Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot E-Paper 31-03-2024

‘Easter brings people together‘

kite maker talks about Guyanese traditions at Easter

Teenager with Guyanese roots blazing a literary trail

- Made history as youngest published author in USA

IN 2015, at the tender age of eight, Anaya Lee Willabus rose to fame, becoming the youngest published author of a chapter book in the United States of America.

qualities. The dedicated and energetic teenager is also the recipient of numerous prestigious awards.

According to Anaya, she

Born to Guyanese parents, Winston and Dimple Willabus, the now 17-yearold award-winning author has since blazed a trail of her own, which includes authoring another three books, being a Youth Journalist and a prolific soccer player, which saw her representing Guyana at the Youth level, among other outstanding

fidence” was written after her inaugural trip to her parents’ homeland of Guyana in April 2014. According to her, upon her return, she started jotting notes from her visit, documenting cultural differences. She said her composition of writings seemed worthy of her parents’ attention and was thereafter drafted on the computer.

For over a year, Anaya’s writing flow, which happened at any time, continually developed into her first published chapter book on May 30, 2015. In the summer of 2015, Anaya went on an extensive book tour, which included Canada, Guyana, and several schools and churches both nationally and internationally. Anaya’s goal was to promote and motivate other children to continue to read and give

credits storytelling in her West Indian home and being an avid reader as having helped propel her to be highly successful at such a young age. She, however, pointed out that “it would be great if there were more readers to support my effort as I promote literacy. In fact, I challenge parents to encourage the reading of books by their children. Remember, you are your child’s first teacher and whatever you expose them to is exactly what they will follow.”

Anaya’s first book, “The Day Mohan Found His Con-

back.

Anaya has since written “A Bully’s Disguise” which was published in May 2016., “Checo & the Homework Passes” in May 2017 and “Make it Happen”- part of a series with several other inspirational authors in December 2018.

Anaya explained that her uncle Mohan Singh’s name was used in her first two books- The Day Mohan Found His Confidence and A Bully’s Disguise! He still resides in Guyana.

‘Easter brings people together’

Local kite maker talks about Guyanese traditions at Easter

WHAT makes something unique? Is it the shape, size, colour, or how many of them there are? Or is it where it came from? For kite maker and craftsman Maurice Prince, uniqueness lies in originality. Prince has graced the streets of Georgetown every Easter for more than three decades. He has become a constant for many of the neighbourhood children in communities like Campbellville, where he is from.

From kites 10 feet high to pieces that fit in the palm of your hand, Prince showcases diversity in his craft. He is as significant to kite-making in Guyana as Easter is to Guyanese. In fact, the Pepperpot Magazine featured Prince and his dynamic kite-making skills in 2021, where the artist encouraged people to use Easter as a means of unwinding following the stresses of the pandemic.

A man of many crafts, Prince has spent many years perfecting his handiwork. And as another year finds him on the streets of Georgetown, he shares why togetherness rises as kites do during Easter.

GETTING INTO THE CRAFTS

Prince had humble beginnings in the village of Campbellville. He had an upbringing like any other Guyanese boy would some

65 years ago. Throughout his early days, Prince was a free-spirited young man. Although he never truly settled on one particular job up until this time, he has always known art was a part of him. He initially ventured into the crafts out of necessity. With the birth of his first child during his late 20s, he realised that he had more than himself to support. He shared: “I got into it when I was like 25 or 28. I started with the craft because I had children.” To Prince, art is about searching within oneself and finding art. It is now left up to the person to bring that art to life. As he shared, “I was born with craft, something inside of me. Just like everybody is born with something inside of them. It is just that you have to search yourself, and I searched myself and realised I could do something out of wood.”

WHAT MAKES AN ORIGINAL

Although most people know Prince as the kite man, he is a man of many talents, and woodcraft was where he took his first step. Prince scouts his community for pieces of wood to carve into something unique. Some time after wood carvings, Prince dived into kite making. Each kite that Prince makes is different. Each one with a different assembly of colours, varying in sizes and with a star that is just slightly different from the next. He manages to make these

individualistic pieces due to his crafting process. As Prince explains, kite making for him is not just for Easter; it’s an all-year activity that begins after one Easter is over. “The majority of the stars is a different kind of star. The assembling is different. It is very rare that you are going to find stars that look like one another. It is very hard to find two kites with the same star or design; they are all different.”

Making a kite, although a seemingly simple endeavour, becomes an immense undertaking when one is asked to complete hundreds. Prince makes hundreds of kites every year. Beginning in August, he collects bamboo and dyes his kite paper by hand. His method of making the captivating flying contraptions that will rise on Easter is authentic in nature.

Setting out months prior, Prince designs each kite component by hand and then puts them together, giving rise to the uniqueness for which his pieces are prized. As he stated, “I collect the bamboo and dye the paper how I want it, and then each piece of paper is cut. I sit down and paste each piece on by hand.” Prince cuts thousands of pieces of paper every year to make the more than three hundred kites he has every year.

WHAT EASTER IS TO GUYANA

The story of Easter is a familiar one, regardless of race or religion. Thousands

of people everywhere set kites to the sky to symbolise the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As Guyanese, Easter is as big a day as any national holiday. As much as it is a time for spiritual reflection, the occasion has also become a Guyanese tradition in countless ways. Apart from the vibrant kites and warm cross buns, Easter is also a time of togetherness when the diversity of Guyana is truly showcased. This is something that Prince knows plenty about. Throughout the years, he has seen Easter change and evolve, becoming bigger and better each year. Two things that remain, however, are kite flying and the undeniable unity that Easter fosters. Prince shared that, “Easter is a time that brings people together. People come together during Easter. When people come is everybody: African, East Indian, Amerindian.”

kites Prince has this year

The Rotaract Club of Georgetown - positively impacting the lives of persons in need

EVEN as there are opportunities for networking through numerous efforts to collaborate with corporate entities, President of the Rotaract Club of Georgetown, Liam Wong, says the real deal lies in positively impacting the lives of persons in need.

The ‘Georgetown’ club, the oldest of six in Guyana, continues to embark on various community initiatives. “The life of the president and Board of Directors is very rewarding; the truly rewarding aspect is being able to positively impact the lives of persons in need, whether children in need of school supplies or senior citizens that just need to know they are not forgotten,” Wong expressed. “Being a part of such a prestigious organisation really impacts your life as you’re provided with opportunities to improve the lives of others while simultaneously improving your own personal and professional development.”

According to Vice President Kimberly Manbodh, the club, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Georgetown, has executed notable community-driven projects while influencing other clubs in Guyana and across its District (7030) to be a force for positive change. A twin relationship has also been established with a club in Trinidad, Rotaract Club of St. Augustine West.

The club meets bimonthly, on the first and third Saturdays, and it has 28 pinned ‘Rotaractors’ and 36 guests. “And in one week, we’ll be pinning eight prospective members as Rotaractors,” Manbodh told Pepperpot Magazine.

“The club has executed impactful projects thus far and was awarded the highest honours by our District,” Wong shared. Some of these projects included the Art of Public Speaking, the launch of an Anti-Bullying campaign, pampering and entertaining senior citizens, executing back-to-school initiatives across various regions in Guyana, and, most recently, hon-

ouring and establishing a relationship with the Gifted Hands Learning Centre for World Down Syndrome Day.

“Coming up, we will further explore opportunities to expand the Anti Bullying Campaign, a CPR and First Aid training programme that will offer attendees international certificates while also providing potable water to a community in need,” Wong disclosed.

Just recently, the club commemorated World Rotaract Week with a series of events under the theme, “MEN: MEN, MENtal Health and MENtorship.” This celebration, observed globally, highlighted the dedication of young professionals towards community service, professional development, and fellowship.

“Men in Focus” saw female club members surprising their male counterparts with thoughtful self-care hampers, promoting mental health awareness and support. A Good Samaritan Act followed as the club extended a helping hand to the homeless in the vicinity of Regent Street, demonstrating

compassion and solidarity with the less fortunate.

