Sunday, November 3, 2019
Boerasirie A place of multi-talented residents
Curtains made by Shellon Sancho, a self employed resident of Boerasirie, East Bank Essequibo (Carl Croker photo)
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Chronicle Pepperpot November 3, 2019
Guyanese Catholics in New York continue to give support By Francis Quamina Farrier
ON October 13, New York-based Guyanese Catholics and friends celebrated the 30th Annual New York Guyanese Holy Mass. The brainchild of Guyana-born, New York-based Monsignor Paul Jervis who was a young priest at the time, its objectives are to celebrate Holy Mass with Guyanese and their friends; pray for the motherland and send financial assistance for previously identified projects. Over the past 30 years, the event has always been well attended and generous financial donations were received and sent to Guyana. Some of the ongoing beneficiaries include the Brickdam Soup Kitchen, where some of the needy of the city turn up and regularly receive a sumptuous mid-day meal. Over the past 30 years, many church buildings have either been repaired or in a few cases, rebuilt with financial assistance from generous do-
Then it is also alternated at different churches in the Boroughs -- quite a mix of venues. Another tradition of that annual Catholic event in New York City, is the invitation to a Guyana-based priest to be that chief celebrant. That has not always been so every year when the chief celebrant was resident abroad; however, he would always be a priest who has strong ties to Guyana. Some of those who have been chief celebrant over the past three decades include Head of the Catholic Church in Guyana, Bishop Francis Alleyne, OSB; the former Editor of the Catholic Standard, the late Fr Andrew Morrison, SJ; University of Guyana Lecturer, Fr. Malcolm Rodrigues, SJ; Administrator of the Brickdam Cathedral, Monsignor Terrence Montrose, CCH; Fr John Persaud and Fr Godfrey Veersammy, among others. The celebrant this year was Toronto-based, national of India,
resident in New York City, some travel from other states such as neighbouring New Jersey and Connecticut. Some even travel from as far away as Florida and even from across the border in Canada, which was the case again this year. There was even a few from the United Kingdom who were in attendance. From time to time there are Guyanese who are in New York visiting from Guyana and take the opportunity to attend what can only be described as a religious and social gathering of Guyanese patriots. There are quite several instances of those who meet with former school mates and even relatives whom they had not seen for years. An obvious development from the first Mass in October 1989 to last Sunday’s, October 2019, was the taking of photo selfies. Nothing like that existed 30 years ago. Also different from 1989 are conversations about Guyana’s oil-andgas future. There was even the mention that diaspora Guyanese send barrels of food and other items to Guyana; Guyana
Veteran educator Percy Caldeira has just turned 80. (Photo by Francis Q. Farrier)
Guyanese of all racial backgrounds at the Guyanese Mass nations by the sisters and brothers who attend those annual masses. It is a fact that many Guyanese in the diaspora are very patriotic and tangibly show their support for the country of their birth and those in need back home; be they relatives, friends, or at times even strangers. One of the unique things about the annual New York Guyanese Mass is that it is held in both the Boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens; alternating two years in Brooklyn and then two years in Queens, then back to Brooklyn for another two years as the cycle continues.
Fr Michael Coutts, SJ, who served for many years at various parishes in Guyana. Although on retirement in Canada for to health reasons, Fr Michael Coutts, SJ, still makes visits to Guyana, a country he dearly loves. There is another uniqueness about the Guyanese New York Holy Mass, according to Monsignor Paul Jervis, “There is always evidence of the various races attending the Mass and mixing freely with each other in love and unity.” Although most of those attending this annual Guyanese Holy Mass in New York are
will soon be sending barrels of oil to the diaspora. One of the highlights of this 30th anniversary Holy Mass was the honouring of veteran educator and musician Percy Caldeira, who has been directing the choir at the Mass for 25 years. Before migrating to the USA, Percy Caldeira taught at many institutions of education in his native Guyana, including Queen’s College and the Teacher’s Training College. He also participated in Guyfesta -the Guyana Festival of the Arts. Among the thousands of former students of
Percy Caldeira is the former Minister of State, Joseph Harmon. Like so many other Guyanese of all faiths, both at home and abroad, the Guyanese Catholics in New York have been sending up prayers for the happiness and prosperity of our motherland. The many prayers offered up by so many in and out of Guyana -- members of Guyana’s three recognised religions -- seem to be answered. Of course, what is done with the waters from Guyana’s “Showers of Blessings” is entirely up to the Guyanese people.
Chronicle Pepperpot November 3, 2019
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Local therapist promoting holistic health with first Reiki class By Zena Henry EASTERN or traditional medicine has been around for thousands of years and had once dominated what is today known as the “health sector.” Its methods are derived from various cultures and societies, some of whose techniques merged and developed creating new forms of treatment as the peoples of that hemisphere travelled, shared and integrated. Today, modern medicine is tantamount to what is described as Western medicine.
This is where for example, large pharmaceutical companies engage in a system of trial-and-error drug creation that involves the mixing of chemicals -- natural and synthetic-- to create drugs that treat particular ailments. However, as the health system grapples with new illnesses, the re-currence of illnesses and bad lifestyles that promote poor health, the application and benefits of traditional medicine iareslowly returning. This may very well be the case, since traditional medicine is generally centred on holistic
health strategies that tackle illnesses and promote the maintenance of good health. Traditional medicine involves natural applications such as herbal treatments, dietary therapy and physical techniques such as cupping, acupuncture and massages, among many others. It is no secret that today, more doctors are urging their patients to take a more holistic approach to their health with a specific focus on preventing illnesses, rather than living a lifestyle that eventually leads to them needing medical attention.
It is for this specific reason that Guyanese/ Malaysian therapist Rishon Seegopaul is on a quest to promote and encourage the endorsement of holistic treatment as a strategy for good and maintained health. The 37-yearold who is the offspring of Guyanese and Malaysian parents, has spent more than five years perfecting her craft in Malaysia, Guyana and the United States. Apart from her Bachelors in Naturopathy Medicine and a Degree in Integrated Nutrition, Seegopaul is a certified Reiki Master; she has also completed several complementary therapy courses and performs traditional techniques such as acupuncture, cupping therapy and gua sha among others. Located at 102 Campbell Avenue, Campbellville, Georgetown, Seegopaul’s place of service is called “Moksha” -- Centre for Holistic Health Therapy. “Moksha” is the Sanskrit word referring to various forms of emancipation, enlightenment, liberation, and release. It is this type of energy that Seegopaul Turn to page IV ►►►
The cupping technique used by Seegopaul to treat back pain
Inversion therapy for treating back pain and promoting circulation
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Chronicle Pepperpot November 3, 2019
Diversity in the art world “VISUAL arts” refers to a broad spectrum of related fields. These include the artist, photographer, craftsman, art critic, architect, graphic designer, printmaker, art teacher, fashion designer and more. These jobs differ because of the tools and techniques used and the messages they send. The term artist is said to refer to a painter, sculptor or a potter. As an aspiring artist, I never wanted to be seen as a craftsman, as I felt that being an artist was more prestigious. I would get into heated arguments about the difference between an artist and a craftsman. This was quite ironic because my expressive forms were textile and ceramics. When I joined the Guyana Women Artists’ Association (GWAA) in 2011 this perception was further reinforced as I was challenged to create a textile that would fall in the bracket of ‘fine art,’ a challenge that I accepted and was successfully able to execute. At our exhibitions, anything that was not deemed as fine art was placed on a ‘side table.’ In my opinion, as women artists, there was this quest for disassociation from craft-like things because of the lack of recognition of women as ‘artists.’ The association was formed since 1987 and yet many didn’t consider its members as artists. Thus, there was a transitioning period to challenge us to create ‘fine art.’ Thankfully, that is now in the past and GWAA has returned to its roots where women are encouraged to be true to themselves. There is no longer this restriction to create ‘fine art’. This for me is quite liberating. When one hears of an art exhibition, there is an expectation to view paintings and sculptures only. In the past, certain works were rejected by art galleries because they lacked a certain criterion to
be considered as fine art. However, in more recent years the National Gallery has become more open to other art forms. While some may say, they have dropped their standards, in my opinion, they are beginning to accept the diversity of the art world. I have also found myself more open so that creating craft-like work is now an option I consider. After all, functional things tend to be easily sold. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that artists should just create things that will be sold, because, many artists with that mentality tend to lose themselves. I’m simply saying that we should recognize the diversity of creators in the art field, to the point where we see ourselves as equals. Castellani house has expanded its doors to include works in fine craft, photography, textile and installation. In future, I hope to see works in illustration and graphic arts and more. Art is diverse and as artists, this is one thing we should not forget or choose to ignore. A few weeks ago, a good friend of mine shared a project she had completed. It was a small illustrated book she had helped create for a little boy’s birthday. My friend made the illustrations. An illustration is a picture or diagram that helps to make something clear or attractive. They are found in newspapers, books, magazines, on television and the internet, and are used to share a message or answer a question. Immediately I started referring to my friend as an artist because, in my opinion, she created a work of art. Technically she would be considered as an illustrator. However, I now see things differently and I no longer strive to be technically correct. One of my art tutors once told me, “an artist is who you are, it’s not just what you produce. You either are an artist or you aren’t.”
Local therapist promoting ... ◄◄◄ From page III
believes the use of traditional medicines brings. She expressed that holistic health is a situation catering to a person where it is believed that they are not just made up of their physical body. “So you have an element of your mental factor, emotional and spiritual faculties and all of this kind of work together forming this person. So if you talk about holistic health it’s really treating more than the body; you are also looking at treating the mind and the spirit. So as the name suggests, it’s more holistic, it’s a complete look at health,” the therapist clarified.
She explained that while there is a place for contemporary medicine, particularly in the case of emergencies, Seegopaul believes that when looking at longevity and the maintenance of health, holistic treatment is the most practical option. She noted that in cultures where holistic health is practised, persons live longer, happier lives. She said they are healthier and statistics show lower levels of chronic illnesses and a better quality of life. With the use of holistic living, persons are generally encouraged to eat healthier, exercise, engage in physical and mental balance techniques such as Yoga among other forms of meditation. Other treatments include acu-
puncture, that is, the placement of needles in the skin at different points and various depths to activate the body’s natural painkillers to treat this discomfort. Cupping therapy is another element of alternative medicine where special cups are put on the skin and create suction to help with pain, inflammation and relaxation among others. The Gua sha technique is the scraping of the skin with a special tool to treat muscle pain and tension and aid circulation. Reiki is also a very popular form of alternative medicine and Seegopaul will be hosting her first Reiki class next month. The first course will be two all-day sessions where the class generally deals with teaching students
how to apply Reiki for healing on themselves before going on to heal others. The second course deals with using the technique to treat others, while the third course involves teaching the technique to others. The certification is internationally recognised. Reiki or energy healing is applied through “universal energy” for emotional and physical treatment. This technique is applied with the acceptance of “life force energy,” which acts as a protector and energy bank; It is carried by all humans. To apply for this course and for more information, contact Seegopaul on 231-0691 or 660-7997.
