EZ Vybz by Greenheart Publications

EZ-VYBZ EZ-VYBZ SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2012

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Welcome Home

Contents 96

New York

From the C.E.O of EZjet

100

President’s Cup Golf Tournament

The Biodiversity Richness of Kaieteur

101

EZjet Enters Guyana’s Aviation Industry

Miss Guyana World 2012 -Arti Cameron

103

EZjet Information.

Arrowpoint – The Back to Nature Resort

Guyana’s Arts and Craft

The 1933 Denham Suspension Bridge

Re-migrant Housing Scheme

Harpy Eagle – A Feathered Giant

Rock View Lodge

EZjet Makes Inaugural Flight to Toronto

Why Choose Toronto?

Celebrating Victoria Village

Cricket – Caribbean Style in North America

Castellani House – The National Gallery of Art

Dining Guide

Georgetown Heritage Trail

Jamzone The Review

Trinidad – The Journey through Paradise

Walking on Sunshine

Princess Hotel Guyana

Miss United Nations 2012

Guyana’s Karate - Soaring to New Heights

Calendar of Events

Amazon and Tropical Birding

Demerara Cricket Club – 100 Years Not Out

Walter Roth Museum

The Rupununi – A Unique Experience

Calling all Adventurers- Shell Beach

Tour Guides

Hugh Arlington Ross

Curry, Cutlass and Co-workers- A Trip to Fort Island

Breadfruit Promoted for Emancipation Celebrations

Trivia & Games

Contributing Photographers Michelle Kalamandeen Marco Farouk Basir Castellani House Guyana Tourism Authority Iwokrama International Centre Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology Christina Juman WWF Guianas Shaun McGrath Demerara Cricket Club Colin Edwards Laura London Mike Charles Guyana Amazon Tropical Bird Society Adrian Narine African Heritage Museum Donn Thompson Raquel Thomas – Caesar, PhD Vishnu Prasad Tangerine Clarke Wilfred Cameron Waldyke Prince

Front Cover :

Image compliments of The Guyana Tourism Authority & FotoNatura www.guyana-tourism.com 3 / EZ-VYBZ

EZ-VYBZ SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2012

Welcome Home

EZ-VYBZ - In-flight Magazine of EZJET Published By: ClassiMag Publications for EZjet Air Services 230 Aubrey Barker Street Suite # 6, South Ruimveldt Gardens Georgetown. Tel: (592) 646 – 4469, 650 -7911 Email: ezvybz@gmail.com, vicasong@gmail.com Publisher Vickram. P. Singh Editor Vickram Singh Assistant Editor Vanie Beepat

t gives me great pleasure to address you in this inaugural edition of the EZJet In flight magazine. Over the past year, I have had the immense privilege, as the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, to witness the fast paced growth that the industry has been enjoying. These rewards are the result of hard work by the valued stakeholders - not only those persons in the public sector but the operators in the private sector too. This In flight Magazine, which will be produced every quarter, is a great asset to the industry. One of our main campaigns this year is called ‘Rediscover Home’ and that is exactly what this publication will support – it will allow members of the diasporic communities to stay informed with initiatives Guyana is embracing, have access to the annual calendar of events, read articles written by Guyanese at home and award winning journalists and generally keep abreast with all things Guyanese. It is sometimes easy to forget how vast and beautiful our country is, the diversity in our culture and foods and, often, it is a case of rediscovering these values of being Guyanese that we embrace. Kaieteur Falls remains the top destination in Guyana and still many persons have not had the opportunity to go there; the Rupununi is another area that is breathtaking and full of all kinds of wildlife whose names you have only heard but you have not had the opportunity to see – this is the time to take hold of the prospects. Many of the tour operators have specials on tours and accommodation and I urge you to take advantage of them. I would like to encourage and implore you to come home for a visit, to invest, to retire, to volunteer or to build a home. The Government of Guyana recognises the need to offer the opportunities to the members of the Diaspora and, as such, more activities are being organised to cater to families of all sizes. House lots are being allocated to re-migrants and major investment is being encouraged to ensure the vibrancy of the quality of life for all Guyanese and economy. We welcome you home with open arms. Hon. Irfaan Ali M.P Minister of Tourism, Industry & Commerce EZ-VYBZ / 4

Design and Layout Vanie Beepat Advertising Sales Vickram Singh Jacqueline Singh Milessa Daniels Vanie Beepat The publisher wishes to thank the following organisations and individuals for their help in the preparation of this magazine: Ministry of Tourism Hon. Irfaan Ali The Guyana Tourism Authority Indranauth HaralSingh Carla James Chevon Singh Mark Bradford Cullen Nelson Ann Hamilton Ian Craddock Melinda Bishundyal Iwokrama International Centre Raquel Thomas – Caesar, PhD Captain Gerald Gouveia Frank Wilison WWF Guianas Melissa Chattergoon Anna Iles Eshwer Gayaram (Dheeraj) Rosalinda Rasul Vishnu Prasad Demerara Cricket Club Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology Guyana Times Guyana Amazon Tropical Bird Society Castellani House The Guyana Chronicle © Reproduction of any material contained herein without written approval constitutes a violation of copyright.

EZ-VYBZ SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2012

EZjet Enters Guyana

From the C.E.O

Sonny Ramdeo - CEO, EZjet Air Services

ver since EZJet entered the local aviation industry we have been making significant strides in growth and development. Every opportunity that we get to improve our services to our travellers, we make. The airline has

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also set the bar very high for standards and quality, so having a magazine of this calibre fits well into the EZjet brand. When we first considered the idea of starting a quarterly in-flight magazine, we wanted one that would capture our travellers’ attention for the few hours they would be spending in the aircraft. During the tranquil flight we hope that customers would think of their country, its beauty and have a greater appreciation of how much it has to offer them. I am most pleased about this publication for what it offers to the airline and the country. I want foremost for all persons using EZjet to feel at home with the airline, and know we are looking into their interest and making their flying a truly remarkable experience, quite unlike any other. Furthermore, I want a magazine that entertains and educates our travellers and helps them appreciate the beauty of the land they travelled to frequently. Also, I would like a magazine that encourages people to return to their homeland and, of course,capitalize on the

low fares and excellent services offered by EZJet. I believe this magazine achieves exactly these objectives. It features some exciting, exotic and fascinating places in Guyana. It stimulates interest to events, persons and activities. One would find that this magazine focuses a lot on Guyana with an intention of promoting local tourism. As Guyana’s local airline, we feel that it is our responsibility to help in the development of the country. If more people visit Guyana, EZJet will benefit, and the only way people will re-visit Guyana is if all of us – airline and citizens alike– positively market the land. EZVybz does exactly that. As the magazine grows and reaches the Diaspora and even non-nationals, we will continue to make improvements. It is my fervent hope that every person who picks up a copy of this magazine will find it exciting, entertaining, informative, and persuasive. They will be excited to visit Guyana more and continue to use EZJet as their carrier.

EZ-VYBZ SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2012

KAIETEUR - Rich Biodiversity

Kaieteur The Biodiversity Richness of

It’s not Just the Falls

By Aiesha Williams - Biodiversity Officer WWF – Guianas

aieteur is not only the name of the majestic Kaieteur Falls many visitors come to see, but it is also the name of Guyana’s oldest protected area Kaieteur National Park (KNP). The Park is located in the Pakaraima Highlands in Region 8 – Potaro/Siparuni, where Iwokrama Forest- another of Guyana’s protected areas and the Amaila and Orinduik Falls exists. The area has been the home of Patamona Amerindian peoples of Guyana. The rich biological diversity of the Park consists of a variety of habitats including forests, savannahs, rivers and the Kaieteur Gorge; thereby giving rise to the variety of fauna and flora found there. KNP was established as a protected area in 1929 to “preserve the natural scenery, fauna, and flora”, encompassing an area of 116.6 km2, including the Kaieteur Falls. The park now stands at 626.8 km2 with the Falls located at the centre. This area now protects more of the rich and unique biodiversity, ecological functions and a national heritage - the Kaieteur Falls. One of the world’s most powerful falls with 553m3s1 of water, Kaieteur Falls is five times higher than the Niagara Falls measuring 226m high and a maximum of 122m wide. Amidst the rich tropical rainforest, Kaieteur Falls is one of the leading attractions for tourists arriving in Guyana. The Amerindian Peoples, especially of Patamona heritage, contribute to the rich culture and heritage of the Kaieteur Falls and The Park. Patamona peoples within the area, dating back as far as the 1800s, see the Falls as a spiritual and cultural site. Though there are no Amerindian communities within the Park, Amerindian residents have the right to utilise resources within the Park for their domestic sustenance. The main two communities of Chenapou and Karisparu are the closest villages to Kaieteur EZ-VYBZ / 8

National Park, with the former utilising the area the most for hunting, farming, fishing and gathering. Added to the Falls and Patamona communities, Kaieteur is also home to a diversity of fauna and flora. This was recently reinforced following a rapid biodiversity assessment funded by the WWF Guianas and implemented in collaboration with the management of KNP - National Parks Commission and KNP Board. A number of previously conducted scientific research expeditions have

KNP was established as a protected area in 1929 to “preserve the natural scenery, fauna, and flora”, encompassing an area of 116.6 km2, including the Kaieteur Falls. also proven the biological richness and uniqueness of Kaieteur, especially of areas around the Falls. The recently concluded survey however, expanded well beyond

the Falls to four main areas, some of which have not been studied previously. The biodiversity research expeditions have proven that there is more to Kaieteur than the falls, and considering the extent of the study there may well be more to discover within this Park. During October 2011, a team of Kaieteur Park Staff, local researchers, and Chenapou residents conducted surveys of four major locations within KNP, examining the birds, mammals, reptiles, frogs, insects, trees, fungi and orchids. The survey though rapid, yielded a number of important sightings, pictures and audio recordings of observed fauna and flora. Those more charismatic species will be highlight in the proceeding sections; however KNP is known to have more than 300 species of birds, 150 mammals, 64 reptiles, 51 amphibians, 180 fishes, 1227 vascular plants (trees) and 300 non-vascular plants, with a number of species being endemic to Kaieteur. It should be noted however, that the park is relatively understudied. Though Kaieteur is not among the favoured birding destination, a number of birders favourites are recorded for Kaieteur; notably the tepui endemics such

as the Crimson-bellied Manakin, Tepui Parrotlet and Scarlet-horned Manakin Those most reliably seen close to the falls area (by visitors) are the brilliantly coloured Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola rupicola) which is known also for its elaborate courtship displays, Whitecollared swifts (Streptoprocne zonaris) and White-tipped swifts (Aeronautes montivagus) - just two of the swifts known at KNP. The swifts are especially visible around the falls at dusk. A number of parrots and macaws some can be seen within the Gorge and in the vicinity of the Falls. Other sought after birds found at Kaieteur are the Orange-breasted Falcon (Falco deiroleucus), raptours such as the magnificent Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja). Kingfishers, herons and other aquatic species can be seen readily while travelling along the Potaro River and other creeks. Among the mammals which can be found at KNP are about 6 species of monkeys and large cats, ungulates, rats and bats. Within KNP the most charismatic and illusive of the cats is the Jaguar (Panthera onca), however the Puma (Puma concolor), Ocelot (Leopardus pardilis), and Jaguorondi (Herpailurus yaguorondi), are some of the other cats found at KNP. With the exception of the Jaguar, these cats were caught on camera trap and at least one was observed by researchers within Kaieteur during the October 2011 survey. Of the 8 primates found in Guyana, Kaieteur has the Black spider monkey (Ateles paniscus), the more noisy Red howler monkey (Aloutta seniculus), Wedge capped capuchin (Cebus olivaceus), squirrel monkey (Samuri scieureus) and the least seen White-faced Saki (Pithecia pithecia). Larger mammals such as the Brazilian Tapir (Tapirus terrestris), two species of Deers and the rarely spotted (even for researchers) the Bush Dog (Speothos venaticulus) are also recorded as inhabiting the Park. The Giant River Otter and the Neotropical Otter swim within the rivers and creeks of Kaieteur.

Aerial view of Kaieteur Falls and the Gorge as part of the Potaro River

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The frog most famous at Kaieteur is the brilliantly coloured Golden Rocket Frog (Anomaloglossus beebii) within Giant Bromeliads, seen very close to the falls and endemic to the Pakaraimas. Some of the other colourful and attractive frogs species found at Kaieteur include the Giant monkey frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor), White-lined monkey frog (Phyllomedusa vallanti), Marbled treefrog (Dendropsophus marmoratus), Kaie rocket frog (Anomaloglossus kaiei). Some of these can be seen in proximity to the Falls. Snakes such as the Cook’s Tree Boa (Corallus hortulana) which exhibits a variety of colouration, the venomous pitvipers - the Bushmaster (Lachesis muta) and Fer de Lance (Bothrops atrox) also called Labaria, and the Green Vine Snake (Oxybelis fulgidus) are found at the Park. The Labaria is often encountered while walking in the forest. The Dwarf Caimans (Paleosuchus trigonatus) can be seen while travelling by boat along certain rivers and creeks. Though many of these species are found at Kaieteur more than just a few hours or a day visit will be enough to explore the Park. Since Kaieteur is also a National Park a number of efforts are continually being expended to maintain the natural beauty and rich biodiversity. WWF Guianas’ work in KNP gives support to the National Parks Commission and the management of the Park over a decade. This is to advance the effective conservation and management of the Park & wider ecosystem. WWF’s interventions include working with the park management and a team of professionals to preparation of an integrated management plan, community development and participation in KNP, some tourism development, refresher training for staff.

A view of the Kaieteur Gorge from the top of the Falls

White-lined monkey frog

The Cock of the Rock Ocelot

Bushmaster

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The Golden Frog

ARTI CAMERON - Miss Guyana World

Miss Guyana World 2012

Arti Cameron Readies for World Stage By Tangerine Clarke / Photos: Tangerine Clarke Journalist, Photographer Caribbean Life Newspaper

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iss Guyana World 2012, Arti Cameron has a megawatt smile. Her charm and personality undoubtedly are qualities that have brought her to this point in her life. A dream comes true for this young woman, who, from a young age envisioned herself in the spotlight, and on the world’s stage. As this pre-med student of Hunter College puts her studies on hold to finesse her runway strut, polish her poise, and perfect her talent to charm the judges at the 621st edition of Miss World pageant on the August 18, in Ordos, China, she can be assured that the Guyanese community will be with her every step of the way. Twenty-three year old Cameron, a resident of Queens, New York, is already a celebrity in her own right, and an Ambassador for her country. For the last few months the brainy beauty has made numerous appearances to showcase her talents, and in so doing, was recognized with citations from the City of Newark, and the City of East Orange, New Jersey, where she was a special guest at Guyana’s 46th Independence celebration. Arti also attended the Guyana TriState Alliance’s Independence celebration EZ-VYBZ / 14

at Brooklyn Borough Hall. Her glamour, appeal, and sense of style are qualities that have allowed her to mingle with the who’s who at the recent Young Gifted and Black Entrepreneur Awards, in Manhattan. A talent to be reckoned with, Arti exudes confidence and continues to carry herself with dignity and poise as seen in her appearance of the Wayne Plitzs Fashion Show at New York’s War wick Hotel. She also lit up the runway of the Caribbean Style and Culture fashion event, and the Guyana Cultural festival in Baltimore Maryland. Her long legs and proportionate figure stunned audiences at the popular Bikini Under The Bridge swim wear event, where she showcased creations from the Cole Facts collection. As she continues to polish her skills in her quest to win the biggest crown in the world, the beauty with a warm heart, is passionate about volunteering. Her awareness campaign in humanitarian initiatives was seen recently when she joined Fashion Designer, Michelle Cole, in the Avon Walk for The Cure, and the AIDS Walk in New York City to bring about awareness. The charitable Arti, who speaks

French and Spanish, enjoys dancing, music and travel. Her ultimate dream is to own a medical centre to help people in poverty stricken areas. Cameron is charming and friendlyqualities that will no doubt help her to acclimate when she arrives in China to compete with beauties from a record, 120 nations. She may be just 5’6” tall, but her dreams and aspirations are as high as a mountaintop. Her Indian, Chinese and AfricanGuyanese heritage serves her well as she represents a country of six races. She remembers all too well how excited she was after viewing the Miss Jamaica pageant while living in Kingston as a teenager. “My friends talked about becoming Miss Jamaica, but I envisioned myself as Miss Guyana”. A titled she captured when she competed earlier this year after returning to Georgetown to complete her education. Cameron said she is well balanced, and credits her family life as the reason. She has two siblings and her stepmom Savatrie, whom she added has giver her lots of support for fourteen years of her

life. “She is a big inspiration to me said the beauty who was motivated to follow in her stepmom’s footsteps to become a premed student. Her father Wilfred Cameron is the driving force behind Arti’s successful transition from classroom to Miss World contestant. Thanks to his experience as a former top Guyana TV broadcaster, writer, photographer, and current schoolteacher in the New York system - his daughter is staying visible in the community. The pageant contestant is excited about showcasing Guyana’s beauty and culture at the Miss World pageant, and will do so while wearing creations by Cole Facts Designs by Michelle Cole. Her 32, 25, 37 measurements will be outfitted in a heritage costume, swimwear, and evening gown. “I am actively preparing for the Miss World pageant with the help of Michelle Cole. I am blessed to have her in my life. She is talented and passionate about her work. She understands what I need, who I am, and where I want to be. It is a great, natural collaboration for the both of us, added Cameron. The Guyanese community wishes Arti well in her quest to become the next Miss World. Follow Arti on Face Book, and during the Miss World pageant, schedule to be televised NBC TV.

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Arrowpoint

ARROWPOINT - The Back to Nature Resort

The Back to Nature Resort

By Shamaine Davis - Marketing Manager Roraima Group of Companies

rrowpoint is one of Guyana’s charming Back to nature resort nestled quietly on the banks of the Pokereo Creek in the Amerindian reservation of Santa Mission. It is only forty five minutes from the Roraima marina and approximately two hours from Georgetown by road and river. The journey onto the resort allow you to experience the twists and turns of the exhilarating speedboat ride along the Kamuni Creek providing visitors with just the kind of “rush” that precede the adventure of Arrowpoint itself. The

banks of the river are dotted with small Amerindian settlements and ever so often Arrowpoint’s larger, faster speedboats must reduce their speed in deference to the safety of the small paddleboats traversing the creek, sometimes with entire Amerindian families. The adventure begins at Lucky Seed Landing a forested area where dense vegetation puts kayaking skills to a stern test. By the time you get to Alligator Alley you almost always get the hang of it and the rest of the journey across the open waters of the creek and back to the Resort

is more or less “a piece of cake.” Lunch at Arrowpoint compares favourably with the very best restaurants in Guyana. After Lunch guests may choose simply to relax – either in their cabins or on the beach. Otherwise, the Resort offers a range of other activities - surf biking, pedal boating, swimming – or if you are up to it Mountain biking along the jungle trails is one of the high lights .Arrowpoint provided an All-inclusive package for family vacation, honeymoon, weddings, company retreats. Let us customise your experience in Guyana!!!!

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GUYANA ARTS & CRAFT PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION

Guyana Arts and Craft Producers Association By Christina Juman - Research and Marketing Officer, Small Business Bureau

t is amazing to find out that a great deal of souvenirs in the Caribbean, are being produced in Guyana. Years of what was considered suitcase trading of craft from Guyana into all the Caribbean Islands have finally paid off. Every trade show around the world has seen Guyanese craft in a positive way helping to promote Guyana. A need was seen by sixteen producers to open the first craft outlet which was established as the Hibiscus Craft Plaza on North Road Georgetown. These producers had achieved their goal of acquiring the outlet but interest to expand was not shown at the current time. As the demand for Guyanese craft products increased; the Small Business Bureau, Go Invest and the Bureau of Standards assisted the sixteen members in forming the “Guyana Arts and Craft Producers Association,” in 2008 with an initial two hundred and fifty members. This membership included producers from throughout the ten administrative regions of Guyana. The membership has now increased to three hundred and thirty one and the emphasis is being placed on increased production, promoting the “Guyana Brand” and collaborating to reduce production costs. As the sector continues to grow; the Government and the private sector has intervene to allocate a piece

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of reserve to house a state of the art craft complex that will serve as a retail hub for producers throughout the country. This outlet will also function as the secretariat of the Association and house a materials management outlet where producers can make purchases for production. This facility will assist especially the Amerindian craft producers from outlying region in securing a direct market in the city for their products. GACPA now boasts one of the most successful Associations throughout the Caribbean and now lend support to their other counterparts in the region. The Vision is to be internationally recognized as the most unified, innovative, creative and efficient association of diverse handmade arts and crafts. GACPA aims at providing support to both producers and retailers in the arts and craft industry. The Mission is to represent Arts and Craft producers in all administrative regions without prejudice; demonstrating unity in the diversity of our culture and fostering sustainable livelihood within our communities through formal and informal education and training programmes in the pursuit of sound business opportunities. Contact GACPA at: 9 Hibiscus Craft Plaza, Robb Street, Georgetown, Guyana Tel: 592-628-0213 / 592-223-1441 Email: gacpa_gy@yahoo.com

EZ-VYBZ SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2012

DENHAM SUSPENSION BRIDGE

The 1933

Denham Suspension Bridge of Guyana’s Hinterland By Dimitri Allicock - Writer, Journalist

et like gems in the crown of South America, nestled on the NorthEastern shoulder, defying the raging Atlantic Ocean, Guyana’s many waterways reflect the source of its name “The Land of Many Waters”. These waterways are natural highways which link all the regions of Guyana including the mineral and forestry rich highlands. In November 1933 a bridge was constructed over the Garraway Stream, linking Mahdia to Bartica by trail. This cable suspension bridge was named “Denham Bridge” after the then Colonial Governor Sir Edward Denham. The Denham Suspension Bridge, which is also called the Garraway Stream Bridge, served as a vital access to the early Gold and Diamond fields of Guyana. The bridge was erected directly over the Potaro River at an area referred to as Garraway Stream. It was constructed by Scotsman John Aldi, a civil engineer and general contractor who was interred at Bartica’s Sorrow Hill Cemetery where he joined many of the early settlers in making Guyana their permanent home. The association of the highlands of EZ-VYBZ / 20

Guyana with gold attracted the attention of many early explorers. It was even suggested that Guyana was the source of the elusive and legendary city of El Dorado, fabled for its great wealth of gold and precious jewels. In 1595, prompted by the great riches brought back from South America by the Spanish, Sir Walter Raleigh, Captain of her Majesty’s Guard, Lord Warden of the Stannaries, and her Highness’ Lieutenant-general of the County of Cornwall embarked from London on an expedition in search of the fabled city of El Dorado. Raleigh’s expedition penetrated hundreds of miles up the

Orinoco River into Guiana’s Highlands of present-day Venezuela, where he found some mineral specimens that contained gold. Upon his return, Raleigh published “The Discoveries of the Large Rich and Beautiful Empire of Guiana” with a relation of the Great and Golden City of Manoa which the Spaniards call El Dorado. The discovery of Gold in the late 1850s brought many from all over Guyana and lead to the formation of the British Guiana Mining Company, whose fortunes were sought in the rich Gold and Diamond fields of Guyana’s Highlands. Many hopeful miners travelled up the

Essequibo from Guyana’s coast to Bartica, which was founded by an Anglican missionary settlement in 1842 and established as a town by an ordinance in 1887. Bartica called the “Gateway of the interior” and named after the red earth common in the area, is a prime location where three great rivers, the Mazaruni, Cuyuni and Essequibo converge. The vast flood of the united waters of the three is borne on the bosom of the Essequibo, past her hundred isles, into the great basin of the Atlantic. It was necessary to establish some central depot from whence the gold industry could be regulated. A place where laborers could be registered, boats inspected and licensed, magistrates could adjudicate upon the gold disputes and Government officers’ could issue prospecting and other licenses. A place where a hospital for the sick could be established and a lockup for the disorderly, where the dead could be buried and the living entertained. Bartica was founded and was able to

meet all the requirements. Prospectors would stop at Bartica before continuing their journey up the unpredictable Essequibo and Potaro River, signaling the birth of the independent prospector, the “Pork knocker.” Earnings were never sufficient and hundreds of men in the villages found great difficulty in finding employment in the estates and in the towns. Gold mining became a lure for these men and they singly or in groups departed for the interior districts in search of gold. Most of these miners operated independently or in small partnerships as soon as they staked mining claims in the interior areas where they “panned” for gold in the rivers. Since much of their diet consisted of salted pork, they were labeled “porkknockers”. These independent, leathery and quiet men left the comforts of their homes for the inhospitable interior of Guyana armed with only a spade, battel and hope. They would spawn a tradition and way of life which is admired and still practiced today.

