Guyana’s Premier Guide to Entertainment, Culture, Fashion, Beauty, Sports & Divas in the Making
5th Annual GY$1,100 | US$5.99 | BD$12 | CN$7
Wish List 2010 Christmas Gift Guide
Avon Breast Cancer Fitness Walk
BOXING
Caribbean Fury 2
Exclusive!
Up-close with Songstress
GFW IV
New name, new look & new attitude
THE WEDDING PLANNER
CAMILLE 2010 Caribbean Motor Racing Championships
Getting Married in Guyana
www.GemMagOnline.com
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CORBIN MEDIA GROUP
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Contents GEM
18 LETTERS TO GEM What readers have to say about the last edition
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PUBLISHER’S NOTES All the best for the season and New year
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BIRTHDAYS Personality milestone
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PERSONALITY Tricia Fiedtkou, Manager, Connections Travel Service and Asst. Secretary/Treasurer, Guyana Hockey Board
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The Wedding Planner Getting Married in Guyana
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Avon Breast Cancer Awareness 5th Annual Fitness Walk
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Wish List 2010 Christmas Gift Guide 6 | GEM DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011
Guyana's Premier Entertainment & Lifestyle Magazine December/January 2011 | Issue 42
Frandec Travel Service Celebrates 50 Years Up-Close with Songstress Camille. New name, new look, new attitude
COVER CREDIT
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The photo of Camille was submitted exclusively for use in GEM by her.
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Contents II GEM
40 National Dance Company’s Dance Season 31 GEM BEAUTY Meet 21 –year-old Rubena a Cancer
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HEALTH BEAT Cold and Flu Season: Protecting yourself
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FASHION - Shape 2000’s 2011 Collection Canopy - Guyana Fashion Weekend IV
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TRAVEL The Megatherium Giant Sloth Exhibition @ the National Museum
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RECIPES Christmas Gift Loaf and Garlic Pork
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LAST SEEN HERE Random pictures of people and events. Were you there?
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December 2010 Calendar Things to do, places to go and people to see
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Boxing Caribbean Fury 2 SAVVY SISTER Using Body Language To Attract Mr. Right 8 | GEM DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011
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Diwali 2010 Snapshots from the annual celebrations
ICON Ken Corsbie - An Evergreen Performer
Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championships Team Guyana Rules in 2010
Guyana's Premier Entertainment & Lifestyle Magazine December/January 2011 | Issue 42
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GEM SINCE 2004
Issue 42 | December/ January 2011 FOUNDER & PUBLISHER Simeon L Corbin EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Pamela Corbin MANAGING EDITOR Coretta Corbin-Rival LAYOUT AND DESIGN Mark James INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Pamela Corbin INTERNATIONAL SALES & MARKETING Director Coretta Corbin-Rival INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION Director Michelle Corbin CONTRIBUTORS Pamela Corbin • Coretta Corbin-Rival • Michelle Corbin • Carl Croker • Naomi Wright • Allan Fenty•Tiya Peterkin • Petamber Persaud • Michael Benjamin • Colin Sulker GUYANA AND THE CARIBBEAN GEM, P.O. Box 12396, Georgetown, Guyana Phone: 011.592.225.1738 or 011.592.624.2751 Email: info@GemMagOnline.com Website: www.GemMagOnline.com SUBSCRIPTION Guyana GYD5,500 Caribbean & North America USD40 Rest of the World USD45 http://www.gemmagonline.com DISTRIBUTION To sell GEM at your business, please email sales at sales@gemmagonline.com INTERNATIONAL SALES AND MARKETING Corbin Media Group P.O. Box 255906 Boston, MA 02125 USA Phone: 617.833.7482 Email: CorbinMediaGroup@aol.com MEMBER Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Guyana Press Association (GPA) Tourism Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) ISSN 181-2019 Six times a year, GEM delivers the latest trends in business, charity, art, interior design, real estate, culture, cuisine, sports, entertainment, parties, fashion, events, beauty, weddings and travel. All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or whole without permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. The publisher and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to GEM’s rights to edit.
© 2010 by CORBIN MEDIA GROUP
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Letters to Anyone who takes such a huge gamble as you’ve done deserves at a minimum a large thank you from all supporters of this magazine. From what I have read so far, I dare say that GEM is the best magazine I’ve seen coming out of Guyana. I wish you, your family, and all of your positive thinking readers a very Happy New Year. – Emilia Beharry, Galveston, Texas I love it...I love it...I love it! My first introduction to GEM was by accident at my friend's home in Maryland earlier this year, and she didn’t want to part with her copies. Fortunately, you offer subscription and I have been receiving my own copies with no problem. Good luck with the magazine and please keep them coming. – Evelyn Mayfield, West Virginia
We welcome comments, criticisms and ideas from you. Let us know what you think about this edition. Send comments to letters@gemmagonline.com. Letters may be edited for space and clarity. Just a note to tell you how much I enjoy your publication. It is great to find a magazine that so closely reflects my thoughts on a number of subjects. I must also thank everyone at GEM for helping our family to remember the beauty of Guyana from afar. God bless! – Bill Pickett I must confess that the reason I never ordered your magazine in the past was that I thought that it was only about fashion shows and pageants and it would be the same old same old publications coming out of Guyana. Your name never indicated anything about Guyanese lifestyle (travel, health, dining etc). I am now pleased with most of what I have read in your magazine and I appreciate the fact that you leave out all the negatives about Guyana and Guyanese. It is good to read positive stuff about Guyana for a change. Keep up the good work. – Henry DaSilva, Canada
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Publisher's Notes Pamela Corbin Photo
I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody. -Bill Cosby Dear Valued Reader, You know what I love about Christmas in Guyana? Everyone smiles a bit more. We also open our homes to family and friends, and appreciate where we live. And who wouldn't love this time of the year, after watching the hustle and bustle for new decorations and food items seen only at this time. The smell of new vanolay, pepperpot and the frequent sounds of carols and masquerade bands all contribute to the spirit of the season. December is where things really kick into gear with the company parties, dinners, concerts and shows. I can't wait for the Kashif and Shanghai football tournament and the Old Year's night fetes around town. I am looking forward to seeing you all out and about. Thank you our loyal supporters for continuing to make GEM the premier entertainment and lifestyle magazine for Guyanese at home and in the Diaspora. Since launching in 2004, we have been focusing on the personalities, places and events that help to shape Guyana into a unique place to live or visit. It is an honour for us to bring you exciting articles complemented with high quality images every two months. We have no trouble understanding you and serving your needs, because quite frankly, we are you - people who love Guyana and are not afraid to show it.
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As displayed in this edition, rest assure that in the New Year, we will continue to celebrate and showcase our positive lifestyles for the whole world to see. In the spirit of joy and happiness and on behalf of the GEM family, we wish you a Merry Christmas and all the best for 2011. See you Next Year! Enjoy yourself, Founder & Publisher GEM http://www.facebook.com/GEM.Guyana
May the best of your past be the worst of your future.