Chronicle Pepperpot November 3, 2019
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Gender Equality AFTER my column on racism last week, I thought of another topic that many individuals may not know the importance of. Truthfully, it’s a current topic that is trending which makes it annoying for some- but that’s simply because of its importance. Gender equality is just as it sounds. Many people believe that it’s simply women trying to gain more power or control over men. However, as stated in the term, gender ‘equality’ is the fair and equal access to opportunities, resources, safety and decision making among both men and women. There are happenings every day (including songs and movies) that tell us that this is a man’s world. But how can a society grow when half the population is being left behind? Yes, gender equality is strongly tied to women’s rights as it has been shown that women not only receive fewer opportunities than men, but they also get paid less regardless of being in the same position. This is society telling women that they are worth less than their counterparts- even though without women, there would be no counterparts- but that’s a whole different story. UNICEF says gender equality “means that women and men, and girls and boys, enjoy the same rights, resources, opportunities and protections. It does not require that girls and boys, or women and men, be the same, or that they be treated exactly alike”. This is because women are much more at risk for domestic and sexual violence, sex trafficking and many other oppression tactics. Ignoring gender equality means ignoring these facts about half of the population. In Guyana, women are more likely to be unemployed, poor and illiterate. They have less access to opportunity, property ownership, training and employment. They are more likely to be domestically, financially and sexually abused which results in a four times higher rate of suicide attempt than their male counterparts. Gender also differs in rates of mental health issues. For example, men suffer more from substance use and abuse while women suffer more from anxiety and depression. Women are also more likely to suffer from comorbid, meaning more than one illness at a time, than men. Women are more likely to suffer from Post –Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as civilians because of the abuse they are more likely to and do face. UNICEF says that at least one in five women suffer rape or attempted rape in their lifetime. There are gender-specific risk factors that make one more likely to develop a mental illness such as domestic violence against women, sexual violence, unequal opportunity, the responsibility of others, socioeconomic disadvantage and therefore income inequality and low or subordinate social status.
I read somewhere that guilt is a key component to the female experience due to all the duties they face. They are expected to be professional wives, mothers, caregivers, breadwinners and the backbone of every family. Their needs and wants also usually come last in the family. This demanding and sometimes impossible role makes women feel shamed into thinking they are not enough or ill-equipped to handle what they are supposed to be doing, what all other women ‘do’. Men, on the other hand, have been brought up to be tough- to stifle any emotion they may have. This has also caused issues because depression and other mental illness in men come out as aggression rather than sadness and isolation- typical for women. This creates the whole abusive cycle all over again. The issue is these ‘gender norms’ have been ingrained in us for generations and I don’t see it changing any time soon- unless everyone steps up from today because one thing is for sure- man or woman- we are struggling. So what are the benefits of gender equality? Let’s see, how can we benefit from using an extra 50 percent of the world’s knowledge, talent or experience? Hmmm…. Gender equality is important to economic development as it provides equal opportunity for education and employment. This is cru-
cial, especially for a developing country like Guyana. The United Nations (UN) reported that in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries, half of the economic growth over the past 50 years is attributed to girls having better access to education. The Clinton Global Initiative reported that when women make money, 90 percent of their earnings are put back into their family, while men reinvest only 35 percent. This means when women make money, their children are more likely to be educated and healthy, with benefits. Yet, most women are still paid less for the same job as their male counterpart is doing. The UN says there are many ways in which gender equality can help a country. Countries with gender equality have more peace, less mental health issues and intimate partner violence. Studies show that when more women work, economies grow. According to the McKinsey Global Institute report, if women were to play an identical role in labour markets to that of men, as much as $28 trillion, or 26 percent, could be added to global annual GDP by 2025. Yet, according to UN-
ESCO, over 2.7 billion women are legally restricted from having the same choice of jobs as men. And women’s labour force participation rate is 48.5 percent compared to a rate of 75 percent for men. Addressing these barriers is an essential component of ending poverty as well as mental health issues. In Mexico, a Gender Equity Model or “GEM 2003” was developed and tested by 57 firms (companies) with around 250,000 employees. The model that was developed proved to be a successful tool for promoting gender equity in the private sector. The following were the results that GEM 2003 identified in a survey administered to firms. The firms reported there was * improved labour environment within 31 percent of the firms * better communication between management and workers in 23 percent of the firms * an increased number of women in managerial positions in 9 percent of the firms * increased productivity in 8 percent of the firms * reduction in salary gap in 8 percent of the firms * reduction in maternity-related discrimination in 8percent of the firms The change of both men and women enjoying the same basic human rights is easily achievable with the support of an entire society. The facts states above suggest that gender equality is not simply a women’s issue. It is relevant and beneficial to people of ALL genders and therefore, it’s in everyone’s interest to support it. Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com Suicide Helpline numbers: 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444 or 600-7896 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!
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Chronicle Pepperpot November 3, 2019
Guyana’s cultural industries and creative ‘policy’ adding careers and opportunities, but are we ready? Part 1 RECENTLY, I attended two days of a three-day engagement with UNESCO representatives, Mr Sydney Bartley and Mr Yuri Preshkov. A three-day conference; 15, 16 and 17 October with the Director of Culture in the Ministry of Social Cohesion Tamika Boatswain and Ms Nirvana Persaud of The National Trust. It was required that participants contribute a condensed narrative of what they expect from a functional ‘Cultural Policy’ in the Guyana context. Creative minds do not yet understand that such a policy has long been divided along political lines as well as the very ambivalence towards its value and necessity as empowerment in the national consciousness. The following is the contribution with brief, added relative information. Cultural industries, from concept to creation, with its unique marketing is constrained and regimented against national borders by a functional external system long in place, that constitutes from inception state-of-the-art preparations, image, sound or taste, depending on what is produced, to adequate distribution; the latter is the most potent factor, because Cultural Industries are economic endeavours. As a writer and illustrator, with an institutional memory of production of some 34 years in the local market with success, not so much financially, but with product acceptance. I was restrained by self-financing, self-distribution and no government and financial institutional philosophy of how to interpret and embrace the potential of a new creature (its creative potential) not inherited as an economic potential from the colonial past. I do recognise that in any new, emerging C-I framework, of a national policy enveloping a full endorsement of ‘Cultural Industries’ will demand the government to engage in ‘Business’ -- the business of using our history as a practical guide. Upon Emancipation, our ancestors were bound to extend a four-year period of, from 1834 to 1838 of what was termed ‘Apprenticeship’ that was, in all reality, an elusive allegory for a ‘Subvention of Labour’ to the very plantation owners (may God, through our forgiveness, save our certified historians, that keep repeating this apprenticeship foolishness, staying loyal to the deceptive symbolic vocabulary and not to the mockery itself). The business of government and cultural industries for Guyana must revolve in the contracting of experts from the Region and beyond, both of whom will assist
in awakening the awareness needed to develop an informed perspective towards the value of a progressive cultural policy with its legal framework to launch the economic sector of cultural industries, to our appointed leaders and to the general public with whom such an industry will have to be in constant engagement. The UNESCO presentation has mapped the areas with precedents in the rest of the world. To engage and negotiate the ‘distribution’ factors to bridge where small producers with potential will not have the means available in working time to extend, to negotiate and achieve this, even where bilateral avenues already exist, but remain unknown. Initial financing will have to be negotiated between government and creative producers, to cultivate products with market potential, returns from which will constitute commission payments, as
tioners and trade source data. To save time from public service indifference to this strange language, it must try to understand what has invaded its comfort zone. The immediate ad hoc policy of engagement will entail small trial runs, that can be recuperated and justified, but it must begin for example with natural gifts of craft for the holidays, and exploration of the negotiated local book reservoir discussed with former Minister Rupert Roopnaraine. Development of skits and plays for school closing periods, and other items with sponsorship potential, which will emerge once the attention is directed at the furniture room of creative industries and those cases of talents and potential begin to be dusted off and perceived in a new light. What must begin to happen towards realising a corps to stage-manage the cultural industry platform is information exchanges, sincere comprehension and not the usual nods of agreement that are followed afterwards in safe areas by the frowns of cluelessness. It cannot be assumed that administrators understand what we do and how best they can support our efforts and the national GDP and employment of talented but unemployable semi-literate citizens in the process. We the legitimate creative industry practitioners must through information protect the administrators not from among us, for among us, though not from us, are delinquents, masqueraders and shapeshifters, who will proceed with more alacrity for the kill. There’s no room for our efforts to be thwarted by negative stereotypes, through examples of disappointment, for hoodwinked, disappointed people; even high officials do not accept self blame, thus, a national directory must exist of our creative people that must accommodate all expressions eligible for copyright and patents. repayments either financial, or the teaching All that was also presented by Ruel and inspiring of latent potential, and agreed Johnson and will need a reconnaissance waiver of percentages of licence income bridge period of practical discourse that for public uses of successful brands, on a has not yet begun in all seriousness; the national inspirational community platform. national collective consciousness does Before the above, must come immedi- not yet exist, the need for improvising ately the evaluation of the potential of what towards a real and functional cultural we have before us, the full understanding policy must begin with an initial workable of its inspirational and edutainment value agreement, which can only evolve through within and beyond borders, and the must the process of an engagement of getting to occur support initial engagements that will know each other’s immediate needs and begin with ‘creative value’ towards bread ambitions, as all things begin, the same and butter. Thus, government must pro- way as between man and woman, a simple ceed to extract for this continuing engage- courteous “Good evening” which has in ment process, a bureau of minds inclined many instances led to a fruitful, lifelong to the creative industries, to its commerce relationship. and its influence market tentacles. Such a I must, however, conclude this disbureau will be a complex task, as all its op- course with a factual inclusion of the eratives must have the objective awareness political hiccups, and the social and ecoand language to conduct and evaluate the nomic necessity why we need a cultural conversation of its GDP value with practi- policy in place.
