Sunday, June 2, 2019
Abiola Barron plies her trade as a shop owner selling snacks and other goods outside the Bamia school compound. She is one of the many residents who earn a living by setting up a stall to sell various items in the quiet community of Bamia, located on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, Region 10 (Samuel Maughn Photo)
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Chronicle Pepperpot June 2, 2019
From student to Principal Maxene Thomposon’s road to leadership By Michel Outridge
Principal of NATI Maxene Thomposon (Adrian Narine photos)
IT was at the behest of her brother that Maxene Thomposon took up the challenge and enrolled as a student at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI), but she had no idea that years later she would become a lecturer at the institution before making the history books as NATI’s female principal. Thomposon, who has a natural dedication and zest for teaching, is an educator and is one of the many success stories coming out of NATI over the years of its existence. She added that today, many students who have passed through the institution now operate as managers and in other senior positions.
A LONG ROAD TO SUCCESS She said, “I did a Diploma in Secretarial Science…I didn’t expect to be where I am today. When my brother posed the challenge to me I played brave and took it on. I wrote the entrance examination and was successful and got accepted and wasn’t serious -- of course the challenge was still there.” Thomposon related that when she took the course back then, shorthand and typewriting
were problem courses and were difficult subjects to undertake, but she wanted to prove her brother wrong by proving that she could do it. The NATI principal said, “I am happy to say I am the first person to acquire a distinction in shorthand after two years and passed as being the most outstanding student in the business department.” Thomposon told the Pepperpot Magazine that in 1984 after graduation, she was all set on being a court reporter at the time, but she met a senior lecturer at NATI, who was instrumental in helping her to choose her career path. “I met her at a funeral and she asked me if I was working and I said not yet and she told me to go see her, she wanted to discuss something with me. I came in at NATI and she asked me for help, because two of her staff were on leave for the term. Even then I questioned myself… She moulded me as my mentor and prepared me to teach students in business,” Thomposon said. Layout of NATI buildings and compound She added that she began working at NATI and during the third term, a lecturer resigned and a vacancy therefore arose; she was encouraged to stay on. Thomposon noted that in 1995 she pursued a Diploma in Marketing Management at the University of Guyana (UG) and returned to teaching and in 2010 she attained a Diploma in Education, also at UG. She pointed out that the Diploma in Education course is specialised in administration and that prepared her to become a principal. The educator said by the first year she acted as a senior lecturer and the third year she was confirmed as a senior lecturer. She then acted as deputy principal and in 2015 she was confirmed as Principal of NATI. THE ALUMNI CANADA CHAPTER The principal explained that although they get funds when it is limited and that they have the Old Student’s Association of NATI, that is, the Alumni Canada Chapter. This organisation, Thomposon said, has assisted NATI over the years, in areas where they could not secure funds from the ministry. She added that the body even helped them to reach the basic percentage that is required for the approval Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) council to pilot courses they are presently offering at NATI. Thomposon stated that they have donated lots of tools and equipment to reach an 80 percent benchmark for NATI to be qualified to offer these courses. “We had some problems getting recognition from the TVET Council, but we were encouraged to start and we were training students but they were not certified,” she said. PAY-TO-LEARN INITIATIVE With the advent of the citizen-strengthening programme, NATI has instituted a special course which gives students a second chance in education and they receive a stipend while they learn. Thomposon added that the stipend has attracted students and that is a plus for NATI because pupils who could not go to NATI are now attending classes in technical and vocational training and after completion, they can be gainfully employed. About the New Amsterdam Technical Institute NATI is a technical and vocational institution that trains persons in these fields and opened its doors on November 15, 1971 offering just a few courses – a general business course, building with engineering and over time they have added more courses. In addition to the mainstream engineering courses, they are offering the science programme, a diploma in science and they continue to offer courses in keeping with the changing trends. NATI has 543 students presently, but thousands of students have passed through the institution since 1971. In recent times they have changed their mode of delivery with pilot programmes, where students take responsibilities for their learning and presently they have eight such pilot courses. “We have 70 staff [members] including part-time employees. NATI is a government-funded school which admits students with the minimum registration fee. We get money budgeted through the Ministry of Education,” Thomposon said.
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GTI, the home-grown mindset solving big-time problems Buxton Center for Hope
country a better place.” The lecturer stated that his mantra to the students is: “Youth must effect change and the weapon of choice must be education.” He stated that be believed that this philosophy cuts to the heart of poverty, illiteracy, idleness and laziness. WE HAVE THE TALENT, GIVE THEM A CHANCE What the project uncovered was astounding, Hollingsworth said. “One of the students, David Simon, designed a centre of hope because that student felt that issues of mental health, including depression, did not have a place where persons could be treated. Another student, Dextor Paul, saw that her post office was too small for the community and redesigned that to encompass parking, a special place where the differently abled could gain access and a special part for pensioners,” he said. “A third student, Keshia McPherson, designed an entire university for architectural engineering, because she views the field as an expansive one when first-oil begins in 2020, and that’s the thing we want these firms coming into Guyana
By Stephan Sookram “GIVE a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime,” is a quote from the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, founder of Taoism. And for the Government Technical Institute, it’s more of an unwritten rule, especially for the students taking the course Building and Civil Construction (BMTD4). The students, a group of 13 forward-thinking individuals presented their final- year projects this week, all with one aim: using their skillsets. BUILDING A BETTER GUYANA THROUGH A POSITIVE MINDSET For their project, each of the students had to go back to their community, find an issue that was plaguing that community and solve it, using his/her skillset, according to lecturer Kabila Hollingsworth “We told them to look into their community, see a problem and fix it with their skillset. And all of them fell into their element.” The project, he said, is for the students’ grades, but what they learnt along the way was a lifelong skill. “This was not us saying to them [the students] to regurgitate what we have taught them over the last four years; it is about saying to them that we [GTI] have equipped them with knowledge, how they make a change in the world is up to them,” Hollingsworth said. “I believe that we can eradicate poverty through projects and courses like this, through think-
Buxton Post Office
ing like this. There are people here who know this, lecturers who understand this.” He continued, “ It is part of a larger thinking that we are trying to get the students to understand. A thinking that you don’t have to be of a particular skillset to effect change or to make your community a better place. Little by little, if we get people to understand that their simple skillsets if used to fix small problems in their community, then we can make this
IUAE International University of Architecture & Engineering
to see; we want them to see that he have the thinkers and the doers, there is no need to outsource.” The projects featured building specifications and floor plans along with scale measurements and estimated building material quantities and times for construction. Home Grown is best Principal of GTI, Principal Renita Crandon-Duncan, says this mindset expands throughout the students of every field. “We at the GTI try to impart on our students, the importance of a skillset or trade. Once you have that, then it can never be taken away from you. The knowledge we give students here is only one part of it, but we want students to use that knowledge, not take it and repeat it, but apply it to situations, make it work for them,” she said. She believes, much like her fellow lecturers, that institutions such as the GTI can help to make a difference in so many ways across the country. The students completed the following drawings as projects: Keshia McPherson-I.U.A.E international university of architecture and engineering; David Simon,the Guyana Centre of Hope Foundation; Dextor Paul, Buxton Post Office; Andrew Simon, Tucville Town House; Nikita Frazil, Montrose Market Office; Josheb Mangru, JEM Entrepreneurial School; Quincy Mohabi, T and D GPL office; Sean Davis, Linden Technical Centre and Aminatee Thompson, Drafting and Learning Centre.
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Chronicle Pepperpot June 2, 2019
Boxing heroes fighting for Guyana By Francis Quamina Farrier
THE sport of boxing has many fans, but there are also those who detest seeing two men-- or women for that matter-- punching away at each other in a boxing ring, sometimes even drawing blood. Guyana is one of the countries which have quite a number of boxers who have done the country proud over the decades. In a practical way, they have put Guyana on the map. One such boxing legend is Terrence Ali, who wore trunks with the Golden Arrowhead design every time he entered the ring to face an opponent. That patriotism exposed Guyana in a positive way, to millions around the world. Guyanese boxers, such as Cliff Anderson, came on the scene long before Guyana gained its independence. Although he brought glory to colonial British Guiana, independent Guyana honoured him in a great way by giving his name to the National Sports Hall on Homestretch Avenue in Georgetown. That was one of the many aspects of Guyanese boxers and boxing which were discussed between retired boxing champions, Terrence Ali and Michael Benjamin last Sunday, in my presence.
Farrier at centre with Mike Benjamin on the left and Terrence Ali on the right
There we were, seated on the veranda of the home of Terrence Ali, at Calcutta, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, on that 53rd Guyana Independence Day. Above was a sunny blue sky, embellished with patches of cotton wool -shaped clouds lazily floating across
the blue skies. There was a pleasant, cooling breeze coming in from the Atlantic Ocean a short distance to the north. And it was my pleasure to relax away from the noise of the city and listen to these two veteran Guyanese boxers, reminiscing about the glory and the gall of this sport of boxing. It was from the boxer’s perspective; but more especially, the Guyanese boxer’s perspective. A lot of what they spoke of was how unfair many boxing promoters are, especially with boxers who are on the rise and from a small country such as British Guiana/Guyana. Both Benjamin and Ali mentioned being denied payment after fights; they worked and were not paid. They also mentioned having to travel from Guyana to distant countries to “mix it up” in the ring in the presence of audiences and officials who were not always fair to them. But bringing glory to themselves and their country Guyana, was always uppermost in their minds. Boxing fans would recall that Terrence Ali always wore trunks with the Golden Arrowhead emblazoned on it whenever he fought. There was also that famous backflip
which he did at the end of his fights; very unique, and something which fans thoroughly enjoyed and always remember when discussing the great Guyanese boxing champion, Terrence Ali. However, that 53rd Independence Day ‘gyaff’ between those two retired champions was not only about themselves. They spoke of the fore-runner of great Guyanese boxers, Cliff Anderson, and the unfair decisions he had to endure when he fought in Britain in the very early days, when white boxers were ‘protected’ from non-white opponents, and given outrageous winning decisions. They also spoke of other great Guyanese boxers such as Len Beckles and Lennox Blackmore; of the Ford clan, Patrick Ford, Reginald Ford and Darius Ford; of Robin Lall, Lalta Narine and Ramesh Bess. Mention was also made of Wayne “Big truck” Braithwaite, Wayne Harris, Kenny Bristol, Brian Muller, Walter Smith, Malcolm Parris and of course, Courtney Atherley and on the distaff side, the one and only Gwendolyn ‘Stealth Bomber’ O’Neil. A temporary gloom seemed to envelope the two veterans as they recalled two other great boxers, both with the first name “Andrew”, who died in traffic crashes; Andrew Murray and Andrew “Six Head” Lewis. There was a pause in the “gyaff,” as though for “A Moment of Silence” to the memory of two great boxers who also brought fame to themselves and glory to Guyana, with their boxing achievements, only to be killed, not in the boxing ring, but on the dangerous roads of Guyana. Michael Benjamin is also a traffic victim. He now walks with the aid of crutches due to injuries he received to his legs in a traffic crash. He was fortunate to have survived with his life. The former Guyana Defence Soldier is now slowly on the mend; strong enough to visit with his boxing buddy, the great Terrence Ali, on an Independence Day, which is also, like the boxing heroes, fighting for its own independence and survival.