Suzette Shim
Carl Hooper
DECEMBER Former Miss Guyana World Suzette Shim (5) Cricketer Lennox Cush (12) Designer Donna Ramsammy-James (13) Former Guyanese and West Indies cricketer Carl Hooper (15) Hollywood actor Sean Patrick Thomas (17) Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony (19) Hollywood actress CCH Pounder (25) Former Guyana and West Indies cricketer Rohan Kanhai (26) Prime Minister Samuel Archibald Anthony Hinds (27)
Donna Ramsammy-James
Allan Fenty
JANUARY Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes (2) News anchor Petal De Santos (15) Singer/Songwriter Don Gialiani (20) Former Guyana and former West Indies cricketer Andrew Jackman (21) President Bharrat Jagdeo (23) Actress Sonia Yarde (25) Golfer Christine Sukhram (26) Former Guyana and West Indies cricketer Faoud Bacchus (31) TV personality Allan Fenty (31)
Finer Flour The
™
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PERSONALITY
Tricia Fiedtkou Job: Manager, Connections Travel Service and Asst. Secretary/Treasurer, Guyana Hockey Board Favourite movie: No favourite just not horror Favourite dish: Beef Curry and puri Favourite novel: Clan of the Cave Bear
GEM: Was the travel agency business your first career choice? Tricia Fiedtkou: It sort of picked me, but you could say, I was actually on the other side of the fence. I started at BWIA, and worked there for 10 years before becoming a travel agent. It is quite different and I became their biggest critic, in good and bad..haha…. GEM: How long has Connections Travel Service been in existence and what kinds of services do you offer? TF: Since 1996 and still a relatively young travel agency in years, but we have managed to make our mark as one of the leading travel agency in this country. We offer travel to all destinations around the world and locally. Also cruises and holiday packages. GEM: Why should people make their travel plans through Connections? TF: Our focus is on high quality of service and integrity, but we do spend time looking for the most economical options for all our customers. GEM: What do you think about the idea of more airlines flying to Guyana? TF: Competition and choices, without those two, we have a monopoly and the traveling public get a raw deal. GEM: Where are some of the unusual destinations Guyanese are travelling to for vacation these days? TF: Fortaleza in Brasil, Hawaii, Dar-es-Salaam in Tanzania, but Guyanese prefer to visit traditional destinations and where relatives live is a deciding factor. GEM: What time of the year is good to get great airfare bargains to North America? TF: Usually it is May or October but due to the number of flights into/out of Guyana, that ‘low period’ is dwindling. GEM: Which high school did you attend, and what was that experience like? TF: St. Stanislaus college was really a great school to be a part of during the years I attended. Since it had become a co-ed school just a few years prior to when I started, there were competition between the genders in both academics and sports. There was general rivalry between the top schools
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Photography: Michael Lam
like Queens, Bishops and ours in many areas, which of whose had the nicest girls….haha… GEM: As a professional, mother, wife and athlete, what advice would you offer a female high school student? TF: It is possible to balance school and recreation. Children do not know how to play anymore other than video games and being on the computer. Too much emphasis is being placed on academics and so they are not getting a chance to explore and develop their physical abilities. Sometimes that child may be gifted enough to excel in a sport and gain recognition to achieve an overseas scholarship. Your parents probably never spent so much time on schoolwork and are just as successful in their field of work. Being able to represent your country in any activity whether it is athletics or chess brings pride and patriotism. Girls, if you are smart AND physically fit too, then you will be healthier and more confident and that is even more attractive to those around you. GEM: You seem to be very passionate about hockey. How long have you been involved in the game? TF: It runs in my family, but it was also part of Physical Education in St. Agnes Primary over in the ‘mall’ field where I experienced my first proper training by Mrs. Bernice Roberts who was a fun and motivating teacher. This passion has now passed to my daughters who are both members of the GCC Ladies team.
like? TF: Crazy and chaotic at times, but a chance for me to show others how to be confident of whom you are, whatever your age and in whatever you are wearing. GEM: How do you unwind after a hectic week? TF: I live in a quiet area out of Georgetown, so my home is my solace. GEM: How do you handle the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season? TF: Not very well. Christmas has become too commercial now, and I get a little crazy hearing Carols from the beginning of November. GEM: Where would you most likely be ringing in the New Year? TF: The GCC Hockey team Old Years Night ball in Subryanville and also with family at Duke Lodge. GEM: What are your views on life? TF: Treasure time with family; laugh a lot; go to new places when you can, be fearless knowing that God is always by your side. It’s the journey not the destination. Eat and drink in moderation and live a healthy and fulfilling life.
GEM: In your opinion, why isn’t hockey an arena-filling sport in Guyana and who is a typical fan of the sport? TF: Like all minor sports in Guyana, there is not much funds being put up for prizes and sponsorship, so the general public is not aware of these activities hence the support is mainly from the hockey players’ family and friends. It needs to be recognised that all sports have a contribution to the country’s success, but sadly emphasis is placed only on those that can generate the most money. GEM: What other sports get your attention? TF: I try to keep abreast with how Guyana is doing in all sports, but I quite like watching tennis and football. I believe if a more variety of sports show on television, I would watch those too. GEM: You’ll give anything to meet? TF: Maybe Madonna. GEM: Which region did the Fiedtkou name originate from? TF: The name is originally from our Dutch ancestors and is my name by marriage, so I don’t know half of the Fiedtkous scattered across Guyana. GEM: You and your daughter were seen modelling at the Wedding Expo last April, what was that experience DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011 GEM | 15
THE WEDDING PLANNER
Getting Married in Guyana: Making It Legal
I
f you plan to get married in Guyana, you need to understand the regulations regarding marriage.
We made some calls and spoke with a few knowledgeable persons familiar with the paperwork to come up with these frequently asked questions about making a union legal. Here's what you need to know and what documents to bring with you before you apply for a Guyanese marriage license and the subsequent certificate. We hope this FAQs exercise will help to make this process less tedious for you. What is the first thing I need to do if I plan to get married in Guyana? Firstly, you need to purchase a marriage package from any Guyana Post Office Corporation location for GY$100 (US$0.50) After filling-out the package what next? You and your fiancé (e) then have to make duplicate copies of your birth certificates, national identification cards or passports and have the package notarized by a Justice of Peace (JOP). If you or your fiancé (e) are divorced, then the Decree Absolute and a copy are required. I am not Guyanese; can I use my country’s identification card to get married in Guyana? No. If you are planning to get married in Guyana, but you were not born here, then you would need to use your passport as your form of identification.
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I am not a Guyanese; will I be required to bring my original birth certificate as well? No. Just your passport is required. How do I go about having the package notarized? The cost will vary from GY$1,000 (US$5) to GY$3,000 (US$15) to have a JOP notarize your package. You, your fiancé(e) and two witnesses must be present at the JOP’s office. Check the telephone directory for a JOP office near you. So my package has been notarized what next? Return the package to one of three Registrars’ offices located on Robb Street in Georgetown, at the Anna Regina Regional Office in Essequibo or at the New Amsterdam Regional Office in Berbice. Include your original birth certificates, National IDs / passports and the duplicates of these documents (for non-Guyanese exclude the birth certificate). Is there an additional payment necessary to lodge the package? No. You do not need to make any payment when submitting the package.
