Berbice Times

Overseas-based woman to build home for disabled children

Suicides spiral out of control in Berbice

By Andrew CArmiChAel

More than 11 cases of suicide and attempted suicide have been reported for the year so far in Berbice, with most of the victims turning to the deadly pesticide gramoxone, which continues to be sold at village shops unregulated despite laws against this.

The rise in suicide has also brought back into sharp focus the lack of proper preventative programmes and support for those vulnerable to this social scourge. Four persons have been confirmed dead so far. The first to die this year was 17-yearold Ramdat Ramlackhan of Johanna, Black Bush Polder. He took a dose of the deadly weed killer after being scolded by his father about his drinking habits and careless use of money.

The most recent was 32-year-old Nandranie Oudit of Number 68 Village, Corentyne. She took a dose of the fatal substance, because she could not cope with the loss of her son who also took his own life in December. All the victims, except Oudit, are between 14 and 19 years old.

Pesticide

Gramoxone is easily accessible to most persons in farming communities. In the case of 19-year-old Toneisha Edwards of Martin Luther Housing Scheme, New Amsterdam, the public management student of the University of Guyana (Turkeyen Campus), walked into a pesticide store in the town and was able to purchase the pesticide, by merely saying that she was going to use it to spray grass.

In October last year, Agriculture Minister and former Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy underscored the importance of proper storage and sale of chemicals. He alluded to the fact that easy access to poisonous pesticides is one of the contributing factors to suicide.

He added that while the use of pesticides in agriculture can mean improved yields, improper usage can be detrimental. Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PCTCB)

has expressed concern over the careless way in which many pesticides are stored and sold.

Statistics

Records at the New Amsterdam Hospital indicate that, in 2010, about 80 per cent per cent of those who attempted to take their own lives were adults, the oldest being 68 years old. However in the latter half of 2013 and so far this year, there has been a reversal with teenagers accounting for 65 per cent of attempted suicide and those below the age of 25, more than 80 per cent.

The statistics also indicate that in 2010 and 2011, 85 per cent of those who attempted to take their own lives did so because of abuse. Males, most of them habitual abusers of alcohol, accounted for 43 per cent. Most of the females were victims of spousal abuse. In 2011, authorities had reported a reduction in the local figures for suicide, with statistics showing that the average number of suicides per year was around 200. Region Six has the highest number of suicide attempts as well as actual deaths, with an annual figure of about 48 deaths.

Dr Ramsammy explained that the real figure may be higher, since many cases are not reported. In response to these alarming figures, the Health Ministry launched a “follow back study”, which retraces a person’s life to find out the emotional scars that drove them to commit or attempt suicide.

Reflections on good teachers

Throughout my life, I have been very fortunate to have had amazing educators from a variety of backgrounds, including one with a PhD.

However, my academic learning experience started right in Berbice, Guyana prior to my migration to Canada, back in 1993. It’s very difficult to have a favourite teacher, because they are all different and unique in their own way.

For example, when I attended New Market Primary School located on the beautiful Number 63 Beach entrance, where I had Sir Jeewan Ramdass as my ‘common entrance’ teacher who used to always have me sit in the front bench, because I was one of his favourite students, not only for academic excellence, but I think it’s fair to say that I was a very disciplined child. It was his way of recognising and acknowledging our efforts.

As I moved on to secondary school, Tagore High School that is, which is located on the public road at Number 63 Village, I also had wonderful teachers like Miss Newland and Miss Gaitree.

They all represented Berbice well and wherever I may go in my life, I will always remember that I had an excellent guide in the form of true

teachers. I found guidance, friendship, discipline, and love, everything, in them.

Without them, I would have been lost. I would like to thank them for guiding me, inspiring me, and making me what I am today. I will always be thankful to them for all the hard work and efforts they have put in, for educating me.

In my opinion, they are not only teachers. Rather, they are friends and philosophers, all moulded into a few people. I will always be grateful to them for their support.

Now that I am a facilitator/ educator/mentor myself, it becomes much easier for me to say thanks to them for being caring, kind and smart.

I also would like to thank the teachers who stole my heart, because they made my school years full of learning, laughter and fun. Each day their presence in class was warm like the sun.

I always loved their class; their teaching helped me to see, because to me to have success in life, learning is the key. Deep down in my heart, I would like to thank them for believing in me.

They all certainly gave me inspiration to be the best I could be. Their kind attention touched my heart and mind, and having them as my teachers were rare to find.

We all can, however, be good teachers and I am not talking about teaching in a structured academic setting, because I believe that learning can take place anywhere and we all have some kind of capabilities that others don’t have.

I learn new things from my clients, every day as much as they learn from me. I learn from my child and the people around me.

It makes me wonder what kind of a world it would be if we all can champion the importance of being good teachers like the ones I have been fortunate to have in my life growing up in Number 64 Village, Berbice, Guyana.

U.S.-based Guyanese businessman returns to live his dream

There are countless Guyanese desirous of leaving this country to migrate to the United States without any intention of returning.

But there are those, like young businessman Sanjay “Richie” Prettipal, whose aspiration has always been to one day return to their homeland and help in their country’s development.

Prettipal has returned home for good, with the intention of creating employment for Berbicians.

The young businessman, who grew up in Albion, said he migrated to the U.S. in 1997 and decided to follow his exciting dream in the digital world of designing.