Many Pork Knockers would not return home until they had something substantial to validate for their long absence from wife and children. Homes were left for long periods without any support and mothers had to provide single handedly for the family as extended periods of 6 months or even a year would see homes fatherless. The ability of the Pork knocker to withstand adversities of the tropical jungle life mixed with his reputation for big spending, rum drinking and womanizing became legend. These men and their stories have generated a corpus of tales and even a mythology. They have found their way into folklore and because of their existence “in the bush” their lore is associated with other folk material and traditions that have come out of the traditions and superstitious beliefs of that environment. The pork knockers inspired the imagination of generations to write inspirational poems and books. These include the novel Black Midas by Jan Carew, an account of the legend of the famous pork knocker Ocean Shark. Educational Broadcast Corp. produced a remarkable presentation Up River through Guyana in 1993 which highlighted the search for the esteemed Pork knocker of Guyana. The shout of gold and diamond brought many others from the Caribbean Islands including Trinidad, St Lucia, Barbados, and Jamaica to Upper Essequibo. The gold town called Mahdia was established in 1884, by Africans after their emancipation. Most of them travelled from the county of Berbice and the East Coast of Demerara in search of gold. The British Consolidated Mining Company expanded the mining exploration in Mahdia and established Colonial Administrative offices. During this period Mahdia was only accessible by waterways. The resiliency of the small town of Mahdia to withstand the rigors of fortune seekers and the boom/bust mentality that comes with gold and diamond frontier town sees it still providing a comfortable rest stop and launching point for both the Gold, diamond Industry and Forestry today. The 1897 Demerara to Essequibo Railway between Wismar and Rockstone served the purpose of safe and reliable transport and access through Guyana’s 21 / EZ-VYBZ

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primeval forest to upper EssequiboPotaro gold fields. The calm and navigable Demerara River had the width and depth to allow ocean-going vessels up to Wismar and it provided access from Georgetown to this railway with transportation continuing from Rockstone via launches to Tumatumari and Potaro landing. Access up the mighty Essequibo River was a different matter. Navigation was very dangerous due to the many rapids and waterfalls. Many people drowned as they tried to navigate the torrent

Essequibo and boats capsized more often than not. All the three great rivers, which centre at Bartica, are sown with rapids, whose rocks, like the dragon of the Hesperides are ready to tear into pieces the rash intruder who attempts the golden fruit. In these dangerous passes many a life has fallen victim to the lust for gold. The Denham Suspension Bridge is still used by many including those who dare to venture into the heart of what is truly

the essence of Guyana and to experience its tumbling rivers and dense rainforests filled with extraordinary natural sights. The Potaro River alone is home to nine waterfalls including the Kaieteur Falls, where the 400-foot wide Potaro River plunges 741 feet downward from the Pakaraima Plateau and is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great waterfalls. The Bridge is a part of the National Trust and Heritage of Guyana and like many others, are worthy of celebration and preservation.

EZ-VYBZ SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2012

RE-MIGRANT HOUSING SCHEME

Housing Ministry’s

Re- Migrant Housing Scheme Benefits Guyanese Across the Globe

he distribution of 30,000 new house lots, a re-migrants’ housing scheme and other special programmes for young professionals and single persons are among some of the plans of the Ministry of Housing and Water for the next five years. More Guyanese will now have the chance to become homeowners as the Housing Ministry continues to intensify its housing drive and developmental initiatives under the East Bank Development Project, to include Guyanese living in the Diaspora. The Re-migrant Scheme and other such programmes were launched based on the demands the Housing Ministry has received from Guyanese across the globe, expressing their interest to re-migrate to their birth place. This scheme will be developed

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according to the highest international standards, in keeping with the most precise quality guidelines and will cater to persons interested in not only migrating but investing in their homeland. From the United States of America, to Canada, United Kingdom, Netherlands, the Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Trinidad and Tobago ,Barbados and Antigua or wherever the interest lies, Guyanese returning to be a part of this project can be assured that they will be beneficiaries of a country on the move, fast on its way to rapid economic development. This programme will bring great macro-economic opportunities for Guyana as the Ministry is working aggressively to have the lots completed. We remain humbled by our accomplishments and proud of the fact that every day we are

changing the lives of our people in a unique, yet nondiscriminatory manner. The first set of Re-migrant house lots were distributed during the Ministry’s “One-Stop-Shop” exercise, which coincided with the staging of the 2012 International Building Expo, held on July 6-8 2012, and the first set of allocations saw some 100 re-migrating families each were given opportunities to move their application process forward, and to pull their lots for the scheme which is to be located at Providence, East Bank Demerara. This allocation drive is in keeping with the government’s policy is to encourage Guyanese to return home and invest. Part of this process is government assisting with the provision of house lots for their settlement, and to encourage the remigration, which of course came

out of a high demand from people themselves wanting to re-migrate back home, especially after the recession and the economic crisis that those countries, especially the United States (U.S), would have undergone. Government has set aside 1000 house lots for this purpose, at the initial phase, we are looking to distribute 500 lots, a process that began in July of this year. We had approximately 100 persons responding to come here in July, and those are the persons we are accommodating. By the end of July, we would have (distributed) more than 100 lots, and more than 200 persons would have confirmed their attendance in August and the remainder in October. So we are hoping that, by November, we would have fully allocated these 500 lots. Despite this preparedness, however it is clear that more areas will have to be earmarked for this development, as more and more Guyanese have been expressing interest, and are ready to return home. The criteria for occupancy of the Remigrant Scheme are very different,whilst you are not allowed to own any other property in the country, there are also some other criteria, including…a minimum investment cost of a US$100,000 that you have to invest in your property, and there is also a higher cost for the lot, and the higher cost is basically also to facilitate a higher level of infrastructure. As the Minister of Housing and Water,

I would like to explain that the cost of the lot is reflective of the upgraded infrastructure, and there is no subsidy assigned to these allocations. In addition, the site chosen is in an ideal location, in relation to existing social infrastructure, amenities and businesses within the largest planning area. One of the allottees, Ms. Sabrena Lawrie, who has lived in St. Maarten for some 14 years, noted: “Home is always home, and we enjoy being back…and I see huge progress taking place in Guyana.” Another re-migrant, Mr. Joe Bhagwandat who has been living in New York, USA, said: “I am encouraged by what I am seeing in terms of development, which

you can see when you move around; and I want to make a contribution to my country.” We at the Ministry of Housing are therefore encouraging interested persons to visit the website, www.chpa.gov.gy and submit their application to initiate the assessment process. To apply for a Re-migrant House Lot : You must be Guyanese, must be 21 years or older, you must not be the owner of any property in Guyana and you must be ready to commence building within six months after allocation. So what are you waiting For...make the first step today!

EZ-VYBZ SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2012

HARPY EAGLE

The Harpy Eagle A Feathered Giant

By Waldyke ‘Wally’ Prince - Wildlife Biologist - Naturalist Guide

he largest eagle in the Americas and one of the largest and most powerful birds of prey in the world, the Harpy Eagle is often called the “Flying Wolf”. The bird of prey is so unique and an awe-inspiring sight, that the moment you lay your eyes on it, you will recognize it immediately. Its majestic crest of double band of grey crest feathers above a black chest band and pure white underbelly, truly gives it the formidable appearance. One of the characteristics of birds of prey is the sexual dimorphism between the males and females, whereby the females are much larger than the males,

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and for Harpy Eagle, the female can be nearly twice as large as the male, with a wingspan of around 8 feet. For its superb speed and maneuverability through the thick foliage of the rainforest, the Harpy Eagle possesses a shorter wingspan compared to other eagles. The most formidable feature on the eagle is it’s nearly half a foot long talons which protrudes from a foot that is as thick around as a man’s wrist. As such the Harpy Eagle is considered as the largest, strongest and most powerful raptor in the world, killing and eating close to 2 dozen species of birds, mammals and reptiles,

which includes; macaws, sloths, monkeys, armadillos, rodents, iguanas and even snakes. The male Harpies being of much smaller stature, hunts the smaller size preys, while the female normally hunts the bigger preys. Harpy Eagles are found in tropical lowland forests from southeastern Mexico through Central and South America to Paraguay and northern Argentina. It is listed as “Near Threatened” by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and appears on the “Red List” of threatened species maintained by the International

Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). This status was assigned to it due to extensive deforestation and habitat fragmentation throughout its range. In Guyana, the bird is hardly hunted or poached and when this does occur, the act is mainly committed by farmers who considered the birds as a threat to their poultry. Harpies are apex-predators and as such they are very important in regulating and stabilizing the populations of their preys. This raptor is a mainly a canopy predator and seems to hunt mainly from the edges of the forest, such as along the edges of ox-bow lakes and rivers, and aritficial man-made opening such as the edges of old mining sites. The bird uses the tall trees on the edges as a look-out point for observing preys before going into attack mode. Guyana, with its vast stretches of undisturbed rainforest, has one of the healthiest populations of Harpy Eagles. The Kanuku Mountains, a name given to this beautiful mountain range by the local Macushi and Wapishana language, which means ‘rich forest’, is a true testament to the spectacular biodiversity that inhabits the mountain range and its diverse foothills. The Kanuku Mountains, which is located in the Rupununi region, separates the savannas into the north and south savannas, is reputed to be the best stronghold for Harpy Eagles in Guyana and subsequently the whole Guianan Shield. Over the past few months they

were frequently seen in several primary forested areas in the country including the Rupununi region, Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve, and in the highland forested sections of Region #1. Active nests also are reported in the North, Central and South Rupununi regions. Traditionally, the Harpy Eagles are exhibited in the ceremonial headdresses of the indigenous chiefs and spiritual healers, which is mainly composed of the feathers from these majestic birds. This tradition is still practiced within the Wai-Wais traditional lifestyles in remote southern Guyana. The average Guyanese will only get to view Harpies in the Guyana Zoo, which houses some of these majestic birds. I have seen Harpies feeding on

sloth, agouti and iguanas within the Rupununi areas, and many skull and bone fragments of cebid monkeys at the base of the tree under their nest. Guyanese are very superstitious in many ways, and this can be attributed to our rich cultural diversity that is embedded within us from our various ancestors and cultural upbringing. Thus, for many kids growing up in the country-side of semi-rural areas, we were told that ‘the Harpy Eagle will come and fly away with you, if you misbehave and be disobedient or hard ears’, or the ‘wata-mumma will come and take you away’. I’m sure for many of us ‘countryside’ Guyanese, looking back in hindsight; these warning by our grandparents have truly enriched our lives. The vast richness of its wildlife and remoteness of Guyana’s many natural resources have drawn the attention over the years of many film makers to this beautiful land of ours, in the quest of finding and documenting our wildlife, our peoples and our culture. These documentaries have brought Guyana closer to the world through the eyes of filmmakers, in such films as; “ Flight of the Harpy Eagle” (1991), “A Dream for Guyana’s Natural Heritage” (1999), “White Diamond” (2004), “Kanauku, Mountain of Life” (2005), and “Lost Land of the Jaguar” (2008). Flight of the Harpy Eagle, a National Geographic documentary filmed in the Kanuku Mountains and produced in 1991, is truly a masterpiece, featuring the struggles of a Harpy Eagle in growing up, achieving awareness and ultimately independence.

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Rock View Lodge

ROCK VIEW LODGE - An Oasis in the Heart of Guyana’s Rupununi

An oasis in the heart of Guyana’s Rupununi

ock View is arguably one of the most relaxing and comfortable places to stay in the North Rupununi with a unique blend of people, culture, cuisine, art, agriculture and tour activities and a commitment to excellence. It is a family owned and operated business – the Edwards’ are a blend of Amerindian, Brazilian, British and Basque! Rock View stands as a proud example of Guyana’s brand of tourism at its best with its blend of heritage, skills, life experiences, local knowledge, social connections and personalities. Nestled between the Amerindian villages of Annai and Rupertee where the Pakaraima foothills meet the tropical rainforest, Rock View Lodge offers comfortable lodging, outdoor and cultural activities, authentic Amerindian hospitality, and access to everything else that central Guyana has to offer. The Iwokrama International Centre Field Research Station, the Canopy Walkway, the fourteen villages of the indigenous Makushi people, excellent birding locations and other resorts such as Karanambu Resort and Cattle Ranch are easily accessible from Rock View. The Lodge may be reached by air or road from Georgetown and Brasil (Boa Vista and Bon Fin). A daily delight is the stream of school children on foot or on bicycles who have right of way through Rock View on their way to the Annai Primary school at one end and the Annai Secondary School and Youth Learning Center of the Bina Hill Institute at the other. Neatly dressed with golden ribbons and uniform shirts, with options of slippers, socks and shoes or barefoot and picking up mangoes along the way, they salute you as they pass with polite good mornings, friendly smiles, giggles and chatter. Rock View grew famous when its only contact to the outside world was a weekly flight from the coast (“The Dakota”) to deliver supplies of beef, tobacco and peanuts. Guests can now have a beer, rum and swank, with appetizers, or even a barEZ-VYBZ / 28

b-q and enjoy darts and dominoes with the villagers in these more peaceful times. Rock View Lodge is managed by the owner, Colin Edwards, an Englishman who has been closely associated with Guyana since he came here as an agricultural volunteer in 1969. His love for the Guyanese interior, the arts and the people of both Guyana and Brasil may be seen in this unusual lodge and working farm which is both environmentally friendly and has a special relationship with the community development efforts of the surrounding Amerindian villages. The efficient and friendly staff is both members of the family as well as neighbours around Rock View. They are mostly trilingual, speaking a combination of English, Portuguese and their native Makushi language. Rock View Lodge is an integral partner with the local Amerindian community to build economic opportunities, provide professional development, preserve traditions, and improve a sustainable tourism infrastructure in Guyanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pristine interior. For tourists seeking a little taste of heaven, Rock View is your best option!

EZ-VYBZ SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2012

EZJET - DESTINATION TORONTO

Toronto

EZjet makes inaugural flight to

By: Melinda Bishundyal - Guyana Times

Sonny Ramdeo - CEO, EZjet Air Services

Zjet Air Services Incorporated inaugural flight to Toronto, Canada, took off Tuesday afternoon from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) with some 98 passengers. The flight was launched after a formal ceremony in the airport’s executive lounge. The Boeing 767-200 series aircraft has 218 seats. A return ticket to Canada costs US$650, while a one way ticket costs US$375. EZjet started its service to New York on December 16 last year. Since then, it has flown 300 flights in 3600 hours, and transported 31,000 passengers to and from Guyana.

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Owner of the aircraft Sonny Ramdeo said he is excited about the new undertaking, and aims to make Guyana a tourism destination through his service. He pointed out that EZjet has set a high standard of services, and he has every intention to maintain and possibly raise it. Acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali stated that discussions surrounding direct flights to and from Canada started months ago, and he is pleased that it has materialised. He claimed that the Tourism Ministry fully supports such a venture as it will help to boost the tourism industry, and open up great potential. “This will allow us to compete strategically with other markets in the Caribbean that attract potential tourists,” said the minister. “The average growth in the airline industry projects four to five per cent annually over the next 15 years. And the traffic in Latin American and

Caribbean islands is expected to triple by 2030,” Ali added. He further challenged EZjet to invest in an aircraft that will provide direct flights to Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados and back. The minister claimed that whilst the government is happy about EZjet’s moment, it continues to aggressively seek after other airlines. According to him, Guyana has the potential to dominate the tourism sector in the Caribbean. Meanwhile, Transport Minister Robeson Benn lauded Ramdeo for seeing it fitting to return to his country of birth and provide a service that will develop Guyana through tourism. He added that the low fares are a blessing to Guyanese who could not afford travelling to the north in the past. He also praised the quality of service the airline offers.

EZ-VYBZ SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2012

WHY CHOOSE TORONTO

A Gala night to celebrate the Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival - www.hadaball.com

Why Choose Toronto Upcoming Caribbean Diaspora Events

By Krystyne James - B.A Hons, University of Toronto

oronto is the largest city in Canada and the capital of the province of Ontario. It`s a relatively modern city and its history dates back to the late 18th century. It has grown to become one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top financial centres. With a diverse population of over 2.6 million residents, Toronto has become the cultural and entertainment capital of Canada. Toronto`s main attribute is that it consists of such a diverse and multicultural population. Every part of the city has different characteristic that has come to define what Toronto is all

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about. Within one city, you`ll find tastes of different countries, like Chinatown, little Italy, little Portugal, little Jamaica, to list a few. You will also find a wide variety of restaurants that will allow you to have a unique experience that caters to savoury ethnic flavours mixed with a hint of Canadian spice. The summer season in Toronto, is probably one of the most enjoyable seasons throughout the year. With great weather and many tourist attractions, it`s easy to get an idea of why people chose Toronto as a vacation destination. As a tourist, you can enjoy special events, you

can explore city museums and cultural centres, and you can shop in downtown`s underground walkway. Also, due to the fact that Toronto has a high Caribbean Diaspora, there are many events that will allow for a great lime in the city. One of the most popular events catering to the Caribbean Diaspora is Caribana, officially known as, the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto, which is an exciting three week cultural explosion that is filled with Caribbean music, cuisine, and visual and performing arts. This year, will be Caribana`s 45th anniversary and looks to be bigger and

Macomere Fifi – www.harbourfrontce ntre.com

better than ever. The Carnival opens up with the Annual Gala, sponsored by El Dorado Rum, on Friday July 27th, 2012. This is an evening event that takes place at the Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex and begins at 5:30pm in the evening and lasts until 2:00am in the morning. Tickets cost $160.00 CAD per individual. However, it is well worth the price. It is here where you can experience fine Caribbean cuisine, signature beverages, carnival music and arts at its best through a magnificent dinner program showcasing costumed masqueraders.

