Guyana Inc Magazine Issue 26

YOUR FREE COPY TO KEEP! - ISSUE 26

Guyana’s Export Performance for 2016 and Projections for the New Year

Oil and Gas Industry: The Coming of Black Gold

A Critical Look At Guyana’s Forestry Sector

Doom, Gloom and Boom: What A Year It Has Been For Guyana

Corporate Guyana and Their Annual Efforts to Spread Christmas Cheer

Tony Ramcharan The Undisputed Master of Guyana’s Automotive Industry

TABLE OF CONTENTS Founder and Publisher Teshawna Lall, BA, MBA Managing Director Frank Sanichara

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Marketing Innovative Marketing & Publishing Inc.

The Masquerade : A Unique Staple Of A True Guyanese Christmas

Oil and Gas Industry: The Coming Of Black Gold

Publisher’s Note ...............................................6 Doom, Gloom and Boom: What A Year It Has Been For Guyana......................................8

Design Innovative Marketing & Publishing Inc.

10 Tony Ramcharan LEADING THE AUTO INDUSTRY

academic treasure to the world of science..........30 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)..........32

Tony Ramcharan: The Undisputed Master of Placing the Spotlight on Postnatal Mental Illness ..

Guyana’s Automotive Industry......................10 ...................................................................................34 Guyana’s Export Performance for 2016 and Projections for the New Year........................14

Changes to Look Out For In The Tax System for 2017 ..........................................................................36

The Astounding Results of Investments in Research and Development Locally and Beyond............................................................16

How to Have A Safer Christmas............................36

Oil and Gas Industry: The Coming of Black Gold.................................................................20

The National Accreditation Council: Promoting Quality, Excellence and Standards in Education.38

24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana, South America.

Tel: (592) 600-4212 or (592) 223-2169 For Subscription in Guyana and the Caribbean Contact: (592) 223-2169 North America: 347-599-6426 Email: guyanainc@gmail.com Website: www.guyanainc.biz

Traditional Guyanese Delicacies During The Christmas Season....................................................40

Guyana Rice Development Board Thoughtful gifts and gestures for your significant Maintains That Booming Rice Sector other this season.....................................................42 Holds Countless Opportunities for Viable Investments.......................................................22 The Nightlife for the Holiday Season...................42 Caribbean Containers Incorporated The Masquerade : A Unique Staple Of A True Pioneering the Paper Recycling Industry in Guyanese Christmas...............................................44 CARICOM.......................................................24 The Christmas season through the eyes of a A Critical Look Into Guyana’s Forestry Kaieteur News Journalist........................................44 Sector.................................................................26 Local Contractors and Guyana’s Strict Corporate Guyana and Their Annual Efforts Procurement Laws..................................................46 to Spread the Christmas Cheer.....................28 The Achievements Made in the Area of Women’s Christmas Incentives: How employers can Legal Rights in Guyana...........................................48 really say “thank you” to their staff..............28 56th National Schools’ Cycling, Swimming and World Renowned Dr. Suresh Narine: An Track and Field Championships........................50 Guyana Inc. - Issue 26 P.4

Editorial Contributions Murtland Haley Jarryl Bryan Omesh Balmacoon Kiana Wilburg Franklin Wilson Saarah Gajraj Tammy Quail Guyana Rice Development Board National Accreditation Council Ministry of Education - Dept. of Culture, Youth & Sport Ayana McCalman - LLB, LEC

While every effort has been made to ensure that information is correct at the time of going to print, Innovative Marketing & Publishing Inc. DBA Guyana Inc. cannot be held responsible for the outcome of any action or decision based on the information contained in this publication. The publishers or authors do not give any warranty for the content, explanation or opinion. It is advisable that prospective investors consult their attorney/s and/ or financial investor/s prior to following/ pursing any business opportunity or entering into any investments.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without prior written permission of the Publisher.

Publisher’s Note GREETINGS TO OUR DEDICATED READERS,

The joys of the Christmas season are once again upon us. The Guyana Inc. Magazine could not be more elated to present to you, this unique Christmas Edition.

We hope that this edition is shared between you and yours, as we have carefully planned Teshawna Lall an informative piece to guide you throughout the Christmas season, while giving you insight into the performance of the business sector and the economy.

In our content for this edition, we covered an overview of the Guyanese economy for this year and what the indications are for 2017.

We are also delighted to share with you a comprehensive piece on the emergence of the oil and gas sector.

Since it is the season for giving, we sought to spend some time emphasizing how simple but inexpensive gifts can also be romantic and a thoughtful expression of one’s affection this time of the year. We are sure you will enjoy this concise piece.

Over the past year, we embarked on a special Golden Jubilee Edition that celebrated Guyana’s 50th Independence. As customary, the spotlight was placed on the growth of the economy and developments within the individual traditional sectors. Indeed, investors and the business community have faced another challenging year in terms of maneuvering in an environment that is still rigid to some extent. The projected 2.6 percent growth rate for 2016 may also justly be a cause for concern. But as an optimistic entrepreneur, I encourage you to remain confident in the Guyanese economy and be assured that it is poised for a breakthrough in 2017, one that brings a more relaxed and enabling environment for the growth of the business community.

This season, we wish to remind you, our valued readers, of a few important points, especially as it relates to the state of affairs in Guyana.

Crime has always been an area of concern for Guyanese and those returning home to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones. As such, we implore you to take the necessary precautions to be safe this year. We also wish to implore you to drink responsibly even though it is acknowledged that it is the season for drinking and being merry.

Unfortunately, Guyana continues to rank as the country with the highest suicide rate in the world.

Efforts are currently apace to stem this dreadful social ill but especially at this time of the year, we call on you to always be thankful for life; for health, strength, family and friends.

Additionally, there are some who may not be able to relish a happy Christmas for 2016. There are even families in Guyana who lost their loved ones to accidents or worse. Some of them are in mourning this Christmas season. Please say a prayer for these families and we will do the same. Also, there are some who cannot afford to even celebrate this Christmas season due to financial limitations. We encourage you to consider helping those in need. A good place to start is a generous donation to a local worthy organization, such as the orphanages in and around Georgetown, homes for the elderly, the Salvation Army or a local charity in your community.

After all, giving is the tradition of Christmas, just as God gave his son to the world.

Christmas is also a time to enjoy the spirit of the season. We are all rushed in the race to get ready for it — there are multiple family gatherings, countless trips to complete our gift lists, food to prepare and decorations to put up. But this Christmas, remember to take a deep breath and enjoy the company of family, friends and your family’s traditions. Bear in mind that nothing in this life comes without hard work and making sacrifices while remembering that family comes first.

As Guyana Inc. celebrates our third anniversary this month, there are a few points I wish to state. First and foremost, I wish to thank you, our valued readers and advertisers for your continued support and commitment to the Guyana Inc. Magazine movement; a faction that aims to provide you with clear and insightful articles on business development in Guyana and all that our beautiful nation has to offer. The Guyana Inc. family looks forward to a more engaging and fortified relationship with you in 2017.

To the members of my team, I wish to thank you unconditionally for all that you have contributed towards making this magazine sustainable and rich in content, design and presentation. 2016 posed its fair share of challenges and like a strong family; we persevered and emerged a stronger team. I wish you countless blessings this season and beyond.

Sincerest gratitude is also extended to Fly Jamaica and Dynamic Airways for keeping us as their in-flight magazine.

As I reflect on this past year’s successes, I can safely say that I feel nothing but immense privilege and honour to be able to showcase my wondrous country in all its forms to our readers at home and abroad. I thank you once again for being part of this journey with us. I invite you for another year of indulging in high quality content about my dear land, Guyana.

Until next year, my family and I wish you safe travels, happy holidays, and best wishes in 2017.

Teshawna Lall, BA, MBA Founder and Publisher

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DOOM, GLOOM AND BOOM:

WHAT A YEAR IT HAS BEEN FOR GUYANA Let’s face it. This year was not Guyana’s best performance in many respects.

Sugar showed ‘sickly’ production, rice was booming but still struggling to find new markets and other sectors seemed too burnt out to help carry the burden of transforming and supporting the economy as the Government had planned.

It comes as no surprise therefore, that Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, projected during his 2017 Budget presentation that the economy for 2016 struck up a 2.6 percent growth.

Supporters may say, “Well what’s the big deal? 2.6 percent growth is positive growth.” But the big picture is that Guyana’s economy has not slid that far down the growth rate scale since 2009.

It begs to question what economic conditions could have contributed to such a worrying state of affairs for Guyana this year.

Speaking with the Guyana Inc. Magazine in an interview, the Finance Minister proffered a number of explanations.

The Finance Minister noted that prior to Guyana’s independence in 1966; the nation had been depending largely on certain traditional sectors for its growth.

These sectors include; sugar, rice, bauxite, forestry, and gold. As is the case with most economies, those sectors took turns at different periods in leading the growth for the economy.

But age, global changes and lack of transformation has taken its toll on certain sectors. As such, sectors such as sugar and bauxite are yet to stand on their two feet again.

In the area of sugar, the performance of this sector in the last eight years has been wanting. Production gets worse by the year and the projection for year end or even next year is no different.

In his 2017 Budget speech, the Finance Minister said, “Sugar is projected to decline by 18.7 percent, to reach 188,000 metric tonnes in 2016. The low production is attributed to the El Niño dry spell experienced earlier in the year which resulted in lower yields, combined with late planting and the frequency of strikes, during the second half of the year.”

Jordan told this magazine that given the dismal performance of the sector, a number of measures will soon be taken to diversify the industry. He said this is more than necessary as it is already

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sucking some $32B from the Treasury with no meaningful and positive returns for the economy any time soon.

The rice sector also ran into trouble this year. As such, production levels dipped and the Government is scurrying trying to find new markets.

This state of affairs is due to the fact that Guyana lost its preferential market in Venezuela under the famed “PetroCaribe Deal.” Under that arrangement, Guyana received payment for its rice to Venezuela at a concessional price; a price that was above world market prices. However, the Venezuelan Government decided not to renew the deal with Guyana in 2015, leaving the nation like the proverbial “fish out of water” that is in search of new shores to take its rice at a similar rate.

Since the Spanish speaking country ended the contract with Guyana, the rice sector has taken a hit. Jordan, in his 2017 Budget, also reported on this.

He said, “Due to continued uncertainty in the rice industry, output is expected to reach 600,000 metric tonnes in 2016, representing a decline of 12.8 percent from the levels achieved in 2015. The El Niño weather phenomenon and the loss of the lucrative Venezuelan market contributed significantly to the decline in production level. Nevertheless, the Government continues to encourage both farmers and millers to move towards more value-added products…”

As for the bauxite sector, this industry has been struggling for decades to get back to its glory days. At one point, the bauxite industry was the sector that contributed significantly to the Gross Domestic Product and the economic growth of the nation.

Its performance in 2016 has been deemed to be satisfactory by the Finance Minister.

He noted in his mid year report on the economy that bauxite production increased by 2.9 percent in the first half of 2016 to 760,689 tonnes, compared with 746,824 tonnes achieved during the same period in 2015.

The Guyana Inc. Magazine understands that the performance in the industry is expected to see progression in its production in the next year. This forecast, according to the Ministry of Finance, is based on investment in the Kurubuka mine. The area is said to be extremely rich in bauxite. Augmenting the projected position of the sector for

2017 is the fact that global bauxite prices are set to increase in 2017.

Guyana’s forestry sector perhaps took the hardest crash in 2015 and 2016.

This was as a result of the Government’s resolve to close gaps for abuse in the sector. Over the years, several media houses in Guyana would have reported on the wanton abuse taking place in the nation’s forests by some foreign companies.

It was noted that the nation’s logs were being shipped out without being properly monitored thereby leading to the loss of billions of dollars in revenue.

The Government, since taking office, clamped down on the practice of the exportation of prime species of logs.

That action, though needed and commendable, had its implications on the sector. In fact, the forestry sector’s production declined by 13.1 percent during the first half of 2016 when compared to the same period last year.

By the end of December, the industry is projected to contract significantly by 33.3 percent. This is as a result of a number of factors; one of which was explained above. Another factor includes the United Kingdom’s ban on greenheart logs from Guyana.

The saviour for the economy this year was gold. The new star sector for the economy achieved new heights this year. It is the one sector that is actually “booming” for Guyana.

In his 2017 budget, the Finance Minister lauded the stellar performance of the sector while speaking to its projected production by the end of 2016.

He said, “Gold production is expected to reach 644,814 ounces as a result of the combined efforts of small and mediumsized miners responding to the generous concessions granted by Government and rising global gold prices, and the two foreign-owned companies reaching full capacity.”

Putting the performance of the gold sector aside, the traditional sectors for Guyana do not paint an uplifting picture for the nation’s growth rate.

Instead, the 2016 performance of those sectors convey an image of doom and gloom. It further underscores the need for Government to hasten its move towards retooling the economy and shifting its focus to other industries such as ecotourism and information technology to help spur increased growth rates.

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Feature myMagazine Person

The Undisputed Master of Guyana’s Automotive Industry

TONY RAMCHARAN

“At the end of the day, if you like what you do, you don’t see it as going to work but doing what you love. I won’t exchange my job for any other profession. I absolutely love what I do” The automotive industry has emerged as an international trading force in the 20th century. An instrument of economic growth and success, it is characterized by generations of industrious “command and control” leaders locally and beyond.

In Guyana, the automotive industry remains a steady sector with ever changing conditions that test the resilience of its members. But regardless of the trials that came over the years, Tony Ramcharan remains the undisputed champion of the industry.

In this series of the Guyana Inc. Magazine, we delve into the life of the owner of Tony’s Auto Spares, the largest auto spare parts dealership within these shores.

Ramcharan grew up in the unassuming sugar estate community of La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara. He is the third of eight children born to Jerry and Joan Ramcharan. He attended the LBI Primary School and later moved onto the Cummings Lodge Secondary School.

The businessman was unable to further his studies at the tertiary level since this pursuit could not have been afforded by his parents at the time. He informed this magazine that his father worked as a Clerk at the LBI Sugar Estate, while his mother was a housewife who tended to the

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family’s kitchen garden and would sell his childhood sweetheart, Nadira, who some of the produce from time to time. was practically his neighbour. Today, the For him, growing up in the sugar couple has three children; Jasper, Stacy industry was always enjoyable. In the and Joel Ramcharan. afternoons, he and his friends would Speaking to where his children are indulge in a “good game of cricket, fishing today, Ramcharan noted that Jasper or a visit to nearby cinemas”, particularly at Starlite Drive-in at Montrose and the then Tivoli Cinema in Beterverwagting, which is the village east of LBI. Although he experienced a tough life growing up, he still considers it to be a time when persons could have had more fun than nowadays.

In this regard, Ramcharan stated, “I grew up with eight other children in the home so life was Mr. Ramcharan’s Three Children generally not easy. However, it was more fun. I actually enjoyed life then and it was a lot easier in terms of not worrying about where you are going and so on.”

