Sunday, September 23, 2018
These photos depicting three males of varying ages dressed in traditional Indigenous wear, capture the essence of the promotion of Indigenous culture across the generations. The occasion was part of Indigenous Heritage Month observances in the village of Shulinab, located in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Region (Latchman Singh photos)
Preserving Indigenous culture across generations
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Chronicle Pepperpot September 23, 2018
Medical team here on two-week mission - To provide services at New Amsterdam Hospital, Project Dawn ical Missions (BGMM), a US-based organisation which comes to Guyana three times a year, not only to conduct medical outreaches but to continue medical education for local physicians. Garfield Noel Isaacs-Heyliger,
Approximately 600 persons are seen on each visit by the team. “One year we did 900 in two weeks,” Heyliger informed, adding, “In one day, we can look at over 200.” The team brings along medical supplies and equipment, and most times handles all of
From left are: Project Dawn’s Coordinator Marcian Gravesande, George Soodoo, Claudette Heyliger-Thomas, Garfield Noel Isaacs-Heyliger and India Soodoo.
By Telesha Ramnarine A TEAM of healthcare professionals, which include overseas-based Guyanese who feel strongly about giving back to
their country, are here on a two-week mission to provide various health services to the public and even to offer training to local practitioners. The team is from Bridges Global MedThe team brings along medical supplies and equipment and most times finances the trips on its own.
Chief Executive Officer of BGMM, told the Pepperpot Magazine during an interview at Project Dawn, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, that the organisation has been reaching out locally for the past 11 years. “And we’ve done so without any notoriety,” he joked, adding, “We come to give back to the Guyanese communities. We’re usually very well received in the communities we go to. We have a long-standing relationship with all of the hospitals and they look forward to seeing us every year.” The health professionals have included audiology services, cardiology, ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat), echo technician, endocrinology, dentists, family medicine, Information Technology, neonatology, neurology, nurses, OB/GYN (Obstetrics and Gynecology), orthopaedics, paediatrics, respiratory therapist, social workers and urology. The medical outreach programmes initially started in No. 28 Village, West Coast Berbice and at Parika, East Bank of Essequibo, and the team has since been supporting Guyanese with health screens, blood pressure checks, blood sugar, EKGs and echocardiograms, height/weight, hearing and vision screening, pap smears and distribution of food and clothing; the latter in partnership with Food for The Poor and Caring For Others. Services were extended to Fort Wellington, Leguan, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), and to the Linden, Leonora, Bartica and Kwakwani Hospitals. “We have been able to perform pap smears and have found some that were positive for cancer and been able to get those for treatment. We also have a cardiac specialist who comes. He found an eight-year-old girl with a heart defect and he recommended her for some treatment. She is now at President’s College and we see her whenever we come,” Heyliger reported. According to him, for the first time this year, BGMM brought 10 students from the Texas State University as part of a foreign students exchange programme. Twelve more students are expected to come next year.
the finances on its own. Heyliger’s sister, Claudette Heyliger-Thomas, Medical Director of BGMM, is always happy to be in Guyana and credits all of the work they do presently to the Guyanese upbringing they’ve received. She left for Canada just after she finished school. “I’m a Georgetown girl. I was born and later hospitalised at GPHC. I love this country. This country nurtured me. I went to high school and then I went to college. So my foundation is here; it was a solid foundation. I think that the people we are today is based on the foundation that was given to us. So the fact that I am able to return the favour, so to speak; I’m not even giving back one per cent of what I have received,” she expressed. Thomas explained that the team was at the Fort Wellington Hospital last Thursday and Friday and will start its ‘healthy babies programme’ today (Sunday) at the New Amsterdam Hospital. The team will remain at this hospital until Tuesday and will be at Project Dawn on Wednesday and Thursday, providing a number of services to the public from 9 am to 4 pm. George Soodoo, who is also part of the team along with his wife India Soodoo, is back in Guyana for the first time after 40 years. The wife, who is American, said after she married Soodoo, she always wanted to visit Guyana. She is helping the team with some documentation. “When you work with organisations that go out and help people, it brings a new awareness of the need of people. So it’s a learning experience and I am looking forward to it,” she told the Pepperpot Magazine. Project Dawn’s Coordinator, Marcian Gravesande, said she was very happy about BGMM’s visit. “I feel very honoured. I very much appreciate not only this group but all the others that come, because they always bring good, medical attention to our people. For that, I am very, very grateful.” Project Dawn assists the team with accommodation and provides other services.
Chronicle Pepperpot September 23, 2018
Beauty and talent
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on display at the
2018 Heritage Art Exhibition
By Gibron Rahim
“MAKE your chosen career a way of life, a voyage of discovery and a search for excellence that never ends.” The words above were the mantra of the late Stephanie Correia, A.A., one of Guyana and the Caribbean’s greatest artists. As Indigenous Heritage Month nears its end, we would do well to remember that the heritage of our Indigenous peoples deserves respect and celebration beyond this time set aside each year. It is a part of them even as we are all part of one nation. That heritage is clearly reflected in the pieces on display at
From left, “The Ancestors”, “Wauna Secrets” and “Memories” by the late Stephanie Correia A.A.
farming community, she learnt essential skills from helping her family with chores. She and her siblings also learnt embroidery, knitting, weaving, sewing, painting and drawing. Her artistic ability was evident at an early age, as was her intelligence. Stephanie attended the Martindale Roman Catholic Primary School where she was appointed Pupil Teacher at the age of 14. She went on to attend the Guyana Teacher’s Training College in Georgetown in 1950
Wilkie George’s “The Chief”
this year’s Heritage Art Exhibition at the National Gallery of Art. Each year, the Heritage Art Exhibition pays homage to remarkable figures of Indigenous descent who have made a significant contribution to Guyana and honoured their heritage. Last year’s exhibition paid tribute to Sister Theresa La Rose. The figure chosen this year was the late Stephanie Correia A.A. (1930-2000). Stephanie’s father was the late Stephen Campbell, the first Amerindian to be elected to the then British Guyana’s Legislative Council on September 10, 1957. The significance of that date was one of the main reasons that September was chosen as Indigenous Heritage Month. Stephanie was born on April 28, 1930, the third of nine children born to her father and Umblina Campbell, who was a daughter of Portuguese immigrants from Madeira. Growing up in a
“Ancestors” by Nigel Butler
from which she graduated two years later as a Class 1 Trained Teacher. E.R. Burrowes himself was her art tutor during her years at college. Stephanie graduated at the head of her class of 24 students, winning
the Bain Gray Prize for most outstanding student. She taught for a year at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic School and then at the St. Joseph School in Mabaruma, after graduation. After her marriage to Vincent Correia in 1955, Stephanie resigned from teaching and accompanied her husband, whose work for the Interior Department took him to various locations in Guyana.
mon, Wilkie George and Nigel Butler, who all graduated last year, as well as Laurindo John, who is graduating this year. Roberts noted that John’s pieces had been on display at an exhibition at the E.R.
Roaland Taylor’s sculpture “The Power of the Shaman”
“Cock of the Rock” by Jerry Marco
Stephanie would make sketches of the rock paintings, petroglyphs and hieroglyphs found in the places she visited. She also wrote down the legends and stories of the people she encountered. She researched and studied extensively and this is reflected in her artwork. But it was her own individual style of artistic expression that marked her work as unique. She was awarded the Medal of Service (M.S.) in 1980 and the Golden Arrow of Achievement (A.A.) in 1996. This year’s exhibition featured the works of artists of all ages. The Moving Circle of Artists, formed by Mr. George Simon, was responsible for the exhibition as was noted by Mr. Anil Roberts, Principal Regional Development Officer (RRDO) within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, when he spoke to the Pepperpot Magazine. “This year we have brought along some young artists, some who would have graduated from [E.R. Burrowes School of Art] last year and also some who have now graduated from the art school,” Roberts said. Those artists he named included Jerry Marco, Ransford Si-
Burrowes School of Art. It is some of those pieces that were moved to Castellani House for the Heritage Art Exhibition. The pieces on display at the Heritage Art Exhibition show the differences in the artistic choices and styles of the artists who created them. Stephanie Correia’s works are prominently displayed. Her use of delicate watercolours combined with narrative and attention to detail, exemplify the reason she is considered one of Guyana and the Caribbean’s greatest artists. Jerry Marco’s pieces continue to display his undeniable talent, even as he experiments with different subjects. Nigel Butler’s piece titled “Ancestors” can only be described as stunning. Other notable pieces include Wilkie George’s piece “The Chief”, made of carving leather, which displays a beautiful use of an uncommon medium while Ransford Simon’s mixed media piece “Nature’s Gift” which is wonderfully lifelike. Desmond Alli’s “Art in Resistance” series of pieces is a good example of art that possesses both beauty and purpose. Also notable are Deborah Mathias’ three jewellery pieces titled “Atlantis”, “Mayan” and “Pompei”. The intricately beaded necklaces are works of art themselves. Indigenous craft pieces were also on display at the exhibition. The Heritage Art Exhibition at the National Gallery of Art opens on weekdays from 10:00hrs to 16:30hrs and runs until September 29.
IV
Guyanese legend
Chronicle Pepperpot September 23, 2018
Eddy Grant
is Global Ambassador for Guyana Reparations Committee
-Devotes his life towards preserving Afro-Guyanese heritage he could have only achieved those accolades because of his passion. “Never do anything for money, money must be secondary; do something for the love of it. Develop a passion for it and wake up and live it,” Grant said. When asked if he has intentions of returning to Guyana to host a concert, he said he is willing once he gets sponsorship. AFRO-GUYANESE HISTORY The vocalist said that his brand “Ring Bang” was launched specially to donate the money to the teachings of African history in Guyana. He said that when one purchases the “Ring Bang” line of clothing then they will be supporting that cause. “I don’t want wealth from this. I am wearing Ring Bang hats, belts, shirts and shoes, all these are available online. Guyanese should start shopping this brand since every dollar Seventy-year-old Edmond Montague “Eddy” Grant wearing his Ring Bang brand
One of Grant’s fans getting an autograph from him
his father would listen to him because he was the eldest child. He said that trust is important and vividly remembers whenever something went wrong around the house everyone would rely on him for information, because the trust was there. Grant said that
he was a small boy he has been listening to Grant’s music and although he had migrated to the United States of America, his love for his songs never changed. According to his discography, Eddy Grant has released 15 studio albums, 13 compilation albums and 19 singles. His album “Killer on the Rampage” peaked at Number 10 on the Billboard 200 charge in the United States of America and was
By Indrawattie Natram GUYANESE-BRITISH vocalist and musician Edmond Montague “Eddy” Grant is now the Global Ambassador for the Guyana Reparations Committee. This announcement was made at an outreach conducted in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) on September 18 and 19 by the Guyana Reparations Committee. During the outreach, the Plaisance-born vocalist interacted with residents and school children from across the region. During an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, the 70-year-old Grant said that his main aim as the Global Ambassador is to educate the world on the history and struggles of Afro-Guyanese. As the Global Ambassador, he intends to spread the rich Afro-Guyanese history everywhere he travels. With his brand “Ringbang” and his recently launched album ‘Plaisance’, the vocalist said he will spread the message across the World. Born in Plaisance Village, East Coast Demerara, he said his new album which features singles such as “Now We are together”, “I am the one”, “True to You” and “Key to your heart”, are all set out to reflect on his early life in the village. Grant said that Plaisance is dear to him and boasted that he may be the only person in the world that has his village as his place of birth. During interactions with Essequibo residents at the various outreaches, he said that in order for someone to be successful, they have to be involved in something they love and have a passion for. Music, he attested, was his greatest passion since childhood and today, he is known as the Kings of the Kings of Soca and Calypso music. He explained that
During his visit to Queenstown Village in Region Two
earned will be given back to Guyana,” Grant said. Having supported the Guyana Reparations Committee, Grant said that the Ancestral Land Rights Bill is important, and as such he called on all Afro-Guyanese to support it. He said that many Afro-Guyanese are suffering from memory loss in the sense that they are forgetting the struggles of their African ancestors. He said that slavery destroyed African history and African culture and therefore called on the younger generation to get hold of a copy of the “The Guyana Reparations Story” by Eric M Phillips and Jonathan O.P Adams. “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture, is like a tree without roots. Up, you mighty race, accomplish what you will, the black skin is not a badge of shame, but rather a glorious symbol of national greatness,” is one snippet of the book that he shared. Grant recalled his childhood days when
the Guyana Reparations Committee will be asking the government for 15,000 square miles of land to be given to the descendants of enslaved Africans as reparation. He said that the request is a fair one given the struggles the Africans faced on the plantations. The Guyanese vocalist posing with two young fans “We need to stop hurting each other and work together. The Africans need their identity, we must be able to trace back where exactly our foreparents came from, and we must be able certified as Gold. His single “Electric Avto visit our foreparents’ birth land,” Grant enue” received Platinum accreditations in said. the U.. and “I don’t wanna dance” topped Those who interacted with Grant were the charts in five countries including Belhonoured to meet the Guyanese singer. One gium, Ireland and the United Kingdom. such person was Ishmael Thomas, who can- In 200, his Ring Bang remix of “Electric celled all his plans when he heard that the Avenue” reached Number Five in the UK singer was visiting. Thomas said that since Singles Chart.
