GEM 74, 2016

Guyana’s Premier Guide To Entertainment, Culture, Fashion, Beauty, Sports & Ambitious Influencers 2016 | Issue 74 | A Bi-monthly Publication

TOP PROFESSIONALS UNDER 40 Class of 2016

GY$1,000 | US$5.00 | BD$10 | CN$6.00

Contents GEM

Guyana's Premier Lifestyle & Entertainment Magazine 2016 | Issue 74

14

36 7

PUBLISHER’S NOTES Welcome to the 74th Edition of GEM

8 SPOTLIGHT

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry 10 4 20-SOMETHINGS

You Should Know (Part 30) 12 PERSONALITY

Sophia Dolphin Gizmos and Gadgets Sales Manager

16 2 | GEM 74, 2016

14 4th Annual

Emancipation Jazz & Soul Concert

16 NAYA ZAMANA 21

"Lost In Time"

Top Professionals UNDER 40 Class of 2016

page

18

They Are Already Changing Our World

Contents II GEM

41

Guyana's Premier Lifestyle & Entertainment Magazine 2016 | Issue 74

42 27 FITNESS

Deskbound - Standing Up to a Sitting World

40 BEAUTY TIPS

Purpose, Professional & Passion

28 ICON

Gem Eytle - An Icon of Commitment & Service

41 RECIPE

Pumpkin-Ginger Bars and French Toast Fruit Roll Ups

30 SAVVY SISTER

Energy Vampire 31 GEM BEAUTY

Meet beautiful 20 Year old Anasha

34 4 | GEM 74, 2016

34 FASHION

Fashion Guru Roger Gary and His Latest Collection +

SAS Designs

42 TRAVEL

The Rupununi Wildlife Research Unit

44 LAST SEEN HERE

Random pictures of people and events.

Were you there?

#1 In Indian Traditional Wear • Richly Embroidered Gararas • Bell Bottom Skirts & Pants • Bridal Wear • Indian Tops • Sarees • Shalwars • 3 Piece Kurta Suits in different colours and many more...

Model: Prita

183 Barr Street, Kitty, Georgetown Tel: 227-8644, 627-6740

Where every woman becomes a star GEM 74, 2016 | 5

Celebrating Guyana Since 2004!

Issue 74 | 2016

FOUNDER & PUBLISHER Simeon L Corbin MANAGING EDITOR Coretta Corbin-Rival ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER Tiya Peterkin LAYOUT AND DESIGN Mark James COPY EDITOR Donna Shortt-Gill SALES & MARKETING Tiya Peterkin • Gitanjali Sarjoo-Currica INTERNATIONAL SALES & MARKETING Director Coretta Corbin-Rival INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION Director Michelle Corbin CONTRIBUTORS • Coretta Corbin-Rival • Michelle Corbin • Carl Croker • Donna Shortt-Gill • Tiya Peterkin •Gitanjali Currica • Kezqweyah Yisrael • Macaela Cameron • Majorie Chester • Renee Chester-Thompson• Sabatini N. Daniels • David Apannah • Leana Bradshaw • Waynewright Orderson • Petamber Persaud • Emma Hope • Ascena Jacobs • NAMILCO • Matt Hallett GEORGETOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY SALES, ADVERTISING & SUBSCRIPTION GEM | 50 BB | Eccles | East Bank Demerara | Guyana P: 011.592.233.3138 / 233.2940 E: info@GemMagOnline.com W: www.GemMagOnline.com F: www.facebook.com/GEM.Guyana SUBSCRIPTION Guyana GYD6,500 Caribbean & North America USD45 Rest of the World USD50 ISSN 181-2019 Since 2004, GEM has been the only magazine with its finger on the pulse of Guyana’s lifestyle and entertainment trends. Every two months, it chronicles the personalities, places and events that make this country a beautiful place to live or visit.

All rights reserved. Reproduction of editorial content in whole or in part without permission from the Publisher is prohibited. GEM/CMG does not assume responsibility for advertisements, nor any representation made therein, nor the quality or deliverability of the products themselves. Reproduction of articles, illustrations and photographs in whole or part contained herein without expressed consent from the Publisher is prohibited with the exception for news / media use. All information herein was deemed accurate at the time of printing, but may have changed after. The publisher and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to GEM’s rights to edit.

Copyright © 2016 by CORBIN MEDIA GROUP Inc.

6 | GEM 74, 2016

PUBLISHER'S NOTES Dear Valued Reader, Welcome to our annual Professionals edition. This is the issue in which we recognize Guyana’s engaging professionals who are under the age of forty years.

Coming up with the Class of 2016 – the 4 th annual selection of the country’s finest entrepreneurs, career oriented individuals and other movers and shakers was not easy.

Tracking down individuals, getting the proper pictures and information submitted at the deadline proved challenging at times. Nevertheless, we persevered, and here we are to proudly announce the honorees.

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently”. Warren Buffett

50 BB | Eccles | E.B.D. | Guyana

P: 233.3138, 233.2940

/ GEM.Guyana

This is a task we take very seriously, and every effort is taken to make sure the group is as inclusive and diverse in every possible way. I would like to congratulate those who made the cut this year and best of luck in your endeavors.

Even though the 74th edition is about our professionals, it still carries the regular features on fashion, icon, personality, entertainment, sports, health, beauty tips, fitness, recipes and travel that you have grown accustomed to.

Also lookout for features on the annual Emancipation Jazz Festival, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, Roger Gary’s latest

Aqua Couture Collection, Naya Zamana 21 st edition show, Miss Guyana Universe 2016 and other exciting articles and pictures that make up this edition.

We sincerely appreciate the continued support of our clients, friends and fans even in these trying economic times for our country.

You can count on us to look for innovative ways to help you market your brand to a wider audience at home and overseas. For our part, we combine the best of the 21st century marketing strategies. GEM utilizes a number of channels to reach its niche market: a print magazine, an online version for reading from cover to cover at gemmagonline. com and issuu.com and an active social media presence on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For companies not onboard with us as yet, please feel free to contact us to discuss options that fit your needs. I am sure we can work out a deal that is mutually beneficial.

See you around town! ..................................

Simeon L. Corbin Founder & Publisher

GEM 74, 2016 | 7

SPOTLIGHT

GEORGETOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY The Importance of a Chamber to its Community

Text & Photography GEORGETOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Some of the Councillors pose after the 2016 Annual General meeting

I

t does not matter what business or industry you’re in, support from likeminded people is a major key to success. The idea of a community of business people providing support for each other under the title of a “Chamber of Commerce” dates back to the 1500s when the first chamber was founded in France. And perhaps, the concept of a grouping aimed at building a pro-business community may even date back to ancient times. Regardless of its origin, the importance of a chamber of commerce to the local community is undeniable.

Support, representation, and access to information and development opportunities remain the pillars of success for businesses. This explains why, 127 years later, the Georgetown

8 | GEM 74, 2016

Chamber of Commerce and Industry continues to play a critical part in the ever evolving business landscape.

127 years later, the Georgetown Chamber continues to support the growth of the private sector, and in the year 2016, more businesses are realizing that Chamber Membership is a huge untapped resource that rightfully deserves consideration.

The Georgetown Chamber was incorporated by law in the year 1889. According to a quote from the 1924 edition of the Commercial Review (the monthly Chamber Journal), the Chamber’s mission was geared towards “...improving trading conditions, urging legislation beneficial to commerce and social welfare, and encouraging the growth and prosperity of their communities.”

In its earlier days, Chamber membership reflected the priorities of the economic thrust of the country, including companies involved in distributive trade, manufacturing and agriculture.

Today, Chamber membership is now as diverse as the business community it represents. The Georgetown Chamber is made up of members ranging from micro-small businesses to large corporations, all representing various sectors and industries. This year has shown a renewed interest in membership among entrepreneurs as membership has increased by 22%.

But what is the value of chamber membership to you as a business person, and is it really worth it?

The Chamber is an indispensible tool

for businesses; a sort of one-stop shop where you can personalize your experience based on the immediate needs of your business.

Here are a few reasons why Chamber Membership is a Smart Investment: 1. Membership provides countless opportunities for free marketing and promotion. Chamber members are added to a database which is accessible to other members – this is an opportunity for business-to-business matching. Members also have access to free advertising and promotion via email blasts and our Facebook page.

2. M e m b e r s h i p a l l o w s y o u t o take advantage of advertising opportunities in our annual publications and our website, all of which are highly regarded in the business arena as valuable sources of information.

3. T h e C h a m b e r i s a h u b f o r information sharing. Membership allows entrepreneurs and professionals to stay on top of important, ever changing issues and trends within the community and local marketplace.

4. Networking & Trade & Investment Opportunities are always at your fingertips. The Chamber is constantly coordinating networking events in order to promote an atmosphere of understanding between businesses. In addition, we are often the first contact for overseas delegations and new companies seeking out business opportunities. We do the leg work of bringing people together.

5. Representation & Advocacy is the mandate of the Chamber,

and we represent the interests of the business community by acting as a liaison between the government and the membership.

Membership allows you to add your voice to the Chamber’s efforts to address issues affecting business people.

6. Capacity Building is critical to the development of the private sector and the Chamber plays its part by providing training and access to business support. We want our members to be equipped with the skills necessary to operate more efficiently.

The Georgetown Chamber is committed to building competitiveness, innovation and entrepreneurship in Guyana’s private sector, and as a non-profit organisation, we cannot do it alone.

