guyanatimesgy.com
MONDAY, JULY 14, 2014
Issue No. 032
… rebuilding of homes also being considered
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overnment has committed to helping the families whose homes were destroyed by a freak storm that swept the Corentyne Coast last Sunday. This was confirmed by Region Six Chairman David Armogan in an interview with Berbice Times. He said he has received direct instructions from President Donald Ramotar to coordinate assistance for all residents who have been affected by the storm. “With the instructions from the President, I went to Black Bush on Monday to check on the damage done… The process has already begun and those suffered will have to submit an estimate on rebuilding,” Armogan said, while stressing that the President is desirous and inclined to assist in any way possible.
four, Indrawattie Rooplall, 33, who is employed as a security guard at the Mibicuri Hospital, told this publication that she is thankful that her life has been spared as she recalled that unfortunate day when she almost lost her life. She said she was looking out of the widow of her one-story wooden building at the havoc created by the raging winds and thought that this was the end of the world. “Before me done think that world go judge, the wall blowout and hit me down… me lost conscious and next thing me know me deh hospital,” she recalled. She stated that luckily her children were not at home, since it was the norm for them to be under the structure. “All of them would ah dead now if them bin deh hey.” The single parent said cur-
The remains of Rooplall’s home at Mibicuri after the winds
The roof of Zaheer Mohamed’s house at Yakusari, Black Bush Polder was blown away According to Armogan, residents in the Black Bush Polder area are the most affected and are still contemplating their losses. They are at their wits’ end regarding their next move after the phenomenal raging winds and heavy rainfall inflicted severe and extensive damage to homes. At Lot 153 Mibicuri North, a single mother of
rently they are without any means or material things and are depending heavily on the support of neighbours and friends and due to these circumstances, her family is forced to live separately since they have to split up in order for people to accommodate them. “Everything destroy: the children na even get clothes
to go school, all bury down in the mud under the house… me asking for help, we need help,” she appealed. Over at Johanna, the primary school, along with several homes suffered damage; however, not as severe as that at Yakusari. The school’s Headteacher said she was still fearful for the lives of her students as she deemed the roof of the school as a dangerous haz-
ard and predicted that another strong gale can very well cause the rest of the roof to cave in. “Part of the school’s roof was ripped out and the rest is shaky and weak due to the strong wind… it is affecting us since we are working under duress wondering if there will be a repetition of this fierce wind,” she said. Meanwhile, in Yakusari, the freak windstorm was most
devastating, inflicting the most damage in that area: approximately four houses completely collapsed while several others had their entire, or sections of, their roof blown away. Zaheer Mohamed of 75 Yakusari, a father of two, said he was at Masjid when he heard of the calamity of his entire roof being blown off and breaking into smithereens. “When me come, me surprise to see that wind pelt me roof to about six to seven feet away from the house… we living with people now and we need help from the Government, me hope them come and help we out, man,” he said. Bhagwandin Pooran, 61, a farmer with four children and 11 grandchildren, also of Yakusari, said he hurt his left shoulder escaping his fallen edifice. He, his wife, daughter and son-in-law are also depending on neighbours and family to rescue them in their distress. They are currently residing in a makeshift camp some distance away from their home. “Abbie deh bottom the house and when me see de breeze me halla fa let them run and just as abbie meet out pon under the house… bladam, the house fall – me shoulder near-
ly bruck… it barely miss me or me bin go dead,” he informed. Another single parent, Michelle Singh, 32, a mother of three, is also in a quandary as to what will become of her and her children since she also lost everything in the natural disaster. “Me been ah church, me ah go Christian church and when me come back, me see me house deh flat on the ground and me heart left me body, cause me na see me pickney dem,” she stated. She thanked God that her children’s lives were spared. The woman said she started to scream loudly, since she feared that her children aged 12, 10 and 9 were dead. However, they managed to jump out of the house when it went down; two were hurt, while the other suffered minor abrasions. “Imagine if me pickney them been under the house what would ah happen, me got been under deh and when the house fall, it kill me goat,” she noted. She is appealing to the Government of Guyana to assist her to rebuild, since she would be otherwise forced to remain in the dangerous and damaged structure with her children.
