Category: Features

Guyana is blessed with an abundance of majestic coconut trees, and their coconuts’ uses are vast and varied over millennia; popularly known for their beautifying properties. The oldest fossils known of the modern coconut date from what is known as  the Eocene period of Earth’s history, which dates from around 37 to 55 million years ago, and were found in Australia and India. The coconut tree is a member of the palm family, and the coconuts are commonly used in arts and crafts, foods, medicines, oils, condiments and for religious…

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By Petamber Persaud   ‘De Tiga’ by Indrawati Flaks   With the continued attention on the cricket career of and recent upsurge of interest in Shivnarine Chanderpaul, breaking records and reaching new milestones, here is a tribute to ‘de tiga’. This story was written by Indrawati Flaks and first published in The Guyana Annual 2007-2008 issue of the magazine. Flaks is a writer of short fiction and poetry for children. The Guyana Annual, formerly published as the Chronicle Christmas Annual, was launched in December 1915.   “Is de Tiga!  Watch…

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“Oh! This fair getting bigger every year!” was the comment of taxi drivers delivering patrons to the annual Rupununi Christmas Fair, held at the Market Place in Lethem. The Christmas Fair, held December 21, started from a simple idea promoted by the Kanuku Mountains Community Representative Group (KMCRG) in 2010, and entered its fourth year as a now firmly established local tradition. Pa

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– now “flagship” tourism event in the region By Michael Younge The government of Guyana said it would be working earnestly to exploit the benefits that can be derived from the second staging of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL) in 2014, given its resounding success and contributions to national and regional tourism growth in 2013. Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali told  Guyana Times on Monday that LCPL is now considered one of the flagship tourism events of the year. “I think the LCPL is here to stay…

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The slogan, “Sports – it’s not just a game”, summarises the realisation – at least in some quarters – that sports is an integral part of the national life of every society. Sports can develop the character of the individual as well as that of the community and the nation. It is not by chance that countries such as Russia and China, which attempted to leapfrog economic development, all introduced strong national sports programmes. “Sport builds and nurtures the spirit of friendly competition, it provides healthy entertainment, it exercises the…

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Their minds and hands constantly in motion while being inspired by the music around them, 40 children are bent at tables, fully engrossed on their masterpieces as they spend their Christmas holiday developing their artistic skills. The tables are protected by wrapped newspaper as the children work with paint, glue, scissors, brushes, markers and pens. There are smiles all around, small jokes and ideas being shared. The adults in the room scarcely have anything to do as the children seem to know exactly what is required. Colours and materials are…

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Festive holiday trees, enticing smells of tasty local dishes, thousands of Christmas lights and a joyful atmosphere are some of the exciting attractions   at the second Christmas Village on Main Street in downtown Georgetown. From the grand opening on December 6 through to December 29, an area along Main Street’s avenue reflects the original Christmas Village charm, of a holiday shopping atmosphere with more vendors, a Christmas market and an event space. Persons can enjoy traditional Christmas black cakes, foods, beverages, art and craft, and weekly entertainment for the adults…

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By Deodat Persaud   Imagine for a few moments, living for 102 years, how would you spend your days? Tough to imagine? What about living it? Some pray to the Almighty for longevity for many reasons; perhaps to experience all there is to relish on this planet. But some live simply to praise and worship God. Mataji Sukhdaia Bhuali, also known as Sumintree Mahabir – said to be the oldest resident in the East Canje community – is such a person. Popularly known in the village as “Moonsee Nani”, this…

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By Petamber Persaud   Nelson Mandela has seeped into the psyche of peoples worldwide, including the people of Guyana, through various sources – mainly books, music, films and quotations (the words of Mandela). It is difficult to measure that effect. That effect is more, much more than naming a street in tribute to the man. Other manifestations of that effect can be seen daily especially in letters to local newspapers. Mandela came to Guyana through the following sources:   Films Many outstanding actors played Nelson Mandela in memorable portrayal of…

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