Guyana Chronicle E-Paper PepperPot 01-19-2020

It was all worth it

Without a second thought, Mandia Alli put her career as a nurse on hold to care for her son who was born with a congenital defect. In this photo, Mandia is pictured with her husband Jason, and their now four-year-old son Nathan

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Young nurse makes career sacrifice for motherhood

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 19, 2020

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This photograph of The British High Commissioner to Guyana, His Excellency Greg Quinn, and two Guyanese was taken by Francis Quamina Farrier at the Guyana Legion on Remembrance Day Sunday, November 10, 2019. Please observe the thumbs-up by the lady for the High Commissioner

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The above caption to this photograph was written on November 14, 2019. A month later the High Commissioner was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the Queen’s University in Ireland. So I am wondering whether my mention of “the thumbs-up” in the caption above establishes that I am “A SEE-FAR MAN”, without knowing it (Photo by Francis Q. Farrier, November 10, 2019)

The Dynamic Guyan Adrian Dutchin with h children, after his per Guyana Cultural Ass Fun Day in Brooklyn Sunday, September 1 of Adrian’s performan Religious Rally. Hallel Guyanese Social Work tors to relate on Fathe

Among my all-time top 10 Guyanese Women Broadcasters, Andrea Joseph, interviewing among my all-time top 10 Guyanese Politicians, Vincent Alexander, CCH, at the National Cultural Centre at the Investiture Ceremony on May 24, 2019. Please observe the professional interaction as frozen in this “One Moment in Time”

This young lady was one of the students who attended the oil & gas presentation by Dr. Mark Bynoe at Linden on February 1, 2019. I have looked at this bright young face many times, and thought of the highly intelligent interaction she had with Dr. Bynoe. Subsequently, I entitled this photo “The future of oil and gas in Guyana”. Just look at those sparkling eyes. That Mona Lisa smile

World War II Veteran Benjam Durant, familiarly called Un Benjie, smiles as he hears P vid Granger shower praise served the nation in a milita was at a ceremony at the Le Remembrance Day, Novem While many Guyanese sho our elders, sadly, there ar display a lack of respect f Guyana, referring to them as and saying that “they must as a very powerful and influ individual stated in the pres youngsters. Uncle Benjie c 101st birthday on Novem David “G” Buses Numbers 20 and 21 parked in front of the Ministry of Education on Brickdam in Georgetown, Guyana, attracted my attention. President David Arthur Granger, a father and grandfather, recognised the need for students who are sometimes packed 24, in minibuses registered to carry 14, need his “fatherly” assistance.

Let’s hope that more social workers and pastors in Guyana lift up father figures such as President Granger, in their Father’s Day messages in 2020. STOP the male-bashing on Father’s Day and STOP packing students like sardines in minibuses (Photo by “FQF” as the President usually addresses me)

By Francis Quamina Farrie r HIS is the third consecutive year in which I am publishing my 12 Favour-

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ite Photographs of the previous year. This is a rather subjective exercise. However, I always hope for and do receive, many favourable comments. So, here goes:

t i h t r o w l l a e s s a r w u t n I g n u o Y rifice

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 19, 2020

avourite Photographs c a s r e e r a c d s e o k o a h r m e h t o of 2019 for m

By Telesha Ramnarine

HILE having a baby may be smooth sailing for some mothers, others know what it is like to have to put their career, in fact- their entire life- on hold just to care for the child. Worse yet, things are further complicated if the child is born with an illness or defect.

Mandia Harold Alli, now 31, had just completed her first year nursing exam and had high hopes of completing the programme within just three years. Little did she know the challenges that were ahead of her; how she would fail the rest of the exams and have to drag on the When I asked this young Sister and Brother from Pakuri (formally St. Cuthprogramme for some additional years. bert’s Mission) on the Upper river, Region Four, to poseand for me, this Mandia, born and raised at Annandale, East Mahaica Coast Demerara married Jason before was was how born. they looked at each other as I clicked away. They hadwas just going finished long, their son, Nathan She knew well in advance, though, that he to a dance defect. performance at the Umana Yana in Georgetown on May 21, which be born with a congenital She couldn’t stop thinking what this would mean for the impressed the large Francis family, and how it wouldalso affect her studies and audience job if she(Photo had tobycare for Q him around I the clock.

Sharing her story on the front bench of the maternity unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where she is employed, Mandia recalled in an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine: “When I heard he was going to be born with a defect, it broke me down. I was very worried and I became very emotional.”

Mandia was constantly worried about her son’s health. “When he was born, he didn’t have one of his lungs fully developed. So it was kind of like a balloon that detook because of everything in his intestines was up in his chest. His heart had shifted flated this completely to the centre, so he had to be on a machine that was breathing for him.

Little Nathan was just five days old when he had to undergo his first surgery, so Mandia knew for sure that she would need to take time off from the nursing programme to be able to care for him.

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With her husband Jason, and four-year-old son Nathan

M an w dia he f n ac nese Entertainer he ed r his Wife and two di tw a f ed in ur rformance at the of br the sociation Family ca oth r c n, New York, on nc er ha er R lle 1, 2019. A portion an ng nce was akin to a dy e lujah. A story for kers and Paser’s Day 2020

Time off

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min ncle Wi President Da- th her prin c on those who (third ipal tutor C , left) ary capacity. It and c leopatra B olleag arkoy egionnaires on ues e mber 10, 2019. ow respect for re those who for elders in s “dinosaurs”, t go one side” uential political sence of many celebrated his mber 15, 2019

Her principal tutor, Nurse Cleopatra Barkoye, along with other colleagues were very helpful and understanding during this period, and Mrs. Barkoye granted her the time off she needed.

KISKADEE, in all its majBecause of being off of the programme for nine months, Mandia had to repeat an entire year. As esty, perched on a rooftop she prepared for her final exams, the challenges of caring for her son began piling up. She had no in Georgechoice than to take him overseas for treatment.

“I continued on the programme, but when I attempted my exams in 2018, I was not able to pass all of my papers. So I had to re-sit two of my papers in March 2019. Unfortunately, I still did not pass both, I passed one,” Mandia related.

But she didn’t her failing herisdown.

She thought to herself that it Region Sixlet Royalty, Sonia get Jairam, the could’ve been worse where she could have failed reigning Miss Berbice.

In this photograph, sheboth exams again. She decided to studyisover ofother the material sat the exam last November, coming off aboutsome to join Youths inand a Youth Week successful.

2019 March around New Amsterdam, but she To get tograciously this pointtook in her life, though, difficult for Mandia. “When I took him time out to posewas for this home, I photograph had to watch keep him in a 45Francis” degree angle to sleep because it was forhim, her new-found “Uncle a case where it was an open surgery to fix his defect. I went into mild postpartum depression; I used to cry every afternoon just being home alone taking care of him,” she remembers.