Chronicle Pepperpot November 3, 2019
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FILES E S A C COURT
By George Barclay
Federal Supreme Court freed conspiracy convicts
TWO appellants including a policeman, who in 1960 were unlawfully convicted for conspiracy to prosecute for unlawful possession of bush rum, were freed by the Federal Supreme Court because the evidence was not supportive of a conspiracy under the ordinance. The appellants, Ramsonahai and Police Constable Duke who had been convicted of a plot to incriminate Mohamed Ali in a bush rum offence, had their appeals allowed. Queen’s Counsel J.O. F. Haynes represented the appellants while Mr. E. A. Romao appeared for the Crown, at the hearing of the appeal, which lasted 4 days in 1961. The court was constituted by Chief Justice Gomes and Justices of Appeal Wylie and Lewis. The facts of the case disclosed that the appellants sent a bag containing two bottles of bush rum by a messenger to Mohamed Ali, the driver of a car, with instructions to the messenger to tell Mohamed Ali that he (the messenger) would return later to be taken up the coast. The messenger did what he was told and Mohamed Ali received the bag and kept it in his car. The second appellant, who was a police constable, then telephoned the Force Control Office and reported that Mohamed Ali had just received a bag containing bush rum. Mohamed Ali’s car was located by a police patrol car and the bag with the bush rum was found in it by the police. There was other evidence clearly establishing that the appellants had plotted to incriminate Mohamed Ali by false evidence. The indictment charged a conspiracy to prosecute Mohamed Ali, knowing him to be innocent, for the summary conviction offence of being in unlawful possession of bush rum and was laid under section 330 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Ordinance, Chapter 10 [B.G.]. That section reads as follows: “If anyone conspires with another to prosecute any person for an alleged offence knowing that person to be innocent thereof, the offender shall be guilty of a felony and on conviction thereof shall be liable(a) to penal servitude for life if the person prosecuted, or intended to be prosecuted, in pursuance of the conspiracy might, on conviction for the alleged offence, be sentenced to death or penal servitude for life; (b) to penal servitude for fourteen years if the person prosecuted, or intended to be prosecuted, in pursuance of the conspiracy might, on conviction for the alleged offence, be sentenced to penal
servitude for any term less than life; and (c) to penal servitude for seven years if the person prosecuted, or intended to be prosecuted, in pursuance of the conspiracy might, on conviction for the alleged offence, either on indictment or before a magistrate’s court, be sentenced to imprisonment but not to penal servitude.” THE FEDERAL SUPREME COURT HELD: (i) the evidence did not support the conclusion that either of the appellants intended to institute a prosecution by personally laying a complaint or information; (ii) the words “to prosecute” in section 330 are to be construed in their strict sense and are not to be extended to include a conspiracy between two or more persons to cause another person to be prosecuted. Appeals allowed. The appeals were against conviction by the Supreme Court of British Guiana of conspiracy to prosecute for the offence of being in unlawful possession of bush rum. Chief Justice Gomes who delivered the judgment of the court noted that the two appellants, Samuel Ramsonahai and Roy Duke appealed against their convictions for conspiring together to prosecute one Mohamed Ali, knowing him to be innocent, for the summary conviction offence of being in unlawful possession of bush rum. According to the Chief Justice, the section under which the appellants were indicted is section 330 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Ordinance, Chapter 10 [B.G.]. Referring to the facts of the case, the Chief Justice disclosed that on the morning of October 24, 1959, the appellant Samuel Ramsonahai left his home on the East Coast and drove to Georgetown by
car. By prearrangement, he picked up on the way, first the appellant Duke, who is a police constable, and then a man named Naraine Persaud. On arrival in town, Ramsonahai took a bag which was in the car between where the two appellants were sitting, gave it to Persaud and, in the hearing of the appellant Duke, told him to go to the gasoline station and enquire for Pundit’s car and deliver to the driver, and to say that he, Persaud, would return later to be taken up the coast. Naraine did what he was told to do and the driver of Pundit’s car, who was Mohamed Ali, received the bag and kept it in his car, the number of which was HD 444. Either before or about the time that Naraine delivered the bag the appellant Duke rang up the Force Control Office and reported that Mohamed Ali driving car HB 444 had just received a bag containing bush rum. The message was immediately relayed by a patrol car which located Ali’s car, in which was found the bag that Naraine had delivered to Ali. The bag contained two bottles of bush rum. The other evidence in the case clearly established the fact that the two appellants had acted jointly in causing the bush rum to be ‘planted’ on Ali. Continuing his judgment the Chief Justice declared that there are three grounds of appeal: the first is common to both appellants, the second relates to the case against the appellant Duke and the third to the appellant Ramsonahai only. He added, “The three submissions made by counsel, who appeared for both appellants, are (i) that the evidence did not establish the offence for which the appellants were indicted and convicted; (ii) that the judge misdirected the jury by failing to direct them that the onus of proving whether the statement alleged to have been made by Duke to the Police
was made voluntarily or not was on the prosecution , and also that if they had any reasonable doubt on the question of whether or not the statement, if made was a voluntary one, they should reject it ; and (iii) that the case against Ramsonahai was unduly prejudiced by the failure of the judge to order a separate trial. Counsel also made submissions on other questions that could or might arise if those three submissions were not upheld or in the event of the second or third submission being sustained. “With regard to the final submission, counsel contended that, while the evidence may be sufficient to prove the commission of other statutory offences or of an indictable conspiracy at common law, it did not establish a contravention of the provisions of section 330 of Chapter 10, because it did not prove that the agreement was that either of the alleged conspirators would prosecute Ali, that is to say, that one or other of them would actually institute proceedings by laying a charge against him: In other words, counsel maintained that an offence is not committed if the evidence discloses an intention merely to cause a public prosecution to be instituted against him. “Counsel advanced three reasons in support of his argument. He stated that the ordinary and primary meaning of the words “to prosecute” is to commence proceedings by laying a complaint or information. Secondly, that the section is a highly penal one and on that account the words “to prosecute” should be strictly construed and not extended to include the phrase “to cause to be prosecuted”; and thirdly, that if the legislature intended such an extension of the words “to prosecute” it would have said so, as it did in several other sections of the same enactment. “While it is clear that any person may commence a prosecution against another person, we agree with counsel for the appellants that the evidence does not support the conclusion that either of the appellants (notwithstanding that the appellant Duke is a constable) intended to institute a prosecution by personally laying a complaint or information against Ali. We do not, therefore, consider that it would be profitable to examine and deal with the evidence that was put before the jury in regard to police regulation and procedure before a complaint is made by a member of the police force. “The point is a novel one, and research has not revealed any authority on it. We, therefore, deal with it according to the ordinary rules of construction”, the Federal Supreme Court disclosed as it allowed the appeals and set aside the convictions and sentences.
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Chronicle Pepperpot November 3, 2019
Stress related
to dental disease THERE is a vicious circle between stress and dental disease. When someone is “stressed out” they tend to eat unhealthily. They are likely to consume more sugary foods, for example. So while the main causes of periodontal disease are stress and poor oral hygiene, another problem leading to gum disease may be poor diet. It is the missing link to the prevention and treatment of gum disease, and it is almost always ignored. Diet is important in controlling periodontal disease because bacteria in the mouth use sugars for energy and reproduction. When stress causes your oral hygiene to become poor, and your diet is high in sugar, more bacteria are produced. The higher bacterial level will then inflame the gums and may increase plaque formation in gum disease. If we consume a high sugar diet, the body will produce more bacteria in the mouth. Stress, combined with such a sugar diet, adds acid to our saliva and will show its results in gum disease. Studies have shown that it is more harmful to eat sugar-containing foods between meals than it is to eat them with meals. And we know that stress may result in us wanting to snack frequently. We need vitamins and minerals in our diet. Vitamins help regulate our metabolism. A diet high in fibre and fruits and vegetables will help reverse gum
problems naturally. Most important, we need the fats and proteins that provide the energy that helps build the cells of our body. To reverse gum disease naturally, we must alter our diet and discipline ourselves to maintain healthier eating patterns. In isolated areas where groups of Amerindian people live, it is known that their teeth and gums are in a healthy state. I worked in both the North and South Rupununi for a long time and I know that these groups do not follow what we consider proper oral hygiene, yet they have healthy mouths. Why? They eat live foods and lead simple, stress-free lives. If these people came to live here in the city, their teeth and gums would start to show disease states that would be due to the processed foods that we eat. People who are obese and eat sugary foods have a higher susceptibility to gum disease than those who eat a balanced diet. Soft and sticky food (like nutrition bars), which tend to remain in the grooves of the teeth, are also culprits and can lead to tooth and gum problems. It is not the vitamin content but the natural sugars such as honey in these nutritional bars that get stuck in the grooves of your teeth. It is true that what we are is what we eat? Yes! I hope that you will begin to eat a balanced diet and try to consume the recommended daily allowances of nutrients. The bone surrounding the teeth needs attention given to it that is equal to that given to other bones in the body. Vitamin A is needed for the formation of this bone. Vitamin A deficiency in the mouth can show up as thin enamel, chalky patches on your teeth, decreased tooth growth, retarded eruption, malpositioned teeth, soft teeth, dry mouth, and defective dentin formation because it can decrease the activity of new cells. On the other hand, excessive consumption of vitamin
A can result in a toxic condition characterised by itching skin, gum disease (gingivitis), and irritability. Other physical symptoms may manifest, such as poor night vision, lack of appetite and vigour, bladder stones, and hyperthyroidism. Too much or too little can affect your teeth and gums. Eating foods such as the following, in moderation, will help you to heal your mouth and reverse your gum condition. The soft foods containing vitamin A are easier on the teeth are foods like apricot and cantaloupes. Harder foods include carrots, broccoli, and celery. Additional foods containing vitamin A are butter, cabbage, chives, egg yolk and milk. If you have a vitamin B deficiency, your tongue may show some early symptoms of enlarged taste buds (bumps on the side of your tongue) at the front and the side, with the taste buds in the back of your tongue becoming enlarged later on. You may also notice deep fissures and grooves down the centre of the tongue. Various foods fit in different vitamin B groups. Foods that are high in vitamin B include mushrooms, algae, yeast, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds. Thiamin was the first vitamin discovered; this is why it is designated as vitamin B1. Symptoms of a severe deficiency of vitamin B1 include a burning sensation on the tongue, loss of taste, unusual sen-
sitivity of the inner lining (the cheeks and soft tissue) of the mouth, and cracks and sores in the corner of the mouth. Cracks in the corner of the mouth, called “angular cheilosis,” are common. Foods rich in vitamin B1 that can help you avoid such symptoms are wheat, oatmeal, legumes such as peanuts, and peas. Meat, fish, fruit and milk also contain thiamin. Vitamin B2 is involved in the production of energy through the conversion of nutrients in food. Commonly, symptoms of Vitamin B2 deficiency are lips that may crack and become painful and ulcerated. They may appear redder or whiter than usual. The corners of the mouth may also crack. Contact with food or drink may cause pain or a burning sensation on the tongue. Antidepressants decrease the positive effect of this vitamin, so especially be watchful if you are being treated for depression. Niacin (vitamin B3) is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. It acts as a coenzyme (catalyst) in the process that requires energy for normal cell function. Vitamin B3 deficiency results in pellagra, a disease characterised by a swollen tongue, inflammation of the mouth, diarrhoea, and small red eruptions on the back of the hands. Good sources of niacin are meats, turkey and other poultry, fish and peanuts.
Chronicle Pepperpot November 3, 2019
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‘Period cramps should be taken as a valid reason to be absent’ I
N the past, I have done a few articles on the menstrual cycle, but I think a “few” is never enough. There should be many articles not only from me, but also from other writers who are just as passionate about social change. Biologically speaking, periods on a whole are quite natural and innate to women and some, including women themselves, avoid these conversations because they are somehow taboo and unnatural in some cultures. There was a post on Facebook that caught my attention and it read, “Period cramps should be taken as a valid reason to be absent. Girls have different levels of pain tolerance when it comes to this, and having to show up to school or work can awfully be too much stress for us—and that’s just the physical pain we’re talking about…” Reading that post resurrected old memories from my subconscious of my high school experience and menstrual cycles. Dysmenorrhea -- or better known as ‘period cramps’-- is pain that arises on your lower abdomen before and mostly after you have got your period. In my experiences, it has been the worst of physical pain. I can barely cope with my cramps and when this happens, most of the times I am told, “you’re faking it”; “every woman has their periods, what makes you so special”; “bear up,” and the list goes on. I could have barely concentrated on my
school work and was quite frustrated. Some days in school all I wanted to do was to curl up in a ball and cry. During class sessions such as Physical Education, periods weren’t always accepted
as an ‘excuse’ to not run/engage. I can understand why everyone won’t be able to accept periods as a valid reason to not engage in certain activities and that is because of the misuse and abuse of it. Some girls in school deliberately used their periods as an excuse to not engage in the day’s activities, even to some of the most understanding teachers; that puts us girls who actually need the time off at a disadvantage because, just as anything else in the world, periods and us women are generalised in this sense. Angie Mooto, a well-known social media activist on social issues and events stated her opinion on this topic by saying, “I work in a hotel with the set-up crew, we’re normally doing manual labour for about six-eight hours and being the only woman on the team it’s already difficult trying to present myself as an equal in a male-dominated space, even more so when I’m on my cycle.” She continued by saying, “I get really nauseous to the point of being physically ill and paired with cramps, sometimes it’s impossible to just ignore it and push through. So some days I have to call out sick and they get ridiculously upset because not only do they not understand the extent of what’s happening, they don’t care to. My excuses always seem flimsy and frivolous (because of course women “overreact” when they’re on their periods, right?) which adds to the stress I’m already under. It makes me look like I’m just taking a ‘cop-out’ for work. It’s beyond exhausting, so like all women, I either have to risk looking ‘flaky’ to my superiors who won’t care to understand my situation, or endure and persevere.” Like Angie, many women feel the same way and I hope that this article inspires all who are reading-- both men and women. When I used to go to my high school sickbay because of my cramps, I must admit that I felt a bit of guilt inside me for staying away from clas, but it wasn’t guilt that I acquired on my own, but from other people and their opinions. Apart from cramps, there is also the emotional turmoil we face, the anxiety of not knowing if there are stains on your light-coloured clothing—the endless cycle of disconnection between women and their bodies. While having
CALL IN SICK
your period is no excuse to run from work or school, or to use the symptoms of emotional distress to ‘lash out’ and be mean to others, it is also important to note that we should be given more credit than what we’re already receiving for progressing through our periods, even though we’re unwell because of it. I urge women to always look out for each other and I urge males to be more empathic towards women in these times. If you’re already doing that, then you must know that I am filled with gratitude for you. Keep up the constant conversations and education of these topics and to my fellow women, never discredit somebody else’s experience because yours seem ‘fitting’ and okay. As the post on Facebook said, “every woman has a different pain tolerance.” There’s much to be said, but I do hope all teachers, lecturers, employers, supervisors and even parents take note of this topic. Is it a valid reason? YES. Should we be given time off because we’re not well? YES. Lastly, always remember ladies— glow through your flow!