THE WORLD OF WORK

At the age of 16, Ramcharan related that he began working at the LBI estate. He was assigned by his supervisors to work in the fields to bail punts, throw limestone, plant cane and at one time, he was even made to catch Horse Back Riding rats.

However, after doing this for some time, his supervisor advised him to apply to be a messenger for the estate since there was an opening.

“A Messenger in those times was one who would ride this big carrier bike and pick up the mail from the post office and deliver it to the different managers and to the various departments.”

Ramcharan said that he did this for one year after which, he began working in the estate store.

With His Wife and Children This is where he learnt about “Spare Parts”. After acquiring much experience in the field, he subsequently left there in the mid 80’s and began working with Hack’s manages the day-to-day operations Auto Sales in Charlestown, Georgetown. of the company’s La Resouvenir, ECD branch store. His only girl, Stacy, was THE FAMILY MAN in 2014 crowned Miss Earth Guyana.

The entrepreneur noted that during He said that she has since pursued that time, he made the decision to marry the Association of Chartered Certified

Accountants (ACCA) examinations and has become a well-known name in the local modelling and fashion industry.

Tony’s third child, Joel, has completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in the United States of America and is now moving on to do his Masters in the same field.

Though he has his son Jasper already involved in the business, Ramcharan says that in his ideal world, he would love to have his other two children eventually become a part of what he is doing in some way or the other.

He described his children as being “solid young people who are kind in every way.”

Ramcharan noted, “Fatherhood is an amazing experience. I’m blessed that I have three kids; if I had to describe them in one word, I’d say they are solid kids. They are very kind, they are easy to talk to, we can sit and we can talk, we won’t agree on everything but there is always common ground.

At the end of the day, the most important thing for me with kids is if they are kind.”

Ramcharan shared that he believes this quality is of utmost importance especially if children grow up in a business environment where they did not have to experience the struggle which their parents went through. With this in mind, he strongly believes that the key thing is to keep them grounded.

The entrepreneur even recalled that he became a father at age 25. He said that during his time, transitioning from being a young man to a father was practically a huge deal.

“Fatherhood is something every man should experience.

When Jasper came along, it was a good experience, and then my daughter came along, then Joel; when you have kids and they are healthy and they are good kids, no business or anything can compensate for that. Fatherhood has been a real blessing.”

Not taking the credit for the upbringing of his children alone, the humble Ramcharan said that his wife

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Nadira has been a remarkable mother to her children. “When they were growing up, she would normally take them to school and wait all day on them under the tree nearby the school in the car.”

All of Ramcharan’s children attended the Mae’s Private School. He said that his wife has always been protective of her children and did everything to ensure that they were well provided for.

THE BUSINESSMAN

parts from “back to front” as he puts it.

“There was always a market for land

In 1991, Ramcharan said that he was faced with a tough decision. It was either Enjoying Some Leisure Time he invest some $5000 he had in savings into a business or be a conductor for a minibus in greater Georgetown.

Choosing the former was perhaps one of the hardest decisions he had to make. He noted that in the initial stages it was harsh but with hard work and dedication, success soon followed.

The young businessman at the Mr Ramcharan and one of his pets time started his own business in Shell Road Kitty called Tony’s Auto Spares.

After marketing the business properly and trying to buy into customers here and there, the company soon became a name to be reckoned with and in 1998, Ramcharan moved to Bel Air Springs where he currently resides.

In those days, there were only a few auto spares shops since only a small number of people knew the At A Function With Family. Employees and Friends trade.

Ramcharan was lucky enough to have extensive experience with mechanics and spare rover spares, and when we started, we parts, particularly with the Land Rover specialised in land rover spares because brand. He acquired this experience I know those parts very, very well and during his time at Hack’s Auto Sales a lot of the companies which had land as well as his time at the estate. At rover vehicles started to support us.” the latter, he worked diligently as a Upon establishing a name in the mechanic for certain officials who drove Land Rover brand, the company soon Land Rovers. He might just be one of the branched out to supply other brands last Guyanese who knows Land Rover of parts. The company was then able

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to acquire its own building in Light Street, Albertown and this, coupled with the already established reputation, improved business.

According to the businessman, his company has the lowest turnover rate for employees. “The same people who worked with us then, work with us today. We currently have about 45 to 50 people working for us. I really appreciate those who have become permanent staff.”

In 2008, the company ventured into the auto sale business; that is selling auto sale parts and quickly became known for selling the Toyota brand of pickup vehicles.

“I can confidently say that most of the pickups that sell in Guyana nowadays, we usually sell them.

It’s like a niche market and we have a good control over that market.”

In his fair description of doing business in Guyana, Ramcharan said that it can be quite challenging, however, he believes he has been fortunate to have a great group of people working with him.

Like in any other business, there will be issues which will arise that have to be dealt with, but due to the hard work of his employees, they have managed to overcome those challenges.

Ramcharan said, “Our human resources are our biggest asset; our workers generally wear their hearts on their sleeves. There have been a lot of challenges but we are up for it because at the end of the day, we have the people who can deal with it.”

He credits the commitment of his workers to the ‘family like’ atmosphere which is encouraged at his offices whereby everyone looks after each

other and they are the ones responsible a customer and for all you know, the for keeping the company open day in person bought a car with all the money and day out for the past 25 years. they had. Therefore, this man needs to Ramcharan, also shared that he get value for his money. What I want for has never missed a day at work and myself is exactly what I would want for attributed his personal drive to ensuring others.” the success of his business to simply In order for his children to develop liking what he does. this quality, Ramcharan encourages “At the end of the day, if you like what them to be involved in charity work. you do, you don’t see it as going to work but doing what you love.

I won’t exchange my job for any other profession. I absolutely love what I do.”

He relayed that spare parts is a unique industry and only some people have managed to be successful in the business.

Ramcharan, who did not receive any formal training in the field, said that his only regret is that he does not have a University Degree along with his business.

“I wouldn’t exchangev this for a degree but if a degree had come along in the process, I would have Tony’s Auto Spares Building On The East Coast felt a bit more complete.” There is no substitute for experience according to the businessman.

In terms of commercial support to the business, Ramcharan said The business over the years has been that a lot of support has been provided involved in various charitable outreaches by the company’s bankers. He noted as well. that the majority of his customers come In this regard, Ramcharan said, “For from government agencies, the gold the last fifteen years, we, along with industry and the sugar industry. This is other people in the neighbourhood, in the form of selling spare parts, tyres have been sharing out hampers to and batteries. Due to the wide range different communities. Every year, we of services offered by the company, would do a children’s party in LBI and it is always busy, even when one every year we would take hampers to section might not be doing so well. The different persons in LBI who are over 60 diversification and wide inventory has years old.” helped to keep the company thriving in In addition to giving back to his an increasingly competitive market. community, Ramcharan also partakes Ramcharan said that the nature of in doing charitable contributions for a the business requires a relationship to number of underprivileged homes and be established with each client so as to orphanages around Guyana. “That is understand the situation they are in and something I’m very involved with and to further figure out the best way they that I am very proud of.” can be helped.

Ramcharan does not give because he The businessman believes that his can afford it but for the simple reason humble beginnings has allowed him to of understanding what it means to have relate to the ordinary man who would come from the ‘ground’. come to the store looking for aid with a “You see, when you come from the part since he understands what it means ground, you don’t give because you to be in tough situation with limited can afford it; you give because you means. understand exactly how it feels to be “So when I get a customer, I try to put myself in their shoes. I may get down there.”

NEW HEIGHTS The auto business has become a bit saturated over the years but the company has remained second to none, according to Ramcharan. Most of the company’s customers are repeat customers due to a well established client base.

The next step for Ramcharan is to open a modern Auto Centre to complement the existing branches. Since the company sells vehicles and parts, the Centre will provide a place to have vehicles serviced.

Reaching to the position which he now enjoys in the business arena was a long, hard but rewarding road for Mr. Ramcharan. He believes that his success has made persons around him proud.

He said that when doing business, one has to be patient.

“That is one of the problems with the young generation out there now, they are not patient enough. You have to see the larger picture and you have to keep working towards that larger picture and you will get there. The future of this country looks bright with the young business persons in Guyana once they put their minds to achieving their goals.”

One of the important factors in business according to Ramcharan is taking calculated risks. He said that it is necessary that persons identify what they are good at and exploit that quality to their benefit.

In addition, “There will be setbacks.

Any big businessman will tell you that but you just have to keep pushing because when you keep doing that, the door has to open at some point.”

His favourite pastime is to be at home playing with his dogs. The businessman completely adores puppies and believes that they have so much love to give humans but are most times taken for granted. He enjoys walking his Pomeranian dogs. Additionally, he enjoys throwing back and soaking up a good movie or out and about hanging out with his close friends and relatives.

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Economy/Business myMagazine

Guyana’s Export Performance for 2016 and Projections for the New Year

G

uyana’s export performance demonstrated various levels of fluctuations in certain core sectors this year.

For the first half of 2016, statistics provided by the Ministry of Finance show that the balance of trade in merchandise goods recorded a deficit of US$19.1 million, a notable improvement from a deficit of US$250.6 million for the first six months of 2015.

Total export receipts amounted to US$680.4 million, 29.1 percent more than the US$527.2 million recorded at the end of June 2015. This upturn was as a result of higher earnings from gold and other exports.

Exports of merchandise goods (excluding re-exports) rose from a cumulative US$519.2 million in the first half of 2015 to a cumulative US$666.4 million in the first half of 2016. Gold exports more than doubled compared with the first half of last year, rising from US$188.3 million to US$390.7 million. On the other hand, bauxite exports fell from US$53.3 million to US$46.3 million, a decrease of about 13.1 percent, while diamond exports fell by 10.7 percent, from US$9 million to US$8.2 million.

Although global prices for aluminum increased over the first six months of 2016, they remained below 2015 levels. The average price for bauxite exported from Guyana was US$61.7 per metric tonne over the first half of 2016, down from US$76.8 per metric tonne in the first half of 2015. As a result, although the quantity of bauxite exported increased, the total value of bauxite exports was lower in the first half of 2016 than for the same period in 2015.

Similarly, reports from the Ministry of Finance state that the average price per carat received for Guyana’s diamond exports has fallen, resulting in a lower value of diamond exports, despite higher export volume.

The Ministry, in its half year report, said that sugar exports fell from US$30.4 million for the first half of 2015 to US$20.8 million for the first half of 2016, a decline of 31.4 percent. Lower sugar exports reflected reduced quantity, due to lower production in the first half of 2016, despite higher sugar prices.

Rice exports were down by a similar magnitude, falling about 29.8 percent, from US$125.7 million in the first half of 2015 to US$88.3 million in the first half of 2016. Rice exports fell because of lower export quantities and lower prices compared with a year ago.

Although global rice prices improved somewhat over the first six months of 2016, the loss of the Venezuelan market for rice, which paid a relatively high price per metric tonne, resulted in a substantial decrease in the average price received for rice exports.

Among other major exports, shrimp and prawns exports increased in the first half of 2016 compared with the first half of 2015, rising from US$27 million to US$29.6 million.

According to the Bank of Guyana, timber export receipts totaled US$19.4 million, 17.3 percent below the value for the corresponding period in 2015, owing to lower export volumes.

Export volume was 30.1 percent lower at 52,530 cubic metres.

Earnings from other timber exports decreased by US$3.8 million or 16.7 percent while plywood exports decreased by US$0.3 million.

Bauxite export receipts amounted to US$46.3 million, 13.1 percent or US$7.0 million below the value for the corresponding period in 2015, due to a decrease in the average export price for bauxite. Export volume increased by 6.6 percent or 45,591 metric tonnes to 739,390 metric tonnes.

The average export price decreased by 18.4 percent from US$76.8 to US$62.7 per metric tonne. Gold export receipts amounted to US$390.7 million, 107.5 percent or US$202.4 million more than the June 2015 level, on account of higher export volumes and an increase in the average export price of gold.

Export volume increased by 102.4 percent to 327,326 ounces as a result of higher declarations, while the average export price per ounce of gold increased by 2.5 percent to US$1,193.5.

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YEAR END PROJECTIONS

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, presented on November 28, the earliest budget the nation has seen in four decades. In his $250B budget, he spoke of the projections for the leading sectors by year end.

In the areas of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing, Jordan told the members of the National Assembly, the sectors are expected to contract significantly in the second half of 2016 with a gloomy performance expected for all sub-sectors, except fishing and other crops.

He said, “Despite an encouraging recovery in 2015, sugar is projected to decline by 18.7 percent, to reach 188,000 metric tonnes by the end of 2016. The low production is attributed to the El Niño dry spell experienced earlier in the year which resulted in lower yields, combined with late planting and the frequency of strikes, during the second half of the year.”

In the rice sector, the Finance Minister said that due to continued uncertainty, output is expected to reach 600,000 metric tonnes by year end. He said that this represents a decline of 12.8 percent from the levels achieved in 2015. He said, “The El Niño weather phenomenon and the loss of the lucrative Venezuelan market contributed significantly to the decline in production level. Nevertheless, the Government continues to encourage both farmers and millers to move towards more value-added products.”

He continued, “In this regard, during 2016, 300 acres of aromatic rice variety was planted for the first crop and over 3,000 acres for the second crop, compared to less than 100 acres planted for both crops during 2015. Two millers are actively engaged in this venture and have already secured markets, in the US, for their produce.”

As for the livestock sub-sector, the Finance Minister said that it is expected to decline by 5.1 percent in 2016.

He said, “The gains made in poultry production, which is expected to expand by 3.5 percent due to increased demand, combined with new investment in duck production, is projected to be undermined by a fall in milk production by 19 percent. The decline in milk production is due to reduced demand, prompting farmers to take their animals out of lactation. However, the establishment of two abattoirs in Regions 5 and 9, along with improved breeding stock and better husbandry practices, are expected to boost growth in this sector.”

With regard to the forestry sub-sector, the Finance Minister said that the nation should expect it to contract significantly by 33.3 percent. He said that it is mainly because of Barama Company Limited halting the production of logs and the UK’s restriction on greenheart logs originating from Guyana.

The Finance Minister said, “Both the fishing and other crops sub-sectors performed creditably, with growth recorded at 11.8 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively. Growth in the fisheries subsector is expected to be augmented by the introduction of deep float pelagic tuna production. In the other crops sub-sector, growth will benefit from continued diversification efforts in the areas of fruits, vegetables, and spices.”

In the area of mining and quarrying, the Finance Minister said that this sector is projected to grow by 35.7 percent by the end of 2016, the highest in over a decade.

He said, “Gold production is expected to reach 644,814 ounces as a result of the combined efforts of small and medium-sized miners responding to the generous concessions granted by Government and rising global gold prices, and the two foreignowned companies reaching full capacity.”