Chronicle Pepperpot June 2, 2019
In the Guyanese society
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Gavin and Chucky working to reintroduce folk music, culture
Gavin Mendonca (at right) with Marlon ‘Chucky’ Adams
By Telesha Ramnarine Local folk/rock musician Gavin Mendonca along with leader of the Buxton Fusion Drumming Group Marlon ‘Chucky’ Adams, have teamed up to create the ‘Creole Rock: Folk It Up Tour’ which started last January. Gavin and Chucky have been playing music together since the 2015 edition of the Rupununi Music and Arts Festival, which was held at Rock View Lodge, in Annai. Since then, the two have developed a chemistry that they said is undeniably contagious, and rich with passion and culture. “It is playing with Chucky over the last few years that has really enhanced my appreciation for Guyanese Culture and Music,” Gavin told the Pepperpot Magazine recently. The ‘Folk It Up Tour’ has one main mis-
sion - to reintroduce folk music and culture back into society, which Gavin believes has become overrun with foreign beliefs of what the Guyanese society should be. While society evolves over time, especially with foreign influences, Gavin and Chucky believe that it is most important to maintain and preserve the true Guyanese identity. “What exactly is ‘true Guyanese Identity’ you might ask. This is a question that has been debated over the years…but Dave Martins, Eze Rockcliffe and Eddy Grant all believe that the key lies within our music,” expressed Gavin. “To me, Guyanese identity is as simple as it gets. It is about being true to yourself, and appreciating who you are, where you are from, and the way of life that has to be paved by our ancestors. A beautiful fact about Guyana’s current generation is that our paths have been paved by a very diverse group of
people over the past few hundred, even thousand years. We are truly a big pot of cook up,” he added. Gavin said 2019 started off on an “extreme high” for him and Chucky. In January, the University of Guyana (PACE) and Theatre Guild conducted a show which saw acclaimed UK Grammy award-winning sensation Joss Stone make a stop in Guyana as part of her ongoing world tour. They shared the stage with Joss, and were even selected to record a version of the popular folk song ‘Gangamani’, along with local Rapper ‘A-TayJah’. A Video was shot in the Botanical Gardens and is currently in production. During the ‘Mash’ celebrations, Gavin and Chucky performed at several locations, including a series of shows called ‘Banks on de Avenue’ hosted by Banks DIH and the annual Mashramani Folk Night at the National Cultural Center. Gavin and Chucky then made appearances at the KFC Link Show 34 in March where they added a new dimension to the infamous Link Show by merging folk music with comedy and improvisation. In March, Gavin and Chucky were also the first to perform at the recently opened ‘MovieTowne Guyana’. Also in March, Gavin and Chucky started a series of performances at The Courtyard Mall on Robb Street. “You can go and ‘folk up yuh lunch’ every Friday between noon and 2 PM, with live folk music in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Georgetown,” said Gavin. Last April, Gavin headed across to Trinidad for a series of performances. It started with the annual 3-Day ‘New Fire Festival’ in Maracas Valley, which is very similar to Guyana’s ‘Rupununi’ festival. He was part of a Guyanese contingent that also featured Andrew Campbell’s line
Gavin and Chucky performing at the Courtyard Mall
of dried fruit chips called ‘Ebesowana’, Artist Nigel Butler and Christine DeCambra of ‘Everything Makes Craft.’ He then did a very intimate performance at a very Esoteric Store in the heart of Port-of-Spain called ‘The Oblique Imperative’. This was a pop-up show hosted by ‘Skyy Rock Festival’ which Gavin has been performing at for the past three consecutive years. This year, he has put together a special project called ‘Sugar-Caned’.
Gavin performing at the Rupununi Music and Arts Festival
Sugar-Caned made Caribbean Rock history by being the first ever ‘Inter-Caribbean’ Rock band. The band is made up of Gavin (Guyana), Bryan Khan (Trinidad) and Jose Mossel and Shavero Ferrier (Suriname). These four young men have been friends for the last seven years with a common interest in Punk Rock. They have all performed together in their own bands in Suriname, Guyana and Trinidad. But this year, they decided to come together to form a Super-Group. Gavin has also managed to rekindle his Guyanese rock band, which was live last night (Saturday) at MovieTowne, and will be performing at Hard Rock Cafe on Thursday, June 6 from 20:00 hrs. Most recently, Gavin and Chucky were selected by Keith Waithe to be part of a program for BBC Radio 4 called ‘Sound Odyssey’ - a series that takes UK musicians to rediscover their roots around the world. This episode features UK Rapper ‘Loyle Carner’, whose father is Guyana, as he comes to Guyana for the first time. While here, Gavin and Chucky, along with Keith Waithe, Herbie Marshall and two members of the Buxton Pride Steel Orchestra, wrote and recorded a song with Loyle to be featured in the documentary which will air on BBC Radio 4 in September. Gavin and Chucky are grateful to all of their supporters and all of their sponsors for contributing to the success of the ‘Creole Rock: Folk It Up Tour’.
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Chronicle Pepperpot June 2, 2019
Chronicle Pepperpot June 2, 2019
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Chronicle Pepperpot June 2, 2019
‘Our mother was our heroine’ …children of slain domestic worker receive outpouring of support from the public
‘G’ Division Commander Khalid Pareshram and team reaching out to the family
By Indrawattie Natram FOR Farida Khayum’s children, this past Mother’s Day was a very memorable day for them, but little did they know that that would be the last Mother’s Day they would spend with their mother; the mother of six was brutally murdered on May 16 at their Anna Regina Home. She was stabbed 12 times by her husband with whom she had 10-year relationship. Her son, still recalling the horrific ordeal, related that their mother will forever be their heroine. “My mother was a super-woman. She provided for us. We will remember her in good and bad times. I am still regretting not intervening in that fight she and my stepfather had,” Joshwa Mahadeo said. During an interview with her sons, they are still coming to grips with their mother’s death-- something that they are trying to cope with. They are still living with regrets and sadness daily over the passing of their beloved mother. “They usually does quarrel, so I thought it was just another quarrel. I was laying in my bed and I thought they would just quarrel and it would have done, but I didn’t know that I would forever lose my mother from that one last fight she and my stepfather had,” the 15-year-old boy said. Mahadeo was very optimistic that if he had intervened, maybe he would have saved his mother’s life. Remembering his mother, he said she used to work with Hakh Rice Mill at Golden Fleece to provide for them. “Education was important for her, she used to make sure
Khayum’s 10- year-old son and mother
and would usually drink and smoke daily. He said that his mother was the main breadwinner and most times his stepfather would be in the “back- dams.” “My stepfather does go in the ‘backdam’ to work; he usually does cut wood, but when he comes out I am not sure if he used to give my mother money; what I know he does buy ice cream for us,” another one of the dead woman’s sons said. The children said they would forever miss their mother for her advice and support.
39-year-old Farida Khayum who was murdered by her husband
she send us to school and whatever little we had we used to make much. My mother and my real father separated 10 years now,” Mahadeo said. Mahadeo related that his stepfather was a habitual drinker
Khayum’s sons and relatives offering prayers
SUPPORT FOR THE CHILDREN Commander of the police ‘G’ Division, Khalid Pareshram, along with his team consisting of Community Relations Officer Syndilin Issacs, Sergeant Hanover and Pastor Mohammed Ally from the Church of Christ recently visited the family’s home. Commander Pareshram offered sympathy on behalf of the Guyana Police Force. He encouraged the family to have faith and to trust in God. He also told the family that the Zara Group which is an overseas patron of the Guyana Police Force has indicated an interest in helping the children. As such, the names of the children were taken down and the necessary information will be sent to the group members in the United States of America. Mentoring the family was Pastor Mohamed Ally from the Church of Christ. He told the family that he understands the pain that they are going through and offered a prayer. He also told the family that there is a good that can come out of every bad situation. He also said that he hopes that all men from the Pomeroon-Supenaam region can learn a lesson from Khayum’s death. Mother of the deceased Golden Harduwar had said her daughter was supporting her. The mother described her daughter as a very loving person who had her family at heart. The woman, who recently suffered a stroke, had moved in to live with her. During that time, she said her daughter showed her only love. The mother said that the family has received overwhelming support from the Essequibo population and showered praises to everyone who reached out. Meanwhile, the main suspect Devanand Narine has since been charged with the murder of Farida Khayum, who was buried last Saturday.
Chronicle Pepperpot June 2, 2019
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Chronicle Pepperpot June 2, 2019
THE UNFORGIVING TRADEWINDS OF OUR TIMES I recently addressed a group of technical workers and hinted at the severity of change and its cause impact on the social disturbances of society, causing in the confusion and awareness of descending poverty the need to blame and hate not the source of the condition but the immediate presence of the political and ethnic other. I then invoked a memory, that was once the normal form, and asked if they knew what a shovel-man was. Only a senior employee answered affirmatively. Up to the late 70s, shovel men as a service labour group were active in rural areas and for some purposes in Georgetown and other townships. The shovel men had existed for centuries before the technology of mechanics replaced them and our scribes forgot them totally. Every village canal, estate trench and latrine pit owed its existence to the skill of the ‘Shovel men’. So does the Lamaha Canal, which began in 1828 by enslaved African shovel men. Likewise, though the age of machinery was ever present in 1905-14, the shovel and spade in the hands of men were essential in the construction of the Panama Canal with its tragic and tremendous death toll. The flashback of the ‘Shovel men’ is a reference to the manmade changes that evolve in the methods, the tools, the preferences of items and commodities of trade that are rejected and discarded from traditional hierarchies, at times indifferent to the dependent humanity involved. There was a category of workers identified as ‘the bull boy’. His job category was to attend to the needs of the bulls used for ploughing the rice fields up to the early 1960’. Tractors and combines eliminated his job category, which is hardly even remembered now. But this is how it has always
been in our human world, and nature herself. Indifference to the accustomed, in contrast to its humanity who are confounded and without any interpretation of their practical and sustainable role on the stage of the ‘New’
with its revolutionary invasion, that has displaced and terminated their livelihoods. In the context of Guyana, the most misguiding and disruptive element against providing any clarity towards proactive measures to compete with the obvious clear indicators of change for the welfare of the populace, are our powers seeking political sects and the stereotyped mindset of conditioned bureaucrats. Sugar is a current and still active discussion. Knowing the areas where unstable economics prevailed time and time again should have always been an omen for a continuous course of seeking further options in anticipation of pitfalls, which late President Desmond Hoyte had hinted to, towards sugar, but found disfavour with the then opposition, because the sugar belt was a voting catch-cow of votes; a traditional pool from indentureship onwards, not to be disrupted even by impending dismal possibilities. For me, it was a supplement (incredible for a newcomer like me) on Friday, March 13, 1987. The Role of Sugar in Guyana: the contents prepared by two bylines, that of Dr. Clive Thomas and Ana Benjamin. This document should have been prepared as an illustrated booklet and distributed to not only schools but to parliamentarians, knowing what we know of many of them now. The highlight was the section
subhead indicating “Guysuco-seeking stability, change”. All this was presented and discussed by a core of thinkers ignored by both the Union and the politicians who had declared ownership of the sugar workers, because, they did nothing. The nail was driven in the coffin board when the EU scrapped the Sugar protocol in 2007. So why were the sugar workers a political red flag in 2018, by the very now opposition and the eventual government that had adopted them before Independence and directed their emotions over the decades? There should be a law against promoting public mischief through lies. One of the current large job categories are defined in creole terms as ‘watchman wuk’ - The private security services, dealing with able-bodied but victims of the tech scythe reductions of clerks and other areas of recent old school employment. But this is an area of long exploitation. Up to August 2017, both the Minister of Social Protection and the PA to the Minister of Public Security were indicating the importance of Private Security, and at the same time lamenting and urging the need to observe the minimum wage act. My interpretation: pay people and not view and treat them with contempt. President Granger is urging the philosophy towards applying one’s self to life skills, educating to not necessary to be a life employee, but rather to evolve and create employment. This is indeed a radical frontier that will require a national overhaul from what Imran Khan of DPI called “Dismantling the welfare state” Sunday, October 21, 2018 that stipulates ownership of citizens and even more, the macabre reverse to ownership of the state by immature elected servants of the people, the ultimate propensity of tyranny, that insists on the inhibition of natural expression and free will, to be subject to the limited mental allowances and perverse whims of ‘DE political Bossman. The Frontier that the president recommends encourages one to arrest imagination and inspiration allowing the space and open-mindedness for interpretation into functioning systems across the ladder of our myriad human activities and interests, that can be transferred to economic benefits. Thus, changing how we think about how we do things must be discussed. People don’t just change, nor will responsibility be accepted for their inabilities and accustomed limitations. It would take radical discourse to convince a1980s thinking office assistant that he needs not to ride from office to office to deliver all the correspondences directed to him; that he/she must be able to email some of them and simply save in separate folders for records. Now expand this simple reference and evaluate how anyone can say they will find 50, 000 jobs, knowing our economic realities and human resource faults, and did not self-censor and say “I can’t say that, it’s foolish and dishonest.” This is where we are, frightening, but real.