More complications

Added to this, she was emotionally worried over not being able to complete her exams in the time that she should have. She felt stuck as she saw her friends moving on. Mandia faced yet another challenge when her twin brother, Randy, died of cancer shortly after becoming a certified doctor.

“But I’m really grateful that I have been able to achieve it despite all of my challenges. Sometimes you feel that because you’re in the healthcare profession you wouldn’t have to deal with things like these,” she said.

Despite having to put her nursing career on hold, Mandia says Nathan is still her motivation. “I pushed in the hard studies with the support of my husband, family and friends, and tutors. I studied at the library late at nights, on the weekends, every day after working on the wards where we gained our experiences for the practical exams. I never missed a day at the library until exams were over.”

Mandia said she never allowed her failure to keep her from pressing on.

“Failure does not mean that you’ll never succeed, but it helps you to keep trying. Sometimes failure comes but it’s how you choose to deal with it. You Theiritancestors were brought andbut from India;to both with a failure can allow to beat you down and from neverAfrica get up, I chose take that tradition of a pre-wedding ceremony Kwe Kwe and Matticore and and step on it.” the two cultures were fused here as Guyanese dance in A Circle

of Love at the Guyana Cultural of New York event in AtAssociation last Brooklyn on August 30, 2019to the NICU Department Mandia is now a registered nurse attached (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). “The nurses in the NICU were great, and incidentally, that’s where I am serving now. I care for the babies here who are ill, have a defect, or who may be hungry. I administer medication and care for their daily needs because their mommies may not always be able to come in to the unit,” she explained.

Little Nathan, now four years old, is a student of the New Guyana Mayor Muriel Browser of School and is doing quite well. “When he was discharged and did his Washington, DC, USA, final interacts with x-ray, it was a miracle that he had both lungs fully developed. Originally I heard that his lung was going to be fully developed until age 8, 101-year-old PlaiRegistered Nurse Nathan but he Little went home with both lungs. As much as I prepared at home to have an oxygen tank, 33rd Annual Senior Mandia Harold Allisance-born, DC-based Geraldine McRae at theAlli is doingin mask, everything case he had a respiratory distress, he never did. I did everything I was Citizens Luncheon Hosted by the Mayor, in the Capital of the USA. well instructed to now do for him.”

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 19, 2020

e r u t u o C n o s r a e P f o e s u Ho y r a u r b e F r o f w o h S

Behind the scenes of a photoshoot for the House of Pearson Couture Show 2020 scheduled for the Ramada Princess Hotel on February 15

... Focuses on youth involvement and empowerment

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HEN Quinton Pearson planned to launch his first-ever fashion show, his vision was for the event to be more than just a runway event. Determined to prove that young people can indeed achieve spectacular feats once they put their mind to it, the 27-year-old designer decided to have his entire team for the House of Pearson Couture Show, scheduled for February 15, 2020, at the Ramada Princess Hotel, made up of millennials.

“No one is older than 30 years old on this team,” Quinton Pearson told the Pepperpot Magazine. “People usually talk about how young people can’t do things on our own and can’t be disciplined and have always underestimated what I can do. So I had to go out and create something that people thought was impossible and that is how the idea of having an all-millennial team came up. I needed young people who are positive, focused and who want to get out there and get something done.”

The House of Pearson Couture Show team comprises its executive committee along with 75 models and 60 volunteers. The volunteers are all understudying real professionals in the area of fashion, makeup artistry, décor, stage production, event planning and public relations and are gaining real-life experience as they prepare for the show on February 15. Quinton said that several young people have so far gained positive experience to help them with their career. “One model who also signed up to be a volunteer decided to take on full-time volunteering on the makeup team because she wants to make that her career. There are also young people studying to be doctors who are still very motivated to be part of the production and are even ensuring they are present at every rehearsal although they have to study for exams that will be held up to two days before the show,” Quinton said, adding that there are also numerous young people who are still in school but who are volunteering to get some professional experience as well.

ABOUT THE SHOW The House of Pearson Couture Show 2020 is set to be the first of its kind in Guyana and is also the first feature fashion show for Quinton Pearson. The show will feature six collections among which include the launch of his male t-shirt and formal wear collections as well as a full couture collection which promises to blow the audience away. The event will be held at the Ramada Princess Hotel on February 15 at 20:00hrs followed by a pop-up shop at Acomodar on Barrack Street on February 16. On January 25 and February first, the team will take to Giftland and Movietowne to share flyers and sell tickets, but persons interested in purchasing tickets otherwise can also visit Acomodar, Bromeliad.RNC, Pieces & Things or the Ramada Princess Hotel. Persons can contact Quinton Pearson for more information about the show on 670-2624.

Quinton Pearson and one of his designs at the GuyanaFashion Showcase last year (Froylan Flowers photos)

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 19, 2020

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‘Humanity First’ wants to do amazing things for Guyana

By Telesha Ramnarine

AQSOOD Ahmed Mansoor came to Guyana seven years ago because of his passion to assist others who are in need. Now the Chairman o f

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recent interview.

“We want to restore the communities, build the communities. There is a great need in Guyana to do a lot of community work,” he expressed, adding, “Our ultimate goal is to have a hospital, even to build a school. Our vision is not to

English classes to foreigners in Guyana.

They also do medical outreaches with the assistance of doctors and others in the medical field who would volunteer their services. “Just last weekend, we helped about 80 persons in Bourda market, checking

A team of dedicated, medical volunteers at Bourda Market recently

Humanity First Guyana, he is glad to be able to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of Guyanese each month.

Originally from Pakistan, Maqsood studied in Canada and is now a missionary with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

Apart from the religious aspect of his service, he leads Humanity First Guyana, which operates as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) based at Lot 198 Oronoque Street, Queenstown.

The organisation, part of an international NGO that can be found in more than 50 countries across the world, started here in Guyana in 2005. It went dormant for some time but was resuscitated in 2018. ‘Humanity First’ originated in the United Kingdom in 1994.

With about 50 volunteers across Guyana, the organisation has been assisting hundreds of persons with a number of programmes that it has underway. “This organisation is not just for Muslims alone, all are welcome. Our goal is to serve mankind,” Maqsood told the Pepperpot Magazine in a

simply continue doing food hampers and small things, but of course, we will go step by step…do something amazing for Guyana that makes a positive change for the country.”

Maqsood has also been thinking about the possibility of building a rehabilitation centre in Guyana, based on his research and conversations with others that this is something badly needed in the country.