As a result, the Chamber has been involved in grant preparation activities which have resulted in partnerships with regional and international development partners. In 2016, the Chamber secured two grants from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) which are aimed at increasing the export readiness of enterprises within creative industries, and also, enhancing the capacity of business support organisations (BSOs) to support the implementation of such initiatives. These projects not only serve to benefit Chamber members, but they also bode well for the commercial development of Guyana.

The Chamber has also taken a special interest in the development of young entrepreneurs. This year, the Chamber signed an MOU with CUSO International, the Small Business Bureau and GeoTechVision Guyana which will see the establishment of a local Business Incubator. Business incubators provide a valuable support system to start-up businesses by

rendering resources such as training and affordable office space.

Apart from seminars and workshops held throughout the year for our members, the Georgetown Chamber has expanded its services to offer project management training to other organisations. In August 2016, the Chamber delivered a 3-day workshop on “Management for Development Results (MfDR)” to a group of non-profit organisations.

MfDR is a management strategy for grant proposals and development projects that is used by regional and international donor agencies.

Clearly, the reasons why you should join a Chamber of Commerce certainly outweigh the reasons why you shouldn’t (if there are any).

Chambers of Commerce have been in existence for hundreds of years simply because people need support, and who better to get it from than a group of likeminded individuals who understand the ins and outs of business?

The Chamber of Commerce is a huge untapped resource that you need to tap into NOW. But before you consider membership, it’s important to note that paying your annual dues won’t be enough. As a member, you must make an investment of time and effort in Chamber activities; you must become INVOLVED. The Chamber is a highly untapped resource, and what you get out of chamber membership is directly relative to what you put in.

For more information on how to be a part of the Georgetown Chamber, please contact Mr. Wayne Seecharan on telephone numbers 225-5846 or send an email to gccicommerce2009@ gmail.com GEM 74, 2016 | 9

you should know

In an ongoing series, GEM introduces you to some 20-somethings that are intelligent, creative, selfassured, patriotic and show signs of readiness to lead Guyana.

Despite the frequent talk of “brain drain� in Guyana and disillusioned youths, these young leaders are

PART 30

20-Somethings

sticking around and aggressively pursuing their various fields of endeavor.

This list is just a sample of the calibre of talent that is moving to the forefront of our society, ready to takeover and lead the country into a bright future.

Calvin Stanley Ming Age: 20 years

Relationship Status: Single

Hometown: Georgetown, Guyana

Idol: My idol is Ayrton Senna and Sebastian Vettel

High School: School of the Nations Occupation: Student and professional race car driver Hobbies: Mountain biking, dirt biking, super biking, karting, lawn tennis, table tennis, badminton, squash, playing the piano, chess, gym, volunteering and going out with friends

Politics Is?: Interesting because one needs to know what is happening around the world Where do you see yourself in 10 years?: Racing in a world championship series and also managing my own business

Sarita Bhagwandas Age: 20 years

Idol: Parents

Hometown: Stewartville

Politics Is?: Not a fan of that hence not interested.

High School: Stewartville Secondary School Occupation: Customer service representative (Lucky Dollar @ Vreed-en-Hoop) Hobbies: Dancing, cooking, hanging out with the family, and love watching movies

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?: That's a lot of years, probably married have 2 kids, lol.

Career wise though, well I am still young & still exploring my choices.

I love what I do so I will probably pursue my studies in management & be a director of sales.

Relationship Status: Single

If you or you know of someone that should be considered for the 20-somethings list, feel free to contact us via e-mail at letters@gemmagonline.com 10 | GEM 74, 2016

Nakasia Logan Age: 28 years

Politics Is?: Boring

Hometown: Hopetown Village, West Coast Berbice

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?: To become a very good investigative journalist. Helping to get to the bottom of a crime and bringing justice to families of victims fills my heart with joy. It may sound farfetched but putting a smile on people's face and satisfaction to people’s heart is what I love doing.

This in turn makes me feel good about the deed that I have done.

High School: Sapodilla Learning Centre #22 Bel-Air West Coast Berbice.

Occupation: Journalist Hobbies: I’m an adventurous child who loves a challenge.

Relationship Status: Single Idol: My sister – Melissa “vanilla” Roberts

Tristan A Mohamed Age: 20 years

Relationship Status: Single

Hometown: Georgetown

Idol: none

High School: West Demerara Secondary School

Politics Is?: Not interested

Occupation: Police officer (presidential guard) Hobbies: Hanging with friends and also playing basketball

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?: I would like to excel in my career, be very successful and an asset to the Guyana police force in 10 years.

GEM 74, 2016 | 11

PERSONALITY

Sophia Dolphin

Gizmos and Gadgets Sales Manager Photography: Submitted Job: SALES MANAGER (currently pursuing my Masters in Marketing) Favorite book: THE SALES LEADERS PLAYBOOK-BY NATHAN JAMAIL Favorite movie: SEIZE THE DAY WITH ROBIN WILLIAMS Favorite Food: SEAFOOD GEM: Describe a typical day on the job for us?

Sophia Dolphin: My day starts by ensuring my team is aware of the promotion for the day and get feedback via our zello app (includes constant motivational speech and sales tips) on our smart phones as well as I try to ensure I honor my appointments with clients, try to do some reading and then I start selling and close the day off by going over reports .

12 | GEM 74, 2016

GEM: How do you keep your sales team motivated?

SD: I find that acknowledging their hard work by giving them recognition and bonuses and ensuring they are a part of coaching and consulting process works well. As well as when they see me happy and eager to work they get the zest as well lol.

GEM: What are some of your challenges as a Sales Manager at Gizmos and Gadgets?

SD: It is easy to become overwhelmed with my responsibility as sales

manager and you may want to treat some reps differently based on their performance and neglect the development of the team. It is important to meet with each team member individually as well as a group because what motivates some will not motivate others so you may want to avoid inconsistency and not cause frustration. As well as dealing with certain customer issues can be difficult especially if you don’t ask the right questions and fail to listen before action because selling is about solving the customer’s problems and

making them feel valuable.

GEM: Most memorable day on the job/customer encounter?

SD: WOW! All my birthdays are always memorable every single one spent at Gizmos and Gadgets for the past ten years because I have customers that travel near and far just to come see me and celebrate with the Gizmos family. In addition to that, I was approached by a little girl named Gabi who made me feel so inspired and appreciated when she told me how she loved to listen to me on the radio and loves to shop at Gizmos and Gadgets.

GEM: Tell us about your childhood/ family?

SD: My childhood was very simple and strict. I was not born into a rich family. I grew up with my grandmother who looked after me and took me everywhere with her. There was this one time I found a $100 bill and I

kept it to myself without telling my grandmother. I was given a sound trashing. She was totally against me spending money… lol…..something I totally disagree with as an adult now.

GEM: What are your top three picks/items found in Gizmos and Gadgets and why?

SD: WOW! Apple iPhone 7 because of its water and dust resistant feature and the dual speaker technology and the camera clarity. Second pick is the Microsoft Surface Pro 4. Instead of walking around with a big laptop this device can be used as a mini laptop and tablet which makes my work easier also the Surface Pen technology that allows me to maneuver around my Surface Pro much more efficiently.

My third pick is the Samsung Gear S2 watch which can be used as a regular watch with its sleek design and helps me track my healthy activities. It also charges wirelessly.

GEM: If not sales, then what?

SD: EASY! Spending all my time with my three adorable kids. (Orion, Ezekiel and Emma) GEM: When have you been most satisfied in your life?

SD: SIMLPE! Seeing my kids happy and healthy and knowing that I have so much people that look up to me, not only as a sales person but as a people person.

GEM: Gizmos and Gadgets has been doing some charitable work.

Tell us about that?

SD: We’re always giving back to our customers. There is so much behind the scenes work done that we don’t commercialize. We are involved in helping the less fortunate, the disabled and the elderly.

GEM 74, 2016 | 13

Eze Rockcliffe

4 Annual th

Photography: Carl Croker

JAZZ & SOUL At the GEORGETOWN CLUB

14 | GEM 74, 2016

T

he Dynamic Duo of Bonny Alves and Charmaine Blackman hosted yet another spectacular event which had patrons leaving their seats to jive to the pulsating and nostalgic melodies at their annual Emancipation Jazz & Soul Concert on the 21st August.

This is SSignal Production’s fourth concert and it has grown into a much loved event for Jazz music lovers. Patrons were treated to five hours of cool jazz and soul in an uninterrupted, well executed programme in the pleasant surroundings of the historical Georgetown Club.

The concert was hosted by the comedic Basil Bradshaw who kept the audience well entertained with his timely gaffes.

Bonny Alves, City Mayor Patricia Chase-Green and Charmaine Blackman

The performers were: • COURTNEY FADLIN • BONNY ALVES • CHARMAINE BLACKMAN • AUBREY ‘FINGERS’ ROBERTS (SAX) • COMPTON ‘MAGNUS’ LEACOCK • MELISSA VANDEYAR • ROY STEWART (SAX)

Michael Smith

• EGO • DEVON DENNY • DAWN EDWARDS • KEITH CAMPBELL (SAX) • VAL BARNWELL • EZE ROCKCLIFFE • MICHAEL SMITH (PAN)

Ego

• DESMOND ATWELL (SAX) AND THE QUICK BAND • TREVOR JOHN ON KEYBOARDS • PETER CALLENDER ON BASS • MICHAEL SMITH & DEVON ROBERTS ON DRUMS • MARK HALL ON KEYBOARD

Compton ‘Magnus’ Leacock

Dawn Edwards

Courtney Fadlin

GEM 74, 2016 | 15

NAYA Zamana 21 ‘LOST IN TIME’

Photography: Carl Croker

U

nder the Direction of Dr. Vindhya Persaud, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha hosted their 21st edition of Naya Zamana on the 27th August at the National Cultural Centre under the theme ‘Lost in Time’.