Additionally, Jordan told the National Assembly that the bauxite industry is expected to grow by 9.6 percent, while the other mining and quarrying sector is projected to rise by 22 percent, mainly on account of a 92.5 percent increase in sand production and a 9.2 percent increase in stone production.

As for the manufacturing sector, the Minister said that it is projected to contract by 7.1 percent, as a result of the dismal performances in sugar and rice, as well as a small decline in other manufacturing.

Unfortunately, Jordan noted that construction declined from a budgeted 10.5 percent to a projected 3.2 percent in 2016. This performance is related to a decline in activity in the housing sector and the Public Sector Investment Programme.

The services sector is expected to expand by 1.3 percent, with growth driven by the electricity, water, finance and insurance, and transport and storage sectors. The sector’s share of GDP continues to remain above 40 percent, expressed the Finance Minister.

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Guyana Inc. - Issue 26 P.15

THE ASTOUNDING RESULTS OF INVESTMENTS IN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LOCALLY AND BEYOND

To navigate over the systemic barriers that exist in countries which are not innovation-based economies, deliberate regulatory and policy driven strategies are required.

These policies must not only create economic incentives for innovationbased investment, but also pursue the promulgation and inculcation of innovation as a tool for development, especially among the youth of the country.

Using this point as his premise, renowned Guyanese scientist, Dr. Suresh Narine, stressed that societies which are not culturally knowledgebased and whose economic culture is not pivoted on innovation, lag in the exploitation of science and technology solutions compared to what he refers to as early adopter societies.

Guyana Inc. - Issue 26 P.16

He explained, in an exclusive interview with this Magazine, that the Institute of Applied Science and Technology here (IAST), has over the past decade, demonstrated that it is taking Guyana a step further in this regard. He said that the institution remains an elegant example of the life cycle of returns on research and development

investment locally.

Narine began rebuilding the IAST’s scientific capacity some 10 years ago, and he explained that it took a leap of faith from the former administration as well as the current Government in Guyana, to continue to fund the activities at the institute on the promise of returns on that investment.

Narine said however, that investment at the IAST, which has been significantly smaller than those in science and technology in other developing countries with comparable economies to Guyana’s own, has begun to pay dividends.

The Professor stated that most of these tangible dividends are coming as a result of investments in science infrastructure and training of people, and giving this apparatus the time to enable the emergence of measurable impacts.

In this regard, the father of three explained that many of the projects at the institute which offer transformative technologies have a life cycle for commercialization which requires constant engagement, tenacity and focus.

In some instances, Dr. Narine asserted that projects which represent technologies successfully commercialized elsewhere and in some cases where Guyana has competitive advantages over other countries where this technology is being used, there are still cultural, regulatory and lack of incentivized frameworks to allow these projects to move forward.

In this respect, the scientist said that he is appreciative of the fact that the Government of Guyana has now specifically focused on renewable energy and created economic and taxation incentives for investment in this sector.

Dr. Narine noted that the IAST has, for some time now, developed technologies for biomass and biodiesel energy systems, and for decades, since Dr. Ulric Trotz was Director of the IAST, biogas has been a viable technology at the IAST.

In this regard, Dr. Narine expressed that The Rupununi Essence line of luxury facial cleansers has been an extremely successful project for the IAST and its collaborators which include the Medicine from Trees and Macushi Research Unit of the North Rupununi District Development Board.

He said that this line of products, which have already begun to differentiate the quality of luxury items from Guyana in the competitive cosmetic sector was developed, branded, and commercialized due to the IAST’s efforts.

He said that the product has been extremely successful, and has an enviable business development model which is focused on forest conservation and community development, but is yet very profitable.

Another transformative project that the IAST has been involved in is the development of a variety of value-added rice based food products. In this regard, he said that two of these, supported first by the previous administration and now by the coalition led government, have been test marketed in the local and regional marketplace for two years and are now slated to begin commercial production in March 2017. He said that the products, which include the Morning Glory brand of breakfast cereals and nutrition bars, will be produced at a factory in Anna Regina, Region Two, which was designed and built by the IAST. Professor Narine, who recently returned from China, said he was there doing the final inspection of the equipment due to arrive in Guyana in the second week of January 2017.

The celebrated scientist said that the Institute has also convinced the coalition-led Government to invest heavily, in partnership with the Canadian High Commission, in a transformative project to construct a modern solar food processing facility in Paramakatoi, Region Eight.

Dr. Narine disclosed that construction

on the facility, which was designed and is being supervised by the IAST, began in November last.

He shared that some 2000 farmers are expected to be involved in the project when it becomes operational in 2017. The project is aimed at the cultivation of tomatoes in the region, the sun-drying of these vegetables and their conversion to sundried tomato salad dressings for the local and overseas markets.

Narine indicated that, in total, there are some 20 other projects underway at the IAST, and the institute is taking steps to further showcase these technologies to the public at large, as well as to investment communities. To this end, the Institute will be launching “the green shack” at its headquarters, which is an innovative showcase of products and processes which offer solutions and opportunities in the emerging green economy.

As if this was not enough, Narine is engaged in some very exciting projects in Canada, focused on the commercialization of technologies developed in his laboratory at Trent University. He explained to the Guyana Inc. Magazine that there are about six active commercial projects underway, but he focused on one for the sake of brevity.

One of the projects relate to energy storage. Elaborating on this front, the Professor noted that his research group at Trent University holds several patents in the area of energy storage technologies. He highlighted one project which is at an advanced stage of commercialization – and which was an unintended result of their energy storage research.

He said that the group has developed a variety of “phase change materials” which store energy when they melt and release this energy when they crystallize.

These specially designed materials, Narine said, are finding applications in compressed air energy storage, solar

energy storage and wind energy storage.

However, at the same time, he and his students just launched a startup company in an area which is quite surprising for the application of energy storage materials.

In this regard, the scientist explained that inspiration for the project came from the announcement by the World Health Organization that hot beverages, above 65 degrees Celcius, have now been implicated in the causation of throat and other cancers.

Narine and his team seized on the inherent opportunity to modulate the temperature of hot beverages.

They have designed a variety of food containers to address this problem. For instance, they have designed a travel mug for coffee and tea, which will be in commercial markets early in 2017, which within seconds reduces the temperature of a hot beverage to below 65 degrees Celcius, which is safe, but just below, so that the beverage is still hot.

However, the invention then keeps the temperature at this pleasurable temperature for more than five hours!

Narine said that reaction to the line of products has been astounding, and that applications are being designed for everything from soup, to coffee and tea, as well as buffet food systems in restaurants.

Like all transformative technologies, the idea is simple – a phase change material in the container melts when the hot food is in it, by absorbing the excess energy in the food, thereby cooling it to a safe and pleasurable temperature.

If the food cools below this temperature, the phase change material crystallizes, returning the heat absorbed to the food, keeping it warm and pleasurable for a much longer time period.

Narine expects that there will be some 10,000,000 of the travel mugs manufactured for sale in North America and Europe in 2017.

Guyana Inc. - Issue 26 P.17

EACH APARTMENT CONSISTS OF FOUR SELF-CONTAINED BEDROOMS, LIVING ROOM, DINNING ROOM, KITCHEN, POWDER ROOM AND LAUNDRY FACILITIES. SAFE AND SECURE PARKING. EACH TOWN HOUSE IS ON A THREE FLOOR WITH A TOTAL OF APPROXIMATELY 2500 SQFT OF FLOOR SPACE, FOUR VERANDAHS AND A PATIO PER HOUSE. THIS DEVELOPMENT IS CONVENIENTLY LOCATED TWO(2) MINUTES DRIVE FROM CARICOM HEADQUARTERS AND 10 MINUTES DRIVE TO GEORGETOWN. 24-HOURS ARMED SECURITY AND SURVEILLANCE.

Guyana Inc. - Issue 26 P.18

Guyana Inc. - Issue 26 P.19

OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY THE COMING OF THE BLACK GOLD

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lobally, the appetite for oil remains as avaricious as it was 100 years ago. In fact, oil and gas supply the world’s seven billion people with 60 percent of their daily energy needs. In the case of Guyana, the need for oil to keep the engine of hundreds of businesses turning cannot be emphasized enough.

Even though the English speaking nation racks up billions of dollars for its fuel import bill, it appears that in the not so distant future, it is going to be a nation not only rich in water, minerals and land but also in oil and gas.

This economic forecast is fueled by rich oil finds as declared by a major US Company called Exxon Mobil. According to the American oil giant, it discovered oil-bearing rock in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana. The United States-based oil company said its Liza-1 well has encountered more than 295 feet of high quality, oil bearing sandstone reservoirs. The well is the first on the 6.6 million acre Stabroek Block and has been drilled to 17,825 feet. It was drilled by Exxon Mobil’s local subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd. Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd. has a 45 per cent interest in the block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30 percent interest and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Ltd. holds 25 percent interest.

The oil company has made progress amid the border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela, where the latter remains adamant that the area where the US Company is drilling is within its territory.

Since the significant oil find, more than 18 major companies regionally and internationally have since expressed a strong interest in

Guyana Inc. - Issue 26 P.20

investing in the sector, and hundreds of skilled persons in the area are on the hunt for opportunities to work in Guyana’s oil rich shores.

HOW GUYANA IS PREPARING FOR THE SECTOR To prepare for the riches that will accrue from the oil and gas industry, otherwise known as “black gold,” Guyana is taking a number of protective measures; two of which include the creation of a Sovereign Wealth Fund and membership with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

With regard to the fund, Government is currently in the process of finalizing the legislation that will set the stage for a legally established fund that will be used to save the wealth obtained from the sector. It is to be renamed, “The Roraima Fund.”

Perhaps one of the most important measures being taken is the move to have membership

with the EITI. This international body ensures that nations engage in good governance and guard against corruption that often follows with the highly affluent sector.

But acquiring membership is not as easy. Guyana is required to go through a number of stages before it can be accepted. However, that process has already started.

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman recently reported on the stage at which the nation is in the EITI membership process.

Trotman was careful to note that the EITI standard contains the set of requirements that countries need to meet in order to be considered as, first, an EITI Candidate and in the end, as one of the 51 EITI countries compliant with the EITI requirements.

He explained that the standard is overseen by the international EITI Board, with members from governments, companies and civil society.

He said, “As per EITI Requirement 1 of the EITI Standard, the Ministry of Natural Resources has been identified

by Cabinet as the Lead Agency responsible for implementing the Guyana-EITI (G-EITI). The G-EITI MSG consisting of four representatives each from the Government, Industry and Civil Society.”

The Natural Resources Minister said, “We’ve had some delays in terms of having the nomination process for the sectors concluded in time for us to reach our November 2016 deadline. This process is now completed and I can now report that the Industry and Civil Society Representatives were independently appointed by their respective stakeholder groups. The National Secretariat for the MSG will be managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources

and its responsibilities encompass conceptual and organizational support for the Multi Stakeholder Group in order to ensure the successful implementation of all EITI requirements.”

The Natural Resources Minister said that the Secretariat will serve a municipal relations purpose, encouraging contact with the EITI International Secretariat, in Oslo, Norway, as well as associate EITI Secretariats.

He noted that the Secretariat will be managed by the National Coordinator. In his speech to members of an important gala, he stated that the Government has initiated the process of addressing the staffing requirements of the National Secretariat.

Trotman said that a Legal Officer was contracted and the Government is still in the process of appointing the National Coordinator and working out capacity building initiatives with the International Secretariat.

“It is worthy to note that many

of the critical decisions that are to be made, such as which extractive sector Guyana will focus upon in its initial years of reporting, will be made within the tripartite MSG. Its role is not superficial but tremendously integral to the success or failure of the EITI process,” expressed the Minister.

He said that the experience of getting to this juncture has confirmed the worth of this scheme in bringing sectors and seemingly dissimilar parts and people as one and the power of teamwork.

Trotman said that the level of discussions of the tripartite body has already been rich with ideas for sector development and for making the process of EITI successful.

He said, too, that this level of commitment and the recognized value of the process of applying for EITI candidacy, in terms of the transparent process for the choosing of representatives of each sector, has been rewarding for this government which has committed to greater

transparency and accountability.

The Minister stressed that the task ahead, while challenging, due mainly to limitations in the current data collection systems, is one that the Government eagerly anticipates and the goal remains for it to submit an application for candidacy before the end of 2016.

He noted that support to enable the success of the process is being received through capacity building support from the Carter Centre and the EITI Secretariat.

“Our Caricom neighbour, Trinidad and Tobago, has been playing a particularly supportive role and has been invaluable in getting us to this point. We are ready for the challenges that will come with transparency and are comforted by the fact that in this EITI system, Government is not alone and is ably supported by civil society and industry. The road ahead is lengthy, and we have taken the first steps and are well on our way,” the Minister noted.

Guyana Inc. - Issue 26 P.21

in 2015. The varieties are also praised for being blast resistant and possess a high level of tolerance to other diseases.

Additionally, the Guyana Rice Development Board introduced the Six Improved Management Programme (The Six Points Practice) in 2007. The Six Points Practice is a strategic management practice that will result in significant yield improvement without the increases in production cost. This is, provided that the system is applied in an integrated manner and with precision.

Today, over 80 percent of rice farmers in Guyana have implemented The Six Points Practice.

Traditionally, Guyana’s rice production is concentrated mainly along the low coastal plains in Administrative Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. However, it was in 2013 that Barbadian businessman Sir Kyffin Simpson demonstrated confidence in Guyana’s rich lands in the hinterland region as he invested in rice cultivation and milling in the Rupununi Savannahs in Region 9. Rice is also cultivated at Monkey Mountain, Region 8.

With such faith being showcased in the rice industry, GRDB remains adamant that many opportunities exist for investing in Guyana’s rice sector. These include: • Production of other varieties such as short grain rice.

• Production of fortified rice.

• Production of organic rice.

• Expansion of production and packaging of exotic rice (aromatic varieties).

• Making new products (rice flour, rice cereal, rice noodles).

Furthermore, Guyana is actively promoting investments in large scale farming and value added products as an opportunity to increase export earnings. The opportunities detailed above have the potential to open doors to carve new niche markets for Guyana’s rice and rice products which are in high demand worldwide.

GUYANA RICE DEVELOPMENT BOARD MAINTAINS THAT BOOMING RICE SECTOR HOLDS COUNTLESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR VIABLE INVESTMENTS

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uyana has been producing quality rice for over 100 years.

The industry is one which has attracted investment from both local and foreign businesses and it continues to hold numerous opportunities for further investment.

The English speaking nation presently exports rice to 37 countries spanning the Caribbean, Latin America, South America, North America, Europe and Africa, at world market price.

In 2015, Guyana’s exports of rice and rice products peaked at an all-time high of 573,334 tonnes, valued at US$220,768,341 compared to 501,208 tonnes, valued at US$249,504,955.

This represents an increase of seven percent in volume, and a decrease in 10 percent in value when compared to 2014.