Attendees are able to mingle and network with sponsors, donors, partners and special guests, as well as, participate in fundraising activities, silent auction and sale of swag bags in support of a charitable cause. The next main event is the Calypso Monarch Finals. This event takes place on Saturday, July 28th, 2012 at the PC HO Cultural Centre. At this event, one can enjoy performances by male and female Calypsonian competitors who have made the final cut after several weeks of performances from the Calypso Tent Series. The performers are competing for the annual Monarch crown. On Tuesday, July 31st, 2012 from 3-5pm at the 3rd Terminal of Pearson International Airport, visitors to Toronto are welcomed to attend the Toronto Pearson Official Launch. This event is free to attend and all attendees will have a chance to experience Caribbean entertainment along with great Caribbean food. If that isn’t enough Caribbean flavour for you, then you can move to Harbour Front Centre for the Calypso All Stars Showcase, where there will be a showcase of the high energy performers who have made the cut in the Calypso Monarch Finals. The Calypso STARS Showcase is

celebrating its 30 years of calypso this year. Singers premiere their latest works and sing on a wide range of topics that reveal the heartbeat of life in the city’s diverse Caribbean community, the sounds, rhythms and cadences that evoke this community’s past and sense of hope for the future. They will be performing at the Harbour Front stage. Visitors can then enjoy extravagant performances of the Kings and Queens of the bands along with individual Calypsonian competitors at the King and Queen Competition and Show, Presented by Chevrolet. This event takes place at the Allan Lamport Stadium on August, 2nd, 2012. Ticket prices range from $30.00 CAD to $100.00 CAD, but it is a night to remember. The audience has the opportunity to appreciate the talent and artistic skill of the designers and costume builders. A special prize will also be awarded for the best environmental use of material in a costume, courtesy of The Ontario Science Centre. The main event, that attracts hundreds of thousands of tourist from the US and around the world, which many visitors to Toronto is well aware of, is the Grand Parade. This is the highlight of the Caribana event and it takes place on Saturday, August 4th, 2012, where 33 / EZ-VYBZ

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everybody comes together on the street. During the parade, thousands of colourfully costumed masqueraders and dozens of trucks carrying live artists playing rippling rhythms and melodies of Calypso, Soca, Reggae, Hip Hop, Chutney, Steel Pan, Brass Bands and Salsa blast the streets to the delight of hundreds of thousands of onlookers. The parade begins at 10am and ends at 6pm and takes place along Lake Shore Blvd in downtown, Toronto. This is the place to be, if you want your Caribbean fix! If you`re into the nightlife scene, you`ll be happy to know that there has been a new event added to the list of excitement during the two weeks of the Caribana Carnival. Beyond the Lime – Fish Friday and Jòuvert takes place on Friday August 3rd and Saturday, August 4th, 2012. The event begins with the preparation of Fish dishes on site from 10pm-3am and is then followed by the J`ouvert from 5am-9am. If you think you can jam all night long, then this is the lime for you! If you are looking for a full day lime that the whole family can enjoy without having to venture all the way downtown, you may be interested in checking out the 3rd Annual Chutney In De Park Guyanese & Trini Family Picnic, which takes place on Sunday, August 5th, 2012 at Bella Gardens, where you can enjoy the cultures, food and music (steel pan and chutney soca music) of Trinidad and Guyana. This is an all ages event and takes place from 1pm to 11pm. Tickets range from $15-$20 CAD. If this isn`t the scene of your taste, you might feel more at home at the Beyond the Lime event that takes place on Sunday August 5th, 2012 from 12pm to 9pm at Polson Pier. This is the place to be, as many talented artists will be performing. Not only will there be live performances, but also a wide variety of Caribbean dishes to chose from. Artists to be attending the event are Iwer George, Orlando Octave, Trevor B, Lavaman amongst many other Caribbean artists. This is a taste of the Caribbean that will have you riveting with great excitement. Last, but not least, the Caribana Carnival ends off with a Closing Festival Church Service. This will take place on Sunday August 12, 2012 at 4:30pm at the St. James Cathedral located in the heart of downtown Toronto. This is a new event, where thanks is given to all of the festival EZ-VYBZ / 34

sponsors, donors, partners, participants and audiences for their support. This is a church service that you won`t want to miss. Toronto is the place to be, if you

want a taste of the Caribbean with a modern twist. These are only a few of the events that are scheduled to take place during the weeks of the Caribana Festival, of which are geared to a more family oriented audience. However, there are many other events that will have you jamming for two whole exciting weeks, ranging from a night in a club to a day of food and entertainment in the park. Regardless, Toronto is the ideal destination for vacationers, for not only can visitors enjoy the blazing rhythms of the Caribbean during the Caribana Festival, but visitors can also enjoy a relaxing walk on the Lakeshore or a nice boat cruise along the Harbour. Visitors can also enjoy attending events that will allow them to experience fun that is more Canadian in nature, as there are many events that take place at the Rogers Centre, which is one of Toronto`s largest stadiums that can hold up to 50,000 people, or they can be more risky and take a ride on the CN tower, which provides visitors with a chance to see the beautiful skyline of the city of Toronto. With the great weather, the many tourist attractions, and the fabulous sounds of the Caribbean of the Caribana festival, and the kind, hospitable service that Canadians provide to their guests, there would be no competition when it comes to choosing Toronto, as the ideal place to go for a vacation. By Krystyne James, (U. Toronto) Social Media and Account Manager Toronto, Ontario

Monarch Finals – PC HO Cultural Centre - www.caribbeanlife.ca

EZ-VYBZ SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2012

VICTORIA VILLAGE

Celebrating

Victoria Village I

f your travel along Guyana’s coastline today you will see that it is dotted with many villages from Buxton to Bachelors Adventure and stretching as far as Corentyne. Many of these villages are visible landmarks representing not just the vibrant life of Guyana today but also of the pioneering spirit and ideals of women and men who are truly legendary. About 200 years ago the coastland of Guyana (British Guiana as it was then known) was a dreary landscape of sugar plantations upheld by the exploitative, inhumane system of slavery of people of African ancestry. In the 1800’s the slave labourers on these plantations were regarded as no more than chattelsproperty to be sold and transferred. But slavery was given a death knell with the passage of the Emancipation Act on August 1, 1834. Soon after freed African men and women began to work towards the creation of a truly free society and to triumph over the humiliation and indignities they had endured and suffered with plantation life. It is out of these harsh circumstances that in 1839, 83 men and women emerged, purchased a plantation, and created a movement that is immortalised in Guyana’s history and its landscape.

The Purchase The pioneers of the village movement included 83 persons from the plantation estates of Douchfour, Anns Grove, Hope, Paradise and Enmore. Together, they pooled the sum of $6000.00 as a down payment on the purchase price of $10,000 for the purchase of Plantation Northbrook. Among the purchasers and new land owners there were several women including Maria Grant, Belinda Hopkinson, Catherine Thom, Betty EZ-VYBZ / 36

By J. Ayana McCalman - Attorney-at-law

The Village Movement began with the purchase of Plantationn Northbrook in 1839 Illustrated by Barrington Braithwaite

William, Molly Archy and Hanna Porter. The full participation of women in this purchase is of no small significance, especially because at the time women in British Guiana were still accorded subordinate status and not even given the right to stand for election or the right to vote. The purchase was made on November 7, 1839 from money which the pioneers had saved from their meagre savings during the time of apprenticeship (between 1834-1838) and from the sale of produce which they farmed on meagre grounds.

The story is told that the initial down payment of $6000 in coins money was placed in wheel barrows which the purchasers eagerly pushed through the streets of Georgetown to where the money had to be deposited. A promissory note was made for the balance which the landowners paid off in three weeks! Considering that the balance of the purchase price would have been an enormous debt at the time, it is true testimony to the entrepreneurial spirit of these women and men that they repaid the sum in full within one month! The ownership of the land was

now divided to the 83 owners each being given a lot and the village was renamed ‘Victoria’. There appears to be no surviving written record of how or from whom the name of the village was derived. Historians have indicated that a petition was made to Queen Victoria requesting use of the royal name for the village. Some also suggest that the name ‘Victoria’ symbolises the victory of African slaves from slavery and their move towards independence.

Village Life There are many interesting and insightful accounts of life in the village of Victoria after the purchase. William Nicholas Arno in his book ‘History of Victoria Village’ writes: “In May, 1845, six years after the purchase, the owners agreed to a number of regulations for the proper management of the estate which is among the first attempts at a code of Local Government in Guyana.” This pioneering move at local government was recorded in a document titled “Agreement Entered into by the Following Persons in the Name and on Behalf of Themselves and the Other

Proprietors of Victoria Village for the Good Regulation and General Benefit of Said Estate.” The 20th Article makes for remarkable reading and insight into the village and reads in part: “…calling to mind our happy condition and comparing it with our past state of degradation, we have determined in gratitude to our Almighty Father to erect two buildings which shall be used and devoted to the purposes of Religion as a School House and a Church where our children may be taught to read their Bibles and learn their several duties, and where we may from time to time assemble and meet together and there offer up to Almighty God our humble prayers and thanks for the mercies we have received…” A village council was formed in 1892 after the passage of the Local Government Ordinance.

Mr. Arno writes: “Commendable it is to record that administration of the Council over the long period of years has never been impeded by serious conflicts among the councillors. As a matter of fact, Victoria Village earned the reputation of being a

most peaceful place in which to live.” The village flourished in the areas of culture, economy and education. The village had pioneered not just in establishing the village but a cooperative spirit. The church referred in the village agreement was to be constructed in 1845 as the first church in the villageWilberforce Congregational Church- which was named after one of the prominent abolitionists who worked for the liberation of enslaved people. The church remains today and is the process of being re-built, albeit with a concrete structure. The village launched a fishing industry and other economic pursuits in coconut (used in the manufacture of oil), pig and poultry rearing, and ground provision including plantains, cassava, and bananas. The ground provision produce was sold at what developed as a vibrant village market at the railway junction line. Education was recognised as an important tool in sustaining the peace and discipline of village life. It was regarded as compulsory that every child of school age attend school regularly and punctually. William African Baptiste popularly known then as ‘Boss Africa’ was the first school master of the village at a school carried on by the Wilberforce Church. In 1881 Boss Africa passed away at the ripe

First Church in Victoria Wilberforce Congregation Church (as under construction today). Photo credit: Raquel Thomas- Caesar, May 2012

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EZ-VYBZ SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2012

young age of 92. A tablet was laid in his memory at the Wilberforce Church. In a true spirit of cooperative villagers were expected to clean and dig trenches to drain the land, to construct roads and dams and repair them as necessary. Discipline was the hallmark of the village. The agreement for good regulation of the village also included a disciplinary code. “There was to be no fighting, cursing, or gambling. Drunkenness was abhorred.” “Anyone found committing these calumnies was required to pay a fine of one shilling (24 cents)”.

The Victoria Legacy The purchase of Victoria inspired many other freed Africans to continue the village movement which had now begun in full. In 1840 another plantation along the coast-New Orange Nassau- renamed Buxton was purchased. This followed with the purchase and establishment of other villages along the coast including Friendship, Golden Grove, Plaisance,

Belladrum, Nabaclis and Litchfield. In 1840 as well there were villages established along the West Coast of Berbice through the purchase of estates including Golden Grove, St. John, E/2 of Perserverance; then Zuid Holland, Pleyt Anker and ZuidAanVleyt on the Canje; Fyrish on the Corentyne River and The Three Sisters on the Berbice River. Victoria has also made many contributions to the development of Guyana through its scholars, teachers, artists, and farmers. There is much more to be told of the legacy of Victoria and two its living prominent sons include Professor Harold Lutchman (a foundation member of the Board of Trustees of the Caribbean Court of Justice representing the Caribbean Congress of Labour); and Ian Ivor Thom, an artist and sculptor whose works are exhibited in many countries of the word as well as Guyana with the production of the Damon Monument honouring the slave leader Damon which was erected in Anna Regina, Essequibo. The purchase of Victoria village inspired not just a movement of people

but ushered in a unique historical movement and settlement of people in Guyana that transformed the landscape of Guyana from oppressive plantations to living village oases teeming with vibrant culture and hope. The story of the purchase of Victoria village holds many lessons of the imagination and creativity entrepreneurial spirit, cooperation and perseverance. Victoria has also continued its pioneering spirit with the unique initiation of a village Indaba (conference) first held in 2010 to reflect, share dialogue, initiatives and ideas for the restoration and progressive development of the village. The 3rd Indaba will be held July 28- August 5, 2012. On August 1 Guyana celebrates Emancipation (Freedom) Day with a national public holiday. So if you’re in Guyana whether as a history buff looking for old landmarks or consummate tourist with camera in hand, join the village celebrations and cast your mind back to the village that inspired a transformation of life in Guyana.

EZ-VYBZ SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2012

Cricket Caribbean Style in North America

Cricket Caribbean Style in North America Destination USA! Destination Cricket! By John L. Aaron - Director: Marketing and Corporate Training KINGSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE Office of Continuing Education, City University of New York

ot! Hot! Hot! Cricket, lovely hot cricket! It was that and more in Lauderhill, Florida last month, as the West Indies hosted the New Zealand Blackcaps for two T20 international matches on neutral territory at the Central Broward Regional Park stadium, in Lauderhill, Florida. It was the first time the two EZ-VYBZ / 40

International Cricket Council (ICC) Full Members had clashed away from their respective home bases. It was a colorful, festive and jamming weekend of FANtastic easy vibes for many Caribbean nationals in the North American Diaspora and for many of the West Indian players; it was like playing at home; yet away from home. The jam packed stadium located just

outside of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida rocked behind the West Indies XI, particularly with the return of Chris Gayle the contemporaneous cricketing hero of the West Indies and the Indian Premier League (IPL). The colorful and exciting fans in the stadium had a lot to celebrate, in addition to the return of Gayle to the Windies line-up. It was the first time at

the stadium that the neighboring West Indies cricket team had engaged another Test-playing nation and before a largely partisan Windies crowd. With banners unfurled and heralding the participating nations of the Windies team as well as individual players, and the sounds of drums, whistles, conch shells, and anything that served as a noisemaker, the festive patrons of the cricketing Diaspora let their voices be heard in cheering on their West Indies. And the Windies players did not disappoint with every six that was struck out of the ball park, bringing them closer and closer to two awesome victories over the New Zealand XI in as many days. If one was not familiar with the surroundings outside the stadium grounds, one would certainly imagined being in any one of the Caribbean island grounds or Providence national stadium in Guyana. However, in this case, cricket Caribbean style had been transported to North America, with all its revelry, pomp and pom-poms, fours and sixes, flags and banners, rhythms and rum, pan and vibes, short shorts and short sleeve shirts, lounge chairs, sun, with the surf not too far away, and a tropical atmosphere enough to tan the New Zealand players even before they stepped onto the pitch in 95+ degrees of Florida heat. The Blackcaps had to contend with the Florida heat and the heat off the willows of the Windies batsmen, as Gayle and company delighted the crowd with boundary after boundary in true calypso cricket style, so reminiscent of the 70s. With so many in attendance and nostalgically enjoying cricket under the blue skies with memories of the heat of a Caribbean sunshine accompanied by a brilliant breeze, and the ambiance of Caribbean cricket so eloquently described in Paul Keens-Douglasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tribute to Tante Merle wanting to go back to the Oval, it was the perfect environment of some very hot, hot cricket, Caribbean style in North America. Destination USA and Cricket Destination USA, was made so much easier with the West Indies agreeing to treat its North American fans to an appetite wetter of cricket Caribbean style thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only a flight away from reality, whether in North America, Guyana or the Caribbean. Photos courtesy of Shiek Mohamed/ www.newyorkcricket.com 41 / EZ-VYBZ

EZ-VYBZ SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2012

NATIONAL ART GALLERY - Castellani House

‘Guyana’ 19 64 by

Aubrey Willia

The National Gallery of Art

Castellani House

he National Gallery was inaugurated in May 1993, with the opening of its premises, Castellani House, on the corner of Vlissengen Road and Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown, adjacent to the Botanic Gardens. The gallery building, previously known as the ‘Residence’, was renamed after its architect, Cesar Castellani, a Maltese

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By Elfrieda Bissember - Director / Curator National Gallery of Art Castellani House

architect, who designed the structure in the late 19th century. The house was originally built as a residence for Samuel George Jenman, Government Botanist and Superintendent of Gardens, its construction taking place between 1879 and 1882. It served as the residence for successive directors of Agriculture until the early 1960s when the upper floors

were renovated for use as the Public Service Training Centre. From 1965 the building became the official residence of Prime Minister Forbes Burnham and his family until his death in 1985. Opening on the 24th May 1993, the National Gallery houses the National Collection of Art, and is the premier site for the presentation of the visual arts

of Guyana. Most particularly, the main role of the gallery is the display, storage and preservation, promotion and documentation of the National Collection, a historical collection of art works spanning the 19th to the 21st century, purchased with state funds for the people of Guyana from 1961. A fine art collection (of mainly paintings and sculpture, with some ceramics and works on paper), it represents the best of Guyanese art and artists, holding works from the leading and less well known artists of the current

and recent generations, representing the high quality and range of their output, as well as works of historical or other artistic significance to Guyana’s art history. Acquisitions of this nature are a key part of the gallery’s mission, to

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Inset Image - ‘Whistling Palm II’ 2009 by Winslow Craig1

extend and perpetuate the collection by the selection of works celebrating and expressing Guyanese life, culture and achievement through visual art. The works themselves reflect a range of styles and genres, from the traditional landscapes of country and city scenes by the art pioneers of the early twentieth century such as ER Burrowes, Hubert Moshett and others; to the experiments in abstraction (non-realism) of the second generation of artists such as Aubrey Williams, Stanley Greaves, Donald Locke and Ron Savory; and the singular works of their near contemporary, the self-taught visionary Philip Moore, filled with elements of modern art practice in colour, design and form yet with highly individual interpretations of his perceptions and life experience. Other forms of abstract-realistic expression are found in the works of younger self-taught artists such as sculptors Gary Thomas and Winston Strick, working in wood and leather respectively,while those of women pioneers, such as Marjorie Broodhagen and Stephanie Correia, display a range of painting techniques and research into form, method and meanings in Amerindian culture and art through ceramics and painting. Later artists have similarly developed their distinctive interpretation of subject matter and symbolism, such as Bernadette Persaud, Maylene Duncan and Betsy Karim, even as Winslow Craig and Carl Anderson, both emerging from the Burrowes School of Art, founded in Georgetown in 1975, have also achieved highly skilled forms of expression in painting and sculpture,of tremendous impact and influence at the end of the century. These works are presented through public events and functions including special exhibitions focusing on individual artists or chosen themes, and additionally lectures and symposia among other

EZ-VYBZ SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2012

‘The Guardian Spirits’ 1984 by Stephanie Corriea.

‘Hiri’ (bird) 1999 by Oswald Hussein

events, offering insights into artists’ creative processes and opportunities for discussion. Indeed the gallery’s secondary role is significantly the promotion of contemporary artists, that is, artists working today in Guyana, who are able to apply for exhibitions and, once accepted by a gallery exhibitions committee, show their work in an event organized and presented in all its aspects by the gallery itself. The gallery has also been recognised as a centre for the arts through its presentation of events such as book launchings, poetry readings, video and feature films and slide shows and lectures,

in its nearly two decades of existence. Apart from organizing and presenting exhibitions abroad, it has also worked with foreign missions in Guyana to show the art and culture of other countries,in particular India, Brazil, Canada, the United States and Russia.Additionally it has hosted and administered national art competitions, namely two biennial competitions in drawing and watercolour, begun in 1996, both funded by sponsorship from two of Guyana’s leading banking institutions. Castellani House continues to serve as a meeting place and contact point for the artists’ community, their works,

‘Market Happening’ 1999 by Maylene Duncan

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‘Spirit Guides’ 1974-78 by Philip Moore

and the public.Finally,special exhibitions such as those for regional events such as CarifestaX (the Caribbean Festival of Creative Arts) in 2008 and the planned Inter-Guianas Festival, and for national events and holidays such as Mashramani and Independence anniversaries, further continue to provide the National Gallery with the opportunity to celebrate Guyana’s national identity through the valuable works of its visual artists.

By Elfrieda Bissember, Director, National Gallery and Curator, National Collection of Art

Schoolboy looks at Macushi artist George Tancredo’s Miniature Amerindian village in balata

GUYANA DINING GUIDE

Guyana Dining Guide Buddy’s Mei Tung Restaurant

137 Sheriff Street, Georgetown 231-4100 Buddy’s Mei Tung Restaurant is one of Guyana’s leading Chinese restaurants and provides over 150 tasty selections of Chinese cuisine.

German’s Restaurant

Lot 8 New Market & Mundy Sts, Georgetown T: (592) 225 3972 | (592) 227 0079 Home of the traditional Guyanese soup, renowned for the best creole food in town. The secret recipe has been a Guyanese tradition for generations.

Jerries Snackette - Waterloo Street

T: 592 227-5701 For tasty pastries, cakes, Bar-b-que, pizzas and local juices. We also have a well stock bar.

Roti Hut

18 North Road & Albert Street, Georgetown T: (592) 225 7431, (592) 227 3802 | F: (592) 226 8671 French breads & Indian cuisines, tennis rolls, cakes and pastry, juices and ice cream.

The City Mall Food Court

Camp & Regents Sts. T:592 225-6644 Creole, International & local cuisine. At the Food court we caters for all our customers to have the best dining experience.