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Chronicle Pepperpot November 3, 2019
#SupportCreativity
By Subraj Singh
Queen’s College’s 175th Anniversary THIS year marks exactly ten years since I graduated from High School. I went to Queen’s College (QC) from 2004 – 2009 and this school, incidentally, is celebrating its175th anniversary. I find it strange that this school is so old and has a long and storied history, with so little of it documented. This lack of proper documentation means that much of the legacy and lore of the school can only be passed on through oral traditions, from the alumni to the people, which in the 21st Century is a bit antiquated method. Of course, there are the sporadic bursts of publications here and there, but there is nothing comprehensive that tells the school’s story from the days of handsome Victorian scholars to the multicultural coed institution that now represents the best high schoolers in Guyana. This is particularly unfortunate because high schools are such a formative part of our lives, and it saddens me that so little information about my high school is not readily available. I mean, it was in high school that I discovered my great love of literature. It was in high school when I decided that science was not for me. High school was when I became starkly aware of class differences among students. I was in high school when I got my first kiss from a girl and it was in high school when I got my first kiss from a boy. My time at Queen’s College introduced me to some of the greatest people I know, and Queen’s College is also where I experienced a fair amount of bullying. The school, in both positive and negative ways, has influenced my life and has played a part in shaping me into
who I am today. To think that mine is only one of the thousands of stories that have been affected by Queen’s College is a mind-blowing fact that I will probably never come to terms with, but such is the beauty of schools, I suppose. As part of the 175th anniversary celebrations, I am working with the school and various alumni to commemorate this event. In these interac-
have been to Queen’s College is staggering in that there is such a love for the school. I also love QC, but is it a space that I would label as one of my favourites in the whole world? Probably not. What is it, then, that results in the different ways in which love of school is manifested between various generations? Is it nostalgia? After reaching a certain age, do people feel an innate need to look back and
taining all of those things. Therefore, the deep love and admiration for QC might be rooted in nostalgia, as well as in all of those elements that came together to make those five years fantastic to the point of being forever rooted in the memories of alumni from previous generations. I suppose one analogy for modern generations to understand this is to imagine a world without the internet – and ev-
Queen’s College does give students a boost in terms of self-assurance and a privilege in being assured of how we will be perceived by the outside world, what other factors are there that could have shaped the students so differently from how I was moulded when I attended the school? Students not only have an increase in the number of hours in which they must be in school, but they also attend after-school lessons,
also in the extracurricular. Of course, none of this is bad. The deep-seated love for the school by the elders and the evolution of the current students are natural courses that have emerged, and they are interesting to observe and analyse. Coming back to the previous point about the lack of publications on Queen’s College, it can be said that none of these observations, none of the trends, none
'Current Queen’s College students' – image by Adrian Narine - Guyana Chronicle tions, two things, regarding the duality of the past and the present, stand out to me the most. One has to do with the fervent love of the school that is expressed by the older generations and the other has to do with the many differences that I can pinpoint between my generation and the current generation at Queen’s College. Perhaps, this is a sign that I am growing into an old curmudgeon, despite my promises to myself to not do so. My interactions with people over forty who
remember fond memories isolated to younger days, when limbs were stronger, love was free, and times were different? I think it might be that – but also something more. I think that generally for older alumni, Queen’s College might represent an ideal time in their lives simply because it was exactly that: an ideal time. Young people today have the internet at their disposal, with easy access to friends, movies, games, and knowledge. Back in the day, I suppose, school was the only way of at-
erything that comes with it: Netflix, social media, etc. – and the blankness that would be experienced in such a world would be equivalent to how an older Queen’s College alumnus might feel about the school not existing at all. The current batch of students is also quite different from myself (and my 11 – 17-year-old self) in that they are way more confident and outgoing than I ever was as a student. In fact, they might be more confident and outgoing than me as an adult. While I acknowledge that attending
as well as a range of extracurricular activities, including dance, athletics, gym, steelpan, modelling, etc. I get tired just thinking about it. My only theory about the evolution of the excess in the output of current Queen’s College students has to do with the fact that ambition and the need to achieve greatness and excellence (or greatness through excellence) has also evolved throughout the years. At some point, we surpass academics in terms of competition and eventually it is not enough to do well in academic work but
of the changes between the generations, can be really observed, studied and analysed without the data being recorded – and based on this juxtaposition between older alumnus and current students at Queen’s College, this lack of published information on the school is an unfortunate instance that causes us to lose information that we one day regard as valuable. Hopefully, by the time the 200th anniversary comes around, things will be different in this regard.
Focus Boerasirie Chronicle Pepperpot November 3, 2019
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on the Village
A small community of resourceful villagers By Michel Outridge
THIS week the Pepperpot Magazine visited the small farming community of Boerasirie, East Bank Essequibo, a village near the large housing scheme of Tuschen. Boerasirie is bordered by De Kinderen village and has fewer than 50 houses; it is home to about 100 residents who work in offices, do farming, while others are self-employed. The Pepperpot Magazine went on a walkabout in the village and interacted with residents, who spoke of their way of life. The team met a landscaper, Rakesh Sijorie, better known as the “Weeder Man,” who is not a resident of Boerasirie but frequents the village almost daily to weed, thereby providing a reliable service to villagers. Sijorie resides in the neighbouring village of Tuschen, also on the East Bank of Essequibo and starts his day at dawn and doesn’t finish until dusk. The Pepperpot Magazine caught up with him while he was plying his trade in Boerasirie and was about to go “do a work” for a customer, who had requested his service. The father of one related that the job is not a “big money wuk,” but he does it anyway and it is his only source of income, since it is better than doing nothing. Sijorie explained that he had some savings and invested it in a Stihl weeding machine; he chose self-employment, he said, because he works at his own pace. He has been doing it for a number of years and has grown accustomed to the hard work and the intense sunshine one has to endure, with Guyana being a tropical country. “I does do my lil weeding wuk you know, to provide for my family and despite the weather of hot sun I have to be out there and this job is not easy facing the sun, but I have to do it anyway,” he said. Luckily, for Sijorie, he has distributed his cellphone number to his customers, so he is called whenever his service is required and that suits him just fine. “I does work in Tuschen and the nearby villages because it is not too far away from my house; and I go on my bicycle, which is convenient,” he said. Sijorie stated that he tries to get his weeding done in the early-morning period before the sun
‘Weeder Man’ Rakesh Sijorie at Boerasirie, East Bank Essequibo (Carl Croker photo)
gets really hot and if the customer approves an early time, he appreciates that. He noted that most weeding jobs are requested on weekends when people are at home and sometimes he is asked to rake up and pick up the grass after weeding; that service comes at an additional cost. The 37-year-old reported that being a “weeder man” is not degrading, it is an honest job and it provides an income, however small; every profession, he said, should be respected once it is honest work. Sijorie explained that there are many “weeder
men” in Tuschen and when it rains, jobs become scarce. However, he has a few customers who would call him because he provides a good service without inflating his price. “This is hard work and you have to like it to do it, and I do it because I am a family man who has to work,” he said. Even though Sijorie is a “weeder man,” he is often referred to as a landscaper, which entails modification to an area of land; this includes living elements such as flora and fauna, or what is commonly called gardening, the art and craft of growing plants to create within the landscape.
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Chronicle Pepperpot November 3, 2019
Living the simple life By Michel Outridge
JOAN Beete and her husband, Hilton France have settled in the village of Boerasirie, East Bank Essequibo and these days they are taking care of their grand and great-grandchildren and tending to their farm. Joan Beete told the Pepperpot Magazine that she had a small shop in her yard which served as her business but it has
Retired soldier, Hilton France
since closed. She had to seek employment is attached to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and is based at Stabroek Market in the city. Beete said from a common law union with Hilton France they have two children from which they got 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She related that she moved to the community a few years ago and it has become her home because she is comfortable there and it is the quiet kind of life is to her liking. “This is a small scheme with 32 houses so the people around here live simple and do what they have to earn honestly and we have no real issues here but things are a bit slow at this end,” she said. Meanwhile, Hilton France is a pensioner and is enjoying his retirement and these days he is into gardening, bird rearing and does odd jobs around the house. When the Pepperpot Magazine visited he was in the process of repairing a wooden table with some power tools. After spending 23 years in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) he retired as a Sergeant in 1992 and before his exit from the army he would have served at many border and interior locations. “I joined the GDF in 1969 and I worked at some of the far-fetched areas such as Ekereku, Eteringbang and many others and I have a lot of stories to tell but now I am here at home doing things to pass the time,” he said. Apart from fixing things around the
Joan Beete and her great-grandson (Carl Croker photos)
house, France is a good gardener and has cultivated his back yard into crops of vegetables and fruits. “We don’t buy greens and some fruits because we have those in our garden and I also mind birds as you can see a few hang up in cages, it is a hobby and I can
Hilton France at his home, repairing furniture
fix many things and I am also a qualified electrician,” he said. France told the Pepperpot Magazine that before he retired from the army he benefitted from a training course which qualified him as an electrician and he has since put that skill to use in his own home. “I want to advise the youths to dedicate themselves to work and get off the smoking thing what they doing and go find work but they have a lot of problems choosing and so. The thing is they have to seek employment, to start somewhere, to do something and in time they will develop themselves and get a better job but they prefer to do other things rather than work,” he said. The only bugbear for the couple and their family is the damage done to their landline telephone service for a year now. A waste disposal truck accidentally damaged the landline connection and to date, it has not been restored, as such, they cannot benefit from internet service. Bette and France are taking care of their grands and great grands, one of which was with them and will be going back to the US next year to be with his mother, who is in the US Air Force. Among other things, France is an old motorcycle man, who once had a very shiny and fashionable motorcycle but as time elapsed and he became more mature he gave that up and is enjoying the simpler things in life.
