Sunday, October 14, 2018
This pretty little lady boldly struts her stuff during the Curl Fete 2018 Hair Show in the Little Miss Afro Puff Category ( Photo by Samuel Maughn)
Curl Fete 2018
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Chronicle Pepperpot October 14, 2018
Accelerated or anthropogenic climate change Global climate systems changing at faster rates than normal By M Margaret Burke THE University of Guyana, through its Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences (FE&ES), has commenced an exclusive discourse with the Pepperpot Magazine on climate change and related matters. According to the UG-FE&ES, climate change is a natural process that has been happening throughout the history of the earth, with this change in the climate occurring over a long period of time. It is caused naturally by variations in the earth’s orbit around the sun and by human activities, such as the emission of large quantities of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the earth’s atmosphere. These events cause changes in the amount of solar energy received and absorbed by the earth. The Greenhouse gases (GHG) trap heat in the atmosphere, creating a greenhouse effect. When the greenhouse effect is enhanced, the atmosphere becomes warmer and results in global warming and climate change. Examples of greenhouse gases are the carbon dioxide (CO2); methane (CH4); nitrous oxide (N2O); ozone (O3) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The FE&ES disclosed that the effects of climate change faced today are linked to what (Elder, 2018) called, “accelerated or anthropogenic climate change.” This, it was explained, is happening because human activities such as manufacturing/ industrial activities and deforestation, cause the release of greater quantities
emitted into the atmosphere at a faster rate than the earth can naturally cope with or accommodate. The excess greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap more solar radiation, causing global temperatures to increase and resulting in global warming. ANTHROPOGENIC CLIMATE CHANGE The FE&ES pointed out that as a result of human activities around the world, there is evidence that global climate systems are changing at faster rates than they normally do. Some of the evidence of rapid climate change is the fact that the earth’s average surface temperature increased by as much as 0.9oC since the late 19th century. And FE&ES revealed that this has been linked to the excess carbon dioxide emission from the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation to establish housing and farming areas. In addition, the average sea surface temperature has increased significantly since the year 1969; with the heat trapped in the atmosphere by the excess greenhouse gases being absorbed by the ocean water. FE&ES further explained that ice sheets have been melting rapidly on a global scale with studies showing that Greenland alone has permanently lost 231 billion tons of ice between 1993 and 2016. At the same time, Antarctica has lost 119 billion tons of ice in the same period. However, the rate of loss
Cassava crop in Moco Moco Village, Region Nine suffered as a result of drought in 2015
of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. As a result, greenhouse gases are being
has been three times higher within the last 10 years.
Normal greenhouse effect and normal CO2 levels versus elevated CO2 levels (Elder, 2018)
IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON GUYANA The Faculty of Earth Environmental Sciences at the University of Guyana has advised the Pepperpot Magazine that climate change is already impacting Guyana in some ways. Among the most visible are the destruction and overtopping of sea defence structures, saltwater intrusion, and changing local climate patterns. The country’s coastal sea walls and other sea defence structures are being destroyed more often by higher and stronger waves, especially within the last 10 years. Overtopping of the sea defence infrastructure has caused some level of inconvenience and property damage over the years, the FE&ES stated. The FE&ES went on to describe the sea-level rise as contributing to saline (salt/sea water) intrusion, while pointing out, “Within the last 10 years, farmers in Regions Four and Five have been affected by this event. Saline intrusion mostly affects the farmers in the dry season when there is less freshwater coming from the backlands for crops. The effects of saline intrusion have been especially evident in the rice industry, as reported in Regions Two, Four and Five.” GUYANA’S AGRICULTURAL SECTOR The FE&ES disclosed to the Pepperpot Magazine that extreme drought periods have also been affecting Guyana’s agricultural sector within the last 10 to 15 years, especially in Region Nine. “In 2010 alone, the agriculture
sector lost more than GYD$3 billion as a result of drought conditions; and in 2015/2016, more than GYD$4 billion was lost…Drought in 2015 impacted many crops in Region Nine, such as cassava.” Further, flooding has also been a frequent occurrence in Guyana and has caused billions of dollars in losses over the years. The threat of flooding will continue to increase as sea levels continue to rise, the FE&ES indicated. The weather pattern has also been more unpredictable within the last 10 years and this is negatively affecting agricultural production. For example, some farmers find it difficult to plan properly to accommodate the changes in weather pattern. CLIMATE CHANGE MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS According to the FE&ES, there are many myths and misconceptions about climate change, which it sought to clear up. It disclosed that climate change and global warming are related events, but they are not the same as some may want to believe. While climate change is a long-term change in the Earth’s climate pattern over a long period of time; global warming, on the other hand, is the gradual increase in global atmospheric temperatures. But, climate change occurs as a result of global warming. There is no conclusive evidence to show that climate change is causing or increasing the occurrence of earthquakes. Earthquakes are dependent on specific geological factors Turn to page XXXI ►►►
Chronicle Pepperpot October 14, 2018
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‘You have got to be strong, you have got to be positive’ A breast cancer survivor shares her story By Gibron Rahim EVERY breast cancer survivor’s story is unique. At the same time, as we find ourselves in the midst of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are reminded of the themes of determination and courage that are the common thread in each survivor’s story. These aforementioned themes are certainly evident in Ena Persaud’s story. Ena told the Pepperpot Magazine that there was never any indication that anything was wrong before her diagnosis. She related that she would normally undergo regular physicals. However, at that time she had not had a physical done in eight years though she would have bloodwork done on a regular basis. The year was 2014 and she was due to celebrate her 60th birthday. Ena decided to schedule a full physical with her primary care doctor on a trip to the United States where she is a citizen. “She sent me to do all the checks – mammogram, Pap smear, blood work, bone density test, everything,” she recalled. When the test results came back, a second mammogram was ordered. The first mammo-
that when her husband spoke to the doctor on the phone she asked him plainly, “Don’t you know your wife has cancer?” While both she and her husband were shocked by the news, Ena noted that they did not look at it as necessarily life-threatening. She calmly decided to return to New York. On her return to the US, Ena’s doctor confirmed that she had Stage One breast cancer. She recalled that she did not cry. She was ready to follow the doctor’s instructions to begin the treatment process. At the same time, she was not willing to abandon the plans for her 60th birthday. She remembered saying, “I am going back for my party, I’m not cancelling it.” She underwent several tests and saw multiple doctors. One of the tests was an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan. Ena related that the MRI scan left her more shaken as it showed that there was a growth in her left breast as well. It was evident early on that the position of the growths would require invasive surgery. Ena was advised to have a double mastectomy done. She came back to Guyana for her party then returned to New York for her surgery, which was scheduled for September 30, 2014. She noted that, while she knew that having breast cancer was serious and life-threatening, she chose not to let it consume her, taking it as a part of life. She related that she had been advised by friends that she could beat her cancer once she remained strong and got the medical help she needed. “So I didn’t take it so seriously, I said whatever I have to do I’ll Ena Persaud
gram had shown a very small lump in Ena’s right breast. With the time for her to return to Guyana and her birthday party near, Ena initially told her doctor she would take the test when she returned to New York. But her doctor insisted. She underwent a more intense mammogram which again showed a small anomaly measuring about 1.5 centimetres. It was decided that a biopsy would need to be done to determine whether the growth was malignant. In the meantime, Ena returned to Guyana. It took two to three days for the biopsy results to return. In that time, Ena had travelled with her husband to Barbados to visit with friends. Her doctor told her that she needed to return to New York right away. Ena recalled
do,” she said. “You have got to be strong, you have got to be positive.” One lesson that Ena learnt from her treatment and recovery was that it could have been worse. She noted that many young people today are being diagnosed with cancer. Chemotherapy was part of her treatment post operation. She recalled losing all of her hair and being bedridden for a time. “My husband was there all the time,” she said. “He looked after me, he cooked and did everything.” She had four rounds of strong chemotherapy followed by 12 rounds of chemotherapy every two weeks. This was followed by a full year of chemotherapy every three weeks. The entire process took almost two years. Ena recalled that she only remained bedridden after the first four rounds of chemotherapy. “As soon as I finished the strong one I started moving around and doing things for myself,” she said. She noted; however, that the body is very susceptible to infection while undergoing chemotherapy since it kills all cells, not just cancerous cells. She contracted infections twice during treatment. One of those infections was in one of the breast implants she had gotten right after her mastectomy. She had to undergo a second surgery to change that implant. Following her rounds of chemotherapy, Ena underwent a CT scan after which she was
given a clean bill of health. “Right now I just have to go every three to four months so that they can keep checking,” she explained. Women should undergo mammograms at least once a year Ena advised. “Within a year [breast cancer] could happen,” she noted. “If you do it every year at least you have got a chance, even if it shows up.” It is important she said to get Pap smears and bloodwork done, in addition to breast self-examinations. “You have got be strong,” she emphasised. “If this happens to you don’t think it’s the end of the world.” She has met many people who received treatment and survived. She opined, however, “If our government could help in some way because chemo is very expensive.” She added, “It costs so much and I think that’s why a lot of people who cannot afford it can’t survive.” Ena’s parting advice to anyone who may be going through the process is to be strong. “There is hope and you’re going to feel better,” she said. She acknowledged that everyone reacts differently to diagnosis and treatment. “Today you’re down, tomorrow you’re going to be okay. You could do every single thing back, you could travel, you could eat, you could drink,” she stated. “You just have to think of the future, you’re going to be okay. You’re going to be back with everybody.”
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Chronicle Pepperpot October 14, 2018
Cancer survivor tells her story Urges women to get HPV vaccines
44-year-old Golda Clementson
myself some time, because everyone associates cancer with death. I knew that miracles do happen and with the right treatments, I was positive I would overcome the disease so I gave it some time,” the woman related. She said she then visited the Guyana Cancer Institute where she sought the necessary advice and recommendation on the way forward. She later saved her money and began the treatments which included chemotherapy and radiation. “I honestly prayed to God. I asked him for sustenance to do all my treatment and not to fall while I was taking them. I remained positive throughout the process,” she related. Clementson who is an Insurance Advisor by profession said that after
A picture showing the stages of cervical cancer
be fine”.
By Indrawattie Natram LIVING with the support from family and friends, 44-year-old Golda Clementson is a cervical cancer survivor who is now using her experiences to influence other women living with the disease. The mother of five children and eight loving grandchildren was diagnosed with Stage 2B cervical cancer in 2015, but was completely healed in 2016 after continuous radiation therapy and surgery. Today she uses her experiences to spread awareness amongst women who are struggling with the disease. “When I found out that I was positive with Stage 2B cervical cancer in 2015, I didn’t act anyway, I didn’t break down, in fact, I was brave and I asked Dr. Gobin what was the next step?? And I moved on from there,” Clementson said. Silently meditating what she would do
Clementson with her relatives
a surgery where she removed her womb. Her surgery was successful. During the process, she continued to go to church and surround herself with positive people. She was also taking keen advice from her oncologist, Dr. Gooding.
Clementson with other cancer patients
after the news was broken to her, she remained positive, and after some time she then confided in her sister. “I didn’t tell anyone at first, I just give
sometime she then mustered the courage to tell her fiancé about her illness. She said that he was okay with it and told her to take the necessary treatments. In 2016 she underwent
ADVICE As an advocate for Cervical Cancer, she is advising females to take annual pap smears to check for HPV and to monitor the health of their cervix. “Abnormal pap smear can affect your mental health, it creates a lot of anxiety and can be uncomfortable. I advise young females to take the HPV vaccines, it is widely publicised. Get vaccinated and protect your body,” the cancer survivor advised. She said that she believes that the key to avoiding anxiety and fear about cancer is to arm oneself with knowledge. “Getting yourself checked-up and tested is important but for most women, an abnormal result should not send fear, the majority of cervix health issues are treatable and you can feel confident that the next time you take a check-up everything will
IMMUNE SYSTEM Clementson said after her surgery and her regular checkups which includes pelvic examinations and CT scans, she has started to boost her immune system with natural remedies such as turmeric, ginger and lemon. She started to monitor her diet and most times avoid fatty consumption. “With good nutrition and the right supplements, your immune system could fight off an HPV infection and replace abnormal cells with healthy tissue, with a strong immune system your body should be able to clear HPV itself,” Clementson advised. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) 90 per cent of HPV infections will clear in two years, providing that women boost their immune system. Clementson also challenged men to be there for their partners and go with them to clinic appointments. She said men need to provide that unconditional support to their spouse, especially when they are suffering from the disease. FACTS According to Wikipedia, Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, play a role in causing most cervical cancer. According to Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) website, over 83,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer and almost 36,000 died from this disease in the Region of the Americas, in 2012. Screening women for cervical pre-cancer, followed by treatment, is a cost-effective intervention to prevent cervical cancer. Approximately 70 per cent of cancer cases could be avoided through HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccination of adolescent girls.
