Guyana inc issue #21

YOUR FREE COPY TO KEEP! - ISSUE 21

Christmas: An Annual

Economic Blessing

to Guyana

With An Abundance of Resources, Guyana’s Potential for Growth and Development is Endless

Exceptional Leaders

in Guyana’s Manufacturing, Business Sectors

Guyana’s Fiscal Position Over The Years Reflects Incredible Progress

Fine Dining Gems Of Guyana

Investing in Guyana’s Treasury Bills

Roy Beepat

The leader of contemporary trading in Guyana

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

50

Guyana secures 2nd CMRC title

Marketing Innovative Marketing & Publishing Inc. Design Innovative Marketing & Publishing Inc. Tanika Jones

47

Traditional Guyanese Recipes for Christmas

Publisher’s Note...............................................06

Editorial Contributions Ananda Devi Dhurjon, LLB, LLM (UWI), LLM (Lond), Attorney-at-Law Teshawna Lall, BA, MBA Dr. Zulfikar Bux Brian Ramsey Franklin Wilson Kiana Wilburg Erica Singh Saarah Gajraj Tammy Quail

10 Roy Beepat

With an abundance of resources, Guyana’s potential for Growth and Development is Fine Dining Gems Of Guyana...................33 endless...............................................................08 Why Should This Christmas Cost You Roy Beepat - The leader of contemporary Next Year’s? Here’s How You Can Save This trading in Guyana............................................10 Christmas!....................................................37

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

Tel: 592-665-2206 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

Investing in Guyana’s Treasury Bills..............16 Guyana’s Eco-tourism Remains Home to Some of the Caribbean’s Most Exotic Guyana’s Fiscal Position Over The Years Natural Treasures.........................................40 Reflects Incredible Progress...........................18 Christmas: An Annual Economic Blessing to Guyana.....................................................20 Entertainment Guide for the Holiday Season...........................................................20 Common Myths about Antibiotics...........22 The Separation of Powers Doctrine..........24 Guyanese Businessman Appointed as Chairman of Universal Peace Federation ....26 Exceptional Leaders in Guyana’s Manufacturing, Business Sectors..............29 Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 4

Revisiting Suicide...Depression and the Mask of Social Perfection...........................42 Should Caribbean Businesses be Concerned about terrorism.............................................45 Traditional Guyanese Recipes for Christmas.....................................................47 The Mighty Orinduik Falls: A Natural Wonder to Behold........................................49 Guyana secures 2nd CMRC title - Trinidad finishes a ‘bumper close’ second.................50

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.

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Publisher’s Note

DEAR VALUED READERS, The Christmas The focus of this magazine is geared towards endorsing Season, which positive information aimed at motivating Guyanese happens to be to return and create investment opportunities for our the most hectic country. We will hold steadfast to this mission. time of the We continue with our mission to highlight various year, is upon us. businesses, the enterprising men and women who built As I sit to once them, the state of our economy as well as opportunities again share for investment, all with the hopes of helping Guyana to my thoughts realise its full potential. with you, I can’t 2015 was surely a history making year. Our nation help but note elected a coalition party, the A Partnership for National how quickly Unity plus the Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) to serve the time has as its government. It is against this backdrop that we Teshawna Lall elapsed. Amidst chose instead to feature our President, His Excellency the hustle and David Arthur Granger and our Prime Minister and First bustle, I encourage you to pause for a few moments and Vice President, the Honourable Dr. Moses Nagamootoo reflect on your achievements for 2015, areas of personal in an effort to congratulate the new administration and growth and the blessings bestowed upon you for the year. wish them the best as they seek to build this nation.

If 2015 was one where challenges, gloom or This year, too, we ventured into two special editions – disappointments featured prominently, I urge you to Emancipation and Indian Arrival. Both publications paid remain positive. Bear in mind that there are still blessings honour and respect to the forefathers of this nation. They all around you, people there to help and support you, and have left behind a rich culture and sense of individuality things that you can indeed find to be grateful for. which we have inherited; to them much is owed.

Many of us will be spending this season with our dearest Given the fact that suicide remains an epidemic in ones. Some will travel to visit family or have a houseful Guyana, we have introduced a psychological piece to our stopover for the holiday. magazine in an effort to bring more awareness on this For others, Christmas will mean a small and peaceful matter. We were proud to have done research on suicide dinner. Some, like my family, will enjoy a delightful and with our monthly focus on different causes, we have holiday with lots of presents, bear hugs and belly laughs. played our part. I know that Guyana will join us in taking But whatever the number, menu or configuration, the the next step to remove us from the highest suicide rate team at the Guyana Inc. Magazine wishes you countless in the world. moments of happiness.

Over the last year, we also placed the health of the As we celebrate our second anniversary this month, it is nation at the centre of what we do; hence we have also significant to note that while we reflect on the challenges introduced a column which is focused on permanent we have encountered, we endeavoured each month to health issues in Guyana, how to detect them and how to highlight the inspiring and progressive aspects of our deal with them. I must thank the faithful doctors who did beautiful country. not hesitate to contribute from their wealth of knowledge.

But we wouldn’t have gotten this far without you, They chose issues that are pertinent to us, the our dedicated readers and advertisers. Our invaluable Guyanese people, and provided relevant information on partnership with you has allowed us to publish 21 editions how to deal with them. I’m sure; you are also appreciative of this magazine. Again, we are grateful for your support of this. We have also continued our comprehensive pieces and we too look forward to a strengthened connection on Guyana’s judicial system along with the addition of with you come 2016. articles focused on Guyana’s tourism potential and the I try to be thankful every day for all of the wonderful and promotion of local businesses. caring people in my life, and my Guyana Inc. Magazine As I reminisce on the past year’s successes, I must family is a big part of that. To our writers, editors, graphic reiterate that it was indeed a privilege to be given artists, marketing assistants, I thank you. You know the the opportunity to tell the world about my beautiful trials we have faced but each of you played an integral country. We are happy that we could have helped to role in the completion of this monthly magazine which attract customers for our local businesses as well as peak continues to showcase Guyana’s successes and continuous investors’ curiosities. development to the rest of the world. I am grateful for I am certainly enthusiastic about 2016 for so many you and your high-quality contributions towards this end. riveting plans are in store for you.

We have come a far way and we will press on to remain Until next year, my family and I wish you all the best for Guyana’s only monthly magazine. Sincerest gratitude is the holidays. also extended to Fly Jamaica and Dynamic Airways for P.S: Please be safe in all that you do. keeping us as their in-flight magazine.

Teshawna Lall

,BA, MBA

Founder and Publisher

Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 6

WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF RESOURCES, GUYANA’S POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IS ENDLESS

infographics compliments of bg business guyana magazine

G

uyana, with an area of 83,000 square miles or 215,000 square kilometers, is located on the northern coast of South America. It is said to be home to approximately 800,000 persons.

The total population in Guyana was last recorded at 0.8 million people in 2014 from 0.6 million in 1960, increasing by 43 percent during the last 50 years.

(Population in Guyana is also reported by the Bank of Guyana.)

Of this population size, a stipulated 21% or 168,000 people are said to be unemployed. This figure consists of mostly young adults. Scholars have been however suggesting that a country with much labour can grow and develop once smart investments are made.

Guyana is a low income country and the third smallest country in South America after Suriname and Uruguay. It is the third poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, after Haiti and Nicaragua, with a per capita GDP of approximately US$3,763 (2014).

However, Guyana is well endowed with natural resources, fertile agricultural lands, bauxite, gold and extensive tropical forests which cover more than 80 percent of the country. It has one of the lowest deforestation rates in the world and 90 percent of Guyana’s forest remains intact. Most of the country’s indigenous population lives in forests on which they depend for their livelihood.

About 90 percent of the population lives on the narrow coastal plain, where population density is more than 115 persons per square kilometer.

With its diverse culture, its people and its abundant resources, Guyana

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the preconditions for taking off, and subsequently acquiring the ability to take off.

Being able to take off implies an ability to rely on domestic savings to finance domestic investment so as to achieve self-sustained growth.

It is that magical point at which everything should follow even though not necessarily with great ease as the years of war and turmoil among European countries showed.

Once it achieves self-sustained growth, the country begins to mature.

There, workers are highly skilled, leadership is more dynamic and the development of the human condition assumes greater importance.

Finally, a country enjoys high levels of mass consumption of a wide variety of goods. Throughout this process, natural resources play a role in the establishment and expansion of industries.

It is easy to see how one could be tempted by the logical progression towards greater industrialization and higher income offered by the stages of growth contained in the theory. And as one reflects on the outcomes that could see huge modern buildings, multi-lane highways, plenty cars on the streets and fast food joints like in the highly industrialized countries, it is easy to be caught by the seductiveness of the theory.

Being aware that the stages of development of countries could be identified by a set of factors given by Rostow, one could ask at what stage of development is Guyana according to that theory?

can surely be on the map of success in the near future. There was a time when countries like Guyana were interested in what an economist like W. W. Rostow had to say about development. Indeed, it was quite fashionable at one period in history for newly independent countries to pursue the idea of self-sustaining economic growth as a way of comforting themselves that they could enjoy economic independence.

Those countries that had the courage, actively searched for a way to secure continued economic growth by increasing their domestic savings to finance their own domestic investment.

Guyana was one of those countries which felt that the mercantilist policies of the 20th Century were valid policies for achieving economic growth, and shortly after Independence, began to pursue such policies.

Part of this mercantilist policy posture undoubtedly came from an awareness of the stages of growth theory of Rostow as implied by William Demas in his 1965 book entitled “The Economics of Development of Small Countries: With GUYANA’S STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT Special Reference to the Caribbean”.

ROSTOW’S MODEL To understand what that means, it is necessary to know the features of the model. The Rostow model consists of five stages of development. In a nutshell, the theory sees the traditional society as the starting point of development.

The traditional society is one in which subsistence agriculture is dominant.

A country is then expected to develop

With the supposed conditions of development known, it is possible to form an opinion as to what stage of development is Guyana. The initial or traditional stage is eliminated because agricultureno longer holds its position as the consistent dominant pillar of the Guyana economy. The other stages of development are ruled out for several reasons.

A review of our national accounts shows that consumption accounts for over 60 percent of our spending.

However, much of this is imported. Additionally, Guyana’s manufacturing sector is the smallest in the economy, contributing an average of six percent in the last eight years to income, and the country does not produce any heavy industrial products. Further, the economy cannot sustain itself without substantial amounts of imported intermediate and capital goods and concessional financial assistance from abroad.

That leaves Guyana at the pre-takeoff stage of development. The Guyana economy was rebased in 2006 where the base year shifted from 1988 to 2006. Gross Domestic Product and agricultural production in the years prior to 2006 were measured using 1988 prices. The subsequent years used2006 prices. From 1990 to 2005, the average annual contribution of agriculture to GDP was 28 percent. However, overall primary commodities were responsible for between 39 to 43 percent of GDP. During that period, the largest contribution from agriculture was 31 percent. On the other hand, from 2005 to 2013 agriculture contributed an average of 21 percent annually to GDP, declining from 24 to 19 percent in 2013. But there was some progress in recent years. 2015 Statistics from the Ministry of Finance show that agriculture’s contributions accounted for approximately 25 percent of the GDP and provided more than 33 percent of direct employment, both rural and urban.

Later years saw efforts at mechanizing the sugar industry, attempts to expand the cold storage infrastructure for perishable agricultural products, efforts to add value to sugar production through the packaging and labeling of sugar with the construction of a packaging plant at Enmore.

In addition, an effort was also made to build a hydropower facility. The mechanization of the sugar industry has stalled with the Skeldon Sugar Modernization project plagued with design and mechanical problems.

The production of other crops still relies on small farmers with unsophisticated technology. Despite the efforts at diversification, Guyana remains a factor-driven economy.

Primary production is still responsible for about one-third of the country’s output.

The country’s export trade is dominated by primary commodities which account for 95 percent of total export revenues. Further, government dominates the economy with a contribution of 65.6 percent of the domestic expenditure as observed by Professor Clive Thomas in his publication “Too Big to Fail”.

Guyana generates a large share of its economic activity from agriculture and natural resources sectors. In 1993, the traditional sectors of sugar, rice and bauxite accounted for 30.4 percent of Guyana’s GDP and 57.7 percent of the country’s export earnings. The contribution of the gold sector, which now approximate 10 percent of GDP has doubled since mid-2000s [These sectors provide the largest source of direct employment across the country.]

There is a chance therefore for our Guyana to progress over the years once its people are encouraged to look out for their own and make the sacrifices now to have a better tomorrow.

Be it skilled, semi-skilled or unskilled labors, all Guyanese have a role to play in making the economy a stronger one and moves are already being made in this regard.

Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 9

FEATURE STORY

ROY BEEPAT

THE LEADER OF CONTEMPORARY TRADING IN GUYANA

“In everything, you must have balance. Fortunately, I have been able to manage both business and family with much success.”

O

utstanding entrepreneurs never stop being innovative. Even when facing life’s most unpredictable circumstances, they show tireless dedication in completing the task ahead and are willing to take risks. They are undaunted by failure and are always seeking to bring to life, a vision greater than their last.

Guyana’s leader in contemporary trading, Roy Beepat, is the embodiment of these very fine characteristics and more.

This assertive businessman has built for himself, an empire that is respected locally and regionally. The Giftland franchise and its success to date, is one that leaves his competitors swimming in envy.

At age 56, he credits his prominent placement in the local business world to the unwavering support of his wife and family and not forgetting his committed staff and Board of Directors of the Giftland Mall.

But getting to such heights of success was surely no fluke or no walk in the park.

Life and its uncanny circumstances forced Beepat to start business from scratch, not once, not twice. But every time he was hit by unassuming situations, Beepat rose to his feet and went back to the drawing board, knowing that he was going to reconstruct the perfect plan to claim his treasures at the end of the proverbial rainbow. And he did.