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on the Village
Bamia The gateway to Linden repeated requests to the competent authority, they were just being pushed around. One resident recalled that a few years after settling at Bamia, his mother indicated her readiness to pay for the land and to get her lease. “ My mom applied for title over 18 years ago and was always being pushed around. Now, with the heightened interest by all and sundry for land to buy on the coastland of Guyana, it is becoming increasingly difficult to access land. So we recently went back to pay and get our lease, only to learn that surveyor’s fee alone is shockingly high, let alone the cost for the land.” The residents consider this grossly unfair, arguing that it was not their fault that the matter was not finalised 18 years ago. In the meantime, the population at Bamia, he said, has grown to about 70 families and it is much more difficult to access that kind of money. Joseph Stephens lends support to the Bamia beautification initiative
THIS week the Pepperpot Magazine team visited the community of Bamia, located on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway in Region 10. Stories by Michel Outridge and Shirley Thomas. The community of Bamia began initially as a settlement of indigenous peoples who had come from communities such as the North West District, Rupununi and the Pomeroon. Bamia, whose first residents (a total of four families) settled on the outskirts of Linden more than 20 years ago, has as its main attraction a cool and fascinating dark-coloured creek, which streams beneath a gigantic concrete bridge separating Bamia and Linden. The cool and inviting black water creek has an almost magnetic pull on persons beholding it. Even though the creek has the potential to become a tourist attraction and eventually become an income generator for the community, precious little has been done to promote the community in a positive light. However, as people come to know about the Bamia Creek, people are spending quality time on holidays, weekends and other free periods to journey down to the creek, where they engage in swimming, or simply submerge under the water for a refreshing dip. The bridge is well engineered and constructed with steel reinforcements. Authorities have confirmed that close to 1,000 vehicles pass over that bridge on an average working day. But ironically, many people who have travelled to Linden are abysmally unaware that a bridge is there, and so, miss the opportunity of beholding such a spectacular scenery beneath. The Pepperpot Magazine recently visited Bamia and was taken on a tour of the community by residents who have either spent their lifetime there or would have lived there long enough and played a crucial part in development of the community. The four founding families cut into the deep jungle and set up small houses in the area. From there, they would walk to Linden and make their purchases of foodstuff or conduct whatever business they had to transact. LAND However, to date, residents say that development is moving at a snail’s pace, but they were not comfortable occupying the lands and not having title to them. They said that despite
LIVING OFF THE LAND At Bamia, there are no job opportunities; the residents do subsistence farming, planting cash crops such as fruits, greens and vegetables that thrive well in sandy soil. “But the thing is that everybody in the community is doing the same thing, so there’s nobody to buy when we produce. Paying to take them out to Georgetown or other communities has another challenge. We, with our small quantities are up against much bigger producers and so find ourselves paying to transport the produce out of Bamia and paying to bring them back home,” one resident said. But residents are even more concerned that after 20-odd years, the community does not have basic facilities such as a health centre or supermarket and most of all potable water supply, even though two communities on the same Soesdyke-Linden Highway just last year were provided with water and commissioned by the Guyana Water Inc.’s CEO, Mr Richard Van-West Charles. “We feel neglected and are asking the Guyana Water Inc to consider us the next time they come to the highway to deliver the service,” the residents implored. Residents want to set the record straight – noting that having a creek does not The building that houses the Bamia Primary School and Community Centre (Samuel Maughn photos)
mean that the average resident has easy access to water, since the houses are built on the hill and the creek is deep down at the foot and virtually miles away. “If somebody gets sick during the night when buses not running, how do we get to a hospital three miles away? What do you do, stand up at the roadside on a pitch dark night and hope that a bus will come up?” they reasoned. GETTING BY Residents feel that more should be done for a community that has been in existence for more than 20 years and has more than 70 families, including young babies. But thanks to the initiative of a former student of the Bamia School, Abiola Barron who operates a mini shop outside the school compound, school children can make purchases of snacks and beverages and even adults can find items they need. So far, the only things provided for the community residents say are: • A building housing a community centre at the top and a primary school below which caters for their education needs only until they reach Grade Six, write their NGSA Examination then move on. • A Church • The disproportionate allocation of 10 acres of land to be developed into a cemetery in a housing area with 70 families, when there is a need for land on which to build houses or on which to build a supermarket. However, thanks to the intervention of resident, Mr Edward Persaud who, very early recognised the need for the constant cleaning of the area around the creek. He opted to construct a building for himself and family, and has been keeping the environment clean, in addition to offering voluntary life guard service for persons swimming in the creek. In addition, another family member has set up a mini facility offering cool beverages for sale and a Bar-B-Cue grill on which he prepares spicy hot Bar-B-Cue just off the creek on swimming days. Noting that ‘necessity is the mother of invention’, residents are now beginning to come up with novel ideas for making Bamia exciting and a place worthy to live in.
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Chronicle Pepperpot June 2, 2019
Back in the days Senior Bamia resident reminisces
WALTER Foo is a senior resident of Bamia. The 79-year-old stated that he is not originally from Bamia, but has lived there since 2001 after starting a relationship with a villager. Foo is originally from Wales, West Bank Demerara, but came to Linden in 1966 to work in the bauxite industry back then after his wife passed away. He told the Pepperpot Magazine that adjusting to the quiet life wasn’t easy and he was looking for an employment opportunity and that was in the days of former President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, when the Soesdyke-Linden Highway was being built. “I came here in ‘Harriage [R.H.] Car [r]’ days, one of two boats, the other called ‘Independence’ used to ply the Linden to Georgetown
chines were supposed to be preserved so the generation of today, as well as tourists, could have seen what we had,” he said. “I am one of the pioneers in the bauxite industry in which we change from railway mining to truck mining in 1969, with Caterpillar trucks. Railway mining is when they pick up the bauxite in front-end-loader and place in the car which the locomotives does pull but that problem with it is when it derails it does hold up the whole mining process. The trucks are faster and right now they are still engaged in truck mining.” BAMIA CEMETERY He added that since he came to Bamia he tried to make life comfortable for all. With that in mind, he transformed an empty, unused plot next to the AME Zion Church
(ICT) hub for students and residents and the lower flat
Bamia’s village pastor Dolly Barran supervising students in using the internet at the ICT hub at the Bamia Multi-Purpose Community Centre.
route via the Demerara River. In those days the boats used to take a day to reach the city from Linden and passengers used to cook, gamble and do all sorts of things on the vessel. I remember travelling on those boats – it was around 1966 and I joined the bauxite industry in 1967 and I was working in the Coomacka Mines,” Foo said. Reflecting, he related that in those days, on the left side of the Coomacka Mines, there were the Montgomery Mines, which had some excavators that were shipped from Germany and used to move the sand and clay from the bauxite. He said, “Just imagine those machines break down and they chop it [sic] up and converted [sic] into scrap iron and sold it. Those ma-
into a cemetery, which is the only burial ground in the community. Foo noted that now everybody wants to bury their dead there because when they didn’t have the cemetery, folks had to go to the Christianburg Cemetery, which is muddy and not very accessible. However, the plot isn’t very large, as such, it can only accommodate a limited number of graves in the next two years. In highlighting the needs of the village, Foo said the Bamia Multi-Purpose Community Centre is considered the “meeting place” for villagers. He related that the upper flat of the two-storey edifice is used as the Information and Communications Technology
is used to house nursery and primary schoolchildren. Foo told the Pepperpot Magazine that there is overcrowding and the need for another school, since there is no secondary school there and the nearest one is in Linden. The elderly resident also voiced his concern about having specialists to cater to sick villagers, because there have been instances where people in need of urgent medical attention have died before reaching the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) as a result of traffic congestion and the distance. He stated that the nearest hospital is in Linden and they have a monthly outreach at the Bamia Multi-Purpose Community Centre, where nurses visit, but that is not sufficient.
Pupils of Bamia Primary School (Samuel Maughn Photos)
WATER NEEDS He also stated that the community is without potable water supply and residents depend solely on rainfall for drinking water and the creek for water for household chores. According to Foo, who is the security guard attached to the Bamia Multi-Purpose Community Centre, the rainwater is polluted with dust and rust, making it unsafe for consumption. He explained that when the current administration took office several ministers visited the community where there was a village meeting and there they aired some of their concerns. Foo added that the potable water supply issue was one highlighted and the government delivered on its
promise to equip residents with black tanks to store rainwater. However, during the dry season, the water stored in the tanks are not sufficient; as such, they are forced to purchase drinking water and they suffer loss of their crops which often dries up. SOCIAL ISSUES Foo told the Pepperpot Magazine that the youths in the community are engaged in ‘smoking’ heavily more than ‘drinking’ and it is a cause for concern. He related that most of them are unemployed and they have a lot of time on their hands to be idle and also there is a large number of school drop-outs. Food disclosed that he has a farm and often his produce would disappear and he
suspects that it is the work of folks right in the community. He plants pineapples, mangoes, and bitter cassava among other fruits but there is a problem with acoushi ants (the type of ants that take away all the leaves of plants) and akurie also feed on the cassava. Foo also said that before his eyes close he would like to see a united people, since racism and corruption are two “monsters raising their head” and if persons do not recognise and address these issues, they will not be happy in the promotion of equality. “I grow with my grandmother, a woman of African descent and since I come to Linden I see a lot of racism and problems among our people and it is not a nice way to live,” he said.
Residents of Bamia, Walter Foo and Dolly Barran at the Multi-Purpose Community Centre building
Chronicle Pepperpot June 2, 2019
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A developing community
CDC Chairperson Orleita John at her shop (Samuel Maughn photos)
THE current administration led by President David Granger has delivered on its promise to the people of Bamia, Soesdyke-Linden Highway by providing electricity to the village for the very first time. Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairperson, Orleita John, said 53 households benefitted from electricity supply in their houses three months after the general elections, a few years ago. She told the Pepperpot Magazine that the CDC is a non-governmental organisation formed by residents and their mandate is to upkeep and develop the village. John, whose house sits just near the only creek in the village, said she has been a resident in the community for the past nine years, but she is originally from the Pomeroon area. John added that she found her husband in the village and that’s why she remained and settled for the quiet life of motherhood in Bamia. “I enjoy living here, it is a peaceful area, we don’t have persons coming to distract us. I live right here by the creek, the only one in the community where water is sourced,” John said. The mother of three stated that residents use the creek water for cooking, drinking and all household chores and it is also the main attraction of the village, where folks meet and outsiders come to take a swim or a picnic with
their families. The villagers, according to John, make a living by farming, logging and mining, while a few have small roadside stands to sell their produce of vegetables and fruits. The resident told the Pepperpot Magazine that their main concern is employment for the youths, since many have not completed their secondary education and getting jobs with the relevant qualifications poses some difficulties. Apart from being farmers, the youths have nothing to do and some form of training is needed to enhance their lives. “We have a bit of a transportation problems here too, because getting from one place to the next can sometimes prove to be a bother and living here entails a lot of walking if you don’t have a bicycle or vehicle or a motorcycle -- it is not easy sourcing transportation,” John said. She explained that about two or three youths have qualifications, but because of the distance getting a job outside the village means they have to relocate and some are not willing to leave. “Bamia is a quiet place where people socialise and talk to each other. We don’t have a youth group, but we undertake projects to improve our environment. Twice yearly we get drainage and irrigation works done. We do have a drinking problem in this place among
youths and adults, both with some amount of drugs circulating among the young people,” she said. John related that since the area is so far away from the city, they try with some cricket matches at the multi-purpose community centre ground as a form of recreation. At times, they would take swims and even bathe at the creek, while engaged in a ‘bush cook,’ since the creek is a public place that has a paved park for vehicles and visitors. John said plans are afoot to develop the area and since she took the position of chair of the CDC four years ago they have seen cooperation among villagers, even though they have some issues. She pointed out that before she took the position as chair for the CDC, persons living out of the village were part of the group and the creek was overrun with bushes. Presently, the CDC has eight persons who clean and maintain the park and the creek on a monthly basis. “I have my little shop and I am also the crew leader for the community clean-up team, which is attached to the Linden Mayor and City Council (M&CC) where we maintain government reserves and compounds such as schools etc.,” she said. John added that to pass time, they find things to do; as such, they visit the Multi-Purpose Community Centre where there is a government Wi-Fi service for the laptops there and they get to use the facility for entertainment purposes and keep updated on the
Resident Edward Persaud
news, among other things. “We don’t have robberies here and a little domestic violence incidents arise from time to time, but life here is peaceful, quiet and simple. My brother lives here with me and I have a good life, but to do that you must work to earn a living,” John said. Another villager, Edward Persaud, told the Pepperpot Magazine that he has been in Bamia for the past 20 years. “We getting some development and it is better than before, because the creek and park area was like a ‘jungle’ but now it is clean and maintained under this administration,” said the 59-year-old.