He loves spending his time helping others and could think of no other way of gaining satisfaction in his life. “I love serving mankind. Helping people is one of my passions; that’s what I enjoy. There’s some satisfaction that I can’t get by having a beautiful car, an amazing house. Those worldly things cannot satisfy you, but helping another person gives you true satisfaction,” he expressed.

Speaking about some of the organisation’s local programmes, Maqsood referred to the ‘Knowledge for Life’ programme that educates the communities at a very nominal cost, or even for free on occasions. For instance, they have been giving free

their blood pressure, sugar and about eight homeless persons had their wounds treated. Every month we try to go to the homeless people.”

Further, every Sunday, Maqsood said they cook more than 100 meals and distribute them to street dwellers in Georgetown. This is an ongoing programme that was started more than six months ago.

“We not only feed them, but we try to rehabilitate them. We go by Bourda, by the post office, Leopold Street…we also do food hampers where we distribute 30 hampers in five different areas, every six weeks.”

These are for the elderly, disabled, needy or jobless.

Maqsood said he especially enjoys his time in Guyana because of the difference he is getting to make here, as opposed to if he spends his time in developed countries.

If anyone is willing to volunteer, Maqsood said they would be welcomed.

“We want to expand.

The more volunteers we have, it’s the more work we can do and more we can achieve.”

Chairman of Humanity First Guyana, Maqsood Ahmed Mansoor

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 19, 2020

Safeguard your

mental wellness during this season!

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VER the past two weeks, I’ve been to about four political rallies and several politically-focused events in preparation for the upcoming Regional and General elections on March 2. One thing that has stood out for me from these experiences, is that I need to protect my mental wellness.

This past week, I had a chat with a local psychologist Balogun Osunbiyi about how this highly-charged political season could impact my mental health and wellness, or even more generally, what could be the impact of this setting on mental health and wellness.

First, he helped me to understand that mental wellness, specifically, indicates that one can think, feel and subsequently act in ways that necessitate positive impact (or as I like to say: positive energy & vibrations) on both the physical and social well-being on oneself. That being said, mental wellness is therefore quite like the phrase impliesthe wellness of one’s mental state. And since one’s mental health is a component of holistic health, naturally, it adds to the overall well-being of a person.

An important distinction he made is that while people often loosely say they are “depressed”, clinical depression takes a more prolonged time to be diagnosed. Thus, when exploring how the political occurrences during this season affect someone, it is important to note that it may be affecting one’s mental wellness.

Now back to the mental wellness and election season thing. For me, this election

period is one of those times in Guyana where many of our society’s intrinsic and underpinning flaws are exposed.

For me, I sometimes look at the political choices available and wonder which one which choice would result in a better outcome. I long to see a Guyana that is not defined by these racial divisions created aeons ago, but these divisions continue to permeate the society as we know it. Nothing else has illustrated how entrenched these divisions are like a political rally.

The psychologist explained that any highly-charged situation, election season or otherwise, could affect one’s mental wellness.

I think the continuing paradox of racial divisions, exacerbated during this election season, is very distressing.

I’ve been to two rallies each for the two major political parties. I decided to dwell in the crowd all four times because I wanted to have that connection with the people on the ground. Here, it isn’t uncommon to find that the Indo-African division is still very real (in 2020!). Worse

yet, sometimes it feels like some politicians try to exacerbate these tensions to appeal to their “base”. That makes me so sad, and it makes me worry about what kind of future we continue to forge ahead with.

Now from talking to Mr. Osunbiyi, he indicated that these distressing things could have an impact on any person’s mental wellness. Not only from the uncertainty of a “better tomorrow”, but he also noted that for the activists and staunch supporters, during this period, there are expectations or outcomes that must be managed, lest persons cause undue harm to their mental wellness.

In these contexts, what Mr. Osunbiyi advised is that due diligence should be taken to protect our mental wellness. I’m the type of person that would easily burst into tears for anything schmaltzy, but, I’m also very sensitive to anything gruesome or ‘painful to watch’. I am an easily distressed person. That is why I have to keep myself in check a lot of the time because I can begin fretting about things (like racial slurs in campaigning, for a quick example) and then start to become consumed by anger and sadness.

The next 40 days or so, are going to be highly-charged with Guyana’s brand of politics. And as much as we can try to avoid politics, it permeates most (if not all) components of our lives. Whether it is skipping past an article or a video, or leaving a conversation, I have to find ways of protecting my ‘energy’.

If you read this, you should think about your mental wellness too!

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 19, 2020

VII

#SupportCreativity

By Subraj Singh

To all the films snubbed by

the Oscars this year

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HE bad news is that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is still as closed-minded as in previous years, as evidenced by the fact that they have refused to acknowledge in their nominations for the 92nd Academy Awards (the Oscars), outstanding work that was put forward by people of colour, women, foreign language actors and filmmakers, and persons from (as well as those who make content related to) the LGBTQIA+ community. There was a staggering array of work on display in 2019. In fact, the quality of work has ensured that this year’s Academy’s Awards will be one of the most contested and competitive seasons in the Academy’s history. It would have been even more interesting and competitive had the Academy chosen to highlight the work of the previously mentioned marginalised groups that it has always rejected in favour of straight, white men, and movies for that target demographic.

It is indeed deplorable, sad, and regressive to think about Lupita Nyong’o (a black, Mexican-Kenyan actress) not receiving a Best Actress nomination this year for her performance in the horror film, “Us”, or Greta Gerwig (one of the best modern directors) not being nominated for directing the newest adaptation of “Little Women.”

It would have been just another year if these kinds of snubs were the exception, but for the Academy, this kind of behaviour has, throughout its almost 100-year old history, become the norm. Let us observe one category, for example, the Best Actress category.

It is 2020 and in the history of the Oscars, there has been only one Black Best Actress winner (Halle Berry), no Latin American Best Actress winners, no Asian Best Actress winners ( and shockingly, only a single woman of Asian descent was ever nominated in this category, in 1935!).