“Keep it moving, regardless of what faces you” is his mantra and the journey to where he is today, proves that Beepat is a businessman who practices what he preaches.

This creative businessman was born in Georgetown to Madho and Sheila Beepat on December 21, 1958. His

Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 10

mother moved to England in 1962 where she resided with him and his two sisters and his brothers who are now the owners of the family business Beepat & Sons. His father, a businessman, lived in Guyana. He described his parents as being old fashioned, the kind of folks whose parenting was grounded in passing on the values such as honesty, integrity, the importance of kindness and respectability.

The father of five daughters said that since his parents were living in two different territories, it did have an effect on his schooling life.

He remarked, “I left school at age 15.

But prior to that, I had trouble settling in one school because when I was four the family moved to England during the riots in 1962 and then my father who was in Guyana missed me, so I was back and forth between the two. Between age six and 10, I was split, sometimes spending long periods in Guyana so it became difficult to keep track in school. I got bored with it and said that’s enough. But I did have some fun days playing soccer in the park after school and I still am a fan of soccer.”

After leaving school at such a young age, he joined the family business in Guyana.

He said, “My father owned Beepat and Sons and so that was where I first started in the world of business and since I had a taste of it I have been hooked. I love business and what it entails and that was where my passion for it started. But my dad was really old fashioned. I had to learn the ropes of the business. I started out as a porter and then as a salesman and worked my way up. I trained in banking, importing and customs brokerage as these were all part of the Beepat business. When I turned

17, I decided to venture out on my own and start a clothing business. I took the family owned business Beesons garment factory and developed it into a successful clothing manufacturer.”

Beesons was a small factory which had 13 sewing machines. With a great concept in mind, he started the stylish ‘Gypsy Jeans’ movement and launched the opening of his first company in 1978 called ‘Jeans Junction.

Beepat stated, “Within the first year, we had over a hundred sewing machines going and had established Gypsy as the number one Jeans Company in Guyana.”

His business became one of the most prosperous clothing stores in the country.

Beepat would later move to Barbados in 1980 due to the volatile climate of the business environment at the time. “I left and set up a jeans company in Barbados.

Unfortunately, I lost it in a fire in 1983. But that did not deter me at all. I then started from scratch again in the world of business in 1985 and had six stores called Top Model which was the leading clothing company in Barbados with six branches. This was something I started with my first wife, Jennifer. But after some irreconcilable differences, we split or severed ties you could say and I gave her the stores and returned to my homeland in 1992 where I started from scratch, once more.”

The hardworking Beepat upon returning to Guyana, started out in some construction work for a brief time and would soon return to work alongside his brother in the Beepat and Sons family business.

After saving up enough capital, about US$4000, he entered into the closeout market. The Closeout Market is one which

MR. BEEPAT IN HIS OFFICE AT THE NEW GIFTLAND OFFICE MAX MALL

sees traders disposing of obsolete or slow moving stock through a clearance sale.

He said, “Between 1992 and 1997, I had three acres of land which I used for housing purposes and the proceeds from that was what I used to start trading in Closeouts.”

Being involved in that for a few years, his next business venture, Giftland OfficeMax was started in 1997 when his second wife, Monica Beepat’s small gift shop was combined with his wholesale stationery company. It was merged at one location on Regent and Albert Street. It moved from there to Charlotte Street in 2000 and then to Water Street in 2003.

From that point on, one could say that success was once again, a guarantee. It was on the horizon and Beepat, a true

believer in his ideas, sailed effortlessly to the top of the leader board.

During a decade in business, Giftland has occupied more than three different premises. Each time that the company has relocated, it has been for reasons of expansion. Before moving to its current location at Liliendaal, it was stationed the longest at Water and Holmes streets.

Every instance of relocation has also been attended by increases in its product range as well as its volume of its goods. Its music and DVD departments never seem less than crowded while the popularity of its clothing departments exceeds that of its more established rivals in the city.

From its beginnings as “another Regent Street store” in 1996, Giftland has

grown steadily on urban consumers and far from modest about the company’s achievements. Beepat believes that the company may have already left its rivals behind. “We never worry about the competition. We are more preoccupied with doing what we do well and allowing the results of our efforts to make the point for us,” he says.

To make his point about the company’s success Beepat proffers statistics for growth in sales since 1996 that are scarcely believable. Each year since its launch a decade ago Giftland has increased its sales turnover by more than 100 per cent. Over the past ten years, sales have grown by more than 5000 %.

He said that Giftland’s phenomenal

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market share. That has been our focus and it accounts for why we have done well,” Beepat says.

He said that the focus on keeping Giftland in the public eye has resulted in a sustained increase in the company’s marketing and advertising budget. The company spends millions on a monthly basis in various forms of advertising and marketing including sponsorships and community initiatives.

“Our marketing programme centers around the Giftland concept,” he said.

The Giftland franchise which also believes in giving back to the public has been involved Mr. Beepat with his mother celebrating her in various community based activities and birthday innumerable charity projects over the years.

He believes, that contemporary growth is also hinged on an uncompromising marketing strategies ought to focus on insistence on high standards of customer service and the energies of what he believes “marketing service rather than products,” is the most talented team in the business. an outlook that accounts for “We have the highest entry level in the his personal preoccupation business,” he quips. If the company has had with the performance of the it bouts of high staff turnover, Beepat says members of Team Giftland. that is because, “our customer satisfaction “We never worry about outlook means that we will only retain staff sales. We concern ourselves with the highest possible commitment to more with providing the best service in the business. I set customer service.”

Giftland is simply one of those businesses high standards and expect the which has “crept up” on urban shoppers staff to meet those standards. gradually. Today, many simply can’t see That is why we pay careful the business landscape without it. Beepat attention to our recruitment said that he has worked hard to create a policy.”

Buoyed by the phenomenal “feel good” environment- an atmosphere success of what he calls “the that panders to shoppers including an exchange or refund policy on goods that is Giftland concept” Roy Beepat had declared his intentions not fashionable with its competitors.

The store’s success, Beepat says, to establish a ten floor high including over ten successive years of rise commercial mall that growth in sales turnover, is due to the will include restaurants and company’s unwavering focus on creating bars, banking services, beauty salons and a the conditions that maximize customer giant department store. When he made the patronage and the role that its staff has announcement, many believed that it was played in helping Giftland achieve that goal. just not possible.

And against all odds, Beepat was able to His own role, he says, has been to provide the conditions and create the environment create what now stands as Guyana’s largest that has enabled him to get the best out of mall. It is a project that compares favorably with facilities similar to those in North the Giftland team.

Arguably the biggest difference between America and rivals most in the Caribbean.

The Giftland Mall which represents Giftland and its downtown competitors more than a US$24M investment was is embodied in Roy Beepat himself.

From Beepat’s perspective paying too officially opened to the public on July 2. much attention to “group think” can be The opening ceremony was one that saw counterproductive. “We focus more on great attendance from various sections our belief in our capacity to create an of the Guyanese society which included environment, whatever wider conditions the presence of Guyana’s APNU+AFC led may obtain, that allows us to increase our Government.

Many within the Government deemed it to be a major investment in Guyana’s retail sector and the kind of shopping complex that is a “scientifically selected” blend of business, entertainment, cuisine and architectural magnificence.

According to the speakers at the opening, the new Giftland Mall is a testimony to the determination, commitment, persistence and sheer guts of the President of Giftland Mall, Roy Beepat.

The opening of the Giftland Mall by the Honourable Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo Each speaker recounted the Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 12

way in which Beepat’s determination overruled their natural caution and fears about the risks involved in the project.

Rudy Collins, Director of Giftland’s Board recounted conversations he has had with Beepat over the last ten years during which Beepat spoke enthusiastically of the entertainment features that could be available to the Guyanese people at a Giftland Mall.

Rubis Country Head and Director Ricardo Milford perhaps said it best when he told those gathered that they were there “to witness the launch of a fantastic dream, a dream of a man who willing, moved a grandiose idea from conversation to commitment, an idea that necessitated courage, strength and without a doubt tenacity.” Guyana’s first mega mall, he

Mr. Beepat and his wife Monica

added, speaks volumes of what private capital can do to advance the economic and social wellbeing of the populace”.

Among the many stores at the Giftland Mall are GL Giftronics, GL Sportsmaxx and several sophisticated food courts.

Even though it has moved to a location a little further away from Central Georgetown, Giftland which offers over 2000 opportunities for direct job employment, has not missed a single step when it comes to maintaining its customer base. In fact, it has seen a major spike in its followers across the country.

Even though there is now an expansive road which leads to the mall, customers have no need to worry as they are provided transportation services to the mall for free.

The comfortable ride has received high praises from customers who prefer not to take the four to five minute walk-in.

The Giftland Mall also provides one of the largest parking facilities in the country as it can accommodate 800 vehicles and will soon be expanded to accommodate 900 more for a total parking of 1700 cars.

The mall’s impressive shopping department with its classy collection of furniture, clothing, cosmetics, stationery and a plethora of other consumer goods remain a hit with locals. Among the 100 plus different concession stores are Kings Jewelry, Royal Castle, Churches Chicken,

Dairy Queen, GTT Communications Inc., ENetworks, Giftland, Guy America and City Pharmacy.

Despite the store’s apparent extravagance, customers are always pleased to learn that the inexpensive pricing Giftland has been synonymous with will remain.

Also available at the Giftland Mall is the country’s most spacious theatre. With over 1300 seats, Caribbean Cinemas Multiplex is a popular attraction since the opening of the mall.

The Puerto Rican theatre company has over 480 screens across the Caribbean region, including Trinidad and Tobago.

Its location at the Giftland Mall actually

administrators and new managers in the departments.”

Beepat stressed that regardless of the size of his expansion, consumer service remains key.

He said, “Every time I move, I always try to ensure that customer service is handled in an efficient manner. Wherever I go, that will remain a key factor for me. They must enjoy our service. I take pride in ensuring everything is just right for my customers and those little things we take for granted, like spotless floors or perfectly working Mr. Beepat’s daughter, Jade ( HR Director) with his grandson air conditions, trust me, they make Dylan a difference. They set you apart.

All those little background details Meghan, Crystal, Gabriela) but my role as a father, as a husband, that is what I am most are important.”

As for earning the title as proud of.”

The experienced businessman advises Guyana’s leading contemporary trader, Beepat says that he is not that young entrepreneurs, who seek his in it for the laurels or labels but to level of success and beyond, first try to have do his job until it becomes second a sense of the market they are venturing nature. into.

“Yes, by now, Giftland is a He said, “They must be able to think household name. But we are not everything through from start to finish, interested in labels; we just do what from the conception of the idea to its we have to do. But the title just success. Also, they need to understand that means that we are doing a good there is no such thing as a bad business idea. job,” he added.

While many would easily say that If you plan properly, and infuse creativity as Mr. Beepat with his wife, son-in-law Ian and Crystal the position Beepat holds in Guyana well as good market research then you can Ramdeo, Store Operations Manager and CEO Giftland is his greatest accomplishment, make it. Follow your dreams but please, do the versatile entrepreneur says your research and learn your field by heart. represents its first mainland operations in otherwise. He believes that his bond with his For example, if you are interested in selling South America. wife and daughters who work with him in the computers then think about what the Beepat however did not hide the fact business, is his greatest accomplishment. consumer is looking for, do your research that he, like every businessman, faced He noted too, that the three daughters on what is available, work at the leading challenges even as he sought to take his working with him in the Giftland franchise company in this field and gain experience biggest leap in the retail trading. He noted are Crystal Ramdeo who is married along before venturing out, profit from the that securing access to financing from with Jade and Meghan. Crystal is in charge experience of others. Don’t just buy any financial institutions was difficult at the of stores operations, while Jade is tasked set of computers from anywhere and think time but it did not discourage his spirit for with Human Resources. Meghan single- you’re ready for the world of business. Be a moment. And throughout the struggle, handedly manages the Strip Restaurant and he said that he is forever grateful for the Hookah Lounge on the Entertainment Strip. smart, be aggressive and let nothing daunt support and love he has received from his His son-in-law, Ian Ramdeo, is the CEO of your spirit.”

Beepat asserted that the desire to push family, Board of Directors and Team. the Giftland Group and has run the Giftland He said, “In everything you must have Company for three years while Beepat was on even in the face of adversity is the a balance. Fortunately, I have been able building the Mall. His other two daughters, hallmark of any successful businessman. to manage both business and family with Gabriella and Chelsea are at School and “Understand that you will face challenges and when you try the first time, and you much success. But I must note that this year university respectively. has been a trying one, in terms of meeting “I am most proud to be a father, to have don’t get it right, don’t waste a second in certain deadlines and getting everything on a family by my side to share this success despair. Keep moving.” stream for the opening of the mall.” with. We have gone through some very While the Giftland Mall is a full time job “I have invested so much of my time hard times but in the end it only served to for the time being, Beepat enjoys playing into the Mall that my daily routine for my bring us together, closer as a family and I am Bridge, a popular card game. He was the personal life just went out the window. But proud of that. I am proud of my family, I love Captain of the only Guyanese team that has these were necessary sacrifices I had to them dearly. Having such an unshakable won a Inter Guianas Tournament. make. Once I get this whole complex into bond with the ones you love is priceless.”