He said he worked for approximately 12 years with a popular designing and printing company in New York, but eventually decided to venture off on his own.

Printery

However, he explained that in order to accomplish his dream, he needed to return to Guyana.

“Things became a bit slow after a while and I decide to return and do business in Guyana,” he said. He acknowledged that his move back home to do business proved very successful.

“I was a bit sceptical, so I did not actually make an abrupt move, but I travelled back and forth to test out the feasibility of investing here, I brought in the necessary equipment and started in-house printing,” he stated,

He revealed how excited he was owing to the overwhelming response he received.

“The work load became steady and heavy, and then and there I decided to create Rainbow Signs and Graphics, I actually grew from doing designing and printing by myself to employing a full-time staff including a UG graduate,” he said proudly.

all plastic bags needed from NPG Packaging, I spoke to the owner already and he is enthusiastic about the project,” he declared.

Prettipal said that his initial idea was to invest in Georgetown, but he was aware that in Berbice there is less hassle, and it is an excellent area for business as the competition is to excel and produce exceptional quality products.

“I think that it was meant for me to do business in Berbice,” he said.

Clients Nonetheless, he currently boasts several clients from the capital city that do their designing and printing at his company. Asked if he was satisfied to have invested in Berbice he

His business is located at Hampshire Settlement.

The businessman revealed that he plans to expand and invest more in Guyana.

“Over the next six weeks, I will employ more people as I will commence plastic and poly bags printing and it is going to be a 24-hour service,” he said, pointing out that he will be the first to become involved in the said venture here in Guyana.

“I decide to take up the challenge of doing it so instead of people printing their bags overseas they can actually do it right here,” he said. It will be a joint venture with another business associate in Berbice.

“We will be purchasing

said, “”Yes, yes, yes.” He noted that business was beyond his expectations and actively encouraged re-migrants to set up businesses in Berbice, with specific focus on the tourism and hospitality industry of Guyana.

Prettipal is also the owner of the renowned “Crown Vibes International” music system, which he said helps provide low-cost entertainment for Berbicians.

The young entrepreneur’s advice to youths is to “remain focused and diligent, to believe in themselves, be aware that being successful in life is not only based on employment and that naturally, God has given us the brains and if utilised well, [they] can take anyone to greater heights”.

One of Guyana’s oldest engineers passes on

Veteran engineer

Grenville Felix, popularly known as “Uncle Gren”, of 22 East Canefield, Canje, Berbice passed away on January 5.He was 96.

After attaining his primary education in East Canje, Felix received a partial scholarship to attend a secondary school in Georgetown at the age of 13.

Upon completion, he returned to St Patrick’s Anglican School to complete his secondary education.

Career

At the age of 16, Felix began his career as a factory engineer foreman at the Booker’s Sugar Estate in 1954, where he supervised maintenance works on the factory’s machinery, shortly after which he moved up the ranks.

In 1958, he received a promotion to senior factory engineering foreman after which he was promoted to assistant engineer in 1967. In 1972, Felix was one again promoted to senior assistant engineer where he trained and mentored assistant foremen and performed administrative duties.

In 1974, he was promoted to assistant factory managerengineer, and retired in 1977. However, owing to his exceptional work, he was recalled to work as the assistant factory manager-engineer in

1978 where he provided support to the engineers and also assisted in training.

Family man

At the age of 21, he got married to Ann SaizeRussel on May 20, 1942 at the All Saints Anglican Church. Their union was blessed with 10 children. His family remembers him as a staunch family man and church member who was much disciplined.

Speaking with Berbice Times, Rawle Felix, the fourth of the engineer’s children, said his father was a dedicated worker and a father who instilled values that will be with them forever.

Felix was also described a fair man who will be deeply missed by villagers. Rawle Felix added that the Grenville Felix Cycling Race, which was started three years ago, will now continue annually in honour of his legacy.

Felix leaves to mourn his 10 children and 42 grandchildren.

Elderly woman pained

by faulty street lights

Eighty-seven-year-old Evadnie Chisholm of Ulverston Village on the Corentyne is appealing to the relevant authorities to repair the faulty road lights that have been inoperable for a number of months now and contributing to criminal and illicit activities in her community.

Chisholm or “Granny” as she is fondly called is adamant that because of the current situation regarding the lights, unsavoury characters are on the prowl.

“Many thief deh Ulverston and the very people there doing it, when me sister come from America them ah thief out all she money, rip she pocket, teck out all she money and do all kind a wrong things and them ah thief from people house, all that thing dem ah do,” she said, while noting that when the lights are repaired, it would beat back the criminals.

“The community is full of barefaced thieves so when the lights repair it will keep them out a little,” she said. Chisholm explained that accidents occur all the time and her village is no exception.

“Any accident can occur anytime on the public road because nowadays we get too much speeding on the road.”

When contacted on the issue, Regional Chairman David Armogan said the Public Works Ministry is directly responsible for maintaining and

repairing all road and street lights in the region, and as such, he has already contacted them regarding the situation and same has been done at Crabwood Creek and other villages in the region.

Armogan said that a team will be arriving in the area shortly and remedial and maintenance works will be executed to rectify all faulty street and road lights.

“I have contacted the Ministry of Public Works and they promised to send down a team as soon as possible to commence work here as this situation has been affecting many residents across the region,” he said.

