Pepperpot 05 21 2017

Pride of Place for

Clive Lloyd Painting in a Cricket Museum â–º Page

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 21, 2017

Pride of Place for

Clive Lloyd Painting in a Cricket Museum

By Hubert Williams Boston, Massachusetts, May 17, 2017 -- Finally, it seems the tide is turning towards serious matters in Guyana and I am advised that the prospects of having a national Cricket Museum have brightened considerably - which should gladden the heart of my good friend and colleague Joseph “Reds” Perreira, who has for umpteen years been emphasising the importance of Guyana having such a facility.

The contribution to a national Museum which I have pledged to “Reds”, and now so do publicly, is a copy of a fabulous painting (titled “Big Cat”) of the world’s most successful Test Cricket captain – Clive Hubert Lloyd.

Once the Museum is ‘up and running’, I will have the gift carefully packaged, shipped and delivered to its executives for continuous public display. It is a smaller version of the original painting (60 inches high, 40 inches wide) which hangs in a private collection in the United States.

I would expect memorabilia and other contributions to the Museum from and of other outstanding Guyanese cricketers through the ages; and support from the Private Sector. Further, many who might have cricket memorabilia stuffed away in closets and other seldom-visited places would do well to make donations to the Museum.

Some of our CARICOM partners have forged well ahead in establishing cricket museums, and it’s amazing the rapidity with which their contents increase. Such facilities also inform and inspire Caribbean youths towards positive activities and veer them away from the lure of crime.

Many years ago, when Clive Lloyd first saw his painting at my home in Barbados, he was fascinated by the exceptional talent of the artist – Peter J. Fisher, a very close friend of mine. The remarkably gifted cricketer subsequently signed much smaller copies for limited distribution, as gifts.

There is some fascination, not so much about this magnificent piece of artistry; but moreso in the relationship between me and Clive Lloyd and me and Peter J. Fisher. I was the first person to have written an article on the gangling (6’4”) lefthander well before he even played a Test match; and we ‘hit it off’ immediately. When I telephoned him to set up the interview and gave my name, he remarked “You’re Hubert ?… I’m Hubert too”.

I afterward met him at the Almoner’s Office just within the New Market Street

entrance of the then Public Hospital Georgetown (PHG), where he was in his first job.

Following an initial discussion, it was agreed the venue was inconvenient and a meeting was arranged for later, at the Demerara Cricket Club, where, on my arrival, he was sitting in the lower pavilion with cousin Lance Gibbs and cricket enthusiast and outstanding barrister Fred Wills.

The two stayed through the interview. I later provided Clive with a copy of what I had written.

Reuters News Agency distributed the story globally. Thus, when he missed a century in both innings of his very first Test match - in India - (scoring 82 and 78 not out) the world did not need to ask “who is this Clive Lloyd ?”

Indeed, the only question asked about Clive Lloyd came recently from an Australian admirer of his who was on official business in Boston.

When he walked into a luncheon engagement, he was astounded and wanted to know what was this magnificent portrait of Clive Lloyd doing in an American home ?... until informed that one-half of the couple who owned the home was born in Guyana.

I seem to recall (but am not sure) that Clive had met Peter Fisher in Barbados, where the artist had a seafront home on the West Coast (which all sectors of the Barbados economy previously referred to as the Gold Coast, but now call the Platinum Coast, because of its lavish homes and highpriced luxury hotels).

My first meeting with Peter J. Fisher, at the Heywoods Hotel in the island’s northwest, was sensational. I had gone only to have a look at an advertised art exhibition… but this one was very special, as it included large portraits of current outstanding West Indian batsmen – Lloyd, Vivian Richards, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes.

Having gone early, I alone was standing, transfixed, before the large Clive Lloyd painting; then someone behind me asked “Do you like it ?” I turned around, without replying, and there he was, a smiling white man, extending his for a handshake and saying “I am Peter Fisher… I’m the artist” and I accepting his hand while remarking “I think it’s magnificent”.

We talked for a while, as it was early and other viewers had not yet come; and I told him I was from Guyana and knew Clive Lloyd very well; then he shocked me by asking “Would you like to buy it ? “, and I asked: “Is it for sale ?” and he responded “I would sell it to you.” He said how much, and I agreed. The painting remained throughout the exhibition; and there

were much higher offers, which he refused.

At the close of the exhibition, Peter Fisher had the painting delivered to my home.

We became very close friends, with me as a kind of counselor and adviser, for though he was exceptionally talented, he also had problems.

For the other paintings, the then Governor of the Barbados Central Bank, Sir Courtney Blackman, bought the Gordon Greenidge; the Grantley Adams International Airport the Desmond Haynes; and Ian Botham (the English Test player) bought the one of his great friend Vivian Richards.

I seem to recall that there was a painting also of fast bowler Malcolm Marshall (later deceased with cancer).

Because of the exceptional skill demonstrated in these and his other paintings, I requested Peter Fisher to do a portrait of the then President of the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank, Mr. William Gilbert Demas. He produced a truly amazing piece of artistic work. However, when time came for payment, the project hit a snag - it was out of accord with the Bank’s strict procurement guidelines: As Peter Fisher was an American and the USA not a member of the Bank, his services could not then be procured by the Bank. As the project had been done at my request, I bought the Demas painting, while the Bank proceeded to contract a Caribbean artist for the official Demas portrait.

Nothing on the matter had been communicated to the President. Some time afterwards when he was attending a luncheon at my home, Mr. Demas was “blown away” by the painting (also 60 x 40 inches) prominently positioned on a wall, and, after hearing its background, he offered “any price” for it.

My response was that I could not sell it to him. However, at the time of his retirement from CDB - and in collaboration with a then CDB Vice-President, Marius St. Rose, and Barbados’ top photographer Gordon Brooks, a film of the painting was sent to New York resulting in a seemingly exact replica being shipped to Barbados.

This was presented as a departure gift to Mr. Demas from the two of us (Williams/ St. Rose).

For some time afterwards, while he was attached to the University of the West Indies Campus at Mona, Jamaica, the painting was hung in his office there; but following that, I have no knowledge of its whereabouts.

There’s another great painting (copy) I received as a gift from Peter Fisher - that of his cousin Mel Fisher, the celebrated explorer who in July 1985, after 16 years of

questing the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, located a fabulous treasure off the southeast coast of the United States on the sunken Spanish galleon “Nuestra Senora de Atosha” which had sunk in a hurricane July 1622, while taking treasures from South America/ Mexico to Spain.

When discovered, the gold gleamed like the day it was minted.

Through Peter Fisher, I had had some contact with Mel Fisher, who has also had some prominence in the USA for his invention of the Fisher Space Pen for America’s astronauts to use while in orbit. It can write normally; it can write in the unique environment (weightlessness) of space; it can write on a ceiling when held upside down; and it can write underwater.

I have never met Mel Fisher, but through Peter spoke on the phone with him, and later received from him through the post a gift of the special pen.

Peter Fisher and Monique Fisher maintained a lovely home on the Barbados West Coast for their periodic visits to the island, also having similar holiday residences in New Zealand and one other location.

Our two families became close, having sip-and-chat visits to each other’s homes and generally socializing; but the more I came to know him, the more I was drawn into his personal issues, to the point of being counselor and adviser.

It turned out, fascinatingly, that his wife was not his wife, except for the peculiar circumstance that they shared a surname… thus she was Miss Fisher. In 14 years of being together, they had never married.

Also, he experienced difficulty in avoiding the Barbados rum, which eased up somewhat only after I had persuaded him towards the Barbados chapter of Al-Anon.

I was astounded to witness more than once the manner in which he created his masterpieces: He would drink and paint, drink and paint, drink and paint… going without food for two or three days… and at the end, if he was satisfied with his work, he would be the happiest person alive…

Laughing and singing and ordering a fine meal.

But then, there was the other side: I’ve looked at paintings that I considered great pieces of art, but if for some odd reason he was not satisfied, in a flood of tears he would stomp work into pieces, toss their parts into the sea and watch them float away on the waves.

The counselling duties were not infrequent. Sometimes I would be asleep, the Turn to page VIII ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot May 21, 2017

III

Book offers portrait of

Indo-Caribbean women BRINGING together three generations of scholars, thinkers and activists, the book - Indo-Caribbean Feminist Thought - is said to be the first trace of a genealogy of the specific contributions Indo-Caribbean women have made to the Caribbean feminist epistemology and knowledge production.

This was the idea brought out last Friday when Guyana’s very own Port Mourant native, Dr. Lisa Outar returned to Guyana with her Trinidadian counterpart, Dr. Gabrielle Hosein to launch the book which they both edited, at the University of Guyana.

Attending the event was Vice-Chancellor and UG Principal Professor, Ivelaw Griffith who hosted the women, Chair of the Gender Equality Commission, Indra Chanderpaul, senior university staff, prominent local activists and other members of civil society.

It was stated that the work of the feminist thought encompassed, “new Caribbean studies.” “Challenging the centrality of India in considerations of the forms that Indo –Caribbean feminist thought and praxis have taken, the authors turned instead to the terrain of gender negotiations among Caribbean men and women within and across racial, class, religious and political

affiliations.”

The book is also said to address the specific conditions which emerged within the region and highlights the cross-racial solidarities and the challenges to narratives of purity that have been constitutive of Indo Caribbean Feminist thought.

“This collection connects to the broader indentureship diaspora and what can be considered post-indentureship feminist thought,” the gathering was told. Through examinations and literature, activism, art, biography, scholarship and public sphere practices, the collection of thoughts highlight the complexity and richness of the Indo-Caribbean engagements with feminism and social injustice.

The Indo-Caribbean Feminist Thought is said to offer, “A unique and ground -breaking portrait of the contributions of Indo-Caribbean women to feminist epistemology; foregrounds the complexity of Indo-Caribbean feminist thought by considering gender relations through a range of disciplines including literature, activism, art and public sphere practices.

The scholars said that the book also aims to shed light on the relationship between Caribbean feminisms and those emerging

A section of the crowd at the book launch

From left: Dr. Gabrielle Hosein looks on as Dr. Lisa Outar addresses the audience on the book

across the indentureship diaspora.

Dr. Hosein has a BA in Political Science from the University of Toronto, a MPhil in Gender and Development Studies from the University of the West Indies and a PhD in Anthropology from the University College of London. She is a lecturer and Head of the Institute for Gender and Development Studies and has been in Caribbean feminist movement building for two decades, among other achievements.

Dr. Outar who is an independent scholar, said she was delighted to be back in Guyana to share the work that she had aided in producing. The scholar researches Anglophone

and Francophone Caribbean literature. She has a BA from Princeton University and an MA and PhD in literature from the University of Chicago. Outar publishes in areas of Caribbean literature and feminist thoughts among others. She is an editor of the Journal of West Indian Literature.

Outar said that 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of the end of indentureship.

She said, “It is an appropriate time for reflection on the traumas and legacies of that system and on the complex societies that have been left in its wake and in the wake of slavery and colonialism.”

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 21, 2017

Rape accused Court Case Files erroneously convicted Freed by Appellate Court - 1967 IN 1966 rape accused Samuel Dubar who was convicted of rape and jailed for four years after an Assize jury treated bits and pieces of evidence as - corroboration – in keeping with a trial judge’s direction, was freed on appeal by the Court of Appeal in 1967.

The facts disclosed that on May 21, 1966, a girl who gave her age as being “now in 14 years” was dipping water from a trench when the appellant suddenly came up behind her, held her hand and threw her to the ground. He then choked her, removed her underwear and had sexual in-

tercourse with her.

There were no external signs of injury and the medical examination revealed rupture of the hymen in two or three places but the doctor gave evidence that they were consistent with sexual intercourse at least two weeks before or longer.

The girl alleged that the appellant was the first man who ever had sexual intercourse with her and that it took place that very day. The appellant gave a written statement to the police on May 23, 1966 which he adopted from the dock at his trial, to the effect that they were friends and had had sexual intercourse sometime before.

He alleged that he had asked her for sex that day but she had declined saying that he was to be engaged to another girl in a few days’ time.

He vehemently denied the allegation of rape.

On appeal against his conviction and sentence – HELD – (Luckhoo, J.A., delivering the judgment of the Court) that (i) although there was ‘opportunity’ and ‘desire’ on the part of the appellant to have sexual intercourse with the girl, those aspects could not be considered in isolation since they were wedded to other elements in the statement which sought to explain how the desire arose, why nothing came of the opportunity and a possible motive for the allegation.

The trial Judge in referring to this ‘opportunity’ and ‘desire’ gave an unrealistic picture of the defence since they were only two circumstances in the context of other related and germane answers; (ii) further , when those ‘bits’ and ‘pieces’ of evidence were placed before the jury , they were in effect , being invited to treat it as corroboration , after they had been clearly told that no corroboration existed ; (iii) although the sworn evidence of a child need not be corroborated as a matter of law , the jury should be warned, not that they must find corroboration, but that there is a risk in acting on the uncorroborated evidence of young boys or girls, though they may do so if convinced that the witness is telling the truth; (iv) a girl ‘in her fourteenth year’ should fall within the

By George Barclay category of a young girl and (v) the requirements of warning the jury of the danger of acting on the uncorroborated evidence of a young child is no longer a matter of discretion for the trial judge but a preemptory prerequisite.

Appeal allowed – Conviction and sentence quashed.

F. R. Wills for appellant.

J. Gonsalves-Sabola,Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, for Respondent.

Justice of Appeal Luckhoo who delivered the judgment said: The appellant was convicted of having carnal knowledge of Albertha Payne, without her consent, on the 21st day May, 1966, contrary to section 76 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Ordinance , Chapter 10, and was sentence to be imprisoned for four years.

In her evidence the victim had said: “The accused was the first man with whom I ever had sexual intercourse and it was on that day.”

The trial judge directed the jury that there was no corroboration to be found in the case ; and that in view of the medical evidence they should find that she was not speaking the truth when she said the incident of the 21st May, 1966 , was her first experience.

He said: “It seems the doctor’s evidence gives the lie to that; but it does not mean that you have to reject all of her evidence”.

It would be apparent, therefore, that because of the age of the girl, the absence of corroboration and the probability that she had lied on the question of not having sexual experience before, the necessity for a very careful summing-up throughout was essential.

