The state of the East Bank Berbice main access road has forced vehicle operators to stop using it, resulting in school children turning to alternative means to get to school.
There are no secondary schools along the East Bank in Berbice, and some high school children have to travel as far as 25 miles to get to school daily as the road has deteriorated into a state of complete disrepair.
The poorly maintained road no longer has holes for hundred-metre stretches but rather huge ditch-like craters. Students who are too young to be licensed are using motorcycles to travel along that road in an attempt to get a secondary education.
About nine students travel from Mara, which is situated 25 miles from New Amsterdam while others travel from villages along the East Bank.
Last year, there was a bus that took children to school, leaving Mara at 04:30h in the morning and returning after 18:00h. However, with the present state the road is in, it is impossible for the service to continue.
A trip by bus 18 miles up the East Bank takes more than one hour.Some residents are calling for some kind of an intervention to be made, adding that the children are forced to break the law because of prevailing circumstances and this is endangering their lives.
Deputy Commander of B Division, Superintendent Steven Mansell, who met with some of the residents recently, noted that at the age of 14, a child cannot be licensed to ride a motorcycle in Guyana. He urged parents to take the responsibility of getting their children to school, adding that the parent should be the rider and their child the pillion rider. He added that this not only ensures the safety of their children, but also preventing them from breaking traffic laws.
In responding to the Superintendent’s comments, some parents stated that because of other commit-
ments, personally taking their children to school is not possible while others have more than one child attending high school. They argued that the children do not ride into New Amsterdam but to Light Town; a village where some of them can get a bus which takes them into New Amsterdam and brings them back in the afternoons.
This arrangement, the parents added, is not without its problems. Light Town is situated 12 miles from New Amsterdam and the bus that transports the children is contracted to a utility company in New Amsterdam and leaves the village at 06:30h on week mornings and returns late in the afternoon.
away are forced to get to the Village of Kortberaad where there are cars going to New Amsterdam. The motorcycles are left there.
One resident, Naline Beerball speaking of the state of the East Bank road, told this publication that there were tractors and trailers traversing the East Bank road frequently. “Now is only promises to fix the road we getting.”
Recently, Region Six Chairman David Armogan said the time has come for a long-term road to be constructed on the East Bank, noting that the short-term measures that have been put in place have not been working. “A lot of people have been saying to us that it is a waste of time and money and the only person that benefits is the contractor. The people don’t get the benefits because soon after it becomes bad as it was before.”
Moreover, the repair work which was done to the East Bank road annually only catered for a three-mile stretch from Glasgow to Everton, leaving the remaining 19 miles of road in a state of disrepair.
The operator of the bus takes the children to school on his way to work and charges a fee. For the return trip back to Light Town, the children must wait until the driver is finished his day’s work before they make the return. From there, they continue their motorcycle journey home on the bumpy road in poorly lit conditions.
The Light Town bus can only take some of the children, since several students from that large community also attend secondary school and are given preference. As a result, some of the students from villages further
Several years ago, there was acontract to resurface the entire East Bank Berbice main access road starting from Mara. However, the contractor never completed the project and officials reported that funds had run out.
Resident had complained about the lack of quality of the road repair work then, adding that the trucks that were used to take material to the site were damaging the repairs made to the road by the contractor.
Meanwhile, the parents stated that until the road is repaired, they will continue to allow their children to ride unlicensed since they have no other option of getting their children to school.
Students on their way home from school on the East Bank of Berbice
A resident walking along the impassable roadway
Truth Simply the
From its establishment in 1948 to now, Albion Cricket Club has moved from strength to strength, becoming one of the leading cricket clubs in Guyana and the Caribbean by producing several Test and national players.
The club is also the recipient of the 2013 Cricket Club of the Year Award for its outstanding performance over the 2013 season. Priding itself on taking cricket seriously, the Club has emphasised training and discipline as key features that have sustained it for the last 66 years.
It is, therefore, no surprise that the club has produced so many talented cricketers who have moved on to the highest level. The first Test cricketer produced was Sewdatt Shivnarine way back in 1977, followed by Narsingh Deonarine in 2005, Sewnarine Chattergoon 2007, Davendra Bishoo in 2011, and Veersammy Permaul in 2013, not to mention numerous national players over the years. Other players of the club include Jonathan Foo.