A highlight of the week was a training session on “How to not be a RINO: Rotaractor In Name Only” facilitated by Giselle Holder, Assistant Rotary Coordinator for Zone 34, Trinidad and Tobago, emphasising the importance of authenticity and integrity in service.

Among other activities, the week concluded with an adventurous “Into the Sunset” tour to Bartica, featuring team-building activities and culminating in a relaxing evening at the Mary’s Sunset Resort and Bar.

The club theme for this year is “Serve with Passion,

How the Orientation and Mobility programme is making a difference

- To those who are blind or visually impaired

FOR persons who are blind or visually impaired, completing even the simplest of tasks can seem daunting and like a mountainous endeavour, unless, of course, they are equipped with the right set of skills to aid

Apart from navigational and mobility skills, those who are blind and visually impaired are taught to use the white cane effectively, along with assistive technology such as the computer with the JAWS software, their

them along. And this is what the Orientation and Mobility programme aims to do for them.

The Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) started the programme in January 2022, and thanks to funding from ExxonMobil, hundreds of persons in the disability community would have so far been able to tap into such training.

mobile phones, tablets with screening reading software, and the like.

Most of the phones would have the text-to-speech feature, so they’re taught how to use it and do simple chores in their homes like cooking, navigating the rooms, and so forth. “This programme was absent for many years in Guyana. It was existent between 2005 and 2007 but it was suspended,” GCOPD

Programme Director, Ganesh Singh, shared with Pepperpot Magazine.

But something had to definitely be done to reactivate it. “For these persons, it is essential that they acquire independent living skills because, without them, they are unable to function independently and unable to be productive. For example, a blind person who is highly educated with their CXC subjects; if they don’t know how to use the computer or navigate independently, or use public transportation, how would they get a job? How would they go to work?”

Singh pointed out.

When the programme started, it ran for one year,

ing, “We also teach assistive technology in terms of the software needed and how to use their devices; how to use your cane, because it’s not about just holding it and walking.”

Jagmohan would mostly work with persons in Berbice communities where she grew up, visiting their homes with other mobility officers to teach. The layout of things in their homes would of course, be different, so the in-person visit is often invaluable.

“We teach colour contrasts to those who are visu-

and within just that period, some 450 persons benefitted. One of the things that make it particularly effective is that the programme is being implemented by officers who are either blind or visually impaired. They thus have the experience, in addition to the training they would’ve received from GCOPD, to provide the kind of hands-on training to those in need.

Sharing an experience of a beneficiary whom he knew of, Singh related: “An older gentleman, about 51, is very limited with his academic background. He had no idea how to use a smartphone. Now, he can use Facebook and WhatsApp to call his family. He was blind all his life and didn’t know how to use a smart device. We are also working with children to learn these skills so they

can be able to function fully in school.”

A technique to everything

Lata Devie Jagmohan is one of the mobility officers who acquired a vision disability roughly 11 years ago when she was just 18 years old. Understanding the challenges quite well, she said it was easy for her to share her knowledge and teach the programme contents to others.

“We teach how to navigate your stove, how to turn over your shirt, make your bed, sweep and wipe out. There’s a technique to everything. Sometimes these ones develop their own techniques and we learn from them as well,” Jagmohan shared, add-

ally impaired. If you have a white stove, get black pots. For those totally blind, we advise them to get to know their stove; hold it, explore it, get used to the width, the size, the distance between each burner; keep feeling it, touching it, playing with the knobs.”

Currently, the programme is being rolled out in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, and 10. The officers are willing to work with more persons wherever they are because they understand how important these skills are.

The programme is free, and people who would like to benefit can call 611-0818; they can send a message on Facebook or call the Guyana Society for the Blind on 226-4496.

A new passion brings employment for Aruka River resident

SHAKIRA Yipsam is enthusiastic about many things that have been happening in her favour, and it has enhanced her life in a very meaningful way as a trained beekeeper and consultant who is training others to use the drone.

The soon-to-be 20-yearold hails from Aruka River, Region One and is the first in her family to be trained in beekeeping with Green Enterprises, mangrove honey and as a drone operator with the Barima-Mora Passage Drone Unit.

Yipsam will be among the point persons in her village when the Honey House project is realised, and she is training three others in her community on beekeeping in the afternoons.

She told the Pepperpot Magazine that she was the most proficient student from the first batch of four trainees after successful training conducted by Caliper Drones, a privately owned company.

Today, she is training 10 other girls to use the drone including those from the Imbotero Research Centre

(IRC).

Ypisam stated that the training is ongoing and the representatives from Caliper Drones are present to do demonstrations for a five-day period.

She related that training others to use the drone without supervision is necessary since she cannot do it alone, and their role entails monitoring the mangrove forest the Barima-Mora Passage, which is 50,000 hectares.

“Young women supporting young women grow their droning skills is a powerful

combination, and I am very pleased to be a part of it and we grow as a unit to empower each other,” Yipsam said.

Beekeeping

She explained that in 2022, she and another young lady benefitted from an intense training programme hosted by veteran beekeeper Yimochi Melville in Mabadap, Rupununi, Region

Yipsam revealed that Conservation International Guyana facilitated the experiential orientation capacity of Region One.

Several young women have since been trained in beekeeping. Their hives will be in the Barima Mora Passage Mangrove forests, where the nectar of the black

Nine.

Yipsam added that the Barima Mora Passage beekeeping trainees learn about smoking the hives and honey extraction.

She reported that beekeeping is one of several Green Enterprises being established in the massive mangrove forests in the Barima Mora Passage, which will produce excellent, high-quality honey unlike any other.

mangrove flowers produces premium quality honey. The new product to the organic line from the Green Enterprise initiatives are in several remote communities, thus providing sustainable employment.

Life in Aruka River

Yipsam told the Pepperpot Magazine that as a local who has spent all her life in the small riverine village,

life is simple and safe there and does not see herself relocating. She added that, in Aruka River, all commuting is done via paddle boats or boats outfitted with outboard engines to make the journey faster.

Yipsam is from a family of seven siblings. Her mother is a teacher and her father is a fisherman turned poultry farmer/labourer. The young lady reported that Aruka Village is set in nature and it is the perfect place to live if you prefer natural settings.

Even though things are often difficult and inaccessible, she likes the quiet, peaceful life it brings, even as a border community.

Yipsam stated that if someone had told her three years ago she would be empowered to do things to enhance her life, she wouldn’t have believed it, but it is real and happening.

She pointed out that, today, she is a role model for others in her village and she is taking her responsibilities seriously.

Yipsam related that they live closer to Mabaruma and they do not have a lot going on in terms of high-paying jobs, but they have schools and an Information and Telecommunication Technology Hub (ICT) that enables online learning.

She disclosed that, in Aruka Village, there are more than 390 residents, mostly of Amerindian descent and also of mixed race, and they rely heavily on farming, fishing and hunting to earn a living.

Another birthday and a flashback

EARLIER this month, March 12, 2024, I celebrated my 86th birthday, and one of the things which pleased me immensely, was the extra special treatment which I received from my wife Pat, my daughters Arlene and Venita, and other close friends and relatives. I received phone calls and emails from friends, relatives and colleagues. There was no birthday party as we know birthday parties to be. Just a special breakfast and an extra special late lunch. In more recent years, I have reduced my food intake to just two reasonable good sessions. As I age, I follow closely the advice of professional nutritionists. My present eating regiment has been reduced to quality and not quantity, as was the case in my younger years.

You may recall six years ago, I wrote a feature article which had the headline; “This Elderly Gentleman Welcomes Age 80” which was when I became an octogenarian. That was a super personal achievement. As the producer of the Radio Programme series, The Eighty-Plus Club, on Radio Demerara, back in the 1970s and 1980s, I was then qualified to apply for membership of my own organisation. Be it known that as someone who never flinches from protocol, I did the required thing, and applied for membership of The Eighty-Plus Club.

No doubt, you do realise that, with all things in my favour, I was immediately and gladly accepted by the one-man committee of management.

