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20-somethings You Should Know
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Kerwin, Rawle & Dwight
Hits & Jams Entertainment Group Taking it to the next level www.GemMagOnline.com
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4 | GEM JUNE/JULY 2011
Contents GEM
26
Guyana's Premier Entertainment & Lifestyle Magazine June/July 2011 | Issue 45
28
LETTERS TO GEM What readers have to say about the last edition
11
PUBLISHER’S NOTES Welcome to the 45th Edition of GEM
12
BIRTHDAYS Personality milestone
13
Hits & Jams Entertainment Group Taking it to the next level
36 22
The Children's Convalescent Home Many years of caring for the very young 14 Four 20 - Somethings Ready to Lead the Country
16
PERSONALITY Boxing Champion Shondell ‘Mystery Lady’ Alfred
18
Guyana Hindu Dharmic Mela at the National Stadium
20
6 | GEM JUNE/JULY 2011
COVER CREDIT
The photo of Kerwin Bollers, Rawle Ferguson and Dwight Ferguson was taken exclusively for GEM by Simeon Corbin. Background picture Mark James
Contents II GEM
53
54
GT&T 10/10 Softball Cricket Final
26
Elaine & Beres Hammond A ‘Moment in Time’ Show
28
Icon Hemraj Kissoon of AH&L Kissoon Group
SAVVY SISTER Women’s Health 101: How to do Self Breast Exam EXPLORING THE DIAPORA Volunteer Dominique Dias Shares Her Experience 8 | GEM JUNE/JULY 2011
60
The Wedding Planner - Troy Mendonca and Natheeah King tied the knot - Inside Wedding Expo III
40 42
FASHION Theatrical Spectacular Mixing Fashion, Music and Dance
46
Pushpanjali 2011 An Annual Indian Commemoration Trust Event
50
RECIPES Coffee & walnut cake and black pudding
52
34
PRESTIGE MODEL & MANAGEMENT AGENCY
53
35
TRAVEL The Mangrove Heritage Tour
54
LAST SEEN HERE Random pictures of people and events. Were you there?
58
30
HEALTH BEAT Living with Diabetes Learning to pay attention to Symptoms and Treatment 32 GEM BEAUTY Meet Sarah, a 23–year-old beauty from Georgetown
Guyana's Premier Entertainment & Lifestyle Magazine June/July 2011 | Issue 45
36
GEM SINCE 2004
Issue 45 | June / July 2011 FOUNDER & PUBLISHER Simeon L Corbin EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Pamela Corbin MANAGING EDITOR Coretta Corbin-Rival ADMINISTRATION MANAGER Tiya Peterkin LAYOUT AND DESIGN Mark James INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Pamela Corbin INTERNATIONAL SALES & MARKETING Director Coretta Corbin-Rival INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION Director Michelle Corbin CONTRIBUTORS Coretta Corbin-Rival • Michelle Corbin • Carl Croker • Naomi Wright • Tiya Peterkin • Petamber Persaud • Claire Harding • June English • Annette Arjune-Martins • Joshua Murray GUYANA AND THE CARIBBEAN GEM | P.O. Box 12396 | Georgetown | Guyana P: 011.592.225.1738, 011592.226.0540 or 011.592.624.2751 E: info@GemMagOnline.com W: www.GemMagOnline.com F: www.facebook.com/GEM.Guyana 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: gem@corbinmediagroup.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.
© 2011 by CORBIN MEDIA GROUP
10 | GEM JUNE/JULY 2011
Letters to Thank you for featuring miss the Miss India World Guyana 2011 pageant in GEM. With all due respect to previous Miss India World Guyana winners, I dear say that the 2011 queen, Miss Roshini Boodhoo was the best in my opinion. – Ricky Haniff, Toronto, Canada I just received my first issue of your excellent magazine, and I will place it in my basement among my other Guyanese things. You see, we have a cocktail gathering every Friday night at our place and showing off new stuff from Guyana is a highlight. Thank you for this needed, attractive and informative publication. - Lerline Taite, Maryland, USA
GEM is an excellent and well put-together magazine. The coverage of Fiona Singh and the “Clash of the Titans” event was great. I am a big chutney fan and I am happy that GEM is finding space to cover chutney. Big-up to all chutney artistes and fans! – Terry Prasad, Trinidad
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.
The idea of highlighting the 20-somethings of Guyana in every edition of your magazine is unbelievable. Excuse me if I sound shocked, but sometimes it seems that unless a young person falls under the sports, fashion, entertainment or crime headlines, many media houses don’t seem too interested in us. Many young people choose crime as one avenue, but so many more are doing positive things and want to make something of their lives. Much respect for looking out for the youths. I wish GEM best of luck and I look forward to seeing more young people being recognized in your magazine. – Adrian Mathews I was pleased to run across the April/May 2011 issue of GEM, which addressed the often forgotten issue of smoking. The impact on our lives is undeniable, even from second hand smoke. Due to smoking, many people are suffering from all sorts of medical problems including asthma - a sickness we didn’t know much about in Guyana. I can only hope that more will be done to ban smoking totally from restaurants and other public places. – Nisha Shargani JUNE/JULY 2011 GEM | 11
Publisher's Notes Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity. - Martin Luther King Jr. Dear Valued Reader, Guyana has an effect on people; I heard some strong opinions on the country during a recent trip to the US. Mostly from people who have not visited in awhile. We are a country that makes people talk whether positive or negative; there are lots of dialogues about GT. There are lots of conversations about the politics, economy and crime and other facets of society. In reality, Guyana is the place where a $1000 (US$5) can get you five beers, or lunch or a whole bunch of fruits. A place people just want to take care of their families and have fun. Guyana debunks many preconceptions and cause people to rethink the credibility of their information sources. We offer up top entertainment from local, regional and international acts. Speaking of entertainment, we go indepth with some of the people who are responsible for most of the entertainment events that occur in Guyana. The Hits & Jams Entertainment Group of Rawle Ferguson, Kerwin Bollers and Dwight Ferguson have been around for just over ten years. They brought us Jamzone Summer Break and many of the concept parties. This group have also brought the likes of Neyo, FayAnn Lyons, Rupee, Machel Montano and a recent collabration with Kashif and Shanghai was able to get Beres Hammond to perform. Writer Naomi Wright caught up with these Boys of Summer to find out what drives them.
Managing Director of furniture giant AH&L Kissoon and the Alaine / Beres Hammond ‘Moment in Time’ concert.
Other interesting features to look for in this edition are the personality one-on-one with top female boxer Shondell ‘Mystery Lady’ Alfred, an article on Hemraj Kissoon
Founder & Publisher GEM http://www.facebook.com/GEM.Guyana
12 | GEM JUNE/JULY 2011
The positive vibes in Guyana is infectious, and for the last seven years, we at GEM have been capturing this feeling on every page, reflecting our country’s best of the best. Enjoy yourself,
A simple celebration, a gathering of friends; here is wishing you great happiness, a joy that never ends.