Chronicle Pepperpot October 14, 2018
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Heather Thompson Using faith as a guide to her art practice
By Dominique Hunter “GROWING up in the hinterland region of Guyana I was blessed to wake each day to the sounds of nature and the beauty of pristine, blue mountains in the distance. Those memories have been forever etched in my mind,” Heather Thompson recalled fondly of her childhood. The Mahdia native spent about 12 years manthe challenges she first experiaging her father’s business in the interior before moving to enced with certain techniques Georgetown, so that her daughter and being able to use them in could pursue her secondary educa- various combinations to protion. It was during this time that she duce the work made for her had the opportunity to venture into graduation exhibition, which the culinary arts at the Carnegie was recently on display at the School of Home Economics, a de- Umana Yana. “I did a lot of things on my cision that would later have a ripple effect on her working methods, own. I read, researched, tried even after she would have switched small pieces and then went on to bigger pieces. My proudest fields. “Food was one of the things moment was definitely when I that interested me first. So I went was able to put into action all to Carnegie where I did a full-time of the techniques I was taught one-year catering course. After that, I worked in a number of restaurants. I worked for about 12 years with Trans Guyana and while there I did a parttime textile course at the E.R. Burrowes School of Art. Later I went on to do another part-time course in leather. But it wasn’t enough for me. I found that I wanted more.” Thompson explained that once her daughter had completed her studies at the University of Guyana and she became an empty nester, it felt like the right time to shift her focus to something she had longed to do for quite some time. She opted to go back to the art school to pursue a “Thy word is a lamp unto my higher level of formal art feet and a light unto my path” training by enrolling in the school’s full-time two-year throughout the years,” she stated. course. When asked to give some inReflecting on her experience as a mature student at the art school sight into her art-making process, Thompson shared that although she it became evident quite quickly sometimes experienced difficult that her initial approach is rather times, she refused to allow herself methodical, something she credits to be distracted by what was going as having come from the many on around her. Instead, she kept her years she spent writing recipes. “All of my work starts with eyes fixed squarely on her goal, rolled up her sleeves and went to a plan. I would go to the sketchbooks and sit for hours sometimes, work. “It was very humbling and sketching different lines. I would sometimes very frustrating. To learn see which ones look like they are you have to become a child. Even taking the form of something and as an adult there’s a lot of things I would make it into that. Then that get thrown at you but you have I would start thinking about the to be focused on what you’re there construction aspect of it.” Thompson admitted that her for. You can’t let the other things sketches don’t always materialise get to you.” Her greatest joy, she explained, according to plan because the came from being able to overcome construction simply might not
tablishing a specific theme that would be used as the conceptual framework for the final exhibition of her work. After careful consideration, she decided that the most fitting theme was “The Creative Word.” “I was working with nature but I found that everyone was doing something with nature. So I went past nature and asked myself, ‘Who created naDetail of a few fabrics designed, printed ture? Where did it come and tie-dyed by Heather Thompson from?’ That’s how I got to each colour individually after the creative word and the a series of rigorous testing and light,” she explained. planning, each design is actualThompson’s continuous expoly the result of a different type sure to ‘the word,’ as she describes of process entirely. it, was influential in selecting the “As I go along I would get creative direction of her work. She inspiration and things would cited the Bible scripture Genesis fall into place. I cut pieces of Chapter 1 Verse 3, which describes rubber and arrange them in dif- the creation story, as the foundation ferent patterns to make my own upon which she produced most of prints. I have lots of pieces of her art pieces. She explained that afcloth with samples on them to ter a thorough study of this scripture see which ones would work she was able to identify at least one where and how they would major principle of art: balance, more work. But I always test them specifically, the creation of light and first before I put them on a big its separation from the dark. It was piece of fabric.” her ability to make a connection beA similar series of small tween the two that encouraged more meaningful explorations of biblical themes to bring consciousness to ‘the word.’ “As a Christian woman I enA mixed media leather and joy bringing my faith and beliefs textile artwork titled “Peace” to life through my art using bible be possible, in which case she is verses that have encouraged, forced to go back to the drawing inspired and comforted me in the board to work out a more practical hope that it will do the same for alternative. the viewer,” she explained. She went on to explain that Now that her journey at the although the preparatory stages art school has come to an end, of the work are, to a large extent, Thompson is excited about what methodical, her textile designs the future holds for her creative are usually rather spontaneous practice. and free-flowing. So on one hand, “There’s a lot I want to do while great care is taken to mix with textile, like move on to fibre art. I see myself going in that direction and doing unique leather art.” In addition to having better A mixed media piece done access to the full range of art using sticks of bamboo, materials, students are usually leather and paint on fabric required to have, Thompson also stressed the importance of fostests are employed during the tering an “art conscious” society. It production of her leatherwork, is only then, she says, that we could long before any attempt is made possibly begin to move towards to construct the actual piece, she a much more sustainable local art explained. scene. “I would have pieces of As a recent graduate of the E.R. leather and I would do different Burrowes School of Art, Thompson types of stitches to see what had a few words of wisdom to share stitch I want. If it’s a print then with those who might be contemI would test the tool and the plating formally pursuing art at the tooling method I want to use. institution. For example, if I want to create “Work hard and be humble,” a snakeskin texture I would test she says. “You have to work bea piece of leather to see how it cause if you don’t and you take would look. I would then stain time off to relax, it will be hard it to see if I want to grade it to catch up. You have to stay on from a yellow to a green etc.” it from the beginning. Things will Like all of the other graduat- come your way but you have to Detail of a mixed media ing students from the art school, stay humble. That’s the most imleather lampshade Thompson was tasked with es- portant thing.”
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Chronicle Pepperpot October 14, 2018
Guyana Cancer Foundation continues to help many
The work of the GCF is mainly to assist persons with early detection so that they can be treated
BIBI Hassan, founder of the Guyana Cancer Foundation (GCF), feels her purpose in life is to help others, especially women who are in the low-income bracket; and who are under-insured and medically underserved. Thirteen years ago, she was selected to be treasurer to the Avon Community Health Fund and did lots of work raising funds to assist the public with breast cancer screening and such like. Being involved helped Hassan develop a passion for such work and after the ‘Avon Fund’ was dissolved, she took up an opportunity to continue such efforts. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of that fund offered to assist Hassan in continuing the work because Hassan’s passion and devotion to such efforts were clearly
- With screenings for early detection
Hassan sets aside every Saturday for community outreaches
evident. The GCF was eventually registered under the Company Act in 2016 as a non-governmental organisation (NGO). With the help of corporate sponsors who came on board, Hassan was able to start her work. Despite holding down a full-time job in sales, Hassan decided to scale down so that she could devote more time to the GCF. “As an advocate,
God gave me this passion and this vision to help women….in fact, the general population,” she told the Pepperpot Magazine in a recent interview at the GCF on Sheriff Street. The GCF provides free screenings. It has also started to screen for prostate cancer recently. “We’re the prevention people. We believe that early detection helps save lives so we focus on getting women screened for early detection. So our organisation is not in a position to pay for people’s surgeries, but what we can do is help them get screening,” Hassan explained. The GCF does referrals to the Oncology Department of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). “That’s always my first choice but I would ask the patient what their choice is.” Turn to page XX►►►
Chronicle Pepperpot October 14, 2018
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‘I’ll always remember’ and ‘I’ll never forget’ By Francis Quamina Farrier LIKE so many Guyanese and many other nationals around the world, I am a Dave Martins fan. I love his music with that rich bouncy Caribbean beat. I love his lyrics, always with something to learn and think about. And during the past decade or so, I have come to enjoy reading his weekly column in the Sunday Stabroek News. In a more recent article entitled, “Lessons I never forgot” in which he was reflecting on his learning experiences while an up-and-coming musical entertainer, I couldn’t help observing his use of the term, “I never forgot”, which was in the headline. It got me to thinking of something I was doing unwittingly for many decades, with the use of that term, “I’ll never forget”, and it’s twin, “I’ll always remember” and realised that somehow I was using both terms, which I suppose means the same thing, very selectively. Most often, whenever it is something pleasant, I’d say, “I’ll always remember”, while when it is something unpleasant, I’d say, “I’ll never forget”. That personal communication culture of mine probably goes way back 70 years to my first favourite teacher, Ms. Edwards, at the Agricola Anglican School in the late 1940s. Good lessons taught by a favourite teacher are the things we always remember. And to have had the pleasure as a pre-teen to dance with my teacher at a school party is something “I’ll always remember”. The fact that Ms. Edwards was plump like my mammy, made me feel very comfortable dancing with her. Taking the lead from Dave Martins, let me first share with you, a few of those things which “I’ll never forget”. The first is the loss of a friend of mine when on a tour to the Orinduik Falls on the Guyana/Brazil Border. We were in our late teens and had flown from the then Atkinson Field, Timehri Airport to Orinduik in one of the British Guiana Airways Dakota planes. Maybe Dave Martins was already working at the British Guiana Airways at that time. It was a great trip initially but turned tragically sad when one member of our party, Courtney Johnson, drowned in the waterfall. He was just age 19, and had, a few months previously, commenced what turned out to be, his very short working career, at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court as a clerk. His drowning in that Ireng River actually happened while the rest of us were enjoying ourselves in the beautiful river. None of us had realised that he was gone, until a head count was taken before the plane was about to leave Orinduik for the return flight to Atkinson Field, then we realised that he was missing. That is something “I’ll never forget”. High on that list, of course, is my unlawful detention at a Police Station lock-up overnight in St. John’s, the capital of sister CARICOM country, Antigua and Barbuda. That story is well-known around the Caribbean and beyond, of rogue immigration officers who were operating at the Vere Bird International Airport, during the 1990s. They used to shake down Guyanese and other Caribbean nationals at the airport. Those who, like myself, refused to be victimised, were taught a lesson; inside a police station cell. The rogue officers involved wanted Guyana gold from me and when I bluntly refused, I was kidnapped and taken to the police station and thrown into a cell where I was held for about nine hours. That is something “I’ll never forget.” About a year after that illegal act by the Antigua Immigration, I received a
Dave Martins with Farrier
face-to-face apology from the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the Hon. Lester Bird. He was in Guyana at the time attending a CARICOM Heads-of-Government meeting. Another incident which “I’ll never forget”is being robbed of a trip to India. Having returned to Guyana after my studies in The Performance Arts and Journalism at the University of Middlesex in England, an invitation came for me to attend a Theatre Seminar in Bhopal, India, which was some years after the 1984 epic toxic gas disaster in that Indian city. I never knew of that invitation until I was sent another one at a similar gathering of Commonwealth theatre practitioners the following year. On that occasion, the event was held in Jamaica. It was while I was in conversation with the principal organiser that I learnt of the previous invitation. On my return to Guyana, I investigated and discovered that someone had wilfully ducked that previous invitation. The reason that the invitation to Jamaica was received was because it was sent by hand, and delivered to my home and not to my office. Not receiving the invitation to India in the way it happened, is something “I’ll never forget.” There are many things in my life which “I’ll always remember”. The love and sacrifices of my parents; my father always planting a few trees whenever he is about to leave one location for another when he worked in the hinterland, knowing that he may never enjoy the fruits of those trees; my mother, for instilling in me the virtues of treating others as I would like to be treated. However, let me give you two other examples of things which “I’ll always remember.” The invitation by the then, Programme Director of Radio Demerara, Rafiq Khan, to write a radio soap opera. Back then, such radio programmes were all imported from England and Australia, so for me, it was supposed to be something out of my league and way above my ability as a writer. As I expressed some consternation to the invitation, Rafiq Khan said to me seven magical and inspirational words; “Francis, I know you can do it.” And as the saying goes, the rest is history. That, certainly, is something “I’ll Always Remember.” On his return to his native Guyana after the success of his Best-selling novel, “To Sir, With Love”, I invited E.R. Braithwaite to an Evening of Drama which I produced and which was staged at the YWCA on Brickdam in Georgetown. That led to him offering me a special Grant to attend a Summer Course in Theatre and Journalism at the Banff School of Fine Arts, University of Alberta, in Canada. Of course, that is certainly something, “I’ll Always Remember.” There are so many other things to recall; winning my first writing prize for a National
Essay-Writing Competition for Schools; my first overland trip to the Kaieteur Falls; my arrival at the Sydney International Airport in Australia and the fuss the immigration officer made about my Guyana Passport; lifting it aloft and showing it to nearby colleagues and saying, “When last have you seen one of these? Clive Lloyd’s country!”, one of the exciting things which I experienced Down Under and which, “I’ll always remember.” Now, just in case you might be wondering whether I contacted my friend and colleague Dave Martins, before I wrote this article in which he is a principal personality, I have to let you know that I have not; just a little hint to him. Interviewing Dave Martins on a beach in the Cayman Islands, and also in the Rupununi here in Guyana, are things “I’ll always remember” about him. One day travelling in a large bus from Georgetown
to Parika with some visiting journalists from the Caribbean, as we entered Hague on the West Coast Demerara, in Region Three, I announced that we are coming up to a house where Dave Martins once lived; one of the journalists asked the driver to stop and almost every one of those visiting journalists took out their cameras, and it was click, click, click at that house. That is also something “I’ll always remember.” Finally, it is my belief that the National Award of The Golden Arrow of Achievement (AA) pales into insignificance for Dave Martins, when compared to the real “AA” in his life - Annette Arjune. Something we will “Always Remember” about our hero, Dave Martins who composed that popular song, “Caribbean, where are your Heroes?”, and of course, that patriotic masterpiece, “Not a Blade of Grass”; compositions by Dave Martins which we will “always remember”.