Chronicle Pepperpot September 23, 2018
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A saviour for animals
Syeada Manbodh By Michel Outridge THIS year’s Medal of Service recipient Syeada Manbodh, said that caring for animals is part of her daily routine; it is part of who she is and she does so without boundaries when it comes to animals. She has been caring for sick and abused animals for more than 20 years and is appalled by the number of calls she gets almost on a daily basis about how some people treat their animals.
cannot maintain many dogs take your dog to get spayed and neutered. Manbodh said that these days it is easier to talk to people about the welfare of their animals because they are not so hostile like before, and they listen and that is a good sign. She stated that being an animal lover is not a task for her since she has four dogs she rescued from abuse and countless birds, including parrots, toucans and macaws - which she doesn’t cage but they are on the many trees she has on her property in Queenstown. Manbodh doesn’t support caging and restraining animals. In fact, she believes that some animals should be left in their own habitat. Being honoured with a Medal of Service award by President David Granger earlier this year, Manbodh said it was truly a gesture she welcomed, and that she will never cease to love and care for animals which she views as a ‘full-time job’.
LULU AND PUMPKIN On March 4, 2017, this publication featured two dogs that resided at the Georgetown High Court and were cared for by Manbodh titled “Animal lover and the High Court dogs”. However, both dogs have since passed away. Lulu passed away last year and her three-legged companion Pumpkin died on September 14, 2018. Syeada with Millie, one of her four dogs The dogs served as the guardians/ watchdogs of the Georgetown High Court for more than 10 years and were This animal activist told the Pepperpot Magazine that cared for by Manbodh, who has said she will surely miss through social media she is able to find out about a lot of them. animals in distress across the country as she works with the In her Facebook post, she said, “Goodbye Pumpkin, sad Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA). day today. After 10 years of loving, playing, bathing and feeding Pumpkin, she passed away. I am guessing Pumpkin ABUSED ANIMALS She noted that via social media concerned persons would usually inform her if there is a sick animal left for dead or Syeada Manbodh with Lulu and Pumpkin at the Georgetown High Court. abandoned and she reaches out to the authorities in that area, especially with large animals such as cows, horses etc. Manbodh stated that while some animals are willfully neglected, she gets the most calls to help abused animals simply because some people are very cruel to their animals. “I get a few calls per day about people being cruel to their animals, it is simple: if you do not want the animal, give it away or take it to an animal shelter but do not ill-treat that animal,” she said. Manbodh explained that people who are cruel to their animals probably grew up in a very abusive environment, and feel it is okay if they beat the animal but it is not and they should desist from doing so. She touted that animals, like humans, need love, affection, and to be cared for because at the end of it all we are what we do. This animal lover views cruelty to animals as being ignorant and such persons should be charged, especially since the Animal Welfare Bill was passed in Parliament. THE LOVE FOR ALL ANIMALS Manbodh urged all animal lovers to treat their animals with respect and show them love, and to control their population and reduce the instances of strays by having them spayed and neutered. She related that it makes no sense you have a bunch of dogs and cannot take care of them, so if you know that you
Lulu and Pumpkin
was approximately 13 years old. Many thanks to all who loved and protected her, especially the High Court staff and our former Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang. When I met Pumpkin someone had chopped her paw off, thanks to our late vet, Dr Peter Davis for saving her life by amputating her leg and Ian Chang for paying for her surgery. She will be missed. Pumpkin is buried in my backyard, along with her partner Lulu.” Manbodh was much attached to the dogs, whom she fed and cared for like she does for most animals in suffering locally. Recalling fondly, she said she first heard the story of the dogs and was in awe when she was told told that Pumpkin and her partner, Lulu, had stood guard at the Georgetown High Court when a man dressed in slippers and short pants was about to enter the compound and he was chased by them. A policewoman who was working as the sentry had stopped the man and told him that he could not enter because he had on shorts and slippers, in accordance with the High Court Rules, also that the dogs would not allow anyone to enter the compound with slippers and shorts. But the man refused to believe what the sentry said and anyway entered the compound from the South Road entrance. He had a rude awakening when he was confronted by Pumpkin and Lulu, and in a haste to exit the compound his pile of documents was scattered. He, however, managed to retrieve his papers and left in a hurry. The policewoman told the then Chief Justice Ian Chang (ag) and others looking on, “I tell he, I tell he, but he did not listen”. Manbodh said as a testament to how much Pumpkin was loved, more than 220 friends on her Facebook page have since expressed their sadness on the passing of the dog.
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Chronicle Pepperpot September 23, 2018
The ‘Rose’ in the coconut – delivering diverse agro-processing goods from one booming product
Simplicity of prosperity – coconut trees with an animal in the foreground
By M Margaret Burke WORKING on the farm and alongside her husband Randolph Benn for the past 37, Rosamund Benn, a mother of five children, she still looks as young as the 37 years that she has been marrie. A truly proud Pomeroonian, having been born there, Ms. Benn said, however, that she however grew up in Moruca, Region One (Barima-Waini), but has been living at Grant Wide Gardens, Pomeroon River, for a very long now.
REGULAR AND VIRGIN COCONUT OIL “I have always been involved in farming, planting a variety of crops for many, many years. This is my life and I really do enjoy what I do. However, in 2010 I started to branch off into what I am involved in today and that is the making of the regular and virgin coconut oil on a wide scale,” Ms. Benn told the Pepperpot Magazine. She explained that as a result of being involved in a women’s group in Charity Village she was exposed to the making of the
Ms. Rosanund Benn proudly displays some of her already processed virgin coconut oil.
Ms. Rosamund Benn displaying a barrel of fully-processed virgin coconut oil
virgin coconut oil. “Immediately I started making it, though on a small scale; making about two gallons every week.” Ms. Benn said that the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) organised the training from which she gained a lot of information, not just on the making of coconut oil or agro-processing in general, but also on how to manage a business, whether in the agriculture sector or otherwise. “Things that we sometimes take for granted were looked at in a very important way during the training…things like the preparation area, wash hands, cover mouth, cover hair, making sure the entire surround-
ings is always clean, including the utensils that are being used and everything. “Then I also gained training from food preparation to managing – not only your production area, but managing your finances; recording keeping, for example while on the farm how to keep records of what chemicals are used; how empties are discarded; records of how often spraying is done, the areas sprayed and also the chemicals used; keeping track of crops from the time of planting to harvesting and selling, and then even looking at what you are going to sell and many more,” Ms. Benn stated. Turn to page XXX►►►
Chronicle Pepperpot September 23, 2018
VII
Exploring art as therapy
Esther Nankoo opens up about her work By Dominique Hunter AT the core of Esther Nankoo’s creative practice is an eagerness to cultivate healthy habits that facilitate the kind of self-awareness necessary for healing to occur. In fact, her commitment to personal growth in spite of all the challenges she has experienced, has been matched only by her desire to channel those emotions into works of art. And although she now has a clearer understanding of the “why” that drives the production of her work, she readily admits it wasn’t always so obvious. During a recent interview, the former President’s College student explained that the environment there was not one that encouraged her to pursue art at the CXC level, and so she didn’t. Instead, with some positive reinforcement from her tutors, she opted to enroll at the E.R. Burrowes School of Art. Her lack of art training prior to her enrolment at the art school did little to dampen her spirit. Equipped with just a basic knowledge of art, she remained hopeful about what the new journey would offer. “When I first entered the art school I was a very timid individual. I can say art school brought out the rebel in me. It changed my entire life and the way I looked at things. I grew mentally and emotionally because I was eventually exposed to introspection in my second year painting class. It was then
After completing her first year at the art school, Nankoo was finally able to exercise her creativity in a way that felt true to her own personality. No longer confined to strict subject matters, she began to tap into her emotions and would often use them to direct the outcome of her work. When asked about her reliance on meditation as a fundamental part of her work, Nankoo stated that it has always been a natural part of her daily experience and, as a result, became organically
that I started to have deep contemplations about myself.” Like many others before her, Nankoo quickly learned that art entailed a lot more than drawing and painting. Much to the dismay of most students, they are met with a host of other subjects that are compulsory in order to complete the first year of the school’s programme. And in most cases, there’s almost always that one subject that elicits a little (or a lot) less enthusiasm than the others. “I didn’t like still-life painting. It’s very rigid and you have to paint exactly what you see. I didn’t find that very creative because I like to be spontaneous with my work. When I’m about to paint I don’t plan what I want to paint. I usually meditate to figure out my mood and as the work starts to manifest I would gradually figure out how to enhance my composition. But as much as I hated a lot of the technical courses they were essential. It was important to do them to get a better understanding of art because as much as art is about aesthetics, it’s about technicality too.”
intertwined with her creative practice. “Prior to joining the art school I was a victim of bullying but I never really spoke out about it. Keeping it to myself for so many years got me to a point where I was depressed because I didn’t know how to deal with it. It lived with me for many years and festered, resulting in a lot of negative emotions.” Nankoo explained that although there was some initial hesitation about using her painting sessions as, more or less, self-directed therapy sessions, she eventually felt encouraged to use the medium as a way of taking control and confronting all of the emotions she had worked so hard to suppress in the previous years. “I was afraid to paint because I knew if I painted, what I felt inside would come out and I didn’t want people to know I was affected. I was ashamed because mental illness is stigmatised and people have a lot of misinformed ideologies about it. If you take a look at my art, it’s very grotesque. I don’t express myself grotesquely for the fun of it. It’s my way of indirectly reaching out to people to show them that they’re not alone in this emotional battle. I know a lot of people go through a lot of things and they don’t tell anyone because they are afraid of being judged or shunned. While I was doing research I found that both artists and non-artists have different ways of coping with their problems. Some people smoke or drink, some even self-harm. Who am I to tell someone how to cope with his or her problems? I’m not putting them down for what they do because I don’t know why they do what they do. But as much as I’m not putting it down, I’m not supporting it either. Instead, I’m showing them that art is a great alternative for expression.” Reflecting on one of her proudest moments during the art school, Nankoo opened up about the tipping point that almost led to her journey at the institution being cut short. “I was actually going to quit the art school a few months before my exam. I was very frustrated and I couldn’t take it anymore. I had my withdrawal letter ready and I was about to take it to the office.” She went on to explain that despite her frustration at the time, she remained open to having a dialogue with the school’s administration about a way forward. After a few hours of negotiation, both parties were able to reach an agreement that included her completing the programme. “I’m proud of myself for staying on and not leaving. I’m proud that I was mature enough to sit and listen to what they had to say, instead of just being angry.” Nankoo recognises that hers is an ongoing journey and willingly admits that her intention is not to develop a rigid visual language but rather, one that continues to evolve and reflect her growth. “I can’t credit one person because many persons have contributed to my growth. Although some might not have assisted me academically, many were there to support me emotionally and I’m thankful for that. My family, friends and tutors at the art school were all involved in this process, helping me to grow and discover myself.”
c i m a n y D ‘ ’ e c r o F
VIII
Chronicle Pepperpot September 23, 2018
Well-known SDA singing group to host reunion show in October
By Gabriella Chapman
IT is no argument that most music groups/ bands come to an inevitable split a few years down the line, as they experience issues ranging from personality clashes to matrimonial ties. Gospel groups are no exception, as the internet would make available an exorbitant list of groups who started off as gospel groups/bands and splintered off into individual secular singers or even branched off completely from a singing career. But speaking of “dynamic”, Guyanese gospel group, Dynamic Force, has definitely outlived the life expectancy of groups, and is probably one of the longest standing gospel groups in Guyana. They have been in existence since 1994, and to date, 24 years later, are still a “Dynamic Force”. COINCIDENTAL CONCEPTION The story of how this Christian group was birthed, is quite peculiar, but marvellous. One lone man, Gavin Ralph, a member of the
Members of the Dynamic Force USA
Throwback picture of the Dynamic Force
Moriah Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) church was tasked with singing a morning special item of music but didn’t want to do it alone. So Gavin invited three of his other friends, Curtis Lewis, Osmond Patterson and Marvin Patterson, to accompany him in singing the song “Oh what a wonderful day”. The group sounded so magnificent that they were called upon several times to bless the hearts of people in their church. The group even recorded and released their acapella rendition of “Oh what a wonderful day”. They then decided that they should officially become a group. This was in 1994. At that time, the group consisted of four members, so they called themselves the Dynamic Four. They started off doing covers and then as a group, they recorded an album titled Liberation and it was published in 2000. GROWING POPULARITY After performing across the country and networking with other singers, the number of members increased, so they renamed themselves, The Dynamic Force. Up until 2001, the group was a true representation of
their name throughout Guyana, performing at various churches and partnering with several companies to do outreaches and projects. One of the impacts that the group recalls was quite a number of years back when former President Bharrat Jagdeo was invited to their church to speak and their pastor asked him what he knows about Adventism and he responded, “Truth is, I don’t know much, other than the Dynamic Force,” Adding that the group transcends religion, culture and politics. The Dynamic Force was even evoked as one of the late Desmond Hoyte’s favourite groups and was called upon, several times to sing for him. In 2001, five of the members migrated to the US. This may have been deemed by many, as disastrous to the future of the group, but in all actuality, it resulted in quite the opposite, as they worked out a strategy that would preserve the life of the Dynamic Force in Guyana. The five that migrated remained a group in the US, and the remaining members continued the group in Guyana and recruited new members. Turn to page XXII ►►►
Chronicle Pepperpot September 23, 2018
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Battling with life after mommy was murdered By Vanessa Braithwaite
HEADLINES of domestic violence murders are nothing new to our society as there continues to be an upsurge in these cases. Mothers are hacked, beaten or stabbed to death while others either commit suicide or are sent to jail. What’s left of the children, especially the minors? It is often the beginning of a living tale of hell. Separation from each other, the older ones having to drop out of school to fend for the younger ones, or to put their dreams on hold to be the bread winner for the family! These are stories too often recorded.