Hugh Ross
Jumo Primo
JUNE Singer Rajesh Dubraj (10) Boxer Vivian “Vicious” Harris (17) Guyana and West Indies cricketer Ramnaresh Sarwan (23) Muscleman Hugh Ross (26) JULY Designer Trevor Rose (1)
Beverley Harper
Clyde Butts
Singer Johnny Braff (3) Chutney Gospel singer Anil Azeez (6) Boxer Shondell “Mystery Lady”Alfred (7) Former Guyana and West Indies cricketer Clyde Butts (8) Managing Director Ansa McAl Beverly Harper (20) Fashion Designer Roger Gary (23) Singer Jumo Primo (25)
JUNE/JULY 2011 GEM | 13
SPOT LIGHT
The Children’s Convalescent Home
Many years of caring for the very young
Photography: Simeon Corbin
Lunch time
O
n November 7, 1951, The Princess Elizabeth Children’s Convalescent Home officially opened with seven children admitted and a staff of 10 to give them care. The Children’s Convalescent Home (CCH) opened as a clinic for children from the interior of Guyana who came to the city for medical treatment. In 1978, the Rotary Club of Georgetown officially launched a fundraising campaign to build a new Convalescent Home on land allocated by the Government at D’urban Backlands. By December 1979, the then President Arthur Chung turned the sod at the site. On June 7,1980, the new Red Cross Children’s Convalescent Home was officially opened by President 14 | GEM JUNE/JULY 2011
L.F.S. Burnham. Today, CCH operates as a community outreach program providing residential care and support for children ages five and younger, who are recovering from malnourishment, abuse, neglect, abandonment. The home also takes care of children living with HIV/AIDS. CCH aims to promote the children's safety, welfare, healthy mental and emotional well-being and physical development with the ultimate goal of family reintegration or foster care and adoption.. Besides focusing on the children’s medical and physical needs, CCH also offers other programmes to help with a child’s development. There is a play school located on the premises. When the children meet nursery school age,
they are enrolled at the Enterprise Nursery School located in the area. Recreational activities are also regular routines for the children as some go swimming, trips to the zoo, outings and church services. As with many non-government organizations, CCH accepts donations and even allows individuals with time and love in their hearts to assist the staff with their many daily chores. CCH has an ongoing need for common food items like bread, cheese, eggs, full cream milk, peanut butter , jams and jellies and other items. The Home also allows for a Feeding Program in which members of the public can donate cooked meals. Donors can also bring meal ingredients in advance for the CCH cooks to prepare the meal. With prior arrangements, individuals or groups can provide a healthy breakfast, snacks, lunches or dinners for the children. In order to maintain a healthy environment, CCH also appreciates donations of cleaning and hygiene products such as pampers, baby powder, lotions, mild soaps, baby oil, soap powder and baby wipes just about any other product that can be used for child care. Financial support is very much appreciated also as contributions help with continuous care and development of the children. As the home continues to deal with its many challenges, it’s appealing to generous citizens and companies to remember the less fortunate children of Guyana and to offer whatever assistance they can. Visiting hours at the home are from 10 am to 12 noon and 3 pm to 5 pm daily for all visitors. Guyana Red Cross Society Children’s Convalescent Home D'Urban Backlands, Georgetown, Guyana P: 011592-225-7120 / 678-5677 E: ewin_redcross@yahoo.com For information about adopting in Guyana, contact the Ministry of Human Service and Social Security 1 Water and Cornhill Streets, Georgetown, Guyana P: 011592-225-7450 W: http://www.mlhsss.gov.gy
CCH photo
JUNE/JULY 2011 GEM | 15
20-somethings I
You Should Know
n an ongoing series, GEM highlights some of the 20 year olds making a difference in their communities as established leaders or as rising stars. Some of these young people are already making waves in media, sports, entertainment, business, politics, music, medicine and other career choices. Despite the frequent talk of “brain drain” in Guyana and disillusioned youths, these young leaders are sticking
around and aggressively pursuing their various fields of endeavor. They are intelligent, creative, self-assured and patriotic, and you won’t find them sitting around and complaining about what’s wrong with Guyana. This list is just a sample of the calibre of talent that is moving to the forefront of our society, ready to takeover and lead the country into a bright future.
Varsha Sharma Age: Can I say: In My Twenties? :) Hometown: Georgetown High School: St. Rose's Occupation: Business Owner Claim to fame: Glamour Designer Brands, Gizmos & Gadgets. Hobbies: Traveling and Fashion Hunting Relationship Status: Married Idol: I admire humbleness, dedication and hard work! Politics is (stress, interesting, huh!): Everywhere! ..which makes it is interesting.. Where do you see yourself in 10 years: Realizing the dreams of my past :)
Steve Douglas Age: 24 Hometown: Georgetown High School: Christ Church Secondary Occupation: Artist Claim to fame: In 2009 I founded Bravo Arts - a unique company in Guyana which provides mainly face and body painting services for corporate and special events and parties. As the business grew I hosted a body art exhibition at the National Art Gallery, Castellani House in August, 2010. From then on the company continued to grow in popularity and our services were utilized by more businesses and Guyanese generally. The work of Bravo Arts is known to many and has been featured in a number of Guyanese music videos, television adverts, magazines and print press. Hobbies: Playing the guitar, Swimming, browsing the internet, facilitating workshops Relationship Status: Single Idol: Oprah Winfrey Politics is: Interesting Where do you see yourself in 10 years: In ten years I hope to have a master‘s degree in psychology and to be integrally involved in humanitarian work with children and senior citizens. 16 | GEM JUNE/JULY 2011
Keisha Edwards Age: 24 Hometown: Georgetown High School: St Joseph's High Occupation: Designer Claim to fame: I wouldn't consider myself Famous But After My Debut At the Guyana Fashion Weekend in 08, I am known for my label Sha Sha Designs which is traditional Rock meets Modern wear. My designs have been displayed on the runway In Guyana as well as St Marteen FW. I have also designed for the Miss Guyana, Miss Jamzone, Miss Renaissance and the Mother and Daughter Pageants here in Guyana. I am also the Official Designer of Timeka Marshall. Hobbies: Reading, Dancing, traveling and Playing monopoly Relationship Status: Very committed Idol: My Father...He has shown me that through hard work anything is possible and that u can take nothing and make it something. Politics is (stress, interesting, huh!): I find it interesting its amazing how one issue have so many views and can affect so many people regardless of race or status in any society... Where do you see yourself in 10 years: I see myself Married having a degree in fashion and Having my own store Called ShaSha...and selling my designs on a larger scale in Guyana and throughout the Caribbean region.
Geran Williams Age: 20 yrs old. Hometown: Georgetown High School: St. Rose’s High School Occupation: Student/Athlete Claim to fame: I do not consider myself as being famous, but winning the 2009 “Ride for Life” 5 stage road race in senior and junior category and making two records, has resulted in me gaining much respect and recognition as a Cyclist, such as Winning the National Sports Council Award for Junior Sportsman of the year 2009 and securing my selection for CAC Games in Puerto Rico in 2010 and the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India 2010. Hobbies: Cycling, Computers (technical) and the internet, and keeping up-to-date with technological changes in my sport. Relationship Status: Single Idol: Fabian Cancellara (from Switzerland, Professional cyclist and 4 times World Time Trial Champion) Politics is (stress, interesting, huh!): I have no political views. Where do you see yourself in 10 years: In 10 years, I would like to be well achieved in my cycling career, i.e., attended the World’s championship, Pan-American and hopefully the 2012 Olympics. Be the first Guyanese to become a Professional cyclist and continuing higher education which would assist me in establishing and running my own business.
JUNE/JULY 2011 GEM | 17
PERSONALITY
Shondell ‘Mystery Lady’ Alfred Photography: Carl Croker
Job: Professional boxer Favorite food: Cook-up Rice Favourite music: Soul Favourite cocktail: Absolute and coconut water. A person you admire the most: My mother GEM: The last year and a half has been very good for you with two boxing championship wins against DeGroot. The Women’s Boxing Archive Network (WBAN) awarded you the Most Inspirational Boxer of the Year and the national Sports Commission named you the Sportswoman of the Year. Seems like your hard work is finally paying off? Shondell Alfred: It is. GEM: You are pretty, petite and looks like someone who should be doing something other than boxing. Why a career in boxing and how long have you been in the sport? SA: I’ve been in the sport since 1999 because of my father and uncle who are both former boxers. GEM: Where did the ‘Mystery Lady’ title come from? SA: There was a rivalry between Albouyston and Tiger Bay after Stephanie “Razor” George beat Ann Howard from Albouystown for the national lady’s bantamweight title. We in Albouystown wanted that title back, so my father and boxing referee Ian Jardine came up with the idea of defending my ward. Because people didn’t know me, Ian who was 18 | GEM JUNE/JULY 2011
Alfred poses with the 2010 Sportswoman-of-the-Year trophy
also the matchmaker at the time named me the “Mystery Lady,” and since then I have been going by that name. GEM: More wins, mean more publicity for you, you may have to change your alias from ‘Mystery Lady.’ SA: No, I love ‘Mystery Lady’.
