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Pixel Perfect – for all creative face & body paintings Oct 06, 2024 News “…Hey you don’t have to become a lawyer or a doctor if you don’t want to do the studies. You can start your own business and you show them and set an example like, hey I started my business this is how it is now, these are some of the challenges and you discuss with them, you give insights so it would encourage them.” By Allyiah Allicock Just a handful of some of the paintings Fortune and his team did in the past. Kaieteur News – At just 19 years of age, Francwa Fortune is a local certified actor, singer, dancer, voice actor, and aspiring lawyer. Added to his portfolio, is the term entrepreneur as the teenager is the proud owner of a face and body painting business called ‘Pixel Perfect’. Young entrepreneur and founder of ‘Pixel Perfect’, Francwa Fortune. Some of you may have encountered Fortune and his team at a few social events, painting but have you ever wondered how the business was formed? In a recent interview with this magazine, Fortune elaborated. He told The Waterfalls that he started his business in April last year but due to some challenges he had it remodeled and relaunched it in August this year. The young entrepreneur said that what had inspired him to open this venture was a likeness and interest in face painting which he developed during one of his courses at the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama. “What inspired me, I am a certified actor from the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama and while doing my certificate programme one of the compulsory course was special effects makeup and learning to do face painting and scars for plays. So, when we reach the stage of doing these festival paintings I grow fond of it. I would have really enjoyed it and I did exceptionally well in that aspect of that programme,” he related. According to the young man, after growing a liking for painting he decided to continue doing it and he developed his skills. And that’s how it morphed into something that can generate an income for him. ‘Pixel Perfect’ for those now learning of this venture is all about face painting and special effects makeup. They are opened for bookings to cover any social events such as Halloween parties, birthday parties, or any other celebrations. During his interview with this publication, Fortune mentioned that making a name for his business was no easy task. He recalled that when he had officially opened last year, one of his major obstacles was managing the time between his studies and business. The younger entrepreneur who now holds a Diploma in Communication Studies from the University of Guyana explained that “one of the major obstacles in the way was when I was studying at the university and I was unable to dedicate the amount of time I would have wanted to put in my business.” As a result, the young businessman rarely received any bookings as people didn’t know much about his skill at the time. “Yes I would advertise it but rarely, because I was focused on completing university and that occupied my time so that was one of my biggest challenges,” he recollected. Asked how he managed to overcome this obstacle, Fortune shared that he put a pause on his business and waited until he completed his studies at the university. “Once that was completed, I said you know what this is the perfect time now, I am free let me relaunch and things are going exceptionally well as of right now,” he informed. The young creative said that since his relaunched, the support has been great coming from his peers, staffers, and family. He shared that his friends would reach out to do promo videos for him and so since then the support base has been “excellent”. With the operation of his business progressing well now, Fortune informed this publication that his ultimate long-term goal for this business is for it to grow to be one of the biggest names there is in Guyana and worldwide when it comes to face painting and special effect. He shared that since operating his business he received mentoring from the talented and well-known artist Steve Bravo of Bravo Arts. “He would have trained me and I’m currently working with him with at the CPL games. He hired me, so I would have seen how this gift or this opportunity would have opened doors for him and I want to mirror that and to be on the same level as him one day,” Fortune expressed. The young man related that just how Bravo influences him, he is of the view that young entrepreneurs in our society help to encourage and motivate the younger generation who are looking on. “As an entrepreneur, you show them…you don’t have to become a lawyer or a doctor if you don’t want to do the studies. You can start your own business and set an example like, hey I started my business this is how it is now, these are some of the challenges and you discuss with them, you give insights so it would encourage them,” Fortune said. With that being said, our featured entrepreneur is of the view that boosting small businesses locally; it all starts with the “ones at the top” who can continuously promote small businesses and hire small businesses at their productions to do things. In doing this, Fortune expressed that in promoting these businesses, eventually people are going to learn about them and they would help boost confidence within the owners. Another thing he shared is for young entrepreneurs to tap into and make use of social platforms to get their business out there. He shared that he has seen how some young Guyanese influencers in TikTok would promote businesses and noted that this is a good way to expose these businesses. For persons or companies interested in booking ‘Pixel Perfect’ you can reach out to them on TikTok and Instagram via their business name and also you can contact mobile numbers (592) 711-0882 or 650-0883. Related Similar Articles