How long must a non-Guyanese be in Guyana before they can get married? In order to be issued a marriage license in Guyana, a visitor will need to have been in Guyana for at least 15 days. After lodging the package, how long do I have to wait for my marriage license? For locals it will take four working days before they are able to pick up their license. For non-Guyanese 19 days. I am Guyanese, but my fiancé(e) is not, does he/she have to wait fifteen days as well? Yes. You will have to do so as your fiancé(e) will be required to be in Guyana for at least fifteen days before you are issued a marriage license. Who can pick-up the marriage license from the Registrar? If both parties are Guyanese, then one can uplift the license. If one party is a non-Guyanese, then both parties must be present at the Registrar to uplift the license. After the waiting period and we return to collect my marriage license what next? When you return to collect your license no payments need to be made unless you wish to get married at the Post Office Registrar. How much does it cost to get married at the Guyana Post Office Registrar? It will cost GY$2,000 (US$10) to perform the ceremony and GY$80 (US$0.40) for the certificate. Do I need to make an appointment to get married at the Guyana Post Office Registrar? No. Ceremonies are performed on Wednesdays and Fridays only from 8 a.m. No ceremonies are performed on weekends or holidays. If I want to get married in a church or elsewhere what should I do? Fill-out the required section in the marriage package listing the person performing the ceremony and the location of the ceremony before you file it at the Registrar. Who can perform our marriage ceremony? Only a certified marriage officer.
How do I identify a certified marriage officer? After you have submitted your form with the name of the proposed marriage officer you have chosen, the Registrar will cross check the name with their records for verification. How long after receiving my marriage license do I have before the actual ceremony? The marriage license is valid for three months. We have our license in hand, what next? You need a marriage certificate to make it legal. The marriage officer should provide a copy of the triplicate application form prior to the ceremony. This form must be filled-out by the married couple, the marriage officer and two witnesses. The stamped original must be submitted to the Registrar’s office. The couple keeps the first copy and the second copy for the marriage officer. Do we have to pay the marriage officer a fee to perform the ceremony? Payment for this service varies. Religious leaders may ask for donations to their respective organizations, while JOP may require a nominal fee. Where do we file the application for the marriage certificate and how much will it cost? At any GPOC and the cost for the certificate is GY$40 (US$0.20). How long will it take to get our marriage certificate? The certificate will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. However, overseas based newlyweds can arrange to uplift theirs earlier. Who can uplift our marriage certificate? Anyone authorized by the couple. Are we done yet? Yes! Congratulations on your special day! For more information about getting married in Guyana, please contact the Guyana Post Office Corporation Registrar marriage section at 011592-226-1291 / 226-6333 or visit one of their offices during working hours at Robb Street in Georgetown, Anna Regina Regional Office in Essequibo or at the New Amsterdam Regional Office in Berbice.
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Avon’s 5th Anniversary
Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign Photography: Carl Croker
T
he Avon Community Health Fund along with the Breast Cancer Awareness Committee observed breast cancer awareness month in October with a number of activities. The month long campaign included wrapping the trees along Camp Street in pink, an exhibition at the National Library, their fifth annual fitness walk on October 23 and a Candlelight Evening of Reflections for survivors at the Georgetown Club on October 24. Over the years, the Committee has been conducting awareness outreaches in various communities and also made donations to the Beacon Foundation and the Periwinkle Club.
Supporters at the vigil DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011 GEM | 19
Wishlist 2010
We randomly asked some people around town what they wanted for Christmas. Here are some of their responses.
DDL El Dorado 25 Year Old by GY$70,000 VAT inclusive.
NANDA’S BOUTIQUE Bvlgari Sunglasses USD525 Camp Street
JOHN LEWIS GIZMOS & GADGETS Styles Boutique Samsung 42” Boutique Ralph Lauren Polo Red White Blue $19,995 Lamaha & Waterloo Sts.
NANDA’S BOUTIQUE Coach Signature bag w/matching wristlet USD500 Camp Street
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Plasma or LCD TV $240,000 North Road & Wellington Street
KINGS JEWELLERY WORLD Mavado His & Her Watches 2 for 1 $79,000 Quamina Street
KINGS JEWELLERY WORLD
JOHN LEWIS Styles Boutique
Movado His & Her Watches 2 for 1 $179,000 Quamina Street
Vera Wang Rock Princess $18,995 Lamaha & Waterloo Streets
COURTS
CHICAGO Recliner Suite Specs: Stylish and Comfortable, Leather Finish Price $349,999 Main Street Maestrale Polarized GLAMOUR Serengeti Sunglasses DESIGNER $34,220 North Road & Wellington Street BRANDS
Digicel BlackBerry Bold 9700 $139,200 + VAT
GT&T Emagine Broadband $9,980 Brickdam, Georgetown
Banks DIH 10 year XM Rum $4,035
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Frandec Travel Service Celebrates 50 Years O
n September 16, 2010, Frandec Travel Service celebrated its 50th anniversary with clients and well wishers in attendance at their Main Street Georgetown head office. The company, which was established on September 16, 1960 as the first such independent agency in Guyana, makes it the longest serving representative of all major international airlines and cruise liners. Today Frandec offers its customers personalized service in a fully computerized environment. In a release, the company stated that their success over the years was made possible through the unwavering support and loyalty from families, friends and clients, and thanked their supporters for their continued patronage.
L-r: Chairperson Gem Eytle, Col. Carl Morgan (RET) and PM Samuel Hinds
L-r: Brian James, PM Samuel Hinds, Maj. Gen. Norman McLean (RET) and Kathryn McLean 22 | GEM DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011
L-r: Carolyn Rahaman, Gem Eytle and Jad Rahaman
Bernice Joseph
ShevonnĂŠ Semple and CEO Kathryn McLean Lloyd Austin and Paula Gonsalves
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Guyana National Dance Company Dance Season 31 “Flashback” Photography: Carl Croker
On October 30 and 31, 2010, the Guyana National Dance Company held their much anticipated show Dance Season at the National Cultural Centre (NCC). The production which is in its 31st season is an annual event on the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport calendar.
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Up-close CAMILLE new name, new look, new attitude
M
egan Vieira’s rise to prominence came at age 13, after she became a finalist in the popular radio show, “In Search of the Stars.” Later, she recorded a Christmas classics album in which the sales went towards underprivileged people in Guyana. In 2005, she moved to the United States to pursue her academic ambitions, but continued working in the studio. It was not long before the University of Miami's Performing Arts Institute recognized her potential and offered her a full scholarship which she accepted. Upon entering the University of Miami, Megan Vieira soon decided to use her middle name Camille to become one of the many one-name artistes. And it is from there that the new look and new attitude takes over. She has adopted a new persona as she confronts the music industry for her piece of the pie. Camille is currently working in the studio to complete her first album with producer and mentor, MASE, of DMS ENTERTAINMENT. We caught up with her to find out what she has been working on, her plans for Christmas and what her fans can expect in 2011.