On the second ground, the learned trial judge told the jury: “ The law says that when there is no corroboration in a case of this type - a sexual offence , that it is dangerous and unsafe to convict and I must accordingly warn you , as I hereby do, that it is unsafe and dangerous to convict on the evidence of Albertha Payne, alone.”

They were not similarly warned anywhere in the summing-up that for another reason, viz, because of her age , there was a danger in coming to a conclusion adverse to the appellant on her uncorroborated evidence.

There may be different reasons for the exercise of caution in the different instances where corroboration is required.

Children, it is said, are more susceptible to the influences of third persons and may allow their imagination to run away with them.

In sexual cases the charge may be promoted by hysteria or spite; it is so easy to make and so difficult to disprove.

In the case of an accomplice , there is the danger that the accomplice will minimize his role in the crime and exaggerate that of the accused in his efforts to exculpate himself and inculpate the other and so on..

The sworn evidence of a child need not be corroborated as a matter of law, but a jury should be warned , not that they must find corroboration, but that there is a risk in acting on the uncorroborated evidence of young boys and girls, though they may do so if convinced that the witness is telling the truth (Per LORD GODDARD R. v Campbel at l, (1956) 2 A.E.R.p 272 at page276).

In this case we find that certain directions invited the jury to give a probative value to portions of the appellant’s statement beyond their capacity. That may have made all the difference to the jury’s verdict, and so we were constrained to allow the appeal.

Appeal allowed – conviction and sentence quashed.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 21, 2017

e r u t a r e t i L #SupportCreativity

By Subraj Singh

John Agard’s

“Checking Out Me History”

(Image via: British Council.org)

JOHN Agard is one of Guyana’s best known poets. He is also one of the country’s most accomplished, as he has won, among others, the Casas de las Americas Prize, the Cholmondeley Award, and the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry. He is also known for his upbeat persona and his performances of poetry, which are, like his poems, things of wonder. Agard currently lives in England, but like almost all poets from the Caribbean, his works constantly ripple with the rhythms, the speech, the imagery, and the thematic concerns of our part of the world. His poem, “Checking Out Me History” is a good example of this, and it is a fun poem to read, being not only entertaining but also interesting, informative, critical, and layered with postcolonial content.

The opening lines of the poem read:

“Dem tell me / Dem tell me / Wha dem want to tell me / Bandage up me eye with me own history / Blind me to me own identity.” The one thing that is apparent even in these opening lines is the fact that Agard is using a Caribbean dialect in order to speak the poem to the reader.

Repetition is not only a device used in poetry, but it is also a technique that is quite common in dialects around the Caribbean.

In a poem about white history existing as an oppressive force to Caribbean history, rather than coexisting alongside or helping to emphasise or bring forth Caribbean history, the act of using the language of the Caribbean is a powerful one and Agard knows exactly how and why he writes in this particular dialect.

When Agard repeats the phrase “Dem tell me”, he is honing in on this idea of being repeatedly told something, almost to the point where it might be considered

badgering or oppressive, which draws a line straight to the colonisation in our history and the neocolonisation in the modern world. Agard’s poem may be about the colonisation of history itself since the poem addresses the idea that when the history of only one of group of people is taught, then much is lost, including power, which stems from knowledge, which stems from knowing our past and present.

The poet goes on to say in the poem that “Dem tell me” about various instances that are relevant to British history, such as “Columbus and 1492” and “Florence Nightingale and she lamp”, but also includes non-historical references such as “Dick Whittington”, “ole King Cole”, and “the cow who jump over the moon.”

These seemingly irrelevant references to what the persona of the poem was taught are important because they highlight to us what the knowledge, and knowledge of history, that was given to the persona means to him. By interspersing the historical with the trivial, the persona might be implying that British history by itself is as relevant to him as a nursery rhyme.

Also, importantly, is the way Agard includes important figures from Caribbean history, and laments their roles in this

V history and the fact these people are the ones “dem never tell me bout.” Figures like Toussaint L’Ouverture, “Toussaint / a slave / with vision / lick back / Napoleon / Battalion… Toussaint de thorn / to de French / Toussaint de beacon / of de Haitian Revolution”, and figures like Jamaica’s Nanny, “Nanny / see-far woman / of mountain dream / fire-woman struggle / hopeful stream / to freedom river” are some of the aspects of Caribbean history that Agard pulls into his poem to contrast the British knowledge that was passed on to him.

The poem is an important one because it speaks about knowledge and how knowledge itself (such as the knowledge of history) can be colonised, depending on who is passing this knowledge on to us. The poem is not so much about rejecting British knowledge in favour of knowledge of the Caribbean. Rather, it is about recognising what is important to the individual and how what might be important to someone should be given to that person because knowledge that is kept away, that is not freely given, might be crucial to the identity and existence of the person whom it is kept from.

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 21, 2017

WOMEN GET BALD TOO – and there is no particular age to the baldness

By M Margaret Burke BALDNESS has no discrimination. It is a situation that both men and women experience and there is no particular age at which this begins to occur. However, one must hasten to say that men are far more likely to get bald - they tend to lose their hair thickness and amount at a faster rate, especially as they get older. But some men seem to be more in a hurry to loose their hair and so in their early 30s many of them could begin ‘molting’, though not to replace the shed hair with anything other than baldness or a wig.

WOMEN ALSO LOSE IT Although hair loss among men may seem to be more of a prominent problem, women have problems too. While many women also notice the trend of losing their hair – by thinning-out or complete loss more in their 50s or 60s, yet many of them begin to have the slowdown in growth or complete loss since in their mid-thirties or thereabout…One immediate solution would sometimes be the very attractive, natural-looking or popular hairstyle wigs (false hair) and this is what sometimes makes it less noticeable.

Dr Orrisha Denbow, a practising physician

at the University of the West Indies Hospital in Jamaica, in an exclusive interview told the Guyana Chronicle, “The average human sheds 50-100 strands of hair per day. Hair loss commonly occurs when there is a disruption between the cycle of hair growth and shedding.

The hair follicle is then replaced with scar tissue as a result.

She said, “Baldness refers to the excessive loss of hair from one's scalp. This can be the result of hormonal changes, hereditary causes, medical conditions or side effects of various medications. Hair loss can occur in men, women and even children.

“Hair loss can occur in various patterns some being temporary, while others permanent,” she explained.

Dr. Denbow said that female patterns of hair loss more often causes diffuse thinning without hairline recession. These causes, she said can be as a result of a number of reasons.

“Family history (hereditary), which can affects the age at which you lose hair, the rate of hair loss and the extent of baldness at a specified age,” she said, even as she went to explain that there are certain exceptional cases of women experiencing thinning of the hair from as early as their late teens or early 20s.

But such ‘extreme’ cases and how thin it will become are determined by genetic and hormonal factors, which should be checked out by a physician, but not worried about…How soon the mother, aunts, or maternal grandmother started to experience thinning can be a good indication of when the younger female may begin to experience such signs too.

She stated further, “Hormonal changes, which can be as a result of pregnancy may occur with hair loss that follows childbirth; after the child is born estrogen levels fall back to normal and so additional hair foliage drops out.”

Having problems with thyroid is another situation that can cause hair loss, “An under-active

Baldness in the center of the head

Dr. Orrisha Denbow, in her own way showing women that hair is beautiful

individual, resulting in hair loss. For example, anti-hypertensives, oral hypoglycemic agents, steroids, hormonal replacement therapy, as well as chemotherapy can all result in hair loss.”

GENERAL CONDITION AND CAUSES Hair thinning in women is different from that of male pattern baldness, where men’s hair tends to recede from the forehead or the crown of the head, women tend to notice thinning on the top third to one half of the scalp. In this case women may see a part that is gradually becoming wider or see more of their scalp than normal when their hair is pulled back. Therefore, although the front hairline is affected to some

The beginning of the balding process of these young women – middle, front and sides respectively

thyroid or an overactive thyroid can cause thinning of the hair,” she offered.

She went on to state that infections may be another reason for hair loss in the female and even baldness. “Various types of infections may invade the scalp, which can lead to hair loss.

One common example is tinea capitis (fungal infection) or folliculitis.

TRAUMA Dr Denbow said that ‘Traction alopecia’, which is a situation most commonly present in persons who pull on their hair with excessive force, for example, the use of tight ponytails and cornrows, which causes individual hair strands to become weak and break off, can lead to loss of hair volume and loss of normal hair line.

She went on to explain that ‘Trichotillomania’, which refers to the loss of hair by compulsive pulling and bending of the hair; an irresistible urge to pull out hair, is a problem that is normally present around puberty, and which can result in temporary or permanent hair loss.

The use of drugs is also another reason why people may experience hair loss. She said, “Any drug that affects the normal hormonal body balance can have pronounced effects on the

extent, except in cases where there is normal recession, which happens to everyone as time passes, the hair loss of the women fortunately, rarely progresses to total or near total baldness, as it may be with men.

Some other causes for hair loss or balding in women can be hair dyeing, weaving, hairpieces, or a change in hairstyle, which can affect the very root of the hair.

The problem could be due to illness that was previously undetected, a hormonal imbalance, or poor diet, but the sooner you determine the cause, the sooner you can correct the problem and stop the loss. The factors listed above can cause disruptions in the growth cycle of the hair follicles and resolving the issues causing the disruption will allow your hair to return to normal.

Dr Denbow herself, with a full head of hair, encourages all women to take care of their hair; a very important aspect of their daily lives. “Hair is a God-given gift to us, and even though our length and texture would vary, yet for each and every one of us there is beauty there. Take care of what you have,” she urged. Contact: mercilinburke2017@ gmail.com

Chronicle Pepperpot May 21, 2017

VII

Is it cancer?

A FEW days ago a prominent article appeared in the print media highlighting a forum held in Georgetown dealing with cancer. Quite significantly, no dentist participated in that activity nor did it seem likely that such a professional was invited.

The dentist, besides being involved with pulpal and periapical disease, is very much involved with the detection of oral cancer which, incidentally, is the sixth most common cancer in the world. Studies show oral cancers are more common than leukemia, melanoma, and cancers of the brain, liver, kidney, stomach, thyroid, ovary or cervix.

Each year in the Guyana, it is estimated that oral cancer strikes 100 people. Ninety percent occur in the over 40 years’ age group, and males are affected more frequently than females. Statistics further show 95 percent of all oral cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which is related to tobacco use and the survival rate never exceeds eight years after diagnosis.

Part of the reason oral cancer has such a poor prognosis is that more than half of the cancers have metastasized (spread) at the time of diagnosis. Detecting oral cancer early is the key. Common cancers of the mouth, if not treated until it is about two centimetres in diameter, reduces the patient’s survival rate to only 15 percent on the average. When diagnosed, surgery is usually required with follow-up radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Many times the surgery is disfiguring, and the radiation and chemotherapy therapy can cause severe complications.

Major risk factors for oral cancer include the use of tobacco products (smoking and chewing), the use of alcohol, and exposure to the sun (lip cancer), dietary factors, and exposure to carcinogens in the workplace. All parts of the oral cavity are affected by oral cancer:

tongue, lips, floor of the mouth, soft palate, tonsils, back of throat and salivary glands.

Oral cancers most frequently occur on the lips (usually the lower lip). This is probably from chronic exposure to the sun, and is especially prevalent with people with a light complexion. The tongue is the second most affected site. These cancers occur most often on the sides and on the back two thirds of the tongue.

The floor of the mouth is the third most affected site. Cancers on the floor of the mouth and the tongue are the most aggressive and results in the highest death rates, because the cancers here spread most frequently to the lymph nodes and then to other parts of the body.

The gingival (gums), roof of the mouth, and the inside of the cheeks are less frequently affected. But oral cancers certainly can and do occur there.

It is estimated that 75 percent of all oral and pharyngeal cancers are caused by excessive smoking and heavy consumption of alcohol, especially when the habits go together.

It is felt by most authorities that alcohol promotes the effects of cancer producing agents found in tobacco.

Smokeless tobacco (which is not so common in Guyana) is a dangerous substance that has been proven to cause oral cancer. In addition, it has also been proven in numerous heart attacks, high blood pressure, strokes and kidney diseases.

Dental health professionals have the greatest opportunity to identify oral cancer while it is asymptomatic, innocuous, and unsuspected.

Patients who smoke and drink alcohol can visit my clinic for a free cancer examination at least every six months. It only takes about two minutes to do an oral cancer exam. When examin-

ing inside the mouth the dentist usually wraps gauze around the tongue and pulls it forward. He then feels and looks at the tissue under the tongue and inside the cheeks for texture or color changes, bleeding, lesions, masses, ulcerations, lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes).

When I was in Denver, Colorado last October attending the American Dental Association meeting, the FDA announced that it had reviewed a diagnostic system called OraScan that is being developed by Zila Pharmaceuticals.

This system incorporates a series of oral rinse solutions to enhance the visualization of abnormal tissue. The disclosing agent leaves areas of unhealthy cells clearly defined in blue, allowing disease to be diagnosed in its early, more treatable stages. A dentist can complete the OraScan diagnostic procedure in less than five minutes as an adjunct to a routine checkup.

However, you the patient can look for these other warning signs: 1. A sore on the lips, gum, or inside the mouth that bleeds easily and does not heal within two weeks.

2. A lump or thickening in the cheek that can be felt with the tongue.

3. A numbness or loss of feeling in any part of the mouth.

4. Soreness in the mouth or a feeling that something is caught in the throat with no known cause.

5. A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or inside the cheeks.

6. Difficulty in chewing or swallowing food The value of self examination is strictly for screening purposes. When questions arise, your dentist is the best source of information about any suspicious sores in and around the mouth and neck areas. If your dentist feels you have a suspicious lesion he will probably do a biopsy.

This involves taking a tissue specimen from the affected area and sending it to a pathologist so he can examine it under a microscope to determine the cells present in the area.

VIII ◄◄◄ From page II

phone rings and it’s Peter Fisher, wanting to get my point of view on a problem or some issue; or about some affair in which he was entangled with a Barbadian female.

Then he and Monique departed the island… as it turned out, for the last time from their idyllic island home named “Chateau Monique”.

When next I heard from Peter Fisher it was via a phone call from Montreal, Canada. He had held an exhibition there, one of the viewers was a beautiful and wealthy French-Canadian businesswoman. They had fallen in love and had agreed to marry… and they later did.