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guyanatimesgy.com
MonDAY, july 14, 2014
BBCI Administrative Supervisor Amarnauth Singh handing over the trophy to a teacher of the Sheet Anchor Primary
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he Berbice Bridge Company Incorrporated (BBCI) recently donated trophies to the Sheet Anchor and Woodley Park primary schools in support of their annual
graduation and prize giving ceremonies. The trophies are for the schools’ best graduating students. The BBCI does not only play the
BBCI Administrative Assistant Bibi Alli gives the trophy to a teacher of Woodly Park Primary for their Best Graduating Student 2014
role of collecting tolls and facilitating vehicles crossing the Berbice River Bridge and vessels transiting through the retractor span and under the high span, but also discharges its corporate
responsibilities. In the past, the company has sponsored many events that benefited communities on both the eastern and western sides of the bridge, and many
other regions such as Georgetown, Linden, Parika and the hinterland. This year, the company has received some 85 public relation requests thus far; 72 of which were approved.
The Toshao of Orealla and Siparuta, Floyd Edwards
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The MV Epira
realla and Siparuta Toshao Floyd Edwards is optimistic that one of the major problems affecting residents of those two communities will be resolved soon. Residents of Orealla, situated 50 miles up the Corentyne River, have complained of the lack of a village-operated boat service for the community. At
Siparuta, situated 15 miles further upriver, the sentiments are similar. According to Edwards, this is one of the major issues affecting that Amerindian community. There is no regular transportation service from Corriverton to Orealla. “We have had a major problem with the transportation with the launch from Corriverton to Orealla not working. The
service was doing well for Orealla, but then it was not feasible because it had other small transportation services plying the same route and what we found out too is that the MV Epira was not steadily built.” This, he said, was known from the day, the boat was first put into the river. “The stern or what we would call the ribs were broken and it
was operating because it was new, but, then as it got old, the entire stern became flexible and it became risky travelling on the river.”
MV Epira beyond repair
According to Edwards, several attempts were made by the Orealla Village Council to repair the vessel
and the last attempt became the end of the boat’s life. “When we moor it up and it was on the prop, it fell off and then it was totally impossible to get it back on. So presently, the boat is not operating and it is beyond repair.” Villagers told this publication that the absence of the community boat service is creating hardship for them. Many of them have to travel on cargo boats to get to and from Orealla and its sister village Siparuta to Corriverton from where they can access other parts of the country. “Sometimes, you have to sit down on a piece of wood whole night in the boat to reach Corriverton,” one resident said as he described the journey from Orealla
to Corriverton on a lumber boat. Another noted that the boats that take passengers from one destination to another are not built for passengers but for cargo. As a result, the five- to sevenhour trip is very uncomfortable. Edwards said the Orealla Village Council has planned to gather material to build a new boat. “But then our finances will definitely be low.” He said they have approached the Amerindian Affairs Ministry seeking help, but have been told that ‘budget cuts’ has left that Ministry without the necessary funds to do all that is needed. “We are still hoping that something can be done to improve our transportation in Orealla,” Edwards declared.
guyanatimesgy.com
MonDAY, july 14, 2014
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A woman wades through her flooded yard
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ractising safe sex is a good thing, because it means that we can easily enjoy it and be confident knowing that we are protecting ourselves, and at the same time, we will be able to have fun exploring our sexuality with a partner we trust. It is vital that we take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves and stay safe and healthy. Practising safe sex is very important and those who have the knowledge are much better equipped to prevent pregnancy, Sexually-Transmitted Diseases (STDs), and most importantly, HIV and AIDS. Some may argue that the best way to stay safe is to practise abstinence. However, not everybody will believe this, so the reality is, if Narine Dat Sookram we are going to be intimate with someone, then it is important to know about the various items that can be used to ensure safe sex. The reality is – along with sexual activity comes huge responsibility. One should keep in mind that practising safe sex is not only important to prevent disease, but also to prevent pregnancy for those who are not ready for parenthood. Because once a child comes along the way, life will never be the same again. And by no way am I saying that having a child is a burden, because to me it is an actual blessing, but at the same time, the time has to be right as well. There are also various items available to women that can help to prevent an anwanted pregnancy. It may come as a surprise to many of us, but a lot of people do not know how to correctly use a condom, and this can cause the rate of potential pregnancies to rise, so it is important to use condoms correctly. There are different types available for women; they are most commonly available for men. Both of these are widely available in places like drugstores and supermarkets, and many other locations.