GEM: You show no fear in the ring, where does that courage come from? SA: You do what you have to do. Losing is never an option for me. GEM: Do you perform any special rituals before you step into the ring? SA: Just a quick prayer to God, because without him there is no me. GEM: What is your recuperation period like after a major fight? SA: I take about two days or up to a month before getting back into the gym, and that depends on how much training I had to do for the fight and how tough the fight was. GEM: In your last fight against Corrine Van Ryck DeGroot, were you surprised that within one minute and 24 seconds of the fourth round it was over? SA: I was, because I wasn’t really going into the fight looking for a knockout, especially so early. GEM: After you stopped DeGroot, you made this statement, “I hope my victory is seen as a boost for women in Guyana for I see myself as their ambassador and will always strive to be a good role model to young women in sport.” Why do you think it is so important to be the role model for women here? SA: In Guyana, there is a lot of peer pressure to do the wrong thing. I hope that young women would get involved in some form of sporting activity so that they can become disciplined and inspired to pursue something better for themselves. I have learned a lot through boxing. GEM: Boxing in general don’t seem to be lucrative for male boxers here in Guyana, and even tougher for females in the sport, have you ever considered going overseas to further your career? SA: I went to Canada and London to get some more
experience. But it was hard to be away from my family and fans. I need them whenever I fight. GEM: You are currently the WIBA Iberian-American Bantamweight champion and Caribbean Champion Iberian Champion with a record of 13-5-0 (4 KOs), what’s next on your hit list? SA: The WIBA Super Fly title. GEM: Who are some of the people you would like to thank at this stage of your career? SA: My father Cecil Alfred, mother Ingrid McLean, coach Cebert Blake, Winsell Thomas Andrew Murray and promoter Seon Bristol. GEM: You grew up in the tough neighborhood of Albouystown, what did you learn from that experience? SA: A lot. People have a lot of negative things to say about the area, but there are a lot of great people that came out of there. It doesn’t matter where you are from, you can still be great. GEM: How do you balance motherhood and boxing? SA: It’s great. It’s challenging, but I enjoy both. GEM: You have a three year old son Camron Alfred, is he being groomed for boxing? SA: No, but he loves the game. GEM: We heard you are good in the kitchen, what is your specialty dish? SA: Fried rice and cook-up. GEM: When you are not boxing or preparing for a fight, how do you spend your days? SA: Most of my time is spent with my son, but I also like to go to parties. GEM: People would be surprised if you tell them that? SA: I am scared of dogs, any size and any breed.
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Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Two-day Mela
Photography: Carl Croker
T
he Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha hosted an impressive two-day mela at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence on April 30 and May 1, to commemorate the 173rd arrival of East Indians to the shores of Guyana. The first day’s entertainment was provided by the winner of ZeeTV SAREGAMAPA Singing Superstars out of India, Kamal Khan and finalists Abhilasha Chellam and Bishakh Jyoti with their back-up musicians. Their performances were also complemented by members of the Sabha’s own Dharmic Nritya Sangh as they showcased their abilities as back-up dancers. Next day saw top Guyanese artistes, including singers Sookrane Boodhoo, Rekha, Suchitra Rampersaud, Mona, Chevalia and the Dharmic Nritya Sangh entertaining 20 | GEM JUNE/JULY 2011
the large crowd with music provided by the Caribbean Hotshots Band. There was also a guest artiste from Trinidad. Both days provided fun, games and food for the entire family as hungry patrons had opportunities to sample chokhas, curries, rotis, potato balls, samosas, and other tasty dishes sold by various vendors. Many of the ladies who attended, took the opportunity to have complex patterns of Mehendi applied on their hands as decorations. Above: A section of the audience Next page top: Members of Dharmic Nritya Sangh Next page bottom left: Trishala Persaud, Kamal Khan, Abhilasha Chellam, Bishakh Jyoti and Dr Vinyha Persaud Next page bottom right: Bottom right: Other members of the of Dharmic Nritya Sangh
JUNE/JULY 2011 GEM | 21
Text: Naomi Wright Photography: Simeon Corbin
Taking it to the next level
B
y now the story of Jamzone Summer Break is a well known one – local young men from working class backgrounds meeting and embarking on a project that even they did not know at the time would blossom into the hottest event this side of the Atlantic. The former hosts of two of the hottest radio programmes in the country, namely ‘Hitsville’ and ‘Jamzone’ on the 98.1 Hot FM radio station, Rawle Ferguson and Kerwin Bollers got off to a great start by combining the first part of their shows names to create the brand, ‘Hits and Jams’ and held the first event in 2000. What many persons do not know however is that the duo that we have come to love and admire is really a trio and Dwight Ferguson, Rawle’s younger brother is an essential part of the teams recipe for success. On the eve of the 11th successive Jamzone Summer Break event, the HJ team, even the publicity shy Dwight took time off from their hectic schedules and sat down for a chat with GEM. Unlike previous interviews, which were mainly about Hits and Jams, the team whose ages range from late twenties to early thirties, gave us a rare glimpse into their personal lives. Kerwin is an Essequibian and was born in the Suddie Hospital on October 14. (Sorry guys no year). He grew up between Georgetown and Essequibo, attending the Anna Regina primary school in Essequibo and a Georgetown Secondary School. His memories are somewhat hazy, but one thing that stands out are his Christmases in Essequibo which he said were his most fun times, especially the masquerade bands, and being chased by the “bad cows’. Rawle was born at the Georgetown Public Hospital on 22 | GEM JUNE/JULY 2011
Kerwin Bollers aka DJ Kerwin
August 23 and grew up in Albertown, Georgetown. He attended St. Ambrose Primary and St. Joseph Secondary after which he had a brief stint at the University of Guyana doing Public Management.
Dwight, dressing him, holding his hand and carrying him to school, and his comments draw loud protests from the embarrassed Dwight who denies this arguing that Rawle needed looking after himself.
His childhood memories include playing with Dwight. Poking fun at his brother, he recalls looking after
On a serious note he says that his participation in sport constitute some of his most memorable times, as he competed in at National level in Track and field. The third child of his mom and eldest for his father, Rawle says that he has a very huge integrated family that is still growing and has at least twelve siblings. He describes himself as accustomed to being responsible as he is always around a crowd.