The six surviving children of Leolyn Sullivan
The beverage shop now managed by the siblings
The late Leolyn Sullivan Turn to page XXXIV►►►
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Chronicle Pepperpot September 23, 2018
Chronicle Pepperpot September 23, 2018
XI
The joy of an ima t ion XII
By Michel Outridge
AT A very young age, Carlus Savory realised he was gifted and multi-talented when he began drawing things and he decided to sharpen his skills by enrolling at the E.R. Burrowes School of Art when he was of age. Today, he is considered one of the best in his field and is a computer animator attached to Tagman Media Inc. located at Charlotte Street, Georgetown.
Chronicle Pepperpot September 23, 2018
With Arawak heritage in his bloodline, Savory said although he grew up in Coomaka Mines, Linden, with his mother who is from the Pomeroon, in Region Two. He left that community at the age of 16 in search of work. Savory is one of four sons his mother supported as a maid, and today he is pleased to say he has made something of his life considering the difficulties she endured in their upbringing. The 25-year-old who said that he previously worked at BrainStreet Inc. for a year,
Carlus Savory
also told the Pepperpot Magazine that while at the Burrowes School of Art, his major was in graphic design and he undertook painting as his minor. He said, “This line of work never gets boring for me and it is fun because I make it so and I have been at it for the past six years and I am still enjoying it so much so, a year from now I will still be doing this job.”
In his spare time Savory does his own bit of painting, drawing, design and graphics – a pastime he doesn’t get weary of. Savory also works as an animator for Tinninben Animation which is also responsible for the local cartoon show “Nancy’s School Daze”. Savory stated that during his schooling at the Burrowes School of Art he gained a lot in terms of enhancing his skills but also took hold of opportunities as they presented themselves and utilised all the training available. That experience has been life-changing for him since he met a lot of people and learned from people of all walks of life. Savory is also proud of his heritage and stated that Amerindians can make something out of anything and it is a skill most possess but it is not explored and utilised. Savory said, “There are a lot of possibilities and you can become anything you want to be if you work towards it because a few years ago I was unsure what to do for a career and I eventually figured it out and that worked out well for me because I applied myself.” He told the Pepperpot Magazine that he always knew he was born to do something meaningful and he wants to be known for his
Carlus Savory engaged in face painting at an event
Savory added that although he never received formal training he learned a lot on the job so and every day is a new experience for him in the world of computer animation. Being an artist he also gets other side jobs at shows to do face painting and graphics with Bravo Arts and Tons of Fun party service.
outstanding work because if you do something, you must do it properly and not ‘just do it for doing it sake’ as Guyanese would say. Savory is also part of a group that is very active in capoeira and they perform at various functions.
Carlus Savory performing capoeira at the National Park
Chronicle Pepperpot September 23, 2018
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Treating infections I HAVE no doubt that every dentist becomes annoyed when their patients do certain things. Now there are two things that patients do that upset me. They are, when they attempt to argue with me about aspects of dentistry and when they attempt to treat themselves with antibiotics. There are two basic aspects to the control of infection: prevention and treatment. In both cases, nonpharmacologic (not using drugs) efforts are of considerable importance. In prevention, one must be concerned with eliminating those factors that lead to infection: bacterial plaque, oral debris, decayed teeth etc. The incidence of postsurgical infections can be reduced by proper wound closure and the use of aseptic (sterile) and atraumatic (conservative) techniques. In the treatment of infections, one must provide indicated
of a dental abscess the first step is to decide if the condition is acute or chronic. Acute abscesses must be drained and/or de-inflamed before instituting medication. Someone who acquires a swollen face with a painful area as a result of a decayed tooth is suffering from the first stage of a periodontal abscess. Anti-inflammatory and antibiotic therapy should be prescribed for at least five days. If an attempt is made to extract the offending tooth without first applying this treatment, two things may happen. The pus surrounding the tooth may disseminate to adjacent tissue or enter the bloodstream, thus exacerbating the situation. Secondly, due to the acidity of the swollen tissues, the anaesthetic may not work sufficiently and so the patient would have a very painful extraction. The need for antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent sub-acute bacterial endocarditis in patients with rheumatic heart disease who are to experience procedures which are likely to precipitate bacteria in the bloodstream is well known. The recommended dosage for most patients is 600,000 units of procaine penicillin G mixed with 200,000 crystalline penicillin G administered intramuscularly one hour prior to the dental procedure, and once daily for two days following that.
local-treatment (scraping, incision, drainage etc.) and supportive care (ensuring adequate rest, nutrition, and fluid intake). Antibiotic is only part of the treatment for infections. The other major part is the removal of the cause of infection. It means, therefore, that in order to solve the problem
The second aspect of prophylactic antibiotic coverage relates to the use of antibiotics to prevent infections after any dental operation. Studies show that apart from rheumatic heart disease, as stated above, there is no need of someone to take antibiotics before having any type of dental surgery, whether it
is a simple extraction or periodontal surgery. The dentist must balance the infections he prevents with antibiotics against the infections he causes with antibiotics due to the postoperative alternations in the normal flora of the mouth. The term “drug abuse� does not only imply cocaine addicts but doctors who prescribe drugs to their patients indiscriminately. Most bacteria that cause dental infections are within the antibacterial spectra of penicillin G, penicillin V, phenethicillin, ampicillin,
erythromycin, the tetracyclines, lincomycin, clindamycin and cephalosporins. Penicillin is the safest and most powerful antibiotic for severe infections. However, it should not be abused. It should only be used in severe infections, when the body defences are impaired, where drug toxicity is particularly significant, as in infants, small children, the elderly, the debilitated, pregnant women, and those with liver and kidney disorders.
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Chronicle Pepperpot September 23, 2018
We must never forget The Guyana Medical Relief organisation is committed to giving back
By M Margaret Burke CHIEF Operating Officer (COO) of the Guyana Medical Relief (GMR), Sharir Chan, in an exclusive interview with the Pepperpot Magazine said that the major aim for establishing the GMR was to focus on the health and wellness of Guyanese, doing everything possible to improve their lives in every possible area. Chan, who has been residing in the United States of America for over 35 years, has also been involved in the GMR for over 20 years. He just recently left Guyana after coming here to carry out a number of activities on behalf of the organisation. “The GMR is an organisation that is based in Los Angeles and one of the co-founders is Eula Kennard-Menzies from Corentyne,
Berbice. At 90 years Eula is still going strong and she has never given up on Guyana, ever since 1984,” he said. “We are a bunch of dedicated Guyanese who really and truly believe in helping the country, and all of us are very grateful for where life has taken us and all of us are giving back.” He went on to say that he is personally grateful and comes to Guyana a lot, and has been operating the GMR here, mostly as an “on the ground” personnel, helping to support his colleagues in the programme to give relief in whatever form possible. INITIAL PLAN The organisation was formed by a small group of concerned Guyanese in Los Angeles, California, as a California Public Benefit Non-Profit Corporation in 1984, initially to
Sharir Chan (r), Operating Officer of GMR hands over a container full of medical supplies, which is being off-loaded
raise funds to sponsor shipments of urgently-needed medical supplies and equipment to two hospitals in Guyana. However, since the organisation was too small to meet its primary objectives effectively, it partnered with a larger Non-Profit, Direct Relief of Santa Barbara. Direct Relief (DR) obtains medical supplies and equipment and ships them all over the world. Some of the public hospitals that received supported were the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC); New Amsterdam, Port Mourant, Mahaicony, Bartica, Suddie, as well as the Linden hospitals. Chan noted that in addition to these major medical institutions, the hospital at Charity is supported with shipments sent to Suddie. Additionally, the hospitals at Wismar and Kwakwani are serviced through the Linden hospital. Furthermore, the missions along the Abary River are serviced by the Mahaicony Hospital. Private hospitals have also been receiving help from the GMR and so far both the St. Joseph’s Mercy and Davis Memorial hospitals in Georgetown have received assistance. He said, however, that even as the years
of the organisations continue to pass, based on experience and the needs that are being observed across the country, the GMR continues to look at more and more areas of assisting Guyanese – other than in the form of medical relief. THE NEED TO HELP The GMR, according to Chan, continues to feel the need to give as much assistance to Guyana and will stop at nothing to do so. He stated, “Guyana is still developing, even though the country has a lot of resources that must be stretched among many competing needs and this is where GMR comes in,” he said. He explained that his role, as the operating officer, is basically to help in the administration of the GMR, mainly by coordinating a lot of the activities here in Guyana, especially from the position as part of the board of directors and operating committee, which oversees the overall operation of the organisation. These people are all volunteers with a love of this country, Guyana”, he stated. Turn to page XXXIII ►►►
Chronicle Pepperpot September 23, 2018
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The problem of inadequate youth development
WITHOUT a doubt, one of the more horrifying things about this past week is, that I found out firsthand that with the “right” conditions, it is easy to descend down the slippery slope of deviant behaviour. What started out as a casual Saturday midday hang with friends in the Promenade Gardens turned into an episode of assault and robbery. A young man- just in his early twenties- confronted a few teenagers and relieved them of their valuables, before making his escape over the fence and soon enough, was gone with the wind. On the brighter side of this week, the Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC) hosted a discussion where youth and stakeholders were given an opportunity to weighin on prioritising youth and advancing youth development. It was an evening of conversation on how youth feel and view themselves in society and how they could move forward. These two events seem mutually exclusive but I believe that there is a nexus between the tenets of the two. For me, deviant behaviour and youth crime arise out of the inadequacy of youth development. As the Marxists advance, crime is not only a phenomenon that occurs with the proletariats alone but in- stead, it occurs at
all levels of society. I believe that more often than not, as the Marxists also contend, those who commit deviant acts from the working class are those who are more readily identified as the criminals and are subsequently pilloried quite easily. Let’s use this completely hypothetical situation for some perspective: The youth that robbed my friend is most definitely seen as a criminal and it is our hope that he is brought to justice. But while his behaviour is inexcusable, there must be something that birthed his actions. It could be some issue that disrupted his family or some traumatic event that rendered him seemingly “helpless”. This, of course, weighs on the assumption that his reason for stealing was motivated by some constraint he was feeling. And further leaning on what Robert Merton conceptualised in his ‘strain’ theory on crime, that constraints develop when there is a disconnect between the goals and aspirations of people and their means of achieving these. With this in mind, by bridging that disconnect between one’s goals and means of achieving the said goals, there would be no need to resort to crime or any deviant activity in this regard, right? So then, youth development becomes critical for any society,
not just ours. And in contextualising this youth development, there must also be cognisance that its “inadequacy” is not just something spurred out of thin air but is a result of many preexisting factors, or what I will call-issues. Among these issues, there are general anthropological underpinnings of existing as a young, working-class member in a society, characterised but ethnic polarity and worrying underemployment. Now with the GNYC, a unique strategy is employed. It’s current chairman and youth advocate Derwayne Wills acknowledged, “... youth in itself [are] not just a group of people defined by this [15-35] demographic.” Instead, he shared that “youth” encompasses varying subgroups of young people with different and unique ideas, interests and identities and resultantly, cannot be developed through blanket coverage solutions. So their intention is to tap into each varying subgroup and truly understand what each group needs. Yes, it for sure seems like much, much (much!) more work but it also seems much more effective in the context of advancing youth development across all spheres in an equitable way. It’s not just the veil of equality but takes a step further.