I received a happy letter from him… then a long gap… then a sad letter. She was too serious a woman, as her social group was, for this bubbly painter who at first had enthralled her; and she left him.

The problem was, he was deeply in love with her, and asked my intercession.

I spoke by phone with her, and understood her position. At the beginning, she had been fascinated with his different kind of personality… a free spirit, very unlike the staid, suave, upper crust, highly educated

males with whom she had been accustomed to socializing in Montreal. But over time, she had tired of him, and decided she wanted more in a permanent partner.

The ball was therefore back in my court, as Peter Fisher persuaded me to ask Monique to resume their relationship.

However, by this time she had relocated to the United States, settled back well and had established her own restaurant business, managing it very successfully.

She was exceedingly tolerant to hear me out; but the answer was that she was getting on very well with her life, and after what Peter had done to her, she was not prepared to retrace steps. It had taken her several years to mend her heart. Peter was shattered with the response.

Sometime afterwards I received information that Peter J. Fisher, back in the United States, had doused himself with petrol and struck a match: self-immolation.

I have great memories of his personality and exceptional talent, in addition to having six paintings by him: the large Clive Lloyd and William Demas originals (in Boston), the Mel Fisher copy (in Barbados), and three small originals (in Boston).

Chronicle Pepperpot May 21, 2017

Aries It may seem as if you're starting your day doing those things you intended to do yesterday but never quite got off the ground. Thankfully, the cosmos is giving you a second chance today, so don't wait for a better moment. Although you can ride on the energy generated when the Moon shifts into enterprising Aries, it's easier to get started than it is to finish whatever you begin. Mahatma Gandhi said, "Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment; full effort is full victory."

Taurus You want to come clean today by sharing your feelings with a close friend or romantic interest. However, opening your heart isn't as simple as it is in books or movies. Each time you start to say something, your words precipitate a defensive reaction. Your tendency is to emotionally withdraw, rather than questioning the reasons behind this dynamic now. Unfortunately, this evasive tactic doesn't add much to your game. Step back into the arena and tell others what's on your mind.

Bishop Desmond Tutu cautioned, "Don't raise your voice; improve your argument."

Gemini You have so much spring in every step today that you may be bouncing off the walls. Unfortunately, you are so emotionally reactive now that your unbridled enthusiasm could hinder your productivity. The ardent Aries Moon activates your 11th House of Long-Term Goals, but there's no reason to let your irrepressible energy ruin your plans when you can channel it to your advantage. Hunter S. Thompson wrote, "Anything that gets your blood racing is probably worth doing."

Cancer You may be feeling the pressure as you try to clarify your next move. Red lights are turning green and you are eager to hit the gas pedal. However, you don't know your current location and your GPS can't get a proper signal. Instead of admitting defeat, start asking questions and see who comes up with the best solutions. Just remember that there is no one correct answer to solving your lack of orientation.

Continue to gather data points until you can see the big picture. Once you have your bearings, you'll be free to ride into the future.

Leo There's no holding you back today; in fact, you're like a bird that's outgrown its nest, free to soar on the winds of change. You might grow nostalgic now as you take a quick trip down Memory Lane. But don't spend too much time reminiscing about the past. Luckily, you're ready to explore new lands without carrying any emotional baggage. The Moon's shift into journeying Sagittarius encourages you to embark on your next amazing adventure. Fly, baby, fly!

Virgo You are fearless when pursuing an emotional connection today. Although you tend to be rather cautious when delving into the realm of passions, the presence of the brash Aries Moon in your 8th House of Deep Sharing emboldens you to sink into the mysterious shadows. However, you could be so intense in your desire for affection that you scare away the very person you want to attract. Pushing your way into someone's heart will not work. St. Francis de Sales wrote, "Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength."

Libra Everyone seems overly demanding today and you don't know whether or not you can provide what they want. Naturally, you enjoy making others happy, but you're not willing to engage with someone who is acting mean-spirited. It really doesn't take much effort to be nice. When people treat you like they don't care, believe them. You will rest easier once you make a clear distinction between dependency and love. Give from the goodness of your heart with no strings attached or don't give at all.

Scorpio You might be right on the edge of a serious conflict, yet you can't figure out how you arrived at this uncomfortable spot today. It's as if you walked into a story that was already written, but you're not interested in arguing with a loved one over whose way to do something is better. Nevertheless, it can be very annoying if someone says they have a superior method and they are relentless in their pursuit of your support. Meanwhile, you just want to get on with your routine in a manner that makes sense to you. You are at your most powerful when you don't need the approval of anyone else.

Sagittarius You are so friendly today that almost no one can resist your charm. Although you're not seeking the depth and intensity that some might require in a conversation, your light-hearted approach offers a sweet respite to even the most serious person.

There's no doubt about who you are while the spontaneous Aries Moon activates your 5th House of Self-Expression. It's refreshing that you have no hidden agenda; what you see is what you get. It's enough to laugh, be happy and create good memories. Serve the world with your joy.

Capricorn Your ambitious nature may have already prompted you to make big plans for the day. However, you secretly wish you could scrap them and just follow your whims.

Fortunately, with a little shuffling you can walk away from an overly structured agenda and just take each twist and turn as it arrives today. Paradoxically, you'll end up accomplishing more with less on your schedule now. Don't waste time justifying your actions to anyone else. Musician John McLaughlin said, "Only in spontaneity can we be who we truly are."

Aquarius You want to rattle cages and raise eyebrows today. You're on the hunt for something totally out of the box now that the Moon charges into impulsive Aries and your 3rd House of Distractions. The big question is how can you creatively express the absolute uniqueness of being you? Sufi poet Rumi's response was, "I want a trouble-maker for a lover, blood spiller, blood drinker, a heart of flame who quarrels with the sky and fights with fate, who burns like fire on the rushing sea." Naturally, your answer might be different.

Pisces A plethora of innovative money-making schemes are popping into your head now.

You're riding a creative rush, yet good ideas don't turn into practical plans on their own. Unfortunately, methodical thinking doesn't come easily today; it's more natural to jump from one epiphany to another without following through on anything. Ironically, there's no reason to force a potential opportunity into reality. Instead, enjoy the flow without trying to contain it. Your best concepts will develop into something useful in the days ahead. Inspiration plants seeds that need time to grow.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 21, 2017

IX

With a combination of 122 years, four police ranks head into retirement – all speak of discipline and service to country AFTER giving the Guyana Police Force (GPF) a dedicated thirty-two year of service, Superintendent Norman Timmerman retired effective May 01, 2017.

Also heading into retirement this year would be Assistant Superintendent, Lindon LaRose, Sergeant Audie Beckles, and Sergeant Joy Deborah Alexis Webster.

Mr. Timmerman would have joined the Guyana Police Force on the 10, October, 1985 with regulation number 13276 thereafter beginning his initial training in Course #176, which lasted for nine months at the Felix Austin Police College, Georgetown.

Before joining this noble organisation, Mr. Timmerman had worked at the Guyana Rice Development Board in Blackbush whilst residing at Manchester Village, Berbice.

He said for the fact that jobs were hard to get during that time, he decided to apply to become a policeman.

Prior to his retirement Mr. Timmerman would have served in all policing divisions, including the Criminal Investigations Department, Tactical Services Unit and Immigration.

He recalled that his stint in ‘F’ Division (Interior Locations) was his best because of its pristine nature and for the fact that he was fortunate to visit villages which he deemed as Guyana’s best. He also visited Brazil and Venezuela where he interacted with his counterparts.

“I thought of quitting the job many times

Sergeant Joy Deborah Alexis Webster

but found the courage to motivate myself, although policing may seem easy, it’s not, it’s a very tough job and I want to urge young police officers to be focus, be discipline, to educate yourselves and to listen to your superiors” he reminded.

During his retirement he plans to use his time to do farming, cattle and poultry and spend quality time with his four grandchildren.

Meanwhile, after thirty-four years of dedicated service to the GPF, Assistant Superintendent Lindon LaRose proceeded on retirement effective April 01, 2017.

Before joining the profession ASP LaRose served in the National Service from 1977-1982 as a Pioneer and a Surveyor.

On the 21st day of October in the year 1983 Mr. LaRose was enlisted in the GPF with regulation number 12546 as a direct intake to the Presidential Guard.

Whilst stationed as a Presidential Guard for almost 12 years, Mr. LaRose would have done several arms and tactics training courses with

loved the uniform, drills and most importantly their coordination when they are on parades.

After completing the rigorous training for nine months, Beckles was posted at Traffic Headquarters, Eve Leary, where his sole duty was to do cash escorts which he described as his best working experience; he also said that it wasn’t an easy task because he always had to be focused while doing such.

Beckles almost spent his entire career in the Traffic Department except for about a year when he was posted to the Tactical Services Unit after which he was sent back to Traffic Headquarters and soon after to ‘B’ Division Traffic.

In the year 1989 he gained his first promotion to Lance Corporal; after spending eighteen (18) years in that rank he was subsequently promoted to the rank of Corporal in the year 2007; in 2014 he was promoted to his present rank of Sergeant. Beckles, described his time in the Force as one he will never forget but only one thing that he always scared of is being

Born on the 17, May, 1962 and joined the Force on 16, June, 1995 as a constable with regulation number 16851Sgt. Webster has served in the Traffic Department of the Force throughout her career since graduating from the Felix Austin Police College in 1996. She gained her first promotion to the rank of Corporal in the year 2004 which she described as her best memory in the Force.

“On that day I was at home on my off-duty

Assistant Superintendent Lindon LaRose

the Guyana Defence Force; he also took part in drills, since it was something he liked while serving in the National Service.

He was one of the security personnel attached directly to late Presidents Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham and Hugh Desmond Hoyte respectively, which was because of the training he would have received.

In the year 1995 Mr. LaRose was transferred to the Immigration Department after attaining the rank of Lance Corporal and has served in that department until retirement.

ASP LaRose, who hails from Cumberland Village, East Canje, Berbice, during an interview said that he enjoyed his time as a policeman; he said that he never regretted joining the Force and thanked everyone for their overwhelmed support.

“I am a man of all season; I worked at all the Border Locations in Guyana from Moleson Creek to Lethem and I enjoyed it , I never regretted being a police because I learnt a lot and since 1983 I have never been back home because every time I got my vacation leave I spent it overseas” LaRose reiterated.

He also said that he is honored to be the recipient of several medals during his career; those being the Force’s 150 and 175 Anniversary Medal, the Tactical Efficiency Medal, the Border Efficiency Medal and the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

The ever-pleasant looking retiree said that he will now be using his retirement to relax and travelled the interior of Guyana; he said that he will now be able to spend quality time with his family, more so his three children; two boys and one girl who are ages 25, 29 and 30 years respectively.

Further, after 34 years of dedicated service, the Police Sergeant, Audie Beckles retires. He was born on the 4, June, 1962 and joined the GPF the 07th day of February 1983 and after giving thirty-four years of his life to the force Sergeant 12228, Audie Beckles will retire effective 01st July 2017.

Working as a vendor at the Stabroek Market in the year 1982, Beckles was approached by a Depot Rank (now Tactical Services Unit) by the name of Brummell and was encouraged to join the force; Brummell was one of Beckles’ regular customers.

Whilst in training Beckles said he always wanted to become a Depot Rank because he

Superintendent Norman Timmerman

Sergeant Audie Beckles

transferred to somewhere far.

“Even though transfer is a part of every Policeman’s kit, when I get a hint sometimes as a joke that I will be transferred I tend to take it on and it frustrates me a lot because I never wanted to be away from my family” he said.

“I want to urge the young ranks to take their work serious, don’t be frustrated, don’t give up and most importantly be discipline and listen to the public concerns and by doing those few things you will reach far ahead in the work,” Beckles reiterated.

A special congratulatory function in honour of the retiring rank was held at the Fort Welling Police Station at which he was presented with gifts of appreciations in recognition of his sterling contribution to the maintenance of the Force’s mandate of ensuring public safety and security.

In conclusion, Sergeant Joy Deborah Alexis Webster will proceed on retirement after 22 years of service.

“Whether rain or sun, I go out and perform my duties” she said.

Known as Sergeant Webster, a name every road user knows about and a woman with pride, dignity and always hardworking and on the go.

It’s unfortunate but it is time that she leaves to proceed on retirement. Effective from 1st June, 2017.

when my Sergeant, Desiree Fowler, (retired Superintendent) called me and played a prank on me telling me that I have to report for duty immediately because someone is here making allegations that I assaulted them,” she recalled.

“Immediately after hearing such I get dressed in my uniform and went and reported for duty; by surprise I saw all the ranks on duty was staring at me and all of a sudden I heard they were shouting congratulations; my sergeant then showed me my name on the list and congratulated me on my promotion.”

Before joining the force Webster had served in the Guyana National Service for eight years as a pioneer. In the National Service she worked at the Signal Corp, thence to the Plumbing and Arts Departments respectively.

In 2012 she was promoted to the rank of Sergeant until her retirement. Webster described the 2002 (Crime Wave) as the most challenging year, “It was very challenging and tough but I had to make use of what was there and go out there and execute my duties, I was very observant and very careful of the place I go at that time but nevertheless I made it and here am I.” “Whether rain or sun, I go out and perform my duties and I want all of you young police to think the same way; I want you to take the work seriously, be discipline and do the right thing and you will reach far in this work” She alluded.

After retiring Sergeant Webster plan to spend more time with her four children three boys and a girl between the ages of 19-30 and her four grandchildren, she will also venture into farming and poultry, which she finds pleasure in doing.

She also thanked the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Seelall Persaud, DSM and all other retired and serving ranks the support given during her tenure in the force and said that without God, Prayers and her family it would not have been possible to make it to the end.

X

Chronicle Pepperpot May 21, 2017

Where is the Ruimveldt Independence Arch?