According to Secretary of the Club, Vemen Walter, cricket is considered serious business and while most clubs treat it as a seasonal game due to the weather, Albion Cricket Club still has training ongoing at its facility, indoor and outdoor, to focus on the mental and physical attributes of its membership.
The active membership of the club is a whopping 150 with professional crick-
et being played from the under-13 to under-21 levels and by the first and second division senior teams. The clubs history dates back to colonial rule by the British.
The club’s office is housed at the Albion Sports Complex Ground which hosted its first One-Day International on March 16, 1977 with the West Indies taking on Pakistan. West Indies won the game by five wickets. The venue also hosted five other international matches, with the lat-
est being in 1985 when the West Indies took on New Zealand. Since then, there has not been any other international match, but the club is optimistic it can get to host a few matches after recent developmental work, including the installation of floodlights to host night games.
Walter explained that the purpose of the club is to develop young persons in the area of sports, “We all
know that cricket is the biggest sport in Guyana and the Caribbean and we know that cricket is known to be a unifying force and we do believe, as a cricket club, in togetherness and in bringing people together and one of our aims is that by playing cricket we can develop, unite and at the same time, help youngsters to be involved in meaningful activities which will allow them to be disciplined.”
He boasted of the club’s players’ commitment, “Over the years, Albion cricketers have been known to be very committed, even if they have to get off a plane and head straight to the cricket ground to play for the club, they do; they are that passionate about their club”.
He added that the players would give back in meaningful ways such as coaching young aspiring cricketers and aiding in the enhancement of the club. Over the years, one of the challenges
d by the club is the production of fast bowlers – priority will be placed on nurturing promising individuals to become fast bowlers. “We are placing a lot of emphasis on the development of fast bowlers. We have a fulltime coach attached to the club and that is Guyana’s A-level batsman Andrew Percival and he has been doing a splendid job, the secretary opined.
The club is opened to young cricketers; as such, there is currently a programme which focuses on youngsters.
This is called the Nursery Programme, it is held every Saturday and is open to persons aged 8-15. The programme exposed youngsters to the fundamentals of the game.
In addition, an Inter Primary School Tape competition is held on an annual basis to attract potential young players.
President of the Albion Cricket Club, Lloyd Kanden, remarked the club’s aim is to produce players. “The executive don’t look for power, position, possession, we look for the discipline, discussion and decision and that make Albion Cricket Club the number one club in Guyana because we are a united and committed body and through it all, regardless of the storm, of calm, we will continue to have cricket played at Albion and even produce players at all levels of cricket.” He posited that there are many promising players, and they will soon take on cricket like a storm.
In this column, we have dealt with some of the professionals in Berbice: the good cops and the not so good ones; the good teachers and the not so good ones; the responsible business people and those who are far from responsible; the righteous religious leaders and those who are in the business of religion for less than honourable reasons.
Professor Daizal Samad
We have also mentioned the health care and health care providers, many good, too many not so good. There is a nurse on the West Coast of Berbice who sets a sterling example, as does Dr Sharma in New Amsterdam Hospital. Michael Khan of the Georgetown Public Hospital heads the way in terms of hospital administration.
We all know that bad news sells. This is an unfortunate truth, and since this is so, we tend to focus more on those who are incompetent at the expense of those who are dedicated and competent. We forget the Police Officers who hold to their vow to serve and protect: people like Brutus, Wilson, Ramsey, Parasram, Ramlakan, Bacchus, Newland, Thomas, and so on. The list is long. We neglect to give the competent nurses, doctors, firefighters, and teachers their due. And since we neglect to do so, we neglect to reward them for their service.
There is a dental surgeon in Port Mourant, Dr Chelva. He is a professional, and excellent at what he does. This in itself sets him apart from the kind of mediocrity that litters the nation. But there is more to him than professional excellence. Dr Chelva treats even the poorest with respect and decorum. He has a keen sense of humour and refuses to take himself too seriously. He speaks politely to all, laughs easily, and is a pleasure to be around.
