Category: Features

Life can sometimes throw us a curve ball, but the will to overcome obstacles can be brought to the surface when we are faced with challenges. This is true of two exemplary women who have fought and beaten breast cancer. Rosaline Clarke Because of her strength, her determination and her positive outlook on life, Rosaline Clarke embodies the spirit of a true cancer warrior and stands as a prime example that breast cancer is no match for a woman like her. Known to most as ‘Ms Rosie’ or ‘Sister Rosie’,…

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At the time of emancipation, public health services in the Caribbean were all but non-existent. Many of the larger sugar estates made some provision for the care of the sick (it was in the planters’ interest to keep their slaves fit and healthy), but medical expertise was in short supply and when the estates closed there was little to take their place. The passing of the Public Health Act in Britain in 1848, however, made health the concern of the state, and this sea change was reflected in the Caribbean…

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By Ann Wood When one thinks of collecting British Guiana stamps, their mind may immediately be drawn to the British Guiana 1856 1c Magenta, which sold for US$9.4M in 2014 and is considered the “world’s most expensive stamp”. However, there is only one person who can fill in that space in his British Guiana stamp collection and that is currently Stuart Weitzman, an American shoe designer. Even Queen Elizabeth II (QEII), a stamp collector of British Guiana stamps, is missing the 1c Magenta in the Royal Philatelic collection. So, what…

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By Isahak Basir, CCH The Dutch occupancy of Essequibo began in the early seventeen century even though this territory had changed its name at certain periods, from Maracro Coast to Arabian Coast in the early 19th century. The Dutch established Fort Island in the Essequibo River as their command centre, and communicated to those in Essequibo by boats. Several human manipulators and oars propelled these huge wooden boats. The ordeal from Airy Hall to Fort Island by such a boat can take about three hours. A huge silk cotton tree…

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By Ashraf Dabie Focused on creating opportunities for persons with disabilities, the U.S. Embassy Georgetown, through its Youth Action Network (YAN), turned its attention to Berbice with a mission of empowering youth leaders within the county to better serve the disability community. This initiative took the form of a two-day Conference and Service Day Project, which was hosted last weekend and made possible by a collaborative effort between YAN and the St. Francis Community Developers in Port Mourant, Corentyne. A group of over 20 volunteers attached to YAN, the official…

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Lymphatic filariasis patients offer advice on coping and surviving the disease By Indrawattie Natram Several filariasis patients in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) are offering words of advice and encouragement to fellow infected individuals to remain positive despite having to live with this debilitating disease. Vibert Munroe, 69, a rice farmer of Richmond Village said he “inherited” the disease from his mother at the age of 16. Munroe has severely suffered from the disease, which is also commonly known as elephantiasis. Despite painful and profound disfiguration, Munroe has managed to live a…

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In October 1845, a management committee was appointed to supervise the construction of the project. Eventually, a bill proposing the construction of the railway was passed by the Court of Policy in July 1846. Then in March 1847, Frederick Catherwood began his task of building the railway. For the Georgetown’s terminus, the Demerara Railway Company purchased an area at the junction of Main and Lamaha Streets in the city. Here, in August 1847 work commenced on the building of a large railway station with workshops, coal sheds and large water…

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Apoteri is located at the confluence of the Rupununi and Essequibo rivers, about two and a half hours, during high water season, from the administrative centre of Annai. The village is the most remote of the North Rupununi communities. Apoteri is an old Carib village known since the days of Schomburgk and Im Thurn. It was a stopping point for travellers exploring Guyana’s hinterland in the early 1800s. The name Apoteri comes from the Arawak name of a tree. The history and development of Apoteri village is closely tied to…

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By Julia Dimon With jaguars, anacondas, black caiman and piranha, the jungle is home to a long list of creatures eager to eat, squeeze, bite or nibble on you if given the chance. With so many predator-free high-end luxury resorts around the world, it’s a wonder why people would choose to spend their vacation time in the thick of nature, (far from air-conditioning, room service or cable) battling the elements. Seems counter-intuitive, but learning to survive in the jungle is the exact reason why I, like the many other adventure-seekers…

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…a visit to the land of my ancestors BY VAHNU MANIKCHAND About two weeks ago, at around 03:30h on October 1, I set foot on Indian soil – the motherland of my ancestors and a country I always dreamt and hoped of visiting, but never thought I would have had the opportunity so soon. I was there for an Indian Government-sponsored familiarisation trip that lasted seven days, but the memories and friends I gained will definitely be embedded in my heart and mind forever. Along with me on this journey…

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