By Francis Quamina Farrier WHERE is that super sleuth Sherlock Homes when you need him? The famous fictional English detective is very much needed here in Guyana at this time, to crack the cold case of The MISSING RUIMVELDT INDEPENDENCE ARCH. At this time of Guyana's cold cases history, we need some help from the British, and we do have some help right now in the person of Russell Combe, a British Senior Security Sector Reform Advisor. Since his arrival in Guyana, the British Security Ace has been meeting with ministers of government and the country's top brass in National Security, including the Police Force, the Defense Force and the Prison authorities.. It has already

been announced that Mr. Combe is also on the move around the country, meeting with stakeholders. Unfortunately, I have not met the gentleman myself to find out directly from him, whether he has any plans to go after THE MISSING RUIMVELDT INDEPENDENCE ARCH. As you continue to read this feature, I implore you not to rush to judgment and accuse me of having a colonial mentality. Accuse me of being the possessor of an international mentality and I'll plead "GUILTY", immediately, since I do believe that "No Man is an Island" and no country stands alone on the face of the earth; not North Korea, not South Africa. Not East Samora or West Germany when it existed as a separate country. We are all, in one way or another, inter-connected.

At this time of bandits roaming all around Guyana like Al Capone's Chicago, robbing, and shooting and killing, Guyana can do with the extra assistance of that super detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal assistant Dr. Watson, to help solve the many cold cases; the murder of Monica Reece, the Ronald Waddell assassination as well as that of Courtney Crum-Ewing. Of course the most notorious case is that of the assassination of Government Minister Sash Shaw, members of his family, the Security Guard, and the family dog.

This, of course, is not intended to cast aspersions on the professional abilities and successes of Guyana's current Crime Chief, the 18-year veteran, Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum, who I have to admit, I have lots of respect for. And so I submit that Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum is doing a great job. However, there are those times when even the best of professionals do need to seek some assistance, especially in cracking the many cold cases in this Cooperative Republic of Guyana, with a population of less than one million.

The mysterious disappearance of that beautiful Ruimveldt Independence Arch, the property of the People of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, some years ago, is something which I dwell on from time to time. I feel that I just can't accept that, that beautiful arch has just disappeared into thin air and no one is willing to say anything about it.

Such a situation should not be accepted by the Guyanese people. I helped to pay for that arch, and you, too, as a tax payer, helped to pay for it. It has to be found sooner or later.

Riding in a taxi or mini bus along the Ruimveldt public road, and another passenger says to the driver or conductor, "Give me Independence Arch", when approaching the Alexander Village entrance, comes like a sharp dagger to my patriotic heart. While some Guyanese still see that missing Ruimveldt Independence arch in their mind's eyes, even though the arch is nowhere to be seen with the physical eye, at least not by almost everyone, that monument and symbol of Guyana's Freedom from colonial rule, has been taken away, and no one has been made accountable - so far. That is unacceptable.

Guyanese need to know where that Ruimveldt Independence Arch has gone, and who has taken it, if indeed it has been taken by someone with sticky hands and expanding pockets.

That attractive Ruimveldt Independence Arch was removed to facilitate the widening of the Ruimveldt Public Road just south, and in full view of the Ruimveldt Police Station.

It was stated by the government of the day, that it would have been reassembled and remounted at the completion of the road works.

That, unfortunately, has not happened. As an investigative journalist, I approached a few individuals over the years, who should know, but I haven't gotten anywhere.

A few years ago, I also approached the former Minister of Communications and

Public Works, Hon. Robeson Benn, MP. As a matter-of-fact, my approach to Minister Benn was within the hallowed Hall of the Guyana Parliament Chamber during a break in the sitting, as the parliamentarians were filing out to enjoy their 4.00p.m. tea break, paid for by the hard-working Guyanese tax payers.

My approach to the Honourable Minister, with my usual respectable personality, was returned with gleaming eyes and an unwelcoming smirk on his face. Before putting my video camera into record mode, I respectfully requested of the honourable gentleman, whether I could ask him a question. He nodded in the affirmative. My finger touched the record button of my valuable video camera.

I was ready to get an answer, on-camera, to that very important question for which many Guyanese want an answer; "Where is the Ruimveldt Independence Arch?" I felt more like the English sleuth Sherlock Holmes, than the veteran Guyanese investigative journalist which I am.

Minister Robeson Benn, having given half-hearted permission for me to interview him, gathered up his papers and began to exit the Parliament Chamber. I followed him.

Just outside the chamber, I tried to manoeuvre myself in front of the swiftly moving minister, but that proved somewhat difficult, since there were many other persons standing or moving around the area. Although the minister had indicated that I could ask him a question, he was not making it easy for me to do so and get an answer. He was moving away from me.

Determined to get an answer, I decided to put the important question once and for all, even if the question was delivered to a subject who was walking away and backing the camera. "Minister, minister, could you say where the Ruimveldt Independence is, Sir?" I asked, as I chased after the Honourable Minister of Works and Communication.

My heart was pounding as I navigated the many parliamentarians and non-parliamentarians who were moving around in my path. "I've told you before, that was before my time", the minister responded, as he disappeared into the Tea Room to enjoy his snack. He never paused, or suggested that I contact anyone else at the Ministry.

I checked the recording on my video camera, which was for me, very special, and it made riveting viewership when it was later broadcast on television on The Evening News. Here was a senior politician and minister of government, giving an answer to a question posed by a senior journalist, while walking away. But that was not the first time that I got such an interesting inter-action from a senior politician.

The previous incident occurred in Trinidad. I had approached the Hon. Dr. Keith Rowley, then a senior member of the government opposition in Trinidad and Tobago.

It was after a political rally held by the PNM party in Woodford Square in the capital city Turn to page XV ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot May 21, 2017

XI

Physical Exercise and Mental Health Hello Everyone, I hope this week has treated you well.

I often speak about ‘healthy body, healthy mind’ to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the constant connection between mind and body. This means that in order for the mind to be healthily active, the body must be so as well and vice versa.

The topic today is going to be physical exercise. I am confident that most of you know the physical health benefits of exercise. These include healthier weight, bones and levels of energy, reduced blood pressure, cholesterol as well as chances of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity. Working out automatically triggers our mind to eat better, drink less alcohol and have better sleep.

On the other hand, I am not so sure that many believe in the high correlation between physical exercise and good mental health.

Your age, gender or fitness level does not matter; any amount of exercise will still make a difference. Keep in mind that the word exercise here means any physical activity such as walking, running, swimming, riding a bicycle, playing any sport etc. You do not need hours out of your day to reap the benefits of exercise. Thirty minutes a day a few times a week will show tremendous benefits.

Exercise has been prescribed to help with stress, anxiety, depression and even suicide thoughts and behaviours. How? The actions that are automatically caused by physical exercise (improved diet, sleep etc.) alone have a significant impact on mental health.

Physical exercise has countless benefits on our mental health- and not just as a preventative measure. While exercise is not a substitute for medication when needed, it has been shown to treat mild to moderate depression. Some people find it even better than prescription medication as it has zero side effects. We know its affects as it increases positive, feel good neurotransmitters (such as dopamine and serotonin) into our brain. This added to the natural endorphins released in the body works as a treatment plan in itself. This

natural boast along with its release of tension is also a powerful treatment of stress and anxiety. Exercise has also been known to lower symptoms of other mental health illnesses such as Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Post- Partum Depression and Post -Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Exercise sharpens our memory and gives us new levels of motivation, productivity and efficiency to learn new things. This is simply because physical exertion increases production of cells in parts of the brain that are responsible for memory and learning. It also produces cells responsible for creativity and inspiration. In regards to this, exercise doesn’t only allow you to inspire yourself but others as well. I work extra hard in the gym when I see others giving it their all.

Exercise is also a massive preventative and treatment activity in regards to drug abuse. Those who incorporate large amounts

of physical activity in their treatment plan are much less likely to go back to drug use.

This is because exercise naturally releases the same serotonin and dopamine in the brain as the drug would. It helps specifically with cravings and mild to severe withdrawal symptoms. This can mean that exercise can work as a healthy coping mechanism in general and for any issue.

The most common question and issue in regards to exercise as treatment is how to get to motivation to do so in the first place? People who are depressed or anxious (or suffering from any mental illness for that matter) rarely want to leave their bed, much less have the energy to go get exercise.

When you feel exhausted and hopeless, keep in mind that exercise is not going to make that worse; it’s a powerful energizer that reduces that fatigue. Remember that you do not necessarily have to leave your home to get physical activity in. Try doing something at home in the beginning.

Give yourself only positive self –talk. Say (from the day before) ‘I will exercise for 15 minutes tomorrow.’ If you go to bed thinking that you dislike exercise, that you are physically incapable or that you do not have the time, you will 100% not be able to do it. What we tell ourselves is extremely important for our energy and motivation.

Fake excitement from the night before. Studies have shown that if you force a smile, even when very sad, you will shortly start genuinely smiling.

The same can work for

excitement and motivation. If you are new to exercise, you need to set small goals at first.

The biggest mistake people make is committing to hard, heavy and unrealistic routines right off the bat. These are hard to continue and often result in one feeling despondent and giving up hope. It is the same when people start a new diet. They go from eating whatever they want to basically nothing at all; that always results in disappointment. Start small and stick to it.

Schedule your workout in for the time of day when you feel the most energised. Don’t worry if anyone says working out in the morning (or night) is best for them- you do it when it’s best for you. Only do activities you enjoy.

Do not worry about ‘this is the best exercise’ – do what you feel comfortable doing.

You can also make exercise a social activity. Low motivation caused by mental health also typically results in isolation. Maybe meet a friend/ family member and go for a walk?

Two birds, one stone. Speaking of two birds one stone, why not make your physical activity (in the beginning) something you have to do anyway? Do laundry, clean the house, do the gardening- this all counts as exercise.

Most importantly, every individual needs to find their own personal benefit to exercise.

My main motivation for physical exercise is that it tremendously improves my self-confidence and self-esteem. Keep reminding yourself what it does for you.

Keep in mind there is light, moderate and vigorous intensity. Light meaning speaking and breathing is still easy, moderate happens when speaking is still easy but your breathing will be short and vigorous intensity happens when you are very short of breath and have a rapid heart- beat. Moderate exercise only (especially in the beginning) is necessary for someone newly on medication for mental health issues. This is because some of these medications have side- affects such as dizziness or rapid heart-beat. The same goes for people with panic disorders as the physical effects of exercise are very similar to effects of panic attacks (shortness of breath, raised heart rate etc.) This can trigger an anxiety attack so start off slowly. Also keep in mind, like anything else, too much exercise is bad for you and can result in injury so moderation is key.

Overall, exercise is an attempted improvement of our mind, body and soul. It makes us feel powerful and resilient. You really cannot go wrong.

Thank you for reading and please send in any topics to caitlinvieira@gmail.com.

Also please remember when you can come see me.

Georgetown Public Hospital :MondayFriday – 8am- 12pm Woodlands Hospital: Outpatient Department Drug and Alcohol group meetings Mondays 4:00pm Good mental health group meetingsWednesdays 4:00pm Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!

XII

Chronicle Pepperpot May 21, 2017

#SupportCreativity

How are we re-creating ourselves?

IT’S hard to believe that a year has passed since “Points of Departure,” a four-part series of articles I wrote last May intended to reflect on the key areas of cultural development and planning strategies, which were tabled in the weeks leading up to our departure from British rule.

After physically sifting through the newspaper archive of the then Guiana Graphic, I extracted and made reference to a number of pre-independence writings by columnists who made clear their expectations of the new government.

It was evident that in addition to focusing on regional integration one of the more immediate concerns was the examination of cultural pluralism as a possible framework that would allow for the shaping of a new national identity, a framework that recognized and respected our many cultures without compromising the integrity of any for the sake of nationalism.

A lot has happened since I wrote that series but unfortunately a lot more has remained unchanged. It’s unsurprising really, since change of any kind particularly as it relates to any type of national cultural “identity” moves as slowly as molasses on a cold day. Surely then, this must not come as a surprise, right? But now that the dust has settled a year after the grand Jubilee festivities, exactly how much has changed?

How do we take stock of the time that has passed? Is it even realistic (or fair) to expect change, sweeping or otherwise,

in just a year? While I don’t necessarily have the answers to these questions, I do think it’s important that we keep them at the front of our minds.

In the last article of the series I quoted A.J. Seymour in his 1977 cultural policy proposal as saying: “[…] The Guyana man has to re-create himself in his own image as an indispensable basis on which to realise the image of a national identity.”

In my opinion, that statement cannot be emphasised enough.

How are we re-creating ourselves? What does our image look like? We don’t seem to be any closer to figuring that out now than we were fifty-one years ago. The same questions are being deliberated year after year but could we identify any significant shift in the way we understand and therefore project ourselves beyond the Guyana context? It seems to be an exercise in futility but yet we persist. Simply put, it’s an act of necessity lest we are willing to risk spiraling even further down the rabbit hole of cultural ambiguity.

While I took to the archives last year to get a more accurate understanding of how creatives at the time were attempting to situate themselves with regard to a national cultural identity on the heels of our independence, I thought this time around I would examine some of the concepts of identity put forward by the late cultural theorist Stuart Hall. Perhaps it would be easier to place “us” if we studied an already existing model of categorisation. His chapter “The question of cultural identity,” in the much larger text “Modernity, An introduction to Modern Societies” begins with his recognition of three identity concepts: the enlightenment subject, the sociological subject and the post-modern subject. His objective in putting these forward was to determine if there was indeed a “crisis” of cultural identity in “late-modernity,” as he described it.

Hall describes the enlightenment subject as being an “individualist” conception, one where the subject is equipped with “reason, consciousness, and action,” all of which would’ve developed with the subject from birth and would more or less remain the same throughout the subject’s life. The sociological subject, on the other hand, is not characterised by the same kind of independent thinking and being. Instead, it is shaped largely in relation to the “significant others” in the subject’s life, all of whom would’ve assisted in the translation of various aspects of the cultural space the subject occupies. Ac-

cording to this notion then, identity is forged in the interaction between self and society. The subject’s core center is there as it is present in the enlightenment subject, yes, but it is continuously modified through dialogue with “outside” worlds. By bridging the divide between both public and private worlds, the sociological subject “sutures” himself/herself into his/her unique cultural space by internalizing and projecting multiple cultural identities, creating a unified and “predictable” entity in the process.

Finally, the post-modern subject, perhaps best and most simply described as the resulting product of the sociological subject. It is an ever-shifting, fragmented and therefore unstable subject that is recognized as being a composite of several intersecting and often opposing/unresolved identities. It is characterised as having no fixed identity but instead one that is continuously undergoing a series of transformations within the subject’s cultural systems. Rather than a single coherent self around which the subject could build himself/herself (as in the case of the sociological subject), they are many contradictory selves that the subject assumes at different times and in various situations. The result is a kind of controlled schizophrenic personality where the subject temporarily taps in to one identity until the circumstances change and another must be employed.