But he also gives of his professional expertise to those in need, those who cannot quite afford to pay. Even from a distance, this is someone who sets an example; close up, he shines even brighter. To me, the fact that he likes and is knowledgeable about boxing makes him even better to talk with.
In the list of professionals, we hardly think of farmers or fisherfolk, but they are just as important to us as those in any other profession. The day in, day out, come sun or rain – the work of a farmer is difficult, yet under-valued.
And these days, to be a fisherman on the seas is dangerous work. Just recall the number of abductions and killings on the seas in the Corentyne especially. Of course, they are given the mandatory news item in the press and then quickly forgotten – even as we complain about the price of fish. Every now and then, we hear some politician make some kind of statement, but that goes nowhere too.
We seldom think of taxi drivers as professionals. But some of them set examples of courtesy and service from which other so-called professionals can learn. And those rude, crude, careless, reckless taxi drivers can learn too. One is measured to be professional by the manner in which one approaches work, not by the work that one happens to be half-doing or not doing at all.
These aspiring cricketers pose for a picture before their practice session
Lloyd Kanden, Albion Cricket Club President
Vemen Walter, Albion Cricket Club Secretary
Aspiring lawyer tops Region Six in NGSA
One of the two top students in Region Six at the 2014 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations, Simeon De Abreu, thanks God for his achievement.
De Abreu of All Saints Primary in New Amsterdam, along with Joel Persaud of Cropper Primary each obtained 518 marks, topping Region Six. “I am very pleased with my achievement and I must thank God, my parents and teacher for making this possible,” De Abreu, who was awarded a place at Queen’s College, said.
His father, Clement De Abreu of Stanleytown, New Amsterdam said that he is proud of his son being the joint top student in the region. “I always told him that I wish to see his name on the Honour Roll and, he assured me that it will happen; thanks to Jehovah God and Sir Bassant for making this a reality.”
De Abreu has been in Bassant Jagdeo’s class for almost two years. Sir Bassant, as he is referred to by his students, explained that
the success came through extra lessons after regular school time and on weekends. He said the performance of De Abreu and Keayla Vanderstoop (515 marks) came as no surprise. “The success of these children comes as no surprise because they worked hard during their preparations for the NGSA; our motto - ‘Only the best is good enough’ is testimony that we have lived up to our standards and we will continue to do so.”
Sir Bassant, who has close to 20 years' experience as a teacher, noted that parental involvement played the most important role in the success of his top students. “Discipline on the part of the children was integral in their accomplishment and I am extremely proud of them.”
Twelve-year-old Joel Persaud of Cropper Primary and DeAbreu both secured 518 marks. Persaud , who aspires to be a lawyer, attributed his success to hard work and dedication.
Persaud said the examination was challenging, but intense studying and continued
motivation from family and teachers paid off. He attributed his success to God, his teachers and parents for their time and commitment. The confident young man said he is extremely happy to be part of the top students of the country and the region. He secured a place at Queen’s College.
He encourages students who will be sitting the NGSA in 2015 to work hard and to remain focused on their goals. He challenged the class who will be sitting the examination in 2015 to do better than he did.
Meanwhile, the Headmistress of Cropper Primary Coreen Cum-Rose said it is the second year in succession that they have produced the top student for Region Six, noting that the staff are very happy and were filled with emotion when they received the news. She thanked the staff for their hard work and is sure they have seen the benefits of their efforts. Cum-Rose pledged to continue to be among the top producing schools in the future.
Further, Cum-Rose stressed the importance of parental involvement and how its helps in achieving success. Another top student of Cropper Primary is 11-year-old Khileshwar Naraindeen. Speaking with Guyana Times, Naraindeen was excited to be among the top students as he didn’t expect to do so well. The aspiring doctor said he studied hard and took extra lessons. Naraindeen earned a spot at Bishop's High
School.
Over at Rose Hall Primary, 11-year-old Fawaz Afridi Haniff gained 517 marks and earned a place at Queen's College. The bold young man said he is extremely happy with his results. He noted that he would wake up early in the morning and study and also took extra lessons. He credited his success to God, teachers and his parents. He said his class teacher always encouraged him to do well and would always spend extra time teaching him.
