ProArchers
A passion project turned community movement is spreading the sport of archery across Guyana
January 19, 2025
President and co-founder of ProArchers Plus Guyana Inc., Anand Mangra (Samuel Maughn photo)
Overseas-Based Guyanese Poised to Make History in NYC Council Race
Overseas-based Guyanese Dimple Willabus is poised to make history as she enters the race for New York City Council in District 46 (Southern Brooklyn) in the eagerly anticipated elections set for June 24 this year. District 46 covers Bergen Beach, Canarsie, Georgetown, Gerritsen Beach, Mill Basin, Mill Island, Marine Park, Sheepshead Bay, and Flatlands.
Dimple, who also ran for the first time in 2021, felt that the COVID-19 pandemic played a major part in her previous campaign, which saw about nine to eleven candidates competing.
However, Dimple feels that this time around, she is a more viable candidate with the deck stacked in her favour, as many local leaders are supporting her candidacy.
Touching on her platform, Dimple places public safety high on her priority list, pointing out
that, unfortunately, New York has become a city that’s “soft” on crime.
“When you have millions of people traversing
daily, it’s imperative to ensure that they are safe. Commuters don’t feel comfortable travelling on the bus and subways because the city council changed many of the laws, giving way for a lot of crimes. We have to review many of the legislations and tighten up to reinstate the confidence and trust of the public.”
Dimple also believes that providing a comprehensive education system from early childhood to high school and funding programmes that yield results are essential.
“While I am cognisant that not every child is great at school and some may not graduate, we still have to explore every possible aspect of educating our children and preparing them for success.
“Therefore, we need to provide technical skills
programmes or trade school opportunities for dropouts. Additionally, the introduction of effective environmental programmes for all ages, language and life skills training (understanding banking, saving money, spending, etc.), civic engagement, and more.”
Dimple also opined that, “Our veterans
should always be well taken care of, and it’s important to provide the necessary care and services that will ensure their lives are better. Our veterans should also be included in the various discussions regarding what is best for them. While there are some programmes available throughout NYC, our district can do more to engage veterans.”
Well-known for advocating for youth, and women, and against injustices, Dimple is no stranger to the public sphere. Despite migrating to Brooklyn, New York, over 20 years ago, she has maintained her connection to Guyana. During a family visit in 2013, her younger daughter, Anaya, was so inspired that she wrote her first book. Anaya went on to write three more books over the years. She also represented Guyana’s Lady Jaguars Junior National Football team as a striker/midfielder.
According to Dimple, when she migrated to the USA, she wanted to further her education. “Most women,
Dimple Willabus
Dimple and husband Winston Willabus
ProArchers
A passion project turned community movement is spreading the sport of archery across Guyana
ARCHERY, a sport that has been around for centuries, is making a bold return in Guyana, thanks to the dedication of individuals like Narda Mohamed and her team at ProArchers Plus Guyana Inc. Since 2016, Narda, alongside her husband, Anand Mangra, has been actively working to bring this ancient practice into the modern spotlight. What started as a passion project to help youth and those battling mental health challenges during the pandemic has blossomed into a vibrant community of over 100 members. With their blend of discipline, community outreach, and respect for tradition, the Pro Archers have cultivated a space where newcomers and seasoned athletes alike can hone their skills and develop a love for the sport.
ProArchers
Archery is not a sport that comes to mind among the many traditionally played sports in Guyana, like cricket or football. However, archery is unique and has been around for as long as those sports as well. This is why Narda found the sport interesting. Already a lover of gun shooting, she fell in love with archery more than nine years ago. Since then, she has founded ProArchers Plus Guyana Inc, Guyana’s largest archery club, alongside her husband and club president, Anand Mangra. “ProArchers
began basically to help students and many persons who were suffering from depression and so on during the pandemic,” Narda explained. She further added, “It was to help them out with activities that allowed for social distancing and also gave them something to do during that time.”
Since then, Narda has become the first-ever Guyanese to be certified as a US archery instructor and trainer. She shared, “With the new certification, we are able to continue our
work and even expand the number of archers in Guyana and improve their performances as well.” Narda can pass on this certification and has trained a number of instructors and trainers since her own certification last year. She added, “We have expanded and grown. Currently, we have over 150 active members, and we have trained over 2,000 people.”
As the country’s largest club, ProArchers has collaborated with several ministries and organisations, spreading the
exciting skill throughout Guyana. Now, the club has launched its archery open day this Sunday at St. Joseph High School starting from 14:00 hours. As Narda shared,
you to come and try out archery with us. Everything will be provided.”
Moreover, Narda and the ProArchers team are hoping to make the open day a monthly event.
Guyana. There are some private clubs, some that practise informally, and some that are registered regionally. I’m also aware that there are many who practise traditional shooting. There are some that practise barebow and recurve. But the sport has grown over the years. It existed even before I started, which was in 2016.” ProArchers has gained significant support recently and has expanded its reach across Guyana, inspiring new archers, many of whom are now competing nationally. “Our club has also touched about seven regions, excluding Regions 1, 8, and 9. We have seen many persons practising archery. Though there might just be about eight to ten formally registered clubs, they are all growing and expanding. And soon, Guyana will be on the international arena. They have already sent many archers internationally, but they are hoping to expand even more.”
“We have actually invited all archers in Guyana and the general public to come and try out archery with us. We hope to help other archers improve their skills and also share their knowledge with our fellow archers. We’re inviting all of
The growth of the sport
Archery continues to grow in Guyana, with more people becoming involved and more clubs being formed. As Narda shared, “Currently, there are more than 12 clubs that I’m aware of in
With the number of archers growing in Guyana, so has the number of competitions, with Guyana beginning to make a mark on the international stage. As Narda shared, ProArchers hopes to continue to inspire others to join the sport. “We hope to continue the solidarity among a lot of countries to learn and share our knowledge on archery. It has now become a part of my daily routine, where we practise ar-
Co-founder and treasurer of ProArchers Plus Guyana Inc.
President and co-founder of ProArchers Plus Guyana Inc., Anand Mangra (Samuel Maughn photos)
For all the ‘Girly Girls’ Come to the Girl House
IN an effort to set the standard with trending fashion and other items, The Girl House is the ideal place to visit to get customised pieces to complement your individual style and fashion with that added statement ac-
cessory or item.