Chronicle Pepperpot November 3, 2019
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Mother and son partnership has produced a lucrative business By Michel Outridge OSAFO Bowman used to work with people where he drove and sold bottled water for a living and after some time, he realised he would be better off owning his own small business. With that thought in mind, the young man said he started to save little by little until he acquired enough to purchase a pressure washer and other essentials needed for the wash bay business. The father of two told the Pepperpot Magazine that dreams can become reality with hard work and dedication and people should have the mindset to go after their dreams. Today, Bowman is the owner of Vendetta 6 Boss Wash Bay which is located at Public Road, Boerasirie, East Bank Essequibo. The business was opened four years ago and he added that business is not booming but it is flowing a bit and vehicles owners would stop by to have their vehicles washed and cleaned at his place. The 21-year-old said, “This business is a one-day-at-a-time kind of business, can’t rush nothing and everything does work out eventually and we live nice around here because most people does work and we don’t have limers and troublemakers.” Meanwhile, Bowman’s mother, Cindy Goodridge has a striving plan-
Wash Bay owner, Osafo Bowman tain, sweet potato and cassava chips business at her small roadside stand which is manned by her employee, Otisha London. However, when the Pepperpot Magazine visited, Goodridge was not well and was resting and her employee opted to speak on her behalf. London is tasked with frying the chips, waiting for it to cool off before packing and sealing it before it goes on sale at a stand right in front of the house. In the yard, Goodridge has a small
Super Max Barber Shop
Osafo Bowman after pressure washing a large house rug shop which has cold beverages and Being multi-talented has worked confectioneries for sale. in his favour where is versed in many Right on the roadside at Boerasirie, trades and can do other jobs to support East Bank Essequibo, Bruce Coelho, a his household. resident, constructed a wooden strucCoelho related that his barbering ture which houses a barbershop. business is working out well so far He opened the small business about because he has managed to build a two weeks ago because he wanted to clientele and people passing by would try something new and has invested in stop to utilise the services since it is at the Super Max Barber Shop. a roadside spot. Coelho has been self-employed for “I had some formal training in barthe past seven years and is also into bering from Kevin’s Reflections and mining and farming. I was able to grasp a lot after which “I does plant strictly plantains on a was put into practice and today I am a barber that can do any haircuts for both men and women,” he said. He related that women can come with their design from the salon and he can give them the cut they are looking for plus shape up, style and line-up. Coelho is married with no children and is hoping to have a successful business in preparation for the children he will have. At 27 years old he has tried his hand at most jobs is thankful that he can open his own business and at a roadside location where no fans are needed because it is so breezy and opens from 09:00hrs to 21:00hrs daily. Coelho added that most people that reside in Boerasirie village are clerical workers in both offices and at private companies. He noted that they utilise the services of the nearby villages for schools, health centre and other public services. “As you can see we have good Bruce Coelho at his roadside barber infrastructure such as roads, drainage, shop at Boerasirie, East Bank Essequwater, electricity and telephone service ibo (Carl Croker photos) but what is lacking is a play park and large scale and that takes time to reap an area has been identified and works and when I do I sell it to wholesalers at are ongoing by the Ministry of Public Parika and Hubu and in the meantime I Infrastructure for such,” he said. have other things to do to supplement Coelho told the Pepperpot Magmy income and would go in the bush azine that the community has resiand do some gold mining and when I dents of mixed race and they live in am out here I do barbering,” he said. harmony.
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Chronicle Pepperpot November 3, 2019
a place of multi-talented residents
By Michel Outridge SHELLON Sancho was the first roadside food vendor at Middle Street, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara. Her cook-up-rice and fried rice were in demand by patrons of the Guinness Bar at the location, every Friday night. Sancho is a native of Pouderoyen. Realising that she has a natural talent for cooking and that she likes to be in the kitchen preparing delicious foods, she started the small roadside food-vending business. She recalled that back then she used to sell more than 100 boxes of food every Friday night when there was a party and roadside lime at the Guinness Bar. After about 10 years, she quit and did other things for a living, pointing out that there are now 17 roadside vendors at the location. Sancho got married two years ago and left her village to settle with
Pepperpot Magazine that she was forced to close her boutique at Vreeden-Hoop, West Coast Demerara Sancho, a stay-at-home mom, told the Pepperpot Magazine that after she was forced to close her boutique at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, she had nothing to do; after consulting with her husband, they opened the business in April this year. She added that the business is closed on Sundays, but is opened from 08:00hrs to up until 20:30hrs, depending on how customers flow. Sancho said she manages the business alone because she recently started and cannot afford to employ workers, but as the business grows, she will employ people at some point. The multi-talented home-maker told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is not a ‘sit-down’ kind of person; as such, she would find things to
Shellon Sancho in front of her roadside businessplace (Carl Croker photos)
Shellon Sancho displays some of the foods she has on sale her husband and children at Boerasirie. Today, she is the friendly face behind the counter at Compton and Shellon’s Delight West Side Fish Shop Restaurant and Bar, located on the Boerasirie Public Road. Fish and chips apart, Sancho also prepares cook-up rice with baked chicken, fried rice and fried chicken, among other dishes. The mother of three related that the transition to that village has been difficult, with only one friend in the neighbourhood, but she is coping. A stay-at-home mom, Sancho told the
do. She added that she can sew and makes her own curtains, such as the one she has in her restaurant; she can also make floral arrangements to go with the curtains and is a hair and wig designer also. By next week she said, she will start taking orders for floral arrangements. “I am originally from Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, a ‘bright’ and ‘lively’ village unlike the dismal Boerasirie community, but I am adjusting to the quiet country life,” she said. The 45-year-old reported that
Shellon Sancho in her restaurant being in the kitchen is her favourite pastime and she would spend many hours preparing meals and decided to open her own business. “This business is my husband’s; it’s a joint venture though and he is
at work as a contractor and I am here to run this food business,” she said. The business entails taking a lot of time to prepare foods and her day would start as early as 05:00hrs every day.
Chronicle Pepperpot November 3, 2019
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Local contractor in bid to create employment for villagers
By Michel Outridge ROLEX McCollin is a resident of Boerasirie, East Bank Essequibo and he is doing his bit to enhance the community and to provide employment for fellow residents. Ironically, he is a contractor and recently started preparing the land and drains for the construction of a multi-purpose building, which will house his business and home. When the Pepperpot Magazine caught up
giving back to society. He disclosed that he is in the process of constructing a building which will house a multi-purpose building for a store in which he will have his living quarters, a tyre and a vulcanizing shop.He added that once the building is finished and outfitted with the essentials to establish his business, he will employ people from the village. “I am originally from Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara and af-
tor is also here to prepare the drainage system to accommodate the construction and I am optimistic everything will work in my favour,” he said. Mc Collin added that Boerasirie is a small farming community which has 23 houses and in every house, there are about four to five persons. He reported that the village is a quiet, closeknit place where people look out for each other and there is unity
among the people. The contractor noted that the people of Boerasirie are farmers, nurses, teachers; some work in offices and others are self-employed with their own small businesses. “In this village, everybody is doing something to make their lives better and this is a place where nobody sits idly by; a place of working people and a good place for family life,” Mc Collin said.
Contractor Rolex Mc Collin of Boerasirie village.
Excavation works being undertaken at the property owned by Rolex Mc Collin (Carl Croker photos) with Mc Collin he was supervising excavation and land-preparation works at his plot of land, which is strategically located at the rear of the village, almost roadside. At the plot, there is an old wooden house which will be torn down to make way for a spanking new edifice. Mc Collin of Rolex Tools Establishment, told the Pepperpot Magazine that since this administration took office his business has evolved; as such, he is willing to make a difference in the lives of others, as his way of
ter 24 years, I returned to this village because I used to live here, right across the playfield and I moved away but now I am back and I am very pleased that I managed to get a piece of land where I can build my house and establish my business,” he said. Mc Collin related that he is preparing the land for a concrete drain as a means of beautifying the environment and he has people working to ensure that construction goes according to plan. “I have some people working to construct the building and the excava-
Rolex Mc Collin supervises works at his place.
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Chronicle Pepperpot November 3, 2019
Learning Cultural Integration from UWI CULTURAL Integration plays an important role in the development of a more unified Caribbean society, where individual cultures are celebrated but come
together to create a more impactful kaleidoscope. For several decades, integration has been a highly sought after yet elusive tenet for the Caribbean region.
And, candidly speaking, I understand the hindrances that are presented because of the varying levels of development of individual nations. However, I’ve been in
Trinidad for a short time and already I feel myself gaining a greater understanding and appreciation for integration efforts. This is so because I am part of a regional uni-
versity that encompasses a plethora of cultures from across the region which I can immerse myself in, and actually see the connections between our shared Caribbean history. In more ways than I believe we recognise, Caribbean countries have experiences that almost mirror one another- owed to similar experiences we have had. Two weeks ago, the Grenadian Students’ Association here in Trinidad organised a week of learning activities in commemoration of the 1979 Grenadian Revolution. And as part of this, there was a quiz competition and a lecture organised. Through both of these, it was highlighted that both Grenada and Guyana dabbled in socialism before this was shut down by the ‘first world’ nations. The attempts at socialism were also had in Trinidad and Jamaica, albeit to a lesser extent, according to Ronan Burtenshaw, in the Jacobin magazine. Aside from these shared experiences, which contributed to the development of a shared culture of some sort, we also have our own individualised tidbits which open up avenues for cultural integration. For context’s sake, cultural integration is a form of cultural exchange that involves appreciating, assuming and/or adopting those beliefs, practises or tenets of another group- without sacrificing your own cultural. In theory, it is a smooth process of learning and appreciating. This year’s Diwali festivities with the Guyanese Students’ Association in Trinidad and Tobago (GuySATT), for me, reaffirmed that the thrust for integration in some shape or form does exist in our Caribbean and longs to be nurtured. On Diwali night on my campus, Guyanese students were able to spin steel woola unique Guyanese festivity at Diwali- for the very first time (by the books, at least). I, for one, was elated that something unique to my country could have been brought to a space where other Caribbean brothers and sisters would enjoy it. And not only enjoy looking at it
but get to engage in it as well. Later, a Guyanese friend here posited that this event was much more than just a showcase of our culture- it was also an expression of our culture. Being able to do something just as we would have done it back home (well, exercising a bit more caution, being on campus and all) was a liberating experience. Liberating because we aren’t confined by the lack of access to avenues of doing things as we are accustomed to at home, and liberating to know that you can freely express your culture and have such a warm and welcoming reception for it. This culture sharing between GuySATT and the other regional students is microcosmic of what could be a really very beautiful reality if we are to transcend our parochial outlook. It becomes important to recognise that the Caribbean has had a history of grappling with cultural superiority, due to the ethnocentrism that prevailed during the region’s formative years. It is this eurocentrism, I believe, has contributed to us becoming insular in some ways. A simple yet relevant example of this, for me, is the very, very pointless and very annoying ‘debate’ of Chicken Curry vs Curry Chicken, as some struggle for superiority between Guyana and Trinidad. I’ve made this point before, and I’ve been told that I am making a mountain out of a molehill, but as a Guyanese residing in Trinidad, I can tell you that I have been asked this an unnecessary amount of times when persons learn my nationality. Why do we (Guyanese and Trinidadians alike) entertain this conversation? It is because we have this history of ethnocentrism that I believe we ought to stand firm in efforts of promoting the integration of our culture. And it is because I recognise that I am very fortunate to have this experience of cultural immersion, that I believe that I have a duty to speak about this. There is much to be gained from learning from one another and integrating cultures in the Caribbean.
