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Remembering Meshach Pierre

I wrote this poem in honor of Meshach Pierre, the 30 year old successful Guyanese biologist, photographer, and conservation specialist who reportedly committed suicide on Thursday, 19th of September, 2024. The exact reason or reasons for Pierre’s alleged suicide is unclear at this moment. Depression and mental health issues are mere speculation. An autopsy revealed that Pierre died from compression injuries to the neck and a suicide note, addressed to his parents, was found in his phone. May his soul rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing.

People

The Story of the Guyanese Man Who Came Back from the Dead – Literally

This story was first published in 2016 by the Guyana Chronicle, a State Owned media house in Guyana, South America. Since then, it has had a lot of circulation. I decided to republish this article because it is both interesting and intriguing. This is the true story of a Guyanese man who was struck by a car, lost consciousness immediately, was pronounced dead, placed in the mortuary — in a freezer amongst dead people, came back to consciousness in the mortuary, and managed to escape from there. It is a captivating anecdote of a man who literally wriggled his way out of the claws of death.

People

The True Meaning of Boxing Day

On the 26th of December each year, Guyanese celebrate Boxing Day. It is a National Holiday. The origin and significance of Boxing Day is not clear to most Guyanese. Some joke that they will box someone today. Some say it is a day to open the boxes of gifts they received on Christmas Day, and some say it’s a day to give and receive lots of gifts in boxes.

People

A Kanaima Killed My Dad – by Anonymous Contributor

On the 19th of September, 2023, we posted an article on our Facebook page entitled, “The Kanaima – Folklore or Reality?” We asked readers to share their thoughts. Some of our readers who lived in interior regions were happy to share their experiences with what they believe to have been the kanaima. Is the kanaima human who can shafeshift? Is the kanaima a spirit who takes the appearances of different creatures? Is the kanaima nothing more than a myth or scary bedtime story? These stories shared by different people from the interior regions of Guyana help us to piece together parts of the puzzle.

People in Focus

Who is the Girl in this Picture?

A few days ago, we made a Facebook post using the picture above of a little girl holding a painting of two eggplants, also called aubergine, and colloquially referred to in Guyana as boulanger or baigan. We captioned the photo, “Amazing Artwork Done by Guyanese Painter Azeena Tahsir.” The photo went viral on Facebook garnering over 32,000 reactions and over 1000 shares in just a few days.

Education

Making Spanish Compulsory for Students at Primary Level is a Great Move by President Ali

President of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali, announced today, Wednesday 12th of July, 2023, that Spanish will be made compulsory for students at the Primary Level. While it is not clear at what Grade of the Primary Department the language will be taught, the President expressed that his aim is to make students proficient in the language by the end of their formal education at high school, and hinted at starting off with Grades 4 or 5 of Primary School. The Ministry of Education will then expand and improve from there.

People in Focus

Meet Mr. Eustace Abraham, AKA the Guyanese Robocop, Founder and CEO of Cyborg Protection Services

Robocop recently came into the spotlight after he stepped in and saved a police officer who was being brutally beaten by two persons (video posted at the end of this article). In an exclusive interview with the Guyana, South America publication, founder and CEO of Cyborg Protection Services, Eustace Abraham, shares deep insights into his personal life, career, and business goals.

People in Focus

Swimmer Daniel Claxton Aspires to Take Guyana to the 2024 Olympics!

Growing up in under-equipped Guyana, South America has presented quite a few challenges to ambitious swimmer Daniel Claxton, but in spite of this, he has managed to keep his head above water – until he got a call for Spire Academy – a call which helped him take his abilities to the next level. This is story of Guyanese born swimmer and student Daniel Claxton who hopes to take Guyana to the Olympics come 2024.

People in Focus

Daughter of Berbician Farmer Finds Her Passion in Painting

The young daughter of a Berbician couple who earn their living through farming has stumbled upon a new passion: painting. And she’s taking it to a whole new level. Before discovering her love for painting, Azeena Tahsir worked with her parents, who are cash crop farmers, at their farm in Black Bush Polder, Region 6. But one day while at the farm, something happened that caused Azeena to “accidentally” awaken a latent talent which she didn’t even know she had.

People in Focus

Twelve Years Ago, Sarah Hakh Made Her Country Proud…What is She Doing Today?