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Imparting knowledge AFTER spending 37 years in the teaching profession at Orealla, her hometown, Emma Cruickshank journeyed to Bamia, Soesdyke-Linden Highway to take up a teaching position at the then Unification Church. She came to Bamia in 1999 after she officially retired from teaching in her village and has since settled somewhat, but still has the desire to return to Orealla. Cruickshank came to Bamia with her daughter and three grandchildren and they still live with her, but she has six children in total, five of whom are in Orealla. This senior citizen was recommended by the ministry for the teaching job in Bamia, a village with which she wasn’t familiar, but yet she was willing to take up the challenge of teaching because of her passion for the noble profession. “I want to go back home, but when I think about the things that are happening, I hesitate because the hassles of travel with the boat and the water I am a bit concerned,” she said.
Chronicle Pepperpot June 2, 2019
Moving to Bamia to teach the future generation
The 77-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that she taught at the Unification Church which had a school. There was, however, an issue with payment and the upkeep of the place and things dwindled away and the ministry took it over. She taught for a few years before fully retiring from teaching and these days she passes her days reading, attending church and meetings. The old Unification Church building is no more and it is now a pile of concrete taken over by bushes, a sad state of affairs, according to Cruickshank. “From then to now I find living here is not easy, because we have a lot of challenges here; sometimes it can be very nice and other times very depressed and frustrating. When it rains like now, we get water and when the dry spell comes we have to buy water from a water truck at a cost of $3,000 per black tank for well water and $2,000 per black tank for creek water. Sometimes we have to buy two tanks, so there is a cost attached to
Retired teacher Emma Cruickshank.
things here,” Cruickshank said. Back in the days, this pensioner used to plant, but there is conflict with the land ownership so that ceased and with the pains of old age, she prefers a quiet, hassle-free life. “I think the village should get potable water supply because a lot of children live
here and we need clean water to use for our everyday life. We have solar power, not electricity,” Cruickshank said. Although the population is sparse, she feels that people should be comfortable and not have to worry about basic things, such as potable water. She related that a lot of young people leave the village in search of a better life, since there isn’t much happening in that area. This elderly but spritely woman is very upbeat about life and has the blessings of good eye sight and health, except for some pains about the body. When you talk to her you can feel how passionate she spoke of her days teaching, and it is as if she would rewind that time and start over again. Cruickshank is an enthusiastic person who is full of life and has the energy of a teenager, who is always up for friendly banter. She has however, learned to cope with life at Bamia Village, the place of lush lands and trees.
Sprucing up Bamia A family poses in front of the Bamia Creek on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway (Samuel Maughn photo)
BAMIA Creek, a small body of darkbrown water, safe for swimming and passing virtually under a bridge that links that community with Linden, is gaining much attention and is fast becoming a place where quiet and peace-loving persons would prefer to be on holidays, weekends and for retreats. And what’s more? It can ideally be used as a venue for healing broken relationships and likewise for tying the nuptial knot. But all that would be dependent on just how soon a team of stakeholders can give the venue a much-needed facelift, which would entail a bit of painting and sprucing up; planting flowering herbs; providing beach chairs or other facilities meant for relaxation. Not least, there should be a substantial bar to complement the small bar that is currently there, as well as cuisine to complement the Bar-B-Que occasionally provided, making week-end much anticipated. All in all, a day or afternoon at the Bamia Creek should be sort of relaxing after a hectic work week and more so, now that the days are inclined to be extremely hot. But all this would not be complete without offering a meal of Bamia for sale. WHAT’S BAMIA? Wondering how Bamia got its name? Well, simply Bamia is an amazing Middle
Eastern dish containing okra with tomato sauce and wonderful spices. For a vegetarian dish, you can choose to omit the steak completely or substitute with nutritious pigeon peas and serve as a sauce with delicious home-made whole wheat bread or brown rice. It was said that during the time that persons first began taking up lands along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, it was in the midst of a grow-more-food campaign and foods such as pigeon peas, okra and pineapples were thriving well in the soil. In time, persons came to know about the dish and since okra was easily perishable, compared to peas and beans, there was always a rush to utilise the okra first. So when it was not fried okra it was okra in bamia. And because of the frequent usage of the bamia dish, it eventually became a household name and so widely was it used that the tiny emerging village was named ‘Bamia.’ The village of Bamia, settled over 20 years and ever since, the creek has been growing in popularity for persons who hold swimming as a hobby. “It’s amazing, the fascination people hold with this creek. It’s cool, serene waters, the natural beauty, the silence, interrupted only by speeding vehicles whisking across the majestic bridge high overhead,” all make it a pleasurable place to be, residents say.
Chronicle Pepperpot June 2, 2019
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Bamia youth committed to developing their community …give them the tools and they will build
LOVE of homestead, love of family and love of the soil, were factors that motivated 34-year-old Joseph Stephens to make a decision to return to his homeland Bamia, on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway after being away for several years. Joseph has had several other good-paying jobs, he said, but his love for tilling the soil and seeing his work come to life and prosper, certainly engenders a sense of pride and satisfaction in him. He has also lived through the days of the ‘Grow More Food’ campaign and knows about bursting into the jungle and seeing his parents construct little buildings that would become their home. He knows the joys of picking and eating what he himself produced and finds that to be an amazing source of inspiration. And what’s more – he can now be with his family and his ageing mother. Stephens admits that not much is going for the village he had left for a number of years, but thinks that there is hope. Ever since returning to Bamia, he’s planted a lot of greens and vegetables of which he felt truly proud, but was disheartened a few weeks ago when we witnessed intense sunshine and all the crops dried up. But that did not daunt his spirit and so he kept on planting, keeping his spirits high. Stephens was among persons who feel that there is hope for Bamia and pledged their support for the work being put into the community by their Community Development Chairperson, Orleita John, who continues to do a wonderful job despite the odds. Even though Bamia is a largely isolated village on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, there is hope that it can, in the not-too-distant future, emerge as a budding community with all the essential facilities it now lacks, and that there will be multiple job opportunities for both the young and the old. Not being eminently proud of how much the village has achieved so far, the youth have a vision that together they can develop and maintain a proactive culture of continuous improvement and professional development, foremost for them, but not to the exclusion of their elders. The residents, who are largely of indigenous ancestry, have a culture of bonding, and so, despite the circumstances, have been able to gel solidly together; through thick and thin and in and out of season. Some of them have little ideas of projects that can be explored for the good of the community and propose sharing it with their community development chairperson. The young people of Bamia have a dream that the time has come for them to position themselves to move on -academically, professionally, spiritually and otherwise; a dream that being left behind after writing the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) Examination would be a thing of the past and that thereafter it will be an onward, upward climb for them. They foresee a community that’s bursting with potential in the jungle, and that essentially, the pride of their community, the Bamia Creek, will become recognised as a potential tourist attraction, with the young and the old working hand in hand. It was Margaret Mead, American Cultural Anthropologist who said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has…” Mead posited: “Man becomes as he behaves and he behaves as his social environment conditions him.” It is a quote that can inspire and make persons (particularly the young) become ever conscious of the people with whom they socialise, the lessons they learn from them and the impact that those people’s behaviour can make on them. They need to be ever conscious of their environment. Some residents feel that should a health centre be constructed in Bamia, there is likely to be a good many children aspiring to become nurses, doctors, lab technicians and paramedics, ultimately contributing to the saving of lives and the development of the nation.
Thankfully, they have a primary school and a community centre, a church, electricity and a cemetery – no potable water; no telephone system; no health centre and no supermarket. But the good word is that monies have
been budgeted (in the 2019 Budget) for the construction of a bigger and better primary and nursery school to meet the demands of a growing population and that a 10-acre plot acquired several years ago is being maintained.
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Chronicle Pepperpot June 2, 2019
FILES E S A C COURT
Judge’s misdirection caused confusion in jurors’ minds …guilty murder accused freed, to face new trial
IN 1960 the Federal Supreme Court in its Criminal Appellate jurisdiction allowed the appeal of murder accused Baldeo Dihal on the basis that the trial judge’s misdirection on the law as it related to the facts was likely to cause confusion in the jurors minds. The accused, who was found guilty by the jury, was sentenced to death -- he appealed. The Federal Appellate Court constituted by Justices Rennie, Archer and Wylie allowed the appeal, set aside the conviction
and death sentence, but ordered a new trial in the interest of justice. The appellate court held that in the trial of a person charged with murder, the judge should relate the law to the facts in the case. It was pointed out that when dealing with the question of provocation, mention should not be made of cooling time if the evidence clearly shows that no time elapsed between the provocation and the retaliation and more so, where any such mention of cooling time may cause confusion in the jurors’ minds. It is the duty of the judge, in his summing
up, to deal adequately with the evidence relating to self-defence, the appellate court ruled, as it allowed the appeal and ordered a new trial. Attorney-at-law Mr. Stanley Hardyal appeared for the appellant, while Mr W. Persaud represented the Crown. Delivering the judgment of the court, Justice of Appeal Rennie declared that at the close of the argument, they allowed the appeal, quashed the conviction and set aside the sentence. According to him “The grounds of appeal are numerous and somewhat wide in scope, but, with the exception of the ground of misdirection, we saw no merit in any of them, and for that reason, refrain from making reference to any ground other than misdirection. “Exception was taken to the form of the directions when dealing with the questions of self-defence and provocation. It was submitted to us that the law was laid down in one compartment, so to speak, and the facts were referred to in another, and no attempt was made to relate the one to the other. The directions do seem to deserve this criticism. “The law of self-defence was meticulously explained as a lecturer might well explain it to a class of students”, Justice Rennie said. But, he emphasised, nowhere in the directions are the jury told what facts they should take into account when considering this aspect of the case. The nearest they got to having the facts related to self-defence is the statement that, when considering self-defence, it would be relevant for them to compare the wounds on the body of the deceased with the injuries on the appellant. This statement, however, deals with only one factor of self-defence – whether there was the necessity to use such force. “About this factor of self-defence and the direction concerning it, we shall have more to say at a later stage of these reasons, but now return to the matter under consideration,” The jury was told: “If in all the circumstances as a reasonable man, he feels that he is in danger –serious danger-- he is entitled to take steps to defend himself, if necessary to the extent of killing , but though he can do that, it is his duty to retreat if he can reasonably do so in all the circumstances. “You may think that it is not a very manly thing to do to run away if a person is attacking you or threatening to attack you. But it is the law. “Nowhere in the directions were they told what facts they should take into account in determining whether or not to retreat was reasonable. The evidence I accepted would seem to suggest that retreat was not possible and it must be confusing to a jury in such circumstances to be told that, although it may be considered not manly to retreat , the law nonetheless requires it if the person attacked can reasonably do so.
