Sunday, September 15, 2019
River’s View
A breathtakingly beautiful place
River’s View is the first village in Region 10 to host a National Indigenous Heritage Day since the celebration started in September 1995 and the residents are very happy about it. In this photo, the residents have decorated their main stage as part of the festivities for Indigenous Heritage Month(Samuel Maughn photo)
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Chronicle Pepperpot September 15, 2019
A Great Year for the GCA Annual Events Committee for this year’s Folk Festival season, Guyana’s Consul General to New York, Barbara Atherly, said, “This yearly gathering within the Diaspora unites us all through cultural events hosted under the theme Maiupe - Working together. You have chosen to showcase Guyana through your individual talents and expertise. You have remained committed to nurturing a greater understanding and appreciation of our culture.”
First Lady Sandra Granger and Guyana’s Consul General to New York Barbara Atherly, at the GCA Family Fun Day. (Photo by Francis Q. Farrier)
By Francis Quamina Farrier LAST week, I reported on the first two events staged by the Guyana Cultural Association of New York in their 2019 season of events. They were the Centenary Concert to the memory and honour of Composer of patriotic songs, Valerie Rodway, and the Awards Ceremony at which singer/songwriter Dave Martins headed the list of Honorees, being the recipient of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. I feel compelled to let you know (if you do not already know) that the Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc., is comprised of a group of patriotic and dedicated New York-based Guyanese, who have been keeping Guyana’s
culture alive in that metropolis for almost two decades. The staging of a variety of annual events such as an Awards Ceremony at which deserving cultural activists of Guyanese heritage are honoured is one such initiative. I continue my report this week at the ‘Kwe Kwe Nite’, at which that pre-wedding ceremony is played out. On at least one occasion over the past 19 years, a real engaged couple was involved. The focus will also be on a Literary Hang at which Guyanese authors read from their most recent works, and finally, a Family Fun Day which is usually held at an open-air venue and attended by hundreds of Guyanese and friends who were entertained by some popular and talented Guyanese entertainers, both Guyana-based and
overseas-based. In her message to the GCA
GCA 2019 Kwe Kwe and Maiupe merge while Singh and Sobers, Peters and Persaud et al, danced together with abandon, the pure Guyanese way. (Photo by Francis Q. Farrier)
‘KWE KWE NITE’ The third event this year was the ‘Kwe Kwe Nite’. This event is always very popular and is held at the St. Stephen’s Church Auditorium in Brooklyn. There was a difference this year with the inclusion of the Matticore, which, like the Kwe Kwe, is an Indian Pre-Wedding ceremony. The Indian drumming was at some periods, fused with the African drumming, and was something to hear. It was simply terrific. “I thought the Indian Group captured the essence of the Matticore in 30 minutes,”
their most recent works after which the audience engage in discussions. Topics of Guyanese Culture are also some of the issues discussed. This year, the principal was the Guyana Masquerade. Technology made it possible for two masqueraders based in Toronto and far-away Calgary in Canada, to join in the discussion with their larger-than-life images on a screen. Sharing with the audience his many challenges as a High Achiever in a world which was- and to some degree is still - very uncomfortable with brilliant non-whites, Florida-based Guyanese Dr. Frank Douglas gave examples of how he overcame racism at the International level; examples of how he would deal with being a highly qualified Black professional, who finds many obstacles in some otherwise all-White corridors of power.
FAMILY FUN DAY This open-air event was held at the Old Boys High School ground in Brooklyn. At this event, popular Guyanese entertainers take to the stage and perform their more popular compositions. Among Kishore Seunarine at the GCA 2019 those on stage, this year Kwe Kwe and Matticore event in was the talented and dyBrooklyn. (Photo by Francis Q. Farrier) namic Adrian Dutchin. His was a performance with elements not usually seen on display at such a show. For a portion of his performance, the charismatic entertainer lifted the focus to God and transitioned the event momentarily into a religious crusade. He subsequently brought his young daughter on stage and introduced her to the audience. It was a great moment at this year’s GCA Family Fun Day, and one which will not be easily forgotten by those who witnessed it. It is also a story for pastors to relay on Father’s Day 2020 and beyond. Among stated Kishore Seunarine, the lead- the special celebrities at this year’s er of the Nervano Group that did Family Fun Day, were Guyana’s the Matticore. “From the actual First Lady Sandra Granger, Guydigging of the earth [dig dutty] to ana’s Consul General to New York the rubbing of the dye [haldi] on Barbara Atherley and retired West the bride-to-be, the energy of the Indies Cricket Captain Clive Lloyd. tassa drum was electric,” he said. In his message to the GCA, For the audience, that food to the Guyana’s Ambassador to the ear was later followed with food for United States Dr. Riyad Insanalthe stomach when the traditional ly, CCH, stated, “I am pleased sharing and consuming of the matai that the GCA’s cultural activities was done. Oh, what an event it was continue to focus on the promothis year with the fusing of the two tion of our culture and cultural cultures! The event was also graced heritage, thereby providing a with the presence of Guyana’s First sense of belonging and personal Lady, Sandra Granger. identity.” So, it is now on to 2020 when there will be many special THE LITERARY HANG elements as the GCA celebrates This event brings together its 20th year of patriotic service intellectuals including Authors, and Guyana also celebrates its Poets, Playwrights and Educators. 50th year as a Cooperative ReAt The ‘Hang’, authors read from public.
Chronicle Pepperpot September 15, 2019
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Female electrician giving quite a ‘shock’ wherever she goes reckoned with in the electrical and refrigeration fields. Seeing Carol on a worksite, one may quickly conclude that she’s probably there to meet someone or to just pass the time away with the workers. However, the notion will soon fade when she picks up a tool and mounts a ladder to begin a task. The Pepperpot Magazine caught up with this female electrician at a worksite at Atlantic Ville, East Coast Demerara, and was able to engage in a chat about herself and career. Carol, a mother of three, is originally from# 28 or Trafalgar Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB) and lived in Linden as a young girl, but presently resides at Paradise Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara, with her husband, Patrick
Carol sets up an electrical panel box (Delano Williams photos)
By Wendella Davidson WOMEN, historically, are known to have often pursued work in traditional occupations such as administration, nursing and teaching and these jobs are still the dominant sources of employment for female workers. Nothing is wrong with being a professional nurse or school teacher, but there has got to be something wrong if, in this day and age, the thinking is that career options for women are limited only to those jobs. And, while not many women rush to gain employment in the construction industry, several opportunities exist for them to enjoy tremendous success in trades such as plumbing and electrical work. The latter has for decades been dominated by men and is considered off-limits to women, but not to Carol Johnson, a 63-year-old who loves to challenge men in their own fields. In fact, she has already proven that she is a force to be
Carol with husband and business partner Patrick, as they execute a job
Johnson, who is also her business partner. Carol said she was schooled at the St Aidan’s Primary School, Linden, and subsequently, the Latchmansingh Primary in Berbice, before she enrolled as a pioneer in the Guyana National Service (GNS), where she did a six-month stint each at the Papaya and Kimbia Training Centres. It was while in the GNS, which was tasked with ensuring that its pioneers are taught a lifeskill during their tenures, that Carol was sent on a three-month Auto Electrician Training Course at the Guyana Garage, Urquhart Street & New Market Streets, Georgetown. Turn to page X ►►►
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Chronicle Pepperpot September 15, 2019
Patriotic volunteer plans to change the rules of Guyana’s Politics
Havendra Sookraj
By Marissa V. Foster “AS a child growing up, I have always had a burning sensation within me to be a part of politics within my country. The ability to change the way of life for hundreds of thousands across the length and breadth of Guyana inspires me to continue pursuing this dream,” expressed Havendra Sookraj. He is a 24-year-old who hails from Berbice.
Havendra stressed that during his school days, he was an average student with approximately 55 percent on his report card. However, after entering his senior year of High School, he decided to commit to his work seriously. Havendra challenged himself by entering the Business stream and managed to gain recommendations for additional subjects for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC). He wrote 13 subjects and came out successful on all. After high school, he had an opportunity to migrate to further his studies but due to the love that he has for our country and his business commitments, Havendra chose to stay and eventually attended the University of Guyana where he pursued a Degree in Business Economics. In November of this year, he will be graduating with a distinction in this field and plans to pursue a Master’s program in either Economics and Finance or Economics, Petroleum and Finance in England next year. His father is a long-standing member of the Rotary Club of New Amsterdam, assisted by his mother. Together, they instilled in him and his siblings a passion that serving humanity was and will always be the right thing to do. With inspiration from his parents, he decided to venture into the world of volunteerism. Today, Havendra is proud to call himself a volunteer. In 2008, he joined the Golden Om Dharmic Youth Organisation. Sookraj is also the Public Relations Officer of “Project Hope”, which is an organisation that invests heavily in the less fortunate and the underprivileged. Perhaps, the most exciting journey for him was his tenure as president of GULDA - Guyana’s United League for Development Association- an NGO that was filled with promising young leaders and game-changers who want to make a change for the better in Berbice and ultimately,
Guyana. Under his stewardship, the group organised many community projects and one initiative on their agenda was the engagement of our national leaders to change the way that youth representation and youth issues were heard and addressed in this country. Due to his love for volunteering and devout patriotism, he has grown to embrace his aspiration to one day become the next president of Guyana. Sookraj believes that this is his calling since he wishes to serve the people of his country for no reward intended. Havendra said, “I believe that it is unfair with the way politics have unfolded over the decades - that the average man cannot have his say in the governance of our country.” He continued by saying, “He is excluded and it is because of this lack of involvement that he loses interest and seeks to migrate elsewhere. I fundamentally believe that for the nature of our politics to evolve, we need to move away from race and party politics and become more focused on issues and policies that are geared to effect meaningful change.” With that in mind, he wishes to connect and impact with and through the people on the ground. He enjoys a good game of volleyball or cricket in his leisure time, although he prefers to only bat in cricket. He also enjoys debating and impromptu speeches - this is by far his favourite. He greatly appreciates the use of language to accomplish a particular cause or purpose. Havendra believes words, once articulated correctly; have the potential to influence tremendously on all aspects of our daily lives. It can change the course of a war, alter treaties and mend broken relations. Havendra also has a great love for animals, especially dogs. He hopes to one day open an animal shelter, if possible; shelters for those animals without a home in our country. Havendra aspires to form a youth movement and alliance that will comprise of young and middle-aged persons from all walks of life and all the different regions across our country. Together, they will articulate meaningful policies and solutions that are geared towards addressing the real needs of our
people. They will harness the skills, expertise and competencies to validate claims and pave a new, professional and diplomatic route for advocacy and inclusive representation. He admits that he has travelled to many parts of this country and seeing his dream shot down by older folks who kept on insisting that “things will never change” and “politics will always be this way” as they encouraged him not to pursue this career option. Time and time again, he reflects on these sentiments and tries to convince himself that maybe politics is not his calling but somehow, he would always gravitate right back to where he left off. For about one year, this future politician stopped reading the news. He got upset every time he read about the tragedies unfolding and decided to restrain himself with a more conservative approach to politics. Until of course, he received an invitation to apply for Youth Parliament 2019. His life was never the same, since. Youth Parliament 2019 was a phenomenal experience for him and it revitalised every fibre within him that insisted, politics was always his calling. As he stood within the capacity as Shadow Minister of Business to give his address, he envisaged doing this for the rest of his life. Sookraj stressed that the outpour he received after his delivery was tremendous. He felt purpose, passion, completed and at home. He knew right there and then that regardless of circumstances and whatever other negativity he may face en route to accomplishing that specific goal, that it will all be worth it in the end! Havendra advises youth aspiring politicians reading this, by saying, “Never be discouraged from doing something that you love because of what others have to say about it. Once you genuinely found your calling, then you should pursue it with all of our might! Always remember that living for others is not what you should be living for. Live for yourself and live a life that you can and will be proud of. Then and only then, can you truly say that you have lived!”