Extraordinary people

Like elsewhere, one supposes, there are extraordinary people who walk around us in Berbice. They are not so in grand ways, just simply so.

There is a woman who owns a bar close to where I live. She has to be rougher and tougher than her rough and tough customers. Her customers, mostly male, are crude and loud, so she has to be louder. She has to be aggressive.

But every Sunday, she would be sure to send across food for me. In calling to make sure I was up and about to open my door and get the food, she would be almost apologetic. Her voice is kind and tender, as if she were a completely different person who owns and runs the bar. The voice softens into a tenderness.

The contrast makes her quite special; the kindness and gentleness alone would make her so. The woman is courageous because she dares show tenderness to a person whom she knows only as her neighbour.

She knows that tenderness is not weakness. Too many of us mistake kindness

and tenderness for weakness.

There is a gentleman who rides up and down the main road in Central Corentyne. He sits straight up and tall in the saddle. The bicycle is whistle-clean and decked out in flags, various lights, bells, and there is even a computer keyboard on the handlebar.

One day, he waved at me as I stood on the balcony of my rental. He glanced, saw me, the right hand went straight up, the arm carefully cuffed to the wrist, the fingers close together, and

the whole hand moved gently from side to side in an almost regal wave. I did not know then that I knew him a long time ago. We went to school together and were in the same class at what is now called the JC Chandisingh Secondary School. He was a very good athlete, especially in the long and high jumps. The wave – simple, gentle, princely –made him remarkable to me. It contrasted with my own almost too-familiar wave. These people are everywhere. They are not remarkable for what they may have accomplished, nor for where they may have been. They are not exceptional because of the schooling they may have gotten as children, nor for the tragedies that they may have seen or endured. They are remarkable because they make the effort to be kind and gentle. And we the recipients of their kindness and gentleness are the richer for it since they have given us that kindness and gentleness with such ease, such grace. To those who are of such character, please know that you have our gratitude.

Berbice minibus operators seek increased fares

Minibus operators plying the Number 63 route, Crabwood Creek to New Amsterdam, have expressed concerns over a recent statement by the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry that there will be no increase in minibus fares. One bus operator, Ramesh Ramkisshore told Berbice Times that the ministry is only focusing on the consumers and not the providers of the service.

“In some routes, there is the double fare after nine, we don’t have that, but the Ministry of Labour says that you must only work 40 hours a week and for five days. After that, it should be over time. Then people should pay more when we work on Saturdays and Sundays,” he said.

65-mile trip

The operator says that they are asking for an increase of $100 which would take the fare $600 from New Amsterdam to Corriverton. “The 50 zone buses charge $700 from Rosignol to Georgetown. That is a 65-mile trip and we only get to charge $500 for a 50-mile trip.

Some operators plying the Crabwood Creek-New Amsterdam route charge $500, while others charge $600. Some commuters willingly pay $600, while others refuse to pay the increase.

“The 50 route buses leave the park with a full load for Georgetown and we sometimes would only get two or three passengers for Corriverton and we

have to try to make it up with short drop passengers. Sometimes when you work it out, it is only like five passengers you carry. It can’t work,” another operator said.

The last adjustment to bus fares was in November 2008 when fares were adjusted downwards. Then the operators plying the Crabwood Creek-New Amsterdam route had agreed to reduce fares following a reduction in gasoline prices.

Unauthorised

The ministry in August last year issued a statement advising that there has been no officially sanctioned minibus fare increase. The ministry noted that any document in circulation which suggests an increase is unauthorised and must be ignored. Operators plying

the number 50 route, RosignolGeorgetown, are also calling for the ministry to review its decision to not increase minibus fares.

Some operators told Berbice Times that a continuous increase in operational costs, which include the high price for spare parts, and the high cost of living were having an impact on them and it was now a struggle for them to operate.

One operator, Gavin Joseph, who plies the Georgetown/ Rosignol route said that he had two buses on the road but now operates only one because of the high operational costs.

“Is everything going up. They increase public servants’ pay but we can’t increase our fares. Some of us have to pay conductors and some owners have to pay drivers also. We need to make more money if the government wants us to continue a service. We are in the tourism industry and the government says that it is pushing tourism,” he said.

Operators also pointed to the increases imposed by hire cars plying the same route. In September last, cars plying the New Amsterdam-Georgetown and the Rosignol-Georgetown routes increased fares from $1300 to $1500 and $1000 to $1200 respectively. However, the ministry maintains that commuters should not pay increases in fares.

NA Special Needs School changing lives

Aspecial needs school at

Vrymens Erven, New Amsterdam has been serving the needs of the differently-able children in and around the community, but it continues to face challenges of finance and the struggle to motivate some of the students who are victims of physical and sexual abuse.

The institution has impacted the lives of many children who are challenged by promoting an understanding of disability issues and mobilising support for the dignity, rights and well-being of children with disabilities.

It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of life.

Greatest joy

Berbice Times visited the school and spoke with Headteacher Zoya CrandonHarrison, who has been working at the institution for the past 17 years. She said it is her greatest joy interacting with and assisting the students.

“I can remember back then we had our electricity cut off, donor agencies used to help, we had to ask for food items and things we needed we had to ask for but today I can tell you this, we have all the amenities since the Ministry of Education has come onboard, they have assisted the school tremendously,” she acknowledged.