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Chronicle Pepperpot October 14, 2018
Fighting a fierce battle - Anna DeMorias’ fourth bout with cancer
By M Margaret Burke ANNA DeMorias is 54 years old and has been having a battle with cancer – having first been diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2008, and experiencing three other attacks – darting different parts of her body. “I used to go to the gym and one morning after exercises I was lying down to take a rest when my hand just past by my right side breast and I felt a lump; I was shocked, but also scared to go to have it checked out because all of my father’s family had cancer in different parts of their bodies,” Anna told the Pepperpot Magazine. “So you know I was really afraid and so for some months, I did not go to the doctor to find out what was happening. However, by the next year March my husband began to urge me to go…he told me if I did not go he would be vexed with me because by then the breast had also started to nip.”
MILK DUCT She said that when she went to the Georgetown Hospital they sent her for a mammogram and the mammogram said ‘further’ and so the first time they did the biopsy they said that it was a ‘milk duct’, (This is described as Stage 0 breast cancer…, which is a non-invasive cancer where abnormal cells have been found in the lining of the breast milk duct. In Stage 0 breast cancer, the atypical cells have not spread outside of the ducts or lobules into the surrounding breast tissue.) However, according to Anna, she continued to feel pain in the breast, which caused her to eventually have another biopsy done. The second biopsy showed that she had cancer of the breast and immediately the hospital advised her to have the surgery done on the breast to remove the cancer. This, she said, was done by October 2009 at the Georgetown Hospital by Dr. Rambarran.
Anna DeMorias: A woman’s plight; a woman’s fight – to win
LUNG CANCER “By December of the same year, the cancer then went to my lungs. This caused me to have to take 13 months of chemotherapy. By that time the doctors told my family that I had no hope and so they sent me home to die. Also by then I had 107 pounds and so I know that God is good,” she said. Anna told the Pepperpot Magazine that during this time somebody told her family about the Cancer Institute where they took her to meet Dr. Bhola. She related that the doctor wanted to know how she was still alive, “Because the fever was flying to my head and my blood had gone down to seven-something. However, I managed to survive that bout of illness once more.” THIRD TIME - LEFT BREAST But by 2015 the cancer had returned – this time to the left breast, Anna stated. “However, I did not give up even though it was really hard for me at times, but with the loving support of my family and also the doctors and nurses of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporatio (GPHC) I was able to put up a fight, which to a large extent I could say that I won,” Anna said. She explained that during that time she had to go through lots of treatment again; observe strict control of the foods she ate; make the effort to exercise and do all that was within her power to fight the cancer and win. “I am continuing to fight; I have not given up; I have not lost hope; to an extent I can say that I am successful in the fight against the cancer of my left breast and I am thankful because that is now in the past, though I now have another battle on my hand, which I am also determined to win,” she said. THE FOURTH TIME Anna told the Pepperpot Magazine, “Now it come back again – this time it is vaginal cancer and so far I have already taken 26 sessions of radiation from May to July and now I have to do the Brachytherapy, which I will be doing soon. (Brachytherapy is also called implant radiation therapy, internal radiation therapy, and radiation brachytherapy; this is where the radioactive material is sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters and placed directly into or near a tumour.) She said that she wants to tell people that they have hope. “It is 10 years now that I am fighting this battle of cancer in various parts of my body. However, I know that this will not take me and so I want people to know that they must change their diet; come off a lot of sweets because cancer loves the sweet foods and drinks. You know that people might look at me and say that I have a kind of big size, but it is not sweet or what I eat; you know I was really sick while doing the radiation, I was not able to walk and those things. I used to have to lie down and eat. While doing the radiation I had ‘shingles’ come out and I went through a lot, but God is good and I am here still fighting,” she assured. Anna said that she is now in the Periwinkle Club; the Giving Hope Foundation; the Oncology Unit of the Georgetown Hospital and also at the Beacon Foundation. Her desire, she said, is to be able to ‘spread the word’ to persons that cancer is not the end of the world. She said that she always had a lot of support, which is still there for her from her family, friends and doctors. (mercilinburke2017@gmail.com)
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Moulding minds and loving it! Nikita James is a proud teacher
By Indrawattie Natram “TO be a teacher your heart must be in it. You have to develop a passion for children and learn to love them, treat them as your own- only then you can bring about changes in the school environment and the education sector.” Those were the inspiring words of 25-year-old Nikita James
who has been teaching for five years, and loving it. James, who hails from Cotton Field, Essequibo Coast, is currently an English teacher at one of the leading secondary schools in Region Two- the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary (ARMS). For her, the greatest satisfaction is when she hears one of her students speak with enriched vocabulary.
the many vibrant teachers who taught her in the various schools she attended. For James, her biggest challenge was the first time she appeared in front of a classroom at St Roses High School to conduct teaching practice. The teacher said that what fueled her nervousness
25-year-old Nikita James of Cotton Field, a teacher of ARMS
input in the competition made her team reach the national and semi-final levels last year. She was also responsible for getting the children involved in dancing, poetry, drama and sports. The young teacher said that while she was at Charity she was able to tap into the real beauty of teaching, and was even fortunate to teach Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and National Grade Nine Examinations (NGNE) classes. Her greatest satisfaction was when the students performed well at the CSEC examinations. Last Christmas she was asked by the headmaster of ARMS to serve as an English teacher. The secondary school was her alma mater. She then applied and received a transfer where she currently serves in that position. “I moved to the school where I got my foundation. I had to go through a process of
James with children from Charity Secondary School
One of James’ cake creations
James on teaching days
James was instrumental in establishing a Social Cohesion Club within the school. She spends most of her weekends promoting unity amongst children by using the Social Cohesion Club to host several activities such as tree planting, weekly after-school cook-outs and various cultural activities. Currently, she is working on a Cohesion magazine for the school where children can get the opportunity to contribute as well as to build their writing skills. “I love teaching because it allows me to motivate others and to influence the future of our country. It allows me to develop my creative side. The one thing about this profession is that it is easy to become complacent; as teachers, we all need to keep reinventing ourselves every day to make our job more meaningful,” James said. Her inspiration to join the teaching profession came from her mother, Portia Jacobs, who believed it was a safe option for her. James said that she was happy that both her parents gave her the push to become a teacher. She said that she mustered courage also from
was the fact that St Roses High was a school she wanted to attend as a teenager. Her first teaching practice made her realise that that was the profession she was supposed to be doing in her life. After her college life at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), she was placed at the Charity Secondary School where she served for four years. “Charity Secondary is where my love for the profession really grew. I found that with the right approach and strategies the children responded well, despite the fact that they are considered underachievers. I tried my best to make the lessons interesting. I wanted to use my skills to change the learning environment at Charity and I did,” James said. Apart from academics, James is involved in several co-curricular activities, such as the JOF Haynes Debating Competition. Her
reinvigorating but in a few weeks, I adjusted so neatly that I felt I knew everyone in the school for years,” James said. For the five years she has been in the teaching profession, her love for it grew daily and she is happy that she can influence and nurture children in every way. She also tries to inculcate drama and expressions in her teaching, in that way, she said, the children connect faster to classroom teachings. She has also seen improvements in her student’s performance in and the use of the English Language over the years. Apart from her teaching profession, she also bakes and decorates cakes. It is her desire, to one day own her own cake shop, but even if that comes through, she will never give up the teaching profession.
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Making the right moves The Yolander Persaud story
By Stephan Sookram ONE Guyanese woman continues to win at life by making all the right moves. Attorney-at-Law Yolander Persaud was last week elected to the Ethics Committee of FIDE: World Chess Federation. Persaud, the Vice President of the Guyana
Persaud is a Chevening Scholar pursuing a Masters in Oil and Gas Law with Professional Skills at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Chess Federation and a member of the first female team for Guyana at the Olympiad in Baku, Azerbaijan in 2014, will serve for four years. The five-member panel, which will be chaired by well-known South African lawyer, Mr. Francois Strydom, runs from 20182022. The other members are Ms. Ruth Harring from the USA, Mr. Rajesh Joshi from Nepal and another delegate from India. “This is an incredible achievement for Guyana! We have never been appointed to any of FIDE’s commissions in the past, much less one of the most vital ones,” Persaud told the Pepperpot Magazine. “I am still in a bit of shock, but really I am elated to put my country and federation on the map and to act in a position which blends my passion for chess and law. I am hopeful that my appointment encourages more females to take a more active role in chess and sports in general, not only to play and participate but to actively pursue leadership roles. That is the only way we can achieve equality and balance.” Persaud said that she has been playing chess since she was a child, but became involved in the administrative aspect of the game only a few years ago after wanting to see the game develop more in Guyana, especially women’s chess. “We had our first female team participate in the Olympiad in Baku two
Persaud with Grandmaster Victor Bolognafrom Molodova
years ago, which I was a member of,” she said. Persaud is a Chevening 2018/19 Scholar pursuing a Masters in Oil and Gas Law with Professional Skills at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. “I was initially selected as a member of the female team to play in Batumi. However, after
I received my Chevening Scholarship award I decided to withdraw as I would not have been able to be present for all 11 rounds of the Olympiad,” she said. The Professionally Accredited Corporate Secretary continued, “The allure of the Olympiad was too hard to resist however, and I decided to attend Congress and General Assembly for one week instead, as the councillor to our delegate.” She said she observed the Ethics Commission, the Development Commission and the Online Commission during her time there, and also attended the first day of General Assembly where the 185-member federation elected a new President for FIDE, Mr Arkady Dvorkovich. Persaud, also a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist contended, “The work of the Ethics Commission was most appealing to me as an attorney-at-law since it was of a highly legal nature. The Ethics Commission of FIDE essentially hears complaints from member federations on procedural and ethical issues, and makes decisions upon the matters brought before it.” She is also a Director and Secretary of the American Chamber of Commerce Guyana as well as a FIDE Arbiter, Developmental Instruction.
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Why lend support to immigrants? SOME people in Guyana are trying to make the lives of those persons entering the country a bit more comfortable by providing assistance in any way they possibly can. At this juncture, the question arises: Why lend support to these immigrants? Now, immigrants specifically from Venezuela have been trickling into Guyana for some time. They have come in search of new lives and livelihoods amidst the austerity faced in their own country. Recent reports say that there are about 2,588 documented Venezuelan immigrants in Guyana currently, and with Guyana’s expansive and porous borders, it isn’t hard to imagine that there are quite a few more. According to Euronews, “A million have gone to Colombia, 400,000 to Peru, and 120,000 to Brazil; and there’s no sign of the flow slowing down anytime soon as the country shows no immediate prospect of recovering.” Add Guyana’s set to those figures. But why the exodus? Some argue in 2010 when Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez declared the “economic war”, the country’s downfall began spiralling out of control but others contend that it was in 2015, when Maduro became the country’s leader that the country really began seeing its worst days. Whatever the case may be, it is a fact that Venezuela is facing extreme socio-economic and political crises, making the country practically “unlivable” for many. There is friction between Guyana and Venezuela, owed to Venezuela’s revitalised (and well, fallible) attempts of extending
its borders onto Guyana’s lands. With the Spanish-speaking country actively pursuing Guyana’s lands and resources, (and the oil!), why should Guyanese even think about helping those poor immigrants? Call me softie, but the first thing that comes to mind is that if someone is in need, you help them. And I think if thousands of people are fleeing a country, they must have reasonable cause. And for Venezuelans specifically, many of us know the reasonable cause. I think Derwayne Wills, member for the Migrant Support Network in Guyana, says it best: “When people are walking for hours and days, and they are leaving their entire lives behind and they come to this new space where they are not exactly sure how to live in that space but they just know that they want to live in that space, I think those of us who
are originally from that space have an obligation to make sure that as much as we can, we make them comfortable.” And I mean more than our own humanitarian feelings; the nation has international humanitarian obligations that force us to take care of them. There is the global compact for migration from the United Nations (UN), which according to the UN is the first, intergovernmental negotiated agreement, prepared under the auspices of the United Nations, to cover all dimensions of international migration in a holistic and comprehensive manner. Since Guyana adopted this, at the macro-level, Guyana has a responsibility for these migrants coming from Venezuela. Then there are two more dimensions to consider. The first is that some of these immigrants coming from Venezuela are actually
Guyanese who lived in the country for many years and are now returning home because of the crises. Building on that brings forth the second dimension, which is the fact that Guyanese too have migrated- primarily to the Caribbean, North America and Europe- and courtesy has been extended to them as they strived to build new lives. This courtesy has been extended so much so that after years, Guyana has a vibrant diaspora that actively contributes to the local economy through remittances. The Golden Rule is: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. And I think if Guyana entered into a similar situation as Venezuela (God forbid this ever happens), and Guyanese fled to Venezuela, we would want some courtesy extended to us as we tried to rebuild ourselves. The same courtesy we would have wanted throughout the years of our emigration. Of course, we can’t just go helping them all out- we need to take care of ourselves as well. And, the legality of the Venezuelans coming into our country and restarting their lives must be questioned too. The government has stressed time and time that it will help the Venezuelans, but things must be done through the correct avenues. I agree with this but the immigrants are here and are in need. As much as reasonably possible it is our obligation to help those in need. As much as possible, lend your support to these immigrants as they try to recover from the hardships they would’ve faced.