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Successful photographer/ videographer from the Ancient County, Damian Jagroop
DAMIAN Jagroop is a well known photographer/videographer who has a YouTube channel and also plays a major role in the ‘CoolBoyz’ entertainment group. The days of his childhood were quite adventurous and fun; he was always a very outgoing and funny individual. He was known as the entertainer of his friend circles, always the one to come up with hilarious jokes and pranks—surely, not much has changed. Damian grew up in a breaded Guya-
Picture taken by Damian ‘Coolboyz’ (Source: Damian Coolboyz photography) nese/Berbician home. Here is where he experienced a ‘true’ Guyanese living/lifestyle. His exposure to such a lifestyle is what fuels his ideas that influence the types of videos that he produces. Jagroop always had a passion for art and being creative and as such, he made up his mind to pursue it. He also expressed that he owes most of his success to his very supportive and encouraging parents. In the process of creating entertainment content for ‘Damian CoolBoyz’ YouTube channel, this Berbician youth managed to achieve the spot of becoming Guyana’s #1 YouTuber. Damian also started his very own career as a professional photographer and has managed to trail on top, becoming one of Berbice’s leading photographers. The number one challenge that he faces thus far is balancing the steady demands for his videography/photography work. He claims that his passion for both photography and videography ‘just happened’-- as if it is innate. The
content and creative thinking somehow come naturally and he feeds off that natural energy to create. Damian has to balance his work life and all that he does in the creative/entertainment industry, while being committed to his family and his life as a Christian. Apart from his well known videography/photography content, the 24-year-old Berbician also assists his father in co-partnering an auto spare parts business (CoolBoyz Autoparts). And as if his life isn’t already well accomplished—he is also a soon-to-be father. For the future, Damian’s plans are mainly to continue entertaining his supportive fans, satisfying his clientele and he wants to continue to earn an honest living. Being happy, contented and having a great and closely knit family life is also what he is aiming for. Damian also wishes to expand on his photography/videography skills, business plans and platforms. This photographer/videographer with a passion for family life and creative thinking advises the young people to, “Pursue whatever you have an interest in and choose a job you love. You will never ever have to work a day in your life, because you’ll be busy doing something/a passion you love.”
Berbice photographer/videographer Damian Jagroop
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Berbice women speak out against domestic violence –Urge women not to live in silence
By Indrawattie Natram WOMEN who are constantly abused by their husbands in Berbice, Region Six, are calling on other women in other regions to speak out and not to live in silence. The Pepperpot Magazine had the opportunity to meet with two women who had interesting stories to share; these women were constantly abused by their husbands and were even hospitalised at some point, due to severe whacks they had received. Saraswattie Etwaru, 33 years old of Hampshire, Corentyne, Berbice, was beaten severely by her
24-year-old husband while she was five months pregnant. According to Saraswattie, he continuously beat her during their three-year relationship. Etwaru, relating her story, said her husband would beat her for no reason and sometimes she really wished she could do better. Her most recent violent encounter, she said, was within the last two weeks. She recalled that she left Church and went to her sister’s house and on her way home she was greeted by her husband. She said that the furious man broke a branch from a nearby plant and began beating her. He took the stick and hit her for three hours straight and
Volunteers pose with Saraswattie Etwaru
RIVAH volunteers with the abused victim Seema Bisnauth she did not understand the was assisted in going to the en who are both pregnant. reason behind his behaviour. hospital. She was hospital- The women were provided “He started beating me ised and is being counselled; with monetary donations, from about 11 o’clock till 1 she is afraid of going back that were to assist each vico’clock,” the woman said, to her home as she fears for tim with medical and other forcing back tears. She viv- her life. related living expenses. The idly recalled that she was Another domestic vio- RIVAH team will be workalso hit several times to her lence victim is 21-year-old ing along with the women to head with a huge piece of Seema Bisnauth of Rampoor, provide moral support until wood. “I wait till he drops to Corriverton, Berbice,who they are mentally strong. sleep and then I come out the is currently nursing injuries Handing over the monehouse, my skin was paining, about her body; she was se- tary assistance to the women a woman really has to go verely beaten last Saturday were volunteers attached to through a lot,” she said. Et- evening while at home. Ac- the organisation, Sushmita waru, after escaping, rushed cording to her sister Latoya, Kalika Singh and Natasha to a neighbour’s house and she visited her sister at her Phagwah Khan. home on Sunday, but after Singh said that RIVAH calling out for her several reached out to the women in times she did not receive a October, given that it is also response. Domestic Violence AwareThe sister said she then ness Month. She said the realised that something was month first began in 1981 wrong. She said that she was by the National Coalition eventually allowed into the Against Domestic Violence house by her brother-in-law as a Day of Unity to connect and found her sister lying battered women’s advocates in pain on the bed. She was across the country. Singh shocked to see her sister in said domestic violence afsuch a condition and volun- fects millions, both women teered to take her to the hos- and men, of every race, pital; it was on the way to the religion, culture and stahospital that her sister broke tus; as such, RIVAH feels down in tears and related to honoured to have assisted her that she had been severe- the women. Both women ly beaten by her husband. expressed happiness upon The couple have been receiving the donation. married for three months. Rafieya’s International They have a three-year-old Vision and Hope (RIVAH) is child and Bisnauth is eight an NGO which was launched months pregnant. According by Miss World Guyana 2014, to Latoya, this is the third Rafieya Husain. Its mission time her sister was beaten is to create awareness and by her husband. She said the prevention of domestic viocouple’s three-year-old child lence and suicide in Guyana. had to be removed from the RIVAH launched its first home and now lives with a Outreach Centre on the Esgrandparent for safety. The sequibo Coast in 2014; in family is also worried about 2019, it launched its presBisnauth’s life and is con- ence in five other regions in cerned about her condition. Guyana through the RIVAH Having heard of the volunteer programmes. women’s plight, Rafieya’s Anyone who wishes International Vision and to help more women can Hope (RIVAH), a non-profit reach out to RIVAH memorganisation founded in 2014 bers or send an email to rireached out to the two wom- vahguyana@gmail.com.
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A place for Children
Overseas-based Guyanese wants to give back By Michel Outridge WEYGAND Gardner and a group of overseas-based Guyanese are making a difference in the lives of children, who are less fortunate through their organisation, All God’s Little Children Inc. The non-governmental organisation (NGO) has a local office at the Community Centre Ground at Friendship, East Coast Demerara. Gardner told the Pepperpot Magazine that the Saturday School has been in existence since 2010 and it caters for the needs of needy children from depressed communities along the East Coast wing. He related that they conduct Christian principles – reading and art activities programmes to empower children through physical display from 14:00hrs to 16:00hrs, every Saturday. The children which amount to more than 70 are drawn from Bare Root and other surrounding areas are transported by vehicles provided by the organisation and while there, they are fed
through their feeding programme which has been active for the past two years. Gardner explained that funds are garnered from donations from its members, who reside abroad and give to All God’s Little Children Inc. He added that since they started they have made strides to enhance the lives of both children and adults through their housing project where they constructed three houses for poor families, donated medical supplies to clinics and schools and not to forget their
ongoing footwear and clothing drive. The Executive Director reported that they have done extensive repairs to the building which houses the office and also installed a bouncy house for the children’s recreation. “We repaired the stairs, the fence and other parts for the building which was in a deplorable state and we will continue to upgrade the edifice,” he said. He noted too, that the boys’ soccer team was uniformed and every August they have their backpack drive where
Children in classroom exercise hosted by All God’s Little Children Inc
The boys’ football team in their uniforms gifted by the organisation
Weygand Gardner with children who were gifted backpacks
needy children are presented with school supplies with a backpack. Gardner said last year they catered for 90 school-aged children from several communities including, Buxton and Bare Root. He is a local from Buxton but resides in the United States of America (USA) and the idea of the organisation was a vision he had in which he wanted to provide for needy children. “Over the years as a Guyanese I want to do so much but I limit my ideas to helping children and we have been successful in many projects and we
strive to make a difference in the lives of those in need,’ he said. Gardner told the Pepperpot Magazine that they also coordinated countless medical outreaches and sourced scholarships for its volunteers, some of whom have completed University of Guyana (UG) and are gainfully employed. He stated that some of the recipients are Dr. Yonel Armstrong, Susan Simon, Uleita Williams and Denita Kato. Gardner added that these volunteers assisted and in return received full scholarships for two and four year’s studies. He stated that All God’s Little Children Inc. is run by a five-member Board of Directors and they are currently in talks with Child Care and Protection Services to start a community-based programme to enhance the lives of children. Gardner pointed out that the organisation would like to create child-safe and friendly communities for children and they are seeking to strengthen the alliance with Child Care and Protection Services.
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Life after cancer
WOMEN in Guyana are getting stronger! With the knowledge gained through awareness campaigns like ‘Pink-tober’, women across the country are learning to prioritise their health. By taking the time to examine themselves or book appointments to be examined, women in Guyana are getting educated, detecting symptoms earlier, undergoing treatment, and moving on to, according to a number of survivors, live their best lives. This edition of Government in Action features the stories of two cancer survivors, Ms. Golda Clementson and Ms. Hermanetta Andrews. These strong women have overcome hardship, broken barriers, and fought hard to prove that there is indeed life after cancer. FROM VICTIM TO SURVIVOR Ms. Golda Clementson, Cervical Cancer Survivor: My name is Golda Clementson. I’m a mother of five… and I’m in my mid-forties. Today, I sit here as a cervical cancer survivor… My story starts in 2015. I [was] observing different signs in my body… Being the person that I am, who always pays attention to the different signs my body [gives] me, I was concerned. I had to wait two or three months for my results… I met with [the doctor] and
do any [of the] routine examinations. So, in 2016 I said I have to do these tests… I went to the Cancer Institute and I did my mammogram first and the doctor told me that they saw suspicious cells… I went to my personal doctor and he ordered the tests [be redone] just to confirm what was [said] to me and the tests came back with the same results. At that time I said, ‘well this has to be real’. Cancer treatment is especially difficult because radiation and chemotherapy lower the count or white blood cells in the body; these protective cells that comprise the body’s immune system. Both survivors spoke of the importance of coping mechanisms as cancer treatment takes a toll on the body and the mind. Ms. Clementson: I was given my 22 days of radiation and [the doctor] had prescribed five days of cisplatin chemotherapy… I was able to complete my 22 days… of radiation, but I wasn’t able to finish the five days of my cisplatin chemo because my body started to react in a negative way… My white blood cells dropped… I had to purchase the injection to boost my white blood cells… Every day I [kept] telling myself tomorrow will come. Tomorrow will come. And yes, tomorrow did come. I made good of all the treatment and followed all I was advised to use during the treatment.
Participants at GTT’s Pinktober 2019 Walk & Run (Photo courtesy of Department of Public Information) his nurse in November when they broke the news to me that I was stage 2 cervical cancer. He then advised me to seek attention [at] the Cancer Institute… I’m a person [who] follows instructions. I wasn’t afraid when he broke the news to me… I was boldly sitting there waiting to hear [about] the next step because that was my question to him. He and his nurse [were] in a bit of astonishment… that I didn’t [break] down or wasn’t in any rage. Ms. Hermanetta Andrews, Breast Cancer Survivor: My name is Hermanetta Andrews and I’m a nurse attached to the Beacon Foundation. Four years elapsed [where] I didn’t
Today… I am [happy, happy, happy] and thankful to God and his miracle work. I can sit here and say that I am cancer free. There has been no other hiccups in terms of anything related to the cancer. I continue to go and have my clinic check-ups. Ms. Andrews: I was hoping beyond hope that at the second examination… I’d have a different result… No one word could explain the emotions and the feelings I was feeling. It was everything you [could think]. I’m also a Christian so, I took it to the Lord. I prayed, I fasted. Two weeks elapsed and I went back to the doctor to do the biopsy… and I was calm.