‘Guyana heading in the right direction’
…says Dr Util Richmond-Thomas at World Suicide Prevention Day walk By Elvin Carl Croker “NO more suicide, life is precious, we must live it,” chanted the over 500-strong contingent who turned up at the Mental Health Unit of the Ministry of Public Health to take part in the walk and rally in observance of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. Groups representing schools, NGOs, health workers and other organisations moved through the raindrops, uniformly attired in yellow caps and matching jerseys supplied by the Mental Health Unit of the Ministry of Public Health, which organised the event to spread the message that suicide is not an option. The energetic bunch of mostly young people snaked their way through the city carrying slogans
Executive Director of Youth Challenge Guyana (YCG) Dmitri Nicholson at the walk
which read, “Are you alive? Then you have a purpose!!! Eradicate
UG participants on the walk
suicide,” “You have the power to say this is not how my story will end,” “Suicide prevention, stop
the stigma” and “Hope,” before concluding the walk at the National Cultural Centre.
Director of the Mental Health Unit Dr Util Richmond-Thomas speaking to media personnel before the walk. Turn to page VII ►►►
Chronicle Pepperpot September 15, 2019
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‘Skin care is essential in our everyday lives’ Local aesthetician highlights importance of protecting the skin
She believes a facial should be done at least once a month and that with good skin-care practice, it can even stretch out to every two months. “My main focus is to have the person know their [sic] skin and what works for them; knowing what products to use, because everyone has different skin types and some need a little more than the organic but, of course, in the safest way possible,” she said. Most of the products used at Rahaman’s place are import-
Sadia Ali-Rahaman
By Michel Outridge SADIA Ali-Rahaman, a self-styled aesthetician, is the proprietor of Glo Skincare, an establishment with the motto: “Look Well. Feel Well. Be Well.” Although Rahaman is a very simple person, she comes highly recommended. She stated that she is very passionate about skin care and after she returned to Guyana from living abroad, she decided to make it a part-time job but it evolved and she has a full-time business today. “I resided in the United States for 10 years and I also did my studies over there at the University of Central Florida. I graduated with a Master’s in Public Administration and Non-Profit Management, but I had to return to complete a course and I enrolled in skin care as an intern,” she said. Rahaman’s business is currently located at Rahaman’s Park; she has one member of staff, whom she trained to assist in day- to-day management of the business, which opens from10:00hrs to 17:00hrs. She however, takes customers only by appointment, because her skin care business is growing. “I have been doing skin care for the past three years at this location in January, but it started out in Kitty first,” she said. In highlighting the importance of basic skin care, Rahaman said the skin is an organ and we need to take care of it by using the right products and basic daily routine. “When I first moved back here, sunscreen was a foreign concept to a lot of people and still is and sun damage causes a lot of skin issues such as skin cancer, premature aging, high pigmentation, etc. That is why we really need to protect the skin and not just the face, but also the exposed areas of our bodies,” Rahaman said. For some, she explained that doing a facial is deemed meaningless, but later down the line when your skin gets discoloured, you realise you have to repair it and then it dawns on you how important it is to protect your skin from the sun. “Our services are under-priced, making it affordable for the average person because the products used here are all high-end and used in spas in the U.S. And when I first moved back here I tried not to make it too pricey; as such, I had to cut it in half so the facials you are getting are your money’s worth,” Rahaman said. Rahaman added that by next year her services will include full-body massages based on requests from customers, who come from near and far and have been with her since she started. “I don’t promote my business, so what has kept me going is word-of-mouth recommendations from customers to others and it is hard to get an appointment at the last minute, because we are booked out completely and in advance as well,” she said. Rahaman pointed out that when she started out it was supposed to be a part-time job for her but it blossomed and she was enjoying it so much, she decided to train someone to assist her.
ed, but they also use the local coconut line of products, which is very good for their skin-care properties. At Glo Skincare, they do oxygen infusion facials as well as derma planning, which shaves the skin with a medical-grade scalpel and organic facials for all, including pregnant women, teens, and men. Rahaman said every facial is customised and they also do eyebrow tinting, eyelash lifting and tinting.
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In high demand
Chronicle Pepperpot September 15, 2019
Cinderella County’s designer’s creations continue to turn heads Young designer Fiona Coates
Fiona's sister’s gown and the attendants' dresses were all sewn by Fiona.
By Wendella Davidson FROM trying her hand at sewing dolls’ dresses as a little girl, Fiona Coates, now 35, has emerged as one of the most sought-after seamstresses/designers in the Cinderella Country of Essequibo. For her, it is just her ability to sew, but others who are privy to her handy work are
of the view that she has a God-given-talent, as no style or design appears to be difficult for her. In addition to being sought after for putting together unique and classy to-die-for dresses, uniform suits and bridal gowns, she is also known for the award-winning costumes she designs for schools and companies on the Essequibo Coast for events such as Mashra-
mani and independence. As a matter of fact, all of her costume bands, both in the large and small categories have been on the winning end every year since she started. Recently, Fiona was chosen as the designer for the Miss Essequibo delegate in the Guyana Police Force’s Miss Queen of Queens Pageant, which was staged at the National
The back of the prom dress
Cultural Centre (NCC). And, although her client/delegate did not win the coveted crown or the Best Gown Award, Fiona’s design stood tall among some of the gowns worn by other delegates. According to Fiona, she thrives on Hubert de Givenchy’s quote: “The dress must follow the body of a woman, not the body following the shape of the dress.” Born as the fourth child to Wilfred and Cora Coates, of Lot 41 Henrietta Scheme, Essequibo Coast, Fiona’s desire to become a seamstress, following in the footsteps of her mom, Cora Coates. In an exclusive interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, Fiona remembered when at about 10 years old, whenever her mom ‘Cora’ became overwhelmed with sewing, she had so much confidence in her (Fiona) that she would give her unfinished dresses to attach the buttons or complete by stitching the hem, which was usually required to be done by hand. Soon, she was helping in sewing school uniforms and by 12 years old, she already had her own clientele -- young people like herself and even adults, outfitting with skirts, tops and dresses.“ It was then that I realised that sewing was my niche, no style was too hard for me to put together, ” she said. Turn to page X ►►►
Revellers all decked out in costumes made by Fiona Coates
Chronicle Pepperpot September 15, 2019 ◄◄◄ From page IV
The walk, held under the theme: “Working together to prevent suicide,” formed part of a menu of activities planned for the day, which is dedicated to suicide prevention. Director of the Mental Health Unit Dr. Util Richmond-Thomas, in a brief comment told the media before the walk moved off, that according to documents in the National Suicide Prevention Plan, Guyana is heading in the right direction. She said that as of 2018 Guyana’s suicide rate fell to 18.88, which represents a drastic improvement when compared to the suicide rate of 44.4 recorded in 2014, the highest in the world at that time. “Of course every life lost is too much, so the work is by no means finished. We have lots more work to do,” she said. Touching on other ways to stem the scourge of suicide, the Mental Health Unit head expressed the view that more could be done by the police when a suicide occurs in terms of investigation and enforcing the laws and regulations governing pesticides and toxic chemicals. She explained that when a person commits suicide by ingesting poison, the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board should check to see if the regulations were followed, such as the method of acquisition, how it was stored etc. and if anybody was found at fault, that person should be made to answer. “Persons are way too careless with the storage of pesticides and persons find it easy to use it [sic] to commit suicide,” she said. Her views come in light of her disagreement with the existing laws that criminalise a person who attempts to commit suicide. She posited that the self-harm of suicide is a mental health condition and a disorder and should not be criminalised. As such, she made a call to the public to look out for relatives and friends who are showing warning signs of suicide or depression. “I would advise you to take that person to the nearest health centre which has personnel trained, who can adequately take care of persons with issues like this,” she said. Among the groups at the walk were the Guyana Inter-agency Suicide Prevention Hotline, Guyana Trans United, Youth Challenge Guyana and the Guyana Conference of Seventh Day Adventists. Speaking on behalf of the Guyana Inter-agency Suicide Prevention helpline, Sharon Price said the agency has been in operation since 2015 and is accessible to the public on a 24-hour basis via telephone numbers (+592) 223-0001, 2230001-9, 600-7896, 623-4444, Email: guyagency@yahoo. com, Twitter: guyanaagency, WhatsApp: +592-600-7896, 592- 623-4444, and FaceBook: Guyana Interagency Suicide Prevention Help Line and all calls including the cell phone ones are free. The agency which has a staff of 13 who have been trained at the University of Guyana, operates on a 24-hour basis. Price said the agency has been receiving about six calls per day since it began operating in 2015 and views its operation as a success, since none of the persons who called in has committed suicide. She said the rally and walk will help to sensitise the public about the suicide-prevention helpline and she was happy to be a part of it. Her message to the public is that life is worth living and “if you are having a problem don’t be afraid to speak out, speak to a neighbour, a college a social worker, find somebody you can talk with and let them know what you are going through,” she counselled. One of the helpline workers Cassie Baynes, said she has been on the job for just over a year and would receive about five to six calls per day. Meanwhile, Executive Director of Youth Challenge Guyana (YCG), Dmitri Nicholson, said that the helpline is a European Union (EU) funded project executed by Youth challenge Guyana, Merundoi Inc. Family Awareness Consciousness and nine other NGOs across the country. He described suicide as a crisis that occurs after something happens. In that light, he said the NGO wants to ensure that service is available as widely as possible for people to be able to access the kind of mental health services they need to prevent suicide from even becoming an issue. As such, the YCG have embarked on expanding access to counselling across the country in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10 to ensure that people who face emotional difficulties and emotional tremors can receive service in their communities and not have to travel long distances. This, he said, will reduce the vulnerability that people have to commit suicide, which is why he said the NGO is a part of the event to raise awareness about the issue of suicide.
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Chronicle Pepperpot September 15, 2019
#SupportCreativity
By Subraj Singh
‘It: Chapter 2’ and monsters in real life THE sequel to the successful 2017 horror film based on Stephen King’s popular novel about an alien creature who takes the form of a murderous clown named Pennywise and feeds on the fear of the children it kills, has finally made it to Guyana and the fans are here for it. Internationally, some critics have been less impressed, noting that the storyline might have been too big
and too much, but the right elements for a good horror movie remain intact in ‘It: Chapter 2.’ The film widens its cast, bringing in stellar actors to play the adult versions of the children who appeared in the 2017 film (although the children appear in the sequel as well). The cast is one of the best things about the movie. It is fascinating how almost every character of
note from ‘It’ has appeared again in ‘It: Chapter 2,’ with numerous flashbacks being used to grant us access to the forms of specific characters that we knew from the first film and had grown to love. Beverly Marsh, the only female member of the “Losers’ Club,” for example, is played excellently as an adult by Jessica Chastain, but we are also granted access to the talented Sophia Lillis, who plays the younger version of Beverly and gives the audience some insight into not only the story and the events that led up to the children disbanding after their first defeat of Pennywise, but also important insights into the character of Beverly herself, her life, her journey, and her relationships with the other “losers.” Bill Hader and Finn Wolfhard respectively playing the older and younger versions of the same character, the bespectacled, foul-mouthed, Richie Tozier, is the pair who best manages to transcend the separation in the timelines of their character’s life and truly convince us, without a doubt, that they play the same person at different stages in his life. James Ransone and Jack Dylan Glazer also turn in strong performances as the older and younger versions of the hypochondriac, Eddie. Special commendation to actress to Molly Atkinson – who reprised her hilarious role as Eddie’s mother in the 1988 timeline and also plays adult Eddie’s wife in the 2016 timeline – and Bill Skarsgaard who brought Pennywise to life for the modern generation. The film differs from its predecessor in that it highlights the concerns of both a group of adults (as opposed to a group of children) who encounter the monster, while also positioning the same group of people as survivors who experienced extreme trauma (as opposed to being initially ignorant of the creature when they first encountered it as children). The similarities between the past and the present, including the two versions of the main characters who appear in the film, are definitely a part of what makes ‘Chapter 2’ so interesting. We want to know how the losers have changed. We want to see more of their experiences as children. We want to know why they have forgotten their past. We want to know whether they are more prepared this time around to face Pennywise. We want to know how much more they have to lose this time. The bringing together of the past and present is wonderfully exploited to not only develop the characters and storyline but also to increase tension and to emphasise the audience’s connection with the central characters. ‘It: Chapter 2’ also continues to explore the very concept of fear itself, and its multitude of forms, which began in the very first film, not only with the shapeshifting creature who takes the form of Pennywise, but with the death of Georgie, who is the first of Pennywise’s victims in the 2017 film. Georgie’s death forced the characters
“It: Chapter 2, Warner Bros. Pictures, 2019 – Image via: IMDB”
and the audience to consider the fear that comes when a child goes missing, fear of what could have happened to the child, but also the fear that it might happen again, and again and again and again. Similarly, the first film also highlighted young Beverly’s abuse by her father, which was another catalyst of fear that was being shown to the audience. The sequel also continued this exploration of fear, featuring not only children being murdered by a clown but also a wide variety of ghouls and monsters – all of which represent traditional depictions of fear in horror films. However, the most important of all the fear-inducing moments are the ones that do not have to do with the supernatural – the moments which indicate that there is plenty to be afraid of in real life. The first murder in ‘It: Chapter 2’ happens after a gay couple is brutally attacked by a group of homophobic men; later, it is implied that a young girl is teased because of a birthmark on her face and Pennywise exploits this in order to lure the girl to him; adult Beverly has to literally fight her way out of the control and violence being perpetuated upon her by her husband. There is a slight message here, in these moments, but it still stands. It is almost as if the film is saying that yes, Pennywise is awful, but in the end, how different is he from the monsters in the real world? How different is he from the homophobes and bullies and abusers – the monsters we meet in our daily lives, the monsters who live and eat and walk among us?
