Category: Features

As we observe Education Month (September), let’s take a look at the notable efforts of dedicated individuals who sought to ensure that all social classes have the right to equal academic opportunities. Arrival of the missionaries According to the Guyana Institute of Historical Research, the church was the largest private institution that contributed to the development of education, particularly at the primary level. The coming of the first missionary of the London Missionary Society (renamed the Congregational church) coincided with the abolition of the British participation in the African slave…

Read More

Known for its rich biodiversity, the Rupununi is an ideal tourists’ destination with some of the most interesting animals. Below are some fascinating facts on a few of the animals found in the Rupununi. Stingrays Stingrays spend majority of their time inactive, partially buried in sand, often moving only with the sway of the tide. The stingray’s colouration commonly reflects the seafloor’s shading, camouflaging it from predatory sharks and larger rays. Their flattened bodies are composed of pectoral fins joined to their head and trunk with an infamous tail trailing…

Read More

Indigenous culture, unlike others, is a process of accommodation with nature. Their concern for ecology and the environment, and the balance of nature, is part of their belief system. Ecology is woven seamlessly into the fabric of their culture. Everything in the forest and the surrounding area has a role to play in the overall scheme of things and nothing is wasted. They live in harmony with nature and do not adulterate the landscape or endanger plants or wildlife. One example: they once hunted fish for survival only until they…

Read More

…a winning combination from Dr Clive Jagan For Dr Clive Jagan, a veteran dentist, bottle painting is not only an ingenious way to ‘upcycle’ discarded bottles, but serves as therapy and a means of keeping his mind active. In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Dr Jagan said he has been practising dentistry for the last 40 years. His career began in January 1978, and to date, he has continued to practise at the Jagan Dental Centre on Lamaha and Light Streets, alongside his three sons – Drs Shane, Kyle…

Read More

From a refreshing beverage to a tasty delicacy, the source of a staple to material for clothing, shelter and jewellery, the Ite Palm has truly been the tree of life for the indigenous society, providing all the necessities of daily living. Upon entering the Walter Roth Museum, just to the left of the entrance, one can find an interesting exhibition on the Ite Palm. Several items created from the by-products of the palm are displayed, coupled with the ecological and historical background of the tree in English and Portuguese respectively.…

Read More

By Kendra Seignoret One of the interesting things about being able to stay a long time in one place is that you get to be a part of people’s everyday lives. And in doing so, it is more likely you will see parts of those lives that a ‘lightning strike’ tourist won’t. While volunteering in Guyana, my group and I met a woman who had a little shop in Pakuri, a Lokono village, also known as St. Cuthbert’s Mission. She had a farm, located in the surrounding rainforest. About two…

Read More

Every year, during the Indigenous Heritage Month celebrations, a “heritage village” is identified, where many would converge to celebrate indigenous culture. This year we celebrate St Cuthbert’s Mission, also known as Pakuri Village, located on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway. St Cuthbert’s Mission is one of the most easily accessible indigenous villages along the East Bank. The site of this quaint village emerges after about a half-hour travel through a scenic sandy trail. On entering the village, one will quickly notice how serene it is. No noise nuisance or traffic, just village…

Read More

By Petamber Persaud It will never be known how many arrows were left in the quiver of Stephanie Correia when she died in 2000. But those she utilised, Correia fired with unwavering accuracy, acquiring many trophies. In whatever field of human endeavour – teaching, pottery, poetry, painting or motherhood – she participated with distinction. “Arrows from the Bow” was Correia’s first and only book of poems. Published in 1988, some 500 years after Columbus, this collection of poems may be the first of such book written in English by an…

Read More

Guyana is a nation that has a colourful history, and is home to several cultures. For this reason, it is critical to preserve our heritage and the month of September has been designated to do just that. Declared by the late President Cheddi Jagan, Indigenous Heritage Month has been celebrated grandly with activities throughout the month, since 1995. Throughout this month, various indigenous villages will engage in activities, such as sports, traditional dancing, exhibitions of art, crafts and food, as part of the customary festivities in recognition of our indigenous…

Read More