Buried at the Place of the Seven Ponds are four Guyanese who contributed to the development of the country. The first person to be buried there was His Excellency, Governor-General, Sir David Gardiner Rose, G.C.M.C., C.U.O., M.B.E. Sir David Rose was born on April 10, 1923, and was appointed Governor General in 1966, where he served up until the time of his death on November 10, 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second is National Poet, Mr. Martin Carter, born on June 7, 1927, and died on December 13, 1997. The third is Executive President and Prime Minister Hugh Desmond Hoyte, born on March 9, 1929, and died on December 22, 2002. Mr. Hoyte served as the first Vice-President and Prime Minister in 1984 and later as President of Guyana from 1985 to 1992. The fourth is President Arthur Chung, born on January 10, 1918 and died on June 23, 2008. Mr. Chung served as Guyana\u2019s first president from March 17, 1970, to October 6, 1980.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Image and information courtesy of the National Trust of Guyana.)<\/p>\n","post_title":"Place of the Seven Ponds","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"place-of-the-seven-ponds","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652582","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650871,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_date_gmt":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_content":"

President Ali\u2019s leadership praised for food security achievements<\/strong><\/h3>\n \n\nIN a bold commitment to eradicating hunger, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, underscored Guyana's pivotal role in food security during a World Food Day event at the Bourda Cricket Ground.\n\nSpeaking under the theme \u201cRights to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,\u201d Minister Mustapha highlighted the government\u2019s efforts under President Irfaan Ali's leadership to make Guyana a food-secure nation and a driving force in regional food production.\n\nGuyana, currently celebrating Agriculture Month with the theme \u201cTransforming Tomorrow, Championing Food Security Through Innovation and Technology,\u201d has seen remarkable advancements in food systems.\n\n<\/a> Students interacting with various booths at the World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO[\/caption]\n\nThese two key initiatives, according to Minister Mustapha, are interconnected in their focus on building a sustainable future. The government has made significant strides, working with both private and public sectors to elevate Guyana\u2019s agricultural prowess and position it as the \"food hub of the Caribbean.\"\n\n\u201cOn this World Food Day, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the right to food for all,\u201d said Minister Mustapha. \u201cWith strategic investments and partnerships, we can build a future where hunger becomes a thing of the past, and food security becomes the foundation of sustainable development.\u201d\n\nHe called on stakeholders to continue their support, emphasising the need for collaboration to reduce hunger not only in Guyana but across the Caribbean.\n\nOne of the highlights of Guyana\u2019s recent achievements is its reduced undernourishment levels. Citing a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Minister Mustapha pointed out that undernourishment in Guyana has fallen below 2.5 per cent, well below the regional and global averages.\n\nHe credited these positive changes to government initiatives, including the school feeding programme and household cash grants, which have improved access to nutritious food and bolstered local food systems.\n\nPresident Ali\u2019s leadership has garnered recognition from CARICOM and international bodies for his dedication to tackling food insecurity.\n\nGuyana\u2019s Vision 25 by 2025 initiative, which seeks to reduce CARICOM\u2019s food import bill by 25%, is one such effort that underscores the country\u2019s ambition to become the \"breadbasket of the Caribbean.\" As other Caribbean nations, traditionally dependent on tourism and oil and gas, turn their focus to agriculture, Guyana is leading the charge in reshaping regional food systems.\n\nMinister Mustapha emphasised that Guyana\u2019s progress in reducing severe food insecurity\u2014currently 25.5% lower than the regional average\u2014was not accidental but the result of deliberate policy measures. These include enhancing food production and improving access to nutritious food across the country. He also noted the renewed regional interest in agriculture as part of a broader strategy to address food insecurity and reduce dependency on food imports.\n\nThe World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO, saw the participation of CARICOM representatives, the diplomatic community, and local stakeholders. It featured an agricultural fair and open day, showcasing Guyana\u2019s agricultural innovations and reaffirming the government\u2019s commitment to food security for the nation and the region.\n\nAs Guyana continues its journey toward becoming the Caribbean\u2019s agricultural leader, the nation's progress on World Food Day serves as a reminder of what can be achieved with vision, commitment, and collaboration.","post_title":"Guyana champions hunger eradication, regional food security \u2013 Mininister Mustapha","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650312,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_content":"BEING the only child of Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo, the reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo, who lives in Bladen Hall on the East Coast of Demerara, wasn\u2019t given a \"silver spoon in her mouth\" at birth. Still, she was raised to be kind, contented, and compassionate toward people and animals.\nEven though there wasn\u2019t a shortage of love and support from her parents, Aruna explained that she would have loved to have had another sibling to share her life with. However, she was very cognizant of how hard her father worked as a labourer and the sacrifices her stay-at-home mom made to ensure that she got the best education and the basic necessities of life.\nAruna, therefore, used her humble upbringing as a form of motivation to work towards making a positive impact in people\u2019s lives, and she is also determined to make her parents proud of her and show them that their investment in her has not gone in vain.\n\nIn 2019, Aruna graduated from one of Guyana\u2019s most prestigious secondary schools, President\u2019s College, and he is currently entering her fourth year at the University of Guyana (UG), Turkeyen Campus, where she is studying business economics.\nEven though the Miss India beauty was very focused on her books in school, Aruna explained that from her nursery school days in school, the teachers would ask her parents for her to participate in the school concerts as a model, and she would. However, she never thought that she would develop a passion for it until she reached secondary school.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nAccording to Aruna, she is proud of being a Guyanese and has always wanted to contribute to Guyana in a \"big way,\" but she wasn\u2019t sure how. Nevertheless, the thought of being in a pageant and representing Guyana locally and possibly internationally was in the \"back of her mind,\" but she never thought of it becoming a reality. As fate would have it, one day, Aruna was surfing the web when she stumbled upon the application form for the Miss India Guyana pageant. Not thinking much about it, she applied, got accepted as one of the contestants, and the rest is history, said Aruna.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nWhile winning the pageant comes with its fair share of benefits, Aruna said there is much more to it than just the shiny crown, glamorous outfits, and makeup. According to her, it teaches self-discipline and body positivity to women of all shapes and sizes.\nAruna explained that the Miss India Guyana organisation's aim is not just about winning a crown, but the director Hashim Alli and his wife Melicia Partab-Alli ensure that you are treated as a family. According to Aruna, their goal is to inspire young girls and women to be the best version of themselves and recognise that beauty isn't based on what's on the outside but, more importantly, what\u2019s on the inside. She also related that the director and his wife inspire and motivate her and the other girls to return to society with the knowledge they have gained and be role models and positive influencers for other women and girls.\n\n<\/a> Aruna Sukhdeo with her parents Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nLessons of Life\nThe classy beauty said that she is grateful to her mother for instilling confidence and life\u2019s lessons in her, \"My mom has taught me to never look down on people, always be confident and brave in life, face whatever fears I may have, and do not allow my fears to overcome me. In life, she said, a person may lose an opportunity at something if they allow fear to get in the way. And I go through life with that mindset of being fearless. She has also taught me to be polite and respectful to everyone I meet. It is her believe that it will take you a far way in life. My parents also support and encourage me to be independent and to give back to others.\"\n\n<\/a> Miss India Guyana 2023 with the director of Miss India Guyana Organisation, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli[\/caption]\n\nAdvice to young people and young girls\nAs much as Aruna is grateful and humbled by her accomplishments, she is very honoured to be in a position where she gets a platform to speak to young people, especially young women and girls, about life's challenges. The 2023 India queen said, \"My platform for the pageant is mental health which is mostly focused on depression. This is something that I have dealt with. In high school, I felt pressured due to work and trying to figure myself out and felt depressed by just trying to keep my grades up while trying to be a part of the extracurricular activities in school. I was so focused on academics that I wasn\u2019t thinking about anything else, but at the same time, I was trying to fit in with my friends and still dealing with the pressure of society.\n\nAruna said, \"I know that a lot of young people are struggling with the same things as well, but in most cases, they are afraid to speak out. I understand how challenging it can be but do not keep it to yourself. Speak out. You may think that no one will listen to you or that you are irrelevant or what you are feeling is irrelevant but I can assure you that speaking up and speaking out, it will benefit you and help others. Don\u2019t be afraid, you are worth it, and know that everything will be okay. You just need to take the first step and talk about it.\"\n\nThe reigning beauty further asked the people of Guyana to play a more positive role in each other's lives. According to her, society has a way of \"looking down\" on people for one reason or another. But Aruna said that it doesn\u2019t matter how strong people are. It does bother them. People are human beings with feelings and regardless of how strong a person may seem, she wants you to know that you may never truly know what someone is dealing with. The decisions people make or how they choose to live their lives is their choice, and Aruna believes that it is not our place to judge that. She is hopeful that as a country and as a society, \"we\" can move away from this way of thinking, be more caring, show empathy, and let people live.\n\nExtend Gratitude\nFinally, Aruna expressed her gratitude to her parents for making the sacrifices and giving her love and support even when she felt like quitting. The director, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli, for believing in her, her best friend, Kavita Beharry, and her cousins, who she said have always been there for her.\nAruna also wanted to thank Ameir Ahmad Proprietor of Sheriff Security and the Proprietor of Mohamed\u2019s Enterprise, Azruddin Mohamed, for generously supporting her financially on her journey.\nAruna is currently in India, and will represent Guyana on the international stage in the upcoming week.","post_title":"The birth of a queen in a labourer\u2019s palace","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650293,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_content":"SUCCESSFUL business mogul and entrepreneur, 34-year-old Ameir Ahmad, the eldest of four siblings, was born and raised in the village of Meten-Meer-Zorg, Essequibo Islands and West Demerara (RegionThree) to an ambitious and \"go-getter\" father, Shareef Ahmad, and his humble, generous, and equally ambitious mother, Sunita Amad.\nWhile sitting in his spotless, cozy, and luxurious office, Ameir exclusively shared with the Pepperpot Magazine that success didn\u2019t just find him and his family; it all started with a humble, positive, and determined mindset. Ameir related that his grandparents were cleaners and tried their utmost to provide the best of what they could afford for their family. However, even though they couldn\u2019t afford to give their children the materialistic pleasures of life, they gave them something that money could not buy. They instilled in their children the knowledge, work ethic, passion, and drive to accomplish a better life than the one they were brought up in.\n\nMaking ends meet\nHowever, it wasn\u2019t a walk in the park for the now-accomplished Shareef Ahmad, who has been a successful businessman for over 25 years. According to Ameir, before all of the success, his father worked relentlessly as a bus driver to provide for his family. Due to limited finances in the home, Ameir said that his mother wanted to contribute financially to the home to help alleviate some of the stress from his father. So, Sunita started to work with one of her brothers-in-law, who owned a jewellery store in Stabroek Market in Georgetown at the time.\nHe further explained that his uncle and aunt gave his mom \"a break\" by giving her a stall that was next to them for rent. He further stated that his mom told him that she gathered all of his baby jewellery and all of their jewellery and put it for sale at her business, and that was the birth of Sheriff Jewelry. Ameir also noted that the stalls are in the market and are functioning, but the family refuses to sell the structures since they played an integral role in the family's development in business.\n\nEven though both of his parents were working, they wanted a better future for Ameir and the rest of the family, and as such, they migrated to New York when he was only 12 years old. Ameir explained that he was a pupil at Leonora Primary School on the West Coast of Demerara, and after his migration, he went to an Islamic school in the Big Apple, after which he wrote his Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and was awarded a place at the Information Technology High School. After being successful at his high school, Ameir went on to secure a place at New York University (NYU), majoring in American History and minoring in Business Management; however, he did not graduate.\n\nMoving back home\nIn 2007, Ameir explained that his dad wanted to return to Guyana to invest, find a way to contribute to society and give back to his country. \"When you are from Guyana, no matter where you may live, your roots are stuck here. You always have a feeling of missing home, and that was us, so we came back with the hope of getting into a few small businesses. After returning, I noticed that people were starting to use cellphones a lot, and I wanted to set up a business, so my father loaned me US$60,000 to see what I could have done with it\", Ameir said.\n\nHe continued to explain that he started to sell cell phones but found it difficult at times to receive payments from the wholesalers, so Ameir eventually opened his own store. He later expanded to computers, and eventually they pooled their resources and purchased a plot of land on Sheriff Street. There they invested in building Sheriff Jewelry, Electronics City, Subs and Salad, Italian Grill, Miami Pizzeria, and the most recent, Sheriff Security Services and Sheriff Medical Centre.\n\n\"Even though the stores were doing great, I always saw a need to expand and invest in the different industries. I am considered a serial entrepreneur, meaning, if I see that selling bread is the next big thing, I want to capitalise on it. I am grateful and lucky that I did invest, and I say this with no disrespect, but now that I look back at all of the competition that I had then, I realised that they are nowhere close to where my portfolio is. I know that if I didn\u2019t make that switch, I wouldn\u2019t be where I am, I would have been hustling and bustling with the retail industry, but instead, I am catching up with the oil and gas market.\"\n\n

\n\nFamily Life\nAmeir explained that he has immense respect and love for his parents, who taught him and his siblings by example that hard work and determination pay off. He added that even though his parents are divorced, they continue to play an active role in their lives by being supportive and ensuring they are okay.\n\nAmeir cheekily shared that his mother, who currently lives in New York, messages him daily to ask where he is, what he is doing, or just to say, \"I am proud of you, Ameir. My mom enjoys traveling, and it is because of her that I developed a passion for it. I am humble that I got the opportunity to travel to the Middle East and countries like Hong Kong, and it is because of those experiences I am inspired to build and contribute to Guyana so that the economy can develop and we can be on the map for all that we have to offer in the different sectors as well as for our architectural work,\" Ameir shared.\n\nHowever, Ameir explained that his dad, who is now the Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) of the Sheriff Group of Companies, is proud and humbled by their success. \"On the other hand, while I know that he loves me and my other siblings and he is proud of us, he doesn\u2019t say it to our faces, but we will hear it from my mom or stepmom. I am motivated by him, and I know that we are a family that has a go-getter attitude, and collectively, we are proud of each other and each other\u2019s accomplishments. I cannot do what I do all by myself, and I am grateful for the togetherness.\"\n\nLegacy\nEven though Ameir and his wife are divorced and he has moved on with someone else, he said that they have a great relationship with co-parenting their two daughters, Aaria and Aliya Ahmad.\nAccording to Ameir, life is short, and he wishes to leave behind a legacy that his daughters can be proud of and carry on after he is long gone. Ameir said, \"I am extremely proud of my daughters, and I remembered the stories my mom shared with me about not being able to afford the basics like pampers for me. I don\u2019t want my daughters to struggle, I want to ensure I give them an education, and I wish for them to make a positive impact in society. Even though women are doing so much in society, we are still living in a society where men are most dominant, and it is my hope that my daughters can take charge of my businesses without having any financial challenges going forward.\n\nThe road map is set for them, and I would like for them to take it from there. I don\u2019t want them to be dependent on a husband or anyone else. When I am gone, God rest my soul. I want to be remembered for leaving my businesses to two good human beings who I know will use them to help others as well.\n\nBiggest Misconception\nWhen asked what the biggest misconception is about him, Ameir said, \"I heard people say that I am not easy to speak to or easily accessible, but I wouldn\u2019t say that. It is just that I am a serious person when it comes to money and getting the work done. I always say my job comes first because when things are going well for the company, we are benefiting, and the people that work for us are benefiting.\"\n\nFinally, Ameir said that he is just getting started with all that he and his family want to do in Guyana, whether in the construction field, medical sector, security, or any of their other businesses.\nThe successful entrepreneur took the opportunity to leave a message with his fellow Guyanese, especially his peers: \"Faith plays a very important role in one's development, regardless of how we choose to worship, and I am proud to know as Guyanese that we respect and celebrate each other's beliefs.\" I also want my peers to know that we are responsible for putting things in place for future generations. Let us be the foundation for a better tomorrow.\"","post_title":"From a bus driver's son to a prosperous businessman","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_4"};

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The monument is made up of seven ponds, a circular central pond with a sculpture in the middle and six segmented circular ponds evenly around in a radial pattern. The sculpture is approximately 5.8 meters (19 feet) in height and has an \u2018x\u2019 shape when viewed from above. It is made up of two interlocking elements that are concaved at the sides and arched at the bottom and top. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buried at the Place of the Seven Ponds are four Guyanese who contributed to the development of the country. The first person to be buried there was His Excellency, Governor-General, Sir David Gardiner Rose, G.C.M.C., C.U.O., M.B.E. Sir David Rose was born on April 10, 1923, and was appointed Governor General in 1966, where he served up until the time of his death on November 10, 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second is National Poet, Mr. Martin Carter, born on June 7, 1927, and died on December 13, 1997. The third is Executive President and Prime Minister Hugh Desmond Hoyte, born on March 9, 1929, and died on December 22, 2002. Mr. Hoyte served as the first Vice-President and Prime Minister in 1984 and later as President of Guyana from 1985 to 1992. The fourth is President Arthur Chung, born on January 10, 1918 and died on June 23, 2008. Mr. Chung served as Guyana\u2019s first president from March 17, 1970, to October 6, 1980.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Image and information courtesy of the National Trust of Guyana.)<\/p>\n","post_title":"Place of the Seven Ponds","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"place-of-the-seven-ponds","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652582","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650871,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_date_gmt":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_content":"

President Ali\u2019s leadership praised for food security achievements<\/strong><\/h3>\n \n\nIN a bold commitment to eradicating hunger, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, underscored Guyana's pivotal role in food security during a World Food Day event at the Bourda Cricket Ground.\n\nSpeaking under the theme \u201cRights to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,\u201d Minister Mustapha highlighted the government\u2019s efforts under President Irfaan Ali's leadership to make Guyana a food-secure nation and a driving force in regional food production.\n\nGuyana, currently celebrating Agriculture Month with the theme \u201cTransforming Tomorrow, Championing Food Security Through Innovation and Technology,\u201d has seen remarkable advancements in food systems.\n\n<\/a> Students interacting with various booths at the World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO[\/caption]\n\nThese two key initiatives, according to Minister Mustapha, are interconnected in their focus on building a sustainable future. The government has made significant strides, working with both private and public sectors to elevate Guyana\u2019s agricultural prowess and position it as the \"food hub of the Caribbean.\"\n\n\u201cOn this World Food Day, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the right to food for all,\u201d said Minister Mustapha. \u201cWith strategic investments and partnerships, we can build a future where hunger becomes a thing of the past, and food security becomes the foundation of sustainable development.\u201d\n\nHe called on stakeholders to continue their support, emphasising the need for collaboration to reduce hunger not only in Guyana but across the Caribbean.\n\nOne of the highlights of Guyana\u2019s recent achievements is its reduced undernourishment levels. Citing a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Minister Mustapha pointed out that undernourishment in Guyana has fallen below 2.5 per cent, well below the regional and global averages.\n\nHe credited these positive changes to government initiatives, including the school feeding programme and household cash grants, which have improved access to nutritious food and bolstered local food systems.\n\nPresident Ali\u2019s leadership has garnered recognition from CARICOM and international bodies for his dedication to tackling food insecurity.\n\nGuyana\u2019s Vision 25 by 2025 initiative, which seeks to reduce CARICOM\u2019s food import bill by 25%, is one such effort that underscores the country\u2019s ambition to become the \"breadbasket of the Caribbean.\" As other Caribbean nations, traditionally dependent on tourism and oil and gas, turn their focus to agriculture, Guyana is leading the charge in reshaping regional food systems.\n\nMinister Mustapha emphasised that Guyana\u2019s progress in reducing severe food insecurity\u2014currently 25.5% lower than the regional average\u2014was not accidental but the result of deliberate policy measures. These include enhancing food production and improving access to nutritious food across the country. He also noted the renewed regional interest in agriculture as part of a broader strategy to address food insecurity and reduce dependency on food imports.\n\nThe World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO, saw the participation of CARICOM representatives, the diplomatic community, and local stakeholders. It featured an agricultural fair and open day, showcasing Guyana\u2019s agricultural innovations and reaffirming the government\u2019s commitment to food security for the nation and the region.\n\nAs Guyana continues its journey toward becoming the Caribbean\u2019s agricultural leader, the nation's progress on World Food Day serves as a reminder of what can be achieved with vision, commitment, and collaboration.","post_title":"Guyana champions hunger eradication, regional food security \u2013 Mininister Mustapha","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650312,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_content":"BEING the only child of Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo, the reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo, who lives in Bladen Hall on the East Coast of Demerara, wasn\u2019t given a \"silver spoon in her mouth\" at birth. Still, she was raised to be kind, contented, and compassionate toward people and animals.\nEven though there wasn\u2019t a shortage of love and support from her parents, Aruna explained that she would have loved to have had another sibling to share her life with. However, she was very cognizant of how hard her father worked as a labourer and the sacrifices her stay-at-home mom made to ensure that she got the best education and the basic necessities of life.\nAruna, therefore, used her humble upbringing as a form of motivation to work towards making a positive impact in people\u2019s lives, and she is also determined to make her parents proud of her and show them that their investment in her has not gone in vain.\n\nIn 2019, Aruna graduated from one of Guyana\u2019s most prestigious secondary schools, President\u2019s College, and he is currently entering her fourth year at the University of Guyana (UG), Turkeyen Campus, where she is studying business economics.\nEven though the Miss India beauty was very focused on her books in school, Aruna explained that from her nursery school days in school, the teachers would ask her parents for her to participate in the school concerts as a model, and she would. However, she never thought that she would develop a passion for it until she reached secondary school.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nAccording to Aruna, she is proud of being a Guyanese and has always wanted to contribute to Guyana in a \"big way,\" but she wasn\u2019t sure how. Nevertheless, the thought of being in a pageant and representing Guyana locally and possibly internationally was in the \"back of her mind,\" but she never thought of it becoming a reality. As fate would have it, one day, Aruna was surfing the web when she stumbled upon the application form for the Miss India Guyana pageant. Not thinking much about it, she applied, got accepted as one of the contestants, and the rest is history, said Aruna.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nWhile winning the pageant comes with its fair share of benefits, Aruna said there is much more to it than just the shiny crown, glamorous outfits, and makeup. According to her, it teaches self-discipline and body positivity to women of all shapes and sizes.\nAruna explained that the Miss India Guyana organisation's aim is not just about winning a crown, but the director Hashim Alli and his wife Melicia Partab-Alli ensure that you are treated as a family. According to Aruna, their goal is to inspire young girls and women to be the best version of themselves and recognise that beauty isn't based on what's on the outside but, more importantly, what\u2019s on the inside. She also related that the director and his wife inspire and motivate her and the other girls to return to society with the knowledge they have gained and be role models and positive influencers for other women and girls.\n\n<\/a> Aruna Sukhdeo with her parents Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nLessons of Life\nThe classy beauty said that she is grateful to her mother for instilling confidence and life\u2019s lessons in her, \"My mom has taught me to never look down on people, always be confident and brave in life, face whatever fears I may have, and do not allow my fears to overcome me. In life, she said, a person may lose an opportunity at something if they allow fear to get in the way. And I go through life with that mindset of being fearless. She has also taught me to be polite and respectful to everyone I meet. It is her believe that it will take you a far way in life. My parents also support and encourage me to be independent and to give back to others.\"\n\n<\/a> Miss India Guyana 2023 with the director of Miss India Guyana Organisation, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli[\/caption]\n\nAdvice to young people and young girls\nAs much as Aruna is grateful and humbled by her accomplishments, she is very honoured to be in a position where she gets a platform to speak to young people, especially young women and girls, about life's challenges. The 2023 India queen said, \"My platform for the pageant is mental health which is mostly focused on depression. This is something that I have dealt with. In high school, I felt pressured due to work and trying to figure myself out and felt depressed by just trying to keep my grades up while trying to be a part of the extracurricular activities in school. I was so focused on academics that I wasn\u2019t thinking about anything else, but at the same time, I was trying to fit in with my friends and still dealing with the pressure of society.\n\nAruna said, \"I know that a lot of young people are struggling with the same things as well, but in most cases, they are afraid to speak out. I understand how challenging it can be but do not keep it to yourself. Speak out. You may think that no one will listen to you or that you are irrelevant or what you are feeling is irrelevant but I can assure you that speaking up and speaking out, it will benefit you and help others. Don\u2019t be afraid, you are worth it, and know that everything will be okay. You just need to take the first step and talk about it.\"\n\nThe reigning beauty further asked the people of Guyana to play a more positive role in each other's lives. According to her, society has a way of \"looking down\" on people for one reason or another. But Aruna said that it doesn\u2019t matter how strong people are. It does bother them. People are human beings with feelings and regardless of how strong a person may seem, she wants you to know that you may never truly know what someone is dealing with. The decisions people make or how they choose to live their lives is their choice, and Aruna believes that it is not our place to judge that. She is hopeful that as a country and as a society, \"we\" can move away from this way of thinking, be more caring, show empathy, and let people live.\n\nExtend Gratitude\nFinally, Aruna expressed her gratitude to her parents for making the sacrifices and giving her love and support even when she felt like quitting. The director, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli, for believing in her, her best friend, Kavita Beharry, and her cousins, who she said have always been there for her.\nAruna also wanted to thank Ameir Ahmad Proprietor of Sheriff Security and the Proprietor of Mohamed\u2019s Enterprise, Azruddin Mohamed, for generously supporting her financially on her journey.\nAruna is currently in India, and will represent Guyana on the international stage in the upcoming week.","post_title":"The birth of a queen in a labourer\u2019s palace","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650293,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_content":"SUCCESSFUL business mogul and entrepreneur, 34-year-old Ameir Ahmad, the eldest of four siblings, was born and raised in the village of Meten-Meer-Zorg, Essequibo Islands and West Demerara (RegionThree) to an ambitious and \"go-getter\" father, Shareef Ahmad, and his humble, generous, and equally ambitious mother, Sunita Amad.\nWhile sitting in his spotless, cozy, and luxurious office, Ameir exclusively shared with the Pepperpot Magazine that success didn\u2019t just find him and his family; it all started with a humble, positive, and determined mindset. Ameir related that his grandparents were cleaners and tried their utmost to provide the best of what they could afford for their family. However, even though they couldn\u2019t afford to give their children the materialistic pleasures of life, they gave them something that money could not buy. They instilled in their children the knowledge, work ethic, passion, and drive to accomplish a better life than the one they were brought up in.\n\nMaking ends meet\nHowever, it wasn\u2019t a walk in the park for the now-accomplished Shareef Ahmad, who has been a successful businessman for over 25 years. According to Ameir, before all of the success, his father worked relentlessly as a bus driver to provide for his family. Due to limited finances in the home, Ameir said that his mother wanted to contribute financially to the home to help alleviate some of the stress from his father. So, Sunita started to work with one of her brothers-in-law, who owned a jewellery store in Stabroek Market in Georgetown at the time.\nHe further explained that his uncle and aunt gave his mom \"a break\" by giving her a stall that was next to them for rent. He further stated that his mom told him that she gathered all of his baby jewellery and all of their jewellery and put it for sale at her business, and that was the birth of Sheriff Jewelry. Ameir also noted that the stalls are in the market and are functioning, but the family refuses to sell the structures since they played an integral role in the family's development in business.\n\nEven though both of his parents were working, they wanted a better future for Ameir and the rest of the family, and as such, they migrated to New York when he was only 12 years old. Ameir explained that he was a pupil at Leonora Primary School on the West Coast of Demerara, and after his migration, he went to an Islamic school in the Big Apple, after which he wrote his Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and was awarded a place at the Information Technology High School. After being successful at his high school, Ameir went on to secure a place at New York University (NYU), majoring in American History and minoring in Business Management; however, he did not graduate.\n\nMoving back home\nIn 2007, Ameir explained that his dad wanted to return to Guyana to invest, find a way to contribute to society and give back to his country. \"When you are from Guyana, no matter where you may live, your roots are stuck here. You always have a feeling of missing home, and that was us, so we came back with the hope of getting into a few small businesses. After returning, I noticed that people were starting to use cellphones a lot, and I wanted to set up a business, so my father loaned me US$60,000 to see what I could have done with it\", Ameir said.\n\nHe continued to explain that he started to sell cell phones but found it difficult at times to receive payments from the wholesalers, so Ameir eventually opened his own store. He later expanded to computers, and eventually they pooled their resources and purchased a plot of land on Sheriff Street. There they invested in building Sheriff Jewelry, Electronics City, Subs and Salad, Italian Grill, Miami Pizzeria, and the most recent, Sheriff Security Services and Sheriff Medical Centre.\n\n\"Even though the stores were doing great, I always saw a need to expand and invest in the different industries. I am considered a serial entrepreneur, meaning, if I see that selling bread is the next big thing, I want to capitalise on it. I am grateful and lucky that I did invest, and I say this with no disrespect, but now that I look back at all of the competition that I had then, I realised that they are nowhere close to where my portfolio is. I know that if I didn\u2019t make that switch, I wouldn\u2019t be where I am, I would have been hustling and bustling with the retail industry, but instead, I am catching up with the oil and gas market.\"\n\n

\n\nFamily Life\nAmeir explained that he has immense respect and love for his parents, who taught him and his siblings by example that hard work and determination pay off. He added that even though his parents are divorced, they continue to play an active role in their lives by being supportive and ensuring they are okay.\n\nAmeir cheekily shared that his mother, who currently lives in New York, messages him daily to ask where he is, what he is doing, or just to say, \"I am proud of you, Ameir. My mom enjoys traveling, and it is because of her that I developed a passion for it. I am humble that I got the opportunity to travel to the Middle East and countries like Hong Kong, and it is because of those experiences I am inspired to build and contribute to Guyana so that the economy can develop and we can be on the map for all that we have to offer in the different sectors as well as for our architectural work,\" Ameir shared.\n\nHowever, Ameir explained that his dad, who is now the Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) of the Sheriff Group of Companies, is proud and humbled by their success. \"On the other hand, while I know that he loves me and my other siblings and he is proud of us, he doesn\u2019t say it to our faces, but we will hear it from my mom or stepmom. I am motivated by him, and I know that we are a family that has a go-getter attitude, and collectively, we are proud of each other and each other\u2019s accomplishments. I cannot do what I do all by myself, and I am grateful for the togetherness.\"\n\nLegacy\nEven though Ameir and his wife are divorced and he has moved on with someone else, he said that they have a great relationship with co-parenting their two daughters, Aaria and Aliya Ahmad.\nAccording to Ameir, life is short, and he wishes to leave behind a legacy that his daughters can be proud of and carry on after he is long gone. Ameir said, \"I am extremely proud of my daughters, and I remembered the stories my mom shared with me about not being able to afford the basics like pampers for me. I don\u2019t want my daughters to struggle, I want to ensure I give them an education, and I wish for them to make a positive impact in society. Even though women are doing so much in society, we are still living in a society where men are most dominant, and it is my hope that my daughters can take charge of my businesses without having any financial challenges going forward.\n\nThe road map is set for them, and I would like for them to take it from there. I don\u2019t want them to be dependent on a husband or anyone else. When I am gone, God rest my soul. I want to be remembered for leaving my businesses to two good human beings who I know will use them to help others as well.\n\nBiggest Misconception\nWhen asked what the biggest misconception is about him, Ameir said, \"I heard people say that I am not easy to speak to or easily accessible, but I wouldn\u2019t say that. It is just that I am a serious person when it comes to money and getting the work done. I always say my job comes first because when things are going well for the company, we are benefiting, and the people that work for us are benefiting.\"\n\nFinally, Ameir said that he is just getting started with all that he and his family want to do in Guyana, whether in the construction field, medical sector, security, or any of their other businesses.\nThe successful entrepreneur took the opportunity to leave a message with his fellow Guyanese, especially his peers: \"Faith plays a very important role in one's development, regardless of how we choose to worship, and I am proud to know as Guyanese that we respect and celebrate each other's beliefs.\" I also want my peers to know that we are responsible for putting things in place for future generations. Let us be the foundation for a better tomorrow.\"","post_title":"From a bus driver's son to a prosperous businessman","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_4"};

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The Place of the Seven Ponds, also referred to as the \u2018Place of Heroes,\u2019 is located in the Botanical Gardens, Georgetown, and was designed by Guyanese architect Mr. George Henry. It was built following the internment of Governor-General Sir David Rose on the site in 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The monument is made up of seven ponds, a circular central pond with a sculpture in the middle and six segmented circular ponds evenly around in a radial pattern. The sculpture is approximately 5.8 meters (19 feet) in height and has an \u2018x\u2019 shape when viewed from above. It is made up of two interlocking elements that are concaved at the sides and arched at the bottom and top. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buried at the Place of the Seven Ponds are four Guyanese who contributed to the development of the country. The first person to be buried there was His Excellency, Governor-General, Sir David Gardiner Rose, G.C.M.C., C.U.O., M.B.E. Sir David Rose was born on April 10, 1923, and was appointed Governor General in 1966, where he served up until the time of his death on November 10, 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second is National Poet, Mr. Martin Carter, born on June 7, 1927, and died on December 13, 1997. The third is Executive President and Prime Minister Hugh Desmond Hoyte, born on March 9, 1929, and died on December 22, 2002. Mr. Hoyte served as the first Vice-President and Prime Minister in 1984 and later as President of Guyana from 1985 to 1992. The fourth is President Arthur Chung, born on January 10, 1918 and died on June 23, 2008. Mr. Chung served as Guyana\u2019s first president from March 17, 1970, to October 6, 1980.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Image and information courtesy of the National Trust of Guyana.)<\/p>\n","post_title":"Place of the Seven Ponds","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"place-of-the-seven-ponds","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652582","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650871,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_date_gmt":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_content":"