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Photography: Submitted
GEM: You dropped a Christmas Classics album on us in 2004, then disappeared only to reappear as Camille. Why the name change? Where did the name come from? And, is Camille packaged differently to Megan Vieira? Camille: Camille is actually my middle name. I decided to change it because I wanted people to see me for me and not just a name. For years I was known as “The Vieira Girl” and although I’m extremely proud of my name and my family, I wanted people to see me for my talent and not my name. Camille is an evolution of Megan Vieira. Camille is a more grown up persona. GEM: Most people are contented with singing in front of their mirrors at home. When did you decide to start performing publicly? C: My first public performance was at the Cultural Center. I was nine years old and I performed at Mae’s Schools Christmas concert. I had and still have a tremendous support system. My family, friends and teachers believed in me and they made me believe in myself. I’ve been singing ever since. GEM: How would you describe your genre of music? C: This is hard to describe. My album is a melting pot of genres right now. I have hip hop, R&B, soul, pop, jazz all blended together. Hopefully I create my own genre. GEM: For those who may not know, name one of your songs/videos that have been receiving airtime. C: Well, 'superman lover' is the most recent and probably the only one people will recognize. Hopefully not for long! GEM: There are literally thousands of budding singers between Guyana and North America alone, looking for that big break, why should people pay attention to you? C: This is a very difficult question for me to answer. I am not going to sit here and say that people should pay attention to me because I’m the best and most unique. I think that every artist is unique and can bring something different to the table. I am just in love with music and what I am doing and it makes me truly happy. It would be a blessing if I could do what I love and make a living at the same time. My music makes me happy and I hope that comes through in my music and it can make others happy as well. GEM: What are some of the pros and cons of DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011 GEM | 27
Up-close with Songstress CAMILLE being based in the US? C: The best thing about the US is also the worst thing. There are music and artists everywhere! There are so many people I can work with and have worked with and this experience is making me grow as an artist and as a person. It is also a disadvantage because they are so many talented people and they all have the same goals. Everyone wants to make it and it is hard to stand out from the crowd. GEM: How do you plan to connect back with Guyanese music fans? C: It is hard to stay connected to my Guyanese fans when I’m always away. It is very unfortunate because I do have some truly beautiful and loyal fans. I could disappear for years and come back and walk on the street and someone would walk up to me and say “hey you’re that singer! When are we going to hear from you again?” I hope one day to come back home and do a concert. GEM: Who is managing you at the moment and how is that working out? C: I am Managed my Mases from DMS Entertainment. I am so thankful to be working with him. He gives me creative freedom which is so important to an artist. He truly believes in me and my dreams and he is helping me make them come true. GEM: You have said that one of the people you admire is jazz icon Ella Fitzgerald who became popular long before your time. Who introduced you to her, and what’s inspiring about her music? C: I wasn’t even aware of her until I studied Jazz Vocal Performance in college. As soon as I heard her I fell in love instantly. She is soulful and when I listen to her I get lost in myself. Her voice and her music are real and pure. When I listen to her I am truly moved and I hope one day I can make people feel how I feel when I listen to her. GEM: What is your other career goal besides music? C: I am planning to do my Masters next year. I believe education is very important. As for career goals, I do not want to think about anything else but music. That is my goal. I 28 | GEM DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011
believe if I set another goal then I would not be giving music my all. This is what I have always wanted to do and it is what makes me the happiest. GEM: At this stage of your career, who are some of the people you would like to thank? C: Too many people to mention! I have been truly blessed. My parents, Denis and Tracy, and my baby sister Caitlin are my driving force behind everything I do and I would be nothing without them. My manager Mase believes in me more than I believe in myself and because of him I am evolving as an artist every day. To everyone who has ever played a part in my life I thank you so much for all you have done. GEM: Are you a daddy’s girl? C: Definitely! But I’m also a mommy’s girl! I torture both my parents equally! I love my daddy more than words can ever describe and my mommy is my lifeline, my best friend. I am so grateful for the parents I have been blessed with. I am so thankful to have their support. My dad always jokes about me winning Grammys. I hope one day I will make his dreams come true. GEM: What does Christmas mean to you? C: Christmas means everything to me. It is my favourite time of year. Everyone is happier at Christmas. The love people feel at Christmas can be seen everywhere. People become more charitable and it restores my faith in humanity. It is simply beautiful. GEM: How do you plan to spend Christmas this year? C: I am spending Christmas in Miami this year because I am going to be in the studio recording some of my latest projects. GEM: Are you known to assist with the preparations in the kitchen or just be the designated taster? C: Hahahaha! I am a horrible cook! I should not be allowed in a kitchen GEM: What does 2011 hold for Camille’s fans? C: There will be drastic changes for Camille next year. I hope and pray that people will love it as much as I do but you will just have to wait and see! DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011 GEM | 29
GEM
Rubena
Age: 21 Sign: Cancer Favourite food: Cook-up rice Favourite colours: Red and pink Hobbies: dancing, singing, modeling and chilling with friends Location: Georgetown
Think you have what it takes to be a GEM Beauty? Then send us a professional quality photo of yourself with the required information to letters@gemmagonline.com. Please include a phone number so we can contact you. YOU MUST BE 18 YEARS OR OLDER.
ICON
Ken Corsbie An Evergreen Performer
Text: Petamber Persaud
H
e ventured out alone. He ventured out into the precarious world of showbiz alone. And made it good. A total of ten local, regional and international awards is one manifestation of his achievements. But that written record belies the fullness of the man. A man, approaching four scores in age, nimbly ascending the stage in 2008 for Carifesta X (Caribbean Festival of Arts) singing, dancing and telling stories. Importantly, he had the audience swaying to his rhythm - excited, hushed, uproarious. The inimitable touch was intact and it had matured.
He ventured out alone. And made it good. With artistic guises and athletic guiles, characteristics that were ingrained in him from early childhood. His artistic and athletic propensities had, as it were, a field day in the colonial Georgetown of the 30s, 40s and 50s. To be specific, Ken Corsbie’s romping ground was the Taitt’s yard in Murray Street (he wouldn’t it hear called by the other name, Quamina Street). The Taitt Yard ‘produced’ among other luminaries Clairmonte Taitt (violinist/actor), Helen Taitt (Guyana’s leading ballet dancer), Wilbert Holder (actor), Ron Savory (artist), Richardo Smith (cultural director in Canada), Michael Gilkes (playwright, poet, actor and theatre director). Athlete, storyteller, journalist, radio announcer, theatre actor and director, Ken Corsbie was born in 1930 in East Street, Georgetown, back-door neighbour to the Taitts on Quamina Street, a foundation and a backdrop for his acting/dancing ability and his athletic prowess. In fact, his 110 yards hurdle record he set while attending Saint Stanislaus 1942 - 1947, stood for decades. Corsbie other significant contribution to sport in Guyana was the teaming up with Claimant Taitt and others to effect the building of the basketball court on the Parade Ground and 32 | GEM DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011
the establishment of the Guyana Basketball Association. He ventured out alone with a show called, ‘He-One’, then he teamed up Marc Matthews in ‘Dem-Two’ & later it was ‘All-Ah-We’ with Henry Mootoo, John Agard, Ras ‘Camo’ Williams and others. To date, he’s done over 200 performances of story, song & poetry, directed of more than 30 plays working with luminaries such as Derek Walcott and Judy Stone, and produced about 82 radio programmes for the CBU and Caribbean News Agency. In 1965, Ken Corsbie won a British Council Scholarship where he did speech and drama training & radio/ television at the BBC.