By George Barclay
“As in the case of self-defence, so in the case of provocation; no assistance was given to the jury by relating the evidence to the law. We can see a possibility of some confusion being caused in the minds of the jury by this failure to relate the one to the other. Such confusion could have been caused by reason of their being told: “If there was time for cooling between the time that the provocation was given and the time that the killing was done, then, of course, you cannot get the benefit of provocation to reduce the offence from murder to manslaughter.” AND, ON ANOTHER OCCASION: “But, as I told you, the question for time for cooling is important to considering the provocation. If there was time after the provocation was given within which a reasonable person would regain control of himself, then you cannot say that the accused was acting under the impulse of provocation.” These directions, said Justice of Appeal Rennie were given in spite of the fact that the evidence, if believed, showed that no time elapsed between the provocation and the retaliation. In another case, such an excess of direction in law might not have confused the jury, but, in the present case, where evidence was given of the relationship that existed between the deceased and the appellant’s mother as a motive for the alleged offence, the jury might very well have found themselves in the position where they would ask themselves the question,- what did the judge mean when he referred to cooling time? Had he in mind the relationship between the deceased and the appellant’s mother? There was nothing else in the case apart from the encounter, that might have affected the appellant’s mind , and if there could have been no question of cooling time with regard to the encounter, the jury must necessarily have wondered why they were told about cooling time and, more so, when they remembered that they were told that it is important, and still more so, having regard to the fact that the directions on provocation ruled out the relationship between the deceased and the applicant’s mother. Apart from these criticisms of the directions, there is also a serious misdirection on the question of self-defence. It concerns the evidence of the attack which the appellant said he repelled.That evidence shortly put, is to the effect, that the appellant was held by the neck, choked, and when he fell in the swamp, was being stifled. Justice of Appeal Rennie noted that the choking and stifling seem to the court to be of far greater consequence and amounts to a serious misdirection. The appeal was allowed, conviction and death sentence set aside, but a new trial was ordered.
Chronicle Pepperpot June 2, 2019
Chemotherapy for infections
CHEMOTHERAPY in dentistry mainly uses Antibiotics to fight bacterial infections. They may be taken in pill or liquid form, or used as a mouthwash and then swallowed. Antibiotics are also given by injection. Produced by bacteria, moulds and fungi, antibiotics have the power to destroy or inhibit the multiplication of other types of organisms, especially bacteria. Some antibiotics are effective against fungi and a few viruses as well. Penicillin, erythromycin, and tetracycline are the most commonly prescribed antibiotics in dentistry. Once an antibiotic is ingested, it may be toxic to intestinal bacteria. Desirable (“friendly”) bacteria, as well as undesirable ones, will, therefore, be poisoned and destroyed. This leaves the intestinal walls unprotected against irritating or unabsorbed foods, causing inflammation of the tissues. Similarly, if an antibiotic is taken for a long period of time, the particular strain of bacteria it is meant to destroy may eventually become resistant. As a result, mutant strains of bacteria are produced. Another side effect to long-term intake of a particular antibiotic is that by destroying bacteria, it produces an imbalance in the microorganism population. For example, Candida, which is a yeast organism, proliferates with long-term antibiotic use because much of the bacterial population is destroyed Antibiotics may produce an assortment of gastrointestinal complaints and a variety of allergic reactions that range in seriousness from a mild rash to shock and even death. In addition, most antibiotics interfere with the estrogen in birth control pills, rendering the pills inactive. Blood cholesterol levels are raised by some antibiotics since bacteria that help rid the body of cholesterol are destroyed by the drug. Since its discovery in 1941, penicillin has been the antibiotic used for the majority of dental infections. The occurrence of side effects depends on how well an individual tolerates the drug. A person allergic to penicillin will usually experience a
reaction with half an hour of taking the drug. In some allergic reactions, the muscles in the throat become constricted, causing breathing difficulty. In more serious reactions, the capillaries dilate, causing shock, which, if not treated immediately, can lead to death. Other side effects of penicillin use reveal themselves from two hours to three or more days after taking the medication. These include fever, mental changes, oedema (abnormal accumulation of fluid in tissues), abnormal heartbeat, inflammation of the kidneys and renal failure, swollen tongue, many types of skin rashes, and inflammation of any or all parts of the mouth. Because penicillin crosses the placental barrier and is excreted in the mother’s milk, its use should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation. The antibiotic choice for individuals allergic to penicillin is erythromycin, which was first used in 1952. Although food reduces erythromycin absorption, it may be necessary to take this drug with meals because of its adverse effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Erythromycin is distributed to most body tissues and excreted via the liver in the bile, and in urine and faeces. Side effects associated with erythromycin include gastrointestinal irritation, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. All the side effects disappear when the drug is discontinued. Individuals taking digoxin, warfarin, or carbamazepine, and those taking theophylline for asthma or bronchitis, may experience adverse reactions to erythromycin and should, therefore, avoid taking it. Discovered in 1948, tetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that affects a wide range of microorganisms. It concentrates in the liver and is excreted into the intestines via the bile. This drug should not be taken by pregnant or lactating women or by children between the ages of two months and eight years because of its side effects. Tetracycline is secreted in the saliva and the milk of lactating women and is stored in unerupted teeth of nursing babies. When the teeth erupt they have permanent stains, which darken with age and exposure to light. A decreased growth rate in bones has also been demonstrated in infants and fetuses who have ingested and/or been exposed to tetracycline. Although tetracycline is prescribed for severe gum disease, it should be taken with caution because of its many side effects. Some of these side effects include lightheadedness, dizziness, and vertigo. People taking this drug should not drive or perform any hazardous jobs. In addition, tetracycline reacts negatively with antacids, iron, oral contraceptives, barbiturates, and warfarin. With longterm ingestion of tetracycline, the targeted organisms may become resistant to the medication. Because the resistant strain of bacteria cannot be destroyed by any antibiotic, the condition is called a “superinfection.”There are other an-
tibiotics prescribed in dentistry, but like the above-antibiotics, they should be taken with caution and only when absolutely necessary.
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Chronicle Pepperpot June 2, 2019
Preparing for the impending ban on single-use plastics: Part 1
Chronicle Pepperpot June 2, 2019
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Developing Agricola into a model ‘Green’ community RECENTLY, I attended a symposium organised by the International Decade for People of African Descent AssemblyGuyana (IDPADA-G) that zeroes in on the village movement and the development of African communities. While there, Chairman of the Guyana Reparations Committee, Eric Phillips shared that he was currently working with the community of Agricola to craft it into a model ‘green’ village. “The government is planning a green economy which is going to be funded by the oil money,” he shared. “We need to align with that.” What this means, he explained, was that the community would be transformed into a space that was environmentally sound and sustainable, but also one whose people would be able to engage in sustainable economic activities, that would be viable for their livelihoods. With the emphasis being placed nationwide on the green transformation, changes like these should be expected. But what makes the case of Agricola more interesting, is that this com- munity has traditionally been one that has suffered economic woes and had its
hindrances to development. During a recent outreach to the community, it was highlighted that unemployment and underemployment are prevalent. Tangibly, within the community, there are few spaces for youth to engage in meaningful leisure activities. The Agricola Development Association (ADA) was created as part of the efforts to effect positive changes within the community. This is a group of about 12 young persons who have the vision to see the community develop, with the help of Phillips as their consultant. President of the ADA, Timothy Blair himself shared that Agricola has been seen as a “depressed” community for far too long, and the headstrong young people like himself have taken it upon themselves to change this narrative to one of development. As a student of Sociology, I learnt that development is a progressive process. It involves changes to the cultural, political, social and economic aspects of people’s lives. Importantly, development isn’t something that follows a linear pattern; there isn’t necessarily an easily identified absolute beginning neither is there an absolutely certain and predictable outcome. Green development is a much newer
concept. When I first heard of it, I thought that it meant maybe cleaning up the environment, planting trees and those kinds of things. But green development is a much broader concept; it assimilates the social and environmental impacts of development and integrates environmental responsiveness, resource efficiency, and community and cultural sensitivity. It is envisioned that Agricola will be developed in this manner. What these young people are trying to do, is to take whatever they already have in their community and just try to continuously improve it so that a better life can be made for the current set of residents and those who are to come over the years. The green development model of this community has begun with the cleanup of the environs, and it encourages residents to keep it clean. In so doing, they’ve placed more bins across the community and have begun sensitising persons as to why you should be clean. You can’t be green if you aren’t clean, right? Following this, it is envisioned that on one plot of land that has been overgrown with vegetation, a recreational park, multipurpose facility and eventually a small cultural centre will be developed to add to the social devel-
opment of the community. Not only does this foster the development of the community’s social fabric, but it allows for socialisation in very meaningful ways which can only augur well for the entire community. And finally, the ADA and by extension, all Agricola residents, are hoping that the community becomes self-sustainable and develop economically. This would involve the creation of small and micro enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurial ventures which would tap into the skills and talents the people have, to cater for the wants and needs of the community and beyond. To spur this, a certain amount of training must be done, however. Which is why I was pleased to hear that residents will be benefiting from business classes. In my opinion, it is these small, incremental changes that build up over time and effect change. And I couldn’t be happier to know that this initiative is one which has been birthed from within the community and is being developed- for the most part- by community members. That really is the role of human agency and the communal spirit that is reflective of the birth of Guyana. Cheers to Agricola, and I can’t wait to see how they progress!
The flame behind ‘Trini Grills’
HER chipp e r personality is probably the first thing that attracts you to her, but her skills in the kitchen are what will keep you coming back for more. Nadia Herbert is the owner of ‘Trini Grills’, a local fast food place that places much emphasis on creating the best burgers in town. “I love to cook. I’m not a trained cook, but since I was a kid growing up, cooking has been my way of relaxing and it’s my passion,” Nadia shared. About five years ago, the young woman managed a much smaller eatery than Trini Grills. It was the snackette at the Survival Supermarket, where she made your usual Guyanese snack foods- the egg balls and pholourie and alike. At some point, she met her husband and the two of them got married and migrated to the
Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. While over there, they both longed to return to the Land of Many Waters and decided to try out their luck with a ‘small’ business. “We rented a nice little place on Sheriff Street and the business quickly grew so we moved to a bigger location in Station Street,” Nadia related, adding that the support from her fellow Guyanese has been so overwhelming every step of the way. When she came back initially, there were certain prerequisites to opening a food business in Guyana that she was unaware of. But once she got over those hurdles, it was all business. Trini Grills has about 35 different burgers now, after starting with only about 12 and enough sides and other meals to keep you filled for days. The business owner and cook said, too, “We even want to invest in another location, maybe Berbice or East Coast-but I can’t do it all on my own.
I need my husband.” But what has contributed to the business being successful? Well, Nadia is definitely a seasoned cook. She just knows what flavours to blend together to give the right taste, and what ingredients (in the correct proportions!) must be used. Aside from being the maestro in the kitchen, Nadia is also a great ‘people’s person’, that stresses the importance of creating good relationships with her customers. “I like to deal with my customers,” she explained. “When we were on Sheriff Street, the grill was right up to the gate, so I would cook and talk to my customers at the same time to have a feel what they like and so.” But even as the business moved to its current Station Street location, and she has hired additional staff to help her out, she hasn’t abandoned her emphasis on the customer experience.
“I have some customers that know me so well, they can come and say ‘Hey, Nadia. Remember that thing we had last week? I want it again’ and I would already know what it is,” Nadia explained. “I just have that relationship with my customers.” Nowadays, she deals primarily with the customers and has two cooks that know her recipes and other specialties, but she quipped that she’ll always find an excuse to slip right back into the kitchen from time to time. As she continues to improve and develop her business, she noted that there is much scope for Guyanese, just like her, who migrated to come back and invest in the country. “Guyanese people who live abroad should know that there is so much potential here and they should come back and invest here,” she said. “I’ve met some of the nicest people as a business owner, and it has just opened a lot of opportunities for me.”