Rawle Ferguson aka DJ Rawle
Dwight was born on February 6, at the same hospital as Rawle and also attended the St Ambrose Primary, but got his secondary education at Campbellville Secondary School. For him his most memorable moments of childhood constitute playing war break, taw and other school games that are still popular in Guyana. Neither of the trio has much time for hobbies, with their schedules but try anyhow. Kerwin gets as much sleep as possible. Also he keeps current looking at world news and squeezes in a movie here or there. He doesn’t have a particular type of movies and usually just watches what is hot at the moment, like the box office movies. Kerwin says that “Bad Boys” – the 1995 American Action Comedy starring Martin Lawrence and Will Smith, is one of his all time favourites. We went into fantasy mode and I asked him if he had an ideal week to do as he pleased, what would he do. For Kerwin it would be relaxing with his family playing with his sons and spending time chilling with friends. Rawle also tries to get a lot of sleep in his spare time. “Sleep is a big want right now”, he says. On Sundays he might play cricket, which he says, helps to get the negative energy out of his body. If he had a fantasy week it would be one week on a Jamaican beach chilling and seeing the “best women in the world”. He says Jamaica has nice beaches there to just relax, recharge your body and come back to work. “The goal is to see Guyana go somewhere entertainment wise and you need that extra charge to get that forward”, he says. Dwight is always working even in his spare time, doing research looking for new music, new equipment coming up with new ideas. “I like to work in the background, handle putting stuff together. I do most of the Ads and stuff like that”, he says. JUNE/JULY 2011 GEM | 23
HITS & JAMS Entertainment Group Taking it to the next level This would explain why he is relatively unknown. “I am not the type, not a public person and am not the friendliest person that you would meet. I stay to myself and try not to get in individuals way. I love the background, love to think Rawle and Kerwin get the credit. I’m a team player”. Continuing, he says that he has a belief that you have to know your place if you have a guy making the time, give him the ball, and if he’s not around then I would step up and make that shot. He notes that he is surrounded by some “funny characters," who help him get over any hump. Any problems you have it might look at first like they are making it worse, but that’s the way they deal with things. Living this way has its benefits as he explains, “I love being the assistant because I can walk and go anywhere without people pointing at me and saying stuff that relates to Rawle and Kerwin because they don’t know me and I love it that way, this is something that I normally don’t do, magazines interviews and pictures”. If he had an ideal week he would like to go in a private jet (so as not to deal with hassles and stops) to an exotic location such as Fiji or Bali, just like in the movies somewhere where he could just relax. Next we spoke about romantic relationships and children. Kerwin has a common-law relationship and two sons Kaytan who is a year old, born in June and Korton is going to be six in October. Kortan says that the big one is now “finding him”, like to ask a lot of questions is full of energy and always on the go. The smaller one just started walking and is saying a few words and in his own little world is trying to figure out things. He tries to make what he calls a “boys day”. Saturday is a less tense day and he would bring him have him with him for much of the day, bringing him to the office. On Sundays make time to play video games and go for a drive. He understands that his job is a little different from most daddies. Kerwin says that fatherhood taught him responsibility. “It’s a pop, it really brings you to the reality that there is now more responsibility”. It also teaches you the importance of sacrifice as you as a father want your kids to have more than you have. You can’t just think about yourself you have to think about the future of your kids. Kerwin says he is self motivated as he has set a lot of goals in life that he wants to achieve and it is a great motivation for him. 24 | GEM JUNE/JULY 2011
Rawle, whose life was touched by tragedy a few years ago when he lost his son to Leukaemia was still willing to talk about fatherhood. He stressed sacrifice, responsibility and a very close relationship with his mom. Dwight has a girlfriend, no kids and lives with his parents, says that this is by choice and he is by no means
Dwight Ferguson
dependent. He pays his bills like a regular person. He notes that his mother doesn’t want him to leave. Dwight pointed out that he is surrounded by hardworking people and in that environment, he says the only thing left to do is to step up to the wheel and turn it. “My team motivates me, seeing how hard they work night after night, day after day. I can’t point out any one individual it could be the smaller jobs in the organization. Sometimes they work beyond call." What can we expect from Jamzone this year was the final topic of discussion of the day. Rawle said that the team recognizes that Guyana is a very diverse country in terms of the culture of the people and have learned from their past experiences. “ Last year taught us a good lesson that our country, or people our citizens wants to be a part of Jamzone, and Jamzone is all about them so this year the HJ team has extended to ten days where they want to reach all including mature audiences with theatre and music. It’s something that the group had been thinking about but now it’s not just about them any longer, it’s about what Guyana moves to. So this year they will feature food, jazz and fashion for the more relaxed people. This year there will also be a comedy zone; this will cater for people who don’t want to go to parties. There will also be a first time ever Kidzone. Venues will be centralised to suit the event. This year will feature delegates from around South America as well as Caribbean girls. This year the team want to include our neighbours. Rawle assured that as the pageant grows, girls from all over the world will be included, but says that the HJ Team believes in taking things in stages. There will be a chutney night, a regional night where Caribbean brothers can showcase talent in Guyana, an international night. The event will close off with the crowning of the international Jamzone queen. Rawle said that the HJ hopes to be able to cover most of the peoples wants, in the ten-day period, “We want to create that atmosphere that people must know Jamzone is about them. It is beyond Hits and Jams now." The fun begins on August 12 this year and will last until August 21.
JUNE/JULY 2011 GEM | 25
Simeon Corbin Photo
Above: GT&T’s CEO Yog Mahadeo poses with the Berbice All Stars
GT&T 10/10 Finals @ the Guyana National Stadium
A
pril 9, 2011 was D-day as the battle for first place for the men’s and women’s teams in the GT&T 10/10 softball cricket competition played out in front of a large crowd at the Guyana National Stadium. After months of competition, bragging and promises, eight teams were left standing on the final day. In the men’s semi-final games, Wolf Warriors (97- 3) defeated Regal X1 ( 92- 9) with 2.3 overs left. In the other semifinal, Celebrity Times (75- 6) squeezed pass Universal Solutions Tigers (72- 6). In the female semi-final games, Lusignan Street Warriors (103- 2) beat Trophy Stall Angles ( 85- 5) by 18 runs. In the other game, the Berbice All Star ( 83- 3) defeated Mike’s Wellwomen ( 79- 8). As expected, the finals for both males and females teams were very competitive, and fans were not disappointed. In the female final, Berbice All Stars (99- 4) defeated the Lusignan Street Warriors (89- 6) by 10 runs for their win
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and the $1M first prize. The male final provide its own brand of excitement as Wolf Warriors (88- 2) defeated Celebrity Times (86- 8) by eight wickets, with three overs left. For their win, Warriors received $2M, while the All Stars took home $1M. For their unsuccessful efforts in the finals, Celebrity Times and Lusignan Street Warriors (LSW) received $500,000 and $250,000 respectively with trophies. Regal XI’s Azad Azeez and Buxton All Stars’ Ruth George were rewarded for their highest individual scores in the tournament. Azeez scored an unbeaten 142 runs, while George completed an unbeaten 140. This year’s tournament attracted a total of 1,224 teams from all across Guyana, with 1,015 being male and 209 female. The tournament attracted female teams for the first time this year.
Orlando Charles Photo
The victorious West Demerara Wolf Warriors
Orlando Charles Photo
Right: The 10/10 Girls strike a pose Below: A section of the “Blue” stand
Simeon Corbin Photo
JUNE/JULY 2011 GEM | 27
Beres Hammond & Elaine
‘Moment in Time’ Concert
P
romoters Hits & Jams Entertainment Group and the Kashif & Shanghai Organization promised a night of excitement and they certainly delivered just that.
Photography: Carl Croker
On April 24, 2011, the group brought Jamaican reggae songstress Alaine and Beres Hammond to perform at their ‘Moment in Time’ show at the Guyana National Stadium. Elaine was the first to perform, belting out some of her popular hits such as “ Heavenly,” “ Deeper,” Wine”, Chaka Chaka Love” and others. An hour later, Beres came on stage to perform in front of thousands of screaming fans. Song after song Hammond had the large capacity crowd engaged as they sang along to his many familiar hits. Hammond’s last visit to Guyana was in 2005 at the Georgetown Cricket Club Ground (GCC) where he made another lasting impression on fans. Earlier in the evening, Mingles Sound Machine band and Timeka Marshall entertained the crowd.