Considering the diversity of

America and the fact that the Oscar is almost 100 years old, these stats are downright ridiculous and depressing, especially when one can think of several women who were sidelined in previous years.

vive and become staples of film schools and academia and that the Academy itself cannot always be counted upon to reward the very best (think about the thousands of movies made outside of

‘Dolemite is My Name, Netflix, 2019’ Despite all of the snubs, Hollywood each year that are there is still some good news, ignored due to the fact that however. The good news is America’s film-making envithat truly iconic films and ronment chooses to reward itperformances do not need an self, while giving merely five Oscar to give them worth or slots to the many outstanding value. In fact, there are some international films that get notable cases of the Academy made every year). making very awkward and inThe proof that a film or teresting decisions throughout a performance can become the years. It is clear that the legendary without an Oscar Academy sometimes makes can be observed through sevdecisions that contrast with eral examples. Orson Welles’ the views of critics and the “Citizen Kane,” sometimes movie-going audience, and regarded as the greatest film sometimes the fallout from ever made, did not win the these decisions takes years to Academy’s Best Picture prize. get over, or in some cases, in Other iconic films to not win the most famous examples, Best Picture that have since the fallout is prolonged in- gone on to achieve iconic definitely. The point is that status anyway, include: “The the great films/performances Colour Purple,” “Saving Pridon’t need the Oscars to sur- vate Ryan,” and “Do the Right

Thing.” Alfred Hitchcock, the master of horror and suspense who influenced generations of filmmakers, never won a Best Director Oscar, probably on account of the bias against horror films that exist within the Academy. Angela Bassett did not win for “What’s Love Got to Do with It”; Cicely Tyson did not win for “Sounder.” Glenn Close, revered for her performances in such films as “Dangerous Liaisons,” “Albert Nobbs” and “Fatal Attraction,” has been snubbed six times.

I think that several of the worthy films and perfor-

mances that were snubbed this year will continue to be analysed and appreciated for years to come. “The Farewell,” with its sweet and sorrowful performances by Awkwafina and Zhao Shuzhen, will always remind viewers of how far we are willing to go for family.

“Booksmart” will be heralded as one of the great comedies of our age and an amazing female-buddy/high school/feminist film as well.

“Dolemite is My Name” is a film about a piece of film history, with Eddie Murphy turning in his finest perfor-

mance yet. “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” is a tender film, unspooling the raw and doomed love between two women in 18th Century France, and “Midsommar” is a beautiful and creepy tale with a towering Florence Pugh as a woman scorned.

These are some of the best films of the year, and it is possible that many years from now, the Academy will look back at this time with much regret that some of the most outstanding movies and performances of our time did not gain a single nomination at the Oscars.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 19, 2020

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 19, 2020

IX

Focus on the Village

A chat with the residents of

Belladrum Stigfred Wilson

By Michel Outridge

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HIS week the Pepperpot Magazine visited the village of Belladrum, West Coast Berbice and spoke to residents about their way of life and developments in the village.

Being a rice-cultivation village, Belladrum has some residents who work with rice mills that are located in neighbouring villages on the West Coast Berbice corridor.

Colin Fraser is an operator at a rice mill. Although retired, he is still working as a way of occupying his time.

“I am 62 years old. I retired years ago but I am just working to pass time, because I really don’t have to,” he said.

As a local, Fraser reported that the people in Belladrum are very simple and they lead a similar life, doing what they must do and go about their business calmly and collectively.

“Around here people don’t waste time, we all have things to do and most people work on their farms, kitchen gardens and rice fields,” he said.

Fraser told the Pepperpot Magazine that the people of Belladrum are rice and cash- crop farmers; they own small businesses and rear poultry, pigs, cattle and they have a handful of fishermen.

He reported that some young people, mostly the men, are members of the Joint Services and they are based in the city but would return home on weekends.

Fraser disclosed that he was residing elsewhere but returned to his home village four years ago; and people would say Belladrum Village starts from Weldaad to the Abary Bridge.

“We, the West Coast Berbice people does say Belladrum start from Weldaad To Abary Bridge, because we know it as that because even though you from Paradise when people ask where you from you does say Belladrum,” he explained.

The Pepperpot Magazine also met a shop owner, Sherman Winfield, who was with another resident in his business place watching a cricket match.

He described life in Belladrum as good because he is earning and once one is employed, be it self-employed or in the private or public sector, it is a job.

Winfield is a shop owner in the village who sells groceries and beverages among other things. He said his wife is the village seamstress and they are doing well in there.

Cheryl Mingo is a roadside food vendor and a cheerful woman, who has some home-made fruit juices and snacks such as pholurie, egg ball, roti and curry, boiled channa and puri.

Troy Mitchell

The 60-year-old related that she has been in the business for about a year and a half, having retired as a security guard from the rice mill at Burma Road, Mahaicony.

She stated that things are good in Belladrum because they have benefitted from developments within the years with good roads, drains and other infrastructure.

Stigfred Wilson, a local, told the Pepperpot Magazine that he is pleased with the progress of the village in terms of development, but the only thing needed is to strengthen the sea defence, which overtops during the spring tide when the waves are the highest.

He explained that last year when High Dam had flooding due to the spring tide, they had some flooding too; sections of the sea defence were breached.

Wilson added that the sea defence at Belladrum foreshore is void of mangroves; as such, there is a beach area,.

The team also met Troy Mitchell, a resident as well, who resides in an unpaved street and would like it to be asphalted since there is a kindergarten in the same street and when it rains it is very muddy for the children to traverse.

He works with a rice farmer and was with a group of men at a corner shop in the village having a friendly conversation over some drinks when the Pepperpot Magazine visited.

Sherman Winfield in his grocery shop (Carl Croker photos)

Sherman Winfield’s shop

Some of the men of Belladrum at a corner shop in a ‘gaff’

The way to the beach at Belladrum Village

elladrum B

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 19, 2020

An agricultural village

A well-paved street in the village

Belladrum signage with Glendon Reynolds’ business place in the background

By Michel Outridge

ELLADRUM, West Coast Berbice is the place of members of the Joint Services and scores of small-business owners, livestock, cash-crop and rice farmers.

The community is tucked away between El Dorado and Paradise villages and it has a good drainage system, wellpaved roads, electricity, landline phone service, internet service and potable water supply.

It is the kind of village where you can feel the vibes of unity and closeness of its people and the rich history of their ancestors.

Glendon Reynolds was the first person with whom the team spoke in the community. He has a bicycle repair shop which is strategically placed on the public road.

The 52-year-old reported that by trade he is a miner and

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Glendon Reynolds at his bicycle repair shop (Carl Croker photos)

would spend a lot of time in the interior making a living; at times however, he would return home as he did over the holidays.

Reynolds stated that sometimes life is up and down but one has to adopt a positive outlook and continue to try without giving up.

He related that the village has every little thing except a ballfield for the youths and children to play, since the young men play football and would have to go to Paradise village to utilise their playfield for practice and games.

Reynolds added that Belladrum is the place of his birth and it is a very nice place to settle and the people there are always up for a chat; it was evident at the many roadside shops where they had gathered to chat.

“This place nice, but we need to utilise the youths more because some still doing nothing although educated and we must put them to work so they can generate an income,” he said.

Reynolds reported that he opened his small bicycle repair shop about two years ago to facilitate villagers with putting air in their wheels and do repairs to their bicycles and at the same time he is earning a living.

He stated that the village is ‘big’ when it comes to pig-rearing and some people do it on a large scale and the next top earner is rice cultivation.