First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, raises a candle to honour and remember those persons who have lost their lives to cancer. The First Lady was attending the fourth annual candlelight vigil held by the Giving Hope Foundation and the Health and Education Relief Organisation for Cancer (HEROC). I did my treatment and my surgery and it was good. It was successful and after healing I started my radiation…four cycles of chemo and 25 cycles of radiation. The survivors offered this advice, particularly to young women: know your body and go to your annual check-ups. Ms. Clementson: You as an individual, know your body. You must see things. You must feel things. Don’t ignore [anything] that you feel… People would say not [for] every little thing you [need to] run to the doctor, but knowing the crisis that we’re living in now… pay attention. Check. Talk to someone who you are comfortable with. Women, it’s not a harm to have your pap smear or your VIA. I would say it’s a baby thing. It’s not painful. Do it once a year, at least, and it would save you from the pain, the agony, and the stress and the depression that you would have to go through when you ignore these things and then cancer takes a hold of you. Ms. Andrews: You must listen to your body. You have to listen to your body. If you wake up [one] morning and feeling not your best, just think about what can be wrong… If you feel a pain that should not have been there; follow it up. Your body tells you so [many] things and we need to listen to it. Sometimes, we feel … pain and we say, ‘oh, this will go away just now’, but your body is telling you something and you must listen to it. BREAKING CULTURAL NORMS Both Ms. Clementson and Ms. Andrews met with Dr. Latoya Gooding, Medical Oncologist and Founder of the Giving Hope Foundation. Dr. Gooding uses both her offices to break the cultural norm of waiting until the last minute to go to the doctor. Dr. Gooding explains. “[Cancer month] is very important since a lot of our younger women are being diagnosed with breast cancer. Here in Guyana,
Cervical Cancer Survivor, Ms. Golda Clementson breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer and it is the [second highest] cause of cancer-related death among women. So, it’s very important… Culturally, we don’t have the custom of going [to get] an annual exam-
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W E R D N A G N I R E B M E M RE A S A E I G E CARN A N A Y U G F O R O T C A F BENE
First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger (seventh from right), Manager of Muneshwers Limited, Ms. Vanita Muneshwer (fourth from right) and Founder of the Giving Hope Foundation, Dr. Latoya Gooding (sixth from left) are pictured with some of the women who participated in the Spa Day and Tea Party at Muneshwers Limited. ination, a routine check-up. So we’re trying to educate, or make it our custom so that as I always say, women, for [their] birthday, present [themselves] that [annual check-up]. Go check your breasts. Do your pap smear,” Dr. Gooding explained. Recently, a movement called ‘#SelfcareSunday’ has become quite popular on social media. Many women take the time to do weekly activities to pamper themselves in order to relieve stress and promote relaxation. Dr. Gooding said once a month, women can add self-examinations to their selfcare routine as there is nothing more beneficial than monitoring one’s health. “That’s why we try to educate women on breast self-examination… they can actually pamper themselves and do that for themselves. [Self-examination] should be done once per month for women who are still having their period. We advise that they get it done seven to 14 days after their period… For women who are in menopause… at least one date per month. It is very important since we know our breasts. We feel it every day, we check it every month. So, the minute you find an abnormal lump, a lump that is irregular, a lump that is hard, that is fixed to our skin, we should head out to our doctors,” she said. Dr. Gooding also highlighted some concerning symptoms to look for. “Normally, our nipples are pointed out for breast feeding. One morning, you wake up and the nipples are sunken back into the breast. [If] you don’t have children or your last child was about ten years ago and… your
breast is leaking… a secretion that is white or pink or green or red, you should have it checked out. Sometimes, the whole breast is normal, but you find that there’s that lump that’s either fixed to the skin of the breast and it has this orange peel [appearance,] which [makes it] thick and dimply… The lump can [also] be fixed to the back of the breast, so, the outside looks normal but you find that rough, irregular lump that is fixed at the back of the breast… Some persons [find that] the breast is okay, no lump, but they find that lump under the armpit. It is still considered a sign of breast cancer,” she said. Dr. Gooding said she was inspired to open the Giving Hope Foundation (GHF) after hearing of the unfortunate medical treatment of her grandfather who was diagnosed with prostate cancer. After his untimely death, Dr. Gooding, who was then training to become a nurse, immediately switched to the oncology programme for nurses, and graduated third in her class. Now, she says she is passionate about ensuring her patients have hope throughout treatment. “Do not be afraid. Cancer is not a death sentence. There is life after cancer and… [At] the Giving Hope Foundation… we give hope to our patients. We encourage them to do their treatment. We guide them through it… We have our support system, which is for our cancer survivors… The Foundation… is here to support you. We have a very good nutritionist… [who]advises these cancer patients [on] what to [eat]… Don’t be afraid. Just come out [and] get screened. Whatever it is, we
will guide you through it. Don’t be afraid. I’ve heard some of my cancer patients say… that they are living their best life yet and it was after cancer,” she said. ACTIVE PRIORITISATION OF HEALTH Education, annual check-ups and early detection, significantly improve the chance of survival for all cancers. Guyana has come a long way, but there is still much work to be done. First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, who has been dubbed a ‘Champion of Women in Guyana,’ emphasises the great threat this disease is to our nation’s population. “I do not think that as a small nation, we can’t tolerate the mortality rate for cancer, particularly cervical cancer and breast cancer, which primarily affects women… I’m really very concerned about the fact that we, in Guyana, do not have the habit generally of taking care of ourselves, looking after ourselves, having annual check-ups. We feel that the only time you should see a doctor is when you’re really sick. And this compounded, I think, by women who tend to put the care of their families before themselves. Or, if they feel a pain, they work through, do their tasks and maybe they feel better, so that’s the end of it,” the First Lady said. Mrs. Granger shared some troubling statistics gathered by the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). “GPHC reported 235 cases diagnosed with 89 being cases of breast cancer… More concerning is the fact that most of these cases
are found in women under 40 years of age with the majority being… in the twenties and they are diagnosed at stages two and three,” she said. Lamenting the frequency at which firsttime medical patients receive late stage diagnoses, Mrs. Granger said that all Guyanese must actively pursue a healthy lifestyle with regular medical visits. “Sometimes people go in for the first time and they’re diagnosed stage four, which means nothing can be done in that case. If we had early detection; if people were more educated and more willing to be tested, we would be able to catch the disease at stage one when it is curable… People must take care of themselves, take care of their health… You talk about diet, you talk about exercise and all the things that help us to be healthier as a nation,” she said. Guyanese, Mrs. Granger said, must learn to make the necessary changes to promote a healthy lifestyle. “It means a level of consciousness and a willingness to shift your diet and your focus, your exercise and so on, so that you basically start to take care of your body from an early age and get in the practice of annual physical examinations so that if anything comes up, you catch it early,” she said. There is life after cancer, but Guyanese should not wait until the symptoms become severe to check-in with their doctors. When it comes to prioritising our health, there is no time like the present. The Government of Guyana wants to see all Guyanese live the good life, the good life without cancer.
Breast Cancer Survivor, Ms. Hermanetta Andrews
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Linden Fund USA receives recognition for 20th anniversary achievements
Just Reward. Holding the Proclamation and Citation are Linden Fund USA Chairperson Ms. Paula Walcott- Quintin, Vice Chairperson Mr. Keith Semple, LFU Secretary Ms. Shona Wright-Halley and LFU Treasurer Ms. Cyrilene Wright, pose with the two awards. By Joe Chapman in New York On the auspicious occasion when the Linden Fund USA celebrated its 20th anniversary in New York, the non-profit organisation received two notable awards, one was a Congressional Proclamation from U.S. Member of Congress Mr. Hakeem Jeffries and the other a Citation by a duly elected member of the Senate of New York Ms. Roxanne J Persaud, both which recognised and congratulated the Linden Fund USA on this achievement. The Proclamation was signed by Hakeem Jeffries, duly elected member of the United States House of Representatives on August 10, 2019, joined in honouring a truly outstanding community organization. It referenced in part that: “Whereas, launched in September 1999, the Linden Fund USA started as a charitable organisation in New York led by members
across the Diaspora in the U.S. to support their beloved hometown of Linden, Guyana. Since its founding, LFU has expanded into a multifaceted organization, managed by volunteer members in various state chapters, where significant numbers of Lindeners reside- including New York, New Jersey, the DC -Metro area, and Georgia.” It concluded that “Be it known, in view of their selfless dedication and immense impact to Guyana and the world community at large, we honour the Linden Fund USA upon their 20th anniversary.” On the other hand, the Citation in part said “Whereas, a Great State is only as great as those who give exemplary service to their community, the quality of service rendered by the Linden Fund USA is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, embodiment of strength and courage-doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.”
Ms. Persaud continued: “As a Member of the State Senate of New York congratulated Linden Fund USA of their 20th anniversary and recognize that in them we have an outstanding association that is worthy of the esteem of both Community and the great State of New York.” Further, the Citation read “It is imperative that we respect and applaud Linden Fund USA’s exceptional contributions to the advancement and development of the community of Linden, Guyana, whereas the Linden Fund USA has diligently and passionately helped students, teachers, youth and residents of the community through promoting and advancing their academic, social, medical and economic standings and welfare for over two decades, now, therefore, be it resolved, we salute Linden Fund USA on their 20th anniversary and commend them for their history and continuation of assisting and transforming the community of Linden, Guyana.”
Speaking to the Pepperpot Magazine, a beaming newly re-elected Chairperson of the LFU USA Ms. Paula Walcott-Quintin noted: “The 20th anniversary was a major opportunity for us to celebrate 20 years of existence where for the entire year, not just the dinner dance that concluded September 10 we set ourselves the goal of getting our membership to a certain level.” In retrospect, Walcott Quintin said “Well for one there were already a number of new initiatives before the administration of 2017-2019. So, there were a lot of new things that were already in the pipeline and now that we would have had elections and we are going forward with only two changes on the board, those new initiatives will start coming to light. And, in fact, we are pleased with those two new additions to the board because they are bringing new energy and strategic directions to the organisations.”
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The importance of the civil aviation industry and its air traffic control section CONSCIOUSNESS of the economic, social, political and defence importance of Civil Aviation has been quietly growing since Art Williams brought his aeroplane to Guyana in the late 1920s and laid the foundation of a Civil Aviation Industry. An aeroplane in flight was so novel an event in the late 1930s and early 1940s that children came out to see it. It was only in the 1940s during World War II when an American military airbase was established at Atkinson Field, the site of the present Cheddi Jagan airport, that the Guyanese population became accustomed to seeing aircraft in flight. The aeroplanes of the 1940s were small twin-engined very much like the aircraft used today for domestic flights. Since the Civil Aviation Industry grew up in a quietly progressive milieu without any fanfare, it tended to be taken for granted by the population. For instance, Agricultural industries like sugar and rice or Mining for gold or bauxite or Tourism were well known and were featured in the CXC textbooks but little was said of the Civil Aviation Industry and its importance. Civil Aviation is of fundamental importance to the economic and social life of Guyana and with the advent of the petroleum mining industry, its importance is being unfolded since without Civil Aviation there could be no Oil Industry. Aviation is used in Agriculture to spray crops and sew seeds and is essential for the development of the Mining Industry. Most importantly, people and goods are transported in Guyana and overseas by aircraft; in the case of passenger travel, aircraft has completely replaced boat travel. Since Guyana’s Hinterland is very sparsely populated, it once appeared to one of our predatory neighbours that it was bona vacantia which they could seize with impunity. Regular Civil Aviation flights to various parts of the Interior asserted a Governmental and people’s presence countrywide and possessed the country for the nation. Civil Aviation provides direct employment in its several sectors of activities such as pilots, engineers, air hostesses, porters and so on. The Industry is under the aegis of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) which is led by the Turn to page XXXV►►►
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EPA and noise management
THAT brush-cutter at six am Saturday morning, the vibrations from the music set in the neighbouring village, hammers pounding away at the construction site down the street. Noise is a daily occurrence, as it can be described as unwanted or excessive sound, and includes vibration which exceeds permissible or allowable levels. Many people, especially noisemakers are quick to think of noise as a by-product of recreation, their livelihood, or give no thought to it at all. Often, it’s the neighbour who is trying to trying to sleep after a long day or is desirous of having some quiet family time, that would raise an alarm or file a complaint with the relevant authorities. Whether we like it or not, noise is all around us, sources of noise are ever-present. Situations involving noise nuisances/ disturbances often escalate when it becomes a regular feature.