The lover of soccer noted that he enjoys a routine, which I am going to by the end “That I believe is my greatest watching his favourite teams; Barcelona of December, from January I will start back accomplishment. And believe me that is not into my routine which includes going to the mere talk. Try to imagine yourself with all and Arsenal play in annual tournaments. gym.” the success in the world and no one to share Beepat disclosed that in the in the next The business mogul continued, “We have those happy moments with, try to imagine five years, he will be involved in different actually taken a quantum leap from what your life without any loved one at your side business ventures. He revealed that they Giftland was in the beginning to where we and you would soon come to the sobering will include financial services, real estate and are today. And in the process, we ensured realization that material things are not so food processing and maybe a few others we took the time to build the infrastructure fulfilling if you don’t have that family you fields. For him, the sky really is the limit and and the systems needed so that everything love and nurtured to pass it on to. Indeed at this point in his life, he has just warmed up runs smoothly. Our staff in almost every what I have built is good, I have a legacy to for the journey to endless prosperity. department has doubled. So we have new pass on to my daughters, (Chelsea, Jade, Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 13

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Investing in Guyana’s

Treasury Bills

A

Treasury bill, commonly referred to as “T-bill,” is a form of security used not only by the Guyana Government but governments across the world to secure large sums of monies with the understanding that it must be paid by a specific date. So when an individual or a company buys a Treasury bill from Guyana’s Central Bank, they are basically lending the government money which would be repaid by a deadline.

While Treasury bills have a “face value” of a certain amount, which is what they are actually worth, they are however, sold for less. For example, a bill may be worth $10,000, but it would be sold to a company or individual for approximately $9,600. The money paid represents the loan to the government.

Now, every bill has a specified “maturity date” which is when the investor is repaid. The Guyana government then pays you the full price of the bill -- in this case $10,000 -- and you earn $400 from your investment. The amount that you earn is considered interest, or your payment for the loan of your money.

The difference between the value of the bill and the amount you pay for it is called the discount rate, and is set as a percentage. In the aforementioned example above, the discount rate is four percent, because $400 is four percent of $10,000.

Treasury bills are one of the safest forms of investment in the world because they are they are considered risk-free and are backed by the U.S. government.

From time to time, many individuals and institutions enquire about investing in Government Treasury Bills which is handled by the Bank of Guyana. Treasury Bills remain the Bank’s principal instrument of monetary control and so it continues to be involved in the auction of

Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 16

Bank of Guyana Building

treasury bills with various maturities (91-day, 182-day and 364-day) in the primary market.

In addition to refinancing maturing debt and raising new funds to meet current obligations, these offerings of TBills are made as part of the authorities’ strategy to sterilize excess liquidity in the financial system.

The amount of treasury bills offered by the Central Bank is published in the national newspapers. Among the information published for each tender are those relating to the issue date, the maturity date, the closing date for tender, the settlement date, and the average discount rate for the previous issue. After submission, bids are accepted on a competitive basis. The higher the offer price, the lower will be the discount rate and thus the more competitive will be the investor’s bid and the greater the chances that the bid will be accepted.

According to the Bank’s 2014 Annual Report, the conduct of monetary policy continued to focus on price stability while ensuring an adequate level of liquidity in the system and creating an enabling environment for economic growth.

It was noted that the Bank’s holdings of Treasury bills decreased to G$1,606 million from G$3,497 million at the end of 2013.

For the year 2014, the Bank continued to use Treasury bills in the primary open market operations for the effective management of liquidity. The Bank also used purchases and sales of foreign currency to control liquidity. There was a G$20.3 billion net redemption of Treasury bills.

The Bank of Guyana also continued to facilitate efficient intermediation through the issuance of notes and coins as well as the promotion of enhanced payment system operation.

It was noted that the total outstanding stock of treasury million. Redemption of the 91-day, 182-day and 364bills fell by 21.5 percent to G$74,146 million, due to the day bills increased by 81.8 percent, 22.6 percent and lower issuance of 182-day and 364-day treasury bills 0.5 percent, to G$23,000 million, G$14,107 million and because of the decline in excess liquidity in the banking G$79,738 million respectively.

Meanwhile, Domestic Debt Service total interest system. The volume of outstanding 91-day bills, 182-day bills and 364-day bills decreased by 12.5 percent, 37.0 charges fell by 11.7 percent to G$1,545 million. Lower percent and 21.1 percent to G$6,997 million, G$4,254 interest payments on treasury bills were due to a decline in the stock as well as million and G$62,895 lower interest rates million respectively.

The maturity structure of TBills are made as part of the resulting from competitive Treasury bills revealed that authorities’ strategy to sterilize bidding primarily amongst banks during the share of 364-day bills excess liquidity in the financial commercial the review period. represented 84.8 percent Interest costs on Treasury of the outstanding stock. system. bills redeemed, decreased The share of the 91-day bill was higher at 9.4 percent while the 182-day bill was lower by 11.5 percent to G$1,467 million and resulted principally from an 18.3 percent or G$279 million decline in interest at 5.7 percent.

Of importance is the fact that Commercial banks charges on the volume of 364-day bills redeemed during retained the largest share of the outstanding stock of the year.

The outlook for 2015 projected total domestic debt treasury bills with 83.5 percent - 1.5 percentage points lower from one year earlier. The public sector’s share, of volume and debt service payments are expected to which the NIS was the only stakeholder, increased to 7.7 increase at the end of the year. Debt service payments are also expected to increase by 14.0 percent to G$1,742 percent from 6.9 percent in 2013.

The share of other financial intermediaries increased million at the end of the year stemming from a 16.2 to 6.6 percent from 4.4 percent in 2013. Redemption of percent increase in interest payments on 364-day treasury treasury bills increased by 12.4 percent to G$120,834 bills issued in 2014.

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Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 17

GUYANA’S FISCAL POSITION OVER THE YEARS REFLECTS INCREDIBLE PROGRESS

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country’s fiscal makeup is no simple matrix. It’s an intricate embodiment of government expenditures, taxation, and debt. It must all stay firmly together with strong fiscal policies least it be destroyed by global economic conditions, among other factors.

The fiscal position of the country, as one would imagine, is of immense importance. It determines Government’s next political and social move. In essence it’s the position of the country’s spending and borrowing power and it can determine whether the prices on the market skyrocket or plummet to the ground; whether the public servants will receive a sizeable increase or if the country will advance in its overall infrastructural portfolio over the next five years.

Looking back some 10 years ago, one would observe that Guyana’s fiscal position has demonstrated unbelievable development all possible through the state’s prudent fiscal management abilities.

Statistics show that Guyana’s fiscal performance in the non-financial public sector improved in 2009, with an overall deficit of $13.5 billion or 5.3 percent of gross domestic product. This was a significant reduction from the 7.6 percent in 2008.

Revenues in 2009 amounted to $94.9 billion, an increase of 15 percent over 2008, as a result of improved performance of both the tax and non-tax revenue categories.

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), which also accounts for government’s spending power, contributed $89.1 billion, in 2009, representing a 93.9 percent of total revenue.

Government was pleased with the fact that internal revenue collections increased by 6.3 percent to $36.7 billion, underlying which was a 24 percent increase in income tax payments by selfemployed persons and a 19.9 percent increase in corporation tax payments by public sector companies.

In 2009, Corporation tax payments by private sector companies and income tax under the pay-as-you-earn system increased more moderately at 5 and 4.3 percent, respectively. Taxes on customs and trade grew by 2.8 percent to $7.7 billion, attributed primarily to increased levels of imports of consumption goods.

Excise taxes amounted to $21.4 billion, while excise taxes on motor vehicles increased by 25.4 percent to $7.3 billion reflecting higher levels of

Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 18 Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 18

vehicle importation, returns from the computerization of the motor vehicle registration process, and increased surveillance activities. Additionally, as a result of the restoration of the excise tax on fuel and notwithstanding its subsequent lowering, additional revenues of $6.5 billion were collected.

This commendable performance was also notable in the following year as the fiscal deficit of the non-financial public sector was contained to $18.2 billion or 4 percent of the Gross Domestic Product notwithstanding scaled up investment in physical and social infrastructure. This was reflective of Government’s continued prudent management of the public finances.

Central Government revenue in 2010 amounted to $108 billion, 13.8 percent over 2009, as a result of enhanced collections across both tax and nontax revenue categories. Tax revenue increased by 13.3 percent and accounted for 93.6 percent or $100.9 billion of total current revenue collections, while nontax revenue collections increased by 19.1 percent to $6.9 billion.

Internal revenue collections amounted to $43.3 billion or 18 percent more than the 2009 level. This was largely on account of continued robust performance by the private sector, with corporation tax and income tax from the self employed increasing by 21.5 percent and 16.9 percent respectively to $17 billion and $2.4 billion on account of higher reported profits.

Income tax generated from the pay-asyou-earn (PAYE) system surpassed 2009 collections by 15.8 percent as all sectors of employers remitted higher levels of PAYE and as the number of employers remitting taxes also increased.

Withholding taxes increased by 16.5 percent or $470.6 million due to increased collections from gold miners.

Customs and trade taxes amounted to $9.2 billion representing a 20.1 percent increase over 2009 mainly due to a 21.5 percent increase in import duties bringing collections to $8.3 billion, driven by all categories of imports.

Total value added tax (VAT) and excise tax collections increased somewhat more moderately by 8.2 percent to $48.3 billion, with increases recorded on import and domestic supply VAT along with excise tax on motor vehicles, while excise tax on fuel products declined due to the lower tax rates applied.

Total Central Government expenditure for 2010 amounted to $133.1 billion or

4.5 percent above 2009, with the 2010 expenditure reflecting an increase of 7.4 percent and totaling $86.4 billion mainly as a result of a 6.3 percent increase in non-interest expenditure.

Though Guyana held its General and Regional elections in 2011, the fiscal position of the country was not daunted but rather, had similar success for the next three years which followed.

Under a new government, the A Partnership for National Unity plus Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), Guyana’s fiscal position was declared ready for multiplied advancements.

With regard to Guyana’s fiscal position for 2015, Minister of Finance, the Honourable, Winston Jordan said that Central Government’s current revenue has improved as net of inflows from Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF), totalled $144.7 billion, which was 6.7 percent above the 2013 level.

He said that tax revenue collections amounted to $135.9 billion, representing 93.9 percent of total revenue. Internal revenue increased by $5.1 billion or 9.8 percent. Jordan asserted that this was primarily attributed to increase collections from private sector companies and a $2.7 billion increase in personal income tax from the Pay As you Earn (PAYE) category.

On the other hand, the Finance Minister said that there was a decrease of $581.6 million from withholding tax collections associated with the contraction in the gold mining sector. He noted however that this is not worrying as the gold prices seem to be improving for the later part of this year.

Meanwhile, Customs and trade tax collections totalled $13.5 billion, an improvement of 2.1 percent.

Jordan said that Value Added Tax collections rose by 9 percent, to $37.5 billion, largely on account of better administration that resulted in arrears of $2.7 billion being recouped. Excise tax collections increased by 3.5 percent to $28.2 billion.

He noted that total non-interest current expenditure amounted $127.5 billion, 10 percent more than in 2013, reflecting primarily increased expenditure on personal emoluments and other goods and services. Also of significance is the fact that transfer payments increased by 12.9 percent while capital expenditure amounted to $51 billion, an increase of 1.7 percent; all of which are testimony to the fact that Guyana’s fiscal position has seen nothing but incredible growth.

Christmas: An Annual Economic Blessing to Guyana

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hristmas is typically a peak selling season for all forms of businesses in Guyana. Be it for the street vendors, small, medium or large scale businesses, sales increase dramatically as people purchase gifts, decorations, and supplies to celebrate. In Guyana, the “Christmas shopping season” starts as early as October and radically increases three days before the December 25th holiday.

According to the Ministry of Finance, it has been calculated that a quarter of all personal spending takes place during the Christmas/holiday shopping season.

From an aerial view, Guyana during the Christmas season is exploding with life. The wide pavements are evidently too small to hold the busy shoppers. Hundreds of excited bargain hunters seem to spill into the streets, thereby competing with the heavily congested traffic for space as they all endeavour to get the shopping done in time for December’s main event.

The city is brightly lit and transforms into a joyous, buzzing, warzone as many try to zip in and out of as many stores as possible, looking for the best deals but more importantly the ideal Christmas gifts.

Many things can be found at half price and even below, if you know where to head to in downtown Georgetown.

Zooming in on the business aspect of the Christmas season, it appears to be a world where everything is larger and more stupendous. The elaborate gifts of all types and for all ages are available, the new home appliances are displayed in larger quantities, and the season’s craftiest decorations are sure to leave you excited.

Business during this time of the year is music to the entrepreneur’s ears.

Businessmen and women during this period in every aspect rake in big bucks.

There are extravagant Christmas parties by some private as well as state entities that

go all out on the most expensive alcoholic beverages and divine delicacies at the most posh entertainment spots in Guyana.

The club owners are also guaranteed to make millions during this time as parties throughout the December period are held almost daily as opposed to only on the weekends.

The boutiques noticeably change their marketing strategy too as the ensembles they offer are clearly designed to suit the Christmas parties held within the second week of December and the celebrations of two other holidays; Old Year’s Night and New Year’s Day. Another interesting point of note is that contrary to what traditionally takes place in other nations where persons have to work on Christmas Day, it is different in Guyana.

Here, Guyanese are allowed to stay home and relish in the love and homely feeling this time of the season brings. As a result of the nation’s reverence and appreciation of how important this aspect of the season is, it is understood that most persons, if not all, are not required to turn out for work. Guyanese also enjoy the day after Christmas which is known as Boxing Day. It is a holiday traditionally celebrated in observance of the era when servants and tradesmen would receive gifts, known as a “Christmas box”, from their bosses or employers. Compared to other territories regionally and internationally, the majority of Guyanese are not required to work on this day. The same principle is applied to the celebration of Old year’s Night and New Year’s Day locally.

In Guyana, Christmas is a time for festivity and closeness of family. It is a time when nostalgic adults remember what it was to have the innocence of childhood. It is taken so seriously that the Christmas celebrations begin months before December 25th. The soaking of fruits in wine and rum is the

earliest preparation. Some may soak fruits a year in advance. The fruits commonly used for signature Guyanese delicacies such as black cake include various forms of cherries and prunes. Sorrels are also soaked to make tasty beverages. During this time, the local vendors also make a mind-blowing profit.

Many of them sing praises for this time of the year.