So, here I am, recording for posterity, the history of The Eighty-Plus Club; one of the most popular local Radio Programmes in the history of radio in Guyana. The catalyst of The Eighty-Plus Club goes back to the broadcast of Salute To Senior Citizens on Radio Demerara. That popular radio programme was first hosted by the charming Pat Cameron, endearingly referred to as “Auntie Pat” by the majority of Radio listeners. When Pat Cameron migrated, the programme was presented by the talented and competent Margaret Lawrence. It is sad to know that all the tapes on which those historic recordings were done, have allegedly, been erased. My understanding is that many other important and historic events which were recorded, such as my own personality profile in which many Guyanese

personalities such as the author of “To Sir, With Love” as E.R. Braithwaite, Rohan Kanhai and Sir Clive Lloyd, have been carelessly erased as well.

Chance meeting with Godfrey Wray

I had previously known the veteran journalist Godfrey

to take a brief stroll along Arvida Road. That turned out to be a life-changing occurrence; I met Godfrey Wray. During our brief conversation, he invited me to write a weekly article for the Sunday Chronicle.

Wray for many years. We were only acquaints. However, we always took the time to engage in “a lil gyaff” whenever we met. Those conversations were usually about the latest “Breaking News of the day.” Then one day, there was a chance meeting with Godfrey Wray at Linden on the Upper Demerara River. I was there with the BANKS DIH Limited team for its Annual Shareholders’ Branch Meeting at the Bauxite mining town. Having put everything in place over an hour early, I decided

Godfrey Wray told me of his expectations. He desired and expected many of my articles to be about the cultural activities of which I was involved. Also, articles which related my experiences travelling to the far-flung areas of Guyana, as well as abroad. He expected articles about interesting personal activities, as well as those of others who I can garner. My articles, however, were not to be about scandals and activities of the kings and queens of the underworld. Godfrey Wray commissioned me to write about the things which he knew I was deeply involved, such as Theatre.

One of my articles on theatre was about the proliferation of gun violence in plays. In that article, I made it clear that I was against that sort of thing. That is not to say that I am totally against the implication of a firearm in a play; but how it is employed. For example, I made it clear that no way was I supportive of actors running all through the theatre amongst the audience chasing one another with firearms. Serious things can happen. So serious that I refrain from any mention of such in this article.

And so, here we are. That I am writing for the Sunday Chronicle, is because of the invitation of the late Godfrey Wray. I remember him from time to time, and marvel at how a leisurely stroll along a pavement, can become a joyful ongoing writing journey. Godfrey Wray has already made that journey which we all will make one day, from here to eternity. Nonetheless, as I continue to walk this earthly paradise - Guyana and elsewhere - I write on.

Returning to the Roots

Exploring the deep roots and bright future of agriculture in Cove and John

THE community of Cove and John has a history rooted deep within agriculture. From its first people who founded the village on the back of agriculture to the revolutionary modern industrialised agriculture the village hosts today. Cove and John is the embodiment of the agricultural excellence of the nation.

The village is bordered by vast rice farmlands that are at the centre of countless villagers’ livelihoods. Deonarine Shiwsankar is one of these rice farmers. Deonarine was born and raised in Cove and John and knows the impact agriculture has had on the community better than many.

GROWING UP IN COVE AND JOHN

Throughout the years, many have coined the community of Cove and John ‘Little India.’ The title was derived from the village’s past of indentureship, which left many Indians to settle in the community. Through the years, however, the village has seen diversity flourish.

People from all walks of life from surrounding communities have settled in the community. Deonarine shared this as one of the best qualities of his community. Growing up, he fondly remembers the peaceful relationships shared among neighbours, African and Indian alike. This culture of unity has had a great impact on Deonarine’s

upbringing. He sums up the experiences of his youth in a few words, sharing that, “I was born and raised here, it was good. Everybody used to live well.”

After attending school in the surrounding area, Deonarine embarked on a new venture, which was marriage. He met his wife when he was quite young, and the pair

got married sometime after. As blissful as marriage was, children came, and the family had to make crucial decisions. As the family grew, so did the struggles. Faced

learned in Guyana. He developed his skills and eventually became a certified plumber. He shared his experiences; working in the

decades ago, and many people came to the community in search of the chance to

with challenges and opportunities, Deonarine set out for the United States of America, where he spent 17 years working in New York. Venturing from the then-smaller,

humble village of Cove and John to the vastness of the ‘Big Apple’ was a change unlike any other. And according to Deonarine, the people were as cold as the weather. He admitted that he missed his homeland, stating that, “I never really liked living in America. It was cold and I had to work hard.”

But faced with adversities, Deonarine called upon the resilience and lessons he

countless homes and apartment buildings of New York day in and day out was a feat on its own; but knowing you have a family to provide for was a challenge many could not undertake. His wife and children eventually moved to New York, and for many years, Deonarine was unsure whether he would return home to Guyana. But the love for his country and the desire to retire in the Caribbean sun pushed him to return a few years ago. Returning from the cold, was like picking up where he left off. As he stated, “I came back to Guyana about a year or so ago to live. I started rice farming again and opened a little shop.”

ROOTS AND RESILIENCE

Agriculture in New York is an unfamiliar concept as that concrete jungle has very little greenery, leaving Deonarine feeling disconnected from nature. Growing up, his family, like many others, was dependent on agriculture. Beginning with his great-grandparents, Deonarine’s family has deep agricultural roots, and none more prominent than that of rice. Rice farming has played an integral role in the development of the community and the region throughout the years. It was a pivotal economic power some three or four

grow rice. But it is a massive undertaking. As Deonarine shares, rice farming is by no means easy. It requires knowing the weather and keeping a close eye on the crop. As he shared, “I came back and started rice farming again. I opened a shop with agricultural things for rice. I know plenty about rice and many people come here and ask me about their field.”

Returning to the Roots

Today, rice is still alive and well in the village of Cove and John. The old trade does seem to be getting some new craftsmen, however. There has been an increase in younger people getting into agriculture in the community, particularly rice. Deonarine considers this a good thing. He tries his utmost to help the younger generation of rice farmers in any way he can, whether it be advice or helping them find the cure to the issues they may not know how to solve.

For Deonarine, returning to Guyana, although a big change, was still a familiar one. Returning to Guyana was like coming back to the one thing he has always known. He explained that his many years abroad did not do much to change him. He is happy that he learned all that he did. But at the end of the day, returning to his roots just felt right.

“Happy Phagwah, Easter, and Ramadan.”

Cove and John Swami talks about the blurred lines of religion and tradition

THE Cove and John ashram is as peaceful as it is beautiful. Located in the far end of the village and existing for more than 20 years, the organisation has become a pillar of the multicultural community it calls home. As the Easter season quickly approaches, Guyanese are ready to celebrate and commemorate as they always do: vibrantly, larger than life, and in unity. Guyana is the embodiment of cultural togetherness, with everyone celebrating countless religious holidays, and Easter is no different. The Pepperpot Magazine sat down with Swami Shivshankar Ananda to discuss what makes a holiday and what makes a tradition, and why both are celebrated so deeply by Guyanese.

The Swami and the Community

The community of Cove and John is like the majority of Guyanese communities in its emphasis on religion. The diverse community and its surrounding counterparts are home to temples, churches, and mosques. The Cove and John Ashram is among the largest in Guyana and has an accompanying school. The organisation was established in 1956 and has been an integral player in the community since its inception.

Swami Shivshankar is the spiritual head of the establishment. He is dedicated to his life and to what he calls serving humanity. Many of his beliefs are founded on one major principle, which is the principle of peace. This principle of peace has become the core message of his teachings to his students as well as to members of the community.

As he shared, “I came here on February 20, 1994, as a young man to pursue my yearnings, my desire to live this life. Before I came here, I had been living very much outside. This organisation gives me an opportunity. So, I heard about this great organisation and I decided to come and join it. Today, after undergoing many trainings over the years, I have established myself here. By

the name of it, continue your legacy. Continue the work of my teacher, my guru. I am very proud to be here.”