President Ali\u2019s leadership praised for food security achievements<\/strong><\/h3>\n \n\nIN a bold commitment to eradicating hunger, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, underscored Guyana's pivotal role in food security during a World Food Day event at the Bourda Cricket Ground.\n\nSpeaking under the theme \u201cRights to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,\u201d Minister Mustapha highlighted the government\u2019s efforts under President Irfaan Ali's leadership to make Guyana a food-secure nation and a driving force in regional food production.\n\nGuyana, currently celebrating Agriculture Month with the theme \u201cTransforming Tomorrow, Championing Food Security Through Innovation and Technology,\u201d has seen remarkable advancements in food systems.\n\n<\/a> Students interacting with various booths at the World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO[\/caption]\n\nThese two key initiatives, according to Minister Mustapha, are interconnected in their focus on building a sustainable future. The government has made significant strides, working with both private and public sectors to elevate Guyana\u2019s agricultural prowess and position it as the \"food hub of the Caribbean.\"\n\n\u201cOn this World Food Day, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the right to food for all,\u201d said Minister Mustapha. \u201cWith strategic investments and partnerships, we can build a future where hunger becomes a thing of the past, and food security becomes the foundation of sustainable development.\u201d\n\nHe called on stakeholders to continue their support, emphasising the need for collaboration to reduce hunger not only in Guyana but across the Caribbean.\n\nOne of the highlights of Guyana\u2019s recent achievements is its reduced undernourishment levels. Citing a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Minister Mustapha pointed out that undernourishment in Guyana has fallen below 2.5 per cent, well below the regional and global averages.\n\nHe credited these positive changes to government initiatives, including the school feeding programme and household cash grants, which have improved access to nutritious food and bolstered local food systems.\n\nPresident Ali\u2019s leadership has garnered recognition from CARICOM and international bodies for his dedication to tackling food insecurity.\n\nGuyana\u2019s Vision 25 by 2025 initiative, which seeks to reduce CARICOM\u2019s food import bill by 25%, is one such effort that underscores the country\u2019s ambition to become the \"breadbasket of the Caribbean.\" As other Caribbean nations, traditionally dependent on tourism and oil and gas, turn their focus to agriculture, Guyana is leading the charge in reshaping regional food systems.\n\nMinister Mustapha emphasised that Guyana\u2019s progress in reducing severe food insecurity\u2014currently 25.5% lower than the regional average\u2014was not accidental but the result of deliberate policy measures. These include enhancing food production and improving access to nutritious food across the country. He also noted the renewed regional interest in agriculture as part of a broader strategy to address food insecurity and reduce dependency on food imports.\n\nThe World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO, saw the participation of CARICOM representatives, the diplomatic community, and local stakeholders. It featured an agricultural fair and open day, showcasing Guyana\u2019s agricultural innovations and reaffirming the government\u2019s commitment to food security for the nation and the region.\n\nAs Guyana continues its journey toward becoming the Caribbean\u2019s agricultural leader, the nation's progress on World Food Day serves as a reminder of what can be achieved with vision, commitment, and collaboration.","post_title":"Guyana champions hunger eradication, regional food security \u2013 Mininister Mustapha","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650312,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_content":"BEING the only child of Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo, the reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo, who lives in Bladen Hall on the East Coast of Demerara, wasn\u2019t given a \"silver spoon in her mouth\" at birth. Still, she was raised to be kind, contented, and compassionate toward people and animals.\nEven though there wasn\u2019t a shortage of love and support from her parents, Aruna explained that she would have loved to have had another sibling to share her life with. However, she was very cognizant of how hard her father worked as a labourer and the sacrifices her stay-at-home mom made to ensure that she got the best education and the basic necessities of life.\nAruna, therefore, used her humble upbringing as a form of motivation to work towards making a positive impact in people\u2019s lives, and she is also determined to make her parents proud of her and show them that their investment in her has not gone in vain.\n\nIn 2019, Aruna graduated from one of Guyana\u2019s most prestigious secondary schools, President\u2019s College, and he is currently entering her fourth year at the University of Guyana (UG), Turkeyen Campus, where she is studying business economics.\nEven though the Miss India beauty was very focused on her books in school, Aruna explained that from her nursery school days in school, the teachers would ask her parents for her to participate in the school concerts as a model, and she would. However, she never thought that she would develop a passion for it until she reached secondary school.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nAccording to Aruna, she is proud of being a Guyanese and has always wanted to contribute to Guyana in a \"big way,\" but she wasn\u2019t sure how. Nevertheless, the thought of being in a pageant and representing Guyana locally and possibly internationally was in the \"back of her mind,\" but she never thought of it becoming a reality. As fate would have it, one day, Aruna was surfing the web when she stumbled upon the application form for the Miss India Guyana pageant. Not thinking much about it, she applied, got accepted as one of the contestants, and the rest is history, said Aruna.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nWhile winning the pageant comes with its fair share of benefits, Aruna said there is much more to it than just the shiny crown, glamorous outfits, and makeup. According to her, it teaches self-discipline and body positivity to women of all shapes and sizes.\nAruna explained that the Miss India Guyana organisation's aim is not just about winning a crown, but the director Hashim Alli and his wife Melicia Partab-Alli ensure that you are treated as a family. According to Aruna, their goal is to inspire young girls and women to be the best version of themselves and recognise that beauty isn't based on what's on the outside but, more importantly, what\u2019s on the inside. She also related that the director and his wife inspire and motivate her and the other girls to return to society with the knowledge they have gained and be role models and positive influencers for other women and girls.\n\n<\/a> Aruna Sukhdeo with her parents Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nLessons of Life\nThe classy beauty said that she is grateful to her mother for instilling confidence and life\u2019s lessons in her, \"My mom has taught me to never look down on people, always be confident and brave in life, face whatever fears I may have, and do not allow my fears to overcome me. In life, she said, a person may lose an opportunity at something if they allow fear to get in the way. And I go through life with that mindset of being fearless. She has also taught me to be polite and respectful to everyone I meet. It is her believe that it will take you a far way in life. My parents also support and encourage me to be independent and to give back to others.\"\n\n<\/a> Miss India Guyana 2023 with the director of Miss India Guyana Organisation, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli[\/caption]\n\nAdvice to young people and young girls\nAs much as Aruna is grateful and humbled by her accomplishments, she is very honoured to be in a position where she gets a platform to speak to young people, especially young women and girls, about life's challenges. The 2023 India queen said, \"My platform for the pageant is mental health which is mostly focused on depression. This is something that I have dealt with. In high school, I felt pressured due to work and trying to figure myself out and felt depressed by just trying to keep my grades up while trying to be a part of the extracurricular activities in school. I was so focused on academics that I wasn\u2019t thinking about anything else, but at the same time, I was trying to fit in with my friends and still dealing with the pressure of society.\n\nAruna said, \"I know that a lot of young people are struggling with the same things as well, but in most cases, they are afraid to speak out. I understand how challenging it can be but do not keep it to yourself. Speak out. You may think that no one will listen to you or that you are irrelevant or what you are feeling is irrelevant but I can assure you that speaking up and speaking out, it will benefit you and help others. Don\u2019t be afraid, you are worth it, and know that everything will be okay. You just need to take the first step and talk about it.\"\n\nThe reigning beauty further asked the people of Guyana to play a more positive role in each other's lives. According to her, society has a way of \"looking down\" on people for one reason or another. But Aruna said that it doesn\u2019t matter how strong people are. It does bother them. People are human beings with feelings and regardless of how strong a person may seem, she wants you to know that you may never truly know what someone is dealing with. The decisions people make or how they choose to live their lives is their choice, and Aruna believes that it is not our place to judge that. She is hopeful that as a country and as a society, \"we\" can move away from this way of thinking, be more caring, show empathy, and let people live.\n\nExtend Gratitude\nFinally, Aruna expressed her gratitude to her parents for making the sacrifices and giving her love and support even when she felt like quitting. The director, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli, for believing in her, her best friend, Kavita Beharry, and her cousins, who she said have always been there for her.\nAruna also wanted to thank Ameir Ahmad Proprietor of Sheriff Security and the Proprietor of Mohamed\u2019s Enterprise, Azruddin Mohamed, for generously supporting her financially on her journey.\nAruna is currently in India, and will represent Guyana on the international stage in the upcoming week.","post_title":"The birth of a queen in a labourer\u2019s palace","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650293,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_content":"SUCCESSFUL business mogul and entrepreneur, 34-year-old Ameir Ahmad, the eldest of four siblings, was born and raised in the village of Meten-Meer-Zorg, Essequibo Islands and West Demerara (RegionThree) to an ambitious and \"go-getter\" father, Shareef Ahmad, and his humble, generous, and equally ambitious mother, Sunita Amad.\nWhile sitting in his spotless, cozy, and luxurious office, Ameir exclusively shared with the Pepperpot Magazine that success didn\u2019t just find him and his family; it all started with a humble, positive, and determined mindset. Ameir related that his grandparents were cleaners and tried their utmost to provide the best of what they could afford for their family. However, even though they couldn\u2019t afford to give their children the materialistic pleasures of life, they gave them something that money could not buy. They instilled in their children the knowledge, work ethic, passion, and drive to accomplish a better life than the one they were brought up in.\n\nMaking ends meet\nHowever, it wasn\u2019t a walk in the park for the now-accomplished Shareef Ahmad, who has been a successful businessman for over 25 years. According to Ameir, before all of the success, his father worked relentlessly as a bus driver to provide for his family. Due to limited finances in the home, Ameir said that his mother wanted to contribute financially to the home to help alleviate some of the stress from his father. So, Sunita started to work with one of her brothers-in-law, who owned a jewellery store in Stabroek Market in Georgetown at the time.\nHe further explained that his uncle and aunt gave his mom \"a break\" by giving her a stall that was next to them for rent. He further stated that his mom told him that she gathered all of his baby jewellery and all of their jewellery and put it for sale at her business, and that was the birth of Sheriff Jewelry. Ameir also noted that the stalls are in the market and are functioning, but the family refuses to sell the structures since they played an integral role in the family's development in business.\n\nEven though both of his parents were working, they wanted a better future for Ameir and the rest of the family, and as such, they migrated to New York when he was only 12 years old. Ameir explained that he was a pupil at Leonora Primary School on the West Coast of Demerara, and after his migration, he went to an Islamic school in the Big Apple, after which he wrote his Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and was awarded a place at the Information Technology High School. After being successful at his high school, Ameir went on to secure a place at New York University (NYU), majoring in American History and minoring in Business Management; however, he did not graduate.\n\nMoving back home\nIn 2007, Ameir explained that his dad wanted to return to Guyana to invest, find a way to contribute to society and give back to his country. \"When you are from Guyana, no matter where you may live, your roots are stuck here. You always have a feeling of missing home, and that was us, so we came back with the hope of getting into a few small businesses. After returning, I noticed that people were starting to use cellphones a lot, and I wanted to set up a business, so my father loaned me US$60,000 to see what I could have done with it\", Ameir said.\n\nHe continued to explain that he started to sell cell phones but found it difficult at times to receive payments from the wholesalers, so Ameir eventually opened his own store. He later expanded to computers, and eventually they pooled their resources and purchased a plot of land on Sheriff Street. There they invested in building Sheriff Jewelry, Electronics City, Subs and Salad, Italian Grill, Miami Pizzeria, and the most recent, Sheriff Security Services and Sheriff Medical Centre.\n\n\"Even though the stores were doing great, I always saw a need to expand and invest in the different industries. I am considered a serial entrepreneur, meaning, if I see that selling bread is the next big thing, I want to capitalise on it. I am grateful and lucky that I did invest, and I say this with no disrespect, but now that I look back at all of the competition that I had then, I realised that they are nowhere close to where my portfolio is. I know that if I didn\u2019t make that switch, I wouldn\u2019t be where I am, I would have been hustling and bustling with the retail industry, but instead, I am catching up with the oil and gas market.\"\n\n

\n\nFamily Life\nAmeir explained that he has immense respect and love for his parents, who taught him and his siblings by example that hard work and determination pay off. He added that even though his parents are divorced, they continue to play an active role in their lives by being supportive and ensuring they are okay.\n\nAmeir cheekily shared that his mother, who currently lives in New York, messages him daily to ask where he is, what he is doing, or just to say, \"I am proud of you, Ameir. My mom enjoys traveling, and it is because of her that I developed a passion for it. I am humble that I got the opportunity to travel to the Middle East and countries like Hong Kong, and it is because of those experiences I am inspired to build and contribute to Guyana so that the economy can develop and we can be on the map for all that we have to offer in the different sectors as well as for our architectural work,\" Ameir shared.\n\nHowever, Ameir explained that his dad, who is now the Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) of the Sheriff Group of Companies, is proud and humbled by their success. \"On the other hand, while I know that he loves me and my other siblings and he is proud of us, he doesn\u2019t say it to our faces, but we will hear it from my mom or stepmom. I am motivated by him, and I know that we are a family that has a go-getter attitude, and collectively, we are proud of each other and each other\u2019s accomplishments. I cannot do what I do all by myself, and I am grateful for the togetherness.\"\n\nLegacy\nEven though Ameir and his wife are divorced and he has moved on with someone else, he said that they have a great relationship with co-parenting their two daughters, Aaria and Aliya Ahmad.\nAccording to Ameir, life is short, and he wishes to leave behind a legacy that his daughters can be proud of and carry on after he is long gone. Ameir said, \"I am extremely proud of my daughters, and I remembered the stories my mom shared with me about not being able to afford the basics like pampers for me. I don\u2019t want my daughters to struggle, I want to ensure I give them an education, and I wish for them to make a positive impact in society. Even though women are doing so much in society, we are still living in a society where men are most dominant, and it is my hope that my daughters can take charge of my businesses without having any financial challenges going forward.\n\nThe road map is set for them, and I would like for them to take it from there. I don\u2019t want them to be dependent on a husband or anyone else. When I am gone, God rest my soul. I want to be remembered for leaving my businesses to two good human beings who I know will use them to help others as well.\n\nBiggest Misconception\nWhen asked what the biggest misconception is about him, Ameir said, \"I heard people say that I am not easy to speak to or easily accessible, but I wouldn\u2019t say that. It is just that I am a serious person when it comes to money and getting the work done. I always say my job comes first because when things are going well for the company, we are benefiting, and the people that work for us are benefiting.\"\n\nFinally, Ameir said that he is just getting started with all that he and his family want to do in Guyana, whether in the construction field, medical sector, security, or any of their other businesses.\nThe successful entrepreneur took the opportunity to leave a message with his fellow Guyanese, especially his peers: \"Faith plays a very important role in one's development, regardless of how we choose to worship, and I am proud to know as Guyanese that we respect and celebrate each other's beliefs.\" I also want my peers to know that we are responsible for putting things in place for future generations. Let us be the foundation for a better tomorrow.\"","post_title":"From a bus driver's son to a prosperous businessman","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_4"};

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Historical Background \/ Description:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Place of the Seven Ponds, also referred to as the \u2018Place of Heroes,\u2019 is located in the Botanical Gardens, Georgetown, and was designed by Guyanese architect Mr. George Henry. It was built following the internment of Governor-General Sir David Rose on the site in 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The monument is made up of seven ponds, a circular central pond with a sculpture in the middle and six segmented circular ponds evenly around in a radial pattern. The sculpture is approximately 5.8 meters (19 feet) in height and has an \u2018x\u2019 shape when viewed from above. It is made up of two interlocking elements that are concaved at the sides and arched at the bottom and top. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buried at the Place of the Seven Ponds are four Guyanese who contributed to the development of the country. The first person to be buried there was His Excellency, Governor-General, Sir David Gardiner Rose, G.C.M.C., C.U.O., M.B.E. Sir David Rose was born on April 10, 1923, and was appointed Governor General in 1966, where he served up until the time of his death on November 10, 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second is National Poet, Mr. Martin Carter, born on June 7, 1927, and died on December 13, 1997. The third is Executive President and Prime Minister Hugh Desmond Hoyte, born on March 9, 1929, and died on December 22, 2002. Mr. Hoyte served as the first Vice-President and Prime Minister in 1984 and later as President of Guyana from 1985 to 1992. The fourth is President Arthur Chung, born on January 10, 1918 and died on June 23, 2008. Mr. Chung served as Guyana\u2019s first president from March 17, 1970, to October 6, 1980.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Image and information courtesy of the National Trust of Guyana.)<\/p>\n","post_title":"Place of the Seven Ponds","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"place-of-the-seven-ponds","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652582","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650871,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_date_gmt":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_content":"

President Ali\u2019s leadership praised for food security achievements<\/strong><\/h3>\n \n\nIN a bold commitment to eradicating hunger, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, underscored Guyana's pivotal role in food security during a World Food Day event at the Bourda Cricket Ground.\n\nSpeaking under the theme \u201cRights to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,\u201d Minister Mustapha highlighted the government\u2019s efforts under President Irfaan Ali's leadership to make Guyana a food-secure nation and a driving force in regional food production.\n\nGuyana, currently celebrating Agriculture Month with the theme \u201cTransforming Tomorrow, Championing Food Security Through Innovation and Technology,\u201d has seen remarkable advancements in food systems.\n\n<\/a> Students interacting with various booths at the World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO[\/caption]\n\nThese two key initiatives, according to Minister Mustapha, are interconnected in their focus on building a sustainable future. The government has made significant strides, working with both private and public sectors to elevate Guyana\u2019s agricultural prowess and position it as the \"food hub of the Caribbean.\"\n\n\u201cOn this World Food Day, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the right to food for all,\u201d said Minister Mustapha. \u201cWith strategic investments and partnerships, we can build a future where hunger becomes a thing of the past, and food security becomes the foundation of sustainable development.\u201d\n\nHe called on stakeholders to continue their support, emphasising the need for collaboration to reduce hunger not only in Guyana but across the Caribbean.\n\nOne of the highlights of Guyana\u2019s recent achievements is its reduced undernourishment levels. Citing a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Minister Mustapha pointed out that undernourishment in Guyana has fallen below 2.5 per cent, well below the regional and global averages.\n\nHe credited these positive changes to government initiatives, including the school feeding programme and household cash grants, which have improved access to nutritious food and bolstered local food systems.\n\nPresident Ali\u2019s leadership has garnered recognition from CARICOM and international bodies for his dedication to tackling food insecurity.\n\nGuyana\u2019s Vision 25 by 2025 initiative, which seeks to reduce CARICOM\u2019s food import bill by 25%, is one such effort that underscores the country\u2019s ambition to become the \"breadbasket of the Caribbean.\" As other Caribbean nations, traditionally dependent on tourism and oil and gas, turn their focus to agriculture, Guyana is leading the charge in reshaping regional food systems.\n\nMinister Mustapha emphasised that Guyana\u2019s progress in reducing severe food insecurity\u2014currently 25.5% lower than the regional average\u2014was not accidental but the result of deliberate policy measures. These include enhancing food production and improving access to nutritious food across the country. He also noted the renewed regional interest in agriculture as part of a broader strategy to address food insecurity and reduce dependency on food imports.\n\nThe World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO, saw the participation of CARICOM representatives, the diplomatic community, and local stakeholders. It featured an agricultural fair and open day, showcasing Guyana\u2019s agricultural innovations and reaffirming the government\u2019s commitment to food security for the nation and the region.\n\nAs Guyana continues its journey toward becoming the Caribbean\u2019s agricultural leader, the nation's progress on World Food Day serves as a reminder of what can be achieved with vision, commitment, and collaboration.","post_title":"Guyana champions hunger eradication, regional food security \u2013 Mininister Mustapha","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650312,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_content":"BEING the only child of Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo, the reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo, who lives in Bladen Hall on the East Coast of Demerara, wasn\u2019t given a \"silver spoon in her mouth\" at birth. Still, she was raised to be kind, contented, and compassionate toward people and animals.\nEven though there wasn\u2019t a shortage of love and support from her parents, Aruna explained that she would have loved to have had another sibling to share her life with. However, she was very cognizant of how hard her father worked as a labourer and the sacrifices her stay-at-home mom made to ensure that she got the best education and the basic necessities of life.\nAruna, therefore, used her humble upbringing as a form of motivation to work towards making a positive impact in people\u2019s lives, and she is also determined to make her parents proud of her and show them that their investment in her has not gone in vain.\n\nIn 2019, Aruna graduated from one of Guyana\u2019s most prestigious secondary schools, President\u2019s College, and he is currently entering her fourth year at the University of Guyana (UG), Turkeyen Campus, where she is studying business economics.\nEven though the Miss India beauty was very focused on her books in school, Aruna explained that from her nursery school days in school, the teachers would ask her parents for her to participate in the school concerts as a model, and she would. However, she never thought that she would develop a passion for it until she reached secondary school.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nAccording to Aruna, she is proud of being a Guyanese and has always wanted to contribute to Guyana in a \"big way,\" but she wasn\u2019t sure how. Nevertheless, the thought of being in a pageant and representing Guyana locally and possibly internationally was in the \"back of her mind,\" but she never thought of it becoming a reality. As fate would have it, one day, Aruna was surfing the web when she stumbled upon the application form for the Miss India Guyana pageant. Not thinking much about it, she applied, got accepted as one of the contestants, and the rest is history, said Aruna.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nWhile winning the pageant comes with its fair share of benefits, Aruna said there is much more to it than just the shiny crown, glamorous outfits, and makeup. According to her, it teaches self-discipline and body positivity to women of all shapes and sizes.\nAruna explained that the Miss India Guyana organisation's aim is not just about winning a crown, but the director Hashim Alli and his wife Melicia Partab-Alli ensure that you are treated as a family. According to Aruna, their goal is to inspire young girls and women to be the best version of themselves and recognise that beauty isn't based on what's on the outside but, more importantly, what\u2019s on the inside. She also related that the director and his wife inspire and motivate her and the other girls to return to society with the knowledge they have gained and be role models and positive influencers for other women and girls.\n\n<\/a> Aruna Sukhdeo with her parents Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nLessons of Life\nThe classy beauty said that she is grateful to her mother for instilling confidence and life\u2019s lessons in her, \"My mom has taught me to never look down on people, always be confident and brave in life, face whatever fears I may have, and do not allow my fears to overcome me. In life, she said, a person may lose an opportunity at something if they allow fear to get in the way. And I go through life with that mindset of being fearless. She has also taught me to be polite and respectful to everyone I meet. It is her believe that it will take you a far way in life. My parents also support and encourage me to be independent and to give back to others.\"\n\n<\/a> Miss India Guyana 2023 with the director of Miss India Guyana Organisation, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli[\/caption]\n\nAdvice to young people and young girls\nAs much as Aruna is grateful and humbled by her accomplishments, she is very honoured to be in a position where she gets a platform to speak to young people, especially young women and girls, about life's challenges. The 2023 India queen said, \"My platform for the pageant is mental health which is mostly focused on depression. This is something that I have dealt with. In high school, I felt pressured due to work and trying to figure myself out and felt depressed by just trying to keep my grades up while trying to be a part of the extracurricular activities in school. I was so focused on academics that I wasn\u2019t thinking about anything else, but at the same time, I was trying to fit in with my friends and still dealing with the pressure of society.\n\nAruna said, \"I know that a lot of young people are struggling with the same things as well, but in most cases, they are afraid to speak out. I understand how challenging it can be but do not keep it to yourself. Speak out. You may think that no one will listen to you or that you are irrelevant or what you are feeling is irrelevant but I can assure you that speaking up and speaking out, it will benefit you and help others. Don\u2019t be afraid, you are worth it, and know that everything will be okay. You just need to take the first step and talk about it.\"\n\nThe reigning beauty further asked the people of Guyana to play a more positive role in each other's lives. According to her, society has a way of \"looking down\" on people for one reason or another. But Aruna said that it doesn\u2019t matter how strong people are. It does bother them. People are human beings with feelings and regardless of how strong a person may seem, she wants you to know that you may never truly know what someone is dealing with. The decisions people make or how they choose to live their lives is their choice, and Aruna believes that it is not our place to judge that. She is hopeful that as a country and as a society, \"we\" can move away from this way of thinking, be more caring, show empathy, and let people live.\n\nExtend Gratitude\nFinally, Aruna expressed her gratitude to her parents for making the sacrifices and giving her love and support even when she felt like quitting. The director, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli, for believing in her, her best friend, Kavita Beharry, and her cousins, who she said have always been there for her.\nAruna also wanted to thank Ameir Ahmad Proprietor of Sheriff Security and the Proprietor of Mohamed\u2019s Enterprise, Azruddin Mohamed, for generously supporting her financially on her journey.\nAruna is currently in India, and will represent Guyana on the international stage in the upcoming week.","post_title":"The birth of a queen in a labourer\u2019s palace","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650293,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_content":"SUCCESSFUL business mogul and entrepreneur, 34-year-old Ameir Ahmad, the eldest of four siblings, was born and raised in the village of Meten-Meer-Zorg, Essequibo Islands and West Demerara (RegionThree) to an ambitious and \"go-getter\" father, Shareef Ahmad, and his humble, generous, and equally ambitious mother, Sunita Amad.\nWhile sitting in his spotless, cozy, and luxurious office, Ameir exclusively shared with the Pepperpot Magazine that success didn\u2019t just find him and his family; it all started with a humble, positive, and determined mindset. Ameir related that his grandparents were cleaners and tried their utmost to provide the best of what they could afford for their family. However, even though they couldn\u2019t afford to give their children the materialistic pleasures of life, they gave them something that money could not buy. They instilled in their children the knowledge, work ethic, passion, and drive to accomplish a better life than the one they were brought up in.\n\nMaking ends meet\nHowever, it wasn\u2019t a walk in the park for the now-accomplished Shareef Ahmad, who has been a successful businessman for over 25 years. According to Ameir, before all of the success, his father worked relentlessly as a bus driver to provide for his family. Due to limited finances in the home, Ameir said that his mother wanted to contribute financially to the home to help alleviate some of the stress from his father. So, Sunita started to work with one of her brothers-in-law, who owned a jewellery store in Stabroek Market in Georgetown at the time.\nHe further explained that his uncle and aunt gave his mom \"a break\" by giving her a stall that was next to them for rent. He further stated that his mom told him that she gathered all of his baby jewellery and all of their jewellery and put it for sale at her business, and that was the birth of Sheriff Jewelry. Ameir also noted that the stalls are in the market and are functioning, but the family refuses to sell the structures since they played an integral role in the family's development in business.\n\nEven though both of his parents were working, they wanted a better future for Ameir and the rest of the family, and as such, they migrated to New York when he was only 12 years old. Ameir explained that he was a pupil at Leonora Primary School on the West Coast of Demerara, and after his migration, he went to an Islamic school in the Big Apple, after which he wrote his Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and was awarded a place at the Information Technology High School. After being successful at his high school, Ameir went on to secure a place at New York University (NYU), majoring in American History and minoring in Business Management; however, he did not graduate.\n\nMoving back home\nIn 2007, Ameir explained that his dad wanted to return to Guyana to invest, find a way to contribute to society and give back to his country. \"When you are from Guyana, no matter where you may live, your roots are stuck here. You always have a feeling of missing home, and that was us, so we came back with the hope of getting into a few small businesses. After returning, I noticed that people were starting to use cellphones a lot, and I wanted to set up a business, so my father loaned me US$60,000 to see what I could have done with it\", Ameir said.\n\nHe continued to explain that he started to sell cell phones but found it difficult at times to receive payments from the wholesalers, so Ameir eventually opened his own store. He later expanded to computers, and eventually they pooled their resources and purchased a plot of land on Sheriff Street. There they invested in building Sheriff Jewelry, Electronics City, Subs and Salad, Italian Grill, Miami Pizzeria, and the most recent, Sheriff Security Services and Sheriff Medical Centre.\n\n\"Even though the stores were doing great, I always saw a need to expand and invest in the different industries. I am considered a serial entrepreneur, meaning, if I see that selling bread is the next big thing, I want to capitalise on it. I am grateful and lucky that I did invest, and I say this with no disrespect, but now that I look back at all of the competition that I had then, I realised that they are nowhere close to where my portfolio is. I know that if I didn\u2019t make that switch, I wouldn\u2019t be where I am, I would have been hustling and bustling with the retail industry, but instead, I am catching up with the oil and gas market.\"\n\n

\n\nFamily Life\nAmeir explained that he has immense respect and love for his parents, who taught him and his siblings by example that hard work and determination pay off. He added that even though his parents are divorced, they continue to play an active role in their lives by being supportive and ensuring they are okay.\n\nAmeir cheekily shared that his mother, who currently lives in New York, messages him daily to ask where he is, what he is doing, or just to say, \"I am proud of you, Ameir. My mom enjoys traveling, and it is because of her that I developed a passion for it. I am humble that I got the opportunity to travel to the Middle East and countries like Hong Kong, and it is because of those experiences I am inspired to build and contribute to Guyana so that the economy can develop and we can be on the map for all that we have to offer in the different sectors as well as for our architectural work,\" Ameir shared.\n\nHowever, Ameir explained that his dad, who is now the Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) of the Sheriff Group of Companies, is proud and humbled by their success. \"On the other hand, while I know that he loves me and my other siblings and he is proud of us, he doesn\u2019t say it to our faces, but we will hear it from my mom or stepmom. I am motivated by him, and I know that we are a family that has a go-getter attitude, and collectively, we are proud of each other and each other\u2019s accomplishments. I cannot do what I do all by myself, and I am grateful for the togetherness.\"\n\nLegacy\nEven though Ameir and his wife are divorced and he has moved on with someone else, he said that they have a great relationship with co-parenting their two daughters, Aaria and Aliya Ahmad.\nAccording to Ameir, life is short, and he wishes to leave behind a legacy that his daughters can be proud of and carry on after he is long gone. Ameir said, \"I am extremely proud of my daughters, and I remembered the stories my mom shared with me about not being able to afford the basics like pampers for me. I don\u2019t want my daughters to struggle, I want to ensure I give them an education, and I wish for them to make a positive impact in society. Even though women are doing so much in society, we are still living in a society where men are most dominant, and it is my hope that my daughters can take charge of my businesses without having any financial challenges going forward.\n\nThe road map is set for them, and I would like for them to take it from there. I don\u2019t want them to be dependent on a husband or anyone else. When I am gone, God rest my soul. I want to be remembered for leaving my businesses to two good human beings who I know will use them to help others as well.\n\nBiggest Misconception\nWhen asked what the biggest misconception is about him, Ameir said, \"I heard people say that I am not easy to speak to or easily accessible, but I wouldn\u2019t say that. It is just that I am a serious person when it comes to money and getting the work done. I always say my job comes first because when things are going well for the company, we are benefiting, and the people that work for us are benefiting.\"\n\nFinally, Ameir said that he is just getting started with all that he and his family want to do in Guyana, whether in the construction field, medical sector, security, or any of their other businesses.\nThe successful entrepreneur took the opportunity to leave a message with his fellow Guyanese, especially his peers: \"Faith plays a very important role in one's development, regardless of how we choose to worship, and I am proud to know as Guyanese that we respect and celebrate each other's beliefs.\" I also want my peers to know that we are responsible for putting things in place for future generations. Let us be the foundation for a better tomorrow.\"","post_title":"From a bus driver's son to a prosperous businessman","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_4"};

Page 3 of 5 Previous 1 2 3 4 5 Next

\n

Period\/Year Built: <\/strong>1969<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historical Background \/ Description:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Place of the Seven Ponds, also referred to as the \u2018Place of Heroes,\u2019 is located in the Botanical Gardens, Georgetown, and was designed by Guyanese architect Mr. George Henry. It was built following the internment of Governor-General Sir David Rose on the site in 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The monument is made up of seven ponds, a circular central pond with a sculpture in the middle and six segmented circular ponds evenly around in a radial pattern. The sculpture is approximately 5.8 meters (19 feet) in height and has an \u2018x\u2019 shape when viewed from above. It is made up of two interlocking elements that are concaved at the sides and arched at the bottom and top. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buried at the Place of the Seven Ponds are four Guyanese who contributed to the development of the country. The first person to be buried there was His Excellency, Governor-General, Sir David Gardiner Rose, G.C.M.C., C.U.O., M.B.E. Sir David Rose was born on April 10, 1923, and was appointed Governor General in 1966, where he served up until the time of his death on November 10, 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second is National Poet, Mr. Martin Carter, born on June 7, 1927, and died on December 13, 1997. The third is Executive President and Prime Minister Hugh Desmond Hoyte, born on March 9, 1929, and died on December 22, 2002. Mr. Hoyte served as the first Vice-President and Prime Minister in 1984 and later as President of Guyana from 1985 to 1992. The fourth is President Arthur Chung, born on January 10, 1918 and died on June 23, 2008. Mr. Chung served as Guyana\u2019s first president from March 17, 1970, to October 6, 1980.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Image and information courtesy of the National Trust of Guyana.)<\/p>\n","post_title":"Place of the Seven Ponds","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"place-of-the-seven-ponds","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652582","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650871,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_date_gmt":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_content":"

President Ali\u2019s leadership praised for food security achievements<\/strong><\/h3>\n \n\nIN a bold commitment to eradicating hunger, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, underscored Guyana's pivotal role in food security during a World Food Day event at the Bourda Cricket Ground.\n\nSpeaking under the theme \u201cRights to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,\u201d Minister Mustapha highlighted the government\u2019s efforts under President Irfaan Ali's leadership to make Guyana a food-secure nation and a driving force in regional food production.\n\nGuyana, currently celebrating Agriculture Month with the theme \u201cTransforming Tomorrow, Championing Food Security Through Innovation and Technology,\u201d has seen remarkable advancements in food systems.\n\n<\/a> Students interacting with various booths at the World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO[\/caption]\n\nThese two key initiatives, according to Minister Mustapha, are interconnected in their focus on building a sustainable future. The government has made significant strides, working with both private and public sectors to elevate Guyana\u2019s agricultural prowess and position it as the \"food hub of the Caribbean.\"\n\n\u201cOn this World Food Day, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the right to food for all,\u201d said Minister Mustapha. \u201cWith strategic investments and partnerships, we can build a future where hunger becomes a thing of the past, and food security becomes the foundation of sustainable development.\u201d\n\nHe called on stakeholders to continue their support, emphasising the need for collaboration to reduce hunger not only in Guyana but across the Caribbean.\n\nOne of the highlights of Guyana\u2019s recent achievements is its reduced undernourishment levels. Citing a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Minister Mustapha pointed out that undernourishment in Guyana has fallen below 2.5 per cent, well below the regional and global averages.\n\nHe credited these positive changes to government initiatives, including the school feeding programme and household cash grants, which have improved access to nutritious food and bolstered local food systems.\n\nPresident Ali\u2019s leadership has garnered recognition from CARICOM and international bodies for his dedication to tackling food insecurity.\n\nGuyana\u2019s Vision 25 by 2025 initiative, which seeks to reduce CARICOM\u2019s food import bill by 25%, is one such effort that underscores the country\u2019s ambition to become the \"breadbasket of the Caribbean.\" As other Caribbean nations, traditionally dependent on tourism and oil and gas, turn their focus to agriculture, Guyana is leading the charge in reshaping regional food systems.\n\nMinister Mustapha emphasised that Guyana\u2019s progress in reducing severe food insecurity\u2014currently 25.5% lower than the regional average\u2014was not accidental but the result of deliberate policy measures. These include enhancing food production and improving access to nutritious food across the country. He also noted the renewed regional interest in agriculture as part of a broader strategy to address food insecurity and reduce dependency on food imports.\n\nThe World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO, saw the participation of CARICOM representatives, the diplomatic community, and local stakeholders. It featured an agricultural fair and open day, showcasing Guyana\u2019s agricultural innovations and reaffirming the government\u2019s commitment to food security for the nation and the region.\n\nAs Guyana continues its journey toward becoming the Caribbean\u2019s agricultural leader, the nation's progress on World Food Day serves as a reminder of what can be achieved with vision, commitment, and collaboration.","post_title":"Guyana champions hunger eradication, regional food security \u2013 Mininister Mustapha","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650312,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_content":"BEING the only child of Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo, the reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo, who lives in Bladen Hall on the East Coast of Demerara, wasn\u2019t given a \"silver spoon in her mouth\" at birth. Still, she was raised to be kind, contented, and compassionate toward people and animals.\nEven though there wasn\u2019t a shortage of love and support from her parents, Aruna explained that she would have loved to have had another sibling to share her life with. However, she was very cognizant of how hard her father worked as a labourer and the sacrifices her stay-at-home mom made to ensure that she got the best education and the basic necessities of life.\nAruna, therefore, used her humble upbringing as a form of motivation to work towards making a positive impact in people\u2019s lives, and she is also determined to make her parents proud of her and show them that their investment in her has not gone in vain.\n\nIn 2019, Aruna graduated from one of Guyana\u2019s most prestigious secondary schools, President\u2019s College, and he is currently entering her fourth year at the University of Guyana (UG), Turkeyen Campus, where she is studying business economics.\nEven though the Miss India beauty was very focused on her books in school, Aruna explained that from her nursery school days in school, the teachers would ask her parents for her to participate in the school concerts as a model, and she would. However, she never thought that she would develop a passion for it until she reached secondary school.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nAccording to Aruna, she is proud of being a Guyanese and has always wanted to contribute to Guyana in a \"big way,\" but she wasn\u2019t sure how. Nevertheless, the thought of being in a pageant and representing Guyana locally and possibly internationally was in the \"back of her mind,\" but she never thought of it becoming a reality. As fate would have it, one day, Aruna was surfing the web when she stumbled upon the application form for the Miss India Guyana pageant. Not thinking much about it, she applied, got accepted as one of the contestants, and the rest is history, said Aruna.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nWhile winning the pageant comes with its fair share of benefits, Aruna said there is much more to it than just the shiny crown, glamorous outfits, and makeup. According to her, it teaches self-discipline and body positivity to women of all shapes and sizes.\nAruna explained that the Miss India Guyana organisation's aim is not just about winning a crown, but the director Hashim Alli and his wife Melicia Partab-Alli ensure that you are treated as a family. According to Aruna, their goal is to inspire young girls and women to be the best version of themselves and recognise that beauty isn't based on what's on the outside but, more importantly, what\u2019s on the inside. She also related that the director and his wife inspire and motivate her and the other girls to return to society with the knowledge they have gained and be role models and positive influencers for other women and girls.\n\n<\/a> Aruna Sukhdeo with her parents Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nLessons of Life\nThe classy beauty said that she is grateful to her mother for instilling confidence and life\u2019s lessons in her, \"My mom has taught me to never look down on people, always be confident and brave in life, face whatever fears I may have, and do not allow my fears to overcome me. In life, she said, a person may lose an opportunity at something if they allow fear to get in the way. And I go through life with that mindset of being fearless. She has also taught me to be polite and respectful to everyone I meet. It is her believe that it will take you a far way in life. My parents also support and encourage me to be independent and to give back to others.\"\n\n<\/a> Miss India Guyana 2023 with the director of Miss India Guyana Organisation, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli[\/caption]\n\nAdvice to young people and young girls\nAs much as Aruna is grateful and humbled by her accomplishments, she is very honoured to be in a position where she gets a platform to speak to young people, especially young women and girls, about life's challenges. The 2023 India queen said, \"My platform for the pageant is mental health which is mostly focused on depression. This is something that I have dealt with. In high school, I felt pressured due to work and trying to figure myself out and felt depressed by just trying to keep my grades up while trying to be a part of the extracurricular activities in school. I was so focused on academics that I wasn\u2019t thinking about anything else, but at the same time, I was trying to fit in with my friends and still dealing with the pressure of society.\n\nAruna said, \"I know that a lot of young people are struggling with the same things as well, but in most cases, they are afraid to speak out. I understand how challenging it can be but do not keep it to yourself. Speak out. You may think that no one will listen to you or that you are irrelevant or what you are feeling is irrelevant but I can assure you that speaking up and speaking out, it will benefit you and help others. Don\u2019t be afraid, you are worth it, and know that everything will be okay. You just need to take the first step and talk about it.\"\n\nThe reigning beauty further asked the people of Guyana to play a more positive role in each other's lives. According to her, society has a way of \"looking down\" on people for one reason or another. But Aruna said that it doesn\u2019t matter how strong people are. It does bother them. People are human beings with feelings and regardless of how strong a person may seem, she wants you to know that you may never truly know what someone is dealing with. The decisions people make or how they choose to live their lives is their choice, and Aruna believes that it is not our place to judge that. She is hopeful that as a country and as a society, \"we\" can move away from this way of thinking, be more caring, show empathy, and let people live.\n\nExtend Gratitude\nFinally, Aruna expressed her gratitude to her parents for making the sacrifices and giving her love and support even when she felt like quitting. The director, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli, for believing in her, her best friend, Kavita Beharry, and her cousins, who she said have always been there for her.\nAruna also wanted to thank Ameir Ahmad Proprietor of Sheriff Security and the Proprietor of Mohamed\u2019s Enterprise, Azruddin Mohamed, for generously supporting her financially on her journey.\nAruna is currently in India, and will represent Guyana on the international stage in the upcoming week.","post_title":"The birth of a queen in a labourer\u2019s palace","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650293,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_content":"SUCCESSFUL business mogul and entrepreneur, 34-year-old Ameir Ahmad, the eldest of four siblings, was born and raised in the village of Meten-Meer-Zorg, Essequibo Islands and West Demerara (RegionThree) to an ambitious and \"go-getter\" father, Shareef Ahmad, and his humble, generous, and equally ambitious mother, Sunita Amad.\nWhile sitting in his spotless, cozy, and luxurious office, Ameir exclusively shared with the Pepperpot Magazine that success didn\u2019t just find him and his family; it all started with a humble, positive, and determined mindset. Ameir related that his grandparents were cleaners and tried their utmost to provide the best of what they could afford for their family. However, even though they couldn\u2019t afford to give their children the materialistic pleasures of life, they gave them something that money could not buy. They instilled in their children the knowledge, work ethic, passion, and drive to accomplish a better life than the one they were brought up in.\n\nMaking ends meet\nHowever, it wasn\u2019t a walk in the park for the now-accomplished Shareef Ahmad, who has been a successful businessman for over 25 years. According to Ameir, before all of the success, his father worked relentlessly as a bus driver to provide for his family. Due to limited finances in the home, Ameir said that his mother wanted to contribute financially to the home to help alleviate some of the stress from his father. So, Sunita started to work with one of her brothers-in-law, who owned a jewellery store in Stabroek Market in Georgetown at the time.\nHe further explained that his uncle and aunt gave his mom \"a break\" by giving her a stall that was next to them for rent. He further stated that his mom told him that she gathered all of his baby jewellery and all of their jewellery and put it for sale at her business, and that was the birth of Sheriff Jewelry. Ameir also noted that the stalls are in the market and are functioning, but the family refuses to sell the structures since they played an integral role in the family's development in business.\n\nEven though both of his parents were working, they wanted a better future for Ameir and the rest of the family, and as such, they migrated to New York when he was only 12 years old. Ameir explained that he was a pupil at Leonora Primary School on the West Coast of Demerara, and after his migration, he went to an Islamic school in the Big Apple, after which he wrote his Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and was awarded a place at the Information Technology High School. After being successful at his high school, Ameir went on to secure a place at New York University (NYU), majoring in American History and minoring in Business Management; however, he did not graduate.\n\nMoving back home\nIn 2007, Ameir explained that his dad wanted to return to Guyana to invest, find a way to contribute to society and give back to his country. \"When you are from Guyana, no matter where you may live, your roots are stuck here. You always have a feeling of missing home, and that was us, so we came back with the hope of getting into a few small businesses. After returning, I noticed that people were starting to use cellphones a lot, and I wanted to set up a business, so my father loaned me US$60,000 to see what I could have done with it\", Ameir said.\n\nHe continued to explain that he started to sell cell phones but found it difficult at times to receive payments from the wholesalers, so Ameir eventually opened his own store. He later expanded to computers, and eventually they pooled their resources and purchased a plot of land on Sheriff Street. There they invested in building Sheriff Jewelry, Electronics City, Subs and Salad, Italian Grill, Miami Pizzeria, and the most recent, Sheriff Security Services and Sheriff Medical Centre.\n\n\"Even though the stores were doing great, I always saw a need to expand and invest in the different industries. I am considered a serial entrepreneur, meaning, if I see that selling bread is the next big thing, I want to capitalise on it. I am grateful and lucky that I did invest, and I say this with no disrespect, but now that I look back at all of the competition that I had then, I realised that they are nowhere close to where my portfolio is. I know that if I didn\u2019t make that switch, I wouldn\u2019t be where I am, I would have been hustling and bustling with the retail industry, but instead, I am catching up with the oil and gas market.\"\n\n