Four years later, it was back home and back to local theatre – he became Director in Drama for the Government and administrator/artistic director for the Playhouse Theatre Guild. The home in Section ‘K’ Campbellville in which he lived then (1972) became a Mecca for the performing arts. Corsbie’s son, Len, recalls comparing that house to the National Cultural Centre, both in state of erection, both hosting all manner of artistes for the first Carifesa – Caribbean Festival of Arts held in Guyana in 1972. Then at the height of his career, Ken Corsbie left Guyana for Barbados in 1975 where he declared he could do more for theatre in the region. And he promptly set about this by directing the first Caribbean Storytelling Festival then later becoming the Originator/Coordinator of (TIE) Theatre Information Exchange, an association of theatre activists throughout the English speaking Caribbean. During this time, Corsbie also wrote one of the few books on drama in the Caribbean. The introduction to this book was done by the late Trevor Rhone. Ken Corsbie is still hopping unto the stage with an aplomb that belies his four scores because of his extraordinary ability to charm and entertain it still active.
EVENTS CALENDER DECEMBER 2010 Event: Pulse Entertainment Fashion Show Where: Pegasus, Savannah Suites When: 2nd December, 2010
Event: Pulse Entertainment Naughty or Nice Party Where: Pegasus, Savannah Suites When: 22nd December, 2010
Event: Fogarty’s Christmas Parade Where: Main Street Event: Christmas Day When: 4th December, 2010 ** Where: Celebrated Country Wide When: 25th December, 2010 Event: Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry Event: Unforgettable Concert Prize Giving Ceremony featuring Ashanti & Where: Pegasus, Savannah Suites Jah Cure When: 7th December, 2010 Where: National Stadium When: 25th December, 2010 Event: Kashif & Shanghai Soccer Tournament Event: Boxing Day Holiday Where: Various grounds Where: Celebrated Country Wide When: 18th December, 2010 – When: 26th December, 2010 1st January, 2011
Event: Main Big Lime Where: Main Street, Georgetown When: 26th December, 2010 Event: Old Year’s Night Party Where: Georgetown Club When: 31st December, 2010 Event: Old Year’s Night Party Where: Tower Hotel Poolside When: 31st December, 2010 Event: Old Year’s Night Party Where: Pegasus Hotel Poolside & Savannah Suite When: 31st December, 2010 Event: Old Year’s Night Party Where: Fernandes Yard Subryanville When: 31st December, 2010
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011 GEM | 33
Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championships
Kevin Graham on his way to another victory
Team Guyana Rules in 2010 T
he final leg of the Seaboard Marine sponsored Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC ) came off at the South Dakota Racing Circuit on November 7, as motor racing fans were treated to some intense competition from the best speedsters in the Region. The event which was hosted by the Guyana Motor Rcing and Sports Club (GMR&SC), was touted as the biggest they have had in years as thousands of fans witnessed over twenty competitive events on a mostly sunny day. In the Group 4 category for the Caribbean championship, Kevin Jeffrey in his flawless Mitsubishi Evolution produced an exceptional performance with three convincing wins from three races, to lead Guyana to the team title. Jamaica’s David Summerbell Jnr also in a Mitsubishi Evolution picked-up the individual title with 76 overall points, a mere 2 points ahead of Jeffrey’s 74. Team Guyana, who started their final bit for supremacy with 124 points, six more than last year’s champions 34 | GEM DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011
Photography: Simeon Corbin and Carl Croker
Jamaica, finished with 170, while Jamaica finished with 156 and Barbados came in third with 115 points. The much anticipated fierce rivalry between Doug and Mark Maloney and Roger and Barry Mayers of Barbados, Doug ‘Hollywood’ Gore and Peter Rae of Jamaica and the locals Andrew King, Paul and Mark Vieira and Shawn King did not live up to expectations as many of the drivers developed engine troubles and either didn’t complete all races or paced themselves during the races. After Jeffrey, Andrew King was the next best Guyanese driver in that division after picking up two seconds and a fourth place while Paul Vieira came in third with two thirds and a fourth. Canada’s Kevin Graham riding for team Guyana dominated the Superbike category, while Barbados’ Edward Corbin ruled in Group 2A races. The next evening the competitors and officials were treated to dinner and trophies were presented to the winners.
Top: Hero of the meet for Guyana Kevin Jeffrey Right: Banks Beer Girls Below: Marcus Fiedtkou picks up the Champion Go Karter trophy Bottom Right: Superbikers Craig Atkins, Kevin Graham and Carlos Rodrigues
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Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championships Team Guyana Rules in 2010
Top: Group 4 individual champion Jamaican David Summerbell Left: Mark Vieira still not hot enough Below: Ryan Rahaman ponders his next move.
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This spill happened during one of the Group 2B races
Mohamed Roshandin lives to tell the tale
Stephen Vieira with some supporters DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011 GEM | 37
Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championships Team Guyana Rules in 2010 2010 Winners’ Row Group 2A: Chet Singh Rookies: Sorren Griffith Group 2B: Danny Persaud Go-Karts: Alex Feidktou Group 3: Ravi Singh Lightweight Bikes: Mark Menezes Group 4: Kemal Rahaman Super Bikes: Kevin Graham CMRC 4 -Wheel Drive Division: Kevin Jeffrey 2 Wheel Drive Division: Andrew King Group 2A: Chet Singh Rookies: Shohab Roshandin Group 2B: Danny Persaud Group 3: Ravi Singh Group 4: Andrew Morgan Go-Karts: Marcus Fiedtkou Light Weight Bikes: Ravi Singh Super Bikes: Kevin Graham CMRC 4 -Wheel Drive Division: Kevin Jeffrey 2 Wheel Drive Division: Andrew King Group 2A: Chet Singh Rookies: Soren Griffith Group 2B: Danny Persaud Group 3: Ravi Singh Group 4: Raj Boodhoo Super Bike: Kevin Graham Seaboard Marine CMRC: 4 Wheel Drive Division: Kevin Jeffrey 2 Wheel Drive Division: Andrew King
Paul Vieira poses with his niece Emma
Champions for November 7th 2010 Lightweight Bikes: Mark Menezes and Ravi Singh Superbikes: Kevin Graham Rookies: Sorren Griffith Group 2A: Chet Singh Group 2B: Danny Persaud Group 3: Ravi Singh Group 4: Raj Boodhoo Go Karts: Marcus Feidtkou
Ravi Singh with his daughter Rebecca Dakota
2010 Group Champions of Guyana Lightweight: Ravi Singh Superbikes: Stephen Vieira Rookies: Raj Singh Group 2A: Chet Singh Group 2B: Danny Persaud Group 3: Ravi Singh Group 4: Kevin Jeffrey Shifter Karts: Marcus Fiedtkou Seaboard Marine CMRC Group 4 Champions for 2010: David Summerbell Seaboard Marine GP2A Champion: Edward Corbin Seaboard Marine Superbike Champion: Kevin Graham Best Mechanic: Brian Tenpow 38 | GEM DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011
Maurice Menezes
Caribbean Fury 2 Leon ‘Hurry Up’ Moore Declared Unanimous Winner? L
eon ‘Hurry Up’ Moore was dumped to the canvass three times by a small framed Venezuelan named Breilor Teran and while the majority of the spectators were convinced that Moore had lost the bantamweight contest, the three judges, by dint of their scorecards, disagreed. Andrew Thorne gave Moore the bout, 94-93 while Clairmonte DeSouza scored it 95-93, also in favour of the Guyanese pugilist. Francis Abraham decided that the efforts of both boxers deserved a 94-94 verdict. The crowd voted overwhelmingly for the Venezuelan. The bout, staged at the Princess Hotel Providence EBD on November 6 last was supposed to be a warm up for Leon ‘Hurry Up’ Moore in preparation for a world title affair against Japanese, World Boxing Council bantamweight champion, Toshiaki Nishioka early next year but even Moore’s staunchest fans are questioning his readiness for such an engagement after his lukewarm showing against Teran.