Nadia Herbert
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Peat Soil
NAREI in Focus has been sharing information about the different soil types in Guyana. The soil type in a particular area would determine the types of plants grown. In Guyana, there are two noticeable types of
Chronicle Pepperpot June 2, 2019
agriculture. Agriculture on the coastline is characterised by intensive cropping system of predominantly rice and sugarcane while on the hinterland there are staples such as ground provision and corn. Peat or pegassy soil is made up of waterlogged partially-decomposed plant material including sphagnum moss and other acid-loving plants, which have built up over something like 10,000 years in poorly-drained wetland habitats. It extends along the coast of South America from the Amazon to the Orinoco. Also, the backlands of the North-West (Regions One and Two) are mainly peat and pegasse. The organic matter in peat consists of plant residues that have undergone varying degrees of decomposition. Humus imparts a dark colour to peat. In the total peat mass, the relative concentration of the products of the decomposition of plant tissues that have lost their cellular structure is called the degree of peat decomposition. A distinction is made between weakly decomposed (approximately 20 percent), moderately decomposed (20–35 percent), and strongly decomposed (more than 35 percent) peat. Depending on the conditions under which it was formed and on its properties, peat is classified as high-moor, transitional, or low-moor peat. Peat has a complex chemical composition, which is determined by the conditions under which peat-forming plants originated, by the chemical composition of the plants, and by the degree of decomposition. By combustible weight, peat consists of 50–60 percent carbon, 5–6.5 percent hydrogen, 30–40 percent oxygen, 1–3 percent nitrogen, and 0.1–1.5 (sometimes 2.5) percent sulfur. The organic matter is made up of 1–5 percent water-soluble substances, 2–10 percent bitumens, 20–40 percent readily hydrolyzable compounds, 4–10 percent cellulose, 15–50 percent humic acids, and 5–20 percent lignin. Much peat collection is done on a large industrial scale which totally destroys vast habitats which have taken centuries to form and so cannot be regenerated - they are gone forever. Living in these habitats are many rare and endangered species of plants and wildlife. Boglands are home for lots of different birds, butterflies and dragonflies. Water tables are affected by large-scale peat extraction and as the land dries up, the bog dries out and will die. Garden plants don’t actually need peat, whereas bog plants growing in the wild do. The soils are organic accumulations of peat and other organic matter occasionally interlayered with clay and can be as deep as 9m. They are very acid and have extremely low fertility. Drainage, fertility and acid sulphate toxicity are the main limitations to agriculture. However, with the correct amount of liming this soil type is used to grow sugarcane and other vegetable crops in Guyana. The land cover is mainly natural vegetation of grassland and swamp forest. SOME ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF PEATLANDS Peatlands bring enormous economic benefits to regions where they are found. 1. Peat is extracted for use as horticultural compost. It is highly sought after in commercial horticulture because of its high water retaining ability and flow of air. 2. Peat is used for fuel to generate electricity. It is also sold as briquettes for heating homes in cold climatic regions. 3. Peatlands are drained and used for agricultural purposes (pasture and crop production) and forestry. Peat use for forestry and agriculture are beneficial but it alters the natural peatland hydrology. This causes oxidation of stored carbon, therefore, declining its organic matter content. During peat extraction, peat is drained and dried before storage or transportation for sale. These processes reduce the water content and encourage microbial decomposition of organic matter.
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Loving your body
TOO many times over the last few weeks, from myself included, I’ve heard many women say very negative things about their bodies. Even without the help of others, women tend to put themselves down and judge the quality of their life and their general worthiness on their weight, shape or size. Now, this is not only pertaining to women as many men also suffer with their appearance and the acceptance and self-love that should come along with it. So today, we are going to talk about not only how to love our bodies but how to respect them. Unfortunately, many of us know the feeling of being self-conscious and even uncomfortable in our own skin. Many of us want the build or shape that we don’t have and some of us go to extreme lengths to get there. There are many unhealthy habits such as undereating and overexercising which are forms of self-harm. These have very little short term benefits and dangerous long-term effects. Since you’ve probably tried everything else, why not try loving yourself now instead? The first and most important thing to do is listen to your body. Eat when you are hungry, stop when you are not; Exercise when you have energy and rest when you do not. Think about what you love about your body, not what you would change about it. Yes, this may seem strange to many but it’s possible. Think about what your body enables you to do, not what it deters you from doing. A body that does so much and gives so much love should only be loved in return. Love your ‘flabby’ arms that allow you to hug your loved ones and the ‘thick’ legs that allow you to run towards them when you or they need comfort and guidance. Instead of hating your nose, love the ability to smell the food on your table. Instead of hating your eyes, love everything they enable you to see. Eat foods which make you feel good, healthy and whole, not to lose weight. Yes, sometimes this will include junk food as nothing should be off limits all the time. The more
you restrict yourself, the more you will crave it. Create and maintain a healthy relationship with food instead. Exercise to feel good, not to lose weight. This means a few things. Accept the immediate benefits of working out- the instant and even short term feel-good moments rather than focus on the slow, longterm progression. It also means to exercise doing things that you love. Don’t worry what the ‘best workout’ for anything is; if you like to dance, dance. If you like to swim then swim. If you do something that you enjoy, you’re much more likely to continue doing it in the future. Viewing eating healthily and exercising in this manner will deter you from thinking that they are inconvenient chores. Do not judge your weight by a scale. I don’t even own a scale and it makes me feel better every day. Let how you feel guide you instead. Wear clothes that make you feel good and healthy, yes even clothes have an impact. You need to feel good in what you’re wearing to feel good overall. Also, I’d suggest you throw out all old clothes that you are unrealistically trying to re-fit into. I see so many women doing this- keeping clothes for over 10 years in the hope to fit back into them. Hanging on to these clothes is hanging on to very difficult, unaccepting and unrealistic expectations of yourself. Do things that you’ve been putting off until you lose the weight. We all have that list and it makes no sense. Take all that time and energy that it takes to judge and hate your body and do something on that list. Remove anything from your daily life that doesn’t make you feel good. For many people, this could be social media or magazines where we see the unrealistic, edited reel of someone’s good days. “Dare not to compare” is a common but very important saying. If you compare yourself to anyone, you can create hundreds of reasons to dislike yourself. Respect other bodies as well. If you want to love and accept your body, you need to stop judging and criticising other bodies. ‘Fat-shaming’ or any other kind is just rein-
forcing to yourself that people may be judging your body. It’s a cruel cycle that you are creating for yourself. Remember that a perfect body doesn’t make you loved and it definitely doesn’t create self-love. You taking up less space doesn’t create extra room for love and acceptance for yourself or anyone else. The skinniest, most ‘perfect’ version of yourself isn’t necessarily the healthiest or happiest. Finally, find and maintain a healthy support system. This means to keep only those who make you feel good around you. Choose people who make you feel comfortable, confident and positive. Ask yourself why people like you or why you like people? Does their weight, size or shape even come to mind? Feel free to communicate what you need on your journey. This means letting those around you know what’s important so you fully have their support. This could be anything from ceasing to comment on your weight to all
try eating healthier as a family. Most importantly, treat yourself as you would treat these loved ones of yours. You wouldn’t judge or body shame them. If they fell off track, you wouldn’t berate them but rather positively motivate them to get back on track. So why not do the same for yourself? If there are things that you want to improve or enhance, that’s okay. Loving your body does not mean it has to stay the same but don’t forget that you can love and respect your body while working on it. We want to be healthy, sure and more power to you but please don’t do it in an unhealthy way. Remember that you are your body’s biggest supporter, not its enemy. Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com Suicide Prevention Helpline Numbers: 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896. Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!
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LET PROFESSOR GRIFFITH CONTINUE THE RENEWAL OF UG! A FEW weeks ago, this column carried an offering expressing pride and satisfaction at the developments at the University of
Guyana and our certainty that the Institution was moving in the direction of becoming a pre-eminent Caribbean university
and one whose students and degrees would be accepted and respected worldwide. It therefore came as a surprise when a large number of members and the Committee of the Guyana Consumers Association (GCA), several of whom had been students of UG, requested that we discuss what appeared to be a vocal move by the Unions in the University to influence the University Council for the non-renewal of the Vice-Chancellor’s contract. The GCA’s membership pointed out that though the Unions were important and influential, they did not represent the Guyanese public or the parents or the students. The Parliamentary political parties, for instance, who represent the public and the nation and whose policies and programmes are to have a high-grade and world-class university in Guyana have expressed no desire to have the Vice-Chancellor leave the Institution. In the discussions of the GCA, the former UG students remarked that several lecturers took almost a year to give them their examination results and many students’ transcripts could not be completed so as to allow them to be admitted to universities abroad to pursue higher degrees or even to go into suitable jobs. These former UG students felt that because Vice-Chancellor Griffith had instituted cut-off points by which results must be made available to the students, he brought upon himself the anger of academic staff. Another reason why they felt the staff had decided to get at him was that the percentage of salary increases he had offered was too low. Other members pointed out that though the Unions had vigorously put forward their case, there was no indication of any personal animosity between UG staff and the Vice-Chancellor; their main complaint was the way they thought money had been irresponsibly misspent. At this point, we will review the positions and arguments for the continuance of Professor Griffith as UG Vice-Chancellor: Firstly, the UG unions have been very emphatic that the UG under Vice-Chancellor Griffith has been spending too lavishly and with wrong priorities. They claim, for example, that he travels by business class only when using UG funds and that the staff could have received higher pay increases if money were more judiciously spent. They also feel, for instance, that the various public lectures, symposia and conferences were a waste of money. After these and other accusations, they felt it was imperative that there should be a forensic audit. Four general conclusions emerged from the GCA’s discussion: (a) There were indeed some faults in the financial administration of the university (b) Many of these faults had been inherited (c) Such faults were not irremediable and could be corrected by serious discussion between the Unions and the UG Administration (d) It is unfortunate that the Unions’ accusations should have been made at this time since it could be interpreted as an attempt to influence the University Council when they consider the renewal of the Vice-Chancellor’s contract. There are always two sides to every issue - for example, it is expected that persons of a certain status must travel by business class since their hosts on the other side would not be looking for them in the third class lounge. Or the public lectures etc have been bringing
UG to the People and increasing its prestige and have been attracting a wide cross-section of the population including the Diplomatic community. Such lectures and programmes are perceived as part of the transformational process of the University. In passing, it may be mentioned that the situation at UG is analogous to India 40 years ago. Forty years ago, India suffered great food shortages and Western countries advised and even demanded that the Indians spent their resources on Agriculture. India, led by Pandit Nehru, in the face massive Western pressure and even ridicule, spent a lot of resources on Industrial development and technology. The India of today which has food surpluses and is a great industrial and technological power resisted short term spending on immediate demands for long term gains. The Vice-Chancellor is using the same strategic thinking. Second, all these accusations, many of them being valid, have to be balanced against the University’s achievements over the last three years. The achievements over the last three years have been many and extraordinary and many of them have ramifications that go way into the future. We will refer to one or two of them to illustrate how achievement outweighs spending: Research and Publications are the life-blood of any university and UG. for one reason or another, has been sadly lacking in this field. Professor Griffith has resuscitated the Research life of the University and has even brought the undergraduates on board, beginning an exchange programme whereby undergraduates are allowed to present the result of their researches at foreign universities. Twinning with Research, he has established a Guyana University publishing company in collaboration with a well-known international publisher and printer. The other achievement we refer to is his establishing and deepening contacts with the Guyanese Diaspora which could result in an enormous benefit to the academic quality of the university and improvements in its infrastructure. The student population are appreciative of these achievements and are supportive of Professor Griffith and this alone should be the determinant to let Professor Griffith continue to serve and bring his creative programmes to fruition. After all, the student population is the raison d’etre of the university and for whom the university exists in the first place. Third, if Professor Griffith were to leave the University at this time, the many positive and creative programmes which he has started or for which he has laid the foundations would fade away and the University would have missed the opportunity of becoming a modern institution. Fourth, it takes nine months to a year to recruit a Vice-Chancellor and to find one who would be proactive and creative and would not be afraid to rock the boat in moving the University forward. The experience over the last twenty-five years verifies this. None wished to rock the boat and all sailed through placid waters to their retirement but sadly leaving a UG where little of substance was achieved. The consumer community strongly feels it is imperative to allow Professor Griffith to bring to fruition the works he has started and to bring the University into to path of moving to world-class status.