At this juncture, it becomes tricky navigating between what seems parochial and what might actually be beneficial. There must be wariness of the politically correct among us and that such a strategy can also be jaundiced and function as a catalyst for divisiveness instead of cohesiveness. Let’s take for example, at any time, the ethnic subgroup is used. Traditionally, indigenous people have been subjected to great levels of inequality and boosting the development of indigenous youth should advance that population. I won’t definitively say that this ethnic subgroup is the most disadvantaged, but if it was given more assistance than another, I don’t see everyone being mature enough to accept the system of equity as opposed to equality. That’s just the perhaps incoherent ramblings or worries I think I have. Back on track, these two events really put each other into context for me and it’s not just about writing about anything this week. It is about understanding that youth in Guyana have different but real problems that cannot just be looked at one way, all the time. It’s necessary that these differences and disadvantages are understood individually. Better must come.
Passion for Mathematics IT BEG A N about 19 long years a g o when she was just 17, and fresh out of high school. She was brimming with the enthusiasm to be a productive citizen that could contribute to her family and her country. To do this, she became a teacher. Candaice Cave grew up with a love for Mathematics. Forget the Chemistry, or any other subject for that matter, and give her the ‘Maths’ and she’d be happy. And when she finished high school and needed a job, she transformed this love she had for the subject area into a career that would shape a great deal of her future. “Well, when I was growing up I always liked Math and the only thing I could do with Math, was teach,” Cave told the Pepperpot magazine. “I fell in love with the profession and decided to stay all these years.” She just jumped straight into teaching primary-level Mathematics at the Ketley Primary School but soon enough- a mere nine months later- she decided that it wasn’t where she belonged. Candaice trekked into much deeper waters and began teaching at the country’s second-highest ranked secondary school, the Bishop’s High, where she remained until 2011.
Though it was a step up, she said: “I like the challenge of teaching Math at that [higher] level. It forces me to ensure that I’m always well-prepared to deliver the content.” But she clarified too, “It’s not pressure. It’s motivating.” And as motivating as it was to push her along her career, along this journey, she decided that she wanted-more, needed to equip herself so that she could be a better teacher to her students. Resultantly, she did her first Degree in Mathematics, pursued postgraduate studies in Education and finally, her Master’s Degree in Mathematical methods. She also transferred to Queen’s College and began teaching Mathematics at the Sixth Form level too. The 19-long years haven’t been without their fair share of ups and downs but perhaps the most heart-wrenching part, for Cave, is to see the inequalities that exist in the education sector. This is exacerbated when you consider just how deeply she feels for her children. “When you think about the [education] system and how it can disadvantage some children, it is really terrible,” she said starkly. Moreover, she highlighted, “Only last year I visited some schools and to see the conditions under which some children have to learn… [and] the conditions in which teachers gotta teach under, [it’s] terrible.” In retrospect, she also remarked that students attending QC and Bishops “got it really really good”.
Candaice Cave- Stephen Though there isn’t one certain way to get rid of these inequalities or eradicate them quickly, she shared that as a teacher, it is your responsibility to make the most enabling environment for your children. “For me, if we can create a good environment where children can learn under [and] make them feel comfortable with us as educators, learning would be so much more fun for them,” the experienced educator said. For her, It is extremely comforting, at the end of the day, to know that her students view her as
a mother figure in their lives, who they can turn to for assistance. Speaking about mother figure, she is also a happy mother of two boys: 7-year-old Josiah and 14-year-old Jaheim, who she let follow their own paths (while still getting Math right!). In her profession, her shining light is to see children who felt that higher level Mathematics is difficult but came out with grade one passes in the end. Moving children from a state of ‘Miss, I can’t do it, it is too hard’ to a state that propels them to say they want to do more Maths, is definitely a high point. And this is only achieved because she “gives her all” to teaching. She is constantly thinking about her students and what methods she should use to teach each child and how to get students to develop a love for mathematics. “I believe that if children are introduced correctly as a younger level that they are going to develop a love for Maths,” she posited. Generally, she noted: “The advice I would to anyone who wants to join the profession is that you have to have a love for children and you have to have a love for what you intend to teach.” But for her students and any student, as a matter of fact, she says even if you don’t want to pursue a career in maths engaging in maths and mathematical thinking is going to help you in any path. “So just love the subject [and] pursue subjects in it or related to it,” Cave said.
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Chronicle Pepperpot September 23, 2018
Chronicle Pepperpot September 23, 2018
Relapse
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How to move forward or avoid it completely
LAST week’s column on how to come off alcohol completely got so many responses. Particularly, after you have detoxed, what is the next step? I received at least three emails where the individual has been off of alcohol for a few days or weeks and they aren’t sure where to go from there. Even more so, they are wondering how to stay off of the alcohol. The question they are asking is how to avoid a relapse and that’s just what I’m about to tell you. Be prepared. There are many reasons why people may relapse but there are universal triggers that everyone could look out for. The most common cause of relapse is withdrawal which I mentioned can be the physical or mental detox of the drug; a process that can last a few days, weeks or months. One is also more likely to relapse if they do not develop
by your doctor to ease any withdrawal symptoms that you may have. It is also prescribed if the individual has any underlying mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety as these make one more likely to have a relapse. Those who do counselling to explore why they drank in the first place as well as to explore their goals, relationships, coping strategies etc. are more likely to remain abstinent. If you are even one day off of alcohol, you are taking a huge step forward. For now, these are the steps and little tips that can help you to remain abstinent. First and most important, be consistent with your treatment. If you are taking medication, continue to; if you are going to counselling, continue to go. If you are going to the AA meetings, make time for them every week. The biggest mistake people make is to
they are completely relatable. Accept that you will have cravings. Don’t fight them but rather distract yourself with healthy coping. If you don’t give in, the average urge to drink will pass in 15-30 minutes. Don’t panic when this happens – it’s normal and does not mean you cannot do it or that the urges will never go away. Continue to avoid high-risk situations and triggers. These are different for everyone and can be people, places or things. The main trigger will obviously be alcohol itself so you shouldn’t keep any in the house or workspace. However, remember that these are just external triggers. Internal triggers are your own thoughts that may lead you to drink. Examples are ‘I will never stop so I may as well continue to drink’ or ‘it will only be one drink today.’ However, don’t try and push
new and healthy coping skills, practice good self-care or consistently work on their relationships. Completely detoxing from alcohol can actually be the easy part while the hard part is living a life without alcohol, especially if it was a part of your daily life. The best and most successful form of treatment for alcohol abuse covers a variety of options such as medication, personal counselling and group meetings. Prescription medication is recommended
discontinue their treatment the moment they start to feel better or stronger when the reason you are feeling that way is due to the treatment. If you attended (or planning to attend) the AA meetings that I told you guys about, they have some factors that tremendously help with avoiding relapse. Some people work the 12 step programme and others get a sponsor – which is someone you can reach out to if you feel you may be on the verge of relapse. These are people who have been through the programme and the 12 steps themselves so
out these thoughts. Play them through in a realistic way and use them to your advantage. For example, if you think ‘it will only be one drink’ – play that thought through until the next day. You may give in and have the one drink which will definitely lead to more. You will then have too much and wake up the next day feeling bad about yourself and regretting your decision. Then you may think that you are hopeless and can never stop so you will continue to drink. Play the vicious cycle out in your head.
Continue to practice healthy coping skills. What are you doing when you are angry or sad? When you stop drinking, it will become apparent how much time you spent obtaining, drinking and recovering from alcohol. You are now going to have to find something to fill that time; something that makes you feel good and not miss alcohol. This goes into finding healthy substitutes. This can be literal for the alcohol or just a hobby you can take part in as a distraction. It is hard for us to just give up habits without some sort of substitute. For example, people who used to drink vodka will now only drink soft drink and lime when they are out. It eases the cravings for them and you can find your own. However, if you drink something similar and it brings on cravings, then it is working as a trigger rather than a substitute- only you can tell the difference. Live a healthy life. You have already started this the day you decided to stop drinking but one is more likely to remain alcohol-free if they are eating and sleeping well. Have a lot of fruits because alcohol mostly turns into sugar in the body so many cravings you have may just be for sugar. We should also know by now that exercise naturally releases all the feel-good chemicals that small amounts of alcohol release in the brain. Finally, remind yourself every day of the reasons you quit. I want everyone to understand that it is very difficult to quit alcohol. After a few days or weeks of quitting, the individual will feel sad and even depressed for some time. Their full range of emotions will come out as there is no alcohol to cover them up anymore. Whatever their reason for drinking will come out in full force. This is unavoidable but can be eased if you see a mental health professional. If you have relapsed before, that’s okay as most people do. Just view every relapse as the learning opportunity that it is. You are now aware of another trigger and things to avoid. You can start again and now have a higher chance of success. There is a famous saying during recovery– “One day at a time” as many find it overwhelming to think about the future when it comes to sobriety. Don’t think about being sober for a year. Rather, just think about getting through the day. Once you have done that, you’re ahead of the game. If even this is too overwhelming, just do one hour at a time; one minute even. Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always! Suicide Prevention Helpline – 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444 or 600-7896 Do not be afraid to reach out!
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Chronicle Pepperpot September 23, 2018
Another precious Beyond the Runway chapter in my book with Dr. Sonia Noel
... Inspiring lives through fashion
YESTERDAY we launched the Spanish versions of Beyond the Runway, Women Across Borders Fulfilling Purpose and with a Mission at the Venezuelan Cultural Institute. This journey has been tremendously fulfilling but not without challenges. The inspiring tone was set by Spanish music from Mr and Mrs. Valenzuela as the guests were entering the room. Candacee Lowe was a first time MC who did a fantastic job. She was so nervous when I requested she should not be and that I believed in her abilities. The first item on the programme was the prayer. Pastor Dil Mohamed asked everyone to hold hands and pray. All my events have some form of prayer and acknowledgement of God because he is making the way for us to do all these wonderful transformational projects. The Spanish versions were translated by one of the coauthors, Ediclia Bastardo who came to Guyana from Venezuela for this event. She worked at the Venezuelan Embassy here in Guyana and left five years ago. We met because of my contribution to the Venezuelan Cultural Institute. I will reiterate how blessed I am for many reasons and having all these wonderful sisters in my life is a huge one. Sending love and appreciation to my other phenomenal co-authors/sisters who contributed to this amazing project: Desiree DeFlorimonte, Dr Jackie Evans Phillips, Jacqui Phillips, Alizé LaVie, Tavia Hunte, Roshini Khushi Persaud, Latoya Gooding, Christine Neblett, BethanyLove Hanna Isabelle Doll-Ngcobo, Chan Tale, Essenese Sambury and Linda Felix Johnson. Also Dr. Elayne H. Anthony and Dr. Linda Wallace who contributed the foreword to this project. Dr. Wallace is currently travelling across Europe with a team of women from the Empowering a Billion Women by 2020 (EBW2020) Movement lead by my other sister Anna Mc Coy. I love what Linda mentioned in her foreword: “When you engage with other women of different ethnic backgrounds and mutually share your stories, amazing opportunities can happen. Purpose can be discovered, collabo-
rations can result in the lives of entire nations being impacted.” The energy in the room was electrifying and super empowering. Thank you, my sister, for the translations and the chapter you contributed. Ediclia was very emotional while her daughter, Tatiana, translated to English because her dream was to write a book someday. ”Sonia Noel is a special woman and she makes dreams come through. I thank God for her in my life because she is assisting to fulfill my lifelong dream of writing my own book which I am doing now. I not only admire her beautiful exterior but her kind heart she has for people. May God continue to bless her.” Thank you to the Venezuelan Ambassador to Guyana, iReina Margarita Arratia Diaz; UN Representative in Guyana, Ms Mikiko Tanaka; Captain Nane is Raymond; Tatiana; Augusto; Stanley; Eric Phillips; Ms. Kay Lagan; Avia Marie Lindie and Ms. Rogers for taking precious time from their busy schedule to join us. Also, Pastor Dil Mohamed, Petamber Persaud, Keron Noble, Candacee Lowe, Ron D’ Avilar, Venezuelan Institute staff, headed by Mr. Francisco Rugama Rebekah Abdool, Elizabeth Chan, Ruth Elizabeth Wilson, Mandy Isaacs and all the persons who contributed this awesome event. Our appreciation to Pizza Hut and Banks DIH for providing refreshments. I will keep encouraging people to let’s be each other’s accountability partner and be intentional about everything we do. while making the world a better place. I love these wise words from Bradley Whitford “Infuse your life with action. Don’t wait for it to happen. Make it happen. Make your own future. Make your own hope. Make your own love. And whatever your beliefs, honour your creator, not by passively waiting for grace to come down from upon high, but by doing what you can to make grace happen... yourself, right now, right down here on Earth.” Send us your emails to beyondtherunway1@gmail.com as we continue to celebrate life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.