\n\nFamily Life\nAmeir explained that he has immense respect and love for his parents, who taught him and his siblings by example that hard work and determination pay off. He added that even though his parents are divorced, they continue to play an active role in their lives by being supportive and ensuring they are okay.\n\nAmeir cheekily shared that his mother, who currently lives in New York, messages him daily to ask where he is, what he is doing, or just to say, \"I am proud of you, Ameir. My mom enjoys traveling, and it is because of her that I developed a passion for it. I am humble that I got the opportunity to travel to the Middle East and countries like Hong Kong, and it is because of those experiences I am inspired to build and contribute to Guyana so that the economy can develop and we can be on the map for all that we have to offer in the different sectors as well as for our architectural work,\" Ameir shared.\n\nHowever, Ameir explained that his dad, who is now the Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) of the Sheriff Group of Companies, is proud and humbled by their success. \"On the other hand, while I know that he loves me and my other siblings and he is proud of us, he doesn\u2019t say it to our faces, but we will hear it from my mom or stepmom. I am motivated by him, and I know that we are a family that has a go-getter attitude, and collectively, we are proud of each other and each other\u2019s accomplishments. I cannot do what I do all by myself, and I am grateful for the togetherness.\"\n\nLegacy\nEven though Ameir and his wife are divorced and he has moved on with someone else, he said that they have a great relationship with co-parenting their two daughters, Aaria and Aliya Ahmad.\nAccording to Ameir, life is short, and he wishes to leave behind a legacy that his daughters can be proud of and carry on after he is long gone. Ameir said, \"I am extremely proud of my daughters, and I remembered the stories my mom shared with me about not being able to afford the basics like pampers for me. I don\u2019t want my daughters to struggle, I want to ensure I give them an education, and I wish for them to make a positive impact in society. Even though women are doing so much in society, we are still living in a society where men are most dominant, and it is my hope that my daughters can take charge of my businesses without having any financial challenges going forward.\n\nThe road map is set for them, and I would like for them to take it from there. I don\u2019t want them to be dependent on a husband or anyone else. When I am gone, God rest my soul. I want to be remembered for leaving my businesses to two good human beings who I know will use them to help others as well.\n\nBiggest Misconception\nWhen asked what the biggest misconception is about him, Ameir said, \"I heard people say that I am not easy to speak to or easily accessible, but I wouldn\u2019t say that. It is just that I am a serious person when it comes to money and getting the work done. I always say my job comes first because when things are going well for the company, we are benefiting, and the people that work for us are benefiting.\"\n\nFinally, Ameir said that he is just getting started with all that he and his family want to do in Guyana, whether in the construction field, medical sector, security, or any of their other businesses.\nThe successful entrepreneur took the opportunity to leave a message with his fellow Guyanese, especially his peers: \"Faith plays a very important role in one's development, regardless of how we choose to worship, and I am proud to know as Guyanese that we respect and celebrate each other's beliefs.\" I also want my peers to know that we are responsible for putting things in place for future generations. Let us be the foundation for a better tomorrow.\"","post_title":"From a bus driver's son to a prosperous businessman","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_4"};

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\n

Classification:<\/strong> Commemorative Monument<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Period\/Year Built: <\/strong>1969<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historical Background \/ Description:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Place of the Seven Ponds, also referred to as the \u2018Place of Heroes,\u2019 is located in the Botanical Gardens, Georgetown, and was designed by Guyanese architect Mr. George Henry. It was built following the internment of Governor-General Sir David Rose on the site in 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The monument is made up of seven ponds, a circular central pond with a sculpture in the middle and six segmented circular ponds evenly around in a radial pattern. The sculpture is approximately 5.8 meters (19 feet) in height and has an \u2018x\u2019 shape when viewed from above. It is made up of two interlocking elements that are concaved at the sides and arched at the bottom and top. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buried at the Place of the Seven Ponds are four Guyanese who contributed to the development of the country. The first person to be buried there was His Excellency, Governor-General, Sir David Gardiner Rose, G.C.M.C., C.U.O., M.B.E. Sir David Rose was born on April 10, 1923, and was appointed Governor General in 1966, where he served up until the time of his death on November 10, 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second is National Poet, Mr. Martin Carter, born on June 7, 1927, and died on December 13, 1997. The third is Executive President and Prime Minister Hugh Desmond Hoyte, born on March 9, 1929, and died on December 22, 2002. Mr. Hoyte served as the first Vice-President and Prime Minister in 1984 and later as President of Guyana from 1985 to 1992. The fourth is President Arthur Chung, born on January 10, 1918 and died on June 23, 2008. Mr. Chung served as Guyana\u2019s first president from March 17, 1970, to October 6, 1980.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Image and information courtesy of the National Trust of Guyana.)<\/p>\n","post_title":"Place of the Seven Ponds","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"place-of-the-seven-ponds","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652582","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650871,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_date_gmt":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_content":"

President Ali\u2019s leadership praised for food security achievements<\/strong><\/h3>\n \n\nIN a bold commitment to eradicating hunger, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, underscored Guyana's pivotal role in food security during a World Food Day event at the Bourda Cricket Ground.\n\nSpeaking under the theme \u201cRights to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,\u201d Minister Mustapha highlighted the government\u2019s efforts under President Irfaan Ali's leadership to make Guyana a food-secure nation and a driving force in regional food production.\n\nGuyana, currently celebrating Agriculture Month with the theme \u201cTransforming Tomorrow, Championing Food Security Through Innovation and Technology,\u201d has seen remarkable advancements in food systems.\n\n<\/a> Students interacting with various booths at the World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO[\/caption]\n\nThese two key initiatives, according to Minister Mustapha, are interconnected in their focus on building a sustainable future. The government has made significant strides, working with both private and public sectors to elevate Guyana\u2019s agricultural prowess and position it as the \"food hub of the Caribbean.\"\n\n\u201cOn this World Food Day, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the right to food for all,\u201d said Minister Mustapha. \u201cWith strategic investments and partnerships, we can build a future where hunger becomes a thing of the past, and food security becomes the foundation of sustainable development.\u201d\n\nHe called on stakeholders to continue their support, emphasising the need for collaboration to reduce hunger not only in Guyana but across the Caribbean.\n\nOne of the highlights of Guyana\u2019s recent achievements is its reduced undernourishment levels. Citing a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Minister Mustapha pointed out that undernourishment in Guyana has fallen below 2.5 per cent, well below the regional and global averages.\n\nHe credited these positive changes to government initiatives, including the school feeding programme and household cash grants, which have improved access to nutritious food and bolstered local food systems.\n\nPresident Ali\u2019s leadership has garnered recognition from CARICOM and international bodies for his dedication to tackling food insecurity.\n\nGuyana\u2019s Vision 25 by 2025 initiative, which seeks to reduce CARICOM\u2019s food import bill by 25%, is one such effort that underscores the country\u2019s ambition to become the \"breadbasket of the Caribbean.\" As other Caribbean nations, traditionally dependent on tourism and oil and gas, turn their focus to agriculture, Guyana is leading the charge in reshaping regional food systems.\n\nMinister Mustapha emphasised that Guyana\u2019s progress in reducing severe food insecurity\u2014currently 25.5% lower than the regional average\u2014was not accidental but the result of deliberate policy measures. These include enhancing food production and improving access to nutritious food across the country. He also noted the renewed regional interest in agriculture as part of a broader strategy to address food insecurity and reduce dependency on food imports.\n\nThe World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO, saw the participation of CARICOM representatives, the diplomatic community, and local stakeholders. It featured an agricultural fair and open day, showcasing Guyana\u2019s agricultural innovations and reaffirming the government\u2019s commitment to food security for the nation and the region.\n\nAs Guyana continues its journey toward becoming the Caribbean\u2019s agricultural leader, the nation's progress on World Food Day serves as a reminder of what can be achieved with vision, commitment, and collaboration.","post_title":"Guyana champions hunger eradication, regional food security \u2013 Mininister Mustapha","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650312,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_content":"BEING the only child of Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo, the reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo, who lives in Bladen Hall on the East Coast of Demerara, wasn\u2019t given a \"silver spoon in her mouth\" at birth. Still, she was raised to be kind, contented, and compassionate toward people and animals.\nEven though there wasn\u2019t a shortage of love and support from her parents, Aruna explained that she would have loved to have had another sibling to share her life with. However, she was very cognizant of how hard her father worked as a labourer and the sacrifices her stay-at-home mom made to ensure that she got the best education and the basic necessities of life.\nAruna, therefore, used her humble upbringing as a form of motivation to work towards making a positive impact in people\u2019s lives, and she is also determined to make her parents proud of her and show them that their investment in her has not gone in vain.\n\nIn 2019, Aruna graduated from one of Guyana\u2019s most prestigious secondary schools, President\u2019s College, and he is currently entering her fourth year at the University of Guyana (UG), Turkeyen Campus, where she is studying business economics.\nEven though the Miss India beauty was very focused on her books in school, Aruna explained that from her nursery school days in school, the teachers would ask her parents for her to participate in the school concerts as a model, and she would. However, she never thought that she would develop a passion for it until she reached secondary school.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nAccording to Aruna, she is proud of being a Guyanese and has always wanted to contribute to Guyana in a \"big way,\" but she wasn\u2019t sure how. Nevertheless, the thought of being in a pageant and representing Guyana locally and possibly internationally was in the \"back of her mind,\" but she never thought of it becoming a reality. As fate would have it, one day, Aruna was surfing the web when she stumbled upon the application form for the Miss India Guyana pageant. Not thinking much about it, she applied, got accepted as one of the contestants, and the rest is history, said Aruna.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nWhile winning the pageant comes with its fair share of benefits, Aruna said there is much more to it than just the shiny crown, glamorous outfits, and makeup. According to her, it teaches self-discipline and body positivity to women of all shapes and sizes.\nAruna explained that the Miss India Guyana organisation's aim is not just about winning a crown, but the director Hashim Alli and his wife Melicia Partab-Alli ensure that you are treated as a family. According to Aruna, their goal is to inspire young girls and women to be the best version of themselves and recognise that beauty isn't based on what's on the outside but, more importantly, what\u2019s on the inside. She also related that the director and his wife inspire and motivate her and the other girls to return to society with the knowledge they have gained and be role models and positive influencers for other women and girls.\n\n<\/a> Aruna Sukhdeo with her parents Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nLessons of Life\nThe classy beauty said that she is grateful to her mother for instilling confidence and life\u2019s lessons in her, \"My mom has taught me to never look down on people, always be confident and brave in life, face whatever fears I may have, and do not allow my fears to overcome me. In life, she said, a person may lose an opportunity at something if they allow fear to get in the way. And I go through life with that mindset of being fearless. She has also taught me to be polite and respectful to everyone I meet. It is her believe that it will take you a far way in life. My parents also support and encourage me to be independent and to give back to others.\"\n\n<\/a> Miss India Guyana 2023 with the director of Miss India Guyana Organisation, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli[\/caption]\n\nAdvice to young people and young girls\nAs much as Aruna is grateful and humbled by her accomplishments, she is very honoured to be in a position where she gets a platform to speak to young people, especially young women and girls, about life's challenges. The 2023 India queen said, \"My platform for the pageant is mental health which is mostly focused on depression. This is something that I have dealt with. In high school, I felt pressured due to work and trying to figure myself out and felt depressed by just trying to keep my grades up while trying to be a part of the extracurricular activities in school. I was so focused on academics that I wasn\u2019t thinking about anything else, but at the same time, I was trying to fit in with my friends and still dealing with the pressure of society.\n\nAruna said, \"I know that a lot of young people are struggling with the same things as well, but in most cases, they are afraid to speak out. I understand how challenging it can be but do not keep it to yourself. Speak out. You may think that no one will listen to you or that you are irrelevant or what you are feeling is irrelevant but I can assure you that speaking up and speaking out, it will benefit you and help others. Don\u2019t be afraid, you are worth it, and know that everything will be okay. You just need to take the first step and talk about it.\"\n\nThe reigning beauty further asked the people of Guyana to play a more positive role in each other's lives. According to her, society has a way of \"looking down\" on people for one reason or another. But Aruna said that it doesn\u2019t matter how strong people are. It does bother them. People are human beings with feelings and regardless of how strong a person may seem, she wants you to know that you may never truly know what someone is dealing with. The decisions people make or how they choose to live their lives is their choice, and Aruna believes that it is not our place to judge that. She is hopeful that as a country and as a society, \"we\" can move away from this way of thinking, be more caring, show empathy, and let people live.\n\nExtend Gratitude\nFinally, Aruna expressed her gratitude to her parents for making the sacrifices and giving her love and support even when she felt like quitting. The director, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli, for believing in her, her best friend, Kavita Beharry, and her cousins, who she said have always been there for her.\nAruna also wanted to thank Ameir Ahmad Proprietor of Sheriff Security and the Proprietor of Mohamed\u2019s Enterprise, Azruddin Mohamed, for generously supporting her financially on her journey.\nAruna is currently in India, and will represent Guyana on the international stage in the upcoming week.","post_title":"The birth of a queen in a labourer\u2019s palace","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650293,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_content":"SUCCESSFUL business mogul and entrepreneur, 34-year-old Ameir Ahmad, the eldest of four siblings, was born and raised in the village of Meten-Meer-Zorg, Essequibo Islands and West Demerara (RegionThree) to an ambitious and \"go-getter\" father, Shareef Ahmad, and his humble, generous, and equally ambitious mother, Sunita Amad.\nWhile sitting in his spotless, cozy, and luxurious office, Ameir exclusively shared with the Pepperpot Magazine that success didn\u2019t just find him and his family; it all started with a humble, positive, and determined mindset. Ameir related that his grandparents were cleaners and tried their utmost to provide the best of what they could afford for their family. However, even though they couldn\u2019t afford to give their children the materialistic pleasures of life, they gave them something that money could not buy. They instilled in their children the knowledge, work ethic, passion, and drive to accomplish a better life than the one they were brought up in.\n\nMaking ends meet\nHowever, it wasn\u2019t a walk in the park for the now-accomplished Shareef Ahmad, who has been a successful businessman for over 25 years. According to Ameir, before all of the success, his father worked relentlessly as a bus driver to provide for his family. Due to limited finances in the home, Ameir said that his mother wanted to contribute financially to the home to help alleviate some of the stress from his father. So, Sunita started to work with one of her brothers-in-law, who owned a jewellery store in Stabroek Market in Georgetown at the time.\nHe further explained that his uncle and aunt gave his mom \"a break\" by giving her a stall that was next to them for rent. He further stated that his mom told him that she gathered all of his baby jewellery and all of their jewellery and put it for sale at her business, and that was the birth of Sheriff Jewelry. Ameir also noted that the stalls are in the market and are functioning, but the family refuses to sell the structures since they played an integral role in the family's development in business.\n\nEven though both of his parents were working, they wanted a better future for Ameir and the rest of the family, and as such, they migrated to New York when he was only 12 years old. Ameir explained that he was a pupil at Leonora Primary School on the West Coast of Demerara, and after his migration, he went to an Islamic school in the Big Apple, after which he wrote his Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and was awarded a place at the Information Technology High School. After being successful at his high school, Ameir went on to secure a place at New York University (NYU), majoring in American History and minoring in Business Management; however, he did not graduate.\n\nMoving back home\nIn 2007, Ameir explained that his dad wanted to return to Guyana to invest, find a way to contribute to society and give back to his country. \"When you are from Guyana, no matter where you may live, your roots are stuck here. You always have a feeling of missing home, and that was us, so we came back with the hope of getting into a few small businesses. After returning, I noticed that people were starting to use cellphones a lot, and I wanted to set up a business, so my father loaned me US$60,000 to see what I could have done with it\", Ameir said.\n\nHe continued to explain that he started to sell cell phones but found it difficult at times to receive payments from the wholesalers, so Ameir eventually opened his own store. He later expanded to computers, and eventually they pooled their resources and purchased a plot of land on Sheriff Street. There they invested in building Sheriff Jewelry, Electronics City, Subs and Salad, Italian Grill, Miami Pizzeria, and the most recent, Sheriff Security Services and Sheriff Medical Centre.\n\n\"Even though the stores were doing great, I always saw a need to expand and invest in the different industries. I am considered a serial entrepreneur, meaning, if I see that selling bread is the next big thing, I want to capitalise on it. I am grateful and lucky that I did invest, and I say this with no disrespect, but now that I look back at all of the competition that I had then, I realised that they are nowhere close to where my portfolio is. I know that if I didn\u2019t make that switch, I wouldn\u2019t be where I am, I would have been hustling and bustling with the retail industry, but instead, I am catching up with the oil and gas market.\"\n\n

\n\nFamily Life\nAmeir explained that he has immense respect and love for his parents, who taught him and his siblings by example that hard work and determination pay off. He added that even though his parents are divorced, they continue to play an active role in their lives by being supportive and ensuring they are okay.\n\nAmeir cheekily shared that his mother, who currently lives in New York, messages him daily to ask where he is, what he is doing, or just to say, \"I am proud of you, Ameir. My mom enjoys traveling, and it is because of her that I developed a passion for it. I am humble that I got the opportunity to travel to the Middle East and countries like Hong Kong, and it is because of those experiences I am inspired to build and contribute to Guyana so that the economy can develop and we can be on the map for all that we have to offer in the different sectors as well as for our architectural work,\" Ameir shared.\n\nHowever, Ameir explained that his dad, who is now the Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) of the Sheriff Group of Companies, is proud and humbled by their success. \"On the other hand, while I know that he loves me and my other siblings and he is proud of us, he doesn\u2019t say it to our faces, but we will hear it from my mom or stepmom. I am motivated by him, and I know that we are a family that has a go-getter attitude, and collectively, we are proud of each other and each other\u2019s accomplishments. I cannot do what I do all by myself, and I am grateful for the togetherness.\"\n\nLegacy\nEven though Ameir and his wife are divorced and he has moved on with someone else, he said that they have a great relationship with co-parenting their two daughters, Aaria and Aliya Ahmad.\nAccording to Ameir, life is short, and he wishes to leave behind a legacy that his daughters can be proud of and carry on after he is long gone. Ameir said, \"I am extremely proud of my daughters, and I remembered the stories my mom shared with me about not being able to afford the basics like pampers for me. I don\u2019t want my daughters to struggle, I want to ensure I give them an education, and I wish for them to make a positive impact in society. Even though women are doing so much in society, we are still living in a society where men are most dominant, and it is my hope that my daughters can take charge of my businesses without having any financial challenges going forward.\n\nThe road map is set for them, and I would like for them to take it from there. I don\u2019t want them to be dependent on a husband or anyone else. When I am gone, God rest my soul. I want to be remembered for leaving my businesses to two good human beings who I know will use them to help others as well.\n\nBiggest Misconception\nWhen asked what the biggest misconception is about him, Ameir said, \"I heard people say that I am not easy to speak to or easily accessible, but I wouldn\u2019t say that. It is just that I am a serious person when it comes to money and getting the work done. I always say my job comes first because when things are going well for the company, we are benefiting, and the people that work for us are benefiting.\"\n\nFinally, Ameir said that he is just getting started with all that he and his family want to do in Guyana, whether in the construction field, medical sector, security, or any of their other businesses.\nThe successful entrepreneur took the opportunity to leave a message with his fellow Guyanese, especially his peers: \"Faith plays a very important role in one's development, regardless of how we choose to worship, and I am proud to know as Guyanese that we respect and celebrate each other's beliefs.\" I also want my peers to know that we are responsible for putting things in place for future generations. Let us be the foundation for a better tomorrow.\"","post_title":"From a bus driver's son to a prosperous businessman","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_4"};

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Location: <\/strong>Botanical Gardens, Georgetown<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Classification:<\/strong> Commemorative Monument<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Period\/Year Built: <\/strong>1969<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historical Background \/ Description:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Place of the Seven Ponds, also referred to as the \u2018Place of Heroes,\u2019 is located in the Botanical Gardens, Georgetown, and was designed by Guyanese architect Mr. George Henry. It was built following the internment of Governor-General Sir David Rose on the site in 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The monument is made up of seven ponds, a circular central pond with a sculpture in the middle and six segmented circular ponds evenly around in a radial pattern. The sculpture is approximately 5.8 meters (19 feet) in height and has an \u2018x\u2019 shape when viewed from above. It is made up of two interlocking elements that are concaved at the sides and arched at the bottom and top. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buried at the Place of the Seven Ponds are four Guyanese who contributed to the development of the country. The first person to be buried there was His Excellency, Governor-General, Sir David Gardiner Rose, G.C.M.C., C.U.O., M.B.E. Sir David Rose was born on April 10, 1923, and was appointed Governor General in 1966, where he served up until the time of his death on November 10, 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second is National Poet, Mr. Martin Carter, born on June 7, 1927, and died on December 13, 1997. The third is Executive President and Prime Minister Hugh Desmond Hoyte, born on March 9, 1929, and died on December 22, 2002. Mr. Hoyte served as the first Vice-President and Prime Minister in 1984 and later as President of Guyana from 1985 to 1992. The fourth is President Arthur Chung, born on January 10, 1918 and died on June 23, 2008. Mr. Chung served as Guyana\u2019s first president from March 17, 1970, to October 6, 1980.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Image and information courtesy of the National Trust of Guyana.)<\/p>\n","post_title":"Place of the Seven Ponds","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"place-of-the-seven-ponds","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652582","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650871,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_date_gmt":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_content":"

President Ali\u2019s leadership praised for food security achievements<\/strong><\/h3>\n \n\nIN a bold commitment to eradicating hunger, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, underscored Guyana's pivotal role in food security during a World Food Day event at the Bourda Cricket Ground.\n\nSpeaking under the theme \u201cRights to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,\u201d Minister Mustapha highlighted the government\u2019s efforts under President Irfaan Ali's leadership to make Guyana a food-secure nation and a driving force in regional food production.\n\nGuyana, currently celebrating Agriculture Month with the theme \u201cTransforming Tomorrow, Championing Food Security Through Innovation and Technology,\u201d has seen remarkable advancements in food systems.\n\n<\/a> Students interacting with various booths at the World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO[\/caption]\n\nThese two key initiatives, according to Minister Mustapha, are interconnected in their focus on building a sustainable future. The government has made significant strides, working with both private and public sectors to elevate Guyana\u2019s agricultural prowess and position it as the \"food hub of the Caribbean.\"\n\n\u201cOn this World Food Day, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the right to food for all,\u201d said Minister Mustapha. \u201cWith strategic investments and partnerships, we can build a future where hunger becomes a thing of the past, and food security becomes the foundation of sustainable development.\u201d\n\nHe called on stakeholders to continue their support, emphasising the need for collaboration to reduce hunger not only in Guyana but across the Caribbean.\n\nOne of the highlights of Guyana\u2019s recent achievements is its reduced undernourishment levels. Citing a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Minister Mustapha pointed out that undernourishment in Guyana has fallen below 2.5 per cent, well below the regional and global averages.\n\nHe credited these positive changes to government initiatives, including the school feeding programme and household cash grants, which have improved access to nutritious food and bolstered local food systems.\n\nPresident Ali\u2019s leadership has garnered recognition from CARICOM and international bodies for his dedication to tackling food insecurity.\n\nGuyana\u2019s Vision 25 by 2025 initiative, which seeks to reduce CARICOM\u2019s food import bill by 25%, is one such effort that underscores the country\u2019s ambition to become the \"breadbasket of the Caribbean.\" As other Caribbean nations, traditionally dependent on tourism and oil and gas, turn their focus to agriculture, Guyana is leading the charge in reshaping regional food systems.\n\nMinister Mustapha emphasised that Guyana\u2019s progress in reducing severe food insecurity\u2014currently 25.5% lower than the regional average\u2014was not accidental but the result of deliberate policy measures. These include enhancing food production and improving access to nutritious food across the country. He also noted the renewed regional interest in agriculture as part of a broader strategy to address food insecurity and reduce dependency on food imports.\n\nThe World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO, saw the participation of CARICOM representatives, the diplomatic community, and local stakeholders. It featured an agricultural fair and open day, showcasing Guyana\u2019s agricultural innovations and reaffirming the government\u2019s commitment to food security for the nation and the region.\n\nAs Guyana continues its journey toward becoming the Caribbean\u2019s agricultural leader, the nation's progress on World Food Day serves as a reminder of what can be achieved with vision, commitment, and collaboration.","post_title":"Guyana champions hunger eradication, regional food security \u2013 Mininister Mustapha","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650312,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_content":"BEING the only child of Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo, the reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo, who lives in Bladen Hall on the East Coast of Demerara, wasn\u2019t given a \"silver spoon in her mouth\" at birth. Still, she was raised to be kind, contented, and compassionate toward people and animals.\nEven though there wasn\u2019t a shortage of love and support from her parents, Aruna explained that she would have loved to have had another sibling to share her life with. However, she was very cognizant of how hard her father worked as a labourer and the sacrifices her stay-at-home mom made to ensure that she got the best education and the basic necessities of life.\nAruna, therefore, used her humble upbringing as a form of motivation to work towards making a positive impact in people\u2019s lives, and she is also determined to make her parents proud of her and show them that their investment in her has not gone in vain.\n\nIn 2019, Aruna graduated from one of Guyana\u2019s most prestigious secondary schools, President\u2019s College, and he is currently entering her fourth year at the University of Guyana (UG), Turkeyen Campus, where she is studying business economics.\nEven though the Miss India beauty was very focused on her books in school, Aruna explained that from her nursery school days in school, the teachers would ask her parents for her to participate in the school concerts as a model, and she would. However, she never thought that she would develop a passion for it until she reached secondary school.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nAccording to Aruna, she is proud of being a Guyanese and has always wanted to contribute to Guyana in a \"big way,\" but she wasn\u2019t sure how. Nevertheless, the thought of being in a pageant and representing Guyana locally and possibly internationally was in the \"back of her mind,\" but she never thought of it becoming a reality. As fate would have it, one day, Aruna was surfing the web when she stumbled upon the application form for the Miss India Guyana pageant. Not thinking much about it, she applied, got accepted as one of the contestants, and the rest is history, said Aruna.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nWhile winning the pageant comes with its fair share of benefits, Aruna said there is much more to it than just the shiny crown, glamorous outfits, and makeup. According to her, it teaches self-discipline and body positivity to women of all shapes and sizes.\nAruna explained that the Miss India Guyana organisation's aim is not just about winning a crown, but the director Hashim Alli and his wife Melicia Partab-Alli ensure that you are treated as a family. According to Aruna, their goal is to inspire young girls and women to be the best version of themselves and recognise that beauty isn't based on what's on the outside but, more importantly, what\u2019s on the inside. She also related that the director and his wife inspire and motivate her and the other girls to return to society with the knowledge they have gained and be role models and positive influencers for other women and girls.\n\n<\/a> Aruna Sukhdeo with her parents Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nLessons of Life\nThe classy beauty said that she is grateful to her mother for instilling confidence and life\u2019s lessons in her, \"My mom has taught me to never look down on people, always be confident and brave in life, face whatever fears I may have, and do not allow my fears to overcome me. In life, she said, a person may lose an opportunity at something if they allow fear to get in the way. And I go through life with that mindset of being fearless. She has also taught me to be polite and respectful to everyone I meet. It is her believe that it will take you a far way in life. My parents also support and encourage me to be independent and to give back to others.\"\n\n<\/a> Miss India Guyana 2023 with the director of Miss India Guyana Organisation, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli[\/caption]\n\nAdvice to young people and young girls\nAs much as Aruna is grateful and humbled by her accomplishments, she is very honoured to be in a position where she gets a platform to speak to young people, especially young women and girls, about life's challenges. The 2023 India queen said, \"My platform for the pageant is mental health which is mostly focused on depression. This is something that I have dealt with. In high school, I felt pressured due to work and trying to figure myself out and felt depressed by just trying to keep my grades up while trying to be a part of the extracurricular activities in school. I was so focused on academics that I wasn\u2019t thinking about anything else, but at the same time, I was trying to fit in with my friends and still dealing with the pressure of society.\n\nAruna said, \"I know that a lot of young people are struggling with the same things as well, but in most cases, they are afraid to speak out. I understand how challenging it can be but do not keep it to yourself. Speak out. You may think that no one will listen to you or that you are irrelevant or what you are feeling is irrelevant but I can assure you that speaking up and speaking out, it will benefit you and help others. Don\u2019t be afraid, you are worth it, and know that everything will be okay. You just need to take the first step and talk about it.\"\n\nThe reigning beauty further asked the people of Guyana to play a more positive role in each other's lives. According to her, society has a way of \"looking down\" on people for one reason or another. But Aruna said that it doesn\u2019t matter how strong people are. It does bother them. People are human beings with feelings and regardless of how strong a person may seem, she wants you to know that you may never truly know what someone is dealing with. The decisions people make or how they choose to live their lives is their choice, and Aruna believes that it is not our place to judge that. She is hopeful that as a country and as a society, \"we\" can move away from this way of thinking, be more caring, show empathy, and let people live.\n\nExtend Gratitude\nFinally, Aruna expressed her gratitude to her parents for making the sacrifices and giving her love and support even when she felt like quitting. The director, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli, for believing in her, her best friend, Kavita Beharry, and her cousins, who she said have always been there for her.\nAruna also wanted to thank Ameir Ahmad Proprietor of Sheriff Security and the Proprietor of Mohamed\u2019s Enterprise, Azruddin Mohamed, for generously supporting her financially on her journey.\nAruna is currently in India, and will represent Guyana on the international stage in the upcoming week.","post_title":"The birth of a queen in a labourer\u2019s palace","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650293,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_content":"SUCCESSFUL business mogul and entrepreneur, 34-year-old Ameir Ahmad, the eldest of four siblings, was born and raised in the village of Meten-Meer-Zorg, Essequibo Islands and West Demerara (RegionThree) to an ambitious and \"go-getter\" father, Shareef Ahmad, and his humble, generous, and equally ambitious mother, Sunita Amad.\nWhile sitting in his spotless, cozy, and luxurious office, Ameir exclusively shared with the Pepperpot Magazine that success didn\u2019t just find him and his family; it all started with a humble, positive, and determined mindset. Ameir related that his grandparents were cleaners and tried their utmost to provide the best of what they could afford for their family. However, even though they couldn\u2019t afford to give their children the materialistic pleasures of life, they gave them something that money could not buy. They instilled in their children the knowledge, work ethic, passion, and drive to accomplish a better life than the one they were brought up in.\n\nMaking ends meet\nHowever, it wasn\u2019t a walk in the park for the now-accomplished Shareef Ahmad, who has been a successful businessman for over 25 years. According to Ameir, before all of the success, his father worked relentlessly as a bus driver to provide for his family. Due to limited finances in the home, Ameir said that his mother wanted to contribute financially to the home to help alleviate some of the stress from his father. So, Sunita started to work with one of her brothers-in-law, who owned a jewellery store in Stabroek Market in Georgetown at the time.\nHe further explained that his uncle and aunt gave his mom \"a break\" by giving her a stall that was next to them for rent. He further stated that his mom told him that she gathered all of his baby jewellery and all of their jewellery and put it for sale at her business, and that was the birth of Sheriff Jewelry. Ameir also noted that the stalls are in the market and are functioning, but the family refuses to sell the structures since they played an integral role in the family's development in business.\n\nEven though both of his parents were working, they wanted a better future for Ameir and the rest of the family, and as such, they migrated to New York when he was only 12 years old. Ameir explained that he was a pupil at Leonora Primary School on the West Coast of Demerara, and after his migration, he went to an Islamic school in the Big Apple, after which he wrote his Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and was awarded a place at the Information Technology High School. After being successful at his high school, Ameir went on to secure a place at New York University (NYU), majoring in American History and minoring in Business Management; however, he did not graduate.\n\nMoving back home\nIn 2007, Ameir explained that his dad wanted to return to Guyana to invest, find a way to contribute to society and give back to his country. \"When you are from Guyana, no matter where you may live, your roots are stuck here. You always have a feeling of missing home, and that was us, so we came back with the hope of getting into a few small businesses. After returning, I noticed that people were starting to use cellphones a lot, and I wanted to set up a business, so my father loaned me US$60,000 to see what I could have done with it\", Ameir said.\n\nHe continued to explain that he started to sell cell phones but found it difficult at times to receive payments from the wholesalers, so Ameir eventually opened his own store. He later expanded to computers, and eventually they pooled their resources and purchased a plot of land on Sheriff Street. There they invested in building Sheriff Jewelry, Electronics City, Subs and Salad, Italian Grill, Miami Pizzeria, and the most recent, Sheriff Security Services and Sheriff Medical Centre.\n\n\"Even though the stores were doing great, I always saw a need to expand and invest in the different industries. I am considered a serial entrepreneur, meaning, if I see that selling bread is the next big thing, I want to capitalise on it. I am grateful and lucky that I did invest, and I say this with no disrespect, but now that I look back at all of the competition that I had then, I realised that they are nowhere close to where my portfolio is. I know that if I didn\u2019t make that switch, I wouldn\u2019t be where I am, I would have been hustling and bustling with the retail industry, but instead, I am catching up with the oil and gas market.\"\n\n

\n\nFamily Life\nAmeir explained that he has immense respect and love for his parents, who taught him and his siblings by example that hard work and determination pay off. He added that even though his parents are divorced, they continue to play an active role in their lives by being supportive and ensuring they are okay.\n\nAmeir cheekily shared that his mother, who currently lives in New York, messages him daily to ask where he is, what he is doing, or just to say, \"I am proud of you, Ameir. My mom enjoys traveling, and it is because of her that I developed a passion for it. I am humble that I got the opportunity to travel to the Middle East and countries like Hong Kong, and it is because of those experiences I am inspired to build and contribute to Guyana so that the economy can develop and we can be on the map for all that we have to offer in the different sectors as well as for our architectural work,\" Ameir shared.\n\nHowever, Ameir explained that his dad, who is now the Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) of the Sheriff Group of Companies, is proud and humbled by their success. \"On the other hand, while I know that he loves me and my other siblings and he is proud of us, he doesn\u2019t say it to our faces, but we will hear it from my mom or stepmom. I am motivated by him, and I know that we are a family that has a go-getter attitude, and collectively, we are proud of each other and each other\u2019s accomplishments. I cannot do what I do all by myself, and I am grateful for the togetherness.\"\n\nLegacy\nEven though Ameir and his wife are divorced and he has moved on with someone else, he said that they have a great relationship with co-parenting their two daughters, Aaria and Aliya Ahmad.\nAccording to Ameir, life is short, and he wishes to leave behind a legacy that his daughters can be proud of and carry on after he is long gone. Ameir said, \"I am extremely proud of my daughters, and I remembered the stories my mom shared with me about not being able to afford the basics like pampers for me. I don\u2019t want my daughters to struggle, I want to ensure I give them an education, and I wish for them to make a positive impact in society. Even though women are doing so much in society, we are still living in a society where men are most dominant, and it is my hope that my daughters can take charge of my businesses without having any financial challenges going forward.\n\nThe road map is set for them, and I would like for them to take it from there. I don\u2019t want them to be dependent on a husband or anyone else. When I am gone, God rest my soul. I want to be remembered for leaving my businesses to two good human beings who I know will use them to help others as well.\n\nBiggest Misconception\nWhen asked what the biggest misconception is about him, Ameir said, \"I heard people say that I am not easy to speak to or easily accessible, but I wouldn\u2019t say that. It is just that I am a serious person when it comes to money and getting the work done. I always say my job comes first because when things are going well for the company, we are benefiting, and the people that work for us are benefiting.\"\n\nFinally, Ameir said that he is just getting started with all that he and his family want to do in Guyana, whether in the construction field, medical sector, security, or any of their other businesses.\nThe successful entrepreneur took the opportunity to leave a message with his fellow Guyanese, especially his peers: \"Faith plays a very important role in one's development, regardless of how we choose to worship, and I am proud to know as Guyanese that we respect and celebrate each other's beliefs.\" I also want my peers to know that we are responsible for putting things in place for future generations. Let us be the foundation for a better tomorrow.\"","post_title":"From a bus driver's son to a prosperous businessman","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_4"};

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<\/p>\n","post_title":"Bourda Market","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"bourda-market","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":652582,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2025-04-06 03:29:55","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:29:55","post_content":"\n

Location: <\/strong>Botanical Gardens, Georgetown<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Classification:<\/strong> Commemorative Monument<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Period\/Year Built: <\/strong>1969<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historical Background \/ Description:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Place of the Seven Ponds, also referred to as the \u2018Place of Heroes,\u2019 is located in the Botanical Gardens, Georgetown, and was designed by Guyanese architect Mr. George Henry. It was built following the internment of Governor-General Sir David Rose on the site in 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The monument is made up of seven ponds, a circular central pond with a sculpture in the middle and six segmented circular ponds evenly around in a radial pattern. The sculpture is approximately 5.8 meters (19 feet) in height and has an \u2018x\u2019 shape when viewed from above. It is made up of two interlocking elements that are concaved at the sides and arched at the bottom and top. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buried at the Place of the Seven Ponds are four Guyanese who contributed to the development of the country. The first person to be buried there was His Excellency, Governor-General, Sir David Gardiner Rose, G.C.M.C., C.U.O., M.B.E. Sir David Rose was born on April 10, 1923, and was appointed Governor General in 1966, where he served up until the time of his death on November 10, 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second is National Poet, Mr. Martin Carter, born on June 7, 1927, and died on December 13, 1997. The third is Executive President and Prime Minister Hugh Desmond Hoyte, born on March 9, 1929, and died on December 22, 2002. Mr. Hoyte served as the first Vice-President and Prime Minister in 1984 and later as President of Guyana from 1985 to 1992. The fourth is President Arthur Chung, born on January 10, 1918 and died on June 23, 2008. Mr. Chung served as Guyana\u2019s first president from March 17, 1970, to October 6, 1980.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Image and information courtesy of the National Trust of Guyana.)<\/p>\n","post_title":"Place of the Seven Ponds","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"place-of-the-seven-ponds","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652582","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650871,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_date_gmt":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_content":"