Wind Jammer International Cuisine

27 Queen Street, Kitty, Georgetown T: (592) 227 7478 Wind Jammer International offers local foods such as roti and curry chicken/beef/pork, stewed vegetables along with rice, local soups and local juices. 45 / EZ-VYBZ

EZ-VYBZ SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2012

TREASURES OF GEORGETOWN

Georgetown The treasures of

By Ann Hamiliton - Dagron Tours International

tour of the city is a must, as it leads to understanding the melting pot that is Guyana, influenced as it has been over the centuries by the European way of life, coupled with African, Indian, Amerindian and Chinese cultures and traditions. Georgetown today is a magical blend of beautiful 19th century, well preserved wooden buildings, with Dutch, French and English influences and architecture, tree lined avenues, pulsating markets, lush parks and gardens packed with colourful birds, temples, churches and mosques that co-exist side by side, teeming with welcoming townspeople. Georgetown became a capital city when the French proclaimed the need for a capital for the region. The core of the city, called Long champs, was firmly established. The Dutch continued construction and development of the city which they named Stabroek until the English took power in 1803, renaming it George Town after King George 1V. Many Dutch and French names abound in the city and its environs. Werk en Rust, Stabroek, Bourda, Bel Air or La Penitence in the city mirror the names of plantations such as Beterverwagting, Nooitgedacht, De Kinderen in Dutch and Versailles, Mon Repos, Sans Souci, Chateau Margot in French and many more. The dam building capabilities of the Dutch are evident in the layout of the city in rectangular grids, wide canals and Kokers and Sluices , and the sea wall, which started as a dam and was transformed into a protective wall to control the tides of the Atlantic ocean and avoid flooding of the low lying, fledgling city. The British had the road building capability. It was they who presented Guiana and Georgetown with its first road, now called High street. As the long strip of road extended north to south, Werk en Rust was added, and soon everywhere the British established towns and wards at the site of the plantations. We start our tour at the site of the EZ-VYBZ / 46

French Fort Le Dauphin in Kingston, which was later renamed by the Dutch Fort William Frederick. Down the road is the lighthouse – a magnificent structure built by the British in 1830 with a controlling view of the Demerara River and of Georgetown. Turn left and you’ll see one of the operational sluices used to protect the city from tidal waters and is still controlled manually today. The Dutch are credited for this engineering feat inspired by the sluices and dams of Amsterdam (the Netherlands) to the left is a superb building set in a massive ground with a beautiful three-storied building which retains jalousies, steep roofs surrounded by old Egyptian palms. It is the Anglican Bishop’s residence named after the first Anglican Bishop William Austin in 1842. Across the street, Red House twinkles in the sunlight. Cheddi Jagan lived here and so did many legislative councils of British Guiana. Today it is a research centre. Entering Main Street and you’ll see the Prime Minister’s Residence, a superb 19th century wooden building, then State House, the official residence of the President. State House was built in 1843 and was occupied t by the colony’s governors. See the 100 windows which surround the building. Next door is the Walter Roth Museum of Amerindian culture, named after the famed anthropologist -. Today it remains an exhibition house for Amerindian artifacts relating to these first settlers. These buildings are decorated with ‘Demerara shutters’, which were fashionable and useful 150 years ago. Before, the residents would place blocks of ice on the window sills to cool off. Yes, ice was regularly imported at high cost from the cold regions of Canada and the American territories to ease the lives of government officials and the business elites. Turn left to the promenade gardens and Parade ground. Here, well maintained grounds remind of the long period of slavery in Guyana. This very location was

e - Kingston

The Light Hous

The Chedd i Ja

gan Researc

The Austain House

h Centre (R ED HOUSE

- Kingston

)

The Umana Yana - Kingston

The Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology

The Prime Minister’s Residence

Stabroek Market

The City Hall

the execution ground for rebellious and runaway slaves. With emancipation came indentureship and the arrival of Indians with religions and customs born in Asia and the Middle East. Hindu devotees will find a memorial at the entrance of the gardens .A statue of Mahatma Ghandi can be found within the gardens. The High Court (formerly Victoria Law Courts built in 1889) is monumental in yellow and red while City Hall (1887) is an exuberant phantasmagoria of blue and white. Close by is the bustling – cast iron Stabroek market (1881) surrounded by traders, shoppers, taxis, and dray carts in a well orchestrated cacophony that only

The Kingston Seawall

diminishes when parliament (1834) is in session. Bourda Market caters for those herbal addicts looking for foot itch relief, “capadula” as a back remedy and flu medicine. St. George’s Cathedral 6(1892) which is reputedly the tallest wooden church in the world, St. Andrews Kirk (1813), the oldest church in Georgetown and the Cathedral of the Immaculate conception (1931) , a massively impressive concrete structure, are other must see sites. Many temples and mosques dot the city confirming the religious tolerance that is palpable in this city of many creeds. The Botanical Gardens beckon at the end of bustling Regent Street. This is an oasis of tranquility with the manatee pond

St Georges Cathedral

close by and the crowded zoo. Here is also the resting place of Forbes Burnham, Guyana’s first Prime Minister. Join us on our daily city tours. Discover much more. See the Banks DIH compound, visit the DDL rum distillery, the national museum, the national library, Castellani House museum of fine arts, The Eve Leary compound and the massive new buildings such as GBTI headquarters and the American and Chinese Embassies as well as the traditional troolie edifice, the Umana Yana. See you soon in exciting Georgetown. Dagron Tours International 91 Middle Street, Georgetown 47 / EZ-VYBZ

EZ-VYBZ SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2012

JAMZONE 2012 - The Review

Jamzone 2011 The Review By Tivia Collins

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othing was more anticipated than the month of August, 2011,with ten days earmarked for the biggest entertainment package in Guyana. The promoters and patrons were ready to provide and enjoy the highest level of action in the country. And so it began… Jamzone 2011 kicked off with the well-attended T20 championship at the Guyana National Stadium, which saw four teams, the Georgetown Pitbulls, the Berbice Titans, the New Line Cavilers and the Hits and Jams All Stars, competing for the championship title. Cricketers such as Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo and Ramnaresh Sarwan were among the international line up of the teams. These games came to a smashing end on August 14th with the underdogs, the Berbice Titans,emerging as the champions. Not a big cricket fan (like myself)? No problem, there were other events to make up for that! Three nights in particular come to mind…When you think about memorable live performances for 2011, you should automatically go to the Bollywood, International and Regional nights of Jamzone, 2011 (not necessarily in that order). August 13th was specifically designed for the ladies in mind. American R&B Superstar Trey Songz was set to headline the International night with rapper, Eve. Though we haven’t heard much new music from Eve, those old hits were just as good. Just imagine a packed stadium spitting the verses of tracks like “Who’s that girl” and the very popular “Love is blind”. The energy increased when sexy Trey took that microphone. All the ladies were star struck, while the fell as tried to keep it cool, as they too rocked to songs like “Neighbours know my name”, “One love” and “Can’t be friends”. The night was especially made for a special young lady who was called on stage by Trey for a jaw dropping, performance (Let’s leave it at that). August 19th was the night of dancehall. Movado performed for over an hour at the Guyana National Stadium, dropping hit after hit from his wide collection of popular music. The night lived as the Gully God showed why he is the force to be reckoned with in the dancehall industry. The Bollywood lovers also had a treat like no other. Superstar Shilpa

Shetty made a special appearance at the Bollywood night on August 20th, with Karma Band who dominated the stage with other local acts. (On a side, I think Karma band members should be given honorary Guyanese citizenship, since they are always here because we love them.) For those who preferred quieter evenings with dinner and performances, Jamzone 2011 had two events with you in mind. Sidewalk café was filled to capacity as Hits and jams Entertainment unveiled their first ever Jamzone Night of Jazz, Food and Fashion on August 15th. The audience enjoyed Jazz music, sumptuous local and international cuisines and an exotic fashion show which featured some of the leading minds in the industry. Local songstresses Jackie Hanover and

Lisa Punch, known for their melodious vocals, were the highlight of the evening, along with the Miss Jamzone delegates who displayed exotic pieces. The Hits and Jams team also hosted a black tie event on the 18th August, where attendees participated in an auction of memorabilia brought by each delegate from their individual countries. The children were not left out of the 2011 Jamzone activities, as the YMCA playground was filled with laughter and cheers from kids of all ages. From swings, to merry-go-rounds, jugglers to mechanical bull rides, the day was for no child to miss. For most, the highlight of the day was a special Matinee show with favourite cartoon characters including Spiderman, Barney, Dora and Spongebob 49 / EZ-VYBZ

EZ-VYBZ SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2012

(my favourite). The day was magical for everyone who attended. Of course, Jamzone would be incomplete without its historical Beach Jam/Jamzone International Pageant, which is the last day of planned activities. Thousands flocked the Splashmins fun park to enjoy the final day of the Jamzone activities. More importantly, the final day ended with the finals of the Miss Jamzone International Pageant where 11 delegates from across the Caribbean competed for the crown. Miss Trinidad and Tobago, Davia Chambers, was crowned Miss Jamzone International while Miss Guyana, Jovan Wilson, copped the first runner up title. Riding on the success of the 2011 Jamzone Summer Break, the question on everyone’s mind is: ‘what will Hits and Jams do next?’ Well, let me reassure you that all the events of 2011 are coming again, with that one, two (1,2) flare. From August 17-26, Guyana will live! The Master’s Cup is back on the list of events, with the defending champions ready to maintain their title. The Chutney and Regional Nights promise to be worth the time, with names such Baby Cham, Bounty Killer and Movado all lined up for the Regional Night and D-Hitman, Beemerz Band and (of course) Karma Band set for the Chutney night. The Boss, Rick Ross has been confirmed for the International night, with more names to be added,so keep those fingers crossed, because after Ne-Yo and Trey,Hits and Jams can only come bigger!

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Get ready kids, because you will be in da zone this year with two full days of Kid Zone. One will be a fun day and the other a special matinee show. I know I will not be missing that…. Look out for the night of Jazz, fashion and food, which has been fused with the black tie/auction event. We will also get to meet the lovely Caribbean delegates at the National Cultural Centre for the crowning of the new Queen of the Miss Jamzone International Pageant. I know many of you have your favourite contestants, I just hope that the crown is finally home…. The curtains will close once again at the Splashmins fun park with the ultimate beach jam! So, get your swim wear and summer bodies set for this day of fun and excitement, the Hits and Jams way (the best way). There is nothing more patriotic than supporting your own, and Jamzone

Summer Break is we own! So, check out the event schedule, be apart of as many activities as you can andletJamzone 12 live up to its name! Here is to ten days of the best days of your Jamzone life!

EZ-VYBZ SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2012

TRINIDAD - The Journey Through Paradise

Trinidad

The Journey Through Paradise By Tivia Collins

ne of my best friends finally decided to stop touching the ground and board a plane to a destination outside the walls of her home country. After a series of deliberations regarding possible destinations, it was decided, Trinidad would be the island of choice. Nestled in the Caribbean Sea, Trinidad is the most southern of Caribbean islands with a generally moderate climate of an average of 30°C. Its cultural history is unique to the Caribbean since it is a multi-ethnic island that celebrates every part of the dynamic culture through dance and music. The island is famously known for its Steel Band instrument and Soca music and, of course, Carnival which is the biggest celebration on the island every year. These facts led my friend to question what other activities be done on the island and that is the question I will answer in this article, for I believe there is much more to this island than is seen. So, take a comfortable plane ride with me on EZjet, across the Caribbean Sea to the sweet sweet island of Trinidad. It is only acceptable (by my unwritten laws of island customs) that a visit to Trinidad starts with a day in the town. Whether you wish to go sight-seeing or you wish to shop, there is no better place to get that hands-on experience of the culture than in the capital. Malls and shopping plazas stand as the Gods of the streets as people go about their routines, almost unaware of the atmosphere surrounding. If we are talking shopping, Frederick Street is the place to be where quality items meet great bargains. There are also several souvenir stores and craft shops that allow you wear and to take away a piece of this beautiful island. Duty free shopping is available across the island and most stores accept major credit cards and US currency, so no worries about the value of your dollar. While shopping, do stop treat yourself to a coconut water and EZ-VYBZ / 52

Port of Spain

Frederick Street

Maracas Bay

coconut jelly drink, sold by street vendors, and feel free to grab a snow cone (shaved ice with various fruit syrups as toppings) with the full works. I can guarantee both drinks will quench any thirst…. Trinidad is known for many things in the Caribbean, but when you are making a visit its natural beauty must explored. A bus ride to Maracas Bay allows you to have a first-hand experience of the nature side of the island, as you journey to one of the most famous beaches in northern Trinidad. From the time that bus leaves the city, to the moment of arrival near the bay, be prepared to see some of the most amazing sceneries as the maxis climb the mountains. I would deem the journey landscape heaven. Nothing compares,

however, to the view of the Bay as you head to the beach. Picture: the crystal water guarded by a white, sandy beach, with ancient mountains that seem to carve out history, as palm trees overlook the day’s activities… Nothing compares. And in that moment of nostalgia, you can do nothing else but drop your bags and charge into the water… paradise at its best. If you do not wish swim, there are plenty of activities on the beach to keep you occupied, from beach sports to sun bathing, pick one and just enjoy the atmosphere. It is forbidden in the tourist’s bible (which I just created) to leave Maracas Bay without having a “bake and shark” (a sandwich consisting of shark meat placed in a fried flour dough). This

Le Brea Pitch lake

Gasparee Island

Gaspar Grande Island Limestone Caves

delicacy tastes best if you try it with the various sauces available at a vendor. It is really a treat. If we head to the south of Trinidad, we can marvel at, what was once considered the 8th world wonder of the world, the Le Brea Pitch lake. The lake is considered a great experience for nature lovers since it is the world’s largest natural deposit of asphalt. Though it is a ninety minute drive from the capital, the time flies as you witness sellers along the journey selling traditional Trinidadian delicacies. Upon arrival at the lake however, time stands still as flora and fauna encompass this beauty and you feel as if you have travelled back in history to the ancient times of dinosaurs’ existence. Many have described the experience as walking on a parking lot, but the Lake is much more than that. Imagine stepping on the skin of a prehistoric mammal, as the ground sinks slightly with every

additional move. Not to worry though, the ground at certain parts is hard enough to walk on. Best suggestion is to visit the Lake during the rainy season when the water is high and you have the opportunity to take a dip in the sulphur rich water… that will definitely leave a lasting memory on your Trinidad experience. If we take a boat ride to Gaspar Grande or Gasparee Island, off the northwestern side of Trinidad, we would have a different definition of the term “paradise”. The island’s main attraction is the Gasparee caves, located on the north eastern end of Gasparee island, which were formed from natural limestone. From the boat landing to the Blue grotto (the most famous of caves) to the descending stairs that lead to the cave, the walk allows you to explore the details carved into the rocks and limestone by years and years of oceanic washing. You

will however be distracted from thought by the majestic beauty of the cave and the crystal blue water that lies at its base. The journey through this cave is almost a journey through time… almost…. After dedicating your days to exploring the island’s natural gifts, it is time to use the evenings to unwind (and by unwind I do not mean sleep). Who wants to check out the hottest spots for partying on the island? We do of course, but not before grabbing something to eat… and we know there will be a variety to choose from, for as the slogan goes: “you cannot go hungry in Trinidad”. Trinidad’s unique heritage coupled with the effects of globalisation allows the island to boast of a variety of foods from and for all peoples. From traditional creole meals such as Pelau and Chicken and Red Beans to East Indian and Chinese dishes, the island of Trinidad is booming with cuisine for you to choose from. If you want a true Trini experience though, I recommend the parish of St. James early in the morning where you can get the core of Trinidadian foods such as roti, jerk and barbequed meats and boiled and roasted corn. All the foods that are good for the soul can be found on the island. When the food’s done, it’s time to hit the streets and experience an island night life. From clubs to pubs and hang out bars, I challenge you to take your pick, depending on the atmosphere you wish to experience. Good spots include Trotters, 51° and Woodford Cafe, where you can enjoy great music with friends. Do not be afraid to set the party temperature to the maximum as the island comes alive in the night time… When it’s all done, your experience on the island must be one you will cherish forever and the vibrancy of the island must captivate you so much that you do not wish to leave. Therefore, ensure you check out as many activities as you can while visiting, so that maximum fun will prevail! So, as my friend packs her bags for an awesome adventure, I hope you are thinking about buying that ticket to the perfect getaway island: where you can feel the breeze and live the dream of paradise, where the people, music and culture are warm and entertaining, and where the journey will be nothing less than mesmerizing.

53 / EZ-VYBZ

EZ-VYBZ SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2012

WALKING ON SUNSHINE

Walking on Sunshine An Event With A Difference By Sonia Noel Chief Executive Officer Diatribe, Silhouettes, Guyana Fashion Weekend

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alking on Sunshine was indeed an event with a difference, as the promotions predicted. For despite inclement weather, the activities prevailed right up until the announcement of the winners in the various categories of Guyana Model Search/ Designers’ Portfolio was made. The day kicked off with a sprawl of booths looking on to the Essequibo, engaging its patrons in demonstrative workshops, interactive counseling and pro-active testing led by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and the Ministry of Health, respectively. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment were also ever present ,as part of their explicit partnership with the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts, in observing environmental awareness and publicizing their ‘pick it up’ campaign. Makeovers at L. A. Colors spiced up the exhibition and fashions courtesy Sonia Noel, swimsuits at Olympia Sonoram and the innovative leather craft of Louis Jordan added to the menu at this outstanding lifestyle extravaganza. The Digicel creative booth facilitated the nails and hair Style Sensation. The United Nations Population Fund Guyana was on hand and participated in an outreach programme on safe sex practices. Guyana Youth Business Trust through their

mentoring initiative targeted this niche market to promote their services, catering to youth entrepreneurship. The New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation took the opportunity to promote its new deals, discounts, products and services. Twins Pharmacy highlighted their ranges of skin care products and hair maintenance lines. The Institute of Private Enterprise Development featured financing recommendations, business advice and training to small entrepreneurs and was welcomed appreciatively. The Business School, with their mission to advance the country’s development through accessing the human resource potential and providing the highest quality of educational services found the event quite opportune. Scotibank, a consistent partner utilized the event to disseminate literature to the youth on their current plans and banking solutions. Giftland Office Max made itself felt prominently, with its inaugural partnering in the development of the creative industry. The setting was not only unique but branded the affair as an extraordinarily distinctive initiative harnessing ‘Better Living’ components in a nontraditional, all inclusive enabling environment. To see meals being savoured courtesy Ridleys and ice cream being scooped up at Brusters, with children on the merry-

go-round just across from a distinguished panel of judges overseeing a creative hair and nail competition are all testimony to a novel, innovative event-making formula. What is this formula? According to creative director, Richard Young,” The aim was to provide a space, an alternative venue, to channel positive messages

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EZ-VYBZ SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2012

servicing holistic lifestyle options, promoting sustainable development values, instilling national pride mandates and fostering youth empowerment action.” This was indeed achieved! The dialogue between the young Designers’ Portfolio designers alongside the Caribbean guest designers and Mr. Christopher McNair of Caribbean Export Development Agency ( CEDA )was fruitful and certainly rewarding. His take on the need to brand through innovative application coupled with his emphasis on rendering your products and services competitive captivated the enthusiastic participants and sent them off fueled with edgy on trend perspectives. I mean, it was awesome to capture American film and television actress, Anna Horsfor; Vice President of Elite Model Management International, Jean Pierre Begon; trail blazing designer now serving as a professor at Fashion Institute of Technology, Steven Cutting; Christopher McNair (CEDA ) and the CEO of Guyana Fashion Weekend/Chairperson of the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts, Sonia Noel, lounging on furniture provided by Courts Guyana, nestled in a grove of plants. Such an image only affirms the change-of-psyche perspective on event-making vis-vis destination marketing. EZ-VYBZ / 56

Then came the main event, the finals of GMS/DP, Glamorous.....walking on sunshine. This runway presentation was absolutely exhilarating. Nine collections from competing local designers spanning the gamut of topics from beyond domestic violence resolve in ingenious textures and signature hues of purple (Natalya Thomas and Colwyn Abrams) to lines dedicated to mothers -expectant mothers, Sunshine

mamas ,(Christel Mittleholzer) to mother tributes(Shameeza Subrattie)-; from Mwanza Glenn’s That blinking funeral, with his iconoclastic lace story signaling the liberation of the adventurously stylish woman to Mark Adams’ Force of gravity, depicting self assured, empowered, modern women; from No boundaries, a telling journey of limitless, unprejudiced potential celebrated through an appreciation of colour and

From left FIT Professor Steven Cutting,Actress Anna Maria Horsford .2012 winner Carles.VP Elite International CEO Sonia Noel and CEDA Executive Christopher Mc Nair

curry, was actually an acclamation of things Guyanese- hassar fish- basking as all Guyanese do in the Seawall sunset brilliantly depicted by the reference to the saffron yellow curry. The model race was indeed a horse of a different colour! Thoroughbreds, from Linden, Berbice, Parika, East Bank, West Coast joined the Georgetown finalists to strut down the runway in fine style, to the flow, as it were, of the Essequibo river, running alongside at Isika. Vibrant young models ranging in ages from 16 to 22 vied for the top spots in three categories-female, male and plus size women. The latter, according to celebrity judge, Anna Horsford, did not exist. She voiced â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hey! dem gals, too skinny to be fuller figure! However her vote did count to land Natalya Thomas the first place spot. Among the six male finalists, From left Winning tatooed basketballer-come model Tyrone designer Andy Hamid, with his boyish Chris Brown good Cummings,Shameza looks, copped the prize. But the suspense Subrattie and Mwanza was certainly over what seemed to be Glenn. the most coveted title, sought after by 10 striking young women. Three stunning young women captured the top three placements in the closest contest in the history of the show. Amanda Henry, with her ethereal gaze, was awarded the 2nd runner-up position, Soyini Fraser, a consummate performer, missed the mark by a tad and was rewarded with the

1st runner-up spot and the unassuming yet graceful six footer, Carles Griffith, emerged victorious. All the competitors in this leg of the show stood 5 feet 8 inches and over, testifying to a record-breaking, high caliber finals of true international proportions. This model competition was a fitting climax to a nationwide search which started with over two hundred young hopefuls and dwindled through an exciting six week television series to this cream of the crop finale. Sonia Noel is elated by the success of this three month exercise and together with her distinguished panel of international judges, which also included Caribbean fashion guru Richard Young, who doubled as creative director for this project; she has given integrity to the creative arts in Guyana, through this multi-faceted fashion story --Walking on sunshine. Corporate social responsibility has certainly taken an interesting turn with this project, with an increase in corporate as well as governmental endorsement, shedding new light on partnerships in event management. Digicel renewed their contract, Courts reinforced their commitment, Scotiabank stayed on course for the sake of youth empowerment. National Communication Network remained true to form, in terms of their undying support through, the

glorified in a showstopper Carnivalesque portrayal by Ismael Forrester to Okeisha St Kittsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; intricate detailing in popping turquoise and orange contrasted on white poignantly entitled Summer Splash; and topped off by the victor, Andy Cummings, whose take on the Guyanese dish, Hassar 57 / EZ-VYBZ

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electronic media The Government of Guyana came on board in a major way through several Ministries facilitating their ongoing independent outreach programmes; Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Water Chris and Palace de Leon have been consistent in their partnership with Guyana Fashion Weekend, since inception, and continue to maintain their endorsement. Twins Pharmacy and Giftland Office Max joined the campaign as beauty and cosmetic partners Mings Products and Services and Dixie Lee joined our team as partners to maximize their reach towards the youth EZjet became our official carrier providing air transfer for our celebrity guests -American film and television actress, Anna Horsford; celebrated professor of fashion at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Steven Cutting; and internationally acclaimed

photographer- Donn Thompson. Their involvement took the event to another level, qualifying our efforts as extraordinary.