Text: Michael Benjamin Photography: Carl Croker The Guyanese multiple champion entered the ring as the overwhelming favourite, having disposed of all comers in a relatively short but fruitful career that netted him five titles including the local bantamweight and the Latin American and the Caribbean Boxing Federation bantamweight crown (CABOFE) among other prestigious accolades. Indeed, Moore had envisaged the bout against the Venezuelan to be a virtual ‘walk in the park.’ This was not to be as Breilor turned in a super performance that had Moore reeling for most of the bout. In the end it seemed painfully obvious that Teran needed not only to convince Moore of his (Teran) superiority but also the judges as in the end the Guyanese was declared the winner. The medium sized crowd that attended the card erupted into chaos and many left the venue in surly moods after witnessing what they described as the most blatant case
Breilor Teran and Leon ‘Hurry Up’ Moore in action
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of highway robbery. Sarcastic remarks that gave vent to their feelings punctuated the air as boxing buffs spared no effort to decry what their described as a blatant case of partial judging in favour of Moore. Teran made his intentions clear in the early seconds of the first round, unleashing a stiff straight right that sent Moore to the canvass. The referee inexplicably failed to institute the mandatory eight count allowing Moore to assert himself with some stinging jabs and right crosses. In the meantime, Teran stayed on his bicycle and proved elusive for Moore who failed to follow through with combinations. The Guyanese multiple champion upped the ante in the second stanza and unleashed several piston jabs that kept the Venezuelan at bay. He then followed through with a straight right that toppled Teran and deposited him on the canvass for the first official mandatory eight count of the bout. Moore stepped up the pace in the third round but Teran continued to frustrate his efforts with some pinpoint jabs while dancing smoothly out of range. Moore began to show signs of frustration in the third round as most of his blows were landing either short of the mark or on Teran’s highly held guards. Perseverance on his part bore some fruit as Moore seemed
to have found the right rhythm in the fourth round peppering the Venezuelan with rights and lefts that kept him at bay. This round clearly belonged to Moore, who unleashed choice blows from his armory, backing up the Venezuelan on several occasions. The action dwindled in rounds five and six as both principals took a well deserved breather, both scoring sporadically. The action picked up again in the seventh round as Teran, who had worked himself into a decent rhythm, relentlessly pursued Moore who seemed to be wilting under the intense pressure, replacing his right crosses and uppercuts with tame jabs. It proved his undoing as Teran, who seemed to have found renewed energy, attacked relentlessly. Suddenly, the Venezuelan lashed out with a venomous right which connected to Moore’s temple and the Guyanese slumped to the canvass. He survived the mandatory eight count but it was clear that he was really hurt. Recognizing this, Teran applied the pressure and had Moore swaying like a ship on the troubled seas. He also appeared weakened by the onslaught. When the bell rang to signal the end of that round Moore’s manager, Carwyn Holland, realizing that his charge was losing ground attempted to drum up some support from the crowd that had suddenly gone silent as their champion seemed to be on the receiving end of a terrific onslaught.
Alfred being decleared the winner by referee Eon Jardine DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011 GEM | 41
Caribbean Fury 2 Leon ‘Hurry Up’ Moore Declared Unanimous Winner? Buoyed by the support, Moore changed tactics but by now Teran had discovered his Achilles heel and moved in for the kill. His fists flailed, driving Moore backwards obviously intent on ending the bout. The desired result came midway into the eighth round when Teran lashed out with a blow that connected to Moore’s midsection that sent him tumbling to the canvass. Many, except the referee, felt that the punch went a mite low and the third man nevertheless instituted the mandatory eight count. The action reached fever pitch in the ninth round when Moore connected with a double straight left that pushed Teran backwards. He quickly recovered and dished out a similar portion to Moore who once again sought refuge in a clinch moments before the bell brought soothing relief. Teran saved the best for last when he attacked at the sound of the bell to start the tenth stanza. Moore, by now spent from the grueling battle, retreated while attempting to stave off the vicious little Venezuelan. Only this time Teran refused to ease the pressure. Punches reigned supreme and the referee was once again called into duty after Teran clobbered Moore with an overhand right that sent him crashing to the canvass. Moore rose on wobbly legs while the third man tolled away the seconds. It was around this juncture of the bout that the controversy had its genesis. The referee appeared to have reached the end of the count simultaneously with the bell but did not wave the fight off. Had he done this Raul Frank poses after his fight
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the Venezuelan would have won by a knockout. Instead, the referee ushered both boxers to their respective corners to await the judges’ verdict. When the announcement came, pandemonium broke loose. In the main supporting bout, Shondell Alfred survived against the game efforts of Teran’s ‘compadre,’ Olga Julio and won a lopsided unanimous verdict in their bantamweight encounter while middleweight pugilist, Raul Frank removed the ‘Danger’ from ‘Dangerous’ Denny Dalton to inscribe yet another notch on his gun belt in one of the highly anticipated bouts on the under cards. Local heavyweight champion, Gwendolyn ‘Stealth Bomber’ O’Neil then breezed past Pamela London to notch up the second victory between the two and add some spark to her dwindling career while Clive Atwell proved too good for Errol Trotman in their junior/ lightweight clash. Mitchell Rogers underrated Kurt Bess and paid the price when the former fighter steamrolled him on the way to a close split decision in the heavyweight division moments before middleweights, James Walcott and Joel ‘Mr. Majestic’ McRae battled to an uninspiring drawn decision. Earlier in the night, Canadian, Richard Riette needed just 2:03secs of the first stanza to dispose of Mark Murray to take the honours in their middleweight encounter. Judging from its response, the crowd enjoyed every bit of the fights on the undercard. It was the atrocious decision of the main bout that incurred their anger and left them complaining. Colombian Olga ‘ La Mona’ Julio poses with her trainer before her fight
SAVVY SISTER
Using Body Language
to Attract Mr. Right Text: Coretta Corbin-Rival
I
t is said that when a woman is interested in a man she usually expresses her desires with sexual cues. These cues include a variety of actions like neck touching, head tilting, laughing, smiling, eye contact, leg crossing, pointing knee, pelvis rotation, wrists exposure and mirroring. Drawing the attention of that special man requires effective body language and the right chemistry. Beginning with your face, always pay close attention to your eyes. It is said that they are the windows to our soul, and the way we form connections with others. Looking someone in the eyes shows that you are paying attention to him or her. Prolonged eye gaze signals interest in the person or in what he or she is saying. Eye contact also makes the listener feel that he or she is the most important person in the eyes of the speaker. Experts believe that the eyes give off many cues to our desire for a certain person. Flirting with your eyes can be used to show that you are romantically interested and an invitation for the other person to approach. Locking eyes with him and regularly glancing in his direction could also be used to signal your interest in getting to know him better. When he approaches and you are conversing, you could further express your strong attraction for him by glancing from one of his eye to the other and down at his lips. This will surely drive him crazy as it will signal that you are looking for much more than conversation. Next to the eyes, our smile is another nonverbal facial expression that could help draw that special person to us. A genuine smile usually lights up a person’s face and gleams in the eyes. A woman with a warm smile is more inviting and makes him comfortable to approach. Men also love happy women who laugh at their jokes even when they are not funny. This helps them to feel appreciated and gives the impression that you are friendly and fun to be around. People are naturally drawn to those who appear more confident and sure of themselves. Confident people