Chronicle Pepperpot June 2, 2019
Smoking cigarettes can make you live a decade shorter
GROWING up, I always saw my late grandpa, Hilbert Spence, smoking something out of his old wooden pipe. Out of fascination and pure innocence, I have always wondered what was in that magical pipe. Little Marissa imagined grandpa as a dragon because of how the smoke left his mouth with ease. He always ensured to stay far away from me when he did this. Nonetheless, that was my first encounter with tobacco and little did I know it’s more common than my seven-year-old mind thought. This ancient plant can be dated back to 6000 BC- mind blowing right? It was used by the Indigenous peoples for religious and medical practices and was only native to the Americas until the Europeans came to the new world. The Europeans soon started to smoke tobacco and it was present in EVERY European nation. They planted large tobacco As the years went by, this practice led to the popular cigars and cigarette industries. Tobacco can also be chewed or sniffed. May 31 is observed as ‘No Tobacco Day’. This is being observed to promote 24hrs of abstinence of all tobacco-related products. Tobacco is produced by curing the leaves of the tobacco plant. Smoking tobacco exposes one’s body to 7000 toxic chemicals. It is a risk for unborn babies if their mothers smoke while they are pregnant, they can be exposed to lung diseases and cancers. ‘Chainsmokers’
or regular smokers can lose up to 10-11 years of their life by using tobacco. Apart from that, second-hand smoke (smoke inhaled voluntarily from tobacco being smoked by others). PAHO reported that ‘tobacco is responsible for seven million deaths per year worldwide’. Over 15 percent of Guyanese adults smoke tobacco and more worrying is the14.8 percent of adolescence that smoke tobacco. The National Tobacco Act was implemented in Guyana in July 2017. This is one of many initiatives the Government and Guyanese citizens are implementing. In fact, our Control Act is one of the most completed in all of the Americas. It provides for 100 percent smoke-free zones, a ban on all advertising of tobacco, health warnings on packages and a ban on the sale of tobacco to minors. “Tobacco is the only industry that produces to make huge profits and at the same time damage the health and kill their consumers,” said Margret Chan. The first step of prevention starts with yourself turning down the pressure of friends/family to smoke. You can encourage people you know who do smoke to seek professional help and educate others on the terrible effects tobacco and smoking have on one’s life. “Ministry of Health warns: Smoking is dangerous for your health” is a message that is there for a reason on the packages of cigarettes, we should take heed to it.
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#SupportCreativity
By Subraj Singh
‘Almost, Maine’ set for the Theatre Guild on June 8
“Almost, Maine” by John Cariani – Image source: AlmostMaine.com
I KNOW I promised a second article on the plight of playwrights and that article will be coming pretty soon, but something more immediate has come up and I need to ask you, the Guyanese reading populace, this most important of questions: Do we ever stage romantic comedies in Guyana? I’m talking about real romantic comedies, not the flashes and spurts of romance that one finds in the slapstick plays and farces that are popular on the local stage. I’m talking about that romantic comedy that follows and yet subverts the ‘boy meets girl’ formula. I’m talking about the romantic comedy that makes you laugh in one scene and then makes you cry in another. I’m talking about the romantic comedy that feels so real that it makes your heart thud in your chest as you think of someone you use to know, from long ago. The romantic comedy that is only, entirely about love. The romantic comedy that highlights the highs and the lows, the meet-cutes and the kissing and the falling in and out of love. The romantic comedy that gives us the crippling sadness that comes at the end of a relationship and the bright sparks of hope that come with the beginnings of another. That is the kind of romantic comedy we need in our lives, and yet, do ever have those on the local stage anymore? The truth is that I cannot think of a single play that can be regarded as a fullfledged romantic comedy. This could be, of course, my own faulty memory failing me once more, or it could mean that there is a dearth of romantic comedies on the
Guyanese stage. Whatever the case, one of the most performed plays in North American high schools, “Almost, Maine” – a romantic comedy in the truest sense of the term, will be staged at the Theatre Guild on the evening of Saturday, June 8. John Cariani’s “Almost, Maine,” set in the fictional town of “Almost” in Maine, is an anthology play, composed of nine scenes, each one telling the story of a couple and their experiences with the sorrows and joys that come with that wild emotion we call love. The many different stories being told ensures that the audience does not get bored, by offering a plethora of dramatic events and characters to observe. There is a woman in a painful relationship who has an interesting encounter with a man who cannot feel pain. There are two friends who literally begin to fall all over the place as they fall in love with each other. There is a married couple whose relationship comes to an end when a missing shoe becomes involved. There is a girl who returns all the love (big bags of it) that she has received from her boyfriend, and there is the woman who carries the broken shards of her heart around in a paper bag. All these and more are the offerings of “Almost, Maine.” There is a sense of the absurd and a sense of magical realism that exists only in the smallest of hints within the play. It is almost as if these two literary elements barely touch the lives of the characters in the play, so that the essence of reality – of the characters and their situations – is never lost, but amplified and becomes free and magical, as if the author
wanted to allow the audience to see or experience the magical nature of love itself in a more visual/visceral form. Whatever the intention, the touch of absurdism and magical realism works and takes the play up another level, beyond the mundane sort of romantic comedies that we think of when we think of romantic comedies. Aside, from the literary aspects, the play offers realistic characters, presented in fresh ways, each of whom we end of up rooting for simply because of the uplifting nature of the text. “Almost, Maine” may be one of the happiest pieces of literature I have ever read – and I think I reacted so positively upon reading it simply because we are in a time of gloom and much darkness, where we need some kind of joy, hope and positivity in our lives, and therein lies the real appeal of “Almost, Maine.” After all, given everything that is happening in this country and beyond, isn’t going to a see a romantic comedy at the theatre the exact kind of rebellious act that one should take in the face of everything that is going on around us? I certainly believe it is. The play is being produced by the Georgetown International Academy, the institution that staged “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” at the National Cultural Centre earlier this year. As with all of the productions held by the school, students are actively involved in the planning and execution of the performance. The entire high-school department, for example, is made up of students who are not only acting, designing, and stage managing, but are also creating promotional material and involved in building/sourcing the relevant props for the production. Some of the younger students in the school’s Performing Arts Club will be contributing with their live musical renditions. Overall, the evening of June 8 at the Theatre Guild promises a good time, with good people, a good play, and a good evening at the theatre where, finally, a romantic comedy will be on show again.
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The power of Love and Faith Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel ... Inspiring lives through fashion “GOD is in charge.” These were the last words my brother said to my mom. He was the fourth sibling in the family and a good brother, dad, father, very dedicated worker and genuine friend. Abraham Lincoln said, “And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count; it’s the life in your years.” What really is important along this beautiful journey called life? Every day should be a reminder of the significance of our souls which have eternal life. Unfortunately, many of us pay more attention to the body which means nothing when we stop breathing. Sherwin Anthony Noel stopped breathing and we will miss him beyond words but I have a feeling his soul will be eternal with God. While we are still here on earth let us intentionally live our best lives with love and fulfill our purpose. In my last column, I mentioned my gratitude list and one of the things on that list were the last seven weeks with my brother Sherwin Noel. We created precious bonding moments that will last a lifetime. We often say “ I love you” to people we care about but I experienced a next level love recently. Every day we were together for the better part of 24 hours. We held hands, prayed, laughed, cried, ate, listened to gospel and even sang (my voice is horrible lol). I constantly joked with him while singing telling him, “You must be laughing at my voice,” and he replied, “No Sonoms.” That was his name for me. I displayed patience I never knew I had because of him and every day reminded me what a privilege it is to be alive and well. We reminisced on our childhood where we had to sleep on the floor sometimes but mom did the best should could with the resources she had then. One of the things I admired about him is that he kept acknowledging God no matter how he felt and I have a feeling he made it right with God. I am sure he did a lot of reflection on his life because one day I overheard him telling a friend on the phone that it was God that has him alive and they all should reconsider the life they lead and the consequences. Our actions are a product of our thoughts and environment so we have to be intentional about our mindset and the people we surround ourselves with. It encouraged me to reflect even deeper on certain decisions I have made. The experience reignited my passion to be the best version of me. He had family by his side every step of the way and it was love and faith that extended his life. I think perhaps God considered that he had this soul at that moment and did not want to risk having him back in the world for the fear of losing him. My dad also died at 42 years old and I was thinking how sad it is that if the two should cross paths in that world beyond death they will not recognise each other. He was just around three when mom and dad separated and dad was never part of our lives. So many young men are falling
through the cracks because fathers are not stepping up to the plate and the children lack male role models. We all should aspire to make every day meaningful and assist others to do the same because tomorrow is promised to no one. Let’s live full and die empty and rob the burial ground of more riches. When I prayed on my brother’s behalf I told God I will never stop praising him no matter the outcome. He left the family with three beautiful children that have striking resemblances to him. We will miss him
but he will never leave our hearts. TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOR THE GREAT THINGS HE HATH DONE Thanking God for grace and favour for my family and giving us strength in a time as this. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
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Some of the items sold at the New Amsterdam Market (Adrian Narine photos)
The dilemma of vending perishables on hot days By Shirley Thomas THE New Amsterdam Municipal Market, on the basis of being perhaps the most well-stocked, attractively displayed and well-organised local market place, stands tall in terms of respectability. However, the same complaint seems to reverberate throughout the market: it’s a story that tells of sales being slow and there being more sellers than buyers, on an average. “This is the dilemma faced by those of us who daily come out to ply our trade in New Amsterdam. The best days for us are those leading up to holidays when people would spend more than usual and of course at weekends, but shopping during the week is generally slow,” the vendors told the Pepperpot Magazine. Vendors at this market take pride in the way they display their goods-- particularly clothing-- for sale. There’s a wide variety of trendy clothing of various colours and designs, all sizes for both men and women, boys and girls in all age groups, but going very slowly. But with clothing being non-perishable, except for not being able to quickly “turn over” the money spent in purchases, they do not necessarily suffer losses whenever they do not get sales by the end of the day. On the contrary, those vendors trading in perishables such as fruits, greens and leafy vegetables, fish and meats, lament the losses they suffer when they do not get sales during the day. The sellers lament that whenever they do not get their stock off before the end of the day, they are forced to reduce prices, since over time, as the fruits, greens and vegetables proceed to deteriorate, so does the value decrease. In addition, they say, they have to store their goods locked overnight under hot conditions in the market place, since it would not be cost effective to pay to transport them home and back over time. “Many days we have to dump our stocks and that is heart-wrenching because we dump today and tomorrow we have to incur expense to buy more again and the cycle goes on,” one vendor dolefully related. In the main, the vendors lamented the fact that since the closure of the sugar estates, spending has dropped considerably, since it was purchases from persons who worked there that boosted sales considerably. However, there were a few others who, despite trying times, found it prudent to give thanks for the little they were able to muster. Their response was poignantly that: “After all, is not every day that a fisherman does catch fish, so the little that we get, whenever we get it, we are thankful and give God thanks and trust Him for the days ahead.”
