 2 pt water lemon slices to garnish
Instructions: Cut guavas in quarters and remove seeds. Mash pulp and pass through a sieve. Add sugar and water. Chill. Serve cold and garnish with lemon slices. Makes 3 pints
BENEFITS The H2Ogy system is based on closed-loop design, which allows the end-user to fully enjoy and experience its intended features and functions. The system eliminates the use of water trestles and does not use GPL for power to pump water. The water is available at all times at a steady flow; that is, it environmentally clean and has a longer lifespan in storage.
The solar panel which is used for charging our system
A teacher of the Tuschen Primary School overjoyed at seeing the water flowing through the taps
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Chronicle Pepperpot March 18, 2018
ACDA and YIPOG in pursuit of youth empowerment By M Margaret Burke AWAKE – Awareness With Action and Knowledge for Empowerment was the theme of the recently held African Cultural Development Association (ACDA) and Youth Innovation Project of Guyana (YIPOG) workshops and mentoring sessions at the ACDA headquarters in Thomas Lands. The YIPOG is a government-funded project and ACDA, being a beneficiary of that project, was able to use those funds to facilitate the entire youth empowerment programme – the workshops and the Ujamaa Challenge and also provide help for some entrepreneurs with their businesses. The ACDA told the Pepperpot Magazine that this youth empowerment project was aimed at equipping youth with the essential knowledge and skills needed to significantly improve their chances of gaining employment. In addition, the project was selected due to the high unemployment rate observed in the society today, especially in Afro-Guyanese communities. MENTORING It was opened to youth between the ages of 16 – 35 years and the goal of ACDA for this project was to help Afro-Guyanese youth to: develop the existing talents and skills, which are necessary for employment; align the youth with experienced mentors or institutions for career development; and present relevant knowledge to increase their chances of gaining employment. The association reported that the project, which was successfully launched in late November 2017, entailed a series of interactive sessions between mentors and the participants to enhance their skills in areas such as:
Orin Hickerson (Pure and Fresh Smoothie Bar ProductHealthy Vegan Smoothies & Food bar) tied for Second place with (ACDA 4) Ataliyah Yisreal (Outlier’s Zone Service: Women’s Legacy Building Master Class)
Curriculum Vitae (CV) writing (which is a brief account of a person’s education, qualification and previous occupations that is usually sent with a job application), professional ethics, tips on looking for jobs and interview preparations. WORKING WITH THE PARTICIPANTS As part of the interview preparation, participants were taken through a process of ‘mock interviews’, where facilitators helped them to acquire first-hand experiences on what real interviews may be like. Most of the young people who did the programme had never gone through a real interview and therefore much emphasis was placed on fine-tuning their written and verbal communication, as well as confidence skills, the ACDA representative said. According to ACDA, each of the participants was paired with qualified mentors on a one-on-one basis, who were tasked to be in continual contact with them and to provide guidance and support over a three-month period. In the process, the participants showcased their own skills, talents and potentials, which the mentors were then able to nurture for their own
network with mentors and establish meaningful business links with other entrepreneurs. This Challenge was also for entrepreneurs between the ages of 16 to 35 years who were either in the start-up stage of business development or had already established businesses that need guidance. For these sessions, seven persons took part in the mentoring aspect, with one-on-one discussions about what their business ideas were, or what they needed to further develop their current businesses. ‘SHARK TANK’ AND ‘DRAGON’S DEN’ This (Ujamaa) Challenge was intended to take on a ‘Shark Tank’ and ‘Dragon’s Den’ set up where the youth presented their business ideas to experienced judges for constructive critique. This session was geared towards ensuring that the youth benefitted by way of improved public speaking skills, and receiving conSome of the participants posing structive criticism from experienced business owners. in this ACDA photo The participants were also able to gain clarity and guidance through the mentoring benefit. of successful entrepreneurs, as well as cash and consolation prizes, which included product purchases, sponsorship of othENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERer participants to enroll in desired programmes and business SHIP WORKSHOP Another aspect of the programme contracts with ACDA Entrepreneurs. Fourteen persons took part in the Ujamaa Challenge and was the ACDA entrepreneurial leadership workshop, which was held in while all of them were acknowledged, some were awarded collaboration with the LYRIC Group various prizes for the places they gained. Devon Jacobs and (UK). Herronia James from the United Rochelle Day (Emery’s Honey Roasted Nuts) from Prestige Kingdom conducted this workshop. Trading gained first place and won $300,000; Orin Hickerson Though this programme which lasted (Healthy Vegan-Smoothies and Food Bar) from Pure and for a relatively short period (two days), Fresh Smoothie Bar scored second place and won $100,000; Devon Jacobs it was reported that there were full ses- Athalyah Yisreal (Master Class-Legacy/Generational Wealth & Rochelle sions and also full participation by all Women) of Outlier’ Zone also came in at second place and Dey- First Place won $100,000 as well. In third place was Michael Kellman involved. (Prestige with the Snow