The Girl House is unlike any other. It is pink-themed in décor, a cosy little spot that gives off luxury vibes but remains within reach pocket-wise, featuring Coach and Kate Spade bags, among
other high-end brands in makeup, gift items, clothing, skincare, haircare, healthcare, stationery, plushies, and so much more.
It is also a collaborative shelf space that caters to women in business, providing a
place for them to display and market their products in an ideal environment.
The owner of The Girl House is Abigail Joseph, a Brazilian with Guyanese parentage. Both her parents are natives of Guyana, living in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) at Monkey Mountain, where they operate a grocery shop.
Joseph told the Pepperpot Magazine that she first came to Guyana when she was 11 years old, but at that age, she was too young to gain an impression of the country. However, on her second visit at age 14, she was intrigued by the diverse cultures and heritage, which often fused together on national holidays and other occasions.
Now residing in the city, Joseph says she enjoys the experience despite being away from her family. She made this move because she wanted to establish her own business, become independent, and earn a living.
Joseph explained that last year, she operated an online business selling Coach and Kate Spade bags and highend shoes. However, she wanted more— she wanted to expand by creating a physical store as a one-stop shop, particularly for women-owned businesses.
She added that the idea was conceptualised while managing her online business. With innovative ideas in mind, she sought the opinion of her best friend. After their discussions, she was clear
about wanting a store, which led to the establishment of The Girl House.
“I wanted something different, something that popped, made people feel good, and a space where all things could be sourced. A little store. I chose pink because it is a catchy colour, and it suited the name, The Girl House,” she said.
Joseph noted that as a girly girl herself, she has always loved fancy bags and shoes and wanted local women
to have the same experience at affordable prices.
She further explained that she also wanted to provide a space for women in business locally, which led to the inclusion of the collaborative space in the store, featuring several women-owned small businesses.
The physical store, The Girl House, opened three months ago and is still fairly new. However, The Girl House as a brand
Abigail Joseph, owner of The Girl House
Breaking Barriers
The 22-year-old heavy-duty
By Shaniya Harding
AT just 22 years old, Divya Ragbir from Plantation Hope has defied societal expectations and proven the power of perseverance. As a single mother and now a certified heavy-duty machine operator, Divya is breaking barriers and social norms. Despite early challenges, including a brief stint in office work that left her unfulfilled, Divya pursued her passion for heavy-duty machinery operation, inspired by her father and great-grandfather.
Born and raised in the farming community of Plantation Hope, Divya describes her childhood as happy and playful. As she stated, "Plantation Hope is a small village. But when growing up, I just go out with neighbours. Like most girls in Plantation Hope, play hopscotch, cricket, a lot of fun games." She further added, "We just go over, do cookouts, sleepovers, different stuff."
Although the region had no shortage of fun leisure activities, after graduating high school, Divya found herself searching for a job. She found several opportunities, most of which were office jobs, but this was not what Divya wanted to do. Inspired by her father and grandfather, Divya wanted to work with machines. As she stated, "I used to work in the finance department, same head-
operator redefining success
quarters, booking bills. But that was not my dream, to work in an office. I always wanted to become a heavy-duty operator like my father, my great-grandfather."
When the opportunity arose for her to pursue her dream, Divya joined the Ministry of Labour’s Board of Industrial Training programme with bold enthusiasm. As she explained, "I think some-
one who graduated told me to join the programme. They learned a lot, and they became self-employed. They purchased their own machine and started their own business. And then I wanted to do the same." She further added, "When I was growing up, I used to see my daddy come home. He used to watch a lot of heavy-duty videos. He would tell me, ‘This is
what your father did at work.’ He used to show me."
Over the course of a few months, Divya trained with instructors at the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary - Agricultural Development Authority. The experience was unlike any other, with a good team of trainers. Divya said she mastered things she never thought she could. "The best. If
you don't understand something in theory, we would explain it. If you see a worry, we would give you time, make a lot of jokes, entertain you," She said. "They tried their best to teach us a lot. They teach me a lot. I learned how to operate an excavator, bucket, forklift, tractor, bulldozer."
One of the hardest things she had to master was the bulldozer, says Divya. "One of the hardest things I had to master was definitely the bulldozer. At first, it was hard to control it." But, the support she received from the team encouraged her to keep going. "My trainer taught me. He said, ‘No, don't give up.’ When he gave me the machine, I couldn't control the blade. He said, ‘No, no. You need to go back and smooth it out.’
And then I would go on and never give up."
Divya is also a single mother, and she says this task is harder than mastering any machine.
As she stated, "A young mom at age 19, I became a mother with a little heart,” she explained. She explained that initially she lived in a common-law arrangement but that did not work out. "My ex-husband wasn't bringing in that much income. So from there, I said, ‘No, I'll take responsibility. I'll look after my son.’
And from there on, I tried to become independent."
Divya admitted that, in the beginning, while she struggled with mastering some machines, she felt like giving up
on the programme. As she stated, "I don't need a temporary job. I need a permanent job to provide for my son. And there I work, work. I'm trying a bit. Even some days I wake up and say, ‘Mommy, I'm not going to go. I feel like giving up.’ But I got up and still went to training every day." But she was inspired by her son to complete the programme. "It's not necessary to come every day to the workshop. I come every day. Every day, every day, every day. So I can operate so many machines. And then I never give up. So right now, I'm providing for my son."
Currently, Divya is one of the young women employed at the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary - Agricultural Development Authority. This has helped her achieve her dream of providing for her son while doing what she loves. "Before, sometimes my son needed something, it was hard. I couldn't get it. My mother, my parents especially, they provided. Now, with my own income, I provide everything—school, everything. Now it's better. I can provide." Through hard work, dedication, and faith in her abilities, she not only provides for her son but also inspires others to dream big and take charge of their destinies. “Anything is possible,” she says, encouraging women to embrace opportunities, overcome challenges, and never give up on their dreams.
Divya Ragbir skillfully operates a heavy-duty excavator, showcasing her mastery of machinery (Samuel Maughn Photo)
Kayaking anyone?