Talking Dollars & Making Sense: Navigating the World of Small Business Loans Oct 06, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Welcome back to Talking Dollars & Making Sense. Today, we’re tackling a topic that’s critical for entrepreneurs in Guyana who are looking to grow their businesses: small business loans. Whether you’re just starting out or trying to expand, understanding how business loans work is key to making smart financial decisions. We’ll break this down in simple terms, using real-life scenarios to make the concepts clear. By the end of this column, you’ll have a better idea of how to approach loans and use them to your advantage—without feeling overwhelmed! What Is a Small Business Loan? In a nutshell, a small business loan is borrowed money that businesses use to fund various aspects of their operations—whether it’s purchasing new equipment, hiring employees, or managing cash flow. The key thing to remember is that loans must be repaid, usually with interest, over a specific period. Small business loans can come from several sources, including commercial banks, credit unions, and government programs that support small businesses. Each source will have its own requirements, so it’s important to know what to expect. Why Entrepreneurs in Guyana Need to Care About Loans If you’re a new or growing entrepreneur in Guyana, you may already know how challenging it can be to find the resources needed to scale your business. Whether it’s launching a new product line, upgrading equipment, or even maintaining operations during a slow period, having access to capital can make all the difference between growth and stagnation. For instance, consider local entrepreneurs trying to scale their agriculture businesses. They often need capital to invest in better irrigation systems or machinery. With the right loan, they can grow faster, increase their yield, and meet larger contracts. On the other hand, without adequate capital, they may struggle to keep up with demand or fail to invest in important technology. Types of Small Business Loans Let’s break down a few common types of loans and when they might be useful: Term Loans: o          Best for: Long-term investments like buying equipment or expanding operations. o          A term loan is probably the most straightforward type of loan. You borrow a lump sum and repay it with interest over a fixed period. For instance, if you’re looking to open a new location for your restaurant, a term loan could cover the initial costs of rent, renovation, and equipment. Line of Credit: o          Best for: Managing cash flow, dealing with emergencies, or covering unexpected costs. o          Think of a line of credit as a flexible loan. It works like a credit card: the lender sets a maximum amount you can borrow, and you can take out money as needed. You only pay interest on the money you actually borrow. This type of loan is perfect for seasonal businesses that need to cover expenses during the slow months and replenish their inventory when demand is high. Microloans: o          Best for: Startups or businesses needing small amounts of capital. o          Microloans are typically smaller than traditional business loans and are often easier to qualify for, making them ideal for new entrepreneurs. These loans are especially helpful in rural areas where traditional banking options may be limited. Equipment Financing: o          Best for: Purchasing equipment or machinery. o          This is a loan specifically used to buy equipment, such as a delivery truck, farming machinery, or manufacturing equipment. The equipment itself often serves as collateral, which means if you can’t repay the loan, the lender can take the equipment. How a Local Entrepreneur Used a Loan to Grow Jenny runs a small bakery in Georgetown, and business is going well. She’s been thinking about opening a second location but doesn’t have the funds to cover the initial costs like renting a new space, buying more equipment, and hiring new staff. Jenny applies for a term loan from a local bank. She uses her cash flow statement to show the bank that her current location is profitable and that her projected earnings from the new location will be enough to repay the loan. The bank approves her loan based on this evidence and her well-crafted business plan. With the loan, Jenny opens her new location, and her business continues to grow, now serving more customers and increasing her income. The Pitfalls to Avoid While loans can be a great tool, they also come with risks. Here are some common mistakes to avoid: Overborrowing: Don’t take out more money than your business needs. It might be tempting but remember that every dollar you borrow must be repaid—with interest. Ignoring Terms: Make sure you understand the loan’s terms, including the interest rate, repayment schedule, and any penalties for late payments. Not Having a Plan: Don’t borrow money without a clear idea of how you’ll use it. The last thing you want is to be stuck with a loan and no way to generate a return on that investment. Final Thoughts Taking out a loan can be an excellent way to grow your business, but it’s important to approach it wisely. Make sure you understand your financial needs, explore your options, and have a clear repayment plan. If you get it right, a well-structured loan can be the key to unlocking your business’s potential. Until next time, remember making sense of dollars is about making smart choices, one loan at a time. Related Similar Articles