President Ali\u2019s leadership praised for food security achievements<\/strong><\/h3>\n \n\nIN a bold commitment to eradicating hunger, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, underscored Guyana's pivotal role in food security during a World Food Day event at the Bourda Cricket Ground.\n\nSpeaking under the theme \u201cRights to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,\u201d Minister Mustapha highlighted the government\u2019s efforts under President Irfaan Ali's leadership to make Guyana a food-secure nation and a driving force in regional food production.\n\nGuyana, currently celebrating Agriculture Month with the theme \u201cTransforming Tomorrow, Championing Food Security Through Innovation and Technology,\u201d has seen remarkable advancements in food systems.\n\n<\/a> Students interacting with various booths at the World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO[\/caption]\n\nThese two key initiatives, according to Minister Mustapha, are interconnected in their focus on building a sustainable future. The government has made significant strides, working with both private and public sectors to elevate Guyana\u2019s agricultural prowess and position it as the \"food hub of the Caribbean.\"\n\n\u201cOn this World Food Day, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the right to food for all,\u201d said Minister Mustapha. \u201cWith strategic investments and partnerships, we can build a future where hunger becomes a thing of the past, and food security becomes the foundation of sustainable development.\u201d\n\nHe called on stakeholders to continue their support, emphasising the need for collaboration to reduce hunger not only in Guyana but across the Caribbean.\n\nOne of the highlights of Guyana\u2019s recent achievements is its reduced undernourishment levels. Citing a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Minister Mustapha pointed out that undernourishment in Guyana has fallen below 2.5 per cent, well below the regional and global averages.\n\nHe credited these positive changes to government initiatives, including the school feeding programme and household cash grants, which have improved access to nutritious food and bolstered local food systems.\n\nPresident Ali\u2019s leadership has garnered recognition from CARICOM and international bodies for his dedication to tackling food insecurity.\n\nGuyana\u2019s Vision 25 by 2025 initiative, which seeks to reduce CARICOM\u2019s food import bill by 25%, is one such effort that underscores the country\u2019s ambition to become the \"breadbasket of the Caribbean.\" As other Caribbean nations, traditionally dependent on tourism and oil and gas, turn their focus to agriculture, Guyana is leading the charge in reshaping regional food systems.\n\nMinister Mustapha emphasised that Guyana\u2019s progress in reducing severe food insecurity\u2014currently 25.5% lower than the regional average\u2014was not accidental but the result of deliberate policy measures. These include enhancing food production and improving access to nutritious food across the country. He also noted the renewed regional interest in agriculture as part of a broader strategy to address food insecurity and reduce dependency on food imports.\n\nThe World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO, saw the participation of CARICOM representatives, the diplomatic community, and local stakeholders. It featured an agricultural fair and open day, showcasing Guyana\u2019s agricultural innovations and reaffirming the government\u2019s commitment to food security for the nation and the region.\n\nAs Guyana continues its journey toward becoming the Caribbean\u2019s agricultural leader, the nation's progress on World Food Day serves as a reminder of what can be achieved with vision, commitment, and collaboration.","post_title":"Guyana champions hunger eradication, regional food security \u2013 Mininister Mustapha","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650312,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_content":"BEING the only child of Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo, the reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo, who lives in Bladen Hall on the East Coast of Demerara, wasn\u2019t given a \"silver spoon in her mouth\" at birth. Still, she was raised to be kind, contented, and compassionate toward people and animals.\nEven though there wasn\u2019t a shortage of love and support from her parents, Aruna explained that she would have loved to have had another sibling to share her life with. However, she was very cognizant of how hard her father worked as a labourer and the sacrifices her stay-at-home mom made to ensure that she got the best education and the basic necessities of life.\nAruna, therefore, used her humble upbringing as a form of motivation to work towards making a positive impact in people\u2019s lives, and she is also determined to make her parents proud of her and show them that their investment in her has not gone in vain.\n\nIn 2019, Aruna graduated from one of Guyana\u2019s most prestigious secondary schools, President\u2019s College, and he is currently entering her fourth year at the University of Guyana (UG), Turkeyen Campus, where she is studying business economics.\nEven though the Miss India beauty was very focused on her books in school, Aruna explained that from her nursery school days in school, the teachers would ask her parents for her to participate in the school concerts as a model, and she would. However, she never thought that she would develop a passion for it until she reached secondary school.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nAccording to Aruna, she is proud of being a Guyanese and has always wanted to contribute to Guyana in a \"big way,\" but she wasn\u2019t sure how. Nevertheless, the thought of being in a pageant and representing Guyana locally and possibly internationally was in the \"back of her mind,\" but she never thought of it becoming a reality. As fate would have it, one day, Aruna was surfing the web when she stumbled upon the application form for the Miss India Guyana pageant. Not thinking much about it, she applied, got accepted as one of the contestants, and the rest is history, said Aruna.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nWhile winning the pageant comes with its fair share of benefits, Aruna said there is much more to it than just the shiny crown, glamorous outfits, and makeup. According to her, it teaches self-discipline and body positivity to women of all shapes and sizes.\nAruna explained that the Miss India Guyana organisation's aim is not just about winning a crown, but the director Hashim Alli and his wife Melicia Partab-Alli ensure that you are treated as a family. According to Aruna, their goal is to inspire young girls and women to be the best version of themselves and recognise that beauty isn't based on what's on the outside but, more importantly, what\u2019s on the inside. She also related that the director and his wife inspire and motivate her and the other girls to return to society with the knowledge they have gained and be role models and positive influencers for other women and girls.\n\n<\/a> Aruna Sukhdeo with her parents Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nLessons of Life\nThe classy beauty said that she is grateful to her mother for instilling confidence and life\u2019s lessons in her, \"My mom has taught me to never look down on people, always be confident and brave in life, face whatever fears I may have, and do not allow my fears to overcome me. In life, she said, a person may lose an opportunity at something if they allow fear to get in the way. And I go through life with that mindset of being fearless. She has also taught me to be polite and respectful to everyone I meet. It is her believe that it will take you a far way in life. My parents also support and encourage me to be independent and to give back to others.\"\n\n<\/a> Miss India Guyana 2023 with the director of Miss India Guyana Organisation, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli[\/caption]\n\nAdvice to young people and young girls\nAs much as Aruna is grateful and humbled by her accomplishments, she is very honoured to be in a position where she gets a platform to speak to young people, especially young women and girls, about life's challenges. The 2023 India queen said, \"My platform for the pageant is mental health which is mostly focused on depression. This is something that I have dealt with. In high school, I felt pressured due to work and trying to figure myself out and felt depressed by just trying to keep my grades up while trying to be a part of the extracurricular activities in school. I was so focused on academics that I wasn\u2019t thinking about anything else, but at the same time, I was trying to fit in with my friends and still dealing with the pressure of society.\n\nAruna said, \"I know that a lot of young people are struggling with the same things as well, but in most cases, they are afraid to speak out. I understand how challenging it can be but do not keep it to yourself. Speak out. You may think that no one will listen to you or that you are irrelevant or what you are feeling is irrelevant but I can assure you that speaking up and speaking out, it will benefit you and help others. Don\u2019t be afraid, you are worth it, and know that everything will be okay. You just need to take the first step and talk about it.\"\n\nThe reigning beauty further asked the people of Guyana to play a more positive role in each other's lives. According to her, society has a way of \"looking down\" on people for one reason or another. But Aruna said that it doesn\u2019t matter how strong people are. It does bother them. People are human beings with feelings and regardless of how strong a person may seem, she wants you to know that you may never truly know what someone is dealing with. The decisions people make or how they choose to live their lives is their choice, and Aruna believes that it is not our place to judge that. She is hopeful that as a country and as a society, \"we\" can move away from this way of thinking, be more caring, show empathy, and let people live.\n\nExtend Gratitude\nFinally, Aruna expressed her gratitude to her parents for making the sacrifices and giving her love and support even when she felt like quitting. The director, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli, for believing in her, her best friend, Kavita Beharry, and her cousins, who she said have always been there for her.\nAruna also wanted to thank Ameir Ahmad Proprietor of Sheriff Security and the Proprietor of Mohamed\u2019s Enterprise, Azruddin Mohamed, for generously supporting her financially on her journey.\nAruna is currently in India, and will represent Guyana on the international stage in the upcoming week.","post_title":"The birth of a queen in a labourer\u2019s palace","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650293,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_content":"SUCCESSFUL business mogul and entrepreneur, 34-year-old Ameir Ahmad, the eldest of four siblings, was born and raised in the village of Meten-Meer-Zorg, Essequibo Islands and West Demerara (RegionThree) to an ambitious and \"go-getter\" father, Shareef Ahmad, and his humble, generous, and equally ambitious mother, Sunita Amad.\nWhile sitting in his spotless, cozy, and luxurious office, Ameir exclusively shared with the Pepperpot Magazine that success didn\u2019t just find him and his family; it all started with a humble, positive, and determined mindset. Ameir related that his grandparents were cleaners and tried their utmost to provide the best of what they could afford for their family. However, even though they couldn\u2019t afford to give their children the materialistic pleasures of life, they gave them something that money could not buy. They instilled in their children the knowledge, work ethic, passion, and drive to accomplish a better life than the one they were brought up in.\n\nMaking ends meet\nHowever, it wasn\u2019t a walk in the park for the now-accomplished Shareef Ahmad, who has been a successful businessman for over 25 years. According to Ameir, before all of the success, his father worked relentlessly as a bus driver to provide for his family. Due to limited finances in the home, Ameir said that his mother wanted to contribute financially to the home to help alleviate some of the stress from his father. So, Sunita started to work with one of her brothers-in-law, who owned a jewellery store in Stabroek Market in Georgetown at the time.\nHe further explained that his uncle and aunt gave his mom \"a break\" by giving her a stall that was next to them for rent. He further stated that his mom told him that she gathered all of his baby jewellery and all of their jewellery and put it for sale at her business, and that was the birth of Sheriff Jewelry. Ameir also noted that the stalls are in the market and are functioning, but the family refuses to sell the structures since they played an integral role in the family's development in business.\n\nEven though both of his parents were working, they wanted a better future for Ameir and the rest of the family, and as such, they migrated to New York when he was only 12 years old. Ameir explained that he was a pupil at Leonora Primary School on the West Coast of Demerara, and after his migration, he went to an Islamic school in the Big Apple, after which he wrote his Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and was awarded a place at the Information Technology High School. After being successful at his high school, Ameir went on to secure a place at New York University (NYU), majoring in American History and minoring in Business Management; however, he did not graduate.\n\nMoving back home\nIn 2007, Ameir explained that his dad wanted to return to Guyana to invest, find a way to contribute to society and give back to his country. \"When you are from Guyana, no matter where you may live, your roots are stuck here. You always have a feeling of missing home, and that was us, so we came back with the hope of getting into a few small businesses. After returning, I noticed that people were starting to use cellphones a lot, and I wanted to set up a business, so my father loaned me US$60,000 to see what I could have done with it\", Ameir said.\n\nHe continued to explain that he started to sell cell phones but found it difficult at times to receive payments from the wholesalers, so Ameir eventually opened his own store. He later expanded to computers, and eventually they pooled their resources and purchased a plot of land on Sheriff Street. There they invested in building Sheriff Jewelry, Electronics City, Subs and Salad, Italian Grill, Miami Pizzeria, and the most recent, Sheriff Security Services and Sheriff Medical Centre.\n\n\"Even though the stores were doing great, I always saw a need to expand and invest in the different industries. I am considered a serial entrepreneur, meaning, if I see that selling bread is the next big thing, I want to capitalise on it. I am grateful and lucky that I did invest, and I say this with no disrespect, but now that I look back at all of the competition that I had then, I realised that they are nowhere close to where my portfolio is. I know that if I didn\u2019t make that switch, I wouldn\u2019t be where I am, I would have been hustling and bustling with the retail industry, but instead, I am catching up with the oil and gas market.\"\n\n

\n\nFamily Life\nAmeir explained that he has immense respect and love for his parents, who taught him and his siblings by example that hard work and determination pay off. He added that even though his parents are divorced, they continue to play an active role in their lives by being supportive and ensuring they are okay.\n\nAmeir cheekily shared that his mother, who currently lives in New York, messages him daily to ask where he is, what he is doing, or just to say, \"I am proud of you, Ameir. My mom enjoys traveling, and it is because of her that I developed a passion for it. I am humble that I got the opportunity to travel to the Middle East and countries like Hong Kong, and it is because of those experiences I am inspired to build and contribute to Guyana so that the economy can develop and we can be on the map for all that we have to offer in the different sectors as well as for our architectural work,\" Ameir shared.\n\nHowever, Ameir explained that his dad, who is now the Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) of the Sheriff Group of Companies, is proud and humbled by their success. \"On the other hand, while I know that he loves me and my other siblings and he is proud of us, he doesn\u2019t say it to our faces, but we will hear it from my mom or stepmom. I am motivated by him, and I know that we are a family that has a go-getter attitude, and collectively, we are proud of each other and each other\u2019s accomplishments. I cannot do what I do all by myself, and I am grateful for the togetherness.\"\n\nLegacy\nEven though Ameir and his wife are divorced and he has moved on with someone else, he said that they have a great relationship with co-parenting their two daughters, Aaria and Aliya Ahmad.\nAccording to Ameir, life is short, and he wishes to leave behind a legacy that his daughters can be proud of and carry on after he is long gone. Ameir said, \"I am extremely proud of my daughters, and I remembered the stories my mom shared with me about not being able to afford the basics like pampers for me. I don\u2019t want my daughters to struggle, I want to ensure I give them an education, and I wish for them to make a positive impact in society. Even though women are doing so much in society, we are still living in a society where men are most dominant, and it is my hope that my daughters can take charge of my businesses without having any financial challenges going forward.\n\nThe road map is set for them, and I would like for them to take it from there. I don\u2019t want them to be dependent on a husband or anyone else. When I am gone, God rest my soul. I want to be remembered for leaving my businesses to two good human beings who I know will use them to help others as well.\n\nBiggest Misconception\nWhen asked what the biggest misconception is about him, Ameir said, \"I heard people say that I am not easy to speak to or easily accessible, but I wouldn\u2019t say that. It is just that I am a serious person when it comes to money and getting the work done. I always say my job comes first because when things are going well for the company, we are benefiting, and the people that work for us are benefiting.\"\n\nFinally, Ameir said that he is just getting started with all that he and his family want to do in Guyana, whether in the construction field, medical sector, security, or any of their other businesses.\nThe successful entrepreneur took the opportunity to leave a message with his fellow Guyanese, especially his peers: \"Faith plays a very important role in one's development, regardless of how we choose to worship, and I am proud to know as Guyanese that we respect and celebrate each other's beliefs.\" I also want my peers to know that we are responsible for putting things in place for future generations. Let us be the foundation for a better tomorrow.\"","post_title":"From a bus driver's son to a prosperous businessman","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_4"};

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(Image and information courtesy of the National Trust of Guyana.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","post_title":"Bourda Market","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"bourda-market","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":652582,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2025-04-06 03:29:55","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:29:55","post_content":"\n

Location: <\/strong>Botanical Gardens, Georgetown<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Classification:<\/strong> Commemorative Monument<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Period\/Year Built: <\/strong>1969<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historical Background \/ Description:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Place of the Seven Ponds, also referred to as the \u2018Place of Heroes,\u2019 is located in the Botanical Gardens, Georgetown, and was designed by Guyanese architect Mr. George Henry. It was built following the internment of Governor-General Sir David Rose on the site in 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The monument is made up of seven ponds, a circular central pond with a sculpture in the middle and six segmented circular ponds evenly around in a radial pattern. The sculpture is approximately 5.8 meters (19 feet) in height and has an \u2018x\u2019 shape when viewed from above. It is made up of two interlocking elements that are concaved at the sides and arched at the bottom and top. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buried at the Place of the Seven Ponds are four Guyanese who contributed to the development of the country. The first person to be buried there was His Excellency, Governor-General, Sir David Gardiner Rose, G.C.M.C., C.U.O., M.B.E. Sir David Rose was born on April 10, 1923, and was appointed Governor General in 1966, where he served up until the time of his death on November 10, 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second is National Poet, Mr. Martin Carter, born on June 7, 1927, and died on December 13, 1997. The third is Executive President and Prime Minister Hugh Desmond Hoyte, born on March 9, 1929, and died on December 22, 2002. Mr. Hoyte served as the first Vice-President and Prime Minister in 1984 and later as President of Guyana from 1985 to 1992. The fourth is President Arthur Chung, born on January 10, 1918 and died on June 23, 2008. Mr. Chung served as Guyana\u2019s first president from March 17, 1970, to October 6, 1980.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Image and information courtesy of the National Trust of Guyana.)<\/p>\n","post_title":"Place of the Seven Ponds","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"place-of-the-seven-ponds","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652582","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650871,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_date_gmt":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_content":"

President Ali\u2019s leadership praised for food security achievements<\/strong><\/h3>\n \n\nIN a bold commitment to eradicating hunger, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, underscored Guyana's pivotal role in food security during a World Food Day event at the Bourda Cricket Ground.\n\nSpeaking under the theme \u201cRights to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,\u201d Minister Mustapha highlighted the government\u2019s efforts under President Irfaan Ali's leadership to make Guyana a food-secure nation and a driving force in regional food production.\n\nGuyana, currently celebrating Agriculture Month with the theme \u201cTransforming Tomorrow, Championing Food Security Through Innovation and Technology,\u201d has seen remarkable advancements in food systems.\n\n<\/a> Students interacting with various booths at the World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO[\/caption]\n\nThese two key initiatives, according to Minister Mustapha, are interconnected in their focus on building a sustainable future. The government has made significant strides, working with both private and public sectors to elevate Guyana\u2019s agricultural prowess and position it as the \"food hub of the Caribbean.\"\n\n\u201cOn this World Food Day, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the right to food for all,\u201d said Minister Mustapha. \u201cWith strategic investments and partnerships, we can build a future where hunger becomes a thing of the past, and food security becomes the foundation of sustainable development.\u201d\n\nHe called on stakeholders to continue their support, emphasising the need for collaboration to reduce hunger not only in Guyana but across the Caribbean.\n\nOne of the highlights of Guyana\u2019s recent achievements is its reduced undernourishment levels. Citing a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Minister Mustapha pointed out that undernourishment in Guyana has fallen below 2.5 per cent, well below the regional and global averages.\n\nHe credited these positive changes to government initiatives, including the school feeding programme and household cash grants, which have improved access to nutritious food and bolstered local food systems.\n\nPresident Ali\u2019s leadership has garnered recognition from CARICOM and international bodies for his dedication to tackling food insecurity.\n\nGuyana\u2019s Vision 25 by 2025 initiative, which seeks to reduce CARICOM\u2019s food import bill by 25%, is one such effort that underscores the country\u2019s ambition to become the \"breadbasket of the Caribbean.\" As other Caribbean nations, traditionally dependent on tourism and oil and gas, turn their focus to agriculture, Guyana is leading the charge in reshaping regional food systems.\n\nMinister Mustapha emphasised that Guyana\u2019s progress in reducing severe food insecurity\u2014currently 25.5% lower than the regional average\u2014was not accidental but the result of deliberate policy measures. These include enhancing food production and improving access to nutritious food across the country. He also noted the renewed regional interest in agriculture as part of a broader strategy to address food insecurity and reduce dependency on food imports.\n\nThe World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO, saw the participation of CARICOM representatives, the diplomatic community, and local stakeholders. It featured an agricultural fair and open day, showcasing Guyana\u2019s agricultural innovations and reaffirming the government\u2019s commitment to food security for the nation and the region.\n\nAs Guyana continues its journey toward becoming the Caribbean\u2019s agricultural leader, the nation's progress on World Food Day serves as a reminder of what can be achieved with vision, commitment, and collaboration.","post_title":"Guyana champions hunger eradication, regional food security \u2013 Mininister Mustapha","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650312,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_content":"BEING the only child of Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo, the reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo, who lives in Bladen Hall on the East Coast of Demerara, wasn\u2019t given a \"silver spoon in her mouth\" at birth. Still, she was raised to be kind, contented, and compassionate toward people and animals.\nEven though there wasn\u2019t a shortage of love and support from her parents, Aruna explained that she would have loved to have had another sibling to share her life with. However, she was very cognizant of how hard her father worked as a labourer and the sacrifices her stay-at-home mom made to ensure that she got the best education and the basic necessities of life.\nAruna, therefore, used her humble upbringing as a form of motivation to work towards making a positive impact in people\u2019s lives, and she is also determined to make her parents proud of her and show them that their investment in her has not gone in vain.\n\nIn 2019, Aruna graduated from one of Guyana\u2019s most prestigious secondary schools, President\u2019s College, and he is currently entering her fourth year at the University of Guyana (UG), Turkeyen Campus, where she is studying business economics.\nEven though the Miss India beauty was very focused on her books in school, Aruna explained that from her nursery school days in school, the teachers would ask her parents for her to participate in the school concerts as a model, and she would. However, she never thought that she would develop a passion for it until she reached secondary school.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nAccording to Aruna, she is proud of being a Guyanese and has always wanted to contribute to Guyana in a \"big way,\" but she wasn\u2019t sure how. Nevertheless, the thought of being in a pageant and representing Guyana locally and possibly internationally was in the \"back of her mind,\" but she never thought of it becoming a reality. As fate would have it, one day, Aruna was surfing the web when she stumbled upon the application form for the Miss India Guyana pageant. Not thinking much about it, she applied, got accepted as one of the contestants, and the rest is history, said Aruna.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nWhile winning the pageant comes with its fair share of benefits, Aruna said there is much more to it than just the shiny crown, glamorous outfits, and makeup. According to her, it teaches self-discipline and body positivity to women of all shapes and sizes.\nAruna explained that the Miss India Guyana organisation's aim is not just about winning a crown, but the director Hashim Alli and his wife Melicia Partab-Alli ensure that you are treated as a family. According to Aruna, their goal is to inspire young girls and women to be the best version of themselves and recognise that beauty isn't based on what's on the outside but, more importantly, what\u2019s on the inside. She also related that the director and his wife inspire and motivate her and the other girls to return to society with the knowledge they have gained and be role models and positive influencers for other women and girls.\n\n<\/a> Aruna Sukhdeo with her parents Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nLessons of Life\nThe classy beauty said that she is grateful to her mother for instilling confidence and life\u2019s lessons in her, \"My mom has taught me to never look down on people, always be confident and brave in life, face whatever fears I may have, and do not allow my fears to overcome me. In life, she said, a person may lose an opportunity at something if they allow fear to get in the way. And I go through life with that mindset of being fearless. She has also taught me to be polite and respectful to everyone I meet. It is her believe that it will take you a far way in life. My parents also support and encourage me to be independent and to give back to others.\"\n\n<\/a> Miss India Guyana 2023 with the director of Miss India Guyana Organisation, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli[\/caption]\n\nAdvice to young people and young girls\nAs much as Aruna is grateful and humbled by her accomplishments, she is very honoured to be in a position where she gets a platform to speak to young people, especially young women and girls, about life's challenges. The 2023 India queen said, \"My platform for the pageant is mental health which is mostly focused on depression. This is something that I have dealt with. In high school, I felt pressured due to work and trying to figure myself out and felt depressed by just trying to keep my grades up while trying to be a part of the extracurricular activities in school. I was so focused on academics that I wasn\u2019t thinking about anything else, but at the same time, I was trying to fit in with my friends and still dealing with the pressure of society.\n\nAruna said, \"I know that a lot of young people are struggling with the same things as well, but in most cases, they are afraid to speak out. I understand how challenging it can be but do not keep it to yourself. Speak out. You may think that no one will listen to you or that you are irrelevant or what you are feeling is irrelevant but I can assure you that speaking up and speaking out, it will benefit you and help others. Don\u2019t be afraid, you are worth it, and know that everything will be okay. You just need to take the first step and talk about it.\"\n\nThe reigning beauty further asked the people of Guyana to play a more positive role in each other's lives. According to her, society has a way of \"looking down\" on people for one reason or another. But Aruna said that it doesn\u2019t matter how strong people are. It does bother them. People are human beings with feelings and regardless of how strong a person may seem, she wants you to know that you may never truly know what someone is dealing with. The decisions people make or how they choose to live their lives is their choice, and Aruna believes that it is not our place to judge that. She is hopeful that as a country and as a society, \"we\" can move away from this way of thinking, be more caring, show empathy, and let people live.\n\nExtend Gratitude\nFinally, Aruna expressed her gratitude to her parents for making the sacrifices and giving her love and support even when she felt like quitting. The director, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli, for believing in her, her best friend, Kavita Beharry, and her cousins, who she said have always been there for her.\nAruna also wanted to thank Ameir Ahmad Proprietor of Sheriff Security and the Proprietor of Mohamed\u2019s Enterprise, Azruddin Mohamed, for generously supporting her financially on her journey.\nAruna is currently in India, and will represent Guyana on the international stage in the upcoming week.","post_title":"The birth of a queen in a labourer\u2019s palace","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650293,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_content":"SUCCESSFUL business mogul and entrepreneur, 34-year-old Ameir Ahmad, the eldest of four siblings, was born and raised in the village of Meten-Meer-Zorg, Essequibo Islands and West Demerara (RegionThree) to an ambitious and \"go-getter\" father, Shareef Ahmad, and his humble, generous, and equally ambitious mother, Sunita Amad.\nWhile sitting in his spotless, cozy, and luxurious office, Ameir exclusively shared with the Pepperpot Magazine that success didn\u2019t just find him and his family; it all started with a humble, positive, and determined mindset. Ameir related that his grandparents were cleaners and tried their utmost to provide the best of what they could afford for their family. However, even though they couldn\u2019t afford to give their children the materialistic pleasures of life, they gave them something that money could not buy. They instilled in their children the knowledge, work ethic, passion, and drive to accomplish a better life than the one they were brought up in.\n\nMaking ends meet\nHowever, it wasn\u2019t a walk in the park for the now-accomplished Shareef Ahmad, who has been a successful businessman for over 25 years. According to Ameir, before all of the success, his father worked relentlessly as a bus driver to provide for his family. Due to limited finances in the home, Ameir said that his mother wanted to contribute financially to the home to help alleviate some of the stress from his father. So, Sunita started to work with one of her brothers-in-law, who owned a jewellery store in Stabroek Market in Georgetown at the time.\nHe further explained that his uncle and aunt gave his mom \"a break\" by giving her a stall that was next to them for rent. He further stated that his mom told him that she gathered all of his baby jewellery and all of their jewellery and put it for sale at her business, and that was the birth of Sheriff Jewelry. Ameir also noted that the stalls are in the market and are functioning, but the family refuses to sell the structures since they played an integral role in the family's development in business.\n\nEven though both of his parents were working, they wanted a better future for Ameir and the rest of the family, and as such, they migrated to New York when he was only 12 years old. Ameir explained that he was a pupil at Leonora Primary School on the West Coast of Demerara, and after his migration, he went to an Islamic school in the Big Apple, after which he wrote his Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and was awarded a place at the Information Technology High School. After being successful at his high school, Ameir went on to secure a place at New York University (NYU), majoring in American History and minoring in Business Management; however, he did not graduate.\n\nMoving back home\nIn 2007, Ameir explained that his dad wanted to return to Guyana to invest, find a way to contribute to society and give back to his country. \"When you are from Guyana, no matter where you may live, your roots are stuck here. You always have a feeling of missing home, and that was us, so we came back with the hope of getting into a few small businesses. After returning, I noticed that people were starting to use cellphones a lot, and I wanted to set up a business, so my father loaned me US$60,000 to see what I could have done with it\", Ameir said.\n\nHe continued to explain that he started to sell cell phones but found it difficult at times to receive payments from the wholesalers, so Ameir eventually opened his own store. He later expanded to computers, and eventually they pooled their resources and purchased a plot of land on Sheriff Street. There they invested in building Sheriff Jewelry, Electronics City, Subs and Salad, Italian Grill, Miami Pizzeria, and the most recent, Sheriff Security Services and Sheriff Medical Centre.\n\n\"Even though the stores were doing great, I always saw a need to expand and invest in the different industries. I am considered a serial entrepreneur, meaning, if I see that selling bread is the next big thing, I want to capitalise on it. I am grateful and lucky that I did invest, and I say this with no disrespect, but now that I look back at all of the competition that I had then, I realised that they are nowhere close to where my portfolio is. I know that if I didn\u2019t make that switch, I wouldn\u2019t be where I am, I would have been hustling and bustling with the retail industry, but instead, I am catching up with the oil and gas market.\"\n\n

\n\nFamily Life\nAmeir explained that he has immense respect and love for his parents, who taught him and his siblings by example that hard work and determination pay off. He added that even though his parents are divorced, they continue to play an active role in their lives by being supportive and ensuring they are okay.\n\nAmeir cheekily shared that his mother, who currently lives in New York, messages him daily to ask where he is, what he is doing, or just to say, \"I am proud of you, Ameir. My mom enjoys traveling, and it is because of her that I developed a passion for it. I am humble that I got the opportunity to travel to the Middle East and countries like Hong Kong, and it is because of those experiences I am inspired to build and contribute to Guyana so that the economy can develop and we can be on the map for all that we have to offer in the different sectors as well as for our architectural work,\" Ameir shared.\n\nHowever, Ameir explained that his dad, who is now the Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) of the Sheriff Group of Companies, is proud and humbled by their success. \"On the other hand, while I know that he loves me and my other siblings and he is proud of us, he doesn\u2019t say it to our faces, but we will hear it from my mom or stepmom. I am motivated by him, and I know that we are a family that has a go-getter attitude, and collectively, we are proud of each other and each other\u2019s accomplishments. I cannot do what I do all by myself, and I am grateful for the togetherness.\"\n\nLegacy\nEven though Ameir and his wife are divorced and he has moved on with someone else, he said that they have a great relationship with co-parenting their two daughters, Aaria and Aliya Ahmad.\nAccording to Ameir, life is short, and he wishes to leave behind a legacy that his daughters can be proud of and carry on after he is long gone. Ameir said, \"I am extremely proud of my daughters, and I remembered the stories my mom shared with me about not being able to afford the basics like pampers for me. I don\u2019t want my daughters to struggle, I want to ensure I give them an education, and I wish for them to make a positive impact in society. Even though women are doing so much in society, we are still living in a society where men are most dominant, and it is my hope that my daughters can take charge of my businesses without having any financial challenges going forward.\n\nThe road map is set for them, and I would like for them to take it from there. I don\u2019t want them to be dependent on a husband or anyone else. When I am gone, God rest my soul. I want to be remembered for leaving my businesses to two good human beings who I know will use them to help others as well.\n\nBiggest Misconception\nWhen asked what the biggest misconception is about him, Ameir said, \"I heard people say that I am not easy to speak to or easily accessible, but I wouldn\u2019t say that. It is just that I am a serious person when it comes to money and getting the work done. I always say my job comes first because when things are going well for the company, we are benefiting, and the people that work for us are benefiting.\"\n\nFinally, Ameir said that he is just getting started with all that he and his family want to do in Guyana, whether in the construction field, medical sector, security, or any of their other businesses.\nThe successful entrepreneur took the opportunity to leave a message with his fellow Guyanese, especially his peers: \"Faith plays a very important role in one's development, regardless of how we choose to worship, and I am proud to know as Guyanese that we respect and celebrate each other's beliefs.\" I also want my peers to know that we are responsible for putting things in place for future generations. Let us be the foundation for a better tomorrow.\"","post_title":"From a bus driver's son to a prosperous businessman","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_4"};

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Location:<\/strong> Bourda, Georgetown

Classification: <\/strong>Community

Period\/ Year Built:<\/strong> Originally built 1880, rebuilt 1902

Historical Background \/ Description:
<\/strong>Bourda Market is a 20th century market located between Robb and Regent Streets and is bordered by Orange Walk, in the ward of Bourda, Georgetown.

The market was initially built in 1880, but was later re-built in 1902 to facilitate the growing number of vendors and consumers. Today, it is considered the second largest market in the city of Georgetown. One notable feature of the market is its public clock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Image and information courtesy of the National Trust of Guyana.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","post_title":"Bourda Market","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"bourda-market","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":652582,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2025-04-06 03:29:55","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:29:55","post_content":"\n

Location: <\/strong>Botanical Gardens, Georgetown<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Classification:<\/strong> Commemorative Monument<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Period\/Year Built: <\/strong>1969<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historical Background \/ Description:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Place of the Seven Ponds, also referred to as the \u2018Place of Heroes,\u2019 is located in the Botanical Gardens, Georgetown, and was designed by Guyanese architect Mr. George Henry. It was built following the internment of Governor-General Sir David Rose on the site in 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The monument is made up of seven ponds, a circular central pond with a sculpture in the middle and six segmented circular ponds evenly around in a radial pattern. The sculpture is approximately 5.8 meters (19 feet) in height and has an \u2018x\u2019 shape when viewed from above. It is made up of two interlocking elements that are concaved at the sides and arched at the bottom and top. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buried at the Place of the Seven Ponds are four Guyanese who contributed to the development of the country. The first person to be buried there was His Excellency, Governor-General, Sir David Gardiner Rose, G.C.M.C., C.U.O., M.B.E. Sir David Rose was born on April 10, 1923, and was appointed Governor General in 1966, where he served up until the time of his death on November 10, 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second is National Poet, Mr. Martin Carter, born on June 7, 1927, and died on December 13, 1997. The third is Executive President and Prime Minister Hugh Desmond Hoyte, born on March 9, 1929, and died on December 22, 2002. Mr. Hoyte served as the first Vice-President and Prime Minister in 1984 and later as President of Guyana from 1985 to 1992. The fourth is President Arthur Chung, born on January 10, 1918 and died on June 23, 2008. Mr. Chung served as Guyana\u2019s first president from March 17, 1970, to October 6, 1980.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Image and information courtesy of the National Trust of Guyana.)<\/p>\n","post_title":"Place of the Seven Ponds","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"place-of-the-seven-ponds","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652582","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650871,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_date_gmt":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_content":"

President Ali\u2019s leadership praised for food security achievements<\/strong><\/h3>\n \n\nIN a bold commitment to eradicating hunger, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, underscored Guyana's pivotal role in food security during a World Food Day event at the Bourda Cricket Ground.\n\nSpeaking under the theme \u201cRights to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,\u201d Minister Mustapha highlighted the government\u2019s efforts under President Irfaan Ali's leadership to make Guyana a food-secure nation and a driving force in regional food production.\n\nGuyana, currently celebrating Agriculture Month with the theme \u201cTransforming Tomorrow, Championing Food Security Through Innovation and Technology,\u201d has seen remarkable advancements in food systems.\n\n<\/a> Students interacting with various booths at the World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO[\/caption]\n\nThese two key initiatives, according to Minister Mustapha, are interconnected in their focus on building a sustainable future. The government has made significant strides, working with both private and public sectors to elevate Guyana\u2019s agricultural prowess and position it as the \"food hub of the Caribbean.\"\n\n\u201cOn this World Food Day, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the right to food for all,\u201d said Minister Mustapha. \u201cWith strategic investments and partnerships, we can build a future where hunger becomes a thing of the past, and food security becomes the foundation of sustainable development.\u201d\n\nHe called on stakeholders to continue their support, emphasising the need for collaboration to reduce hunger not only in Guyana but across the Caribbean.\n\nOne of the highlights of Guyana\u2019s recent achievements is its reduced undernourishment levels. Citing a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Minister Mustapha pointed out that undernourishment in Guyana has fallen below 2.5 per cent, well below the regional and global averages.\n\nHe credited these positive changes to government initiatives, including the school feeding programme and household cash grants, which have improved access to nutritious food and bolstered local food systems.\n\nPresident Ali\u2019s leadership has garnered recognition from CARICOM and international bodies for his dedication to tackling food insecurity.\n\nGuyana\u2019s Vision 25 by 2025 initiative, which seeks to reduce CARICOM\u2019s food import bill by 25%, is one such effort that underscores the country\u2019s ambition to become the \"breadbasket of the Caribbean.\" As other Caribbean nations, traditionally dependent on tourism and oil and gas, turn their focus to agriculture, Guyana is leading the charge in reshaping regional food systems.\n\nMinister Mustapha emphasised that Guyana\u2019s progress in reducing severe food insecurity\u2014currently 25.5% lower than the regional average\u2014was not accidental but the result of deliberate policy measures. These include enhancing food production and improving access to nutritious food across the country. He also noted the renewed regional interest in agriculture as part of a broader strategy to address food insecurity and reduce dependency on food imports.\n\nThe World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO, saw the participation of CARICOM representatives, the diplomatic community, and local stakeholders. It featured an agricultural fair and open day, showcasing Guyana\u2019s agricultural innovations and reaffirming the government\u2019s commitment to food security for the nation and the region.\n\nAs Guyana continues its journey toward becoming the Caribbean\u2019s agricultural leader, the nation's progress on World Food Day serves as a reminder of what can be achieved with vision, commitment, and collaboration.","post_title":"Guyana champions hunger eradication, regional food security \u2013 Mininister Mustapha","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650312,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_content":"BEING the only child of Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo, the reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo, who lives in Bladen Hall on the East Coast of Demerara, wasn\u2019t given a \"silver spoon in her mouth\" at birth. Still, she was raised to be kind, contented, and compassionate toward people and animals.\nEven though there wasn\u2019t a shortage of love and support from her parents, Aruna explained that she would have loved to have had another sibling to share her life with. However, she was very cognizant of how hard her father worked as a labourer and the sacrifices her stay-at-home mom made to ensure that she got the best education and the basic necessities of life.\nAruna, therefore, used her humble upbringing as a form of motivation to work towards making a positive impact in people\u2019s lives, and she is also determined to make her parents proud of her and show them that their investment in her has not gone in vain.\n\nIn 2019, Aruna graduated from one of Guyana\u2019s most prestigious secondary schools, President\u2019s College, and he is currently entering her fourth year at the University of Guyana (UG), Turkeyen Campus, where she is studying business economics.\nEven though the Miss India beauty was very focused on her books in school, Aruna explained that from her nursery school days in school, the teachers would ask her parents for her to participate in the school concerts as a model, and she would. However, she never thought that she would develop a passion for it until she reached secondary school.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nAccording to Aruna, she is proud of being a Guyanese and has always wanted to contribute to Guyana in a \"big way,\" but she wasn\u2019t sure how. Nevertheless, the thought of being in a pageant and representing Guyana locally and possibly internationally was in the \"back of her mind,\" but she never thought of it becoming a reality. As fate would have it, one day, Aruna was surfing the web when she stumbled upon the application form for the Miss India Guyana pageant. Not thinking much about it, she applied, got accepted as one of the contestants, and the rest is history, said Aruna.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nWhile winning the pageant comes with its fair share of benefits, Aruna said there is much more to it than just the shiny crown, glamorous outfits, and makeup. According to her, it teaches self-discipline and body positivity to women of all shapes and sizes.\nAruna explained that the Miss India Guyana organisation's aim is not just about winning a crown, but the director Hashim Alli and his wife Melicia Partab-Alli ensure that you are treated as a family. According to Aruna, their goal is to inspire young girls and women to be the best version of themselves and recognise that beauty isn't based on what's on the outside but, more importantly, what\u2019s on the inside. She also related that the director and his wife inspire and motivate her and the other girls to return to society with the knowledge they have gained and be role models and positive influencers for other women and girls.\n\n<\/a> Aruna Sukhdeo with her parents Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nLessons of Life\nThe classy beauty said that she is grateful to her mother for instilling confidence and life\u2019s lessons in her, \"My mom has taught me to never look down on people, always be confident and brave in life, face whatever fears I may have, and do not allow my fears to overcome me. In life, she said, a person may lose an opportunity at something if they allow fear to get in the way. And I go through life with that mindset of being fearless. She has also taught me to be polite and respectful to everyone I meet. It is her believe that it will take you a far way in life. My parents also support and encourage me to be independent and to give back to others.\"\n\n<\/a> Miss India Guyana 2023 with the director of Miss India Guyana Organisation, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli[\/caption]\n\nAdvice to young people and young girls\nAs much as Aruna is grateful and humbled by her accomplishments, she is very honoured to be in a position where she gets a platform to speak to young people, especially young women and girls, about life's challenges. The 2023 India queen said, \"My platform for the pageant is mental health which is mostly focused on depression. This is something that I have dealt with. In high school, I felt pressured due to work and trying to figure myself out and felt depressed by just trying to keep my grades up while trying to be a part of the extracurricular activities in school. I was so focused on academics that I wasn\u2019t thinking about anything else, but at the same time, I was trying to fit in with my friends and still dealing with the pressure of society.\n\nAruna said, \"I know that a lot of young people are struggling with the same things as well, but in most cases, they are afraid to speak out. I understand how challenging it can be but do not keep it to yourself. Speak out. You may think that no one will listen to you or that you are irrelevant or what you are feeling is irrelevant but I can assure you that speaking up and speaking out, it will benefit you and help others. Don\u2019t be afraid, you are worth it, and know that everything will be okay. You just need to take the first step and talk about it.\"\n\nThe reigning beauty further asked the people of Guyana to play a more positive role in each other's lives. According to her, society has a way of \"looking down\" on people for one reason or another. But Aruna said that it doesn\u2019t matter how strong people are. It does bother them. People are human beings with feelings and regardless of how strong a person may seem, she wants you to know that you may never truly know what someone is dealing with. The decisions people make or how they choose to live their lives is their choice, and Aruna believes that it is not our place to judge that. She is hopeful that as a country and as a society, \"we\" can move away from this way of thinking, be more caring, show empathy, and let people live.\n\nExtend Gratitude\nFinally, Aruna expressed her gratitude to her parents for making the sacrifices and giving her love and support even when she felt like quitting. The director, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli, for believing in her, her best friend, Kavita Beharry, and her cousins, who she said have always been there for her.\nAruna also wanted to thank Ameir Ahmad Proprietor of Sheriff Security and the Proprietor of Mohamed\u2019s Enterprise, Azruddin Mohamed, for generously supporting her financially on her journey.\nAruna is currently in India, and will represent Guyana on the international stage in the upcoming week.","post_title":"The birth of a queen in a labourer\u2019s palace","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650293,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_content":"SUCCESSFUL business mogul and entrepreneur, 34-year-old Ameir Ahmad, the eldest of four siblings, was born and raised in the village of Meten-Meer-Zorg, Essequibo Islands and West Demerara (RegionThree) to an ambitious and \"go-getter\" father, Shareef Ahmad, and his humble, generous, and equally ambitious mother, Sunita Amad.\nWhile sitting in his spotless, cozy, and luxurious office, Ameir exclusively shared with the Pepperpot Magazine that success didn\u2019t just find him and his family; it all started with a humble, positive, and determined mindset. Ameir related that his grandparents were cleaners and tried their utmost to provide the best of what they could afford for their family. However, even though they couldn\u2019t afford to give their children the materialistic pleasures of life, they gave them something that money could not buy. They instilled in their children the knowledge, work ethic, passion, and drive to accomplish a better life than the one they were brought up in.\n\nMaking ends meet\nHowever, it wasn\u2019t a walk in the park for the now-accomplished Shareef Ahmad, who has been a successful businessman for over 25 years. According to Ameir, before all of the success, his father worked relentlessly as a bus driver to provide for his family. Due to limited finances in the home, Ameir said that his mother wanted to contribute financially to the home to help alleviate some of the stress from his father. So, Sunita started to work with one of her brothers-in-law, who owned a jewellery store in Stabroek Market in Georgetown at the time.\nHe further explained that his uncle and aunt gave his mom \"a break\" by giving her a stall that was next to them for rent. He further stated that his mom told him that she gathered all of his baby jewellery and all of their jewellery and put it for sale at her business, and that was the birth of Sheriff Jewelry. Ameir also noted that the stalls are in the market and are functioning, but the family refuses to sell the structures since they played an integral role in the family's development in business.\n\nEven though both of his parents were working, they wanted a better future for Ameir and the rest of the family, and as such, they migrated to New York when he was only 12 years old. Ameir explained that he was a pupil at Leonora Primary School on the West Coast of Demerara, and after his migration, he went to an Islamic school in the Big Apple, after which he wrote his Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and was awarded a place at the Information Technology High School. After being successful at his high school, Ameir went on to secure a place at New York University (NYU), majoring in American History and minoring in Business Management; however, he did not graduate.\n\nMoving back home\nIn 2007, Ameir explained that his dad wanted to return to Guyana to invest, find a way to contribute to society and give back to his country. \"When you are from Guyana, no matter where you may live, your roots are stuck here. You always have a feeling of missing home, and that was us, so we came back with the hope of getting into a few small businesses. After returning, I noticed that people were starting to use cellphones a lot, and I wanted to set up a business, so my father loaned me US$60,000 to see what I could have done with it\", Ameir said.\n\nHe continued to explain that he started to sell cell phones but found it difficult at times to receive payments from the wholesalers, so Ameir eventually opened his own store. He later expanded to computers, and eventually they pooled their resources and purchased a plot of land on Sheriff Street. There they invested in building Sheriff Jewelry, Electronics City, Subs and Salad, Italian Grill, Miami Pizzeria, and the most recent, Sheriff Security Services and Sheriff Medical Centre.\n\n\"Even though the stores were doing great, I always saw a need to expand and invest in the different industries. I am considered a serial entrepreneur, meaning, if I see that selling bread is the next big thing, I want to capitalise on it. I am grateful and lucky that I did invest, and I say this with no disrespect, but now that I look back at all of the competition that I had then, I realised that they are nowhere close to where my portfolio is. I know that if I didn\u2019t make that switch, I wouldn\u2019t be where I am, I would have been hustling and bustling with the retail industry, but instead, I am catching up with the oil and gas market.\"\n\n