The home is placed in order from weeks leading up to this season. Repairs, painting and other cosmetic improvement are done.

But the Christmas season is arguably one of the most important holidays to the economy as it even serves to stimulate employment for various small, medium and large scale businesses.

The holiday season is usually the best time for business. Some businessmen have said that without the Christmas season shopping, their businesses would not have been able to survive.

Christmas spending brings most businesses out of the ‘red’. There is no question that spending is going to soar as we get closer to Christmas. There is absolutely no doubt that many will want to let their children enjoy a glorious Guyanese Christmas; enjoying good food in abundance, toys and other gifts.

For the adults, gifts such as clothing, jewelry and so are always in high demand and the highest selling items on the market. And not forgetting the Old Year’s Night “get ups”. Of course for those who have huge levels of liquidity, the foreign brand name food, drinks, clothing and so on will be in effect.

Interestingly, Christmas Day is the least active day of the year for business and commerce in Guyana as almost all retail, commercial and institutional businesses are closed, and almost all industries cease activity more than any other day of the year.

Entertainment Guide for the Holiday Season Fantastic presents, elaborate dinners and those family stopovers shouldn’t dare inhibit you from relishing in Guyana’s pulsating nightlife this season.

The parties for 2015 are planned by the country’s top-notch promoters who have worked all year round to ensure you celebrate the splendour of this season on an entirely different level. Several parties will be held throughout this month.

Here is a careful selection of the venues and events that are guaranteed to take your celebrations for the holiday season to unimaginable levels of fun and excitement. * Dec 11th - Mistletoe - Palm Court Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 20

* Dec 12th - Back to Neverland (EDM) - Club 704 * Dec 19th - Naughty or Nice - Frozen - (Annual Christmas Party) - Club 704 * Dec 23rd - Jingle Jam - Gravity Lounge * Dec 26th - All White Party - Gravity Lounge * Dec 31st - Royal Ball (Old year’s night party) - Club 704 * Dec 31 st-Gatsby Ball – Palm Court * Dec 31st - Old Year’s Night Party with featured performance

by Mr. Phenomenal himself, Benjai - Gravity Lounge * January 2nd - Soca Resolution - Palm Court

Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 21

COMMON MYTHS ABOUT

ANTIBIOTICS Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine

What’s the right way to use antibiotics?

I am often confronted by patients who have become ill and tried an antibiotic of their choice, only to end up doing more harm than good. Some patients generally have the wrong impression of antibiotics and tend to use them for reasons which they were never made to be used for.

The main role for antibiotics is to eliminate infections, even those that can be life threatening at times. Antibiotics can therefore be life saving if used appropriately. But antibiotics aren’t foolproof; they can cause serious health problems when used incorrectly.

The most common complication of antibiotic misuse is antibiotic resistance.

Because we misuse antibiotics, the bacteria (bugs) in our body start to develop resistance to antibiotics and over time, we develop multi-drug resistant bacteria in our body, often called “super bugs”.

These “super bugs” were once relatively harmless but have now developed resistance to multiple antibiotics and cause life-threatening infections.

Combating misconceptions about antibiotics and their use is important to prevent complications of antibiotics misuse and ultimately ensure a safer environment for us all. Today, we will discuss seven myths about antibiotic misuse.

Myth: Antibiotics can treat my flu/ cold While antibiotics are effective against infections caused by bacteria, fungi, and some parasites, they don’t work against viruses. Viruses cause colds, flu, and most coughs and sore throat. If you think that your flu needs to be treated with Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 22

antibiotics, see a doctor first, because most likely you will be doing more harm to your body.

Myth: It’s ok to take antibiotics prescribed for a friend or a relative The best antibiotic for you depends upon the specific illness you have. An antibiotic prescribed for someone else might not work for what ails you. You may actually make your illness worse by using someone else’s antibiotic.

Myth: I am feeling better, so it’s ok to stop my prescribed course of antibiotics If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, its best to take the entire prescribed doseseven if you feel better. Stopping early could mean the infection hasn’t yet been fully eliminated and can return once you prematurely cease your prescribed dose of antibiotics.

Myth: It’s a good idea to save leftover antibiotics Some patients think it’s effective to save leftover antibiotics for the next time they get sick again. Left over antibiotics, especially in the liquid form can lose their potency over time. The leftover medication may not work against your latest illness and could actually make it worse. Of course, if antibiotics are taken properly, generally there shouldn’t be any leftover medication.

Myth: If I use antibiotics regularly, I can prevent myself from catching an infection There are numerous infections and taking one specific antibiotic, cannot

prevent you from catching all of those infections. By taking antibiotics regularly, you will make the bacteria in your body become resistant to that antibiotic and others similar to it. This makes it more difficult to treat you if you do develop an infection.

Myth: Antibiotics can help treat my symptoms Antibiotics treat the infective cause of symptoms and not the symptoms themselves. So thinking that an antibiotic may directly help your headache, vaginal bleeding or itching skin, is inaccurate.

Myth: Antibiotics are always effective Antibiotics are not effective all the time, especially if there is resistance to the antibiotics or if an incorrect dose was prescribed. If you are not seeing improvements in your illness with the prescribed antibiotics, then you should re-visit your doctor for review.

Using antibiotics in the right way and preventing its misuse, will prevent ‘superbugs” from evolving. Once we curb this trend, infections would be treated effectively and lives would be saved. The right way to use antibiotics is the way your doctor prescribed it to be used.

Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 23

THE SEPARATION OF POWERS DOCTRINE Nations all over the world, in their Constitutions, regard the doctrine of the separation of powers as a guiding light. The framers of the Constitution of the United States of America called the separation of powers doctrine the sacred maxim of free government. Chang JAin theChue v AG (2006), pronounced that “…the principle of the separation of powers underlies the very structure of the [Guyanese] Constitution and inheres in its contents”.

By Ananda Devi Dhurjon, LLB, LLM (UWI), LLM (Lond), Attorney-at-Law WHAT IS THE“SEPARATION OF POWERS” The term was coined in the 17th century

by Montesquieu, a French jurist, who was of the view that for liberty to exist separation of powers is necessary. In modern times, the separation of powers doctrine has become a unique aspect of democracy, a principle of good governance, as well as an inseparable part of the rule of law.

Whereas the concentration of power in the same hands would give rise to gross unaccountability and eventually tyranny, the separation of powers is the division of the state into three main branches: the executive which is the Government, the legislature which is Parliament and the judiciary which comprises the courts. This achieves, albeit imperfect, a balance of state powers, with mechanisms for cooperation and a system of checks and balances.

THE SEPARATION OF POWERS IN GUYANA’S CONSTITUTION The Constitution of Guyana contains no provision explicitly declaring that the powers of the three branches of the Statemust be separated. However, in Chue v AG, it is stated that in Guyana, a democratic State, the separation of powers exists among the executive, legislature and judiciary and is implicit in the structure and in the contents of its Constitution.

Indeed, Article 99 of the Constitution vests executive authority in the President, who may also exercise this authority through his officers whereas under article 65(1) of the Constitution, Parliament must make laws for peace, order and good government. And notably, Article 122A of the Constitution mandates that the judiciary exercises its functions independently from control and direction of any other authority, whether political, executive or otherwise. All courts must be administratively and financially autonomous or self-governing (Articles122A and 222A).

The Executive: Government The executive governs the country. It makes decisions for the country’s well-being by making and carrying out policies. The executive includes the President, the Prime Minister and the other Ministers of the Government.They conduct the day-to-day affairs of governance.

The Legislature: Parliament Parliament makes the laws of the land.

Parliament is made up of the National Assembly Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 24

and the President. The National Assembly comprises 65 members who were elected by the citizens of Guyana. If the Speaker is a member of civil society (rather than a member of a Party’s list) then he, too, is a member of the National Assembly, as is our current Speaker, the Hon. Dr. Barton Scotland, CCH, MP. His Excellency’s Ministers sit in Parliament.

In this way there is some overlap between the executive and the legislature.

The Judiciary: The Courts The judiciary comprises the courts which are presided over by judges and magistrates of varying rank. They ensure that the legislature, the executive, and general society uphold the law by interpreting and applying the law.

Above all laws is the Constitution, of which the separation of powers is part and parcel. Any law made by the legislature which is repugnant to or conflicts with the Constitution can be declared void and struck down by the High Court. The fundamental rights of persons guaranteed by the Constitution are safeguarded by the Courts so that the executive and the legislature cannot adversely interfere with these rights.

Any unlawful act done by the executive can be challenged in the Courts who may then intervene.

An independent judiciary is one of the grand pillars of a democracy. In the exercise of its powers, the judiciary is constitutionally insulated from the improper influence or any control by the executive and legislature.

WHERE THE SEPARATE BRANCHES CONVERGE There are many instances where in effect a branch of the State relies upon, supervises, or affects another in a subtle way. Some examples are as follows: The Law-Making Process Take for instance how Parliament makes a law: First, the Bill – as a proposed law is called –must be approved by a specified majority of members of the National Assembly. The kind of majority required varies depending on the impact of the Bill, if any, on the Constitution.

Second, the Bill must be approved or assented to by the President; and third, it must be published in the Official Gazette. The President can withhold his assent to a Bill approved by the National Assembly thereby effectively preventing it becoming law. The President thwarts the intent of the legislature when he withholds assent, which though constitutionally permissible, could adversely

affect the aspirations of the people.

The Appointment of Judges The Judges of the High Court are appointed by the President acting on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission. The Chancellor and the Chief Justice are appointed by the President after the Leader of the Opposition has signified agreement.

Public Expenditure Each year, the National Assembly must approve the budget, prepared by the executive, for spending for the next year: the National Assembly is akin to the gatekeeper of the national treasury. The Public Accounts Committee, a standing committee of the National Assembly that is chaired by an opposition member, can examine the accounts showing the appropriation of the sums approved by the National Assembly to meet public expenditure and such other accounts laid before the Assembly.

Here we see the system of separation of powers at its finest where the National Assembly scrutinises, checks and balances the spending of the executive, ensuring that the treasury of the State is not abused.

CONCLUSION It has been argued, and this writer must concur, that absolute or total separation of powers is neither desirable nor possible. In fact, the logical extension of this argument taken to its furthest would mean that our nation would have distinct rulers. And how can we serve two masters at any one time, let alone three?

Absolute separation would thrust conflicting branches of the State into deadlock and restrain the momentum of national development.

At various levels, for an efficiently functioning government and society, there must be both clear separation as well as some necessary interdependence between the branches of the State. Absolute separation is a chimera and not the intent of the Constitution. The judiciary has a supervisory task to ensure that the other branches, as well as itself, confirm with the law.

The legislature must hold the government executive accountable. The executive must ensure that the infrastructural apparatus of all of the branches of the State are in consonance with the rule of law and do not offend against the principle of separation of powers to an unwarranted degree. And so the unending circle goes on, as each safeguards the other.

Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 25

Guyanese Businessman Appointed as Chairman of Universal Peace Federation “

Mr. Haji Roshan Khan

T

he Universal Peace Federation (UPF) in Guyana has appointed Guyanese businessman, Haji Roshan Khan, as its new National Chairman.

UPF, an international and interreligious network of individuals and organizations, including representatives from government, civil society and the private sector, is dedicated to achieving world peace.

An NGO in special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, UPF supports the work of the United Nations, particularly in the areas of interfaith peace building, peace education, and the strengthening of marriage and family.

Khan’s appointment was officially made on September 21, last, when the Universal Peace Federation observed the United Nation’s International Day of Peace on that very date.

Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 26

It is more of a challenge to foster national unity and to serve the peoples of Guyana and the world.”

The Honourable Khadijah Musa, Guyana’s Resident Representative of the United Nations, was the honoured guest who delivered the message from the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki- moon, at the event. She called for there to be continued efforts towards achieving international peace and cooperation. Musa said, too, that all must continue to make contributions that would see an end to conflicts which breed wars.

Mr. Samuels Hinds, former Prime Minister of Guyana, also delivered a passionate note, calling for cooperation of the ethnicities of Guyana and the need to build bridges of love in the world.

In his brief address, Khan expressed his appreciation for the appointment. He looks upon it with great respect and honour. However, for him, it is more of a challenge to foster national unity and to serve the peoples of Guyana and the world.

He expressed his intentions to work with underprivileged and abandoned children. The National Chairman said that he will then move to take the Federation into the various regions of Guyana, including the amazon jungle areas, where people do not know of the Ambassadors for Peace Network, or the Unification Church.

He stressed that the message of the Founder, Rev. Dr. Sung Myung Moon, needs to be spread everywhere. The Chairman said, “We have to appoint leaders in districts and communities, even to the farthest region of Guyana and appoint many Ambassadors for Peace.”

Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 27

Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 28

Exceptional Leaders

in Guyana’s Manufacturing, Business Sectors

G

u y a n a ’ s manufacturing and business sectors hold a whirlpool of endless potential for dynamic and sustainable growth.

The longstanding companies of many exceptional leaders in this sphere are proof of

that.

Just recently, the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) honoured the outstanding leaders of the manufacturing and business worlds. It is one of the biggest and most prestigious award ceremonies locally. Various companies are celebrated for their achievements at this annual event.

Here is a look at the companies and persons who were honoured for the year, 2015.

Abdool and Abdool Inc For 41 unbroken years of consistency in superior Insurance Services to the Manufacturing and Services Industries, Abdool and Abdool Inc. was presented with a plaque by Guyana’s resident country manager of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Sophie Makonnen.

This company was established and incorporated in 1974 as Abdools Ltd. Brokers and Consultants.

The Company quickly rose to the top of its field with its client portfolio including manufacturing, banking, engineering, merchant shipping, construction, hospitality, aviation, agriculture and the list goes on.