So now that I’ve highlighted the three concepts of identity as proposed by Hall, how do they relate to our particular situation here in Guyana? Is it possible to situate “us,” and by extension, our society within the parameters he so carefully outlined? What instruments do we use to measure the rate of change from one concept of identity to the other, if there has been any change or development at all? How do we determine if the pace has been fast, steady or slow? What image do we see when we wipe the mirror clean? Is the reflection staring back at us an accurate present-day representation of who we are? I put forward these questions not only as a challenge to myself but also to everyone reading this. I don’t have the answers, as I suspect no single person does either, but perhaps a collective contemplation of these ideas could hasten our understanding of the identity we would like to project to each other and the world over.

NFL receiver Andrew Hawkins gets his master's degree from Columbia What’s harder, establishing a career as a wide receiver in the NFL, or getting a master’s degree from an Ivy League school?

You could be like Andrew Hawkins, and do both at the same time.

Hawkins, currently a free agent who played the last six seasons with the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals, completed his master’s degree in sports management from Columbia’s School of Professional Studies, according to the New York Daily News. And while he was in the neighborhood, Hawkins worked out for the New England Patriots on Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Field Yates.

Hawkins posted a photo to Instagram pointing out that his shuttle run and his grade-point average were the

same: 4.0.

Hawkins’ goal, according to the Daily News, is to be an NFL general manager. He’ll be more than qualified for the job, considering his education.

There was plenty of sacrifice involved. The Daily News said he started pursuing the degree in spring of 2015.

This spring he would fly from his home in Los Angeles to New York on Monday morning, do a week’s worth of classes in a day, then get on an 11 p.m. flight back to California. In the years before that he lived in Tampa, Florida, and would make the same commute to Columbia. The Daily News said Hawkins moved to Los Angeles in part to intern with LeBron James’ business partner Maverick Carter.

Hawkins, who has 2,419 career yards, is set up well for a career after football, if he doesn’t land a job with the Patriots or any other NFL team. And he won’t have to make that rough commute anymore, though getting a degree from Columbia had to be worth it.

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Essequibo groups advance initiatives to combat suicide

– skills building courses part of intervention

By Ravena Gildharie LOCAL investigators recently verified that a 29-year-old Policewoman of Lima, Essequibo Coast, had committed suicide with a single gun-shot wound to her throat.

The incident sent shock waves countrywide, particularly in Essequibo, where several groups are aggressively tackling suicide.

Collectively the groups, supported by government and private sector, offers counselling, training seminars and workshops,

leave secondary school, there is sometimes a sense of hopelessness and it is a really tough time when they need guidance…at this age, just out of school, there is pressure on them to get jobs and this sometimes leads to depression,” Singh related.

Highlighting poverty, the businessman observed that in most suicide cases, victims come from poor homes and communities.

This is often coupled with excessive alcohol drinking, use of illicit drugs, domestic violence, child abuse and peer pressure among others.

HELP FOR POMEROON AND NEARBY COMMUNITIES “Suicide is caused by depression which is linked to so many social ills and all of these are inter-connected…so we need to educate people and increase awareness in order to help depressed people, and identify potential suicide victims before it is too late,” Singh stressed.

He noted too focused on families of suicide victims as it has been common for surviving relatives to also become prone to depression and suicidal thoughts. Singh and his group worked with at least one family, who lost two members from the same home to suicide.

At Jacklow in the Upper Pomeroon River, one family has been plagued by suicide on several instances. In the latest case, a mother of six, is still struggling to deal with the loss of her eldest adult son, who died early last year after ingesting a poisonous substance. social community activities, public marches and skills training, all intended to reach out to depressed persons. There is the shared view that limited employment opportunities and lack of awareness lead a list of inter-connected social ills that effect suicide in the region, similarly as in other areas.

Daleep Singh, a well-known businessman and current President of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce, once headed the Hindu-based Sanatan Dharm Per Upkaaric Sabha, which has been working since 1997 to address suicide in Essequibo.

The organisation, now led by Pandit Rameshar Jagarnauth, offers counselling at Mandirs in communities throughout the Coast. It has held seminars and workshops in several areas to create awareness and equip residents with knowledge on how to deal with depressed peers. It has also guided public marches.

Based on his experience over the years, Singh identified a main at-risk group from the age of adolescent to 25.

“I have noticed that when young people

The late farmer was the father of three small children, ages six to 12, who have now been left in the care of their grandmother.

“I sit every day and think about my son and just ask myself ‘Why? Why?’ My son was so happy and kind. I never know he would do something like that,” related the woman, who asked not to be named.

Prior to his death, the man’s reputed wife had attempted suicide thrice. She subsequently separated from her spouse, which reportedly led the man to take his own life. Just years before, his younger sister had attempted suicide, while previously, the family lost an uncle and an aunt in separate suicide cases.

This year, the Pomeroon is earmarked for attention by the Guyana Foundation, another non-governmental body functioning on the Essequibo. It operates a community-based Sunrise Centre at Zorg-En-Vlygt on the Coast but is moving to set up another at Charity before year-end.

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◄◄◄ From page XIII

“We have done needs assessments in Charity, Dartmouth and Bounty Hall and we saw a need to have a centre in Charity to cater for these areas and those in the Pomeroon. We are trying to get a location for the centre and we are open to support from anyone who would like to help us in this regard,” said Manager of the Essequibo Sunrise Centre, Miriam Hinds.

The Zorg-En-Vlygt facility was established last October and offers free counselling and skills-building programmes to attempted suicide victims and others. There is a senior counsellor on site along with Hinds, who is a trained counsellor and student pursuing advanced psychology studies. They see referrals too from the hospitals.

Hinds noted unemployment, family problems and poor self-esteem as some of the reasons people consider suicide.

“We have seen people with different problems and of all ages, even in their 60s…So far, the majority of persons we see coming to us are female, but it is widely known that men are more considered at-risk but often chose to keep their problems to themseleves,” Hinds pointed out.

The Sunrise Centre opens Monday to Saturday and con-

ducts free courses in tailoring and dressmaking, cosmetology, catering and computer repairs and programming.

“We have been making quite an impact since we launched here…there has never been this kind of facility before on the Essequibo Coast, where people have an opportunity to come out in an open and friendly atmosphere to talk and relieve the burdens on their minds. We have a welcoming staff and there are participants who say their lives have changed, and they now have hope as a result of the work we do,” the counsellor indicated.

WOMEN TACKLING SUICIDE Situated closer to the town of Anna Regina, another group, Women of Substance Making a Difference, has also been tackling suicide and abuse by conducting activities to promote community development and push youth and women empowerment. The group established in October 2015 currently comprises about 22 women and is based at Henrietta.

It’s President, Adele Jonas, offers one-on-one counselling to young people, and feels her efforts are paying off as she helped to prevent at least three persons from attempting suicide.

“In one case, I even found the bottle of poison in the person’s bag when they met with me,” Jonas recalled.

The women have been active too in organising various community events that attracts the involvement of men and young people such as clean-up campaigns, luncheons, feeding programmes and skills building workshops. While they involve various nearby communities, the women have focused much of their work in depressed areas such as the Lima Sands and Red Village.

Last Easter, the group staged a massive kite distribution and feeding exercise for kids in these communities. They previously held a floral workshop conducted by three trained professionals and attracted some 43 students.

For Mother’s Day, they kept a day sale and attracted a number of young people who were eager to participate.

“While it is difficult to get the young people to join our group as full-time members, we try to hold activities and events that would accommodate them and keep them involved, and out of trouble,” Jonas stated.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 21, 2017 ◄◄◄ From page X

Don’t want to remain a divorcee

Dear Sir, MY HUSBAND divorced me a few years ago. Since then I got scared of love and men. I gave my life to God and my children. But now a nice guy wishes to marry me. But I feel so scared to get into a relationship again. My heart still aches from that bitter divorce. Can you offer some advice? Please.

Divorcee, “One door closed, another one opened.” I am so sorry you’ve earned the title of divorcee.

But that’s just a stigma. You are still you. You still have a lot to give. Do not live only for God or your children. You owe it to yourself to live for yourself too. So do not live in a “cocoon” Blossom again! Be a wife! Be a mother-again. Ask yourself: What can I do to make someone happy? God is satisfied with our prayers, but we must be good to others. Go for it!

You can only know how to swim, by plunging into the water. You have the potential to offer PLJ –Peace, love and joy. One door closed, another one open. The suitor might be the one to heal your heart and put you back on the stairway to happiness. But proceed slowly. The heart is so remarkable. It can bounce back. Don’t dry up. Let your petals see light again. Begin anew .Things will work out .Trust me, give of yourself. It’s the best charity and God will be pleased.

Wish you luck Uncle Henry

of Port-of-Spain. My intention was to get a comment from the Tobago-born politician, about a statement I had read in a T&T newspaper earlier that day, in which the honourable gentleman had stated that he felt like he was stabbed in the back by a brother. I was in Trinidad at the time, and had read that statement in the local newspapers.

Rowley's published statement was in response to a situation between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, as regards the Paris Debt write-off, and how the then Guyana Minister of Finance, Hon. Bharrat Jagdeo, had changed some aspect of that Paris agreement, which was signed by Jagdeo's predecessor, Hon. Asgar Ali, which was more to Trinidad and Tobago's benefit. I chased after Dr. Keith Rowley after he had exited Woodford Square at the end of the rally, and was walking along a pavement towards his car. I introduced myself and asked him for a comment regards his statement against Guyana.

His response was: “I don't want to talk to any reporter from Guyana." It was so heartening to see that Dr. The Honourable Keith Rowley, now the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad-and-Tobago, recently making a visit to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and from all indication, enjoying his visit.

So, as we celebrate Guyana's 51st Independence anniversary, we still do not know where the Ruimveldt Independence Arch is.

I still intend to pursue the matter until the

XV facts come to light. When found, I would recommend that the Ruimveldt Independence Arch be transported to the Essequibo Coast and be mounted at Anna Regina, around the High Bridge area.

Meanwhile, there is a new independence arch which was constructed at Agricola for Guyana's 50th Independence anniversary in May 2016, and sponsored by Banks DIH Limited. As someone who spent my formative years in that East Bank Demerara district, I wrote a short poem for the occasion, which I included in a programme of Poetry and Storytelling, shortly after its unveiling, for the students of my alma mater, the St. Ann's Primary School at Agricola.

Yes, there is also the newly-constructed Independence Arch located at the eastern entrance to the city of Georgetown. However, that does not mean that the Guyanese people should not know what has happened to that beautiful Ruimveldt Independence Arch. Someone knows where it is, or where it has been sent. That person, or persons, ought to let the nation know. Or maybe we should have Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson come here and join forces with our own Crime Chief to crack the case of The Missing RUIMVELDT INDEPENDENCE ARCH, handing over the suspects to SUCO for their action, and likely prosecution, trial and imprisonment.

Happy 51st Independence Anniversary.

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About International Day for Biological Diversity

IN December 2000, the United Nations General Assembly adopted May 22 as the Day to celebrate International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB). It was on May 22, 1992, that the Text of the Convention on Biological Diversity by the Nairobi Final Act of the Conference for the Adoption of the Agreed Text of the Convention on Biological Diversity was adopted. The theme chosen for this year’s observance, ‘Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism,’ reflects the designation of 2017 as International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development by the UN General Assembly.

The Convention, which has been ratified by 196 nations provides legal grounding for “the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources.”

It underscores the value of biological diversity as an asset to current and future generations, as

well as threats to species reduction posed by human activities.

Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism The presence of attractive landscapes and rich biodiversity is a crucial component of tourism in Guyana and many other parts of the world. Tourism has key advantages for biodiversity awareness, protected areas, habitat restoration, community engagement and resource mobilisation. In fact, the tourism sector when managed well can attract revenue that will support biodiversity conservation efforts.

The CBD addresses several issues related to the tourism sector, which are also captured under some of 20 Aichi Targets adopted in 2011-2020 Strategic Plan. These Biodiversity Targets Biodiversity are guided by the 5 Strategic goals and highlight the importance of

keeping biodiversity protection and conservation at the forefront of tourism development. The Aichi Targets also recognise the need to pursue the positive contribution of tourism to all aspects of biodiversity management; and for fusing biodiversity and sustainability into political and business models for tourism.

This year’s theme therefore provides a suitable platform to raise awareness and action relevant to the pertinent role of sustainable tourism for economic growth, as well as conservation and the sustainable use of biodiversity.

Want to Conduct Biodiversity Research?

Natural environments provide some of the best opportunities to study organisms. These opportunities are certainly endless in the vast pristine landscapes of

Guyana. Doing research can help us to conserve biodiversity. We can receive insight on population decline of various species of organisms; endangered species; where organisms occur; and functions of species to ecosystems. Biodiversity is a prized national legacy and it is our responsibility to conserve it. Though still not fully understood, biodiversity is fundamental to many of the processes humans need to survive, including clean air, productive soils and fresh water.

Since current information indicates that biodiversity loss is occurring, it is of utmost importance to protect what we have.

In Guyana, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for the coordinating research activities, and requires any person, whether local or foreign, who is interested in conducting

biodiversity research to apply to the EPA for a Research Permit. Applications for Biodiversity Research, along with supporting documents, can be submitted online through the National Biodiversity Research Information System (NBRIS) (http:// www.epabiodiv.gy/rap/). The application must be submitted at least three months prior to the start of the research. The cost for each application is US $ 75 and will incur an additional fee of US $ 40 in the case of late applications.

Happy International Day for Biological Diversity!

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@ gmail.com

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The Murdered Dutchman rides again

By Abdool A. Aziz HE came from Amsterdam-Holland. Name: Budrus Gravesande. Arriving in the early 18th Century he bought an abandoned sugar plantation at West-Coast Demerara.

He revolutionised sugar cultivation to such a level that he and the neighbours - a Londoner named Nelson and a fellow Dutchman named Jonathan - envied him.

To make matters worse he began a love affair with Margaret, Nelson’s niece.

Both Nelson and Jonathon conspired to get rid of their nemesis. They hatched a deadly plot.