\n\nFamily Life\nAmeir explained that he has immense respect and love for his parents, who taught him and his siblings by example that hard work and determination pay off. He added that even though his parents are divorced, they continue to play an active role in their lives by being supportive and ensuring they are okay.\n\nAmeir cheekily shared that his mother, who currently lives in New York, messages him daily to ask where he is, what he is doing, or just to say, \"I am proud of you, Ameir. My mom enjoys traveling, and it is because of her that I developed a passion for it. I am humble that I got the opportunity to travel to the Middle East and countries like Hong Kong, and it is because of those experiences I am inspired to build and contribute to Guyana so that the economy can develop and we can be on the map for all that we have to offer in the different sectors as well as for our architectural work,\" Ameir shared.\n\nHowever, Ameir explained that his dad, who is now the Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) of the Sheriff Group of Companies, is proud and humbled by their success. \"On the other hand, while I know that he loves me and my other siblings and he is proud of us, he doesn\u2019t say it to our faces, but we will hear it from my mom or stepmom. I am motivated by him, and I know that we are a family that has a go-getter attitude, and collectively, we are proud of each other and each other\u2019s accomplishments. I cannot do what I do all by myself, and I am grateful for the togetherness.\"\n\nLegacy\nEven though Ameir and his wife are divorced and he has moved on with someone else, he said that they have a great relationship with co-parenting their two daughters, Aaria and Aliya Ahmad.\nAccording to Ameir, life is short, and he wishes to leave behind a legacy that his daughters can be proud of and carry on after he is long gone. Ameir said, \"I am extremely proud of my daughters, and I remembered the stories my mom shared with me about not being able to afford the basics like pampers for me. I don\u2019t want my daughters to struggle, I want to ensure I give them an education, and I wish for them to make a positive impact in society. Even though women are doing so much in society, we are still living in a society where men are most dominant, and it is my hope that my daughters can take charge of my businesses without having any financial challenges going forward.\n\nThe road map is set for them, and I would like for them to take it from there. I don\u2019t want them to be dependent on a husband or anyone else. When I am gone, God rest my soul. I want to be remembered for leaving my businesses to two good human beings who I know will use them to help others as well.\n\nBiggest Misconception\nWhen asked what the biggest misconception is about him, Ameir said, \"I heard people say that I am not easy to speak to or easily accessible, but I wouldn\u2019t say that. It is just that I am a serious person when it comes to money and getting the work done. I always say my job comes first because when things are going well for the company, we are benefiting, and the people that work for us are benefiting.\"\n\nFinally, Ameir said that he is just getting started with all that he and his family want to do in Guyana, whether in the construction field, medical sector, security, or any of their other businesses.\nThe successful entrepreneur took the opportunity to leave a message with his fellow Guyanese, especially his peers: \"Faith plays a very important role in one's development, regardless of how we choose to worship, and I am proud to know as Guyanese that we respect and celebrate each other's beliefs.\" I also want my peers to know that we are responsible for putting things in place for future generations. Let us be the foundation for a better tomorrow.\"","post_title":"From a bus driver's son to a prosperous businessman","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_4"};

Page 3 of 5 Previous 1 2 3 4 5 Next

\n

Location:<\/strong> Lacytown, Georgetown

Classification: <\/strong>Community

Period\/Year Built:<\/strong> 19th century

Historical Background \/ Description:
<\/strong>City Hall, an eloquent reminder of Guyana\u2019s architectural heritage, is located with its main fa\u00e7ade facing the Avenue of the Republic and is bordered by Regent Street to the north and Charlotte Street to the south. In 1842, Georgetown was designated a city, but the council, which was established on March 1, 1837, was without a building of its own.

On November 22, 1886, the council agreed to a proposal for building specifications to be draughted and reviewed. In March, 1887, the designs submitted for the Town Hall were reviewed, and the work of architect Reverend Ignatius Scoles S. J. was selected with the assistance of Mr. Cesar Castellani and Messrs. J. A. Conyers, a councillor. Funds for the new building were then secured through the government, and on December 23, 1887, His Excellency Governor Sir Henry Turner Irving, K.C.M.G., laid the foundation stone for the building in the north-eastern corner of the structure.

The building was completed 18 months later and declared opened before a large audience by Governor Viscount Gormanston, K.C.M.G., on July 1, 1889, during a heavy downpour of rain. The City Hall can be described as an excellent example of Gothic Revival architecture in Guyana. The 29-meter (96-foot) tower with its conical pinnacles was and still is considered one of the building\u2019s main attractions. Other features of the three-storey, rectangular-shaped building include its lancet windows (pointed arched windows), fretwork, iron capitals decorated with foliage, finials, elaborate mahogany staircase, and a ceiling similar to a hammer beam, located in the Concert Hall.<\/p>\n","post_title":"City Hall","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"city-hall","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:51:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:51:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652589","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":652585,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_content":"\n

Location:<\/strong> Bourda, Georgetown

Classification: <\/strong>Community

Period\/ Year Built:<\/strong> Originally built 1880, rebuilt 1902

Historical Background \/ Description:
<\/strong>Bourda Market is a 20th century market located between Robb and Regent Streets and is bordered by Orange Walk, in the ward of Bourda, Georgetown.

The market was initially built in 1880, but was later re-built in 1902 to facilitate the growing number of vendors and consumers. Today, it is considered the second largest market in the city of Georgetown. One notable feature of the market is its public clock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Image and information courtesy of the National Trust of Guyana.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","post_title":"Bourda Market","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"bourda-market","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":652582,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2025-04-06 03:29:55","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:29:55","post_content":"\n

Location: <\/strong>Botanical Gardens, Georgetown<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Classification:<\/strong> Commemorative Monument<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Period\/Year Built: <\/strong>1969<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historical Background \/ Description:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Place of the Seven Ponds, also referred to as the \u2018Place of Heroes,\u2019 is located in the Botanical Gardens, Georgetown, and was designed by Guyanese architect Mr. George Henry. It was built following the internment of Governor-General Sir David Rose on the site in 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The monument is made up of seven ponds, a circular central pond with a sculpture in the middle and six segmented circular ponds evenly around in a radial pattern. The sculpture is approximately 5.8 meters (19 feet) in height and has an \u2018x\u2019 shape when viewed from above. It is made up of two interlocking elements that are concaved at the sides and arched at the bottom and top. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buried at the Place of the Seven Ponds are four Guyanese who contributed to the development of the country. The first person to be buried there was His Excellency, Governor-General, Sir David Gardiner Rose, G.C.M.C., C.U.O., M.B.E. Sir David Rose was born on April 10, 1923, and was appointed Governor General in 1966, where he served up until the time of his death on November 10, 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second is National Poet, Mr. Martin Carter, born on June 7, 1927, and died on December 13, 1997. The third is Executive President and Prime Minister Hugh Desmond Hoyte, born on March 9, 1929, and died on December 22, 2002. Mr. Hoyte served as the first Vice-President and Prime Minister in 1984 and later as President of Guyana from 1985 to 1992. The fourth is President Arthur Chung, born on January 10, 1918 and died on June 23, 2008. Mr. Chung served as Guyana\u2019s first president from March 17, 1970, to October 6, 1980.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Image and information courtesy of the National Trust of Guyana.)<\/p>\n","post_title":"Place of the Seven Ponds","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"place-of-the-seven-ponds","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652582","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650871,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_date_gmt":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_content":"

President Ali\u2019s leadership praised for food security achievements<\/strong><\/h3>\n \n\nIN a bold commitment to eradicating hunger, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, underscored Guyana's pivotal role in food security during a World Food Day event at the Bourda Cricket Ground.\n\nSpeaking under the theme \u201cRights to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,\u201d Minister Mustapha highlighted the government\u2019s efforts under President Irfaan Ali's leadership to make Guyana a food-secure nation and a driving force in regional food production.\n\nGuyana, currently celebrating Agriculture Month with the theme \u201cTransforming Tomorrow, Championing Food Security Through Innovation and Technology,\u201d has seen remarkable advancements in food systems.\n\n<\/a> Students interacting with various booths at the World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO[\/caption]\n\nThese two key initiatives, according to Minister Mustapha, are interconnected in their focus on building a sustainable future. The government has made significant strides, working with both private and public sectors to elevate Guyana\u2019s agricultural prowess and position it as the \"food hub of the Caribbean.\"\n\n\u201cOn this World Food Day, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the right to food for all,\u201d said Minister Mustapha. \u201cWith strategic investments and partnerships, we can build a future where hunger becomes a thing of the past, and food security becomes the foundation of sustainable development.\u201d\n\nHe called on stakeholders to continue their support, emphasising the need for collaboration to reduce hunger not only in Guyana but across the Caribbean.\n\nOne of the highlights of Guyana\u2019s recent achievements is its reduced undernourishment levels. Citing a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Minister Mustapha pointed out that undernourishment in Guyana has fallen below 2.5 per cent, well below the regional and global averages.\n\nHe credited these positive changes to government initiatives, including the school feeding programme and household cash grants, which have improved access to nutritious food and bolstered local food systems.\n\nPresident Ali\u2019s leadership has garnered recognition from CARICOM and international bodies for his dedication to tackling food insecurity.\n\nGuyana\u2019s Vision 25 by 2025 initiative, which seeks to reduce CARICOM\u2019s food import bill by 25%, is one such effort that underscores the country\u2019s ambition to become the \"breadbasket of the Caribbean.\" As other Caribbean nations, traditionally dependent on tourism and oil and gas, turn their focus to agriculture, Guyana is leading the charge in reshaping regional food systems.\n\nMinister Mustapha emphasised that Guyana\u2019s progress in reducing severe food insecurity\u2014currently 25.5% lower than the regional average\u2014was not accidental but the result of deliberate policy measures. These include enhancing food production and improving access to nutritious food across the country. He also noted the renewed regional interest in agriculture as part of a broader strategy to address food insecurity and reduce dependency on food imports.\n\nThe World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO, saw the participation of CARICOM representatives, the diplomatic community, and local stakeholders. It featured an agricultural fair and open day, showcasing Guyana\u2019s agricultural innovations and reaffirming the government\u2019s commitment to food security for the nation and the region.\n\nAs Guyana continues its journey toward becoming the Caribbean\u2019s agricultural leader, the nation's progress on World Food Day serves as a reminder of what can be achieved with vision, commitment, and collaboration.","post_title":"Guyana champions hunger eradication, regional food security \u2013 Mininister Mustapha","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650312,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_content":"BEING the only child of Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo, the reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo, who lives in Bladen Hall on the East Coast of Demerara, wasn\u2019t given a \"silver spoon in her mouth\" at birth. Still, she was raised to be kind, contented, and compassionate toward people and animals.\nEven though there wasn\u2019t a shortage of love and support from her parents, Aruna explained that she would have loved to have had another sibling to share her life with. However, she was very cognizant of how hard her father worked as a labourer and the sacrifices her stay-at-home mom made to ensure that she got the best education and the basic necessities of life.\nAruna, therefore, used her humble upbringing as a form of motivation to work towards making a positive impact in people\u2019s lives, and she is also determined to make her parents proud of her and show them that their investment in her has not gone in vain.\n\nIn 2019, Aruna graduated from one of Guyana\u2019s most prestigious secondary schools, President\u2019s College, and he is currently entering her fourth year at the University of Guyana (UG), Turkeyen Campus, where she is studying business economics.\nEven though the Miss India beauty was very focused on her books in school, Aruna explained that from her nursery school days in school, the teachers would ask her parents for her to participate in the school concerts as a model, and she would. However, she never thought that she would develop a passion for it until she reached secondary school.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nAccording to Aruna, she is proud of being a Guyanese and has always wanted to contribute to Guyana in a \"big way,\" but she wasn\u2019t sure how. Nevertheless, the thought of being in a pageant and representing Guyana locally and possibly internationally was in the \"back of her mind,\" but she never thought of it becoming a reality. As fate would have it, one day, Aruna was surfing the web when she stumbled upon the application form for the Miss India Guyana pageant. Not thinking much about it, she applied, got accepted as one of the contestants, and the rest is history, said Aruna.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nWhile winning the pageant comes with its fair share of benefits, Aruna said there is much more to it than just the shiny crown, glamorous outfits, and makeup. According to her, it teaches self-discipline and body positivity to women of all shapes and sizes.\nAruna explained that the Miss India Guyana organisation's aim is not just about winning a crown, but the director Hashim Alli and his wife Melicia Partab-Alli ensure that you are treated as a family. According to Aruna, their goal is to inspire young girls and women to be the best version of themselves and recognise that beauty isn't based on what's on the outside but, more importantly, what\u2019s on the inside. She also related that the director and his wife inspire and motivate her and the other girls to return to society with the knowledge they have gained and be role models and positive influencers for other women and girls.\n\n<\/a> Aruna Sukhdeo with her parents Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nLessons of Life\nThe classy beauty said that she is grateful to her mother for instilling confidence and life\u2019s lessons in her, \"My mom has taught me to never look down on people, always be confident and brave in life, face whatever fears I may have, and do not allow my fears to overcome me. In life, she said, a person may lose an opportunity at something if they allow fear to get in the way. And I go through life with that mindset of being fearless. She has also taught me to be polite and respectful to everyone I meet. It is her believe that it will take you a far way in life. My parents also support and encourage me to be independent and to give back to others.\"\n\n<\/a> Miss India Guyana 2023 with the director of Miss India Guyana Organisation, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli[\/caption]\n\nAdvice to young people and young girls\nAs much as Aruna is grateful and humbled by her accomplishments, she is very honoured to be in a position where she gets a platform to speak to young people, especially young women and girls, about life's challenges. The 2023 India queen said, \"My platform for the pageant is mental health which is mostly focused on depression. This is something that I have dealt with. In high school, I felt pressured due to work and trying to figure myself out and felt depressed by just trying to keep my grades up while trying to be a part of the extracurricular activities in school. I was so focused on academics that I wasn\u2019t thinking about anything else, but at the same time, I was trying to fit in with my friends and still dealing with the pressure of society.\n\nAruna said, \"I know that a lot of young people are struggling with the same things as well, but in most cases, they are afraid to speak out. I understand how challenging it can be but do not keep it to yourself. Speak out. You may think that no one will listen to you or that you are irrelevant or what you are feeling is irrelevant but I can assure you that speaking up and speaking out, it will benefit you and help others. Don\u2019t be afraid, you are worth it, and know that everything will be okay. You just need to take the first step and talk about it.\"\n\nThe reigning beauty further asked the people of Guyana to play a more positive role in each other's lives. According to her, society has a way of \"looking down\" on people for one reason or another. But Aruna said that it doesn\u2019t matter how strong people are. It does bother them. People are human beings with feelings and regardless of how strong a person may seem, she wants you to know that you may never truly know what someone is dealing with. The decisions people make or how they choose to live their lives is their choice, and Aruna believes that it is not our place to judge that. She is hopeful that as a country and as a society, \"we\" can move away from this way of thinking, be more caring, show empathy, and let people live.\n\nExtend Gratitude\nFinally, Aruna expressed her gratitude to her parents for making the sacrifices and giving her love and support even when she felt like quitting. The director, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli, for believing in her, her best friend, Kavita Beharry, and her cousins, who she said have always been there for her.\nAruna also wanted to thank Ameir Ahmad Proprietor of Sheriff Security and the Proprietor of Mohamed\u2019s Enterprise, Azruddin Mohamed, for generously supporting her financially on her journey.\nAruna is currently in India, and will represent Guyana on the international stage in the upcoming week.","post_title":"The birth of a queen in a labourer\u2019s palace","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650293,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_content":"SUCCESSFUL business mogul and entrepreneur, 34-year-old Ameir Ahmad, the eldest of four siblings, was born and raised in the village of Meten-Meer-Zorg, Essequibo Islands and West Demerara (RegionThree) to an ambitious and \"go-getter\" father, Shareef Ahmad, and his humble, generous, and equally ambitious mother, Sunita Amad.\nWhile sitting in his spotless, cozy, and luxurious office, Ameir exclusively shared with the Pepperpot Magazine that success didn\u2019t just find him and his family; it all started with a humble, positive, and determined mindset. Ameir related that his grandparents were cleaners and tried their utmost to provide the best of what they could afford for their family. However, even though they couldn\u2019t afford to give their children the materialistic pleasures of life, they gave them something that money could not buy. They instilled in their children the knowledge, work ethic, passion, and drive to accomplish a better life than the one they were brought up in.\n\nMaking ends meet\nHowever, it wasn\u2019t a walk in the park for the now-accomplished Shareef Ahmad, who has been a successful businessman for over 25 years. According to Ameir, before all of the success, his father worked relentlessly as a bus driver to provide for his family. Due to limited finances in the home, Ameir said that his mother wanted to contribute financially to the home to help alleviate some of the stress from his father. So, Sunita started to work with one of her brothers-in-law, who owned a jewellery store in Stabroek Market in Georgetown at the time.\nHe further explained that his uncle and aunt gave his mom \"a break\" by giving her a stall that was next to them for rent. He further stated that his mom told him that she gathered all of his baby jewellery and all of their jewellery and put it for sale at her business, and that was the birth of Sheriff Jewelry. Ameir also noted that the stalls are in the market and are functioning, but the family refuses to sell the structures since they played an integral role in the family's development in business.\n\nEven though both of his parents were working, they wanted a better future for Ameir and the rest of the family, and as such, they migrated to New York when he was only 12 years old. Ameir explained that he was a pupil at Leonora Primary School on the West Coast of Demerara, and after his migration, he went to an Islamic school in the Big Apple, after which he wrote his Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and was awarded a place at the Information Technology High School. After being successful at his high school, Ameir went on to secure a place at New York University (NYU), majoring in American History and minoring in Business Management; however, he did not graduate.\n\nMoving back home\nIn 2007, Ameir explained that his dad wanted to return to Guyana to invest, find a way to contribute to society and give back to his country. \"When you are from Guyana, no matter where you may live, your roots are stuck here. You always have a feeling of missing home, and that was us, so we came back with the hope of getting into a few small businesses. After returning, I noticed that people were starting to use cellphones a lot, and I wanted to set up a business, so my father loaned me US$60,000 to see what I could have done with it\", Ameir said.\n\nHe continued to explain that he started to sell cell phones but found it difficult at times to receive payments from the wholesalers, so Ameir eventually opened his own store. He later expanded to computers, and eventually they pooled their resources and purchased a plot of land on Sheriff Street. There they invested in building Sheriff Jewelry, Electronics City, Subs and Salad, Italian Grill, Miami Pizzeria, and the most recent, Sheriff Security Services and Sheriff Medical Centre.\n\n\"Even though the stores were doing great, I always saw a need to expand and invest in the different industries. I am considered a serial entrepreneur, meaning, if I see that selling bread is the next big thing, I want to capitalise on it. I am grateful and lucky that I did invest, and I say this with no disrespect, but now that I look back at all of the competition that I had then, I realised that they are nowhere close to where my portfolio is. I know that if I didn\u2019t make that switch, I wouldn\u2019t be where I am, I would have been hustling and bustling with the retail industry, but instead, I am catching up with the oil and gas market.\"\n\n

\n\nFamily Life\nAmeir explained that he has immense respect and love for his parents, who taught him and his siblings by example that hard work and determination pay off. He added that even though his parents are divorced, they continue to play an active role in their lives by being supportive and ensuring they are okay.\n\nAmeir cheekily shared that his mother, who currently lives in New York, messages him daily to ask where he is, what he is doing, or just to say, \"I am proud of you, Ameir. My mom enjoys traveling, and it is because of her that I developed a passion for it. I am humble that I got the opportunity to travel to the Middle East and countries like Hong Kong, and it is because of those experiences I am inspired to build and contribute to Guyana so that the economy can develop and we can be on the map for all that we have to offer in the different sectors as well as for our architectural work,\" Ameir shared.\n\nHowever, Ameir explained that his dad, who is now the Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) of the Sheriff Group of Companies, is proud and humbled by their success. \"On the other hand, while I know that he loves me and my other siblings and he is proud of us, he doesn\u2019t say it to our faces, but we will hear it from my mom or stepmom. I am motivated by him, and I know that we are a family that has a go-getter attitude, and collectively, we are proud of each other and each other\u2019s accomplishments. I cannot do what I do all by myself, and I am grateful for the togetherness.\"\n\nLegacy\nEven though Ameir and his wife are divorced and he has moved on with someone else, he said that they have a great relationship with co-parenting their two daughters, Aaria and Aliya Ahmad.\nAccording to Ameir, life is short, and he wishes to leave behind a legacy that his daughters can be proud of and carry on after he is long gone. Ameir said, \"I am extremely proud of my daughters, and I remembered the stories my mom shared with me about not being able to afford the basics like pampers for me. I don\u2019t want my daughters to struggle, I want to ensure I give them an education, and I wish for them to make a positive impact in society. Even though women are doing so much in society, we are still living in a society where men are most dominant, and it is my hope that my daughters can take charge of my businesses without having any financial challenges going forward.\n\nThe road map is set for them, and I would like for them to take it from there. I don\u2019t want them to be dependent on a husband or anyone else. When I am gone, God rest my soul. I want to be remembered for leaving my businesses to two good human beings who I know will use them to help others as well.\n\nBiggest Misconception\nWhen asked what the biggest misconception is about him, Ameir said, \"I heard people say that I am not easy to speak to or easily accessible, but I wouldn\u2019t say that. It is just that I am a serious person when it comes to money and getting the work done. I always say my job comes first because when things are going well for the company, we are benefiting, and the people that work for us are benefiting.\"\n\nFinally, Ameir said that he is just getting started with all that he and his family want to do in Guyana, whether in the construction field, medical sector, security, or any of their other businesses.\nThe successful entrepreneur took the opportunity to leave a message with his fellow Guyanese, especially his peers: \"Faith plays a very important role in one's development, regardless of how we choose to worship, and I am proud to know as Guyanese that we respect and celebrate each other's beliefs.\" I also want my peers to know that we are responsible for putting things in place for future generations. Let us be the foundation for a better tomorrow.\"","post_title":"From a bus driver's son to a prosperous businessman","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_4"};

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<\/p>\n","post_title":"City Engineer\u2019s Office","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"city-engineers-office","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:59:01","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:59:01","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652592","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":652589,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2025-04-06 03:51:59","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:51:59","post_content":"\n

Location:<\/strong> Lacytown, Georgetown

Classification: <\/strong>Community

Period\/Year Built:<\/strong> 19th century

Historical Background \/ Description:
<\/strong>City Hall, an eloquent reminder of Guyana\u2019s architectural heritage, is located with its main fa\u00e7ade facing the Avenue of the Republic and is bordered by Regent Street to the north and Charlotte Street to the south. In 1842, Georgetown was designated a city, but the council, which was established on March 1, 1837, was without a building of its own.

On November 22, 1886, the council agreed to a proposal for building specifications to be draughted and reviewed. In March, 1887, the designs submitted for the Town Hall were reviewed, and the work of architect Reverend Ignatius Scoles S. J. was selected with the assistance of Mr. Cesar Castellani and Messrs. J. A. Conyers, a councillor. Funds for the new building were then secured through the government, and on December 23, 1887, His Excellency Governor Sir Henry Turner Irving, K.C.M.G., laid the foundation stone for the building in the north-eastern corner of the structure.

The building was completed 18 months later and declared opened before a large audience by Governor Viscount Gormanston, K.C.M.G., on July 1, 1889, during a heavy downpour of rain. The City Hall can be described as an excellent example of Gothic Revival architecture in Guyana. The 29-meter (96-foot) tower with its conical pinnacles was and still is considered one of the building\u2019s main attractions. Other features of the three-storey, rectangular-shaped building include its lancet windows (pointed arched windows), fretwork, iron capitals decorated with foliage, finials, elaborate mahogany staircase, and a ceiling similar to a hammer beam, located in the Concert Hall.<\/p>\n","post_title":"City Hall","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"city-hall","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:51:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:51:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652589","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":652585,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_content":"\n

Location:<\/strong> Bourda, Georgetown

Classification: <\/strong>Community

Period\/ Year Built:<\/strong> Originally built 1880, rebuilt 1902

Historical Background \/ Description:
<\/strong>Bourda Market is a 20th century market located between Robb and Regent Streets and is bordered by Orange Walk, in the ward of Bourda, Georgetown.

The market was initially built in 1880, but was later re-built in 1902 to facilitate the growing number of vendors and consumers. Today, it is considered the second largest market in the city of Georgetown. One notable feature of the market is its public clock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Image and information courtesy of the National Trust of Guyana.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","post_title":"Bourda Market","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"bourda-market","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":652582,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2025-04-06 03:29:55","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:29:55","post_content":"\n

Location: <\/strong>Botanical Gardens, Georgetown<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Classification:<\/strong> Commemorative Monument<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Period\/Year Built: <\/strong>1969<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historical Background \/ Description:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Place of the Seven Ponds, also referred to as the \u2018Place of Heroes,\u2019 is located in the Botanical Gardens, Georgetown, and was designed by Guyanese architect Mr. George Henry. It was built following the internment of Governor-General Sir David Rose on the site in 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The monument is made up of seven ponds, a circular central pond with a sculpture in the middle and six segmented circular ponds evenly around in a radial pattern. The sculpture is approximately 5.8 meters (19 feet) in height and has an \u2018x\u2019 shape when viewed from above. It is made up of two interlocking elements that are concaved at the sides and arched at the bottom and top. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buried at the Place of the Seven Ponds are four Guyanese who contributed to the development of the country. The first person to be buried there was His Excellency, Governor-General, Sir David Gardiner Rose, G.C.M.C., C.U.O., M.B.E. Sir David Rose was born on April 10, 1923, and was appointed Governor General in 1966, where he served up until the time of his death on November 10, 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second is National Poet, Mr. Martin Carter, born on June 7, 1927, and died on December 13, 1997. The third is Executive President and Prime Minister Hugh Desmond Hoyte, born on March 9, 1929, and died on December 22, 2002. Mr. Hoyte served as the first Vice-President and Prime Minister in 1984 and later as President of Guyana from 1985 to 1992. The fourth is President Arthur Chung, born on January 10, 1918 and died on June 23, 2008. Mr. Chung served as Guyana\u2019s first president from March 17, 1970, to October 6, 1980.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Image and information courtesy of the National Trust of Guyana.)<\/p>\n","post_title":"Place of the Seven Ponds","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"place-of-the-seven-ponds","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652582","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650871,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_date_gmt":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_content":"

President Ali\u2019s leadership praised for food security achievements<\/strong><\/h3>\n \n\nIN a bold commitment to eradicating hunger, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, underscored Guyana's pivotal role in food security during a World Food Day event at the Bourda Cricket Ground.\n\nSpeaking under the theme \u201cRights to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,\u201d Minister Mustapha highlighted the government\u2019s efforts under President Irfaan Ali's leadership to make Guyana a food-secure nation and a driving force in regional food production.\n\nGuyana, currently celebrating Agriculture Month with the theme \u201cTransforming Tomorrow, Championing Food Security Through Innovation and Technology,\u201d has seen remarkable advancements in food systems.\n\n<\/a> Students interacting with various booths at the World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO[\/caption]\n\nThese two key initiatives, according to Minister Mustapha, are interconnected in their focus on building a sustainable future. The government has made significant strides, working with both private and public sectors to elevate Guyana\u2019s agricultural prowess and position it as the \"food hub of the Caribbean.\"\n\n\u201cOn this World Food Day, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the right to food for all,\u201d said Minister Mustapha. \u201cWith strategic investments and partnerships, we can build a future where hunger becomes a thing of the past, and food security becomes the foundation of sustainable development.\u201d\n\nHe called on stakeholders to continue their support, emphasising the need for collaboration to reduce hunger not only in Guyana but across the Caribbean.\n\nOne of the highlights of Guyana\u2019s recent achievements is its reduced undernourishment levels. Citing a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Minister Mustapha pointed out that undernourishment in Guyana has fallen below 2.5 per cent, well below the regional and global averages.\n\nHe credited these positive changes to government initiatives, including the school feeding programme and household cash grants, which have improved access to nutritious food and bolstered local food systems.\n\nPresident Ali\u2019s leadership has garnered recognition from CARICOM and international bodies for his dedication to tackling food insecurity.\n\nGuyana\u2019s Vision 25 by 2025 initiative, which seeks to reduce CARICOM\u2019s food import bill by 25%, is one such effort that underscores the country\u2019s ambition to become the \"breadbasket of the Caribbean.\" As other Caribbean nations, traditionally dependent on tourism and oil and gas, turn their focus to agriculture, Guyana is leading the charge in reshaping regional food systems.\n\nMinister Mustapha emphasised that Guyana\u2019s progress in reducing severe food insecurity\u2014currently 25.5% lower than the regional average\u2014was not accidental but the result of deliberate policy measures. These include enhancing food production and improving access to nutritious food across the country. He also noted the renewed regional interest in agriculture as part of a broader strategy to address food insecurity and reduce dependency on food imports.\n\nThe World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO, saw the participation of CARICOM representatives, the diplomatic community, and local stakeholders. It featured an agricultural fair and open day, showcasing Guyana\u2019s agricultural innovations and reaffirming the government\u2019s commitment to food security for the nation and the region.\n\nAs Guyana continues its journey toward becoming the Caribbean\u2019s agricultural leader, the nation's progress on World Food Day serves as a reminder of what can be achieved with vision, commitment, and collaboration.","post_title":"Guyana champions hunger eradication, regional food security \u2013 Mininister Mustapha","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650312,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_content":"BEING the only child of Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo, the reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo, who lives in Bladen Hall on the East Coast of Demerara, wasn\u2019t given a \"silver spoon in her mouth\" at birth. Still, she was raised to be kind, contented, and compassionate toward people and animals.\nEven though there wasn\u2019t a shortage of love and support from her parents, Aruna explained that she would have loved to have had another sibling to share her life with. However, she was very cognizant of how hard her father worked as a labourer and the sacrifices her stay-at-home mom made to ensure that she got the best education and the basic necessities of life.\nAruna, therefore, used her humble upbringing as a form of motivation to work towards making a positive impact in people\u2019s lives, and she is also determined to make her parents proud of her and show them that their investment in her has not gone in vain.\n\nIn 2019, Aruna graduated from one of Guyana\u2019s most prestigious secondary schools, President\u2019s College, and he is currently entering her fourth year at the University of Guyana (UG), Turkeyen Campus, where she is studying business economics.\nEven though the Miss India beauty was very focused on her books in school, Aruna explained that from her nursery school days in school, the teachers would ask her parents for her to participate in the school concerts as a model, and she would. However, she never thought that she would develop a passion for it until she reached secondary school.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nAccording to Aruna, she is proud of being a Guyanese and has always wanted to contribute to Guyana in a \"big way,\" but she wasn\u2019t sure how. Nevertheless, the thought of being in a pageant and representing Guyana locally and possibly internationally was in the \"back of her mind,\" but she never thought of it becoming a reality. As fate would have it, one day, Aruna was surfing the web when she stumbled upon the application form for the Miss India Guyana pageant. Not thinking much about it, she applied, got accepted as one of the contestants, and the rest is history, said Aruna.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nWhile winning the pageant comes with its fair share of benefits, Aruna said there is much more to it than just the shiny crown, glamorous outfits, and makeup. According to her, it teaches self-discipline and body positivity to women of all shapes and sizes.\nAruna explained that the Miss India Guyana organisation's aim is not just about winning a crown, but the director Hashim Alli and his wife Melicia Partab-Alli ensure that you are treated as a family. According to Aruna, their goal is to inspire young girls and women to be the best version of themselves and recognise that beauty isn't based on what's on the outside but, more importantly, what\u2019s on the inside. She also related that the director and his wife inspire and motivate her and the other girls to return to society with the knowledge they have gained and be role models and positive influencers for other women and girls.\n\n<\/a> Aruna Sukhdeo with her parents Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nLessons of Life\nThe classy beauty said that she is grateful to her mother for instilling confidence and life\u2019s lessons in her, \"My mom has taught me to never look down on people, always be confident and brave in life, face whatever fears I may have, and do not allow my fears to overcome me. In life, she said, a person may lose an opportunity at something if they allow fear to get in the way. And I go through life with that mindset of being fearless. She has also taught me to be polite and respectful to everyone I meet. It is her believe that it will take you a far way in life. My parents also support and encourage me to be independent and to give back to others.\"\n\n<\/a> Miss India Guyana 2023 with the director of Miss India Guyana Organisation, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli[\/caption]\n\nAdvice to young people and young girls\nAs much as Aruna is grateful and humbled by her accomplishments, she is very honoured to be in a position where she gets a platform to speak to young people, especially young women and girls, about life's challenges. The 2023 India queen said, \"My platform for the pageant is mental health which is mostly focused on depression. This is something that I have dealt with. In high school, I felt pressured due to work and trying to figure myself out and felt depressed by just trying to keep my grades up while trying to be a part of the extracurricular activities in school. I was so focused on academics that I wasn\u2019t thinking about anything else, but at the same time, I was trying to fit in with my friends and still dealing with the pressure of society.\n\nAruna said, \"I know that a lot of young people are struggling with the same things as well, but in most cases, they are afraid to speak out. I understand how challenging it can be but do not keep it to yourself. Speak out. You may think that no one will listen to you or that you are irrelevant or what you are feeling is irrelevant but I can assure you that speaking up and speaking out, it will benefit you and help others. Don\u2019t be afraid, you are worth it, and know that everything will be okay. You just need to take the first step and talk about it.\"\n\nThe reigning beauty further asked the people of Guyana to play a more positive role in each other's lives. According to her, society has a way of \"looking down\" on people for one reason or another. But Aruna said that it doesn\u2019t matter how strong people are. It does bother them. People are human beings with feelings and regardless of how strong a person may seem, she wants you to know that you may never truly know what someone is dealing with. The decisions people make or how they choose to live their lives is their choice, and Aruna believes that it is not our place to judge that. She is hopeful that as a country and as a society, \"we\" can move away from this way of thinking, be more caring, show empathy, and let people live.\n\nExtend Gratitude\nFinally, Aruna expressed her gratitude to her parents for making the sacrifices and giving her love and support even when she felt like quitting. The director, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli, for believing in her, her best friend, Kavita Beharry, and her cousins, who she said have always been there for her.\nAruna also wanted to thank Ameir Ahmad Proprietor of Sheriff Security and the Proprietor of Mohamed\u2019s Enterprise, Azruddin Mohamed, for generously supporting her financially on her journey.\nAruna is currently in India, and will represent Guyana on the international stage in the upcoming week.","post_title":"The birth of a queen in a labourer\u2019s palace","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650293,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_content":"SUCCESSFUL business mogul and entrepreneur, 34-year-old Ameir Ahmad, the eldest of four siblings, was born and raised in the village of Meten-Meer-Zorg, Essequibo Islands and West Demerara (RegionThree) to an ambitious and \"go-getter\" father, Shareef Ahmad, and his humble, generous, and equally ambitious mother, Sunita Amad.\nWhile sitting in his spotless, cozy, and luxurious office, Ameir exclusively shared with the Pepperpot Magazine that success didn\u2019t just find him and his family; it all started with a humble, positive, and determined mindset. Ameir related that his grandparents were cleaners and tried their utmost to provide the best of what they could afford for their family. However, even though they couldn\u2019t afford to give their children the materialistic pleasures of life, they gave them something that money could not buy. They instilled in their children the knowledge, work ethic, passion, and drive to accomplish a better life than the one they were brought up in.\n\nMaking ends meet\nHowever, it wasn\u2019t a walk in the park for the now-accomplished Shareef Ahmad, who has been a successful businessman for over 25 years. According to Ameir, before all of the success, his father worked relentlessly as a bus driver to provide for his family. Due to limited finances in the home, Ameir said that his mother wanted to contribute financially to the home to help alleviate some of the stress from his father. So, Sunita started to work with one of her brothers-in-law, who owned a jewellery store in Stabroek Market in Georgetown at the time.\nHe further explained that his uncle and aunt gave his mom \"a break\" by giving her a stall that was next to them for rent. He further stated that his mom told him that she gathered all of his baby jewellery and all of their jewellery and put it for sale at her business, and that was the birth of Sheriff Jewelry. Ameir also noted that the stalls are in the market and are functioning, but the family refuses to sell the structures since they played an integral role in the family's development in business.\n\nEven though both of his parents were working, they wanted a better future for Ameir and the rest of the family, and as such, they migrated to New York when he was only 12 years old. Ameir explained that he was a pupil at Leonora Primary School on the West Coast of Demerara, and after his migration, he went to an Islamic school in the Big Apple, after which he wrote his Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and was awarded a place at the Information Technology High School. After being successful at his high school, Ameir went on to secure a place at New York University (NYU), majoring in American History and minoring in Business Management; however, he did not graduate.\n\nMoving back home\nIn 2007, Ameir explained that his dad wanted to return to Guyana to invest, find a way to contribute to society and give back to his country. \"When you are from Guyana, no matter where you may live, your roots are stuck here. You always have a feeling of missing home, and that was us, so we came back with the hope of getting into a few small businesses. After returning, I noticed that people were starting to use cellphones a lot, and I wanted to set up a business, so my father loaned me US$60,000 to see what I could have done with it\", Ameir said.\n\nHe continued to explain that he started to sell cell phones but found it difficult at times to receive payments from the wholesalers, so Ameir eventually opened his own store. He later expanded to computers, and eventually they pooled their resources and purchased a plot of land on Sheriff Street. There they invested in building Sheriff Jewelry, Electronics City, Subs and Salad, Italian Grill, Miami Pizzeria, and the most recent, Sheriff Security Services and Sheriff Medical Centre.\n\n\"Even though the stores were doing great, I always saw a need to expand and invest in the different industries. I am considered a serial entrepreneur, meaning, if I see that selling bread is the next big thing, I want to capitalise on it. I am grateful and lucky that I did invest, and I say this with no disrespect, but now that I look back at all of the competition that I had then, I realised that they are nowhere close to where my portfolio is. I know that if I didn\u2019t make that switch, I wouldn\u2019t be where I am, I would have been hustling and bustling with the retail industry, but instead, I am catching up with the oil and gas market.\"\n\n