Treat Carts, Toys WantTrading. and Packages representing the ing the parProduct: Emery's Mickelly’s Snow Cone Treat ticipants to Honey Roasted business name. He also won feel in tune Nuts) $100,000 for his business/ideas. with their The others who participated culture – to in the AWAKE-Ujamaa Chalhave a sense of purpose, a sense lenge were fashion and design of identity, James used music artists Mark Junor and Carl Peterto bring out the different aspect kin; and in the area creative work of entrepreneurship. The proDevon Wilson, Ruth Wilson and gramme was designed to develop Quason Paul held their own in successful youth entrepreneurs various business/ ideas. There and to facilitate the emergence of were also organic/agriculture dynamic young business leaders. business ideas which included The sessions explored the Monette Harry and Samantha importance of vision, influence, Thierens; as well as in the proinnovation, creativity, planning, duction line with Peter Barkoye leadership communication and as one of the participants. branding for the start-up of busiThis AWAKE project has nesses in the Green Economy. successfully reached out to over There were 31 persons who Michael Kellman - Third Place 58 youth from its three major acparticipated in this workshop, (Mickelly's Snow Treats. Product tivities and 13 mentors. On-going and they were all equipped with name: Snow cone treats, toys and support is also factored into this the knowledge to further enhance packages) (ACDA Photos) project for a further three months their business ideas or their exfor which all of the participants isting business, and they were all encouraged to register for the Ujamaa Challenge to pitch their will benefit. Culture is also seen as an integral part of the programme ideas as well. and so free training is offered in areas such as drumming, dancing (for all ages and groups), as part of a general cultural THE UJAMAA CHALLENGE PITCH development programme. The association is also set to offer COMPETITION According to the ACDA, the Ujamaa Challenge was an programmes in finance, mental health and also gardening. opportunity for youths with businesses or those who wanted to start businesses to pitch their ideas – experience judges within EVALUATION According to ACDA, built-in to the entire project is the Afro-Guyanese community who were knowledgeable an active evaluation programme to check on the particibusiness owners and who would be able to help them with their ideas, as well as what takes place after the competition. pants – not only with the CV workshop but also with the ACDA proudly presented the Ujamaa Challenge to Guy- entrepreneurs to see how the programme is impacting their ana, which was focused on celebrating the spirit of coopera- lives. In addition, as an off-shoot to the present programme tive economics among Afro-Guyanese youths in the business participants are free to participate in monthly meetings, community. This project was aimed at helping them to bring which is held by an ACDA round-table and caters specifitheir business ideas to life or for their established businesses cally for businesses and working with those who may need to grow and to provide opportunities for the participants to help. (mercilinburke2017@gmail.com)
Chronicle Pepperpot March 18, 2018
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#SupportCreativity
By Subraj Singh
‘As Boas Maneiras’ On Monsters, and Loving Them
AS BOAS Maneiras (English: Good Manners) is a Brazilian film directed by Juliana Rojas and Marco Dutra that was recently screened at the 58th Cartagena International Film Festival. In one section of the film, an animated sequence flashes onscreen as Ana (Marjorie Estiano, in a brilliantly expressive performance) reflects on the night she got pregnant. We see her making love to a handsome priest in a car parked on a lonely hill. There is a full moon in the sky. Ana falls asleep and when she wakes up, the priest is gone. She sees a pair of gleaming eyes staring at her from the darkness. There is a growl and the monster, a giant wolf, leaps forward to attack. Ana pulls out her gun and fires a shot. There is a howl and a splash of blood and the wolf disappears. Soon, Ana becomes pregnant. Soon after that, Ana hires Clara (Isabel Zuaa, restrained and solid) to work as her housekeeper. Strange occurrences that happen on full moon nights and the way these events pull both women into a bloody, heady storm of monsters, secrets, and relationships are the elements that make As Boas Maneiras a welcome addition to the genre of films that explore the more delicate and emotional bonds that exist between humans and monsters, real or imaginary. The film is a strange hybrid of the absurd and the horrific, resulting in a kind of black comedy that is both pitch-black and filled with a variety of themes that are ripe for analysis. As Boas Maneiras is that kind of film that makes you unsure about whether you should be laughing or cringing in terror at any of
“A still from ‘As Boas Maneiras,’ Brazil”
its many standout scenes. This kind of absurd style in which the film has been made is not accidental – as fantasy is something that lends itself well to the absurd, despite being more often paired alongside the horror genre. The directors of As Boas Maneiras seamlessly blend genres in such a way that their joint alchemy manages to create something that is all at once uniquely theirs, something that is uniquely Brazilian, and something that is uniquely South American. Sure, there are many films that have explored the complex relationships between humans and monsters – Beauty and the Beast, The Shape of Water, etc. What makes As Boas Maneiras on par with some of those amazing films is the manner in which the human/monster relationship is explored in an unflinching, yet empathetic way. There is a scene where Clara is forced to nurse Ana’s newborn child. The housekeeper places her breast into the baby’s fanged mouth and, even as the child bites and bloodies Clara’s body, there is still a harsh beauty that is represented in the way the woman allows this to happen. Driven by a love for both Ana and her child, she sets her mind to keep the baby alive, replacing the pain on her face with an expression of sorrowful determination which keeps her going until the very last moments of the film when her devotion to Ana and the child are tested to the fullest. The monster element of the film, according to co-director, Marco Dutra, came from the rich fabric that is Brazilian folklore. He noted in an interview that werewolves are a popular element of the country’s folklore, despite being generally more of an international figure. The Brazilian werewolf, according to him, stemmed from mostly European beliefs that mixed with native superstitions to create the beast that Brazilians regard as a