Art with Shimuel Jones FOR t h e past 2 0 or for long as member, art fundamental part 28-year-old Shimuel
years a s he can rehas been a of the life of Jones. You see, his father is an artist and has been for a long, time and naturally, something must have rubbed off on young Jones. In this case, his father’s talents did not passively rub off on him but perhaps the entire bucket of paint covered Shimuel. “I grew up with him teaching me a few techniques,” Jones told the Pepperpot Magazine and shared: “I’ve been passionate about it since then.” As passionate as he was, Jones spent a lot of his time wholly absorbed into creating his art. In fact, he joked, “When my friends and family think about me, that’s the first thing that comes to their head-art.” He also took up his art seriously and pursued studies in Fine Arts at the Univer-
sity of Guyana (UG), where he graduated as the Best Graduating student in his field in 2013. And ever since then, he has been even more absorbed in his art. Realism is the field of art Jones has been more inclined to. “I’m somewhat of a perfectionist [and] the intention is always to be an artist that does a portrait that captures all the facial features perfectly or as perfect as I can,” he highlighted. Furthermore, he explained that as an artist he is wired differently from everyone else. Shimuel posited: “The better part of being an artist is seeing the things that a regular person wouldn’t see. I’m able to see the world in a whole different way. As an artist the way you see the world is different from anyone else because that’s your career,” he said. “So when you look at someone’s face, for example, I’m seeing how the light hits their face, the shade, the light, the dark.” Aside from being an artist every second of the day, Jones also has a second-day job which-surprise surprise- also involves art. Here, he is the customer service manager for a company that sells art.
This is why it really is no surprise that when his loved ones think about him, they immediately think about art. They understand that it’s perhaps his raison d’etre. “I’ve already concluded that I’m going to be an artist for the rest of my life,” he said. He also affirmed that with this mindset, he has the bare minimum to do, to tread this path. The artist said, “My job is to find a market for my art, find the people that are going to buy art [and since] I’ve already found that, it’s working out.” And in this regard, he has been surrounded by overwhelming support. “Obviously, [the support] could’ve been better than it is but I don’t want to dwell on that. If you’re passionate about something, go for it,” Jones stressed. In the same vein, he encouraged others to “just make it happen” with whatever they want to achieve in life. “Make a decision, if you’re going to be an artist, be an artist and stop whining about it and just make it happen. If you can’t do that, don’t be an artist,” Artist Shimuel Jones with some of his art Jones stated.
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‘When the root is strong, the fruit is sweet’ Jamaica, a cultural experience By Jasmaine Payne We continue this week with our series on Jamaica and its Government’s efforts to promote and expand its booming tourism industry through various initiatives. FROM the moment one lands in Jamaica, there is a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ that pricks at your senses. You can’t quite put your finger on it, but it is there. In fact, at first glance, there are many aspects of the island that are similar to Guyana; from the picturesque mountains that are reminiscent of those that inhabit the Rupununi; to the streets and the houses in some of the Kingston neighbourhoods; to the people who-unless they open their mouths to reveal their unmistakable patois – could very well pass as Guyanese from their racial and physical make up. But as time goes by and
boards demanding that you “Nuh dutty up Jamaica”; to their branded ‘Wata’ selling proudly in every store, every establishment and on every corner. These displays are just a hint that the “Jamaicanness” of the people is at the core of every presentation they make. TOURISM AND CULTURE And for a country where tourism is a main attraction and income generator, this cultural pride- which is seen at its best through interactions with their people- becomes even more important in the package that ‘Destination Jamaica’ offers. “Tourism is not an industry; tourism is a culture… We are a people that relate to each other, we build relationships-we cross borders and we transform lives and people and things. Very few
The ticket to enter the Bob Marley Museum. At back is one of many murals on the site.
as you are reminded that this is the home of Bob Marley and the place that birthed six genres of music- mento, ska, rocksteady, reggae, dub and dancehall- you realise that the thing about Jamaica is that it is a cultural experience unlike any other you may have encountered. In fact, some aspect of Jamaica’s unique culture is proudly displayed in every nook and cranny on the island; from their sign-
industries can be categorised in that way,” Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett explained. He was at the time giving remarks at a media breakfast hosted at the Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort and Spa in late September. “Tourism is cross-cutting, we embrace everything; we glory in diversity, we embrace differences and we see only people in every step of the way. What a wonderful
Jamaica’s number one brand of bottled water utilises the country’s patois in their branding
culture tourism is.” The importance placed on merging culture and tourism is so acute that Jamaica’s Government is keen on building its human capacity in the tourism industry; a move that will no doubt solidify its people’s love and passion for promoting their country. One such initiative is the introduction of the first ever Hospitality and Tourism Management Programme in 33 high schools in Jamaica. It is a two-year programme which started in September and will give 650 students the chance to become certified and to pursue a career in tourism from an early age. Later in the year, the government will also roll out a pension plan for workers in the tourism industry- a first in the Caribbean. “To build the country means getting the ideas and the values ingrained in our people from an early age and the creation of the special programme in high schools is a good way of ensuring that students recognise early that there is a career path to be had in tourism; that tourism is not seasonal but it is a pathway to growth and inclusiveness and that it has a place for everybody in the country,” Turn to page XXXII ►►►
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Implantology and your dentist is to determine whether your oral needs would be served best by using dental implants to replace the root structure of the natural teeth, followed by some
DENTAL practitioners have tried to develop artificial teeth to be placed in the jawbones since the origin of dentistry. However, it was not until about five years ago that there has been increased activity in the area of implant dentistry. Modern implants were initiated by Swedish researchers in the 1960s, with the placement of small titanium cylinders or screws into the jawbone. This relatively simple procedure has progressed from experimental and highly criticised to common usage by many dentists. The titanium–screw concept popularised implant use, but other types of implants were available much earlier. Examples are blades placed into the jawbone, with heads protruding above the gums, and subperiosteal implants placed on top of the bone and gums. These types of implants are still popular. But do these tooth substitutes (dental implants) work? Yes! In numerous situations their ability to function rivals that of natural teeth. In severe cases, they have allowed persons unable to wear traditional artificial dentures to chew well and appear normal. This author was trained in the United States to do the most popular current concept (cylinders and screws) which just requires two clinical sessions. 1. The gum tissue is opened, and the screw-like titanium implant is placed into the bone. This implant combines with the bone as the bone cells grow into its surface. This process, which has been called osseointegration, takes several months. During this time, the implant is usually sealed below the gum, away from mouth fluids and debris, while it heals into place. 2. A small hole is made in the gum tissue, and the implant is exposed. A healing cap is placed on the implant for a short time, and a head is placed onto the implant body. The gum tissue heals for a short time, and the dentist places some artificial teeth onto the implant(s). These artificial teeth can be made to appear and function as well as or better than natural teeth. Do all dentists provide implants? No, there are two distinct divisions in the implant procedure described. The placement of the implant into bone is a surgical procedure performed by a professional who should have significant experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery. If your general dentist does not provide this service, he or she may refer you to a practitioner who performs the surgical portion of the procedure. The second portion is the attachment of artificial teeth (or total dentures if the ridge is too flat), onto the implant(s). This can be accomplished by a general dentist. Both portions of the implant procedure are exacting techniques requiring high skill, and because it is costly, only an experienced dentist should attempt it, an optimal result. If implants are so good, why doesn’t everybody have them instead of natural teeth? Numerous aspects of the implant concept are complicated and difficult for dentists placing them, making the process less predictable than desired. Remember that implants are expensive, and, as with natural teeth, require upkeep by patients and dentists. When implants are really needed, they do not have satisfactory substitutes. Notwithstanding, the task for you
form of a prosthesis (artificial replacement) for the missing tooth structures because at times it just does not worth the trouble.
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Hinterland agriculture Ebini’s development at a glance
GUYANA is particularly vulnerable to climate change and must concentrate on adapting to and/or mitigating the worst impacts of this phenomenon. As part of our adaption measures, we will be shifting agriculture inland. Importantly, agriculture must be done in a sustainable manner to reduce harm to the environment. The theme for this year’s Agriculture Month: “Shaping Agriculture for a Green Economy” is apt in terms of the country’s policies and programmes. Investing in a green economy has the potential to enhance food se-
curity, reduce poverty, improve nutrition and health, and create rural jobs while reducing pressure on the environment, including Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. Farming practices and technologies that are instrumental in greening agriculture include restoring and enhancing soil fertility, crop rotations, improving water use efficiency, reducing chemical, pesticide and herbicide use and reducing food spoilage and loss by expanding the use of post-harvest storage and processing facilities. As the country’s economic base is moved
inland, agriculture stations are being constructed at the major eco-zones in the country, including Ebini, Region 10. These stations aim to demonstrate the agricultural potential of the area, such as orchards, nurseries, soil management and seed production as well as breeding herds of cattle and small ruminants to provide breeding stock for farmers and seed stock. These initiatives will create new employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly and will complement other activities such as mining, forestry and support service activities. The intermediate savannahs have been earmarked as the next frontier for agricultural and agro-industrial development. This fertile area of Guyana comprises four discrete savannah land areas – Wiruni, Tacama/Ituni, Kibilibiri/Eberoabo and Ebini/Kimbia and Torani Savannahs. The savannahs comprise approximately 292,000 ha (703,000 acres) of which 87,000 ha (210,000 acres) are recommended for agricultural development. The term ‘intermediate’ is derived from the fact that these savannahs are south of the coastal savannahs and north of the south-western (Rupununi) savannahs. Agricultural interest in the Intermediate Savannahs dates back to the 1920’s with the opening of the cattle trail from the Rupununi. During those years, cattle were walked through the trail and held briefly at Tacama prior to being shipped by boat down the Berbice River to the coastland and urban markets.
EBINI The Ebini Research Station is one of the oldest continuous research entities in Guyana, having been established in 1940. The station initially started as a livestock research station. The crop research station was established in the early-mid 1960s. Over the years the station has been responsible for the development of a number of crop and livestock farming systems applicable to the Intermediate Savannahs. The total area of the station is approximately 22,128 ha (54, 681 acres), and the primary agriculture entities include Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), and Hydrometerological Service. It must be noted that the utilisation of these lands are not all for crop or livestock production, only about 400 acres is occupied for the Research Station, a majority is left to maintain its natural state and for future use. A portion of the land is for improved pastures to graze animal, and part for orchard crops. NAREI has responsibility for all crop research and commercial activities in the Intermediate Savannahs. At the Ebini Station, NAREI maintains as well as conduct research activities on both open row as well as permanent crops. Additionally, the Ebini Station is also tasked with ensuring that adequate seed material for a number of crop types, such as Minica 4 (red pea), peanut, corn, soybean, cassava and fruit crops (mainly citrus, guava, avocado and sour sap) that are adapted to the savannah ecosystem are available, for the farming community. The Ebini Station is also the Plant Genetic Resource, national repository for mango and
coconut germplasm. Currently, there are 30 acres under cultivation. Additionally, the Hydromet Unit of Ebini provides metrological data for the Intermediate Savannahs as a whole and more specifically for the Ebini location. The Ministry of Agriculture has aligned its work programme to realise the Intermediate Savannahs as the next agricultural centre and has also prioritised the implementation of policies for the development of the Rupununi Savannahs. The approach for the agriculture development of the savannahs is an integrated approach utilising private/public partnerships, with support from medium to large enterprises operating in the area. These are large to medium size agricultural producers who are willing to invest in the area, the farming communities already in the area, as well as exporters, agro-processors, etc. who will benefit directly through enhanced livelihoods. There are a number of private institutions operating in the Savannahs, these include, New Frontier Agricultural Company, in the Ebini and Ituni Savannahs, an entity that has Brazilian roots and access to the technological advances used in Brazil for crop production particularly corn and soy production. They were also instrumental in assisting NAREI in conducting research for the commercialisation of soy production in the Intermediate Savannahs. Also, in the Tacama Savannahs, there are the Dubulay Ranch, Citrus Company Guyana Incorporated, and Lu Lu’s Farm. However, development of investment packages requires strong research data all of which is not available at the present time. And there is more work to be done on the transportation system. Beginning with the plans under the Sustainable Agriculture Development Project (SADP), the research (technology generation) and extension activities of NAREI and GLDA will provide innovative technologies and support to the production activities of both the large and small producers in the system. The Sustainable Agriculture Development Project (SADP) has a component that focus on ‘strengthening the agricultural innovation and extension system’, under which G$100 M will be expended for the rehabilitation of buildings and development of research and extension programmes for Ebini Research Station. These works are expected to commence in early 2019. Shaping Agriculture for a Green Economy is in line with the Ministry of Agriculture plans for agricultural development of the Savannah areas of the country. However, social and economic developments are required. For instance the Ebini Station required better road access, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has completed the road from Ituni to Takama Water Front and the NDIA has completed the road from Takama Water Front into the Ebini Station. Additionally, more reliable river transport is required, as such, GLDA has procured a G$50 M cattle barge to transport animal from the station to Coastland for the farmers in the Berbice River and the intermediate savannahs.