\n\nFamily Life\nAmeir explained that he has immense respect and love for his parents, who taught him and his siblings by example that hard work and determination pay off. He added that even though his parents are divorced, they continue to play an active role in their lives by being supportive and ensuring they are okay.\n\nAmeir cheekily shared that his mother, who currently lives in New York, messages him daily to ask where he is, what he is doing, or just to say, \"I am proud of you, Ameir. My mom enjoys traveling, and it is because of her that I developed a passion for it. I am humble that I got the opportunity to travel to the Middle East and countries like Hong Kong, and it is because of those experiences I am inspired to build and contribute to Guyana so that the economy can develop and we can be on the map for all that we have to offer in the different sectors as well as for our architectural work,\" Ameir shared.\n\nHowever, Ameir explained that his dad, who is now the Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) of the Sheriff Group of Companies, is proud and humbled by their success. \"On the other hand, while I know that he loves me and my other siblings and he is proud of us, he doesn\u2019t say it to our faces, but we will hear it from my mom or stepmom. I am motivated by him, and I know that we are a family that has a go-getter attitude, and collectively, we are proud of each other and each other\u2019s accomplishments. I cannot do what I do all by myself, and I am grateful for the togetherness.\"\n\nLegacy\nEven though Ameir and his wife are divorced and he has moved on with someone else, he said that they have a great relationship with co-parenting their two daughters, Aaria and Aliya Ahmad.\nAccording to Ameir, life is short, and he wishes to leave behind a legacy that his daughters can be proud of and carry on after he is long gone. Ameir said, \"I am extremely proud of my daughters, and I remembered the stories my mom shared with me about not being able to afford the basics like pampers for me. I don\u2019t want my daughters to struggle, I want to ensure I give them an education, and I wish for them to make a positive impact in society. Even though women are doing so much in society, we are still living in a society where men are most dominant, and it is my hope that my daughters can take charge of my businesses without having any financial challenges going forward.\n\nThe road map is set for them, and I would like for them to take it from there. I don\u2019t want them to be dependent on a husband or anyone else. When I am gone, God rest my soul. I want to be remembered for leaving my businesses to two good human beings who I know will use them to help others as well.\n\nBiggest Misconception\nWhen asked what the biggest misconception is about him, Ameir said, \"I heard people say that I am not easy to speak to or easily accessible, but I wouldn\u2019t say that. It is just that I am a serious person when it comes to money and getting the work done. I always say my job comes first because when things are going well for the company, we are benefiting, and the people that work for us are benefiting.\"\n\nFinally, Ameir said that he is just getting started with all that he and his family want to do in Guyana, whether in the construction field, medical sector, security, or any of their other businesses.\nThe successful entrepreneur took the opportunity to leave a message with his fellow Guyanese, especially his peers: \"Faith plays a very important role in one's development, regardless of how we choose to worship, and I am proud to know as Guyanese that we respect and celebrate each other's beliefs.\" I also want my peers to know that we are responsible for putting things in place for future generations. Let us be the foundation for a better tomorrow.\"","post_title":"From a bus driver's son to a prosperous businessman","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_4"};

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The City Engineer\u2019s Department building is located on Avenue of the Republic in Lacytown, Georgetown. This 19th-century, three-storey, timber and masonry structure once functioned as the Fire Superintendent\u2019s Department. It was also the residence of the town superintendent before being dedicated as the office for the city engineer\u2019s department.

Architectural features of the building include its arched windows, balcony, finials, and the ornate cast iron railings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","post_title":"City Engineer\u2019s Office","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"city-engineers-office","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:59:01","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:59:01","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652592","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":652589,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2025-04-06 03:51:59","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:51:59","post_content":"\n

Location:<\/strong> Lacytown, Georgetown

Classification: <\/strong>Community

Period\/Year Built:<\/strong> 19th century

Historical Background \/ Description:
<\/strong>City Hall, an eloquent reminder of Guyana\u2019s architectural heritage, is located with its main fa\u00e7ade facing the Avenue of the Republic and is bordered by Regent Street to the north and Charlotte Street to the south. In 1842, Georgetown was designated a city, but the council, which was established on March 1, 1837, was without a building of its own.

On November 22, 1886, the council agreed to a proposal for building specifications to be draughted and reviewed. In March, 1887, the designs submitted for the Town Hall were reviewed, and the work of architect Reverend Ignatius Scoles S. J. was selected with the assistance of Mr. Cesar Castellani and Messrs. J. A. Conyers, a councillor. Funds for the new building were then secured through the government, and on December 23, 1887, His Excellency Governor Sir Henry Turner Irving, K.C.M.G., laid the foundation stone for the building in the north-eastern corner of the structure.

The building was completed 18 months later and declared opened before a large audience by Governor Viscount Gormanston, K.C.M.G., on July 1, 1889, during a heavy downpour of rain. The City Hall can be described as an excellent example of Gothic Revival architecture in Guyana. The 29-meter (96-foot) tower with its conical pinnacles was and still is considered one of the building\u2019s main attractions. Other features of the three-storey, rectangular-shaped building include its lancet windows (pointed arched windows), fretwork, iron capitals decorated with foliage, finials, elaborate mahogany staircase, and a ceiling similar to a hammer beam, located in the Concert Hall.<\/p>\n","post_title":"City Hall","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"city-hall","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:51:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:51:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652589","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":652585,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_content":"\n

Location:<\/strong> Bourda, Georgetown

Classification: <\/strong>Community

Period\/ Year Built:<\/strong> Originally built 1880, rebuilt 1902

Historical Background \/ Description:
<\/strong>Bourda Market is a 20th century market located between Robb and Regent Streets and is bordered by Orange Walk, in the ward of Bourda, Georgetown.

The market was initially built in 1880, but was later re-built in 1902 to facilitate the growing number of vendors and consumers. Today, it is considered the second largest market in the city of Georgetown. One notable feature of the market is its public clock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Image and information courtesy of the National Trust of Guyana.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","post_title":"Bourda Market","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"bourda-market","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":652582,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2025-04-06 03:29:55","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:29:55","post_content":"\n

Location: <\/strong>Botanical Gardens, Georgetown<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Classification:<\/strong> Commemorative Monument<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Period\/Year Built: <\/strong>1969<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historical Background \/ Description:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Place of the Seven Ponds, also referred to as the \u2018Place of Heroes,\u2019 is located in the Botanical Gardens, Georgetown, and was designed by Guyanese architect Mr. George Henry. It was built following the internment of Governor-General Sir David Rose on the site in 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The monument is made up of seven ponds, a circular central pond with a sculpture in the middle and six segmented circular ponds evenly around in a radial pattern. The sculpture is approximately 5.8 meters (19 feet) in height and has an \u2018x\u2019 shape when viewed from above. It is made up of two interlocking elements that are concaved at the sides and arched at the bottom and top. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buried at the Place of the Seven Ponds are four Guyanese who contributed to the development of the country. The first person to be buried there was His Excellency, Governor-General, Sir David Gardiner Rose, G.C.M.C., C.U.O., M.B.E. Sir David Rose was born on April 10, 1923, and was appointed Governor General in 1966, where he served up until the time of his death on November 10, 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second is National Poet, Mr. Martin Carter, born on June 7, 1927, and died on December 13, 1997. The third is Executive President and Prime Minister Hugh Desmond Hoyte, born on March 9, 1929, and died on December 22, 2002. Mr. Hoyte served as the first Vice-President and Prime Minister in 1984 and later as President of Guyana from 1985 to 1992. The fourth is President Arthur Chung, born on January 10, 1918 and died on June 23, 2008. Mr. Chung served as Guyana\u2019s first president from March 17, 1970, to October 6, 1980.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Image and information courtesy of the National Trust of Guyana.)<\/p>\n","post_title":"Place of the Seven Ponds","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"place-of-the-seven-ponds","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652582","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650871,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_date_gmt":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_content":"

President Ali\u2019s leadership praised for food security achievements<\/strong><\/h3>\n \n\nIN a bold commitment to eradicating hunger, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, underscored Guyana's pivotal role in food security during a World Food Day event at the Bourda Cricket Ground.\n\nSpeaking under the theme \u201cRights to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,\u201d Minister Mustapha highlighted the government\u2019s efforts under President Irfaan Ali's leadership to make Guyana a food-secure nation and a driving force in regional food production.\n\nGuyana, currently celebrating Agriculture Month with the theme \u201cTransforming Tomorrow, Championing Food Security Through Innovation and Technology,\u201d has seen remarkable advancements in food systems.\n\n<\/a> Students interacting with various booths at the World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO[\/caption]\n\nThese two key initiatives, according to Minister Mustapha, are interconnected in their focus on building a sustainable future. The government has made significant strides, working with both private and public sectors to elevate Guyana\u2019s agricultural prowess and position it as the \"food hub of the Caribbean.\"\n\n\u201cOn this World Food Day, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the right to food for all,\u201d said Minister Mustapha. \u201cWith strategic investments and partnerships, we can build a future where hunger becomes a thing of the past, and food security becomes the foundation of sustainable development.\u201d\n\nHe called on stakeholders to continue their support, emphasising the need for collaboration to reduce hunger not only in Guyana but across the Caribbean.\n\nOne of the highlights of Guyana\u2019s recent achievements is its reduced undernourishment levels. Citing a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Minister Mustapha pointed out that undernourishment in Guyana has fallen below 2.5 per cent, well below the regional and global averages.\n\nHe credited these positive changes to government initiatives, including the school feeding programme and household cash grants, which have improved access to nutritious food and bolstered local food systems.\n\nPresident Ali\u2019s leadership has garnered recognition from CARICOM and international bodies for his dedication to tackling food insecurity.\n\nGuyana\u2019s Vision 25 by 2025 initiative, which seeks to reduce CARICOM\u2019s food import bill by 25%, is one such effort that underscores the country\u2019s ambition to become the \"breadbasket of the Caribbean.\" As other Caribbean nations, traditionally dependent on tourism and oil and gas, turn their focus to agriculture, Guyana is leading the charge in reshaping regional food systems.\n\nMinister Mustapha emphasised that Guyana\u2019s progress in reducing severe food insecurity\u2014currently 25.5% lower than the regional average\u2014was not accidental but the result of deliberate policy measures. These include enhancing food production and improving access to nutritious food across the country. He also noted the renewed regional interest in agriculture as part of a broader strategy to address food insecurity and reduce dependency on food imports.\n\nThe World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO, saw the participation of CARICOM representatives, the diplomatic community, and local stakeholders. It featured an agricultural fair and open day, showcasing Guyana\u2019s agricultural innovations and reaffirming the government\u2019s commitment to food security for the nation and the region.\n\nAs Guyana continues its journey toward becoming the Caribbean\u2019s agricultural leader, the nation's progress on World Food Day serves as a reminder of what can be achieved with vision, commitment, and collaboration.","post_title":"Guyana champions hunger eradication, regional food security \u2013 Mininister Mustapha","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650312,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_content":"BEING the only child of Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo, the reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo, who lives in Bladen Hall on the East Coast of Demerara, wasn\u2019t given a \"silver spoon in her mouth\" at birth. Still, she was raised to be kind, contented, and compassionate toward people and animals.\nEven though there wasn\u2019t a shortage of love and support from her parents, Aruna explained that she would have loved to have had another sibling to share her life with. However, she was very cognizant of how hard her father worked as a labourer and the sacrifices her stay-at-home mom made to ensure that she got the best education and the basic necessities of life.\nAruna, therefore, used her humble upbringing as a form of motivation to work towards making a positive impact in people\u2019s lives, and she is also determined to make her parents proud of her and show them that their investment in her has not gone in vain.\n\nIn 2019, Aruna graduated from one of Guyana\u2019s most prestigious secondary schools, President\u2019s College, and he is currently entering her fourth year at the University of Guyana (UG), Turkeyen Campus, where she is studying business economics.\nEven though the Miss India beauty was very focused on her books in school, Aruna explained that from her nursery school days in school, the teachers would ask her parents for her to participate in the school concerts as a model, and she would. However, she never thought that she would develop a passion for it until she reached secondary school.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nAccording to Aruna, she is proud of being a Guyanese and has always wanted to contribute to Guyana in a \"big way,\" but she wasn\u2019t sure how. Nevertheless, the thought of being in a pageant and representing Guyana locally and possibly internationally was in the \"back of her mind,\" but she never thought of it becoming a reality. As fate would have it, one day, Aruna was surfing the web when she stumbled upon the application form for the Miss India Guyana pageant. Not thinking much about it, she applied, got accepted as one of the contestants, and the rest is history, said Aruna.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nWhile winning the pageant comes with its fair share of benefits, Aruna said there is much more to it than just the shiny crown, glamorous outfits, and makeup. According to her, it teaches self-discipline and body positivity to women of all shapes and sizes.\nAruna explained that the Miss India Guyana organisation's aim is not just about winning a crown, but the director Hashim Alli and his wife Melicia Partab-Alli ensure that you are treated as a family. According to Aruna, their goal is to inspire young girls and women to be the best version of themselves and recognise that beauty isn't based on what's on the outside but, more importantly, what\u2019s on the inside. She also related that the director and his wife inspire and motivate her and the other girls to return to society with the knowledge they have gained and be role models and positive influencers for other women and girls.\n\n<\/a> Aruna Sukhdeo with her parents Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nLessons of Life\nThe classy beauty said that she is grateful to her mother for instilling confidence and life\u2019s lessons in her, \"My mom has taught me to never look down on people, always be confident and brave in life, face whatever fears I may have, and do not allow my fears to overcome me. In life, she said, a person may lose an opportunity at something if they allow fear to get in the way. And I go through life with that mindset of being fearless. She has also taught me to be polite and respectful to everyone I meet. It is her believe that it will take you a far way in life. My parents also support and encourage me to be independent and to give back to others.\"\n\n<\/a> Miss India Guyana 2023 with the director of Miss India Guyana Organisation, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli[\/caption]\n\nAdvice to young people and young girls\nAs much as Aruna is grateful and humbled by her accomplishments, she is very honoured to be in a position where she gets a platform to speak to young people, especially young women and girls, about life's challenges. The 2023 India queen said, \"My platform for the pageant is mental health which is mostly focused on depression. This is something that I have dealt with. In high school, I felt pressured due to work and trying to figure myself out and felt depressed by just trying to keep my grades up while trying to be a part of the extracurricular activities in school. I was so focused on academics that I wasn\u2019t thinking about anything else, but at the same time, I was trying to fit in with my friends and still dealing with the pressure of society.\n\nAruna said, \"I know that a lot of young people are struggling with the same things as well, but in most cases, they are afraid to speak out. I understand how challenging it can be but do not keep it to yourself. Speak out. You may think that no one will listen to you or that you are irrelevant or what you are feeling is irrelevant but I can assure you that speaking up and speaking out, it will benefit you and help others. Don\u2019t be afraid, you are worth it, and know that everything will be okay. You just need to take the first step and talk about it.\"\n\nThe reigning beauty further asked the people of Guyana to play a more positive role in each other's lives. According to her, society has a way of \"looking down\" on people for one reason or another. But Aruna said that it doesn\u2019t matter how strong people are. It does bother them. People are human beings with feelings and regardless of how strong a person may seem, she wants you to know that you may never truly know what someone is dealing with. The decisions people make or how they choose to live their lives is their choice, and Aruna believes that it is not our place to judge that. She is hopeful that as a country and as a society, \"we\" can move away from this way of thinking, be more caring, show empathy, and let people live.\n\nExtend Gratitude\nFinally, Aruna expressed her gratitude to her parents for making the sacrifices and giving her love and support even when she felt like quitting. The director, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli, for believing in her, her best friend, Kavita Beharry, and her cousins, who she said have always been there for her.\nAruna also wanted to thank Ameir Ahmad Proprietor of Sheriff Security and the Proprietor of Mohamed\u2019s Enterprise, Azruddin Mohamed, for generously supporting her financially on her journey.\nAruna is currently in India, and will represent Guyana on the international stage in the upcoming week.","post_title":"The birth of a queen in a labourer\u2019s palace","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650293,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_content":"SUCCESSFUL business mogul and entrepreneur, 34-year-old Ameir Ahmad, the eldest of four siblings, was born and raised in the village of Meten-Meer-Zorg, Essequibo Islands and West Demerara (RegionThree) to an ambitious and \"go-getter\" father, Shareef Ahmad, and his humble, generous, and equally ambitious mother, Sunita Amad.\nWhile sitting in his spotless, cozy, and luxurious office, Ameir exclusively shared with the Pepperpot Magazine that success didn\u2019t just find him and his family; it all started with a humble, positive, and determined mindset. Ameir related that his grandparents were cleaners and tried their utmost to provide the best of what they could afford for their family. However, even though they couldn\u2019t afford to give their children the materialistic pleasures of life, they gave them something that money could not buy. They instilled in their children the knowledge, work ethic, passion, and drive to accomplish a better life than the one they were brought up in.\n\nMaking ends meet\nHowever, it wasn\u2019t a walk in the park for the now-accomplished Shareef Ahmad, who has been a successful businessman for over 25 years. According to Ameir, before all of the success, his father worked relentlessly as a bus driver to provide for his family. Due to limited finances in the home, Ameir said that his mother wanted to contribute financially to the home to help alleviate some of the stress from his father. So, Sunita started to work with one of her brothers-in-law, who owned a jewellery store in Stabroek Market in Georgetown at the time.\nHe further explained that his uncle and aunt gave his mom \"a break\" by giving her a stall that was next to them for rent. He further stated that his mom told him that she gathered all of his baby jewellery and all of their jewellery and put it for sale at her business, and that was the birth of Sheriff Jewelry. Ameir also noted that the stalls are in the market and are functioning, but the family refuses to sell the structures since they played an integral role in the family's development in business.\n\nEven though both of his parents were working, they wanted a better future for Ameir and the rest of the family, and as such, they migrated to New York when he was only 12 years old. Ameir explained that he was a pupil at Leonora Primary School on the West Coast of Demerara, and after his migration, he went to an Islamic school in the Big Apple, after which he wrote his Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and was awarded a place at the Information Technology High School. After being successful at his high school, Ameir went on to secure a place at New York University (NYU), majoring in American History and minoring in Business Management; however, he did not graduate.\n\nMoving back home\nIn 2007, Ameir explained that his dad wanted to return to Guyana to invest, find a way to contribute to society and give back to his country. \"When you are from Guyana, no matter where you may live, your roots are stuck here. You always have a feeling of missing home, and that was us, so we came back with the hope of getting into a few small businesses. After returning, I noticed that people were starting to use cellphones a lot, and I wanted to set up a business, so my father loaned me US$60,000 to see what I could have done with it\", Ameir said.\n\nHe continued to explain that he started to sell cell phones but found it difficult at times to receive payments from the wholesalers, so Ameir eventually opened his own store. He later expanded to computers, and eventually they pooled their resources and purchased a plot of land on Sheriff Street. There they invested in building Sheriff Jewelry, Electronics City, Subs and Salad, Italian Grill, Miami Pizzeria, and the most recent, Sheriff Security Services and Sheriff Medical Centre.\n\n\"Even though the stores were doing great, I always saw a need to expand and invest in the different industries. I am considered a serial entrepreneur, meaning, if I see that selling bread is the next big thing, I want to capitalise on it. I am grateful and lucky that I did invest, and I say this with no disrespect, but now that I look back at all of the competition that I had then, I realised that they are nowhere close to where my portfolio is. I know that if I didn\u2019t make that switch, I wouldn\u2019t be where I am, I would have been hustling and bustling with the retail industry, but instead, I am catching up with the oil and gas market.\"\n\n

\n\nFamily Life\nAmeir explained that he has immense respect and love for his parents, who taught him and his siblings by example that hard work and determination pay off. He added that even though his parents are divorced, they continue to play an active role in their lives by being supportive and ensuring they are okay.\n\nAmeir cheekily shared that his mother, who currently lives in New York, messages him daily to ask where he is, what he is doing, or just to say, \"I am proud of you, Ameir. My mom enjoys traveling, and it is because of her that I developed a passion for it. I am humble that I got the opportunity to travel to the Middle East and countries like Hong Kong, and it is because of those experiences I am inspired to build and contribute to Guyana so that the economy can develop and we can be on the map for all that we have to offer in the different sectors as well as for our architectural work,\" Ameir shared.\n\nHowever, Ameir explained that his dad, who is now the Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) of the Sheriff Group of Companies, is proud and humbled by their success. \"On the other hand, while I know that he loves me and my other siblings and he is proud of us, he doesn\u2019t say it to our faces, but we will hear it from my mom or stepmom. I am motivated by him, and I know that we are a family that has a go-getter attitude, and collectively, we are proud of each other and each other\u2019s accomplishments. I cannot do what I do all by myself, and I am grateful for the togetherness.\"\n\nLegacy\nEven though Ameir and his wife are divorced and he has moved on with someone else, he said that they have a great relationship with co-parenting their two daughters, Aaria and Aliya Ahmad.\nAccording to Ameir, life is short, and he wishes to leave behind a legacy that his daughters can be proud of and carry on after he is long gone. Ameir said, \"I am extremely proud of my daughters, and I remembered the stories my mom shared with me about not being able to afford the basics like pampers for me. I don\u2019t want my daughters to struggle, I want to ensure I give them an education, and I wish for them to make a positive impact in society. Even though women are doing so much in society, we are still living in a society where men are most dominant, and it is my hope that my daughters can take charge of my businesses without having any financial challenges going forward.\n\nThe road map is set for them, and I would like for them to take it from there. I don\u2019t want them to be dependent on a husband or anyone else. When I am gone, God rest my soul. I want to be remembered for leaving my businesses to two good human beings who I know will use them to help others as well.\n\nBiggest Misconception\nWhen asked what the biggest misconception is about him, Ameir said, \"I heard people say that I am not easy to speak to or easily accessible, but I wouldn\u2019t say that. It is just that I am a serious person when it comes to money and getting the work done. I always say my job comes first because when things are going well for the company, we are benefiting, and the people that work for us are benefiting.\"\n\nFinally, Ameir said that he is just getting started with all that he and his family want to do in Guyana, whether in the construction field, medical sector, security, or any of their other businesses.\nThe successful entrepreneur took the opportunity to leave a message with his fellow Guyanese, especially his peers: \"Faith plays a very important role in one's development, regardless of how we choose to worship, and I am proud to know as Guyanese that we respect and celebrate each other's beliefs.\" I also want my peers to know that we are responsible for putting things in place for future generations. Let us be the foundation for a better tomorrow.\"","post_title":"From a bus driver's son to a prosperous businessman","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_4"};

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<\/p>\n","post_title":"Mark Anthony Phillips","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"mark-anthony-phillips","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 18:10:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 18:10:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652595","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":652592,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2025-04-06 03:59:01","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:59:01","post_content":"\n

The City Engineer\u2019s Department building is located on Avenue of the Republic in Lacytown, Georgetown. This 19th-century, three-storey, timber and masonry structure once functioned as the Fire Superintendent\u2019s Department. It was also the residence of the town superintendent before being dedicated as the office for the city engineer\u2019s department.

Architectural features of the building include its arched windows, balcony, finials, and the ornate cast iron railings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","post_title":"City Engineer\u2019s Office","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"city-engineers-office","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:59:01","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:59:01","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652592","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":652589,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2025-04-06 03:51:59","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:51:59","post_content":"\n

Location:<\/strong> Lacytown, Georgetown

Classification: <\/strong>Community

Period\/Year Built:<\/strong> 19th century

Historical Background \/ Description:
<\/strong>City Hall, an eloquent reminder of Guyana\u2019s architectural heritage, is located with its main fa\u00e7ade facing the Avenue of the Republic and is bordered by Regent Street to the north and Charlotte Street to the south. In 1842, Georgetown was designated a city, but the council, which was established on March 1, 1837, was without a building of its own.

On November 22, 1886, the council agreed to a proposal for building specifications to be draughted and reviewed. In March, 1887, the designs submitted for the Town Hall were reviewed, and the work of architect Reverend Ignatius Scoles S. J. was selected with the assistance of Mr. Cesar Castellani and Messrs. J. A. Conyers, a councillor. Funds for the new building were then secured through the government, and on December 23, 1887, His Excellency Governor Sir Henry Turner Irving, K.C.M.G., laid the foundation stone for the building in the north-eastern corner of the structure.

The building was completed 18 months later and declared opened before a large audience by Governor Viscount Gormanston, K.C.M.G., on July 1, 1889, during a heavy downpour of rain. The City Hall can be described as an excellent example of Gothic Revival architecture in Guyana. The 29-meter (96-foot) tower with its conical pinnacles was and still is considered one of the building\u2019s main attractions. Other features of the three-storey, rectangular-shaped building include its lancet windows (pointed arched windows), fretwork, iron capitals decorated with foliage, finials, elaborate mahogany staircase, and a ceiling similar to a hammer beam, located in the Concert Hall.<\/p>\n","post_title":"City Hall","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"city-hall","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:51:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:51:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652589","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":652585,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_content":"\n

Location:<\/strong> Bourda, Georgetown

Classification: <\/strong>Community

Period\/ Year Built:<\/strong> Originally built 1880, rebuilt 1902

Historical Background \/ Description:
<\/strong>Bourda Market is a 20th century market located between Robb and Regent Streets and is bordered by Orange Walk, in the ward of Bourda, Georgetown.

The market was initially built in 1880, but was later re-built in 1902 to facilitate the growing number of vendors and consumers. Today, it is considered the second largest market in the city of Georgetown. One notable feature of the market is its public clock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Image and information courtesy of the National Trust of Guyana.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","post_title":"Bourda Market","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"bourda-market","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":652582,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2025-04-06 03:29:55","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:29:55","post_content":"\n

Location: <\/strong>Botanical Gardens, Georgetown<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Classification:<\/strong> Commemorative Monument<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Period\/Year Built: <\/strong>1969<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historical Background \/ Description:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Place of the Seven Ponds, also referred to as the \u2018Place of Heroes,\u2019 is located in the Botanical Gardens, Georgetown, and was designed by Guyanese architect Mr. George Henry. It was built following the internment of Governor-General Sir David Rose on the site in 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The monument is made up of seven ponds, a circular central pond with a sculpture in the middle and six segmented circular ponds evenly around in a radial pattern. The sculpture is approximately 5.8 meters (19 feet) in height and has an \u2018x\u2019 shape when viewed from above. It is made up of two interlocking elements that are concaved at the sides and arched at the bottom and top. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buried at the Place of the Seven Ponds are four Guyanese who contributed to the development of the country. The first person to be buried there was His Excellency, Governor-General, Sir David Gardiner Rose, G.C.M.C., C.U.O., M.B.E. Sir David Rose was born on April 10, 1923, and was appointed Governor General in 1966, where he served up until the time of his death on November 10, 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second is National Poet, Mr. Martin Carter, born on June 7, 1927, and died on December 13, 1997. The third is Executive President and Prime Minister Hugh Desmond Hoyte, born on March 9, 1929, and died on December 22, 2002. Mr. Hoyte served as the first Vice-President and Prime Minister in 1984 and later as President of Guyana from 1985 to 1992. The fourth is President Arthur Chung, born on January 10, 1918 and died on June 23, 2008. Mr. Chung served as Guyana\u2019s first president from March 17, 1970, to October 6, 1980.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Image and information courtesy of the National Trust of Guyana.)<\/p>\n","post_title":"Place of the Seven Ponds","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"place-of-the-seven-ponds","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652582","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650871,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_date_gmt":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_content":"

President Ali\u2019s leadership praised for food security achievements<\/strong><\/h3>\n \n\nIN a bold commitment to eradicating hunger, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, underscored Guyana's pivotal role in food security during a World Food Day event at the Bourda Cricket Ground.\n\nSpeaking under the theme \u201cRights to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,\u201d Minister Mustapha highlighted the government\u2019s efforts under President Irfaan Ali's leadership to make Guyana a food-secure nation and a driving force in regional food production.\n\nGuyana, currently celebrating Agriculture Month with the theme \u201cTransforming Tomorrow, Championing Food Security Through Innovation and Technology,\u201d has seen remarkable advancements in food systems.\n\n<\/a> Students interacting with various booths at the World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO[\/caption]\n\nThese two key initiatives, according to Minister Mustapha, are interconnected in their focus on building a sustainable future. The government has made significant strides, working with both private and public sectors to elevate Guyana\u2019s agricultural prowess and position it as the \"food hub of the Caribbean.\"\n\n\u201cOn this World Food Day, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the right to food for all,\u201d said Minister Mustapha. \u201cWith strategic investments and partnerships, we can build a future where hunger becomes a thing of the past, and food security becomes the foundation of sustainable development.\u201d\n\nHe called on stakeholders to continue their support, emphasising the need for collaboration to reduce hunger not only in Guyana but across the Caribbean.\n\nOne of the highlights of Guyana\u2019s recent achievements is its reduced undernourishment levels. Citing a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Minister Mustapha pointed out that undernourishment in Guyana has fallen below 2.5 per cent, well below the regional and global averages.\n\nHe credited these positive changes to government initiatives, including the school feeding programme and household cash grants, which have improved access to nutritious food and bolstered local food systems.\n\nPresident Ali\u2019s leadership has garnered recognition from CARICOM and international bodies for his dedication to tackling food insecurity.\n\nGuyana\u2019s Vision 25 by 2025 initiative, which seeks to reduce CARICOM\u2019s food import bill by 25%, is one such effort that underscores the country\u2019s ambition to become the \"breadbasket of the Caribbean.\" As other Caribbean nations, traditionally dependent on tourism and oil and gas, turn their focus to agriculture, Guyana is leading the charge in reshaping regional food systems.\n\nMinister Mustapha emphasised that Guyana\u2019s progress in reducing severe food insecurity\u2014currently 25.5% lower than the regional average\u2014was not accidental but the result of deliberate policy measures. These include enhancing food production and improving access to nutritious food across the country. He also noted the renewed regional interest in agriculture as part of a broader strategy to address food insecurity and reduce dependency on food imports.\n\nThe World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO, saw the participation of CARICOM representatives, the diplomatic community, and local stakeholders. It featured an agricultural fair and open day, showcasing Guyana\u2019s agricultural innovations and reaffirming the government\u2019s commitment to food security for the nation and the region.\n\nAs Guyana continues its journey toward becoming the Caribbean\u2019s agricultural leader, the nation's progress on World Food Day serves as a reminder of what can be achieved with vision, commitment, and collaboration.","post_title":"Guyana champions hunger eradication, regional food security \u2013 Mininister Mustapha","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650312,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_content":"BEING the only child of Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo, the reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo, who lives in Bladen Hall on the East Coast of Demerara, wasn\u2019t given a \"silver spoon in her mouth\" at birth. Still, she was raised to be kind, contented, and compassionate toward people and animals.\nEven though there wasn\u2019t a shortage of love and support from her parents, Aruna explained that she would have loved to have had another sibling to share her life with. However, she was very cognizant of how hard her father worked as a labourer and the sacrifices her stay-at-home mom made to ensure that she got the best education and the basic necessities of life.\nAruna, therefore, used her humble upbringing as a form of motivation to work towards making a positive impact in people\u2019s lives, and she is also determined to make her parents proud of her and show them that their investment in her has not gone in vain.\n\nIn 2019, Aruna graduated from one of Guyana\u2019s most prestigious secondary schools, President\u2019s College, and he is currently entering her fourth year at the University of Guyana (UG), Turkeyen Campus, where she is studying business economics.\nEven though the Miss India beauty was very focused on her books in school, Aruna explained that from her nursery school days in school, the teachers would ask her parents for her to participate in the school concerts as a model, and she would. However, she never thought that she would develop a passion for it until she reached secondary school.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nAccording to Aruna, she is proud of being a Guyanese and has always wanted to contribute to Guyana in a \"big way,\" but she wasn\u2019t sure how. Nevertheless, the thought of being in a pageant and representing Guyana locally and possibly internationally was in the \"back of her mind,\" but she never thought of it becoming a reality. As fate would have it, one day, Aruna was surfing the web when she stumbled upon the application form for the Miss India Guyana pageant. Not thinking much about it, she applied, got accepted as one of the contestants, and the rest is history, said Aruna.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nWhile winning the pageant comes with its fair share of benefits, Aruna said there is much more to it than just the shiny crown, glamorous outfits, and makeup. According to her, it teaches self-discipline and body positivity to women of all shapes and sizes.\nAruna explained that the Miss India Guyana organisation's aim is not just about winning a crown, but the director Hashim Alli and his wife Melicia Partab-Alli ensure that you are treated as a family. According to Aruna, their goal is to inspire young girls and women to be the best version of themselves and recognise that beauty isn't based on what's on the outside but, more importantly, what\u2019s on the inside. She also related that the director and his wife inspire and motivate her and the other girls to return to society with the knowledge they have gained and be role models and positive influencers for other women and girls.\n\n<\/a> Aruna Sukhdeo with her parents Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nLessons of Life\nThe classy beauty said that she is grateful to her mother for instilling confidence and life\u2019s lessons in her, \"My mom has taught me to never look down on people, always be confident and brave in life, face whatever fears I may have, and do not allow my fears to overcome me. In life, she said, a person may lose an opportunity at something if they allow fear to get in the way. And I go through life with that mindset of being fearless. She has also taught me to be polite and respectful to everyone I meet. It is her believe that it will take you a far way in life. My parents also support and encourage me to be independent and to give back to others.\"\n\n<\/a> Miss India Guyana 2023 with the director of Miss India Guyana Organisation, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli[\/caption]\n\nAdvice to young people and young girls\nAs much as Aruna is grateful and humbled by her accomplishments, she is very honoured to be in a position where she gets a platform to speak to young people, especially young women and girls, about life's challenges. The 2023 India queen said, \"My platform for the pageant is mental health which is mostly focused on depression. This is something that I have dealt with. In high school, I felt pressured due to work and trying to figure myself out and felt depressed by just trying to keep my grades up while trying to be a part of the extracurricular activities in school. I was so focused on academics that I wasn\u2019t thinking about anything else, but at the same time, I was trying to fit in with my friends and still dealing with the pressure of society.\n\nAruna said, \"I know that a lot of young people are struggling with the same things as well, but in most cases, they are afraid to speak out. I understand how challenging it can be but do not keep it to yourself. Speak out. You may think that no one will listen to you or that you are irrelevant or what you are feeling is irrelevant but I can assure you that speaking up and speaking out, it will benefit you and help others. Don\u2019t be afraid, you are worth it, and know that everything will be okay. You just need to take the first step and talk about it.\"\n\nThe reigning beauty further asked the people of Guyana to play a more positive role in each other's lives. According to her, society has a way of \"looking down\" on people for one reason or another. But Aruna said that it doesn\u2019t matter how strong people are. It does bother them. People are human beings with feelings and regardless of how strong a person may seem, she wants you to know that you may never truly know what someone is dealing with. The decisions people make or how they choose to live their lives is their choice, and Aruna believes that it is not our place to judge that. She is hopeful that as a country and as a society, \"we\" can move away from this way of thinking, be more caring, show empathy, and let people live.\n\nExtend Gratitude\nFinally, Aruna expressed her gratitude to her parents for making the sacrifices and giving her love and support even when she felt like quitting. The director, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli, for believing in her, her best friend, Kavita Beharry, and her cousins, who she said have always been there for her.\nAruna also wanted to thank Ameir Ahmad Proprietor of Sheriff Security and the Proprietor of Mohamed\u2019s Enterprise, Azruddin Mohamed, for generously supporting her financially on her journey.\nAruna is currently in India, and will represent Guyana on the international stage in the upcoming week.","post_title":"The birth of a queen in a labourer\u2019s palace","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650293,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_content":"SUCCESSFUL business mogul and entrepreneur, 34-year-old Ameir Ahmad, the eldest of four siblings, was born and raised in the village of Meten-Meer-Zorg, Essequibo Islands and West Demerara (RegionThree) to an ambitious and \"go-getter\" father, Shareef Ahmad, and his humble, generous, and equally ambitious mother, Sunita Amad.\nWhile sitting in his spotless, cozy, and luxurious office, Ameir exclusively shared with the Pepperpot Magazine that success didn\u2019t just find him and his family; it all started with a humble, positive, and determined mindset. Ameir related that his grandparents were cleaners and tried their utmost to provide the best of what they could afford for their family. However, even though they couldn\u2019t afford to give their children the materialistic pleasures of life, they gave them something that money could not buy. They instilled in their children the knowledge, work ethic, passion, and drive to accomplish a better life than the one they were brought up in.\n\nMaking ends meet\nHowever, it wasn\u2019t a walk in the park for the now-accomplished Shareef Ahmad, who has been a successful businessman for over 25 years. According to Ameir, before all of the success, his father worked relentlessly as a bus driver to provide for his family. Due to limited finances in the home, Ameir said that his mother wanted to contribute financially to the home to help alleviate some of the stress from his father. So, Sunita started to work with one of her brothers-in-law, who owned a jewellery store in Stabroek Market in Georgetown at the time.\nHe further explained that his uncle and aunt gave his mom \"a break\" by giving her a stall that was next to them for rent. He further stated that his mom told him that she gathered all of his baby jewellery and all of their jewellery and put it for sale at her business, and that was the birth of Sheriff Jewelry. Ameir also noted that the stalls are in the market and are functioning, but the family refuses to sell the structures since they played an integral role in the family's development in business.\n\nEven though both of his parents were working, they wanted a better future for Ameir and the rest of the family, and as such, they migrated to New York when he was only 12 years old. Ameir explained that he was a pupil at Leonora Primary School on the West Coast of Demerara, and after his migration, he went to an Islamic school in the Big Apple, after which he wrote his Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and was awarded a place at the Information Technology High School. After being successful at his high school, Ameir went on to secure a place at New York University (NYU), majoring in American History and minoring in Business Management; however, he did not graduate.\n\nMoving back home\nIn 2007, Ameir explained that his dad wanted to return to Guyana to invest, find a way to contribute to society and give back to his country. \"When you are from Guyana, no matter where you may live, your roots are stuck here. You always have a feeling of missing home, and that was us, so we came back with the hope of getting into a few small businesses. After returning, I noticed that people were starting to use cellphones a lot, and I wanted to set up a business, so my father loaned me US$60,000 to see what I could have done with it\", Ameir said.\n\nHe continued to explain that he started to sell cell phones but found it difficult at times to receive payments from the wholesalers, so Ameir eventually opened his own store. He later expanded to computers, and eventually they pooled their resources and purchased a plot of land on Sheriff Street. There they invested in building Sheriff Jewelry, Electronics City, Subs and Salad, Italian Grill, Miami Pizzeria, and the most recent, Sheriff Security Services and Sheriff Medical Centre.\n\n\"Even though the stores were doing great, I always saw a need to expand and invest in the different industries. I am considered a serial entrepreneur, meaning, if I see that selling bread is the next big thing, I want to capitalise on it. I am grateful and lucky that I did invest, and I say this with no disrespect, but now that I look back at all of the competition that I had then, I realised that they are nowhere close to where my portfolio is. I know that if I didn\u2019t make that switch, I wouldn\u2019t be where I am, I would have been hustling and bustling with the retail industry, but instead, I am catching up with the oil and gas market.\"\n\n

