Category: Features

By Petamber Persaud Whenever we think about the history of the National Library of Guyana, the name Andrew Carnegie looms large in those considerations and reminiscences. But his is not the only name of substance, nor is his most fundamental gift of establishing the library the only noteworthy contribution carrying the library into its 108th anniversary in September 2017. However, his was the most significant contribution to the library. The National Library has grown in stature since the early years of 20th century, overcoming many challenges, even the death knell…

Read More

Go on a remarkable journey where legends, themes and worlds come alive through evocative art Works of art can stimulate, astound and transform us. For this reason, a visit to the indigenous art exhibition being held at Castellani House is a must. The exhibition, which opened on September 6 in celebration of Indigenous Heritage Month, showcases awe-inspiring, naturalistic paintings, drawings, crafts and sculptures. Additionally, the art exhibition, which is being held in collaboration with the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, pays homage to a pioneer promoter of indigenous art and…

Read More

By Isahak Basir, CCH Charity, Pomeroon River, is said to have existed about 3,000 years ago. It has a population of over 5,000 and exhibits a well laid out housing scheme which is ever developing. This small township is the main intransit point leading to Region One, Venezuela and Trinidad and holds a rich cultural heritage. Charity has all the basic amenities inclusive of banking and customs facility as well as road and river transport system. It is an exciting hub for tourists. Originally, Charity was occupied by the Dutch…

Read More

While most of us find the movement of our head and hands as natural as breathing, Norris Cummings knows what it’s like to experience the loss of such abilities as he has been living with Cerebral Palsy, commonly referred to as ‘CP’, since birth. Norris has overcome obstacles many may never know. Due to Cerebral Palsy, a physical disability affecting his balance and impairing the use of his upper limbs, Norris often experiences debilitating pain from his neck down. Despite this, Norris is known among his colleagues for his sense…

Read More

…a few factors that contributed to Cynthia Dookie winning the coveted Miss Global International 2017 crown Sunday Times Magazine recently interviewed Guyanese fitness trainer, advocate, and the newly crowned Miss Global International 2017, Cynthia Dookie. Below is her interview on overcoming doubts, winning the Miss Global International 2017 pageant and what she hopes to accomplish via the crown. Sunday Times Magazine: What was instrumental in you winning the Miss Global International 2017 title? Cynthia Dookie: The competition for this pageant was very tough, each delegate brought their ‘A game’. Several…

Read More

The first peoples were migrants, arriving to face an infinitely different environment from present day According to Guyanese anthropologist Denis Williams, the Americas began to be populated around 12,000 years ago when global decline in sea levels led to exposed land below seas that allowed the crossing of early man through the Bering Strait from East Asia into North America, and gradual southern migration. These migrants, known as paleo-Indians (old Indians), are also described as big game hunters since they are known to have hunted the large game of the…

Read More

he Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology on Wednesday hosted its annual Myths, Legends and Oral Traditions of Guyana, a two-day fair that offers dramatic storytelling, poetry, art and craft-making at the Umana Yana. Several students and teachers from nursery and secondary schools attended the event, which comes under the auspices of the Ministry of Social Cohesion. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, observed that highlighting Guyana’s first peoples’ culture and contribution is necessary as it affords persons, in particular students, an opportunity to learn…

Read More

By Petamber Persaud Though blind, John Peter Bennett continued to work on his typewriter to produce seminal work on the indigenous Arawak people. Bennett was a man who loved books, reading and writing; a man who rewarded good work with more work. Bennett was a teacher, priest, educator, linguist, translator, writer and more. He was the first indigenous person to be ordained as an Anglican priest in Guyana; the first indigenous person to be canonised in the Anglican Church of Guyana; and the first indigenous person to write and publish…

Read More

As we celebrate Indigenous Heritage Month, the ‘tuma pot’ will be a popular offer on many menus. Tuma pot is commonly known as a meal, but did you know it is also an actual pot (container)? In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Lokono Arawak archaeologist, George Simon, explained how the pot is made and the cuisines enjoyed from it. Tuma pots are principally associated with the Rupununi savannah peoples, the Macushi in the north and Wapishana in the south. No doubt the tradition of pottery making once existed among…

Read More

Dolly Chambers belongs to one of the four founding families of her village, Paruima, who are said to be the only remaining families of the Arecuna nation. The 18-year-old was born in Kamarang village, Region Seven. She attended Paruima Primary School, and then went on to Graham’s Hall Primary and St. Stanislaus College in Georgetown. She is of the Arecuna nation. Brief history of Paruima The tallest of our indigenous peoples, the Arecunas, who refer to themselves as “pemon” meaning “the people”, occupy upper and central Kamarang river since 1839.…

Read More