The people of the village of Cove and John are a culmination of persons from surrounding villages far and wide. This has given rise to the rich cultural vibrancy the village has today. Cove and John residents are also very supportive, giving aid to each other and crafting a gentle, friendly relationship among people. The Ashram has noted this and has the same relationship with the community, especially the community’s youth. “Hindu College is a college. It’s an institution for all, despite your ethnicity, your religious background, or where you come from, we embrace all because we stand for education and to help those individuals to develop themselves. Education transcends all, despite your ethnicity, your background, whatsoever,” said the Swami.

Easter in Guyana

As the kites take the sky and families come together once more, Easter in Guyana will undoubtedly be an

come every bit as traditional as it is religious. Speaking on behalf of the religious aspect, the Swami stated its importance to spiritual people alike, sharing that, “Easter, we will be celebrating Easter a few days from now. It’s an occasion that marks the arising of Jesus Christ. It’s a moment of reflection that brings all together, reflecting within one’s life the quality one possesses. The mark of Jesus Christ rising after three days reminds mankind of the quality he possesses within, that each and every one of us has that divine quality.”

Stating further, he encourages Guyanese everywhere, regardless of religion, to rise above negativity and to collaborate as we always have. He stated that, “We can all rise above the negativity and the darkness in our life and establish ourselves with righteousness. Easter reminds us of righteousness. Arise above the negativity, arise above unrighteousness, and establish ourselves with righteousness. So, it reminds mankind that he needs to

remind himself that within his being there is divinity.”

Our people and how we come together is just one of the things that makes Guyana the great country it is. We embrace each other and this collaboration has given rise to much development.

As the Swami states, “We have embraced all religions, and the Guyanese on the whole have been celebrating without any regrets because Guyanese have grown to be very mature, very respectful, very loving, and very kind. And they have that religious tolerance to one another in this country.”

He further added that, “We are proud to be one Guyanese, one Guyana, in this beautiful country of ours that we embrace all. And we will participate, we will celebrate in the occasion. And despite our beliefs, despite our faith, we respect one another, we love one another, we show that tolerance. And with that in mind, we grow together spiritually, economically, physically. We mature together, we grow together. And in such a community,

in such an atmosphere establishing in Guyana, we can grow together and we can be able to achieve our goals together.”

Guyana’s cultural diversity and unity are unique. Throughout the decades, we have erased many lines of cultural segregation, and no time is that more on display than at times like Easter. As the Swami stated, “If we can have that tolerance, compassion, and love for one another, we will grow spiritually, not only for ourselves but collectively we can grow. And that quality between all of us on these occasions is there to remind us of these qualities we possess and we should be able to reach out to one another during this time and share those good qualities that we have and let us grow spiritually together. I want to wish all of our Guyanese brothers and sisters a Happy Phagwah, a Happy Easter, and all the best for the Ramadan period also.”

explosive occasion. Although the Christian holiday has a religious aspect, it has also given rise to countless traditions. Throughout the years, Easter has be -

Finding Meaning in Art and Agriculture

A Cove and John man talks about his journey of growing and creating

MOST days, you could find John Clowse watering his garden and tending to his beautiful array of flowering plants. Moreover, up until a few years ago, John could be found bringing pieces of wood to life through his amazing fine art sculptures.

The 75-year-old has been retired for more than two decades. Having lived a truly enriching life full of travel and lessons, John lives his life at a slower pace these days. However, that is not to say that life is bad. To John, life after retirement is just as important as one’s youth. It is the time when you can exercise all that you have learned and become the person you have always wanted to be.

The community of Cove and John is well known along the East Coast. With its unique name and mysterious roots, the community has given rise to countless businesses, creative endeavours, and notable people. John Clowse and his wife are among the very first people to settle in the backlands of the village, making it their home for the past two decades. According to John, the village’s people are a culmination of people from various walks of life.

“Many of them came from surrounding villages, like Victoria Village, and some from Paradise, “ he stated during his talk with us.

People of Cove and John have varying dynamic experiences and a shared appreciation for each other. The village was originally home

to a population of Indo-Guyanese. Over time, and due to various circumstances, Afro-Guyanese from surrounding areas have also settled in the community.

John was born and raised in the captivating community of Canje in the county of Berbice. His upbringing, although humble, was colourful and filled with experiences that crafted his love for agriculture. “My grandfather worked on Rose Hall Sugar Estate as a shovel man. They called him Shovel Gang. My grandmother was a baker and gardener, backyard gardener, and florist. They loved flowers and planting and so on. And my mother was a seamstress, gardener, homemaker, and so on. And we started schooling in Cumberland.”

After sharing more than five decades as a pair, John and his wife Carmen are just

as in love as the day they met. He reminisced about his youth and how their shared love for agriculture and art brought them together. “My wife grew up in Pomeroon.

Her father was exclusively a farmer. There’s no other means of employment or occupation in the Pomeroon River. Except you’re either farming, or you have a farm,

or you’re out of there. There’s no other means of livelihood. And everybody is self-sufficient in Pomeroon. Everybody has a farm. Everybody does farming. Everybody depends and lives off of their farm.”

Together, the two lead an enriching and captivating life. The husband and wife duo travelled across Guyana, experiencing the hinterlands and savannahs. Through their adventures, John was inspired. After returning and settling in Cove and John, John undertook the next venture in his life: art. For many years, John has created amazing fine art pieces. His wood sculptures were inspired by everything from the orchids of the Roraima foothills to Bob Marley and John’s love for his wife. His home resembles an art gallery, with wooden sculptures and paintings covering the walls. Today, John has redirected his energies and is more dedicated to his garden. Art, however, is still a big part of him, and although he says he has created everything he was inspired to create, John believes that art still lives within many of us. John and his wife have taken to the next stage of his

“Not all heroes wear capes”

This year’s Kids Fest seeks to create an experience

NATALYA Thomas has long sought to create something different and entirely new to Guyana. An occasion that was unlike anything Guyanese children have ever seen; but something that was still Guyanese in essence. Several years later, she set out on her mission of Kids Fest 592. The event has become known throughout the last few years as an exciting ensemble of colours, life-sized balloons, and captivating activities for children of all ages. This year, however, the event has taken fresh steps. Kids Fest has grown to become bigger and better. With more people involved and goals in mind, Natalya hopes to create an experience fueled by childlike wonder this Easter.

This year’s Kids Fest will be held under the exciting theme of ‘DC versus Marvel.’ The idea was inspired by Natalya’s desire to make the event engaging for all ages. With a theme as vast as superheroes, Kids Fest is sure to be all-inclusive and educational. As Natalya shared, “Every year we want to stay relevant and stay in tune with what is actually happening and what the kids actually like. So that is one of the reasons why I would have decided to choose that theme. Because I realised that it is a good theme amongst young people and even adults. You find that even older ages are very much interested in superheroes.”

The theme goes beyond the matter of costumes or decorations, however. Last Sunday, the children of Kids Fest held an event that defines what it truly means to be a hero. In what was surely an amazing experience in its own right, the children set out to the streets last week to donate food and clothing to the homeless. She described the response from the children, saying, “The children basically were superheroes in that case, approaching the people and helping, and providing them with hot meals and clothing.”

The idea that evolved into a theme has now become somewhat of an initiative. Kids Fest aims to inspire children, making them superheroes in their own right. As Natalya stated, “The idea is to be a hero, in whatever likeness. You can also look up to somebody who is a superhero and pattern off of them. It could be a mom, it could be a dad, it could be anybody who would have done something for us to put a smile on somebody’s face. And again, you don’t have to go to the extreme. It is the simple things that count, which would basically be like what we did providing meals, pro-

viding clothing.” She further added, “It really created an impact, and I know that having the kids involved with something of this sort, to not only teach them to be kind but teach them to take humanity seriously and to cherish and treasure the things they have, and not take it for granted. And all of these things are eye-openers for us to appreciate life better in a different light.”