DEADLY PLOT Every day at mid-day Budrus would jump on his horse Ajax and trot down the track to his estate. But he rode his last on August 13, 1829.

HORSE SPOOKED At Precisely 1 pm, Ajax refused to move on, halting under a silk-cotton tree. The animal began to neigh, blow steam from its nostrils and snort. Kicking wildly and standing on its hind legs, his eyes grew red as he ranted and raged.

Kicking wildly and standing on its hind legs, he threw off its rider.

TRAMPLED TO DEATH Before Budrus could get to his feet, the horse began to trample him. He became a rag doll. One hoof landed on his chest and broke his rib cage. A splintered bone pierced his heart.

Ajax stood silently over his master’s corpse so calm as though nothing happened. The spooking was over. Nelson and Jonathan achieved their goal. Budrus was gone.

STOOD GUARD Workers returning home from the backlands found the horse still straddling the fallen master. They tried to retrieve him but to no avail. The horse would not let them. Security personnel were summoned but the horse refused to budge. The authorities were forced to put Ajax down.

AJAX PUT DOWN Both steed and master were buried in one tomb. It was a huge funeral. Nelson and Jonatan kept away. No more competition. And Margaret was supposedly cleansed of the red-neck Dutchman. Budrus gone?

ONE TOMB Each night following his interment the murdered man mounts his beloved horse and patrols his estate and that of his enemies CLIPITY CLAP You could hear the metal sound of the hoofs on the concrete road at midnight. Clipity clap… clipity clap…! But you see no one, not even on a clear night. Budrus would ride up to Nelson’s bungalow and break down the gate and Ajax would let out an incessant neigh. Nelson was

robbed of his sleep so too his family and acre of cane burned to the ground. The same happened to Johnathan. Budrus was on a rampage.

TIE DOWN THE SPIRIT Budrus got the last laugh. The two distressed planters tried to ‘tie down” this ghost but failed. A month later Nelson met with a terrible accident. His land-rover turned ‘turtle’ and pinned him to death.

AWFUL ENVY Jonatan suffered from incurable sores. He went back to Holland. No one knows for sure who exacted the curse on Ajax. But all were convinced that Budrus had brought his arch enemies down.

WHO’S THE CULPRIT? The peasants remembered the sad day man and animal entered the chamber of the mausoleum for eternal rest. But was it?

READING THE HEADSTONE And in his memory a dam is named after him – Budrus Dam – still there to this day. The huge blue marble tomb still can be seen today and curious visitors wishing to know what was written on its headstone brought a Dutch from Suriname. He read the inscription-Man and beast together –forever –Ajax and Budrus killed by evil hands (1832).

THE CURSE As a boy my mom would wake me up past midnight to hear those hoofs on the concrete pathway. It was a bright moon-lit night. Mr Budrus was still on patrol but invisible.

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Young Guyanese women using creative ingenuity to form their own businesses – helping to empower others

By Ravena Gildharie WITH increasing focus on women empowerment and entrepreneurship, more young Guyanese females are setting up their own businesses and pushing their creative ingenuity to the highest levels to attain success. Some of them have evolved as mentors, teaching their trade and sharing their business experiences for the benefit of others.

Yvonne Angelica Pilgrim, age 27, originally of North East La Penitence, has a bakery shop in Kingston, Georgetown. She specialises in custom-made cakes, integrating the latest techniques and artistic styles.

She has trained scores of women from Georgetown, East Coast and East Bank Demerara, West Coast and West Bank Demerara and Bartica. Women in Essequibo and Berbice have expressed interest too, presenting more opportunities for Pilgrim to consider.

She previously worked fulltime but, after a two-year programme at the Carnegie School of Home Economics, became self-employed three years ago. Fueled by her passion, she continued research and practice to boost her creativity beyond the basic flowers and roses in cake designs.

“It’s a God-given gift because when I hold the bag and tip and set out to do a design I have never done before, I feel blessed when I see the end result,” she stated.

Having mastered the art, Pilgrim felt a desire to share her knowledge.

“I knew there were women out there including single parents who may want to learn a new skill and to provide an income for themselves, but might not have been able to

have the formal training or opportunities, so I decided to do the courses…I don’t consider myself the best but, I try to use what I have learnt through my research and practice to teach my students,” Pilgrim related.

The 12-week courses include classes of 15. Her most recent graduation was two weeks ago. The courses focus on cake baking and decoration but, students are now asking to include pastry making.

just have to stay focused and keep growing and the jobs will come.’”

Pilgrim is married and has a four-month-old son but, plans to pursue business management courses and subsequent funding at the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) to expand her venture.

Another creative young woman is Colita Ishmile Mohamed, a

‘STAY FOCUSED TO BOOST BUSINESS’ Her advice for young entrepreneurs: “I always tell my students ‘you have to love what you do to succeed and you must surround yourself with people who support and motivate you. There will be people who will say negative things to discourage you, when you set out to do something and yes, there will always be challenges and doubts, but I believe with God’s guidance we can overcome anything. We

elder woman in her community at age 12 during a two-week school holiday. She was taught the basic designs of baby hats and socks, but later developed her own creative items. Now, she even features a line of modern swimwear and jewelry including earrings and necklaces.

EXPOSURE FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS

The entrepreneur has since participated in Guyana Fashion Week 2016, Women Entrepreneurship Christmas Market at the Giftland Mall and Women in Business Expo 2017. There, she marketed her products and also met other young women who were eager to learn Turn to page XXIV ►►►

26-year-old wife and mother of one, who owns CIM Exotic Designs.

She is based in Diamond, EBD, and features innovative crochet designs of clothing, bags, hats, footwear, jewelry and other accessories. She launched her venture last October 2016 at Curlfest Guyana Natural Hair Expo at the Promenade Gardens.

It was her first exposure and she was inspired by the public’s response to her creativity in the age-old art of crochet.

“My major motivation to crochet is my love for the craft and the feeling of pride and satisfaction at the finished product,” Mohamed explained, adding: “I am constantly developing my craft by researching modern stitches that helps me to create contemporary items.”

She learnt the craft from an

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Progress being made in building a socially cohesive Guyana

– with completion of five-year Social Cohesion Strategic Plan

Georgetown, Guyana (May 19, 2017) country’s diversity is an asset that will - “One People, One Nation, One Despropel it to greater heights, allowing all tiny” is Guyana’s motto and while the Guyanese to have the same opportunities country is multi-ethnic, multicultural and equal access to the resources of the and multi-religious, the vision of His State, regardless of ethnicity, religion, Excellency, President David Granger political persuasion or geographic lois to build a socially cohesive Guyana, cation. The Government of Guyana where there is equitable access to believes that diversity adds to Guyana’s resources and harmonious relations richness and uniqueness as a nation and among all groups spread across the 83 should be celebrated. thousand square miles of the ‘Land of The absence of social cohesion in a Many Waters.’ diverse country such as ours, the Head of In pursuit of building a socially coState believes inflicts unbearable social hesive Guyana, the Ministry of Social and economic costs. During his visits Cohesion was formed and the first step to the various administrative regions they took towards the development of he has reiterated the necessity of social a measurable strategic plan was the cohesion to ensure the development of Multi-stakeholder Roundtable on “Social a productive country, which boasts a Cohesion for lasting Peace and Unity” thriving economy where all the people held on September 3-4, 2015, which enjoy the benefits. served as a vital mechanism through Speaking at the recently held Arrival which citizen perspectives, ideas and Day event at Highbury, East Berbirecommendations could be presented ce-Corentyne (Region Six), President to support the identification of key isGranger said that the country’s diversity sues, opportunities and best practices in must be protected, ensuring that everybringing an ethnically divided society one coexists in peace and show mutual together. respect for the validity of each other’s President David Granger interacting with a little lady during the Arrival Day Celebration at The input of citizens, religious groups culture. The Guyanese Leader, while Plantation Highbury, East Berbice- Corentyne (Region Six) and other stakeholders has resulted in noting that it may have been an accident actively ensuring equity for every person. This matches the greater participation and awareness of history that the six races were brought and has allowed ordinary Guyanese to begin the process of aspirations of President Granger, who is confident that the together in such a spectacular manner, said that it was not an accident that much work had to be put into welding them into a whole nation. Social Cohesion, he stressed, is not an accident, nor an automatic condition of the fact that the races came together some 179 years ago, but it had to be hammered out on the anvil of struggle.

The thrust of Social Cohesion, the President pointed out, lies in the answer to the fundamental question of how diverse peoples can live together in a multicultural, multi-religious society. He said that Social Cohesion is a work in progress and urged that it not be taken for granted.

“Social cohesion has to be built gradually and deliberately, family by family, community by community. Social Cohesion had to be built from the commencement of indentured immigration in 1835, when the Portuguese came. Social Cohesion, therefore, was due in no small measure to the efforts of all to accept each other’s values, each other’s beliefs and each other’s differences,” the

Chronicle Pepperpot May 21, 2017 President said.

He proposes that social cohesion be achieved by paying homage to each group, noting that it is only by recognition and paying respect to the people that differences would not be obscured and ignorance would be eradicated, allowing real integration to be achieved. The assurance was also given that Government will continue to work towards the strengthening of each individual group that makes up the Guyanese nation.

“It is this diversity, which will lead to prosperity and into a common future for us all… Indian integration arose as an essential element in nation building. Resilience in the face of adversity on the plantations, the relevance of culture amidst the new conditions and the recognition of the need to develop respectful relations with the other races in our society contributed to the cohesive state that we enjoy today,” he said.

Reflecting on the struggles of our ancestors, President Granger reminded that on the plantations they were treated as unequal members of society, noting too that the onus is on this generation to eradicate inequality in Guyana by building an inclusionary society.

Expressing similar sentiments, Chairman of East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six), Mr. David Armogan said it is imperative that all Guyanese learn from the examples of their ancestors, who lived in unity with each other. He pointed out that “One of the major characteristics that kept them going was that they lived in unity and harmony, not only among the indentured labourers that came… they also coexisted very well in unity and harmony with the [former] slaves, who began to work in smaller places where they had bought.”

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, speaking at an outreach in the East Coast Demerara village of Mon Repos, on Arrival Day, underscored the importance of all Guyanese working together for the development of Guyana. Pointing to the inclusionary and non-discriminatory nature of the Administration as it relates to access to resources and services,

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton Hands over a copy of the Social Cohesion Strategic Plan 2017-2021 to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

Minister Harmon stressed that political affiliation, ethnicity or any other such factor does not determine how Government allocates resources.

He said, “We have to ensure that all of our communities are developed in an equitable way. We cannot have one area of a community developed and the other area left back because of political voting patterns. We cannot have one area developed and another left back because of ethnic polarisation. We require, in our country, a cohesive society. We require, in our country, a oneness of purpose and that is the only way we can take the benefits of all that is happening.”

Minister Harmon said that the administration has placed significant focus on strengthening the capacity of the people and improving their lives and will continue to do so as the country progresses, citing that the country is on the cusp of greatness. This he attributed to the oil discovery made offshore Guyana by United States oil giant, ExxonMobil, in an area known as the Stabroek Block. In January 2017, ExxonMobil also announced positive results from its Payara-1 well offshore Guyana. Payara is ExxonMobil’s second oil discovery on the Stabroek Block.

Enhancing and promoting social cohesion is a national endeavour and towards this end, the Social Cohesion Strategic Plan 2017-2021, which was recently handed over to Prime Minister, Mr. Moses Nagamootoo, suggests roles and provide indications of programmatic actions that can be undertaken by various stakeholders towards the goal of a cohesive society, where all diversities are embraced and

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where all have equal stake and share in the national patrimony. Social Cohesion is aimed at encouraging greater equality and building bridges across the boundaries of class, ethnicities, gender and geography.

At this year’s Social Cohesion Day activity, celebrated on May 11, Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton said that the Government is now better positioned to build a unified Guyana. He called on every Guyanese to do all that is possible to ensure social cohesion becomes a reality.

While acknowledging that the road ahead is a long one, Dr. Norton said that with consistent effort the country will arrive where it needs to be and live up to its motto. This he pointed out can be achieved since his Ministry now has a more structured and systematic approach to advancing the social cohesion Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon sharing a light moment with pupils of the agenda, that is the Social CoheMon Repos Primary School sion Strategic Plan 2017-2021. place in the absence of unity. “Unity brings progress. It According to Minister Norton, “The implementation plan outlines the direction or the ensures development and it will definitely result in a sense initiatives the Ministry would undertake over the next four of belonging. No man is an island; no man stands alone… and five years. The effective implementation requires that Unity is of vital importance,” Pastor Perreira said, noting that we all work together as one people to ensure that we chart respect and tolerance for the cultures and religions of others the way forward to achieving social cohesion. Everyone has must begin in the home.

This administration continues to push its mandate of bringa role to play in the process as we are all architects of social ing the people together, and the work of the Ministry seeks to cohesion.”

Representatives of the three main religious groups in ensure that Guyana develops a healthy environment where Guyana echoed the resounding call for tolerance and respect diversities are embraced and conflicts resolved.

The Ministry of Social Cohesion holds the responsibility for each other’s religion and underscored the vital importance to support development of an environment where diversiof unity in building a progressive and cohesive Guyana.

Director of Education at the Central Islamic Organisation ties are embraced and conflicts resolved. It endeavours to of Guyana (CIOG), Shaykh Moeenul Hack said that the three do this by ensuring a number of things, which include the religions have many things in common, especially the concept reduction of income disparities caused by poverty, eradicaof unity and respect, which are pivotal to the advancement of tion of inequality, embracing of inclusivity at both the poany society. He said, “We must accept diversity as a fact of litical and social levels, reducing unemployment, ensuring life and it is one of the signs of the Creator; of His power to equal access to education, harmonising social relations and create human beings of different races, different languages et effective management of the country’s multiculturalism. cetera .…and nothing is wrong with this.”

Mr. Hack noted that the challenge now is not only to tolerate but to educate ourselves thoroughly about our obligations to the Creator. He believes that the foundation can be built for persons to accept diversity.

Chairman of the Hindu Core Group, formed by the Ministry of Social Cohesion, Mr. Jaidev Dudhnath said that without unity the nation cannot move forward, therefore it is imperative that all groups unite in pursuit of the common goal of development.