are rarely defensive and do not feel the need to give explanations for their actions. People who exhibit low self confidents through their body language may chase others away because they appear uncomfortable with themselves. A person who is uncomfortable within his or her own skin cannot feel comfortable with others. Mirror his body language. This will help to put him at ease. Mirroring a person’s body language is a technique commonly used by job interviewers to help relax the person being interviewed. While we want to copy the technique of mirroring from interviewers, we must be careful not to make that special person feel he is being interviewed by you. Try to allow the conversation to be as natural as possible and not to sound like a drill sergeant. Use touch to flirt. Lightly or gently touching a man, especially on the arm at first is a sign that you have accepted him. Touching also helps to encourage him and let him know that it is safe to touch you in response. However, be careful because some people have issues with personal space. If you notice that he backs away as you get closer, this may be a sign that you are intruding on his personal space and he is not interested in taking the conversation further. Remember that the main aim is to make a positive impact on those you come into contact with and to have fun while you are at it. I believe that there is a Mister Right for every one out there we just need to pay close attention. DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011 GEM | 43
Diwali 2010
Snapshots from the Annual Celebrations
Photography: Carl Croker 44 | GEM DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011
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Diwali 2010 Snapshots from the Annual Celebrations
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Text: Coretta Corbin-Rival
C
old and flu season is fast approaching. For many of us, especially those who work with the public, protecting ourselves against the viruses that cause these illnesses is a constant battle we fight each year. The viruses that cause flu and cold can be found on door knobs, counter tops, stair rails and other surfaces like the computer, telephone and desk top at work. Repeatedly wiping surfaces like our desk and computers with disinfectants could help us to reduce the accumulation and transference of these germs. Research done on the prevention and reduction of the flu and cold viruses found that good old hand washing with soap and water is one of the most cost effective cold remedy. The friction created by rubbing your hands together while washing them helps to remove the germs you may have picked up from touching surfaces with the virus. Hand washing is also important because flu and cold viruses could easily be spread by shaking hands with someone who is sick or touched a surface with the virus. You should also avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, especially if your hands are not clean. Since the flu and cold viruses can be air borne, you could also become ill by being around someone who has a cold or flu. By simply sneezing, talking or coughing, a sick person could spray droplets of fluid containing the cold virus into the air which could be inhaled by anyone in close proximity. Staying away from people with colds are the best way to avoid getting sick and immediately washing your hands after coming into contact with that person is important.
Building your immune system in order to resist the cold virus is also vital. Although it has not been proven, many people believe that simply taking vitamin C supplements regularly could help build your immune system, and protect you against the common cold and flu. I suggest that if you are going to increase your vitamin C intake, you should use more fruits and vegetables to do so. This way, you will also receive more fiber and natural nutrients. Although there are no known cures for the cold and flu, you could use over the counter medicines to help relieve the symptoms. However, cough and cold medications will not shorten the duration of a cold or flu or prevent you from catching them. Recently, research found that consuming chicken soup helps reduce the inflammatory cells in the immune system that becomes inflamed by the cold or flu virus. Chicken soup can also help with congestion by clearing mucus and cold viruses from the lining of the nose. Consuming lots of fluids during a cold or flu is also encouraged by many physicians. This is because warm liquids like lemon tea with honey, broth or soup and juice help to loosen mucus and works as a decongestant. Fluids are important because they help with rehydration of the body since bodily fluids are loss with the elimination of mucus. The vapors from the warm liquid we drink during a cold or flu also act as a humidifier to moisten the air we breathe and promote elasticity in our lungs. Oh, and remember, while you get your fluid uptake, please refrain from sharing your utensils with others! DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011 GEM | 47
HEALTH BEAT
Cold and Flu Season Protecting yourself against the common cold and flu
FASHION
Donna Ramsammy-James’ 2011 Collection ‘Canopy’
Designer Donna Ramsammy-James
S
hape 2000 and Donna Ramsammy-James unveiled the 2011 Collection Canopy to a private viewing audience on October 31, 2010 at her Lodge Backlands residence.
Photography: Simeon Corbin
ecosystems worldwide and international activities to mitigate the anticipated affects of climate change.
As with the previous Shape 2000 collections, Canopy was no disappointment, as the rich colours and artistry of the Pink, Purple, Black, White and Gray segments stood out under the tree-shaded front yard.
A renowned fashionista, Ramsammy-James works under the brand name Shape 2000, and has been hosting annual fashion events under various themes since 2000. Her designs have been seen on runways in Anguilla, Barbados, China, Florida, Guyana, Jamaica, Kenya, England and USA.
Ramsammy-James explained that the ladies’ and men’s wear expressed the softness of Asia, the depth of Africa and the colour of the Caribbean. The title Canopy is in synergy with time importance of foliage to forest
In 2009, Donna was among four honorees recognized by the Guyana Cultural Association of New York for their contributions to the development and celebration of Guyanese Fashion, Food and Art.
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FASHION
Guyana Fashion Weekend IV
Derron Attz
O
n October 30 & 31, 2010, the fourth edition of Guyana Fashion Weekend was staged at the Pegasus Guyana Hotel in Kingston.
Over 30 designers and businesses participated in this much anticipated annual fashion event. This year, it was feathers, fitted dresses, swim suits, minis, gowns, designer bags and dresses being showcased on the runway. Notably absent were many of the renowned designers and models as it was left up to the newcomers to steal the show. The aspiring fashionistas did not disappoint as they made the 2-day 4-show event enjoyable for the patrons. 50 | GEM DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011
Photography: Simeon Corbin Catwalk regulars models Melessa Payne and Renee Chester seemed to learn a thing or two from their years backstage as they ventured into the designing arena to produce two much talked about swim wear collections of their own. Some other designers worth mentioning were Mishanna Cox with her ‘Flirtatious Feathers’ collection, The ‘Black Buzz’ collection from Mwanza Glenn and Paul Burnett, Chandini Ramlack’s APSARA Designs and Marcia DeSantos’ ‘Rhapsody in Gray.’ Veteran to the GFW , Olympia Small-Sonaram also showed that she still has what it takes as she unveiled her swimwear and denim collections.