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World Environment Day 2019 draws attention to Air Pollution Ensure your business is authorised by the EPA and you adhere to the permit conditions; Make your homes and buildings energy efficient; Use public transport or car sharing, cycle or walk; Turn off the car engine when stationary; Reduce your consumption of meat and dairy to help cut methane emissions; COMPOST ORGANIC FOOD ITEMS; Switch to high-efficiency home heating systems and
BREATHING comes naturally, we come into the world knowing how to breathe. More often than not, we take this simple act for granted. In Guyana, we are blessed with lush green forests that contribute to reducing global carbon dioxide levels. However, in many parts of the world, persons are hospitalised from air pollutants, from smog-inducing ozone and other particles in the atmosphere. The World Health Organisation estimates that 7 million people die each year from causes directly attributable to air pollution. These striking figures have led to the UN Environment in selecting air pollution as the focus of this year’s World Environment Day celebrations and China to be the host country. The UN Environment Programme annually organises events for World Environment Day, which encourages worldwide awareness and action for the protection of the environment. Since it began in 1974, it has grown to become the single largest celebration of our environment each year. World Environment Day is celebrated on June 5, in over 100 countries, including Guyana. World Environment Day 2019 urges governments, industries, communities, and individuals to come together to explore renewable energy and green technologies and improve air quality in cities and regions across the world.
air;
AIR POLLUTION FACTS: 92 percent of people worldwide do not breathe clean
Air pollution costs the global economy $5 trillion every year in welfare costs; and Ground-level ozone pollution is expected to reduce staple crop yields by 26 per cent by 2030. How the EPA regulates air quality Air Quality Regulations 2000, these Regulations provide rules for the reduction and prevention of air pollution in Guyana. Any person who emits air contaminants shall register with the Environmental Protection Agency and a person who emits any air contaminant in the construction, installation, operation, modification or extension of any facility relating to (a) industry; (b) commerce; (c) agriculture; or (d) any institution, shall apply to the Agency for an Environmental Authorisation. Air Quality and Noise Management Programme Area that ensures that the Regulations guiding these parameters are drafted into permits. Awareness and education programs on the benefits of keeping a clean environment. It’s our Anniversary! For the Agency, World Environment Day is important because it is also the EPA’s anniversary. On June 5, the Environmental Protection Agency will celebrate twenty-three years since the passage of the Environmental Protection Act which led to the establishment of the Agency. The organisation has the responsibility to take the necessary measures to manage, conserve, protect and improve the environment. This entails that the Agency takes actions to prevent and control pollution; assess the impact of economic development on the environment; and ensure the sustainable use of Guyana’s natural resources. This year, as we celebrate our anniversary, the Agency would like to encourage the public to take up small actions to #BeatAirPollution. Here are some examples:
equipment; Save energy: turn off lights and electronics when not in use; and Choose non-toxic paints and furnishings. You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown, or email us at eit. epaguyana@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
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Chronicle Pepperpot June 2, 2019
Guyana Carnival – a massive success - I am legend concert deemed the biggest event
(Carl Croker photos)
GUYANA Carnival 2019 came to an end on Monday, after 10 back to back days of events. Seeing the thousands of Guyanese and overseas patrons who came out to support every single event, it is only fitting to conclude that Guyana Carnival 2019 was a striking success. The Pepperpot Magazine made rounds at these events and interviewed patrons, who all applauded the organising committee and the Directors who came up with the idea to host Carnival in Guyana. The events kicked off on May 17 on Main Street, with Drew Thoven’s ‘Block Party’. Thousands of people lined the streets, revelling behind the party truck that gave them a taste of what was going to happen on May 26. Lost traditional elements of Guyana’s culture were also incorporated into the party; the stilt walkers, the fire breathers, percussions section and the masquerade. Those elements were given a modern twist and were part of the main attraction at the event. May 18 was shared between the Pulse Carnival Jumpstart with Erphaan Alves at the Racquet Centre, and Duck and Drake Promotion Pool Party at Tower poolside. Both events saw large numbers of people, but the pool party stole the show. The following day, all roads led to HJ Water World for NYC Feteland Cooler Fete. One would have expected the
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turnout would not have been grand since persons might have been tired from the pool party before, but surprisingly, the beach was packed. DJ Energy’s ‘Rum and Ramajay’ was no different in attendance, the Racquet Centre was packed to capacity, as the people were entertained by a massive DJ lineup and Farmer Nappy later taking the stage. Shenseea and Timeka Marshall dominated the stage on May 21 at the UG fete held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre. The crowd response for these artistes was profound, as their performances were over the top. The King of Soca Machel Montano never fails to deliver to his Guyanese fan base. The National Stadium was crammed with soca fanatics who came out to witness the soca icon’s performance. Machel delivered a magnificent 40 minutes performance to a screaming crowd. Mr. Killer and local artistes were also given the opportunity to perform that night. Kes and his band competed neck to neck with Machel, as his show too was well attended and his performance was undoubtedly one of the best. Amidst his performance, he waved the Golden arrowhead and demonstrated much love and appreciation for Guyana and its people. May 24 was the night of the J’ouvert’s at the National Park. Guyanese are always supportive of this such activity, so it was no question that the venue would have been crowded. Though all these events attracted thousands, none of them could compare to the turnout at Buju Banton’s ‘I am Legend’ Concert on May 25. The traffic heading up to the National Stadium that night tested the patience and anxiety level of persons who were in it. With over 24,000 people ramming the Stadium, Buju Banton put on one of the best shows that Guyana has ever experienced. Making his entrance with fireworks and confetti, the Gargamel had persons screaming throughout his 30-minute performance. He used his platform to promote harmony and urged the youths to desist from reverting to violence. He also included young Jamaican artiste ‘Koffee’ in his set. To this day, persons are still speaking about the Buju Banton concert, and the entire Carnival experience. All the shows that were hosted, Guyanese artistes were given the opportunity to perform. Artistes such as; Timeka Marshall, Jumo, Big Red, Adrian Dutchin, Mark Batson, Brandon Harding, Kady Kish, Alabama, First Born, just to name a few. The road parade on Sunday may have been even bigger than the parade held for Guyana’s Mashramani celebration, as it was impossible to maneuver through the crowd. Persons not only packed the streets to watch the parade, but the bands themselves were packed with revellers. The parade was most definitely bigger than last year. The stage set up and transformation of the venues for each event were spoken well of by the patrons. The business community too, spoke well of the idea, for those 10 days, businesses were booming especially for boutiques and taxi services. The organisers also made mention that every hotel in Georgetown was booked out. While there were some who had bitter remarks, alluding that Guyana is adopting other cultures instead of revitalising and boosting its own, time and time again, the promoters would have mentioned that Carnival was not brought here as Guyanese culture, but rather, as an avenue for the private sector community to earn. In fact, the entire country would have benefitted, as the season would have seen a large influx of foreigners in the country, which also provides an avenue for Guyana to be taken back to the overseas market. The organisers promise that Guyana Carnival 2020 will be even bigger, and better.
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English
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STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Repetition helps you learn. Just try these strategies: a) Writing out things several times for spelling words, learning tables, learning definitions and dates of events; b) Repeating things aloud several times to learn tables, quotations, poems, and other extracts from literature; c) Listening several times to a record or tape even as you fall asleep at night; and d) Re-reading information several times and coupling it with a questioning and/or association
technique. Be wise. Love you. THE PASSAGE …. And now Elizabeth was ‘out’, presumably; thought him an old fogy, laughed at her mother’s friends. Ah well, so be it. The compensation of growing old, Peter Walsh thought, coming out of Regent’s Park, and holding his hat in his hand, was simply this; that the passions remain as strong as ever, but one has gained – at last! – the power which adds the supreme flavour of existence – the power of taking hold of experience, of turn-
Chronicle Pepperpot June 2, 2019
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
ing it round, slowly in the light. What a terrible confession it He gives the poor man twice as was (he put his hat on again), but now, at the age of fifty-three, one much good who gives quickly. scarcely needed people anymore. PUBLILIUS SYRUS Life itself, every moment of it, (1st cent. B.C.) Proverbially here, this instant, now, in the sun, in Regent’s Park, was enough. (He gives twice who gives soon.) Too much, indeed. A whole lifetime was too short be it”, compensation to bring out, now that one had acquired the 4. Why does the writer make us see he power, the full flavour; to extract every was “holding his hat in his hand”? ounce of pleasure, every ounce of meaning; 5. “The power which adds the supreme which both were so much more solid than flavour of existence.” Discuss this power. they used to be, so much less personal. It 6. a) “One scarcely needed people anywas impossible that he should ever suffer more”. What is Mr Walsh meaning? again as Clarissa had made him suffer. For b) “One had acquired the power”. Put hours at a time (pray God that one might say this in your own words. these things without being overheard!), for c) “So much less personal”. How is the hours and days he never thought of Daisy. experience this way now? Could it be that he was in love with her, then, remembering the misery, the torture, GRAMMAR the extraordinary passion of those days? It A. Select the correct pronouns within the was a different thing altogether – a much brackets. pleasanter thing – the truth being, of course, 1. Is Rawle Sampson as qualified as (he, that now she was in love with him. And that him)? perhaps was the reason why, when the ship 2. The cheer leader was (she, her). actually sailed, he felt an extraordinary re3. Tickets will be issued to (whosolief, wanted nothing so much as to be alone; ever, whomsoever) is curious to see the was annoyed to find all her little attentions three-headed goat. – cigars, notes, a rug for the voyage – in his 4. Beatrice asked that the sensitive doccabin. Everyone if they were honest would uments be sent only to (myself, me) and the say the same; one doesn’t want people after Barnaby’s clique. fifty; one doesn’t want to go on telling wom5. Everyone got the gist of the rebuttal en they are pretty; that’s what most men of (they, them). fifty would say, Peter Walsh thought, if they B. Indicate the prepositions that should were honest…. be used in these sentences. (Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway”) 1. Our living allowance increases are retroactive ….. June 1. ABOUT THE PASSAGE 2. The Firebrace Football team’s official What you have just experienced is the residence is adjacent ….. the new benab in literary technique called stream of conscious- the outskirts of the city. ness. This type of writing gives you, the 3. Are you sure that these drawing specreader, a flow of thoughts running through a ifications are identical ….. those? character’s conscious mind. Not all writers 4. Did Mr. Dawson give his approval ….. can put words together in this manner. The the new teacher’s training programme? author, a famous English writer (a modernist 5. The owners were quite satisfied ….. of the twentieth century, and writing during the last shipment of bedroom slippers ….. the interwar period), Virginia Woolf, fre- the those ….. the seniors’ homes. quently used it; and here we find it in one of 6. Bathroom is synonymous ----- reher earlier novels: “Mrs. Dalloway.” stroom. In “Mrs. Dalloway,” the author gives you a glimpse of the impressions and memories A LEARNING LOG within the conscious mind of one of her beA learning log is your write-up in a loved and peculiar characters, Peter Walsh. notebook about any aspect(s) of your Indeed, this glimpse lets you into a point of study. You can keep the entries going for view of the character. You experience his a week or two. At the end of the chosen continuous range of thoughts, feelings, and time, re-read the entries you have made. reactions about a matter. Then think about how the jottings have helped you understand your class/study WHAT TO DO sessions. Think also about how you have 1. If you read carefully you will observe been hindered in your learning in particthe following particulars: ular area(s). Also, notice what different a) The character is clearly aware of the forms of record-keeping you have been intricacies of that time in his life. using in the log. Are you going to try new b) He relives and appreciates the expe- ones? After you have done all that, you riences in minute details, without rancour. can then write an entry saying what you c) He is reveals them in loose, streaming think about your experience. The main internal monologue. understanding is that you begin each en2. Choose at least two faithful study part- try with a summary of the aspects/topics ners and carefully examine Peter Walsh’s re- in question. Make a note of any idea or actions to events, now that he is in his fifties concept that you find puzzling/interest3. What does the group think about the ing. End by describing the next period following words and phrases as used in the of choice in your own words. The main passage? purpose of this writing activity is to clarify presumably, old fogy, “Ah well, so concepts discussed at a specific time.
Chronicle Pepperpot June 2, 2019
Plaintain Balls
INGREDIENTS ripe plaintains 2 tbsp margarine 4 oz peanuts, finely ground INSTRUCTIONS Boil and crush plaintains. Add margarine and mix well. Shape into balls the size of a large marble. Roll in ground nuts. Serve on toothpicks as a party snack
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