PRINCESS HOTEL & CASINO

Princess Hotel & Casino, Guyana

hen we think of Guyana we think heritage. A land personified by a legacy of mineral wealth, breathtaking waterways that are second to none and flora and fauna so diverse it is without doubt every adventurerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream. With rolling landscapes and sprawling vistas, we find a place teeming with natural attractions; a land where its people are as warm as its tropical sun. Adding to this legacy is a magnificent six-storey structure from the World of Princess family. A first of its kind, Princess Hotel and Casino has set the bar for hotels and the hospitality industry; the largest hotel in Guyana. The Princess Hotel and Casino features two hundred well appointed and

incomparable presidential suites, VIP / executive suites and the most spacious double and single rooms. To complement its world renowned accommodation the hotel incorporates a spacious conference facility, boardroom, an elegant royal restaurant, gym and sporting facilities. Its star attraction, the largest pool to be found anywhere in Guyana complete with the convenience of a modern poolside bar. It is the place where the only casino in Guyana can be found. Since its inauguration the Princess Hotel and Casino has brought with it not just a refreshed enthusiasm for hotels in Guyana but also vigor and soundness to the economy. This hotel and casino has given the hospitality and tourism sector

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a confidence that therein lays a standard that is comparable internationally. Guyanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hospitality and tourism industry has grown in dynamism and continues to experience steady growth in visitor arrivals and Princess Hotel and Casino is proud to contribute to these statistics and the thrust to this industry. More families are coming home,

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more friends are visiting our shores and more tourists are recognizing destination Guyana as Princess Hotel and Casino stands poised and stresses excellence in its delivery of its product and services. Today there is a whole new niche market that has opened up for gamers and casino goers. The only one of its kind in Guyana, the princess casino sports over

two hundred and fifty slot machines and table games set amidst an ultra-modern discotheque and international lounge. The Princess Hotel and Casino continues to partner with key players and stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sector to ensure that our guests experience the finest service.

SOYINI ASANTI FRASER - Miss United Nations 2012

Soyini Asanti Fraser Miss United Nations 2012

Soyini is an exotic beauty born May 8, 1990 to Lynden and Deborah Fraser, in Georgetown. Her early years were spent living in the United States, but her parents’ love for their country brought them home. From an early age, Soyini always aspired to make a difference, and over the years she has grown into a spirited dancer, an aspiring Christian Child-Psychologist, role model, beauty Queen and a true daughter of Guyana’s soil! The new Queen is not just another pretty face. Her formal education began at the Mae’s Under 12 School Nursery, then on to the West Ruimveldt Primary School, where she wrote the Secondary School Entrance Examination and placed among the top one percent (1%) of students writing that year, gaining a place at the prestigious Queen’s College. Throughout her Primary and Secondary School years, Soyini was an active athlete in both track and field events; she even acquired the art of playing the Steel Pan. While excelling at extracurricular activities, she also kept her academic life in check. Soyini is currently a final year student at the Life Christian University

in Guyana reading for a bachelor’s degree in Theology, as she continues to broaden her scope of academic enhancement. On completion of her Degree she plans to pursue studies in Christian Child Psychology and Law, and is convinced this will bring her one step closer to accomplishing her career objectives of becoming a Lawyer and a practicing Christian Child-Psychologist. This is also one of the main reasons she loves her job at The Supreme Court, Land Court Division, as a Legal Clerk. With a love for the performing arts, Soyini is also an active Member at the Classique Dance Company, in Guyana. “Dance has always brought me so much joy and endless opportunities. I actually found my passion for modelling and being an ambassador for Guyana in this very Company!” she said. Soyini’s pageant career rocketed when she was crowned the first Miss Guyana Earth in 2010, and in 2011 she placed first runner up in the Miss Guyana

World pageant, and later that same year, she copped the coveted Miss Princess of the World title. With these titles came the privilege of representing Guyana in Vietnam and Czech Republic respectively. 61 / EZ-VYBZ

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In September 2011 she won the Miss Best National Costume, at the Princess of the World in Czech with the designs of Olympia Small-Sonaram. Never daunted, she has been showcasing Guyana to the world as a nation with an abundance of hidden talent. “I’ve been so blessed to be afforded the opportunity to let the global community see Guyana through a positive light,” she tells. Ready for a new challenge in 2012, she signed up for Guyana Model Search, and not surprisingly, placed among the final group to secure the position of first runner up. Ms Fraser is currently taking up the mantle from last year’s winner in campaigning for Guyana’s Tourism package. EZ-VYBZ / 62

Armed with the training and experience gained from Guyana Model Search, Soyini went to Miami and competed against fifty (50) plus delegates for the well known title of Miss United Nations 2012. Arriving at Miami International Airport on Thursday 5th July the Guyanese Queen knew she had to be better at everything outshine the other arriving delegates did than ever before in every way. The orientation was followed by the Talent competition, where Soyini choreographed her own dance piece to a popular Phil Collins song, ‘Another day in Paradise’. Dressed like an angel , and

donned in all over white, she wowed the crowd with her grace and charm Early Friday morning she awoke to began preparing for the most important part of the pageant, the one on one interview with the judges. Surprisingly, it was more than a question and answer segment, and she was given a detailed questionnaire on herself, her goals, what she’s doing in her country and what she intended to do with her crown if she were to win the pageant. “I was so shocked when they announced this when we assembled in the hall,” she remembers, “but I printed my sheet and found a quiet corner to fill it out.” As they called Miss Guyana, she entered the room like a ray of sunshin she gingerly entered the room. Her dressed in bright yellow and white suit with a jacket designed by her friend Ryan Berkley. And the interview was off! Soyini kept her posture and smile and never stuttered at any questions the judges threw at her. When that aspect of the pageant ended, it was on to the the next one, the photo shoot. For her business attire, sportswear, high fashion outfit, evening gown and National costume and Soyini was outfitted by Guyanese designers Olympia SmallSonaram, Mwanza Glenn, Roger Gary and Ryan Berkley. On Saturday Soyini was up and about in good spirits! During rehearsals Guyana shone despite the presence of only 2 supporters from Guyana, journalist Bhisham Mohamed and the franchise holder, Mr. Holland. During competition night the crowd went wild when the respective delegates appeared, but minimal applause was heard when Guyana first came on stage. The evening progressed rapidly and as it did, Soyini with each appearance , won a different section of the crowd over with her poise, grace and presence. And when the curtains finally came down and the announcer said “Miss United Nations 2012 is GUYANA!,” Soyini herself was surprised and momentarily stunned. Our girl had done it! She won the crown for Guyana! As a reward she went to New York to meet the Guyanese community and visited the United Nations Plaza at the Guyana office to meet our diplomats. The new queen was elated to share her Guyana with the world and have them marvel at what we had to offer the Global community. This is Soyini Fraser....A true expression of Guyana’s soil!

GUYANA’S KARATE SOURS

Guyana’s Karate Soaring to New Heights

By Waynewright Orderson - Public Relations/Communications Officer -Guyana Karate College

aratekas representing the Republic of Guyana descended on Toronto, Canada during the period July 2-9, 2012, and commenced a very successful visit by participating in the Shoto Camp that preceded the World Shotokan Karate Tournament, that was hosted by the International Karate Daigaku (IKD), where they were introduced to new IKD technical standards, tournament rules, and dan syllabus, along with instructor, examiner, and judge qualification and rank examinations. The tournament, which was the first World Cup held by the newly formed IKD, attracted hundreds of participants from many countries including sport power

houses Jamaica, USA and host country Canada. Team Guyana that attended and participated in the IKD Tournament consisted of Karatekas from the Guyana Karate College’s three dojos led by their Senior Instructor and Vice Chairman sixth degree black belt Sensei Jeffrey Wong and from the Association do Shotokan Karate of Guyana with its main dojo located at the YMCA building in Thomas Lands and others situated in Berbice & Essequibo and led by Sensei Amir Khouri Sixth Degree Black Belt. The opening ceremony, which was held on the first day at the Ryerson University Campus in downtown Tornto,

preceded the Team Enbu, Team Kata Bunkai and the Team Kata events, which set the pace for the Individual Kata age group events that was held the following day. Competition was extremely high and was marked in some instances by a mere tenth’s of a point difference. The system used the flag system for the elimination rounds down to eight finalists. In the event of ties, rematches were done to decide who went forward to the next round. Seven judges were then used, for the final, in a points system. The highest and lowest scores were struck out with the remaining five being tallied. Team Guyana put in a stunning 63 / EZ-VYBZ

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performance with the Guyana Karate College placing second with 24 Gold, 4 Silver and 17 Bronze a total of 45 Medals ahead of Trinidad and Tobago, who brought third and just behind Ontario that brought first. Young Guyanese Karate sensation, Ten year old Aliyah Wong led the way of Guyanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success story with a phenomenal feat of copping five gold medals winning every event in her category. The other highlight of the tournament was the spectacular victory by Kenny Wong in the Male 18-19 Division Individual Kumite final leading to him copping the coveted Gold Medal. Kristina Cheeks of the Association Do Shotokan of Guyana (ASKG) was the top medal winner from her Dojo at the tournament. The Guyana Karate College which currently operates three Dojos, with one located at the Marian Academy School EZ-VYBZ / 64

in Thomas Lands, another at the Timehri Community Centre situated close to the Cheddi B. Jagan International Airport, and the third being the main facility at the Malteenoes Sports Club as well in Thomas Lands, is currently undertaking the construction of its new headquarters

and modern dojo at Tract A, Liliendaal on the East Coast of Demerara, where the GKC acquired a large plot of land from the Government of Guyana, through the kind auspices of former President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo close to the National Aquatic Centre and Olympic Sized Pool,

the Convention Centre and the Caricom Secretariat. This new Dojo which was the brainchild of the late Ian Fung, when completed in a yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time will be divided into four primary training areas, an administrative office, student dormitory and will also include a Japanese garden and will allow the GKC to offer a variety of courses in martial arts from the regular coloured belt courses, to seventh Dan black belt courses as well as courses in self defense, CPR and First-aid, Conflict Resolution, Nutrition and Health. Both the Guyana Karate College (GKC) and the Association do Shotokan Karate of Guyana (ASKG) are affiliated with the International Karate Daigaku (IKD), a new World Karate Organization that is dedicated to the teachings of Masters Funakoshi and Nakayama. Master Funakoshi saw karate as an unfinished art that would grow with knowledge. The IKD is working to further the art by studying the medical and scientific aspects of karate. All aspects of karate are being studied and analyzed including: philosophy, physical education and fitness, self defense, and sport.

The IKD which is striving to help curb violence and crime by giving direction to youth is headed by Master WoonA-Tai is Kancho (Founder) and Shuseki Shihan (Chief Instructor). Throughout his distinguished career, he served as first president of the Caribbean Karate College, and as Chief Instructor of Jamaica from 1976 to 1980. He is founder and Chief Instructor of JKA/ISKF Guyana, and the Guyana Karate College. He founded the Toronto JKA in 1981, and is presently Chairman and Chief Instructor of the

Toronto Karate Daigaku, Ontario Karate College, and IKD Ontario. Frank Woon-A-Tai, 9th Dan, was born in Guyana in 1950, and began training in 1964. He holds a B.A degree in Japanese Studies from the University of Toronto. In January 2011, he resigned from the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) as Chairman and Technical Director of ISKF Canada, and co-vice Chairman of the ISKF Technical Committee. In February of 2011, Master Woon-A-Tai established the International Karate Daigaku (IKD).

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Events to Look Out For August - October 2012

Naya Zamana 17 - Bollywood Dreams - A Theatrical Spectacular Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha presents its annual dance and theatrical production, Naya Zamana, on Saturday September 1, 8:00 pm at the National Cultural Centre. This year, the production, which annually attracts sold out audiences and is a fixture on Guyana’s cultural calendar, enters its 17th year and it promises to be an exciting one. Inspired by Bollywood films which have for generations entertained the world, Naya Zamana 17 takes the form of a theatrical spectacular and is titled ‘Bollywood Dreams’.

World Cup Qualifier Football Guyana’s national Football team, the Golden jaguars will be looking to revive their chances to duplicate the Jamaican Reggae Boyz and the Trinidad & Tobago Soca Warriors as the quest to qualify in the 2012 World Cup qualifier matches come September 11th against El Salvador here in Guyana at the Providence National Stadium. Under the stewardship of Trinidadian coach Jamaal Shabazz, the locals are expected to rebound to close the chances of qualifying as the support is most needed for our young footballers. Guyana has never in history reached this point in World Cup Qualifiers.

Amerindian Heritage Month - September 2012 AS September approaches, one anticipates great food, fantastic culture, sports, and indigenous pageantry with an enviable fashion show, to form part of the Annual Amerindian Heritage Month activities. Keen rivalry is expected as representatives from the nine Amerindian peoples contest inter-village and inter-community activities; during these events many indigenous young people are propelled onto the spotlight. The various aspects of culture and cuisine depicted by the host community for the annual Heritage Day event will be the highpoint of the celebrations.

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AMAZON & TROPICAL BIRDING IN GUYANA

Great Kiskadees

Birds of a Feather Amazon & Tropical Birding in Guyana By Gajendra Nauth Narine (Andy) and Rhonda Cornelius-Narine Guyana Amazon Tropical Bird Society Photos by Vishnu Prasad

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Areas in Guyana and has been able to identify 14 proposed protected areas for future conservation. With the Support from Birdlife International and Other involved organizations we were able to identify Members from the Guyana Amazon Tropical Birds Society (GATBS) is continuously updating information on bird data in Guyana to date; we have a total of 877 species recorded and more update bird information for many locations in the country. The Guyana Amazon Tropical Birds Society in 2006 produced the first regional checklist on birds in Region # 4 containing 307 species by Andy Narine . In 2009, Narine along with Dr. Guy Morrison - Research Scientist, Shorebirds. Environment, Canada Science

Crowned Plover

he first known recording of birdlife in Guyana was made by the Schaumburg brothers who traveled to Guyana’s’ interior in 1835 to 1839 and who also mapped Guyana’s boundaries during 1841 to 1844. In 1956, the ‘Zoo Quest to Guiana’ was done by David Attenborough and others. Dorothy E. Snyder released ‘The Birds of Guyana’ in 1966 which contained 720 species. In 1994, Robert Fernandes and Balram Singh produced ‘An Introduction to birds of Guyana’ which gave a brief pictorial guide to some main birds in Guyana. An updated edition was released in 2004, containing 84 plates of birds in Guyana. In the 1980s, Guy and Ken conducted aerial surveys for shorebird along the entire South American coast. They also conducted Aerial surveys last year in Suriname and French Guiana. The Tropenbos Foundation in 1996 listed 302 species recorded in Mabura Hill and surroundings. Iwokrama Rainforest reserve has also established a list of 450 species of birds within the reserve. The Smithsonian researchers Davis W. Finch, Michael J. Braun, Mark B. Robbins and Brian K. Schmidt released a new checklist in 2000 listing 786 species. Conservation International (Guyana) listed 264 species of birds in the Kanuku Mountains. In 2000 GATBS started its foster birds care programme. And in 2003, the Guyana Amazon Tropical Birds Society conducted and introduced the Annual Neotropic

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and Austral Migrants Survey – this has been ongoing and its one of the main projects of the society. In 2004, the Guyana Amazon Tropical Birds Society (GATBS) released. ‘A field checklist of Birds in Georgetown’ listing 263 species by Gajendra Nauth Narine (Andy) called the City of Birds. In 2004, Guyana for the first time had official representation at the Ruthland Birdfair in London. Mr. Narine from GATBS and other personnel from the Ministry of Tourism and Guyana Tourism Authority were in fortunate to represent Guyana. In 2006, GATBS also did the first waterbird census in Guyana this project was in collaboration with Wetlands International. In 2007, Smithsonian

researchers Davis W. Finch, Michael J. Braun, Mark B. Robbins and Brian K. Schmidt released a 2nd Edition of “A field Checklist of Birds of Guyana’ with a total of 814 species. The Guyana Amazon Tropical Birds Society in 2007 did a survey and initial identification on Important Bird

& Technology, National Wildlife Research Centre – Canada and Ken Ross – Canadian Wildlife Service conducted an aerial survey and recordings of Shorebirds along the coast. In 2011, Members of GATBS produced and released a ‘checklist for Birds in the Botanical Gardens’ with a recording of 197 species. The Society is now supporting Region # 3, 9, and 10 to prepare their regional lists. The Essequibo River and surroundings has a total of 597 species of birds recorded and our Mangroves forest along the coastline inhabits over 320 species of Birds.

About GATBS.

The GATBS was founded in 2000 by Naturalist/Field Specialist and Bird Enthusiast Gajendra Nauth Narine (Andy).

Yellow Oriole

the local bird trade and the monitoring of migratory species during the migratory season. The Society also provides counseling on bird preservation. We are registered as a Specially Authorized Society under the Friendly Societies Act, to protect Guyanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flora and avifauna. GATBS has ongoing monitoring surveys which are done throughout the country. Surveys are done for conservation and monitoring is ongoing. Conservation works are also done in Georgetown. GATBS continue to conduct bird surveys throughout the country and our monitoring and educational awareness programmes are ongoing. Presently, proposing to have a field station to continue our programs and promoting bird conservation.

Why Birding in Guyana?

This is a non-governmental, non-political, and non-profit entity. Its main objectives are to protect the avifauna of Guyana, to prevent the extinction of any bird species, to maintain and improve where possible the conservation status of all bird species, and to undertake educational exercises and research projects throughout Guyana. We assist students, as well as interested persons, societies and environmental clubs with bird information and data that they might need. We also collect and provide bird data from around Guyana. This is analyzed by the Society and used to determine way to manage

Guyana is truly birders and nature loverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paradise and its fast becoming recognized as one of South Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top birding and Wildlife tour destinations. The country is a natural museum for the eco-tourist, containing 275 waterfalls, four mountain ranges, eighteen lakes (some more easily accessible than others) and vast areas of untouched tropical rainforest. The Guianan Shield and the adjacent Amazon Basin form one of the largest equatorial forests in the world having a wide range of ecosystems. With this rich and unique flora and fauna, abundant wildlife and spectacular vegetation, and is one of the richest biodiversity locations in South America. Guyana occupies a significant percentage of the Guiana shield, which accounts not only for its rich biodiversity and captivating sceneries, but also the abundance and diversity in its beautiful bird species. To date Guyana has a total of 877 species recorded for the entire country these includes 27 Tepui Endemics, 48 Guianan Shield Endemics, 116 Wetland Birds, 26 Austral Migrants, 121 Neotropical Migrants, 1 Introduced Specie and 14 Proposed protected Important Bird Areas site for conservation. Due to the remoteness of many locations, there are many species yet to be identified and recorded!!!

Habitats

Mangrove and Coastal Habitat Birding Our coastline is a 284 miles stretch 69 / EZ-VYBZ

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Caracaras

and inhabits three (3) main species of Mangroves namely Black, Red and White Mangrove. The coast inhabits 121 Neotropical Migrant as well as a few species of Austral Migrants. There are over 320 species of birds recorded here including mangrove endemics. Some of the most popular birding sites on the coast are: Shell Beach, Pomeroon River mouth, Essequibo River Mouth, Demerara River, Hope Beach, Mahaica River, Abary River, Garden of Eden and Botanical Gardens.

Rufous-crowned Tanager

Woodpecker

Rupununi Savannahs (including gallery forest, rivers and bush Island) and the Berbice Savannahs Habitat Birding The Rupununi Savannahs inhabits over 350 species of birds likewise the Berbice Savannahs. Most of these species fluctuates according to season and at some points mini pantanal are created. Some birding sites are: Surama EcoLodge, Rockview Lodge, Karasabai Village, Karanambu Ranch, Yupukari Village, Ireng and Takutu Gallery Forest, Moco Moco Settlement, Kanuku Mountains, Shulinab Village and the Dadanauwa Ranch.

Inland Dacama Forest, Rivers, Mountains, Mixed Forest and Mixed-flooded forests habitat Birding

There are over 560 species inhabiting theses habitats. These include Tepui endemics, Guianan Shield endemics, highland and lowland species and fresh water species. Some Birding Sites are: The Kaieteur National Park, Hurukabra River Resort, Sloth Island Resort, Baganara Resort, Marshall Falls, North West, Gluck EZ-VYBZ / 70

Silver Beak Tanager

Stirated Heron

Wood Creepers

Island, Atta Lodge, Iwokrama Reserve, Surama, Wowetta, Rewa Eco-Lodge and Kanuku Mountains, Mapaima Eco-Lodge and the Wai-Wai Land Reserve. The capital city, Georgetown, is a small area of approximately 6 sq. miles and has a total of 284 species recorded. The habitat is structured by public places, parks, cultivated lands and coast lands. 263 species are recorded that inhabit Georgetown, and in one session over 50 species can be spotted from one location. The Botanical Gardens is the first official Birding Sanctuary in Guyana and it inhabits over 199 species which fluctuates according to season. It is 174 hectares’ in size and is located almost in the heart of the capital. In 2011, The Botanical Gardens was officially declared the first Birding Sanctuary in Guyana. Carribbean Manatees, Two-toed Sloth, Brown Capuchin, Squirrel monkeys, Spectacled Caiman, Iguanas and Tegu Lizards are some of the wildlife known to inhabit the gardens. There are lots of specialties of birds that can be easily seen and its one of the areas that can accommodate differently abled persons.

of woodpeckers recorded for Guyana and it is the smallest specie. It is can only be found along the North Eastern shoulder of South America known as the Guianan Shield. There are sightings of large number of individuals spotted in Guyana and be found along the Coast between the mouth of the Essequibo River to the Corentyne River , over 140 miles stretch or half of the entire coastline here. Their habitats are mostly of Mangroves and cultivated lands and can be commonly seen in some areas. The Blood-coloured Woodpecker shares habitat with other woodpeckers, Woodcreepers and Piculets. The features of the handsome woodpecker obviously stands out from all the other species of woodpeckers since it’s blood red colour is always stunning. This woodpecker is somewhat a very shy bird since most times when in search for sightings it is first heard than seen and if you are not careful to look you can pass by without even noticing since it is only 13cm in body length like the size of a regular lighter. It is also recorded as a Mangrove Endemic

or known as restricted range specie. One of the areas which provides great chances of sightings and a suitable area for differently abled birders or nature lovers is the well-known Guyana’s Birding Sanctuary – the Botanical Gardens. This is almost in the Heart of the Capital City - Georgetown. Tours to the Botanical Gardens for Blood-coloured woodpecker sightings are done by professional guides from Guyana Feather Friends. Visit www. birdingguyana.gy for more information. This specie of Woodpecker inhabits the coast also known to inhabit one of the most rare species of Woodpecker-the White Woodpecker which was only been seen for 5 times in one decade. Fortunately, four of the five times the White-woodpecker were seen and recorded by yours truly Andy Narine and Julia a nature lover from Canada was fortunate to have the only photos of this specie while visiting to Guyana. We invite you to visit our beautiful country to witness and explore into our many habitats including pristine forests which entertain large number of birds and wildlife. Witness Mother Nature in her full glory and chances are great for seeing wildlife and birds in their natural habitat including Globally, Near-threatened and vulnerable species of the World. Welcome to the North Amazon Rainforest - Guyana! Articles Written by Gajendra Nauth Narine (Andy) and Rhonda Cornelius-Narine Guyana Amazon Tropical Bird Society 77c-1 Light Street, Alberttown, Georgetown, Guyana. South American Email:gatbs@yahoo.com FB: Guyana Amazon Tropical Bird Society Tel:(592)-225-2190 www. guyanabirdssociety.com

Belted King Fisher

A sneak peak … Blood-coloured Woodpecker

This is one out of seventeen species 71 / EZ-VYBZ

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DEMERARA CRICKET CLUB - 100 Not Out

Demerara Cricket Club 100 Not Out

By Alfred Mentore & S. Greaves - President Demerara Cricket Club

ven as we have gone from BG to Blackberry, from post office call box to the iPhone, from Philco radio to plasma TV, it is as though time has stood still on the corner of Lance Gibbs and New Garden Streets, Georgetown where Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) has sat stoically for 100 years – a symbol of discipline, determination, and dedication. In the lore of club cricket in Guyana the saga of DCC is as colourful as the charismatic characters that have represented this venerable organization or those who have formed just its intensely loyal fan base throughout the years. Fans in my time who would follow this team like the Pied Piper wherever they played. History indicates that DCC was established in 1912 by a group of Portuguese businessmen as an alternative to the British dominated Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), but membership was open to anyone after 1913. Through the early years these clubs just blocks down New Garden Street from each other developed distinctly different profiles, with the Bourda club maintaining its colonial upscale exclusivity, while the Queenstown club entertained a middle class, multi-ethnic membership. If GCC was Guyana’s Lords – so to speak, where in attendance one had to be buttoned up and sophisticated, DCC was the Oval – the alternative iconic venue where one could relax and be irreverent. The founding fathers of DCC are long gone and the complexion of the organization has changed from the turn of the 20th century to properly reflect the society. Now it is imperative that the President of the club Alfred Mentore and his executive, and the inheritors of the 21st century like Christopher Barnwell, Derwin Christian, Gajanand Singh, Travis Dowlin and company, maintain its ideals of integrity and fair play and its tradition of excellence as the innings continues. EZ-VYBZ / 72

And even in this age of dizzying technological development, they must extol the virtues of sports and simple club life, as well as the importance of club cricket as a rite of passage, and continue to spread the gospel of discipline to the incoming family of young men and women.