Chronicle Pepperpot September 15, 2019
Commitment issues I RECEIVED an email from an avid reader who explained her unhappiness as her casual partner of two years is unwilling to commit to her. This is not uncommon and it’s a shame that so many people take it personally, believing that it’s something that they are doing wrong. Commitment phobia is a real thing and many are afflicted by it. True commitment phobia is a fear of any kind of commitment which involves other people, not necessarily just romantic relationships. It can even involve making decisions in other aspects of life such as job contracts, buying a house etc. However, indeed the most common is making a promise to commit to another person. If you are worried that you may be involved with someone who has commitment phobia, there are certain signs to look out for. I’m telling you these because falling in love with someone with this particular phobia is very painful. I know we all want to believe we can change someone but most of the time it takes professional help to do so, something that someone who already has an issue committing to things most likely
won’t do. The first thing is your relationship may not be defined yet, meaning you have no idea whether you’re even officially together in an exclusive way. You can also tell a lot by looking at their past relationships. Were they short or non-committal? Are they in denial about them ever even happening? Had he/she never met their partner’s friends or family? Those with commitment phobia may find it hard to commit to dates/events weeks in advance. They find it difficult to say yes as they like to take the relationship day by day so forget plans about the future in general. They may have high expectations and be overly critical and picky about current relationships- intimate or not. This is because high expectations act as a defensive mechanism, a shield so that people won’t get far past it. They tend to stray away from absolute language; meaning you will hear a lot of ‘maybes’, ‘might’, ‘let’s see’, ‘probably’ and so on. Language is so important and you may not hear the things you want to. People with these issues do not use words like ‘miss’ or ‘love’, ‘boyfriend’ or ‘girlfriend’. They will
avoid these labelling words like the plague. Behaviour is also important; one day they may be really sweet and interested and another they may be distant, without any particular reason why. People with commitment phobia tend to have lots of acquaintances but very few close friends. They are typically loners and like it that way. Most of the time, it isn’t anyone’s fault as there are many reasons why someone might be commitment-phobic. Human beings all crave closeness and intimacy with others but when it comes to being close to another person, some people have fear or anxiety at just the thought; it’s overwhelming for them. The reasons may stem from poor, abusive relationships in the past, being from a broken home, fear of rejection, trust issues, childhood trauma or abuse, and sadly, most of those things being out of their control. However, if you are experiencing commitment phobia, there are a few things that you can do. The serious cases typically require professional help such as counselling, where you get to the root of the problem. Why do I feel like this? It’s an internal battle that can be dealt with.
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You don’t have to focus on the forever as that brings all kinds of anxieties on its own. Just like if someone wants to lose weight, if they are picturing themselves one year from the day, looking how they want to, it brings so much pressure and added questions. Can I really do this? Is this ever going to happen for me? You can take your commitment to change one day at a time. A small step forward is still advancing. Be open with your partner. It would help both parties to best explain how you feel and where these feelings came from. Your partner may be understanding and cater to little things that may reduce your anxieties. Honesty can go a long way in preventing the kind of tension and doubt that usually accompanies these situations. If you are dating a commitment-phobe, you can stick it out and be patient, trying to understand the deep-rooted issues. However, if you have stuck it out long enough where you are unhappy, please remember that it is not your job to fix anyone and it is okay to let go. The individual has to accept that they have a problem and just as importantly, want to get help. Thank you for reading and please continue to write in to caitlinvieira@gmail. com and let me know what you would like to talk about. Suicide Helpline numbers – 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444 or 600-7896. Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always
THE NEED FOR ALLOCATION OF MORE LANDS FOR EDUCATION AND SPORTS EDUCATION and the acquisition of various technical skills, such as fully knowing the intricacies of smartphones or computers have become a necessary part of existence or even survival in the modern world. Education, including the acquisition of various technical skills, also helps in upward social mobility and improving one’s economic status. It is therefore not surprising that parents at the beginning of the school year would be anxiously trying to have their children placed in the better schools. Unfortunately, there are comparatively few government schools which have the requisite high standards and these could not accommodate a large number of children whose parents would wish them to attend such schools. The vast majority of parents are faced with the sad dilemma of sending their children to the lower-quality government schools, since they could not afford the fees of the private schools. But then they are unwittingly landed in the private-lesson syndrome, whereby the teachers in such schools do a brisk trade in teaching at their homes what they should have taught in the classrooms. To take advantage of the crying need for good schools, educational entrepreneurs have seized the opportunity of opening new
schools. These schools advertise themselves as being of good quality and parents trustingly send their children to them. Most of such schools are however not much better than the government schools. They almost all lack the basics of a good school. They usually have no playgrounds, nor sports facilities, no teaching laboratories or school libraries. They are mostly staffed by teachers who have had a CSEC education with very few university graduates. Most of such schools have been established in the countryside and they have not raised standards. The schools founded by educational entrepreneurs seem to be more involved in the economics of school ownership. Many of these schools have had problems with communities, with parents, with discipline and even of management and staff. Some of the kind of problems which educational entrepreneurs encounter recently came to the fore when the Subryanville community recently challenged Mae’s schools from establishing another branch at Fourth Avenue, Subryanville. The community was represented pro bono by the well-known and able Attorney-at-Law Ms Jameela Ali in the High Court. Mae’s schools which have earned the reputation of offering a good education claimed that establishing a branch at Fourth
Avenue was providing a social service and benefiting education. They claimed that the school building met the criteria of the Central Housing and Planning Authority and their activity was not contrary to law. The Subryanville community, on the other hand, claimed that their community had always been officially designated as a residential area and as such, a large commercial activity operating in the heart of it would destroy its residential ambience and status. Further, since almost all the pupils came from areas far away from the Kitty/ Subryanville neighbourhood, they would be transported to school by motor cars. At some times of the day, it would become impossible for residents to have egress or ingress to their yards and homes. Further, since the Subryanville roads were narrow and not constructed to accommodate heavy, motorised traffic, cars have to drive or park on the narrow parapets which sometimes destroy the water pipes leading to homes and during wet weather, would churn up the mud, making the use of the road impossible for pedestrians. Residents claim that with the noisy traffic and continuous noise from the school, the noise pollution of the area would be enormously increased and residents’ properties would be devalued. At the moment, the issue is still in court.
The issues of shortage of school spaces and the provision of adequate land for school buildings have never been comprehensively addressed since independence. In colonial times, the area north of Lamaha Street, Eve Leary and Thomas Lands was reserved for the police and military and for schools and sports. Thus, Queen’s College, the technical institutes, Marian Academy, St Joseph High and other schools were established in the area. The shortage of land in that area forced educational entrepreneurs to build on more expensive land in the city. To overcome the problem, three or four square miles of state land behind Sophia and D’Urban Backlands or elsewhere east of Georgetown should be immediately reserved and made available for schools and sports grounds. Those who wish to build schools could immediately apply, as well as sports clubs. Some sports such as hockey and badminton would be able to have their own facilities for the first time. The area should be properly drained and a road system laid out. The design and allocation of the land should be scientifically done. If this were done with immediacy, it would be a step in raising the quality of education and help Guyana’s sports to move towards international standards.
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Chronicle Pepperpot September 15, 2019 ◄◄◄ From page VI
At age 18, Fiona moved to St Kitts/Nevis to work with a woman who owned a boutique, but that relationship did not last and she subsequently began working at `Sain Tailoring’, a garment factory. There she learnt the finer art of sewing and how to put fabrics together the right way, as she worked with the company for four years. Meanwhile, Fiona, who lived with an elder sister who had migrated to the island many years before her, was able to ‘catch her hand’ doing pieces of sewing for her sister’s friends and other contacts she had made. And, as word got around about her work, she was contracted to sew swimwear and fashion costumes for `Culturama,’ a popular festival on the island. Fiona, then 22, got married to a Guyanese living on the island but returned home shortly after, when the work permit of her husband, a construction worker, expired. Upon her return home, she continued sewing and even started doing hairdressing and it was then that she started hosting fashion shows and designing costumes for schools. “The first fashion show I hosted on the Essequibo Coast was at the Caribbean Heat Hotel, Restaurant and Bar and the attendance inspired me to host others, even at Matthew’s Ridge in the North-West region,” Fiona said. She also hosted a Miss Essequibo beauty pageant and the winner Kenecia Christian, went on to be a delegate in the Miss Guyana Universe 2012 pageant. Fiona surmised that it was as a result of how she outfitted Kenecia for her appearance as a delegate for the 2012 pageant, that she was invited by the Miss Guyana Universe Committee the following year to join the line-up of designers, among whom was popular local designer Pat Coates. She subsequently returned to St Kitts/Nevis where she spent some time before travelling on to New York. “Returning to Guyana, it as if I never left. My clientele has further expanded and I am back to being my old self, but for me, my gratification is when my clients are all pleased with my work. For this I am extremely grateful to the Almighty for the talent he has blessed me with, and to my mother who I initially learned it from,” she said. “I am still learning as every day new styles and techniques evolve and one has to keep learning to be on top of the game.” ◄◄◄ From page III
Carol went on to the Linden Technical Institute (LTI) where she pursued an adult course in the same discipline and earned a City and Guilds Certificate Part 1 in Electrical Installation, and a Guyana Technical Certificate Part 2. As a result of these qualifications, she gained employment at GuyMine, and worked as an electrician in the plant machine shop. She was later elevated to the position of journeyman, which is just below that of a supervisor. Unfortunately, her involvement in matters concerning union issues saw her parting company with Guymine. In 1985, Carol began working as a Senior Electrical Technician with Ballast Nedam, a Dutch construction company, at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice, but her being vocal in union issues saw her again being dismissed. She then started her own business--buying and selling-- commodities to make ends meet. It was in 1987 that she linked up with Patrick, a former supervisor with whom she had worked at GuyMine, and who is certified in general electrical works, a/c installation and refrigeration among other things. The two started doing odd jobs together but subsequently began a serious relationship, got married and the union produced three children. Carol, who considers herself to have a boyish mentality since growing up, says, “I love to challenge men in their own field. I don’t think there is nothing as ‘a man’s job’ and no job is a challenge. All a woman has to do is put your mind to doing it and you will succeed. Never mind the challenges that will pop up along the way, you have to have a mind that is bigger than the challenges.” Her advice to the young people is, “Once you stay focused and follow your dreams, you will succeed. Put your mind to a trade, as there is where the money is.” Mr Johnson, who was also at the worksite, said of his wife, “I have to give a plus to Carol. She is truly an inspiration to me on the job. I am now up in age, so she is the one who goes into the ceiling and climbs all the heights, she hardly needs supervision. “It is amazing how knowledgeable she is about electrical work and refrigeration and is also good at painting, plastering and plumbing. Most times, it is her ideas that she has put forward that make the job easier to undertake. No joke, she really intimidates the men,” he added.