Ten years ago, she made her country proud. In 2012, Sarah Hakh was the Caribbean’s best overall CXC student copping a record breaking 16 Grade Ones with all As on the profile grades. Sarah Hakh won the award for the Most Outstanding Candidate Overall in the Caribbean. As a result of her performance, her school, Abram Zuil Secondary on the Essequibo Coast, received the CSEC School of the Year Award for 2012.

People in Focus

Mr. Ivan Alexander Johnson: A Rupununi Pioneer

Mr. Ivan Alexander Johnson (Sr), who completed his long and fruitful earthly journey in December 2017, was doubtless one of the the first pioneers of the Rupununi Savannahs of Guyana.  He was one of many Rupununi trailblazers, who, in their own simple ways, unique personalities, and vision for making a successful living in what is still considered a remote region of Guyana, have facilitated the opening up of the Rupununi to the rest of the country and the world at large, and contributed to the economic and social wellbeing of the Region. 

People in Focus

Businessman Wishes Daughter a Happy Birthday

Everyday, men across Guyana and the world wish their children happy birthday as they reach another milestone in their journey through time. So what’s so special about this one and why does it deserve a feature here? It’s the words spoken and the circumstances under which they were spoken. Azruddin Mohamed, a member of the Team Mohameds family, is a well known and much-loved businessman and philanthropist who has touched the lives of countless people across Guyana.

People in Focus

Turning My Passion into Profits by Tromain David

There is a saying that goes, “find a job you love, and you will never have to work another day in your life.” The same applies for business. Doing something that you are passionate about accelerates your performance. This concept is the key element within the success story of young Guyanese businesswoman, Tromain David, who harnessed her love for fashion and turned it into a profitable business.

People in Focus

Music Video: Our Land, Our Life by Galina Edmund

Our Land, Our Life is a beautiful song astoundingly performed by Guyanese singer/performer Galina Edmund. The song, presented in the native language of the Arecuna tribe of Indigenous peoples of Guyana, expresses appreciation for the land and all it provides for the people that inhabit it. At the same time, it showcases the simple, beautiful, and sustainable lifestyle of the Arecuna Tribe of Indigenous peoples. The Arecuna Tribe of Indigenous are found in Paruima Village in Region 7 which is the village from which Galina Edmund hails.

People

What is Guyanese Creolese?

The Creolese Language is a form of substandard English spoken by people across the Caribbean in countries that were once colonized by the British Empire. Guyanese Creolese is a Creolese dialect unique to Guyana and different from other variations of Creolese that are spoken in other Caribbean countries such as Trinidad and Jamaica.

People in Focus

Meet Aurelia Ibrahim – Guyana’s 14-Year-Old Published Author

The success of Aurelia Ibrahim at such a young age in one of the world’s most competitive and challenging fields is yet another beautiful example of a parent’s ability to recognize a child’s latent talents and abilities and help them to harness it. This key concept is the backbone of the success story of young Guyanese author, Aurelia Ibrahim, who is the published author of two books: “A Little Poet’s World,” and “A Picturesque Journey” – both poetry collections.

People in Focus

Meet Caleb Benjamin – the University Student who is a Professional Photographer on the Side

Caleb Benjamin is presently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Guyana, but on the side, he has developed a profitable photography business that is quickly spiraling into a fulltime career – to the point that Caleb considered dropping out of the University to focus entirely on his photography career. However, after taking some sound advice from several well-meaning individuals, Caleb decided that he will do both – push through with his studies at the University of Guyana to obtain a B.A in Forestry and continue to develop his photography skills and business at the same time.

People in Focus

Practicing at Her Own Private Clinic in St. Lucia, Dr. Celia McConnel’s Story Truly Inspires

Following through with a childhood dream can be a challenge. We often get distracted. For many people, these fiery dreams simmer down to nothing more than amusing, sentimental, or entertaining stories of the past. Then there are the special few, who, through unmatched resolve and determination, work hard and make it happen. These are the ones who live their dreams and inspire others to do the same. Dr. Celia McConnel is one such story.

People

A Non-Conventional Arrival Day Message – by Dr. Josh Kanhai

The conventional Arrival Day message seeks to glorify the East Indians’ arrival in Guyana and to celebrate the achievements and contributions of the East Indians in and towards Guyana. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. But under the peaceful waters of cultural pride rages a deadly current of racism that few like to acknowledge. It is this unseen aspect of racial pride – the disunity created by unity – that Dr. Josh Kanhai seeks to address in his non-conventional Arrival Day Message.