16 | GEM 74, 2016

Scripted and choreographed by Dr. Persaud, Naya Zamana boasts over seventy cast members from all parts of the country. The show did not disappoint its many fans with an array of beautiful costumes, rhythmic dance performances, pulsating music and exciting story telling. The

amazing sets and costume designs were done by Trishala Persaud who created a colourful array of breath taking scenes. Naya Zamana has grown from strength to strength and has become one of Guyana’s most sought after event for spectacular entertainment.

Joining the cast from Canada were Rahul Ravinchandran and Aryan Masi.

In November, Naya Zamana 21 will be taken to New York at the York College of Performing Centre.

GEM 74, 2016 | 17

E

ach year since 2013, GEM has been recognizing the top entrepreneurs, career oriented individuals and other movers and shakers under the age of 40 years in our annual Professionals Edition.

These are the people helping to determine the future of Guyana by setting the pace in their own unique way.

From a deputy mayor, to a member of parliament, lawyers, to webmasters, musicians, actors, public servants, store owners, makeup artistes, tourism officials, public relations and media executives and many other professionals are represented this year.

These individuals are selected from our own staff observations, voluntary submissions and recommendations from our clients and fans. This year we received nearly one hundred submissions, and this created great difficulty in narrowing down the final list, we tried to be as inclusive and as diverse as possible.

They Are Already Changing Our World Royston Onvil Alkins Humble Smart Ambitious Age: 25 Company: The Xercise

GEM would like to thank all those who made suggestions and submissions. We would like to wish the 2016 class best of luck in their future endeavours.

Those who didn’t make the list this year stand a very good chance for being in the class of 2017.

I was pretty good at the sport.

Best advice growing up: Your attitude will determine your altitude.

Best inspirational Quote: ‘The world doesn't need new leaders, the world needs new ideas because great ideas are all that greatest leaders ever were. Listen to this and this is wisdom, people die but ideas live forever’ - Suli Breaks Hobbies: Love reading, looking at documentaries, playing any spor t and volunteering.

Designation: Founding Director Education: Diploma in Public Management and a degree in International Relations both at the University of Guyana.

Renuka Anandjit

Member of: The Come Alive Network Inc., 2015 Youth Ambassadors Alumni Network, One Young World Ambassadors' Network, Advance Leaders World Learning Network, Youth Action Network, Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassadors' Network.

Career Choice growing up?: West Indian Cricketer since I represented Guyana at all the Youth levels. Under 15, 17 and 19 and 18 | GEM 74, 2016

Open Optimistic Humorous

of the West Indies former) Programmes Director, Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) Education: University of Guyana (Bachelor of Science Social Work and Post Graduate Diploma in Development Studies) University of the West Indies (current) MSc. Gender and Development M e m b e r o f : G u y a n a Re s p o n s i b l e Parenthood Association (GRPA), Guyana Sex Work Coalition Growing up, what was your career choice?: I wanted to be a lawyer, but through volunteering and work experience my focus shifted to public health and rights based work.

Best advice you ever received: Be no one but yourself.

Your best inspirational quote: Change brings opportunity

Age: 28 Company: (current) Student, University

Hobbies: Reading, Baking

Jonathan Beepat Creative Compassionate Optimistic

Your best inspirational quote: “The absence of the presence of God on something is a sign that it won’t exist in the future.”- Unknown Hobbies: Cooking, singing & travelling

Allister Klein Collins

Age: 36 Company: Beepats

Adventurous Compassionate Driven

Designation: Executive Officer Education: Queens College (High school), Pace University (B.B.A., college) Growing up, what was your career choice?: Being an entrepreneur in business Best advice you ever received: The best advice I ever received was from my father, and he told me to listen. Listening allows you to understand either what is affecting people or what they want, so you can be in a better position to resolve either.

Your best inspirational quote: If success is the destination, then planning must be the map, and your effor t needs be the vehicle Hobbies: Basketball, Promoting, Video editing

Leana Bradshaw Versatile Resourceful Compassionate

Age: 34

College and Seminary International • Associate Degree in Medical Technology, University of Guyana Member of: I Change Nations Interfaith Pe a c e - B u i l d i n g I n i t i a t i v e , I T W L A : Inter national Third World Leaders Association Career choice growing up: Global Leader Best Advice: Trust in God and believe in yourself Inspirational quote: Life is not measured in duration but rather donation so become a person of value not volume Hobbies: reading, running, communicating and transforming lives by challenging mental paradigms

Company: President's Youth Award: Republic of Guyana, M.S

Tonza A. Collins

Designation: Executive Officer Education: Bachelors of Science in Medical technology (Clinical Pathology)

Ambitious Kind Optimistic

Member of: Duke of Edinburgh International Award Growing up, what was your career choice?: I wanted to be a person of influence to help others who couldn't help themselves so I thought by being a medical doctor I could've accomplish same Best advice you ever received: Never look down on anyone, only God sits that high Your best inspirational quote: Don't be afraid to fail be afraid not to try Hobbies: Hiking, swimming and reading

Dr. Astell Collins

Age: 25

Love Compassion Commitment

Company: Guyana Water Incorporated Designation: Public Relations Officer Education: North Georgetown Secondary School, University of Guyana

Age: 33 Company: Tastee Pleasures Catering, LLC Designation: Owner/Executive Chef Education: • St. Joseph High School, High School Diploma.

• Critchlow Labor College, Certificate in Industrial Relations and Sociology.

• Georgia State University, B.S. in Nutrition Science, anticipated 2019 Member of: Phi Theta Kappa, The National Society of Collegiate Scholars Growing up, what was your career choice?: Wasn't sure of the field at the time but, I knew I always wanted to be an entrepreneur.

Growing up, what was your career choice?: I had quite a few including being a teacher, accountant, flight attendant & News Anchor. However as I matured my preference changed with what was more feasible in today’s economy.

Age: 34

Education:

Your best inspirational quote: "One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar." - Helen Keller

Best advice you ever received: Expect nothing and you will never be disappointed.

• Doctorate of Philosophy in Society and Human Rights (Hon), United Graduate

Hobbies: Reading, spending time with family, and traveling

Company: Better Defined One (BD1) Leadership Designation: C.E.O. & Founder

Best advice you ever received: To grab every opportunity with both hands.

GEM 74, 2016 | 19

Excellence Tricia Dazzell Tenacious Courageous Loving

Best advice you ever received: ‘Know when to give, how much to give, when to stop giving and when to walk away’ Your favourite inspirational quote: ‘Everything rises and falls on leadership’ – John Maxwell Hobbies: Cycling, Running, Reading, Meeting new people, Research

Age: 25 every year, but my birth certificate says I am 37

Kwasi Edmondson aka Kwai Ace

Company: The Chambers of Excellence T. Dazzell Designation: Attorney-at-Law Education:

Disciplined Modest Funny

• Queen’s College • B s c . B u s i n e s s M a n a g e m e n t (UNIVERSITY OF GUYANA) • Bsc. Law (UNIVERSITY OF GUYAN) • Legal Education Cer tificate (HUGH WOODING LAW SCHOOL) Member of: • Guyana Bar Association • Lions Club (Diamond/Grove) • Advocates (Guyana) • Beacon Ministries Inc. • Commonwealth Lawyers Association.

Growing up, what was your career choice?: I wanted to be a singing SUPER STAR. Best advice you ever received: Be nice and love people.

Your best inspirational quote: All things work together for my good.

Age: 35

Best advice you ever received: The best advice I have ever received is “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” Phil 4:13. This advice has carried me through my darkest moments.

Your best inspirational quote: Let your Light Shine before men that they may see your good works and Glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16) Hobbies: Reading, Travelling, Writing (Poetry and Songs), Public Speaking.

Dancing.

Jermaine Adrian Figueira

Growing up, what was your career choice?: While growing I always was fascinated by the militar y and entertainment

Humble Jovial Generous

Best advice you ever received: simplicity and help one another Your best inspirational quote: I'm the master of my own destiny.

Hobbies: watching movies, playing video games, reading, watching live shows, making music, performing and having a beer and talking nonsense with friends and family

Driven Fair

Age: 34 Company: JAF'S Enterprise/ Ministry of Education/ Parliament Designation: JAF'S Enterprise (Executive Managing Director)/ New Silvercity Secondar y (Graduate Trained SAM) Member of parliament( government benches)

Shawn A. English

Education:

Ambitious Intelligent Motivated

• Critchlow Labour College(Certificate in International relations and social studies

• New Silvercity Secondary • Linden Technical Institute (certificate in electrical installation)

• Cyril Potter College of Education ( major English, minor Art) Age: 32 Company: AJ Recording Studio, Emusic, tCALA. Eastwise Innovation, Neville & Sons Furniture Establishment

Designation: Deputy Mayor

Designation: Independent Marketing Officer

Growing up, what was your career choice? Law

Education: Diploma in Marketing from the University of Guyana, Certification in

20 | GEM 74, 2016

Growing up, what was your career choice?: When I was growing up I wanted to become an Electrical Engineer.

Member of: Unity Ambassadors

Sherod Avery Duncan

Company: Mayor and City Council of Georgetown

Member of: Guyana Music Network, Caribbean Gospel Music Tours, I Am Different, tC.A.L.A, Emusic, Tinninben Animations.