Chronicle Pepperpot September 23, 2018
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When two arms of the Law clash, the video goes viral
Two Guyana Police Force Traffic Cops on duty doing a routine check.
By Francis Quamina Farrier TALK about “Hot Topics”; well, when the recent public clash of a Guyanese Attorney-at-Law and a Guyanese traffic policeman which took place on the East Coast Demerara, was recorded and put on Facebook, it went viral in a jiffy. I am now wondering whether that is the first time a Guyanese has the dubious distinction of being the first from his country to have a snippet of his life which was recorded of him in a heated face-off with a traffic policeman, in which expletives were hurdled as fast as bullets from an AK-47, go viral. That verbal blast was seen online by tens of thousands of people in Guyana and around the world, in what can be classified as not the best moment in the life of that attorney-at-law. While the incident drew some support for the lawyer, it also drew lots of condemnation for the way in which he reacted to that routine traffic check by the traffic cop. Such routine traffic checks have discovered many items such as illegal firearms and narcotics, according to Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan. Before I go into some of the details of this “Hot Topic” which after over a week is still being discussed verbally, on the telephone and online, let me share with you, a few of my own encounters with men of both professions - the law enforcers - policemen and policewomen - and the law defenders, also referred to as lawyers and attorneys-at-Law. Let’s turn the clock back about 60 years when I became as proud as punch on the occasion of my fellow McDoom villager, Ms Norma Jackman, becoming the first female Magistrate in the country of British Guiana, after serving as a lawyer for some time. Ms. Jackman was respectability and professionalism personified and set an excellent example for others to emulate. She knew the English language very well and never had to descend into vulgar language. She was a school teacher before pursuing a career in the legal profession and one can say that she broke the glass ceiling for women in Guyana in the legal profession. Also from my village of McDoom, on the East Bank of Demerara, was policeman Neville Cush. He was “An officer and a gentleman” and executed his duties as a law enforcer in the most professional way, bringing lawbreakers to justice and rising through the ranks to a very senior position in the Guyana Police Force. Young boys growing up in McDoom Village, myself included, benefited from the shining example set officer Cush and so we respected policemen. Now here’s a bit from my own interactions with members of the Guyana Police Force; both the good and the bad. I always show respect and have received much respect from constables to Commissioners over the years, even overseas. Once while in Washington, D.C., USA, I was even given a complimentary ride on a police motorcycle, because the officer saw me admiring the powerful machine. That complementary ride was video recorded and shown on the TV Evening News here in Guyana. But so far, I’ve never had the offer of a ride on a Guyana police motorcycle, no matter how much I am seen
admiring those GPF motorcycles; whether brand new or battered. Maybe one day I will have such an experience, as I’ve had in America. Unfortunately, there have been a few instances when I was treated less than the law-abiding citizen that I am, by rogue cops. That was so while doing my work as a journalist. Case One: a senior officer attacked me and destroyed my very expensive video camera while I was recording a scene in a public location at Linden in Region 10 some years ago. His action was proven to be illegal by his peers and I was awarded financial compensation (just about 30 per cent of the value of the video
camera) from the Guyana Police Force (GPF). Case Two: while video recording scenes on the Aurora Public Road, on the Essequibo Coast in Region Two, for a news item on the Evening News, two junior ranks from the Aurora Police Station dragged me into the station and detained me, claiming that I was video recording scenes around the station. That of course, was NOT an illegal act. That detention lasted for just about 15 minutes since a phone call was made to then Police Commissioner Laurie Lewis, by a concerned observer, and the Commissioner called the Divisional Commander at Suddie, who called the Aurora Police Station and ordered my immediate release. I sued the Police for wrongful detention and the case was called up in the High Court before Justice Carl Singh. The police were represented by Senior Counsel Doodnauth Singh, who conceded that his clients, the two police officers who detained me, were wrong in their action. Justice Carl Singh handed down compensation of $30,000. My lawyer was Nigel Hughes; one of Guyana’s most brilliant and celebrated attorneys-at-law. I need to let you know that subsequently, both of the policemen who had detained me at the Aurora Police Station, were fired from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) some years later because they were found to have been involved in other illegal activities. Turn to page XXIII►►►
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Chronicle Pepperpot September 23, 2018
#SupportCreativity
By Subraj Singh
A Valedictory Address LAST Thursday, I graduated from the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama (NSTAD) under the Institute of Creative Arts with my Diploma in Creative Writing. As the Best Graduating Student from the School, I was asked to give a valedictory address at the graduation ceremony. I believe the speech, outlined below, is something that members of the Guyanese public should read, so that they know that there are people who still try to fight for the Arts and Culture and that there are still people who will try to hold the government accountable through criticism. “Good evening everyone ! Firstly, congrats to all of the students graduating, especially those from the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama. You’ve
worked so hard this year and you should all be very proud of yourselves. Thank you to all of our teachers who worked with us over the past year. I do not think we could have asked for better. As fun and exciting as this night is, I think it is important for us, as people in the creative arts, to be reminded on this night of our place in this society, so that we may aim to change it. Tomorrow morning, teachers will head out to teach, bankers will head to the bank, doctors to the hospitals and so on. Artists, on the other hand, will not be given the opportunity to do what they love. Most dancers will not head out to dance in the morning. Actors will not head to the stage. Writers will not turn to their manuscripts. We in the creative arts will be the only ones who, tomorrow morning,
Collecting an Award from Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton. Photo courtesy of Akbar Singh
will have to prepare for our “day jobs” while being left unable to pursue that which is truly important to us, our true passions, in the arts. The reasons for this are many, but it ultimately comes down to a perception of the arts as “less than” or not as important as other professions. Sometimes, I think this is a viewpoint that is shared by the government. I say this based on the fact that there is so limited funding sent our way each year. For example, we don’t even know if there is going to be a National Drama Festival this year, meaning students from the NSTAD will be denied an important opportunity to showcase all they have learned in their year of study if the Festival is not announced soon. Thus far, there has not been any opportunity for the publication of stories, poems, or plays for local writers, meaning that their work cannot be shared or embraced or appreciated. A great majority of the scholarships given out by the government seem to be geared towards science and technology, with very little being done for the arts. Perhaps they are content with having us at the Diploma level, rather than funding Degrees and Masters. Perhaps that is all they think we are worth. Perhaps they do not understand the power we, the graduates, have to offer. Perhaps they do not care. I once met a government official who said that when it comes to scholarships and they have to choose between a doctor and someone in the creative arts, they would have to take into consideration that the doctor will be able to save lives. Well, you know what? The arts save lives as well. I’m certain that it has saved the life of every single creative person
who walked this stage tonight. It is the arts that kept us from falling prey to depression, it is the arts that gave us something to look forward to at the end of the day, it is the arts that gave us hope, that made us believe that things can be better, that things will be better, that we will make it through whatever it is every one of us goes through. There are things an artist can do that a doctor will never be able to. A doctor cannot cure the racial tensions in our country. But we, playwrights, can write a play that tries to fix it. A doctor cannot know what sadness or loneliness looks like, but dancers can show us that just using their bodies. A doctor cannot undo hundreds of years of colonialism, but every time musicians play African or Indian music, we take a step forward when it comes to showcasing our pride in the Guyanese identity. A doctor cannot undo the patriarchy, but a painter with a brush can. It is time for the current administration to recognise everything that creative artists are capable of, and it is time for them to ask themselves how they want history to view them, particularly when it comes to culture and the creative sector. Do you, the government, want to be remembered as the administration that lusted after oil, while neglecting the other sectors? Do you want to be remembered as the government that didn’t publish a single book? The government that didn’t fund the graduate or post graduate students in the arts? Do you want to be the government who did very little to advance the arts and culture in Guyana? Thank you very much.”
Chronicle Pepperpot September 23, 2018
folklore
CATCH ME “CATCH me! Catch me!” The game was on. Errol and Colin were playing in the mango tree. It was dark and the two were having a lot of fun. Although they had been warned not to play in trees after dark, the boys always disobeyed. It was way too much fun not to. They both lived at the foot of a hill in the rural farming village of Dutchman Koker. Errol lived in a green house facing the road and Colin lived next door to him in a two-story house that was the envy of the neighbourhood. It was the only high building in the village which consisted of 40 small houses, a church building, a school and two bottom-house groceries. Market Day was held every Saturday and villagers were able to sell their produce and buy necessary goods. The parents of both boys worked in the city and got home after dark every evening. This gave the two friends plenty of play time before being restricted to their homes. Errol was younger and very small in stature. Colin was three years older, tall and well built. Their game that night was a simple one. One boy climbed the mango tree and perched on the lower limb. The other waited below. At a signal, the boy in the tree would jump and be caught by the waiting lad. At least that was the theory. It did not work out as smoothly as that. Errol went up the tree first. He had three turns at jumping and being caught by Colin. Then it was Colin’s turn to climb. When Colin settled in the branch he signalled Errol. “Catch me!” He jumped and landed on Errol. They both tumbled on the damp grass. Colin was upset at being let down. “Why did you drop me? I catch you all three times and now you drop me!” Colin said. “Sorry, but you heavy bad,” Errol protested.
“Yo betta catch me dis time or else!” The warning was unmistakable. He would beat up the smaller lad if he did not catch him. Errol decided not to wait around for a licking. He knew he could not catch Colin so as soon as his friend started climbing he started running for home. The mango tree was on top of the hill so the journey down was easy for the smaller lad. Colin got to the branch he had selected. It was higher than the lowest limb and he got ready to launch himself. “Ready! Catch me!” he called. The boy leapt from his perch. He was safely caught then tossed from hand to hand. It seemed as though there were a number of people moving him around. He tried to see who was throwing him around but it was too dark to see. He suddenly panicked and shouted at them. ”Put me down!” He was immediately dropped. This happened when he was in transition from one hand to the other. First, he was in mid-air, then he was plummeting to the ground. Bam! His butt hit the ground hard. “Ow! Boy why yo drop me?” he accused Errol. His friend did not answer so he became infuriated. He lunged at the shadowy figure and began punching. “I gon beat yo up Errol!” Ply! His face stung like the attack of a swarm of maribuntas. This took him by surprise. Errol had dared to slap him? This enraged the bigger boy even more and he charged and punched in a fit of rage. He would make Errol regret hitting him. Ply! Pow! Two more slaps. Both sides of his face lit up and his head swam. “Colin!”
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By Neil Primus
It was Errol calling him. But how could that be? His friend was calling from the foot of the hill. Colin knew when he was in over his head. He suddenly realised that no way would his friend ever risk hit him. Whoever it was that did it he would definitely not wait to find out. He made his escape bid. Colin started to sprint downhill. He then
stumped his toe on an old tree root and took off. He hit the ground hard and rolled the rest of the way down the hill. He quickly got up and ran indoors. When he told his mother what had happened, she was not sympathetic. “Good fo you! I warned you not to play in tree after dark! A hope you ain’t bring no jumbie wid you in hey!” Colin sought refuge under the bed.
XXII ◄◄◄ From page VIII
So now, there is Dynamic Force US and Dynamic Force Guyana, each with a membership of five. One member told this newspaper that, “What started out as something that we thought was insignificant, has actually grown exponentially over the years and we realised that the ministry of the group was so important, it got bigger than any group of people and any one individual and that is why we have two groups, one in the US and one in Guyana.” Another member related that they’ve had challenges over the years where a few members were replaced, but the group persisted despite the challenges and remained committed and consistent with their ministry. They have had the opportunity to perform at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and at the General Conference in St
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Louis, amongst many other prestigious places and events. Two of the founding members told this newspaper that on many occasions, persons would have told them they touched their lives through their singing ministry. And they have even influenced people of the world to turn their lives to Christ. LONG OVERDUE REUNION The group is now of the belief that a reunion in their home country is long overdue. As such, they have planned and organised their first reunion celebration concert, slated for October 20 at the National Cultural Centre. The members in the US, who are the original Dynamic Force, are returning to Guyana to host a concert along with the Guyana chapter. This concert is said to be a once in a lifetime experience as it will bring the Dynamic Force together so that the audience will reMembers of the Dynamic Force Guyana
ceive the full impact of the ‘Force’. The show begins at 20:00hrs sharp and features other Christian musicians such as Roy Stuart, Osie Nedd, Omari Austin, Messengers, Circle of Love, Nickella Moses, Curtela Lewis, and Angela Montfort, just to
name a few. It will be an evening of worship, praises and celebration, and there will be comical entertainment from famous actor “Rufus”. The Dynamic Force brings a Dynamic Force to Guyana to impact lives.