People

My Arrival Day Sentiments are Bitter/Sweet – by Romona Chanderballi

As mentioned in our previous article, Indian Arrival Day, the attitude of the descendants of colonized East Indians of British Guiana towards their colonial past are wide and varied. Some are thankful for the voyage that brought them a new life and new opportunities while others detest the compromising and sometimes harsh conditions to which their fore parents were subjected during their voyage to the new world.

People

The Baccoo

I personally have never seen a baccoo, nor have I seen evidence of it, nor do I want to. But I’ve heard so many stories about this strange demonic creature, all of them resounding with the same theme and description from people far removed in space and time, that I am tempted to believe that there must be some truth to the matter.

People

The Kanaima – Folklore or Reality?

During my travels throughout the Rupununi Savannahs of Guyana, I’ve heard stories of the Kanaima. In fact, I first read about this frightening creature in an online publication which claimed that the Kanaima is a spiritual being which comes to execute vengeance for some wrong committed. Apparently, the Kanaima is “invoked” by someone and sent to harm someone as an act of revenge for some wrong.

People

The “Coolies” of Guyana, South America

If you lived for any amount of time in Guyana, South America, you might have heard the expression “coolie man,” “coolie boy,” “coolie woman,” “coolie people,” etc in local dialect. In Guyana, the expression “coolie” is used colloquially to refer to someone of East Indian ancestry. But what is the etymology of this word? And what exactly does it mean?

People in Focus

Meet Talented Singer, Performer, and Medical Student, Galina Edmund of Paruima Village, Region 7

Galina Susie Edmund was born on the 8th of April, 2003 in Paruima Village on the East Bank of the Kamarang River in Region 7, Guyana, South America. She attended the Paruima Nursery School, and then the Paruima Primary School where she wrote the Common Entrance Examinations and was awarded a place at one of Guyana’s top secondary schools – the Christ Church Secondary School in Georgetown, Region 4, Guyana, South America.

People in Focus

Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, a True Patriot and National Hero Who Doubled as a Tourism Pioneer

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips on the 21st of January, 2021 hailed Captain Michael Charles M.S, as a pioneer in showcasing Guyana’s tourism product to the rest of the world. The PM delivered the keynote address at the launch of Charles’s latest video, the “Sounds and Colours of the Rainforest,” which is the fourth video in a captivating series titled “Guyana -Yours to Discover,” that explores Guyana as an eco-tourism destination.

People in Focus

The Death of My Son is a Life Sentence of Grief – Fadia Reynolds Tells Her Story

Fadia Reyolds lost her then 31-year-old son, Uriel Orlando Reynolds, in a tragic accident along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway on the fateful evening of Tuesday, January 12, 2021. It was a tragedy that would change her life in ways she never imagined possible. Fadia’s relationship with her beloved son was an exemplary one – a reality which accentuated the pain of his loss. This is her story….

People in Focus

Ambitious Young Woman Pioneers Computer Training Facility in the Rupununi

Jennifer Lawrence, a US citizen who has migrated to and been living in the Central Rupununi Savannahs for several years, sees a need for more computer and internet literacy that will help to develop hinterland communities. Her dream is to set up a computer training facility to teach her fellow villagers how they can harness the power of the internet to promote their tourism products, sell craft, research, and so much more.

People in Focus

GDF’s Captain Kaya Dover Makes History by Swimming Across the Essequibo River in Full Uniform

Guyana Defense Force’s Captain Kaya Dover on 26th of June, 2022, made history by being the first men to swim across the Essequibo River, a distance of about 3 miles, in complete military uniform. Dover pulled off the daring stunt with his military uniform, including boots, which put an extra six pounds on his body and greatly increased the drag created by the water caught inside his uniform.

People

Guyanese Artist Unveils Stunning Portrait of First Lady Adorned with Gold and Precious Stones

Guyana’s First Lady, Arya Ali, was on the 12th of July, 2022 presented with a portrait of herself created by Guyanese artist, Compton Babb. The announcement was made by the First Lady via her Facebook Page. Mrs. Ali called the portrait “a captivating and truly amazing piece of artistic work.” And she referred to the artist, Compton Babb, as “one of our finest creatives.”

People in Focus

Navin Hanraj, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, is a Talented Guyanese

Navin Hansraj is the holder of many titles. A Computer Engineer by profession, he is also an entrepreneur, a humanitarian, a dedicated father & husband, a young leader, the CEO and founder of MMH Enterprise & Maya Fitness, a Rotarian, and the founder of Team Maya: a Non-Governmental Organization that provides a variety of services including a feeding program, clothing, and book drives to the community.