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ersistent overnight rainfall in Region Six has resulted in several areas being inundated causing discomfort and severe losses to residents across the region, particularly in the Canje area. This publication visited the New Area Canefield and Adelphi areas in Canje where several residents vented their frustration. Sandra Kampton, of Lot 40 New Area, Canefield, said she has been residing in the community for over 16 years and the drainage system in the area leaves much to be desired. “We don’t have proper drainage here; that is why anytime the rain fall heavy, we flood out and nobody cares about us here… plenty time we does ask them at the NDC [Neighbourhood Democratic Council] to do something but wha me go tell yo? Dem na care,” she enunciated. The woman said due to the excessive overnight rainfall, her children were forced to stay at home and at this
Flooding at Adelphi Canje
point in time, she cannot determine the damage done as the water level was high enough to enter the bottom flat of her home and destroy her kitchen garden and flower plants. Anita Mangal, 43, of 932 New Area Canefield, said she woke up to be greeted by water surrounding her home. “Last night [Thursday night], the rain fall but we na know is so much rain… when me come downstairs this [Friday] morning, oh me mama, water all ova… even in me kitchen soak me mat and all thing,” she lamented.
Negligence
The woman said when the water recedes, the actual work will commence since they would have to clean up the residue left by the floodwaters. “Every time we get heavy rain, this is the living we deh in, over 17 years me live here and this is it… they always promised to bring in a pump and they never do it,” she noted. Other affected residents are imply-
ing negligence and victimisation, as they believe that the Regional Administration should be taking a more active interest in their welfare since they have to pay rates and taxes annually. Meanwhile, in an invited comment, Regional Chairman David Armogan announced that the region saw four and a half inches of rainfall in the 24 hours preceding the floods and this left several areas along the region inundated. He also explained that the region was only equipped with the capacity to drain two inches in 24 hours. However, all necessary arrangement and measures have since been implemented so as to alleviate residents’ suffering and ensure the rapid receding of the floodwaters. “All our pumps are fully operable and we have since placed additional ones from GuySuCo in the most affected areas across the region… so as far as I can see, the water is receding at a rapid pace,” he concluded.
Get tested The use of condoms is one of the most effective ways to prevent HIV and STDs and practise safe sex. Most condoms available today are made of latex rubber and they have been around for centuries. We should consider getting tested regularly. It is not that complicated. Find the time to go to a doctor or a clinic regularly to get screened for HIV and other sexually-transmitted infections or diseases. It is probably even much wiser to get tested together with your partner before entering into a relationship, and then get tested regularly while still in the relationship, to be on the safe side. It is important to take all the time needed to talk to our partner before jumping between the sheets. One other important thing too is to be honest about our own desire to practise safe sex and our own sexual experiences as well. The thing to keep in mind is that regardless of if we are casually dating someone, or are fully involved in a serious relationship, the fact is, if we are intimate, it is important to take precautions to be safe. Things have changed a lot now, actually there are many tools available to help people practise safe sex, people just have to make it a priority and the use of those tools will definitely help to prevent the spread of diseases which could potentially be serious. The bottom line is, being safe and smart will help us to avoid suffering the consequences of unsafe sex. For questions, comments and feedback, send them to: mcnarine@rogers.com
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guyanatimesgy.com
MonDAY, july 14, 2014
Truth
Simply the
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he Skeldon Line Path Secondary School is now in a position to allow students the opportunity to sit Agricultural Science at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examinations. This follows the donation of a mechanical tiller and a water pump by Food For The Poor (FFTP) Guyana Inc. The presentation was made by St Francis Community Developers President and FFTP Guyana Inc Berbice Representative Alex Foster to Skeldon Line Path Secondary Headteacher Yvette Johnson. Speaking at the simple presentation which took place at St Francis at Port Mourant, Foster said St Francis and FFTP have collaborated to create the model farm in Region Six. He explained that Skeldon Line Path Secondary is expected to be the site for the Upper Corentyne multipurpose farm. “With the commitment from Skeldon Line Path Secondary, we hope that the process that
is taking place at Limlair, Port Mourant and New Amsterdam will be started in the Upper Corentyne area with the presentation of a mechanical tiller and a water pump.”