Education: Richard Ishmael Secondary, Sophia Training Center

Hobbies: Karaoke and cleaning.

Age: 37

computer repairs and maintenance.

• University of Guyana (Bs Social Work) At present I'm engaged in an MBA program Member of: • Caring for Others ( An international humanitarian and charitable Organizations) • Guyana Youth and Student Movement.

• Netrockers Football Club etc

Designation: Freelance ar tist and Ar ts columnist

Growing up, what was your career choice?: I wanted to be a lawyer and still do.

Education: The Bishops’ High School, The Barbados Community College

• Guyana Teachers Union

Best advice you ever received: never be afraid to ask anyone for anything( a question, advice, assistant) its either Yes or No, ( my mother) Your best inspirational quote: "success is not measured by what you have done compared to what others have done, but rather, by what you have done compared to what you should have done." Dr Myles Monroe Hobbies: Reading, writing poems, playing football, listening to different genres of music.

Rebecca Elizabeth Ganesh Confident Responsible Optimistic

Member of: The Guyana Women Artists’ Association Career choice growing up: I wanted to be a veterinarian first and then a pediatrician until I realized I didn’t like science very much. Eventually, after eliminating every other option, Art just made sense.

Best inspirational quote: “If any female feels she needs anything beyond herself to legitimate and validate her existence, she is already giving away her power to be self-defining, her agency.” - Bell Hooks Hobbies: traveling to new places, planting, reading, making art and binge watching interesting television series

Company: Office of the Prime Minister Designation: Press Officer to the Prime Minister Education: St Gabriel’s Primary, The Bishops’ High School, Sixth Form at Saint Stanislaus College, the University of Guyana.

Best advice you ever received: “A good education is always the key to success.”

Your best inspirational quote: Labor Omnia Vincit - "Work conquers all" Hobbies: swimming, volley ball and camping

Dominique Hunter Intuitive Resourceful Driven Age: 28

Hobbies: Spending time with our children and family, traveling whenever we get the chance, we love to experience different cultures and cuisines!

Dr. Kyle Vishnu Jagan

Best advice ever received: Don’t over think things.

Age: 34

Growing up, what was your career choice?: I was always interested in aviation hence my studies of the sciences.

Your best inspirational quote: 'True success comes with courage and determination'. We also hold close to our faith, Islam, its pillars keep us grounded and balanced.

Kind Loving Quiet

Age: 30 Company: Jagan Dental Centre Designation: Dental Implantologist, Laser Dentistry.

Education: Bachelor of Dental Surgery (B.D.S)

Sarah Ibrahim

Member of: Guyana Dental Association, Guyana Spor t Shooting Federation (G.S.S.F)

Charismatic Observant, Humble

Growing up, what was your career choice?: Dentist Best advice you ever received: If you can’t afford to loose, don’t gamble Hobbies: sunsets, long walks on the beach, good music

Age: 35

Dr. Shane A. Jagan.

Company: Cellshop and The Lingerie Shop, TechSource GY Designation: Co-owner (with husband Shazam)

Resourceful Ambitious Driven

Education: The Bishops' High School for 5 yrs and then Q.C for one.

Growing up, what was your career choice?: I was always into business more than any other career. As a child, I wanted to do law but as I got older I became more interested in entrepreneurship.

Best advice you ever received: The best advice I remember receiving was a 'goal without a plan is just a wish and you can be disappointed if you fail at something, but you're completely doomed if you don't try'.

Age: 33 Company: Jagan Dental Centre.

Designation: Dental Surgeon Education: Bachelor of Dental Surgery (B.D.S) Member of: Guyana Dental Association, Guyana Spor t Shooting Federation (G.S.S.F)

GEM 74, 2016 | 21

Growing up, what was your career choice?

I wanted to work in Technology, I loved working with my hands, fixing everything and figuring out how everything worked.

Designation: Sales\Marketing Executive at NCN Inc. and Co-Founder, Co-Director, Writer, Marketing Director and Actor of The Reactors

Best Advice: “Never stop learning”

Education: University of Guyana - BSc Computer Science, National School of Arts & Drama

Your best inspirational quote: There are no impossible dreams, just our limited perception of what is possible. - Beth Mende Conny Hobbies: Playing with cars, enjoying good food, spending time with your family and friends. Travel too, when the opportunity permits.

Courdel Stanley Jones Funny Blunt Relentless Age: 29 Company: Jones Forestry Resources, Jones Farm Produce and Ientertainment Designation: General Manager Education: Diploma in Business Management Member of: President’s Youth Award Republic of Guyana, Universal Peace Federation and Habitat for Humanity

Member of: Theatre Guild of Guyana, Nothing to Laugh About Family and The Reactors Growing up, what was your career choice?: Growing up I wanted to be a Pilot, I was fascinated with flying and the uniform Best advice you ever received: Search within yourself for something you enjoy doing, then pursue it so that you can make a living off what brings you happiness.

Hobbies: experiencing natural beauty/ nature, playing pools and cricket, spending quality time with family, running, reading plays, playing Scrabble and any friendly competitive game\spor t, developing characters for plays\skits, interacting with positive intriguing people, mentoring youths

As a child growing up in Trinidad, I always wanted to be a commercial pilot Best advice you ever received: Never start a project unless all resources are available.

Dedicated Modest Trustworthy

Growing up, what was your career choice?:

Mark Kazim Cryptic Honest Optimistic

Age: 35 Company: National Communications Network and The Reactors 22 | GEM 74, 2016

Member of: St. Saviours Anglican Church Growing up what was your career choice?: To be my own BOSS, to own my business Best Advice you ever received: Trust in God and Strive for Excellence Your best inspirational quote: A moment of patience in a moment of anger can save you a hundred moments of regret.

Hobbies: Shooting, cars and motorcycles enthusiast and music (listening and singing)

Sharon LalljeeRichard

Your best inspirational quote: I have two "You have no idea how far you can fly, until you spread your wings" and "Your attitude is a small thing that makes a big difference. Have a POSITIVE attitude"

Sean Maurice Alexander Kirkpatrick

Hobbies: Camping, football, call of duty and hunting

Management A.B.E at the School of the Nations

Age: 39 Company: Professional Guard Services (For more than 20yrs) Designation: Managing Director Education: • St. Angela’s Primary School • St. Gabriel’s Primary School • Stella Maris Primary School • St. Joseph High School • University of Guyana. Public Safety and Security (2004) • In 2006 I attended in Trinidad, the InterAmerican Tourism and Recreational Security Training. Specialized Training Level 11.

• I am currently studying Business

Passionate Courageous Unrelenting Age: 36 Company: Tactical Branding Designation: Brand Consultant Education: Advertising & PR (Major) Member of: Institute of Copywriting (UK), Institute of Buckingham (UK), The Rotary Club of Stabroek (Guyana), AMA (American Marketing Association).

Growing up, what was your career choice?: Law (inspired by Perry Mason in all of his black & white glory) Best advice you ever received: “Never allow anyone to speak to you in a condescending manner.”

Your best inspirational quote: “Even if you are a minority of one, the truth is the truth.”

Hobbies: Exchanging views with expansive thinkers, crafting new concepts & listening to New Age music.

Ayana McCalman Resilient Kind Humble Age: 33

Designation: Attorney-at-Law

Best advice you ever received: Have the courage to live a life true to yourself, not the life others expect of you.

Education: Bachelors of Laws (Distinction) University of Guyana; Legal Education Certificate (Honours) Hugh Wooding Law School

Your best inspirational quote: Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; show him how to catch fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.

Member of: Guyana Women Lawyers Association (GAWL), Guyana Chamber of Industry and Commerce (GCCI)

Hobbies: Reading, playing basketball, swimming, hiking, kayaking, hunting

Company: McCalman & Co. Legal Services

Growing up, what was your career choice?: Growing up I had a keen interest in science and thought of becoming a doctor. Then during High School I discovered I also had the gift of gab and I enjoyed research so I pursued legal studies.

Gavin Aaron Mendonca Punk Rock Roll

Best advice you ever received: Always trust God. Be fearless.

Your best inspirational quote: “Education does not take place when you learn something you did not know before.

Education is your ability to use what you have learned to be better today than you were yesterday.� - Iyanla Vanzant Hobbies: Reading, listening to music, travelling

Caleb Mc Cloggan Sophisticated Cordial Witty

Age: 30 Company: Ministry of Health, Farm Poultry Investments, Uitvlugt Medical Clinic Designation: Medical Doctor, Managing Director of FPI (Farm Poultry Investments)

Age: 24 Company: Kross Kolor Records

Introverted Kind Selfless Age: 29 Company: LM Project Management INC & NUMA Model Management Designation: Administrative Assistant & Professional Model Education: Richard Ishmael Secondary School (High School Diploma), Global Technology (Multiple Cer tifications In Computers, Graphics & Web Design), Mode Elle Model And Talent Agency (Professional Model & Acting Certifications) Member of: Successful-Immigrants.com (Co-Founder & Guest Blogger)

Designation: Recording Artiste

Growing up, what was your career choice?: Brain Surgeon

Education: Diploma in Computer Science, Associate Degree in Chemistry, Grade 5 Music Theory (ABRSM)

Best advice you ever received: Follow Your Dreams

Member of: Feed The Flames Growing up, what was your career choice?: I always wanted to be a Scientist.

I was, and still am, very curious about the Science of the Universe. I also wanted to be an Astronaut. I even signed up for the 'Mars One' recruitment program a few years ago. I wasn't selected, but they did send me a cool Mars One T-Shirt.