Elaine poses backstage 28 | GEM JUNE/JULY 2011
Beres Hammond on stage
Timeka Marshall onstage
L-r: GT&T’s CEO Yog Mahadeo, K&S’s Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major and Kashif Muhammad and H&J’s Kerwin Bollers
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ICON
Hemraj Kissoon Making the Home a Better Place to Live Text: Petamber Persaud Photography: Submitted
D
evastating fires did not and could not deter him. Consequential lost of capital and investment due to the fires did not and could not deter him. Riots did not and could not deter him. Consequential lost of capital and investment due to the riots did not and could not deter him. Family tragedies did not and could not deter him. The death of his brother, Alston, who was the founder and mainstay of the family business did not and could not deter him. In fact, those calamities served to solidify his mettle as a consummate businessman. All of those things are hidden behind a façade of gentleness, almost staid countenance, and a slight ever present smile. Apart from the larger more visible tragedies of life, he was able to rally each encounter because he said he came through the ranks - learning the trade and the art of business by experience. Experience was for him the best teacher. He was learning since his formative years in Berbice where he was born. Hemraj Kissoon was in born 1937 at #60 village, Corentyne, Berbice, to Sadhu (mother) and Kissoon, both born in Guyana. His grandparents came from India. His mother was very religious which accounted for his countenance of tranquillity. His father was into rice farming and livestock rearing. Both types of farming taught him resilience. A fascinating period of the livestock business was the shepherding of the cattle herds and ‘swimming’ them across the Corentyne River to Surinam for sale. His exposure to this type of trade quickened the business blood in his vein. And at every turn appeared opportunities to learn and advance his perspective on life and sharpen his business acumen. After attending primary school at Benab Village, not far from his birthplace, Kissoon was uprooted from the rustic country life to bustle of city life. Even though it was the early 50s, the city of Georgetown 30 | GEM JUNE/JULY 2011
was a vibrant capital city. At about 14, without owning even a pair of shoes or a toothbrush, he found himself in Georgetown, later attending Central High School. And a few house moves later, found him closer to his life’s calling. Those house moves brought him in closer contact with business as his brother who was operating George Sukhoo Store initiated him in the world of business. As a travelling salesman, he got the opportunity to meet different types of people all across Guyana. This provided loads of information on varied tastes of people, information
he was able to use in order to cater for all and sundry with regards to home furnishing. The travelling salesman soon outgrew the novelty of retail selling, going from shop to shop. There were bigger things in store for the family as turned its attention to importation and distribution. The importation aspect of business was drawing the family nearer to the manufacturing end of the furniture business. So the early 1960s, found the Kissoon family setting up its factory in the Industrial Estate Ruimveldt. And it took off with a passion. With the factory up and running, distribution centres opened throughout the country. It was again time to take stock. A world tour was now in order, next on the agenda of Hemraj Kissoon; in 1964 he went on a world tour, opening for him the wonders of the life and business. The 1960s was very eventful and momentous for Hemraj Kissoon. Soon after Hemraj’s world tour, his brother, Alston, died in a plane crash returning from a government business trip in India. With addition responsibility thrown on his shoulders, Kissoon sought a helpmate, one on whom he could rely for support. In 1969, he was married, a union which produced one daughter and numerous business ventures.
Kissoon at the Empire State Building in New York in 1964
The Kissoon business expanded into other areas. In the area of construction, it provided low cost housing in the Good Hope Scheme. The business group also included rice farming and cattle rearing. But it was the manufacturing of furniture, the turning out useful and beautifully crafted items that has kept Kissoon committed all these years in the business. The family business was first in Guyana to manufacture carpets, polyurethane foam, table lamps, tufted coconut fibre pads for mattresses, and inner spring for mattresses. The company was first to manufacture metal beds and springs. First to manufacture convoluted and contour foam. In 1970, the company manufactured for and installed the chairs at the National Cultural Centre. His interest in banking and finance is something he has taken to just like the manufacturing of furniture. His is a stakeholder in Trust Company, Demerara Bank, Small Business & Development Finance Inc., an initiative that helps in the financing of small businesses. Other interests in life have all worked together to sustain him. How he relaxes. By being busy. He is an active golfer. And many weekends and holidays, he goes hunting and fishing, both hobbies teaching him patience and good judgment. The diverse activities of Hemraj Kissoon show how round a character he has become over the years. Kissoon is member of Central Demerara Lions, a service oriented organisation. Past President of the Lusignan Golf Club. He is also an executive member of the Indian Commemorative Trust and a founder-member of GOPIO international (1989). Over the years, during different dispensations, he had and still maintains business and friendly relationships with leaders of Guyana including Dr. Jagan as Primer then President, Governor - Sir David Rose, Past Presidents - Arthur Chung, Forbes Burnham, Desmond Hoyte and Mrs. Jagan, and incumbent President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. Hemraj Kissoon declares that he looks forward to the same cordial relationship with future presidents of Guyana. Hemraj Kissoon puts his hands to many other useful things. And still finds time for his grandson and other relatives. A guiding principal is if you enjoy what you do, you’d never work a day in your life. That’s Hemraj Kissoon – he’s always gainfully employed but whatever he does is not considered work. JUNE/JULY 2011 GEM | 31
HEALTH BEAT
Living with Diabetes: Learning to pay attention to Symptoms and Treatment
Linda Gregory
Text: Coretta Corbin-Rival
F
or Linda Gregory, a forty nine year old wife and mother of three, being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes two years ago felt like a death sentence. Gregory said that at that time she knew very little about the disease although she had lost her mother to this illness at an early age, and she herself had gestational diabetes during the pregnancy of her last child. Because of her lack of information, Gregory said that she was devastated by the news of her diagnosis and became depressed, fearing that she too will lose her life. However, after receiving reassurance from her doctor, support from her family, information and medication for the disease, she has learned to accept and live with the diagnoses. Most of all, she has learned to make healthy lifestyle changes such as eating differently to the way she was taught and becoming more physically active. She has also learned to monitor her blood sugar and to carefully monitor what she eats. Although Gregory’s symptoms started with blurred vision and dizzy spells, the most common symptoms associated with this disease include frequent urination, constant feeling of thirst and hunger, fatigue and weight loss without trying to lose weight. These symptoms are visible in both type 1 and 2 of the disease. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes usually occur quickly whereas type 2 symptoms are gradual over a period of time. If you experience a group of these symptoms, you should get tested as soon as possible. Diabetes is no joke, especially type 1 which could lead to a diabetic coma if not treated with insulin. Long term complications such as blindness, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, stroke, amputations and even damage to blood vessels could occur. Three types of tests that are frequently used for diabetes are fasting plasma glucose test, oral glucose tolerance test and random plasma glucose test. Fasting plasma glucose tests the glucose levels in a person after he or she has fasted for 8 hours. Oral glucose tolerance test also measures the glucose levels in a person after he or she has fasted for 8 hours, but receives a solution of glucose drink before the test. The random plasma glucose test measures a person’s glucose but with no
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regards for the last time he or she ate. Diabetes and pre-diabetes testing is encouraged for adults and children under age 45 who are overweight but show no obvious signs of the disease. Testing is also recommended for adults, age 45 and older with risk factors such as family history, physical inactivity, high blood pressure and obesity. Type 2 diabetes is common in older adults who are overweight. However, more recently, many younger people are developing the disease due to obesity. In the past, people diagnosed with this disease were at a greater risk of dying from complications. However, in recent years many new treatments have come on the market, giving those with the disease a better chance at life. Insulin and pills that help control the blood glucose levels are the prescribed treatment. Also with the right diet, exercise and weight loss program, diabetes could be controlled, and even prevented in those showing signs of onset of the disease. Diabetics are also required to closely monitor their blood glucose levels in order to keep it from going too low or too high. Low levels of glucose could cause confusion, fainting and nervousness called hypoglycemia. Too high blood sugar could also lead to illness. It is important that people with diabetes learn to recognize signs of low blood sugar and how to quickly boost their sugar levels if need be.