This year’s installment of Kids Fest is a two-day event on March 30 and 31 (today) at the Promenade Gardens. Natalya stated that this year’s event plans on

SEE PAGE XX

MAY THE DIVINE BLESSINGS OF EASTER BE SHOWERED UPON US ALL!

AMONG many Guyanese, especially children, Easter is regarded as Easter Monday. Easter is the Sunday before the Monday, for it is on Sunday that the Resurrection of Lord Jesus occurs, the event which gives the Christian religion its existence and validity. Easter, therefore, commemorates the Resurrection of Lord Jesus, and this strong belief in the truth and actuality of the mystery and divinity of that event prevailed over the centuries until the 19th century when various new sciences such as anthropology, sociology, history, archaeology and others emerged and began to be applied to events and beliefs of the past.

When some of these new Sciences were applied to Easter, they came to several strange conclusions, such as Easter was a fertility cult, manifesting death and rebirth; that Easter was a Teutonic religious observance with its eggs and rabbits and the name “Easter” being “Eoster”, a Teutonic goddess, and so on. Hard facts, however, deflate these conclusions, which attempt to show that Easter was a pagan observance. For example, the Resurrection is only named Easter in the Teutonic languages, while in the Latin languages such as French and Spanish, it is called Pascal, a name which is related to the Jewish “Pesach” or Passover.

We could, therefore, confidently dismiss all suggestions that Easter is a pagan observance.

In addition to the proven Historical milieu of Roman Palestine and the emergence of Christianity, the authenticity of the faith and its core event, the death and Resurrection of Lord Jesus, is given strengthened validity when its basic theological assumptions and ethical teachings are seen to be congruent with those of older non-Abrahamic Faiths such as Hinduism and Buddhism.

For instance, in Christian teaching, God takes the form of a human being -Jesus- while in Hinduism, God has done so throughout history whenever human life and conduct have so deteriorated as to necessitate the intercession of the Divine in the world.

When God takes Human form, it is known as an “Outar” and Lord Krishna, an Outar, actually reiterates this propensity of God in the Bhagwad Gita. To Hindus, therefore, Lord Jesus is an Outar. The characterisation of God as a Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit does not negate the Oneness of God; Hinduism also has a similar Trinity, which likewise does not negate the Oneness of God.

In Ethics, Jesus rejected the “eye-for-an-eye” for “turning the other cheek” ethic, and this is seen when dying on the cross. He asks God to forgive his murderers and tormentors rather than to punish them. This is similar to the Hindu teaching of compassion for all living beings, even animals. The belief that Jesus was the Son of God had conquered death and that his life and teachings are divine is now known and accepted universally.

Easter, the triumphal arising of Jesus from the dead, cannot be fully understood without its linkage to Holy Week.

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday when Jesus, riding a donkey, makes a triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where he is greeted by crowds waving palm fronds and proclaiming him ‘King of the Jews’. On Tuesday, Jesus visits the Temple and drives out the money changers and business groups, re-establishing it as a place of God.

The priestly class, the Sadducees and Pharisees, felt that Jesus was a revolutionary who was bent on upsetting society and so planned his death. On Wednesday, Judas Iscariot,one of Jesus’ disciples, is suborned to betray him. On Holy Thursday, Jesus knew he would die the next day.

THE REDEMTION OF HUMAN SOCIETY PREACHED THE CHRIST, FOR HIS DEFIANCE WAS HE CRUCIFIED…

Many people we all know, if confronted based on the unscrupulous acts that they have practised, the deceptions and betrayals that accompany what is normal in the management of their pursuit towards success, will respond to any such confrontation most likely with a popular question: “ “Who yuh think I is, ‘Christ, wuh yuh want me fuh do?”. They would likely do so while launching a debate in defence of self, of comparisons with others we know.

Whether this mystical revolutionary lived is still debated, but what is true is the existence of profound acts and logic attributed to the character of the man Jesus, who attained the level of the ‘Christ’ (‘Khrist’ in some cultures). That challenges the mass reaction to things that, if given thought to, would insert principal thinkers where principles and ideals are restricted, where such cultural and mental formations are hardly

relevant or encouraged as an active norm.

For example, let’s look at the stoning of the prostitute. Jesus halted and asked the crowd of stone throwers, “let who among you that is without sin cast the first stone.” The Christ had to be a powerful man physically to halt such a confident crowd, causing them to rethink their perceived righteous cause to self-explore for a moment and be influenced not to follow an age-old custom. This could not have gone well for him among the priestly hierarchy, especially when he allowed this very lady to be among his followers.

Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, the main scribes of the New Testament, may not have witnessed all the events that they scripted. But it is the strength of the content that requires the exploration of the era of this character, that summons ‘our’ attention. We also do recognise, as it is with most, that religions have also been idolised, redefined and abused,

and Paganised into a symbol of oppression. However, we explore the narrative and confront logic that cannot be easily cast away.

Of the most revolutionary narrative allotted to ‘The Christ’ is when he was aggressively asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come. He replied that “The Kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, ‘lo here! or lo there’, for, behold the Kingdom of heaven is within you.” If the Kingdom of God is proposed to be governed by an institution of principles, values and moral dictates, then the Pharisees and their brethren and sisterhood today were advised to pursue the Kingdom of God through their moral and active principles rather than manmade social connections with deceptive private rules. Likewise, the blatant definitions attributed to the scribes and Pharisees with their double standards. Then he defined the scribes more directly in Mark 13 38-

40: “ Beware of the Scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the Market places. And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts: Which devour widows houses, (had to be through legal means) and for a pretence make long prayers: These shall receive greater damnation” The Christ was an activist for social change, and so, finds relevance in the daily references of all who seek to understand the symbolic and the corporeal, also reading the script of our times.

But the ‘Christ’ summoned a duel response. The religious officialdom more linked to his Hebrew heritage feared his exposure of their comfort with the Roman

colonisers and Herod the puppet king to shift blame. Meanwhile they remained the central controllers of most of the populace, except for extreme groups, like the Zealots. This particular Jesus, who was winning the ears of the common people, with his parables and subliminal messages, had defied all religious traps set for him. Including the simple test of his ego, when a ruler asked the Christ, “ Good master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? ” The Christ is written to have responded, “ Why callest thou me good? None is good, save one, that is God.” He proceeded to guide the man to obey the commandments and abandon his pursuits of excessive wealth at all costs indirectly,

to achieve salvation.

The Christ was betrayed through bribes, and mass hecklers. My take on Judas is that he wanted a real human revolution, and he thought that if Jesus was compromised, then he would use the divine to possibly liberate himself and the land from both the Romans and the corrupt priesthood class. Judas demonstrated no Joy when Jesus was crucified and he committed what was described as a dishonourable death, after the crucifixion of the Christ: he hung himself. Both Jesus and Judas, according to the narrative, were directed at the upliftment of the condition of the human masses, but interpretations of methods

SAY YOU LOVE ME III

IT was almost dusk when she awoke, and she lay there for awhile. Her mind slowly adjusted to the log cabin she was in and the strange people taking care of her. She tried to pull herself up and cried out a little in pain. The native woman came in at once and helped her to a position she wanted.

“Just relax,” she told her, “I’ll get some food for you, you must be hungry by now.”

Sarah surely was and she ate a good meal of native and English dishes. Maria watched her approvingly and voiced, “In the next few days, you’ll regain your strength.”

“Thank you,” Sarah expressed and laid back with a satisfied sigh, but her mind was troubled.

The shock of losing her memory slowly resurfaced in her mind and it caused a throbbing pain in her head. She inhaled slowly, closing her eyes to avoid another breakdown. When she reopened her eyes, Nathan was just entering the room, and seeing him filled her with that new warm feeling again. The glow from the dim light in the room reflected on his rugged handsome features and she knew for sure it wasn’t the herbal tea now.

“Hey. How are you doing now?”

“Better,” she answered softly.

“Quite happy to hear that.”

There was a moment’s pause, and then she asked, “Where am I?”

“You’re in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region on a small resort I own.”

She looked perplexed and felt like crying again.