“We have to do much more awareness to tell our children especially… Let them know how important is unity; how it is imperative that we learn to appreciate and tolerate other people’s culture. So like all other religious grouping, Hindus have a pivotal role; a critical role to disseminate and create this awareness among the following,” Mr. Dudhnath said.

He reminded of the old adage, “united we stand, divided we fall,” emphasising the need for a cooperative effort in developing Guyana.

Senior Pastor of the Eccles Assemblies of God, Michael Perreira called on Guyanese to think beyond their personal sphere of activities noting that it is inconceivable that meaningful development can take

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about her experiences in business. Mohamed is open to train others, but hasn’t found young women interested in crochet.

She hopes to market internationally, but sourcing raw materials locally is challenging.

“I purchase my raw materials from online stores mostly Amazon, and with additional shipping costs to Guyana and the increase in the U.S. rate for online transactions, the costs of raw materials are most times twice the item cost when it gets here,” Mohamed indicated.

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The cost of her finished products ranges from GYD$1200 to GYD$15, 000 per item.

Meanwhile, Natasha Khan Azeez, 29, also uses public display to expand her business, Customized & Traditional Gifts & Décor, located at Campbellville.

Originally from Wales, WBD, Azeez designs scented candles, coconut baskets, calabash, wine glasses, coffee/ tea mugs, plate plaques, wooden plaques, photo frames and corsages among others. She does face painting and henna designs as well as interior and exterior décor.

“It all began with a pink scented candle

and a tube of fabric paint at 03:00am in the morning, the time when I usually think best. I did not have a plan then, I was not even thinking about starting my own business. However, from that one candle and with the help of Facebook for marketing, it grew and I thought seriously about creating a business where I can share my skills with fellow Guyanese at home and internationally,” Azeez explained.

She added, “I never attended an art school or class of that. I was however doing face painting with Mr. Michael Khan and I guess the technique just stayed, and as I went along it came naturally and it just continues to blossom.”

‘SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS’ Azeez has since studied at the National School of Theatre Arts & Drama, Kuru Kuru Co-operative College and the Business School. She is a trained photographer too

and works part time as a radio broadcaster.

She recalled that after leaving her fulltime media job a few years ago, she struggled to find employment that supported her creativity, so she created her own business.

She has evolved and added new items to her line of customized gifts and décor. She credits her success to Michael Khan and Lyndell Danzie Black.

Azeez hopes to have a permanent business spot but observed that citizens are unsupportive of local talent and creations.

“At my first exhibition, people literally just passed by saying they can get similar products abroad, cheaper…when our own people can just disregard your work without even taking an indebt look, it hurts…so my encouragement to you out there is to take time to appreciate and support your own people, that’s the only way we can move forward,” the talented businesswoman urged.

She has showcased her work at Business Expo, Theatre Guild of Guyana, National Cultural Centre, Promenade Gardens and Women in Business Expo 2017.

Her advice to other young women, “Be independent…Be exposed to new ideas, go places, to exhibitions, museums, dramatic performances, read and be enlightened. Nothing is wrong with a fulltime job, we all start there however, as you continue to grow, allow your mind to explore all the possibilities. Why stop at the sky? Go for the moon, the sun even the stars.”

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Oh! How I LOVE my dogs

Today I am a bit sad. And I am usually a very upbeat person.

I am writing this column with tears in my eyes. People who are close to me know how much my dogs mean to me. A few nights ago I came through my gate and was greeted with the usual love from my seven dogs. I felt so guilty about not spending enough time with them lately so I spent some time returning the love and I could see how happy they were.

The next day I found Little Lonely in a listless position panting for breath. I called the vet immediately and told her the symptoms and she recommended another vet to examine her immediately since she could only come in two hours. The

other vet left his office a few minutes after my call but Little Lonely did not survive. I was next to her showing her some love and stroking her hoping to keep her alive until the vet came. I decided to check on the others and found Dirty Mars’ nose bleeding and looking very weak. A feeling of devastation and helplessness engulfed me. I requested a post mortem because I needed to know how she could be gone in a short few hours. I cried so much for my babies.

(I call all of them baby) The post mortem showed it was poison that caused her system to shut down and the reason for the breathing like that was lack of oxygen. She gets away sometimes if the gate is

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Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel

... Inspiring lives through fashion open and maybe she ate something (suspected rat poison).

Dirty Mars received four injections and she was fighting not to have the last one which ruptured her skin.

When I checked her an hour later she was still bleeding.

One of the injections was to stop the bleeding through the nose and I was hoping that would help with the injury.

Early the next morning she was still bleeding and I had every reason to worry and I called the vet again. The earliest I could go to the clinic was 8:30 and that took forever to come. I wrapped her in one of my towel like a baby and she was barely moving. I always enjoy the smell of jasmine before opening my gate but not then. I was crying again as I got into my daughter Mariska's car. I know many people who are reading this maybe asking if I'm crazy? Why would she be crying so much for some dogs?

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she blessed me with. After a couple of tests we learned she has a blood disease and had a 50-50 chance of surviving. I am praying even more because I can’t deal with another of my babies dying.

God always work for our best interests and that does not happen by accident.

Last Sunday I hosted the first BEYOND THE RUNWAY retreat with some phenomenal women; Bernadette James, Clemencio Goddette, Carol Nurse, Vanda Allicock, Liz Devonish and Veronica Glenn.

We were so recharged and had some much needed soul food that day.

Not forgetting the delicious cheese straw, channna, white pudding, roti and puri.

We shared experiences and opinions on various topics that stirred some emotions. We played pool and tennis (Berni and Vanda thought they were Venus and Serena (lol). I started the week with a re-ignited passion for life and the human capital.

I am elated I have that deposit in my system so I can manage this recent crisis better.

It was an honor to be part of another stimulating "Fireside Chat and Network Forum ", as we discussed challenges faced by entrepreneurs and how they can overcome them.

Startup Grind Worldwide will be featuring women founders all over the world for the month of May. Of all the compliments I received after that presentation, there was one I was most impressed with and it’s from a young man who told me he loved my authenticity.

Authenticity is one of the things we discussed at the BEYOND THE RUNWAY Retreat. We studied and discussed the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey which has had a profound impact on my life and my business.

We also discussed works of Wayne Dyer and John Maxwell.

“I know of nothing more valuable, when it comes to the all-important virtue of authenticity, than simply being who you are”. Charles R. Swindoll Read more at: https://www.brainyquote. com/quotes/keywords/ authenticity.html Will you Like to be part of our next retreat? Send us an email to beyondtherunway1@gmail.com or visit our FB page as we continue this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY. DR. SONIA E. NOEL D.H.L Fashion Designer Global Ambassador Unite4:good John Maxwell Certified Speaker CEO of Guyana Fashion Week Founder of Sonia Noel Foundation for Sustainable Development Founder of Women's Association for Sustainable Development Tel: +592-684-8129 / +592-226-6554 Email: soniaenoel@gmail.com

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SAIJAN – THE MIRACLE TREE IN this offering of consumer concerns, we had intended to touch on three foods cum drugs of the ancient world which are now being re-discovered by western science, though they were very much still in use in the non-Western world. But each of them is so important with so voluminous a literature that it would not have

done justice to our readers if we had tried to deal with all three.

The one we will be considering today is the Saijan, whose botanical name is Moringa Oleifera. Today, many people, even drug stores, have imported Saijan products which are called “Moringa” by foreign pharmacists, and local people have begun using the foreign name “Moringa,” not being aware that it is their own Saijan.

Many years ago, Dr Ptolemy Reid, a Minister of

Agriculture in President Burnham’s Government and an agricultural scientist, had discovered the value of Saijan and began to enthusiastically promote it for the benefit of the population. But Dr. Reid’s efforts at educating people as to the nutrition of and curative qualities of Saijan fell on deaf ears.

Saijan was known and widely used by the Romans, Greeks and Egyptians as a cure for a wide range of ailments. It is a tree which originated in the foothills of the Himalayas in India and about 5000 years ago, became part of the Ayurvedic Therapy for an impressive range of therapeutic uses including its anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-depressant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Ayurevedic is of course the ancient system of medicine still in use today in India and South-East Asia.

Today, Saijan’s health benefits are widely recognised. It has, for instance, a rich blend of powerful antioxidants and is a beneficial treatment for many diseases, some of which we will mention below:Edema. Its use has been effective against Edema and its root extract possesses anti-inflammatory qualities. Liver Protection. Eating Saijan leaves (Saijan Bhaji) because of the effective phytochemicals it contains, protects against damage by anti-tubercular drugs.

Stomach Disorders such as constipation and gastroenteritis and also conditions such as diarrhoea. It combats obesity because of its low-fat quality and converts food into energy rather than storing it as fat. Promotes Healthy hair and skin. Slows up premature aging. For this reason it is used in the production of cosmetics and skin-care products. Cancer. It is an anti-cancer agent and is much valued in tumour therapy. It has shown particular effectiveness in certain types of cancer such as ovarian cancer.

Neurodegenerative Diseases. The effectiveness of Saijan has been very valuable in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia. Cardiovascular protection and diabetes. Saijan extracts are helpful in the protection of myocardial or cardiac damage, due to the presence of powerful antioxidants. They also exert anti-diabetics effects in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

There are several other diseases which Saijan could be used to treat or counter, but once one gets interested in Saijan, there is the internet to turn to for more guidance and information.

In addition to its medical value, Saijan has great nutritional value and is used as a food. In Guyana, the young Saijan sticks are boiled in soups or in dhal or cooked in curries. The leaves are also used as a leafy vegetable (bhaji). As a food, it contains a great range and amounts of essential proteins and vitamins. Vitamins it contains include: Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B6 and C. Its mineral wealth includes calcium. It also contains very low amounts of fats and offers no harmful cholesterol.

In poverty-stricken regions where malnutrition is endemic, it is promoted by various humanitarian organisations, one of the reasons being that it grows easily and rapidly.

We understand that NAREI is seriously cultivating and researching it, since it could be an important nutritional input to Guyana and could also be an important crop to export. Anyone could however easily grow a Saijan tree in his/her backyard.

The effective curative and medical uses of the tree as well as its great nutritional value and its great versatility have resulted in the Saijan being known as “The Miracle Tree.”

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Steve Harvey’s Ex-Wife Mary Vaughn Sues for $60 Mill, Alleges Torture, Child Endangerment, and ‘Soul Murdering’ vorce was settled in 2005, the Family Feud host struck up a relationship with his current wife,

STEVE HARVEY is facing a number of allegations leveled against him by his ex-wife, Mary L. Vaughn, in a lawsuit filed against the host on Wednesday, yet another legal dispute following the couple's bitter divorce more than a decade ago.

Vaughn, Harvey's second wife, is suing the TV personality for $60 million, claiming that during their marriage, which lasted from 1996 until their contentious divorce in 2005, she was allegedly subjected to "prolonged torture with the infliction of severe mental pain and suffering," according to court documents obtained by ET. The documents also claim that Vaughn "attempted suicide by self-medicating [in] an effort to stop the pain," and allege that Harvey and his attorney caused "severe emotional distress" that led to a litany of medical conditions for Vaughn and her immediate family over the last 15 years.

Additionally, Vaughn is suing for alleged child endangerment, torture, kidnapping, breach of contract, conspiracy against rights, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and "soul murdering."

The lawsuit also makes further claims of harassment, brainwashing and theft by deception.

Vaughn's suit was filed by Essie Berry, a civil rights activist and not an attorney. The documents were filed "In Pro Per," which means the plaintiff would be representing themselves, and Berry is acting as Vaughn's power of attorney. TMZ first reported news of the lawsuit.

ET has reached out to Harvey's reps for comment.

Harvey and Vaughn had one child together, Wynton Harvey, born in July 1997. Vaughn has previously aired her various grievances with her ex-husband on YouTube and was jailed for 30 days in 2013 for contempt of court after violating the terms of a gag order in the couple's divorce.

Prior to his relationship with Vaughn, Harvey was married to Marcia Harvey for 14 years. They share three children -- daughters Brandi and Karli and son Broderick.

After Harvey and Vaughn's tumultuous di-

Marjorie Elaine Harvey, whom he married in 2007.

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Visit Rupununi – marketing Region Nine’s tourism potential to the world

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Officials of Visit Rupununi and counterparts in the sector engaged in a networking session for Boa Vista and Region Nine operators.

GIVEN Region Nine’s sprawling beauty, it is no easy task to market this gem of a region to the rest of the world.

But the folk at non-governmental organization “Visit Rupununi”, is working to ensure that Guyanese and the international audience know and understands that a truly special and unique place exists. Their aim: to have persons visit the Rupununi.

The organisation was born out of the Conservation International‘s Guyana "Rupununi Low Carbon Livelihoods Project”, which is aimed at improving livelihoods in two main areas: agriculture and tourism.

Visit Rupununi collaborates with tourism operators, and work collectively to address the issues which affect them.

According to Coordinator, Candace Phillips, while the organisation is in its early stages, it stands to be a model for replication in other regions of Guyana which are actively Magazines produced by the body.

(Neketa Forde photo)

involved in tourism or would like to be.

The body operates out of the Conservation International office in Lethem and functions as a destination management organization. Its aim is to bring representation to tourism operators in the Rupununi while targeting areas of product development, promotion and marketing, facilitating training to improve the standard of service in the region.

The body has worked with the rodeo committee over the years to raise the profile of the region's signature event, the Rupununi Rodeo. This year marks the second year that the body has collaborated with the Rodeo Committee. Its aim is to provide increased focus on social media promotion to highlight what makes this event truly Rupununi in nature and to encourage nationals to travel to the region.

In addition to the rodeo, the body has also worked along with personnel in the tourism services sector in the region.

It hosted a hospitality training session for Lethem hotels and operators with the aim of improving service delivery in the region. “As Rodeo is the region's biggest event, efforts were concentrated around this so that over time, we can see improvement in the Rupununi service sector”, Phillips said.

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She said the training was conducted by Ms Susan Isaacs, a hospitality expert who has worked for many years in the hospitality sector. In addition, the body also coordinated food safety training sessions along with the Guyana Tourism Authority and this has benefited Lethem tour operators, lodges and stallholders at the rodeo.