werewolf. Dutra connects folklore with having an understanding of the past and the relationship between the rural and urban – ideas that are also reflected in the film. The directors also build some interesting parallels – layering the human/monster relationship with elements that subtly speak to other relationships within our society. Dualities abound in the film (Ana’s upper-class Turn to page XXVIII ►►► apartment is rendered in pastels,
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Chronicle Pepperpot March 18, 2018 ◄◄◄ From page XVIII
took a second to light a cigarette. When he tried to shake the lit match out it kept going. He tossed it down and drew deeply on the cigarette. Then his whole world erupted. You see it was a bright moonlight night and standing in the middle of the road was a Moon Gazer. Poor Baldeo had unwittingly burnt the beast with the lit match. In anger at being disturbed during its love affair with the moon, the creature struck out. Its humongous leg swung in an arc of vengeance and it hurled the now petrified man -who was desperately clinging to its leg like an unwanted appendix, a great distance away. A sharp, hysterical scream could be heard as a small figure sailed away into the night. “Oh Gawd! Ow Gawd! Oh Gawd!” Baldeo found himself right in the middle of a large heap of extremely smelly garbage. It was that garbage that saved his life. He lay on his back trying to figure out what had just happened. He saw a giant figure moving purposefully toward him. That completely freaked him out. He panicked and his dumbfounded mind came up with an extraordinary explanation. This must be his time for a heart attack. Well, as drunk as he was, he was not going that easily. With energy that belied his drunken state, he began tunnelling for his life. The refuse stank and oozed all sorts of foul things but he dug deep and curled up waiting for the inevitable. Crunch! Crack! The creature had arrived Rumble! Crackle! Bang! It had begun searching through the dump. Thanks to the awful smell and the return of the brilliant silvery rays of the moon, the creature abandoned its quest and returned to its previous activity. Gazing spellbound at the moon. Baldeo spent the rest of the time hidden under the heap and emerged only when the sun had come up. He made his way home filthy, confused and nursing a serious hangover. He still could not make any sense of what had taken place. It was either he was losing his mind or he had dreamt the entire thing. He decided to keep this incident from his wife. He didn’t want to give her a heart attack. ◄◄◄ From page XIX
must turn in a bid to rescue the aggrieved party, if the picayune beneficiary was to be divested of his/her benefactor’s ci-devant property Tyndall v . Tyndall (Civil Appeal No. 32/94) are two such cases and though dissimilar in factual contents, raised not, dissimilar jurisprudential polemics. “The ancient county …..Berbice…. was once home to a quaint rural community in the early 1980s, and two of the litigants in this appeal formed part of that environment. “The second named defendant in the action out of which the instant appeal arose is the only daughter of the respondent whose culture prompted her to give as she put it ,’ the first preference to look after my business’. Justice of Appeal Ramson and Justice Cummings-Edwards had referred to 46 cases in support of their majority judgment. The majority judgment affirmed the order of the learned trial judge subject to rights of the mortgagee acquired prior to the commencement of the action. Justice of Appeal Chang who had delivered a minority judgment had said, “I found myself in the regrettable position of disagreement with that majority decision”. ◄◄◄ From page XXVII
while Ana’s neighbourhood is presented in dark, gloomy tones) and two other specific dualities, the same-sex relationship between Ana and Clara, and the fact that theirs is a strong relationship that might comment on the white/black tensions that are present in Brazil where the film is set, are particularly significant when placed next to the dominant human/monster theme that is shot through the movie. We see this in the climax of the film when the angry mob hounds down the wolf-like monster that prowls their city. It is a moment that speaks of persecution. It is persecution that ignores the fact that the monster is loved deeply; that the monster has a family; and that the monster just wants to be understood. It is blind persecution, which has continued to play out all over the world, especially in the dialogue (verbal or non-verbal) that exists between different sexualities and different races. With this in mind, As Boas Maneiras forces us to contemplate the question: Is the wolf, who cannot control his instincts, really the monster in the story or is it the blind mob who knowingly and deliberately set out to attack and kill? (This work was produced during the Gabriel García Márquez Fellowship for Cultural Journalism 2018, organised by the FNPI, with the support of the Ministry of Culture of Colombia and The Cartago Foundation.)