The loss of a high value market was considered as the main contributing factor for the decrease in value.

Furthermore, it is significant to note that rice production in Guyana evolved tremendously over the decades. In this regard, rice production increased from 126,702 hectares as cultivated in late 1960s to 190,789 hectares in 2015. The increase in cultivation of rice is a direct result of ground-breaking research by the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).

Over the decades, the GRDB released high yielding varieties that resulted in rice yields moving from 1.7 tonnes per hectare (1.7mt/ha) in the 1960s to 5.5 tonnes per hectare (5.5mt/ ha)

Guyana Inc. - Issue 26 P.22

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Guyana Inc. - Issue 26 P.23

Caribbean Containers Incorporated Pioneering the paper recycling Industry in CARICOM

Aerial View of Caribbean Containers Inc On The East Bank

A

s the 21st Century beckoned, there were stark reminders of the need for attention to be placed on environmental management and protection. It therefore called for innovative and environmentally friendly ways to live and conduct business. Recycling, reducing and reusing (The Three R’s of Recycling) materials was identified by scientists and researchers as one of the systems which can be employed to save energy and conserve the environment.

Caribbean Containers Incorporated, located at Farm, East Bank Demerara, Guyana, is the pioneer in the recycling industry within the Caribbean Community. The company operates the only Paper Recycling Mill in CARICOM. It manufactures linerboard and fluting medium, using waste paper as feedstock. The company’s total collection of waste removes from the local landfills approximately 1,200 cubic meters monthly.

The process starts when Old Corrugated Cartons (OCC) are purchased from local and

Guyana Inc. - Issue 26 P.24

foreign suppliers. The locally purchased product is shredded and baled to facilitate easy handling and weighing. However, the imported OCC is stored automatically for processing.

CCI recycles approximately 4,000 metric tonnes of old corrugated cartons per year. The company produces a wide variety of carton boxes. There is the RSC-LFM model which is a regular slotted carton where the long flaps meet. The RSC-LFOL is also a regular box where the long flaps over lap.

In the event that someone wishes to package furniture, flowers and seafood, the company makes a 2-Piece Interlocking Telescopic (Body and Lid) carton which makes for easy assembly and requires no glue or staples to hold together.

Persons desirous of packaging fillet fish or cakes can also have their needs met since 1-Piece interlocking Carton facilitates these items.

The packaging done by the company is well received all over the Caribbean. Forty per cent of its products are exported to regional customers.

The company began in 1983 under the name SAPIL through its Box Plant. In 1999, the business was rebranded and renamed Caribbean Container Inc. It had been privatised in 1992 and in January 2007 the majority shareholder “Demerara Holdings Inc.” was bought over by Technology Investments and Management Inc. The company then restructured.

A total of 145 persons are employed in a number of fields by the recycling giant. These include indirect employment for about 100 persons who provide resource services such as paper collection.

In February 2015, CCI had signalled its intention to work along with local exporters on

high quality packaging. in Sweden. Tetra-Pak focuses mainly on the According to CCI Managing Director, Patricia packaging and distribution of liquid products, Bacchus, the company’s ventures were confined but also provides packaging solutions for fruit, to corrugated out-packaging and fibre board vegetables, ice cream and pet food. fitments, developed to meet the needs of new The Tetra-Pak plant provides CCI with the and emerging Guyanese businesses. aptitude to recycle Tetra-Pak aseptic packaging The industries which were targeted included waste. This material comprises of polypackaging for fresh produce of fruits and aluminium usually used in packaging for juice vegetables and seafood. The boxes are made and milk. in such a way that they can be kept in cold The company is known for also being a major storage. Additionally, to accommodate the donor to Non-governmental Organisations packaging of ware bottles, separators were and sporting activities. In January 2015, the also installed into the cartons. company approved substantial financial According to Bacchus, corporate sponsorship CCI has the capability for the Rose Hall Town CCI believes that a balanced environment is essential to a healthy life and the survival to create customised Youth and Sports Club of humanity cartons to suit the needs (RYHT&SC) who was of its customers. In doing celebrating its Silver this, small businesses can Jubilee year. have access to feasible yet suitable packaging Recently in August of this year, the Guyana for their products.

Foundation received a donation of folding The boxes can be made with or without print tables from the company at the organisation’s for companies who are unable to make large recently opened Sunrise Centre at Zorg-Enorders of customised boxes.

Vlygt Essequibo Coast.

The company is not just business oriented The tables are intended to enhance the but has been a part of a number of initiatives to operations of the Centre. The Sunrise Centre improve the standard and state of the physical offers four skills-training courses, mental environment around Guyana. In July 2012 it had partnered with the University of Guyana in an health support services and holistic wellness exercise to recycle disposable waste. The idea activities to improve the mental well-being of was described as a bold one by then Minister residents of the Essequibo Coast.

CCI believes that a balanced environment of Natural Resources and Environment Robert is essential to a healthy life and the survival Persaud.

He had said that the move to have a recycling of humanity. Embracing the principle of industry developed in Guyana is an important sustainable development, the company method of dealing effectively with waste understands that the preservation of nature is management. crucial to its own existence and the progression In May 2003, the company commissioned its of its business.

Tetra-Pak recycling plant which signalled the extension of the company’s interest to consume more recyclable items inclusive of cardboard waste. The fibre yield from the new plant is expected to bolster any shortage of cardboard material locally.

Tetra Pak is an overseas-based company which provided the essential equipment for the plant whilst CCI provided the assembly components which included pumps, pipes and electrical panels.

Tetra Pak is one of three companies in the Tetra Laval Group which began

Guyana Inc. - Issue 26 P.25

.

A Critical Look Into Guyana’s Forestry Sector

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ith prime, lush forests covering approximately 18.39 hectares of its land mass, Guyana stands as one of the envies of the world. For decades, its forests have been a crucial arm in supporting the nation’s diverse economy, the sustenance of its people and the heart of its climate change efforts.

It has even attracted investors from all parts of the world who often come with an insatiable appetite for its exotic and valuable logs. But like most sectors, it has developed a few worrying problems of its own. These range from corruption, illegal logging; improper management of log exports and wanton misuse of the forests by foreign companies.

The aforementioned issues have led some forest experts to question whether oversight bodies, such as the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), are really doing their job.

It has been reported extensively in Guyana and further afield that while worrying issues abound, the GFC, among other authorities, continue to paint a “pretty picture” about the forest coverage as against the wanton felling of trees by foreign companies.

In an interview with the Guyana Inc Magazine, two internationally respected forests experts, John Palmer (JP) and Janette Bulkan (JB), share their opinion on the Guyana Forestry Commission, efforts by the Government to protect the forests and where Guyana stands with its international deals on safeguarding its forests.

Guyana Inc Magazine (GIM): Over the years, the Guyana Forestry Commission would have provided data and estimates to prove that Guyana’s deforestation rate remains low and that state forests remain protected. But how do you view the process by which the Commission obtained these figures?

Is it one that you have confidence in?

If not, how do you believe faith can be restored?

JP&JB: Even in the years before the availability of remotely sensed space imagery, the Guyana Forest Department supplied The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) with quite good estimates of the national area of standing forest. As such, Money from Norway through the Norwegian Climate and Forest Initiative (NICFI) was used to contract a company called Jaako Poyry

Guyana Inc. - Issue 26 P.26

from New Zealand in 2010 and later Indufor from Asia Pacific to collect and analyze medium-resolution and now high-resolution space-based imagery for country-wide estimates.

However, the analysts have not evidently used either GGMC maps of mining concessions or GFC maps of current logging blocks, thus the opportunity to focus on the obvious priority areas for deforestation and forest degradation appears to have been missed.

Likewise, it is not clear that the GFC uses the international definition of intact forest landscapes. The various arbitrary ratios and adjustments suggested or approved by Norway (NICFI) make difficult any international comparisons of Guyana data with the rest of the world.

It is not the accuracy or precision of the Indufor analysis which is important.

What is important is how the data is used to inform and guide policy. So far as we can determine, the data is NOT used to inform or guide policy in Guyana, while practice has continued to be ‘business as usual’, as promised by former President Bharrat Jagdeo in 2009. They have been used by Norway in the arbitrary calculation of aid money support for implementation of the Jagdeo LCDS. But all is not lost. There is still time for the new members of the GFC Board to request sight of the contracts with Indufor or the University of Durham for external assistance to the GFC Monitoring, Reporting and Verification system (MRVS).

GIM: Guyana is expected to bring two million hectares of forest under conservation. This was announced by President David Granger at the signing of the Paris climate change pact. How do you believe this will help in our quest to safeguard the forests?

JP&JB: This can be classified as an INDC meaning an Intend Nationally

Determined Contribution.

However, it is our view that the commitment appears to have been devised by Office of the President advisor(s). It is not clear how or why they developed this figure, or what State Forests they imagined could be assigned in this way.

It is important to note that all the forest of Guyana have not yet been allocated to logging companies, and much of the forest within logging concessions, is also the customary lands of Amerindians.

As the Government of Guyana has provided international assurance, and under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), that Guyana implements the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) with regard to its indigenous peoples, it follows that no such commitment to assign one or two million hectares of forest should be made without the consent of the Amerindian communities.

In addition, you would recall that there is an unfinished legal commitment under the Independence Agreement of 1965 to provide land security to the Amerindian communities. Only about one quarter of the areas claimed by Amerindians as customary land in 1967 to 1969 have subsequently been placed under communal land title.

The Protected Areas Commission appears to be fully occupied with development of its Georgetown-based bureaucracy and management of the three gazetted areas – Kaieteur (61000 ha), Kanuku Mountains plus Shell Beach (730000 ha) national parks – totaling (791000 ha). The wilderness preserve of Iwokrama is about 180000 ha, under its own Act of Parliament 1996.

It is not clear if the Protected Areas Commission has the capacity to identify, survey and undertake other legally required steps to acquire and manage a further one million hectares of national park.

In conclusion, merely assigning National Parks to the INDCs is not the internationally expected ‘additionality’ beyond ‘business as usual’. Leaving the national parks without logging or mining is not the same as taking positive steps to reduce carbon emissions.

GIM: GFC officials have boasted that Guyana has one of the longest and most striking experiences pioneering the international development of payment-

for-performance forest schemes. It said that this is demonstrated in the Government of Guyana and Kingdom of Norway, Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and its related REDD+ mechanisms of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. But how can one trust such an agreement given the industrial scale logging that is taking place? And if the agreement is intended to further the cause of protecting the global forests, then how does it not take reports on the abuse of Guyana’s forests into consideration? Also, how does Norway assess deforestation in Guyana?

JP&JB: PES schemes which mean Payments for Environmental Services conventionally require the service provider to demonstrate additionality.

For example, suppose a local beverage company wants perennial supplies of clean water for its distilleries. Suppose that the water supply comes from a forest catchment. The catchment manager must actively ensure that road building and logging do not result in sedimentation or pollution of the water supply and do not impede the water flow. Such measures conventionally increase the cost of forest management with that cost being compensated by the payments by the distiller for access to the clean water.

Likewise, a REDD scheme requires active measures to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. But this is not what Guyana has done. Guyana has made no policy commitment and taken no measures to reduce deforestation or degradation from logging or mining.

The deal with Norway is a nonstandard artificial deal involving a critical emission level far above the actual or foreseen rates. As the website REDD Monitor has pointed out several times, the Norway-Guyana deal is a disreputable piece of ‘hot air’. Why Norway became involved with Guyana is partly explained in the University of Oslo thesis by Heide Bade (2012); it involves internal political ambitions in Norway and is quite unrelated to conventional ideas of REDD+.

There was a stricture against increased logging in the original Joint Concept Note (JCN) associated with the Norway-Guyana MoU. This stricture imposed a financial penalty if the average annual wood production of the six years 2003-2008 was exceeded in any of the years of the MoU 2009-2015.

In fact, the limit was exceeded in 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015. The penalty was fiscally ineffective: the profit from the extra logs far exceeded (by about six times) the cost of the penalty. Of

course, the people of Guyana suffered the penalty while the profit was enjoyed by some foreign companies.

The Norwegian cash comes from the aid budget, not from a commercial contract. That may explain the peculiar features of the deal between ambitious Minister Eric Solheim and ambitious former President Bharrat Jagdeo, which appear in no other PES scheme globally.

This is why this scheme is actually worthless internationally, except for the technical aspects of RapidEye analysis.

We know that some Norwegian staff read the website REDD-Monitor so they are well aware of the uncontrolled logging and mining in Guyana. If we understand correctly, as long as Guyana does not breach the artificially high limit for deforestation specified in successive versions of the JCN, Norway does not worry about high levels of uncontrolled logging and mining.

The process for assessing deforestation in Guyana for the MoU is described each year in the GFCIndufor report. This multi-hundred page technical document can be downloaded from the GFC website. There is no simple –language version, although we ask the Norwegians to make the report understandable for people in Guyana: except for one year, there has been no response from Oslo.

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a n a y u G l e a t u a or ir ann the p or C d the ead an ts to spr cheer fe for ristmas Ch

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he Christmas season is often viewed as the opportune time for businesses and non-governmental organizations to show their compassionate side. This is quite understandable since the period is characterized by a sense of giving and sharing with others, more so, the less fortunate and/or the deserving.

In Guyana, businesses would choose a day to cater to a specific group of persons in society. One of the most frequently targeted groups are the homeless men and women on the streets.

In addition to the homeless, another group deserving of

being involved in the festivities are those elderly men and women who reside in geriatric homes. There are so many to choose from. They include the Palms Geriatric Home, Uncle Eddie’s Home, Archer’s Home, the St. Vincent De Paul’s Elderly Home and St. Joseph’s Home.

One other group which has been generally targeted by businesses in the past are young children.

In 2014 for example, Courts Guyana visited the paediatric ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and filled the hearts of 50 children with joy. The company took life-sized cartoon characters, such as Spongebob, Dora, Mickey Mouse and Cinderella for the children. The company even went further to donate a flat screen television, water dispenser, two double bunk beds and two recliners to the ward.

That same year, Giftland Office Max visited Linden and distributed toys and other items to the less fortunate children of the School for the Disabled, as well as those of the Bayrock Community Centre.

At the Linden school, the company hosted the first ever Christmas party for the children. At the Bayrock Centre, a similar party was held for over 200 children between the ages of one to 14 who came from neighbouring communities.

Massy Guyana, one of the largest companies operating in Guyana, held two annual parties in 2014 for children at the Eccles Primary School and its Massy Industries Compound at Ruimveldt. The company catered for 450 children living in the lower East Bank Demerara and Ruimveldt communities.

These include neighbouring communities in the city such as Alexander Village, Meadow Bank, Yarrowdam and West Ruimveldt. For the East Bank, children from Houston, Agricola, Eccles and McDoom were treated to many gifts and warm meals.