“I wish I can remember…” her voice trailed away.

your own.”

“And that’s how I fell in love with the place,” he stated.

On the third day, she felt stronger and could leave the room on her own to sit in the living area with its unique décor, it’s natural beauty and coziness radiating a kind of happiness. On one wall was a shelf with a collection of books that attracted her interest and she sat down with one by the window.

She nodded.

“Would you like to talk about it?”

She took a deep breath and told him, “I was with a church group doing some community work and spreading the word of God in indigenous villages. The last trip was going up the river through the rapids but the water got very rough and I fell overboard.”

“You will,” he consoled her, “It could be just a short-term memory loss.”

“What’s gonna happen to me if I don’t?”

“You’re safe here under our care and the scouts should be back soon with information on the boating accident. From that, we will know who you were with and we can contact your family.”

She sighed with relief, “Thank you for being so kind and helpful.”

He touched her hand lightly and said, “Just relax. Everything will be fine.”

He left and came back later. Maria helped her to have another refreshing bath, and the little girl, Ariel, helped to brush her long hair. He looked at her and took a slow, deep breath, “You look quite refreshed.”

She smiled just a little, happy for the care she was given. “Think you’re strong enough for a little walk outside?” he asked.

“I could try.”

“Here, let me help you.”

He took her arm and leaving the room for the first time, she looked around awed at the beautifully decorated cabin with a unique mix of modern and local furnishings.

“It’s beautiful!”

They stepped outside, the cool air stunning her a bit, and she inhaled deeply with the freshness.

“This,” he presented to her, “is my little paradise.”

Smaller cabins were around, and the ground was beautifully landscaped with palms and flowering trees.

“This is so splendid,” she expressed, awed by its natural beauty and serenity.

For those moments, she forgot her troubles, feeling like she was in a beautiful dream.

He held her hand to ensure she was steady on her feet as they walked around.

“So, this is a resort for tourists?” she asked.

“Yes but on a small scale because I am more involved with the ranch.”

“It’s so peaceful and beautiful, like you’re in a world of

Somehow, as she sat there in quiet comfort, she felt like she wanted this.

“I wonder…” She left the thought unfinished as Maria came in with breakfast for her.

Nathan came back from the ranch during the midday hour to see how she was doing, and he was pleased to see that she was moving around on her own.

“It’s kind of a long drive from the ranch to here,” he told her, “But it’s worth the while to see you’re doing better.”

She smiled for the first time from her heart, and that smile filled him with an overwhelming feeling of relief and joy. They had lunch together and he told her in casual conversation about a little of his work and service to indigenous communities. She found that very interesting, but a shadow flashed across her face and he asked, “What’s wrong?”

“I-I can’t even tell you anything of my life and what I do.”

He reached across the table and gently squeezed her hand, “In time, you will. This is probably just a phase in your life.”

At mid-morning on the fourth day, as she was immersed in a good book, Nathan came in with some papers in his hand. There was a look of relief on his face, slightly shadowed by worry. He sat down, not saying anything for a moment, and then told her, “The scouts found where the accident happened.”

He handed her some pictures that showed the river and rapids, the boat that had taken her up and the group she had made the trip with. Her hands trembled as she looked at the pictures, and a loud gasp escaped her lips, and a flashing light exploded in her mind. She collapsed, and Nathan, with quick reflexes caught her before she hit the floor. He called for Maria as he laid her gently on the bed and then they both tried to revive her. Sarah regained consciousness and sat up, gasping with shock.

“Hey,” Nathan said to her comfortingly, putting his hands on her shoulders, “Take a few slow, deep breaths.”

She did that and managed to calm down, Maria gave her a glass of water to drink and after she was calm enough, Nathan asked her, “Did you remember something?”

Tears misted in her eyes as she told him her name, who she was and how excited she had been to go on the trip visiting a few different reasons for a little adventure.

“And I almost died.”

She was starting to get overwhelmed again and instinctively he embraced her so she could stay calm. His embrace gave her the comfort she needed, and she relaxed and felt safe in his arms.

After a long while he let her lie back down, saying to her, given her fragile state of mind, “Don’t worry about anything. I’ll send out a message to your family informing them you are safe and as soon as the doctor clears you to travel I’ll send you home with a chartered flight.”

Three days later she returned home to a joyous and tearful welcome from her family and friends, church members and even some children from her class. It was a heartening scene and Sarah was overwhelmed by the show of concern from those whose lives she had touched. It was a hectic week for her with visitors everyday and interviews with different media houses.

Her story of the disaster on the river, her rescue and memory loss, and the strangers who cared for her captured the interest of the nation. One media house travelled all the way to Nathan’s ranch to interview him, which made her story even more interesting.

Her colleagues teased her, “Remember we told you he will find you, though not under that circumstance.”

“Yeah” Sarah smiled, “It was God’s will.”

It had pained her heart that day to leave him and when he had kissed her lightly just before she boarded the plane, she knew he was feeling that pain, too. She missed him so much and missed Maria’s food and her little daughter’s care.

It felt like she had left a big piece of her heart there and Jared, noticing the change in her, knew he could never now win her heart.

Three weeks later, as she lit the candles in her church, she whispered, “I have to go back to him, I can’t stay away longer.”

“That is also my thought,” a familiar voice said from a little way behind her, “That’s why I’m here.”

Sarah turned around and gasped in surprise.

“Nathan, you’re here, and with Maria and Ariel!”

“We missed you too much and the cabin had become kinda dull without you.”

She laughed, an incredible rush of joy filling her heart as he hugged her.

“I missed you too,” she whispered and for a long moment, they stood in each other’s embrace in God’s home.

“It’s all in God’s will that I found you,” Nathan said in a low tone, “And I want to say I love you.”

Tears misted in her eyes, for that love was also in her heart.

She hugged Maria and Ariel, “I’m so happy to see both of you.”

And they walked out of the church together to a beautiful life that awaited.

“Not all heroes ...

FROM PAGE XI

being different from previous years for a number of reasons. As the event continues to grow, it continues to garner support. With more support, the event will undoubtedly be bigger and better. There are several new additions, with the pageant and hat show among the most anticipated. Another big part of what Kids Fest hopes to promote is family time. Natalya began Kids Fest with the idea of family as motivation - family and giving children memories they will have for a lifetime.

Kids Fest gives families time to reconnect. Amidst the kites, excitement, and activities of this year’s event, family bonding is just as integral. As Natalya stated, “Well, I would like to stress family time. I would also like to stress the whole initiative behind it. I mean, the idea is we are all superheroes in our own right.

Or we should try or aim to be superheroes in our own right. Because not everybody is fortunate. Not everybody has the luxuries of living in a comfortable home or a comfortable environment.”

Crafting an experience and beyond

Natalya and the Kids Fest team hope to develop the event into a nonprofit organization. Currently, however, Kids Fest is by all means a Guyanese rendition of Disneyland. With all the games and activities one would expect, backed by authenticity and Guyanese flair. Having more children involved is also a big goal for Kids Fest. As Natalya shares, “To have your child participate in our Kids Trust initiative, first and foremost, you can reach out to us on our Facebook page, or you can reach out to us by our telephone number, which is on the Facebook page as well.

And you can let us know. What we will try to do next year is a lot more early recruitment of these kids so that we can have a longer-lasting platform where they can get more involved in doing more good deeds in whatever field.”

Change and growth are also pillars of Kids Fest. As Natalya explained, the Promenade Gardens will come alive this year with everything from bouncy castles and cartoon characters to countless games and shows. “Every year, we try to create something new, a new initiative so that these children can get involved and give back to society and whatnot.” With all that Kids Fest has to offer far beyond the day of the event, it is more than simply a fun day. As Natalya shared, “It is not just about the event; it’s more of the experience, the entire experience.”