Reynolds said in Belladrum it is almost crime-free and there are no such thing as conflicts there, since it is a closeknit community.

“Most people have their farms and usually sell the fruits and vegetables right here in this village; we support each other and some have small shops and other businesses,” he said.

Reynolds noted that he sells engine oil, does repairs to all types of bicycles and that the shop is opened for business on most days, so residents can access the service when in necessary.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 19, 2020

XI

‘Life is good in the countryside’

Joseph Greenville in his yard among his fruit trees

The shop in front Joseph Greenville’s yard

By Michel Outridge

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oseph Greenville is a resident of Belladrum, West Coast Berbice and he is one of the nicest people you will ever meet.

At 93 years old he can still give an accurate account of his family history and all that is happening around him.

He is regarded as an elder and a role model in his village, a son of the soil to whom everyone looks for advice or for even a pep talk.

Greenville still does his own gardening, all household chores and still has the time to do his own plumbing, painting and mason work around the house.

When the Pepperpot Magazine visited Belladrum, everyone directed the team to “Uncle Greenville,” stating that he knows a lot about the village and life.

So the team visited Greenville and he was more than pleased to take the time to have a chat.

He related that he had resided at Lot 18 Bent Street, Georgetown with his family as a boy; his father was a policeman and he had eight siblings, one of whom has since passed away.

Greenville added that in 1941 his father retired from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and they moved away

The Anglican Church Joseph Greenville attended in 1942

from the city and settled in Belladrum when he was eight years old.

He recalled his father did quite a bit of farming and they had reaped a healthy crop of tomatoes on August 12, 1942; he was tasked with putting the box of tomatoes on the train which was heading to the city.

“I remembered the train was in motion and I trying to put the box of tomatoes in the train and I fell between the rails (platform) and could not move as such, my left hand was crushed and I was in the hospital for some time, but I never shed a tear,” he said.

The father of nine stated that life in Belladrum is very good for him because he is not lazy so he isn’t complaining about anything.

“I do my farming and I sell my vegetables within this village and I am doing well because I have the support of the people here,” he said.

In Greenville’s yard there are a lot of plants, fruit trees are bountiful and in the back yard he has his farm and he has the company of his granddaughter, since his children reside overseas and his wife died a few years ago.

“My mother used to say one thing, don’t let the sun rise and you are still in bed, and that was my motto and it served me well, because I wake up at 4am every

morning and do my chores and farming,” he said.

The senior citizen disclosed that he sold his cattle some time ago because it was getting to be too much for him, even though he joked that help is too slow for him and he never found the need for a prosthetic hand.

He recalled when back in the days he used oxen to plough the fields for farming and talked about how much he enjoyed utilising the land to make a living.

Even at his age, he attends the Anglican Church in the village every Sunday and if invited to any youth meeting, he would show up to talk to the young people.

He is also a political activist and is very good at public speaking.

Greenville said he was schooled at the Anglican Church, which is still standing and school services are held there to date. It is located in the Belladrum Primary School compound.

This elder had the company of President David Granger at his 90th birth anniversary celebration, which was held at his home and had the pleasure of meeting and interacting with many past presidents of Guyana.

“My life is good because I make it that way, but I miss my wife, Euna Christina, who passed away 11 years ago because she was my queen and my company,” he said.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 19, 2020

village Belladrum Primary School (Carl Croker photos)

By Michel Outridge

ELLADRUM is the place of agriculture, mainly rice and cash crops and is a community that is on the move.

Emile Wilson is the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Councillor for Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), the Profit/Rising Sun catchment area.

He reported that within the past four years when the current administration took office they have seen a lot of development in the village, such as mud dams being transformed into all-weather roads and streets and proper drainage management.

Wilson is also a resident of Belladrum and he is very pleased with the progress of the village being referred to as the ‘breadbasket’ on that corridor, West Coast Berbice, because the main activity is rice farming on a large scale.

He added that many residents are employed by rice farmers; as such, they are able to provide for their families.

The councillor told the Pepperpot Magazine that many years ago, they had a system whereby they farmed on a

B

small scale which consisted of cash crops and rice which was harvested once a year, but now with the introduction of newer rice varieties they get two crops of rice per year.

Wilson reported that rice farming wasn’t so expensive back then and depending on the rainfall, they would get two crops of rice per year, adding that it takes about 110 to 120 days per crop.

He stated that the NDC in Belladrum is mandated to oversee the residential area, but they do venture out in other areas to improve and upgrade drainage in which they would seek assistance from the NDIA and MMA/ ADA to help farmers.

Wilson pointed out that as a boy growing up in Belladrum, the sea was far away from the village, but within recent times it is close to the land now and it has turned into a beach.

He stated that at the foreshore area there were some low patches that were vulnerable to overtopping, but they did some works by filling it up with earth so that is under control and the situation is not critical.

Wilson related that within the four-year period governed by the coalition administration, they have

Some of the houses in Belladrum

benefitted from well-paved roads and streets and presently, roads in several villages such as Washington, Paradise, Golden Fleece and El Dorado are being done.

The councillor stated that in El Dorado village, the first cross street is being asphalted and they are very thankful for such progress.

He disclosed that there is, however, the need for a sports club to promote sports in the village since the CoCo Banana Sports Club has collapsed.

Wilson said the village needs good ambassadors and the youths are playing their part to participate in sports such as football and cricket and they utilise the playing field at Paradise Village.

He added that the Paradise playfield is outfitted with floodlights and is a well-fenced area in which night sports take place.

Wilson pointed out too,that there are playfields at El Dorado and Weldaad villages.

Belladrum is home to about 5,000 residents, most of whom are small-business owners, and rice and cash-crop farmers.

A newly paved road

Villagers

rum g Bellad nnectin lages o c e g il A brid adise v and Par

A resident on his tractor

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 19, 2020

Belladrum fulfilli

Medex Lester Valentine

By Michel Outridge

HE Belladrum Health Centre is fulfilling its purpose in the community with the provision of much-needed services under the watch of Medex Lester Valentine, who is also from that village.

He told the Pepperpot Magazine that the health centre serves a catchment area of Profit to Rising Sun, West Coast Berbice, but people from other villages visit to utilise its services.

Valentine added that with eight staffers including a midwife, he has the capacity and all that is needed to boost the services is a laboratory, since they have a pharmacy with an in-house pharmacist.

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Belladrum Health Centre (Carl Croker photos)

Staffers of Belladrum Health Centre

The pharmacy

Staff at work

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e r t n e C e t Health a d n a ng its m

The medex reported that it is an honour to return to his village and serve the community and he is pleased because he knows the people and they are comfortable with him making it relatively easy to discuss their medical condition.