Of course, this is not a full account of how many businesses chose to spread cheer at Christmas in the past but these examples serve to show how companies can go about making the season brighter for children, hospital patients, the disabled, the elderly and social groups which are among the most vulnerable in Guyana.

CHRISTMAS INCENTIVES

HOW EMPLOYERS CAN REALLY SAY “THANK YOU” TO THEIR STAFF

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t’s Christmas again, and employers are faced with the chance to either build their employees’ morale or inadvertently drop it. After nearly a year of hard work, employees want to feel appreciated by their bosses, through some form of an incentive.

So what are the best forms an incentive can take? The reaction of any employee to a holiday incentive is highly subjective, but there are some reputable choices that usually do the trick.

Financial incentives: The usual goal of working is to get paid, be that monthly or fortnightly. Many employees desire a raise and a bonus.

So it makes sense that, at Christmas

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time, employers choose bonuses as a way to reward their employees for a year of loyalty.

Consumables: In Guyana, the Christmas tradition of mass cooking is very much alive. But the ingredients for all that pepper-pot, black cake and ginger beer come at a cost. So what if an employer bestowed hampers, containing these very ingredients, upon their staff? It will indicate thoughtfulness and add the elusive personal touch that money is unlikely to have.

Gift cards: Monetized Gift cards for boutiques, restaurants, the upscale supermarkets or even the classy

gadget stores have enjoyed a meteoric rise in popularity and, they have very practical uses for employee incentives as well.

Tickets: It could be tickets to the upcoming cricket matches, or to the latest show in town or even tickets to see the latest blockbuster hit at the cinemas. Whatever it may be, tickets have proven to be an excellent “employer to employee” gesture.

Vacation: It is the ultimate dream of most workers to be sent on an all-expense paid trip as part of their holiday package. How about making the New Year for them, a time they will always remember.

A hotel where business meets pleasure.

ROOMS STARTING AT $79 USD.

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(592) 220 1091 | www.grandcoastal.com

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Talent

WORLD RENOWNED

DR. SURESH NARINE

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AN ACADEMIC TREASURE TO THE WORLD OF SCIENCE

he celebrated Dr. research scientist Suresh S. Narine is a with the food giant, 43-year-old research M&M Mars. scientist who hails from the As fate would village of Herstelling, on have it, it would also the East Bank of Demerara; be the period of his a place that still remains life that would see dear to his heart. him becoming the He grew up in a father of triplets: disciplined Hindu home Vandana, Rudra and and as the lone boy among Geetanjali. It marked his three well-behaved the spectacular sisters; a rebellious Narine beginning of a new was constantly pulled in chapter for him and line. his loving wife.

Even though he had Shortly after Dr. Suresh Narine (L) receiving the Pranav Mandir’s 2015 Award from the organization’s spiritual leader Swami Bhajanananda his misgivings, as any working at Mars, he (Shivum Ramkalawan Image) normal young boy would, was recruited by the his passion for something University of Alberta, saw him sitting these very subjects greater proved that Dr. Narine, even as the Alberta Value-Added Research at A Levels exams and he did at a young age, was never going to Chair, a Professor at the young age exceedingly well, also. be “just an ordinary” young man. of 27.

He then pursued studies in Gaining a place at one of the He later returned to Trent Canada. At Trent University, he did country’s top secondary schools, University, where he is a Senior an undergraduate degree. He soon Queen’s College, was perhaps his Professor and Director of the Trent acquired a joint degree in Chemistry first sign of this.

Centre for Biomaterials Research. and Physics, and earned minors in However, the decision for Dr. But with his amazing contributions Economics and Philosophy at Trent.

Narine to attend the school was a in Canada and beyond, Dr. Narine He then moved on to his Master’s difficult one. Financial constraints would soon return to his homeland degree in Chemical Physics. For at the time meant that after high and this was upon the invitation of his outstanding work, he received school his sister would have to join former President Bharrat Jagdeo. He a prestigious Natural Sciences the workforce to help support her had taken on the herculean task of and Engineering Research Council little brother’s education. revitalizing the Institute of Applied (NSERC) of Canada scholarship.

It was a worthwhile investment Science and Technology (IAST).

Dr. Narine subsequently did his as he graduated with exceptional Under his stewardship, IAST has Ph.D. in Food Science and Materials grades at the GCE/CXC examinations. become one of the leading labs in Physics at the University of Guelph.

For this country boy, to have secured the Caribbean.

It was a decision that would end up a double distinction in English Professor Narine is the recipient of changing his life.

Language and Literature was an several prestigious awards including Within two and a half years, he extremely major accomplishment the “Growing Alberta Leadership was already considered among which earned him the Ivy Loncke Award for Innovation” which he the top five academics in the field prize. received in 2005 for pioneering of lipids. In fact, before he even He had the desire to pursue a the development of technology completed his Ph.D., he was already career in law but his passion for to produce polyurethanes from offered a high paying job as a senior physics, chemistry and mathematics vegetable oils.

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Health

GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE (GERD) THE SYMPTOMS, CAUSES AND HOW YOU CAN PREVENT IT

You have probably heard of persons complaining that they have constant heartburn, or perhaps, even you are a victim of this distasteful disorder. But what exactly is it and what causes it to happen?

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onstant and recurring heartburn is actually a disorder known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD for short. GERD is a disease of the digestive system with the main pathology occurring at the lower esophageal sphincter or the LES. The LES is a circular muscle between the stomach and the tube leading to the stomach (the esophagus) that seals the stomach and prevents its contents from backing up. Many persons, especially pregnant women and persons suffering from obesity, experience acid indigestion caused by GERD. GERD is one of those diseases which can be fixed through lifestyle changes including diet and exercise.

However, due to long term effects, some persons may require medical or surgical intervention.

In order to understand the disease we must understand its name.

Gastroesophagealis, the term used to refer to the stomach and esophagus while reflux, means to flow back or return. As such, gastroesophageal reflux is the return of the stomach’s contents back up into the esophagus. Reflux occurs when the LES is weak or it opens up inappropriately thus allowing the contents of the stomach to flow into the esophagus.

What causes GERD? Some studies indicate that there is a direct correlation between high stress levels and GERD. In other instances, the causes of GERD are multi-factorial.

However, certain diets and lifestyle choices are the main contributors to this disease. Foods like chocolate, peppermint, fried or fatty foods and

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drinks like coffee and alcohol, can trigger reflux and heartburn. Cigarette smoke causes relaxation of the LES, along with the obesity factor and pregnancy. These therefore have significant roles to play in the symptoms of GERD. Symptoms That You Should Be Aware Of The most major complaint of anyone suffering from GERD is heartburn. It is also called acid indigestion and is characterized by a burning chest pain on the left side of the upper chest, radiating to the neck and throat. To put it into context, it usually feels like food coming back into the mouth and leaving a sour or bitter taste.

These symptoms can last up to two hours and are exacerbated especially after eating. Two other phenomena that could cause heartburn occur upon lying down or bending over. As such, it is not unusual for a lot of persons to obtain relief by standing up or through the use of an over the counter antacid to neutralize the acid in the esophagus.

A common issue is that sometimes the associated pain is mistaken for that of heart disease or cardiac arrest.

The differences, however, are easily distinguished. For heart disease, the pain is aggravated with exercise and can ease when resting. It can also radiate to the left arm, axilla, shoulder, neck and jaw. Heartburn pain is not affected by physical activity and radiates only toward the neck and throat.

Treatment The number one recommendation for the treatment of GERD is modification

of lifestyle and diet. The mainstay of treatment is in actuality attempting to decrease the amount of reflux or reducing the damage caused to the esophagus by the acidic materials of the stomach.

Foods and drinks that cause the LES to weaken should be avoided. These, as was mentioned, can include chocolate, peppermint, fatty foods, coffee and alcohol. Legumes and some large amounts of foods rich in carbs should be looked out for as well since persons have reported them as causation factors.

Foods and drinks that cause irritation of the esophageal lining, such as acidic fruits and juices and pepper should also be avoided if they cause symptoms.

Managing portion sizes at mealtime so that you do not overeat could also be essential in symptom control. Also, eating meals at least 2 to 3 hours before going to bed can help to decrease reflux.

This allows the acid in the stomach to decrease and the stomach to partially empty, thereby ensuring that there is minimum content in the stomach to back up. Being overweight tends to worsen symptoms so weight loss is key to gaining symptomatic relief in the long run.

As smoking weakens the LES, quitting can help to decrease GERD symptoms.

Keeping your head elevated when sleeping at night could also help since it allows the minimizing of reflux through gravity. Along with these lifestyle modifications, over the counter or prescription antacids may also be recommended.

Antacids help to neutralize acid in the esophagus and stomach, thereby stopping heartburn. These have been known to help some persons partially

or temporarily. Combined with foaming agents, antacids can form a foam barrier on top of the stomach that prevents acid reflux from occurring.

Antacids are not without their side effects though. Using them for prolonged periods can cause diarrhea, altered calcium metabolism, and magnesium buildup which are detrimental to persons with kidney disease.

Chronic sufferers of reflux are usually recommended medications that reduce acid in the stomach itself. These could include H2 blockers that stop the secretion of acid in the stomach partially. In this group of drugs are cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine and the popular, ranitidine.

Another kind of medication that can be prescribed is the proton pump inhibitor. These prevent the action of an enzyme that is necessary for the secretion of acid.

Popular proton pump inhibitors include omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole and dexlansoprazole, using the trade names Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix, Aciphex and Dexilant respectively.

Some persons with severe, chronic esophageal reflux or with symptoms that are not relieved by the treatments

described may require more a complete diagnostic evaluation. Some of the tests that might be necessary are an upper GI series X-ray, endoscopy, esophageal manometric and impedance studies and

pH testing of the stomach contents.

In the end, only a small number of persons require surgery for GERD. This is due to severe reflux and very poor response to all forms of medical treatment. Fundoplication is a technique that allows for the increase of pressure in the lower esophagus while endoscopic procedures that assist in making the LES function better are all options in surgical treatment.

Some complications that can occur because of long term GERD include inflammation of the esophagus, called esophagitis, leading to esophageal ulcers and bleeding. Narrowing of the esophagus can also occur due to excessive scarring, as well as an increased risk for esophageal cancer.

If you or anyone you know is suffering from this disease, seek help from your doctor as soon as you can.

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Placing the spotlight on

Postnatal Mental Illness

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hen a mother is ill, it affects not only her, but her immediate family, her partner, friends and acquaintances. It makes her incapable of functioning at work or at home. The sufferer finds it very difficult to be honest about what is happening.

They often feel embarrassed and always feel helpless.

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his illness can take on three forms. They include:

• The “Baby Blues” (40-80% of all mothers) • Postnatal Depression (0-30% of all mothers) • Postnatal Psychosis (0.1 -0.2% of all mothers) The “Baby Blues” This affects the majority of women following the birth of a baby. The new mother becomes weepy, tense, anxious and very emotional on about the third or fourth day after delivery. Often, this is baffling for an unprepared new father, who cannot understand what is happening to his normally happy wife. The “Blues” are thought to be due to one, or a combination of the following factors: • A sudden change in hormone levels following birth.

• Further hormonal changes as breast-milk is established.

• The arrival of a long-awaited baby and the realization that life will never be the same again.

Whatever the cause, the “Blues” are likely to be short-lived. The reassurance that this is “normal”, and that it is the result of hormonal changes, is usually enough to help the mother cope with it.

Postnatal / Postpartum Depression Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that can affect women after childbirth. It affects 10-15 percent of new mothers. Mothers with postpartum depression experience feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that may make it difficult for them to complete daily care activities for themselves or for others.

Postpartum depression does not have a single cause, but likely results from a combination of physical and emotional factors. Postpartum depression does not occur because of something a mother does or does not do.

After childbirth, the levels of hormones (estrogen and progesterone) in a woman’s body quickly drop. This leads to chemical changes in her brain that may trigger mood swings. In addition, many mothers are unable to get the rest they need to fully recover from giving birth. Constant sleep deprivation can lead to physical discomfort and exhaustion, which can contribute to the symptoms of postpartum depression.

Postnatal Depression affects 10-30% of all mothers. It may appear as a continuation of the “Blues” but develops slowly over the months that follow the birth of the child. It is also extremely likely to be found in women

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who have been depressed during pregnancy.

It is thought to be caused by the interaction of: • • • •

Biological/physiological factors Social factors Stress Personality factors

Symptoms The mother often becomes increasingly angry, weepy, tired, anxious, panicky, and generally overwhelmed. She may be unwilling to leave the house and/or be afraid to be alone. Her moods are likely to be unpredictable; she loses enjoyment of life and of her usual interests, including sex.

Her confidence disappears; she can’t sleep normally; her eating patterns change. She feels that her life is out of control; she may want to harm herself or her baby; she may contemplate, or even attempt suicide.

Although she feels trapped, and utterly at the mercy of a demanding baby, she may also feel unable to accept help in caring for the infant, because of feeling guilty, or because she is unable to trust anyone else with the task. She may be overwhelmed with conflicting feelings or love for and resentment towards the baby, and other people around her.

She may perceive her partner and her family and friends as uncaring and unsupportive. She may resent the fact that the baby’s father’s life is continuing as usual, apparently unaffected by the birth. His attempts to help her may be unacceptable and rejected. She feels abandoned when he goes to work, resentful when she has to prepare meals and take care of the home, and, at the same time, feels guilty because she knows that she is not being a good enough wife or mother. She may, in fact, be so overwhelmed that she is unable to continue to take care of herself, her home or her other responsibilities. If there are other children, the depressed mother may behave resentfully, angrily, and unfairly towards them.

How can you tell if you are experiencing Postpartum depression?

Because symptoms of this condition are broad and may vary between women, a doctor can help a woman figure out whether the symptoms she is feeling are due to postpartum depression or something else.

A woman who experiences any of these symptoms should see a doctor right away.

• Symptoms of depression during or after a previous pregnancy • Previous experience with depression or

bipolar disorder at another time in her life • A family member who has been diagnosed with depression or other mental illness • A stressful life event during pregnancy or shortly after giving birth, such as job loss, death of a loved one, domestic violence, or personal illness • Medical complications during childbirth, including premature delivery or having a baby with medical problems • Mixed feelings about the pregnancy, whether it was planned or unplanned • A lack of strong emotional support from her spouse, partner, family, or friends • Alcohol or other drug abuse problems.

The impact of a Mother’s Postpartum depression on her Child(ren) As the initial stress related to labor, delivery, and bringing the baby home give way to new experiences, the behavior pattern of the baby can either make the symptoms of postpartum depression worse or better.

As the emotional toll of PPD mounts in the mother with increasing guilt, a sense of being overwhelmed by child care responsibilities, and fear of being unable to cope, she may give way to bursts of uncontrollable anger, show less affection to her baby, and be less responsive to his/her cries. These infants in turn tend to be fussier, more distant, and make fewer positive facial expressions and less noises. Adverse effects on the child continue throughout the first year after birth, but PPD places children of all ages at risk for impaired cognitive and emotional development as well as overall mental and behavioral disorders.