One of Linden’s hidden gems is now well-known thanks to local entrepreneur
By Shaniya Harding
WHEN Dr. Deon Anderson stumbled upon the pristine Kara Kara Blue Lake in Linden in 2018, he never imagined it would lead to the birth of a transformative business. A chemical engineer by profession and a self-proclaimed "water boss," Dr. Anderson combined his expertise and love for water to dispel myths about the lake’s safety, eventually introducing kayaking as a recreational activity to Guyana. Today, Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours has evolved into more than a business— it’s a movement that merges sports, education, and tourism, inspiring communities and redefining outdoor recreation in the region.
In the land of many waters, Guyana’s pristine lakes and majestic rivers continue to captivate. Born and raised in the mining town of Linden, Deon Anderson has always been a lover of water. This passion has even shaped his career choice. As a chemical engineer attached to Guyana Water Inc., Deon holds a PhD in leadership. With water being both his profession and pastime, Deon has become synonymous with water. As he said, “My passion basically is water. Actually, that’s why some people nickname me the ‘water boss,’ because it’s like both at work and play—it’s water everywhere,” he said.
Although a nature lover and explorer, it wasn’t until 2018 that
Deon discovered the now-famous Kara Kara Blue Lake. “In January 2018, just after the Christmas holiday, I was on vacation at home and didn’t travel, so I decided to tour Linden a bit because it’s my hometown. Despite being born and raised there, I’d never really explored its heart.” He further added, “To my surprise, it was the first time in my life I saw what is now the Kara Kara Blue Lake. I was blown away—I’d spent over 30 years in Linden, and this was the first time seeing it. When
I first saw the lake, I was totally blown away by the beauty of it. In Guyana, we typically have dark brown or black waters. To see blue waters in the heart of where I live was amazing,” he said. With a unique business idea in mind came a few unique challenges. Although Deon was captivated by the beauty of the lake, the water had historically been thought of as unsafe for people. But true to his passion for water, Deon tested the water. He shared, “The chemical engineering background in me decided
to sample this water because we’d heard so many myths about the lake.” He further added that the water was not only tested in Guyana but is internationally acclaimed as safe. “I sent the sample overseas to Trinidad at my own expense and also tested local creek water for comparison,” he said.
He further added, “The results showed little to zero toxicity in the water and no elevated levels of heavy metals. The water is very pure, with only minerals like iron and aluminium, which are
natural due to the bauxite mining region.” Although the water is perfect for activities like kayaking and jet-skiing, Deon and his team do not allow visitors to swim due to its depth. “We do not encourage swimming because the lake is very deep, but other activities like kayaking, jet skiing, and paddleboarding are completely safe,” he said.
One of the biggest challenges the business has faced is garbage disposal. The collection and disposal of garbage is something that almost all tour -
ism businesses struggle with, and Elite Kayaking is no different. As Deon explained, with people, there will be garbage, and the business is doing its best to ensure the health and safety of its visitors. “No matter how many garbage bins you have, there will be garbage deposition. That has been our challenge, and what we’ve had to do is expend a lot of money in cleaning up every single month,” he said. Deon further added, “As a matter of fact, twice a month, we’ve invested in gar-
Visitors to Elite Kayaking have what Deon calls a party on the water
‘Glide’ Brings Roller-Skating to Guyana’s Streets
A fresh new experience that’s connecting people through fitness and fun
By Shaniya Harding
From kayaking and backpacking adventures to new spots that offer unique experiences, Guyana is brimming with new activities for both Guyanese and tourists alike. One of Guyana’s new and exciting activities comes in the form of ‘Glide’. The first of its kind in Guyana, Glide offers participants an authentic roller-skating experience.
At just 23 years old, the young entrepreneur behind the venture, Marlisa Osborne, has introduced a new spin on recreation in Guyana with Glide. What began as a personal fitness journey evolved into a mission to bring joy, fitness, and community together through an activity most Guyanese have never tried. With a mix of determination and creativity, Marlisa is reimagining what fun looks like for a nation ready to embrace the thrill of something new. Glide was sparked by Marlisa’s passion to learn something new more than two
years ago. As Marlisa explained, she quickly fell in love with roller skating and wanted to share it with her family, friends, and the rest of Guyana. “In 2022, I decided that I wanted to learn to roller skate. That actually stemmed from me being into fitness. After that, I realised that Guyana doesn’t have a lot to do when it comes to recreation, in my opinion. So, I thought to myself, hey, you know, I think it would be really cool to introduce this to my community.” She further added, “Glide offers the experience—an authentic experience to be specific—roller-skating, introducing something new, recreational, and fun.”
Although Marlisa’s dream was to have Glide become a household name, there were a number of challenges in the beginning. With starting any new venture, she was worried that people simply would not see the appeal in something like roller skating. However, with more than 200 people attending her first event in August 2024, Glide was prov-
Event coordinator and the founder of Glide, Marlisa Osborne (Samuel Maughn photo)
Overseas-Based Guyanese...
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after having children, do not get to finish college, and for me, this was one of my personal goals. I wanted to earn my master’s degree. It was very challenging at that time since our family was still growing.
“At one point, I was juggling going to college, running my small business, and taking care of my motherly and wifely duties. When I graduated with my master’s degree, it was a major accomplishment for many reasons!
“Also, while in college, I had the privilege of working at WCBS. I was an Assistant Editor in the newsroom. Additionally, I had a personal blog where my articles were published.”
Dimple went on to serve as President of the Community Education Council in her district, which oversaw 36 elementary and middle schools. She could prioritise capital funds for the schools in her district. During that time, in 2017-2018, Dimple also held the title of Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams’ Education Ap -
pointee for her district.
Thereafter, Mayor Bill DeBlasio’s office asked Dimple to serve on their Education Task Force (2018-2019). The task force members wrote legislative proposals.
“When I reflect on the path that God has
led me on, it was well mapped out to give me the ability to learn and grow and to be a better leader who can effectively advocate for my community.”