He said they have specific clinic days for various patients, but the chronic disease and hypertension clinic is the largest and they are the busiest.

At the health centre, they see a lot of patients with seasonal illnesses such as cold and flu and respiratory infections.

Valentine disclosed that on Mondays they have ante-natal clinic; Tuesdays are out-patient clinic; Wednesdays are school health where they go into schools and have health care talks; Thursdays are infant, pre-school and post-natal

clinics and on Fridays, they have reproductive health, home visits to elderly and shut-ins, and family planning.

The medex said he has been at the location for the past seven years and so far, it has been good serving the community he is from.

He is also the caregiver for his ailing mother and a friend to almost everyone in the village since he is home-grown.

“We provide good services here because I have a good team on board and we aim to fulfil our mandate and people feel more comfortable coming here rather than going to a hospital and we are very efficient as well,” he said.

Medex Valentine told the Pepperpot Magazine that the people of Belladrum are self-sufficient and really don’t have to leave the village for anything.

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Elections and what we should learn of its human nature

Especially those who want to own the nation W E do not ever evaluate elections outside of the enforced subculture of racial politics and its conformity. We live here, so we must pursue a basic understanding of those who want to act in the national interest and the ‘Shut Buttons’ who want to engage in self-serving pacts and ritual covens. Most of the new political party enthusiasts are during the periods between elections, ambivalent and inactive towards any social and public involvement in the grievances and concerns of our humanity, except through critical letters. They show no hands-on interest in the very constituencies they want to vote for them in an emotional quick-rush at elections, the concept of uncelebrated (via media and accolades) contributions are intangible to their nature; thus, elections are purposeful only to establish relevance- their personal relevance- when obvious social oblivion beckons. But that in itself is an illusion, for a quote from pagan literature warns: “All things human will fade away; only works and deeds shall endure.” There is no mention of riches as works and deeds.

to be bright and we send you to Cuba to give you a future.

She is Afro-Guyanese, yes she black, yes I seh she black the PNC ent own black people...” etc. etc. etc.

I wrote about this distinct cultural difference between the major political parties on September 8, 2019. GNNL in an article titled, “It is not the ethnic dilemma that divides us at elections, but the severely denied cultural dilemma” and I’ll quote the prophetic extract from that article “I will quickly analyse. If in office among one people when you execute that office in their interest, culturally translate to instant political homage, then the execution of officialdom becomes the conduit of bribery. You punish the ‘other’ because you don’t get the same homage if you build a bridge, because, in that culture, the cultural perception is, that you are placed in that office to work in the interest of the people.

You build the bridge because it is your duty to do so, and it is appreciated. You are viewed as an honoured Elder.” I never could have believed that evidence for my analogy could have been justified that quickly.

Next, across the Afro-New World, the term ‘black peo-

the most profound relevant statement. Mark 12; 38, 39, 40 “Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the market places, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts which devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers; these shall receive greater damnation.” Does this sound like a soul that would join a scandal-riddled atheist political cult? Yet, this was the pronouncement on the Christ before 2015, from this selfsame politician, who also postulates as a religious leader.

Schwab was quoted in 1992 stating that the dividing line of the future is not between those who have and those who don’t. But between those who know and who don’t; self-hate is always rooted in a deeper psychosis, sometimes unreachable; all nations have had characters with this dangerous impediment. The Englishman Houston Stewart Chamberlain the Kaiser’s Vizier, was one such character who stood in rejection of his national origin [in our case ethnic], who can be credited with inspiring the first World War and an inspiration to the Nazi movement.

There is also another area that elections unveil: a pageantry of human case studies, that reveal ‘liars,’ ‘shameless dishonesty,’ and ‘callous deception and opportunism,’ leading to the human susceptibility to allow emotions of some immediate disappointment to create out of the clueless, procrastinating whiner, the necessary political cannon fodder. Apart from the social dramatic tragedies, there are the cultural and historical episodes. The in-depth tragedy of the colonial legacy where ideals are trampled upon and the colonial “jumbie” of self-contempt and loathing is revealed. Evident in the reference of the inevitably destructive nature of the imposter who leads an army then flees as Darius of Persia did, to be subsequently executed by his own generals. I want to confront self-contempt/hate in the vocabulary of politics, against not the obscure, but in defiance of the publicly clarified. The Kitty launch of the opposition elections campaign, a known character whose phenotype is obviously Afro-Guyanese, expounded in a crude race-baiting launch in the following narrative...“This young woman is a medical doctor for six years; you know what this means, she is one of Jagdeo’s scholars. She is one of those 1,000 plus young people that were sent to Cuba when we din look at colour, race or religion. You just had

ple’ is not in the common public vocabulary when addressing African-descendants, because terms like doing ‘Black Face’ ‘Darkie’ ‘Black like sin’ ‘Negro’ have all, and more, been negative caricatures from our colonial historical reference replaced by ‘African descendants’, Afro-American, Afro- Guyanese etc. because the world acknowledges human variations and phenotypes in many cases to geographic continental origins. The only case that Black is featured as a colloquial is with Black-History Month. Thus this politician, in using Afro then reversing to “she black, yes I say she black, the PNC ent own black people,” is rooted in the same self-contempt as the allegation that he referred to Lindeners, incidentally, a region that by virtue of their economics house the largest collection of technical minds in the country, as “Hard Headed Black people.”

This is a clear case of ‘self-hate’ and not at an ordinary stage. Surely, this axe cannot convince these trees that because his handle is of wood, he is one of them. The Christ, or his Khemetic name “Maá Kheru” was a scourge against the exploitive organised religious-political manifestations of that era, in the same vein of some political parties today.

It was Christ who whipped the violators out of the Temple, referred to the pretenders as “A generation of vipers” and

To reject dangerous propaganda with fact is the cleansing broth towards a healthier nation, as follows A- The birth of the PNC according to Ashton Chase’s ‘History of Trade Unionism in Guyana 1900 to 1961 “Mr. Burnham with the aid of Dr. Latchmansingh split the PPP IN 1955.”pg. 212, B- then Jai Narine Singh’s ‘Guyana Democracy Betrayed’ quote- “Jagan had by now lost his main militant supporters, and had himself become a kind of dictator governing the affairs of Guyana as lord and master of it all. He organised protest demonstrations in several parts of the country in the course of which Afro Guyanese were killed and murdered, this led to a chain reaction, organised by the PNC and their supporters...”

The circumstances of our sordid history as Lionel Peters frames it must be addressed when in the face of dishonest, nonsensical pronouncements and false accusations about forced ownership of peoples, when it is obvious the truth differs. But this information of a past thinking and its attitudes, in its entirety, and not distorted, should be commonly known for a wiser more enlightened nation, to finally clear the space of all phantoms: those that haunt from the past and those alive among us.