Phillips said that the strength of Visit Rupununi has been its ability to provide a platform for tourism providers to collaborate and decide the way forward for tourism development in the region. It has achieved this stance, since it draws on the involvement of communities, private sector and regional bodies. Traditionally, this has been done in isolated factions, Phillips said. She noted that it allows for the expression of issues which affect the industry and a collective decisionmaking on strategies which can help to address these. “Visit Rupununi has been pressing forward in its role as a coordinating body for regional tourism development”, Phillips said.

In the years ahead, the body plans to continue to seek opportunities which can realise the full tourism potential of The Rupununi. In addition, it plans to find new markets and provide a medium where stakeholders work together for the further development of tourism in the region.

In 2016, the body engaged the Brazilian market in neighbouring Boa Vista and in the months ahead it plans to further enhance those opportunities which are available to the Guyanese market and looking farther afield into the Brazilian state of Manaus to source travellers to The Rupununi.

London City first in UK to get remote air traffic control

London City is to become the first UK airport to replace its air traffic control tower with a remotely operated digital system.

Instead of sitting in a tower overlooking the runway, controllers will be 120 miles away, watching live footage from high-definition cameras.

The new system, due to be completed in 2018, will be tested for a year before becoming fully operational in 2019.

It has already been tested in Australia, Sweden, Norway and Ireland.

The technology has been developed by Saab, the Swedish defence and security company, and will be introduced as part of a £350m development programme to upgrade London City Airport.

It will also include an extended terminal building, enabling it to serve two million more passengers a year by 2025.

The remote digital system will provide controllers with a 360-degree view of the airfield via 14 high-definition cameras and two cameras which are able to pan, tilt and zoom.

The cameras will send a live feed via fibre cables to a new operations room built at the Hampshire base of Nats, Britain's air traffic control provider.

As well as being able to see it, controllers will be able to hear the airport, as if they were in situ.

Unlike the old tower, the new system will allow controllers to zoom in for a better view and put radar data onto the screen to track aircraft.

BBC transport correspondent Richard Westcott says a critical new safety feature means the cameras will be able to pick out rogue drones near the airport, as well as light the runway at night.

A resident of the village of Nappi sits at his stall during the 2017 Rupununi Rodeo at Lethem. The balata figurines which he sold caught the attention of many.

(Alva Solomon photo)

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English 2017-05-21

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Teach us to care and not to care. Teach us to sit still.

T.S. Eliot (1888-1965) Ash Wednesday 1

STUDY SUCCESS Dear Students, When concentration is not what it should be, try improving it with rest and relaxation. Give yourself a day off a week at least, and other free time when you are not obliged to feel guilty. A fruit drink or a favourite television programme can be rewarding upon the completion of a specific revision unit. Physical exercise can also help revitalise you. You see, much studying can be relatively passive, so find interesting ways to remain focused.

Be wise.

Love you IMPROVING YOUR WRITING A.. Do not lose sight of sentence fragments. Be able to recognise a fragment when you make one and see one.

Reminder: A fragment occurs whenever you construct an incomplete sentence punctuated as if it were complete. That is, you begin the incomplete sentence with a capital letter; you close it with a full stop, question mark or exclamation point; and you neglect to formulate a main clause for the sentence you are formulating.

Look at the following items and correct all sentence fragments that you recognise. Once you have recognised at least one main clause which contains an independent subject and verb and expresses a complete thought, you can then look for other grammatical elements, but you must have the main clause as the base of the sentence.

1. Short story writing can be fulsome and exciting. Never lacks feelings.

2. Your readers have different levels of enjoyment. And varying degrees of interest in your characters.

3. What kind of language should you use to reach a younger audience? Probably conversational.

4. Regardless of their likes. Make sure that your audience understands the setting and plot you use.

5. Children like to listen to stories read every day by their teachers. Seem to like myth.

6. Children seem to grow up quickly these days. Very outspoken.

B.. Working on Sentence Errors – Missing Commas Remember the following two points when you study the rules of comma usage: i) “Separating” elements means placing a comma between two equal elements. ii) Setting off” an element means putting commas before and after it.

Commas in a Series and with Co-ordinate Adjectives Use a comma to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses in a series.

Hopetown, Blairmont, and Weldaad are three large villages in West Coast, Berbice.

The play was long, dull, and humourless.

The pilgrims travelled on land, by sea, and in the air.

Bamby enjoys reading stories, writing articles, and listening to gospel songs.

Preheat the oven, beat the eggs, and sift the flour.

When items are separated by conjunctions, commas are unnecessary.

The play was long and dull and humorous.

Nouns used in pairs (eggs and bacon, salt and pepper) are considered units and are not separated by commas.

The paired nouns are set off from the other nouns or groups of nouns in a series.

The storm brought thunder and lightning, high winds, and heavy rain.

Place a comma between coordinate adjectives that precede a noun.

Adjectives that are coordinate modify the same noun to an equal degree. You can tell whether adjectives in a sentence are coordinated by reversing their order or putting the word and between them.

If the sentence sounds right, then the adjectives are coordinate.

It was a warm, starry, fragrant evening down n the valley.

Avoid placing a comma between adjectives that precede a noun if they sound strange with their order reversed or with and between them.

In general, do not use a comma between adjectives that describe size, shape, age, colour, and material.

The big cedar desk stood in one corner of the room.

Some, but not all, of the adjectives in a series may require commas between them.

A noisy, dusty Venezuelan truck roared down the street.

GRAMMAR Remember Pronouns and Prepositions?

A. Select from among the pronouns within the brackets the one that is correct in each sentence.

1. Is Joan as qualified as (he, him)? 2.

The producer was (she, her).

3. No invitations will be issued to (whosoever, whomsoever) is willing to go to see the talking donkey.

4. Hanna asked that the sensitive documents be sent only to (myself, me) and the Hamilton’s clique. 5. Everyone got the gist of it but (they, them).

B. Indicate the prepositions that should be used in these sentences.

1. Our allowance increases are retroactive ….. June 1.

2. The Bishop of Georgetown’s official residence is adjacent ….. the ‘Great Pool Hut’.

3. Are you sure that these drawing specifications are identical ….. those?

4. Did Mrs. Dalloway give her approval ….. the new training programme?

5. The owners were unsatisfied ….. the last shipment of carpets.

6. Rug is synonymous ----- carpet.

Remember Colons: Illustrations or restatements?

Use a colon to introduce material that illustrates, explains, or restates the preceding material.

You can see how bitterly opposed the members are on his side of the extended family: on a small problem they ‘rant and tare’ in front of the young children.

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Entertainment

Sheryl Crow: How Prince's death influenced her new music

Sheryl Crow's career has so far spanned 10 albums across more than two decades.

She discusses how Prince's death influenced her new sound and her advice to the next generation of female pop stars.

"I can't believe it's been a year, it's just shocking," says Sheryl Crow as she muses over how Prince's death influenced her songwriting.

He and Crow had recorded and performed together several times, but she says:"I had lost touch with him through the last 10 or 15 years.

"I hadn't seen him, and you have that moment where you think 'I wish I'd stayed in touch, I wish I'd been a better friend.'"

Prince was found dead last April at his Paisley Park home after taking an accidental overdose of the painkiller fentanyl.

"When he passed, they started showing all this old footage and I started hearing all that old music again that I'd loved and meant so much to me," Crow says.

"What it made me do was, while I was in the studio and while I was writing, his passing in some way made me feel like everything outside of love, caring and compassion seemed worthless.

"And this was at time when our US election campaign was going on and it was just so vitriolic, and you see the light go out on this incredible talent, and it did make me feel like I want to make music that matters to me.

It brought back the urgency."

Crow is speaking to the BBC in London ahead of a series of live shows in support of her 10th album Be Myself.

It's striking during the press interviews she's doing that there is no big entourage and no PR people in the room. She's keen to point out she likes to devote her full attention to living in the moment and, crucially, not be on her phone all the time.

"Smartphones are banned in my house!" she laughs. "I know I'm not going to look back on my life with my kids and think 'I wish I had been on my phone more'."

The huge technological shift is one of the biggest societal changes there's been since she first rose to prominence in the pre-smartphone age with her 1994 breakthrough single All I Wanna Do. "There's a huge problem and I think it's really informing civilisation about who we're becoming. We're all attached to these gadgets which are supposed to keep us connected, and yet they're creating a disconnect."

She admits that while she's not being entirely serious about banning phones in the family home completely, she has gone through something of a technology detox recently: "I've just made a pact with myself and I'm much happier.

"I pick my phone up once a day and check

it, but it's always on silent. If you detox from your phone you'll realise how much of your day is spent looking to see what you're missing, and what you're missing is your life."

When we meet in London on Thursday morning, news has just broken about the death of Chris Cornell - who Crow knew well when they were on the same record label at the start of their careers.

"I'm just in shock about it, he was so young, and from what I understand really had his life together," she says as the news comes through.

One of the many things Crow and Cornell had in common was that both did a James Bond theme - Cornell for 2006's Casino Royale, Crow for 1997's Tomorrow Never Dies.

Reflecting on what her Bond song did for her career, Crow says: "When you're a musician, there are very few opportunities that get handed to you that give you carte blanche to completely step out of your genre, and reach people that you'd never reach.

"And the James Bond theme historically is one of those where opportunities are getting to be part of a legacy and being associated with a brand, and really creating notoriety across all genres.

"So for me it was a great honour and it happened really early on in my career, and I loved the opportunity to do it, loved working with the people who produce those movies."

Two decades on, Pierce Brosnan is long

gone as Bond and Crow is now on her 10th studio album, Be Myself.

"I think this is the most succinct record I've ever made, insofar as the topics, the themes, and also just bringing my full self to the studio," she says.

"I've never been that open and freakishly fast writing a record. I think partially that's because of my age, and that's liberating and knowing that there are no parameters on what I was writing. That really created a free atmosphere.

"But also, there's just an incredible number of things to write about right now, especially in America. If you're willing to stick your neck out on the chopping block and write about what's happening, it's just endless."

'Out of my control' Crow is somebody who has never been scared of getting political - she supported Hillary Clinton last year, and in the early noughties she found herself campaigning against illegal downloading, which was leaving a big financial hole in the music industry.

"There was a point where Napster was happening and people were starting to download music unlawfully where I thought 'Wow is this the measure of what people feel music is worth? And I started feeling disillusioned about that, and was on Capitol Hill all the time and trying to protect artists' rights.

"But with the advent of technology, you sort of have to throw your hands in the air

and say 'Okay, it's the order of chaos and it's out of my control', so I'm at a place where I feel like I put a record out, I'm proud of it, but I have no idea how many people own it or have heard it or anything.

"With subscription services, there's a certain amount of letting go and thinking 'I've made the music, so whatever happens happens."

Going back and looking at the music videos for some of Crow's early hits, it's noticeable she was never an artist who was marketed as a sex symbol.

Little Mix are among the female pop artists to have recently talked about feeling like they have to look a certain way - but it's something that Crow said she never felt pressured by.

"The female image is sexualised and it's partially because young girls are growing up with their heroes branding themselves as sexual beings," she says.

"We all are, but in some ways it undermines your brand. With a lot of young women, they're mixing up sexuality with power, and I think that portraying yourself with the erotic style of dancing doesn't necessarily equate to power.

"And if you are trying to portray yourself as a role model, it's confusing for young girls, and it's confusing for young boys as well."

Sheryl Crow's new album Be Myself is out now.

Entertainment

Tributes paid to Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell Some of the biggest names in rock and pop music have paid tribute to Chris Cornell following the Soundgarden star's suicide.

Cornell was found dead in his hotel room after performing a show in Detroit on Wednesday evening. Officials later confirmed he had hanged himself.

Singer Alice Cooper called him "the best voice in rock and roll" while Sir Elton John said he was "a great singer, songwriter and the loveliest man".

Cornell, 52, had three children.

He was a lead singer and songwriter in the groups Soundgarden and Audioslave.

His best-known song was Black Hole Sun, released in 1994.

So much more than a grunge star 2006 interview with Chris Cornell on his Bond theme Chris Cornell in 2006 speaking about his career in music When he recorded You Know My Name for the 2006 film Casino Royale, he became the first male American artist to write a theme song for a James Bond film.

Soundgarden were due to headline a rock music festival called Pointfest in St Louis on Saturday but organisers have called off the event.

The Wayne County Medical Examiner's

Office confirmed in a statement on Thursday that the frontman killed himself..

Sir Elton wrote on Instagram: "Shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Chris Cornell. A great singer, songwriter and the loveliest man."

Alice Cooper said: "Chris Cornell, in our circle, was known as The Voice because he had the best voice in rock and roll.

"I was lucky enough to write and record two songs with him. His death comes as a total shock to all of us.

"Black Hole Sun will live on as a classic, and his is a true legacy of rock and roll."

Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page tweeted: "RIP Chris Cornell. Incredibly talented.

Incredibly young. Incredibly missed."

Bill Idol tweeted: "Sad to hear of Chris Cornell passing, great singer and artist ... another blow ...RIP." Disco producer Nile Rodgers called Cornell "my special brother" and said he could not process the news of his death.

"I'm shocked, I don't even know how to deal with it," he said.

Creed guitarist Mark Tremonti tweeted: "Chris was the most influential singer to me as a writer. I just saw him perform days ago.

Completely devastated."

Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry wrote: "Very sad news about Chris Cornell today. A sad loss

of a great talent to the world, his friends and family. Rest In Peace."

Singer-songwriter John Mayer called him

"an incredibly talented and inventive singer".

And comedian Ed Byrne called Cornell's death "an unexpected gut punch".

Crazy good Scalloped Potatoes Ingredients 4 – 5 lbs potatoes 3 tbs butter 1 tbs Onion 1 tbs Garlic 3 tbs flour 1 cup chicken broth 2 cups of whole milk 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper 2 tsp herb 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar 1/2 cup parmesan

Method Peel your potatoes and slice them about 1/8 inch. Outside of the cheese, put your butter and flour in a saucepan. Cook for two minutes or so. You do that to cook out the flour taste. Then you will want to add all the other ingredients (again, except for the cheese).

Cook till it thickens whisking all the while.

Grease up a baking dish. Put half of the potatoes on the dish. Pour half of the cream sauce over the top. Add 1 cup of the cheddar and the 1/2 cup of parmesan. Add the rest of the potatoes and sauce. Bake in a preheated 400° oven for 30 minutes covered with foil then remove the foil and cook for another 25 – 30 minutes.