The Company became Abdools RMS in 1992 as a result of a merger with Risk Management Services of Trinidad and Tobago, a subsidiary of the Neal and Massy Group. In 1998, Abdool repurchased all shares from Risk Management Services and the company returned to being a wholly Guyanese and family owned entity. The company is primarily involved in the provision of Insurance services, Brokering, Risk Management and Employee Benefit Insurance Services.

Qualfon In recognition of its contributions to the growth and development of the ICT sector in Guyana, Qualfon was revered at this event. It remains the largest company of its kind in Guyana. It was noted that this entity demonstrated its confidence in Guyana by investing in the largest campus at the New Providence location for business processing services.

Upon completion, Qualfon expects to employ up to 6000 persons. This is the biggest investment that the company has made so far and they are justly proud of it.

Qualfon has not faltered in its commitments to its own employees and host communities. In fact, they have instituted various programmes which take care of the needs of employees, their families and the wider communities. They have also adopted the schools and orphanages located in their host communities and the employees provide voluntary support.

Umami Inc. For rapid penetration, innovative labeling and packaging with Guyanese raw materials, Umami Inc. was honoured by the GMSA. The creation of this distinctive entity started with a flair for food chemistry, university training and quite a few years of experience at a highly acclaimed producer of cooking and eating condiments. Those years exposed Chris Persaud, the young proprietor of UMAMI Inc., to complex issues that most food industries deal with. He acquired the theoretical and analytical skills needed and paired with his spouse’s knowledge of computer science; they established UMAMI Inc. in 2013.

It was noted that the driving force behind the new operation was the need to produce high quality, value added products while utilizing home grown ingredients.

Aggressive marketing has put the products of the fast growing company on almost every supermarket shelf in all three counties of Guyana.

Amy’s Pomeroon Foods Inc. Amy’s Pomeroon Foods Inc. was also presented with an award for introducing advanced technology to process and market ground Pomeroon coffee in superior quality packaging.

Coffee cherries are produced in the rich tannis found on the banks of Guyana’s Pomeroon River, just beyond Charity in the Essequibo. The original coffee variety, Typica, which was introduced here by the Dutch almost three centuries ago, has changed not by man’s hands but by nature. That change has bred a richer and tastier quality coffee bean which is now the essence and hallmark of this entity.

Amy’s Pomeroon Foods. Inc has established a coffee factory at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara with the most modern and sophisticated roasting and grinding equipment in Guyana. Mr. Louis Holder and his top notch crew of engineers, mixers and blenders work closely with their consultants, Boot Coffee of California to acquire the most optimum roasting profiles that give the most favorable taste and aroma to Amy’s Ground Coffee. Today, this product has earned high regard in markets both locally and regionally.

JTW Associates Ltd. JTW Associates Ltd. was also one of the distinguished members honoured at the event.

Joycelyn Williams, the driver behind this progressive Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 29

entity, has for some years, been filling the needs of the public and private sectors for trained skills.

In 2012, she took a huge leap of faith and approached City and Guilds of London with a proposal to accredit Guyana once again. It was deemed as a bold and impressive move when she resorted to the highly accredited international certificate programme which had been absent from the education curricula for more than 30 years.

Since then, JTW Associates has been running certifiable courses for City and Guilds in Customer Service, English for Office Use and Marketing. In addition, their trainers are being called increasingly to offer on-the-job training to raise the quality of the companies’ public representatives.

As a result of its outstanding commitment to the private sector, it was given an award for its invaluable contributions to educational services in Guyana, especially for restoring City and Guilds Certification.

attaining international certification and accelerating cross border trade with modern, innovative building materials made in Guyana. This company is a major producer of paints, thin set and grout. It serves local and regional markets. Just this year, it was able to penetrate the Suriname and Trinidadian markets with two of its most popular products—Thin set and Hiperbond.

New GPC The chief award, the Executive President’s Award for Export Achievement, was bestowed upon New GPC Inc, for rapidly expanding overseas markets for Limacol, Ferrol Compound and Nutrophos Nerve Tonic.

New GPC is a research driven pharmaceutical company which recognizes that continuous research for improving its products and developing new ones is key to keeping the top spot among competitors.

The aggressive marketing strategies employed by the NEW GPC have played no small role in the rapid increase in sales of their signature products. It closely guards the proprietary formulas for these products.

Sattaur Gafoor - Proprietor of Gafoors Two lifetime achievements were also given out, one to Sattaur A. Gafoor for the second time. This was noted to be a history-making moment in Guyana’s manufacturing sector as he was the first to attain the award for the second consecutive year.

Gafoor, the Captain of the mega-chain called simply Gafoors, is a consummate entrepreneur and has also become one of the most dependable philanthropists in the business sector.

He contributes to the educational advancement and social development of a wide assortment of people, particularly his employees.

Mr. Gafoor has often been described as a man of high morals and one who has always invested in the growth and development of his own enterprise and in the institutions that comprise the manufacturing and distribution landscape in Guyana.

He served as President of the GMSA around 1999 and together with his fellow Lifetime Awardee, Norman McLean, initiated the first Business Expo at Sophia, Guyana. He takes his responsibilities as a corporate citizen very seriously and goes beyond the call to give back to communities.

This is what gives Gafoor satisfaction.

The businessman was honoured for consistently fostering the growth of the Manufacturing sector with his strong pioneering spirit and philanthropy.

Guyana Colorete Inc. The GMSA President’s Award was presented to Guyana Colorete Inc for

Norman McLeanGMSA President Norman Mc Lean

The Massy Group of Companies The Massy Group of Companies, formerly Neal and Massy, has been in existence since 1932. After 26 years, the group of companies went public and continued with diversification of products and services and expansion into neighbouring territories. Another change was made in 2014 when the company was rebranded as the Massy Group. It is now a large conglomerate organized as business units located in several countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. The group was honoured for its 50 years of service to Guyana and for attaining international certification.

Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 30

who serves as the current GMSA President was celebrated in like manner for serving the GMSA with distinction for over 25 years including four terms as President.

The GMSA’s 2015/2016 Board of Directors elected Major General (rtd.)

McLean as its President at its last Annual General Meeting. This is his fourth time as President of the Association. He had led the Association for three terms in the 1990’s before it adopted the Services subsector in 2006.

McLean brought to the GMSA considerable experience in human resource development and Organizational Management. He is a retired Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, and the retired Human Resource Director and general factotum of the now defunct Omai Gold Mines.

He also consults with ETK Sand Springs, an expatriate gold and mineral mining company that is preparing to start up operations in Guyana.

In his numerous capacities, he has been a strong pillar for the GMSA. In his own inimitable way, he has fostered numerous programmes and implemented many procedures, some of which it still uses today.

Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 31

Lets Celebrate Relax, entertain, or simply enjoy whilst our intuitively attentive staff enhance the dining experience at Aagman's………

Aagman Indian

Restaurant

OFFERS Mughlai Tandoori Thai Fusion Chinese Fusion Sweets

Ph: 219-0161, 654-7683, 655-6766 28A, Top Floor, Sheriff Street, Campbellville, Opposite Guyana Inc.Sheriff - Issue 21 |Taxi Page 32Stand, Georgetown, Guyana

SERVICES Fine Dining Take away Delivery Catering

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CULTURE

Fine Dining Gems Of Guyana

With the number of competitive fast food restaurants popping up by the second, some question whether the days for fine dining in Guyana are numbered.

But a visit to just a few of the best fine dining restaurants on any given evening would prove that the aura of fine dining in Guyana will never lose its pizzazz or its appeal.

The term Fine Dining brings to mind all kinds of images, from crisp white table cloths to waiters in tuxedos.

But in Guyana, fine dining takes on a cultural twist with classy nuances of sometimes western or Asian influences.

Fine dining, just as the name suggests, offers patrons the premium in food, service and atmosphere in Guyana. It is also the highest priced type of restaurant a Guyanese entrepreneur

The Grand Coastal Hotel

The deluxe setting, flawless service, and preponderance of fine cuisine are all distinct features to be noticed when dining at the Grand Coastal Hotel in Guyana. Located along the lazy stretch of the road leading to Le Ressouvenir on the East Coast, this fine dining gem attracts a fashionable crowd. It carries a cool, voluptuous vibe and its great service is evidence of outstanding management behind the wheel of the

in this line of business can operate.

Fine dining restaurants in Guyana are also full service restaurants with some offering specific dedicated meal courses. The décor of such local restaurants features higherquality materials, with a calming “atmosphere” desired by the restaurateur.

The wait staff is usually highly trained and often wears more formal attire. Unlike what takes place in other parts of the world, Fine dining restaurants in Guyana operate at a relatively smaller scale and generally have a single location.

But each restaurant offers a different style, personality and ambiance. Here is a look at some of the fine dinging gems in and around Georgetown.

entity which carries two dining areas.

Patrons can relish their meals in an enclosed air-conditioned dining space, the dress code for which calls for elegantly casual attire. The next option is an outdoor courtyard overlooking the hotel’s inviting pool. It boasts an accommodation capacity of 60 people in a dining setting, and 100-200 people in a cocktail/ event setting. There, all types of clothing are permissible.

But the food at the Grand Coastal Hotel is what impresses the most. The food, like the space, exudes unbuttoned decadence— like wearing a tux with no socks. Their Chicken breast stuffed

with a broccoli and cream cheese filling, topped with a white wine sauce, served with rice pilaf is surely the new gold standard.

It’s an art-directed beauty, well worth its price tag.

Other entrées are nearly as memorable, anointed in power chords of intense and elegant flavors. These include the Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo, Fettuccine tossed in a creamy Alfredo sauce and topped with succulent Cajun shrimp and onions, served with garlic bread and the Tomato Basil Penne tossed in a rich tomato and basil sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese, and served with garlic bread. Desserts, as thoughtfully elevated as everything else there, are also sinfully delicious

The El Dorado Restaurant at the Pegasus Hotel

Dining at the El Dorado Restaurant which is housed in the Pegasus Hotel in Guyana is a religious experience for the soul. With an ambiance that oozes elegance and something French, this exquisite little candle lit spot offers its guests a slice of the Italian life.

It features an outstanding Italian menu in an upscale and sophisticated atmosphere. Its executive Chef Paul Hamilton and his team have put together a superb selection of authentic Italian dishes to tempt the most discerning palate.

The quintessential romantic couples can often be found there enjoying a hearty Minestrone Genovese with freshly made Italian breads, the Ricotta Ravioli Gratin, Fettuccine Carbonara or Aged Angus Rib Eye steak while finishing off their meal with fine Tiramisu or Amaretto Pear Tart and an Italian Kiss, one of the restaurant’s specialty coffees served with homemade biscotti.

Reservations for a slice of this Italian heaven are always recommended

The Silhouette Restaurant

A clandestine second-floor location at Lot 3 Sandy Babb Street , Kitty makes the Silhouette Restaurant feel like a true intimate find in a modern setting. The Silhouette Restaurant brings amazing Caribbean and International cuisine, phenomenal Service, Impeccable presentation making it just a great all around ten fingers Caribbean salute.

Food apart, the focus at the Silhouette will embrace all of the various protocols associated with dining out. Staff manner, treatment of guests, correct table settings, fine wines and a la carte menus will be common features at the Slihouette.

Black, white and red are the chosen colours for the interior of the Silhouette. It seats 65 guests simultaneously. The interior of the restaurant seats fifty guests while the balcony, which overlooks Sandy Babb Street seats fifteen persons. The restaurant is open from 18:00 hrs to 23:00 hrs daily.

While local cuisine will feature prominently on the Silhouette’s menu, the restaurant’s culinary offerings will include an assortment of steaks and seafood. And while the restaurant favours prior reservations it will accept walk-in customers on the condition that it is not fully booked at the time.

No courtesies are spared when it comes to the Slihouette’s customers. On arrival they take the elevator to the middle floor Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 34

where they are greeted and escorted to their seats. If customers arrive early they are shown to a waiting area. Alternatively, they may be invited to enjoy the hospitality of the Altitude, a bar opened a year ago on the top floor of the building

Aagman Indian Restaurant

If Aagman Restaurant has a mission, it’s to show that Indian food is just as deserving of linen napkins, sommeliers, and the fine dining experience as any other. Located on Sheriff Street, Georgetown, this eclectic restaurant sticks reasonably close to the classics we recognize such as curries, tandoori meats. One can also be sure to relish their epicurean Mughlai Cuisine from the imperial kitchens of India. It attempts a gentler nudge. The desired effect is a simple one: to have its diners, who may not otherwise give the cuisine a second glance, see what Indian food really tastes like when made with quality ingredients and careful technique

New Thriving Restaurant

Sometimes the best food is found in the most unassuming of places. And the New Thriving Restaurant on Main Street has earned its reputation for serving delicious, traditional Asian food without the pomp and ceremony of many of its competitors. Though it is not the most elaborate restaurant in town, style need not replace substance for this fine dining gem.

Perhaps its ultra-chic and modern look with its neon bathed glow and immaculately presented dishes will provide you with the perfect backdrop for a memorable and delicious Chinese meal. In general you can rely on generous portion sizes and a gigantic menu of dishes to choose from. From the wonton soup a thin chicken broth with tender chicken or shrimp and perfectly pan fried dumplings and sweet and sour chicken makes simply makes all those take-out places pale in comparison. The sautéed pork, chicken or beef in black bean sauce and steam vegetables in garlic stand out on the menu, so does the grilled shrimp and many other Chinese specialties. Patrons can enjoy their meal in outdoors with the cool evening breeze, or indoors in their calming and refined dining hall

The Marriott Hotel

Guyanese and tourists alike are always invited to indulge in the freshest International buffet spread at Marriott Hotel. It’s the one place where local and regionally renowned chefs take centrestage to whip up a perfect culinary storm for you à la minute upon request as you wait in a sophisticated dining area.

It’s the one fine dining restaurant where visitors experience the seamless combination of Georgetown’s historic architectural splendor, distinctive modern luxury and the finest cuisine in the country HAPPY DINING FOR THE SEASON

Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 35

Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 36

Why Should This Christmas Cost You Next Year’s?