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How can society prevent alcoholism? TODAY I will be finishing my alcohol series with what might be the most important information. While personal responsibility to both education and health is extremely important, societal responsibility makes a bigger impact, reaching a wider demographic while also influencing and increasing the personal aspect. I’ve been reading some articles that express the government’s want to decrease alcohol abuse. I don’t know their specific aims and objectives but I do know what’s proven to successfully achieve this all around the world. This is what we will talk about today- how lawmakers, policy and society as a whole can diminish substance abuse. Before anyone gets upset, I want to remind you all about the societal consequences of alcohol abuse. We tend to think it doesn’t affect us if we (or someone we love) are not directly in the path of addiction and sadly we couldn’t be more wrong. The heavy use of alcohol increases crime, domestic violence, spreading of diseases, teenage pregnancy, school dropout, road traffic accidents, loss of productivity and suicide. Every one of us has been affected by at least one of these events. Many of us know that Guyana lacks resources to conduct many of its own research but in this case, we do not need to. We can use the data and findings from studies done in other countries to influence a change in our own policies. Public awareness and education is always the best starting point. This includes anything from drug programmes in schools, to public service announcements on the harms of alcohol use and abuse. It is important for everyone to know the most serious risk factors associated with use or abuse. A MAJOR CAUSE OF ALCOHOL ABUSE IS ACCESSIBILITY. The Drug Information Network determined that the average Guyanese begins to drink at just nine years old. Alcohol is one of the easiest things to obtain in Guyana- selling at any time, almost anywhere. Countries such as Canada have restricted and lowered the number of places where alcohol is sold as well as the times available. In Toronto, there are alcohol-only stores which close at 21:00hrs. It is almost impossible to purchase alcohol after that. Most countries also have a strictly enforced ban on anyone purchasing alcohol under the age of 18. In Guyana, it’s 16 but this is certainly not enforced. If you own a business or work in retail, do your part by not selling alcohol to anyone under this age. In most countries, it is also illegal to drink in open or public areas such as any public roads, parks, zoos, etc. The fact that we can not only consume but actually purchase alcohol in most of these places is worrying. I think the 02:00hrs last call or ‘curfew’ that everyone loves so much (sarcasm) is an attempt at lowering use through accessibility. However, we can still obtain alcohol at any
corner shop or gas station at any time. A specific study conducted in Sweden proved this quite clearly where the alcohol consumption of a specific community was polled for an extensive period of time. After the first survey, alcohol was allowed to be sold in supermarkets. The use of alcohol was increased by 15 per cent when it was more convenient to obtain. They reversed this law eight years later and it dropped again by the same 15 percent. The same study also resulted in a decrease in road traffic accidents and hospital admissions on a whole. THE AFFORDABILITY OF ALCOHOL IS ALSO A MAJOR INFLUENCE ON CONSUMPTION. One particular study done in five-plus countries found that a 10 per cent increase in alcohol prices resulted in a 4.4 per cent decrease in use. This may be irrelevant in Guyana as one can still obtain cheaper or lower quality alcohol. This is why many countries set a Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) on alcohol, so that no type of alcohol can be bought below a certain price. STRICT BEHAVIOURAL LAWS HAVE ALSO DRASTICALLY DECREASED THE USE OF ALCOHOL. These include strict penalties for drunk driving, public intoxication as well as public accountability. Many people do not understand the concept of the legal alcohol limit, so let’s just say that if you have more than two standard drinks you are no longer legally allowed to drive. In many countries, it is illegal to sell alcohol to anyone who is currently intoxicated. Many places have a three drink limit per person, with the business or bartender libel if any consequences came from over-serving alcohol to anyone. The advertising of alcohol also results in heavier use. Many countries do not air these
radio or television commercials during the day as it can send the wrong message and be appealing to youth as these have been determined to increase use. As unbelievable as it sounds, the alcohol industry has more resources to influence than most governments. Of course, the goal is not to undersell your product but to simply send a message about healthier and more responsible drinking; help society make more informed decisions. A good way to do this is warning labels on products. An informational warning label on both alcohol and cigarettes has drastically decreased use in other countries. It is important for us all to note that it is the government’s job to only create these laws while it is ours to enforce them. We of-
ten tend to forget societal accountability and responsibility. If these were strictly enforced, alcohol use, as well as the consequences of it, would decrease. Alcohol and other drugs, school educational programmes are the best places to start as it is the number one factor in behavioural change. Much research has shown that school, as well as the influences in it, have just as much effect on one’s development as home life does. Lessons on the truth about alcohol, its effects, consequences, as well as ways to say no, would drastically decrease use. This shouldn’t just be a one-time session but continuous throughout school life. Alcohol screening by anyone in the health field can also make a massive difference. Many people experience physical or mental problems but have not been able to credit alcohol for them, due to a number of reasons with low education and cultural acceptance only a few. Anyone going to see ANY health professional, regardless of the reason, should go through alcohol abuse screening. There are two very common screening tools used around the world - the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) or the Fast Alcohol Screening Test (FAST). While AUDIT is more detailed and effective, it takes a much longer time and so many use the FAST. I strongly suggest that every health care entity, including government agencies, implement this as both can be used to identify dangerous patterns of drinking and can make a difference early on. There are many other options but let’s start there! 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 – 2230001, 223-0009, 623-4444 or 600-7896 Do not be afraid to reach out!
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Chronicle Pepperpot October 14, 2018
#SupportCreativity
By Subraj Singh
Problematic Things Non-Writers Say to Writers while dating LET’S be real. Couples made up of two writers or two artists seem to be a rare thing. Perhaps it has to do with the clash of artistic egos. Perhaps it has to do with the bringing together of two (usually) tempestuous personalities. Perhaps differences in ideologies and belief systems come to the fore. Whatever the reason, most artists that I know, seem to function better in relationships that comprise of an artist and a non-artist. Sometimes, the route towards becoming a couple is one littered with a variety of missteps, slips-of-the-tongue, faux pas, and miscommunications – many of which emerge from
society’s misunderstanding of the role of the artist or writer, especially since dating might be an especially accurate way of measuring how much society misunderstands writers and artists, due to the fact that dating essentially forces the said writer or artist into very close contact with various elements, identified as the other persona on the date, that represent other non-artistic segments of society: the student body, the unemployed, the government workers, those in the medical field, etc. Each date, whether it successfully transcends into an actual relationship often brings with it a number of verbal cues which indicate how the other person feels about artists, which, as stat-
ed before, may be indicators of how society feels about artists. 1) “So you write…like poetry and thing?” The problem with this statement is often the flippant way in which the speaker says it, almost as if to indicate, firstly, that writing poetry is not a worthwhile endeavour. It indicates that the speaker regards poetry as frivolous and not serious in any way. Obviously, this is an important marker for the way poetry as a form of literature is viewed in this country. It has long been seen as nothing more than meant for entertainment purposes, with many people not recognising the hard work, time, energy, and awareness of a true purpose that goes into making poems. Secondly, this statement is also problematic because it immediately discards all of the other writing forms that writers engage in. Why is poetry the default? It could be because spoken word poetry has had some presence on local stages. Poetry performances are known and, therefore, poetry is recognised as a category of writing, being the most popular to the masses. However, if people think that all writers write poetry, then this is an issue because the society needs to be able to understand that stories, novels, plays, and songs also exist within our repertoire and those skills are also worthy of recognition. It is not enough for all of us to be subsumed under the category of poetry, simply because that is not all that we do. To me, anyone who says the statement above on a first date is immediately letting me know that he/she is an individual with a certain kind of narrow-mindedness and lack of appreciation for the diversity of art, the sort of person that I do not have the energy it takes to educate. 2) “So…when we getting this book?” or “The book coming out soon or what?” I don’t say to doctors: “So, have you ever operated on someone’s brain before and therefore ended up saving the life of the patient and the wellbeing of all his/her children?” I don’t say to lawyers: “So, have you helped to free your client and therefore assisted in restoring the former glory of the client’s life before he/she was arrested?” This is because it is not kind to approach people and their careers by focusing on the ultimatum of that career, by focusing on the best possible outcome that exists in that particular occupation. The reasons for this are simple. Life is hard and many of us struggle to just get by one day at a time, making our small contributions and wishing that our contributions to life and to society can mean more, can be more significant in some way. For writers and other artists, the need for significance is even more pronounced, given that it is already a difficult thing to land an agent or a publishing opportunity, or to even persuade people that what we do is worthwhile. Writers and artists are at a disadvantage in society, and when society approaches us with the ultimate goals that we wish for ourselves without being cognisant of how much it would take to achieve what we want, it ends up being just another opportunity that reminds us of how much more we still have to do before we can achieve anything close to our deepest desire. Anyone who asks me either of the two statements above on a date is clearly expressing an ignorance of what it means to be an artist, and ignorance is never attractive. 3) “Can you please write a poem/story for my child’s schoolwork/my friend’s birthday card/my placard for something I’m advocating for [or any other random thing]?” This, quite honestly, is so annoying – especially because almost always, the other person expects you to do it for free. Creating literature is an art-form and it should be respected as such. Writers are not always able to churn out rhymes whenever it is asked of them – and it is quite unfair to burden them with such an expectation. Good art takes time and to hurry an artist into creating something that you need immediately is to disrespect both the artist and his/her craft. Furthermore, the utilitarian nature of these kinds of requests is also disrespectful because it reduces art into something basic, common, and entirely devoid of that sense of being special that art invokes. Anyone who seeks to reduce art this way on a date deserves to be walked out on, left alone at the table, and made to cover the entire bill. Dating is hard, but when you’re a writer and there is the potential that your romantic interest is a self-serving, ignorant, narrow-minded being, it is definitely best to know this upfront by being able to identify the warning signs.
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E S A FILES C T R U O C Appellate Court freed convicted robber because of bad identification Robber identified by means of gold tooth
IN 1975 a married couple were on a sight-seeing exhibition in the Le Repentir Cemetery, when the wife was attacked and robbed of her wrist watch and gold finger ring by a gold-tooth robber. Later, at a police identification parade, the gold-tooth robber was identified to be Vibert Hodge. He was subsequently arrested and charged, tried, convicted and was sentenced to prison. Dissatisfied with the decision, the prisoner represented by lawyer Malcolm Taharally, appealed to the Guyana Court of appeal. The State was represented by Mr. Nandram Kissoon, a Senior State Counsel (who later became a Justice of Appeal). The appellant complained to the Appellate Court that since he was the only man on parade with gold teeth, he considered himself wrongly identified at an identification parade which was unfairly conducted. The Appellate Court constituted by Chancellor J.O.F. Haynes, with Justices of Appeal, VIctor Crane and Keith Massiah, heard an appeal which lasted three days. They allowed the appeal and set aside the conviction and sentence after finding that the identification parade at which the prisoner was identified was unfairly conducted. The facts of the case disclosed that the appellant, armed with a knife, attacked and robbed one Violet Ramadan of a wrist watch and a finger ring. When removing the ring, he opened his mouth as if to bite her finger to get it off. It was then that she saw he was wearing gold tooth. Some five weeks later Ramadan identified the accused at an identification parade as the robber. At the trial, there were three different versions as to how the appellant was identified at the parade. The first was given by Violet Ramadan who said she identified him initially by his appearance, but in order to make doubly sure, she asked him to open his mouth. The second was by Inspector Troyer who conducted the parade. Troyer said Ramadan asked him to cause the men on parade to open their mouths, and that when they did so , she then touched the accused on his shoulder . The third version which was given by the accused was substantially the same as that given by Inspector Troyer, with this difference that whereas Troyer said that there were others with gold teeth, the accused insisted that he was the only man on parade with gold teeth, which meant he was urging that the parade was unfairly conducted, in that he was identified solely by his gold tooth. The Appellate Court found that in his summing up, the trial judge did not bring to the jury’s attention the apparent conflict between Ramdan’s and Inspector Troyer’s evidence, nor the fact that Troyer’s evidence that the accused was identified after he had opened his mouth, tended to support the evidence of the accused. Turn to page XXXVI►►►
By George Barclay
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Founder of the Guyana Cancer Foundation, Bibi Hassan
While the GFC does not actually do the screenings, the organisation pays for them at the Cancer Institute with the funds garnered through sponsorship. The GCF’s major sponsor at the moment is the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited (GT&T). “I’d like to thank GT&T from the bottom of my heart because everything I have visualised I have managed to accomplish.” For this year, so far, Hassan, who was also the caretaker of her breast cancer survivor mother, Ameena Hassan, said the GCF has been able to touch more than 3,000 lives. Apart from those who choose to visit the foundation, the GCF also does outreaches to various communities to be able to find those persons who are in need. Just recently, the GCF was able to visit Moraikobai, Berbice, Parfaite Harmonie, Enmore Estate, La Bonne Intention, and Garden of Eden. At one of the recent medical outreaches, over 400 persons turned up for help. Those in need of help can visit the GCF. “Come in and talk to me and I’ll see how best I can help. I don’t turn away anyone,” Hassan said. Her opening hours are from 11:00hrs to 17:30hrs, Monday to Friday, while the Saturdays are reserved for community outreaches.