Your best inspirational quote: What We Do In Life Echoes In Eternity!

Hobbies: Graphic Designing, Web Designing, Cooking, Interior Decorating, Shopping, 3D Designing, Blogging

Chris Persaud Liberal Ethical Optimistic

Best advice you ever received: "Don't stop rocking." This is something I've been told by people from all around the world.

E d u c a t i o n : S t e w a r t v i l l e N u r s e r y, Stewar tville Primary, Greenwich Park Primary, Leonora Secondary, Queen's college, University of Guyana, University of Havana, Cuba

Your best inspirational quote: "Never give up on your dreams. Chase them endlessly, until you're running side by side with them, but never run past them. The sky is not the limit, and you could never guess what is."

Member of: QCOSA, GYSM, THE FARM VILLAGE BROTHERHOOD

Hobbies: Playing guitar and video games, running along the sea wall, learning new things, be it theory or practical.

Growing up, what was your career choice?: Musician or Doctor

Andrea Nicola Morrison

Age: 35 Company: UMAMI Incorporated Designation: Managing Director Education: BSc Chemistry Member of: GMSA, GCCI Growing up, what was your career choice?: Pilot GEM 74, 2016 | 23

Rishma Persaud

Best advice you ever received: Study science since business is learned.

A doctor can be a businessman if he chooses but the accountant cannot be a doctor without the theoretical foundation.

Independent Hardworking Ambitious

Your best inspirational quote: It is easy to reach the top but very difficult to stay there.

Hobbies: Spending time with twin boys.

Explorer Optimist Lover-of-life

Age: 36 Company: GxMedia (Private Company – Website Design/Development, IT Consultancy, eMarketing, IT Training) Designation: Owner Profession: Lecturer - (University of Guyana, Department of Computer Science – 10 years of teaching experience)

Company: RP couture Education: Annandale Secondary, City College. Designing School

Your best inspirational quote: Don't be afraid of your fears. They're not there to scare you. They're there to let you know that something is worth it.

Hobbies: loves traveling, reading and trying new Food.

Age: 32 Companies: FuzeArts and FuzeHost Designation: CEO/Creative Director of FuzeArts and CEO/Co-Founder of FuzeHost Education: St. Stanislaus College

Odessa Primus Hilarious Brilliant Compassionate

Growing up, what was your career choice?: I always wanted to be involved in a field that is exciting, challenging and creative.

I was always fascinated with technology and I love to discover how things work.

Age: 32

Best advice you ever received: Be present in the moment and learn to be happy at every stage of life.

Education: Tertiary

24 | GEM 74, 2016

Focus Driven Witty

Best advice you ever received: Always try to be a better version of yourself.

Member of: Guyana Photographers Group, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Guyana Computer Science Group

Hobbies: Photography, Wildlife Adventure, Hiking, Camping, Travelling, Teaching, Acting, Singing

Ranveer Rickford

Growing up, what was your career choice?: I always wanted to be a fashion designer.

Education: BSc. MBA

Your best inspirational quote: SelfDiscipline is the key to Success (The School motto of the West Demerara Secondary School)

Your best inspirational quote: I have too many quotes that I live by. I am sure that I have a favourite. Here are a few: "I live to eat. I eat to live", "You are who you work hard to become”, "Listen to them and hear only what builds you."

Hobbies: Eating….a lot! visiting places but not traveling, eating...

Age: 36

Girendra Persaud

determine your destiny so make informed decisions.

Designation: Comedian/ Writer/Producer/ Director

Member of: Transformation Theatre, Merundoi and Sophia Theatre Company Growing up, what was your career choice: I wanted to become a lawyer. I actually started the studies. "Funny" how that didn't work out.

Best advice you ever received: You

Member of: Guyana Entrepreneurship Network Growing up what was your career choice?: I wanted to be an engineer, I was always fascinated with how things work and its design, guess I'm still driven by design.

Best advice you ever receive: Always learn to see the value in your own work.

Your best inspirational quote: Sky is the limit, somehow this always resonated with me and helps me to push myself a little bit further, there’s no limit to what I can achieve.

Hobbies: whenever I do get some down time I enjoy wood working projects (my wife tells me it's my hidden talent), in my quiet moments you'll find me doing research on things that interest me, I'm BIG on learning in a world that is ever changing we need to keep learning and adapting!

Joel Simpson Jovial Humorous Extroverted

Caitlin Vieira

Growing up, what was your career choice?: Astronaut Your best inspirational quote: “Education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world.” Nelson Mandela

Resilient Rebellious Reliant

Hobbies: Travelling, Baking, Volunteering and Wine Tasting Age: 33 Organization: Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD)

Best advice you ever received: “Never give up on your goals, always see your mistakes as stepping stones”

Designation: Managing Director

Poonam Singh

Education: Bachelor of Laws Degree (LL.B.), University of Guyana. Masters of Laws Degree (LL.M.) in Human Rights Law, University of Nottingham

Spontaneous Intellectual Empathetic

M e m b e r o f : G u y a n a Re s p o n s i b l e Parenthood Association (GRPA) Growing up, what was your career choice?: Depended on what I was reading or watching – A detective like Sherlock Holmes then a lawyer like Perry Mason and Matlock.

Best advice you ever received: Allow yourself to express the emotions you are feeling.

Your best inspirational quote: “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi Hobbies: Sleeping, Socializing and Meeting Interesting People

Tameca Sukhdeo -Singh Energetic Friendly Honest Age: 36 Company: Ministry of Business/GuyExpo Designation: Administrator/ Coordinator Education: Master’s Degree Member of: United Women for Children with Special Needs

Age: 21 Designation(s): Singer/Law Student/ Miss Global International Guyana 2016 Education: (Past: Diploma in Communication Studies at University of Guyana) (Presently 2nd year law student at University of London via Nations University of Law) Career(s) choice Member of: Reigning Miss Global International Guyana 2016 Growing up, what was your career choice?: Lawyer, Singer and Bank Teller (I couldn't decide which one I wanted the most) Best advice you ever received: In life, have something to fall back on when nothing else seems to be working out. In other words "Always have a plan B".

Your best inspirational quote: I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel - Maya Angelou.

Age: 26 Company: Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Woodlands Hospital, Guyana Interagency Suicide Prevention Helpline, Chronicle Newspaper.

Designation: Psychologist, Addiction and Suicide Prevention Specialist, columnist Education: Bachelors of Science in Psychology., Cer tificate in drug abuse prevention, Cer tificate in phlebotomy, Masters of Science in the Psychology of addiction.

Member of: On The Wagon (founding member), Grant-A-Dream Inc., Guyana National Task Force Growing up, what was your career choice?: I'm doing exactly what I always wanted and what I feel I was meant to do. It is unbelievably rewarding to work with new people every day and to literally see their quality of life improve week after week.

Best advice you ever received: “If you can't be used for anything in this world, you're useless. Always strive to be needed”. That forever changed my outlook on life.

Your best inspirational quote: "Your best teacher is your last mistake”.

Hobbies: Netflix for sure! It's my way of zoning everything and everyone else out.

I also love travelling, reading and learning something new every day.

Hobbies: Eyeballing the pages of old Danielle Steel and Harlequin Novels and anything else that sparks my interest.

Singing. Meeting new people and creating new memories.

GEM 74, 2016 | 25

Maxi Krishna Williams Loving Creative Ambitious

Your best inspirational quote: “The steps of a righteous man are ordered by God”

Risk taker Committed Entertaining

Hobbies: Producing Music, Photography and swimming Age: Over 30

Age: 34

Kerry Woolford

Company: Maxi Williams Designs Designation: Owner Education: Secondary

Company: Queen of ‘D’ Arts Production Company & The Babysitter’s Club of Love 24 hours Designation: Owner

Expressive Spiritual Motivated

Member of: House of Jacqui Modeling Agency Growing up, what was your career choice?: Becoming an Artistic Designer

Age: 28

Best advice you ever received: Is that god bless everyone with a gift and if you look within yourself you can find that gift

Company: Eye Like Makeup by Kerry Designation: Makeup Genius

Best inspirational quote: Living Your Purpose Making a Difference

Education: Bishops' High, Public School Repertory High, City College of New York of the City University of New York

Hobbies: Travelling, Dancing, Entering friends and families

Phillip Williams Talented Humorous Friendly

Age: 35 Company: PS Media Group Designation: Digital Media Specialist Education: Sociology Major Member of: President of CineGuyana Growing up, what was your career choice?: I wanted to be a fireman; I think I like the red trucks. At one an astronaut, at some point McGiver. To be honest I felt like I could be anything I wanted and I still feel so.

26 | GEM 74, 2016

Sonia Maria Yarde

Best advice you ever received: “You are the leader” – My mother said to us as we prepared for a new term of Primary school.

Member of: 210 Christian Gospel Assembly of God Church. Makeup Artist Magazine Pro-Card Program for Media Makeup Artists. Sigma Beauty PRO. Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant.

Growing up, what was your career choice?: To never grow up...

Best advice you ever received: "In auditions don't be so shy, it's better to be told to tone down your energy, than to be told you need more." "Kerry you can't only focus on the subjects you like, embrace the ones you don't, sometimes you have to do things you don't like in this life" "Kerry if it can reach, lift your leg higher, God don't make mistakes”.

Your best inspirational quote(s): "One, one, dutty, build dam" - Guyanese Proverb.

"Name one genius that ain't crazy" - Kanye West "Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you" - The Golden Rule.

Hobbies: Playing Scrabble, Solving Mathematical problems, Dancing, Applying Makeup.