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Human Rights and Social Justice Commission of the Anglican Diocese in Guyana and as the Assistant Chief Commissioner for the Guyana Girl Guides Association, among her many other badges of honour. YVONNE BARROW Yvonne is an ever-persistent pusher of social change in Guyana. Yvonne channels her wide array of skills into SWAG’s steering committee as its Assistant Secretary/Treasurer. As a proponent of social engagement, she was a key representative of the Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC) on the Guyana Equality Forum. She strives for equal rights and justice for all Guyanese as she continuously works with other local civil society groups to achieve this. DR. NASTASSIA RAMBARRAN Dr. Rambarran is a prolific researcher whose rich insight has helped to illuminate the experiences of sexual minority women throughout Guyana. She has been a dedicated member of SASOD since 2005, and continues to serve the organisation in vigorous ways. Dr. Rambarran was the brainchild behind SASOD’s Painting the Spectrum – the Caribbean’s longest-running LGBT film festival. On top of that, her published works include An Exploration of the Health Care Experiences of Lesbian and Sexual Minority Women in Guyana in 2016 and Validating Estimates of the Size of Key Populations: A Study in Region Four of Guyana in 2017. Right now, Dr. Rambarran is working on new studies which investigate the level of anti-LGBT bias among medical students and the sexualities of transgender women along Guyana’s coast. ULELLI VERBEKE Ulelli Verbeke possesses a spirit of creativity that adds even more colour to the rich spectrum of the LGBT movement. Her visual vitality as a photographer, videographer/editor, visual activist and artist has led to her documenting the work of the LGBT movement in Guyana and the Caribbean. She has served SASOD immeasurably since 2005 as a Trustee in 2009 and Co-Chairperson to SASOD’s Board until 2017. Verbeke’s work has been on display both on the local and international stages. Her exhibitions include SASOD at 10, Stand Against Transphobia, Capturing LGBT Migration and Gender Expression - Out of the Box. ALANA DA SILVA Alana Da Silva has an inexhaustible spirit that has pushed the LGBT movement leaps and bounds towards its goal of social equality. She joined SASOD in 2012 while still a student at the University of Guyana. After which she wasted no time in working on the organisation’s documentary SASOD at 10 as Assistant Producer on the film. Her skills and qualifications as a Communication Studies graduate enabled her to represent SASOD twice at the Caribbean Women and Sexual Diversity Conference. For Da Silva, media and representation
are import tools in advancing the LGBT movement. She currently sits on the Ministry of Social Protection’s Poor Law Commission Board. DR. SCHEHERAZADE KHAN Dr. Scheherazade Khan is a phenomenal ally who demonstrates that religious devotion, equality and acceptance do go hand in hand in the march for social justice. Dr. Khan defies limitations as a wife, mother, trained doctor, practising Muslim and supporter of SASOD’s cultural and artistic activities in the years gone by. In June 2016, following the tragic Orlando gay nightclub shooting, Dr. Khan partnered with SASOD to host an Iftar for the LGBT and Muslim communities in remembrance of the victims in that Ramadan period. She continued this new Iftar tradition in 2017 and it has since become an anticipated, hallowed event that bridges Guyana’s Islamic and queer communities. AKOLA THOMPSON At just 22 years old, Akola Thompson has shown to be a formidable force in combating social inequality while balancing motherhood, her career as a writer/ blogger and student of English at the University of Guyana. Since joining SASOD two years ago, she has represented the organisation on a variety of platforms. Her advocacy knows no bounds as the pioneering President of the Student Society Against Human Rights Violations and founder of Women Wednesdays. Last year, she even conducted a research paper entitled `The Effects of LGBT Exclusion in Sex Education’ at the Nita Hill Unit of the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies where she received an `A’ grade for her work. ALESSANDRA HEREMAN Alessandra Hereman’s intellectual aptitude and compassionate spirit have propelled this young woman to be one of Guyana’s leading educators on queer and transgender identities. This New Amsterdam native has greatly contributed to SASOD as Assistant Secretary to its Board and to the United Bricklayers organisation of Berbice. While still a third-year student in Sociology at the University of Guyana, Hereman has managed to facilitate several workshops with
stakeholders that tackle LGBT issues in Guyana and the Caribbean. DR. NAVINA PAUL Dr. Navina Paul has proven herself to be a defiant advocate and reliable ally in the movement to end discrimination against persons on the queer spectrum. Her work with SASOD began as an act of friendship when she accompanied her best friend, seeking information on the movement, to meetings. This was seven years ago and Dr. Paul has been an avid member of the organisation since. She committed
XXIX herself as an ally to the cause while still balancing medical school at the University of Guyana. Her medical background has especially enabled her to represent SASOD at health-related seminars. Today, she is the leader of a local non-profit called Potluck that organises outreaches to Georgetown’s homeless population. VALINI LEITCH Valini Leitch is a testament to the enduring and transformative strength of the human spirit. She channels her sheer force of deter-
mination towards the advancement of women’s rights and gender issues as SASOD’s Human Rights Coordinator. As the mother of a teenage daughter and survivor of gender-based violence, Leitch now works towards ensuring that peoples’ right to well-being, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, is protected. She has admired SASOD’s work since 2003, joined SWAG in 2017, became their Treasurer, and is now on the frontlines of defending others in the fight to eliminate discrimination against LGBT Guyanese.
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Women taking up positions in a changing workplace – even as they are still very much under-represented in many major roles By M Margaret Burke AS the conversation on women continues, Guyana may be able to sit-in comfortably, however many studies have repeatedly shown the same facts – that there is far too great a gender gap between the major roles of women as against that of men and that there are many reasons for this.