Chronicle Pepperpot October 14, 2018
The GCF has recently started screening for prostate cancer as well
“It’s a good feeling to be able to help others. I wish I can do more. I’m in it to end it. I’m dedicated to it; to stop it before it starts,” Hassan expressed. She recalled one instance lately where a young woman who could not afford a screening was able to be helped by the GCF. “A woman called from Berbice. I didn’t even know her. Was crying because she was getting green stuff from her breast and different colour discharges. I called the Cancer Institute and she was immediately screened. She had bacteria in her breast, but she is ok now. It is these little experiences that bring me satisfaction; helping someone who cannot afford to pay,” Hassan said.
Twitter under investigation for allegedly refusing to reveal how it tracks you
Twitter is being investigated by Irish data protection authorities about how it tracks people when they click links. The social network is under examination by the Data Protection Commission in Ireland, where the company has its European headquarters, Fortune reported Friday. The investigation was sparked by a complaint that Twitter may not be complying with strict new data privacy rules, known as GDPR, which kicked in across the European Union in May. The case is significant because it’s the first time since the introduction of GDPR that a regulator has decided to investigate Twitter. Facebook and Google are already the subjects of multiple investigations in Europe. Under GDPR, internet users across the EU are allowed to ask companies what data is being collected about them, and the companies are obliged to tell them. But Michael Veale, Twitter user @mikarv and a researcher at University College London, claims that Twitter isn’t playing ball. When you post a link to Twitter, the social network uses its own tool to shorten the link to keep track of popular articles or identify malware. But what -- if any -- other data does it collect on users when they click? Veale wants to know but said that Twitter has refused to tell him. The company said it would require disproportionate effort to supply him with the information he wants, according to Veale. “The user has a right to understand,” Veale told Fortune. Twitter declined CNET’s request for comment. The Irish regulator sent Veale a letter Thursday, confirming that it’s looking into his complaint and noting that the investigation will likely be handed off to the European Data Protection Board, a body set up specifically to examine potential GDPR violations. Representatives for Ireland’s Data Protection Commission didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
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Caribbean Beekeepers Congress and its November Conference HONEY has always held the attention of consumers from time immemorial. In Stone Age times, honey was gathered from the hives of wild bees and in all ancient civilisations, honey was much valued. It has been mentioned in the Vedas and examples of honey have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs. The greatest Roman poet who was poet laureate and lived at the Imperial Court decided to retire into the countryside. There he wrote the “Georgics” celebrating country life, paying special attention to bees and beekeeping, since he himself had become an enthusiastic beekeeper. Despite the fact that the Caribbean was a sugar-producing region, honey was always valued and produced as a home and family product. In Guyana, during the last quarter of the 19th century when primary education was widely spread over the country and there were more schools and teachers, many teachers kept hives and gave to beekeeping something of the status of a cultured activity. In the early years of the 20th century, the Department of Agriculture established a beekeeping section in the Botanic Gardens where honey was produced, queens became available and teachers from the Teachers Training College were taught beekeeping. Accordingly, the art of beekeeping and honey production became more widespread and there was some commercial production of honey and wax and soon, the better groceries and drugstores stocked local honey. Today, honey is in great demand since more people have been learning of its value and its many health uses resulting in local production not being able to meet the demand. This trend is worldwide and opens an insatiable market for the product. Guyanese and Caribbean honey producers, therefore, have limitless opportunities. Thus, when at the beginning of the month, the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Caribbean Beekeepers Organisation launched the ninth Caribbean Beekeeping Con-
gress, it engendered much interest among the beekeeping and agricultural community, as well as, among the consumers. The theme of the congress is “Natural Beekeeping for a Green Caribbean” which allows for a wide exploration of the industry and a gamut of creative suggestions for its development. The conference under the aegis of the congress will be held between 19th and 23rd November and is expected to attract more than 200 participants. The Ministry of Agriculture and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA) will lend their full support. It is expected that the conference will review the honey industry in the Caribbean, discuss its growth, expansion and exploration of local and export markets. It is hoped that the opportunities which are open to the beekeeping community would be publicised, and plans would be devised for the expansion of the industry and stimulating the interest of youth in being involved in the industry. Plans for the training of young people, including school children, should be worked out and approaches should be made to the Ministries of Agriculture and Education for their collaboration in such efforts. The Ministry of Agriculture should be able to supply queens. Training should be in the most modern techniques and in the use of the most modern equipment and in addressing bee diseases. Since most Caribbean producers are amateurs and hobbyists, efforts should be made to stimulate a commercial and entrepreneurial ethic among them. They should be taught, for example, how to register a company, to find out about international markets and to raise finance from the banking system. Traditional beekeepers kept Capilanos but with the ubiquitous invasion of Africanised bees, a policy should be addressed as to how to deal with them. This should be an important topic on the agenda of the conference, since opinion is sharply divided on how to deal with them.
The conference should consider the Trinidad ban on trans-shipment of other Caribbean territories’ honey through Trinidad, and also honey exports to Trinidad under CSME rules. This
Trinidad ban is not friendly to Caribbean economic integration and could lead to the principled banning of Trinidad exports to other Caribbean territories. Honey is not only val-
ued as a food but is used medically and to generate better health. It could help with diseases of the heart, lung, kidneys and other organs of the body. It would be a great educa-
tional service if both the print and electronic media could carry information on the food use and health and medical values of honey for the next month, until after the November conference.
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Chronicle Pepperpot October 14, 2018
Curl Fete 2018 A Recap Scenes from Curlfete (All Curl Fete photos by Samuel Maughn)
that would be useful at their salon, as well as presented the $100,000 cash prize to the winning stylist, Setra Oselmo. We also awarded the prize for Best Booth to Simonia John of Product Plug for her creativity in booth design and her exceptionally warm customer service, while Kenita Roberts of Kenthings took home the prize for Youngest Vendor, as our nod to celebrating entrepreneurship among youths. Kenita is just
IT’S been a week since the third annual Curl Fete was held, and just as expected, the event turned out to be its largest iteration to date. The event’s hair show, which was the main attraction, saw thousands of people gathered in the Promenade Gardens to give support to their favourite salons who competed in seven categories: Jester, My Kingdom Come, Nefertiti, Little Miss Afro Puff, Albino, Shuri and Rapunzel. Coming out on top and winning a prize of $100,000, however, was the Linden-based Sister to Sister’s Beauty Salon owned by Setra Oselmo. Following the successful event, Curlfete Co-founders Tamika Henry and Denisha
Victor hosted an appreciation and prize giving ceremony on October 10, which saw Oselmo receiving her prize money and the nine other salon owners receiving hampers. Prizes were also given for the youngest vendor and best booth. “Curl Fete is made great by the contributions of several groups and individuals – the attendees, the planning committee, the sponsors, the vendors and especially the salons. The event is truly a team effort and we wanted a simple but meaningful way to say ‘thank you’,” Henry told the Pepperpot Magazine. “At the appreciation ceremony, we awarded each participating salon with hampers
of hair products, towels and accessories
19 years old and creates her own copper jewellery and hair products. Both young women received a full refund of their booth registration fees.” She stated that the event, which took the form of a cocktail, was also hosted for the awardees and team members to take stock of what they have achieved this year and to review areas for improvement. “ It is very important to us that we continue to grow and develop Curl Fete as a dynamic movement, learning from best practices and feedback from the public,” she said. With 80 companies exhibiting and/or vending at the expo, along with support from 14 sponsors, Henry said that indeed 2018 was the biggest Curl Fete to date. “ In keeping with our mandates of education and community service we also invited more NGOs and charitable organisations on board this year, either to have a booth at the expo or to facilitate workshops, such as the Guyana Cancer Society, ACDA, Sexual Reproductive Health Adventures with Dr Pat, St Ann’s Orphanage and Food for the Poor,” she said. “Men, women and children supported Curl Fete by the thousands and while the final numbers are still rolling in, we estimate that this year we Turn to page XXVIII ►►►
Chronicle Pepperpot October 14, 2018
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Getting to know Devta Ramroop, the new UGSS President This job occupies her from 16:00hrs to 21:00hrs during the weekdays and 11:00hrs to 21:30hrs on Sundays. And, it takes her about an hour to get home because she has to take two buses. That leaves just a few hours in the night- when it’s quiet-for her to focus on her studies. In fact, she shared, “[The] most productive hours are from 23:00hrs to 02:00hrs for me.” Aside from making herself and her loved ones proud, Devta highlighted that her drive to be a positive influence stems from the negativity she was faced with throughout her life. “I was not very focused on the right things in high school,”
Devta Ramroop in her element at UGimmersed in Biology
DEVTA Ramroop- that’s the name of the 24-year-old woman who has been elected as the President of the University of Guyana Students’ Society (UGSS). Representing some 7,000 students across two distant campuses might not sound like the most glamorous task, but if you know Devta, you’ll know this is nothing she can’t handle. Who is Devta, though? And why was she elected for the position? First of all, Devta is a final year Biology major who also has a passion for teaching. According to her, “My mission is to make a positive impact on every life I encounter by inspiring, motivating and building self-worth.” She was involved in the recent Youth Parliament, which involved UG students for the first time. She is involved with RISE, the civil society organisation that pushes for constitutional reform; a lover of Biology and member of the UG Bio Club; a tutor and member of the UG Hindu society. Devta also has a fondness for volunteering at clean-up campaigns and helping with data entry for researchers. As said in Guyanese parlance: ‘She just like deh in everything!’ You see, she is accustomed to juggling many things at once. She shared that her mother is a grocery vendor that plies her trade inside the Mon Repos market. Devta, on the other hand, sells at a stand outside of the market just to make an extra dollar. “Since I was young and had sense, I came out to help,” the young woman shared. Furthermore, she highlighted that she along with her brother and sister come out to work with their mothe, so that she doesn’t need to hire anyone to help her out- because you know, the market can really be a haggle sometimes. And it’s not just to help out their mother ordinarily, Devta disclosed that this is the main source of the household’s income. And since both she and her sister attend UG, their mother has to pay for their studies on her own. In 2012, her dad passed away and Devta and her siblings have only their mother to hold onto for everything. Nevertheless, she knows her mother is proud of her and that her dad is filled with joy watching her every move. It doesn’t end there though. “I work at Giftland as a Sales Representative [for Couture Closet] just so that I don’t depend on [my mother] heavily,” Ramroop said.