She also gave credit to the ministry for the active role it has played in the progress and development at the institution. Crandon-Harrison said that although there has been remarkable development, there are severe challenges regarding the welfare of children with disabilities.

“We have seen significant improvement over the years including a computer lab, extension, adequate furniture and equipment to carry out

daily routine etc; however, as much as we are here striving to do our best, we are faced with many challenges on a daily basis… one of our greatest challenges is having children come to the school being abused both sexually and physically and more recently we have seen a rise in that trend.

“Children are being molested and the perpetrators are getting off... physical and sexual abuse are on the rise and dealing with that can be somewhat traumatising for teachers as we nurture these children from small and see them as our own… when they come abused, it hurts, but what hurts most is when we do report these things and nothing is being done about it,” she said.

She disclosed that as recent as Old Year’s Day, one of her students was allegedly abducted by a neighbour and taken to a hotel on the Corentyne where she was molested.

“The parents said she don’t want any police story and that’s our biggest plight, parents not cooperating and not having finance to deal with it is yet another issue,” she said.

Crandon-Harrison noted that working with the teachers varies since some of them

The secret life of bees

exposed by Berbice honey man

Thirty-two-year-old

Devon Gilead has made bees part of his simple life. He knows them by name, size and colour. He does not harm them unless they are life-threatening, because, according to him, if he did, he would not be able to produce honey.

And while others are afraid to venture a little too close, he moves head on with little or no fear. It seems to him that the bees themselves have come to know him because he was never stung.

For 15 years, Gilead of Islington Village, East Bank Berbice has been involved in beekeeping. Five of those years; however, he found himself trying to get the bees to stay.

do not accept the children for who they are, but gave credit to some who put their all in assisting the children.

She also pinpointed some of the needs of the school inclusive of more computers as most were damaged by the massive flooding experienced at the institution in 2010, better kitchen and toilet facilities and more educational materials.

Worth

The headteacher is urging the wider society to see the individuals first before seeing their disabilities, saying that many of the physically challenged persons have aspirations and dreams as a normal person and they need to be given a chance to prove their worth.

The New Amsterdam Special Needs School was built in 1986, and initially, the school started with 15 students, mainly with disabilities such as low vision, hearing impairment and mental retardation. Recounting the brief history of the school, Crandon-Harrison said the school was previously housed at the Lion’s Club Den, before the land was donated by the New Building Society in 1986.

The building was erected the following year.

“I tried collecting a box and putting them in by the next morning all the bees gone. I tried it again, same thing. A man showed me the drone (male) bee. I put it in the box with the others, the next morning all the bees were gone.”

This process continued for years until the anxious father came to the understanding that he first needed to have the queen (female) bee present. Only then will the others (workers) remain.

“I had a bee keeping book and it showed me what the bees look like. I also realised that I needed to place the hive into the box. I did that and the bees stayed,” he said, laughing.

First yield

His first yield of honey was over 10 gallons from five bee hives. He chuckled as he remembered himself sitting and looking at his bucket of honey. He said that was a proud moment for him, finally having all that honey after five years of “trying to get it right”.

“When I got the first harvest, I did not want to sell the honey because it was something precious to me. I took it and put it in bottles and sat and admired them all the time,” he said.

Devon had a belly full of laughter as he remembered what he now considers foolishness back then, admitting that he eventually sold

the honey. And that gave his business a kick start.

Gilead explained that a hive contains 80,000 to 100,000 bees. However, depending on its strength, a hive can have in excess of 600,000 bees. Gilead depends entirely on “his bees” because, if they do not produce, he cannot supply honey.

For one pound of honey to be produced, the bees must visit some 75,000 flowers, he said, explaining that they would then “suck the nectar from the flowers and take them back to the hive”. The bees then convert the nectar into honey, using a substance from the stomach.

Lengthy process

This will be regurgitated and swallowed by other bees in the hive. He admits that it is a lengthy process. The bees would then take the nectar, which by this time would have become honey, and transfer it to the honeycomb.

He would then take the honey out of the comb and bottle it. He explained that the different colours of the honey depend on the colours of flowers the bees visit.

The use of honey has

its share of health benefits, Gilead told Berbice Times Once used in moderation, a person with diabetes will have no fear. When antibiotics may just work “on the surface of a cut or so, the honey will seep in and go deeper, healing the cut”.

Research

Gilead said he not only knows this from research but by trying it himself. The man also supplies fresh honey roasted nuts.

The young father said he hopes to one day be able to establish a regular business place for his trade, since he plans to expand his business. He recently began converting bees wax into candles and honey mixed with milk into soap.

The public’s response to these new developments has been heart-warming Gilead said, pointing out that persons are generally becoming health conscious. He explained that there are many other by-products that can come from his little friends, “the bees”. He plans to explore them all and be “the market for bee products in Guyana”.

AINLIM’s New Amsterdam branch holds successful blood drive

“Alotof people are scared the first time, but after you make one donation, you’ll wonder why you ever hesitated. There’s really nothing to it!” these were the sentiments of AINLIM New Amsterdam branch manager Mark Roopnarine, who on Friday made his debut in donating blood.

Roopnarine, along with his staff, held a blood drive at their office, inspired by two workers who are regular blood donors.

He said he felt a feeling of peace and contentment being a donor and pointed out that because of the lack of information available, prospective donors can be hesitant or scared as he was about donating blood.