However, in countries such as Guyana, women are looked up to from Kindergarten, through primary – fully covering the formative years; then to a large extent in secondary schools, as well as the University of Guyana. At other postsecondary levels such as trade schools and technical institutions, fewer women are found in leading roles. Outside of being a mother, many women
in Guyana work very hard. Separate from teaching, women work as security guards (many of them); sell in the markets; clean the markets, drains and public toilets; domestic workers within homes, but are also the main housecleaners in hotels, workplaces and more. Though some may consider these to be low-level work, just imagine no one was doing these jobs how uncomfortable it would have been for everyone. Women excel though in many other major roles within this and other societies. In some countries they are presidents or prime ministers; then they are bank managers, company directors; principals of large schools – private and public; ministers of government(s); doctors; engineers; publicists and many more. But women are also some of the best art and craft creators – they do well with creative artwork for display, hammocks, baskets, cutleries, jewellery and the likes. And in some cases, they come up with some novel ideas to create some of their work. The element of culture, the promotion of art Activist for the empowerment of Indigenous women, Laureen Pierre, in an invited comment said, “Now this is a time when
we know that Amerindian women have had these special [art] skills and we know that they can use it and they are refining their craft and their skills…the next step is how to market it – how to make it economical as they continue to use their pride and the skill that they have and not be discouraged. “When they put all that effort into it and all that money, they need to have sales and to ensure that it can all sustain them…because it is one thing to have pride in your culture, but then [you need] to get to the next step; to be successful and to market what you make. “Most of my understanding about the advancement of women though, comes from the other aspect of my life, which is being a Bahia and where we talk about the equality of men and women and ways in which things should happen and so that is what for me is the wholeness, the completeness – the child, the parent, the community – these are always my focus. How are these working together; when we are doing something how does it relate to that because it just can’t be an individual, it has to be a community,” she said. Pierre added that as a mother she has also learnt of a more ‘community life’; the Turn to page XXXVII ►►►
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would’ve achieved something,” Mukhram told the Pepperpot Magazine. During a visit to the facility, she told this publication how the juveniles are the most loving set of children she’s encountered. They, too, seemed quite fond of her. When a child is released from the holding facility, EPIC would also help him get back into school. Together with their parents, EPIC visits the Ministry of Educa- The juveniles are taught in public speaking, tion and speaks on reading, writing, colouring, etc. behalf of the family. They would also provide the uniforms and other necessities for getting the child back in school. Earlier this month, EPIC donated 30 mattresses to the centre, which Backer said was in keeping with the organisation’s continuous effort to bring comfort into the lives of the confined children. “We at EPIC strive toward empowering
Last month’s movie day at the centre
these children through the introduction of fundamental workshops on anger management, conflict resolution, anti-bullying, anti-suicide etc, as well as the provision of footwear, clothing, recreational gear, educational materials, haircuts and other necessities to meet their essential needs,” Backer said.
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Oral health is affected by medications UP TO eight grammes (one-third of an ounce) of sugar is added to every two teaspoons of some liquid forms of medication in order to preserve the product and conceal an unpleasant taste. If taken a few times a day, the last intake often at bedtime and perhaps kept in the mouth for a minute or two before being swallowed, the effect on the teeth will rapidly be catastrophic in the form of decay. Therefore, without quite realising it, cough syrup, etc., can cause dental caries in persons who do not adhere to the rules of oral health. Everyone is affected by the stress of modern life and in the quest for respite, ironically, uncontrolled self-meditation in all forms is practiced which sometimes leads to serious situations. Occasionally, dental personnel prescribe medica-
tions for their patients unnecessarily, an act which in itself constitutes drug abuse. While all drugs produce undesirable side effects cognisance must also be given to the various conditions derived from the use of certain drugs. Aspirin is probably the most frequently used drug. Indeed, it is widely believed to be capable of preventing chronic heart disease if taken consistently, and also promoted as the best medicine for arthritis. However, a daily intake of two to three aspirins results in five millilitres (one teaspoon) of blood being lost in the faeces every 24 hours due to the erosion effect on the protective mucosal barrier of the stomach. If this continues for some time without dietary supplementation of iron, the person may eventually develop iron deficiency anaemia, the symptoms of which can include a
smooth tongue surface, tenderness in the oral cavity, pain when swallowing, tiredness and shortness of breath. Hookworm infestation may present identical symptoms. Because the oral symptoms predominate, it is likely that the dentist will be the first to diagnose the problem, especially in postmenopausal women. Turn to page XXXV â–şâ–şâ–ş
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Tourette syndrome I RECEIVED a request to talk about a Neurological disorder that quite a few people in Guyana have been diagnosed with. If you or a friend /family member are one of the inflicted, I hope this piece helps you to better understand the illness as well as how to deal with it. Tourette syndrome (TS) is character-
ised by repetitive and involuntary movements or communication/words – which are called tics. We sometimes see comical versions in movies, where someone would shout out something funny or random at inappropriate times. Sadly, however, it doesn’t depict the daily struggles of the individual.