Effects of noise on health Frequent exposure to noise can have serious implications for human health which include but are not limited to: increased heart rate leading to elevated blood pressure, sleep deprivation, headaches and migraines, psychological triggers for people with PTSD,
anxiety etc. Noise also affects animals; hearing loss, disruption of migratory patterns, inability to hear and escape from predators, and abandonment of territory and loss of ability to reproduce. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is mandated under the Environmental Protection
Act, Chapter 20:05, Laws of Guyana, to stem the creation of pollution havens and preserve, protect the integrity of the natural environment. Further, the Noise Management Regulations established in 2000 set standards and gave the Agency enforcement powers for noise management. Activities producing
noise from construction, installation, operation, modification or extension of any facility must be authorized. Anyone who wishes to operate a loudspeaker or any other sound-making device or equipment at a public space (e.g. barbecues, shows, nightclubs) or any private premises must seek permission from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Depending on the nature of the activity, the EPA grants two types of noise permits - Short Term Noise Permit and Long Term Noise Permit. WHAT YOU NEED FOR A SHORT TERM NOISE PERMIT * Police approval * NDC approval * Guyana Fire Service permit * Proof of event * Affidavit * Proof of rental (if you are renting the space) * $4000 fee * ID of applicant NOISE MANAGEMENT TASK FORCE The Ministry of Public Security, in collaboration with other various stakeholders, took the initiative to establish an Inter-Agency Task Force to combat noise nuisance. The unit was established “having recognised the right of citizens to live in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, and free from undue discomfort,” The main goal of the Task Force, according to the Coordinator, Mr. Deonarine Ramaroop, is to ensure greater enforcement of the laws/regulations on noise nuisance, which in turn will reduce the discomfort caused by noise pollution across the country. The Task Force currently comprises representatives from the Ministry of Public Security – (Coordinating Agency); Guyana Police Force; Guyana Prison Service; Guyana Fire Service; Ministry of Natural Resources; Environmental Protection Agency; Ministry of Communities; Ministry of Public Infrastructure; Central Housing and Planning Authority; Mayor and City Council of Georgetown; and the Guyana Revenue Authority. The key objectives of
the Task Force are: * enforcing existing (or create new) rules governing codes for all buildings that cater for the use of amplified sound equipment; * enforcing silent zones; * eliminating the proliferation of loud music in public transport vehicles; * recommending amendments to laws that allow the use of available technology to establish and measure noise levels for compliance and prosecution; * curbing random and spontaneous open-air and roadside “boom boxes”; and * examining complaints made about industrial noise and take the necessary action as deemed fit to eliminate or reduce the level of noise discomfort. EQUIPPING OFFICERS TO TACKLE NOISE For the second time this year, the Agency collaborated with the Ministry of Public Security and the Noise Task Force to conduct the third Noise Management Training with Officer of the Guyana Police Force from Region 5 and 6 from Wednesday, October 23, 2019, to Thursday, October 24, 2019, at the Central Police Station Recreation Hall, New Amsterdam Berbice. The training aimed to build technical capacity of Police Officers to respond to noise pollution reports from the public and to aid in the Court’s prosecution process of offenders. Police Officers were trained in the areas of EPA law, nature of evidence and footage for noise nuisance, including the use of the decibel noise meter. https://www.kaieteurnewsonline. com/2017/07/07/taskforce-to-combat-noise-nuisance-established/ You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
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The importance of the civil aviation industry and its air traffic ... ◄◄◄ From page XXXI
very able Director General, Lt Col (ret’d) Egbert Field who has dealt with foreign counterparts, foreign airways and International Aviation bodies with the same success as he has achieved on the local scene. At this point, we would focus on the Air Traffic Controllers a sector of GCAA to which Col Field has devoted special attention. On 20th October last, the International Day of Air Traffic Controllers was commemorated worldwide and Col Field had issued a comprehensive and elegantly written message on the occasion. This year, a wider cross-section of the public including the business community has become more aware of the importance of Air Traffic Controllers. Air Traffic Controllers are stationed at both the Ogle and Cheddi Jagan International Airports and it is they who make flights possible without chaos and accidents. It may come as a surprise to learn that every day 185 flights or 67,000 flights per year are made from these airports. This implies that every air traffic controller has to be in the best of health and with full mental alertness when on duty. In his message on the occasion of International Day of Air Traffic Controllers, Director General Field not only paid tribute to dedicated service of the Controllers but outlined some of the improved equipment they have in use: “The complex choreography of arranging aircraft in the sky” said Director General Field, “and the technology required to do so safely and efficiently, has evolved significantly. Over the last decade, Government and the GCAA have been investing heavily to modernize and transform the Guyana Air Traffic Control System. Some of these investments include the acquisition of a modern 3D Flight simulator which is used to train aspiring Air Traffic Controllers and Aeronautical Management Officers; the installation of an ADS -B System in four locations in the hinterland to track the movement of aircraft all across Guyana’s airspace, and to assist in search and rescue operations; and the upgrade of the Instrument Landing System at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. The GCAA continues to invest heavily in training to ensure that its staff remains equipped with current knowledge to confront the challenges faced in the Industry”. The consumers join with the rest of the public in expressing their appreciative thanks to the Air Traffic Controllers for the vital role they are playing in national development. We are also gratified that the nation has become more aware of the importance of the GCAA.
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English
Dear Student, Revise as you go along to your intended examination. It is never too early to begin. As a matter of fact, you can revise until your examination day. Most students however, have a system of starting the grind six to eight weeks before the examination to wrap up the whole syllabus or revisit all set topics; some get through but others don’t, no matter how compact they make this revision period. Keep a good eye and clear head upon your future. Be wise. Love you. THE POEM That one small boy with face like pallid cheese And burnt out eyes could make a blaze As brazen, fierce and huge, as red and gold And zany yellow as the one that spoiled Three thousand guineas worth of property And crops at Godwin’s farm on Saturday Is frightening - as fact and metaphor: An ordinary match intended for The lighting of a pipe or kitchen fire Misused may set a whole menagerie Of flame-fanged tigers roaring hungrily. And frightening, too, that ne small boy should set
Chronicle Pepperpot November 3, 2019
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY But as I rav’d and grew more fierce and wild At every word, Methought I heard one calling, “Child”; And I replied, “My lord.” GEORGE HERBERT (1593-1633) The Collar The sky on fire and choke the stars to heat Such skinny limbs and such a little heart Which would have been content with one warm kiss Had there been anyone to offer this. (Vernon Scannell) Some simple questions at this time: 1. What happened that day? a) A little boy went mad. c) A little boy needed warmth. b) A little boy created a zoo. d) A little boy created a set f colours. 2. Who or what is frightening? a) The blazing fire c) The boy’s action b) The boy’s loneliness d) The zoo of hungry animals 3. Why did the writer describe the boy’s heart as “little”? a) It was the heart of a small boy. c) It was a smaller than usual heart. b) It was a heart bereft of heat. d) It was a heart that needed heat. 4. Choose the best name for the poem. a) One Small Boy c) Saturday at Godwin’s b) A Match Can Light a Pipe d) The Amazingly Great Fire Creative Writing: Read the above poem one additional time. Try to put yourself in the little boy’s situation at the farm. Look at the highly descriptive story told in the poem. Tell your story in a vivid full-length composition coming from your heart. Let your study partners read and discuss it for its merits. THE PASSAGE Walter Kennedy was handsome, and gray-bearded, and big. Everything about him seemed oversized – the broad, muscled shoulders and neck, the long legs and enormous feet of an exceptional tall man. Rapidly, he rolled along the length of the van, pressing buttons, sliding doors into place…. Damon was the first to find his voice. “Need a hand, sir?” he asked. Kennedy paused, and Damon shifted uncertainly as he felt the new coach’s serious brown eyes rest on him. When Kennedy spoke, his voice was not unfriendly, but something in his tone - something iron, Damon thought, made the boys step back. “No, son,” Kennedy said. “I can handle it.” In the gym, they fell in line without a word, studying Kennedy as he buzzed in his chair around the court, calling the boys to order in a deep, steady voice that echoed off the walls. He was cool and all business, Terrence thought. And quiet. Terrence looked sideways at Horace and Amir. They were looking straight ahead, waiting, as he was, for this no-nonsense man who had introduced himself as “Coach Kennedy” to say something besides his name - something that would tell what he was all about. Instead there was the loud sound of whistle, followed by curt clear directions for running scrimmages. Then layup, ball handling …. As they filed in the next Monday, his varsity picks, taped to the gym door, told them something about what lay behind the coach’s silent scrutiny during the tryouts. The real super-stars were listed, of course – Daren, the stocky agile shooter who had more or less carried the team in previous seasons; Damon, with his height and golden hands; Terrence and Horace, who’d started on varsity as underclassmen. But other varsity veterans who hadn’t bothered to hustle for the new coach found they’d lost their spots to junior varsity, or JV, players who had - even five-foot-four-inch Amir, who’d just about given up making the team because of his height. (“The Season Starts Tomorrow” by Katie McCabe) About the Passage: Have you noticed the story’s manageable style which you an try out and soon get good at? Note the great effect of the sparse use of dialogue. Note how uncluttered the writer’s thoughts are expressed. Note the techniques of creating rounded characters while substantiating setting. Something to Do 1. Around which character(s) does the story revolve? What are his/their strong characteristics? 2. Is the story one of discipline? Support your answer. 3. Has performance in any area of your life ever been rekindled? Write about it in a beautifully told story. AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Distinguishing between adverbs and adjectives Some words can either be used as adverbs or adjectives depending upon their position in the sentence. To distinguish between these two arts of speech, remember that an adverb modifies a verb, an adjective or another adverb, and an adjective modifies a noun or pronoun. The directors arrived late. (adverb) They slept early. (adverb) The train was late. (adjective) Sampson had an enormous breakfast. (adjective) You can sometimes distinguish an adverb from an adjective by remembering that many adverbs are formed by adding -ly to an adjective. Look at the following two sentences, which bold faced word is an adverb, and which is an adjective? Learn to explore new ideas. Look at the newly married couple! Keep it in mind, whatever you cannot write now.
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Cheese Rolls 4 cups flour 1 cup shortening 1/3 cup butter 1 cup ice cold water 8 oz cup grated sharp cheddar cheese 3 wiri wiri pepper, seeds removed and finely diced 1 tbsp mustard 1 egg yolk 1 tbsp water Yields : 10-12 cheese rolls Method: To make pastry, mix butter and shortening into flour until well combined. Add water and combine until the flour forms a dough. Chill for at least 1 hour.
Mix cheese, wiri wiri and mustard to make the filling. Set aside. You can also add garlic to the filling. Roll pastry until thin - about 1/8 of an inch in thickness. Cut into rectangles. Divide the cheese filling evenly and spread on each square of pastry leaving a 1/2 inch border. Mix egg with 1 tbsp of water to make an egg wash. Brush the edges of the pastry with egg wash. Take one end of the pastry and roll over filling until you reach the other end. Seal. Using a fork press both ends to seal. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet
seam side down and brush with egg wash. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 mins until golden brown. Recipe for pastry adapted from Tastes Like Home jehancancook.com