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‘Food’ for the face

Linden entrepreneur’s soaps are all the rave

By Naomi Marshall

“

OPPORTUNITY can turn up at any place and it’s very important that you make use of whatever opportunity you see,” are the words of Ruth Esbrand, proprietor of Esbees Facial Soap, who shared how she took advantage of a “random occasion” which turned her into an entrepreneur.

The woman, who resides in the mining town of Linden, has always had a passion and desire to make soap, but never really knew how to go about making it.

However, in June 2018, Esbrand was blessed with the opportunity to attend a soap- making course which was being hosted by the Small Business Bureau Guyana and she immediately took advantage of the occasion.

“When I went to that training it became real and I knew soap-making was going to be something for me,” she noted.

After completing the soap-making course, Esbrand instantly began gathering materials to make her first batch of soaps at home.

The 53-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that she was pleased with how her first batch of soap came out and shared it with friends and family, who in return gave her excellent feedback on the soap.

This encouraged the mother of three to quit her job as a sales representative and to venture out into the world of entrepreneurship, since she saw being an entrepreneur as better than being an employee.

Esbrand was going to begin making soaps to sell; however, she desired to make a soap that would differ from the normal bath soaps.

She said, “I just didn’t want to make a regular soap, because I realised that you could go in the supermarket and pick up any soap, so I decided that I need to make a soap that will be able to meet the needs of people and then it came to me, a facial soap!”

“Everybody wants to look prettier because your face is your passport and everybody want to make their face look better,”

Ruthproprietor Esbrand, of Esbees Facial Soap

Esbees’ Tumeric Facial Soap

Esbrand added.

With sufficient research, Esbrand was able to create a facial soap which is great for deep cleansing, moisturising, nourishing and toning one’s skin. Lindeners see her soap as “food for the face” and she gets creative with the appearance of the soap by making them in different colours and shapes that gives the soap an edible look.

“It’s like when you eat the right food you become healthy,

it’s the same way with the soap: once you use a soap with the right content you would get this nice, fresh toned look,” she noted.

Esbrand explained that at first she was not seeing profit from making soaps; however, two months after, she started getting her profit which changed her perspective.

She added, “The thing about soap-making is that it was affordable for me…I started making from one pint of oil then I went to two pints, now I’m making from gallons… it’s satisfying, its profit-making and I feel that as I develop and get a machine I will be able to develop a larger profit margin.”

Esbrand is encouraging persons to join the field of entrepreneurship so that they could be their own bosses.

“But being your own boss doesn’t mean that you would be lazy and throwback, you got to make the sacrifices. You need to have patience with your business,” she posited.

The Price of Esbees Facial Soap ranges from $300 to $1,000 and persons interested in getting this miracle soap can contact Ruth Esbrand on 645-4667.

This year we will support our local Guyanese businesses (Part II)

Every big business had to start small

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AST week, I started a discussion on supporting local businesses in Guyana. I do hope that many of you heeded my message and understood the importance of supporting your own. If you ask me, our mindset towards local businesses in Guyana is quite the irony.

For instance, we would turn a blind eye to the man at the corner of the street selling plantain and sweet potato chips, but we would consciously buy packeted and imported versions of the same chips.

Why? Or did I miss that lesson in Business or Economics class where they taught that imported, foreign and even more expensive is somehow; ‘better.’

Call the jury, because I am guilty of doing such as well.

However, as I grew, I developed the urge to start my own business; I later realised the importance it has. My mother owned her very own business, a hair salon that she tirelessly worked to establish and build.

It was a part of her livelihood and my mother is very proud of who she is and what her

business became. It opened my ‘feminine eyes’ a bit more, as I also realised a female owning a business and a man owning a business can be two completely different things. Yes, this is my inner feminist speaking.

Males certainly might have a better chance at flourishing in society in specific but yet significant fields-- business is no exception either. Nonetheless, I am determined to change the mindset of what we traditionally know and how we view a local business.

Rebecca D’Andrade is the owner of Bliss Makeup Studio.

Rebecca is self-made and built her business from scratch;she is a makeup artist and a young entrepreneur. Apart from being a makeup artist, she is also a baker, who also owns the small cupcake company, Delight Treats. Rebecca wanted to share some advice, tips and tricks for running a successful small business. She said, “Balance passion with wisdom. One of the most important aspects of a successful business idea is passion.

Passion will consistently drive you to improve your process so

your business grows, but don’t let passion take over all your decisions. Passion will move you forward, but knowledge will point you in the right direction.

As your business starts to come together, think of it like driving a car. Let your passion hit the gas pedal and your mind control the steering wheel. That way, you can be confident about the direction you’re headed and sustain the momentum you need to get there. Earn while you build. If you want to start a small business, don’t quit your day job, yet.” This successful makeup artist continued by saying, “Launching a successful start-up is a process. Build your business in stages and gradually transition from employee to entrepreneur.

As a new business owner, it will take some time to earn a steady income. Keep your nine-to-five and work on the business during off-hours so you can earn during those tough first stages. Once you have a healthy inflow of cash from your company, you can tackle business ownership full time. As you see your dream grow from an idea to an enterprise, your opportunities to cut

corners will multiply. Grow your character as you grow your business, so the latter doesn’t crush the former. Take the risk and believe in yourself. We never know the outcome of our efforts unless we do it. No one succeeds immediately, and everyone was once a beginner.”

I want young and upcoming entrepreneurs to understand that it is not mythical or impossible to establish a business. For many, the main issue may be money/finances. The small business bureau and banks across Guyana can assist you with such. Attending business workshops are great ways to expand your knowledge and it can also help you to network with other small-business owners and other business persons of interest. Havendra Sookraj is also another successful co-owner of the popular Berbice family water park, Outback Adventures.

Havendra stressed that “Running a successful business is an uphill challenge. It requires innovative thinking, while offering a dynamically new product or service on the market.” He further stated that “Any entrepreneur

that wants to make the cut in the 21st century has to be well acquainted with the demands of the local market, cost-effective means of production and customer friendly, after-sale services. It’s always about getting the right product, to the right customer, at the right price, in the right way, and on time, every time.”

Seventy per cent of all small businesses are owned and operated by one person. A business can be overwhelming even for co-owners, much less one person. I hope this article gives small business owners of Guyana a beacon of hope and

inspiration.

There is a saying that suggests that every big business starts small and without a doubt in my mind, it’s true.

Yo u d o not only support a small business whenever you choose to buy/ be a client of theirs. You are supporting someone’s dreams and aspirations. I shared the advice and stories of Rebecca and Havendra to give you living examples, that anything is possible if you truly put your mind to it. Owning a successful business is possible-- even for Guyanese!