Chronicle Pepperpot September 15, 2019
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on the Village
River’s View A breathtakingly beautiful place
By Michel Outridge THIS week the Pepperpot Magazine journeyed to River’s View Village, which is located in the Essequibo River and is about a five-minute boat ride from Bartica to feature our ‘Village in the Focus.’ This picturesque village has been designated this year’s National Heritage Village for the very first time and residents are very pleased about this. River’s View Village National Heritage was celebrated on Tuesday, September 10, 2019), when
Toshao of River’s View Village, Kenneth Edwards (Samuel Maughn photos)
gramme and the teachers, as well as the health workers, are all from the village. Edwards said they have about 100 schoolaged children in the community and the people are very friendly and cooperative. The nearest secondary school is in Bartica and students are transported with the David ‘G’ speedboat. The boat was gifted to the community in 2016. The toshao told the Pepperpot Magazine that the people of River’s View are peaceful and simple and they lead a very normal life; some are health work-
River’s View Health Post
President David Granger and other invitees were present for the official opening ceremony. The Pepperpot Magazine spoke to the Toshao Kenneth Edwards, a mild-mannered local who was born and raised in the community. He stated that River’s View Village is on the mainland and it begins from the Makouria Creek to Badwarine Creek, on the right bank of the Essequibo River. It is home to about 700 residents mainly from the Arawak tribe and the population includes that of a neighbouring satellite village of Falmouth. He pointed out that there is a track to walk from River’s View to Falmouth Village, but up to a certain point after that, the village is accessible only by boat. Edwards added that River’s View, which is home to Minister of Social Protection George Norton, has a nursery school, a primary school and a health centre. The village leader stated that in the schools they have an active feeding pro-
ers, some teachers, while others work in the mining and logging industries. Although there is no electricity or potable water in the village, residents have their own generators and cooking and drinking water are sourced from the two wells within the community, or from rainfall. Edwards said they use the river water for bathing, doing the dishes and washing. “This community saw a lot of works done in the infrastructure and some bridges were constructed along with a fairly new stelling. We are trying to get our youths into more sports activities and a new playfield is to be commissioned soon,” he said. Preparations to host National Heritage Village Edwards told the Pepperpot Magazine that he wrote a letter requesting that River’s View be the host village for this year’s heritage celebrations and they have been preparing since February. He disclosed that the benab (meeting
Preparatory works in River’s View
place) alone took a month to construct and all villagers came together to lend a helping hand to construct 40 food and drinks stalls, the stage, the welcome sign, paintings and other forms of indigenous decorations. Edwards noted that he is very pleased, too, that members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were there a few days before the ceremony to assist them in preparing the place to host the heritage event. He told the Pepperpot Magazine that whatever money is garnered form logging within the community, they would use to enhance their community. Edwards stated that they had a planned programme for September 10 and on September 11, the community engaged in a day of sports in which volleyball was the featured sport, as well as circle tennis. “Our youths are noted for their talent in football and they have been performing Some of the food and beverage stalls
well so far, and won some games and we are trying to encourage them to realise their full potential,” he said. The toshao pointed out that River’s View is a crime-free community where the folks live in harmony and they are very pleased to be the host village for heritage celebrations this month. River’s View is located on the border of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) on the Essequibo River, opposite the mining town of Bartica in Region Seven. It is the first village in Region 10 to host a National Indigenous Heritage Day since the celebration started in September 1995. River’s View can be accessed by river, with a one-hour speedboat ride from Parika, or by air through Bartica, then five minutes by boat across the mighty Essequibo River. Last year’s Heritage Village was Shulinab – the only Makushi village in the South Rupununi, Region Nine.
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Chronicle Pepperpot September 15, 2019
The River’s View Community Centre A central place for residents By Michel Outridge THE River’s View Community Centre is the place where all food preparations are done within the village especially on special occasions such as Indigenous Heritage celebrations. During a recent visit to the village, some women were in the kitchen preparing some chicken cook-up rice for the folks that were assisting with the preparations for the heritage celebrations. One of the women, Aranda Somra told the Pepperpot Magazine that she was tasked with assisting in the food bar to share out sam-
nings and the water is very hot in the morning to bathe but that’s just a few things to ponder here. People here live like one big family and everybody does watch one another back and we have no real problems here except peace and quiet,” Williams said. He stated that most of the youths, who completed their secondary education have gone off to the University of Guyana (UG) or have gone into the mining and logging industry. Williams told the Pepperpot Magazine that in River’s View you can walk on the
perpot Magazine that he is the pastor of the Goshen Baptist Church and the village contractor. He is one of the villagers who painted the indigenous signs on the welcome arch and also build the benab walls using the bark of trees from the village. Williams explained that he community h e opted Aranda Somra in the Community Centre preparing some chicken for a portion of cook-up-rice she was cooking during a visit to River’s View (Samuel Maughn photos)
to stay and meet the carpentry and building needs of his fellow villagers. “I am content with what I have here and my life is simple but I am doing things to enhance my life daily, it will get better. I
Pastor/Contractor Gregory Williams Philip Williams
ples of indigenous dishes, which will be on display along with beverages in the form of piwari and potato wine, better known as ‘fly’. She related that the Community Centre was the primary meeting place for villagers when there is a function or any celebration in the community but now with the construction of a large benab residents can meet there instead. Another resident, Philip Williams, told the Pepperpot Magazine that he grew up in the village Gregory Willia and it is the only place ms engaged in an indige drawing on th be wants to be since it e welcome arch nous is home for him, a place where he feels safe and is very comfortable. “I have been living here for the past 65 darkest night and there is no one there to years and I attended the nursery and primary trouble you and you are safe. schools here and I am the security guard “I feel very proud and lifted up that our attached to the school compound and I feel village will be the host village for Amerindian safe here. I don’t have to worry about getting heritage celebration because the President will robbed or afraid to walk around at nights,” he come to visit to see what we have to offer as said. Williams described life in the commu- a people,” he said. nity as very quiet and without any crimes to Williams pointed out that preparations worry about since it is virtually non-existent started in January and the benab alone took there and one can go to bed without locking more than a month to construct but they had doors and windows. help from the large group of soldiers that vis “It does be hot in the night when it rains ited and they appreciate it very much. and in the sunny season it is cold in the eve Villager, Gregory Williams told the Pep-
tin
Women burs
aditional way
nuts the tr g dried coco
used to work outside the village then when he realised that it was cheaper to work within the
w
in River’s Vie
have three children and have been married for 11 years,” he said.
Chronicle Pepperpot September 15, 2019
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The traditional ‘Bush Lady’ of River’s View By Michel Outridge “A time I try it on my daughter in-law, who was unable to bear a ELOISE Daniels is considchild after years of marriage and ered the matriarch of Rivher husband threatened to leave er’s View Village because her if she didn’t get a baby she is of age and practices so she came to me and I got traditional medicine ussome bush and adminising bush and plants from tered some on her and within the community to she was able to conceive cure illnesses among viland got a daughter, who is lagers. an adult today,” she said. The 79-year-old, who is Nowadays, Daniels originally from Wakapoa, Redoesn’t practice bush medicine gion Two (Pomeroon-Supein full but only does it in emernaam) grew up around elderly gency cases where she would folks, who were versed in tradiassist sick persons, whose tional medicine using bush from lives are hanging in the balthe environment and she was able to ance. learn from them over the years. The elderly woman told “Whenever people in this the Pepperpot Teusimar Peters community get sick, dependMagazine that she ing on their symptoms, I does boil bush to lives between Guyana and Venezuela make medicine and give them to assist them these days but River’s View is her to recover,” she said. Daniels believes that home, a place where she has lived for she was chosen to do such work because she the past 25 years. believes that plants and bush used correctly Since her husband passed away 12 years on sick people can bring the much-needed ago, Daniels said it has been difficult for relief they are seeking. her because she had to tend to 11 children Even though bush medicine is not popu- thereafter, but she did it anyway and they lar these days, Daniels reported that she still turned out just fine.
A resting area in River’s View Village
helps people who are sick by finding out what kind of sickness the person has then she would pick certain types of ‘bush’ to make medicine, the traditional way. She explained that back in the 1940s when she was young, the elders in Pomeroon used to practice bush medicine to cure people of varying illnesses and it worked well.
“As an elder I am the one that showed the people here certain things about heritage and our traditional way like the matapee dance, you don’t sit for that dance you have to stand and it is not about wine up or down, it is our culture and we must preserve it and teach our young people,” she said. Daniels added that to date she still
A section of the beach at River’s View
Beautiful River’s View Village (Samuel Maughn photos)
speaks in her mother tongue, the Arawak language and some of her children still do too but they used to complain that it was “ugly”. Even in her golden days, she is still an active farmer with crops of both bitter and sweet cassava and in her days back then she delivered some babies too. “Our people are simple and if they give you something, take it don’t refuse because it is bad manners in our book,” she said. “I am still able to do chores like cooking and I prepare mostly roast meats because it is my favourite to go with home-made cassava bread. I returned from Venezuela a few days ago and I am here for the village heritage but years ago I used to open the ceremony in my Arawak language and I am not sure if I will this year but what I can say for sure there have been a lot of development in this village and I like this place a lot,” Daniels said. The Pepperpot Magazine also met a talented young man, not a villager but a visitor, who is from Lethem and a soldier. He is Teusimar Peters and at the time he was tasked with painting an indigenous drawing on the stage, which depicted the Indigenous way of life and it turned out well. Peters said as a child he always enjoyed drawings but didn’t pursue it but now he is into portraits and has a Facebook page with his work. This young man was part of a large group of soldiers attached to the Guyana People’s Militia and is the second officer-in-charge as a signaller within the
Communication Section of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). A villager, Leslie Daniels spent a few minutes in conversation with the Pepperpot Magazine and highlighted how he spent a night in the jungle to catch two alligators, which he used to prepare the traditional Pepperpot for the heritage celebrations. He related that he stayed in the swampy area and waited for the alligators to come out to feed and when the opportunity presented itself he chopped it rendering it mortally wounded. Daniels then caught it and took it home where h e sea-
Eloise Daniels
soned the meat for a tasty Pepperpot of which he sold on heritage day at a stall he was manning. “I came to live with my family many years ago and for me, this is home because of the people and the place is one to remember. Life is good here but you must work and I am in the logging business where I work right in this village and support my family,” he said.
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Chronicle Pepperpot September 15, 2019
Leaving your print IN the beginning, the sky was a clear blue and was lighted by the stars and the moon at night. People enjoyed the constellations and studied the movements of the stars and the moon. Some stars appeared in the
evening and disappeared after a short period; some appeared all night but gradually changed position with the progression of night. Others were in clusters and created designs and these were given Arawak
names. The white line across the sky was a secret trail along which only courageous persons travelled. It was believed to be a trail to the western end of the world, the source of the precious ‘pottery clay’. However, it was believed to be hazardous and most were afraid to walk it. Only a powerful Shaman could make the journey without coming to harm. There was a young man who bragged about this courage, his powers and his magic and was eager to be tested to prove his greatness. At first, the elders ignored him but
The story of the Milky Way the forest floor his bed and was awakened by an anaconda slithering across his prostrate body. He had proven himself to himself and that mattered most. As he walked, white clay dripped from his quake and formed the white trail across the sky. Excerpt by George Simon was taken from The Arts Journal Volume 2 Number 2 March 2006, Critical Perspectives on Contemporary Literature, History, Art and Culture of Guyana and the Caribbean. We have been captivated by the art creat-
Across the Milky way, the Shaman Saw A fish, acrylic painting by George Simon.