Prior to migrating, she was known to Guyanese as Dimple Singh from the popular TV
show Rhythm Nation on HBTV. Rhythm Nation was the first Hip-Hop & R&B TV show in Guyana. The show aired five days a week and was bro adcast live in the 1990s for almost 10 years. Dimple recalled that Rhythm Nation became very popular,
management, and to never chase money. He said, ‘Money will chase you when you work hard and do the right things.’ He was born and raised in Albouystown, and after my parents got married, they moved to Lodge, where we were born and raised. My mother, Gloria, hailed from Parika and was credited with being a great cook and very active in the community and the parent-teachers association.”
Dimple recalled that she was always very active at D’Urban Street Primary School, where she modelled, played sports, and was involved in debates, poetry competitions, and other activities.
mostly among the youth. In fact, some of Guyana’s local singers credit Dimple for giving them an opportunity to be featured on the show, which springboarded their careers.
Dimple also disclosed that the show was a platform where music videos were shown and each show had a specific topic and guests. “Most of the guests were entertainers who visited Guyana to perform or local artistes.
Within the first year, with the show’s popularity, many local businesses began advertising with Rhythm Nation, which increased its viewership and demand.”
Dimple credits her parents for her success as a teenage entrepreneur.
“My dad, Phagu, was from a business family, and he taught my siblings and me about the importance of financial independence, money
“When I started high school at St Joseph, I was blown away by the wealth of opportunities and resources the school had compared to my community in Lodge. I was grateful to expand my knowledge and grow!”
Dimple went on to win the Miss St Joseph High School Beauty Pageant in 1990. She was also a track athlete (sprinter) and the captain of the volleyball team. After winning the Miss St Joseph High School Beauty Pageant, Dimple received many offers to participate in other beauty pageants, TV commercials, and job opportunities.
Apart from Anaya, Dimple’s other two children are Chantelle, who is a school teacher, and Brandon, who is in high school. Dimple is married to Winston Willabus, a US Marine veteran and NYPD lieutenant, who also has Guyanese roots from both Berbice and Linden.
From left, (back row) are: Brandon, Anaya, Winston, Dimple, Chantelle and Brian, Dimple’s son-in-law. Giselle, Dimple’s granddaughter, is in front
‘Glide’ Brings Roller-Skating...
PAGE VII
en to be a success. “I had my first event in August of last year as my trial event. And it was really good. A lot of people were so enthusiastic about that event and showing up for it; it actually surprised me. Executing that first event it was hard because it was entirely new for me. But otherwise, it was good. The turnout was really good,” she said.
Creating a New Pastime
Now, in its second year, the business is still tackling some hurdles, the biggest being equipment. The pool of Guyanese who are roller-skating is currently growing, but the need for equipment like quality skates, helmets, and protective gear remains a challenge. “Guyana doesn’t have the equipment readily available to us here. So, I had to go on a hunt. I had to talk to vendors for months. I had to ship roller skates in, and it cost a lot. I wasn’t super knowledgeable about every-
thing. I had a lot of trial and error,” she said. One of the most surprising aspects of Glide’s launch for Marlisa has been the involvement of men. As she explained, Glide continues to captivate people because it is new and has gained the support of men, women, and children of all ages. “I was fearful that I wouldn’t get a really good turnout. But they really surprised me, and particularly men. I did not expect men to show up the way they did for that event. That really surprised me. I think Glide appeals to a lot of Guyanese because it’s new. Not only is it new, but it’s also different,” she said.
The Glide Workshop For those looking to kick off the year with a new and interesting hobby or simply a way to bond with family and friends, Glide is launching a roller-skating workshop. Set across two weekends, both events cater to skaters of all ages and levels. “Our workshop is targeting anyone, par-
ticularly beginners. If you don’t know how to roller-skate and you’ve considered roller-skating and thought about it, we have a workshop coming up. It’s going to be a four-day-long workshop starting on the weekend of the 17th and 18th. It’s going to be the last two weekends in January, the 17th and 18th, and the 25th and 26th,” Marlisa shared.
The event aims to create a space for all skaters, with a number of activities set to be in place. As Marlisa explained, “Once you are registered for that roller-skating workshop, the gear is actually provided for you. We provide the roller skates. We provide the elbow pads, the knee guards, the wrist guards. We provide everything for you. You just need to register for that workshop and show up,” she said. Persons who are interested can register online.
Ultimately, Glide is simply about creating a safe, healthy, new recreational space.
With five trained skaters there to supervise participants who will be equipped with gear, Marlisa ensures that Glide is the best and safest way to learn something new. As much as there are challenges with learning to skate, Marlisa ensures that it’s never too late to learn something new.
“If you look down, you fall down. More importantly, though, it’s never too late to try things.
You’re never too old to try to add something new to the list of things that you can do. It’s a really fun activity. And I also try to remind people that it’s a great way to bring people together,” she told Pepperpot Magazine.
Glide isn’t just about roller skating; it’s about creating connections, building confidence, and inspiring Guyanese to step—or skate—
outside their comfort zones. With the promise of joy and a motto to “skate, laugh, glide,” Glide is proving that sometimes, all it takes is a pair of wheels to create unforgettable memories. Marlisa stated, “As my slogan says, skate, laugh, glide. I can promise you that there’s only going to be good experiences from trying this different, new activity.”
Kayaking anyone...
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bage bins. We’ve put them at strategic locations. Every now and again, because there’s no management of the area, garbage bins go missing. We have to replace them, empty
bins, and pick up garbage from around the bin. So the garbage monitoring is something that’s a challenge,” he stated.
The launch and growth of the business came naturally, and
over time, the new and exciting idea of a slow drift down the lake in a kayak caught on, with hundreds of people visiting Elite Kayaking. “I rented some kayaks for a family fun day, and we decorated the
area to give it a resort feel. We took pictures and posted them on Facebook. By the next morning, my inbox blew up.” Deon further added, “That’s when we realised there was interest, and in 2019, we officially started Elite Kayaking by investing in 10 high-stability kayaks. Now, we have over 40 kayaks.”
Kayaking continues to prove to be a successful venture, with schools now participating in the sport.
As Deon explained,
May 4th and July 20th, 2025, will see Elite Kayaking host its second school competition in an effort to introduce children to the activity. “In 2022, we launched the first-ever Interschool Kayaking Competition in the Caribbean. Students who aren’t good runners or jumpers now have a sport they can excel in as paddlers.” He further added, “We’ve merged sports, education, and tourism with the support of ministries like Culture,
Sports, Tourism, and Education.”