”I was very sceptical before donating and worried as to how my body would react afterwards, but now I am at a position where I feel comfortable to donate, I feel happy, I feel great,” he said.

He also encouraged all

those who would have been scared and hesitant to donate, as it took approximately five minutes to give a full pint of blood.

“Be a donor, you will feel great about it, as this meaningful gesture can save a life,” he said. Asked if he will continue to be a donor, Roopnarine affirmed: “Yes, of course I will.” New Amsterdam Blood Bank medical technologist Steffi Koma said the drive was an excellent initiative. She noted that AINLIM was leading by example and urged other business entities to do the same as there will

always be a need for blood at blood banks across the country.

According to Koma, generally, donors below the age of 16 require parental consent, donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and must be in good health. There is an eight-week (56-day) waiting period between donations.

“There is no way you can be exposed to the AIDS virus by donating blood. All needles and equipment are prepackaged, sterile and disposable. The blood bank is under strict regulation and nothing is ever re-used on another donor,” Koma assured.

Ithaca Village: Residents staying afloat despite difficulties

By Alexis Rodney

Approximately six minutes away from the Rosignol stelling on the West Bank of Berbice sits the unique village of Ithaca. Its uniqueness is not because of its name and rich cultural heritage but the aggressiveness of residents to stay afloat despite their circumstances.

Life has not been a bed of roses, but there seems to be a sense of purpose for each villager which drives each one to hope for a better life. Back in 1842, 10 ex-slaves decided that they were going to pool their financial resources, which came up to $10,000 in total, and purchase the village. Among them were the Lafleurs and Caesars, whose generations today make up the more than 1000 residents.

Berbice Times recently visited the small community and was taken aback by its warmth and friendliness. Smiles plastered many faces, especially those who spoke about the community they call home.

Divisions

The village is evenly divided into three parts: Zorgen-Hoop; the main part –Ithaca; and Dutch quarters. Behind the Dutch quarters, massive overgrown bushes occupy what used to be farmlands.

The village was at one time considered the “bread basket of the country”, residents said, supplying vegetables and ground provisions to the markets. Milk and beef were also produced.

However, today, residents are unable to farm on a commercial scale because of the lack of proper drainage and irrigation. The salty water flowing in from the Berbice River is as a result of the sea defence breakage and “nothing is being done about it”.

Somehow residents have been getting by in spite of the high level of unemployment. One man told this publication that he “hasn’t turn a straw” in three years. He was at the time “liming” with oth-

er youths in the village, who took the opportunity to vent their frustration over their living conditions.

Apart from farming, most of them are either employed outside the village at the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) or within the building industry.

While the availability of better jobs would be readily accepted by them, the group of young men was sympathetic to the less fortunate in the community.

“Whatever affects the community affects me,” one of the men, who was home on vacation, said. “People who can’t afford to buy water, have to drink what is coming out of the pipe,” another one said, explaining that the water situation has been an age-old problem in the community.

Herman Anthony is a known figure in the village. Over the years, he has been very active in his quest to make the village a safe and friendlier place for the many youths there.

Regional administration

Through the help of the regional administration, money was pumped into the construction of a basketball court in the area. Anthony also hopes to renovate the “condemned” community centre, and plans to approach the private sector for assistance.

But while all of these are great moves, the youths acknowledged, the village does

not only have basketball players.

“What about cricket and football?” they asked. Should the government invest in their village, they would be more than willing to offer their service free of cost, because in the “long run, it will benefit us all. “We do not expect them to do everything one time,” one young man said. “But at least they should make a start; we would appreciate that very much.”

There is something that binds villagers together.

Anthony’s older brother, Samuel said that weddings and wakes in the village are no ordinary activities. “Depending on the people, their financial capacity, we may have wakes for a week. If there is a death in the village, we would come together and contribute.” The same goes for weddings with the popular queh queh celebrations.

Cultural centre

A cultural centre in the village was the hub of activities in times past. Villagers who now reside overseas are in the process of seeing it renovated.

The brothers also highlighted the work of their late aunt, renowned singer and folklore dancer Vanessa Sinclair, who, along with her group “Ithaca Folklore dancers”, would travel around the country to perform. One of their usual stops was the National Cultural Centre.

Overseas-based woman to build for disabled children

The Organisation for Social and Health Advancement for Guyana (OSHAG) hopes to build a home for children living with disabilities in Berbice.

ly in the state of Georgia, U.S.A. She has over 17 years’ experience as a caregiver and is no stranger in the health arena in, as she has led several teams of doctors and medical personnel from the U.S. on various medical outreaches across Guyana.

She noted that special training will be provided for caregivers as it is important that they understand what disability is all about so as to provide care and comprehensive case management and support for children. Although there are many steps to see the realisation of this goal, she is optimistic that it will be done soon. Berbice was chosen as the location for this project, because Georgetown already has the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre which is functioning well.

Expansion

since then, a team of doctors and volunteers have been visiting Guyana annually to conduct the medical outreach. In December 2013, the mission saw a team of 14 doctors and volunteers.

The team conducted outreaches in Manchester, Fyrish, Belladrum, Buxton, Enmore and Campbellville, where they saw and treated thousands of patients. Doctors include a gynaecologist, urologist, neurologist, general surgeon, paediatrician, ophthalmologist and orthopaedic surgeon.