Cricketing Legends—They came from the Demerara Cricket Club Cricket is the one game that succeeded where the politicians desperately tried and failed. There was an attempt at the West Indies Federation from January 1958 to May 1962. Internal politics collapsed and the individual countries moved on to independence with Jamaica in August 1962 and Trinidad later that same month. But even before the West Indies Federation there was cricket that proved to be the unifying force among the Caribbean people even before there was the federation. Therefore, if one were to

Lancelot Richard Gibbs

ask to identify the longest surviving union in the Caribbean it would undoubtedly be cricket. The history of the West Indies cricket team began in the 1890s, when the first representative sides were selected to play visiting English sides. The West Indies Cricket Board joined the sport’s international ruling body, the Imperial Cricket Conference, in 1926,and played their first official international match, granted Test status, in 1928,thus becoming the fourth Test nation. Guyana is not a part of the Caribbean but culturally and historically it has always been considered a Caribbean nation. The result is that it has produced its fair share of cricketers, some whom have been outstanding even by world standards. There were Clive Hubert Lloyd, one of the most successful West Indies captains in the history of the game, Lancelot Richard Gibbs, an off spinner who was the first spin bowler to become the leading wicket taker in Test cricket; and Roy Clinton Fredericks, a left handed opening batsman who blasted one of the fastest Test

Sir Clive Hubert Lloyd

centuries in the history of the game. These three players had one thing in common. They were all members of the Demerara Cricket Club which is about to celebrate its centenary. Of the triumvirate, the first to make his entry into Test Cricket was Lance Gibbs. He was the first spinner to pass the 300 wickets milestone, after the English Fast bowler, Fred Truman, and had an exceptional economy rate of under two runs per over. He was, however, a very poor batsman, who never made a half-century in first-class cricket. Clive Lloyd, a tall, left-handed batsman who wore thick glasses and wielded an unusually heavy bat, Lloyd could drive and hook the ball with tremendous power. In a Test career spanning 110 matches, he averaged nearly 47 runs per innings, had 19 centuries, and a highest score of 242. He made his highest Test score of 242* against India at Bombay in 1975. He was also a skilled medium-pace bowler and, early in his career, an excellent fielder. As captain, he led the West Indies to two World Cup championships and a

record 36 Test victories, including 11 consecutive wins. He also introduced the idea of using four fast bowlersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;rather than two fast and two spin bowlersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to create an unrelenting attack. He made his Test debut for the West Indies in 1966 and went on to become one of the longest-serving players and captains in Test match history. Like many West Indian cricketers, Lloyd also played county cricket in England.

A strong tall man, Clive Lloyd was a middle-order batsman who hit the ball with tremendous power. He was one of West Indies most successful captains, winning 36 and losing just 12 of his record 74 Tests in charge. He also led them in 81 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and to two World Cup titles in 1975 and 1979. In the 1975 final he struck a match-winning 102 off 85 balls. He was the first West Indian to appear in 100 Tests.

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THE WALTER ROTH MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY

The Works of The

Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology By Shebana Daniels - Anthropological Assistant

History Of The Museum The Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology was founded in 1974 from the collections of the late Guyanese archaeologist Dr. Denis Williams. The Walter Roth Museum was officially opened to the public in 1982 and was named in honor of Walter Edmund Roth (1861 – 1933), a distinguished anthropologist, administrator and surgeon who came to British Guiana in 1907 as Government Medical Officer, Stipendiary Magistrate and Deputy Protector of the Indians in the Pomeroon district. Dr. Roth published many books including his detailed documentation of EZ-VYBZ / 74

the Amerindians of Guyana titled - An Introductory Study of the Arts, Crafts and Customs of the Guiana Indians - published by the Smithsonian Institution in 1924. The first Director of the museum was Dr. Denis Williams who served from its founding in 1974 to the time of his death in 1998. Dr. Williams was originally an artist and writer who was exposed to archaeology in the Sudan. His interest was rekindled when he returned to Guyana in 1968. His primary interests as a researcher was in Amerindian petroglyphs (rock engravings). Dr. Williams conducted archaeological excavations in all of the ten administrative regions of Guyana and was the founder of the museum’s journal Archaeology and Anthropology

in which he published his findings. His work in Guyana culminated in his publication Prehistoric Guiana published posthumously by Ian Randle Publishers in 2004. After a period of some eight years of rehabilitation work, the museum’s main building was re-opened to the public in 2003, at its present location 61 Main Street, Georgetown, Guyana.

Collections The collections of Sir Everard Im Thurn, Dr. Walter Roth and Mr. John J. Quelch were transferred to the Walter Roth Museum from the Guyana Museum in 1980. A

Dr. Denis Williams

the Ethnographic Collection.

According to its Mission: The Walter Roth Museum Of Anthropology, Housed In The Year 1979, Is a Not-For-Profit Institution Created by The Government of Guyana to Collect, Exhibit and Conserve Artifacts relating to the Ancient Cultures of Guyana and to conduct Anthropological Research and Disseminate Knowledge of the Amerindian Nations of Guyana Through its In-House and out-reach programs.

3. 4. 5.

Its objectives are to: 1.

Promote and make the museum accessible to students, researchers

and the general public through the rendering of professional assistance and services to them Market the museum as an institution for the acquisition of, and insight into, and understanding of the various cultures of the indigenous peoples of Guyana Encourage continuing research on different aspects of the collections by students and academics Provide appropriate storage facilities for the collections Store and preserve the collections under optimum conditions in keeping with its mission as a depository of artifacts of anthropological and archaeological significance Expand the collections in keeping Museum Collections

typological study from the collections of the late Dr. Betty J. Meggers and Dr. Clifford Evans archaeologists of the Smithsonian Institution who worked in British Guiana in 1952 was later donated to the Walter Roth Museum and in 1991 Guyanese Cultural Anthropologist Dr. George P. Mentore donated an ethnographic collection of the Waiwai nation of Southern Guyana. The museum also has collections from former President of Guyana Mrs. Janet Jagan, Guyanese Anthropologist and Linguist the late Dr. Desrey Fox, Prime Minister of Guyana Hon. Samuel Hinds and a photographic collection of the Waiwai from Jim Holder. The collections are categorized into two parts: the Archaeological Collection and 75 / EZ-VYBZ

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Mabaruma primary school Childrem

with the mission of the museum.

The Museum carries out its Mission in the following ways:

the program at age eight (8) years. The children participate in hands-on exercises relating to the science of Anthropology and visits to Amerindian Communities. A level two of this program will be launched shortly which will cater for Secondary School students.

Our online journal Archaeology and Anthropology caters for academic scholars, while other publications such as booklets, brochures and postcards are also available for public awareness in the museum. Journal website: http:// anthroboisestate.edu/archaeology-andanthropology-journal/index.html The Museum’s library which specializes in the science of anthropology is available to the general public. There are also a number of publications on the local Indigenous culture in Guyana and elsewhere. The museum holds public lectures on different aspects of the Indigenous culture and archaeological findings. The museum participates in Community Outreach hence, exhibitions are taken to other parts of the country, for example, Berbice, Linden, Bartica, in collaboration with other units of the Department of Culture, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, particularly targeting the schools in remote areas, including workshops and school fairs.

Collect: artifacts are collected during

excavation of archaeological sites, purchases and donations to the museum.

Exhibit: collections are displayed on two floors of the museum for public viewing. Exhibitions are also mounted for private institutions upon request for example, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri for Amerindian Heritage Month. Conserve: artifacts both in storage and on display are examined regularly for signs of deterioration or damage and basic treatment is applied by the Conservator where necessary. Anthropological Research: in collaboration with the University of Virginia and Boise State University, anthropological research is carried out annually between June and August as a part of the Denis Williams Summer School of Anthropology. Other research projects are also conducted as requested.

Museum Collections

Dissemination of Information: this is done

through Junior Archaeology – the museum’s in-house program for Primary school children. The children are selected through the school system and begin

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Junior Archeology (Santa Mission, Santa Aratak)

RUPUNUNI - A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

Rupununi A Unique Experience By Ian Craddock - Bushmasters

t an area the size of Britain with 80% Rainforest and much of the rest open Savannahs; Guyana is an adventure enthusiasts dream. Within Guyana there are many awesome locations to visit, from Shell Beach on the North coast to the amazing Kaieteur Falls in the centre of the country, but by far, the biggest draw is a huge area in the south of the country known as the Rupununi. The Rupununi encompasses the jungle clad mountains of the Pakaraima and Kanuku, the savannahs north and south of the Kanuku Range and is home to three of the nine Amerindian tribes of Guyana; Makushi, Wapisiana and Wai Wai. The Amerindian villages are scattered throughout the Rupununi and offer a visitors a unique experience and insight into the way the people of this area have lived in harmony with the rainforest for centuries. Sand Creek, Nappi, Surama and Rewa are just a few of the many communities worth visiting, all of which bring new adventures for the visitor. From hiking in the jungle, paddling dug-out canoes, fishing for piranha, spotting giant black caiman and of course tracking the

elusive king of the jungle, the jaguar, adventures await! The savannah is equally awesome and home to many cattle ranches, which are still managed today the way they have always been, by vacqueros (cowboys) covering the ranch on horseback, rounding up the cattle, driving them to market and living the rancherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life much as it has been for hundreds of years. For the tourist, especially those in search of true adventure, the Rupununi is the place to go! You can drive 4x4 vehicles across the savannahs, trek through the rainforest and mountains, lasso cows from a horse on the ranches of the Rupununi, paddle dug out canoes

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through winding jungle rivers, abseil off rocky outcrops or pit your own skills and wit against the jungle, and all that live in it on a survival course. After this training you get to live with next to nothing, on your own for several days – deep in the rainforest. At the end of this, there is always a creek to cool down in and a shot of rum or cold beer to sip as the sun goes down on another day, and stars like you have never seen before come out to light up the night. On a Vaquero adventure in dry season, you can ride the horses (no experience is needed), round up the cows, crack the bullwhips to get them moving to the corral, lasso those to be branded or castrated, brand them (even try a hand at castrating if the desire grabs you!) and help out with the action in the corral. While someone is sourcing the dry cow dung to burn, you can heat up the branding irons, register each branding detail and then lasso and brand the next cow in line. Often the ranch would slaughter a cow for their own use. Nothing is wasted. All the meat is cooked or tasso’d (sliced thin, salted and left to sun dry), the hide is stretched and left out to dry, the horns put up for a lasso practice target . Even the bones are used to make tools for the vaquero. Then of course there is the savannah of the ranch itself, often criss-crossed by clear water creeks, lined with tall Ite palms. (Taking a break in the creeks to let the horses drink and to bathe are common). A SMALL ranch here is about 50 sq miles! Of course you’ll often come across animals of the savannah. Giant anteaters are a regular sight, and you’re likely see them most days and from aback a horse it’s easy to get

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within feet of them. Then there are the savannah deer, and if you’re close to the creeks there will be caiman, capybara and otters. In the jungle and mountains you will find howler monkeys, jaguars and much more. Another example of an awesome adventure in the Savannah is driving 4x4 off road vehicles. There are no paved roads in the Rupununi and driving across the savannah on old and very rough trails takes skill, patience and a fair amount of luck. It is indeed a challenge on a grand scale. Simple, robust and old vehicles are the best. Series III landrovers or old Toyotas predominate. Anything electrical or with a fancy computer on board is going to break down quickly and stay broken. You need a tough old vehicle that keeps going and even if broken, you can fix it on the trail. Obviously if you don’t break the vehicle, just driving the Rupununi trails is a serious challenge. The vehicles are modified with snorkels, lifted suspension, mud terrain tyres and much more, but even they get stuck, often! You’ll have to put mud chains on for extra grip, or winch yourself out of a hole or even use the hilift jacks to get you up and out of a deep rut. It might take you all day to travel 30 miles, you might be knackered and covered in mud, head to toe – but you would have had a real adventure! For those who crave the ultimate challenge, Guyana is home to the best jungle in the World for you to find adventure in, year round. On a jungle survival course the local Amerindian hunters can show you how to make a fire, build shelters, catch fish and clean and cook them, which plants you can use, how to find water from vines, set traps and how to shoot a bow and arrow and go hunting for small mammals. You’ll live the entire time in the forest, sleeping in hammocks and training all through the day and often at night, where we’ll set night traps and try spotting for snakes and Caiman. You’ll get to see other jungle creatures up close too, as spending days and days in the forest and travelling deep into it, is the best to spy some of these elusive creatures. Poison arrow frogs, tarantulas, macaws, eagles, monkeys, anacondas, capybara, caiman, piranhas, jaguars, tapirs, peccary, giant otters – they are all here. Soon enough a week of training would pass and you’ll be taken another

20 miles into the forest, where there is no sign of human beings, where you can put your skills to the test. No boats, planes overhead, roads, lights or even satellites blinking in the sky that you can see. As far as you know you’re the only human on the planet, on your own, with little more than a survival kit, machete and bow to live on. You have to survive for several days……..Can you cope? Of course if you want to see the beauty of The Rupununi you don’t have to plan a great and tough expedition. For those who want it a little easier, there are great places to base yourself, all of which

have amazing people who can really show you the best of their area. Dadanawa, Saddle Mountain, Nappi, Karanambu, Yupukari, Rockview, Rewa, Surama and more , all have facilities for people to stay in, ranging from a basic home stay on a ranch to a lodge with the best rum cocktails on the planet and even a pool to relax in. Whether you want that true adventure experience, or just the chance to soak up the culture and the natural world around you, The RUPUNUNI is THE place to visit in Guyana! 79 / EZ-VYBZ

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SHELL BEACH - The Next Place To Visit

Olive Ridley Hatchling

Calling All Adventurers

Shell Beach Is the Next Place to Visit

By Michelle Kalamandeen - M.Sc. [WIDECAST Country Coordinator] Project Coordinator Protected Areas, Education Awareness & Research

hose who define their own idea of freedom, who want something off the well-beaten tourism track and be among the first to visit exotic places, meet new people and interact with different cultures, a visit to Shell Beach Protected Area is a must. A 120km stretch of remote beaches and mudflats, Shell Beach is located in the Northwestern region of Guyana. Officially designated a marine protected area in

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October 2011; this ocean-meet-land oasis is home to four of the seven species of endangered sea turtles in the world, and hosts over 250 species of birds such as Crested Eagles, Parrots, Macaws, Scarlet Ibises, Caribbean flamingos, Frigate birds, Muscovy ducks and Harpy Eagles. The Protected Area is celebrated as an exceptional ecosystem inhabited by a spectacular mammalian fauna of jaguars, deer, manatees, giant river otters, howler

monkeys, porpoises and tamandua, a small anteater. The plant diversity includes over 1443 species within lowland swamp forests, seasonally flooded ite palm (Mauritia flexuosa) savannas and the only intact mangrove forest extending the length of the Protected Area. True to its name, this remarkable strand of coastline, stretching from the mouth of the Moruca River to the mouth of the Waini River, consists of billions of seashells in different

Leatherback Turtle

degrees of fragmentation, making it a natural nursery for the hundreds of eggs laid by the Leatherback, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley and Green turtles yearly. Sea turtles have been on Earth for approximately 150 millions years, proving sturdier than dinosaurs! These massive creatures come under the cover of darkness, usually during February to July to lay their eggs. Only female turtles would come ashore, dragging her burdensome weight out of the Atlantic Ocean and all the way ashore using only her front flippers. After crawling around to find the ideal location, she uses her hind flippers to carve out an egg chamber. When her flippers are no longer able to touch the bottom of the chamber, she begins to drop approximately 70 to 120 leathery-skinned eggs. It is often at this point, that the nesting female falls into a kind of trance, oblivious to predators including hunters eager for her meat and eggs.

“When the moon was high that is when turtles climb to nest on the beach”, Derrick Henry, a member of Waramuri Community reminises, “The high tide would also signal when it’s time for them to nest.” In the 1940s, Derrick and his family travelled for 2 weeks in a canoe from their village of Waramuri to Shell Beach; often timing their journey with a full moon and navigated using the stars. However, visitors today do not have to spend that much time travelling to visit the Beach. A mere 6-8 hours overland trip will get you there as quickly and is highly recommended. From the capital city of Georgetown, you travel by bus and speedboat to Charity, a local village on the Pomeroon River, followed by a boat ride to Moruca River, visiting several Carib, Warrau and Arawak indigenous communities along the way, through the 99-turn passage – yes 99 turns, you can count them if you can! - and into the Waini River via Baramani River. For

those of you who have less time, flying one hour directly to Mabaruma township from Ogle Airport proceeded by an hourlong boat ride to Shell Beach is ideal for you. Visitors are accommodated in the newly renovated Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society building, or can have the option of sleeping in tents on the beaches. Visitors to Shell Beach participate in the nightly monitoring patrols, assisting local rangers with tagging, measuring and counting of the eggs that were laid. The conservation effort at Shell Beach commenced in the 1980s as an initiative to appeal to local fishermen to reduce the hunting of sea turtles. From the 1960s onwards, the sea turtle population in Guyana decreased significantly. It was during this period of protection that the Warrau story of Hoharru Warrau Yabatu came to light. Hoharru Warrau Yabatu or the lucky fisherman went fishing at Shell Beach. Upon arrival, it 81 / EZ-VYBZ

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was evening, so he stretched his fishing line into the Ocean and went to sleep. In the middle of the night, he woke to the most sorrowful cry in all his life. It was so sorrowful that tears began to fall from Hoharru’s eyes. He decided to inspect what was making this sound. To his surprise, it was a waku sanuka (baby turtle). Hoharru bent his head to waku sanuka and asked why she was crying. Waku sanuka told the story of how her mom came, laid her in the shells and never returned. “This is always happening to us”, cried waku sanuka, “when we are hatched, it is more dangerous. For as soon as we emerge, the hunters, birds and fishes are ready to make a meal of us. Our arms are too tiny and feeble to protect ourselves.” Waku sanuka begged Hoharru Warrau Yabatu to help her and her siblings. “Protect us and keep us safe,” she asked. Hoharru Warrau Yabatu promised he would do what he can to help them for many years to come. Today, the Warraus believe that the help Hoharru Warrau Yabatu promised came as the Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society. The aim of GMTCS was to protect nesting turtles by empowering local communities. Over the years, GMTCS developed thematic areas that focused on hiring local community members and turtle hunters to assist

in the sea turtle monitoring efforts; education awareness programmes aimed at local schoolchildren and adults from sea turtle harvesting communities; research and implementing alternative income projects such as Northwest Organics, EcoJewelry and Moruca Embroidery. Besides turtle watching, you can quench your thirst for adventure with an assortment of activities, including sport fishing, swimming with porpoises that are often seen offshore and birdwatching. Shell Beach was designated by Birdlife International as an Important Bird Area and thought to hold over 10,000

seabirds and waterbirds of Audubon’s Shearwater, Brown Booby, Magnificent Frigatebird, Brown Pelican, Laughing Gull and Neotropic Cormorant. Many visitors also enjoy the local indigenous cuisines such as tuma-pot and cassava bread. Guests can also learn and view activities such as making casareep and cassava bread, bringing forth the indigenous communities’ way of life and learning first hand the challenges and solutions to sustainable tourism. If you’re ready to break the mold, explore the natural world and live on your own terms, then Shell Beach is where that sense of freedom and adventure begins. Turtle Eggs

Green Turtle

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TOUR GUIDES

Tour Guides

Air Guyana Tours

Available in Guyana

Roxaane Reece E: info@airguyana.net We offer day and multi- day tours. We ensure that our visitors take part in various fun activities and games, explore the rainforest, visit the many nature resorts in Guyana’s interior, or get an aerial coastal tour. These are experiences that will create unforgettable memories.