Oct 06, 2024 Interesting Creatures in Guyana, News Kaieteur News – The Stonefish is superbly camouflaged, often looking like an encrusted rock or lump of coral. The species is widely distributed throughout tropical, marine waters of the Indo-Pacific. It has stout dorsal fin spines which can inject an extremely poisonous venom. The Reef Stonefish has thirteen stout dorsal fin spines which can inject an extremely poisonous venom. Identification Stonefishes are masters of camouflage and can blend in so perfectly with their surroundings that their prey, predators, and even human SCUBA divers have trouble seeing them at all. Stonefishes look like an encrusted rock or lump of coral. Individuals are usually brown or grey and may have patches of yellow, orange or red. They almost always sit perfectly still, on the sea floor, in their preferred habitat of coral and rocky reefs, and their colors are often a perfect match for the substrate. Some individuals have even been observed with algae growing on them. While this camouflage gives them further protection from predators, its primary purpose is to allow stonefish to ambush their prey. They eat other reef fishes and some bottom dwelling invertebrates, but they do not actively pursue these animals. Instead, they wait for dinner to come to them. Waiting for hours at a time, stonefish strike when their potential prey is less than their body length away. Their powerful jaws and large mouths create so much pressure that they are easily able to suck down their unsuspecting prey and swallow it whole. Two species of stonefishes are recorded from Australia, the Reef Stonefish and the Estuary Stonefish, Synanceia horrida. One of the ways to tell the two species apart is the placement of the eyes. The eyes of the Reef Stonefish are separated by a deep depression, however those of the Estuary Stonefish are elevated and separated by a bony ridge. Stonefish are only rarely eaten by people, and there is not a targeted fishery for this species, though individuals are sometimes caught for the private aquarium trade. Population trends are not currently known, but there is no evidence to suggest that human activity threatens the stonefish. However, as human activity does continue to threaten their habitat (coral reefs), it is important for scientists to continue to research this and other species, to ensure that populations are in fact stable. Related Similar Articles

Oct 06, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Belize, country located on the northeast coast of Central America. Belize, which was known as British Honduras until 1973, was the last British colony on the American mainland. Its prolonged path to independence was marked by a unique international campaign (even while it was still a British colony) against the irredentist claims of its neighbour Guatemala. Belize achieved independence on September 21, 1981, but it has retained its historical link with the United Kingdom through membership in the Commonwealth. The flag of Belize Belize River A section of the mangrove forest. Altun Ha Belize is often thought of as a Caribbean country in Central America because it has a history similar to that of English-speaking Caribbean nations. Indeed, Belize’s institutions and official language reflect its history as a British colony. However, its culture is more typical of that of other Central American countries. Belize’s small population is ethnically diverse and includes a large proportion of immigrants. Since the 1970s, migration has shifted Belize’s ethnic composition from a predominantly Creole (mixed African and British descent) population to one in which mestizos (in Belize, people of mixed Mayan and Spanish ancestry) make up half of the total inhabitants. Belize has one of the most stable and democratic political systems in Central America. After its original capital, Belize City, was ravaged by a hurricane in 1961, a new capital, Belmopan, was built inland, about 50 miles (80 km) west of Belize City, which remains the country’s commercial and cultural centre as well as its most populous city. Coast of Arms of Belize The name Belize is traditionally believed to have been derived from the Spanish pronunciation of the last name of Peter Wallace, a Scottish buccaneer who may have begun a settlement at the mouth of the Belize River about 1638. It is also possible that the name evolved from the Mayan word belix (“muddy water”) or belikin (“land facing the sea”). Climate of Belize Belize has a subtropical climate, with a well-marked dry season from late February to May and a wet season from June to November that is interrupted from August to September by another dry season. The mean temperature in Belize City is about 74 °F (23 °C) in December and 84 °F (29 °C) in July. The mean annual rainfall increases sharply from about 50 inches (1,270 mm) at Corozal on the northern frontier to 175 inches (4,445 mm) at Punta Gorda in the south, while at Belize City rainfall amounts to about 75 inches (1,900 mm). Plant and animal life About three-fifths of Belize is forested. There are at least 50 different forest tree species, including mahogany, Santa Maria (Calophyllum brasiliense), cedar, and ironwood. In the north, limestone soils support deciduous forests, and sapodilla and mahogany predominate. In the south, the forest is taller and is evergreen. Santa Maria, rather than mahogany, flourishes on the plateau, and oak and pine grow on some of the plateau ridges. The rivers are largely bordered by swamp forests. On the southern coastal plain and inland from Belize City, open savanna (grassland) is marked by scattered oaks, pines, and