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Sarah Age: 23 Sign: Virgo Favourite colors: Pink and black Favourite food: Barbeque Hobbies: Going to the gym 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. 34 | GEM JUNE/JULY 2011
SAVVY SISTER
Women’s Health 101: How to do Self Breast Exam Text: Coretta Corbin-Rival
S
ince 1989, October has been named the month of breast cancer awareness which has now been marked with pink ribbons created by Estee Lauder. Second to cervical cancer, breast cancer has become one of the biggest killers of women around the world. Annual mammograms are encouraged for women over 40 and those with maternal family history of breast cancer. Although there are no exact causes of breast cancer, there are certain risk factors believed to be associated with this illness. Risk factors for breast cancer are: • Obesity and lack of physical activity • Diet high in saturated fat • Alcohol intake of more than 2 drinks per day • Early menstruation or late menopause • Having first child at an older age or not having given birth • Taking birth control pills for more than 10 yrs • Maternal family history of the disease Learning to do self breast exam, especially when mammograms are not easily accessible is an important tool in helping to detect suspicious lumps. There are several ways in which you could examine your breasts on your own: Standing Up: Stand up before a mirror with hands on your hips and look for changes in the look, shape, size or form of each breast. Look at the skin of the breasts which may appear scaly, red, dimpling or swollen if something is wrong. Look at whether any of the nipples are turned slightly inwards or if there is any discharge. Repeat the mirror examination of your breasts with your arms raised above
your head and by bending forward. While standing, put one arm behind your head. Use the finger pads of your other hand to gently touch every area of the breast below the raised arm. Use small circles and follow an up and down or circular pattern over every inch of the breast. Feel for lumps, thickening mass or bumps. Repeat the same exam on the other breast with your other arm raised behind your head. In the shower, raise your right arm. Use the soapy fingers on your left hand to check your right breast, repeating the same patterns as above. Lying Down: It is easier to feel the tissues in the breasts when lying down because they are spread across the chest and are less condensed. Place a pillow or folded towel under your right shoulder and put your right arm behind head. Use the finger pads on your left hand to examine breasts using the same pattern as when you were standing.
JUNE/JULY 2011 GEM | 35
Exploring the Diaspora
Dominique Dias
Text: Dominique Dias Photography: Submitted
Shares a Volunteering Experience of a Lifetime
M
y Habitat for Humanity volunteering experience could never be embedded into the confines of these pages. In February 2010, I was reflecting on my life; Who am I? Why are we here? I then researched volunteer programs abroad through Habitat for Humanity and chose three different locations; Vietnam, Bangladesh and Thailand. I then decided to write to my mom and dad, a long letter about how they raised me and why I think I should take a semester off school to volunteer for three months. It took a little convincing because I would be traveling alone, not knowing what I was getting myself into at the age of 20. However, my parents are my backbone, my supporters, my love for them is like ink stained over my heart, it will never fade. I have always had an inescapable desire to help others and traveling to Asia was just the frosting on the cake for me. It granted me the liberty to unite with people from around the globe, decreasing poverty one house at a time. We worked amidst the families we were building the houses for and because of this special unity we worked through the blazing sun and the spirited rain. We were not tourists; we were part of their family. They welcomed 36 | GEM JUNE/JULY 2011
us into their community, culture and I then really began to focus on things that really mattered in life and more so appreciated everything I had. Vietnam was my first destination in the month of September. It was all very new to me. I didn't know anyone and I missed my parents, my brother, my aunt, my cousin and my grandfather in Guyana. I landed in Ho Chi Minh and my senses were awakened by utter beauty and everything felt vibrant. I could literally feel the new day commencing and all my tears were vaporized from the sun’s rays. Our team spent the weekend in Ho Chi Minh but we then travelled to Long An where we would be building the houses. We were the first group of international volunteers to build in the Long An province so the locals were very entertained with our company. They would come up to me and say " là n da dep " meaning beautiful skin as they felt my cheeks and arms. I would call Vietnam, 'the land of smiles' because they all smiled continually. Surrounded by poverty, they constantly found something to smile about and that is how I live now. I know that 'behind every dark cloud there is always a silver lining' so, I too, smile.
'When in Rome do as the Romans do,' that was precisely how I wanted my experience in Asia to be like. So, I ate street food with chopsticks, bargained for robes in Vietnamese in the markets and crawled through the Cu Chi tunnels used during the war. One afternoon, during our lunch break, my team member Peter and I chose to go into the rice field. We walked through the neighbours' duck farm, into a trench and out onto the field opposite our site to help the ladies harvest rice. A man from the village saw us do this and found pieces of wood to build a bridge for us and helped me over the trench. The vision of the rice field sent memories of Guyana flooding in my thoughts. I miss Vietnam; its people, its culture and I will forever keep my memories of that place soaked in my mind. I travelled to China for a month to visit my treasure, Nico, who is also from Guyana and later boarded a plane for Bangladesh. Bangladesh was my second build in a city called Mymensingh. It took a colossal amount of time to wind through the streets because of cattle, rickshaws and gargantuan trucks but you couldn't help but be in awe of the intricate artwork painted on them. Before we left for Mymensingh, we had a little tour of Dhaka. We spoke about the Liberation War and how much things have changed. Unemployment was high and the poverty levels were as alarming as a bell ringing in your ears. Men in the market never took their eyes off foreigners, it seemed new to them. By mid-day their clothes were dirty from the dust of the morning breeze, their eyes bloodshot and mouth stained red of betel nut. We walked down by the river where I was escorted through by street children with tattered clothes, barefooted and only knew how to say "Thank you very much" in English. The village where we were building had children in abundance as well. Every day they helped me work and decorated my hair and filled my pockets with flowers. I was happy and sad to realize that the children knew nothing about the outside world. I was sad because their life goal was to do hard labor. However, happy for they do not see themselves as living in poverty and what means the most to them are not material things but family and the richness of their culture as was seen through their singing and dancing. One girl in particular, named Poppie, cooked for her family using mustard flowers from the field. She loved to smile for the camera and had an angelic aura surrounding her. Back in Dhaka, I observed the Eid al-Adha celebrations also called the "Festival of Sacrifice." The animals they sacrificed were divided into three parts to be distributed to others. The poor and needy is given one third another third is given to relatives or friends and the other third the family retains. Bangladesh truly was an interesting place, it really opened my eyes and the children were my heart and soul on that build. Chiang Mai, Thailand was my third and final destination
and it was truly an amazing experience. I got there eight days before the team arrived and on my first day I put on a loose-fitting jersey over my nightgown and barefooted I walked down the stairs for breakfast, for I refused to miss a moment of the majestic gift being bestowed upon me. I then took a shower and headed out for a mini adventure with Moon, a tuk-tuk driver I met outside of my hotel. He carried me to bungee jump and to 'The Tiger Kingdom' where I hugged huge tigers and played with small ones. At night, I visited the night markets and the locals soon became my friends. My team arrived and soon after we headed to the worksite. Our team along with the home owners never stopped. We worked hard as a family, ate as a family, we were a family. Before we knew it, a house had emerged from the ground and filled our hearts with sunshine. Our group was called, 'Unity' and the bond we had as a team and with the family will stay close to my heart. When our team had our weekend to tour the land, we climbed 309 steps to the Doi Suthep Temple located on a mountain. I was blessed by a monk and he tied a piece on string on my wrist for protection which I still wear today. We also spent a day with elephants, walking alongside them. We fed and bathed them and as a reward we were all given kisses by a muddy trunk. At the Sunday market Phil, my team mate and I wanted to immerse ourselves in the culture and decided to eat silk worms, grasshoppers and crickets. In Thailand the sun casted it's light on my world and destroyed shadows that were once unmistakable in my life. As the sun rose higher into the sky, the trip was coming to an end and on the last night our team and the home owners had a karaoke party. We sang, did the limbo, tried a traditional Thai bamboo dance and sent floating lanterns into the midnight sky. Before leaving Thailand, Jason, Phil, Meg and I said goodbye to our team and spent some time in Bangkok before returning home. As I boarded the aircraft leaving Thailand, my heart plummeted for a chapter of my life I came into feeling nervous, now a chapter I didn't want to finish, it became part of my core being. The light was disappearing for the sun slowly and gently tumbled down into the horizon beyond. The clouds congregated as if they were wishing me a pleasant departure for the flight ahead and cascaded red dust as it faded. All of the sun’s rays seemed to have diminished and a soothing silence reigned over Thailand as the sun sank. When I landed in Canada, I changed. I found it hard to relate to my friends with certain problems, I felt abandoned on a peninsula because what could be worse than not having a home or food to eat? The reverse culture shock was more difficult than the initial culture shock. I felt isolated, having experienced poverty up close and personal and now having no one who viewed the world the same as I did. However, after being re-united with my family when I arrived in Guyana for the Christmas holidays I was able to embrace my experience. I have the privilege of saying I am Guyanese living by the motto, "One People, One Nation, One Destiny" and like my JUNE/JULY 2011 GEM | 37
Exploring the Diaspora
Exploring the Diaspora A Volunteering Experience of a Lifetime mom, Denise Dias and my aunt, Beverley Harper I too want to give back to Guyana. In the words of Mahatma Ghandi, "Be the change that you wish to see in the world." Poverty is hunger to me. A hunger for everything. Seeing this hunger for life, it changes your perception and makes you look at the world from their point of view. My volunteer experience clutched on to my very core and I couldn't get loose and exactly as my experience changed me, I want it to change you. I simply do not have it in me to tell you the things I saw but I hope you go on looking. I myself have walked the streets and my innocence has been shattered by the stark reality I laid my eyes upon. You may have to give a little but trust me, you get a lot. Regardless of their living conditions, they live a proud and humble life and the memories of my trips replay in my head like a film. They live in circumstances in which we ourselves would never be able to survive. The living conditions are not only seen in the places I visited, but also the place I live, so hold my hand and make a difference in Guyana. Students need to realize their ability to help Guyana and the world just by educating themselves about issues and problems that go on around them. We can all make a difference. My experience abroad will forever be etched into my soul, for my attraction and appreciation to the families were so strong that I felt we spoke the same language. The warmth of their smiles, the sincerity of their tears and the power of their hugs has changed my life forever.