The onset of Tourette’s typically happens in childhood between the ages of three to 10 but the tics are most severe between the ages of eight to 12. It is four times more common in males than females. TS is not a degenerative disorder which means that it doesn’t get worse over time or has much progres-
sive physical or mental impairment; it does not affect intelligence. This means that an individual with TS has a normal life expectancy. The symptoms of TS range from mild to severe – whether physical or verbal. Turn to page XXXIV ►►►
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They are typically sudden, short and repetitive, begin in the head and neck area and then further progress to other extremities. Motor tics (physical movements) usually show before vocal (speech) ones. The involuntary physical movements may involve excessive blinking, sniffing,
jaw movements and head or shoulder jerking. The more obvious ones may be hopping or jumping or arm/leg jerking. The verbal symptoms can be grunting, throat clearing, coughing, barking, shouting or even repeating full sentences that others around them say. The comical kind we see in the media is called Coprolaliawhere the individual may shout out inap-
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propriate words but this only happens in a small percentage of people with Tourette’s syndrome. Both physical and verbal tics are random, mostly unpredictable and based on the individual- differ in frequency and severity. Some individuals are aware that a tic is coming on, much like when we know we are about to sneeze. Just as we cannot hold it in, it is a need and compulsion for them to practice the tic. People diagnosed with TS describe a high tension or pressure if they are unable to carry out their tic. It is important to be aware and on the lookout for these tics. I remember the first case of TS I saw in Guyana. The child’s mother was complaining that her son was being rude and disobedient; that he never did what she asked of him. She claimed she would spank the child and his response would mostly be to suck his teeth. She simply wanted help to deal with his insubordination. Unfortunately, little did she know that he had TS and the sucking of the teeth was his tic. Since tics often worsen during times of stress, every time she spanked him, he showed signs of TS. I’m positive that her story is not an isolated one and guardians should do their best to observe any abnormal behaviour. If the symptoms are severe and they are restricted from carrying out their tic, it can result in self-harm such as hitting themselves in the face. There are a few factors which can determine how severe the diagnosed person will be; these include problems during birth, low birth weight or whether the mother smoked cigarettes during the pregnancy. People with Tourette’s may have issues with sleeping, socialising, learning, motivation and self-esteem. Due to this, TS can co-occur with a variety of mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, attention deficit disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and sleep disorders. The exact cause of Tourette’s is unknown but research has determined that
it is a complex mix of biological (abnormalities in the brain), genetic and environmental factors. There are no tests or scans to identify Tourette’s; a diagnosis is made if the person has experienced two or more motor tics and at least one vocal tic in the past year. Much like mental illnesses, TS is a chronic condition which means it cannot be cured. Typically, as the adolescent moves into adulthood, the tics disappear on their own. If this is not the case, it can still be managed and properly treated. Tourette’s generally does not require any medication as treatment; although some may be prescribed if certain symptoms are affecting daily life. Talk and cognitive behavioural therapy are recommended to reduce the risk of psychiatric disorders that may form and have an overall better quality of life. There are also dietary restrictions to speak to your doctor about, as research shows this can affect the frequency and severity of tics. For example sugar, caffeine and gluten may worsen tics. Relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises and yoga have proven effective in reducing symptoms of TS. Education on the illness, for both, the inflicted as well as their family and friends, is a very important part of any treatment plan. It is important for you as well as those around you to understand the illness as well as the best way to treat and manage it. This ensures a tolerant, accommodating and compassionate setting for the inflicted individual. 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, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always
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Every patient currently on systemic corticosteroid medication should be covered with an extra dose of steroid on the day he visits the dentist. If this is not done, the stressful experience could trigger an adrenal insufficiency syndrome with a sudden fall in blood pressure, leading to severe shock and even death. It is estimated that the risk of an allergic reaction in asthmatic patients is five to 10 times higher than in normal patients. They are especially prone to react allergically if treated with penicillin or aspirin. Aplastic anemia is a serious
and sometimes fatal complication of the use of drugs that can depress the bone marrow, resulting in an arrest of the production of red and white blood cells and platelets. One of the first symptoms of this condition is spontaneous bleeding of the gums with oral sores in a very pale patient. Among the drugs known to induce bone marrow depression are chloramphenicol and phenylbutazone commonly used to treat typhoid and arthritis, respectively. Patients suffering from grand mal epilepsy (the type with convulsions) usually take hydantoin sodium. This drug causes the gums to swell which may ultimately cover most of the crowns of
XXXV the teeth. It is advisable that before dental treatment these persons should have pre-medication with sedatives such as diazepam or oxazepam. Chlorhexidine is a widely used, very effective disinfectant in the mouth. The recommended concentration routine use is 0.2 percent. It is well known that Chlorhexidine can cause discolouration of the teeth and tongue while inducing taste disturbances. Consequently; as an important participant in the treatment process, the danger of potential drugs must never be underestimated.