As Elite Kayaking celebrates nearly five years of success, Deon says he and his team see kayaking as a sport with great potential in Guyana. With initiatives like the Interschool Kayaking Competition and collaborations with ministries and organisations, Elite Kayaking has proven to be more than a business—it’s the beginning of something new.
Dr. Deon Anderson, chemical engineer and owner of Elite Kayaking
For all the...
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has been in business for one year as an online enterprise.
Joseph said The Girl House was birthed as a unique gift shop experience offering cute, trendy, brand-name items. They later expanded to include a stationery section for teens and young adults, among other products.
Inside The Girl House, there is a shelf for almost everything, with brands such as Patrick Ta, Rhode lip glosses, Elf cosmetics, Tower 28 lip products, and other top-shelf items, most of which are sourced online and overseas.
“My joy comes from the reactions of customers who walk into the
store and light up when they see the décor, etc., because that was my intention all along—to make a difference in retail shopping via a store,” she said.
Joseph added that her vision for the store is to be a one-stop destination that caters to a modern shopping experience. She is also seeking to expand her product range with trusted brands in the market.
“The idea is that when people think of The Girl House, they will realise it is the place to get products that are not readily available—top-shelf stuff, in-store—and also a place for that perfect gift for any occasion,” she said.
She pointed out that while the market is filled with opportunities, it also requires patience and resilience.
“But honestly, the rewards are worth it. It’s fulfilling to contribute to the local economy,” she said.
Joseph stated that she is definitely encouraged to expand since the growth potential locally is huge. As the market continues to evolve, there are more chances to reach new customers and scale the business.
“It’s exciting to think what’s next for my business,” she concluded.
The 29-year-old noted that doing business in Guyana is exciting, with so much potential, especially with the way the country is growing and evolving.
Inside the Girl House
ProArchers...
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chery in the evenings and on the weekends. We hope to help others develop the sport who love archery alike,” she stated.
A bit of practical safety
President and co-founder of ProArchers, Anand, explained that the first thing to remember when trying archery is safety. “The first thing for anybody to even start archery, the first rule of archery, is safety. We are very big on safety. If you would like to join the club, you can have free trial practice wherever we practise. Every Sunday, we are at the GCC ground from 2 pm to 5:30 or 6 pm, until it gets dark. That’s when we stop shooting—when we can’t see anymore,” he shared.
It is easy for peo -
ple to become excited with a bow and arrow in hand. This is why Anand says beginners have a long way to go before they can call themselves archers. “Just in case someone is new and has never done archery before, we at ProArchers will teach you the correct way, and safety starts first. Without using a bow, we will give you a stretchy band to use, which is the imitation of using a bow, with all the posture and the right movement.” He further added, “Once we are sure that you have properly pulled a bow and have performed on the stretchy band, then we allow you to use a bow and arrow, and we monitor you from there on.”
As the Pro Archers continue to grow, their impact stretches far beyond the archery range.
Archery has become more than just a hobby for many; it’s a way
of life ingrained in the daily routine of participants and supporters
alike. For those looking to try something new or strengthen their skills, the Pro Archers offer a welcoming space to try something new.
A few archers, professional competitors, and coaches of ProArchers Plus Guyana Inc. (Samuel Maughn photo)
A significant work of art that commenced in our time on Guyana cannot be unrecognised
SOME years ago, I bought a book that was the public publication of an artist’s work that was executed
within the borders of Guyana. The title of the hardcover book is simply, Guyana by Alexis Rockman.
The artist executed the pieces during a six-week trip with friends in 1994, and the acknowledgements enve -
lope all who participated in accommodating the project. But what the paintings capture is truly inspiring, and
rooted in the armoury of the inspiration that went before. An extract from William Beebe’s Jungle Peace (1920) is an early welcoming piece to this book.
The paintings in this book escort us into the realms of the forested lands and creeks, capturing realms of Guyana we take for granted. These smaller worlds remain with their original inhabitants, from whom
presentations of consistency on our platform in regards to the worlds of animals and insects, for many reasons, one of which is that our talents are used to assist our means of survival.
we have taken land to build our townships and villages. But its hunters and predators were here before, and still are, long before Homo erectus and modern humans emerged with our religions, assuming that the Edenic garden was an exclusive realm of humankind. This book of exceptional artistic renditions captures our other worlds.
These other realms of Guyana, which we ourselves refer to in cartoons, sketches, and folklore, have always lacked the research resources to develop into satisfying imagery, whether entertaining or informative.
Of course, this particular genre is not new, but it is novel in its natural portrait
Though there may be wealthy citizens around, the complex question of aesthetics is quite another topic. Thus, the investment in research and development equipment is challenging; I can testify to that. In creating the character and storyline of The Mighty Itanami, I dabbled with the idea of an old Kurupung that enveloped a mermaid. To have a camera kit that could shoot a mermaid actress underwater would have taken The Mighty Itanami beyond its pages. I called a colleague and asked him to enquire. Yes, the camera kit existed, but the cost returned me immediately to Dr. PH Martin’s inks and photoshop illustrations.
To wrap up, this is a book that artists should have in their library. There’s no telling where inspiration might take you.
Oral precautions
PEOPLE generally believe that a toothache suggests the tooth in question needs to be extracted. However, dentists are taught that there are six indications for which a tooth must be extracted. Strange as it may sound, toothache pain is not one of them. Either pulp infection, pulp stimulation, or pulp exposure usually results in toothache.
There is a dental procedure to solve all such circumstances. Your dentist should advise whether a tooth should be extracted. Extractions generally cause mutilation, which
can never be fully repaired, and which the patient often regrets when it is too late.
Surprisingly, despite the pervasiveness of information on the Internet, people still believe in untruths associated with dentistry. In fact, dental myths remain one of the greatest roadblocks to achieving good oral health. These misconceptions promote behaviours that can be detrimental to the health of teeth, gums, and oral tissue. Traditions need to be replaced with facts to ensure the delivery of appropriate oral care. For example, regardless of age,
cavities may occur whenever plaque, bacteria, and sugar are present together in the mouth for more than 48 hours. Children usually develop cavities between their teeth and on the chewing surfaces. The elderly are especially prone to developing cavities on exposed root surfaces and around old fillings. If cavities are left untreated, decay will spread into the pulp (nerve) of the tooth, causing an infection. Any infection can spread through the bloodstream to other parts of the body. If the brain becomes involved, death can result.