she related, “I didn’t believe I could do it.” More than that, she shared, “So many people used to tell me I would amount to nothing, so I became determined to prove them wrong.” Along the journey of self-discovery and hacking away the negativity, she said she slowly realised that she is a “boss” and had a greater purpose in life. This journey recently led her to run for UGSS President. “I ran for UGSS President because I needed young women to understand that we can do anything,” Ramroop stated. Turn to page XXIX►►►
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Chronicle Pepperpot October 14, 2018
Chronicle Pepperpot October 14, 2018
folklore
MAKING MY IT usually takes me longer than the average person to learn anything new but this changed when I was introduced to music. As far back as I could remember music has always been a part of me. Whether I am working or not, I am singing. This was sometimes the cause of frustration for some members of my family. My best musical moments were when I took a bath. Odd as it may seem, their criticism, barbs and playful pleadings caused me to see learning music as a challenge I had to take on. They tried to get me to change my mind but I held out. Cathie, a good friend of mine planted the first seed. “Boy, you always singing or whistling, best you become a musician.” It was as easy as that. Knowing that I would encounter difficulties with my rich bass voice, I figured that a musical instrument was the best way to go. B.S.O Paschal was a highly recommended teacher and an accomplished musician. He was a bit high-priced, but the best. I visited him and we worked out a schedule. Being a perfectionist of sorts, I was introduced to a wide range of instruments, each with a lecture I did not much care for. “Percussion instruments such as drums, tambourines, cymbals, gongs, or tam-tams are all struck, shaken or rubbed to different effect. The xylophone is one percussion instrument that has a wide range of notes.” These lectures would usually last an entire session by the end of which I would be nodding myself to sleep. “The wind instruments vary from tuba, french horn, trumpet, oboe, and flute to name a few. These use air from the player’s compressed lips in order to produce sound… Harps, guitars, cello and violins are famous string instruments. The violin especially is loved for its ability to produce a wide range of notes that is loved by classical music lovers. The only other instrument as popular is the piano and organ, two excellent instruments for making music.” Choosing an instrument was easy. A piano was too big and definitely too expensive. Guitars were too common; everybody had one. I decided that I would play the violin. For the first two weeks, my teacher smiled politely and encouraged me to work harder. I needed no second prompting. Even though strings were changed regularly I did not lose heart. After a month, my efforts were both enthusiastic and courageous. The session was then divided into two parts. The first half hour was instruction time, the rest of the time was practice, listen etc. Because of his busy schedule, he spent most of the
latter part of our session in the next room preparing for other students. He would sometimes pop in and tell me to try harder. He was impressed with my efforts. I must have been his top student for him to have the confidence to leave me alone to practice for such long periods. The end of the first month came and I was pleasantly shocked to hear Paschal say, “I don’t have the heart to accept payment from you, Trevor.” At least he was not afraid to show how he felt about rising talent. I became fully engrossed in my music and was grateful for being allowed to use the guest room at home. This room was situated at the east end of the house and ideal for practice. It was self-contained and kept me out of competition at bathroom times. Sometimes I would get carried away and lose track of time only to be reminded that our neighbours had to work the next day. My toughest challenge was playing softly. When the sound of my playing travelled to my brain I could not stop the flow of enthusiasm that surged through me. The volume and tempo would increase and cease only when I was satisfied that I had completed the piece. Two months after I began this new endeavour I received news that my teacher was retiring and leaving the country for a much-needed rest. My feelings were torn between feeling happy for him and disappointment in not benefiting from his knowledge. He was thoughtful enough to leave me a parting note which read; ‘For a pupil that taught me much about music and the endurance of instruments. Trevor, the manufacturers would be impressed with this product. Your violin has exceeded all expectations. May your musical quest be profound.’ Though I had started music in my mid-thirties, I have never lost momentum. I intended to make Paschal proud of me. I remember looking up once during a deeply inspirational piece of playing, to find six or seven bewildered faces peering in at me. It seemed that the music teachers were paying Paschal a visit and were quite surprised by the originality and freshness of my music. I still smile when I remember the look of wonder on their faces. The music class population must have increased tremendously because as hard as I tried I could not engage another music teacher. Classes were always overbooked and I just can’t wait forever. I have put the violin aside for now, until things change of course. Being someone who thrives when active I am looking around for another area in which to excel.
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By Neil Primus
After only four sessions with a driving school, I have called it quits. Any instructor, who would close his eyes and pray while teaching someone, should find another occupation. After all, if a policeman suddenly steps right into my path, what does he expect me to do? Stop?? And the other drivers don’t help
much. All the shouting, cursing, honking horns and screeching tyres: Didn’t they have to learn to drive too? Even though I have stopped driving, my work is being used as a teaching tool, I am told. Wow!! I feel that I am destined for greatness. Maybe flying will bring this quest to a fitting climax.
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Chronicle Pepperpot October 14, 2018
Beyond the Runway
with Dr. Sonia Noel
... Inspiring lives through fashion
Bringing inspiration to others
I TOOK my phone out of my bag 30 seconds after sitting on my Delta flight and decided to write this column. I smiled as I recalled the conversation I had just a few minutes ago with Nath who
was one of the pilots. We both were wearing pink in support of breast cancer awareness and began talking about intentional living. He was sharing with me that he wanted to be a pilot since he was
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Chronicle Pepperpot October 14, 2018 ◄◄◄ From page XXVI
five years old. He would dream of `himself flying and constantly discussed his dreams with friends and relatives. We exchange stories about our passion and career and he said in the end “It seems we both love what we do.” I absolutely do no matter what and I am thankful. I believe in giving thanks and showing appreciation. I would like to extend sincere gratitude to all the persons who support me and read my column. I did my annual medical check-up last week and while the guy was taking the blood out of my vein, he was telling me how much this column has motivated him and he shared some of his dreams with me. I received a call from my friend, Negla Brandis, a few days ago. She said, “Congrats on a fantastic article last week. I admire the way you make things happen and you keep going to greater heights. You are an inspiration to many and may God continue to bless you.” These words meant more than she knows. She is a friend who I have admired and respected for years. This column has had some meaningful content that resonates with many people from all walks of life. Recently I ran into former chief of staff, Mark Phillips, and he was commending me on my contribution to humanity and this column. He said he ensures he reads three columns every week, and Beyond the Runway is one because he finds it inspiring. Minister Raphael Trotman also expressed to me that he looks forward to this weekly column. Attorney Ayana Mc Calman said it is a must-read for her. I attended the Brazilian Independence celebration and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo started his conversation with me about Beyond the Runway. From people in public office to the person sitting behind me on the Caribbean Airlines flight, they all seemed to be intrigued by the content in this column. While having dinner one night at a backyard barbeque, Mark Jacobs came across to my table to express the same sentiments. When I started this column 22 months ago, the main objective was to encourage people to give the best version of themselves and never give up. I have a feeling we are achieving just that and I will share a testimony with you that really convinced me that these type of articles are necessary. Vena Morgan was in one of my Confidence becomes you classes and she said to me, “Ms. Noel you may not know this but you are a great inspiration to me and many. Last year in the Beyond the Runway Column was an article that gave me so much courage and increased my faith. The heading was ‘It is possible.’ You wrote about some of the challenges on your journey and how you overcame them. What resonated with me was your trip to Atlanta for the Lisa Nichols conference. You knew your ‘why’ but not your ‘how’ but eventually you made it possible because of your faith and determination. I was planning an overseas trip with the church and had to raise US$3,000 to make it a reality. I cut the article out and read it every day... I told God ‘If you can do it for Ms. Noel you can do it for me’ and I prayed more. I raised the money and had a great trip. I took the article on that trip and I still have it.” I looked at Vena from across the table and said, “To God be the glory for the great things he has done.” One of my favourite songs is He made a way by Travis Green and I believe it to my core that he does. Even if it was only Vena’s results this was worth starting. One of the reasons I published Compilation Beyond the Runway is to reach persons beyond Guyana with the stories. Over 30 stories that were published in the Pepperpot is in that book on Amazon with my three other books, so now the world has access. Every day I download positive things into my system because I need to serve from my overflow. I am challenging you to intentionally make a difference in one person’s life. It is an awesome feeling to know something you did or said added to someone ‘s life One of the reasons I am immensely enjoying the Confidence becomes You and Developing the best You classes is because I am experiencing transformation before my eyes. People are finding themselves and loving themselves in the process. Remember if you don’t know you, you can’t grow you. I will also like to extend gratitude to the Chronicle Newspapers for this opportunity and Jasmaine, the Pepperpot Editor, for her patience when I have late submissions. Join us on 96.1 Voice FM every Sunday at 15:00hrs to 16:00hrs for Living With Intention. I can assure you that you will take away something that will benefit you. Remember to join our private FB group Living with Intention Ambassador as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life Beyond the Runway.
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almost doubled the 3,000 figure that we recorded last year. We are so humbled that corporate Guyana and families have embraced Curl Fete in the way that they have.” Meanwhile, it wasn’t just the crowd that was left in awe by the hair show, Henry explained that she thought the creativity displayed was amazing. The event also saw performances by talented Guyanese artists, including Samuel Medas, Omiah Hall, beatboxing twins Jonathan and Joash, poet and reigning Miss Emancipation Gabrielle Cummings and acoustic band, the Soul Sisters; it also featured fashion displays by local designers as well as existing boutiques. The day-time event had its usual informative and interactive worksh, including Zumba with Vanilla, makeup and hair demonstrations and many other activities. “The feedback on this year’s Curl Fete has been overwhelmingly positive with a few areas highlighted for improvement, including crowd management, venue expansion and beverage supplies, which we are taking in stride and coming up with strategies to improve already. 2019 will be even more spectacular!” Henry said. But most of all she admitted that her biggest moment of pride with regard to what the event has done is to see scores of women celebrating each other, admiring each other and supporting each other at the event and even afterwards. “What I believe is even more special, is the men that participate and embrace this movement with us as it aims to continually empower our women and girls,” she said.
Chronicle Pepperpot October 14, 2018 ◄◄◄ From page XXIII
On a more personal front, she contended, “I know my heart is set in doing the rights things and maybe the other [presidential] candidates had the same agenda but I was sure about me and that I would fight as hard as possible to make student life easier.” And though she intends on improving the school life of UG students, she mentioned that this isn’t the first time that she will be using her abilities for the betterment of others. In fact, she felt that she was like this years ago during her time as a teacher. Before starting UG, she did Natural Science studies at the Sixth Form level at Queen’s College (QC). Immediately after completely those two years, she taught at the school for another two years before she started out at UG. “It bothered me that my peers went two years ahead of me, but the two years I spent teaching were the best of my life,” she reflected. Now she has garnered wisdom because of her time as a teacher and said, “It’s not about how fast you get there, it’s the perseverance and all the experience you gain along the way.” As fate would have it, along the way, she fell in love with the profession and resultantly, she will return to teaching again- just to help mould the minds of tomorrow. “Even when I was a teacher, my actions and style of teaching were always about the student benefit. If I have to mark a School Based Assessment (SBA) one million times, I would,” she highlighted. Devta also asserted that she would guide students, in more than just academics, but to open their minds to what happens in the world. To this end, she noted, “We must be aware of the issues that plague the world and our country especially.” Now, as president of UGSS, she promises to always act in the best interest of her constituents. She shared that she aims to “make good” on the promises she made during her campaign. Chief among her agenda is to work on making the campus more comfortable for the students and to work towards getting a bus for transportation for students at night. Devta also said that for her, making the UG students at the Berbice Tain campus feel more included and involved is paramount. She shared that something she will also continue to advocate for is, that youth should become involved in extracurricular activities. Having a high Grade Point Average (GPA) is one thing but she questions, what else do you have to offer? “The more things you do, the more things you will find the time to do,” she affirmed. Just as she completes her term as President, she will simultaneously complete her degree in Biology. With no time to waste, she intends on pursuing her Master’s Degree right away- perhaps in Oil and Gas Engineering or maybe Marine Biology. And building on her previous experience with teaching, she wants to head back into the school system to teach. Being the person that she is, Devta isn’t going to be finished here. Instead, she highlighted, “Eventually [I] plan to get into politics.” The goal is to capitalise on all of these experiences and as a true patriot staying here to build her country, she wants to be President of Guyana someday!
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Police Youth Groups Doing Well in Region Two -More youths involved in positive activities
Youths from Wakenaam Island planting trees on the Island
By: Indrawattie Natram COMMANDER of `G’ Division, Khalid Pareshram 6has said that the police youth groups throughout the division are doing well and more and more children are showing interest in the various activities. Pareshram during an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine said that youths attached to the various youth groups are actively involved in various activities which is a positive move for the division’s crime-fighting strategy. The divisional commander said that he is happy that youths are showing a keen interest in the youth group activities. “These activities are all part of our social crime prevention partnership with youths. I am happy that they are finding the interest in the various activities,” Pareshram said. He said youths from the San Souci, Maria Johanna Youth Group on the Wakenaam Island were involved in tree planting exercises. Twenty trees were planted along the island. At Lima Sands, the youths were also involved in outdoor games, at the end of which they were treated with ice cream. “The police within the division are trying to make
these youths feel comfortable, often persons have this fear about police, we trying to working with youths because we see ourselves as partners,” Pareshram said. The Good Hope Youth Group also conducted life skills training with youths in that area. Educational talks were done and positive advice was given. The commander said that projects are also conducted by the youths once they see their community is in need of something. The Leguan youth group recently painted two pedestrian crossings in front of the Leguan Cottage Hospital and the Success Primary School, also on the island. Youths are also involved in sewing classes in the Onderneeming Sand Pit district while those at Affiance are involved in sporting activities. The commander said that sporting gears and other resources are provided through the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to the youth groups, in an effort to host the activities. He is, therefore, urging youths to be a part of the activities and to invest their time into positive activities. Computer classes are also available free of charge to children at the Zara Computer training college.