\n\nFamily Life\nAmeir explained that he has immense respect and love for his parents, who taught him and his siblings by example that hard work and determination pay off. He added that even though his parents are divorced, they continue to play an active role in their lives by being supportive and ensuring they are okay.\n\nAmeir cheekily shared that his mother, who currently lives in New York, messages him daily to ask where he is, what he is doing, or just to say, \"I am proud of you, Ameir. My mom enjoys traveling, and it is because of her that I developed a passion for it. I am humble that I got the opportunity to travel to the Middle East and countries like Hong Kong, and it is because of those experiences I am inspired to build and contribute to Guyana so that the economy can develop and we can be on the map for all that we have to offer in the different sectors as well as for our architectural work,\" Ameir shared.\n\nHowever, Ameir explained that his dad, who is now the Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) of the Sheriff Group of Companies, is proud and humbled by their success. \"On the other hand, while I know that he loves me and my other siblings and he is proud of us, he doesn\u2019t say it to our faces, but we will hear it from my mom or stepmom. I am motivated by him, and I know that we are a family that has a go-getter attitude, and collectively, we are proud of each other and each other\u2019s accomplishments. I cannot do what I do all by myself, and I am grateful for the togetherness.\"\n\nLegacy\nEven though Ameir and his wife are divorced and he has moved on with someone else, he said that they have a great relationship with co-parenting their two daughters, Aaria and Aliya Ahmad.\nAccording to Ameir, life is short, and he wishes to leave behind a legacy that his daughters can be proud of and carry on after he is long gone. Ameir said, \"I am extremely proud of my daughters, and I remembered the stories my mom shared with me about not being able to afford the basics like pampers for me. I don\u2019t want my daughters to struggle, I want to ensure I give them an education, and I wish for them to make a positive impact in society. Even though women are doing so much in society, we are still living in a society where men are most dominant, and it is my hope that my daughters can take charge of my businesses without having any financial challenges going forward.\n\nThe road map is set for them, and I would like for them to take it from there. I don\u2019t want them to be dependent on a husband or anyone else. When I am gone, God rest my soul. I want to be remembered for leaving my businesses to two good human beings who I know will use them to help others as well.\n\nBiggest Misconception\nWhen asked what the biggest misconception is about him, Ameir said, \"I heard people say that I am not easy to speak to or easily accessible, but I wouldn\u2019t say that. It is just that I am a serious person when it comes to money and getting the work done. I always say my job comes first because when things are going well for the company, we are benefiting, and the people that work for us are benefiting.\"\n\nFinally, Ameir said that he is just getting started with all that he and his family want to do in Guyana, whether in the construction field, medical sector, security, or any of their other businesses.\nThe successful entrepreneur took the opportunity to leave a message with his fellow Guyanese, especially his peers: \"Faith plays a very important role in one's development, regardless of how we choose to worship, and I am proud to know as Guyanese that we respect and celebrate each other's beliefs.\" I also want my peers to know that we are responsible for putting things in place for future generations. Let us be the foundation for a better tomorrow.\"","post_title":"From a bus driver's son to a prosperous businessman","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_4"};

Page 3 of 5 Previous 1 2 3 4 5 Next

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Born: <\/strong>5 October 1962 (age 62) Georgetown, British Guiana (present-day Guyana)

Political party: <\/strong>People's Progressive Party\/Civic.

Spouse:<\/strong> Mignon Bowen-Phillips.

Education:<\/strong> Inter-American Defense College, United States Army Command and General Staff College.

Alma mater:<\/strong> University of Guyana (BSS)Pontificia Universidad Cat\u00f3lica Madre y Maestra (MS)

Military service:<\/strong>

Allegiance:<\/strong> Guyana

Branch\/service: <\/strong>Guyana Defence Force

Years of service:<\/strong> 1980\u20132017

Rank: <\/strong>Brigadier

Commands: <\/strong>Chief of Defence Staff (2013\u20132018)

Mark Phillips was born on 5 October 1962 in Georgetown, Guyana, at the Georgetown Public Hospital Cooperation (GPHC) to parents Medford Phillips and Cynthia Alexander. At age 5, his parents moved to Christianburg, Linden, where his father was a mason who worked in the bauxite industry, at the time DEMBA. His mother died when he was age 7, and along with one of his brothers, he was raised solely by his father.

Phillips attended Christianburg Primary School, then Christianburg\/Wismar Secondary School, also known as the Multilateral School, where he successfully completed the General Certificate Examination (GCE) and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC). He was first employed as an acting teacher at the Linden Foundation School and then as a laboratory analyst with the Bauxite and Alumina Labs of GUYMINE in 1980.

Mark Anthony Phillips is a Guyanese politician and retired military officer who is the prime minister of Guyana and first vice president under President Irfaan Ali since August 2020. He served as the chief of staff of the Guyana Defence Force from 2013 to 2016. He graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in September 1981.

Phillips has a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Public Management from the University of Guyana and a Master of Science in Public Sector Management from La Pontificia Universidad Cat\u00f3lica Madre y Maestra. He also studied at the Inter-American Defence College in Washington, D.C., and the United States Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC) in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","post_title":"Mark Anthony Phillips","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"mark-anthony-phillips","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 18:10:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 18:10:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652595","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":652592,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2025-04-06 03:59:01","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:59:01","post_content":"\n

The City Engineer\u2019s Department building is located on Avenue of the Republic in Lacytown, Georgetown. This 19th-century, three-storey, timber and masonry structure once functioned as the Fire Superintendent\u2019s Department. It was also the residence of the town superintendent before being dedicated as the office for the city engineer\u2019s department.

Architectural features of the building include its arched windows, balcony, finials, and the ornate cast iron railings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","post_title":"City Engineer\u2019s Office","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"city-engineers-office","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:59:01","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:59:01","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652592","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":652589,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2025-04-06 03:51:59","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:51:59","post_content":"\n

Location:<\/strong> Lacytown, Georgetown

Classification: <\/strong>Community

Period\/Year Built:<\/strong> 19th century

Historical Background \/ Description:
<\/strong>City Hall, an eloquent reminder of Guyana\u2019s architectural heritage, is located with its main fa\u00e7ade facing the Avenue of the Republic and is bordered by Regent Street to the north and Charlotte Street to the south. In 1842, Georgetown was designated a city, but the council, which was established on March 1, 1837, was without a building of its own.

On November 22, 1886, the council agreed to a proposal for building specifications to be draughted and reviewed. In March, 1887, the designs submitted for the Town Hall were reviewed, and the work of architect Reverend Ignatius Scoles S. J. was selected with the assistance of Mr. Cesar Castellani and Messrs. J. A. Conyers, a councillor. Funds for the new building were then secured through the government, and on December 23, 1887, His Excellency Governor Sir Henry Turner Irving, K.C.M.G., laid the foundation stone for the building in the north-eastern corner of the structure.

The building was completed 18 months later and declared opened before a large audience by Governor Viscount Gormanston, K.C.M.G., on July 1, 1889, during a heavy downpour of rain. The City Hall can be described as an excellent example of Gothic Revival architecture in Guyana. The 29-meter (96-foot) tower with its conical pinnacles was and still is considered one of the building\u2019s main attractions. Other features of the three-storey, rectangular-shaped building include its lancet windows (pointed arched windows), fretwork, iron capitals decorated with foliage, finials, elaborate mahogany staircase, and a ceiling similar to a hammer beam, located in the Concert Hall.<\/p>\n","post_title":"City Hall","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"city-hall","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:51:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:51:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652589","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":652585,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_content":"\n

Location:<\/strong> Bourda, Georgetown

Classification: <\/strong>Community

Period\/ Year Built:<\/strong> Originally built 1880, rebuilt 1902

Historical Background \/ Description:
<\/strong>Bourda Market is a 20th century market located between Robb and Regent Streets and is bordered by Orange Walk, in the ward of Bourda, Georgetown.

The market was initially built in 1880, but was later re-built in 1902 to facilitate the growing number of vendors and consumers. Today, it is considered the second largest market in the city of Georgetown. One notable feature of the market is its public clock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Image and information courtesy of the National Trust of Guyana.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","post_title":"Bourda Market","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"bourda-market","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":652582,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2025-04-06 03:29:55","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:29:55","post_content":"\n

Location: <\/strong>Botanical Gardens, Georgetown<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Classification:<\/strong> Commemorative Monument<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Period\/Year Built: <\/strong>1969<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historical Background \/ Description:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Place of the Seven Ponds, also referred to as the \u2018Place of Heroes,\u2019 is located in the Botanical Gardens, Georgetown, and was designed by Guyanese architect Mr. George Henry. It was built following the internment of Governor-General Sir David Rose on the site in 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The monument is made up of seven ponds, a circular central pond with a sculpture in the middle and six segmented circular ponds evenly around in a radial pattern. The sculpture is approximately 5.8 meters (19 feet) in height and has an \u2018x\u2019 shape when viewed from above. It is made up of two interlocking elements that are concaved at the sides and arched at the bottom and top. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buried at the Place of the Seven Ponds are four Guyanese who contributed to the development of the country. The first person to be buried there was His Excellency, Governor-General, Sir David Gardiner Rose, G.C.M.C., C.U.O., M.B.E. Sir David Rose was born on April 10, 1923, and was appointed Governor General in 1966, where he served up until the time of his death on November 10, 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second is National Poet, Mr. Martin Carter, born on June 7, 1927, and died on December 13, 1997. The third is Executive President and Prime Minister Hugh Desmond Hoyte, born on March 9, 1929, and died on December 22, 2002. Mr. Hoyte served as the first Vice-President and Prime Minister in 1984 and later as President of Guyana from 1985 to 1992. The fourth is President Arthur Chung, born on January 10, 1918 and died on June 23, 2008. Mr. Chung served as Guyana\u2019s first president from March 17, 1970, to October 6, 1980.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Image and information courtesy of the National Trust of Guyana.)<\/p>\n","post_title":"Place of the Seven Ponds","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"place-of-the-seven-ponds","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652582","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650871,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_date_gmt":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_content":"

President Ali\u2019s leadership praised for food security achievements<\/strong><\/h3>\n \n\nIN a bold commitment to eradicating hunger, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, underscored Guyana's pivotal role in food security during a World Food Day event at the Bourda Cricket Ground.\n\nSpeaking under the theme \u201cRights to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,\u201d Minister Mustapha highlighted the government\u2019s efforts under President Irfaan Ali's leadership to make Guyana a food-secure nation and a driving force in regional food production.\n\nGuyana, currently celebrating Agriculture Month with the theme \u201cTransforming Tomorrow, Championing Food Security Through Innovation and Technology,\u201d has seen remarkable advancements in food systems.\n\n<\/a> Students interacting with various booths at the World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO[\/caption]\n\nThese two key initiatives, according to Minister Mustapha, are interconnected in their focus on building a sustainable future. The government has made significant strides, working with both private and public sectors to elevate Guyana\u2019s agricultural prowess and position it as the \"food hub of the Caribbean.\"\n\n\u201cOn this World Food Day, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the right to food for all,\u201d said Minister Mustapha. \u201cWith strategic investments and partnerships, we can build a future where hunger becomes a thing of the past, and food security becomes the foundation of sustainable development.\u201d\n\nHe called on stakeholders to continue their support, emphasising the need for collaboration to reduce hunger not only in Guyana but across the Caribbean.\n\nOne of the highlights of Guyana\u2019s recent achievements is its reduced undernourishment levels. Citing a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Minister Mustapha pointed out that undernourishment in Guyana has fallen below 2.5 per cent, well below the regional and global averages.\n\nHe credited these positive changes to government initiatives, including the school feeding programme and household cash grants, which have improved access to nutritious food and bolstered local food systems.\n\nPresident Ali\u2019s leadership has garnered recognition from CARICOM and international bodies for his dedication to tackling food insecurity.\n\nGuyana\u2019s Vision 25 by 2025 initiative, which seeks to reduce CARICOM\u2019s food import bill by 25%, is one such effort that underscores the country\u2019s ambition to become the \"breadbasket of the Caribbean.\" As other Caribbean nations, traditionally dependent on tourism and oil and gas, turn their focus to agriculture, Guyana is leading the charge in reshaping regional food systems.\n\nMinister Mustapha emphasised that Guyana\u2019s progress in reducing severe food insecurity\u2014currently 25.5% lower than the regional average\u2014was not accidental but the result of deliberate policy measures. These include enhancing food production and improving access to nutritious food across the country. He also noted the renewed regional interest in agriculture as part of a broader strategy to address food insecurity and reduce dependency on food imports.\n\nThe World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO, saw the participation of CARICOM representatives, the diplomatic community, and local stakeholders. It featured an agricultural fair and open day, showcasing Guyana\u2019s agricultural innovations and reaffirming the government\u2019s commitment to food security for the nation and the region.\n\nAs Guyana continues its journey toward becoming the Caribbean\u2019s agricultural leader, the nation's progress on World Food Day serves as a reminder of what can be achieved with vision, commitment, and collaboration.","post_title":"Guyana champions hunger eradication, regional food security \u2013 Mininister Mustapha","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650312,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_content":"BEING the only child of Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo, the reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo, who lives in Bladen Hall on the East Coast of Demerara, wasn\u2019t given a \"silver spoon in her mouth\" at birth. Still, she was raised to be kind, contented, and compassionate toward people and animals.\nEven though there wasn\u2019t a shortage of love and support from her parents, Aruna explained that she would have loved to have had another sibling to share her life with. However, she was very cognizant of how hard her father worked as a labourer and the sacrifices her stay-at-home mom made to ensure that she got the best education and the basic necessities of life.\nAruna, therefore, used her humble upbringing as a form of motivation to work towards making a positive impact in people\u2019s lives, and she is also determined to make her parents proud of her and show them that their investment in her has not gone in vain.\n\nIn 2019, Aruna graduated from one of Guyana\u2019s most prestigious secondary schools, President\u2019s College, and he is currently entering her fourth year at the University of Guyana (UG), Turkeyen Campus, where she is studying business economics.\nEven though the Miss India beauty was very focused on her books in school, Aruna explained that from her nursery school days in school, the teachers would ask her parents for her to participate in the school concerts as a model, and she would. However, she never thought that she would develop a passion for it until she reached secondary school.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nAccording to Aruna, she is proud of being a Guyanese and has always wanted to contribute to Guyana in a \"big way,\" but she wasn\u2019t sure how. Nevertheless, the thought of being in a pageant and representing Guyana locally and possibly internationally was in the \"back of her mind,\" but she never thought of it becoming a reality. As fate would have it, one day, Aruna was surfing the web when she stumbled upon the application form for the Miss India Guyana pageant. Not thinking much about it, she applied, got accepted as one of the contestants, and the rest is history, said Aruna.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nWhile winning the pageant comes with its fair share of benefits, Aruna said there is much more to it than just the shiny crown, glamorous outfits, and makeup. According to her, it teaches self-discipline and body positivity to women of all shapes and sizes.\nAruna explained that the Miss India Guyana organisation's aim is not just about winning a crown, but the director Hashim Alli and his wife Melicia Partab-Alli ensure that you are treated as a family. According to Aruna, their goal is to inspire young girls and women to be the best version of themselves and recognise that beauty isn't based on what's on the outside but, more importantly, what\u2019s on the inside. She also related that the director and his wife inspire and motivate her and the other girls to return to society with the knowledge they have gained and be role models and positive influencers for other women and girls.\n\n<\/a> Aruna Sukhdeo with her parents Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nLessons of Life\nThe classy beauty said that she is grateful to her mother for instilling confidence and life\u2019s lessons in her, \"My mom has taught me to never look down on people, always be confident and brave in life, face whatever fears I may have, and do not allow my fears to overcome me. In life, she said, a person may lose an opportunity at something if they allow fear to get in the way. And I go through life with that mindset of being fearless. She has also taught me to be polite and respectful to everyone I meet. It is her believe that it will take you a far way in life. My parents also support and encourage me to be independent and to give back to others.\"\n\n<\/a> Miss India Guyana 2023 with the director of Miss India Guyana Organisation, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli[\/caption]\n\nAdvice to young people and young girls\nAs much as Aruna is grateful and humbled by her accomplishments, she is very honoured to be in a position where she gets a platform to speak to young people, especially young women and girls, about life's challenges. The 2023 India queen said, \"My platform for the pageant is mental health which is mostly focused on depression. This is something that I have dealt with. In high school, I felt pressured due to work and trying to figure myself out and felt depressed by just trying to keep my grades up while trying to be a part of the extracurricular activities in school. I was so focused on academics that I wasn\u2019t thinking about anything else, but at the same time, I was trying to fit in with my friends and still dealing with the pressure of society.\n\nAruna said, \"I know that a lot of young people are struggling with the same things as well, but in most cases, they are afraid to speak out. I understand how challenging it can be but do not keep it to yourself. Speak out. You may think that no one will listen to you or that you are irrelevant or what you are feeling is irrelevant but I can assure you that speaking up and speaking out, it will benefit you and help others. Don\u2019t be afraid, you are worth it, and know that everything will be okay. You just need to take the first step and talk about it.\"\n\nThe reigning beauty further asked the people of Guyana to play a more positive role in each other's lives. According to her, society has a way of \"looking down\" on people for one reason or another. But Aruna said that it doesn\u2019t matter how strong people are. It does bother them. People are human beings with feelings and regardless of how strong a person may seem, she wants you to know that you may never truly know what someone is dealing with. The decisions people make or how they choose to live their lives is their choice, and Aruna believes that it is not our place to judge that. She is hopeful that as a country and as a society, \"we\" can move away from this way of thinking, be more caring, show empathy, and let people live.\n\nExtend Gratitude\nFinally, Aruna expressed her gratitude to her parents for making the sacrifices and giving her love and support even when she felt like quitting. The director, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli, for believing in her, her best friend, Kavita Beharry, and her cousins, who she said have always been there for her.\nAruna also wanted to thank Ameir Ahmad Proprietor of Sheriff Security and the Proprietor of Mohamed\u2019s Enterprise, Azruddin Mohamed, for generously supporting her financially on her journey.\nAruna is currently in India, and will represent Guyana on the international stage in the upcoming week.","post_title":"The birth of a queen in a labourer\u2019s palace","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650293,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_content":"SUCCESSFUL business mogul and entrepreneur, 34-year-old Ameir Ahmad, the eldest of four siblings, was born and raised in the village of Meten-Meer-Zorg, Essequibo Islands and West Demerara (RegionThree) to an ambitious and \"go-getter\" father, Shareef Ahmad, and his humble, generous, and equally ambitious mother, Sunita Amad.\nWhile sitting in his spotless, cozy, and luxurious office, Ameir exclusively shared with the Pepperpot Magazine that success didn\u2019t just find him and his family; it all started with a humble, positive, and determined mindset. Ameir related that his grandparents were cleaners and tried their utmost to provide the best of what they could afford for their family. However, even though they couldn\u2019t afford to give their children the materialistic pleasures of life, they gave them something that money could not buy. They instilled in their children the knowledge, work ethic, passion, and drive to accomplish a better life than the one they were brought up in.\n\nMaking ends meet\nHowever, it wasn\u2019t a walk in the park for the now-accomplished Shareef Ahmad, who has been a successful businessman for over 25 years. According to Ameir, before all of the success, his father worked relentlessly as a bus driver to provide for his family. Due to limited finances in the home, Ameir said that his mother wanted to contribute financially to the home to help alleviate some of the stress from his father. So, Sunita started to work with one of her brothers-in-law, who owned a jewellery store in Stabroek Market in Georgetown at the time.\nHe further explained that his uncle and aunt gave his mom \"a break\" by giving her a stall that was next to them for rent. He further stated that his mom told him that she gathered all of his baby jewellery and all of their jewellery and put it for sale at her business, and that was the birth of Sheriff Jewelry. Ameir also noted that the stalls are in the market and are functioning, but the family refuses to sell the structures since they played an integral role in the family's development in business.\n\nEven though both of his parents were working, they wanted a better future for Ameir and the rest of the family, and as such, they migrated to New York when he was only 12 years old. Ameir explained that he was a pupil at Leonora Primary School on the West Coast of Demerara, and after his migration, he went to an Islamic school in the Big Apple, after which he wrote his Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and was awarded a place at the Information Technology High School. After being successful at his high school, Ameir went on to secure a place at New York University (NYU), majoring in American History and minoring in Business Management; however, he did not graduate.\n\nMoving back home\nIn 2007, Ameir explained that his dad wanted to return to Guyana to invest, find a way to contribute to society and give back to his country. \"When you are from Guyana, no matter where you may live, your roots are stuck here. You always have a feeling of missing home, and that was us, so we came back with the hope of getting into a few small businesses. After returning, I noticed that people were starting to use cellphones a lot, and I wanted to set up a business, so my father loaned me US$60,000 to see what I could have done with it\", Ameir said.\n\nHe continued to explain that he started to sell cell phones but found it difficult at times to receive payments from the wholesalers, so Ameir eventually opened his own store. He later expanded to computers, and eventually they pooled their resources and purchased a plot of land on Sheriff Street. There they invested in building Sheriff Jewelry, Electronics City, Subs and Salad, Italian Grill, Miami Pizzeria, and the most recent, Sheriff Security Services and Sheriff Medical Centre.\n\n\"Even though the stores were doing great, I always saw a need to expand and invest in the different industries. I am considered a serial entrepreneur, meaning, if I see that selling bread is the next big thing, I want to capitalise on it. I am grateful and lucky that I did invest, and I say this with no disrespect, but now that I look back at all of the competition that I had then, I realised that they are nowhere close to where my portfolio is. I know that if I didn\u2019t make that switch, I wouldn\u2019t be where I am, I would have been hustling and bustling with the retail industry, but instead, I am catching up with the oil and gas market.\"\n\n

\n\nFamily Life\nAmeir explained that he has immense respect and love for his parents, who taught him and his siblings by example that hard work and determination pay off. He added that even though his parents are divorced, they continue to play an active role in their lives by being supportive and ensuring they are okay.\n\nAmeir cheekily shared that his mother, who currently lives in New York, messages him daily to ask where he is, what he is doing, or just to say, \"I am proud of you, Ameir. My mom enjoys traveling, and it is because of her that I developed a passion for it. I am humble that I got the opportunity to travel to the Middle East and countries like Hong Kong, and it is because of those experiences I am inspired to build and contribute to Guyana so that the economy can develop and we can be on the map for all that we have to offer in the different sectors as well as for our architectural work,\" Ameir shared.\n\nHowever, Ameir explained that his dad, who is now the Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) of the Sheriff Group of Companies, is proud and humbled by their success. \"On the other hand, while I know that he loves me and my other siblings and he is proud of us, he doesn\u2019t say it to our faces, but we will hear it from my mom or stepmom. I am motivated by him, and I know that we are a family that has a go-getter attitude, and collectively, we are proud of each other and each other\u2019s accomplishments. I cannot do what I do all by myself, and I am grateful for the togetherness.\"\n\nLegacy\nEven though Ameir and his wife are divorced and he has moved on with someone else, he said that they have a great relationship with co-parenting their two daughters, Aaria and Aliya Ahmad.\nAccording to Ameir, life is short, and he wishes to leave behind a legacy that his daughters can be proud of and carry on after he is long gone. Ameir said, \"I am extremely proud of my daughters, and I remembered the stories my mom shared with me about not being able to afford the basics like pampers for me. I don\u2019t want my daughters to struggle, I want to ensure I give them an education, and I wish for them to make a positive impact in society. Even though women are doing so much in society, we are still living in a society where men are most dominant, and it is my hope that my daughters can take charge of my businesses without having any financial challenges going forward.\n\nThe road map is set for them, and I would like for them to take it from there. I don\u2019t want them to be dependent on a husband or anyone else. When I am gone, God rest my soul. I want to be remembered for leaving my businesses to two good human beings who I know will use them to help others as well.\n\nBiggest Misconception\nWhen asked what the biggest misconception is about him, Ameir said, \"I heard people say that I am not easy to speak to or easily accessible, but I wouldn\u2019t say that. It is just that I am a serious person when it comes to money and getting the work done. I always say my job comes first because when things are going well for the company, we are benefiting, and the people that work for us are benefiting.\"\n\nFinally, Ameir said that he is just getting started with all that he and his family want to do in Guyana, whether in the construction field, medical sector, security, or any of their other businesses.\nThe successful entrepreneur took the opportunity to leave a message with his fellow Guyanese, especially his peers: \"Faith plays a very important role in one's development, regardless of how we choose to worship, and I am proud to know as Guyanese that we respect and celebrate each other's beliefs.\" I also want my peers to know that we are responsible for putting things in place for future generations. Let us be the foundation for a better tomorrow.\"","post_title":"From a bus driver's son to a prosperous businessman","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_4"};

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\n

Political party:<\/strong> People's Progressive Party (Guyana)

Alma mater:<\/strong> University of the West Indies

Occupation:<\/strong> Politician

Mustapha Zulfikar is a Guyanese politician. He is the current Minister of Agriculture in Guyana. He was appointed minister on August 5, 2020, by President Irfaan Ali.
Mustapha Zulfikar has a degree in management from the University of the West Indies.

Zulfikar started his career working as Assistant General Secretary of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) between 1989 and 2002. In 2003, he ran for the Guyana National Assembly and was elected that same year.

He was elected for a three-year tenure that ran from 2003 to 2006. After his tenure as Member of Parliament, he was subsequently appointed Regional Chairman for Region Six and was in office till 2011. In 2015, he was elected Member of Parliament till 2020.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Mustapha Zulfikar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"mustapha-zulfikar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 18:10:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 18:10:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652600","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":652595,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2025-04-06 04:34:02","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-06 04:34:02","post_content":"\n

Born: <\/strong>5 October 1962 (age 62) Georgetown, British Guiana (present-day Guyana)

Political party: <\/strong>People's Progressive Party\/Civic.

Spouse:<\/strong> Mignon Bowen-Phillips.

Education:<\/strong> Inter-American Defense College, United States Army Command and General Staff College.

Alma mater:<\/strong> University of Guyana (BSS)Pontificia Universidad Cat\u00f3lica Madre y Maestra (MS)

Military service:<\/strong>

Allegiance:<\/strong> Guyana

Branch\/service: <\/strong>Guyana Defence Force

Years of service:<\/strong> 1980\u20132017

Rank: <\/strong>Brigadier

Commands: <\/strong>Chief of Defence Staff (2013\u20132018)

Mark Phillips was born on 5 October 1962 in Georgetown, Guyana, at the Georgetown Public Hospital Cooperation (GPHC) to parents Medford Phillips and Cynthia Alexander. At age 5, his parents moved to Christianburg, Linden, where his father was a mason who worked in the bauxite industry, at the time DEMBA. His mother died when he was age 7, and along with one of his brothers, he was raised solely by his father.

Phillips attended Christianburg Primary School, then Christianburg\/Wismar Secondary School, also known as the Multilateral School, where he successfully completed the General Certificate Examination (GCE) and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC). He was first employed as an acting teacher at the Linden Foundation School and then as a laboratory analyst with the Bauxite and Alumina Labs of GUYMINE in 1980.

Mark Anthony Phillips is a Guyanese politician and retired military officer who is the prime minister of Guyana and first vice president under President Irfaan Ali since August 2020. He served as the chief of staff of the Guyana Defence Force from 2013 to 2016. He graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in September 1981.

Phillips has a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Public Management from the University of Guyana and a Master of Science in Public Sector Management from La Pontificia Universidad Cat\u00f3lica Madre y Maestra. He also studied at the Inter-American Defence College in Washington, D.C., and the United States Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC) in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","post_title":"Mark Anthony Phillips","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"mark-anthony-phillips","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 18:10:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 18:10:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652595","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":652592,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2025-04-06 03:59:01","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:59:01","post_content":"\n

The City Engineer\u2019s Department building is located on Avenue of the Republic in Lacytown, Georgetown. This 19th-century, three-storey, timber and masonry structure once functioned as the Fire Superintendent\u2019s Department. It was also the residence of the town superintendent before being dedicated as the office for the city engineer\u2019s department.

Architectural features of the building include its arched windows, balcony, finials, and the ornate cast iron railings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","post_title":"City Engineer\u2019s Office","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"city-engineers-office","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:59:01","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:59:01","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652592","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":652589,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2025-04-06 03:51:59","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:51:59","post_content":"\n

Location:<\/strong> Lacytown, Georgetown

Classification: <\/strong>Community

Period\/Year Built:<\/strong> 19th century

Historical Background \/ Description:
<\/strong>City Hall, an eloquent reminder of Guyana\u2019s architectural heritage, is located with its main fa\u00e7ade facing the Avenue of the Republic and is bordered by Regent Street to the north and Charlotte Street to the south. In 1842, Georgetown was designated a city, but the council, which was established on March 1, 1837, was without a building of its own.

On November 22, 1886, the council agreed to a proposal for building specifications to be draughted and reviewed. In March, 1887, the designs submitted for the Town Hall were reviewed, and the work of architect Reverend Ignatius Scoles S. J. was selected with the assistance of Mr. Cesar Castellani and Messrs. J. A. Conyers, a councillor. Funds for the new building were then secured through the government, and on December 23, 1887, His Excellency Governor Sir Henry Turner Irving, K.C.M.G., laid the foundation stone for the building in the north-eastern corner of the structure.

The building was completed 18 months later and declared opened before a large audience by Governor Viscount Gormanston, K.C.M.G., on July 1, 1889, during a heavy downpour of rain. The City Hall can be described as an excellent example of Gothic Revival architecture in Guyana. The 29-meter (96-foot) tower with its conical pinnacles was and still is considered one of the building\u2019s main attractions. Other features of the three-storey, rectangular-shaped building include its lancet windows (pointed arched windows), fretwork, iron capitals decorated with foliage, finials, elaborate mahogany staircase, and a ceiling similar to a hammer beam, located in the Concert Hall.<\/p>\n","post_title":"City Hall","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"city-hall","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:51:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:51:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652589","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":652585,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_content":"\n

Location:<\/strong> Bourda, Georgetown

Classification: <\/strong>Community

Period\/ Year Built:<\/strong> Originally built 1880, rebuilt 1902

Historical Background \/ Description:
<\/strong>Bourda Market is a 20th century market located between Robb and Regent Streets and is bordered by Orange Walk, in the ward of Bourda, Georgetown.