he became so insistent that the Chief after great consideration decided to put him to the test. One morning he was summoned by the Chief to be in the presence of him and other Shamans. To prove himself, he must journey alone to the Western end of the universe and return with a quake full of the precious white clay. This was the ultimate test, the most challenging and dangerous; he must follow a trail which few had travelled and about which he had heard many tails of perils which had befallen others. After a three-day fast he agreed to undertake the journey. With meagre belongings, he set forth. For days he walked through the forest accompanied by a sweet orchestra of sounds. And he was awakened daily by Mother Nature’s off-springs: Marudi and Hanaqua on the first day, and thereafter Powis and the cries of Howler Monkeys. Daily and nightly, Mother Nature’s creatures and sounds were his sole companions. After his third night, he dreamt he was attacked by several wolves. Despite being jolted awake, in fear, he persisted on his journey. In a trance state, he encountered an anaconda which he embraced as his medicine, his energy. Instead, he was swallowed by it. He moved swiftly through the belly of the reptile and was deposited onto a sandy beach by the sea. In the distance, he saw an island- a land of a lost people. He swiftly floated over the sandy mass and into the sea. He torpedoed along the sea-bed and emerged on the other side to be flung into the sky. He was flying but he was in control. He relaxed as he breathed deeply. He floated over the top of tress. The lush green carpet of the forest canopy brought a smile of delight to his face. He glided in the sky marvelling at the beauty and splendour of the forest. He was alone in this world. He emerged from the trance. Unshaken, he persisted on his journey to find the Source. Having found the source of the ‘pottery clay’ the return was no less eventful. Using water flavoured with tobacco, he induced an incredible trance. His journey home was determined. He ate meagrely. Not bothering to fish or hunt to vary his diet, he ate farine and tasso as he walked. He did not even bother to sling his hammock between trees. Instead, he made
ed by Indigenous people. Their creativity and skilfulness have evolved from petroglyphs (Rock Art) to riveting paintings on canvas. Their depiction of Guyana’s beautiful flora and fauna, their ancestral roots, their culture and their spiritual practices has astonished and puzzled us for years. It is visual evidence of our diversity. One notable Indigenous artist whose work has inspired national integration is George Simon. George Simon is a Guyanese-born Indigenous Artist and Archaeologist. What makes his work so captivating is the room it leaves for interpretation. The story behind the creativity. The inspiration for the colour palette. The unknown meaning of motifs. When you see a George Simon painting everything about it pulls you in. As an artist, you might ask yourself: will I ever be this great? I can tell you this, what makes a great artist is their ability to speak the truth regardless of the medium. Artists create from their knowledge, understanding and experience. It’s up to you to speak your truth. To walk your journey. To leave your mark. As I read George Simon’s recollection of his life’s’ journey, I recognised the important role of knowing and accepting one’s identity plays in the work of the artist. It wasn’t until he reached a point of acceptance and embrace that he was able to produce the works of art that mesmerise us today. And while our spiritual views are different, I can appreciate how his journey led him to create pieces that, according to him, have captured his “Amerindian-ness.” As we celebrate Indigenous Heritage Month 2019 under the theme: Maintaining traditional practices while promoting a green economy, it’s important to note the role of visual representation in our quest for preservation. And as my pastor would often quote: ‘a short pencil is better than a long memory.’ The National Gallery of Art, Castellani House is currently hosting an exhibition entitled: The Moving Circle of Artists Retrospective Exhibition (19882019), in honour of George Simon, A.A. Be sure to visit. The exhibition runs until September 28, 2019.
Chronicle Pepperpot September 15, 2019
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FILES E S A C COURT
By George Barclay
Father murdered after rejecting suitor for daughter
ON August 21, 1959, Essequibo farmer Flavio Da Silva and his worker John De Freitas, 40, who wanted to marry Da Silva’s 14-year-old daughter Gwendoline, went upriver on a duck-shooting expedition, when he was murdered by the man who wanted to be his son-in-law. Later the same day, De Freitas returned on foot with the sad news that Da Silva had fallen overboard and died by drowning. Police investigations revealed that Da Silva was murdered; he had died from gunshot wounds and strangulation. John De Freitas was therefore charged with murder. At his trial, represented by criminal lawyer, J.O.F. Haynes, Q.C. and P.N. Singh, De Freitas put forward several defences including self-defence, provocation and accident, but the jury rejected the defences and found the accused guilty of murder. De Freitas, dissatisfied with the jury’s verdict and the trial judge’s summing-up, appealed to the Federal Supreme Court in its appellate jurisdiction. That court, constituted by Chief Justice Hallinan and Justices Rennie and Marnan, dismissed the appeal by De Freitas and affirmed the conviction and death sentence. Summarising the facts of the case Justice Marnan said, “The case for the Crown was that the appellant and the deceased went out together in a 27-foot boat on the Essequibo River to shoot ducks. The only weapon they took was a 16bore single-barrelled shotgun belonging to the deceased. A few days previously, the appellant who lived with, and worked for, the deceased, had disclosed to the deceased and his wife that he
was in love with their daughter, Gwendoline, and wished to marry her. The appellant being over 40 years of age, and Gwendoline only 14, the proposal led to a heated discussion, which was left unresolved. The seeds of a quarrel had thus been sown when the appellant and the deceased set out at three o’ clock on the morning of August 21, 1959, alone in the small boat. Later the same day the appellant returned on foot with a story to the effect that the deceased had fallen overboard and drowned. He made a similar statement to the police. The boat was found moored in the river, but its anchor and a length of rope were missing. On August 22, the body of the deceased was discovered washed up on the river bank by the tide. There were wounds on the head, a gunshot wound in the chest, and a piece of rope was tied tightly around the neck. The medical evidence was that death was due to the gunshot wound and strangulation. In the doctor’s opinion, the gunshot wound was the first injury inflicted; then the head wounds, which were consistent with blows from the barrel of the gun, and the deceased was still alive when the rope was tied around his neck, but died before he was put into the water. The gunshot wound would eventually have caused death if not attended to, but the head wounds alone would not have been fatal. The appellant made further statements to the police on August 23 and 25. In the former, he repeated his story that the deceased had fallen overboard by accident. In the later statement, which was made
under caution, he told an entirely new story upon which he relied at trial as constituting his defence. He did not give evidence or call witnesses, but made an unsworn statement from the dock which was as follows. “I made a statement to the police already, Exhibit N. I have said everything I have to say. I had no intention of doing anything. I am really sorry for what has happened. I have nothing more to say.” Continuing his judgement, Justice Marnan said, “In his summing up, the trial judge told the jury: ‘In this case, the defence is contained in a statement….which the accused made to the police and in his statement from the dock at trial. In these statements, you have intertwined four defences: the defence of insanity, with which you can couple Automatism; the defence of self-defence; the defence of accident and the defence of provocation.” Justice Marnan explained, “The effect of the appellant’s statement, Exhibit N, was that while out in the boat the deceased told him, the appellant, that he was going to dismiss him and turn him out. The appellant replied that the deceased might regret that step because he would make Gwendoline follow him. The deceased then threatened to shoot the appellant and picked up his gun and loaded it. The appellant who had been sitting in the stern, steering, jumped up, caught hold of the gun in the deceased’s hands, and began to wrestle for it. The deceased fell, and the gun went off whilst the appellant was standing over him trying to take away the gun. The deceased was holding the barrel,
Murderer sentenced to death, appealed & lost
but the appellant got the gun away from him The appellant then, “got mad or something” and remembered hitting the deceased on his head with the gun. The appellant then threw the gun overboard. The deceased said twice “Gwendoline my daughter – you is the cause of this.” The deceased looked as if he was dying and said to the appellant, “Sonny throw me overboard.” The appellant then tied a piece of rope, which he cut from the main sheet, around the deceased’s neck, but could not remember why he did so. He then threw the deceased and his baboon skin cartridge bag into the river, took down the sail, stopped the engine and dropped the anchor. Later, when he came to himself, he found that the anchor which had been attached to a chain was gone. He hoisted the sail and went ashore. The Federal Court found that the trial judge had correctly directed the jury on all aspects of the case and had left no stone unturned as to cause them to interfere with the jury’s verdict. In his remarks to the jurors the trial judge, among other things, had told them, “Finally if you are satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the death of the deceased was caused by the deliberate act or acts of the accused and that at the time of committing those acts, or immediately before he intended to kill the deceased or to do him grievous bodily harm and that in doing so, he was not acting in self-defence or under the impulse of provocation or suffering from some disease of the mind, your verdict should be one of guilty of murder.” The appeal was dismissed by the Federal Supreme Court.
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Chronicle Pepperpot September 15, 2019
Labour declines globally In Guyana, politics remains mainly about office and power, but the power to do...? “THE well-dressed boy in the back seat of his father’s car remarked as he was being driven to school, ‘Daddy, why don’t those little boys go to school? Aren’t they bad boys, selling papers barefooted all over town, instead of going to school?’ The middle-aged man behind the wheel did not answer, because he knew some of the reasons, but how many knew? The reporter/journalist continued in the same lack of wider perception that prevails today, as follows: “The truth is, there are some bad boys whose only motive is to steal from their contemporaries, pickpockets or play dice and cards for coins. But the majority of them are earnest, hardworking lads who sell newspapers because they have a big responsibility at home.” Sunday Graphic August 19, 1962. This was the British Guiana that went into independence; Forbes Burnham instituted wide training for young Guyana, aware of the needs for meaningful contributions from its young, and that our CARICOM neighbours could not all afford the Youth Corps and GNS, this paid off in numerous ways. When the hard times of the oil crisis tumbled Guyana, many qualified young Guyanese were able to migrate, earn and send back monies to relatives at home while located in the Caribbean. It’s unfortunate and imperative that I include the following: I spent the first 14 years of my life with my Godparents at Mahaica, where strong political and racial divisions exist, amidst a contradictory human empathy and collaboration. One has to live in it to understand its schizophrenic cultural and deep, inherited divisive dispositions, along with its humanity, dispositions, that swiftly emerge when least expected, most of the youth on the other cultural side laughed at my perceived future. “Yuh gon become a public servant and wuk fuh slave wages.” They were also instructed with bizarre stories not to join the GYC or GNS. Most of those stories were directed at young women who in the patriarchal culture that enveloped them wanted the freedoms and natural rights of the sisters of the other culture; none of this have we explored for its impact on social behaviour today. Of the business organisations and commissions that frequent the newspapers and electronic media as champions of business, shouting out their views on the economy, know who should politically lead the country in their interest, so they can be exempt from paying taxes. Fact is that it is the public workers who have carried the tax burden since independence. These organisations from legal to business have never had a public view on the late 90s early 2000s deployment of government-organised death squads,
once their children were not affected. They hid behind racial and social stereotypes to protect their own prejudices and perceptions on the stratagem towards the major economic beneficiaries of the dual nature of our neo-colonial-independent Guyana. Incidentally, it is rumoured that many of them were linked to the selection and financing of the death squads, using streetwise underprivileged Afro-Guyanese youth for their malevolent schemes. While in the national interest they have never produced a two-leaf document with projections to remedy or to inform (to my knowledge) on the labour situation for the past 40 years; it is unwise to think that any form of patriotism prevails among the loudest voices of criticism we hear. What we are burdened with is an eruption of deception and greed. We know where jobs have been lost,
because many of us, like me, have witnessed and experienced it. When political arson burnt the GRB, the loss of employment could be counted in the thousands. This was a place that worked in most cases around the clock. Also, how many jobs were lost between 1973-79 as a result of the pressures of the ‘Oil Crisis’ and the collapse of the manufacturing sector? There are no official records for study and assessment by the public. What we have had and must recognise is an inner core of self-centredness masquerading as having a social consciousness, and it has possibly duped some good people who are too naive to see hustlers for what they are behind the social masks, which can only be torn apart by simply assessing the practised philosophy as against the clique announcements allowed and further slanted by confederates in the media. The philosophy
and the limited public concerns are one and the same, and explore the individual history in relation to the absence of empowerment of their workforce, as against the benefits reaped from political patronage and you will realise they would support ALI Baba if they can safely become, or have become, one of his 40 thieves. Guyana continues to lose jobs -- most times it is not political -- and somebody should tell the politicians not to talk the ‘blame game’ with respect to youth employment. The CDB research document in 2015 declared that Guyana’s youth employment since 2000 was at a dismal 40 per cent, continuously. Political propaganda will be analysed, whether it is shouted out with loud, misconceived confidence. Returning to the topic of how we are continuing to lose jobs. Advertising agencies were a popular niche of employment and creative competition and unfair clique competition. I survived because I used original art in that arena. With Facebook and other platforms, the advertising industry has diminished. Businesses cry out, but ignore that online shopping and their providers are eating into their markets and will grow; the latter must also take stock because group shopping to avoid their astronomical prices will impact on them also. By 2022, Analogue TV transmissions will be replaced by Digital. How will TV businesses flourish? Where is the varied local content? There is no conversation going on with the authorities involved, nor from the businesses who will be affected. Is it just part of our chronic backwardness that comes with anticipated callous opportunism, waiting for it to collapse, so I will be the only creature by the water hole? The two main recent terminations of employment outside of Bauxite were A: the ports that sustained legally and illegally over 30 percent of Georgetown, from as far back as the 1840s, the age of the stevedores vanished simply because merchant marine shipping modernised. And B: the sugar industry that was heralded from 2003 for a decline. To subsidise them the 16 percent VAT was created. The burden fell mainly on the then poorly paid public servants, pushing them towards the subsidy of corruption. What was meaningful and callous about that, was that the government who declared themselves owners of the sugar workers received a subvention under the government of the time. That money did not go to the sugar workers. But overall, its decline was not due to internal decisions, though the sugar workers did burn the cane under political directives during the 70s/80s. It was due to the ‘trade winds of our times’ and the neglect of not creating alternative products from either sugar and bauxite and a provincial, fossilised political position that is still with us, and no amount of rhetoric can change what a man has lived and stood a witness to.