In fact, nine different conditions originating from dental abscesses are known to be fatal. Therefore, cavities can indeed have harmful effects on overall health.
A toothbrush with hard bristles does not clean teeth better than one with soft bristles. In fact, using a toothbrush with hard bristles over a long period damages the teeth by wearing away the tooth’s surface. Brushing exposed roots with hard bristles causes serious damage over a shorter period, because roots do not have a hard protective covering of enamel. Using a hard bristle on gums can damage the tissue, and cause them to recede.
Remember that it is not
possible to clean the surfaces between the teeth when brushing. So, brushing alone cannot guarantee that your teeth will not decay. To completely remove plaque from all surfaces, the teeth should also be flossed. Plaque is associated with tooth decay and gum disease. If not removed daily, plaque can harden into calculus. This rough, cement-like substance must then be removed professionally by a dentist or hygienist.
Another thing to take into consideration is that no denture fit is permanent. Over time, changes occur in the bone and soft tissues in the mouth, affecting the way a denture fits. To ensure continued proper fit, the denture
wearer should have a dental exam at least once a year, so that necessary adjustments can be made. This yearly examination will also help alert the dentist if any adjustment should be made to the denture. Meanwhile, dentures should be removed for at least six hours every day. This allows the tissues to rest, and relieves the gums from pressure. Excessive pressure can cause the supporting tissues of the denture to shrink. Dentures should be kept in water when not in use to prevent them from warping. Wearing poorly fitted dentures can damage the bone and soft tissues, increase infection, and expose the wearer to oral cancer.
Implementing ‘productive failure’ in everyday life
WE often emphasise the importance of success while simultaneously highlighting the fact that failure is not an option. Despite this, failure is prevalent in everyday life situations. We are constantly reminded that failure is to be avoided at all costs. I am writing this column because I am tired of seeing people run away from having the conversation about failure and how it can be used as an opportunity for growth and improvement. In many cultures and societies, failure is seen as a shameful, embarrassing, or negative experience.
There is a concept known as “productive failure,” which is defined as a way of encouraging others to embrace failure as a tool for learning and growth. A professor by the name of Manu Kapur is widely known for his “productive failure” concept, which he introduced in the
context of educational theory. Traditional learning methods emphasise that students are typically given problem-solving strategies before tackling problems. In contrast, productive failure advocates for a method where students are encouraged to work on difficult tasks without prior instruction. The goal is to allow students to struggle, make mistakes, and experience failure as a natural part of the learning process.
The key concepts of Kapur’s model are: struggling with a problem, reflecting on mistakes, teaching after failure, learning through conceptual change, and encouraging a growth mindset. A perfect example of this concept is when Michael Jordan was dismissed from his high school basketball team. His coach at the time was not confident in his ability to play basketball. Today, Michael Jordan is known as the world’s greatest athlete in basketball, and this is because of his resilience. He did not give up. Instead, he used his “failure” as a tool to improve his skills.
The key aspect of productive failure is the reflection that comes after failure. It is important to reflect on your actions and understand the whys, hows, or whats in the choices you made, and then explore possible solutions for the future. Most of the time, the first
thought is to give up. It is during this reflection stage that proves the most vital. Can you imagine what would’ve happened if Michael Jordan had not reflected on his actions and implemented solutions? He would’ve probably given up, and the world would’ve never heard of or seen his talent.
As such, I would encourage you all to take time to understand what went wrong and how you can make more informed or improved decisions. The world is not meant to be perfect, and as such, it is okay to not get everything right—all at once.
It’s okay if you get a B, even if you wanted all As in a semester.
It’s okay if you did not get the first job you applied for. It’s okay if your first business idea did not generate enough profit.
It’s okay.
There should be no shame or guilt in failing. You should not weigh your personality
down based on a failure either. I know it is always easier said than done, but at the end of the day, where success is present— failure often is too. You would seldom find people with success stories who did not fall once or twice before they reached over their mountain of success. What matters the most is your resilience to withstand failure and to get back on your feet to try again. To turn failure into “productive failure” requires a change in perspective. Failure can be an opportunity for learning, growth, and innovation. In life, people encounter significant setbacks, but it is how they analyse, learn, and adapt to these setbacks that determines our path forward. Ultimately, these failures pave the way for greater successes, showing that the path to achievement is often built upon the foundation of past mistakes.
One Friday morning in January (Part II)
SHE was standing at the halfopened doorway, crying softly, a quiet plea for help.
“What happened? How did this happen?” he asked, visibly disturbed by what he was seeing.
She tried to answer but couldn’t, her lips trembling, the cut on her lip quite tender. She opened the door further, nodding to him slightly that he could come in. Dravid followed her cautiously and sat on the sofa opposite her.
She noticed his unease and answered his unspoken question, “He’s not here, gone back to the gold mine.”
“He did that to you?”
“He’s very jealous and gets angry when I speak to anyone.”
“So why haven’t you left him?”
She nodded, trying not to cry, and he remarked with deep concern, “This is so bad, it’s… it’s…” He paused, not finding the words to describe the violent abuse. Instead, he asked, “Why did he hurt you?”
“And the police?”
“I can’t. He would harass my family and friends. I can’t get refuge anywhere.”
She shook her head helplessly, and Dravid exhaled with creeping frustration, unsure how he could help her.
“You can’t be here alone, though. Someone needs to be here with you.”
“My mum’s coming later, and my sister—she’s a nurse— treats my injuries.”
She spoke calmly, finding it difficult to talk without wincing in pain, and he said, “That’s good, but I can get a doctor to look at your injuries.”
being there, Dravid got up to leave, and at the door, he gently squeezed Rachel’s hand.
“I’ll see you tomorrow. Hope you’ll feel better.”
She smiled a little with a soft “thanks,” and as Dravid drove home, he voiced to himself, “She seems so helpless, as though she has lost everything and is forced to live with that brute of a man.”