Here’s How You Can Save This Christmas!

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hristmas is truly an exciting time of the year. But even in the midst of the thrill of having everything on your wish list, reality has an uncanny way of setting in. You soon realize that the funds just aren’t enough. So, how do you make it?

Well, it’s pretty simple. Just follow the tips below to have a festive and frugal Christmas.

Plan for affordability, not desirability Before you start planning, think about this. Many list every lusted-for item, gifts for all, and a splendid meal, and then only afterwards do they consider: “How will I pay for it?” That’s a recipe to be broke by New Year’s Eve. Instead, calculate your budget and ask: “What can I afford to spend on Christmas?” Christmas is one day don’t ruin the whole of the next year for it.

Consider scaling back this Christmas. We’re not talking about cutting back on your gifts to parents, children or to grandchildren, but the ever-widening glut of friends, extended family and colleagues. Christmas isn’t a retail festival - we need to end obliged giving and think more about what we’re giving, to whom and why.

Set your budget and don’t stray It doesn’t matter whether your budget is $20,000 or

$100,000, this tip works for all. If you know your limits before hitting the shops you can avoid any last-minute surprises when you examine the receipts.

Make a list - and check it twice Christmas shopping on impulse is very dangerous.

So make an old-fashioned shopping list and stick to it.

Remember, shops spend a fortune on targeting your spending impulses – a list helps you beat them.

List everyone that you intend to buy for, then budget a reasonable amount that you can afford to spend on each person. Making a shopping list will also help you avoid impulse buying and keep track of your spending.

Don’t buy on impulse or just for the sake of it. Those last minute presents are the ones that push your finances into crisis. Leave your credit card at home and take out a specific amount of cash – then shop.

Make sure you write down everyone you plan to buy a gift for, no matter how small the gift may be. Include ideas of what to give each person, along with the maximum amount you’re willing to spend.

Avoid Last Minute Shopping Avoid shopping at the last minute and try to arrange to go shopping when it’s quieter. Shops are a lot quieter Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 37

late at night or first thing in the morning. Leaving yourself plenty of time and avoiding busy shopping times will make your Christmas shopping a bit easier.

Try a new approach to buying presents You could agree to a spending limit with your friends and family or try an option like a Secret Santa, so each person only has to buy one present. Or if there is a special item that you really want to give to someone, consider splitting the cost with a friend or relative. Keep an eye out for coupons or deals on gifts wherever you can.

Prepare your present list Now is the time to sit down with family and friends and broach the subject of presents. Agree with certain friends that you won’t exchange gifts this year, or set a price limit for family presents, particularly those for adults. Alternatively, have a “children only” rule, or set up a Secret Santa. Here, you draw names out of a hat so that everyone has to buy only one gift (and then guess who it is from). If a maximum price is set in advance, this can be an effective way of keeping costs down.

Do your research If you have a present in mind, shop around and compare prices, both in store and online. Keep your eye out for discounts and promotional offers. They are abundant during the Christmas time. If you plan to do some shopping online, be careful. What might seem like a great deal could be more expensive when you add on delivery charges, so be sure to take them into account. Make sure you leave plenty of time for delivery too.

Don’t get caught out by credit In the run up to Christmas, personal loans and in-store credit (hire purchase) may look like attractive options, especially for larger purchases like personal computers, electrical equipment or furniture, where stores may offer you 0% finance for a period of time. Before signing up to store credit or a personal loan, consider the full costs and not just the monthly repayment. Ponder this, would the repayments still be affordable if your income dropped for any reason, or if you had an unexpected expense?

Forget the Credit Card Leave the credit card at home and bring cash or your

debit card instead. Credit card debt can be very expensive if you can’t repay it in full immediately or within a few months. When you are spending the cash in your pocket or in your bank account, you will be much less likely to overspend than if you pay with a credit card.

Make the most of discounts Buying the festive food can be an expensive business, so make the most of those supermarkets offering discounts.

Don’t buy too much Most hosts will want to put on a plentiful spread, but it’s easy to overestimate the amount that people will tuck away. You don’t want to waste food, or the money you’ve spent buying it. So be economical in all that you do.

Be realistic with your food shopping It can be easy to buy more than you need, but bear in mind that most shops are only closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, so there’s no need to go overboard.

Check your cupboards for ingredients before you start shopping, so you don’t end up doubling up.

Next Christmas….Start Early Be prepared for 2016. If you think even further ahead you can save even more next year. Christmas cards, wrapping paper, crackers etc are always in the sale just after Christmas, stock up in the sales this year and make next year even cheaper.

Keep your eyes open all year round for items for friends and family would like; it’s often when you’re not looking for something specific that you stumble across the perfect gift for Dad or your best friend. Once December 2016 hits, you’ll be glad that you already have some people crossed off your list. Just make sure to keep all your advance gifts in a designated (and hidden, if necessary) spot so that you don’t forget a purchase you made months in advance.

Start your Christmas shopping early and spread the expense out. Don’t feel the squeeze come December 2016. Start stocking your stockings early. The best time to start shopping for Christmas is Boxing Day. Forward-planning isn’t going to help with cutting the cost of Christmas this year. But it’s unlikely that any of us are going to feel any more flush in 12 months’ time....

Remember it is possible to cut the expense without cutting out the fun.

Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 39

Guyana’s Eco-tourism Remains Home to Some of the Caribbean’s Most Exotic Natural Treasures

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ndowed with massive pristine tracts of tropical rainforest, high species biodiversity, amazing wildlife, majestic rivers and waterfalls, mountain ranges, savannahs, wetlands, and indigenous communities with low carbon lifestyle, Guyana’s ecotourism potential is unsurpassed.

It is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and the Eco-tourist alike. It boasts an irresistible combination of fascinating and breathtaking natural beauty; blended with a vibrant indigenous culture, rich heritage and the most hospitable and friendly people in the world.

In Guyana, ecotourism is viewed as an environmentally-friendly way of utilizing the natural environment, as opposed to traditional forms of tourism such as nature tourism and adventure tourism, which are not necessarily environmentally-friendly.

But eco-tourism is probably one of the most misused and misunderstood words in the tourism industry. Ecotourism unites conservation communities and sustainable travel. This means that those who implement and participate in ecotourism activities are often required to take the following principles into consideration: Minimize impact, build environmental and cultural awareness and respect, provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts, provide direct financial benefits for conservation, provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people, raise sensitivity to host countries’ political, environmental, and social climate, and respect local culture and human rights.

Ecotourism, also known as ecological tourism, is commonly defined as “Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.”

It involves travel to fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas. It helps to educate the traveler; provides funds for conservation; directly benefits the economic development and political empowerment of local communities; and fosters respect for different cultures and for human rights.

With the impacts of Climate Change, the drive to preserve the environment and human health while deriving economic benefits from the natural environment is

Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 40

becoming the trend.

Over the years, the scope for ecotourism in Guyana has grown with experiences which make it stand out from the other ecotourism destinations.

As opposed to the sun and sand tourism product offered by many of its Caribbean neighbors, Guyana truly offers a distinct product with its vast open spaces, savannahs, virgin rainforests, mountains, enormous rivers and waterfalls, the most legendary of which is the majestic Kaieteur Falls, known to be the highest single drop waterfall in the world and five times taller than Niagara Falls.

Some of Guyana’s most fascinating mountains include; Mount Ayanganna, Monte Caburai and Mount Roraima which is said to be the country’s highest mountain. The mystifying beauty of these mountains has inspired many great novels published across the world.

The country’s four largest rivers; Essequibo, Corentyne, Berbice and Demerara are also enigmatic brown and black water beauties which invite anyone to explore their haunting wonders.

Guyana also possesses abundant wildlife, numerous species of flora, a unique variety of fauna and a spectacular array of over 850 species of birdlife making it home to some of the Caribbean’s most exotic natural resources.

Some of the country’s most exquisite birds include; Manakins, Saltators, Osprey, Plovers and not forgetting its national bird, the Hoatzin.

Its wildlife includes exotic species such as the Ocelot, Harpy Eagle, Arapaima (the world’s largest fresh water fish) and the Jaguar.

The sites to view Guyana’s magnificent flora and fauna are accessible by land, air and river and are served by high-quality eco-resorts in the interior.

Guyana’s tourism industry is experiencing a period of dynamic investment and growth. Visitor arrivals have grown from 57,400 in 1999 to over 116,000 in 2005. Tourism receipts (or exports) amounted to over US$35 million in 2005.

Guyana, with over 75 percent of pristine forest, has great potential for ecotourism. Its rich biodiversity, which encompasses a wide spectrum of unique plants and animals, makes Guyana’s ecotourism experience different from the typical Caribbean island experience.

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There are also several eco-resorts which not only preserve the faultless flora around it but also promote so as to give that ideal nature-inspired feel. From the serene waters of the mighty Essequibo, to the unadulterated rainforest and natural beauty of the rugged Rupununi, eco-resorts can be found so that tourists can be in the comfort they always wanted when holidaying.

Adels Resort – Akawini Creek, Pomeroon River Located in the pristine rainforest area of the Pomeroon River and surrounded by a 60 acre farm that provides all the food you can eat, this eco-resort is the perfect sanctuary to reconnect with nature.

This quiet resort was named after the late Adel Stoll (1882-1984) and pays tribute to a daughter of the soil who raised eighteen children, sold produce from Adel’s farm and home-made sweets to take care of her family. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren now honour the memory of this much loved matriarch.

It is within an hour’s boat ride to several Amerindian Reservations and the famous Shell Beach where you can witness the turtles come to lay their eggs. You can awake to the beautiful sunrise and the variety of gorgeous and rare birds flying overhead. Howler monkeys are also generally on hand for your early morning wake up call. Bird watching is also a favourite pastime with the numerous indigenous birds that call the trees around Adel’s home.

Arrow Point Interior Nature Resort Arrowpoint is an Eco tourism facility that offers guests an unforgettable experience. It is located in the Amerindian Reservation of Santa Mission which has a population of approximately four hundred (400) Arawak Indians. Established in 1993, Arrow Point takes its name from the profusion of arrow trees that grow in the area. Biking, bird-watching, and quiet, reflective strolls along its winding trails are just part of the “eco-adventure” product that it offers.

Flowing past the Resort, the serene waters of the Kamuni Creek gently kiss a small, inviting expanse of white sandy beach.

Baganara Island Resort You dream of a place, within your reach, where you can be alone, with nature’s beauty surrounding you on all the shores.

Your senses are indulged by the calming lilt of birdsong, the chirping of crickets and the croaking of frogs. The magnificence of the vastness of such a pristine natural world spells Baganara Island Resort. This is the place where you can leave the bustle of the city behind and enjoy a private executive lunch, the atmosphere is great for deal closings, mergers or just a place to get away for a quiet lunch when the options of a city restaurant becomes mundane. This is a place where one can surely escape to an exotic Island Paradise and experience one of Guyana’s true gems located five miles from Bartica in the Essequibo River.

timeless creation offers family a place to be together, a place to construct unforgettable memories of a lifetime.

The theme park features shows, pristine plant life and beaches. The Park is built on one hundred and sixty four acres amidst numerous species of flora and a variety of fauna which include spectacular bird life. Splashmin’s Resort is also forty five (45) minutes from Georgetown and fifteen (15) minutes from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

Guests can indulge in nature and

Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development The Iwokrama Forest and the Rupununi Wetlands and savannahs offer visitors the opportunity for an exceptional natural and cultural experience set in a learning context.

Iwokrama is a place for all ages and all interests and you choose what you want to do.

By staying at Iwokrama you are directly contributing to the communities in and surrounding the forest and to the conservation of what lies within.

You will also contribute towards the development of an eco-friendly sustainable tourism model which can be shared locally, nationally and with the international community.

Lake Mainstay Resort A unique tropical paradise constructed on 15.3 acres of land, Lake Mainstay is located 15 minutes by car inland from Anna Regina on the Essequibo coast. With its own airstrip, the resort is a 20-minute flight from Georgetown. The Arawak Indians first inhabited the Mainstay area which was called ‘Quacabuka’, an Arawak word meaning ‘in–between’. Activities onsite include volleyball, fishing, walks along nature trails, lawn tennis, and dancing the night away at our beach bar. It was officially opened on December 4, 1999.

Splashmin’s Fun Park and Resort

experience Guyanese lifestyle to the fullest. The lush flora invites you to pick succulent fruits, climb trees, or get bush cook started. At the end of the day it provides a real nature experience.

Splashmins Eco Adventure Park and Camping Grounds is located on the opposite side of its Fun Park which is just a mere two minutes boat ride away. It is accessible from the Linden Soesdyke highway; only about a minute drive, South from the Fun Park’s main entrance.

RESORTS TOP TO BOTTOM, RIGHT TO LEFT: Adels Resort; Arrow Point Interior Nature Resort; Baganara Island Resort; Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development; Lake Mainstay Resort; Splashmin’s Fun Park and Resort

Splashmin’s Fun Park and Resort, snuggled in the heart of Madewini Wetlands on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, is a perpetual Paradise. The handmade masterpiece of this Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 41

Revisiting Suicide...

Depression and the Mask of Social Perfection

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illions of persons in the world suffer from depression. But those who suffer from this illness put on a brave face and hide it from their partners, loved ones, families and society at large.

Most cases are undiagnosed and therefore, go untreated. Trapped in this saddening world, some unfortunately succumb to the misconstrued notion that the only way out is by committing suicide.

But depression is not something that you have to face on your own.

This cannot be stressed enough and it is a message that we must really strive to promote. In this way, we can reassure persons that it’s OK to not always have your troubles figured out. It’s OK not to look perfect; OK not to know what to do next and OK to ask others for help.

But depression is not always easily recognizable. We tend to believe that hardship is worn openly upon one’s chest like a battle scar, but many of these wounds do not easily reveal themselves to those that do not take the time to look.