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Periodontitis
PERIODONTITIS is commonly called gum disease and is not something you want to have, mainly because it is an inflammation which creates circulating substances called proinflammatory cytokines, which the liver modifies into c-reactive protein (CRP), a very dangerous entity. CPR causes clotting and depending on where the clot occurs, can result in a heart attack, a stroke, a deep vein thrombosis in a leg, or even a pulmonary embolus. Since CRP level is increased, and since gum disease is a major producer of inflammation throughout the body, and therefore a major contributor of increased CRP levels in the majority of people, we need to focus our attention on total body inflammation to reduce those levels. What’s so bad about gum disease? After all, most people who have it do not experience any pain whatsoever and so it seems not to be a bother at all. Well, hundreds of studies have looked at different aspects of the gum disease – systemic disease connection, and have found it can be a causative factor in a heart attack or stroke, two of the top three causes of death. Studies have shown that gum disease can increase the risk of a heart attack by 200 to 400 percent, as well as double the risk of stroke. Infant mortality is affected by gum disease sites, mothers can experience premature birth or low birth weight babies. Other studies have shown that gum disease can make arteriosclerosis and diabetes worse, and can even contribute to lung disease caused by breathing in (aspirating) pneumonia-causing organisms. The medical profession is currently concluding that high CRP levels are as serious a threat to health as high cholesterol (an acknowledged cause of heart attacks and strokes), and doctors are beginning to screen for this blood element as part of regular health checkups. CRP has even made it into Readers’ Digest in a short piece stating that CRP testing “may be getting ready for prime time” because it is a highly predictive marker for signs of inflammation. Since CRP is produced in the liver, and this production is triggered by inflammation anywhere in the body, a high CRP reading would be the result of that person’s total cumulative inflammation. Someone with severe arthritis, prostate inflammation, and healthy gums could have high CRP reading, just as someone with severe periodontal disease and no arthritis or other inflammatory problems could. Regardless of the source, it all adds up, and high CRP is dangerous no matter what disease caused them. But, since gum disease is an inflammation-inducing condition that more people have than don’t, it has to be considered a primary culprit in many disease processes, including that of elevated CRP levels. CRP levels are usually measured in milligrams per litre (mg/L) and, as reported in an article in the San Antonio Express-News, CRP levels of less than 1 mg/L indicate a low risk of heart disease, and reading between 1 and 3 mg/L represents an average risk. CRP levels greater than 3 mg/L are at least twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease as those in a low-risk group. The danger of gum disease to overall health is dose-related, which means the worse the gum disease, the greater the risk. Severe inflammation elsewhere in the body is serious as well. It has been estimated that up to 400 specific types of microorganisms are commonly indigenous to the mouth, so with gum disease, there is the distinct likelihood that several types of those potentially hazardous microorganisms are circulating throughout the entire body, wherever the blood flow takes them. In a study reported in the October 2012 issue of Compendium, a postmortem examination of blood clots taken from arteries in the neck showed several types of disease-causing bacteria in the clots of 72 percent of the recently deceased test subjects (fifty clots from the carotid arteries were evacuated during these autopsies). When the inflammation-inducedd nature of CRP is considered, other life-threatening aspects should be taken into account. When a person with moderate to severe periodontal
disease and elevated CRP levels undergoes a deep cleaning (scaling and root planning), what happens to the CRP levels as the dentists tear the diseased tissues in their normal efforts to treat gum disease? Many unexpected results may occur in anyone undergoing periodontal procedures, perhaps even ones as innocuous as everyday scaling and root planing. Studies have shown that periodontal cleaning procedures alone can elevate the person’s baseline CRP readings by 300 percent. This rise can be truly life-threatening for anyone who has advanced gum disease since acute infection can elevate CRP
levels to 500 to 1000 times already high normal limits. Even extraordinarily high-risk levels can be prevented or controlled by a wide variety of inflammation-reducing substances. Yet very few people ever receive pretreatment protection from their dentists unless they have a known heart problem, such as mitral valve prolapsed, valvular damage from rheumatic fever, or some other condition, such as hip joint replacement, requiring pretreatment antibiotic coverage. So, gum disease is not a condition to be taken lightly because it can be fatal.
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Chronicle Pepperpot September 15, 2019
Chronicle Pepperpot September 15, 2019
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World Suicide Prevention Day 2019 LAST Tuesday, we wore yellow and joined hands globally in observance of the World Suicide Prevention Day 2019, in an attempt to stand in solidarity with those persons who have been affected by suicide and to raise awareness on how we each have a role to play in helping one another. It is well known that suicide is a major health concern replete with a myriad of social ramifications in our small country of Guyana. In fact, our developing country, with less than a million people at its last census, was faced with one of the highest suicide rates in the world, just a few years ago in 2012. Then, it was made known that Guyana’s suicide rate was 44.2 per cent per 100,000 people. In the last few years, it has been reported that more persons have been accessing mental health treatment and other forms of assistance through a concerted effort by governmental and non-governmental agencies. So now, the suicide rate has dropped to 24.6 per cent per 100,000 persons. Progress, but more needs to be done. On the topic of doing more, I think that we need to be more conscious of the things we say and joke about, particularly as it relates to suicide. I find it insensitive and
downright distasteful when people make morbid jokes or joke about harming themselves. I will concede that the argument can be made that these may be subliminal cries for help, in which case, it becomes imperative that professional help is sought. The stark reality is that globally one person still dies every 40 seconds from suicide. This is not something you make light of because it speaks to the amount of pain and hopelessness a person has to go through before coming to this point. And the effects are not limited to that individual experience, but in turn, it affects families, friends and communities. For the past few years, I have been attending workshops, vigils and other fora that directed focus on raising awareness on Suicide Prevention. These were in response to the need seen for more awareness in the country, particularly on signs of persons who may be feeling that helplessness and in an attempt to reduce the misconceptions and stigma associated with this area of focus. Encompassed in every single one of these fora was the focus on mental health because suicide has been linked to a person’s mental health. Before this push towards raising awareness on mental
health and suicide a few years ago, I believe that mental health was not given much importance and persons who suffered from mental illnesses were thought to be “mad people”. I’m glad that way of thinking has been reduced. This year, the World Health Organization (WHO), in its address on the observance of World Suicide Prevention day, highlighted that they would have launched a campaign that helps to spotlight the interconnectedness of Mental health and Suicide. Regional Advisor on suicide at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Claudina Cayetano was quoted as saying: “Suicide is a complex issue, with a multitude of intervening factors; therefore there is no single answer to this problem. Today [September 10, 2019], WHO, in collaboration with global partners, the World Federation for Mental Health, the International Association for Suicide Prevention and United for Global Mental Health, will be launching the ‘40 Seconds of Action’ campaign.” Like I mentioned before, according to the WHO, every 40 seconds someone loses their life to suicide. Cognizant of that, this
global campaign seeks to improve awareness of suicide as a global health issue, reduce the stigma associated with suicide and improve knowledge on what can be done to prevent knowledge. The final component and a very important component at that is that the 40 seconds of action seeks to let persons who are struggling know that they are not alone. The culmination of this 40 Seconds of Action campaign will be on World Mental Health Day on 10 October. It is my wish that as a society we can develop and improve on our value of compassion as individuals just so that we can just be better human beings to each other. You know what we say in GT: Be your brother’s and sister’s keeper. I’m one of those persons with the firm belief that it costs nothing to be a nicer, more compassionate human being. And I cannot emphasise enough that we shouldn’t wait for these annual observances once a year to remember to be decent persons to each other. Think about what happens every 40 seconds and think about how we can try to change that for the better.
Tackling the stigma attached to mental illness SOCIAL stigma and discrimination can make mental health problems worse and even stop a per- son from getting the help they need, so stamping out the stigma attached to mental illness is important. A 19-year-old activist, Rafaela Oviedo is on a mission to stamp out the stigma attached to mental illnesses. She aims to end stigma and discrimination against persons suffering from mental health issues. “I want to be a part of every moment that celebrates equality, diversity and self-love. I will spread whatever knowledge I have, to those who want to hear and learn things that I never learnt before,” said Oviedo. The young activist said her passion lies in mental health advocacy. Her deep interest in the topic stemmed from her own experience as someone suffering from a major depressive disorder and Generalised Anxiety Disorder. “In truth, I had known for years that what I was feeling was not normal. If not for the internet I would have had a harder time not knowing this was the reality for so many other people. I would’ve felt so alone. That’s partially the reason why I use social media as a means of spreading information,” said
young Oviedo. Whilst social media is said to have a hand in mental health issues, it also brings people together and makes them feel less alone. When she first started posting about her experiences, Oviedo was overwhelmed by the responses she received from persons who are either going through the same thing or know someone who needed help. Many persons fail to speak about their mental illness because of the stigma attached it, but she believes that mental illnesses should be approached with the same interest as in the case of someone with a broken leg. “Being in a society that has such a stigma only limits other’s access to the support they need. It makes them feel alienated and even contributes to worsening the mental health issue. I do my best by being vocal about my own illness, whilst also educating myself on resources that people can access locally to receive the help they need and then sharing that information,” said Oviedo. In addition to her efforts, Oviedo has been working with a Non-Governmental Organisation called Aspire, to pilot several projects relating to different aspects of equality, education and awareness. Although advocacy would be at the fore-
front of her efforts, Oviedo also has a soft spot and interest in information technology (IT). She aims to become an IT professional and to get into the business of real estate. With a lot in the pipeline for her, the young activist draws her motivation from family and friends. “Without their love, understanding and constant reassurance (lots of hyping up), I wouldn’t have even had the confidence I do to speak so openly about various topics. They inspire me and encourage me to do greater and do anything I put my mind to,” said Oviedo. For persons who may be facing the same struggles or have the same passion, Oviedo said self-doubt is one of the biggest enemies you could face. She said to steer clear of self-doubt because it causes you to lose confidence in your decisions. “Even is self-doubt is a part of your store, so be it, but don’t stop before you finish your book…whether it’s standing up for yourself or someone else, leading a class project or starting a movement in your community. See it through to the end and always look for a chance to learn something from the experience,” said Oviedo.
Rafaela Oviedo
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Chronicle Pepperpot September 15, 2019
First-oil:
quashing rumours, clearing up misconceptions
First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger toasts the Liza Destiny, “Guyana’s hopes and aspirations”.