In addition, the organisation also donated a number of medical equipment to the New Amsterdam Hospital. The organisation also donated hampers and treated the less fortunate to a day of pampering over the festive season. OSHAG Advisor Sybil Chester said she is extremely grateful to the doctors who take the time out to make the annual trip to Guyana.

“It is very important that when children are diagnosed they are given the right treatment, they are

This revelation was made by OSHAG President Carol Trim-Bagot during a recent interview with Berbice Times . TrimBagot noted the need for such a home as children with disabilities are often not given the care needed.

just like any other children who need love, acceptance, opportunities to participate and friends,” she said. A home to cater for children with special needs will provide the services necessary to transition to all aspects of life including work and independence as

they will receive well-coordinated and comprehensive care.

Trim-Bagot, who originally hails from Berbice, is an overseas-based Guyanese who owns and runs a home care health facility that caters for homebased care for the elder -

OSHAG is a non-governmental organisation which was formed to provide medical care to cancer patients; however, over the years, the organisation has grown to cater for medical services in many other areas. One such is its annual medical mission, which commenced in 2002 with a group of three doctors and

Without a trace

By Alexis Rodney

The then 20-year-old Bradford Simon known as “Black Boy” felt a bit strange when he was invited to imbibe alcohol at a popular drinking spot in Stanleytown, New Amsterdam on Saturday, May 2, 2009. He really did not want to go, but he was overwhelmed by the increasing urge since he was an alcoholic.

Although, he was nervous and afraid, he remained firm in his position. And even though the alcohol had gotten the best of him, the efforts of the men gathered to make him “confess” were a lost cause.

Suspicions

A few days before, someone had broken and entered into a supermarket in the area and had taken away bottles of expensive liquor. Suspicions arose, and all eyes turned on Black Boy.

The proprietor strongly believed that if Black Boy did not do it himself, he surely must have known who did. Black Boy was not an angel and almost everybody in the Stanleytown community had either known or heard of the mischievous young man.

He was hasty and argumentative and probably would have found himself in a few fights. He loved hanging out at the bar with the owner of the supermarket; at least that gave him something to do.

Having been handed over to his

paternal grandmother by his mother when he was just a baby, the young man was left to battle on his own since his father died while he was just a child.

The questions popped from every corner by the men who kept encouraging him to continue drinking. He did not have to buy a single “shot”. They asked him who the person was that had broken into the supermarket. The young man said he did not know. During that time, Simon’s friend came up, and seeing his condition had advised him to go home. He had also scolded the men for

their actions. The men defended themselves and had promised that they would accompany him home.

Simon’s aunt Catherine Johnson said she returned from Georgetown two days after the young man’s drinking spree.

She said his friend came to her and inquired if she had seen or heard from her nephew. He was concerned because they had all planned to head to Georgetown (Sunday, May 3, 2009) for a car and bike show.

She was startled by this because on the day in question, she had a conversation with Simon telling him that she was travelling to the capital city.

The woman said her nephew, who lived with her all his life, told her about the allegation that was made against him.

She asked him if he knew anything about it and he told her that he did not. The friend told the aunt that Simon was last seen at the bar with the supermarket’s owner and another man.

Search

A massive search was launched by police and members of the community, because, although “Black Boy” was not the best person, he never had any brushes with the law.

Days ran into weeks, and despite the many flyers that lined the posts, there was no sign of the man. A few eyewitnesses recounted what they saw.

The proprietor of the bar where

the men were drinking said that she last saw the young man entering the car belonging to the supermarket’s owner; however, she did not see where they went.

Another woman said she saw the car drive past late that same night, heading down to the bushy area aback the school she guarded.

She assumed that the driver might have suspected he was being watched because, while he was halfway through, he reversed and headed out.

Suspicion increased some more also because the following day, the owner of the supermarket was seen giving his car a “thorough clean out”.

The car was impounded and the two men were taken into police custody.

Three days later they were released.

Alive?

Weeks after his disappearance, Williams’ family members were confident he was still alive somewhere.

However, today, hope of him walking through the door of their 46 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam home has been shattered. The man’s aunt said they all believe that their loved one is dead.

But the pain shakes them almost every day because he was not given a proper burial. “We would have been at ease, even if a body was found somewhere… but nothing,” Johnson told Berbice Times

The family is still searching for answers to their question, “Where is Black Boy?”

She added that although the medical mission is a collaboration with the Health Ministry, the doctors pay their own air fares while the ministry provides housing.

Support The organisation functions through fund-raising events that are mainly held in the U.S. and has received overwhelming support, especially from the diaspora.

The key to this support has been the word of mouth compliments from persons here who were seen by the team and related their stories to their relatives overseas.

Chester remembers that at the first outreach, there were only a few people, but now people are lining up from as early as 06:00h at the various locations.

The success, according to the organisation, is based on providing quality service and attention without prejudice to any ethnic or social group.

“People have real health issues and must feel comfortable whenever they are seen by a healthcare provider; this makes our job easer as the patients loosen up and share as much information as possible.”

The organisation expressed gratitude to all their supporters as well as volunteers for their assistance over the years.

Another of the longterm goal of OSHAG is to adopt the New Amsterdam Hospital as their main beneficiary since most of their patients are referred there.