He didn’t sleep well that night, thinking, “How can I help her?”
He didn’t know how it happened, but for some reason,
She shook her head.
“Thanks, I’ll be fine.”
He got up and, sitting beside her, took her hand in a comforting way and said, “You’re a kind person with a warm personality, and you don’t deserve this. What can I do for you?”
“I don’t know,” she answered, her voice trembling slightly. “I don’t know who can help me.”
Instinctively, she leaned her head on his shoulder and cried. That touched his heart, and he held her comfortingly, wiping her tears gently when she lifted her head.
“Sorry about that,” she apologised.
“You don’t need to be. You needed that comfort.”
She nodded with a painful little smile, and he moved back to where he had been sitting, continuing their conversation.
Her mother came in a little later, surprised to see a strange man in the house. She gave her a warning look and said, a little fearfully, “Rachel, suppose he comes back any time now.”
Rachel responded a little doubtfully, “He’s gone to the bush.”
Her mother shook her head. “I don’t trust that man.”
Realising the danger of him
when he saw her that early morning bringing out the food boxes, he felt a strange attraction to her. It was not only because she was pretty but also because there was something about her that captured his interest.
“What is it?” he wondered.
The more he thought about it, the clearer it became that it was her silent plea for help.
“How could I have recognised that, though?” he questioned.
What was even stranger was that if he hadn’t taken the wrong street, he would never have seen her.
The mysterious work of fate!
The next day at midday, Dravid went back to see her, bringing her Chinese wonton soup, cheesecake, and ice cream—soft things she would be able to eat because of the injury to her mouth. She was looking a little refreshed, with a small sparkle of hope in her eyes.
“Good to see you’re feeling better.”
He stayed for a while and asked cautiously, not wanting to make her uncomfortable, “Does he do that to you often?”
One Friday morning in January...
FROM PAGE XVIII
A look of pain crossed her face. “Not too often. Most of the time, it’s angry outbursts and threats to kill me.”
Dravid sighed and shook his head. “You really need to free yourself from this abusive relationship before it’s too late.”
“I know, but where do I go where he can’t find me to harm me? No one would want me at their home for too long, and the police won’t be able to protect me.”
“There are ways,” he told her. “But you, yourself, have to start freeing your mind from the fear and begin taking back your life.”
She listened with interest to his advice, but he couldn’t stay for long as he was needed at the work sites. He told her they would continue talking when he came back in the evening.
At the door, she asked him, “Why are you being so kind and helpful to me?”
“Because you made roti for me,” he laughed a little, then, on a serious note, added, “I recognised that plea on your face the first time I saw you.”
“What?” she exclaimed, surprised.
“And it was that, that attracted me to you.”
She stared at him, stunned a little, and tears welled in her eyes.
“Hey,” he whispered, touching her lips lightly, “Everything will be okay.”
Two minutes after he drove out of the street and turned onto the highway, the SUV driven by her husband turned into the street. That evening, when Dravid came by, the SUV was still there, so he drove on without stopping.
“Her mother was right,” he surmised. “Going to see her is flirting with danger for both of us.”
He knew he had to tread carefully because, even though he wanted to help her, she was someone else’s wife, and he couldn’t be sure what her violent husband was capable of.
He did not go back, waiting and hoping she would send him a message. Two days passed, and he was beginning to get really worried when, on the third day, he received a message from her:
“It’s okay for you to visit now.”
The next day, after being tied up with meetings, he went to see her after lunch. It was a great relief for him to see that she was fine, with no new injuries.
“I came by two days ago,” he told her, “but I didn’t stop when I saw his car.”
“I didn’t expect him back so soon,” she said, “especially after what he did to me.”
“Maybe he was remorseful.”
“I doubt he had that feeling, because he continues to hurt me.”
“You know,” Dravid said, with admiration in his eyes, “you’re beautiful and creative, and with your lovely personality, you can really make something of your life.”
“Why didn’t you meet me before?” she asked with a little humour.
“Maybe it’s fate’s decision.”
She smiled, believing it to be true, because that Friday morning when she first saw him, something changed for her— something that breathed life into her dying hopes. The short time he spent when he came to buy breakfast filled her being with a
new, unique feeling.
Dravid put his arm lightly around her waist and said, “I want to take you out somewhere, so you can start something of life outside of this house.”
She pulled back and expressed with fear, “What?
No—” then she stopped, realising what he was trying to do.
“If you want a chance to be free from the constant abuse,” he told her, “you have to start taking back your life, little by little.”
“He’ll get enraged and maybe kill me.”
“No, he can’t do that, not when I’m around.”
“And when you’re not around?”
“I will be,” he stated with conviction. “Fate knows what she’s doing.”
To be continued…
STUDY SUCCESS
Dear Student, Welcome dear reading friend. Various exercises can help with understanding the writer’s intention and attitude. Just figure out the communicative value of the text and of the sentences; also interpret the text. If you fail to do this right, you can easily misunderstand the whole
passage even though all the sentences have been understood. Ask yourself questions about text type, and author’s intention, attitude and tone before going into more detailed comprehension of the passage. Be wise. Love you.
GRAMMAR
Sentence and sentence fragments
Reminder: To be a sentence, a group of words must have a verb and a subject. A word group that does not make complete sense is called a sentence fragment.
Look at the following groups of words. If a word group is a sentence, write its verb and subject alongside it. If the word group is only a sentence fragment,
January 19, 2025
form it into a sentence. Compare your work with a fellow study partner.
1. Simeon, having visited the famous zoo innumerable times and being surprised that a jaguar killing incident happened there.
2. The cake on that side of the table is made of rice flour mix.
3. In the rainy season, villages in the hinterland sometimes are deeply flooded.
4. Running madly down the last leg of the track.
5. We may never again see the front of the band.
6. Sharpened to pinpointed finesse, the pencil lay invitingly on the clean sheet of paper.
THE PASSAGE
1. Improving paragraph understanding
Note: A well-planned paragraph consists of thoughtful and disciplined expressions. The aspect of subject matter is stated in a topic sentence. All other sentences clearly bear out or support that point. They explain and develop it excluding irrelevant matters.