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One of the most empowering weekends I AM extremely exhausted but tapping into reserve at the moment. My adrenaline was running so high over the week and I am now feeling the effects but is all good. Working on the two Anthologies Women Across Borders while I was organising this Expo was no easy feat. I’m very proud to announce both made it to Amazon best sellers list and I must thank my co-authors. I know my small team also needs some much-needed rest but can’t yet because we are finalising plans for the Tea Party and Fashion Show to Raise funds for the LIVING WITH INTENTION Motivational Tour at Lusignan Golf Course on March 25. The many testimonies are causing me to get emotional. This event was so consuming that I did not get to contribute to this column
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Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel
... Inspiring lives through fashion last week. The press conference on Friday morning had set the tone for this empowering weekend. Thank you Ms. Lagan , Carolyn Caesar, Dr. Jackie Evans and Hilda Bourne who joined me at the head table. Friday afternoon was our last meeting and briefing regarding the weekend’s activities. Even the exhibitors started sharing the experience of the journey leading up to the big weekend. Some of the exhibitors realised instantly the importance of all the forums prior to the event but some got it along the way. They all agreed every forum added value to them and the respective businesses that will give them an advantage beyond the expo. Thank you, Hon. Minister Cathy Hughes for your powerful remarks at the opening of the Women in Business EXPO. Ms. Reece, you represented the Hon. Minister Amna Ally well. Congrats to Integrated Security Services and Mings Products and Services who received the award for elevating women in the workplace. The INSPIRE YOU Motivational Event did not fail to inspire and motivate. Over the weekend I interacted with all the exhibitors to get a feel of this because this is a journey for us all and we need to know where we can improve. When I arrived at Veronica Glenn’s booth she placed a letter in my hands and said when you get time please read it. I am sharing that letter with you. Good day Dr. Sonia Noel Today is our first day together for Women in Business 2018. The year of Pop-up, Shake-up, top-up, step-up, comeup, stand up- get up, climb up and stay-up. It started with your vision and mission for women. This team of women was graced with education in Technology, Health issues, Business attitudes, Socialising, Communication attitudes, Makeup Artist, Networking benefits and bringing out the U in you. Then there is the action taken by all of us to use those freely to succeed for ourselves and others, sustainability towards progress and recognition in business. Now from all this, the end result is that I have absorbed so much that I feel extra strength and empowered, it has led me to greatness and excellence combined with integrity for the continuous climb to function despite the challenges (negative) which can no longer floor me, that I can’t get up. P.S. Dear Sonia, I had one to caption now I have two. With determination my student population will certainly grow, I will stick with Women in Business by the grace of God. I Love and respect you. Love calls had been far and few to the fact that we were in company. Veronica Glenn. We have so many messages that are encouraging which indicates events like these are needed. God is awesome and he is placing us in each other’s lives for a reason. I must thank the exhibitors for taking this bold step, my partners, my team for not quitting when the waters got choppy, the media, patrons who attended and the speakers who came for INSPIRE YOU, especially the ones who came from far away. To view the beautiful pics from the events log on to the link below https://www.facebook.com/WASDGuyana/ Join us on the beyond the runway FB page or email beyondtherunway1@gmail.com to share a special moment you had while celebrating Women’s History Month.
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importance of neighbours assisting each other. TRANSFORMING SOCIETY She stated that based on some amount of evidence, abuse and neglect are still so high, especially among some Amerindian areas and so she questioned the economic factors, especially in activities such as mining – whether they are contributing to the breakdown in society, to the breakdown in culture, the breakdown in family life, she questioned. “So when we begin to think of women or anybody in terms of transforming society ... you have to look at these challenges that are now being posed by those economic activities. At the time when the communities were more isolated and they weren’t having these kinds of activities
they might have had other challenges, but what’s happening now must be considered” she said. Pierre said that, especially as women, they have to become more conscious and speak about the issues – addressing issues affecting the children, the young people and to seek answers to questions such as, “How can urban and rural men and women cope, looking at the issues of institutional support from government structures to help them through this phase because this is indeed a challenging period,” she said. She said that 30 years ago there were challenges; 50 years ago there were also challenges, and now there are new challenges. HINTERLAND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME “What’s on the table for discussion in terms of ‘educating’ women (and even men) in general, but Amerindian women in particular, in relation to the changing workplace and their position in Guyana?” Pierre asked. As a woman who has dedicated a lot of her time and energies toward working with Amerindian women especially, she tendered the attitude of a continued willingness to make whatever contribution she is asked to make. She felt that the cards must be put on the table and the consciousness must be there to address the issues and so ensure that no woman is left behind – no woman is taken advantage of.
XXXVII The Hinterland Scholarship Programme (HSP) was on for many years, almost a decade when ‘we’ decided to form a club around 1975 – the people on the executive were myself, Dr George Norton and a few others and emphasised that it is still going. We were pulling over a hundred students to meetings, trying to form a group and we used to plan parties and so on and we also used to study together, encourage each other and we were concerned about every other person in that group; we were all hinterland students struggling, she said. “We still have the programme here, it continues and we do have a lot of young people out here and now we have a building; everybody lives in a building. In those days we lived in different barrack rooms, but now we have a building, people may be more comfortable.” COMMUNITY SPIRIT Pierre was proud to say that the HSP was one place in which there was community spirit; a lot of reinforcing of cultural values, but at the same time a lot of these students move on to different places and do not go back into their communities to share and to help reinforce and to instil values – this should be addressed, she said. The concerns of women and their well-being go a long way and therefore issues such as drugs, lack of employment or employment that are not exploitative must be dealt with if lives are going to be transformed, Ms Pierre said. “We must work with communities to address these issues; we must also work with agencies to address these issues,” she said. In this, she expressed concerns that a ‘strong band of social workers’ might not be in some of the interior locations who can deal with some of the underlining issues. “We are not getting the full context of exactly what’s happening to society now. There is the need for a lot more intervention and while the social workers are doing their jobs, I think we need some more specialised professional people to intervene,” Pierre said.