There are multiple implications for infants of mothers with PPD, whose developing capacities for emotional regulation and healthy attachment relationships become compromised. These infants exhibit insecure attachments to their mothers (disorganizeddisoriented), more negative, sober, flat affect, protest behaviors, regulation difficulties, and gaze aversion. They also exhibit decreased eye contact, vocalizations, activity levels, and environmental exploration. They are at risk for impaired language development and perform less well on cognitive tests at 18 months when compared to their peers of non-depressed mothers. Indeed, the effects of PPD are still evident in children at ages 4-5 years old.

How is Postpartum depression treated?

Treatment and help are available for postpartum depression. A doctor can help choose the best treatment, which may include: Counseling/Talk Therapy: This treatment involves talking one-on-one with

a mental health professional (a counselor, therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker). Two types of counseling shown to be particularly effective in treating postpartum depression are: • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps people recognize and change their negative thoughts and behaviors; and • Interpersonal therapy (IPT), which helps people understand and work through problematic personal relationships.

Medication: Antidepressant medications act on the brain chemicals that are involved in mood regulation. Many antidepressants take a few weeks to be most effective. While these medications are generally considered safe to use during breastfeeding, a woman should talk to her healthcare provider about the risks and benefits to both herself and her baby.

Without treatment, postpartum depression can last for months or years. In addition to affecting the mother’s health, it can interfere with her ability to connect with and care for her baby and may cause the baby to have problems with sleeping, eating, and behavior as he or she grows. Family members and friends may be the first to recognize symptoms of postpartum depression in a new mother. They can encourage her to talk with a health care provider, offer emotional support, and assist with daily tasks such as caring for the baby or the home.

Dealing with Postnatal / Postpartum depression Postpartum Depression is a common occurrence, experiencing depressive symptoms after giving birth does not make you an “unfit” or “bad” mother. The stigma of mental illness must be reversed so that women can be more comfortable admitting to being diagnosed with and treated for postpartum depression. Celebrities, such as Brooke Shields, Courtney Cox, Celine Dion, Britney Spears and Gwyneth Paltrow have all experienced some form of postpartum depression. They have broken some of the initial barriers by coming forward with their personal stories and helping women know that they are not alone, nor are they anything less than loving mothers wanting desperately to provide the best care possible for their children, if they could only rise above the suffocating feelings of depression and anxiety.

If postpartum depression is to be quickly treated or even prevented, women cannot be afraid to step forward themselves and admit to feeling anything less than enjoyment upon becoming new mothers.

Helping someone affected with Postpartum Depression Here are some other practical ways in which you can help: • Take care of the baby, and encourage the mother to have a long, hot bath; go for a walk; visit or call a friend; and even take a nap • Help her plan a schedule for handling a few simple tasks.

• Assist and encourage her in arranging child-care.

• Encourage joint activities, even though she may resist. Suggest going out for dinner, watching a TV programme together, going for a walk together.

Recognise that what she may need is sleep. Encourage her to rest without allowing her to feel guilty. But even though she is probably exhausted, the depressed mother may be unable to sleep. She may be helped by: • A warm bath before going to bed.

• A snack, or warm, milky drink.

• Avoiding exercise or excitement before bedtime.

• A loving massage.

• Listening to gentle music.

To help her with ANXIETY and TENSION: • Massage her neck and shoulders.

• Encourage her : • -to walk, swim, go to gym, or yoga classes.

• -to do deep breathing exercises.

• -to listen to relaxation tapes, or to music.

• -to apply moist heat to her neck and shoulders.

• • • • •

To help her with IRRITABILITY and DISTORTED THINKING: Try not to take her criticisms personally.

She is really angry and frustrated with herself.

Encourage realistic thinking, but don’t be drawn into an argument at this time. She cannot help her negativity.

Direct your own feelings of anger and frustration at her illness, not at her. She is doing the best that she can.

Talk to an understanding counsellor or doctor yourself. You also need support.

TAKE ANY TALK OF SUICIDE VERY SERIOUSLY, AND CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL IMMEDIATELY. HELPING THE OLDER CHILDREN Not only the baby, but the older children

too, will be affected by a parent’s Postnatal Depression. Their mother will not be as available to them as she was previously; she may be making unreasonable demands on them. They may also feel that their father, too, is cut off from them by his worries. They may be left for long periods with friends and relatives; their social and emotional behaviour may change as a result of the ongoing family stress, resulting in bed-wetting and misbehaviour. Coping with the older children may be an additional burden on the father.

Try to find someone who can talk to the older children in an empathic way, and who can explain to them that their mother’s illness is not their fault, re-assuring them that she will recover. The children need someone skilled, who will listen to, and help them to express their feelings.

Postnatal Psychosis This extremely serious condition is relatively rare, affecting 1 or 2 new mothers per thousand. In this instance, the mother loses a sense of reality, may hallucinate, hear voices and think in a bizarre manner. She may believe that people are trying to harm her, that she has given birth to a monster. She may become manic, out of control and very excitable, alternating suicidal with homicidal thinking and behavior.

The mother needs urgent psychiatric help, usually involving hospitalization. She may be dangerous to herself and those around her, and will certainly need medication and professional supervision. The mother may have to be separated from the baby, which is difficult for everyone. Treatment is usually very successful.

HOW EVERYONE CAN HELP • Re-assure the mother that she will recover.

• Re-assure the mother that she is not alone in feeling like this.

• Listen to the mother; do not judge her.

• Be patient.

• Encourage the mother to seek professional help.

• Encourage the mother to join a Support Group.

• Re-assure the children that their mother will recover.

• Re-assure the children that the illness is not their fault.

• Don’t let your own feelings of helplessness get you down.

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Consumer myMagazine Tip

myMagazine Security

CHANGES TO LOOK OUT FOR IN THE TAX SYSTEM FOR 2017

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uyana’s tax system is poised to undergo some rapid and drastic changes for the New Year. And whether you’re a vendor, doctor, school teacher or successful entrepreneur, there are a few that you must be mindful of.

These changes were announced

by Finance Minister, Winston Jordan during his budget 2017 speech which was delivered to the nation on November 28, last. Here is a look at some of those tax measures.

• If you are looking for an area to invest some cash this year, in hopes for a quick turn over, then one highly profitable area would be equipment for alternative energy. Guyana is on the verge of “greening” its economy and to support this, the Government is granting tax exemptions on the importation of items for wind and solar energy investments. In addition to this, it will also be paving the way for a one-off tax holiday of two years for corporation tax for companies involved exclusively in such importation.

• The Government is resolute about clamping down on the importation of used tyres for motor cars, vans,

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pickups, SUV’s, and mini-buses. As such, it will be restricted from entering Guyana, with effect from April 1, 2017. According to the new rules and regulations, the aforementioned vehicles described, which are imported into Guyana after April 1, 2017, will be required to be fitted with new tyres (including the spare). According to Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, a “phase out” period for existing stocks of used tyres will be allowed. Also, used tyres that have been ordered and shipped will be allowed a period of three months to have these orders completed.

• In an effort to improve its revenue collection methods within the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Government will now impose an increased penalty for the late payment of taxes.

According to the Finance Minister, the penalty for late payment of tax provided for under section 99 (1) of the Income Tax Act Chapter 81:01 will be repealed and a simplified interest regime enacted. He said that Section 6 (1) (c) of the Financial Administration and Audit Act will be amended to facilitate the imposition of interest on late payment of tax at the rate of 2 percent per annum (similar to VAT).

• For businesses, the Government from January 1, 2017 will also impose a penalty for the late or untimely presentation of books to GRA. In this regard, Jordan said that audits are greatly affected by the lack of evidence

to justify disclosures in financial statements. He proposed to increase the fine to $200,000 and/or six months imprisonment.

• Garnishment will also be a new feature in 2017. It is considered to be a rather extreme measure for collecting a debt. According to the Finance Minister, the provisions of section 102 of the Income Tax Act Chapter 81:01 will be revised to provide authority to the GRA to garnish funds from bank accounts held by taxpayers who have outstanding tax arrears. He said that this provision would assist to improve compliance with demands issued by the GRA for outstanding payments.

• Government also wants to remove the practice by some businesses which fail to inform the GRA about the commencement of its operations.

The Finance Minister said that many businesses are non-compliant with the law regarding filing of returns, especially at the early stages. As such, he said that the law will be amended to give persons a maximum of three months from the commencement date of business to inform the GRA. • According to the Finance Minister, there are currently no fees for the issuance of TIN certificates, even though GRA incurs an administrative cost. For 2017, a fee of $1,000 for the first TIN certificate and $5,000 for reprinting of TIN certificates will be imposed.

H OW TO H AV E A S A F E R C H R I S T M A S

he Christmas holidays are usually a time for fun and joy, preferably with family, friends and loved ones. But there is a dark side to the holidays. Because of increased spending habits during this time of the year, more opportunities to pounce on unsuspecting shoppers may be found by the criminal elements than at any other time.

–– Burglaries Burglary is a major concern for homeowners during the holidays, particularly in between shopping trips when the house is left unoccupied. There are certain things we may take for granted, but which may actually serve as a lure for burglars.

• A house which is secluded from neighbors, due to its location.

• Absence of street or security lights near to or outside the premises.

• Low side and rear boundaries or fences, which would present no deterrent for potential burglar(s).

• Valuables which can be seen through the windows.

• Open or unsecured windows, even those on the top floor.

• Overgrown bushes in your yard or adjacent to it.

There are some steps we can take to ensure that our homes are as secure as possible, should we happen to be out.

And these plans do not even have to be as elaborate as those featured on the popular Christmas movie franchise “Home Alone”. It goes without saying that we should ensure that doors and windows are locked and secured. Grills are a proven deterrent, as well as motion activated or timed lights, but there are some basic home security options

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everyone should know.

• Leaving the lights on while you are out, will give the impression to a passersby with nefarious intentions that someone is at home. Security experts have suggested that homeowners use drawn curtains and multiple rooms, as continued lighting in a single room may raise suspicions.

• Ensure that louver windows are secured with additions like screens or consider replacing them altogether. They can be lifted out of their brackets, even from the outside and thus present a security risk.

• Sometimes securing your home is as simple as informing your neighbor(s) that you will not be at home. They can be alerted to a burglar’s presence at your house by an unfamiliar car or noises that should not be emanating from a house that’s supposed to be empty.

• Dogs are known as man’s best friend, but they are also one of man’s best home security options due to their territorial nature. They work well with the preceding option, as a barking dog will alert neighbors of an intruder. All dogs can perform this role at varying levels, but there are some breeds, like the Rottweiler and pit bull, which can rapidly turn the tables on burglars and would-be attackers.

Armed robberies Unfortunately, burglaries are not the only way thieves can strike. Holiday season or not, armed robberies are a possibility and there are some steps recommended by the Guyana Police Force to safeguard your Christmas.

• Avoid use of earphones or headphones when walking, cycling or jogging along the road. There is a time and place for everything, but most would agree that that is not the best time to be distracted from your surroundings and unable to hear footsteps following you.

• It is advisable, when walking on the inevitably busy streets, to keep your purse as close to your body as possible. And if you are using wallets or have a phone or both, keeping them in your side pockets may be all that thwarts a would be pickpocket.

• It is the season for Christmas themed parties, but thieves can also make popular hot spots their site for identifying targets they consider easy. One way to prevent this is to avoid leaving night spots alone and on foot.

• Thieves can watch and observe your movements for days. An important way of breaking this reconnaissance is to vary your schedule and the routes you take to travel.

• Ensure that you have the numbers for police stations in your possession.

Guyana Inc. - Issue 26 P.37

THE NATIONAL ACCREDITATION COUNCIL:

PROMOTING QUALITY, EXCELLENCE AND STANDARDS IN EDUCATION As part of its public education and awareness programme, the National Accreditation Council-Guyana (NAC-G), will be issuing on a regular basis, information about its services for post-secondary and tertiary institutions, details about the services available to prospective and current students, and information for the wider public.

In this issue, the Council would like to provide a brief overview of its services.

WHO ARE WE? The National Accreditation Council (NAC) was established by an ACT of Parliament (the National Accreditation Council Act No. 12 of 2004), which mandated that all postsecondary and tertiary institutions operating in Guyana must be registered with the NAC. The NAC is governed by a Board of Directors that is set up by the Office of the President. In promoting the quality of education and training in Guyana, the NAC advises post-secondary and tertiary level educational institutions (local or foreign) on registration, accreditation, and programme approval, and also provides recognition of awarding bodies, and equivalency of foreign qualifications.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE REGISTERED WITH THE NAC? Registration is a mandatory quality assurance process. This means that schools MUST meet the criteria and standards necessary to offer their services. This process must be completed in order for any postsecondary and tertiary institutions (private and public) to operate legally in Guyana.

The registration process determines whether an institution has the capacity to offer quality education to its students. Every institution must satisfy seven criteria namely: Legal, Policy and Regulatory Requirements; Government and Administration; Quality Management System; Resource Management; Teaching-Learning Process; Review; and Continuous Improvement. Under each criterion, institutions are required to fulfill corresponding standards; 23 altogether.

Teams of External Evaluators, that is, persons who are experts in the particular programme areas, are used to evaluate an institution during the registration process. In some countries, registration is known as preaccreditation.

The NAC’s Registration and Accreditation standards are in keeping with international best practices and are similar to those implemented in Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and Jamaica.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE ACCREDITED? Accreditation is a voluntary process by which the National Accreditation Council externally reviews REGISTERED postsecondary and tertiary education institutions and/or programmes that have been evaluated and have met or exceed stated criteria for learning quality. It is important to note, that some tertiary institutions in Guyana offer internationally accredited programmes.

These institutions must be registered with the NAC to be able to offer their services in Guyana.

Ensure that you find out from an education institution that you are interested

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in attending, whether or not they are registered with the National Accreditation Council BEFORE you pay your fees and begin your studies! You must see current evidence!

ACCREDITATION OF MEDICAL SCHOOLS The Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP) is the legally constituted body established in 2003 under the aegis of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). It is empowered to determine and prescribe standards, and to accredit programmes of medical, dental, veterinary and other health professions.

Medical schools established in Guyana are required to seek accreditation with CAAM-HP AFTER being registered with the National Accreditation Council.

The accreditation process assures that medical, dental, veterinary and other health profession schools meet standards of structure, function, and performance. It also assures society that graduates of accredited schools meet the education requirements for further training and the health care needs of the people in the Caribbean. The accreditation process adopted by the CAAM-HP has two general aims: • To certify that a medical education programme meets prescribed standards, and • To promote institutional self-evaluation and improvement.

RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN QUALIFICATION AND INSTITUTIONS Persons who wish to pursue a course of study with a foreign institution, or who have completed a programme at a foreign post-secondary or tertiary institution, may apply for recognition of their foreign qualifications at the National Accreditation Council. A Statement of Recognition will be issued, which provides information on the accreditation and/ or recognition status of the institution and the programme offered.