A person with concealed depression is one who is conditioned to deal with their ‘inner struggles’ in a way that doesn’t make them clearly visible.

This may or may not be something they’ve shared with even their closest of companions.

How to speak up about Depression When you’re feeling really down and out it can be difficult to know how to bring it up with family or friends.

You may wonder, ‘How do I find the right words to use and where do I start?’

Well, you can start by knowing and remembering that depression is a growing problem all around the world, and that you are not alone.

Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 42

Nothing is wrong with ONLY you; this is a phase or period in your life that you can get out

of.

Don’t label yourself as being weak and inadequate because Depression is not a disease of the weak like so many like to think, it can strike anyone and can happen for multiple reasons such as:• Infidelity • Domestic Violence • Drugs & Alcohol abuse • Being bullied • Being sexually abused • Rejection • Your sexual orientation • Chronic illness or pain

help them to understand your situation and recognize that you are asking for much needed help.

You can say: “I’ve been feeling really tired and quite strange a lot of the time. I’m worried that something is wrong with me and I think I need help.”

- It’s not uncommon for depression to affect your closest relationships, as it is our loved ones that often bear the brunt of a bad mood.

Depression can leave you feeling withdrawn and lacking confidence, which is why relating to loved ones and other associates, can be a struggle.

You can say: “I’ve been fighting with my partner a lot lately, I’m not getting along with colleagues and I can’t stand the noise of my children of late. I think I need help.”

Get started with the phrase “I think I need help!”

- Talk about your depressive feelings, especially with someone who you think is trustworthy and comfortable with their own emotions. It could be someone who has always been sympathetic towards you in the past.

You can say: “I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but I’ve been feeling sad, angry and useless all the time. I can’t sleep, I’m worried a lot and I think I need help.”

-Talk about how your mood is affecting you in your workplace. This can help put you in a much better frame of mind to work under less emotional stress.

You can say: “I’ve been having trouble concentrating and I know I haven’t been working to my full potential of late, but I want to, so I think I need help.”

- Refer to research and clinical definitions on depression. This is a good way to introduce the topic. Taking the time to do this provides a great platform for you to share your feelings while giving you a chance to prepare for the release of pent up emotions. It can also help the listener to better understand what you’re going through from a clinical perspective.

You can say: “I’ve been reading up on depression and anxiety lately and can see some of the symptoms in myself like low energy, trouble concentrating and being short tempered for no good reason. I think I might be one of those persons and I need help.”

-If you are someone who lives a physically demanding life, then telling someone that you’re not coping on a physical level will

Recognizing depression and persons living with depression.

Do remember that persons living with depression may not always display the common symptoms.

A prevalent side effect of depression is constant exhaustion. Not everyone with the disorder struggles with it, but it’s extremely common. For those who experience this symptom, it’s often one of the hardest side effects to deal with. This is also a symptom that’s difficult to conceal, as it often affects the person’s workload and personal relationships.

Depressed persons are found to be unusually irritable. It could be interpreted as sadness, even if that’s not what they’re really feeling.

Irritability is a frequently overlooked symptom of depression that is also very common. This should be understandable, since depression is a health problem you can’t “see” or strictly measure, making it hard to combat. Having a short temper over a long period of time could be a possible warning sign of depression.

Depressed persons have a hard time responding to affection and concern from others. It is difficult for them to respond appropriately to gestures or words of affection and they may even get irritated or annoyed with you over it.

Turning down activities that were otherwise frequently enjoyed is a major red flag when studying someone who is depressed.

Depression is physically and mentally draining and it makes enjoying all the things you usually do, difficult. Previously enjoyed activities lose their appeal and are unfulfilling to the individual.

Abnormal eating habits also develop in persons who are experiencing depression. When a depressed person is eating too little, it’s often because their depression is affecting their appetite and making eating unappealing. It can also be a subconscious need to control something, since they cannot control their depression.

Depression can have its ups and downs. If someone has hidden or undiagnosed depression, they might seem like they experience random mood swings, depending on if their depression is consistent or not. To you, the changes in mood seem without cause, but it’s simply how some people’s depression manifests itself.

‘Smiling’ Depression The hallmark of ‘smiling depression’ is sadness. The smile and external façade is a defense mechanism and an attempt to hide true feelings. A person could be experiencing sadness about a failed relationship, career challenges, or lacking what they view as a true purpose in life. The sadness might also manifest as a constant, overall feeling that “something just isn’t right.”

Other common symptoms of smiling depression are feelings of anxiety, fear, anger, fatigue, irritability, hopelessness, and despair.

Those suffering from this and other forms of depression may also experience problems sleeping, a lack of enjoyment in pleasurable activities, and a loss of libido. Everybody’s experience is different however. It’s possible to feel just one or many of these symptoms.

Another way to think about smiling depression is to see it as wearing a mask. People suffering from smiling depression may offer no hint of their problem to the outside world. They often maintain a full-time job, run a family household, participate in sports, and have a fairly active social life. With their mask on, everything looks great, even at times perfect. However, underneath the mask they are suffering from sadness, panic attacks, low self-esteem, insomnia, and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts.

Suicide can be a particular threat for individuals suffering with smiling depression. Typically, people suffering with classic, severe depression might have suicidal thoughts, but not the energy to act on their feelings. On the other hand, those suffering from smiling depression have the energetic ability to plan and follow through.

This is why smiling depression can be more dangerous than a classic form of severe depression.

feelings to be featured and sure enough you will almost never tweet or post about feeling depressed or like a failure.

So the next possible step is to fake cheerfulness. It is here that the mask of social perfection starts to manifest itself for the world to see. The danger is that the disparity between your real life sadness and social media cheerfulness makes the feeling of depression even worse. It may be best sometimes, when overcome with depression or anxiety, to just lay off social media altogether.

There are those persons who tweet and post constant declarations of eternal love on anniversaries and spouses’ birthdays, pictures of happy couples, giggling babies, joyous families, and exotic, expensive vacations.

There are the people checking-in here and hanging out there, tagging each other with inside jokes etc. only to turn around and commit suicide leaving everyone shocked.

In as much as this serves to warn persons about the dangers of having a public mask when leading a privately sad or unfulfilling life, it must be stressed that we all need to adopt the attitude of being less or non - judgemental, and more open to embracing persons who may not “measure up” so to speak to societal norms and expectations.

The concept of what is beautiful or what’s fashionable or where might be the “in” place to hang out or even the “right” people to hang out with, weigh heavily on the younger members of our society.

It is up to us to show them that these things are not important to their wellbeing, and that nurturing their young minds, bodies and souls with more positive things that foster a positive outlook will benefit them in the long run mentally.

If you made a wrong decision, don’t be afraid to say so as you try to better your situation. It is better to try than to hide and hurt forever.

Surround yourself with positive and loving people and healthy relationships, for regardless of your flaws, you deserve to have relationships that feel good and are nourishing to you.

Dealing with the dangers of Social Media and Social Perfection We live in a society where perfection is seemingly the benchmark for social interaction on various social media platforms.

“Perfection of means and confusion of goals seem, in my opinion, to characterize our age.” These words were said a very long time ago by someone with either amazing foresight, or it stands as evidence that the advent and subsequent explosion of social media has exacerbated the phenomenon of perfection.

Professor Rory O’Connor, President of the International Academy of Suicide Research, has been studying the psychological processes behind self-inflicted death for over 20 years.

He says that “if you’re a social perfectionist, you tend to identify closely with the roles and responsibilities you believe you have in life. It’s not about what you expect of yourself, it’s what you think other people expect of you. You’ve let others down because you’ve failed to be a good father or a good brother – whatever it is.” He went on to say that because it’s a judgement on other people’s imagined judgements of you, it can be especially toxic.

“It’s nothing to do with what those people actually think of you, it’s what you think they expect. The reason it’s so problematic is that it’s outside your control.”

Therefore, if you’re a social perfectionist, you’ll have unusually high expectations of yourself. Your self-esteem will be dangerously dependent on maintaining a sometimes impossible level of success.

When you fail in this regard, the only thing left to do is collapse.

When your self-esteem is low or shaky, you have to be careful around social media. On the various platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc., everything is wonderful for everyone, and their lives are often amazing.

If you are indeed depressed you will not want your actual Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 43

By Brian Ramsey – Amalgamated Security Services Limited

TERRORISM T

SHOULD CARIBBEAN BUSINESSES BE CONCERNED ABOUT

here is a tendency in the Caribbean to view terrorism as something that happens in other countries away from this region. Yet, if one examines regional history one can clearly see that the Caribbean has not been immune to terrorist activity. A quick examination of the last 50 years reveals that there has been terrorist activity with some of these being: ◊ 1968, Bahamas, Assassination of Haitian Consul ◊ 1976, Barbados, Bombing of Cubana Airplane and Bombing of BWIA office ◊ 1976, Trinidad, Bombing of Guyana ConsulateGeneral ◊ 1976, Bahamas, Attack on Soviet Ship ◊ 1980, Guadeloupe, Bombing at airport ◊ 1985, Guadeloupe, Bombing of Ford dealership ◊ 1987 Dominican Republic, Bombing of Peace Corp office ◊ 1988, Dominican Republic, Bombing of U.S. Centre ◊ 1989, Dominican Republic, Bombing of G.T.E subsidiary ◊ 1990, Suriname, Bombing of Alcoa subsidiary ◊ 2006, Trinidad, Bombings in the streets ◊ 2007, Trinidad, Guyana, JFK bomb plot Apart from these direct on-island terrorist activities, there have been Cyber attacks by persons linked to ISIS on the government computers of Jamaica and St Vincent

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& the Grenadines.

In addition, there are clear indications that persons from Trinidad have gone to the Middle East to fight with ISIS and the production of a recruitment video aimed directly at attracting persons from this region to join ISIS. One of the aspects of terrorist group operations and particularly noticeable with ISIS is the propensity to expand their affiliations and so join with groups in other territories.

Further, with ISIS fighters being drawn from many countries around the world, there is need to be concerned about ISIS fighters returning to their home countries and terrorist cells beginning operations in new countries.

The impact of Terrorism in the Caribbean is therefore a valid concern and one which Caribbean businesses should be addressing.

Terrorism has direct multi-layered implications for Caribbean businesses which include; ⁻⁻ Direct implications for companies as a potential target ⁻⁻ Direct implications for personnel employed in companies ⁻⁻ Collateral damage implications as a business may be located near to a terrorist target Companies may become a target because of their name e.g. British American Tobacco or British American

Insurance. Companies may become a target because of a perceived link to a terrorist enemy.

Companies may also become a target if they are seen as symbols e.g.

McDonalds, Citibank, Royal Bank of Canada etc. It is interesting to note that one of the suicide bombers chose the McDonalds restaurant outside the Stade de France in which to detonate his vest and it is believed that he picked this restaurant because it is a symbol of America.

Given that Caribbean companies need to be concerned about terrorism, the issue becomes what should businesses do independent of what actions the State should take for dealing with terrorism.

One of the first actions that every business should undertake is to conduct a security assessment that should specifically incorporate a terrorism assessment.

That assessment should particularly look at the risk profile of the company both in terms of being a direct target and also the possibility of collateral damage implications because of the company’s location. The assessment should identify the level of risk and how robust are the company’s arrangements to assist in preventing a terrorist attack. While it is important to do an initial assessment, it is equally important that the assessments are regularly reviewed, at least every three years and also after any major incident.

In seeking to reduce the possibility of a terrorist incident affecting your business, a critical aspect is your staff’s awareness. Companies must make security awareness part of their organization’s culture.

Employees are the eyes and ears of a company; they know who is a regular customer and who is not,

they know when something is out of place in their environment and so can quickly identify when action needs to be taken. It is also important that when hiring staff or contractors that thorough background checks are conducted on the individuals.

The control of access in a business is also another vital part of any company’s terrorism prevention actions. This is of course complicated by the nature of the business and the extent to which the business caters directly to the public. It is certainly easier for an organization involved in warehousing and distribution to strictly control access when compared to a restaurant or a hotel.

Nevertheless regardless of the nature of the business, public areas should be clearly defined and all other areas restricted to staff or authorized visitors only. Such actions help reduce the risk to specific clearly demarcated areas. In restricting access, the days of simply placing a sign saying no access or authorized persons only as the method of access control are over, especially if the concern is terrorism as terrorists will not be deterred by just signs.

Businesses must invest in automatically closing doors and electronic access control systems whether card or biometric access control.

As a supplement to the protective measures a CCTV system that enables facial recognition should be considered. There must however be proactive use of the system. In the fight against terrorism one cannot simply have a CCTV system so that if a terrorist incident occurs you can possibly identify who committed the act. The objective for every business must be to prevent any terrorism incident occurring on their property.

As such the business should aim to regularly review the footage of activities in and around their property, particularly if a staff reports that a strange individual was seen either within or in the vicinity of the business. The system must be such that it is easy to provide Government authorities with copies of the video so that they can investigate the individuals and possibly prevent an incident from occurring.

Apart from the overall good public image and hence enhanced revenues that may arise, maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance also has an anti-terrorism benefit.

Companies should ensure good basic housekeeping throughout their premises. They should keep public areas tidy and well-lit, remove unnecessary furniture and keep garden areas clear. Where possible, they should not allow unauthorized vehicles close to their building. Each of these actions makes it easier to see if something is out of place and so requiring immediate action.

The steps outlined above are some of the actions that businesses can take as part of a pro-active terrorism prevention strategy. It is however vital that there is constant monitoring of the various strategies implemented by the company. There is the tendency in the Caribbean to hurriedly implement measures but then not follow up to ensure that the measures are consistently applied and become part of a consistent ongoing operational methodology.