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I have learned a bit of Vietnamese from the habitat affiliates, Bengali from the village children and Thai from the locals. I encourage everyone to give back in someway; volunteer with the local Habitat for Humanity, hold a fundraiser for a charity, play with children who seek love at an orphanage or start out with making three people smile each day. Abraham Maslow proposed the hierarchy of human needs represented by a pyramid, the base being the essentials man needs to survive such as: food, water and shelter. As we progress along the pyramid we then wish for: safety, a sense of belonging, esteem; self-esteem, confidence, respect and finally self-actualization. My point is that human beings have unlimited wants, so as you are reading my words I yearn for you to realize how very fortunate you are and when problems occur just remember that some people are still on the base level of the pyramid. They don't know if they will have running water tomorrow, if they will eat when darkness spills across the sky or if they will ever have adequate housing for their family. "Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose." - Helen Keller My experience has been heartbreakingly and magnetically beautiful and one that I hope most of you will experience yourselves.
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THE WEDDING PLANNER
Troy & Natheeah Tied the Knot
Photography: Simeon Corbin
April 24th, 2011
Bride’s name: Natheeah Akilah King-Mendonca Groom’s name: Troy Edgar Renton Mendonca Bride: Marketing Manager, Grace Kennedy Remittance Services Groom: Managing Director, Guinness Bar and Grill Best man: Marlon Cole Maid of honour: Marsha King Ring bearer: Jaleel Mendonca Mini bride: Jada Mendonca Location of ceremony: Promenade Gardens Location of reception: A private residence in Liliendaal, ECD First dance: At Last by Beyonce & It's a Man's World by Seal Honeymoon location: Princess Hotel Designer of bridesmaids dresses: Pat Coates Assistant designer: Francois Advice: a) To Compromise with each other and b) Know your partner's love language. 40 | GEM JUNE/JULY 2011
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THE WEDDING PLANNER
Inside Wedding Expo III
Photography: Simeon Corbin
Carl Croker Photo
W
edding Expo III got on the way on March 25 and ran until the 27th at the Roraima Duke Lodge in Kingston. This annual event hosted by the Roraima Group of Companies is aimed at providing a forum for the industry stakeholders to present their products and services to visitors to the exposition. Besides the displays of cakes, stationeries, cocktails, limousines, jewellery stores, photography studios and other services, there was also a fashion show on the final evening by local designers and boutiques.
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Capt. Gerry Gouveia and Yog Mahadeo after inking an agreement
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THE WEDDING PLANNER
Inside Wedding Expo III
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Emcee Sybris Harvey
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FASHION
Theatrical Spectacular
Mixing Fashion, Music and Dance Photography: Carl Croker Jasmin Harris performs with the Crystallite Dancers
T
he Guyana Fashion Weekend (GFW) hosts its first “Theatre Spectacular” show on April 8 and 9, 2011 at the National Cultural Centre .
The event, a mixture of song, dance and fashion paid tribute to fashion icon Lady Sara Lou Carter, nee Harris, and other fashionistas from the 60’s and 70’s. This two-day event also showcased new singing and fashion talents. The sizable audience was entertained by the creativity of designers Wynette Jones, Paul Burnette, Karen Ross, Mwansa Glenn, Neilson Nurse, Ryan Berkley, Paula Evans and Sonia Noel. As if not to be outdone, singers, the likes of John Shepherd, Timolyn Barclay the Messengers, Jackie Hanover; Travis, Gaffar; Sharmaine Blackman; Raqayah Boyer, Fraser and others gave the audience servings of the versatility of Guyanese talent during their segments on stage. The set was designed by Christopher Goodridge displayed a blend of past and present décor. This provided the proper backdrop for the different dance sequences. 46 | GEM JUNE/JULY 2011
The male section Crystallite Dancers during a routine
Timolyn Barclay
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FASHION
THEATRICAL SPECTACULAR Mixing Fashion, Music and Dance
Top: Sharmaine Blackman Left & Below: Models during the fashion segments
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Pushpanjali 2011
Photography: Carl Croker
O
n May 4, 2011, the Indian Commemoration Trust (ICT) held their annual celebration “Pushpanjali” at the Indian Monument Gardens in Georgetown.
The ICT was founded in 1988 after Dr. Persaud and a group of colleagues approached the government to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the arrival of East Indians to Guyana, and also the abolishment of slavery. This year’s event recognized Dr Cecil Harrichand and Bradridin Hassan. Dr. Harrichand a mediacal doctor was recognized for his work in the medical field while, Hassan a businessman and a sports enthusiast was honoured for his religious work at the Peter’s Hall Masjid. Dr Persaud was also the recipient of a plaque presented to him by the National Television Network ( NTN) for being presented with an Honorary Doctorate from Warwick University. The programme featured performances from Kathak dancers and the Nadira and Indranie Shah Dance Troupe. 50 | GEM JUNE/JULY 2011
Above: Members of the Nadira and Indranie Shah Dance Troupe on stage Below: NTN’s Anand Persaud(R) and Reyaz Husein (C) present a plague to Dr. Persaud
Above: L-r: Reyo Romel, High Commissioner, Sabeet Kumar Mandal, Hemraj Kissoon, Dr Yesu Persaud, Donald Ramotar and Raymond Ali Left: A Kathak dancer performs Below: Dr Yesu Persaud (L) presents the plaque to Dr Cecil Harrichand
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Coffee & Walnut Cake Text & photography: NAMILCO
Serves 8 Prep time: 15 minutes plus cooling time. Cook time: 25 minutes
INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons instant coffee granules 200g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing 200g white sugar 4 Medium eggs 200g Maid Marian Self-Rising Flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1x100g pack walnut halves, roughly chopped
FOR THE BUTTERCREAM ICING
2 teaspoons instant coffee granules 150g unsalted butter 300g icing sugar, sifted
PREPERATIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C, fan 160°C, gas 4. Grease 2x20cm (8”) round cake tins and line with baking parchment. Dissolve the coffee granules in 1 tablespoon boiling water and allow to cool. 2. Beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Using a large spoon, fold in the flour and baking powder. Stir in 50g walnuts and the coffee. 3. Divide the mixture between the 2 cake tins and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden and springy to the touch. Remove the cakes from the tins and leave to cool on a wire rack. 4. To make the icing, dissolve the coffee granules in 1 teaspoon boiling water. Beat together the butter and icing sugar until pale and fluffy. Stir in the coffee and mix until well combined. Use half the buttercream icing to sandwich the cakes together. Cover the top with the remaining icing and decorate with the remaining walnuts.