His mother Jenniffer Harrinarine, a teacher of Rose Hall Primary, said she is proud of her son’s achievement. She said Fawaz is a bookworm, and always knew that he would have done well. She said Fawaz is quiet, with an easygoing personality and hopes he will continue to reach for the stars.
Meanwhile, the other top students in the region include Keshan Yashwardeo of Cumberand Primary with 515 marks followed by Keayla Vanderstoop of All Saints Primary 515 marks. Aviva Read of School of the Nations earned 510 marks and gained a place at Bishop's High School, followed by Sarah Reid of All Saints Primary with 509.
Marcus Mangru of Skeldon Primary gained 508, followed by Alex Mohabir of St Therese’s Primary with 506 and Jonathan Seeraj of All Saints Primary with 506.
Khileshwar Naraindeen of Cropper Primary
Simeon DeAbreu of All Saints Primary
Fawaz Haniff of Rose Hall Primary
MonDAY, june 16, 2014
Police enlisting seniors in crime fight
A91-year-old of Rose Hall Town (RHT) was recently the beneficiary of a token of appreciation for her sterling contributions towards society and her country at large.
Francis Williams, 91, received a gift valued over $10,000 compliments of the Guyana Police Force. Officer-in-charge of Rose Hall Town Outpost Corporal Orlanzo Webster told Berbice Times that this initiative was on behalf of the ranks of the said Outpost; Sub-divisional Officer Mr Browne; Commander of the Division Brian Joseph; and Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud.
“This gesture is to let people be aware that the Police not only fight crime, but we are also involved in community building…” Webster said. He said senior citizens plays a significant role in the nurturing of children and the Police cannot see, hear and know everything…as they depend heavily on members of the public for assistance in the upbringing of children and having our job done because if every child should understand the role of a grandparent, crime would be minimum in society,” he noted. “With the aim to provide a coordinated approach to crime fighting through active citizens’ involvement, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) strives daily to maintain a more personal, productive relationship
with residents and visitors through enhanced community Policing,” Webster said. He said the police’s aim is to target the elderly so that they can sensitise the youths on the right and wrongs. He disclosing that new plans are on stream for the purpose of regain-
ing the public’s trust in the GPF, especially in Berbice. These include: the linking of all the various religious groups, private sector NGOs and other stakeholders in Berbice to work collaboratively with the GPF regarding the fight against crime.
“Over the years we look at how many things have changed and how people are beginning to respond to things. Now, it’s like taking a couple of steps back. It will take a while to gain back trust again,” Webster acknowledged.
Francis Williams, the recipient said she was pleasantly surprised and had no indication that she was to receive a token. She extended gratitude to Webster and the GPF for their kind contribution and encouraged them to continue doing more of such. “To my fellow citizens, try to live a normal life, avoid crime and live peacefully…to the Police, try to understand that we are all humans and you have to make errors, but there are time when you have to use the right judgments… I thank the Police and I am very, very happy,” she said.
Early closure of NA Hospital Pharmacy affecting patients
Berbicians are up in arms against the regional health authorities regarding the availability of drugs at the New Amsterdam Hospital, and also the early closure of the hospital’s pharmacy.
Reports are that the pharmacy at the institution operating from a 08:00h-20:00h basis in order to facilitate the residents, has been closing at 14:00h. Several patients told
have been here since 08:00h this morning waiting for my child blood test result, its after 16:00h and his results is out, he will have no medication to go
Berbice Times that with the threat of the Chikungunya virus, the relevant authority should have extended the working hours instead of decreasing it.
Leila Persaud, a single parent who resides at Glasgow Housing Scheme, East Bank Berbice, said the move to reduce the hours is not a good one and it will impact heavily on the poor people in the area. The woman made the comment while awaiting the results of a blood test of her three-yearold son, who was suspected to be infected with the Chikungunya virus. “I
home with and right now we cannot afford to go buy; it makes no sense we have a hospital here when we have to go buy drugs,” she said, while noting that this situation is causing them to spend excess money.