Education: Tertiary Member of: The National Drama Company Growing up, what was your career choice?: I grew up in entertainment so I basically just gravitated into that field. My love for kids and recognition of the need for proper care for them prompted my 24 hours babysitter’s club.

Best advice you ever received: Stay humble Your best inspirational quote: God did not give us a spirit of fear but of love and power and of a sound mind.

Hobbies: Swimming, Writing, Reading, Baking & Sleeping

FITNESS

DESKBOUND A

Standing Up to a Sitting World

recent survey found that one of the main complaints of office (DESKBOUND) workers was that they lack enough physical activity.

As more of us become aware of the debilitating effects of inactivity and are opting to get in better shape the challenge now is to schedule the time for regular exercise in spite of the fact that most of us are already swamped.

Adding to the dilemma currently facing us now, according to the World Health Organisation, sitting too much is ranked the fourth biggest preventable killer globally... sighting that in the last 20 years, the simple act of sitting has leapfrogged to the top of the health killer charts globally.

How do you and I fix this?

The answer is simple. According to best-selling author Dr Kelly Starrett in his most recent book “Deskbound.

Standing Up to a Sitting World”... he said it best “ unless we are asleep, we human beings are designed to Move”. Plan to move more everyday while at home and at the office. Our bodies are built for movement, and in turn movement keeps our bodies healthy.

Today, our daily habits have led us to sitting far more than ever and the costs on the human frame is high to say the least. On average it’s known that Americans sit about 13 hours every day. With our lifestyle being influenced significantly now more than ever by the American culture, we are sitting, if not 13 hrs daily, very close to that number. This leaves us with the fact that those of us that regularly hit the gym for an hour or

two are not undoing the effects of us being more on our seats than our grandmothers and grandfathers.

Sitting in the office all day long then on your way home as you commute in your nice car then upon arriving home sitting reading the newspapers, watching the news, having dinner etc, has caused you to have limited range of motion (shortened muscles), underdeveloped muscles, resulting in chronic joint pain, bad posture, structural imbalances and inefficient movement patterns.

By now you are gasping for breath and asking “ what can I do now to stop this onslaught to my body?”. Here are some answers:

For every 15 to 20 minutes you sit, get up and move for 2 to 4 minutes. Take the stairs more.

Go over to a coworker instead of sending an email. Change your desk at work. Replace with one that you can use while standing upright to use your computer.

While using the phone stand and walk around. While sitting become more aware of your bodies position... aim to be upright instead of being hunched over.

If you can at work, sit on an exercise/stability ball (which will help you to use your core muscles and stabilizes you more than a four legged seat.

Hold or ask that staff meetings have some segments where you are allowed to stand.

Text: Kezqweyah Yisrael

Deliberately park your car further away from your destination (if it’s safe) and foot your way for the final distance.

With the aforementioned tips and guidelines, you’ll significantly add more movement to your daily routine which will intern improve your life.

Kezqweyah Yisrael is the Founder of TopEnd Performance Training Systems and is also a High Performance Coach for some of Guyana’s best sports teams, top athletes and conducts seminars and workshops sharing his innovative approach to exercise, movement and high performance.

For more insights visit Kez Yisrael on Facebook.

TRAVEL SERVICE

6 Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown, Guyana

Connecting you to the World!

• Best International Fares • Local Interior Flights • Local Tours Cruises, Hotels, Car Rentals.

Tel: 227-2832, 227-2810, 225-0380 Tel/Fax: 227-2999

E-mail: info@connectionsgy.com Website: www.connectionsgy.com

GEM 74, 2016 | 27

ICON

Gem Eytle An ICON of Commitment & Service Text: Leana Bradshaw Photography: Submitted

Y

ears of dedication of service have been the hallmark of Mrs. Gem Eytle’s professional career.

Eytle, who has been the owner of Frandec Travel Service, Health Insurance and Business Centre for over a decade, had the operations of the company handed down to her when former owner Mr. Cecil Francis de Caires retired. Despite not being related to Mr. de Caires in any way, he deemed Mrs. Eytle the fittest person to carry on his business, given her commitment to the company.

The 85 year old Eytle has been managing the entity since 1963 but not before serving as Clerical Assistant and Company Secretary in her early years. Eytle now serves as Owner/Chairperson, having passed on the role of Chief Executive Officer to her daughter, Kathryn Eytle-McLean.

As she sat with GEM at her Quamina and Carmichael Streets office, the very experienced Eytle detailed the years of her career which started off in the civil service. Four years after finishing high school, a young Ms. Morgan (Mrs. Eytle’s maiden name), joined the British Guiana Civil Service where she served as a Clerical Assistant at the Geological Surveys and then as Confidential Secretary to the Chief Justice and Puisne Judge in her latter two years. She decided

28 | GEM 74, 2016

to leave the Civil Service in 1954 to get married to Frederick Eytle who was also a part of the civil service.

He is now deceased. It was against protocol for a woman to be married while employed there.

It was following this that she began working for Mr. Cecil Francis de Caires at Francis de Caires and Company Limited (Frandec), which was the representative for foreign insurance companies and served as commission agents for imported shoes, lotion, hats, threads, ties, shirts and other merchandise. It was not until 1960 that they entered into the travel industry, becoming the first travel agency in Guyana. “In those days you didn’t have an email address, you had cable and the cable address was Frandec and when Cecil de Caires, who’s the owner of the business, decided to open a travel agency in September 1960, he was looking for a name for the travel service and one of his business associates from Trinidad told him you don’t have to look too far….use Frandec, which was our cable address”, Mrs. Eytle pointed out as she explained where the company’s name originated.

The owner of Frandec has labelled her experience over the past years at the firm as “wonderful”, noting that it has only recently become

challenging for her “with the modern times and modern approach such as technology”. “I try with the computer but I still believe in my hard copies”, she added. Her concern nowadays is what she deems a lack of integrity that is prevalent in the travel industry.

She is more keen on the traditional way the business was carried out, which she believes was a more ethical approach to doing business.

Taking GEM for a trip down memory lane during her interview, she recalled how the travel agency worked, explaining that “years ago they had big books like encyclopedias that you had to (use to) plan the person’s route and you used to have to write tickets manually…all the information and you had to make contact (with the customer) by telephone or cable”.

Asked what her advice to young and upcoming entrepreneurs is, she said “they must start from the grassroots”.

The woman with over 60 years experience at one company believes that many youngsters who are desirous of establishing their own business lack the basic knowledge that is needed to run a small enterprise. She added that the basics such as mathematics and English are considered grassroots are still very much necessary in the start-up of any business and in today’s world.

While her years of service at Frandec are second to none, Mrs. Eytle is still active and freely gives of her time and energies in a number of other areas. She served as a Director on the Board of the New Building Society, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Guyana Insurance Association, Inner Wheel Club of Georgetown, Business and Professional Women’s Club and Director at Medical Arts. She was also once voted the Young Women’s Christian Association’s Business Woman of the Year. The annual Easter Saturday Hat Show was also the brainchild of hers. It is an event that showcases creative hats as persons compete for top honours while at the same time raising awareness of topical issues through their designs.

The show which is usually held at the Promenade Gardens, was initiated in 1985 as a fund raising activity for the Inner Wheel Club.

Meanwhile, despite losing a lot in a fire that destroyed their Main and Holmes Streets location back in 2011, Mrs. Eytle has picked up the pieces and has only good visions for the future of Frandec. It is her hope that her legacy and that of Mr. Francis de Caires can live on for many more years to come.

GEM 74, 2016 | 29

S AV V Y S I S T E R Learning to recognize the in your life Ways of protecting yourself from their negative impact Text: Coretta Corbin-Rival

“Do not bring people in your life who weighs you down. And trust your instincts… Good relationships feel good. They feel right. They don’t hurt.

They’re not painful. That’s not just with somebody you want to marry but it’s with the friends you choose. It’s with the people you surround yourself with.”

– Michelle Obama

T

o d a y, t h e w o r d E n e r g y o r Psychic Vampire have become a household word used to describe people who drain the time and energy of others. Many Energy Vampires may come as a good friend, loving parent, teacher and even as an acquaintance. We may call them by a variety of names such as trouble-makers, argumentative, angry person, discouraging person and even b*tches.

For many people in North America and Europe, the word Vampire conjures thoughts of movies such as Dracula, Interview with a Vampire with actor Brad Pitt, and for younger audience, the Twilight Sagas. In these various depictions of the Vampire the image of a pale faced character with canine teeth and blood streaming from the corners of their mouth can be seen. In Guyana, we may think of the folkloric beliefs of the mythic Old Higue (an old woman who can change form from human to a ball of fire in the middle of the night and journeys to the home of a child to suck its life giving blood).

The dictionary’s definition of Vampires tells us they are corpse that reawakens 30 | GEM 74, 2016

at mid-night to suck the blood of a living person. In the tropics there are Vampire Bats, so named because they feed on the blood of mammals.

Many other parasites such as leeches also feed off of others.

However, energy vampires do not take the form of the blood thirsty movie characters or our folkloric portrayals of the Old Higue, but appear as well meaning normal people in our lives.

Energy vampires are usually those who think the whole world revolves around them. He or she lacks empathy and are unable to relate to others.

Energy Vampires tend to use others for their own gain. Their ammunitions are meaningless arguments, belittlements, criticism and other onesided communication which leaves you feeling weak, defeated and tired.