Multipurpose farms
Three multipurpose farms are being developed in the region: one at Limlair Village for schools in the Central Corentyne area, one at Port Mourant for schools on the Lower Corentyne, and another in New Amsterdam for schools in New Amsterdam and East Canje. “By the next two months, we will have the first phase of the project completed, which means that we will have the tilapia farm, the greenhouse and the shadehouse...,” Foster said. He said the aim of the project is to improve the skills of all those on the Upper Corentyne. The school was chosen because it has the capacity, human resources and, more importantly, the land space to develop a multipurpose farm
in the Upper Corentyne. The St Francis Developers President said if the school can get its farm going before the end of the year, 2015 can be a very transformative year for the Upper Corentyne area as it relates to students who are preparing for their examinations and also their livelihood. “It is my privilege on behalf of the Board of Directors to be making a presentation to the Skeldon Line Path Secondary, which will help to enhance the developmental thrust at the school and to assist the school with their agricultural practicals, owing to the fact that the school lies in a community that is mainly agricultural in nature.” He said it is the belief of FFTP that if it can develop in young minds a love for agriculture, it would lead to enhanced skills and thus an improved standard of living for all. In thanking FFTP, Head of the school, Yvett Johnson said she was elated to be the
recipient of the agricultural equipment. “This donation will greatly help us to enhance agriculture in our school, especially the practical aspect of the subject.” Johnston promised to take care of the equipment. According to Foster, the Region Six Department of Education, as a collaborating partner, assisted FFTP to take its activities and services to a larger target audience. Meanwhile, Region Six Education Officer with responsibility for secondary schools, Claude Johnson referred to it as a wonderful moment for education in the region, noting that it will boost the delivery of Agricultural Science in a major way. “Agriculture Science is one of our major programmes in the school system... Agriculture is our food production and food production worldwide should be put on the front burner and the fact that we can have schools being recipient of this kind of support is really a step in the right direction.”
The mechanical tiller and water pump being presented to the Skeldon Line Path Secondary School by Food For The Poor Guyana Inc Berbice Representative Alex Foster
e Berbicians are often proud of our schools. We have Berbice High School; JC Chandisingh Secondary (in my day, Corentyne High School); Tagore High; and others. I have often admired the passion of those who have attended those schools and have refused to forget the people that taught and administered during the times when they attended. The person who forgets or denies his Professor Daizal Samad roots ends up being a cultural and intellectual vacuum. It is a sad thing to behold, this emptiness. There are many people in North America and in Guyana who are rooted in Berbice; there are others who choose to forget as if coming from Berbice is a shameful thing. I have looked at the contributions made by the alumni of Tagore High, Corentyne High and Berbice High. We need to look with some admiration, and we should admire the most those who contribute even from afar in concrete ways but without sickly sentimentality. It is true that many of these alumni organisations are often diminished by internal acrimony and petty disagreements. But somehow, they seem to get over it and render such help that one must love. The two people who were foremost in the creation of Corentyne High School were JC Chandisingh and Haroon Samad. On the world stage, they are not significant. But these people had a vision and worked hard to make that vision real. And all of us who attended that school are the recipients. There were others too: Rudra Nauth, George Trim, John Fingal, Parsram Singh, Dhanesar Sookhoo, and so on. One of the best that I know is a man named Ramdat Nandkisore. He was the principal of Berbice High School for 15 years! New buildings went up, new administrative systems were put in place, new disciplinary measures were employed. To the credit of the Government of Guyana, he was honoured with a Medal of Service. But Mr Nandkisore’s greatest contribution to Berbice came after he retired from Berbice High School at the ripe old age of 55! He was the Administrative Officer at UGBC and tried his best to hold together a new ship that was being dismantled by all manner of foolishness. The first Director under whom Mr Nandkisore worked was Dr Parsram Thakoor. The latter’s job was rendered almost impossible by the servitude to Turkeyen. He tried according to his ability and his experience. He failed. Mr Nandkisore was still the Administrative Officer when I was asked to assume the Directorship of the Campus. In spite of my international experience, there was much to learn. Nandkisore taught. I learnt. The Campus developed and thrived. Berbice knows all of it, since Berbicians came to see for themselves and to participate in that great push towards quality. For his pains, Mr Ramdat Nandkisore got booted out with sickening ignobility. This was done while I was away on a short break. I created a stink at the 2010 (I think) graduation ceremony. The Turkeyen people were very angry with me. I asked that this man be honoured at the graduation ceremony. This was not allowed by our Turkeyen bosses. The Government of Guyana gave him the Medal of Service. He showed it to me. It felt thin and cheap compared to the weighty, golden nature of his service to Berbice. He is in the USA now. Unwell. Reward indeed.