Major enhancement plans for Number 63 Beach

…committee looking at setting up checkpoints, toll stations

By Royan aBRams

With the aim of promoting tourism in Region Six, the Number 63 Beach Committee, in collaboration with the Beach Regatta Committee, has major plans for the development of the facility.

Number 63 Beach Committee Public Relations Officer Hemchand Jaichand told Berbice Times that one of the plans they have is to control access to the beach, with checkpoints and toll stations at various locations.

The provision of identification badges for officials, and vehicle passes and passes for vendors whenever there are activities on the beach is also in the works, Jaichand said.

Maintenance

“We are also hoping to have electricity and potable water… we have already started to do maintenance work on the existing washrooms… we are looking to have a permanent building where we will have two persons with a tractor and trailer where the beach can be cleaned not only when there

are activities but on a daily basis,” Jaichand stated.

According to the public relations officer, the beach committee also has plans for the construction of an allweather road and most importantly, zoning the beach.

This, he said, will see the construction of two parking lots at both entrances to solve the problem of drivers driving their vehicles recklessly on the beach.

Although the Number 63 Beach Committee was able to execute several projects in 2013, there were some challenges.

One of the major problems, Jaichand said, was having some persons refuse to pay fees set by the committee for vehicles to enter the beach. He said the fees are usually set in order to pay persons to clean the garbagestrewn beach after events.

“People need to have discipline in terms of disposing their garbage… this is the biggest challenge we have at the beach and my opinion is that we need to have some law in place to fine people who litter the beach… people don’t really care ‘cause

although you give them a garbage bag, they continue throwing their garbage on the beach,” he said.

Visitors

The Number 63 beach located in the said village on the Corentyne is visited by more than 3000 visitors every week. It spans some 10 miles, encompassing the foreshore of more than 12 villages.

Recently, new changing rooms, benabs, and washroom facilities were erected to make visitors more comfortable. The beach is ideal for beach volleyball, softball cricket, fitness, relaxation, swimming, fishing and a host

Big show & dance

for Skeldon

All roads will lead to Skeldon next weekend as House of Relatives Promotion in association with “Mahogany on The River” kicks off 2014 with a grand show and dance for an entire night.

This mega event, which is set to start at 20:30h Saturday, will feature the return of Mr Wuk Up 2k14, King Shepherd and many local talents with the aim of showcasing what Guyana has to offer. Selector Krazy Kriss, all the way from Jamaica, will also be present at the event.

During an interview with Berbice Times, the promoter and coordinator of the show and dance, Brian Bristol said that he is expecting a massive crowd at the event, adding that no one will be disappointed since he has gone to all lengths to ensure that this event meets

international standards. Bristol also said that based on the support offered by Guyanese, specifically Berbicians, this will eventually become an annual event.

The much-anticipated show and dance is set to attract a wide cross section of Guyanese and non-Guyanese who would be moving to the selections delivered by popular Djs Fya

Frenzy and Ninjaman. However, patrons are advised not to be late, because admission to this event is just $1000 before midnight, after then persons would have to pay more at the gate.

Persons are asked to have as much fun as possible and support the well-stocked bars that would be providing food and drinks at very reasonable

No bail for alleged masjid thief

Alabourer was remanded to prison when he appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Marcus-Isaacs at the New Amsterdam Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday to answer a break and enter and larceny charge.

Vernon Seecharran, 41, of Gay Park, East Bank Berbice, was not required to plead to the indictable charge. The allegation is that between December 15, 2013 and January 1, 2014 he broke and entered the Gay Park Masjid and stole several articles. These items included one generator valued $750,000, 300 plates valued $36,000, 300 cups valued $18,000, four enamel buckets valued $10,000, five fans valued $27,500, and 32 enamel basins valued $112,000, property of the masjid.

The prosecution’s case revealed that a report was made about 13:00h last Wednesday at the Central Police Station stating that someone had entered the masjid and stolen the items mentioned in the charge.

According to the prosecutor, the items were discovered missing after checks were made by a member of the Gay Park Masjid who had made arrangement to lend some of the missing items to another member. The prosecutor also disclosed that based on investigations carried out, the accused was later arrested and charged.

However, when the accused heard that he would be placed in the New Amsterdam Prison, he became very angry and annoyed: “Your Worship, I didn’t do it… this police officer just want lock meh up and he seh he gon collect some money from de people to lock meh up… I ain’t know nothing…. Your Worship, please give me ah early date because yo know wah dem does do with people in deh,” he stated.

of other beach-related activities. The first-ever Berbice Regatta was held at the beach, and it attracted thousands of persons.

Before leaving the courtroom, the accused then turned his attention to a police officer and told the officer that he will die like an owl, with his eyes open. The magistrate demanded order in the court and ruled that Seecharran will make his next appearance on February 4.

Lights for Albion Sports Complex arrive

The lights for the Albion Sports Complex have arrived and contractors will commence installing them this week.

Three containers with all the necessary parts for the installation of lights arrived at Albion last Wednesday. The lights will be powered by a generator or local power source. Officials said there will be a lot of savings in relation to the amount of diesel that will be consumed since energy saver lights will be used.

According to Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony, the lights will have a 10-year warranty. Minister Anthony said this project was on the cards for a long time and it will enhance not only cricket but other nightly activities in the county.

Anthony stated they are pleased to have Musco Lighting on board.