These parasitic individuals steal your positive energy and leave you walking on egg shells whenever you are in their presence. Some signs which may show that you are being drained by an Energy Vampire include depressed feelings, stressed, tensed, anxious, threatened, irritated, feelings

of being overwhelmed and mentally exhausted. Their negative energy can take a toll on your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Ways in which you can protect yourself from Energy Vampires are: • Limit your exposure or time spent with him or her • Formulate an effective plan of action to minimize the negative impact he or she may have on you • Set clear boundaries • Work on developing your own self-esteem and self-worth Bottom line: Energy vampires can rob you of your positive energy and deplete your self-esteem. Implementing a plan of action against those parasites in your life may mean cutting ties with some people who may appear to mean you well, but are in fact preventing you from recognizing your infinite potential.

GEM BEAUTY

Anasha

Age: 20 Birth Sign: Capricorn Favourite Foods: I love curry chicken with roti, fried rice with jerk chicken, metemgee and cook up Location: Houston, East Bank Demerara Hobbies: Singing, Dancing and Modeling Think you have what it takes to be a GEM Beauty? Then send us a professional quality photo of yourself with the required information to: letters@gemmagonline.com

YOU MUST BE 18 YEARS OR OLDER. GEM 74, 2016 | 31

FA S H I O N

Fashion Guru

Roger Gary & His Latest Aqua Couture Collection Photography: Submitted

T

rained at the E.R. Burrowes School of Art in Guyana and the Jamaica School of Art in Jamaica, Roger Gary has become well known and respected in the fashion world with his amazingly outstanding designs.

Gary was presented with the Caribbean Style and Culture Award in 2011 for his ‘remarkable contribution to the Caribbean Fashion Industry’.

He is well known for his breath-taking evening gowns and colourful fashion wear whilst not forgetting his exotic swimwear (aqua couture, as he fondly calls it).

Now living in New York, he also attended the Pratt Institute and the Parsons School of Design. His designs have graced many magazines such as Woman’s Wear Daily, NY Daily News, Caribbean Life, Essence Magazine, Unchin Magazine, British Pride and She Caribbean. He has made numerous television appearances such as Fox Channel 5, BCD Instyle, VH1/Vogue Fashion Awards, Spring Bling, Rip The Runway on BET and of course many times featured in GEM. Gary has also showcased his diverse creations at several fashion shows namely New York Fashion Week, Brooklyn Fashion Weekend, Caribbean Fashion Week, Style Week Jamaica, Barbados Fashion Week, St.Kitt’s Fashion Week, Virgin Islands Fashion Week, Summer Sizzle BVI, Guyana Fashion Xpo, The International Designer’s Show and Cayman Fashion Solstice.

He has also styled for the Miss Universe and Miss World pageants.

There is obviously no boundaries to Gary’s unique sense of glamour and style with his ability to make women feel beautiful and special.

34 | GEM 74, 2016

Designer Roger Gary doing his appreciation walk

GEM 74, 2016 | 35

FA S H I O N

M

ost people only think about their dreams while others are busy making theirs a reality. One of these trail blazers is 21 year old Shan Anthony Seecharan, a young, vibrant new designer in G u y a n a ' s Fa s h i o n C o m m u n i t y.

Originally from Mabaruma region one (Barima-Waini), Shan moved to Georgetown immediately after completing his secondary education at the Mabaruma Secondary School to pursue his passion of fashion designing.

"Growing up in a small somewhat remote location of Guyana was not without its challenges" Shan expressed. Shan is the youngest of 10 siblings born to Desiree & Eustace Seecharan who operate a small retail clothing store in his home village.

Shan shared, "For as long as I can remember I have always been creative, sketching designs and drawing since I was about 6 years old. However, my fashion designing journey began when I started experimenting with an old sewing machine I got from a good friend of mine about 6 years ago".

Shan started cutting and making simple clothing for his cousins and other siblings. "I was far from perfect in the beginning" Shan noted, but being mostly self taught through trial and error he honed his skills and is today making a name for himself and his brand in the local fashion industry.

Shan's brand "SAS Designs" represents his initials. Shan explained "some of the top brands are named after the person who designed them.

This was the inspiration for the name of my brand". Although young and fairly new to the fashion industry Shan is already turning heads and capturing attention when he launched his first clothing line "Fresh Blooms" in December 2015 as a part of the Fashion Forward Friday - Fashion Show event. Shan is committed to creating modern, comfortable, stylish and unique clothing that will compliment all body types and sizes

36 | GEM 74, 2016

Shan Anthony Seecharan

ultimately boasting confidence in everyone who wears them. "The feeling I get from seeing one of my clients looking sexy and feeling happy & satisfied in my designs is all that keeps me doing what I love" he explained.

Shan, who is also the official designer for the TLC Television Show Host Ms. Tasmin Coats mentioned that he will be focusing more on creating designs geared towards weddings in the near future. These include, wedding dresses, brides maid and grooms men outfits, and by extension creating pieces for everyone taking part in the wedding. He will also be including cocktail dresses and evening gowns since he intends to be involved in designing for beauty pageants. In the long term he sees himself having his own boutique hosting fashion shows throughout Guyana, regionally and internationally as he aspires to take his brand to the international stage; all while providing a platform for other young designers to showcase their talents and make their dreams a reality.

Shan continues to draw inspiration from Guyanese designers Roger Garey & Michelle Cole both of whom have done exceptional work in the fashion industry in and out of Guyana.

Designer Shan Anthony Seecharan (c) with some of his models

"It is not where you come from, but where you are going" are words uttered by Shan who is blazing a trail for himself in fashion industry. He continues to amaze with his designs and inspire with his story as he strives to build a name for himself and his brand.

Contact Facebook Page – sasdesignsgy or email sasdesignsgy@gmail.com for more information.

GEM 74, 2016 | 37

Cycling has always been a part of Geron Williams’s life (born 23rd May, 1991)

“F

or my first birthday my present was a bicycle.

To be honest I don't think my parents knew how much a part of my life would be defined by this innocent and essential toy. At the time it was just a gift”.

He reminisced. “They told me stories about my reaction when I saw it; I apparently began kissing the bike.”

Instantly an undivided bond was created. Nothing could have separated Geron from his bike. Growing up he was encouraged to be active and sports, not just cycling, was a major part of his adolescent years.

As a child, in my opinion a bicycle is the first real freedom you have, at that point only you are in control. Competitive cycling is a whole other story. The adrenalin rush of rubbing shoulders with other cyclists at speeds in excess of 6070kms at times, leaning your bike through a turn at speed, trusting the 2 inches of rubbers (tires) separating you and the tarmac, not to mention the excruciating burn of lactate in your muscles that are most times unbearable but yet still worth it. Most times you would be dying to stop but when you do, you wish you had pushed a little bit harder anyway.

It’s a tough sport, you fall, bruise, break bones, even cry sometimes in pain or out of sheer satisfaction and glory.

My parents Gemma and Glen Williams and my only sibling, Veneta Williams, played a major part in supporting my dream of becoming a successful cyclist. Early in the morning my mom would make sure I'm up and prepared for training with my dad, who was not a cycling coach but worked with me tirelessly to ensure that I was always prepared for competition. Veneta played the role of my manager most times since my mom could not bear to follow many of the hectic road races. She was always there ensuring that I got to competition on time and following in the support car for road races.

Cycling presented me with many challenges from a very young.

At the age of 8, I travelled to Trinidad and Tobago to compete internationally for the first time at the West Indies V.S the World cycling series. Being the first time travelling internationally with the help of a friend, we were able to obtain housing with a family associated with the cycling event who also had a young boy in the same category as me.

38 | GEM 74, 2016

We arrived a few days early to be able to train and familiarise ourselves with the velodrome. After a few good sessions on the velodrome, the family saw how prepared we were and in an attempt to hinder my performance hid my cycling shoes. Luckily my dad had taken my regular pedals with toe clips. It took a couple of years before they said they found the shoes and returned them to us.

This was only our first ordeal for this particular competition.

On the first night I was registered to compete in the boys 6 – 9 year category but was placed to race on the 9 -12 years Category since they sited that i was turning 9 in a month.

This was obviously against the written rules. Regardless of these attempts to hinder or prevent me from medaling at the event I was able to complete the weekend with 1 silver and 1 bronze medal.

Many times there were attempts to keep me off the national team with cries of favoritism even though I was performing with creditable and consistent results.

After a couple of times these situations will have zero effect on me or my mental state of mind. I was always able to stay focused and ignore the politics.

Another recurring challenge that cycling in general has faced is the inability to secure financing for international competition. Apart from CAC Games and the Commonwealth Games that is funded by the Guyana Olympic Association, every other international competition that sees me on a National Team leaving these shores to represent Guyana has very little or no support from the Government of Guyana.

BEAUTY TIPS

Purpose, Professionalism & Passion as a Makeup Artist

I

have a nice job…. A GREAT JOB in fact. I get to travel and wear nice clothes and I get to “prettify” my face as often as I wish for no special reason.

I get the great opportunities of working with other professionals in various lines of work and entertainment.

I’m usually specially invited to top events and get to mingle with some pretty awesome people.

Oh let me mention how my company gets to showcase at expos and private functions etc…..

BUT LET ME TELL YOU THIS…. It didn’t all just landed in my lap. A whole lot of effort had to go into marketing myself as a business professional worthy of the invites, referrals and contracts.

I knew I wanted to work with a purpose, so I figured out how to make that happen really fast by structuring my career. It was very far from easy to build this type of reputation but it wasn’t impossible.

You don’t have to start at the bottom unless you want to. Start where you are ready to start, and make jumps toward your goal as fast as you can. What is it you want to achieve in makeup artistry?