Terrorists do not hurriedly plan their actions but spend time carefully examining a company for weaknesses and so implementing with no consistent follow up provides them with the weaknesses that they can exploit.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Brian Ramsey has a B.A. in Accounting and Management, along with an M.B.A. in Finance and over 29 years in the Caribbean security field. He is the Regional Development Director for Amalgamated Security Services Limited which operates in Grenada, Barbados, St Lucia, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. He can be contacted at bramsey@assl.com.

Image (Top Center): Relatives of the victims of 1976 bombing of cuban airline (Photo Courtesy of Jamaicans in Solidarity with Cuba)

Traditional Guyanese Recipes for Christmas

No matter how many Butterball turkeys we purchase, or how much eggnog and apple cider we drink, a Guyanese Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without adding the cultural panache of its cuisine.

Once you taste local treats such as pepperpot, black cake, and garlic pork served in some homes, you would agree that there’s nothing that can come close to traditional Guyanese Christmas foods.

Pepperpot is an Amerindian-derived dish. It is a stewed meat dish made with spices, cassareep (a special sauce made from the cassava root) and other basic ingredients, including Caribbean hot peppers. Beef, pork and mutton are the most popular meats used. It is also Guyana’s national dish.

Ingredients: 2 pig trotters or 1 cow heel 2 lb stewing steak or brisket 8 oz pickled meat 2lb ox tail ¼ pt cassareep 2 red peppers 1 inch piece of cinnamon stick 3 cloves 2oz sugar Salt to taste Method: 1. Wipe and clean meat thoroughly; 2. Put heel or trotters in pan. Cover

with water and bring to boil. Skim; 3. When half tender, add other meats, and hot water to cover. Cook for about 1 hour; 4. Add other ingredients and simmer until meat is tender. Adjust flavour for salt and sugar; 5. Serve hot.

Pepperpot

Serves Eight.

Note: This dish develops more flavour when left over a period of days. It must be reheated to boiling point each day.

Garlic Pork Ingredients: 3 lbs of pork at least one (1) inch thick; tender cuts are preferred 12 large cloves garlic ½ cup of fresh thyme leaves (stem reserved) or 2 tbsp. of dried Thyme 8-10 wiri-wiri peppers 1 ½ tbsp. sea salt ½ tsp black pepper 2 cups of white distilled vinegar 2 cups of boiled water (brought to room temp.)

3-4 whole cloves 3 additional cloves of garlic, unpeeled 4-5 sprigs of fresh thyme Method: 1. Wipe the meat clean with a damp cloth or paper towel; 2. Using a sharp knife, make little gashes into the meat on both sides. Grind the garlic, thyme, and wiri-wiri peppers in a food processor/mortar and pestle, then pour this seasoning rub in a small bowl; 3. Using a butter knife or your fingers, spread a generous Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 46

Pepperpot is popularly served with dense, Guyanesestyle homemade or home-style bread, although, like most foods, it can be eaten however one chooses — be it with rice, cassava, or cassava bread.

Like the original Amerindian version, pepperpot is usually made in a large pot, and can be reheated and eaten over several days, because the cassareep preserves the meat.

Here is a guide on how to prepare this treasured Guyanese dish, among other traditional Guyanese foods and beverages that are permanent features during the Christmas season. (Recipes adopted from What’s Cooking Guyana)

amount to fill the small gashes in the meat; 4. Salt and pepper both sides, reserving ½ tsp salt; 5. Rub any left-over seasoning mixture on meat slices; 6. Using a wide-mouthed glass jar, start by layering pieces of seasoned meat, stacking until all meat has been placed in the jar; 7. Combine vinegar and water, and pour cautiously into the jar of layered meat until meat is covered by two inches; 8. Gently shake the jar to distribute meat evenly, and place thyme stems and cloves in the jar. Add three cloves of unpeeled garlic, as part of the garnish, and the peppercorns.

9. Place additional sprigs of thyme on top of jar, or slide it down the sides; 10. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, and seal jar tightly; 11. Store in a cool dark place (not refrigerator), and let it rest for 3-5 days; 12. After curing period, drain meat on a rack, and discard liquid.

Do not allow seasoning in the gashes to fall out; 13. In a skillet, pour 3 tbsp. Canola oil; 14. Pan-fry on medium heat, until nicely browned for about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and serve with crusty bread and ginger beer, or desired beverage.

Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 1 ½ hours Servings: 12 slices Ingredients: ½ pound (225 grams) margarine ½ pound (225 grams) dark sugar 4 medium eggs 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla/almond flavouring 1 pound (450 grams) cake and pastry flour ¼ pound (115 grams) breadcrumbs 2 teaspoons (10 ml) mixed spice/nutmeg 1 tablespoon (15 ml) baking powder 3 cups (750 ml) red wine 1 cup (250 ml) rum 3 cups (720 grams) soaked mixed fruits ½ cup (120 grams) cherries ¼ cup (60 grams) peanuts, crushed Black Cake

Method: 1. Cream margarine and sugar until light and fluffy; 2. Gradually beat in eggs, one at a time.

Stir in vanilla/almond flavouring; 3. Combine flour, breadcrumbs, mixed spice/nutmeg and baking powder and mix well; 4. Fold flour mixture into creamed mixture alternately with the red wine, rum, soaked mixed fruits, cherries and crushed peanuts; 5. Scrape batter into a greased and lined 325 cm (10-inch) baking tin.

Bake for 1½ hours at 180°C/350°F or until a skewer inserted comes out clean; 6. Allow to cool.

Ingredients: 1 lb raisins 1 lb preserved carambola fruit ½ lb currants ½ lb prunes 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 (nutmeg, cloves, all spice, and cinnamon) ¼ pound mixed peel ¼ pound chopped nuts 1 tsp vanilla flavouring Method: 1. For the cake: Wash and dry fruits; Grind fruits and soak with ¾ cup of

Sorrel Drink Ingredients: 8 cups sorrel petals 2 ounces grated ginger 12 cups boiling water Dried orange peel (optional) Sugar for sweetening to taste Ginger Beer

Fruit Cake

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

rum. Store covered in a glass jar for 2 weeks or longer; To make caramel: Heat 1 lb of sugar in heavy bottom frying pan until melted. Simmer until dark brown; Cream butter and 1 lb sugar well, add beaten eggs a little at a time, add soaked fruits and rum and enough caramel to make it as dark as desired; Add sifted flour with baking powder, mixed spice and vanilla flavouring.

Fold in peel and chopped nuts; Pour mixture in baking pan. Bake in slow oven at 375 for about 1 ½ hours, or until toothpick inserted to test comes out clean; Drizzle or lightly brush more rum on to finished.

Method: 1. Place sorrel, crushed ginger and dried peel of orange into a pot of boiling water; 2. Macerate for 12-16 hours; 3. Strain, sweeten to taste, and bottle; 4. For preservation, keep in refrigerator. If you wish, add an ounce of white rum to each quart bottle.

Ingredients: 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 Method: 1. Grate ginger with the fine side of the grater; 2. In a large pot, combine all ingredients, except cinnamon and the (3×3) pieces of orange peel;

3. Bring to a rapid boil for 10 minutes.

4. Remove from heat and strain; 5. Use a cheese cloth to remove ginger bits; 6. Pour into a large glass jug; 7. Break orange peel and cinnamon sticks into pieces; add to ginger beer, and bring to room temperature; 8. Place 12 uncooked rice grains in each glass jar; pour into glass jars and let rest; 9. Ferment for 5-7 days; 10. Discard cinnamon sticks and orange peel; 11. Serve over crushed ice or ice cubes.

Photo Credits - www.recipehubs.com (Pepperpot); www.pinterest.com (Black Cake); www.chelseagreen.com (Ginger Beer) Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 47

The Mighty Orinduik Falls:

W

A Natural Wonder to Behold

hile many of the local waterfalls carry their own mesmerizing beauty, the natural exquisiteness of the Orinduik Falls is certainly a wonder to behold.

Stretched out beautifully on the border of Guyana and Brazil, this falls lies on the Ireng River, which is an important highland tributary that thunders over naturally formed steps and terraces made of red jasper before meeting with the Takutu River and into Brazil to join the Amazon River.

In fact, the name of the falls is derived from the Amerindian (Patamona) word, Orin, which is the name given to an aquatic plant found in these falls.

This natural landmark is also sheltered by the undulating, grass-covered hills of the enormous Pakaraima Mountains.

The magnificent Orinduik Falls is a wide, multi-tiered series of cascades which makes it an ideal waterfall for swimming unlike many others.

What makes it absolutely conducive for this exercise too, is the fact that the falls gives way to numerous, natural jacuzzis that are showered by the tumbling falls. The Orinduik Falls in all its glory is approximately 25 m tall and more than 150 m wide.

There are of course, other waterfalls along the Ireng River, such as the stunning Kurutuik Falls, which is approximately 100m tall and is located more than 40 km to the north. But due to how difficult it can be to access these falls, they are rarely visited.

But the unique wide structure of the Orinduik falls is what always manages to captivate its visitors and as a result of its enchanting characteristics, it has been deemed to be one of the most beautiful locations in Guyana’s hinterland. It is also one of the few waterfalls that you can actually get up close and personal with. In fact, many tourists make maximum use of the opportunity to bathe in the enthralling waterfalls.

The Ireng River (or Maú River), upon which it lies comfortably, is also another interesting component of the falls. This tributary forms part of Guyana’s western border with Brazil. It flows through the valleys of the Pakaraima Mountains for most of its length. It is the only major river in Guyana which flows from North to South and it is one of the northernmost tributaries of the Amazon River system.

The larger part of the Ireng River basin forms as the frontier Guyana Inc. - Issue 21 | Page 48

between Brazil and Guyana. The Ireng’s main branches are the Uailan and Canã rivers on the Brazilian side and the Cacó, Dacã and Socobi rivers on the Guyanese side.

These rivers merge with the upper and middle sections of the Ireng which gives the Orinduik falls a gorgeous enclosing effect by these tributaries snaking around it. Their courses are through magnificent formations of sedimentary rocks formed by tectonic movements in ancient times. The Ireng River’s waters are dark, bearing a striking resemblance to that of Rio Negronear Manaus, in Brazilian state of Amazonas. As such, it is considered to be the most picturesque of Guyana’s many rivers.

The Ireng River brings much interesting wildlife to the Orinduik falls as the region is teeming with wildlife. The area is home to such reptile species as the Antilles Leaf-toed Gecko(Hemidactylus palaichthus)and Rainbow Whiptail (Cnemidophorus lemniscatus); amphibians such as the The Sapo Dorado(Bufo guttatus)and Leptodactylus bolivianus; birds including the The Muscovy Duck(Cairina moschata), The Black Vulture(Coragyps atratus), The Southern Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus), The Double-striped Thick-knee (Burhinus bistriatus)and numerous other; mammals include The South American tapir (Tapirus terrestris),jaguar (Panthera onca) and the red-rumped agouti(Dasyprocta leporina).

But the journey to this falls can sometimes prove to be a tricky one and is often advised that first time travelers be guided by one of the country’s most popular day trip, explorers: --The Wilderness Explorers.

The trip to the exotic falls starts with a two to three hour flight from the Ogle Airstrip which can be followed by one to two hours of trekking which would truly satisfy the cravings of nature lovers.

The Wilderness Explorers has been the most active facilitator of trips to this falls and for nearly 20 years; it has been working at the crossroads of adventure travel and community tourism locally.

The agency enjoys organizing the journey, specifically as it relates to getting patrons the best local lodges, prioritizing the activity list, and setting the stage for an unforgettable getaway to the splendid Orinduik Falls.

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GUYANA SECURES 2ND CMRC TITLE -Trinidad finishes a ‘bumper close’ second

G

in the future,” continued uyana tasted the CMRA Chairman.

Championship Paramount to Guyana’s Glory again on win was Kristian Jeffrey who November 16th when successfully retained his they were announced Group Four championship winners of the for a second time.

Caribbean Motor Racing He picked up 225 points Championship’s (CMRC) from an almost perfect country title for a second season leaving his nearest year running. competitor and only Coming home Trinidadian to the final leg, the Images Right (Top to Bottom): Elliot Vieira and Kristian Jeffrey receiving their awards. competition Kristian Boodoosingh Guyanese sat third in the Championship behind Barbados and Trinidad second on 152 points and Trinidad’s Gerard Carrington 58 respectively and Trinidad had seemed to sense an points. opening, preparing a 9 member team in an attempt At the Group two level, Barbadian Mark Thompson to win their first championship since returning to full was forced to concede his title and settle for second after competition last year.

Trinidad’s Marc Gill amassed 189 points from the four A proverbial dog fight ensued between the Trini’s and legs of competition. the 592 boys for a title that was so close to each of them, Guyana’s Shairaz Roshandin ended 3rd with 84 points. and when the dust settled, a bumper of 8 points gave the The Trini’s also picked up the group 3 title after Paul locals their second trophy in as many years.

Vieira carted off 169 points from three legs while Cayman Guyana (936 points) and the ‘Tigers’ team of Trinidad Islands Barrett, who was awarded the most consistent (924) pulled away from the rest of the pack in Barbados and competitive driver of the CMRC 2015 picked up (660) and Jamaica 269 while the lone contender for the second (138 points.)

Cayman Islands Gary Barrett racked up 158 points and Barbadian Kurt Thompson ended 3rd with 104 points Suriname’s Oliver TjinLeipShie 25 points. while Guyana’s Danny Persaud ended 4th with 82 points.

CMRA Chairman Ray Rahaman, who declared the In the Superstock department, Elliot Vieira produced winner, noted, “In four legs, both teams (Guyana and the ride of a lifetime to be crowned the youngest CMRA Trinidad) were able to amass over 900 points. That is an Bike champion after his cousin Stephen had suffered amazing feat.” some amount of injuries a few weeks before races.

“Added to that, to have eight points separate the two He ended with 161 points, clear of Stephen’s 143 and top teams just goes to show that the CMRA competition is not always a run away and we expect more competition Matthew Vieira’s 100 points.

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