EQUIVALENCY The equivalency process determines the level of comparability or academic value of qualifications attained overseas.

An equivalency assessment equates or compares a qualification obtained overseas, to a qualification locally. Equivalency also allows applicants to receive credit transfers for study completion, gain entry to institutions for the purpose of furthering their studies in Guyana, and facilitate employment or promotion.

PROCESS FOR DEALING WITH STUDENT COMPLAINTS According to the NAC’s ACT No. 12 of 2004, one of the functions of the NAC is to “protect the interest of the students”.

If a student wishes to bring a matter to the attention of the Council, he/she is required to formally submit details of the matter. Students are required to visit the NAC and complete a Complaint/Query Form on which they state the nature of the complaints by answering some questions. This form provides the means by which the Council can formally act on the student’s behalf.

Students are encouraged to visit the NAC which is located at 109 Barima Avenue, Bel Air Park to meet with an officer to discuss the matter and have their concerns documented.

Students can also write to the NAC about their complaints.

All matters brought to the NAC by students are kept in the strictest confidence. The same principle is applied to post-secondary and tertiary institutions registered with the NAC. NAC, as a quality assurance agency, is recognized regionally and internationally and is affiliated with several agencies for quality assurance in higher education. The Council has acquired membership within the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE) and the Caribbean Area Network for Quality Assurance in Tertiary Education (CANQATE).

Persons who wish to obtain information about any of the services provided by the National Accreditation Council can access further details of each service on its website at: www.nac.gov.gy

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myMagazine Recipes

Traditional Guyanese Delicacies During The

Christmas Season

C

hristmas has always been the season of giving. It is a time to feel joyful and to spend as much time as possible with family and friends. In Guyana, we have added a little more to it.

A Guyanese Christmas is nothing without the savoury delights of various foods cooked especially around this time. We are diverse in culture, and over the years, certain dishes have become synonymous with Christmas.

For any Guyanese, it simply does not feel like Christmas without a steaming pan of pepperpot or garlic pork. It definitely doesn’t feel the same without a slice of rich black cake and cold glasses of ginger beer or sorrel drink to wash it down. What makes it even better? Ask any Guyanese and he or she would tell you that no shop or no store can provide you with the original flavours that you get when your Christmas dishes are homemade.

Below are some recipes to help you give your Christmas the true Guyanese feel.

• • • • • •

Starting off with the most sought after of the season, PEPPERPOT. You will need: • Beef cuts, although some persons opt for chicken, duck or wild meat • 3 cow heels (not always necessary) • 3-4 chunks of oxtail (again, not always necessary) • 8 fl. oz. cassareep • 5 wiri pepper (more or less, depending on how spicy you want it)

5 cloves 1 ½ chopped onion 3 cloves of garlic Salt 1 cup of Demerera Gold brown sugar Mixed thyme (fine leaf, broad leaf)

• • • •

at room temperature at the time of use 3-4 whole cloves 3 unpeeled cloves of garlic 4-5 sprigs of fresh thyme 3 tbsp. canola/ soya oil

Once you have all of that, you’re ready. Just follow the steps below: • Ensure that the meat is clean and dry by wiping with a damp cloth or paper towel.

• Using a sharp knife, cut small grooves into the meat on both sides.

• Chop and puree the garlic, thyme, and wiri peppers in a blender/ food processor, then pour this would-be seasoning rub into a small bowl.

• Using a butter knife or your fingers spread a large amount on the meat, rubbing it in to fill the small grooves.

• Apply salt and pepper to both sides, ensuring that you keep ½ tsp salt.

• If you have any leftover seasoning, use it up and rub it onto the meat slices.

• Using a wide-mouthed glass jar, layering pieces of the seasoned meat, stacking until all meat has been used up.

• Mix the vinegar and water together, then carefully pour into the jar of meat until it is covered by two inches.

• Shake the jar to distribute meat, then place thyme stems and cloves in the jar. Add three cloves of unpeeled garlic, as part of the garnish.

• Place additional sprigs of thyme on top of jar, or slide it down the sides.

• Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, and seal the jar tightly.

• Store in a cool dark place (not your refrigerator), and let it sit for 3-5 days.

• After curing, drain the meat on a rack, and discard the liquid. Do not allow the seasoning to go to waste.

• In a skillet, pour 3 tbsp. Canola oil.

• Pan-fry on medium heat, until nicely browned for about 2-3 minutes on each side.

Now that you’re done, just let it cool and serve with crusty bread and any cold beverage of your choice.

Preparation is simple, just follow the step below: • Thoroughly wash the meat and other meat products (cow heels and oxtail) • Put the cow heel in a pot , cover with cold water and bring to a boil (If you do not want to use this, move on to the next step) • Add all your meats into the pot of boiling water, along with the mixed thyme, onion and garlic. Cover and allow to boil.

• Once the fragrance of the thyme can be smelt and the meat is cook a little, add all of the other ingredients and slow cook for about 2 hours or until the meat is tender or the sauce is thick.

When finished, allow to cool and serve with home-made bread or cassava bread.

Next on our list is GARLIC PORK. However, if pork is not your fancy, you can also use beef, lamb or chicken.

You will need: • 3 pounds of pork or your meat of choice, 1 inch thick, tender cuts • 12 large cloves of garlic • ½ cup of fresh thyme leaves or 2 tbsp of dried thyme • 8- 10 wiri peppers • 1 ½ tbsp. salt • ½ tsp black pepper • 2 cups of white vinegar • 2 cups of boiled water, must be

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• ¼ pound chopped nuts • 1 tsp vanilla flavouring

Now for the best part, everybody’s favourite, GUYANA BLACK CAKE! You will need the following: • 1 lb raisins • 1 lb preserved carambola • ½ lb currants • 1 cup brown rum • 2 lbs brown sugar • 1 lb butter • 12 eggs, beaten • 1 lb flour • 1 tsp baking powder • 1 teaspoon mixed spices • ¼ pound mixed peel

Once you have all of this, you’re ready: • Wash and dry fruits. Grind and soak with ¾ cup of rum. Store while covered in a glass jar to cure for 2 weeks or longer.

• To make the caramel: Heat 1 pounds of the sugar in heavy bottom frying pan until melted. Simmer until dark brown.

• Cream the butter and 1 lb sugar together, after which you add the beaten eggs gradually.

• Continue mixing and add soaked fruits and rum and enough caramel to make it as dark as you want it.

• Add sifted flour with baking powder, mixed spice and vanilla flavouring. Mix thoroughly.

• Fold in peel and chopped nuts.

• Pour mixture in baking pan. Bake in slow oven at 375oF for about 1 ½ hours, or until toothpick inserted to test comes out clean.

• Soak the finished cake with more rum and allow to preserve.

Enjoy with ginger beer. The recipe for which is as follows.

GINGER BEER You will require: • 1 lb. of ginger • 10 cups of water • 2 cups of dark brown sugar • 2 cinnamon sticks • 6 cloves • 5 3 x 3-inch pieces of orange peel • 1 4-inch piece of orange peel • Uncooked rice to help with fermentation • Glass jars

• Pour into a large glass jug.

• Break orange peel and cinnamon sticks into pieces; add them to the ginger beer, and bring to room temperature • Place 12 uncooked rice grains in each glass jar; pour into glass jars and let rest.

• Ferment for 5-7 days.

• Discard cinnamon sticks and orange peel.

• Serve over crushed ice or ice cubes.

If the heat is too much for you, you can mix it with pineapple juice for hint of fruitiness and sweetness.

Images (left to right): Pepperpot, Garlic Pork (Caribbeanpot.com); Ginger Beer (Kaieteur News).

and Black Cake

What’s next: • Grate the ginger with the fine side of any box grater.

• In a large pot, mix together all of the ingredients, except for the cinnamon and the (3×3) pieces of orange peel.

• Rapidly boil for 10 minutes.

• Remove from heat and strain.

• Using a cheese cloth, remove the ginger bits.

Pomeroon Oil Mil Inc.

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Guyana Inc. - Issue 26 P.41

T he Nightlife for the Holiday Season

Thoughtful gifts and gestures for your significant other this season

F

or this holiday season, the Guyana Inc. Magazine is here to remind you that something thoughtful and heartfelt can make all the difference, or even take your relationship to an all new level.

Here are some excellent ideas for romantic gifts and gestures that you can give or display to your significant other this Christmas.

1. Get your partner a wristwatch. Have it inscribed with the words: “I always have time for you.”

2. Write your partner a love letter or poem on a sheet of paper. Glue it to thin cardboard, cut it up into puzzle-shaped pieces. Put each of these pieces in a separate envelope; along with a small Christmas card, and then mail all the pieces, one at a time. In the end, he/ she will end up with all of the pieces that they have to put together to read the full poem!

3. Want to be especially romantic? Kidnap her!

Blindfold her. Drive her around town until she’s thoroughly lost. Then reveal your destination: Her favorite restaurant, maybe a romantic hotel or even the theatre to see a movie she has been constantly talking about.

4. Get yourself “His” and “Hers” matching towels.

Other “His” and “Hers” matching ideas could include silk pajamas, T-shirts, overnight bags, heart-shaped tattoos, Christmas tree ornaments, tennis rackets, beach towels.

5. Spread rose-petals all over the bedroom while your partner is still asleep on Christmas morning, and then create a trail towards your Christmas tree. When she wakes up she is bound to follow it, only to find you sitting by it with a large bow on your head and a box with whatever she wanted.

Bring home one small, unexpected gift each week leading up to Christmas, and then surprise your lover with something big on Christmas day.

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2.

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5.

6.

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G

uyana’s night life this holiday season is teeming with activities that are sure to have you excited and, maybe even exhausted. The action this year will be taking place at popular entertainment spots such as Palm Court, The Tower Hotel and Poolside, 704 Sports Bar and Club, The Gravity Lounge and the Pegasus Hotel. Here is a look at where you need to be this year.

Friday December 16th Hockey Girls “Winter Wonderland” Saturday December 17th “Palm Court’s Mash 2017 Band Launch” ft The Queen of Bacchanal Destra, Timeka Marshall & Jumo Friday December 23rd Pulse Ent “Naughty or Nice” Saturday December 24th Palm Court’s “Jingle Bell Balls” ft Patrice Roberts Monday December 26th Hits & Jams Boxing Day Event - Paris Tuesday December 27th Privilege Club presents “High Heels and Choker” Party Friday December 30th Pulse Ent Event Saturday December 31st Palm Court’s New Year’s Eve Ball “James Bond” ft Live Performance by Baby Cham Saturday December 31st Gravity Lounge-Silent Headphones Party

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Feature

W

The Masquerade : A Unique Staple Of A True Guyanese Christmas

Contributed by: Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport

e all have many pleasant and delightful memories of Christmas. For many Guyanese, there are several things that are synonymous with the Christmas celebrations; and at the top of that list is, no doubt, food. What is a Guyanese Christmas without pepper pot and bread, ginger beer, garlic pork, black cake, and fruit cake? Another question is, what is a Guyanese Christmas without cleaning the house, buying new curtains and Christmas Eve shopping? Without these, Christmas in Guyana would be, in layman’s terms, ‘flat and ordinary’.

On that list of things that are synonymous with Christmas, here is one item that is sometimes understated and even under appreciated. That item is ‘the Masquerade’. The mere thought of ‘masquerade’ at Christmas time brings back mixed childhood memories of fright and happiness. In the past, masqueraders announced themselves with the sounds of drumming and presented themselves with scary masks.

Today, that has changed. Over

the years, great strides have been made in repositioning and refining masquerade. Following a Masquerade in 2012, there has been significant developments regarding the design of costumes, dance moves and music.

In an effort to promote the Masquerade tradition, the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture,

If you were to take a stroll into a newsroom in Guyana, perhaps one in the print media, then there are some attention-grabbing features you would notice; lots of coffee, journalists striking away their keyboards like pianists souped-up on three red bulls, land line and cell phones constantly ringing, lots of shouting etc.

It is a high paced environment and during the Christmas season, everything moves even faster for the life of a journalist.

In this edition of the Guyana Inc Magazine, we interviewed Kaieteur News journalist, Kiana Wilburg, to solicit her perspective on Christmas and how it affects her life and profession.

Wilburg stated, “Christmas is just days away, and I can assure you, I have not been able to do any shopping for those out-of-theordinary gifts for friends, colleagues at work, family or my fiancé. My Christmas cleaning is far from getting started.

And let’s not talk about the shopping I am yet to do for groceries.”

The member of the press continued, “Indeed, I am far behind. But it’s all due to the fact that life as a journalist during the Christmas season turns into a tornado of extra work; a tsunami of assignments; with a heavy overcast of LITTLE TIME FOR YOURSELF. And that is perhaps putting it lightly.”

The Journalist, who specializes in political and financial reporting, asserted that during the Christmas season, the country pulsates with a number of new developments that can be seen as a good and bad. She said that businesses are booming with the Christmas sales and it’s the job of a journalist to keep the public informed about where to get the smart deals and where the shortages exist.

She noted that consumer spending increases and it is also the job of a journalist to monitor the fiscal behavioral patterns during this time.

The 24-year-old disclosed that crimes of all forms increase unfortunately and the job once again dictates that she and her colleagues at Kaieteur News monitor those trends, report on them and hold the Public Security Ministry accountable for implementing an effective crime fighting and safety strategy for consumers.

She said, “Then there are various budget agencies which host their end of year press conferences, all of which have to be covered and reported on in a timely manner. It literally becomes a race that burns you out mentally, physically and emotionally more than any other time of the year.”

Youth and Sport, will be hosting a ‘Masquerade Jamboree’ on December 20-22, 2016. This event will include a number of events such as a Masquerade Parade on December 19, 2016 from 12:00pm.

The parade will commence at the

Guyana National Museum by the Masquerade Mural, south into Water Street to Stabroek Market, east into Brickdam, north into High street, then into Main Street to the Department of Culture.

The participating bands are Torch and Showtime from Region 10; Ann’s Grove Warriors Region 4, Victoria Renegades and Fyah in de Land from Region 4; Golden Arrowhead from Region 3; and Fire-Red and Village-Ram from Region 2.

The programme also includes a “Flounce Off” in Plaisance; a spoken word event where attention will be on Masquerade Language and Readings on December 21st, 2016.

The latter is a child-centered event surrounding the launch of Juliet Emanuel’s ‘Read to me and more: A Book about Masquerade’.

It is anticipated that this event will result in an increased appreciation of the art- form and the emergence of more masquerade groups around the country. If at any time you encounter a masquerade band during the festive season – stop and enjoy this unique staple of a true Guyanese Christmas.

But those trials and tribulations aside, Wilburg said that the Christmas season is perhaps her favourite.