Adventure Guianas Navin Roopnarain E: navinroopnarain@yahoo.com Mickel Plaza, 53 Pere Street, Kitty, G/ town, T: 227-4713 / 3158, M: 673-0039 F:227-3196 Adventure Guianas is an experience tour operator in nature and adventure tourism. We pride ourselves in our ability to customize tours to meet your interest.

Bushmasters Tours Ian Craddock E: amazon@bushmasters.co.uk M: 682-417 / 685-3988

Cortours Inc. Ganesh Singh 1651 Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice, T: 339-2741, F: 339-2430 We specialise in Corentyne River tours, especially to Orealla village, Wanotobo Falls and Cow falls. Cortours provide you with the best experience when visiting the Corentyne and Suriname.

Dagron Tours Ann Hamilton E: dagrontours@yahoo.com 35 Main Street, G/town, T: 223- 7921 /227-1174, F: 227-1166 Dagron is a very dynamic tour company in Guyana offering exciting tours to our beautiful country Guyana with tour packages to fit your itinerary. Packages include nature, wildlife, birdwatching and holidays in Guyana, South America and the Caribbean. Which ever is your choice, you are guaranteed the adventure of a lifetime!

Evergreen Adventures

Mr. Alvin Wilson, Ms. Shonette Gomes, Ms. Sheena De Agrella or Ms. Diana Poole E: reservations@evergreenadventuresgy. com | bookbaganara@baganara.net Evergreen Adventures Inc. / Baganara Island Resort 305 East Street South Cummingsburg (ASTRO ARTS BUILDING), Georgetown T: (592) 225-4484 /225-4483, M: (592) 691-0428/ (592) 691-0431 Ogle International Airport, Ogle, East Coast Demerara T: (592) 222-8050 We are a versatile tour operator that specializes in nature and adventure tourism throughout Guyana. Evergreen Adventures offers exciting adventure tours of the wilderness through our all-inclusive tour packages along with many other exciting trips that can be tailored to fit your itinerary. With Evergreen you’ll have the best adventure experience ever when you are in Guyana

Iwokrama Centre Joan McDonald or Kathy Fredericks E: atinfo@iwokrarmacanopywalkwalkway. com. Cara Suites 176 Middle Street, G/town, T: 227-7698, F: 226-2085 S: tonywildex

Roraima Tours Contact Gerald Gouveia E: ral@roraimaairways.com R8 Eping Avenue, Bel Air Park, G/town, T: 225-9648 / 225-1035 /225-1037 Discover the lost paradise with Roraima Tours – the only tour operator that allows clients to experience Guyanese hospitality and professionalism while utilizing a complete tour package with the Roraima BRAND.

Old Fort Tours & Resorts Angellinas Travel E: oldforttours_resort@hotmail.com 91 Middle Street, South Cummingsburg, G/town, T: 260-4536-7 / 225-1035

/225-1037. With Old Fort Tours you can enjoy the best of the Essequibo river, an unforgettable trip to Kaieteur and Orinduik and our heritage tour of the capital city.

Rainforest Tours Frank Singh E: rainforesttours@networksgy.com Lot 5, Avenue of the Republic and Robb St, G/town, T: 231-5661 / 227-1122, F: 231-5661 Specializes in One-Day and overland tours to Kaieteur Fall and Mt. Roraima. Rainforest Tours also conduct tours to all resorts located in Guyana and to neighboring Venezuela, Brazil, and Suriname.

Wilderness Explorers Teri O’Brien or Tony Thorne E: teri@wilderness-explorers.com Cara Suites, 176 Middle Street,G/town, T: 227-7698, F: 226-2085 Offering exciting nature and adventure travel in the wilderness of Guyana. Wilderness explorers caters for singles and well as groups for soft adventure and intrepid travel. Most major bird watching tour operators use our expertise in Guyana. So if you need a general bird tour of Guyana, Wilderness should be your first choice.

Wonderland Tours Alisha Ousman E: gtalisha@yahoo.com 85 Quamina Street, G/town, T: 225-3122 / 225-9795, F: 226-2085 We offer trips to every part of Guyana where accessible. We specialise in 3, 7 and 14 day tours to Kaieteur and Orinduik, Santa mission, Essequibo and Mazaruniriver. We also do city tours and overland to Lethem and Kaieteur. Wonderland also take reservations for all local resorts, so book with us for an unforgettable adventure experience when in Guyana. 83 / EZ-VYBZ

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HUGH ARLINGTON ROSS - NABBA Master’s World Champion

Hugh Arlington Ross

One of the World’s Most Winningest Bodybuilders By Tangerine Clarke - Journalist, Photographer Caribbean Life Newspaper

he Guyanese community congratulates Hugh Arlington Ross, on yet another stunning title. The former Evershome, Corentyne, Guyana resident recently captured the National Amateur Body-Builders Association (NABBA)

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Master’s World Championship in Dublin, Ireland, to cement his place as one of the world’s winningest body-builders. Hugh started as a power lifter when he arrived in the United States in the 90’s and went on to excel in the sport, winning

numerous titles that included the US Masters National Overall Power Lifting Championship, and the title of Best Lifter. However, Hugh no longer felt challenged in power lifting, and at the encouragement of Ulric Gill, a bodybuilder whom he assisted, Hugh educated himself about techniques, exercises, and nutrition. The result was simply astounding. Hugh’s record is now legendary. He is a four-time NABBA Master’s Mr. Universe, claiming that honor in 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2012. He earned outstanding titles in the Musclemania Fitness Atlantic – Professional Division and Musclemania World Championships in the Professional Division, Open Overall Winner, Masters and Open Light-Heavyweight and Novice and Masters categories. In addition to numerous other titles he now holds. At 53-years old, this sportsman is a powerhouse in competitions. He is healthy and strong. Weighing 200 pounds, Hugh will no doubt reach the pinnacle in worldwide bodybuilding. Hugh is drug-free, and stays on a regimental four-days week training program at the Brooklyn Sports Club in Canarsie. His strict diet of carbohydrates, protein and Whey protein shakes, keeps him ready for competitions. “I am my own nutritionist, manager, agent, and trainer. I have never had a sponsor.” The overtime payment he earns from his profession as a Law Enforcement lecturer in New York City goes towards the hobby that Hugh said he is so passionate about; bodybuilding. This muscleman is an advanced Personal Trainer, certified by the American Council on Exercise. He is also a martial arts expert, with a third-degree black belt in Shotokan. Hugh was born with a body for fitness, and after leaving high school he felt that his only career path back then, was in the military like his uncles. He enrolled in the Guyana Defense Force Officers Cadet course to become a 2nd Lieutenant. His service was superb as Platoon Commander in the Ground Forces Group, and as an Instructor in the Training Corps. He was trained in jungle warfare, and was a member of the Special Forces Battalion, among other elite military units. When Hugh resigned from the GDF, he held the rank of Captain. Hugh was named Sportsman of the Year in Guyana, and later presented

with the Guyana Medal of Service. In the USA, Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz, presented Hugh with the Outstanding Citizen Award. These are recognition awards that highlight the dedication and excellence Hugh maintains in the sport of bodybuilding. Hugh has paid his dues, and excelled to put his country at the top of the leader board, but these qualities have certainly gone unnoticed. At this level, one would expect that this dedicated and skilled athlete would be rewarded for his efforts. No, said the Mr. Universe and National All-round Champion. Although he feels blessed and humbled so far, he has not achieved the financial rewards like so many other body-builders who have not attained the level that he has, but somehow have gone on to fame and fortune. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have reached out to the best of my ability, but to date I have received no sponsorship, or even a TV commercial contract,â&#x20AC;? said Hugh. We wish Hugh Arlington Ross the financial success and sponsorship he so richly deserves.

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A TRIP TO FORT ISLAND

Curry, Cutlasses & Coworkers

A Trip To Fort Island I

By Laura London Peace Corps Response Volunteer, GUYANA & Library Information Resources Manager Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development

t’s time again for another adventure from Laura! As my time in Guyana is winding down, I’ve been a bit like Jim Carrey in the movie Yes, Man, agreeing to every opportunity presented. Well, maybe not EVERY offer. There was that marriage proposal from a total stranger I readily turned down… and the frequent “No, thank you. I’m so full,” answer I must give every time I am offered a curry dish – the most foulest of all culinary creations – and unfortunately for me, much-loved here in Guyana. Seriously, how do you people eat that stuff? Blech! So when the offer to accompany my fellow coworkers from the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development on a “staff bonding trip” to Fort Island up the Essequibo River was made, it was an easy decision: yes. We left on a sunny Sunday morning from Georgetown, stopping just before we crossed the Demerara River to load up on a Caribbean cuisine delicacy called “doubles,” a pastry item infused with – you guessed it – curry powder. I actually can tolerate the “doubles” (always plural, even when only ordering one) as there is a sufficient amount of yummy chick peas (called “channa” here) to offset the vile yellow stuff. Stocked up on breakfast pastries, we crossed the bridge. The Demerara Harbour Bridge is almost a trip in itself. It claims to be the longest floating bridge in the world. The first time I crossed it, I expected to be frightened. I anticipated a lot of waving motion and an unsteady base. Actually, it is the least scary of any bridge I’ve crossed. It is so near the water, owing to the fact that it is FLOATING atop pontoons that any fear of the bridge collapsing or us careening over the side vanished. Even if disaster happened, I know I can swim. The bridge is over a mile long (the rivers are huge here), and closes to vehicle traffic once a day to allow for large water crafts to pass through. The closing times EZ-VYBZ / 86

vary with the tide schedule. It is a toll bridge – but only for travelers traveling west across the river. And the price is nominal -- $100 GYD per vehicle, or about fifty cents USD. Once a couple of friends and I decided to walk across the river via the bridge’s pedestrian walkway. We took a water taxi across the Demerara River, and then walked back using the bridge. It was pretty fun, made more so by the promise of real ice cream from a newly-opened shop in downtown Georgetown. Ahh. Curry-flavored ice cream. Mmmm. (OK, I’ll admit I made that part up. But let’s keep that idea to ourselves. I think it may go over here.) Back to my story. My coworkers and I next traveled to Parika, with a quick stop for liquid provisions, and then on to Rode-en-Rust where we boarded a small chartered vessel bound for Fort Island. The island is one of many situated in the Essequibo River – Guyana’s largest river and the third largest in South America. Whoa, is that river big; the estuary is over 20 miles wide, and it is often impossible to see both banks at the same time. Riddled with small islands, it is easy to become confused as to which bank is actually the shore, and not just another small islet. It’s probably a good thing I’m not a boat captain, I’d have us lost in moments. As usual when I board any sea vessel, I amused no one by humming the theme song from Gilligan’s Island. Far from a three hour tour, we were surprised that the boat ride was a mere ten minute ride across the river. Ten minutes doesn’t leave a lot of “bonding” time! But, we still had plenty of day ahead of us. Spirits were high and expectations even higher. Fort Island used to be known as Flag Island, named for a large Dutch flag that served as a navigation tool to ships nearing the area. We walked around the island until we found the fort. Fort Zeelandia, among the oldest

structures in Guyana, is a Dutch remnant of 16th and 17th century colonization and is remarkably intact for such an old structure. Well, I should amend: there is no roof neither interior walls … but the outer walls are still mostly standing, as is an armory building. We enjoyed the mini history lesson offered by our guide and took oodles of photos, the brick lending a perfect backdrop for some glorious shots. We were in awe of the two cannons facing the river – a sober reminder that this fort wasn’t always a tourist attraction.

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Fort Zeelandia was built in 1743 for the Essequibo colony and replaced an earlier wooden fort built in 1726. Several of us wondered about the positioning of the fort, as it seems rather out of the way for a fortress, but it was explained that at the time the island was in a strategic location to protect the plantations in the area. Only later did commerce move closer to the mouth of the Essequibo (Atlantic Ocean). However, it soon became apparent that commerce still exists on Fort Island, as three adorable local children tried to sell us “authentic” Dutch beads. They claimed they found the beads in the area surrounding the fort. Perhaps they did. A later trip to the island’s museum showcased several strands of beads strikingly similar to the ones the children had offered. So, whether the kids were astute artifact hunters or (something else), only lent a flavor of mystery to the island. Leaving Fort Zeelandia, we explored more of the island until we came across the Court of Policy Hall. This building houses the above-mentioned small museum, as well as three tombs and an empty, dank room which we were told was used as a holding area for slave trafficking during the Dutch colonization period. Upon entering the slave holding cell, one of my coworkers commented that the room permeated with the scent of sorrow. I thought that was well-put EZ-VYBZ / 88

and certainly a somber description of the atrocities that occurred in the name of “development.” Outside the Court of Policy Hall, we gathered and discussed our feelings upon entering the slave cell. Someone commented that, aside from me (the only Caucasian among us), our assembled group of 12 all had at least one ancestor who was either a slave or indentured servant. It is a part of Guyana’s history, and helps explain the beautiful mix of skin

tones and facial features that makes the culture a wondrous blend and melting pot of several ethnicities. Returning to the boat, we were not content to end the day so soon. We managed to talk the captain into a ride further up the Essequibo River. This time, it really was a three-hour tour, but I wisely kept the humming to myself. Oh, there’s nothing like a boat ride on a calm, warm day, is there? I quickly scrambled to one of the outside seats. While the dark-skinned Guyanese looked on like I had lost some of my marbles by this decision, I basked in the glory of the sun’s rays on my skin. Why is it that we fair skinned desire to be darker, while the bronzed prefer to be lighter? Well, if I had an answer for that I’d probably be a very wealthy woman. Instead, I will chalk it up as a classic example of the “grass is always greener on the other side of the fence” expression. While cruising, the boat captain asked if we wanted to see some authentic Dutch graves that were hidden in the bush. We shrugged and said, “why not?” So, we detoured off the river and followed a narrow creek for awhile until we docked by a small campsite. A makeshift shelter was set up – complete with the requisite hammocks so common in Guyana. Two sleepy Amerindians greeted us; no doubt we awoke them from a midday nap. We asked about the Dutch graves, and they set off with cutlasses in hand to find them, claiming to have only vague

directions to the alleged gravesites. Now, these two men hacked and forged a path through the tall grasses (all I could think about was chiggers) for about 40 minutes until finally one of them shouted he had found it! We all quickly traversed the beaten down path and stood in astonishment of two tombs lying atop the ground, long neglected and really, in a most inconvenient spot for tourists (that was a joke, these were not tourist attractions). It was another solemn moment on this trip, which had promised such levity originally. One of the tombs was marked with a clear date of 1764 and appeared to have a most pirate-like molding or cast of a skull and crossbones at the top. We spent more than a few moments speculating on the lives of these two long-departed souls. Let’s see…. The pair was pirate lovers who quarreled and then perished while seeking to uncover buried treasure. Or, they were explorers who became lost when their ship capsized and spent the remainder of their lives living on this small island, waiting, waiting for a small ship to pass and rescue them. No! They were mapmakers who were attacked by hungry caiman and later immortalized by their fellow cartologists. The possibilities were endless. But, if I could read Dutch, maybe the actual reasons for deaths were explained in the inscription. Leaving the detour, we continued up the Essequibo until we reached picturesque Saxacalli Mission, a tiny Amerindian settlement. Now the levity began in earnest. We unpacked all the food (which included plenty of yucky you-know-what and also some delicious chicken and brownies) and the feasting began. We swam in the river (Piranhas? What piranhas?!) and later some of us sunned on the deck (namely, me) while others (everyone else) joined some local children in a pick-up game of cricket right on the beach. (Note: the Guyanese are gaga over this game. I have watched it several times and can make no sense of the rules). Reluctantly, we headed back towards Georgetown. Sleepy with the sun, surf and sand, I couldn’t stop smiling as I recounted many of the funny moments on this trip. My favorite memory was when Diane, one of my coworkers, told me I have a “Mouth like Pepper.” I asked, “What does that mean?” I pictured my maw twisted up at an angle like a banana

pepper. I don’t look like that! She explained that it meant that the words that come out are “spicy like a hot pepper.” In other words, a smartass. I replied, “Thank you!” Another coworker chimed, “It’s not really a compliment.” Hmm. That got me thinking about a recent time when my Pepper Mouth nearly got me in trouble. I was sitting outside one day when a fellow walked past carrying a full-sized kitchen wall clock. We’re talking, dinner plate-sized in diameter. Like, he plucked it off the wall and then sauntered up the street. Ol’ Pepper Mouth called out, “Hey buddy, do you have the time?” He looked over, smiled and waved, which I incorrectly took as a sign that he enjoyed my feeble attempt at humor. Imagine my horror when he returned a few minutes later and answered, “It’s 1:30.” Seems

the poor guy DIDN’T have the time, so he went and found someone with a watch, and then retraced to give me the information he (thought) I sought. I was so embarrassed. I thanked him profusely. Then, he asked for money. I nearly gave him some, as I felt terrible I had made a joke at his expense (but you gotta admit, it’s not every day you see someone walking down the middle of a street carrying a large clock), but I was sitting in front of my house and I was uncomfortable with paying him from that location. I envisioned him frequently stopping by on all sorts of bogus errands. So instead, I resorted to what I usually do when approached by beggars – I answered in French. Yeah, maybe I do have a mouth like pepper. But it beats a Curry Mouth any day. 89 / EZ-VYBZ

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BREADFRUIT

Breadfruit A.C.D.A promotes

at Emancipation Day celebration By Mark Bradford - Freelance Journalist

HE African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) promoted breadfruit as the main dish at the 174th Emancipation celebration at the National Park this year. Sister Clementine Marshall, Chairperson and Cultural Coordinator of ACDA, indicated to the Guyana Chronicle that of all the items and foods available to that body this year, the association set out to promote breadfruit as the main dish, and to demonstrate its different recipes. She noted that the plantation owners back in the time of slavery fed the slaves with breadfruit, since it was cheap and nutritious; and the slaves ate and felt satisfied, and had no complaints. Marshall highlighted that breadfruit is today cheaper than English potatoes, and can be used in a number of ways, which her association will be promoting throughout the month of August.

HISTORY OF THE FRUIT Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is a species of flowering tree in the mulberry family moraceae, growing throughout Southeast Asia and most Pacific Ocean islands. Its name is derived from the texture of the cooked fruit, which has a potato-like flavour similar to fresh-baked bread. Ancestors of the Polynesian Islands found the trees growing in the northwest New Guinea area around 3,500 years ago. They gave up the rice cultivation they had brought with them from Taiwan, and raised breadfruit wherever they went in the Pacific (except Easter Island and New Zealand, EZ-VYBZ / 90

which were too cold). Their ancient eastern Indonesian cousins spread the plant west and north through insular and coastal Southeast Asia. The breadfruit has, in historical times, also been widely planted in tropical regions elsewhere. Breadfruit trees grow to a height of 85 feet (26m). The large and thick leaves are deeply cut into pinnate lobes. All parts of the tree yield latex, a milky juice which is useful for boat caulking. Both male and female flowers grow on the same tree. The male flowers emerge first, followed shortly afterward by the female flowers, which grow into capitula capable of pollination just three days later. The pollinators are Old World fruit bats in the family pteropodidae. The compound, false fruit develops from the swollen perianth, and originates from

1,500-2,000 flowers. These are visible on the skin of the fruit as hexagon-like disks. Breadfruit is one of the highest-yielding food plants. A single tree can produce in excess of 200 fruits per season. In the South Pacific, the trees yield 50 to 150 fruits per year. In southern India, normal production is 150 to 200 fruits annually. Productivity varies between wet and dry areas. In the Caribbean, a conservative

estimate is 25 fruits per tree. Studies in Barbados indicate a reasonable potential of 6.7 to 13.4 tonnes per acre (16-32 tonnes/ha). The grapefruit-sized, ovoid fruit has a rough surface, and each fruit is divided into many achenes, each surrounded by a fleshy perianth and growing on a fleshy receptacle. Some selectively bred cultivars have seedless fruit. Breadfruit can be eaten once cooked, or can be further processed into a variety of other foods. A common product is a mixture of cooked or fermented breadfruit mash mixed with coconut milk and baked in banana leaves. Whole fruits can be cooked in an open fire, then cored and filled with other foods, such as coconut milk, sugar and butter, cooked meats,

or other fruits. The filled fruit can be further cooked so the flavour of the filling permeates the flesh of the breadfruit. The Hawaiian staple food called poi, made of mashed taro root, is easily substituted or augmented with mashed breadfruit. The resulting ‘breadfruit poi’ is called poizulu. In Puerto Rico, it is called panapen or pana, for short. Pana is often served boiled with a mixture of sauteed bacalao (salted cod fish), olive oil and onions. It is also served as tostones or mofongo. In The Dominican Republic, it is known by the name buen pan or “good bread”. Breadfruit is also found in Indonesia and Malaysia, where it is called sukun. In the South Indian state of Kerala and coastal Karnataka, especially on the sides of Mangalore, where it is widely

grown and cooked, it is known as kada chakka or seema chakka and deegujje respectively. In Belize, the Mayan people call it masapan.

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Spot the Difference

Word Search & Sudoku

“Adapted from www.about.com/puzzles” EZ-VYBZ / 92

Cross Word Puzzle

“Adapted from www.about.com/puzzles” 93 / EZ-VYBZ

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Trivia Questions General Questions on Various Topics

1. 2.

How many countries are in the UN? Which breed of dog is noted for it’s spotted coat? 3. American Falls and Horseshoe Falls are better known as? 4. What is the capital of The Bahamas? 5. Which country or state lays claim to the title of being the world’s smallest? 6. If you wanted to see the famous Taj Mahal what city would you visit? 7. Which famous gem was said to have been stolen from a Hindu statue? 8. What is known as “the nature island of the Caribbean”? 9. Which New York City hotel has the largest number of rooms? 10. What is the most widely-consumed addictive chemical substance in the world?

Answers

on a tightrope or by going over them in a barrel. The first person to take a barrel over the falls was Annie Edson Taylor in 1901.

2. Dalmatian The Dalmatian is thought to be one of the first breeds of dogs that was deliberately bred for certain characteristics. These dogs have been painted running next to chariots, and have been used throughout history as hunters and bird dogs. They later became associated with firehouses. One reason for this was their ability to get along with horses.

