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Meshach handling a red-billed woodcreeper Photo Arianne-Elise Harris

He initially aspired to a career in medicine but found his true calling in the field of biology during a serendipitous encounter with avian research.

Meshach’s academic journey was impressive, marked by degrees from the University of Guyana, the University of Oxford, and the University of Florida.

He became a lecturer in Environmental Science and conducted research that highlighted the human dimensions of wildlife conservation, focusing particularly on coexistence and conflict in his beloved Rupununi.

His work was not only a testament to his expertise but also a reflection of his desire to advocate for sustainable development in Guyana.

The Struggles with Mental Health

Despite his outward success, Meshach’s life was profoundly affected by mental health challenges.

He was candid about his struggles with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Diagnosed in 2014, he sought therapy and medication, navigating the complexities of living with these conditions while pursuing his academic and professional goals.

In a blog post, he eloquently stated, “My mental health is an integral part of who I am. I am open publicly about the conditions I live with, partially because of how big of an issue the stigma surrounding mental illness is in Guyana.”

Hiking Kusad mountain, South Rupununi 2013

His transparency was not merely an act of personal catharsis but a courageous effort to dismantle the stigma that often silences those grappling with similar issues.

Meshach’s narrative also highlighted the cultural barriers surrounding mental health in Guyana, where discussions about such topics are often taboo.

By sharing his experiences, he hoped to inspire others to seek help and to foster a community of understanding and support.

A Legacy Cut Short

On a Thursday afternoon, Meshach’s life came to an abrupt end under heartbreaking circumstances. While conducting a mammal survey with colleagues at G2 Minerals Guyana Inc., he left behind a suicide note addressed to his family.

The loss shocked his community.

Witnesses noted that prior to his death, Meshach had seemed distant yet engaged, a duality that often accompanies the invisible burdens of mental illness.

His passing serves as a somber reminder of the importance of mental health awareness.

MA Criminology fieldwork Photo Krista Melville

Remembering Meshach

Meshach Pierre’s legacy extends beyond his research and teaching. He was an advocate for wildlife conservation, a talented photographer whose work graced publications like CNN’s Roads and Kingdoms, and a voice for mental health awareness.

His story is a clarion call for greater understanding and support for mental health issues, particularly within the scientific community.

As we reflect on Meshach’s life, we are reminded of the need for open conversations about mental health, the importance of seeking help, and the power of community.

His contributions to conservation and his courageous openness about his struggles will continue to inspire those who strive to make the world a better place, both for its inhabitants and for themselves.

In the words he once penned, Meshach believed that regardless of where life would lead him, he aimed to continue doing applied research in Guyana, advocating for change based on his findings.

Though his journey was cut short, his vision for a better future lives on, urging us all to continue the fight against stigma, one story at a time.

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The post A Life Interrupted: The struggle of conservationist Meshach Pierre appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Principal Legal Advisor at the Attorney General Chambers Ronetta Sargent

Principal Legal Advisor at the Attorney General Chambers, Ronetta Sargent has firmly rejected allegations of constitutional rights violations during a police search at 86 BB Eccles, the family home of social media activist Melissa Atwell, on September 17, asserting that the operation was conducted lawfully based on reasonable suspicion of narcotics offences.

In a letter addressed to Darren Wade, the attorney representing Atwell with seven others, Sargent explained that a magistrate at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrates Court issued a search warrant based on reasonable grounds for suspecting an offence against the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substance Control Act.

She stated that police had reason to believe that evidence of the commission of an offence could be found at the premises.

Sargent detailed that the police executed the warrant between 16:00 hrs and 16:50 hrs on the same day, adhering strictly to legal protocols.

She highlighted that the lead officer on the scene specifically asked the individual identifying herself as “Debbie,” the main occupant, whether she was satisfied with the conduct of the officers during the search.

Debbie is the mother of Atwell. She affirmed that she was satisfied, and this interaction, along with much of the warrant’s execution, was captured on video.

An original copy of the search warrant was left with her for reference.

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The Principal Legal Adviser emphasised that investigations regarding the matter are ongoing and that any claims of unlawful conduct are strenuously denied.

She reassured that the police had no prior knowledge of “Debbie” or her connections, stressing that such information would have been immaterial to the case at hand.

Sargent reaffirmed the Guyana Police Force’s commitment to performing its statutory duties without fear or favour, ensuring compliance with the law and the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

She said that any potential legal actions taken against the police would be robustly defended and included a copy of the search warrant in his response.

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Bassarath vacates CWI VP office; new VP to be elected in September

Of his re-election Azim Bassarath said, “I’m excited to return to my duties for the good of West Indies cricket, working alongside my dedicated colleagues at Cricket West Indies. Since March of 2023 when Dr. Shallow took over, we made great strides in the most popular format of the game- T20 and we are determined to continue making these strides in the other two international formats. I have committed and remain committed to serving with integrity and respect for the process, while upholding the best governance practices. This vote of confidence signals that we can move forward with the business of cricket and deliver the results shareholders and fans across the region and around the world are eager to see, under the leadership of Dr. Kishore Shallow.”

(more…)

The award

Quai, however, isn’t a large-scale operation. Naiya described it as both a passion project and a labour of love.

The chocolates are handcrafted and made in micro batches with cocoa sourced directly from the Blue Flame Womens’ Group in Hosororo Hill, Region One (Barima- Waini). This group helps to empower women of the community through training and avenues to earn.

The emphasis placed on using locally-produced cocoa beans is complemented by choice packaging. From sloths to jaguars and birds, each box showcases animals indigenous to Guyana and features a golden map of Guyana.

What’s next for Quai Craft Chocolate?

Having placed in the regional competition, Quai Craft Chocolate can enter the global competition later this year.

Outside of that possible venture, Naiya said the focus remains on producing top- tier chocolate.

“The plan is to keep creating delicious chocolates, with inspired flavours that people enjoy and maintain our premium quality that people know and expect,” she said.

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