Read the following paragraph and then respond to the questions that follow.
Passage: The difficulties of watching an animal of nocturnal and secretive habits are great. Even now much of the badger’s life remains a mystery. How can we tell what happens in the labyrinth of dark tunnels that constitute his home, known to us as the badger’s set? We know that he makes only rare appearances by day; that he retires to his set at dawn, and emerges at dusk. Since badgers are very much awake by night, we presume that most of their time underground is spent in sleep. We know that they have large retiring chambers into which they take cartloads of bedding comprised of the most handy material, dry grass, bracken, leaves, herbage of different kinds; anything that is within convenient distance of the set and will make a comfortable bed.
(Eileen A. Soper, When Badgers Wake)
Something to Do
a. Where is the topic sentence found in this paragraph? State what the main topics are in it. How many topics are there?
b. List what points are made by the writer to sup-
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
I saw Eternity the other night, Like a ring of pure and endless light, All calm, as it was bright. HENRY VAUGHAN (1622-1695) The World
port each topic.
c. Can you tell what would happen if the writer were to come off being ‘tight’ in his writing?
d. Have you ever allowed your thoughts to stray when writing or speaking? What was the reaction of your audience or reader?
e. Construct a paragraph of about 100 words on a feature of your kitchen garden or favourite hobby.
f. Construct another paragraph of about 130 words with a topic sentence containing multiple topics. Allow your study partners to check on it.
2. Read the passage then pick out the line that best describes what the author is thinking. It was the flashiest car I have ever seen. The colour was – believe it or not – purple, and the chrome was gold-trimmed instead of silver. The halogen headlamps jutted out about a yard. The seats were covered with a gaudy fake fur that stuck out in unattractive tufts. The final blow: the owner had his name printed in pink script on the driver’s door.
The author is thinking that the car is –
(A) expensive looking.
(B) terrible looking.
(C) liked by everyone. (D) none of the above.
3. Read the following passage carefully. Answer the questions that follow.
Mr. Cook strapped his three-year-old toddler into the car seat, making sure the child’s belt was fastened securely.
“Daddy, I forgot my robot!” the little girl cried out.
Mr. Cook knew this
robot was plastic and could do some harm if the car came to a sudden stop. He went into the house and came back with a colourful stuffed toy. “Take your clown, Junie. He’s safer in the car.”
Mr. Cook looked under his car to be sure there was nothing in his path – like a stray toy or a neighbourhood pet or even a child. Then he got in and put on his seatbelt. After looking in both directions, Mr. Cook carefully backed his car out of the driveway.
1. What kind of person do you think is Mr. Cook?
(A) harsh (B) responsible (C) frightened (D) careless
2. How does the author reveal this?
(A) He let Mr. Cook make certain that all was well before driving off.
(B) He told us that Mr. Cook had a toddler strapped in his car.
(C) He made Mr. Cook use valuable time in checking before reversing out.
(D)He told us that Mr. Cook carefully backed his car out of the driveway.
3. Another term for “toddler” is (A) a child who uses paddles. (B) a very young student.
(C) a child who loves toys. (D) a child with unsteady walk.
4. Plastic robots could harm children by (A) blindness (B) suffocation (C) headache (D) wounding
5. “Fastened securely” means
(A) fitted in. (B) fast acting. (C) fixed firmly. (D) nailed in.
The Lotus Effect
By Youth Perspective
WHAT do you do when you lightly bump into someone on a crowded street? You may perhaps be inclined to stop and apologise, or you may simply continue walking. The world is filled with billions of people who all have different stories. Every day, we briefly become a part of the stories of hundreds of strangers in the few instances that we cross them on the street or momentarily meet their eyes. After these few seconds, we lose the connection and continue on with our own lives. We learn from a very young age that human connections are critical. We learn to have conversations, and we learn how to be courteous as we interact with those around us. Parallely, we also learn to recognise situations when connections are not necessary and are generally avoided.
For instance, we may greet everyone we see in our workplace or classroom as we walk into it. On the other hand, we have learned not to greet or interact with everyone we see on the street while travelling to our workplace or school. This ability to distinguish between necessary and unnecessary connections not only aids in keeping us safe but also, in some way, helps us save time and energy. After all, could you imagine the chaos that would ensue if all eight billion people in the world deemed it necessary to thoroughly know everyone they encounter daily?
In some ways, we have evolved to be like lotus leaves in a pond. Because lotus leaves have a waxy outer covering, any water that lands on their surface will slide off. This quality is called the lotus effect, and it is useful for them as it allows them to remain clean and prevent diseases from infecting them. Similarly, although people surround us and are constantly made aware of the problems and suffering faced by others, we have learned not to let them affect us. While we may have initially adopted this habit of indifference to prevent the negativity from affecting us, it is slowly beginning to change the way in which we react to situations where our empathy is imper-
ative.
In the case of Gen Z, the standard for connecting with people is quite different, as members of this generation do not only travel on the streets of the crowded real world but also on the extraordinarily populated pathways of the internet. On the internet, we can learn about the entire life of an individual without ever knowing their name. We can share stories, ask questions, and connect with millions of people without them ever having to know what we look like. While these facts definitely pose their own set of dangers and concerns, they also provide a crucial new ability—the ability to care about the stories of everyone we interact with. Empathy begins at a place of connection. So, the new generations who have access to the internet can develop empathy for the suffering of people that may take place all over the world, even if they may never directly meet those who are facing these problems.
In the previous generations, a lack of connection between people who lived in different parts of the world meant that some voices were never heard. If they were heard, they were only heard by a small group of people. Today, however, this is no longer true. Today, we can not only hear the voices that were previously stifled, but we can also take action and speak on behalf of them in order to ensure that their suffering and oppression are alleviated. The simple opportunity to hear someone’s story and connect with them through empathy is already quite powerful. However, if we act upon our empathy by taking the right actions and raising our voices where needed, then we can even change the world.
We, as a generation, face the crucial responsibility of finding a way to channel the knowledge, connection, and empathy that we have gained into creating solutions in the real world. We have already begun to take important strides in the areas of creativity and innovation. Yet, there are still many issues that plague our world today that are yet to be solved. Let us empower each other by making the changes that we truly can.