The project is expected to change the dynamics of cricket in Berbice since more people are playing Twenty/20. Albion also hosts the Berbice Expo. Region Six Chairman David Armogan says when the lights are installed, there will be increased activities at Albion. “There will be more cricket and maybe even bigger games and maybe we can have some of these big artistes that are coming in, to also come and have their shows in Berbice when the flood-lights are installed.”

This, he said, will also benefit hotels, taxi services and everyone in the tourism industry. “Once you have this kind of activity, the myriad of economic spin-offs is going to be very important for the people and economy of Berbice because a lot of people will benefit once we have big games coming here and more people will be attracted to come to Berbice to see cricket and many businesses will benefit from the spin-offs.”

Whim Community Centre ground being upgraded

Works are ongoing to rehabilitate the Whim Community Centre ground with the recent completion of the re-fencing of the facility with funds supplied by the Culture Youth and Sport Ministry.

According to Region Six Chairman David Armogan, work has now commenced on the inside of the ground to elevate it to the status where cricket and other outdoor games could be played. “This is a big boost for sports in the region,” the chairman said.

Speaking about the other grounds that have been upgraded, he said these are going to go a far way in the development of sports. The Whim community ground has been out of operation for the better part of the past decade and is expected to be used by the Ministry of Education for athletics and other major sporting events on the school calendar. Armogan said the basketball court will be the best in the region when completed. That court is expected to be a multipurpose one.

Ambrose, Walsh defend Sammy

Captain of the West Indies cricket team, Darren Sammy, has received support from two former international stalwarts and West Indies legends — Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh.

According to the Antigua Observer newspaper, the fast bowling duo made an appearance on the Good Morning JoJo Sports Show Thursday and agreed that the critics have been a bit harsh on the St Lucian. Ambrose, who played 98 Tests taking 405 wickets at an average of 20.99, believed that angry fans, critics and even past administrators and players who have lashed out at Sammy, are simply hunting for a scapegoat.

“No one man can win or lose (any) game for (any) team and the team playing poorly has nothing to do with Darren Sammy alone and that is really an unfair criticism,” Ambrose said. “Every single member of the team has to be blamed for the poor performances. When you are winning, everybody gets the credit including the captain. But we in the Caribbean have a tendency that as soon as anything is going wrong, the first man to blame is the captain and then maybe the coach; but it’s the whole team and I

am a team person. So it is an unfair criticism for Darren Sammy.”

The Antiguan, who also played 176 ODIs and bagged 225 wickets, was supported by his Jamaican counterpart, who said that although Sammy has struggled with his personal performances from time to time, laying the blame solely at his feet would be nothing short of unfair.

“I still was able to maintain a level of performance that they couldn’t say I wasn’t performing and maybe because Darren Sammy has gone through some of that where he has not been performing, he is under a little more pressure but as Curtly rightly said, it’s the make-up of the team and you need strong individuals around you – management, coaches and vice captain –to help pull you through,” Walsh said.

“I think he has been lacking a little in that, because he is not performing at his level. But if you look back at it, the team is just not performing as well as they can or as well as they should,” he added. Walsh represented West Indies from 1984 to 2001 and captained the team in 22 Test matches. He played 132 Tests and bagged 519 wickets during his 17-year career.

We’re missing our big hitters – Best

West Indies fast bowler Tino Best has said that the absence of their big hitters, due to injuries, impacted the team’s performance in the first T20 against New Zealand at Eden Park on Saturday. New Zealand set the visitors 190 to chase but West Indies crumbled to end on 108 for 8. It left West Indies needing to win the second game in Wellington on Wednesday to square the series before returning home.

Best picked up 3 for 40 from his four overs after finding himself on the fringes in the ODI series. With Ravi Rampaul returning home due to injury, Best was thrust into an atmosphere where New Zealand took the bowlers to task.

“I thought New Zealand played well. They played to their strengths so all credit to them,” Best said. “I think that in our situation right now, we don’t have all our big hitters. In T20s, you need all your six hitters. But we have one more game to go and can level the series there.”

Best admitted that while the bowlers were expensive, the team felt that 190 could be chased. “Obviously if Johnson Charles, [Lendl] Simmons and [Andre] Fletcher got off to a good start, it was gettable,” Best said. “You can’t rule a score like that out in T20. But it just didn’t happen for us today.”

them (New Zealand) in the Caribbean with our full-strength team, they didn’t turn up but here, we’re in their backyard and a bit weakened. But we’ve still got a good team spirit going so we have to keep fighting. The guys feel very, very positive,” Best said.

Best believes that West Indies are on course to defend their World T20 title in March in Bangladesh amid these hiccups because they are likely to be back to fullstrength. He said the weakened squad had made the New Zealand tour much tougher. “I can tell you, if our key players were here like Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Darren Sammy and Dwayne Smith, it would be a whole different ballgame. When we played

He added that the New Zealand batsmen had riled him as they started briskly thanks to unbeaten knocks from Brendon McCullum (60) and Luke Ronchi (48). When asked if the disappointing tour was getting to the West Indies players, Best replied, “International cricket is hard so you’ll be a bit chirpy. It’s a gentleman’s game, yes, but in T20 cricket, you get more fired up (as a bowler) as guys will play extraordinary shots off you. So you just want to give them a twerp to let them know that you’re still bowling hard and to show some respect. But it’s all good out there.” (Cricinfo)