Chronicle Pepperpot October 14, 2018 ◄◄◄ From page II
or tectonic plate movement, FE&ES stated. Climate change is not a money-making hoax, but it is very real and is a natural process that the earth experiences and that there is a lot of scientific evidence that shows there is a strong positive relationship between emissions from human activities and increases in greenhouse gas concentrations that contribute to the rapid changes in climate. The FE&ES concluded that climate change is an event that is likely to continue
Flooding in a section of Georgetown in 2015, as a result of a heavy downpour of rain
unless steps are taken to prevent greenhouse gas quantities from exceeding the levels which the earth can accommodate. Some of the impacts of climate change, such as sea level rise leading to saltwater intrusion and flooding, and changing rainfall and temperature patterns, will potentially result in a number of health issues in Guyana. The Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences (FE&ES) will continue this discussion in another article, which will be published soon. (mercilinburke2017@ gmail.com)
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the minister said during an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine. “Once that realisation is there, buttressed by certification, it enables a deeper sense of the importance of tourism as not just an instrument for economic engagement but also a tool for development, and that is the key message that we want to get across.” The m`inister said that the use of a country’s cultural values is the essence of what the destination offers. This, he said, is done through training of the people to become creative and to, in turn, create and provide creative outputs for their craft, art and technical skills. These sentiments were supported by Tafari Burns, Director of Cultural Economics and Business Initiatives within Jamaica’s Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport. “Culture is a way of life for Jamaica. We embody our culture, we are proud of our culture and that is very important. Once you exhibit or exercise a sense of pride in what you do … that is a great thing and we infuse our cultural practices in everything that we do,” he said. Burns explained that his ministry works hand in hand with the Ministry of Tourism, another telltale sign that the two are intertwined. “Tourism is one of our main economic mainstays and the culture is an essential part of it because apart from the sun, sand and sea that you have everywhere, you must add something that makes it unique and that is the Jamaican culture…our way of life –how we treat people… it comes out in how we talk, our music,” he said. CULTURE AND THE PEOPLE It is fitting that the saying, ‘When the root is strong, the fruit is sweet’ is attributed to Bob Marley, for these words ring ever true as one observes just how passionate Jamaicans are in showcasing their culture to people.
Every morning, 27-year-old Oshane Morgan wakes up and goes to work at what many would describe as the perfect job: he meets hundreds of interesting people from all over the world; he sings, he dances and he gets to immerse himself in the history of one of the world’s greatest musicians. Oshane is a tour guide at the Bob Marley Museum and has passionately served in this position in the last two years. Located at 56 Hope Road, Kingston 6, the abode was Bob Marley’s former place of residence up until his death in 1981, and also served as the home to the Tuff Gong reggae record label which was founded by The Wailers in 1970. It is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Jamaica and for obvious reasons: the elements of the legend’s home tell a very personal story of his life, his music and his philosophy. Intricate aspects of Marley’s life are eternally preserved; even the bullet holes left in the wall-in the room now appropriately named ‘The Shot Room’- following a failed assassination attempt on Marley in 1976. The tour itself is a remarkable experience, and Oshane adds a personal touch with his voice, his moves and most of all, his passion for the job. “What this place does is that it reminds you of your roots and if we notice that so many people of vast backgrounds are coming to see this one place, they must have something in common, so it makes you aware…this place sells soul,” he said. “ When I can come to a place like this that honours what I am talking about it is an honour...it’s about love- that’s what Bob shows us. How do you love? It is not a place of perfect experience for everyone, but you have some people who come and are so touched. They come and show us that we don’t have an excuse because they had a worse life. I learn a lot from here.” The same passion can be found in every
Chronicle Pepperpot October 14, 2018
Oshane Morgan (left) during a tour of the Bob Marley Museum
step and every word of Barbara Beckford as she takes tourists through a guided tour of Devon House- a mansion which was built in 1881 and owned by George Steibel, Jamaica’s first black millionaire. An employee there for 36 years, Barbara started out in one of the shops on the site but immediately signed up to be a tour guide when it was announced that the building would be open for tours. “For me, I enjoy meeting people. I love people and I love to make my country proud… it is your upbringing that has a lot to do with it because if you teach your children well then they will grow up to be mighty men and women of valour and that is what I tell my children… it doesn’t matter if you sweep the yard, you sweep it well…anything you do, do it to the best of your ability and this is what I do at all times. When I do something for my country it is to make my country proud, it is not about me…it is giving of what I know,” Barbara said. But what is most important to Barbara- and to many Jamaicans- is what Devon
House represents; a symbol of hope and a level to which many can aspire. “I look at it as something that our children- our people can look back and see what, as a black race, [ we can achieve],” she said. –“They had the saying that if you are white you are right, if you brown, stick around, but if you black get back or you better attack- so we are always on the attacking side. So I look at this as something for others- I give them motivational talks so it can inspire others and they can have a dream that ‘someday I can achieve’ because most times people put you down and this house stands as a symbol in Jamaica for others to come in and to know that with perseverance we can make it.” Oshane and Barbara are just two fitting examples of the indelible experience that the perfect mix of passion, culture and tourism can provide for the visitors of a country; and Jamaica’s holistic endeavours to ensure that these elements come to life, are what help to make a visit to the island unforgettable.
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The judge merely left it to the jury to find as a question of fact, if they were minded to believe Ramadan and Troyer, whether the identification parade had been properly conducted. The accused also said in defence that the charge against him was a trumped-up one, that he had been “framed” by the police because he and the policeman who charged him had an altercation over a girlfriend, and that the policeman had threatened “to throw the book at him”. Nothing was said about this important aspect of the defence to the jury, the Appellate Court had found. The Appellate Court held : (1) That the apparent conflict between Ramadan and Troyer’s evidence should have been pointed out to the jury, which ought to have been advised to be cautious about accepting Ramdan’s testimony that she had primarily identified the accused apart from his gold teeth. (2) The jury should have been told that if they accepted Troyer’s evidence then Ramadan’s identification at the parade was unsatisfactory, hence they should attach little weight to her identification in court. (3) The jury should have been directed that, if they believed that the accused was the only man on parade with gold teeth, the parade would have been unfairly conducted and they should attach little weight to it. (4) The defence was not properly left to the jury. The accused was alleging oppression and victimisation on the part of the police and the judge should have told the jury to acquit if they believe this was so. (5) The trial judge was in error when he allowed the accused after conviction to plead to six other charges forming the subject of five outstanding indictable offences with a view to having them taken into consideration and to proceed to sentence him in respect of those charges. (6) The correct procedure is, for the judge merely to ask the accused whether he admits his guilt on the outstanding offences. The accused must be sentenced only once, i.e., in respect of the offence for which he was tried and found guilty.The idea of taking other offences into consideration is merely to measure the appropriate sentence. The Appellate Court allowed the appeal and set aside the conviction and sentences. Delivering the judgment of the Court, Justice of Appeal Mr. Keith Massiah had said “The appellant was indicted with and convicted of robbery under arms, contrary to section 222 © of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act Chapter 8:01. The allegation of the State was that while armed with a knife he had robbed one Violet Ramadan of a wristwatch and a ring. There was evidence that while she was in the Le Repentir Cemetery with her husband on March 30, 1975 , at about 4.15 p.m, the appellant went up to her, placed a knife to her chest, pulled her wristwatch from her left hand and opened his mouth as if to bite her finger to get off the ring . Ramadan told him not to bite her and in fear handed the ring to him. “Five weeks later, on May 4, 1975, at an identification parade conducted at the Ruimveldt Police Station, Ramadan identified the appellant as the person who had taken her watch and ring. Counsel for the appellant contended in the court, as the appellant had complained in the court below, that the identification parade was unfairly conducted. “At the trial three different versions were given as to how the appellant came; to be identified. Ramadan said that she identified the appellant and them asked him to open his mouth “to be doubly sure” and that “the gold teeth in (his) mouth made (her) doubly sure”. Inspector Hubert Troyer, who conducted the identification parade, said something different. He testified that Ramadan “looked at the parade and asked (him) to cause the men on the parade to open their mouths” and that when they did so, Ramadan “then touched the accused on his shoulder”. The appellant, in his statement from the dock, said that the men on parade were first asked to show their teeth and that he was the only man who had gold teeth. He was clearly saying that he was identified by his gold teeth. “The sum total of Ramadan’s evidence on this issue is that she identified the appellant partly by his gold teeth, whereas Troyer’s evidence suggests that she identified him wholly by them. What must be noted, is that Troyer’s version was the same as the appellant’s, save that whereas the appellant claimed that he was the only person on the parade with gold teeth. Troyer said that there were others. After citing a number of similar fact cases in which the Court of criminal appeal had allowed appeals and quashed the convictions, justice of Appeal Massiah, who later became Chancellor of the Judiciary, allowed the appeal quashed and set aside the conviction and sentence. Chancellor Haynes and Justice of Appeal Crane concurred.
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English STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Let us look at what is regarded as effective arrangement and presentation in an examination response. Answer in three to nine developed and sequenced paragraphs varying in length. Skip a line after each paragraph for better visual appreciation. Develop the first sentence, your topic sentence, through explanation, analysis,
illustration, example or other. Make the concluding paragraph flow effectively and logically from the preceding paragraphs. Be mindful that one long unbroken response is very irritating to the eye. Be wise. Love you THE PASSAGE Everyone admits that it is praiseworthy in a prince to keep faith, and to live with integrity and not craft. Nevertheless, our experience
has been that those princes
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY GRAMMAR Who steals my purse steals trash; Dangling modifiers (continued) ‘tis something, nothing; Reminder: In English the ‘Twas mine, ‘twas his, and lack of inflectional endings forces us to rely upon the has been slave to thousands; position of words, phrases, But he that filches from me my good name and clauses to establish their Robs me of that which not enriches him, grammatical, logical, and rhetorical relationships within the And makes me poor indeed. sentence. WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE When modifiers are placed so that their relationship to the (1564-1616) Othello, Act 3, Scene3 words they modify is not clear, or when they are left without Something to Do a word to modify, ambiguity and confusion Correct all errors in the following senarise. Last time we looked at the dangling tences and give your reason for each change. elliptical clauses. 1. Brenda, the caregiver, has to nurse for many lawmakers, working in and around THE PROBLEMS South Ruimveldt. 1. Dangling gerund phrases 2. While running in the middle of the A gerund phrase consists of a gerund (with complement and modifiers) and the road, his cousin was shouting to him from a preposition of which it is object. Such phrase passing minibus 3. As the visiting field officer was trekhas the same tendency as a participle. When used at the first of a sentence, it attaches itself king across the dried out rice field, his gun grammatically to the subject of the sentence. accidentally discharged, hitting his colleague If the connection is not logical and clear in the hip and coming out from his left pelvis. absurdity or confusion will result. Observe THE PASSAGE the example: The Order of Details in Descriptive Wrong: Upon getting off the minibus just Writing in front of the village office, a tractor nearly Good descriptive writing depends upon ran her down. the effective use of details, and the organisaRight: Upon getting off the minibus just tion of those details into meaningful patterns. in front of the village office, she was nearly Natural ways to arrange description is to put run down by a tractor. Right: As she got off the bus just in front details in spatial order – that is, left to right, of the village office, a tractor nearly ran her front to back, near to far, clockwise, or counter- clockwise. down. Other kinds of order are chronological, Getting it right by reasoning: importance, cause and effect, and compare a. In the first correct sentence, there is and contrast; each has its own strengths in a logical absurdity. Did the tractor get off the different genres of writing. the bus? Example: Use of details in order of imb. In the second sentence, the gerund portance phrase, upon getting off the bus, correctly When I think of the hometown of my modifies the subject. youth, all that I seem to remember is dust the c. In the third sentence, a subordinate brown, crumbly dust of late summer – arid, clause is substituted for the gerund phrase. sterile dust that gets into the eyes and makes 2. Dangling participles A participle is a verbal adjective. It must them water, gets into the throat and between modify a noun or pronoun. A participle the toes of bare brown feet. I don’t know standing at the first of the sentence should why I should only remember the dust. Surely there must have been lush green lawns and modify the subject of the sentence. Wrong: Running madly towards his pup- paved streets under leafy shade trees somepy, a wire tripped him, and the toddler fell where in town; but memory is an abstract painting – it does not present things as they straight on his forehead. Right: Running madly towards his puppy, are, but rather as they feel. And so, when I the toddler tripped on a wire, and fell straight think of that time and that place, I remember only the dry September of the dirt roads and on his forehead. Right: As the toddler was running madly grassless yards of the shanty-town where I towards his puppy, he tripped on a wire, and lived. And one other thing I remember, another incongruency of memory – a brilliant fell straight on his forehead. splash of sunny yellow against the dust – Getting it right by reasoning: a. In the first sentence, running cannot Miss Lottie’s marigolds. (Eugenia Collier’s “Marigolds”) logically modify the subject wire. What to Do: Take a good assessment of b. In the second sentence, running modCollier’s deft hand at order of importance ifies toddler; the construction is both gramin this paragraph. Write down the ideas matical and logical. to examine each to really see her grading c. Probably, the third sentence is a further improvement; a subordinate clause is substi- what was passing through her mind at the time of writing it. tuted for the participle.
Chronicle Pepperpot October 14, 2018
Cassava Puffs
Ingredients 1 lb cassava 1 egg 1 tbsp margarine 1 tsp baking powder
Instructions Boil cassava, and while hot, crush until smooth. Add lightly beaten egg, margarine, white pepper and salt, and baking powder. Mix thoroughly/ Form into small balls and coat with flour. Fry in hot oil until brown. Drain and serve. Makes 8 Note The same method can be used for eddoes, tannias, and hard yams. Chopped cooked meat, well seasoned, may be used for a stuffing before frying
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