Chronicle Pepperpot September 23, 2018 ◄◄◄ From page XIX
Now for a story with positive police interaction which I once reported on the Evening News TV programme. It was about the unselfish voluntary work of a police constable at Mahdia, in Region Eight. Every evening, he would be out there coaching the youngsters in various ball games; football, rounders, basketball, cricket; it seems that he was proficient in every ballgame and he shared his knowledge with the youngsters at Mahdia. Commissioner Laurie Lewis saw my TV report and later told me that he had promoted the rank for his voluntary work with the youths at Mahdia. The above proves that there are both good and bad lawyers and there are good and bad police officers. Now back to the recent case which occurred on the East Coast of Demerara between a policeman and a lawyer, which continues to be a “Hot Topic”. Here is some of the feedback which is swirling on Facebook: First, on the lawyer: “He is crazy. SHOULD BE MADE TO SAY SORRY TO THAT OFFICER.” “He needs counselling! He can very well have been an abused child. He has a passion and a strange behaviour pattern.” “Guyanese may be labelled as ‘cuss birds’.” “Guess after seeing that video he’s sorry for his actions.” “Respect is earned.” “Sorry for his wife or girlfriend. What could have made him so angry as to implicate our President in his vulgarity?” “And he had the audacity to say he is an attorney. Disrespectful to the noble profession.” “[Name given] had a privileged upbringing. He was and still is considered an ‘Untouchable’. He should be sanctioned.” “That fluent, shameless cussing sounds like part of his lifestyle.”
“A spoilt child for you. A terror to behold.” “His older brother is a gentleman.” “No one should speak to another person like that.” “The Bar Association should sanction him.” Now some of the comments about the policeman; “THE OFFICER SHOULD BE PROMOTED FOR HIS DISCIPLINE AND PATIENCE”. “I think that the young policeman felt intimidated after that outburst and he couldn’t assert himself after that.” “The young officer gave him more respect than he deserved.” “The poor rank appeared castrated, even his voice became high pitched.” “I think the police did or said something which triggered the response.” “I have seen and heard police officers pulling drivers over and cussin’ them, rudely speaking to them, no patience etc.” “If the police didn’t record him, he could
have gone and made false allegations against police.” “The police was deliberately mischievous to video the guy without his permission and posted it on Facebook again without his permission. The police broke the law.” Some of the many comments which I have garnered from Facebook on this HOT TOPIC, will no doubt, be a matter engaging officialdom. It will be the watershed of how traffic police will function here in Guyana in the future. There seems to be many grey areas which need to be clarified. For example, the video recording of activities which are unfolding in the public domain. The need for Guyanese cops, especially those on beat duty and traffic duty, wearing body cameras. Many years ago,
XXIII while on a visit to Jamaica, I was presented with a booklet which gave instructions to both police and civilians, how to react to each other in given situations. Maybe it is time for such a booklet to be published here in Guyana and made available to the police and civilians. The Police Public Relations Division has its work cut out for it. Incidentally, it must be known that there is no law against photographing scenes and individuals which are in the public domain. Yes, there are circumstances when one should be courteous and seek permission, but that is not mandatory. I had that clarified in an interview which I had with Police Commissioner Laurie Lewis and that is why I won the case when I was detained at Aurora by the two (rogue) cops. One of the comments on Facebook is that the attorney who had the recent face-off with the traffic policeman, should apologise. Fact is, the attorney has apologised for his outburst and offensive statements to the policeman; “I apologise for my language but I’m not sorry for questioning an arbitrary authority,” he stated and went on to say that he will be “defiant to any injustice” and made reference to police brutality in the United States. For sure, this issue will remain a “Hot Topic” for some time to come. The attorney has since been charged with the following offences: prohibition of tinted glass, failure to produce driver’s license, driving an unfit vehicle, use of obscene language and riotous behaviour.
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What you need to know about sweet potatoes - Part Four HARVEST MATURITY INDICES: Sweet potatoes do not mature as fruits do, but continue to grow as long as conditions allow. Harvest time is determined by market price, expected total yield, and root size. Sweet potatoes should be harvested when the majority of roots have reached the desired size for the intended market. This typically requires between three and three and half months from the time of transplanting. Average root size in a field can be estimated by removing the soil around several randomly selected plants. Sweet potatoes will continue to enlarge if left in the ground, but root diseases and insect damage typically increase with the amount of
time the roots remain in the soil. HARVEST METHOD The sweet potato vines should be cut off at the soil level prior to the intended harvest date. During the dry season, the vines should be removed three to seven days before digging. During the rainy season, the vines should be left intact until just prior to harvest. Vine removal helps to toughen the skin of the root and facilitates harvesting. The vines can be removed manually with a scythe or machete, or mechanically with a rotary mower. After vine removal, the sweet potato roots can be dug by hand or by machine. Manual harvesting of sweet potatoes typically involves
the use of a metal spade, pick, or fork which is used to loosen the soil and undercut the roots. Care must be taken to avoid cutting or injury to the roots. The roots are then lifted out of the ground, separated from the main stem, and temporarily left on top of the soil or put directly into a field container. The roots should be handled gently to avoid skinning and bruising. Freshly dug sweet potatoes have a very thin and delicate skin that is easily removed. Skinned areas of the root surface are open wounds and become entry sites for bacterial and fungal pathogens. Skinning also lowers the appearance and attractiveness of the root. Workers should be advised not to throw or step on the roots. A range of
mechanical harvest devices also exists for sweet potatoes. These include moldboard ploughs, middle buster ploughs, and single or multi-
ple row diggers. Mechanical harvesters require the vines to be removed prior to digging. Moldboard ploughs turn the soil and roots over on top of the ground and produce the least amount of physical damage to the roots. However, they leave many roots covered by soil that makes them difficult to recover. Middle buster ploughs (usually 30-35 cm size) with broad wings, may be used, although they tend to damage the roots and scatter them on both sides of the row. It is essential to operate the plough accurately on the row, at the proper depth, and at the correct speed. Single or multiple row diggers undercut the roots and use a rod conveyor chain to separate the soil from the roots. The roots may be placed back on top of the ground or conveyed up the chain to a sorting crew riding on the harvester in the sophisticated models. The sweet potatoes are detached from the main stem by hand and graded by size or quality into field containers. Mechanical diggers can cause considerable root skinning in very dry soil or at high operating speeds. The chains should be padded to reduce bruising. A one-row chain-type digger is ideal for harvesting small plots and typically harvests 1 to 1.5 hectares per day at a harvest speed of 1.2 km/hr. Roots should be field graded by size and quality at the time
of harvest. The rigorousness of grading depends on the demands of the market and the amount of variability in root size and quality. Select out sweet potatoes that are badly bruised, cut, severely mis-shapened, or insect damaged. Severely damaged or unmarketable roots should be put in a separate field container away from the sound and marketable roots. Roots less than 2.5 cm (1 in) in diameter (strings) are generally discarded. The marketable roots should be gathered off the top of the soil as soon as possible after harvest. Sweet potatoes are highly susceptible to sunburn damage if exposed to intense or direct sun even for periods as short as a half hour. The damaged areas of the skin remain permanently discoloured and are very susceptible to postharvest decay. In order to avoid sunscald, the harvested roots should be put in field containers as soon as possible and covered with vegetation or stored away from direct sunlight exposure. Sweet potatoes should never be thrown or left in open piles in the field. The roots should be gently dry brushed to remove excess soil prior to curing. Cotton gloves are typically worn to facilitate field cleaning of the roots.
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XXV
Christmas comes early By Shirley Thomas THE occasion was the 26th Anniversary of Teionnet Association, as a humanitarian organisation ministering to the needs of the poor and other deserving cases in Guyana. Currently on an extended visit to Guyana, President of the Not for Profit, Guyanese-born Lynette Scotland, who resides in Holland, has been literally bringing joy to the hearts of hundreds of less fortunate children; expectant and newly delivered mothers; senior citizens and battered women, among countless others. The programme which, on this occasion extended over ten weeks, literally ignited a spirit of Christmas in the summer’; warming hearts, engendering priceless memories of moments of camaraderie shared with others and sober reflections of sharing and caring. This was exactly the way in which Teionnet Association has been occupied for the last several weeks, as it sought to accomplish its ongoing mandate of caring and sharing with the needy. Touching several communities of Guyana over the last 10 weeks, Scotland, with an inherent pioneering spirit and new-found zeal, she made it her business to reach out to Indigenous brother s and sisters, who, reasoning that their needs could never be less than those along the coastland. And so this time around she found herself traversing
some of the most rugged terrains, bridging the gap between town and country, as she continued to extend a hand of friendship,
even taking gifts of food, clothing, toys and school supplies to those in the far-flung communities.
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FILES E S A C T COUR
Granted amendment to charge after closure of prosecution’s case
By George Barclay
Led to conviction of defendants CHIEF Justice J.A. Luckhoo in a Full Court ruling in 1961 dismissed an appeal by Appellant Singh against a larceny conviction, on the ground that the magistrate was entitled to grant an amendment to the charge although the prosecution had closed its case. Singh had complained that by the magistrate’s action he and a co-defendant who was denied the opportunity to plead to the amended charge, were found guilty. But on appeal, he was told by the Full Court of two judges that the magistrate was entitled to grant the amendment sought, and to proceed with the hearing without a pleading being taken to the amended charge.
The appeal was dismissed and the decision of the magistrate was affirmed. The facts of the case disclosed that the appellant Singh, and one Dennis Goberdhan, were charged jointly before a magistrate with the larceny of 11 shirts in 1960. The ownership of the shirts was laid in the charge as that of “Kirpalani Bros”. The evidence disclosed that the shirts were owned by Murley and Shamdas Kirpalini and that they traded under the name of “Kirpalani Bros.” At the close of the case for the prosecution, the appellant and Goberdhan also closed their case without leading evidence and their counsel, Mr. B. O. Adams, S.C.,
submitted that it had not been proved that “Kirpalani Bros,” was a registered company or a corporate body. The magistrate granted an amendment of the charge by substituting the words ”property of Murley Kirpalani and Shamdas Kirpalani” for the words “property of Kirpalani Bros.” and offered the appellant and Goberdhan an opportunity of leading a defence to the charge as amended, and of recalling for cross-examination the witnesses who had testified. Both offers were declined. On appeal, it was contended that the magistrate erred in granting the amendment and in not calling upon the appellant to plead to the amended charge. The Full Court constituted by Chief Justice J. A. Luckhoo and Justice Jailal, held: (i) where the ownership is incorrectly described in the particulars of a charge, the court should amend the charge and not dismiss it. The case of Ralph v Hurrell was applied. (ii) The magistrate was entitled to grant the amendment sought and to proceed with the hearing without a pleading being taken to the amended charge. At the hearing of the appeal Mr. B. O. Adams, Q. C. appeared for the appellant, while Mr. E. A. Ramao, the then Acting Senior Crown Counsel, appeared for the Respondent. Chief Justice Luckhoo who delivered the judgment of the Court noted that the appellant Singh, was with one Dennis Goberdhan, charged jointly with the larceny of eleven shirts, contrary to section 66 (b) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Ordinance, Chapter 14 (B.G.). The ownership of the shirts was laid in the charge as that of “Kirpalani Bros”. At the close of the case for the prosecution, the two defendants also closed their case without leading evidence. Thereupon, counsel for the defendants submitted that it has not been proved that “Kirpalani Bros” is a registered company or a corporate body. Apparently, the prosecuting officer applied for an amendment of the charge by the substitution of the words “Property of Kirpalani Bros” for the words “Property of Murley Kirpalani and Shamdas Kirpalani”. The amendment sought was granted by the magistrate who thereupon offered the defendants an opportunity of leading a defence to the charge as amended. They were also offered an opportunity of recalling for cross-examination the witnesses who had testified.The defendants declined both offers. The defendants were both convicted on the charge as amended. Both defendants appealed against the decision of the magistrate, but the defendant Goberdhan subsequently filed a notice of withdrawal of his appeal.