What major step can you take today to get closer to that goal?

I DON’T KNOW IT ALL, BUT I KNOW ENOUGH TO SHARE. DRESS FOR SUCCESS: Too many people have forgotten why proper business attire is important. One major reason is because it presents a visual image and sends a message that you are professional. Another reason is because you never know when you will be required to meet with someone from outside your company. Your image to this outsider will be the image remembered of your company. In business dealings this image and message needs to be professional. In reality, that image could indirectly mean the difference between securing a new client, deal, contract or

40 | GEM 74, 2016

Text: Reneé Chester-Thompson.

sale and losing the opportunity to make that deal.

Attire of professionalism varies somewhat by industry. And while the beauty industry leaves plenty of room for glitz and glamourous dressing, there’s still a standard to maintain; especially if you are serious about making a good name for yourself.

Fa c t s s h o w e d t h a t a p p e a r a n c e ranked second only to communication skills when respondents named “qualities most often associated with professionalism.”

COLL ABORATE: Collaborate, don’t compete: Humanity evolved through collaboration, and it seems that the current state of affairs in this world stem from competition, and pinning people against one another. There are a million different ways to say one thing, and every individual will find a different resonance with your individual message. Embrace your unique voice, and collaborate with others that have their own unique vision. Don’t be afraid to message someone you admire and extend an offer to share and create together.

BE COOL: Think about it: who wants to be mean or rude to the person who goes out of their way for everyone? No one.

Being kind, likable, and going the extra mile will not only do wonders for your own self-respect and peace of mind— it will also earn you the respect and admiration of others. Being likable is a skill and it will always get you rehired.

People love to be around other people they like: the ones who listen to them and the ones who lend a helping hand without complaint.

It may not be the best makeup artist in the world, but I sure am a likable one.

HAVE A PURPOSE: Never go into something for the wrong reasons, you’ll never end up with the right outcome.

Is it popularity or passion? You have to know what you’re hoping to gain out of this! If you don’t even know then you’re

pretty much aimless.

SAVE: The saying “save for a rainy day” isn’t just a ramble. You’re gaining followers and a clientele and business is developing nicely… so what do you do?

SPLURGE OR SAVE? You better SAVE so you can make wise investments for the growth of your business. I can share a personal experience of when my studio suffered a fire. Hadn’t it been for my “stash” then I would have not been relevant today with a newly designed and highly improved studio to offer my services. Circumstances can vary, so my advice is to save a little from every gig!

MENTORESHIP: No matter what industry you work in, everyone can use a mentor, and the beauty industry is no exception! If you’re rude, combative, or condescending, nobody is going to make time for you. Nobody is going to support your business/dream. Is your presence positive? Or are you building a career on ego?

Personally, I enjoy being a mentor. I share through being a makeup educator.

It’s equally beneficial to be a mentor.

Not only is it another money-making opportunity, but it always feels good to pay it forward after you’ve reached a high level in your career and have plenty of insight to share with those who are just getting started. I always meet new and interesting people and usually gain even more inspiration to further inspire!

BE YOURSELF: With all of these steps in mind, staying true to yourself is the key that will unlock all doors. While it may take a while to grow, don’t lose faith in you, or try to become something other than who you are. As Terence McKenna once said, “you are a divine being, you matter, you count.” Be persistent, be patient, and know that your passions are there for a purpose bigger than just yourself, and even if you only inspire a few people — that’s still a job well done.

Being popular and being professional are two completely different intentions!

PICK A PURPOSE!

RECIPES Pumpkin-Ginger Bars

Text and photography: NAMILCO

1 teaspoon vanilla essence 15 oz of grated pumpkin 2 eggs Method: 1. Heat oven to 350ºF. Grease 15x10x1 - inch pan with shortening or cooking spray; lightly flour. In large bowl, beat the ingredients with an electric mixer on low speed until moistened. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes. Spread in pan.

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 cups Maid Marian Whole Wheat Flour

1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

1½ cups brown sugar

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ cup finely chopped crystallized ginger

½ cup vegetable oil

Text and photography: EMMA HOPE

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ cup milk

2. Bake 20 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely, about 1 hour.

Optional: You can frost top with cream cheese.

French Toast Fruit Roll ups Method: Slice the ends off of the bread.

Flatten with a Rolling Pin. Cover each slice with cream cheese.

Place fruits on one end and roll to close.

Add oil to skillet placed over low heat Fry until golden brown.

Toss each roll up in cinnamon sugar until completely covered.

Drizzle honey on top.

Serve warm.

Ingredients:

Blackberries) 2

Large Eggs

2½ oz of Cream Cheese

1

Cup Cinnamon Sugar

¼ Cup Mixed Fruit (Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries &

1 ½ Tbsp Oil

8

Slices of white bread

Honey GEM 74, 2016 | 41

T R AV E L

THE RUPUNUNI WILDLIFE RESEARCH UNIT Bringing together communities, ranchers,

Text: Matt Hallett Photography: Matt Hallett

T

rangers and scientists to steward Guyana’s green heart

he Rupununi Region of Guyana is a nature lover’s dream. Lush green forests run intact to the horizon in every direction. Open savannas have night skies so big and star-filled you feel like you are looking at the entire universe all at once. Jaguars stalk the shadows.

Anacondas coil silently on riverbanks.

Arapaima and caiman meander down murky rivers. Howler monkeys roar

42 | GEM 74, 2016

from the tree tops. Harpy Eagles soar towards the heavens. From Iwokrama to Konashen, the Rupununi is alive and one of the most pristine wildernesses remaining on the planet.

Conservation is called the ‘crisis discipline’. Working in conservation these days often means trying to preserve remaining fragments of forest or save the last individuals

of a doomed species. The human race is altering the landscape at an unprecedented pace, while researchers and conservationists find themselves just trying to keep up.

That is what makes Guyana such a special place in this world. There are very few places that are blessed with the abundance and diversity of resources that you find right here, giving Guyanese a unique opportunity

to be proactive. To consider how we can maintain our wild places before it’s too late, while meeting the needs of a country that is developing in a globalized world.

We believe that the Rupununi may provide a model that we can look to.

You see, the Rupununi is not some unexplored wilderness that exists in a vacuum free from human activity.

On the contrary, indigenous Makushi and Wapichan communities have lived in and among these forests and savannas for thousands of years and this wilderness serves as a tribute to their stewardship. The respect and care that they have given to the use of the region’s resources has allowed them to truly ‘live off the land’ – using the forests as their supermarket, pharmacy, and shopping mall in a way that ensures that future generations will be able to do the same.

But the world around these communities is changing. Access to roads, motorbikes, outboard engines, aluminum boats, vehicles, heavy machinery, monofilament fishing nets, cell service, satellite internet, and more has meant that new challenges are arising every day. Large mammals (jaguars, otters, anteaters), which are some of the most emblematic species in tropical forests, are experiencing the lion’s share of the threats. Their large body size, slow reproductive rate, and high investment in caring for their offspring means that Guyana’s giants are threatened by, susceptible to, and slow to recover from, declines related

to overhunting related to growing markets for wild meat (bush cow, bush hog, labba, powis, deer) and loss of habitat. Recognizing emerging threats facing their resources, Rupununi communities are engaging in an effort to develop solutions that will help sustain them into the future.

communities with the tools they need to continue managing their own resources in a sustainable way for centuries to come.

If you want to experience this work for yourself, visit our research teams at Caiman House Research Station (Yupukari Village), Surama EcoLodge, Rupununi Trails (Dadanawa Ranch), the Iwokrama River Lodge, Rewa EcoLodge, Karanambu Ranch, Saddle Mountain Ranch, Golden Parakeet Lodge (Karasabai Village), the Cock of the Rock Lodge (Wowetta Village), or Rupununi River Drifters.

If you are interested in learning more about our work, follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ rwru2015), Twitter (@RupWildlife), Instagram (rupununiwildlife) and YouTube (Rupununi Wildlife).

The Rupununi Wildlife Research Unit (RWRU) is training community research teams that are deploying the latest technology in an effort to better understand the pressures that Rupununi wildlife are facing and how they are responding.

These teams aren’t just serving as research assistants for some scientist coordinating a project from afar. This is a collaborative research effort that is bringing together communities, ranchers, protected areas rangers, and professional scientists who are monitoring populations of some of the region’s m o s t iconic and threatened species using m o t i o n sensored cameras (camera traps) set across the region. The RWRU is w o r k i n g to provide Rupununi Matt Hallett working with RWRU team in Yupukari Village

Rupununi savannas at Karanambu Ranch GEM 74, 2016 | 43

LA S T S E E N RANDOM PICS OF PEOPLE & EVENTS - WERE YOU THERE?

Miss Universe Guyana 2016 Photography: Carl Croker 26-year-old Soyini Fraser takes her bows with fourth runner up Ayana Whitehead, Ashley John third runner up, Ariella Basdeo second runner up and first runner up Rafieya Husain.

Miss Emancipation 2016 Photography: Carl Croker W i n n e r, D e l i s h a W r i g h t f r o m Vergenoegen poses with franchise holder Ms. Melissa Varwyk, Shellon Massiah third runner-up, Gabriella Chapman second runner-up, Jasmin Adams first runner-up, Faith Harding ‘Best Introduction’ and Shemaine Daniels ‘People’s Choice Award’ on Facebook.

Miss Guyana Talented Teen Photography: Carl Croker 14-year-old, New Guyana School student Aliya Wong, wearing a Kiesha Edwards’ evening gown, poses with her proud parents.

44 | GEM 74, 2016