She added, “And I look forward to this sort of “sweet punishment” every year. During this time of the year, journalists get to reconnect with the public in a much more compassionate or humanitarian way; a way that reminds you that at the end of the day, you are your brother’s keeper, that there is profound power in the gift of sharing and practicing love for thy neighbor.”

The jovial young woman opined that having the power and ability to record the happiness of families, children at orphanages or mothers who give birth to Christmas babies, is a break most journalists often look forward to.

She said, “And at Kaieteur News, the love for our colleagues, which is always there, just overflows.

The camaraderie between colleagues is heightened. We work harder together and longer nights; drink together; feed each other and decorate the office together.”

Wilburg added, “Most of all, our Publisher Glenn Lall always knows how to make his employees smile from ear to ear into the New Year with his unbeatable and marvelous gifts. I can’t wait to see what I get this year (chuckles).”

The Journalist commented that indeed the adrenaline rush this season is one that she has a love-hate relationship with. She confidently stated however, “I wouldn’t trade it for all the tea in China.”

The Guyana Inc Magazine wishes this Kaieteur News journalist all the best with her Christmas shopping this year.

The Christmas season through the eyes of a Kaieteur News Journalist

Guyana Inc. - Issue 26 P.44

Wilburg stated that in between the limited time during the day, reporters have to become jugglers and magicians, to sneak in an hour the most, if they are lucky, to hurry through Christmas shopping, be it for groceries or gifts and head back to the office in time to complete more stories; then they are off again to the next assignment.

She said, “In many instances, this type of hurrying has seen me overpaying for items at the grocery store or the local markets, forgetting my bags in cabs, purchasing the wrong items, forgetting to buy the products that I actually need or worse.’

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Work myMagazine Related Law

LOCAL CONTRACTORS AND GUYANA’S STRICT PROCUREMENT LAWS

The process of public procurement, which refers to the process by which public authorities, such as government departments or local authorities, purchase work, goods or services from companies, is perhaps one of the single most important activities of a country. This is due in part to it taking up the greatest amount in any national budget.

Because of its importance and the fact that the nation’s fund is at risk, there must be detailed laws that ensure competitiveness, transparency, full accountability and good value for state assets.

WHAT THEN DOES THIS MEAN FOR CONTRACTORS INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS? Well, we will first take a look at the legislation put in place to govern this process and what is expected of these officers. In the year 2001, the Guyana Constitution was amended to make provisions for the establishing of a Public Procurement Commission.

This was a necessary move as there needed to be the monitoring of public procurement and all related processes used to ensure that the procurement of goods, services and the execution of works are done fairly, equitably, with transparency, competitively and in a cost effective manner.

The Public Procurement Commission operates independently and only reports to the likes of the Legislature. It must be composed of five members experienced in the act of procurement, legal, financial and administrative matters. These five members are appointed by the President after nomination by the Public Accounts Committee and have approval by no less than two-thirds of the elected members of the National Assembly. There is no removal of a member from the commission except when necessary as seen in the Constitution.

WHAT EXACTLY ARE THE FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION? In simple terms, the Commission serves to: • Monitor and review the functioning of all public procurement systems so as to ensure that they are in accordance with law and such policy guidelines as may be determined by the National Assembly.

• Safeguard the national interest in public procurement matters, having due regard to any international obligations; • Monitor the performance of procurement bodies with respect to adherence to regulations and efficiency in procuring goods and services and the execution of

works; • Approve of procedures for public procurement, disseminate rules and procedures for public procurement and recommend modifications thereto to the public procurement entities; • Monitor and review all legislation, policies and measures for compliance with the objects and matters under its purview and report the need for any legislation to the National Assembly; • Monitor and review the procurement procedures of the ministerial, regional, and national procurement entities as well as those of project execution units; and • Investigate complaints from suppliers, contractors and public entities and propose remedial action.

There are more details to The Procurement Act of 2003 as it allows for the provision of the regulation of the procurement of goods and services. In addition to this, it speaks to the execution of works in order to promote fair competition among suppliers and contractors as well as transparency in the process of procurement.

Also, the Act replaced the Tender Board Regulations, which was outdated and did not have the force of law.

The Act deals with the following: authority limits and levels, composition of the various tender boards, eligibility requirements for suppliers/contractors, prequalification procedures, specifications of goods/services, prohibition of contract splitting, restricted tendering, sole source procurement, two stage tendering, tender security, tender evaluation and tender award.

With regard to tender security, the Act says, “ Suppliers or contractors that agree to an extension of the period of effectiveness of their tender shall extend or procure an extension of the period effectiveness of tender security provided by them or provide new tender security to cover the extend period of effectiveness of their tenders. A

supplier or contractor whose tender security is not extended, or that has not provided a new tender security, is considered to have refused the request to extend the period of effectiveness of its tender.”

As for restricted tendering, the Act states that, “When the restricted tendering procedure is used, only suppliers or contractors invited by the procuring entity due to their qualifications can submit tenders. All other steps and requirements applicable to open tendering, as set forth in Part V of the Act, shall be complied with.”

Furthermore, the Act established a hierarchy of authority limits and levels in the assessment of bids and in the award of contracts. At the lowest level, the head of the budget agency (accounting officer) awards contracts up to a certain limit. At the highest level, Cabinet approves of all contracts in excess of $15 million. However, between these two levels, there are the National, Regional, Ministerial and District tender boards along with their evaluators that help to carry out the assessment and approval of contracts.

Contractors and suppliers must reach certain eligibility requirements. The main considerations include competency in technical issues, availability of financial resources, equipment and other physical facilities, and managerial capability, reliability, experience, and reputation. There is also provision for disqualification because of any, some or all of the following: continued unsatisfactory past performance, conviction of criminal offence relating to professional conduct or the making of false statements or misrepresentations of qualifications in the last ten years, suspension or debarment “in this or other jurisdictions over the last three years,” knowingly submitting information about qualifications that is materially inaccurate, incomplete or false or failure to rectify non-material deficiencies promptly upon request.

There are other parts to the Act that warrants knowing.

For more information, see the Procurement Act of 2003 at

http://www.npta.gov.gy/docs/Procurement%20Act%202003.pdf Guyana Inc. - Issue 26 P.46

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The Achievements Made in the Area of Women’s Legal Rights in Guyana Ayana McCalman Attorney-at-Law - LLB, LEC (Honours)

“

If we stand tall it is because we stand on the backs of those who came before us.”—This is a salient African proverb that has now become common world wisdom. And in this year of Guyana’s Golden Jubilee, we have reason to stand tall and celebrate the achievements made in the area of women’s legal rights.

Today, Guyanese stand on a solid foundation created by the countless women and men who, as lawmakers, activists and advocates for legal change, have made significant strides to bring to reality, a society where all are treated equally and women are elevated to their rightful place as equals to men in every way.

In that regard, an important starting point in a conversation in this regard is the Equal Rights Act 1990. Section 2 of The Equal Rights Act 1990 boldly declares “women and men have equal rights and the same legal status in all spheres of political, economic and social life.”

women shall be paid equal remuneration as men for the same work of the same nature.

Another area of celebration for women is the abolition of the law of “dependent domicile”. In 1998, the passage of the Domicile Reform Act abolished the law whereby upon marriage, a woman acquired her husband’s domicile and provided that “Every married person is capable of independent domicile.” That means, In Guyana, every woman is now guaranteed an equal right to choose where she lives before and after marriage.

We can celebrate that in the area of legal identity and freedom to move, there are no existing legal restrictions in Guyana on women’s rights to apply for a passport, to travel outside the home, to travel outside the country, choosing where to live, obtaining a national identity card, getting a job or pursuing a trade or profession without permission or approval from their fathers, husbands or partners.

These legal rights and freedoms are to be affirmed and not taken for granted, especially since we still live in a world where in some countries, women are not equally guaranteed these rights. For example, in Saudia Arabia, women need to be accompanied by a male chaperone known as a ‘mahram’ whenever they leave the house.

However, while we can celebrate our achievements with regards to laws that provide for equal treatment of women, there is great need to strengthen the implementation and enforcement of these laws to guarantee equal rights for women, especially those women who experience poverty and are made powerless.

the acts of rape and violence. The passage of the Domestic Violence Act 1996 and the Sexual Offences Act 2010 are significant legal landmarks in the area of gender equality and women’s rights. It is important to note that the laws mentioned are gender affirming and offers equal protection to women and also to men from acts of rape and domestic violence.

We can celebrate also, the passage of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1995 that decriminalised abortion in Guyana to enhance the attainment of safe motherhood by eliminating deaths and complications associated with unsafe abortions.

Research shows that Guyana saw a forty one per cent reduction in hospital admissions for septic and incomplete abortions in the first six months after making abortion legally available in 1995.

However, there is work that remains to be done to ensure the availability of safe, good-quality abortion services for women with unwanted and unaccepted pregnancies.

The Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) has been one of the leading advocates for sexual and reproductive health rights in Guyana.

GRPA in collaboration with other NGO’s has expressed its worry over the years regarding the following matters, concerning sexual and reproductive health rights in Guyana: • Disparities in the age of consent and age of majority • Age Restrictions on access to contraception • The limitations and interferences on a woman’s right to seek an abortion.

• Limitations on access to quality, credible comprehensive sexual education.

FLY JAMAICA

Women, Business &The Law Let us consider the World Bank Report: Women, Business and the Law 2016: Getting to Equal. The report affirms that “Women’s equal access to public education, healthcare, social benefits, such as those for low income households, depend on their ability to move freely, prove their identity, and easily and independently contract with others.”

The laws of Guyana guarantee women equal access and rights in these aforementioned areas in the public and private sector. These laws establish the foundation for the economic, political and social empowerment of women as declared in the Equal Rights Act 1990.

In fact, it is important to note that, the Equal Rights Act is gender affirming – guaranteeing equal rights and opportunities for women and men equally. Some key markers for celebration in this Act are: • Non–discrimination: Section 2 (2) provides that all forms of discrimination against women on the basis of their sex or marital status are illegal.

• Equal pay: Section 2 (3) provides that

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Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights for Women During the last 50 years, Guyana has done significant work to affirm and improve the sexual reproductive and health rights for women. We can assert and celebrate the laws that criminalise

In 2015, Researcher Sherlina Nageer conducted on behalf of GRPA, by way of a representative sample, a study on Sexual Trends- Knowledge, Attitude and Practices, among Guyanese youth. The results of the study presented in January 2016 shows that 42% of Guyanese youth aged 14-25 years are sexually active.

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myMagazine Sports

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Upper Demerara/Kwakwani creates history at National Schools Championships District 10, Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani, created history by becoming the most successful team with their 15th title win when the 56th National Schools’ Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships ended on November 25, 2016. The team’s success came after one week of grueling rivalry, which culminated at the Guyana National Stadium,

NATIONAL SCHOOLS’ CYCLING, SWIMMING AND TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS

UPPER DEMERARA/KWAKWANI CREATES HISTORY AT NATIONAL SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIPS gold ahead of New Amsterdam’s Stayon Williams (50.6s) in the U-20 Boys’ 400m.

In the Girls’ race, West Demerara’s Kezra Murray (1:01.9s) beat restricted West Coast Berbice’s Denita Jackson (1:02.9s), who had won the 100m and 200m races into second. North Georgetown’s Samuel Lynch won the Boys’ U-18 400m race in 50.7s. Chantoba Bright, who is a double CARIFTA Games silver medalist, showed her class by brushing aside her rivals to win the Girls’ U-18 race in 59.9s.

Demerara/ Kwakwani (District 10) placed second with 273 points.

Dominant for the champions was Daniel Scott in the boy’s Under-17 category, winning the 100m backstroke (1:11.57s), 50m butterfly (29.29s) and the 50m backstroke (32.53s) while also helping his team to the 200m freestyle relay team to gold. Anna Isaacs was the top female performer for North Georgetown winning the girl’s Under-20 100m backstroke (1:25.79s), 50m butterfly (38.91s), 50m backstroke

Left to Right: The overall winners Upper Demerara Kwakwani; District Six Corentyne retained their cycling title; District 10 Compton Caesar anchored his team to victory in the boys U20 4x100m.

Providence. By winning their 15th title, the Upper Demerara/Kwakwani team eased ahead of North Georgetown who they were tied with on 14 titles apiece. The Lindeners cantered to victory by tallying 65 points to win the overall title again.

They were ahead of North Georgetown with 59 points, South Georgetown which was in third with 55 while West Demerara finished fourth with 53.

Corentyne was next on 50, East Georgetown 44.5, Bartica 41, East Coast Demerara 40.5, North West 40, New Amsterdam and Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon 32.5, East Bank Demerara 31, West Coast Berbice 30, Rupununi 18 and Potaro/Siparuni on 15 points. The Lindeners dominated the athletics segment of the championships and despite finishing second in both the cycling and swimming, they did enough on the track to etch their names in the history books of the event. On the track, outstanding performances were recorded by Compton Caesar of District 10 who anchored his team to glory in the Boys’ U-20 4x100m. East Georgetown’s Linton Mentis (50.5s) gave his team

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Corentyne’s Samuel Jordan leaped to a massive record of 7.20m in the Boys’ U-18 Long Jump as well as the competitive High Jump which saw a ding dong battle between himself and Linden’s Daniel Williams. Jordan would go on to win that event with the better jump of 191m.

Essequibo Islands/West Demerara’s Torque Boyce (188m) placed 3rd.

In cycling, Andrew Hicks and Shenika Teixeira led defending champions District Six Corentyne to glory by winning the 40km and 25km male and female road races. Hicks powered his way to victory in a time of 1 hour 4 minutes 56.07s in the race that attracted 26 starters. It started at Ocean View on the East Coast and progressed to Belfield before returning to the starting point for the finish. The female event attracted 13 starters and progressed to Strathspey before returning to Ocean View. Teixeira’s winning time was 55 minutes 46.02s. In the pool, North Georgetown (District 11) continued their dominance at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal. They amassed 401 points while rivals Upper

(39.20s) and the team gold in the 200m freestyle relay.

Jamaal Skeete was also in top form for North Georgetown winning both the boy’s Under-20 100m backstroke (1:21.31s) and the 100m freestyle (1:05.84s). Amy Grant was also dominant with wins in the girl’s Under-15 50m freestyle (31.14s) and the 50m backstroke (37.75s). Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani’s standout swimmers were Nikita Fiedtkou in the girl’s Under-17 100m breaststroke (1:28.75s) and the 50m breaststroke (41.38s). Kevin Dare took the boys Under-20 50m backstroke (35.92s) and 50m butterfly (34.15s). All the athletes expressed their delight at being able to represent their respective districts at the highest level in the school system as they set platforms for exciting careers at the club and national levels. photo in new folder as linden- The overall winners Upper Demerara Kwakwani as corentyne- District Six Corentyne retained their cycling title as Compton- District 10 Compton Caesar anchored his team to victory in the boys U20 4x100m.

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