On behalf of the appellant it was submitted that the magistrate erred in a point of law when he amended the charge, in that the property had not been laid in a legal persona and was therefore originally bad and that it was not competent for him to amend the charge. It was also contended that the magistrate erred when he did not call upon the appellant to plead to the amended charge. Section 7 (4) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Ordinance, Chapter 15 [B.G], provides that the description of any offence to the words of the statute creating the offence, or in similar words, with a specification as far as practicable of the time and place when and where the offence was committed , shall be sufficient in law. Section 64 of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) ,Ordinance , Chapter 15 [B.G.] provides as follows: “ 64 Statement of ownership of property – (1) Where in any document in any proceeding under this Ordinance , it is necessary to state the ownership of any property whatsoever, whether movable or immovable, which belongs to or is in the possession of more than one person, it shall be sufficient to name one of those per sons , and to state the property to belong to the person so named and another or others as the case may be. (2) Where, in the document, it is necessary to mention for any purpose whatsoever any partners or other joint owners or possessors, it shall be sufficient to describe them in manner aforesaid. (3) The provisions of this section shall be construed to extend all joint stock companies and associations, societies and trustees. In conclusion, Chief Justice Luckhoo who presided at the Full Court had said, “Having regard to the provisions set out above we were of the opinion that the magistrate was entitled to grant the amendment sought and to proceed with the hearing without a plea being taken to the amended charge . “He offered the appellant an opportunity of recalling for cross-examination the witnesses who had already testified and offered the appellant an opportunity of leading a defence to the charge as amended. No question of an adjournment arose as the appellant rejected the offers made by the magistrate. In any event, it could hardly be said that the appellant had been deceived or misled by reasons of the defect in the particulars of the charge. The appellant never sought to suggest that the shirts were owned by anyone else. Where the ownership is incorrectly described in the particulars of a charge the court should amend the charge and not dismiss it. We found the appeal without merit and have dismissed same.
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◄◄◄ From page XXV
Such is a classic demonstration of social cohesion, the deeply gratified beneficiaries commented, as they expressed profound appreciation for the humanitarian gesture. In existence for 26 years, Founder of Teionnet Association, Lynette Scotland has been making annual trips to Guyana between June and September, during which, with the help of a few local volunteers, she would cheerfully embark on the task of off-loading a container of items; packaging gifts for distribution. She visited the sick and ‘shut-ins’ in addition to spending quality time decorating venues and doing what seemed to be endless cooking and baking for the many scheduled parties and other occasions. With a packed agenda this year, her engagements included: Parties for Senior Citizens; poor and needy children from around Georgetown; distribution of gift hampers to deserving cases at Mahaica/Mahaicony; distribution at Plastic City, West Demerara; distribution of maternity hampers for expectant mothers and others at the ante-natal clinic, Georgetown Public Hospital and Kuru Kururu Health Centre; distribution of clothing at the Amerindian Hostel, Georgetown; presentation of hooded cardigans and jerseys for residents exposed to the effects of the biting cold at Monkey Mountain, Rupununi; as well as a visit to and distribution of backpacks and other supplies at Canal Bank, Port Kaituma, Region One. With a passion for extending a helping hand to the poor and needy, Scotland, a mother of four, and a chef employed at Annie’s Place, Holland, says her worst nightmare is to see children go hungry. “It’s something that should never happen once it could be avoided. Children are the future of the world, so let’s work towards building that future and a brighter tomorrow,” she implored. Asked would she exchange this life-changing experience for any other, Scotland impulsively replied: “NO! No! No! I love it.” Ms. Scotland was last May, honoured by Women’s Mission International as the Organisation celebrated ‘Phenomenal Women doing Extraordinary things. She was awarded at a ceremony on Friday May 18, at the Crystal Manor on Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn USA. Commenting on what made the biggest impact on her since arriving here in June, Scotland recalled the touching experience of looking down into the Port Kaituma Canal and seeing a little boat approaching, no more than 12 to 14 inches above water. On board were three children – none over seven years – rowing their boat toward the shore. “ They had travelled alongside the Canal Bank at Port Kaituma to come to meet me to get a school bag,” she said. Suspecting that she was the person they had been hearing about, the three children, sparing no pains, enthusiastically darted towards her, exclaiming that they had come to get school bags for the opening of school. “When they got those bags, they kissed me; they shook my hands and they went back into this little shallow boat, Oh my God! And they paddled and went back home,” Scotland said. Lynette Scotland said that the one thing that makes her sad on such occasions is the thought that her mother who was a born humanitarian, and who inspired her and her siblings to
pursue this path is no more. “As I recall, my mother would give until it hurts. If she had a last piece of bread and a hungry person came by begging for food, she would hand it over with blessings and leave herself without,” Lynette said. Now I wish my mother could have been here to see and understand that I am walking in her footsteps, but God knows best,” she said, I am happy that I could do what she would have me do. And for the success of her work here in Guyana
this time around, she has expressed gratitude to Minister of Public Health, Ms.Volda Lawrence; Mayor of Georgetown, Ms. Patricia Chase Greene;Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Ms Valerie Gerardo Lowe, the management of the Mandela Avenue Gymnasium; Banks DIH, Humphrey’s bakery; her many volunteers and others who so kindly assisted in making the effort a success.
XXX ◄◄◄ From page VI
THE WAY I AM She said that this particular training she received has really helped her to be the way she is now, which is a better farmer than she was before. Because of this, she told the Pepperpot Magazine, she is always willing to share with the members of the public and to help others to be better at what they do. Even though among the farming activities she was involved in over the years was the making of the regular coconut oil, Ms. Benn said that she had never ventured into it fully. However, when she started doing the ‘press’ oil and saw that there was market there for it, I gradually increased my production. COST OF PRODUCTION According to Ms. Benn, there is a heavy cost attached to the making of the ‘press oil’ or `virgin coconut oil’ as it is also called. She said that as a result she had to try to get the
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most out of every coconut, since the processing [is] much slower and quite different since it is through the fermentation method, which takes a while to process. The reason, she noted, is that it is absolutely important that all the moisture in the oil is sucked out before it ready for the market. If this is not done the oil will get rancid, she pointed out. “So in order to get a very good virgin coconut oil, there must be what I call the ‘curing period’. I always got to give of my best to the people,” she said. TAKING FAMILY SERIOUSLY Ms. Benn said that in addition to all the work is being done on the farm, as well as through the processing industry, she still has a family to care of. And so, she says that while everything else is taking place she still has to find time to work together with her husband and children. “I love my family and I always work to keep us together. My husband and I, along with my children have been working together for all the years and it has not changed,” she said.
Ms. Rosamund Benn and her husband
In terms of the coconut work, Ms. Benn said that the bursting and digging of coconut is not an easy thing and admitted that she is not very good at that aspect of the work. It therefore means that as a family they have to get people to help in this regard. However, she said that notwithstanding the challenges she has been able to continue to increase production to between 30 to 40 gallons per week at present. MARKETING OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES When the Pepperpot Magazine visited Ms. Benn at her Grant Wide Gardens estate down the Pomeroon River, it was clear that she was up to the challenges set before her. She obviously does not allow the tests of being a wife; mother, homemaker and businesswoman to get the best of her. “I still try to leave time to do other things because there is market to go to, and when my husband has cash crops then we have to take it to the market twice a week. She said that they harvest one day and go to the market the next day, so we juggle it around,” she said. On market days within the Benn’s family, there is usually an assorted variety of fresh fruits and vegetables available for sale, which is mostly done at the Charity market. COCONUT CASSAREEP AND PEPPER The farming and agro-processing within the Benn’s estate does not end with the regular coconut oil and also the virgin coconut oil; also the fresh fruits and vegetables; Ms. Benn has also gained fame from the consistently high quality of coconut cassareep that she produces.Then there is a wonderful variety of pepper products that she makes, which includes the ‘lime-pepper’, which is usually wellcured, having gone through another careful process as well. “I always used to wonder how you can get cassareep out of coconuts, but then when I saw my mother-in-law doing it, I learnt how and started doing it, which she says that is done mainly from the dried nut water. “It is an excellent product, which does not need any other ingredients, but when it is done it is the real thing; it is lovely and there is no need to use much and it also gives an excellent colour when cooking the food,” she said. She explained that before selling the coconut cassareep in bottles she sold it in bulk but that was found to be hardly profitable, especially after such a tedious processing task of this particular product. WADNET Ms. Benn stated that being a member of the Women’s Agro-Processors Development Network (WADNET), she has been able to go to a number of exhibitions and was also able to take part in a number of activities, which helped her to acquire some markets to sell her products in bottles. Again, it was through an IICA’s revolving fund that she and others benefited. And since it was at a time when bottles were difficult to get here in Guyana, I was able to purchase bottles from Suriname to put the cassareep, also through the WADNET group she is able to continue to get the cassareep sold. FLASH FLOODS Ms. Benn told of some challenges with the virgin coconut oil, especially since people in the Pomeroon have been experiencing flash floods and lots of rain. She said that she is not directly affected by her level of production; there is need for much sunshine in order to get the best ‘pressed’ oil since the sun is extremely crucial in the processing stages. (mercilinburke2017@gmail.com)
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Chronicle Pepperpot September 23, 2018 ◄◄◄ From page XIV
Pomeroon Outreach in July 2018. Sharir Chan (r), along with the team of medical personnel on the boat on the Pomeroon River
As volunteers, the board meets regularly to discuss, plan and implement programmes for their annual activities and more than 90 per cent of the funds raised by the organisation is used to ship items to Guyana. GMR CONTINUED SERVICE The GMR continues to access many additional interior locations and to this end has sent a mobile ultrasound to the Region One community of Baramita. This ultrasound is being used throughout Region One. They have also donated another ultrasound machine to the Mahaicony Hospital. This is to assist patients who otherwise would have to wait for hours at the main Georgetown Hospital; Additionally, from 2017 the GMR has started shipping thousands of pairs of TOMS shoes to children in Guyana, which they combine with their medical outreaches. The Canada-Guyana Outreach Mission (CanGo) is also now a partner of the GMR. This was another initiative by the latter organisation in an effort to ensure that medical relief was received by thousands of Amerindians in the Regions One and Two areas of Guyana. Over 24 Canadian and American medical personnel CanGo) came to Guyana and provided medical support to people in the Pomeroon. The GMR had provided housing for the CanGo team by rehabilitating a building in the area. GMR is of the belief, that such a cost-saving move through providing a permanent residence, will enhance the mission of the CanGo team’to provide much-needed services CERVICAL CANCER According to Chan, cervical cancer in Guyanese women is a very disturbing situation and says that he is convinced that with the help of pap smear, as well as the HPV injection, cervical cancer would be much reduced in the country. He said that assistance should also come from religious leaders, who may be able to convince both parents and their girl children that the injection is not bad and will help curb this dreaded medical problem. To this end, he said that the GMR has also partnered with the Guyana Cancer Foundation to provide pap smears to women in the rural areas. For 2017 GMR sponsored approximately 200 pap smears to women in Linden, Pomeroon, Mahaicony, Berbice and Bartica. The GMR has been reaching out to the Dr. Cort’s Mission in the Corentyne, Berbice. In this regard, the mission has been provided with medication, as well as a monetary grant to assist the people in that area. There is also an annual mission, which includes doctors and nurses, mainly of Guyanese extract who visit Guyana to provide medical services to the people of this area. OUR MISSION IS OUR FOCUS The mission of the GMR is to continue to focus on the poor and needy in Guyana, especially women and children and to respond as the need arise, even as we deal directly with the Ministry of Health and hospitals, Chan posited. mercilinburke2017@gmail.com)
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Many children are often abused in the care of relatives but more painstaking of all, is to grow without that mother’s love, that warm touch and tender care that only a mother can give to a child. Telling their story of life after the gruesome murder of their mother, are the children of the late Leolyn Annetta Sullivan, who died after being stabbed multiple times by her reputed husband, Clarence Carter, on the 18th January 2016. Sullivan was 34 years old at the time and had six children, the last two were fathered by Carter who was 50. The two children born during the union are now 10 and six years old. During the bloody attack, Carter also stabbed Leolyn’s eldest daughter, Shemeka Campbelle. Almost three years after, the once closely-knit family is now broken up. The eldest child who is 25 years old lives with his uncle, while the two minors live with an aunt. The remaining three, ages 21, 19 and 16, live alone in the house where there mother was murdered. It has been nothing but a life of tears for the siblings, but according to 19-year-old Saskia Campbelle, the lessons of life that was instilled in them by their mother, is what has taken them through the roughest path their life has handed down to them. Prior to her death, Leolyn used to sell at a beverage shop on the Mackenzie Market wharf, following her demise, the siblings had to battle to keep the business going to ensure that food was on the table. Initially, the younger siblings were in the care of the older ones, but being automatic parents was not working in the best interest of their welfare, so an aunt decided to take them. Saskia said that it was rough to see their baby brother and sister separated from them but it had to be done to ensure their stability, since the older siblings were busy finishing school and earning at the same time. Trying to hold back the tears, Saskia said that life has been hard but they tried to keep it together for each other. “It has been difficult because the shop doesn’t always do well, for the children we normally collect public assistance for them but my aunt does the majority for them. Sometimes I don’t see them for a long time, all like when school was closed we didn’t see them in a long time,” she related adding, “Sometimes, you don’t want to come to the shop but you does have to come because that is the only way you would get to eat at the end of the day, because to face some customers every day, does be very difficult.” They are now of the understanding that their mother is gone forever, and their father too, will be gone for many years. Saskia said that they would normally relate how much they dislike their father for what he did. Before her mother’s death, she said, her siblings often lived in rivalry, but they had no choice to live in love and unity. “I thanked my mom for showing me how to live in love with my sisters, because before we use to always be at war and I thought we would have never agreed on things after her passing, but since then, we’ve learnt to live in love more and that is what has us standing up today The eldest girl, Shemeka, first manned the shop but decided she wanted to further her studies, so Saskia decided that they will further their studies in turns, and she now operates the shop. She said she has other dreams of becoming a nurse or an entrepreneur, but for now her dreams have been put on hold. Sixteen-year- old Saffron said she completed her CSEC this year and that she wants to become a nurse. She is very appreciative of what her older sisters did and are doing, to ensure she was able to complete school and further her studies. She said that during her CSEC sittings, she cried many nights knowing that her mom was not there to support her. “It was really tough for me because I had to do it all alone, my SBA’s and stuff. Many nights I use to sit on my bed and cry but I would remember the words she would instil in us and that used to push me to do my SBA’s and study, and I did well because when I saw my results I didn’t expect that I would have done well, I thought I would have had to go back to school, but I still came out successful.” Carter was sentenced to 19 years in prison and the children believe that justice was not served since their mother was killed premeditatedly, in cold blood. They related that they were not called to testify at the High Court, and only testified a few times at the Linden Magistrate’s Court. They were only able to follow the trial through the news. They will however continue to battle life’s challenges and be a support base for each other.