DURING the first quarter of 2020, Guyana will begin extracting oil for commercial use. This will be the culmination of millions of dollars spent, several hours of planning, education, and consultation, and an unimaginable number of work hours. In this edition of Government in Action, the fourth and final part of the series on oil and gas, the Director of the Department of Energy at the Ministry of the Presidency, Dr. Mark Bynoe, addresses some of the miscon-
ceptions and common misbeliefs about the oil and gas sector. INCITING NATURAL DISASTERS The first misconception involves the safety risks of tapping into Guyana’s offshore oil supply. Many Guyanese believe that removing the oil from below the ground will wreak havoc on the ocean floor, marine life, and even cause earthquakes. Dr. Bynoe addresses this misconception. “It’s a common perception that persons have, because persons are of the view that… when you hear of a well you get the impression that this oil is just sitting there and you’re drawing it out, but my understanding is what we’re having here is equivalent to like a sponge, and so a sponge, when it’s wet, will ultimately be filled with water. It’s heavy as you draw that water out. That sponge still exists, but it’s a lighter density now. So, that’s the kind of analogy we want to draw between the extraction of oil and earthquakes,” he said. DR. BYNOE ALSO BRIEFLY EXPLAINED THE TRUE CAUSES OF EARTHQUAKES. “Most earthquakes are caused by what we call the shifting of plates. I don’t want to become too technical, but… [the] earth
The Liza Destiny
is said to be sitting on a number of plates. When those plates move that is what is said to cause earth tremors. When one plate goes above another it causes what we call folding. So ultimately it is not the extraction of fuel, it is the movement of the plates that will cause earthquakes,” he said. According to the University of Michigan, the most common earthquakes are caused when pieces of rock break from the built-up pressure of two plates rubbing against each other. That sudden burst of energy produces seismic waves that make the ground shake. The University also says that it is possible for human intervention, like underground explosions for mines or subways to release seismic waves. However, waves strong enough to mimic large earthquakes are only possible with the detonation of nuclear weapons. PTO To add, Petroleum Geologist at the Ministry of the Presidency’s Department of Energy, Ms. Marissa Foster, who was afforded the opportunity to look at Guyana’s Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) the Liza Destiny’s crude oil processing unit, briefly explained the oil pumping process. “[The] unit… takes the oil after it comes
Director of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe
to the surface. It passes through a separator that separates oil from water from gas and then the gas is compressed and it can be injected back into the reservoir. The water is also purified and released into the ocean… The oil after it has been processed, is sent into the tanks below the deck where it awaits the arrival of the tanker for shipping off of the FPSO,” she said. NO JOBS FOR GUYANESE The second misconception concerns the misinformation surrounding local content, which, in this context, refers to the development of a local workforce that is educated and equipped to confidently function within the oil and gas sector. The companies extracting Guyana’s oil are foreign exploration companies, but that does not mean that they are in control of the sector. Rather than wait for Guyanese to acquire the necessary expertise, the Government of Guyana opted to take advantage of the help given by other countries, international bodies, and companies to build the capacity of Guyanese while the sector emerges. “What Government has decided to do is to bring in… the expertise where it exists. So, we have been receiving assistance through the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank, the IMF, the Government of Mexico, the Government of Canada, the Government of the United States, the Government of the UK... the Commonwealth Secretariat, to assist us to build-out the structures that we need but as we said earlier, to have Guyanese working alongside these experts so that some process of mentorship will occur,” the Energy Director said. Dr. Bynoe also endorsed the establishment of joint-ventures to boost local business in these early sector stages.
Chronicle Pepperpot September 15, 2019
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The Liza Destiny
First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, Minister of State, Mrs. Dawn Hastings-Williams and Director, Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe and this ExxonMobil official during a tour of the Liza Destiny.
“We are encouraging Guyanese, as far as is practicably possible to establish partnerships, seek for joint ventures… This is not something you will hear about… but when you go out there are a multiplicity of private companies in this country that have already established joint-ventureship. I am not at liberty to name names but I can sit at this desk and say to you, quite a few are already benefiting,” he said. Guyanese can rest assured that while the oil exploration companies are foreign, the Liza Destiny, belongs to Guyana. “These are the costs we as Guyanese have to pay. So, I know we have been ceding a lot and saying Exxon’s vessel and ExxonMobil’s first FPSO but as Guyanese we should start recognising these are our monies and so it is a Guyanese vessel pumping Guyanese fuel which will be bringing in Guyanese revenue to help Guyanese ultimately advance and develop,” Dr. Bynoe said. OIL AND GAS: A HINDRANCE TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT To some, the emergence of the oil and gas sector greatly conflicts with Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy
(GSDS). This forms the foundation for the next misconception, the belief that Guyana cannot pursue success in the petroleum sector while pursuing a ‘green’ agenda. For the Government of Guyana, the answer is simple. The revenues afforded through this oil and gas sector will be used for infrastructural development, education, and to boost Guyana’s traditional sectors like, agriculture. Most importantly, the revenues will be used to fund Guyana’s sustainable development. “Persons have asked, ‘if you have natural gas is that not going against your green ethos?’ My simple answer to that is, not necessarily and let me explain why. Currently, most of Guyana’s fuel is what we call HFOs, heavy fuel oils or diesel. If we are to use gas, it will reduce the emissions from HFOs by 5o per cent. So, while gas is not necessarily ‘green’ it will reduce our own emissions and Guyana is already a net emitter… that means… we have more forested resource than the pollutants that we are putting out. So, we are a net sink. If we reduce that by 50 per cent, we become an even larger net sink,” Dr. Bynoe said. Dr. Bynoe also stressed that poverty is the greatest threat
to a country’s environment. He insists that the Government is right to take advantage of this natural resource to elevate the lives of all Guyanese. “What provides a greater burden on the environment? Is it poverty or riches? So, are we to have these resources and leave our people in a poverty-stricken state? Development is not just about a ‘green’ environment. In fact, if we look at the [GSDS] it’s not just about leaving things as they are; it’s a development strategy which focuses on social development and also economic development. Here, Guyana has an opportunity to use these resources to pursue what we call sustainable development, so in actual fact [the Government will] use the resources to put in more sustainable entities, because oil and gas will not last. This provides us with an opportunity to do that,” he said. Guyanese, do not be distracted by the rumours. First oil 2020 is coming and the Government of Guyana, the Department of Energy, and several other State departments throughout the Public Service are readying themselves to exploit the resources in this sector for the benefit of all Guyanese.
First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger (fourth from left), Minister of State, Mrs. Dawn Hastings-Williams (fifth from left) Director, Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe (second from right) and other Ministers, ExxonMobil officials on the Liza Destiny. Three Guyanese workers on board the vessel are pictured first from left.
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Importance of the theme for Heritage Month 2019
Chronicle Pepperpot September 15, 2019
YOU probably already have an idea as to why I’m writing on this topic now, based on the title of it. First, in September, Guyana celebrates Indigenous Heritage Month. This year’s theme is, “Maintaining traditional practices while promoting a green economy.” Our country is made up of 77 per cent of rainforests, most of which belongs to the Amazon. Turn to page XXIII ►►►
Chronicle Pepperpot September 15, 2019
XXIII
Carte Blanche – Pure Caribbean Style
initiate this unique experience due to the novel composition of the Eucalyptus Garden Theatre Gallery situated at the Theatre Guild. It is rich with historical significance and ordained by the distinctive presence of the therapeutic magnificence of the Eucalyptus Trees. Décor for the event was coordinated by Shonta Noel and Crafted by Chey and Neilson Nurse, at Nandre’s Kreations. Ras Camo welcomed the patrons with impressive steel pan music and he never fails to amaze. Pastor Clair Sutton from Freedom Life Ministries said the opening prayer, which is important to all my events. It was a sight to behold with patrons beautifully dressed in white at this historic space while viewing ... Inspiring lives through fashion live painting, fashion displays and listening to the enchanting voices I MENTIONED in my previous column of Hyomi Carty and Petal Bourne. Veteran that September is a birthing month and Guyanese artist Merlene Ellis painted on we will be experiencing new things. Carte canvas for the auction conducted by Ron Blanche was birthed in the Eucalyptus Robinson. She said it was the first time she Garden Theatre Gallery situated at the painted in the public and enjoyed the experiTheatre Guild. The idea came to me a few ence. Winston months ago after a friend wanted us to consider the franchise for Dîner en Blanc which is a worldwide event spanning six continents, in which people have a meal dressed in white in a temporary dining setup in a public space. Diners are required to provide their own food, tables, chairs and tablecloths. The franchise fee was very high and I thought “why can’t we create a Caribbean brand instead of always following something else? I thought about an event in a beautiful outdoor space where we can fuse art, music and fashion, while enjoying Lipton Tea in white and invite people to join us. Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote came to mind: “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” I called my friend and creative director Richard and shared my thoughts; he instantly agreed we need to do it and we did. The concept was born out of the notion to appreciate our regional creatives in an open-air experience which is set against a Alexander demonstrated backdrop of pure elegance, represented by live speed painting to a song by our iconic white textures. Caribbean figure Bob Marley, while ‘One Georgetown, Guyana, was chosen to
Beyond the Runway
Love’ played in the background. The patrons were in awe after a few minutes when the late Bob Marley’s face emerged on the canvas. It is all just a reminder of the amazing talent we possess in Guyana. Vanda Allicock and Natasha Davids presented their collections as a tribute to Indigenous Heritage Month. Melba La Gadoue
ers and are breathtaking and you can visit my FB page to view. Richard Young hosted the event with a lot of humour and style and certainly connected with the patrons. The intention is to have Carte Blanche throughout the Region and the Diaspora, God’s willing, celebrating our Caribbean aesthetic, showcasing a compendium of
presented a line of fascinators and I presented the versatile tops from my new collection. The photos capturing these priceless moments are taken by Sean Duncan and Amrita Riv-
performing, visual, decorative and fashion arts. A special thank you to the pioneering patrons, designers, artists, models, volunteers and sponsors Star Party Rentals, Tower Suites, Ramps Logistics, DeSinco Trading for Lipton’s Tea, SpotlightProductions, Theatre Guild, Le Treat Bakery, Pizza Hut, Pearl’s Bakery, Oasis Cafe, Ann’s Coconut Biscuits, Crafted by Chey, Impressions, Party Castle, Paper Craft and Nandre’s Kreations, Part proceeds will go to the Living with Intention mission and persons are already requesting to be on the guest list for 2020. If you are interested to be on our list please email us at livingwithintention11@gmail.com as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.
with
Dr. Sonia Noel
◄◄◄ From page XXII
In our forests, there are over 1,200 animal species and over 6,400 plant species. On the flip side, there are over 80,000 Indigenous peoples who call Guyana’s rainforests their home. Given that information, we can now realise why this year’s theme is so important. Efforts are made nationally to ensure we preserve the culture of our Indigenous peoples. However, we are also trying to achieve a “green” economy or, in other words, trying to reduce any environmental risks. But can we eat and bake our cakes at the same time? Perhaps, it is possible if we’re willing to “put in the work.” Increasing awareness among our Indigenous brothers and sisters about a “green” economy, renewable energy resources; recycling and reusing; the importance of our rainforests while providing the necessary resources to aid in these discussions and further action, is the first step towards achieving this. Now, in my research, I understood that
the word ‘heritage’ is defined as something that was handed down from the past as a tradition. High school Social Studies and Caribbean History classes must have enlightened you on some of which was passed down to our Indigenous peoples today; the languages, rituals, folklore and tales, pepperpot and not forgetting piwari—just to name a few. Yes, these were all passed down but shouldn’t we be thinking a bit harder about ‘heritage’? First, the Indigenous peoples should be given more recognition for our country’s very existence and development. ‘Kaieteur Falls.’‘Mashramani’, ‘Guiana’ and even the ‘Pepperpot Magazine’—are we aware of their origins? How can we forget their amazing ability to make craft out of natural materials; hammocks, chairs, beautiful jewellery and pottery and even weapons? The best gifts (another word I like to use for tradition)— that was passed down to the Indigenous peoples are those we cannot see, rather a more innate and ‘inside’ gift.
It’s the strong instinct to survive, the will to always preserve and acknowledge where you came from, the innate virtue of perseverance—to never give up. People often assume my racial identification and would often think I am of Indigenous descent, because of my physical appearance. Not that I was ever offended by that; however, I was always quite critical on the tone they used to make their assumptions. As if calling me an “Amerindian” is supposed to make me feel offended, especially when people were trying to make fun of my appearances. My experience with this made me ponder a bit on how Guyanese truly perceive the culture and heritage of the first peoples of this land. For instance, I’m sure you’re all aware of that ‘B’ word persons often use when we’re describing or making reference to Indigenous people. If we’re speaking about racial slurs and slangs, we seldom or never acknowledge it as one. To an extent, even the word “Amerindian” might come off as offensive to
some Indigenous folk of our country. Nonetheless, I have learned to own up to any ethnic mistakes people make about me. As far as I know, the Indigenous peoples of our country have done a tremendous job at preserving their heritage. While most of our sister Caribbean countries experienced total extinction of their Indigenous peoples, Guyana has four thriving tribes; the Warraus, Arawaks, Wapisianas and the Caribs. These four tribes include several sub-tribes; Arecunas, Akawaios, Patamonas, the Macusis and the Wai-Wais. All of these have different languages and cultural practices and all of which we should continue to preserve and be proud of. Happy Indigenous Heritage Month to all Guyanese, may we keep in mind the purpose of this year’s theme and the importance of preserving both Indigenous Heritage and our forests. Finally, don’t forget to thank your Indigenous friends—for what exactly? For Pepperpot, of course!