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English THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Cromwell, I charge thee, fling away ambition: By that sin fell the angels. How can man, then, The image of his Maker, hope to win by it? WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (1564-1616) Henry VIII, Act III, Scene ii STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Certain basic ingredients for examination success are simple enough: 1. Follow the appropriate course of study. 2. Practise on past examination papers. 3. Have a knowledgeable person criticise your efforts for success depends heavily on feedback during practice sessions; feedback monitors your progress and remedies your shortcomings. 4. With all that, enter the examination room not only armed with full knowledge but also with preparation to make good of every examination moment. Remember that two-thirds of any paper completed avails two-thirds of the marks allotted. Be wise. Love you. MAKING WRITING BETTER The Semicolon, and the Colon, and the Dash Overall: The semicolon, the colon, and the dash have specific uses within the sentence. Knowing these uses will improve your reading skill, and applying them properly will distinguish your writing from the ordinary. Today we deal with the semicolon. Note: The semi-colon announces a partial stop somewhat stronger than a comma. Thus a semicolon, and not a comma, is often required to join the independent clauses in a compound sentence. In addition, a semi-colon is often needed before explanatory or enumerating words in a
series of items that already have commas within them. 1. In compound sentences Review: A compound sentence is a sentence with two or more independent clauses. These clauses are of equal rank or value. Remember: i) An independent clause is one that can stand alone and still make sense. ii) A compound sentence, therefore, is a sentence with two clauses (or more than two). The clauses in a compound sentence (1) may be joined by a comma plus a conjunction, (2) may be joined by a semicolon without a conjunction, or (3) may be written as two separate sentences. Joseph likes the new cycle, but he prefers the original one. (Two independent clauses joined by a comma plus the conjunction but.) Joseph likes the new cycle; he prefers the original one. (Two independent clauses joined by a semicolon. A comma is not strong enough to join these clauses.) Joseph likes the new cycle. He prefers the original one. (Two independent clauses written as two separate sentences.) Now study the three uses of semicolons in compound sentences. 1. To Join Clauses without Conjunctions. A semicolon is strong enough to join two independent clauses without a conjunction. A comma cannot do so. Georgetta is the new inventory manager; she has been with our company for three years. (No conjunction joins the two independent clauses. The semicolon signals that the conjunction is omitted.) 2. To Join Clauses with Transitional Expressions. When the second independent clause includes a transitional word or phrase, a comma is not strong enough to join the clauses. They must be joined by a semicolon. Harry Nichols approves all large purchases for the entire division; however, he is now in England on company business. (A semicolon is needed to join these independent clauses. A comma is not strong enough to do so.) OR Harry Nichols approves all large purchases for the entire division. However, he is now in England on company business. (Two separate sentences if desired.) 3. To Prevent Misreadings. If a compound sentence contains commas in either or both clauses and a strong break is needed to make the message clear, use a semicolon to separate the two clauses even if a conjunction is used. If no misreading is likely, use a comma. Among the topics to be covered today are general sales techniques, our discount policy, and commissions; and the incentive compensation plan will be discussed next week. (The semicolon provides the break needed to ensure that the reader pauses after commissions.) Before Explanatory or Enumerating Words. Use a semicolon before words and phrases such as for example, namely, that is, and that is to say when they introduce an independent clause, an enumeration, or an explanation that is incidental to the rest of the sentence. To find routine information, you will need to keep up-to-date references handy; for example, a dictionary, an almanac, a postal code directory, and a business writer’s manual. (For example introduces an enumeration.) In a Series. Series of items that contain internal commas (such as commas in city, town, village and region names or in certain company names) should be separated by semicolons instead of commas to prevent misreading. Those district offices competing in the experimental study are in #9, Region 5; New Amsterdam, Region 6; Parika, Region 2; and Bartica, Region 7. NOTE: A semicolon, not a comma, precedes the conjunction before the last item in a series containing internal commas. (The semicolon guides readers to pause properly and provide visual help to read the message clearly.) Something to Do In each of the following sentences, choose the correct punctuation mark within the brackets and explain each of your choices. 1. Several well-known speakers are in the programme tomorrow, including Marcia D. Stephenson(, ;) director of marketing for Panorama Tours(, ;) Gregory H. Atlantis(, ;) publisher of several magazines(, ;) and Kinley O. Prince(, ;) senior designer for Gains & Sundance Clothing. 2. Yuri Erskine is our representative in Jamaica(, ;) he has been selling dog food products for our firm since 2016. LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS Making verbs agree with their subjects: 1. Doesn’t Guppy live near Sandra? 2. They were an hour late. Time doesn’t mean much to them. 3. It doesn’t seem right. Thirteen cookies are not many for your darling. 4. My first choice is those blue berries. 5. Has anyone in your household lost a gold watch? 6. Here goes the Sunday School Superintendent. 7. It doesn’t matter how much it costs; I need it. 8. Were you looking for Maisie? 9. Have any of the gifts been opened? 10. There is no Johnny Splice living here.
Chronicle Pepperpot March 18, 2018
XLVII