Category: Features

Subrina Kryshundayal, an aspiring paediatric cardiologist recently acquired her second degree, a B.S. in Biology from Hofstra University in New York. This young and talented professional of Guyanese parentage has a strong interest in naturopathic medicine and is currently employed as an office coordinator at a private cardiology company in New York. Subrina is also involved in quite a number of volunteer projects in New York City since she considers herself as having a passion for helping those in need. Most notably, she serves as a volunteer at a domestic violence shelter for women and children in N.Y. Her desire is to one day establish her own…

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The genesis of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) can be said to have developed from 1954 when the British Colonial Office invited a British professor to investigate “possible measures of social security” for British Guiana residents. By 1958, his proposals led to a 1963 report analyzing the setting up of a national pension scheme, which in turn led to government in 1964 considering obtaining expert assistance to implement an NIS Pension scheme. According to the NIS website, in September 1965 Mr. Niall Mac Cabe, a permanent official of the I.…

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By Andrew Carmichael – One of the survivors of the Matouk Falls Cuyuni River boat tragedy David Prass said only the captain of the vessel was wearing a life jacket at the time of the mishap. In an interview with Guyana Times International, Prass said after the incident, he was told if they needed life jackets, the onus is on them to make the request before the boat leaves. Recounting what transpired on May 25, he said the boat was about to come down the falls when the engine “cut…

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By Petamber Persaud – Producers: “Growing up Caribbean”, a 13-episode television series; the Caribbean Poetry Project (Cambridge University), and the Ministry of Education with Janice Shinebourne – a silent partner. Location: Dining room of Cara Lodge, previously the Taitt’s Family Home.   Cast: John Agard, Grace Nichols, Michael Gilkes, Petamber Persaud and the good ghosts of memories lurking within that architectural landmark of Georgetown.           Music: Sounds of Georgetown traffic, car alarms going with Dave Martins in the background. Story and Screenplay: Petamber Persaud It was…

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The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha plays its part in ensuring that a forum is always present to develop and nurture youths. One such forum is the Dharmic Naujawaan (DNJ). This youth arm of the Sabha fosters the development of Hindu youths to meaningfully contribute towards the development of Guyana, through the initiation, facilitation, sponsorship, propagation and implementation of religious, educational, cultural and social activities.     The group was revived on October 1, 2000, and gives youths a sense of belonging, a place to share their views, develop their ideas,…

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Former Deputy Commissioner of the Protected Areas Commission, Denise Fraser said ecotourism in Guyana remains virtually untapped. Speaking at the recent launch of the “Wetlands of Guyana” publication by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Fraser noted that the important economic benefits of wetlands and their biodiversity are being increasingly recognised not only in Guyana but around the world. The Guyana government is pursuing a Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which views biodiversity and conservation as well as the Protected Areas Commission as playing critical roles in meeting developmental objectives. According…

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The national expectation was great as were the plans to herald British Guiana into the field of independent nations as the 23rd member of the British Commonwealth. While the main event was slated for May 25 at the Queen Elizabeth Park (now National Park), the events to welcome the more than 3000 VIPs and returning Guyanese were planned from Sunday May 22 to Sunday May 29, thus portraying the excitement and extended involvement of people in all parts of the country as part of the historic moment. The main flag…

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The Rotary Club of Jamaica, Queens, New York, along with Queens Centres for Progress, had a great turnout for their annual Bar-B-Que and fun-day.   Attendees included many of New York’s finest from the NYPD, including the Commanding Chief of Queens South, James A. Secreto and the respective commanding officers of the Precincts. Officers of the NYPD, the staff of QCP, and fellow Rotarians helped in preparing and serving food and drinks for all to enjoy. There was fun for everyone, including music and a well appreciated magic show. It…

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Surama, Iwokrama and Dadanawa Ranch chosen for film locations Steering away from the much highlighted landscape of beautiful Guyana, actor, director, playwright, dramaturge and film-maker Michael Gilkes and his team are now focusing on showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous people of Guyana in his upcoming film, “Maira and the Jaguar People”. “It’s a film inspired by my experiences with Guyana’s indigenous people living in the rainforest. People seldom visit the rainforest to see the people they go see the landscape. When I was a boy my father…

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Guyanese-born businessman creates dolls that reflect a multi-ethnic world Noticing the obvious lack of dolls with various ethnic backgrounds in a market filled with blond-haired blue-eyed dolls at the time, U.S.-based Guyanese Percy Newsum embarked on a mission to provide a product that would exceed the expectations for the price, keeping in mind that its major role would be to give parents access to a product that would help build self-esteem in their children. Newsum was born and grew up in New Amsterdam. He attended Berbice High School, class of…

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