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Chronicle Pepperpot September 15, 2019
‘32 years and healing’ World Ozone Day
WORLD Ozone Day is finally here! Observed annually on September 16, it brings attention to the critical role of the ozone layer and actions taken to protect it. The theme for this year is “32 Years and Healing,” celebrating over three decades of remarkable international cooperation to protect the Ozone Layer and the climate under the Montreal Protocol. It reminds us that we must keep up the momentum to ensure healthy people and a healthy planet. WHAT IS THE OZONE LAYER AND WHERE IT IS LOCATED?
The Ozone Layer or the Ozone Shield refers to a region of Earth’s stratosphere that shields us from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. It contains high concentrations of ozone (O3) relative to other parts of the atmosphere, although it is still very small relative to other gases in the stratosphere. The ozone layer is mainly found in the lower portion of the stratosphere, from approximately 20 to 30 kilometres above Earth, though the thickness varies seasonally and geographically. The ozone layer protects all life on earth from UV radiation which can cause severe damage to plants, animals, microbes and people. SERIOUS EFFECTS OF OZONE DEPLETION Damage to human health- If the ozone layer is depleted, it means humans will be overly exposed to strong UV radiation. Overexposure to strong UV light causes skin cancer, cataracts, sunburns, weakening of the immune system and quick aging. Devastation to environment-Many crop species are vulnerable to strong UV light and overexposure may well lead to minimal growth, photosynthesis and flowering. Some of the crop species vulnerable to UV light include barley, wheat, corn, oats, rice, broccoli, tomatoes, and cauliflower, just to name a few. Forests equally bear the brunt of ozone depletion. Threat to marine life- Certain marine life, especially planktons, are greatly impacted by exposure to strong ultraviolet rays. In the aquatic food chain, planktons appear high up. If planktons decrease in number due to ozone layer destruction, the marine food chain would be disrupted in many ways. Also, overexposure of sun rays could reduce the fortunes of fishers. On top of that, certain species of marine life have been greatly affected by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation at their early stage. Effects on animals-In domesticated animals, too much Ultraviolet radiation could also lead to skin and eye cancer. Impacts certain materials-Materials like plastics, wood, fabrics, rubber are massively degraded by too much ultraviolet radiation 32 YEARS AND HEALING This year’s theme celebrates over three decades of remarkable international cooperation to protect the ozone layer and the climate under the Montreal Protocol. It reminds us that we must keep up the momentum to ensure healthy people and a healthy planet. The Montreal Protocol has led to the phase-out of 99 percent of ozone-depleting chemicals in refrigerators, air-conditioners and many other products. At projected rates, Northern Hemisphere and mid-latitude ozone will heal completely by the 2030s. The Southern Hemisphere will follow in the 2050s and Polar Regions by 2060. Ozone layer protection efforts have also contributed to the fight against climate change by averting an estimated 135 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, from 1990 to 2010. SOLUTION TO OZONE DEPLETION Desist from using pesticides- Pesticides are great chemicals to rid your farm of pests and weeds, but they contribute enormously to ozone layer depletion. The surefire solution to get rid of pests and weeds is to apply natural methods. Just weed your farm manually and use alternative eco- friendly chemicals to alleviate pests. Discourage driving of private vehicles- The easiest technique to minimize ozone depletion is to limit the number of vehicles on the road. These vehicles emit a lot of greenhouse gases that eventually form smog, a catalyst in the depletion of the ozone layer. Utilise environmentally friendly cleaning products- Most household cleaning products are loaded with harsh chemicals that find their way to the atmosphere, eventually contributing to the degradation of the ozone layer. Use natural and environmentally friendly cleaning products to arrest this situation. Prohibit the use of harmful nitrous oxide- The Montreal Protocol formed in 1989 helped a lot in the limitation of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). However, the protocol never covered nitrous oxide, which is a known harmful chemical that can destroy the ozone layer. Turn to page XXV►►►
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NAREI’s Hosororo Plant Nursery explanation made sense. The water used to water the floor usually lodges on the cement floor and cause fungus also workers can injure themselves. But with the compacted sand floor the water is adsorbed easily. And with proper maintenance weed
THIS week NAREI in Focus will inform you about our highly productive Hosororo Plant Nursery, Region One. Our six staffers work assiduously to ensure the 23-acre of land dedicated to the nursery is properly utilised. Crops available at the nursery include citrus, avocado, coffee, cocoa, Carambola, nutmeg and black pepper are grown there. One of its main crops is avocado. The production of avocado seedlings is seasonal. Oftentimes, farmers, as well as individuals, book months in advance to ensure they access our quality planting materials. There is usually a high demand. In the coming weeks, 3,500 avocado seedlings will be ready for sale. But, don’t get excited- all have been booked. Customers travel from as far as Mahaicony and Linden to purchase our seedlings. A large portion of land is dedicated to citrus production. There are sixteen varieties available at the nursery. Customers usually demand rough lemons, tangerine, orange and grapefruit. There are also 3,500 citrus seedlings for sale. Of course, since Region One is the capital of Guyana, our Hosororo Nursery is home to many spices. Approximately, 18-acre of land is dedicated to spice production demonstration plots. Currently, black pepper and nutmeg seedlings are available. Given the importance of this nursery to food security in the Region, Research Assistant Faron Pearson was recently sent on a three-week training programme in Costa Rica. Using the knowledge gained, a new handling floor was established. According to Pearson, “When I went to Costa Rica they show us a shaded handling floor that had sand as its floor. The ◄◄◄ From page XXIV
Nitrous oxide is still in use today. Governments must take action now and outlaw nitrous oxi use to reduce the rate of ozone depletion. Let us continue to work and heal together! References: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/ozone-depletion/ https://www.epa.gov/ozone-layer-protection/ health-and-environmental-effects-ozone-layer-depletion https://www.un.org/en/events/ozoneday/ https://ozone.unep.org/ozone-day/32-years-and-healing 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.
wouldn’t be a problem.” Pearson said that he plans to embark on several other projects to incorporate the lessons he learnt whilst on the training programme.
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English
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STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, One other way to learn and understand your subject is to constantly apply it to everyday life (and to other subjects). Unless you relate the matter you learn to everyday life, your knowledge will remain dead. This learning technique especially helps the student who is studying with a
vocational aim. Keep your job in mind and ask yourself where your new knowledge can be used. Be wise. Love you. THE PASSAGE Prue, putting the phone down, thought: I exploit him, I know I do. Or victimise him even. Now Mummy’s different: hearing her
Chronicle Pepperpot September 15, 2019
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
voice just now there was a tug-ofwar. Perhaps she prefers the boys, Difficilis facilis, iucundus acerbus es idem: always did; or maybe she just accepts Nec tecum possum vivere nec sine te. me as another grown-up woman. But Difficult or easy, pleasant or bitter, you are Daddy I can take advantage of, even the same you: I cannot live with you – more than I used to. I simply cannot nor without you. avoid it: an irresistible impulse to MARTIAL (b. A.D. 43) XII.xlvi (xlvii) play the little girl, to see how far I can go, to what length of self-indulgence all alone, too. Unless somebody was in the he will allow me to sink. Gavin won’t. Gavin won’t put up with my nonsense. bathroom – I couldn’t see that much. Then in the window almost right over It simply doesn’t appeal to him. He’s tough. It’s extraordinary how quickly Daddy’s his, I saw a man and a woman squirting water forgiven me. Amazing, when I remember out of their mouth at each other. It probably how angry he was. But he hasn’t forgiven was liquor of some sort, not water, but I Gavin. Not at all. He can’t even mention couldn’t see what they had in their glasses. his name. I’m rather glad. That’s wrong of Anyway, first he’d take a swallow and squirt me, I know. I should like them to like each it all over her, then she did it to him – they other, but I don’t, not if I’m really honest, took turns, for God’s sake. You should’ve and I always am, to myself. They both love seen them. They were in hysterics the whole me: that’s enough. I don’t really need them time, like it was the funniest thing that ever to love each other as well. And if they did, I happened. I’m not kidding, the hotel was might somehow diminish their love for me. I lousy with perverts. I was probably the only might not be quite such a special person for normal bastard in the whole place – and that either of them if they drew together over me. isn’t saying much. I’d near send a telegram They might see me too clearly, or they might to my old friend telling him to take the first like each other too much, and where would train to New York. He’d have been the king I be then? Squeezed out by all those things of the hotel. men like to talk about, whatever they are, ABOUT THE PASSAGE when they’re alone. It’s bad enough when This favourite passage has been used Gavin’s friends come around. (Andrea Newman’s “Bouquet of Barbed with success among past students. Writers just have to observe the simple, cool word Wire”) choice, and the phrasing of expressions which the avid writer used to build a desired ABOUT THE PASSAGE This passage is an example of an emo- atmosphere. tionally charged text. Read it well, observing WHAT TO DO how the punctuation marks help. The passage 1. Suppose this is the way you choose can help you produce this kind of emotionally to stimulate your writing of a story or an charged writing. account. You might want to look into a few windows be it hotel, house or shop windows WHAT TO DO 1. Look for the words and phrases the or even diaries; or have a good look at old writer uses to describe the way Prue treats her funny photographs, paintings; playgrounds; father: exploit, victimize, take advantage of, or peep in at Christmas, birthday or wedding occasions; etc. Choose any stimulus that gets play the little girl, etc. 2. Think back to a period of your life in you fired up for writing. 2. Should you stop there? No. You now which these words might fit, or for which they need to choose a suitable way of articulating would be usefully described. 3. Get down to the task of explaining your thoughts; one that suits the character to a study partner how each word or phrase you set up yourself to be, and the suitable atchosen can fittingly describe the period you mosphere for the occasion. [This is an effort have been thinking of, or a scenario you can to assist your story writing, giving account of events, and presenting description in a fittingly use some of them. 4. Write a composition of your choice light-hearted fashion.] 3. Right now you have a choice either where emotionally charged words and phrases to continue to write and complete this given describe relationships and circumstances. story, or to start another one more fitting your temperament and experience. Handle your ANOTHER PASSAGE After he left, I looked out of the window story however way you choose. Whatever is you approach, think on the for a while, with my coat on and all. I didn’t have anything else to do. You’d be surprised following questions: a) What aspects of writing would you what was going on in the other side of the hotel. They didn’t even bother to pull their develop further? Why? b) What aspects would you prefer to be shades down. I saw one guy, a grey-haired, very dis- left alone? Why? c) Suppose in your effort to produce a tinguished-looking guy with only his shorts on, do something you wouldn’t believe me story right now, you want to make more of the if I told you. First, he put his suitcase on the narrator? What would you make your simibed. Then, he took out all these women’s larly drafted character do next? Would you clothes – silk stockings, high-heeled shoes, want him to turn his attention to a sober side brassieres, and one of those corsets with the of the hotel’s atmosphere, make him awake to straps hanging down and all. Then, he put his spying, or would you open more hilarious on this very tight evening dress. I swear to windows to him? d) Think carefully about what you God. Then, he started walking up and down the room, taking those very small steps, the want, and then do it well. Allow your way a woman does, and smoking a cigarette study partner to read your effort and make and looking at himself in the mirror. He was comments.
Chronicle Pepperpot September 15, 2019
Soft Mithai
INGREDIENTS 3 cups all purpose flour ½ tsp ground cardamom (elaichi) ¼ tsp ground ginger 8 tbsp butter (1 stick) 1 ¼ cup evaporated milk Canola oil to fry Sugar Syrup 1 cup sugar 1 cup water INSTRUCTIONS To make the dough, place flour, cardamom and ginger in a large bowl. Cut the butter into small cubes, and then rub into flour using your fingers. Next add evaporated milk and combine to form a soft dough. On a floured surface, roll dough to about ¾ inch thickness then cut into small diamonds about 2-3 inches in length. You can also pinch off small pieces of dough and form into an almond shape. In a shallow pan add about oil about 1 inch deep and heat over medium fire. When oil is hot, gently add the dough and fry until both sides are golden brown. Place on a plate lined with paper towel to drain. Work in batches so the oil doesn’t drop in temperature, this will cause the dough to be oily. When all the dough has been cooked, set aside. To make the sugar syrup, place the sugar and water in a small pot and attach a candy thermometer. Place the cooked fritters into a heat safe bowl and set aside. Next cook the syrup to 235-240 degrees. If you do not have a candy thermometer, cook until sugary crystals begin to form on the side of the pot. Carefully pour the hot syrup over the fritters, then stir with a spoon to coat. Let dry. As it dries, the sugar will become white and slightly powdery. jehancancook.com
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