Some of the childre that were apart of the ‘Not all heros wear capes’ walk

Food Justice—access to healthy and quality food for all

THE general misconception is that the world lacks food for many people. That is not true. In fact, we can feed the world’s population 1.5 times the global population with the excess amount of food being produced. With this in mind, we still have people across the globe hungry, wondering where their next meal will come from daily. I addressed the concept of “Food Insecurity” last week and explained the importance of understanding what it is. However, as we dive deeper into addressing No Poverty and Food for all we should also be able to speak on the most important aspect of it.

Food Justice is the right to grow, sell and eat healthy or nutritional food. Food Justice is a movement dedicated specifically to the advocacy and awareness of universal access to nutrition and nutritional food, as well as access to affordable food and culturally appropriate food. As human beings, we have rights that should be able to protect us. Regarding the right to health, all human beings should be able to access healthy food without fear or discrimination.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case. People cannot access quality food because they simply can’t afford it. People are unable to access quality food because of their race or origin due to centuries of oppression. People cannot afford healthy food because they do not have access to land or affordable farming land. These and many more realities can be described as the structural challenges and systemic obstacles that prevent people from accessing quality and healthy food.

Food Justice seeks to address these barriers because access to healthy food is a human right. The sad realities of good insecurity include people buying the cheapest food options, such as fast food or lower-quality groceries, because of their lack of finances. This lack of finances can be tracked to their origins or social group because of the financial divide among social groups. With that in mind, people are forced to buy unhealthy options, which makes them unhealthy citizens. In the United States of America, many studies proved that people of colour are more prone to developing obesity and diabetes than that of their European counterparts.

This is why Food Justice is important. It tackles food insecurity and challenges to access at the root level. If this social movement is new to you, then I would advise you to read more on its history and significance and what its purpose can mean for us in Guyana. Why is it that some social groups eat better than others? What cultural factors are to be considered? How do we bridge the gap between the access to healthier food options for all Guyanese? These are all questions you can consider if you’d like to explore this topic further to create impact.

You can contribute to the global Food Justice movement by advocating for better access to healthier foods for all in your communities. You can create a community food pantry for the less fortunate, volunteer at a soup kitchen to serve hot meals or advocate for policy reform regarding land access for farmers. There are currently three main levels to Food Justice and they include: Black/Coloured Led Food Justice, Food Worker Justice and Indigenous Food Justice. Black and Indigenous Food Justice addresses the intersection of racial discrimination and food insecurity, while Food Workers Justice focuses on the fair treatment and payment of workers in the food industry.

At the end of the day, I do hope that you realise that food is a necessity and a human right. It is not a luxury or a privilege. Everyone should be able to access healthy, clean and affordable food—regardless of who they are.

MAY THE DIVINE BLESSINGS OF...

He washes his disciples’ feet, has his last or farewell meal with them and then goes to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. As he completed his prayer and during the hours of darkness, he was arrested and taken to the Priests who tried him and sentenced him to death. Death sentences could, however, only be carried out by the Roman courts, so he had to be sent there.

On the morning of Friday, Good Friday, he was taken to the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, for trial. Pilate found him not guilty of any crime and was about to free him when he realised that the Priesthood was about to stir up widespread disorder, and Pilate was forced to condemn him to death. The Priesthood then took him over, made to carry the heavy cross on which he was to be crucified and as he kept falling down under its weight, he was whipped. All the time he was mocked and a crown

of thorns placed on his head with the words “Jesus Nazarethi, rex Judaicum” - Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. He was then crucified and as he was about to expire, he prayed to God to forgive his murderers and tormentors with the words, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” His family were permitted to take down his body and place it in the tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea. The body was prepared for proper burial on Saturday, which was a time of anxious waiting for the believers. On Sunday, when his family returned to the tomb, they found the heavy stone covering had been removed and the tomb was empty.

Jesus was seen walking about, and he visited his disciples when Thomas insisted on touching his wounds to ascertain that it was indeed Jesus. Other people saw him and knew he had conquered death. The Christian Religion was now justified and established.

In Guyana, Easter is celebrated on Sunday and Monday. On Sunday, there are church services by various Churches, with the Catholics and Anglicans being the most elaborate and colourful with the joyous message of “He is risen” resonating contrasting with the sad and sorrowful Good Friday services where the Stations of the Cross are enacted.

Easter Monday, a secular holiday, is a time of public rejoicing. There is ubiquitous kite-flying and picnicking, cake baking, family lunches and dinners, exchange of gifts and Easter greetings and Easter music on the airwaves, and there is a widespread feeling of the freshness of a new day offering peace and creativity to all Mankind. Adherents of all the various religious Faiths in Guyana vigorously participate in this celebratory aspect of Easter, and many may have even attended the Good Friday and Easter Sunday Church services.

Finding Meaning in Art ...

FROM PAGE X

life, retirement. An aspect of life that is oftentimes not discussed, John has no fears about the slower stage of his life. He sees this time as a rebirth, a chance to be all that you could not be in youth.

As he shares, “The better part of your life is after you’re retired. When you can make use of the skills, talents, and abilities that you have… nobody can take them away from you. After you work, you give up your designation because you don’t have to have a designation and a title anymore. You have to have just the confidence in yourself to live on what you have acquired over the years.

So, we live, my wife and I. Both of us, we rear layer birds. We sell eggs. In fact, in this village, we must be the only people who are.”

After living a life as vibrant and exciting as John and his wife have, a life filled with adventure and experiences that have given rise to creation, many may argue that slowing down means a halt. But John disagrees. He describes this as the best time in his life and sees it as just a stop before the next endeavour. As he shares, “When you reach 55, you’re at the zenith of your health. You’re just in the middle, just past the middle. You’re too old to be young and too young to be old. But you still have a lot of life. A lot of what is in you is still coming out. A lot of your life, a lot of what you can do is still coming out. You’re still becoming better at some of the things you used to do on the job. And you still find a lot more meaning from those things when you give them up. Because you see the benefit, you see what you can do. And you sometimes surprise yourself by what you can do. But you have to have a partnership, a support-based system in your life.”

Teenager with Guyanese roots blazing ...

Currently a Youth Journalist with the Canarsie Courier newspaper for the past three years, Anaya founded her nonprofit The Stalwarts Youth in 2016 to promote literacy and to empower the youth.

Commenting on her stint with the Canarsie Courier, Ayana said, “I can’t believe how the years went by so quickly. When I started writing for the Canarsie Courier back in 2020, I did not envision myself writing long-term. The journey has been a very rewarding and fulfilling experience.”

During the pandemic, her organisation, The Stalwarts Youth, donated over one million pounds of food throughout Brooklyn and other boroughs. Additionally, it donated a record-breaking 60 thousand face masks and other well-needed resources to the community.

Anaya travels nationally and internationally to speak about the importance of reading and the benefits of a quality education. She also has many other titles which she earned, including being President of First Responders Leo Club, soccer player, track star and violin player.

As a Leo, Anaya is the recipient of the Robert J. Uplinger Award for her leadership and community work, Knights of the Blind- Distinguished Award for her exemplary service and stellar leadership as the Leo President of First Responders Leo club, Lions International President Brian Sheehan recognition and Club Pride Award for outstanding performance during the year as the Leo President.

Anaya pointed out that although she thoroughly enjoys reading, she believes that it is incredibly important to have a balanced and fit lifestyle! She enjoys spending time playing her favourite sport, soccer. In her free time, she spends time with her family and friends.

Anaya has appeared in many newspapers and on radio and television shows, locally, nationally, and internationally. She was a guest on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Fox 5 News, PIX 11 News, NY Daily News, Caribbean Life, The West-Indian, News 12, BRIC TV, HOT 97 (Ebro In The Morning), WGN Radio 720, Chicago, WSYR 570 Radio- Canarsie Courier, and most recently Color Magazine.

Also, many celebrities, including Kelly Rowland (Destiny’s Child), Yandy Smith, Amy Poehler, Debra Cox, and many more, follow and support Anaya’s achievements.

Since the publication of Anaya’s first book, she

has met with many political leaders, social activists, and community leaders to speak on the importance of literacy.