Black Pudding Photography: Simeon Corbin
INGREDIENTS
4 yards runners (cow or pig intestine) Lime juice
FILLING
2pt rice 1 grated coconut 4oz salted meat 4 tbsp chopped eschallot (scallion) 2 tbsp chopped celery 6-8 tbsp chopped thyme (broad and fine leaf) 4 tbsp chopped married man pork (basil ) 1 tbsp ground cinnamon 2 tbsp sugar 1 pt blood (cow)
METHOD 1 2 3 4 5
Sour (Relish)
4 green mangoes 1/2 onion chopped 1 red pepper Salt
Clean runners with lime and salt. Cook rice with grated coconut and salt meat. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Mix with chopped herbs, spice, sugar and salt to taste. Strain blood over this mixture and mix together until rice is evenly coated with blood and free from lumps. 6 Fill runners using a funnel, and make sure that there is no space left after filling. 7 Tie ends and boil gently for about 20 minutes. Prick with s skewer to test dampness. When thoroughly cooked blood is no longer fluid but congeals around rice grains. 8 A allow to cool and darken before brushing with oil. 9 To make sour, slice mangoes and simmer with other ingredients until soft. 10 Serve black pudding sliced with the sour.
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175 Da Silva Street, Newtown, Kitty. Tel: (592) 662-6606, 612-5670 Email: prestige_agency@yahoo.com
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inesta Prestige Model & Management Agency is celebrating its first anniversary with great pomp along with much progress and continued strive for success. Prestige Model & Management Agency was founded by Ms. Ginesta David in June 2010. Ms David began her modeling career at the age of sixteen, but her big break however came when she captured the Crown of Miss Guyana African Heritage in 2004 and was given the opportunity to compete internationally. Through her modeling career, she has visited countries like the U.S.A, St Kitts, Trinidad and Suriname. Ginesta was also a special guest at the Labor Day Parade in Atlanta, USA. After her reign as Ms. Guyana African Heritage in 2004, she continued to participate in major fashion shows for top designers. After eleven years of enjoyment in her career as a model, Ginesta decided to retire from modeling but maintained her passion by assisting others in their modeling career as
well as make up artistry, both locally and internationally. Ms David’s aim for Prestige Model & Management Agency is to give guidance and empowerment to young women with respect to the confidence they need in this line of work, moreover to provide the appropriate skills such as communication, mannerism and make up artistry which will equip every model to fully participate in the fashion industry. Ginesta’s Prestige Model & Management Agency opens employment for young enthusiastic women with potential in the field of modeling such as runways and advertisement, promotional ads and pageantry etc. Since opening its doors in 2010, Prestige has been involved in charity events with the Red Cross Blood Drive, and their Fund Raiser car wash in February 2011 to raise funds for the less fortunate children in the East Ruimveldt community.
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TRAVEL
The MANGROVE HERITAGE TOUR
Text: Annette Arjune-Martins Photography: Annette Arjune-Martins
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uyana is a big country – bigger than Great Britain – so nature trips can take days, but there is now an half-day tour of several East Coast villages where visitors encounter our Guyanese heritage, a thriving mangrove forest, a fish pond, and a towering estate house, in the company of our charming village people. All of this is in the Golden Grove/Belfield Mangrove Reserve – 20 minutes from Georgetown. Visitors can choose between a horse-drawn wooden dray, or a vehicle, and the tour begins at Golden Grove, a former plantation, where 150 years ago the concept of wind energy was already in use in the sugar mill there. A roadside highlight in the next village, Nabacilis, is “Parliament” – a massive 150-year-old tamarind tree so named because it is a social meeting place for residents. Guyana’s varied architectural heritage is on display in a sprawling 3-storey plantation house at the Village of Cove and John – the next stop. Dominating 5 acres of land covered with massive mango trees, the house reflects an early grandeur in its hand-hewn greenheart beams, pine floors and cast iron pillars. Supporting the building’s front gallery are pillars made from bricks brought here in colonial days as ballast in sailing ships.
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Above: Ingrids cane juice stand Below: Team effort replanting mangroves
The estate house now serves as the Visitor Centre for the Mangrove Reserve, with displays telling the mangrove story in detail. From the mansion, you travel east to Victoria Village, the first village bought by former slaves following Emancipation in 1888, and you can pause at the original hut where slaves collected their weekly pay packages. It’s now a busy village shop, and vendors outside offer fresh coconut water . The tour turns briefly toward the sea, and then curves westward where you catch sight of one of the many kokers (a Dutch word meaning “sluice”) that dot the Guyana landscape. Shortly after , on the left, are the beautiful temples of the local ashram where Hindu followers come to worship. You are now in the heart of the Golden Grove/ Belfield Mangrove Reserve – the first community-owned and managed mangrove reserve in Guyana. Visitors are guided along a trail, fringing the sea, where within the first 100 steps you come across four of the seven mangrove species – black, white, red and buttonwood. On the land side of the trail is a wetland area, and a shallow pond Right: Mangrove honey Below: Hut in the background where former slaves collected pay
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TRAVEL
The MANGROVE HERITAGE TOUR
Ashram in Cove and John
teeming with fish (tilapia, hassar, patwa, and sunfish), ideal for recreational fishing. Here, too, the cameras come out as local fishermen beat the water to chase the fish into their nets. In the middle of the wetland is a small island of lush black mangrove where bee keepers operate. The nectar from the black mangrove blossom produces delectable goldencoloured honey - you can purchase some at the end of the tour from Victoria bee keepers Carlotta and Colin DeJesus. As the tour winds back to the estate house, stop at Ingrid’s roadside stand for some snacks and fresh cane juice. If you’re looking for a short intensive look at our natural world and our Guyanese culture, this 3-hour tour is the ticket. Cost: Two person US$20 each; four persons US$15 each; 8 or more US$10 each. For large groups, the Buxton Pride Steel Orchestra can be engaged to play folk songs. For bookings or information: Colin or Corletta DeJesus 617-0131; 617-0219 56 | GEM JUNE/JULY 2011
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RANDOM PICS OF EVENTS
WERE YOU THERE?
2011 Mother and Daughter Pageant Photography: Carl Croker
Producers Ingrid Fung (left) and her daughter Sulan Fung (right) pose with the Senior, Middle and Junior category winners of the annual Mother and Daughter Pageant at the National Culture Center on May 7, 2011.
Nrityageet 32 - National Cultural Centre Photography: Carl Croker
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he Nadira and Indranie Shah Dance Troupe held the 32nd edition of their annual dance production on May 6, 2011at the National Culture Center . This year’s presentation included Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Folk, Modern, Chutney, Soca, Jazz, ballet, ballroom , and other dances styles.
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WERE YOU THERE?
H&J All White Party Photography: Carl Croker its & Jams hosted an All White Party on March 19, 2011 at the Guyana National Stadium featuring Denise Belfon, Timeka Marshall, Lil Rick, Patch, JW and Blaze, & Rupee.
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1. Rupee 2. Shelly G 3. Fusion Sound with DJ Kerwin (C) 4. Denise Belfon 5. Patch backstage 6. Timeka Marshall and Lil Rick JUNE/JULY 2011 GEM | 59
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RANDOM PICS OF EVENTS
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WERE YOU THERE? Phagwah (Holi) 2011 RANDOM PICS OF EVENTS
In this photo essay, photographer Carl Croker captures celebrations at the Guyana National Stadium, the Indian High Commission compound and the Kendra in Prassad Nagar.
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3 1. National School of Dance at the Indian Culture Centre 2. Celebration at the Guyana National Stadium 3. Mayor Hamilton Green being greeted at the Indian Culture Centre 4. L-r: Minister Irfran Ali. Brian Tiwari, President Bharrat Jagdeo and Minister Robert Persaud and his family at the Indian Culture Centre. 5. L-r: Dr Vindhya Persaud, Trishala Persaud and friends at the Dharmic Kendra in Prashad Nagar 6. Tassa drummers at the Indian Culture Centre
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