palmetto palms. The coast is fringed with mangrove trees. The highlands are mostly forested and are largely uninhabited. Ethnic groups Many Belizeans are of mixed ancestry, most of them descendants of immigrants. Those of mixed Mayan and Spanish heritage (mestizos) constitute the largest ethnic group (about one-half of the population) and predominate in the more sparsely inhabited interior, along with the Maya (Yucatec Maya in the north and Mopán and Kekchí Maya in the south), who account for nearly one-tenth of the population. English-speaking people of largely African and British ancestry, who are called Creole, account for more than one-fourth of the population and predominate in the central coastal regions. Belizian cuisine A significant number of Garifuna (Garinagu), who are descendants of the Carib Indians and Africans deported from Saint Vincent by the British to the Gulf of Honduras in 1798, live in communities on the south coast. People of European and South Asian ancestry are also present, as are smaller numbers of immigrants from China, the Middle East, and elsewhere. Mennonite farmers began to migrate to Belize in the 1950s from Canada and Mexico to escape religious persecution, and Mennonite communities have been allowed to settle in rural areas throughout the country. Languages of Belize English is the official language of Belize, but most of the population also speaks a creole patois, and many Belizeans are multilingual. Yucatec, Mopán, and Kekchí are spoken by the Maya in Belize. Mestizos speak Spanish, and the Garifuna speak an Arawak-based language and generally also speak either English or Spanish. The Mennonites in Belize speak Plautdietsch, an archaic Low Saxon (Germanic) language influenced by the Dutch. Economy of Belize Belize has a developing free-market economy. Commercial logging and the export of timber were for years the basis of the Belizean economy, but by 1960 the combined value of sugar and citrus exports had exceeded that of timber. Owing to destruction of forests and price fluctuations of traditional export products, Belize had opened up its economy to nontraditional agricultural products and manufacturing activities by the end of the 20th century. Since the 1990s the Belizean government has attempted to expand the economy, but heavy borrowing led to debt restructuring in the mid-2000s. As is the case with many modern economies, services have become Belize’s dominant economic activity. Tourism is a major source of foreign income, partly as a result of an increase in cruise ship arrivals. Related Similar Articles

Oct 06, 2024 Sports Courts Optical Pee Wee U-11 Tournament 2024… Round three action unfolded on Saturday at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue. Kaieteur Sports – The 11th Annual Courts Optical Pee Wee Under-11 Football Tournament showcased some thrilling action as the final round of the preliminary stage wrapped up yesterday at the Ministry of Education (MoE) ground. The top sixteen teams were confirmed on Saturday, setting the stage for the Petra Organisation’s premier U11 school football competition to enter its eliminator phase. A snippet on yesterday’s action at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue. The excitement kicked off with a dominant performance from St John the Baptist Primary, who overwhelmed Timehri Primary with an 8-0 victory. Kareme Welcome stole the spotlight with an impressive four-goal haul, while Kriston Chandler added two goals to increase his tally to seven in the tournament. Marcellus Elvis and Orlando Deeges also found the back of the net, leaving Timehri’s defense reeling. Belladrum Primary, representing East Coast, continued the day’s drama by overpowering Pataro Primary from Region 8 with a 5-0 win. Jadon Sampson’s hat trick and Kenroy Gordon’s two goals secured their advancement to the next stage. North Georgetown Primary (NGP) triumphed in a thrilling 5-3 victory over Region 2’s Tapakuma Lake Primary. Jahiem Bourne was pivotal for NGP, netting three goals, while Damarion Devine and Avion Lynch added the other two to complete the win. Winfer Gardens’ Omari St Hill dazzled with a hat trick in their 4-1 win over St Mary Primary, assisted by Nathaniel Bishop’s contribution. Georgetown International Academy (GIA) made their mark by dominating Colaaco Primary 7-1, with Zakaria Zemmit, Caleb Nnoli, Yacine Amri, Yoseph Riva, and Mathias Bermudez all adding their names to the score sheet. In one of the most lopsided matches of the day, F.E Pollard Primary fell to Rosignol Primary 12-0. Abdul Kadir was unstoppable with five goals, and Jeremiah McDonald followed closely behind with four. Jamie Bourne and Jeremiah Seecharran added single goals and an own goal rounded out the tally. Other teams also secured their spots in the round of 16. West Ruimveldt Primary cruised past Golden Grove with a 5-0 win, thanks to two goals each from Eli Bryant and Jaseen Parris. Marian Academy downed School of the Nation 3-0, with Cristaino La Rose netting twice. St Pius Primary, the defending champions, secured their third win on the trot against Tucville Primary, with Aleem Young bagging three goals in the 4-1 victory. Enterprise Primary thrashed Smith Memorial 6-0, with Dontay Kowlessar scoring four times. St Gabriel’s Primary found their rhythm against Genesis Primary, winning 8-0 as Treyvon Byass and Devon Jones both achieved hat tricks. In other matches, Batavia Primary and Den Amstel ended in a 1-1 draw, while Redeemer Primary and Stella Marris Primary played out a goalless stalemate. The tournament is sponsored by Unicomer Guyana Inc. through its Courts Optical brand, along with support from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, MVP Sports, Sterling Products Limited, and Stena Drilling.   Related Similar Articles