According to Anaya, over the past nine years, she has crossed paths with Congressman Hakeem Jeffries - House Minority Leader and Leader of the House Democratic Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives and have been recognised by his office for her participation in the Juneteenth

event in her community. She has also been selected by the NYPD Guyanese American Law Enforcement Association - GALEA as last year’s NYPD Detective Randolph Holder, Jr. Scholarship recipient and by NYC Mayor Eric Adams for the Citation recognition for her eight years of community service.

Among her many other cherished awards is the Golden Arrowhead Award of Achievement and Distinction at the Cooperative Republic of Guyana 52nd Independence Anniversary celebration presented by the Guyana Tristate Alliance

Inc., Acknowledged as a Leader of Tomorrow. Councilman Matthew Eugene awarded Anaya with special recognition for her dedication and service to her community at the Guyana Tri-State Alliance Inc.- ‘Leaders of Tomorrow’ Golden Arrow Head Ceremony in 2018 Anaya was born and raised in Mill Basin, Brooklyn. At the age of two, Anaya was taught to read. Thereafter, she began to memorise books, demonstrating an acutely photographic memory. She immerses herself in reading books of all genres.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

The man must have a rare rec- ipe for melancholy, who can be dull in Fleet Street.

CHARLES LAMB (1775- 1834) The Londoner, in letter to Thomas Manning, 1802.

STUDY SUCCESS

Dear Student, Welcome dear friend. To help you read a text accurately on geography or explorations, you must try to understand the important

MARCH 31, 2024

information therein. Such texts have routes that are very similar. Reading accuracy comes when you take time to refer to the text constantly. Also, accuracy comes from relating the text to an accompanying map to trace routes in which you have an interest. The latter is the most natural activity for this kind of reading. Be wise.

Love you.

THE POEM

Notes on capitalising words:

i) Consider the fact that the first words of each line in a poem are usually capitalised is a convention, nothing more!

ii) Consider that a capital letter may indicate the start of a new sentence or idea, or it can signify importance when applied to a certain noun or pronoun in the middle of a line.

iii) Consider also that the absence of capitalisation can create a more relaxed or subdued tone in a poem.

iv) It is noted that flouting the usual conventions of punctuation and grammar still enables poets to write great poetry!

Read the following beautiful poem carefully and then answer Items 1-3 on what is stated or implied.

One swings upwards towards the sky, ascending cool stairs of rope which end, like magic in clouds 5

Another does cartwheels, hurling grass into grass.

A third peels cane with the teeth.

The rest, imagination programmed by T.V., 10 play cowboy.

Tonight, circled by snow

In a foreign country, I praise one of the children who stood alone, 15 hearing old drums under the bam bam bangarang; who passed into manhood through the eye of the sun, and smelted lonely calypsos and “soul” against the long morning of English rule.

(Source Unknown “The Children”)

1. What does the expression, “The rest, imagination programmed by T.V.” suggest (line 10)

(A) The T.V. stimulated their creativity and reactions.

(B) The poet admired the games more than the other children’s.

(C) The T.V. programmes in-

fluenced their imagination.

(D) The children were more active because they watched T.V.

2. Which of the following can be said of the child who stood alone? (line 15)

(A) He was not idle like the other children.

(B) His tropical spirit survives English cultural influences.

(C) He is able to endure the cold snow in a foreign country.

(D) After attaining manhood, he did not lose his appreciation for music.

3. The main message of the poem is that

(A) it is best to assert one’s cultural identity

(B) we should expect contrast in the attitudes of youth

(C) a happy childhood world is lost through immigration

(D) there is need to liberate ourselves from the past

THE PASSAGE

Text comprehension

Note: When you are trying to locate specifically required information, usually you need not read the whole text carefully. What you can do is to try to find in which paragraph the information you are looking for is likely to be, then read this paragraph with more attention.

The exercise: One of your friends tells you she has found a perfect idea for the coming holidays and gives you the newspaper article where she found it. You read it quickly through to learn more about this possibility.

This is what you want to find out:

The number of such houses

Price

How old the organisation is

Number of people staying each year

Overall description of “Landmarks”

Overall description of Landmark Trust

The Text:

Our family has just spent the weekend in a Gothic temple. It stands in the grounds of Stowe School, more than 200 years old and the work of the architect James Gibbs. It is one of more than a score of vista-stopping set pieces - temples, follies and monuments placed to arrest and enchant the eye in splendidly landscaped parklands.

They have been beautifully restored and adapted as a holiday piece by a discreet but extraordinarily effective organisation called the Landmark Trust. Landmark started in 1965 by restoring one modest but attractive cottage in Cardiganshire. It has since restored quite a few and began to offer their property as places for “mildly improving holidays.”

Now each building it owns is structurally sound, sensitively restored, comfortable and convenient, at least for holiday use – and all very much wanted. More than 10,000 people stayed in “Landmarks” last year, and the trust is constantly having regretfully to turn people away – even though it almost never advertises. Some stay in them for a few days, occasionally for several months at a time, but usually for one or two weeks. Rents in Landmarks are not cheap. They run from £4 a night for some in winter up to £150 a week in summer for a wonderfully positioned building.

(Adapted article from “The Sunday Times”)

Taste the temperature

TOUCH the tip of your tongue to an ice cube for a few seconds. If the flavour starts turning salty, you’ve passed the thermal taste test. Such an experiment exemplifies the finding that the temperature of the tongue tempers taste. Specifically, researchers have discovered that heating the tip of the taste and speech organ evokes sensations while cooling it produces sour and salty flavours. In other words, depending on the temperature of your food, you can consider whether the meal is tasty or not.

The temperature-taste tie could help explain how the brain is told what the tongue is experiencing, said study authors Alberto Cruz and Barry Green of the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, CN. They described the first evidence that warming and cooling regions of the tongue can produce tastes.

While previous electrical recordings of taste nerves had pointed to their sensitivity to heat and cold as well as to chemicals, scientists are puzzled over whether the brain interprets such terminal stimulation as taste or temperature. New research showed cooling the tongue tip about 15 degrees Celsius below normal mouth temperature produced a sour taste, chilling it another 10 degrees elicited a salty flavour and rewarming it induced a sweet taste sensation. While some of the 16 subjects noted no difference, many others reported a surprising “clarity and strength” in the effect, the researchers said.

Researchers have absolutely no idea about the mechanism underlying the phenomenon. These findings remind us how little we know about the coding of sensation in the oral cavity. How the nervous system filters out activity due to changes in the temperature, pH, and various concentration gradients from those associated with tastes remains somewhat mysterious.

Understanding how the nervous system is fooled into registering a temperature change as taste may help us understand some of the basic processes in taste coding.

Knowing that manipulating the tongue’s temperature can produce the same gustatory effects as chemicals does provide clues to the physiology of taste. It was discovered that specific tastes can be produced by temperature stimulation, just as certain chemicals can evoke only certain taste qualities.

The implication is that the tongue’s receptors that respond to chemicals have properties that also make them sensitive to a change in temperature. Furthermore, the receptors that respond to cold and heat likely are not uniformly distributed since the thermal taste differs on different parts of the tongue, the tip being the most prone to perceive sweetness, the side, sourness, and the back, bitterness.

Thermal taste probably does not affect the taste of most foods and beverages because the temperature conditions that produce it are rarely encountered during eating and drinking, and when they are, the chemical taste of foods and beverages tends to mask thermal tastes.

Frozen foods and desserts provide the best opportunity to determine how thermal taste influences flavour. To a salt-sensitive person, for example, an ice cube held to the tip of the tongue will begin to taste salty after a few seconds. The study is significant in at least three ways: First, thermal taste answers a very long-standing question about the temperature sensitivity of the taste nerves and indicates that the (central nervous system) interprets this stimulation as taste, not as thermal sensation.

Second, the phenomenon raises several questions about the physiology of taste. Most notably, what is it about transduction mechanisms for the types of temperature change? And third, the differences in the incidence of thermal taste on different parts of the tongue and across individuals indicate a great deal of diversity in taste innervations. Finding out more about this diversity should provide important new information about how the taste system works and how the perception of taste varies from person to person.