“I gon want me son sleep tonight so I will take the prescription and try to get money to buy the drugs so he can feel better… they don’t even have the basic things, they order gravol for my son and the hospital don’t have no gravol, so it is like you coming here and waste time,” she opined. There are several reports from residents about the severe drug shortage at the hospital a recurring problem, owing to quirks at Ministry of Health drugs bond at Diamond, East Bank Demerara.
Another resident said she is total-
ly displeased with the decision to close the pharmacy early. She said more needs to be done in terms of facilitating those in need and reiterated that more often than not, they are forced to take their prescriptions to a private pharmacy since the hospital seems to be suffering a severe shortage of all medications.
A teacher attached to the Mount Sinai Nursery School in New Amsterdam was also faced with the same dilemma.
Miss Angela (only name given) said she was feeling ill on Wednesday and visited the hospital around 15:00h. “I came here and saw the doctor, now when I go the pharmacy, the doors are closed and it’s only 16:30h …they need to do something better, have more staff…some people can die tonight without their treatment, they are lacking in many other areas also,” the teacher lamented.
Contacted on the issues, Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Allen Johnson told this publication that the early closure of the pharmacy is due to the lack of human resources. He could not say how soon this would be fixed.
Strengthening our self-esteem
Can you imagine being constantly criticised by your own family and friends you grew up with?
These kinds of situations tend to slowly strip us of our feelings of self-worth. People can be affected by this, to make even the smallest of decisions.
Believe it or not, our self-esteem is instilled in us during our childhood and improving self-esteem increases our confidence, which is a first step towards finding happiness and a better life for ourselves.
Narine Dat Sookram
There are many simple things we can do to boost our confidence. For example, it can be as simple as dressing nicely, because the reality is, no one is more conscious of your physical appearance than you are. The truth is, when you look good, it automatically changes the way you carry yourself and interact with other people, because it certainly makes you feel good.
This does not mean you need to spend a lot on clothing at all. A bid of advice is to learn to shop in your own closet and rather than buying a bunch of cheap clothes, buy half as many. Select, high quality items, because expensive clothes wear out less easily and stay in style longer than cheaper clothes. The key is to find items that you like, because in return, you will like the way you look.
In most cases, significant improvements can be made by simply taking a bath and shaving frequently. Not to mention wearing clean clothes and brushing your teeth after each meal. I guess what I am trying to say here is that good hygiene is the key, so take the time to take care of your personal appearance.
Consider working out regularly too, because physical fitness in itself has a huge effect on self-confidence. Usually, people who are out of shape feel insecure and unattractive. So by working out, you are not only improving your physical appearance, but you are also doing something constructive with your time.
And speaking of time, have you ever considered giving back a little bit of your time to others? I can attest to this personally, because I have always being passionate about it. The thing is, if you stop thinking about yourself and concentrate on the contribution you are actually making to the rest of the world; then you probably would not worry as much about your own imperfections.
I can assure you that this will increase your selfesteem. So do not hold back, go and volunteer someplace in your community. Not everyone has the time to volunteer and I get that, but do not hesitate to take the time to compliment other people, because in the process, you will become well-liked and build self-confidence. The way I see it is by looking for the best in others, you indirectly bring out the best in yourself.
I know of many people personally who will never speak up because they are afraid that people will judge or think negatively of them. This may be true, but the simple fact is that these are fears everyone experiences, so you are not alone. Though it can be challenging at first, by making an effort to say something at least one time in a group discussion, you will become a better public speaker and recognised as a leader by your peers. You will become more confident in your own thoughts.
Keep in mind though that the key is to start from within, meaning that you should ignore any and all destructive criticisms from everyone, including any from your past. Many of us have been hurt by others at some point in our lives.
However, keep in mind too that your opinion of yourself is the most important opinion of all, because you know yourself better than anyone else. It is crucial for us not to internalise that abuse and let them continue to hurt us, because that means we are allowing them to win. Therefore, if we let go of the past and ignore hurtful negativity, then we automatically win.
For questions, comments, feedback email mcnarine@rogers.com.
Corporal Orlanzo Webster, Francis Williams and other ranks of RHT Outpost
Residents waiting to see a doctor at A&E at the New Amsterdam Hospital