Cricket Equipment-Guyana batting with Prime Minister’s Softball Cup Oct 06, 2024 Sports Kaieteur Sports – Cricket Equipment-Guyana is among the sponsors for this year’s Prime Minister’s T20 Softball Cup 8 which is slated for October 11-13 under the auspices of Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc. in partnership with the Office of the Prime Minister and Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. Tournament Director John Ramsingh, left, receives the sponsorship cheque from Ganesh Persaud. On Monday, Tournament Director, John Ramsingh received the sponsorship cheque from Ganesh Persaud, a staff member from Cricket Equipment-Guyana. The handing over ceremony took place at the business location, the C-Store of the Bel Air Rubis Service Station, on the Rupert Craig Highway, Sophia Public Road. Persaud stated that Cricket Equipment-Guyana was delighted to be associated with the three-day softball extravaganza. He also mentioned that Cricket Equipment-Guyana is providing wholesale and retail sales for all cricket equipment. They are the sole importer and distributor for SS/Ton, SG, DSC and Kapson Sports equipment. They have Indian manufactures in Guyana and offering original cricket equipment for these brands. Ramsingh, in response, expressed his profound gratitude to Persaud and Cricket Equipment-Guyana for their support. Over G$3M up for grabs as the tournament attracts teams from New York, Canada and across Guyana. There will be three men’s categories (T20): Legends (Over-50), Masters (Over-40) and Open (All-Stars) along with a Ladies 15-over division. Matches in the preliminary round are set to be played in Georgetown and Lusignan Community Centre ground, East Coast Demerara. All championship encounters will be played at the Police Sport Club ground, Eve Leary, Georgetown. For the men’s, Guyana-based Regal teams were crowned champions as the legends and masters winners in 2023 while another Guyana-based side Ariel captured the Open. For the ladies, 4R Lioness retained the trophy in last year’s edition. Related Similar Articles

AGRICULTURE MONTH 2024 – PROMOTING FRESH PRODUCE AND FOOD SECURITY THROUGH STANDARDS Oct 06, 2024 News GNBS IN FOCUS: Kaieteur News – Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Guyana’s economy, contributing significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and providing employment for thousands of citizens. With fertile lands and vast potential for food production, agriculture is not only critical for local food security, but it also positions Guyana as a major player in regional and global food markets. As Guyana observes Agriculture Month 2024 in October under the theme “Transforming Tomorrow: Championing Food Security through Innovation and Technology,” it highlights the need for sustainable practices and technological advancements to secure the future of agriculture. The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) plays a pivotal role in advancing the agriculture sector by developing and adopting crucial standards to promote efficiency, safety, and quality. Standards such as GCP 21 – Code of Practice for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables and GCP 25 – Code of Practice for Packaging and Transport of Tropical Fresh Fruits and Vegetables are instrumental in ensuring that agricultural practices meet international benchmarks. These standards are among over forty (40) agriculture-related standards available at the GNBS and are essential for maintaining quality and safety, which in turn supports food security and competitiveness. The GCP 21 – Code of Practice for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables establishes guidelines for the general hygienic practices for the primary production and packing of fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure a safe and wholesome product, particularly for those intended to be consumed raw. This Code is applicable to fresh fruits and vegetables grown in the field as well as those grown in protected facilities such as hydroponic systems and greenhouses. Similarly, GCP 25 – Code of Practice for Packaging and Transport of Tropical Fresh Fruits and Vegetables provides guidelines for ensuring that produce remains in optimal condition from farm to market. Proper packaging and transport practices are vital to prevent spoilage and damage during transportation of the produce. By adhering to this standard, farmers and exporters can guarantee that their products meet crucial quality requirements, enhancing Guyana’s reputation in international markets. As Guyana looks toward the future, embracing innovation and technology is key to transforming the agriculture sector. Precision farming, improved irrigation techniques, and advanced crop monitoring systems are just a few examples of how technology can drive productivity and sustainability. By integrating these advancements with established standards, farmers can enhance yields, reduce losses, and ensure the long-term viability of the sector. The GNBS remains committed to supporting this transformation by continuing to develop and adopt standards that align with good agricultural practices. These standards are not only tools for compliance but also catalysts for innovation and improvement, ensuring that Guyana’s agriculture sector is resilient, competitive, and capable of feeding future generations. For further details on how to access this and other standards, contact GNBS at (592) 219-0064-66 or via WhatsApp at 692-4627. You can also visit our Standards Portal: gnbsguy.com Related Similar Articles