After a close battle with the Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) representative, Junisha Johnny, Sherryanna Balkaran, the Patamona beauty who hails from the peaks of the North Pakaraimas in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) was announced the winner of the biannual Miss Indigenous Heritage 2017 in the wee hours of Sunday, sending her supporters in the crowd into an uproar. Balkaran has undoubtedly done her Region proud, as the Paramakatoi community secured the coveted title for the third time since the inaugural hosting in 2005. The event, which boasted an evening of…
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Guyana’s Postal History: First Day Covers
Stamps released on an envelope are referred to as ‘Official First Day Covers’ – signifying the first day of release. In addition, information leaflets known as ‘Stamp News’ may also be issued providing collectors and users with the historical background and significance of the said stamps. Stamps provide a vivid reflection of history through the ages. At the time of issue, virtually every stamp has clear historical significance. There are various types of stamps issued for several occasions. Commemorative stamps honour important people, events or special subjects of national appeal…
Read MorePowerful life lessons from a 90-year-old
The United Nations (UN) designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons. This year’s theme is: “Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society”. In observance of this day, Sunday Times Magazine interviewed 90-year-old Angannie Roopchand – who outlined some powerful life lessons and her opinion on how we all can make the lives of our senior citizens better. International Day of Older Persons According to the United Nation’s website (www.un.org), “this year’s day is about enabling and expanding the contributions…
Read MoreFinding Solace in Donna’s Room
In tough times, cancer patients find independence and comfort with the help of Periwinkle Club Generally persons diagnosed with a life threatening illness require much love and support from family and friends, sometimes they even require professional help for the emotional and psychological strain bought on by their condition. That’s where Donna’s Room at the Periwinkle Club comes in. Donna’s Room is a place of solace for cancer patients and survivors. It is a place where persons can receive counselling, comfort and relaxation. A collaborative effort between Periwinkle Club and…
Read MoreA Blind Otter’s Story
Due to being blind, Buddy required special attention; he would not have survived very long in the wild in Guyana. Jacksonville Zoo, in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.A., was looking for a giant river otter to add to the gene pool, and so the decision was made to send Buddy to that zoo. Recently, a photo of Buddy was featured on the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Facebook page, which attracted several comments by visitors who spoke lovingly of the otter, prompting us to retell his story. Buddy’s Story In 2013, Sunday…
Read MoreThe Guyana Hemophilia Society
Hemophilia is a rare disorder in which your blood does not clot normally because it lacks sufficient blood-clotting proteins (clotting factors). Consequently, there is continuous bleeding, even from the smallest injury. To sensitise the public on this blood disorder, a team of amazing people formed the Guyana Hemophilia Society (GHS). Establishing a worthy cause The Guyana Hemophilia Society was founded by Laurence and Lloyd Bakhsh – two hemophiliac brothers – along with a family member, Freda Figueira, on March 6, 2014. The Society acquired registration as an official Society under…
Read MoreInteresting Facts about British Guiana
Homestretch Avenue was built on the ‘homestretch’ of the former D’Urban Park Race Course, named after Governor Benjamin D’Urban. Benjamin D’Urban’s tomb can be found in Pointe Claire’s Field of Honour, Canada. The Papineau cemetery, where his remains were originally buried, was in the way of building a new access ramp to a bridge. D’Urban’s remains, along with those of other Canadian soldiers who have served internationally since the 18th century, were transferred in 1944 to Last Post Fund’s National Field of Honour in Pointe Claire, Montreal, Canada. Durban, in…
Read More‘Live2Lead’: A Leader Development Experience in Guyana
Live2Lead is a leader development experience designed to equip individuals with new perspectives, practical tools and key takeaways. You’ll breathe new life into your leadership during this information-packed event, which will be happening in Guyana soon. Presented in Guyana on October 6, 2017, Live2Lead is a worldwide leadership simulcast event hosted by the John Maxwell team in Guyana, comprising of Vishnu Doerga, Sonia Noel and Rawle Dundas. Speakers at the Live2Lead event in Guyana include Dr John C. Maxwell, leadership expert and #1 New York Times bestselling author, coach and…
Read MoreGuyana Space Stamps
While collecting stamps from around the world is a popular facet of this hobby, collecting stamps related to a subject or a concept is also common. Topics can be almost anything, from stamps on stamps, birds, trains, cars, music, to famous people, events, astronomy or space. There are estimated to be as many galaxies visible in the universe as there are stars in the Milky Way – over 100,000 million. So, it is surprising that not many of them are featured on stamps. As space exploration grew, so did ‘Astrophilately’…
Read MoreEagerly looking forward to the past
By Petamber Persaud Very often, and too often with immense gratification, I get the urge to put aside the reading of current books in preference to delving into those published a while back, especially reprinted rare and out-of-print material. This browsing is not too difficult for me for I am accustomed to ‘marking up’ my own books, highlighting words, phrases and extracts of interest. For instance, while flicking through “Beacons of Excellence: The Edgar Mittelholzer Memorial Lectures – Volume 3, 1986 – 2013”, I stumbled on the following passage: One…
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