3. Nigara Falls 1. 192 The United Nations began in 1945 as a replacement for the League of Nations. It’s headquarters are located in New York City. It’s goal is provide a neutral ground where countries can air their grievances and to help stop wars. The UN has six official languages; Spanish, Russian, French, English, Chinese and Arabic.

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This famous waterfall is located on the border between Canada and the US. The name Niagara Falls comes from the Iroquois meaning Thunder of Waters. It is believed that the first European to visit the falls was Samuel de Champlain in the year 1604. Sam Patch was the first person recorded to go over the falls and survive in 1829. Since that time numerous people have attempted to conquer the falls, by either walking across the falls

4. Nassau Nassau is the capital, largest city, and commercial centre of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The city has a population of 248,948 (2010 census), 70 percent of the entire population of The Bahamas (353,658

5. Vatican City This small state is headed by the Pope and is only about 100 acre (44 hectares) in size. It was declared a separate state in 1929. It also lays claim to having the smallest population at about 800 people. This small state is situated right in the middle of Rome and is separated by a wall. This small state boasts its own police force which is known as the Corpodella Gendermeria.

it was one of the eyes of the statue, although the other eye has never been found. The huge diamond was actually cut from another stone called the Tavernier Blue or the French Blue. This gem was once part of the crown jewels of France belonging to Marie Antoinette. It was stolen during the French revolution.

9. Hilton New York According to Crain’s New York Business, the Hilton New York, with 1,980 rooms, is biggest, followed by the New York Marriott Marquis (1,946 rooms), the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers (1,750 rooms) and the Hotel Pennsylvania (1,700 rooms). Suidoo.com

6. Agra, India This famous building was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for Mumtaz Mahal his favourite wife. The emperor gathered together a work force of over 20 000 men to build the mausoleum. The creative unit alone was made up of 37 men. ‘O Soul, thou art at rest. Return to the Lord at peace with Him, and He at peace with you.” Is engraved over the main gate.

8. Dominica Long regarded as the Nature Island of the Caribbean, it is truly a nature lovers dream... a mountain range with several peaks approaching 5,000 ft. Cloaked in tropical rainforest and lush vegetation. Dominica boasts a river for each day of the year. Waterfalls, lakes and thermal hot springs are in abundance.

7. The Hope Diamond

10. Caffeine Caffeine is everywhere. Often referred to as the world’s most widely used drug, caffeine is found in so many products it’s not easy to find one that doesn’t contain the substance. Classified as a stimulant, caffeine is most commonly consumed in the form of coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate and energy drinks.

The diamond was said to have been cursed by priests when they discovered that it was gone. According to legends

Spot the Difference

Puzzle Solutions Cross Word Puzzle

Sudoku

1. Hilltop removed 2. Blackbird is missing 3. Ear is not visible 4. Little finger is missing 5. White design on tail is altered 6. Tail fin is smaller 7. Bubbles missing 8. Seaweed removed 9. Fish is missing

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NEW YORK CITY

A Brief Review of some Tourist Destinations in

New York City By Vishnu Bisram - Senior New York / Caribbean Journalist

ew York City is referred to as the tourist and financial capital of the world. There is much to do and see. The city itself is divided in five boroughs or sub-cities –Manhattan which is the star attraction and is also called New York, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island. The below is extracted from various website offering information on attractive tourist sites in the city that draws huge crowds from all over the world. EZ-VYBZ / 96

Hotel Restaurants In New York Your New York City Experts provide an extensive, comprehensive guide to the city’s many expertly staffed, beautifully decorated, and superbly executed hotel restaurants.

Statue of Liberty: Enlightenment to the World The Statue of Liberty is a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, designed by Frédéric

Bartholdi and dedicated on October 28, 1886. The statue, a gift to the United States from the people of France, is of a robed female figure representing Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom, who bears a torch and a tabula ansata (a tablet evoking the law) upon which is inscribed the date of the American Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776. A broken chain lies at her feet. The statue is not only an icon of freedom of the United States but a universal symbol of freedom and democracy and is invoked by groups

highest level of commercial theatre in the English-speaking world. The Broadway theatre district is a popular tourist attraction in New York. According to The Broadway League, Broadway shows sold approximately $1.081 billion worth of tickets in calendar year 2011, compared with $1.037 billion for 2010. Attendance in 2011 was 12.13 million. A visit is a must for visitors. Location: Mid-town Manhattan; Accessible by subway trains and buses. Broadway Theaters

The Brooklyn Museum Displays mostly art. It is located in Brooklyn. The museum has 560,000 square feet of space. It holds New York City’s second largest art collection with roughly 1.5 million works from all over the world. Brooklyn Museum has amassed one of the largest and most diverse collections in the United States. Its vast holdings range from the ancient to the contemporary and encompass virtually all the world’s principal cultures, reflecting the institution’s long history of acquiring Western and non-Western art. Significant areas of the collection include antiquities, specifically their

Statue of Liberty

The Brooklyn Museum

Broadway Theatres:

fighting for democracy and freedom globally.

The Finest Art Form The world famous Broadway theatre is among the finest art form in the city. Simply called Broadway, the live shows are staged in any theatrical performance presented in one of the 40 professional theatres with 500 or more seats located in the Theatre District centred along Broadway, and in Lincoln Centre, in the heart of Manhattan. Broadway theatre widely considered to represent the 97 / EZ-VYBZ

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collection of Egyptian antiquities spanning over 3,000 years. African, Oceanic, and Japanese art make for notable antiquities collections as well. American art is heavily represented, starting at the Colonial period. Artists represented in the collection include Mark Rothko, Edward Hopper, Norman Rockwell, Winslow Homer, Edgar Degas, Georgia O’Keefe, and Max Weber. The museum also has a “Memorial Sculpture Garden” which features salvaged architectural elements from throughout New York City. Location: 200 Eastern Parkway Brooklyn, New York 11238-6052 23 Eastern Parkway/Brooklyn Museum Hours: Wednesday: 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Thursday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday–Sunday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Contact: Telephone: (718) 638-5000

The Bronx Zoo

Central Park

Bronx Zoo: Activities Animal Activity Trail Find your inner animal on the Animal Activity Trail while exploring the Bronx Zoo. Run, jump, dance and crawl as you visit wildlife throughout the park. There are activities for adults and kids. There is bird watching and bird feeding. Carousel Enjoy a true flight of fancy aboard a longlegged praying mantis, a bright green grasshopper, or another of your favorite creepy-crawlies. The Bug Carousel is open year-round. In cool weather, sliding glass doors make it an indoor experience. There is also camel riding. Camel Rides Ride can accommodate up to three children, or one adult. Penguin Feedings At 3:30 p.m., watch Magellanic penguins come out of their dens or up from the deep and bob for fish. Sea Lion Feeding At the heart of the park, bark hello to California sea lions and meet their keepers. Two daily feeding and training demonstrations for the Zoo’s noisiest residents make the sea lion pool one of our most popular attractions. Hours & Rates March 31–November 4, 2012 Monday–Friday EZ-VYBZ / 98

10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.* Weekends & Holidays 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.* Admission: There is a fee for admission that includes special rides. The Bronx Zoo is easy to get to from anywhere in the tristate area by Mass Transit and vehicles.

Central Park: The world famous Central Park is in the heart of Manhattan. When you pay a visit to Central Park you will discover that there is something for everyone. From guided tours and sports to sightseeing or just plain relaxing, Central Park is New York’s backyard. There are guided tours. Discover the Park’s history, ecology and design on these year-round, volunteer-led walking tours sponsored by the Central Park Conservancy!

Rockefeller Center A complex of 19 commercial buildings covering 22 acres (89,000 m2) between 48th and 51st streets in New York City, United States. Built by the Rockefeller family, Rockefeller Center was named after John D. Rockefeller, Jr. It is located in the centre of Midtown Manhattan, spanning the area between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987.[ Classic meets current at Rockefeller Center, the city’s ultimate shopping destination. From spacious flagships to unique specially stores, there is something here for every taste and closet, in iconic surroundings as sophisticated as they are welcoming. And whether you want to grab a quick bite, get your cappuccino fix, meet friends for cocktails or savour a special family dinner, you’ll relish the

Rockefeller Center

delicious options. Rockefeller Center is a complex of 19 commercial buildings covering 22 acres (89,000 m2) between 48th and 51st streets in New York City, United States. Built by the Rockefeller family, Rockefeller Center was named after John D. Rockefeller, Jr. It is located in the center of Midtown Manhattan, spanning the area between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987. Classic meets current at Rockefeller Center, the city’s ultimate shopping destination. From spacious flagships to unique specialty stores, there is something here for every taste and closet, in iconic surroundings as sophisticated as they are welcoming. And whether you want to grab a quick bite, get your cappuccino fix, meet friends for cocktails or savor a special family dinner, you’ll relish the delicious options.

The Empire State Building A 102-story skyscraper located in New York City at the intersection of Fifth

The Empire State Building

Avenue and West 34th Street. It has a roof height of 1,250 feet (381 meters), and with its antenna spire included, it stands a total of 1,454 ft (443.2 m) high. Its name is derived from the nickname for New York, the Empire State. A beacon for international and domestic tourists alike, the Empire State Building offers unmatched views of New York and neighbouring states

Lower Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States. It is by far the world’s largest stock exchange by market capitalization of its listed companies at US$14.242 trillion as of Dec 2011. Average daily trading value was approximately US$153 billion in 2008. And there are many, many more interesting sites and activities to for visitors ... .

The World Trade Center site, as it appeared in October 2004. Since 2001, “Ground Zero” is generally understood to mean the site of the World Trade Center, which was destroyed in the September 11 attacks by terrorists who flew aircrafts into both towers. The phrase was being applied to the World Trade Center site within hours after the towers collapsed. The site is located downtown Manhattan. New towers are going up.

New York Stock Exchange The New York Stock Exchange, commonly referred to as the NYSE, is a stock exchange located at 11 Wall Street,

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PRESIDENTS CUP GOLF TOURNAMENT

President’s Cup

Golf Tournament Adapted from Guyana Chronicle

OLFERS from across the country and the wider Caribbean will descend on the Lusignan Golf Course , on the East Coast of Demerara , come September 16th for the inaugural ‘President’s Cup’ Golf Tournament. According to Minister Ali, this ‘pilot project’ forms part of the Ministry’s plan to promote Sport Tourism in Guyana. “We are working from different angles in terms of developing and expanding our tourism product. Golf has a special appeal to an upper class and middle class market in the Caribbean; it has a targeted market. We want to use this opportunity to work with the local golf association in creating a space for Guyana within the golf market, that will not only promote the sport here but will also advance our tourism product,” he said. He noted too that such initiatives can be used as a platform to market the country as a golfing destination, on par with other Caribbean destinations like Barbados. In addition, he informed that the President’s Cup Tournament will be added to the Tourism Ministry’s calendar of events, which will be further developed and enhanced along the way. As to the role that Golfing will play in attracting visitors, the Tourism Minister

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revealed that already, several private investors are interested in constructing golf courses in Guyana, which will act as centre pieces for attracting even more tourists. “This will form part of our reDiscover Home campaign. Sports tourism is something we are working on aggressively, we have the land space, environment and improved air transportation,” Minister Ali stated. The Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Indranauth Haralsingh also pledged that the Authority will work closely with stakeholders, for the development and promotion of sports tourism.Persons interested in participating

in the Golf tournament can register via the GTA website at www.guyana-tourism. com or call 219-0094-6 or contact the golf club on 220-5660 to register for the event; registration fee will be $4000. Advising on the technical components of the game, the President of the Lusignan Gold Club, Mr. Jerome Khan explained that the Golf Course is a nine (9) whole, par 70 course, but the game will be 18 holes Stroke-play, with the tee off occurring at 9:30 hrs. Khan assured that the inaugural event will be fun and exciting, and is already attracting participants from Suriname and French Guiana, bringing new dimension to the sport.

EZJET ENTERS GUYANA”S AVIATION INDUSTRY

Enters Guyana Aviation Industry

Sonny Ramdeo - CEO, EZjet Air Services

ecember 16, 2011 would be the day many Guyanese would remember. It was the day when EZjet Airlines flew into Georgetown from John F. Kennedy Airport with 218 passengers on board its Boeing 767. It was the inaugural flight of the new airline, offering Guyanese direct flights between Guyana and New York. Finally, after a hiatus spanning several years of the non-availability of direct flights to very popular route, EZjet has

made is easier for local fliers to get to their destination faster and without the hassle of having to in-transit. So how did it all happen? Chief Executive Officer and owner of EZJet, Sonny Ramdeo, explains how this came about. “It was a dream of mine to enter into the airline industry,” he explained, “I have been travelling for years and like everyone, went through the hassle and inconvenience of having to in-transit in another country. I experienced poor customer service and bad food. There was a need for a direct flight. This enhanced my business idea and with this demand, it was now the right time to make this happen. And that’s how EZjet was born.” According to Mr. Ramdeo, EZJet was established on good research and a sound business plan. All the markets were considered. “I envisioned EZJET being part of the Airline Industry for the long haul.” “For the first month, the number of people flying with EZjet was below our expectation and understandably so,” the CEO reminisced, “Aside from being a new airline, people wanted us to prove ourselves and our stability. In the past, they have seen many airlines come and

go so they wanted to be sure. I am happy to say that as the months went by, EZjet’s numbers began increasing. What we saw in April was phenomenal. Every flight in April was leaving Guyana and New York filled, and even after the peak period in April, EZJet was still carrying full passenger loads. It astonished everyone.” There is no denying that the new airline is now a household name in Guyana and New York. So what makes the airline highly sought after? The answer isEZJet’s personalized and high quality customer service, and of course, its low fares. Travellers are able to meet and interact with managers and EZJet’s staff, thereby allowing their issues to be addressed promptly and professionally. The CEO explained that EZjet focuses on a complete service that starts from the ground to in the air. All of EZjet’s staff are aware of this constant demand for the exceptional and high quality customer service and are called upon to deliver this service. And more so, the magic is in the air on board the gorgeous and comfy Boeing 767. EZjet’s aircraft is leased from the US 101 / EZ-VYBZ

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carrier Swift Air. Swift Air has brought with it a team of pilots and flight attendants that are among the friendliest, warmest and most helpful crew found anywhere. This unique warmth is felt and seen from the moment the passenger enters the aircraft. It is unusual to see a pilot doing anything other than fly the aircraft, on EZJet flights they have often assisted women, children and passengers with special needs carry their bags up the stairs. Once seated, travellers are well taken care of. In other words, people have to travel to experience the unique customer service EZJet offers. A service that is second to none. Since its entry into the market, EZjet has been growing rapidly but not without its challenges. Even in its embryonic stage, EZjet came in for bad press by one media entity. Despite several attempts to derail the growth and existence of the airline, EZjet weathered the storm very well and came out even more successful as the airline became increasingly popular in the Guyana market. This popularity resulted in rapid growth, generating solid business for the airline. Some nine months later, EZJet continues to do extremely well in the local market, transporting over 35,000 passengers at the end of July 2012. Because of the entry of what can be called Guyana’s local airline along with its special packaged deals, there has been an upsurge in the number of people travelling, including its first time travellers. This certainly bodes well for the tourism industry and the economy on the whole. With the Georgetown to New York route being a huge success, EZjet turned its attention further north and recently launched into the Canadian market. Other expansion plans which the airline is hoping to start during the remainder of this year are flights to various Caribbean islands, including Trinidad and Barbados. Flights to South American giant, Brazil, are also in the pipeline. “People have big expectations of EZjet and we intend to live up to those,” Mr. Ramdeo said. “We will continue to offer direct flights at low prices whilst offering high quality customer services. We know what the public want and we are committed to giving them what they want. As people continue to fly EZjet in large numbers, EZJet will continue to serve and exceed their expectations COME FLY WITH US!

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EZJET INFORMATION

EZjet Information

About EZjet Air Services

EZjet Air Services, a new air transport charter company licensed by Guyana Civil Aviation Authority and US Department of Transportation, contracts Swift Air, a US certificated air carrier, to operate weekly scheduled non-stop flights between Georgetown GEO and New York JFK and Toronto YYZ, flying a B767-200 aircraft with 218 seats. The company was founded to address the long standing dissatisfaction with the current level of service offered by other carriers and hassle while traveling to/from Guyana. EZjet has obtained US DOT Approval. Market demands favor the introduction of a Guyana operator providing additional air transport services that will provide a higher quality of passenger service between Guyana and the United States.

WELCOME ABOARD Useful information to assist you with your flight

CHECK-IN ARRIVAL: It is recommended that you arrive at the airport to check in a minimum of three hours prior to your scheduled departure time. EZjet reserves the right to cancel the reservation of any passenger who has checked in after flight closes. EZjet will close flight at least one hour prior to departure.

BAGGAGE

Passengers are allowed two pieces of luggage with maximum of sixty pounds along with one piece of hand luggage not more than twenty two pounds. All hand luggage must be stored under the seat or in the overhead bins.

WARNING Photography or video recording of any airline personnel, equipment or procedures is strictly prohibited.

EZJET FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION ON OUR FLIGHTS, PRICES OR TO MAKE RESERVATIONS, VISIT WWW. EZJETAIR.COM Customer Service Commitment The employees of EZjet Air Services thank you for being our guest. Our goal is to always provide safe, reliable transportation for a reasonable price, along with the caring, friendly and professional service that we are known for. This section of our web site outlines some of the ways we intend to meet this commitment every day. We Will Offer You Our Lowest Fare Whether you book your reservation via our website or with one of our reservations agents or our local authorize agents, we will provide you with our lowest then-available fare for the date and flight you choose. We will be happy to help you check various flights and dates

until you find something that meets your individual needs. Not every seat is sold for the same price, so you may increase your chances of getting the lowest fare by being flexible in your travel dates and by booking your reservation early. Be sure to check ezjetgt. com weekly for promotional fares, based on last minute seat availability. If you are traveling with ten or more people, you may qualify for a group discount. Request a group fare by calling Group Sales.

EZjet Group Sales: +1-718-738-7015 Cancellation Policies Depending on your fare, there may be a fee to change or cancel your reservation. If a fee does apply, it is $100 (USD) per person if the change is made through our call center or authorized agents. Also, when your new reservation is made, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be responsible for a difference in the ticket price. If the ticket price is lower, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll either offer credit towards future travel or a refund depending on the rules of your ticket. We Will Offer You Flexibility Within the First 48 Hours of Booking Reservations made via ezjetgt.com or through one of our reservation call centers or authorized agent locations require immediate purchase. Customers holding immediate-purchase travel will have the flexibility to make one change to wholly unused tickets within 24 hours

DEPARTURE: Having checked in, passengers must present themselves at the departure gate and be ready to board their flight at least one hour prior to departure. Passengers can be denied boarding after flight closes.

DOCUMENTATION All passengers must be in possession of their E-Tickets and must present same at check in counter. All customers are required to present proof of identity such as a valid passport, Government Identification Cards. 103 / EZ-VYBZ

EZ-VYBZ SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2012

of purchase without incurring applicable change fees. Any applicable increase in fare still applies. If you elect to cancel your immediate-purchase travel itinerary within 24 hours of purchase, we will refund your wholly unused ticket back to the original form of payment. If you need to purchase your ticket at the airport, our ticket counter agents may be available to assist you 4 hours prior to check-in.

assess its eligibility. You may take your paper ticket back to the place of purchase to request a refund (i.e. travel agency or any EZjet Air Services ticket counter). You may also mail your paper ticket to the following address for processing. Please include your return mailing address. EZjet Air Services Attn: Refund 131-02 Liberty Avenue, 2nd Fl Richmond Hill, NY 11419

We Will Process Your Refund Request Quickly

To check on the status of a refund request, representatives are available at +1-718-738-7015 highlighting on weekdays between 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. (EST). You may also fax inquiries to 718-775-3782 or email info@ezjetgt.com

Ticket Refunds All tickets may be refunded in full to the original form of payment within the first 24 hours after their initial purchase. While not every ticket is refundable, we are committed to refunding all eligible tickets within 20 business days for cash purchases and 7 business days for credit card purchases. Note: It may take 7-14 business days for your credit card company to post your refund to your account. Credit card refunds are made payable to the purchaser’s original form of payment. If you purchased your electronic ticket on ezjetgt.com, you may request your refund online, as long as the ticket is wholly unused. For refunds on all other refundable electronic tickets, please contact Reservations for assistance. In order to refund a paper ticket, we must first see the physical ticket in order to EZ-VYBZ / 104

If your paper ticket is lost, stolen, or destroyed, you must purchase a new one in order to travel. You can request a refund for the lost ticket, minus a service fee. Lost Ticket Refund Applications are available at any EZjet Air Services ticket counter or by calling/faxing the Refunds department at the number above. Be advised that the lost ticket process takes at least four months. We now offer you the option to receive a credit certificate on wholly unused nonrefundable tickets when canceling. A service fee will apply for each ticket being changed, plus payment of any difference between the value of your original ticket and the new fare. If you use part of your ticket, any remaining value is

calculated against the flown portions of your trip. For prompt service, retain your electronic ticket number and call our Reservations office for assistance. EZjet Reservations: 1-718-738-7015 Fee Refunds Should a flight change or cancellation result in your inability to use a pre-paid optional service (such as a checked baggage), unused fees for these services may be refunded using the methods listed below. Checked Baggage, Upgrades (Paid) For charges paid directly to EZjet Air Services during Web Check-In, Kiosk Check-In, or with an EZjet Agent, please see an EZjet Airport Customer Service Agent for refund assistance, or contact us: • EZjet Air Services Attn: Refund 131-02 Liberty Avenue, 2nd Fl Richmond Hill, NY 11419 • info@ezjetgt.com

NEW YORK OFFICE • • •

131-02 Liberty Ave 2 nd Floor, Richmond Hill ,N.Y. 11214 Phone: (718) 644-7435 Toll Free: (855) FLY-EJET www.ezjetair.com

GUYANA OFFICE 23, Brickdam, Stabroek, Georgetown Unit 204 Phone: (592) 225-7585/7589 www.ezjetair.com

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