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A Community’s Vision for Responsible Mining MARBEL Thomas is the Toshao of Campbelltown – an indigenous village on the outskirts of Mahdia. She wants her village to lead the way in practising sustainable mining. “This is our vision for our village. We want to practice mining in a way that has minimum impact on the environment and is safe for people, so that we can continue to earn a living to take care of our families,” she said. In early September, she took the group of partners implementing the El Dorado Gold – Responsible Mining for Guyana initiative to her village to meet with councillors and other residents. About 10 minutes outside of Mahdia, small to medium mining sites are visible from the sky. Mining is the main source of income for Campbelltown and Mahdia. Even before villagers began mining, Campbelltown earned profits by granting permission to non-residents for mining of small concessions. Campbelltown miners operate at a small-scale. Thomas said there is very little awareness of the impacts of using mercury in the mining process. “We don’t know anything about mercury, but we want to learn,” she said. “We want to educate our miners.” There are ponds at the old mining sites where residents sometimes fish. “We catch them, we eat them and it’s normal for us to do this. If mercury use at these mined-out sites could possibly affect our health, then we need to know, and we’ll want to change this,” Thomas said. While she does not remember any “out-of-the-ordinary” cases of sickness, the village leader believes that it is better to be careful than take unnecessary risks. RESTORATION OF MINE SITES … “I would like to see our village restoring mining sites. We’ve looked at a few and are thinking about whether we can plant potatoes there or something else to see if it will grow,” she explained. During a short visit the St. Elizabeth mining site, the team also saw one of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s restoration sites. Since 2010, efforts have been made to plant Acacia mangium in areas that have been heavily mined to promote the return of surface vegetation and stabilise the soil. Over time, it is hoped that by planting this species the area will undergo natural succession resulting in secondary forest cover. Vincent Xavier, a resident who has been mining since 1992, believes there are many challenges which the small miner faces. “Financially we don’t have the support that we need,” he said. The price of equipment, fuel and other supplies are high. Support in financing and learning ways to increase production are key needs of the small miner. Both Thomas and Xavier look forward to finding innovative ways to reduce the impact of mining on nature and people while increasing production and profit for miners. El Dorado Gold encourages actions around responsible mining for Guyana. The initiative encompasses a Global Environment Facility (GEF) and Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD). The GEF component of the initiative seeks to guide the switch to mercury-free mining and promote adoption of environmentally-friendly approaches to mining in Guyana’s artisanal, small and medium-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector.
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STUDY SUCCESS
Dear Students, We’ve already looked at Repetition and Impression, and today it’ll be Association. Association is the linking of information to existing stores of knowledge. For instance, mind maps are based on the belonging or whole method principle. This principle suggests that the human mind dislikes gaps and incompleteness in information and craves for a bird’s eye view first before filling in the detail. If you build up a framework initially, you’ll appreciate relationships and interrelationships between points as you progress in your studies. Be wise. Love you IMPROVING WRITING Careful word usage A. Good writing entails careful word usage, so be mindful about the contents of your sentences or they can contain erroneously or inappropriately used words. Rewrite the following sentences improving the choice of words. You can even read them aloud and allow your study partners can give suggestions for improvement. It is suggested that you have your dictionary close-by. Some sentences may need more than one change. 1. Your complaints seem to have no affect on him. 2. Light-complected persons often sunburn easily.
Chronicle Pepperpot September 23, 2018
English 3. Danny says that he is illegible for the position. 4. John’s principle reason for buying that caravan was its price. 5. The orchestra is notorious for its fine performances. 6. I’m glad grapes are healthy. I really like them. 7. The children, awed by the earthquake, became quite. 8. The play had hardly begun till a fire broke out. 9. The president made an illusion to the recent West Coast Berbice murderous happenings. 10. You maybe right in refusing to give him your money. B…In the following little story, find and identify all colloquial, overworked, or incorrect forms. Rewrite the story, supplying good substitutes for these expressions. Last night we eat early, because my folks wanted to go bowling. They are liable to bowl almost any evening, incidentally. Irregardless of the fact that I had homework to do, I went with them. A usual, Dad bring his own bowling ball; and I drag along behind, carrying Mon’s. Dad was aggravated when he saw that all the alleys were busy, but he was bound to bowl; so we stayed. After a while a big, light-complexioned guy who was bowling alone in the third alley began to get angry at himself. Most of the time he was sending the ball down the gutters, and the balance of his throws knocked down hardly any pins. I sized him up as a party who could be a good bowler if he would
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Yet each man kills the thing he loves, By each let this be heard, Some do it with a bitter look, Some with a flattering word. The coward does it with a kiss, The brave man with a sword! OSCAR WILDE (1854-1900) The Ballad of Reading (1898), I. vii only get himself in shape. Finally, he grow disgusted and left. Dad managed to get that alley, because the man who had reserved it for seven o’clock did not show up. We bowled three lines. Both Mom and Dad made nice scores, but I was so anxious to impress a cute young lady in the next alley that I was a disgrace to my family. GUIDED SUMMARY WRITING The passage Today, air travel is far safer than driving a car on a busy motorway. But there is s a danger tat grows every year. Airliners get larger and larger. Some can carry over 300 passengers. And the air itself becomes more and more crowded. If one giant airliner crashed into another in mid-air, 600 lives could be lost. From the moment an airliner takes off to the moment it lands, every movement is watched on radar screens. Air traffic controllers tell the pilot exactly when to turn, when to climb and when to come down. The air traffic controllers around a busy airport like London-Heathrow may handle 2,500 planes a day. Not all of them actually land at the airport. Any plane that flies near the airport comes under the orders of the controllers there. Even a small mistake on their part can cause a disaster. Recently such a disaster almost happened. Two large jets were flying towards the airport. One was carrying 69 passengers and had come from Toronto. The other was carrying 176 passengers from Chicago. An air traffic controller noticed on his radar screen that the two planes were too close to each other. He ordered one to turn to the right and to climb. But he made a mistake. He ordered the wrong plane to do this. So, instead of turning away from the second plane, the first plane turned towards it. Fifteen seconds later it flew directly in front of the second plane. They avoided each other by the smallest part of a second. The distance between them was less than that of a large swimming pool. This is an example of the danger that grows every year. About the Exercise The passage is used for a type of controlled summary writing. A good summary writing exercise should give practice in continuous writing. It should also involve some form of note-taking. In this exercise you are given some guidance for the summary through questions on the text, to which it is suggested that the answers should be in note form. You should know that note-taking itself is a form of summary. A summary represents a shorted version of the original text. Today’s type of activity is a useful step in getting you to make notes and not to copy off parts of the text when responding to a summary question. WHAT TO DO Describe the disaster that almost happened. Write one paragraph of about eighty words. Answer these questions in note form to get your points: 1) What were the two planes doing at the time? 2) Where had they come from? 3) What did an air traffic controller do and why? 4) What was the result? 5) What was narrowly avoided? GRAMMAR A Reminder: The Infinitive can be used as a Noun. 1) Subject: To sleep immediately is the best solution. 2) Direct object: They planned to fly at once. 3) Predicate nominative: The only solution is to run to the supermarket. 4) Appositive: Their plan, to fly in December, is good. It is difficult to sleep. (It, to sleep, is difficult.) 5) Object of preposition: They can do nothing except to watch.
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Homemade
Macaroni and Cheese INGREDIENTS: 12 oz Macaroni 1 oz Butter/Margarine 1 oz Flour 1/2 pt Milk 2 oz Grated Cheddar Cheese A pinch of salt 1 tsp Mustard 1/4 Cup Bread Crumbs Method of Preparation:
Cook macaroni in boiling salted water until soft, then strain. Note – If using long macaroni, break into small pieces before cooking. Now make Sauce: Melt butter in heated pot, add flour, and whisk until smooth, then add milk and whisk again on medium heat until sauce thickens. After achieving the right texture, turn off heat to avoid sauce getting too thick. Add the macaroni and two-thirds of the cheese, salt, white pepper or black pepper to taste, and mustard to the sauce. Mix well and pour into a greased dish of your choice. Now sprinkle over the bread crumbs and the remainder of the cheese. Lastly, place into a moderately hot oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit and leave to brown for about 5 to 10 minutes. This easy Macaroni and Cheese recipe serves about 4 to 5 depending on serving size.
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Comfort Sleep mattresses
launched at Guyana Trade and Investment Exhibition
A proud moment for Mr. Dennis Charran and wife at the launch of their eighth line of mattresses at the Marriott Hotel on Thursday
By Shirley Thomas
medium enterprises, thereby positioning Guyana and the Caribbean to be competitive in the global marketplace. According to COMFORT SLEEP’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dennis Charran, the response has been good, with a few sister-Caribbean countries showing an interest in the product. The entity can, therefore, be said to be poised to clinch deals with such countries in the notso-distant future. New to the Guyana market, the ‘Comfort Classic Deluxe Mattresses are made of a high quality, 1.5
Mr. Dennis Charran, Comfort Sleep CEO (at left) engages in brief discussion with Min. of Business, Dominic Gaskin and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, during the GuyTIE Exhibition on Thursday
Deluxe Mattress’ now brings to eight, the line of mattresses produced by this manufacturing entity. Four of the initial seven are spring-filled and the other four are made of foam. Meanwhile, the CEO announced that there will be a promotion special for GuyTIE: He said that there will be a twoweek promotion on the new line of mattress, whereby anyone can purchase the product at a GuyTIE Special /discount price. Promotion ends on Friday, October 5, 2018. Free delivery will be provided for destinations within the Georgetown area during the promotion period. Over 25 years, COMFORT SLEEP has become a household name and by this token, Charran says, the entity is committed to manufacturing and delivering only the best in quality. And testament to this, is the fact that the entity has so far won two international awards – for quality manufacturing: One from Geneva, Switzerland and the other from a US company. A good corporate citizen, Comfort Sleep has been conducting Schools’ Feeding Programmes for six schools, providing hot meals for children of West Demerara and Berbice, while making other contributions to the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Programme and the Ruimveldt Children’s Home. Charran expressed gratitude to Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin; the GuyTIE Committee for an excellent expo and to all others – exhibitors alike and buyers, for their part played in making the forum a success.
The newly launched COMFORT Classic Deluxe Mattress on display at the Marriott Hotel during GuyTIE. At left (in background), is a portrait of Mr. Charran flanked by executives of the company that conferred the ‘Gold Star Award’ on him
COMFORT SLEEP, Guyana’s leading manufacturer of foam and spring-filled mattresses has hit the market with a new line, under the brand name: “Comfort Classic Deluxe Mattresses.” The product which boasts a built-in touch of elegance and comes in standard, king and queen sizes, was launched on Thursday, at the opening of the three-day Guyana Trade and Investment Exhibition (GuyTIE), held at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston Georgetown. GuyTIE, ideally presents a platform for local businesses to engage and network with Caribbean and international investors, and according to President David Granger, could enhance the investment image as an investor-friendly state; improve competitiveness for large, small and
high-density foam with a fabric life of 10 years. It is durable, soft and comfortable, yet firm, says Charran, and is made from quality USA standard imported materials. An expert in the production of mattresses for the last 25 years, he said that firmness is a key factor in a high-quality mattress. These mattresses, Charran says, are at the moment, only available at the Comfort Sleep factory at Eccles, East Bank Demerara. The ‘Comfort Classic