People in Focus

Guyanese Born, Tauseef Baksh, is a Rising Star in the West Indian Music Industry

From ever since he knew himself, Tauseef had a passion for singing, and he explains that this passion was greatly helped and encouraged by his uncle, Akbar Khan, who opened a music shop in the same village within close proximity to his home when the lad was just 7 or 8 years old. Tauseef seized the opportunity to go over often to his uncle’s music shop and listen to music as well as hone his singing skills through practice. He related that his uncle, Akbar Khan, who is also an excellent singer, was very supportive of his dream of becoming a professional singer, and helped him to become a better singer.

People in Focus

Meet Ryan Huckumchand – A Talented Gospel Singer and Video Producer

Ryan Huckumchand has a talent for singing as much as he has a passion for his Christian faith – and in this context, he plans to take worship music to a whole new level with an emerging genre called “Soca Gospel.” Soca Gospel incorporates some of our local Caribbean linguistic styles into songs of worship as you can see from Ryan’s professionally produced music video “Kinda Way.”

People in Focus

Meet Sir Kenrick Lewis – Headmaster of St. Ignatius Secondary

For teacher’s day 2021 – October, 5th, we had the honor of featuring one of Guyana’s most outstanding veteran educators – a young man by the name of Kenrick Lewis who has touched the hearts of thousands of people and impacted countless lives throughout his 27-year long ongoing career. He is presently the Headmaster of St. Ignatius Secondary in Region 9, Guyana, South America.

People

Guyanese Superstitions

A superstition is a belief in something supernatural that has no scientific basis or logical explanation. For example, we have all heard the superstition that if a black cat crosses your path it might bring bad luck, etc. This is an example of a superstition of European origin.

People

Guyanese Proverbs

A proverb is a general observable truth about life which has been passed down from generation to generation. Aside from the biblical book of Proverbs which is believed by many to have been inspired by God, there are many other proverbs peculiar to a particular people, region, or country.

People

History of the Wai Wais – by Ovid Williams

The Wai Wais are originally from Brazil (ANAWA), now called Roraima. Through hunting expeditions, they became familiar with KANASHEN (GOD loves you). Kan is God in the Wai Wai language. Over years, lots of them inhabited the area and the population increased. There was a threat of an “invasion,” a police raid for illegal guns and a lot of families left the location. Some went back to Brazil, while some went to a place upriver of kanashen called Shafalimo.

People

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder – by Reanna Nickram

I’ve decided to reprint this beautiful article which was posted on the Facebook Page of the author, Reanna Nickram, because it does an awesome job of illustrating the beauty, diversity, and richness of this great land of ours. For locals, it just reinforces what we already know. Reanna Nickram is a Guyanese citizen who resides with her family in Lethem, Region 9. In this beautiful anecdote, she expresses her profound love and patriotism for her country of birth, Guyana.

People

Walking On Hot Coals – A Roman Catholic Tradition Celebrated in Region 9

I was told that walking over hot coals is part of the celebration of St. John’s Day in the Rupununi Savannahs as well as other hinterland regions of Guyana, South America. One resident of the Rupununi told me that walking over hot coals on the night of St. John’s Day (24th) is a common practice in many communities. They say that those who are free of sin will not be burned when they walk on the hot coals, but those who are sinful will be burned by the coals.

People in Focus

Esther Roth Creates Animal Paradise in Her Backyard

Guyanese born Anna Maria Esther Roth (full name: Anna Maria Esther Roth Dias), presently residing in the border town of Bonfim, Brazil, next to Lethem, Region 9, Guyana, has a special passion – a love for animals that she describes as an energy that she was born with. Her love for animals transcends that of the average person, and her charitable works in caring for animals extend way beyond owning a few pets. In fact, Esther has created in her home an animal sanctuary which she refers to as “Animal Paradise.”

People in Focus

Meet Talented Guyanese Artist, Geveron Moses

A student of St. Ignatius Secondary School in Region 9 has painted an outstanding portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth II of England. The painting is now a world famous one after it went viral after we posted it on the Guyana, South America Facebook Page. In just one hour, the post reached over 10,000 people and received hundreds of congratulations. It is so easy to see that there is an enormous reservoir of hidden talent behind that painting!