Apsara
Sonia Noel
Derron Attz
Mishanna Cox
Meleesa Payne
Designer Sonia Noel DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011 GEM | 51
FASHION
Guyana Fashion Weekend IV Maxie Williams
Renee Chester
Marcia De Santos
Olympia Small-Sonaram
Sonia Noel
Natisha Johns
List of Designers and Businesses in GFW IV Zarina Pyle Sonia Noel Olympia Sonaram Alesia Boodhoo Paula Evans Carol Fraser Derron Attz Travis Bowen Mwanza Glen
Paul Burnett Meleesa Payne Shadell Burch-Smith Renee Chester Candacy Mc Lean Sharon Gittens Karen Ross Maxie Williams Anthony Reid Gents
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for Meiling Chandini Ramlack Glamour Brand Kings Jewellery Marcia De Santos Wynetta Jones Ryan Berkerly Neilson Nurse Andrew Harris
Patricia Helwig Christopher Goodridge Natasha David Natisha Johns Abiola Garraway Micheal Kellman
Natisha Johns
Paul Burnett & Mwanza Glenn
Christopher Goodridge
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TRAVEL
The Megatherium Giant Sloth Exhibition @ the National Museum
Photography: Simeon Corbin 54 | GEM DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011
T
he Megatherium Giant Sloth exhibition was officially unveiled last April at the National Museum by the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) and Eerepami Regenwaldstiftiftung of Germany. This effort was one of many as the Ministry and the Museums are seeking to change the trend and make learning fun and engaging by incorporating current research. At a height of about 15 feet and weight approximately three tons, the Megatherium or giant ground sloth was native to South America and believed to be the largest mammal on earth around 8,000 – 10,000 years ago. In comparison with mammals of today, the sloth had the weight of an African elephant with huge claws, much like tree sloths enlarged many times. In 1999, fossils from the sloth were discovered by miners around Omai and the Oko Creek, Cuyuni River. The
bones were later donated to the museum by Michael Vieira. The entire exhibition cost approximately $10M (US$50K) to complete and includes not only the life-sized sloth replica, but other models of the flora and fauna, designs on the walls and sounds of rainforest to help make your experience more realistic. Eerepami Regenwaldstiftung, a partner in this exhibition is a foundation dedicated to development and cooperation with the indigenous peoples in the rainforests of Guyana. This German organization has provided help with many educational and sustainability projects in the country. For more information about the Megatherium Giant Sloth Exhibition please call the National Museum at 011592.225.7191 or visit them Monday – Friday 9:00 – 4:30pm; Saturday 9:00am – noon. Closed Sundays and holidays. DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011 GEM | 55
Christmas Gift Loaf Text & Photography: NAMILCO
INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • • • •
1/2 cup butter, softened 1 cup white sugar 2 eggs 1 1/2 cups Maid Marian Multigrain Flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 3/4 cup pumpkin puree 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cup chopped walnuts, divided
ICING: • • • •
Garlic Pork Photography: Simeon Corbin
1/4 cup icing sugar 2 tablespoons heavy cream 1 pinch ground nutmeg 1 pinch ground cinnamon
DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and ginger. Stir the dry ingredients into the sugar mixture alternately with the pumpkin puree, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Fold in the chocolate chips and 3/4 cup of the walnuts until evenly distributed. Spoon into the prepared loaf pan, and sprinkle the remaining walnuts over the top. Bake for 65 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted into the crown of the loaf comes out clean. Cool, then remove from the pan, and drizzle with icing. To make the icing, stir together the confectioners' sugar and heavy cream with a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg until smooth.
PREPERATIONS INGREDIENTS 1. Cut pork into suitable sized pieces. 2 lbs lean Pork Steep pork in a solution of ¼ pint 1 pint vinegar vinegar and water, then lift out ¼ lb garlic using two forks and put into a large ½ bunch thyme (1 broad leaf and jar or bottle. 3 fine leaves) 3 wiri wiri peppers 2. Pound garlic, peppers and thyme. 3- 4 cloves Add to the rest of vinegar. Add salt 2 tsp salt and cloves. Pour over pork making sure that there is enough liquid to cover pork completely. 3. Leave to soak for about 3-4 days or longer if possible. 4. Into a pan, put pork with some of the vinegar liquid and leave it to boil until liquid evaporates. The fat of the pork should also melt supplying the fat in which the pork will fry until brown. 5. Serve hot.
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Last seen here Last seen here Last seen here Last seen here
RANDOM PICS OF EVENTS
WERE YOU THERE?
Mash 2011 Launched Photography: Carl Croker
T
he 2011 Mashramani season was officially launched on October 15 at the Umana Yana in Kingston. The event was an opportunity for the Ministry to unveil plans for the 41st celebration and the launching of next year’s theme “Showcasing our culture, sustaining our pride.” A commemorative Mashramani magazine was also launched at the event. Right: Publisher Simeon Corbin presents Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony (R) with a complimentary copy of the Mashramani magazine. Below: The 2011 theme winner Marcia Washington (L) unveils the logo
South American 10k Road Race Photography: Carl Croker
T
he annual road race took place on October 24, 2010. The race which starts at the Police Sports Club (PSC) takes the runners through a specified route in the city before returning to PSC.
Left: Brazilian, Antonia DaSilva, is the first female to cross the finish line. Extreme Right: Repeat men’s champion Cleveland Forde
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Photography: Kings Jewellery World
L
ast May, Kings Jewellery World added another division to their group with the opening of a duty-free shop in the departure lounge of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri.
Yvonne Hinds wife of Prime Minister Samuel Hinds cuts the ribbon in the presence of proprietor Loaknath Persaud (2nd from left) and other well wishers.
Top: Proprietor of Kings Jewellery, Loaknath Persaud and President Bharrat Jagdeo
The Persaud family pose outside the newly opened store. DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011 GEM | 59
Last seen here Last seen here Last seen here Last seen here
WERE YOU THERE? Kings Jewellery Launches Duty-Free Store RANDOM PICS OF EVENTS
Last seen here Last seen here Last seen here Last seen here
WERE YOU THERE? Courts' Annual Christmas Tree Light-up
RANDOM PICS OF EVENTS
C
ourts Guyana country manager Clyde de Haas (4th from right) poses with Nicola Joseph (3rd from left) the Vault Promotion winner. On November 19, 2010, Joseph won $2M (USD10K) during the annual Christmas tree light-up on Main Street. Others in picture are the Vault Girls and emcee DJ Casual (Right).
Miss Guyana Talented Teen 2010 Photography: Carl Croker
New queen Kinesha Richards (C) poses with the event emcees Tamika Henry (L) and Tenesia Harding
K
inesha Richards beat nine other contestants on November 6, 2010 at the National Cultural Centre to win the coveted Miss Guyana Talented Teen crown. Kinesha will represent Guyana at the Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant next year.
60 | GEM DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011
Guyana Lottery Company Employee of the Quarter Eon Collins Employee of the quarter (July – September 2010)