The market was initially built in 1880, but was later re-built in 1902 to facilitate the growing number of vendors and consumers. Today, it is considered the second largest market in the city of Georgetown. One notable feature of the market is its public clock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Image and information courtesy of the National Trust of Guyana.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","post_title":"Bourda Market","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"bourda-market","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":652582,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2025-04-06 03:29:55","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:29:55","post_content":"\n

Location: <\/strong>Botanical Gardens, Georgetown<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Classification:<\/strong> Commemorative Monument<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Period\/Year Built: <\/strong>1969<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historical Background \/ Description:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Place of the Seven Ponds, also referred to as the \u2018Place of Heroes,\u2019 is located in the Botanical Gardens, Georgetown, and was designed by Guyanese architect Mr. George Henry. It was built following the internment of Governor-General Sir David Rose on the site in 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The monument is made up of seven ponds, a circular central pond with a sculpture in the middle and six segmented circular ponds evenly around in a radial pattern. The sculpture is approximately 5.8 meters (19 feet) in height and has an \u2018x\u2019 shape when viewed from above. It is made up of two interlocking elements that are concaved at the sides and arched at the bottom and top. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buried at the Place of the Seven Ponds are four Guyanese who contributed to the development of the country. The first person to be buried there was His Excellency, Governor-General, Sir David Gardiner Rose, G.C.M.C., C.U.O., M.B.E. Sir David Rose was born on April 10, 1923, and was appointed Governor General in 1966, where he served up until the time of his death on November 10, 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second is National Poet, Mr. Martin Carter, born on June 7, 1927, and died on December 13, 1997. The third is Executive President and Prime Minister Hugh Desmond Hoyte, born on March 9, 1929, and died on December 22, 2002. Mr. Hoyte served as the first Vice-President and Prime Minister in 1984 and later as President of Guyana from 1985 to 1992. The fourth is President Arthur Chung, born on January 10, 1918 and died on June 23, 2008. Mr. Chung served as Guyana\u2019s first president from March 17, 1970, to October 6, 1980.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Image and information courtesy of the National Trust of Guyana.)<\/p>\n","post_title":"Place of the Seven Ponds","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"place-of-the-seven-ponds","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652582","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650871,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_date_gmt":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_content":"

President Ali\u2019s leadership praised for food security achievements<\/strong><\/h3>\n \n\nIN a bold commitment to eradicating hunger, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, underscored Guyana's pivotal role in food security during a World Food Day event at the Bourda Cricket Ground.\n\nSpeaking under the theme \u201cRights to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,\u201d Minister Mustapha highlighted the government\u2019s efforts under President Irfaan Ali's leadership to make Guyana a food-secure nation and a driving force in regional food production.\n\nGuyana, currently celebrating Agriculture Month with the theme \u201cTransforming Tomorrow, Championing Food Security Through Innovation and Technology,\u201d has seen remarkable advancements in food systems.\n\n<\/a> Students interacting with various booths at the World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO[\/caption]\n\nThese two key initiatives, according to Minister Mustapha, are interconnected in their focus on building a sustainable future. The government has made significant strides, working with both private and public sectors to elevate Guyana\u2019s agricultural prowess and position it as the \"food hub of the Caribbean.\"\n\n\u201cOn this World Food Day, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the right to food for all,\u201d said Minister Mustapha. \u201cWith strategic investments and partnerships, we can build a future where hunger becomes a thing of the past, and food security becomes the foundation of sustainable development.\u201d\n\nHe called on stakeholders to continue their support, emphasising the need for collaboration to reduce hunger not only in Guyana but across the Caribbean.\n\nOne of the highlights of Guyana\u2019s recent achievements is its reduced undernourishment levels. Citing a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Minister Mustapha pointed out that undernourishment in Guyana has fallen below 2.5 per cent, well below the regional and global averages.\n\nHe credited these positive changes to government initiatives, including the school feeding programme and household cash grants, which have improved access to nutritious food and bolstered local food systems.\n\nPresident Ali\u2019s leadership has garnered recognition from CARICOM and international bodies for his dedication to tackling food insecurity.\n\nGuyana\u2019s Vision 25 by 2025 initiative, which seeks to reduce CARICOM\u2019s food import bill by 25%, is one such effort that underscores the country\u2019s ambition to become the \"breadbasket of the Caribbean.\" As other Caribbean nations, traditionally dependent on tourism and oil and gas, turn their focus to agriculture, Guyana is leading the charge in reshaping regional food systems.\n\nMinister Mustapha emphasised that Guyana\u2019s progress in reducing severe food insecurity\u2014currently 25.5% lower than the regional average\u2014was not accidental but the result of deliberate policy measures. These include enhancing food production and improving access to nutritious food across the country. He also noted the renewed regional interest in agriculture as part of a broader strategy to address food insecurity and reduce dependency on food imports.\n\nThe World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO, saw the participation of CARICOM representatives, the diplomatic community, and local stakeholders. It featured an agricultural fair and open day, showcasing Guyana\u2019s agricultural innovations and reaffirming the government\u2019s commitment to food security for the nation and the region.\n\nAs Guyana continues its journey toward becoming the Caribbean\u2019s agricultural leader, the nation's progress on World Food Day serves as a reminder of what can be achieved with vision, commitment, and collaboration.","post_title":"Guyana champions hunger eradication, regional food security \u2013 Mininister Mustapha","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650312,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_content":"BEING the only child of Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo, the reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo, who lives in Bladen Hall on the East Coast of Demerara, wasn\u2019t given a \"silver spoon in her mouth\" at birth. Still, she was raised to be kind, contented, and compassionate toward people and animals.\nEven though there wasn\u2019t a shortage of love and support from her parents, Aruna explained that she would have loved to have had another sibling to share her life with. However, she was very cognizant of how hard her father worked as a labourer and the sacrifices her stay-at-home mom made to ensure that she got the best education and the basic necessities of life.\nAruna, therefore, used her humble upbringing as a form of motivation to work towards making a positive impact in people\u2019s lives, and she is also determined to make her parents proud of her and show them that their investment in her has not gone in vain.\n\nIn 2019, Aruna graduated from one of Guyana\u2019s most prestigious secondary schools, President\u2019s College, and he is currently entering her fourth year at the University of Guyana (UG), Turkeyen Campus, where she is studying business economics.\nEven though the Miss India beauty was very focused on her books in school, Aruna explained that from her nursery school days in school, the teachers would ask her parents for her to participate in the school concerts as a model, and she would. However, she never thought that she would develop a passion for it until she reached secondary school.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nAccording to Aruna, she is proud of being a Guyanese and has always wanted to contribute to Guyana in a \"big way,\" but she wasn\u2019t sure how. Nevertheless, the thought of being in a pageant and representing Guyana locally and possibly internationally was in the \"back of her mind,\" but she never thought of it becoming a reality. As fate would have it, one day, Aruna was surfing the web when she stumbled upon the application form for the Miss India Guyana pageant. Not thinking much about it, she applied, got accepted as one of the contestants, and the rest is history, said Aruna.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nWhile winning the pageant comes with its fair share of benefits, Aruna said there is much more to it than just the shiny crown, glamorous outfits, and makeup. According to her, it teaches self-discipline and body positivity to women of all shapes and sizes.\nAruna explained that the Miss India Guyana organisation's aim is not just about winning a crown, but the director Hashim Alli and his wife Melicia Partab-Alli ensure that you are treated as a family. According to Aruna, their goal is to inspire young girls and women to be the best version of themselves and recognise that beauty isn't based on what's on the outside but, more importantly, what\u2019s on the inside. She also related that the director and his wife inspire and motivate her and the other girls to return to society with the knowledge they have gained and be role models and positive influencers for other women and girls.\n\n<\/a> Aruna Sukhdeo with her parents Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nLessons of Life\nThe classy beauty said that she is grateful to her mother for instilling confidence and life\u2019s lessons in her, \"My mom has taught me to never look down on people, always be confident and brave in life, face whatever fears I may have, and do not allow my fears to overcome me. In life, she said, a person may lose an opportunity at something if they allow fear to get in the way. And I go through life with that mindset of being fearless. She has also taught me to be polite and respectful to everyone I meet. It is her believe that it will take you a far way in life. My parents also support and encourage me to be independent and to give back to others.\"\n\n<\/a> Miss India Guyana 2023 with the director of Miss India Guyana Organisation, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli[\/caption]\n\nAdvice to young people and young girls\nAs much as Aruna is grateful and humbled by her accomplishments, she is very honoured to be in a position where she gets a platform to speak to young people, especially young women and girls, about life's challenges. The 2023 India queen said, \"My platform for the pageant is mental health which is mostly focused on depression. This is something that I have dealt with. In high school, I felt pressured due to work and trying to figure myself out and felt depressed by just trying to keep my grades up while trying to be a part of the extracurricular activities in school. I was so focused on academics that I wasn\u2019t thinking about anything else, but at the same time, I was trying to fit in with my friends and still dealing with the pressure of society.\n\nAruna said, \"I know that a lot of young people are struggling with the same things as well, but in most cases, they are afraid to speak out. I understand how challenging it can be but do not keep it to yourself. Speak out. You may think that no one will listen to you or that you are irrelevant or what you are feeling is irrelevant but I can assure you that speaking up and speaking out, it will benefit you and help others. Don\u2019t be afraid, you are worth it, and know that everything will be okay. You just need to take the first step and talk about it.\"\n\nThe reigning beauty further asked the people of Guyana to play a more positive role in each other's lives. According to her, society has a way of \"looking down\" on people for one reason or another. But Aruna said that it doesn\u2019t matter how strong people are. It does bother them. People are human beings with feelings and regardless of how strong a person may seem, she wants you to know that you may never truly know what someone is dealing with. The decisions people make or how they choose to live their lives is their choice, and Aruna believes that it is not our place to judge that. She is hopeful that as a country and as a society, \"we\" can move away from this way of thinking, be more caring, show empathy, and let people live.\n\nExtend Gratitude\nFinally, Aruna expressed her gratitude to her parents for making the sacrifices and giving her love and support even when she felt like quitting. The director, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli, for believing in her, her best friend, Kavita Beharry, and her cousins, who she said have always been there for her.\nAruna also wanted to thank Ameir Ahmad Proprietor of Sheriff Security and the Proprietor of Mohamed\u2019s Enterprise, Azruddin Mohamed, for generously supporting her financially on her journey.\nAruna is currently in India, and will represent Guyana on the international stage in the upcoming week.","post_title":"The birth of a queen in a labourer\u2019s palace","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650293,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_content":"SUCCESSFUL business mogul and entrepreneur, 34-year-old Ameir Ahmad, the eldest of four siblings, was born and raised in the village of Meten-Meer-Zorg, Essequibo Islands and West Demerara (RegionThree) to an ambitious and \"go-getter\" father, Shareef Ahmad, and his humble, generous, and equally ambitious mother, Sunita Amad.\nWhile sitting in his spotless, cozy, and luxurious office, Ameir exclusively shared with the Pepperpot Magazine that success didn\u2019t just find him and his family; it all started with a humble, positive, and determined mindset. Ameir related that his grandparents were cleaners and tried their utmost to provide the best of what they could afford for their family. However, even though they couldn\u2019t afford to give their children the materialistic pleasures of life, they gave them something that money could not buy. They instilled in their children the knowledge, work ethic, passion, and drive to accomplish a better life than the one they were brought up in.\n\nMaking ends meet\nHowever, it wasn\u2019t a walk in the park for the now-accomplished Shareef Ahmad, who has been a successful businessman for over 25 years. According to Ameir, before all of the success, his father worked relentlessly as a bus driver to provide for his family. Due to limited finances in the home, Ameir said that his mother wanted to contribute financially to the home to help alleviate some of the stress from his father. So, Sunita started to work with one of her brothers-in-law, who owned a jewellery store in Stabroek Market in Georgetown at the time.\nHe further explained that his uncle and aunt gave his mom \"a break\" by giving her a stall that was next to them for rent. He further stated that his mom told him that she gathered all of his baby jewellery and all of their jewellery and put it for sale at her business, and that was the birth of Sheriff Jewelry. Ameir also noted that the stalls are in the market and are functioning, but the family refuses to sell the structures since they played an integral role in the family's development in business.\n\nEven though both of his parents were working, they wanted a better future for Ameir and the rest of the family, and as such, they migrated to New York when he was only 12 years old. Ameir explained that he was a pupil at Leonora Primary School on the West Coast of Demerara, and after his migration, he went to an Islamic school in the Big Apple, after which he wrote his Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and was awarded a place at the Information Technology High School. After being successful at his high school, Ameir went on to secure a place at New York University (NYU), majoring in American History and minoring in Business Management; however, he did not graduate.\n\nMoving back home\nIn 2007, Ameir explained that his dad wanted to return to Guyana to invest, find a way to contribute to society and give back to his country. \"When you are from Guyana, no matter where you may live, your roots are stuck here. You always have a feeling of missing home, and that was us, so we came back with the hope of getting into a few small businesses. After returning, I noticed that people were starting to use cellphones a lot, and I wanted to set up a business, so my father loaned me US$60,000 to see what I could have done with it\", Ameir said.\n\nHe continued to explain that he started to sell cell phones but found it difficult at times to receive payments from the wholesalers, so Ameir eventually opened his own store. He later expanded to computers, and eventually they pooled their resources and purchased a plot of land on Sheriff Street. There they invested in building Sheriff Jewelry, Electronics City, Subs and Salad, Italian Grill, Miami Pizzeria, and the most recent, Sheriff Security Services and Sheriff Medical Centre.\n\n\"Even though the stores were doing great, I always saw a need to expand and invest in the different industries. I am considered a serial entrepreneur, meaning, if I see that selling bread is the next big thing, I want to capitalise on it. I am grateful and lucky that I did invest, and I say this with no disrespect, but now that I look back at all of the competition that I had then, I realised that they are nowhere close to where my portfolio is. I know that if I didn\u2019t make that switch, I wouldn\u2019t be where I am, I would have been hustling and bustling with the retail industry, but instead, I am catching up with the oil and gas market.\"\n\n

\n\nFamily Life\nAmeir explained that he has immense respect and love for his parents, who taught him and his siblings by example that hard work and determination pay off. He added that even though his parents are divorced, they continue to play an active role in their lives by being supportive and ensuring they are okay.\n\nAmeir cheekily shared that his mother, who currently lives in New York, messages him daily to ask where he is, what he is doing, or just to say, \"I am proud of you, Ameir. My mom enjoys traveling, and it is because of her that I developed a passion for it. I am humble that I got the opportunity to travel to the Middle East and countries like Hong Kong, and it is because of those experiences I am inspired to build and contribute to Guyana so that the economy can develop and we can be on the map for all that we have to offer in the different sectors as well as for our architectural work,\" Ameir shared.\n\nHowever, Ameir explained that his dad, who is now the Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) of the Sheriff Group of Companies, is proud and humbled by their success. \"On the other hand, while I know that he loves me and my other siblings and he is proud of us, he doesn\u2019t say it to our faces, but we will hear it from my mom or stepmom. I am motivated by him, and I know that we are a family that has a go-getter attitude, and collectively, we are proud of each other and each other\u2019s accomplishments. I cannot do what I do all by myself, and I am grateful for the togetherness.\"\n\nLegacy\nEven though Ameir and his wife are divorced and he has moved on with someone else, he said that they have a great relationship with co-parenting their two daughters, Aaria and Aliya Ahmad.\nAccording to Ameir, life is short, and he wishes to leave behind a legacy that his daughters can be proud of and carry on after he is long gone. Ameir said, \"I am extremely proud of my daughters, and I remembered the stories my mom shared with me about not being able to afford the basics like pampers for me. I don\u2019t want my daughters to struggle, I want to ensure I give them an education, and I wish for them to make a positive impact in society. Even though women are doing so much in society, we are still living in a society where men are most dominant, and it is my hope that my daughters can take charge of my businesses without having any financial challenges going forward.\n\nThe road map is set for them, and I would like for them to take it from there. I don\u2019t want them to be dependent on a husband or anyone else. When I am gone, God rest my soul. I want to be remembered for leaving my businesses to two good human beings who I know will use them to help others as well.\n\nBiggest Misconception\nWhen asked what the biggest misconception is about him, Ameir said, \"I heard people say that I am not easy to speak to or easily accessible, but I wouldn\u2019t say that. It is just that I am a serious person when it comes to money and getting the work done. I always say my job comes first because when things are going well for the company, we are benefiting, and the people that work for us are benefiting.\"\n\nFinally, Ameir said that he is just getting started with all that he and his family want to do in Guyana, whether in the construction field, medical sector, security, or any of their other businesses.\nThe successful entrepreneur took the opportunity to leave a message with his fellow Guyanese, especially his peers: \"Faith plays a very important role in one's development, regardless of how we choose to worship, and I am proud to know as Guyanese that we respect and celebrate each other's beliefs.\" I also want my peers to know that we are responsible for putting things in place for future generations. Let us be the foundation for a better tomorrow.\"","post_title":"From a bus driver's son to a prosperous businessman","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_4"};

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Pauline Rose Ann Campbell-Sukhai is a Guyanese politician. She is the current Minister of Amerindian Affairs in Guyana. She was appointed Minister on August 5, 2020, by President Irfaan Ali. She had previously served in that position from January 4, 2008 to May 15, 2015.

Experienced Minister with a demonstrated history of working in the legislative office industry. Skilled in Environmental Awareness, International Relations, Management, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and Water Resource Management. Strong community and social services professional with a Bsc. and Post Graduate Diploma focused in Economics and Development Studies respectively from University of Guyana.

Former Vice Chair of Global Water Partnership\/Caribbean.
Representative Member - RWN, support and advancing the importance of integrated water management (IWRM). Served as vice chair for the period between 2008 and 2010.

Co-founder, Member, and Past President: The Rural Women's Network<\/p>\n","post_title":"Pauline Campbell-Sukhai","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"pauline-campbell-sukhai","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 18:10:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 18:10:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652603","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":652600,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2025-04-06 04:42:33","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-06 04:42:33","post_content":"\n

Political party:<\/strong> People's Progressive Party (Guyana)

Alma mater:<\/strong> University of the West Indies

Occupation:<\/strong> Politician

Mustapha Zulfikar is a Guyanese politician. He is the current Minister of Agriculture in Guyana. He was appointed minister on August 5, 2020, by President Irfaan Ali.
Mustapha Zulfikar has a degree in management from the University of the West Indies.

Zulfikar started his career working as Assistant General Secretary of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) between 1989 and 2002. In 2003, he ran for the Guyana National Assembly and was elected that same year.

He was elected for a three-year tenure that ran from 2003 to 2006. After his tenure as Member of Parliament, he was subsequently appointed Regional Chairman for Region Six and was in office till 2011. In 2015, he was elected Member of Parliament till 2020.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Mustapha Zulfikar","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"mustapha-zulfikar","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 18:10:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 18:10:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652600","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":652595,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2025-04-06 04:34:02","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-06 04:34:02","post_content":"\n

Born: <\/strong>5 October 1962 (age 62) Georgetown, British Guiana (present-day Guyana)

Political party: <\/strong>People's Progressive Party\/Civic.

Spouse:<\/strong> Mignon Bowen-Phillips.

Education:<\/strong> Inter-American Defense College, United States Army Command and General Staff College.

Alma mater:<\/strong> University of Guyana (BSS)Pontificia Universidad Cat\u00f3lica Madre y Maestra (MS)

Military service:<\/strong>

Allegiance:<\/strong> Guyana

Branch\/service: <\/strong>Guyana Defence Force

Years of service:<\/strong> 1980\u20132017

Rank: <\/strong>Brigadier

Commands: <\/strong>Chief of Defence Staff (2013\u20132018)

Mark Phillips was born on 5 October 1962 in Georgetown, Guyana, at the Georgetown Public Hospital Cooperation (GPHC) to parents Medford Phillips and Cynthia Alexander. At age 5, his parents moved to Christianburg, Linden, where his father was a mason who worked in the bauxite industry, at the time DEMBA. His mother died when he was age 7, and along with one of his brothers, he was raised solely by his father.

Phillips attended Christianburg Primary School, then Christianburg\/Wismar Secondary School, also known as the Multilateral School, where he successfully completed the General Certificate Examination (GCE) and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC). He was first employed as an acting teacher at the Linden Foundation School and then as a laboratory analyst with the Bauxite and Alumina Labs of GUYMINE in 1980.

Mark Anthony Phillips is a Guyanese politician and retired military officer who is the prime minister of Guyana and first vice president under President Irfaan Ali since August 2020. He served as the chief of staff of the Guyana Defence Force from 2013 to 2016. He graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in September 1981.

Phillips has a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Public Management from the University of Guyana and a Master of Science in Public Sector Management from La Pontificia Universidad Cat\u00f3lica Madre y Maestra. He also studied at the Inter-American Defence College in Washington, D.C., and the United States Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC) in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","post_title":"Mark Anthony Phillips","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"mark-anthony-phillips","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 18:10:36","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 18:10:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652595","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":652592,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2025-04-06 03:59:01","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:59:01","post_content":"\n

The City Engineer\u2019s Department building is located on Avenue of the Republic in Lacytown, Georgetown. This 19th-century, three-storey, timber and masonry structure once functioned as the Fire Superintendent\u2019s Department. It was also the residence of the town superintendent before being dedicated as the office for the city engineer\u2019s department.

Architectural features of the building include its arched windows, balcony, finials, and the ornate cast iron railings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","post_title":"City Engineer\u2019s Office","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"city-engineers-office","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:59:01","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:59:01","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652592","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":652589,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2025-04-06 03:51:59","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:51:59","post_content":"\n

Location:<\/strong> Lacytown, Georgetown

Classification: <\/strong>Community

Period\/Year Built:<\/strong> 19th century

Historical Background \/ Description:
<\/strong>City Hall, an eloquent reminder of Guyana\u2019s architectural heritage, is located with its main fa\u00e7ade facing the Avenue of the Republic and is bordered by Regent Street to the north and Charlotte Street to the south. In 1842, Georgetown was designated a city, but the council, which was established on March 1, 1837, was without a building of its own.

On November 22, 1886, the council agreed to a proposal for building specifications to be draughted and reviewed. In March, 1887, the designs submitted for the Town Hall were reviewed, and the work of architect Reverend Ignatius Scoles S. J. was selected with the assistance of Mr. Cesar Castellani and Messrs. J. A. Conyers, a councillor. Funds for the new building were then secured through the government, and on December 23, 1887, His Excellency Governor Sir Henry Turner Irving, K.C.M.G., laid the foundation stone for the building in the north-eastern corner of the structure.

The building was completed 18 months later and declared opened before a large audience by Governor Viscount Gormanston, K.C.M.G., on July 1, 1889, during a heavy downpour of rain. The City Hall can be described as an excellent example of Gothic Revival architecture in Guyana. The 29-meter (96-foot) tower with its conical pinnacles was and still is considered one of the building\u2019s main attractions. Other features of the three-storey, rectangular-shaped building include its lancet windows (pointed arched windows), fretwork, iron capitals decorated with foliage, finials, elaborate mahogany staircase, and a ceiling similar to a hammer beam, located in the Concert Hall.<\/p>\n","post_title":"City Hall","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"city-hall","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:51:59","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:51:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652589","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":652585,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_content":"\n

Location:<\/strong> Bourda, Georgetown

Classification: <\/strong>Community

Period\/ Year Built:<\/strong> Originally built 1880, rebuilt 1902

Historical Background \/ Description:
<\/strong>Bourda Market is a 20th century market located between Robb and Regent Streets and is bordered by Orange Walk, in the ward of Bourda, Georgetown.

The market was initially built in 1880, but was later re-built in 1902 to facilitate the growing number of vendors and consumers. Today, it is considered the second largest market in the city of Georgetown. One notable feature of the market is its public clock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Image and information courtesy of the National Trust of Guyana.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","post_title":"Bourda Market","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"bourda-market","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:36:08","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652585","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":652582,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2025-04-06 03:29:55","post_date_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:29:55","post_content":"\n

Location: <\/strong>Botanical Gardens, Georgetown<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Classification:<\/strong> Commemorative Monument<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Period\/Year Built: <\/strong>1969<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historical Background \/ Description:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Place of the Seven Ponds, also referred to as the \u2018Place of Heroes,\u2019 is located in the Botanical Gardens, Georgetown, and was designed by Guyanese architect Mr. George Henry. It was built following the internment of Governor-General Sir David Rose on the site in 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The monument is made up of seven ponds, a circular central pond with a sculpture in the middle and six segmented circular ponds evenly around in a radial pattern. The sculpture is approximately 5.8 meters (19 feet) in height and has an \u2018x\u2019 shape when viewed from above. It is made up of two interlocking elements that are concaved at the sides and arched at the bottom and top. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buried at the Place of the Seven Ponds are four Guyanese who contributed to the development of the country. The first person to be buried there was His Excellency, Governor-General, Sir David Gardiner Rose, G.C.M.C., C.U.O., M.B.E. Sir David Rose was born on April 10, 1923, and was appointed Governor General in 1966, where he served up until the time of his death on November 10, 1969. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second is National Poet, Mr. Martin Carter, born on June 7, 1927, and died on December 13, 1997. The third is Executive President and Prime Minister Hugh Desmond Hoyte, born on March 9, 1929, and died on December 22, 2002. Mr. Hoyte served as the first Vice-President and Prime Minister in 1984 and later as President of Guyana from 1985 to 1992. The fourth is President Arthur Chung, born on January 10, 1918 and died on June 23, 2008. Mr. Chung served as Guyana\u2019s first president from March 17, 1970, to October 6, 1980.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Image and information courtesy of the National Trust of Guyana.)<\/p>\n","post_title":"Place of the Seven Ponds","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"place-of-the-seven-ponds","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_modified_gmt":"2025-04-06 03:33:17","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado2\/?p=652582","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650871,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_date_gmt":"2024-10-17 07:50:09","post_content":"

President Ali\u2019s leadership praised for food security achievements<\/strong><\/h3>\n \n\nIN a bold commitment to eradicating hunger, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, underscored Guyana's pivotal role in food security during a World Food Day event at the Bourda Cricket Ground.\n\nSpeaking under the theme \u201cRights to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,\u201d Minister Mustapha highlighted the government\u2019s efforts under President Irfaan Ali's leadership to make Guyana a food-secure nation and a driving force in regional food production.\n\nGuyana, currently celebrating Agriculture Month with the theme \u201cTransforming Tomorrow, Championing Food Security Through Innovation and Technology,\u201d has seen remarkable advancements in food systems.\n\n<\/a> Students interacting with various booths at the World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO[\/caption]\n\nThese two key initiatives, according to Minister Mustapha, are interconnected in their focus on building a sustainable future. The government has made significant strides, working with both private and public sectors to elevate Guyana\u2019s agricultural prowess and position it as the \"food hub of the Caribbean.\"\n\n\u201cOn this World Food Day, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the right to food for all,\u201d said Minister Mustapha. \u201cWith strategic investments and partnerships, we can build a future where hunger becomes a thing of the past, and food security becomes the foundation of sustainable development.\u201d\n\nHe called on stakeholders to continue their support, emphasising the need for collaboration to reduce hunger not only in Guyana but across the Caribbean.\n\nOne of the highlights of Guyana\u2019s recent achievements is its reduced undernourishment levels. Citing a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Minister Mustapha pointed out that undernourishment in Guyana has fallen below 2.5 per cent, well below the regional and global averages.\n\nHe credited these positive changes to government initiatives, including the school feeding programme and household cash grants, which have improved access to nutritious food and bolstered local food systems.\n\nPresident Ali\u2019s leadership has garnered recognition from CARICOM and international bodies for his dedication to tackling food insecurity.\n\nGuyana\u2019s Vision 25 by 2025 initiative, which seeks to reduce CARICOM\u2019s food import bill by 25%, is one such effort that underscores the country\u2019s ambition to become the \"breadbasket of the Caribbean.\" As other Caribbean nations, traditionally dependent on tourism and oil and gas, turn their focus to agriculture, Guyana is leading the charge in reshaping regional food systems.\n\nMinister Mustapha emphasised that Guyana\u2019s progress in reducing severe food insecurity\u2014currently 25.5% lower than the regional average\u2014was not accidental but the result of deliberate policy measures. These include enhancing food production and improving access to nutritious food across the country. He also noted the renewed regional interest in agriculture as part of a broader strategy to address food insecurity and reduce dependency on food imports.\n\nThe World Food Day event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the FAO, saw the participation of CARICOM representatives, the diplomatic community, and local stakeholders. It featured an agricultural fair and open day, showcasing Guyana\u2019s agricultural innovations and reaffirming the government\u2019s commitment to food security for the nation and the region.\n\nAs Guyana continues its journey toward becoming the Caribbean\u2019s agricultural leader, the nation's progress on World Food Day serves as a reminder of what can be achieved with vision, commitment, and collaboration.","post_title":"Guyana champions hunger eradication, regional food security \u2013 Mininister Mustapha","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:10:19","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/guyana-champions-hunger-eradication-regional-food-security-mininister-mustapha\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650312,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_date_gmt":"2023-06-11 08:25:46","post_content":"BEING the only child of Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo, the reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo, who lives in Bladen Hall on the East Coast of Demerara, wasn\u2019t given a \"silver spoon in her mouth\" at birth. Still, she was raised to be kind, contented, and compassionate toward people and animals.\nEven though there wasn\u2019t a shortage of love and support from her parents, Aruna explained that she would have loved to have had another sibling to share her life with. However, she was very cognizant of how hard her father worked as a labourer and the sacrifices her stay-at-home mom made to ensure that she got the best education and the basic necessities of life.\nAruna, therefore, used her humble upbringing as a form of motivation to work towards making a positive impact in people\u2019s lives, and she is also determined to make her parents proud of her and show them that their investment in her has not gone in vain.\n\nIn 2019, Aruna graduated from one of Guyana\u2019s most prestigious secondary schools, President\u2019s College, and he is currently entering her fourth year at the University of Guyana (UG), Turkeyen Campus, where she is studying business economics.\nEven though the Miss India beauty was very focused on her books in school, Aruna explained that from her nursery school days in school, the teachers would ask her parents for her to participate in the school concerts as a model, and she would. However, she never thought that she would develop a passion for it until she reached secondary school.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nAccording to Aruna, she is proud of being a Guyanese and has always wanted to contribute to Guyana in a \"big way,\" but she wasn\u2019t sure how. Nevertheless, the thought of being in a pageant and representing Guyana locally and possibly internationally was in the \"back of her mind,\" but she never thought of it becoming a reality. As fate would have it, one day, Aruna was surfing the web when she stumbled upon the application form for the Miss India Guyana pageant. Not thinking much about it, she applied, got accepted as one of the contestants, and the rest is history, said Aruna.\n\n<\/a> Reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nWhile winning the pageant comes with its fair share of benefits, Aruna said there is much more to it than just the shiny crown, glamorous outfits, and makeup. According to her, it teaches self-discipline and body positivity to women of all shapes and sizes.\nAruna explained that the Miss India Guyana organisation's aim is not just about winning a crown, but the director Hashim Alli and his wife Melicia Partab-Alli ensure that you are treated as a family. According to Aruna, their goal is to inspire young girls and women to be the best version of themselves and recognise that beauty isn't based on what's on the outside but, more importantly, what\u2019s on the inside. She also related that the director and his wife inspire and motivate her and the other girls to return to society with the knowledge they have gained and be role models and positive influencers for other women and girls.\n\n<\/a> Aruna Sukhdeo with her parents Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo[\/caption]\n\nLessons of Life\nThe classy beauty said that she is grateful to her mother for instilling confidence and life\u2019s lessons in her, \"My mom has taught me to never look down on people, always be confident and brave in life, face whatever fears I may have, and do not allow my fears to overcome me. In life, she said, a person may lose an opportunity at something if they allow fear to get in the way. And I go through life with that mindset of being fearless. She has also taught me to be polite and respectful to everyone I meet. It is her believe that it will take you a far way in life. My parents also support and encourage me to be independent and to give back to others.\"\n\n<\/a> Miss India Guyana 2023 with the director of Miss India Guyana Organisation, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli[\/caption]\n\nAdvice to young people and young girls\nAs much as Aruna is grateful and humbled by her accomplishments, she is very honoured to be in a position where she gets a platform to speak to young people, especially young women and girls, about life's challenges. The 2023 India queen said, \"My platform for the pageant is mental health which is mostly focused on depression. This is something that I have dealt with. In high school, I felt pressured due to work and trying to figure myself out and felt depressed by just trying to keep my grades up while trying to be a part of the extracurricular activities in school. I was so focused on academics that I wasn\u2019t thinking about anything else, but at the same time, I was trying to fit in with my friends and still dealing with the pressure of society.\n\nAruna said, \"I know that a lot of young people are struggling with the same things as well, but in most cases, they are afraid to speak out. I understand how challenging it can be but do not keep it to yourself. Speak out. You may think that no one will listen to you or that you are irrelevant or what you are feeling is irrelevant but I can assure you that speaking up and speaking out, it will benefit you and help others. Don\u2019t be afraid, you are worth it, and know that everything will be okay. You just need to take the first step and talk about it.\"\n\nThe reigning beauty further asked the people of Guyana to play a more positive role in each other's lives. According to her, society has a way of \"looking down\" on people for one reason or another. But Aruna said that it doesn\u2019t matter how strong people are. It does bother them. People are human beings with feelings and regardless of how strong a person may seem, she wants you to know that you may never truly know what someone is dealing with. The decisions people make or how they choose to live their lives is their choice, and Aruna believes that it is not our place to judge that. She is hopeful that as a country and as a society, \"we\" can move away from this way of thinking, be more caring, show empathy, and let people live.\n\nExtend Gratitude\nFinally, Aruna expressed her gratitude to her parents for making the sacrifices and giving her love and support even when she felt like quitting. The director, Hashim Alli, and his wife, Melicia Pratab Alli, for believing in her, her best friend, Kavita Beharry, and her cousins, who she said have always been there for her.\nAruna also wanted to thank Ameir Ahmad Proprietor of Sheriff Security and the Proprietor of Mohamed\u2019s Enterprise, Azruddin Mohamed, for generously supporting her financially on her journey.\nAruna is currently in India, and will represent Guyana on the international stage in the upcoming week.","post_title":"The birth of a queen in a labourer\u2019s palace","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/the-birth-of-a-queen-in-a-labourers-palace\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":650293,"post_author":"1","post_date":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_date_gmt":"2023-05-28 08:40:55","post_content":"SUCCESSFUL business mogul and entrepreneur, 34-year-old Ameir Ahmad, the eldest of four siblings, was born and raised in the village of Meten-Meer-Zorg, Essequibo Islands and West Demerara (RegionThree) to an ambitious and \"go-getter\" father, Shareef Ahmad, and his humble, generous, and equally ambitious mother, Sunita Amad.\nWhile sitting in his spotless, cozy, and luxurious office, Ameir exclusively shared with the Pepperpot Magazine that success didn\u2019t just find him and his family; it all started with a humble, positive, and determined mindset. Ameir related that his grandparents were cleaners and tried their utmost to provide the best of what they could afford for their family. However, even though they couldn\u2019t afford to give their children the materialistic pleasures of life, they gave them something that money could not buy. They instilled in their children the knowledge, work ethic, passion, and drive to accomplish a better life than the one they were brought up in.\n\nMaking ends meet\nHowever, it wasn\u2019t a walk in the park for the now-accomplished Shareef Ahmad, who has been a successful businessman for over 25 years. According to Ameir, before all of the success, his father worked relentlessly as a bus driver to provide for his family. Due to limited finances in the home, Ameir said that his mother wanted to contribute financially to the home to help alleviate some of the stress from his father. So, Sunita started to work with one of her brothers-in-law, who owned a jewellery store in Stabroek Market in Georgetown at the time.\nHe further explained that his uncle and aunt gave his mom \"a break\" by giving her a stall that was next to them for rent. He further stated that his mom told him that she gathered all of his baby jewellery and all of their jewellery and put it for sale at her business, and that was the birth of Sheriff Jewelry. Ameir also noted that the stalls are in the market and are functioning, but the family refuses to sell the structures since they played an integral role in the family's development in business.\n\nEven though both of his parents were working, they wanted a better future for Ameir and the rest of the family, and as such, they migrated to New York when he was only 12 years old. Ameir explained that he was a pupil at Leonora Primary School on the West Coast of Demerara, and after his migration, he went to an Islamic school in the Big Apple, after which he wrote his Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and was awarded a place at the Information Technology High School. After being successful at his high school, Ameir went on to secure a place at New York University (NYU), majoring in American History and minoring in Business Management; however, he did not graduate.\n\nMoving back home\nIn 2007, Ameir explained that his dad wanted to return to Guyana to invest, find a way to contribute to society and give back to his country. \"When you are from Guyana, no matter where you may live, your roots are stuck here. You always have a feeling of missing home, and that was us, so we came back with the hope of getting into a few small businesses. After returning, I noticed that people were starting to use cellphones a lot, and I wanted to set up a business, so my father loaned me US$60,000 to see what I could have done with it\", Ameir said.\n\nHe continued to explain that he started to sell cell phones but found it difficult at times to receive payments from the wholesalers, so Ameir eventually opened his own store. He later expanded to computers, and eventually they pooled their resources and purchased a plot of land on Sheriff Street. There they invested in building Sheriff Jewelry, Electronics City, Subs and Salad, Italian Grill, Miami Pizzeria, and the most recent, Sheriff Security Services and Sheriff Medical Centre.\n\n\"Even though the stores were doing great, I always saw a need to expand and invest in the different industries. I am considered a serial entrepreneur, meaning, if I see that selling bread is the next big thing, I want to capitalise on it. I am grateful and lucky that I did invest, and I say this with no disrespect, but now that I look back at all of the competition that I had then, I realised that they are nowhere close to where my portfolio is. I know that if I didn\u2019t make that switch, I wouldn\u2019t be where I am, I would have been hustling and bustling with the retail industry, but instead, I am catching up with the oil and gas market.\"\n\n

\n\nFamily Life\nAmeir explained that he has immense respect and love for his parents, who taught him and his siblings by example that hard work and determination pay off. He added that even though his parents are divorced, they continue to play an active role in their lives by being supportive and ensuring they are okay.\n\nAmeir cheekily shared that his mother, who currently lives in New York, messages him daily to ask where he is, what he is doing, or just to say, \"I am proud of you, Ameir. My mom enjoys traveling, and it is because of her that I developed a passion for it. I am humble that I got the opportunity to travel to the Middle East and countries like Hong Kong, and it is because of those experiences I am inspired to build and contribute to Guyana so that the economy can develop and we can be on the map for all that we have to offer in the different sectors as well as for our architectural work,\" Ameir shared.\n\nHowever, Ameir explained that his dad, who is now the Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) of the Sheriff Group of Companies, is proud and humbled by their success. \"On the other hand, while I know that he loves me and my other siblings and he is proud of us, he doesn\u2019t say it to our faces, but we will hear it from my mom or stepmom. I am motivated by him, and I know that we are a family that has a go-getter attitude, and collectively, we are proud of each other and each other\u2019s accomplishments. I cannot do what I do all by myself, and I am grateful for the togetherness.\"\n\nLegacy\nEven though Ameir and his wife are divorced and he has moved on with someone else, he said that they have a great relationship with co-parenting their two daughters, Aaria and Aliya Ahmad.\nAccording to Ameir, life is short, and he wishes to leave behind a legacy that his daughters can be proud of and carry on after he is long gone. Ameir said, \"I am extremely proud of my daughters, and I remembered the stories my mom shared with me about not being able to afford the basics like pampers for me. I don\u2019t want my daughters to struggle, I want to ensure I give them an education, and I wish for them to make a positive impact in society. Even though women are doing so much in society, we are still living in a society where men are most dominant, and it is my hope that my daughters can take charge of my businesses without having any financial challenges going forward.\n\nThe road map is set for them, and I would like for them to take it from there. I don\u2019t want them to be dependent on a husband or anyone else. When I am gone, God rest my soul. I want to be remembered for leaving my businesses to two good human beings who I know will use them to help others as well.\n\nBiggest Misconception\nWhen asked what the biggest misconception is about him, Ameir said, \"I heard people say that I am not easy to speak to or easily accessible, but I wouldn\u2019t say that. It is just that I am a serious person when it comes to money and getting the work done. I always say my job comes first because when things are going well for the company, we are benefiting, and the people that work for us are benefiting.\"\n\nFinally, Ameir said that he is just getting started with all that he and his family want to do in Guyana, whether in the construction field, medical sector, security, or any of their other businesses.\nThe successful entrepreneur took the opportunity to leave a message with his fellow Guyanese, especially his peers: \"Faith plays a very important role in one's development, regardless of how we choose to worship, and I am proud to know as Guyanese that we respect and celebrate each other's beliefs.\" I also want my peers to know that we are responsible for putting things in place for future generations. Let us be the foundation for a better tomorrow.\"","post_title":"From a bus driver's son to a prosperous businessman","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_modified_gmt":"2025-01-21 20:08:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/logix123.com\/eldorado\/from-a-bus-drivers-son-to-a-prosperous-businessman\/","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":3},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_4"};

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yatesh

Home Author yatesh

Pauline Campbell-Sukhai

by yatesh

April 6, 2025

0

Pauline Rose Ann Campbell-Sukhai is a Guyanese politician. She is the current Minister of Amerindian Affairs in Guyana. She was...

Mustapha Zulfikar

by yatesh

April 6, 2025

0

Political party: People's Progressive Party (Guyana)Alma mater: University of the West IndiesOccupation: PoliticianMustapha Zulfikar is a Guyanese politician. He is...

Mark Anthony Phillips

by yatesh

April 6, 2025

0

Born: 5 October 1962 (age 62) Georgetown, British Guiana (present-day Guyana)Political party: People's Progressive Party/Civic.Spouse: Mignon Bowen-Phillips.Education: Inter-American Defense College,...

City Engineer’s Office

by yatesh

April 6, 2025

0

The City Engineer’s Department building is located on Avenue of the Republic in Lacytown, Georgetown. This 19th-century, three-storey, timber and...

City Hall

by yatesh

April 6, 2025

0

Location: Lacytown, GeorgetownClassification: CommunityPeriod/Year Built: 19th centuryHistorical Background / Description:City Hall, an eloquent reminder of Guyana’s architectural heritage, is located...

Bourda Market

by yatesh

April 6, 2025

0

Location: Bourda, GeorgetownClassification: CommunityPeriod/ Year Built: Originally built 1880, rebuilt 1902Historical Background / Description:Bourda Market is a 20th century market...

Place of the Seven Ponds

by yatesh

April 6, 2025

0

Location: Botanical Gardens, Georgetown Classification: Commemorative Monument Period/Year Built: 1969 Historical Background / Description: The Place of the Seven Ponds,...

Guyana champions hunger eradication, regional food security – Mininister Mustapha

by yatesh

October 17, 2024

0

President Ali’s leadership praised for food security achievements   IN a bold commitment to eradicating hunger, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar...

The birth of a queen in a labourer’s palace

by yatesh

June 11, 2023

0

BEING the only child of Bonita Baijnauth and Narhootam Sukhdeo, the reigning Miss India Guyana 2023, Aruna Sukhdeo, who lives...

From a bus driver’s son to a prosperous businessman

by yatesh

May 28, 2023

0

SUCCESSFUL business mogul and entrepreneur, 34-year-old Ameir Ahmad, the eldest of four siblings, was born and raised in the village...

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