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 19, 2020

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he Gove r n ment of Guyana recognises and values the talents of all citizens and will make every effort to ensure that they are absorbed into the country’s workforce. This year, 2020 is the beginning of the ‘Decade of Development,’ during which President David Granger has promised significant reduction in unemployment rates, and significant increase in employment opportunities.

However, long before the `Decade of Development,’ the then Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security, now Ministry of Social Protection, has been matching potential employees with employers through the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency (CRMA), formerly known as the Employment Exchange. In fact, just last year, the CRMA helped 500 persons find employment. This edition of Government in Action explores the CRMA’s efforts to advance employment in Guyana.

THE CENTRAL RECRUITMENT AND MANPOWER AGENCY Chief Recruitment and Manpower Officer, Ms. Valerie Moore provided a brief overview of the agency. “[The CRMA was] established [under] the Employment Exchange Act in 1944… for the purpose of collecting and keeping records of people who were seeking employment and records of those who were desirous of people working for them. That [was] the main focus in that time, but we have gone a little further…

Apart from registration and placing… we visit employers who would like to have [persons] to employ,” Ms Moore said.

The CRMA offers an extensive recruitment and job-placement process. Job seekers are registered with the CRMA who certify the authenticity of their qualifications and resumes.

Qualified job seekers are then recommended for referral and are submitted to various employers for interviews. The employer sends feedback for every successful and unsuccessful interview, which the CRMA discusses with the applicant and the process is repeated until the job-seeker is employed.

“We try as we go along to help people… Those who come and are also desirous of learning a skill and [those who have] left school early, no secondary education, we partner with other agencies… Our main partner is the Board of Industrial Training.

They do skills training for out-of-school youth [ages] 15-35…

What we try to do [is more than to] register and [to] place. Once we discover that you have potential, [through] occupational counselling, and we know what [skills are] required for [the different opportunities]. Some people will come and show the interest in doing [occupations] other than labour, [or] other jobs that require little qualification. So, we will channel them in those directions,” she said.

Ms. Moore said that while she feels pride in seeing job-seekers receive employment opportunities, the real victory is won when persons stick to their job search instead of giving up.

“I feel good and I feel proud that [they are employed], but I’ve experienced that a lot because I’ve been at the department a number of years… We always encourage them to keep doing the

M Chi Offi

right

Ms. Yolanda Grant, Assistant Chief Recruitment and Manpower Officer, Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency

Ms. Va Manp

thing. Go t o work early… People tend to, when they get their Ms. Valerie Moore, Chief Recruitment and Ms. work, become complaManpower Officer, Central Recruitment Ed cent… When they come and they and Manpower Agency Unit tell us, we’re happy for them, b u t we encourage them to do the right Ms. Shenel Benn, Prevention and thing so that they could keep their Education Officer, Counter TIP jobs… If we send someone for referral Stude Unit, Ministry of Social Protection at a work place and they don’t get through, it unpartn does not end there. They can come and come and come d e r Man stand the imuntil they’ve been placed,” she said. of good interMs. Moore advised other businesses seeking employees to portance (Photo Students of the Sophia Night School, which\ of the emand workplace habits from the perspective partner with the CRMA to help erase unemployment in Guyana. view partnered thealso Central Recruitment and ministries and The with CRMA collaborates with other “We have our clients, people who have been with us over ployer.

Manpower Agency to help prepare young agencies,such as the Night School offered by the Department of the years… I would like to thank them for using us. Those who for the world of work.

Youthjob-seekers within the Department of Social Cohesion to help boost have not come on board with us, I’d like them to partner with (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Social Protection) us so that we can be able to help those persons who are seeking applicants’ qualifications. Ms. Grant offered a few interview employment to lead a productive life[sic] and that, I’m certain… tips for job-seekers.

“When the [job seekers] come for the workshop, they’re a will help with the unemployment issue in this country,” she said. little tense, but as you go through the training with them, they become relaxed and open. They would ask you questions and…

JOB SEARCH TIPS For the job seekers who need a boost in how to conduct when you pose the interview questions to them and explain to themselves during an interview and other soft job skills, the them how they should answer the questions, many times they CRMA offers the Job Readiness workshop. The implementation would be like, ‘Oh, wow, I never knew that!’ One of the first of this workshop saw an increase in interviews that resulted questions an interviewer would ask [is to] tell [them] about in job placement. So far, the workshop has been expanded to yourself. Persons [may] answer, ‘Oh I’m Yolanda Grant; I have Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two), Essequibo Islands-West two kids.’ No. The employer is not concerned about that… The Demerara (Region Three), East Berbice-Corentyne (Region best way to answer that question is [with the skills] you have to give. ‘I’m self-motivated. I’m resourceful. I’m a good leader, Six), and Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice (Region 10).

According to Assistant Chief Recruitment and Manpower a team leader’. It describes you, but also it’s relating to the Officer Ms. Yolanda Grant, who also facilitates the workshop, job,” she said.

Ms. Grant also advises that job seekers, both men and womthe CRMA aims to empower young people through guided en, attend interviews in modest, professional business attire facilitation.

“We try our best to match persons with jobs that best fit their as provocative attire can be distracting. She also encouraged capabilities because… we want them to be comfortable in their them to truthfully highlight their strengths and weaknesses, capacity of work. That said, one of the challenges faced by both pairing the weaknesses with growth opportunities. Ms. Grant employers and the job seekers is that the job seekers fail at the also recommends that job seekers limit inappropriate content starting point. That is the interview process… Persons would on their social media profiles, as employers often use social produce a good resume, but when it comes to selling themselves, media to find out more about prospective employees. Always they’re unable to do so. So, we initiated the Job Readiness give a range, she says, when asked for salary figure and always remember that job-hunting is a competition.

Workshop, which started in March of 2017,” Ms. Grant said.

“I just want to encourage youth to be more flexible and The Job Readiness Workshop also teaches work place ethics through role play. This, Ms. Grant says, helps the job-seekers take up opportunities in other trainings that they would not have chosen and to take full advantage of the programmes of-

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 19, 2020

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 19, 2020

Ms. Yolanda Grant, Assistant Chief Recruitment and Manpower Officer, Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency Ms. Valerie Moore, Chief Recruitment and Manpower Officer, Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency

Ms. Yolanda Grant, Assistant ief Recruitment and Manpower ficer, Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency

alerie Moore, Chief Recruitment and power Officer, Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency

Ms. Shenel Benn, Prevention and Education Officer, Counter TIP Unit, Ministry of Social Protection

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Students of the Sophia Night School, which\ partnered with the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency to help prepare young job-seekers for the world of work.

(Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Social Protection)

. Shenel Benn, Prevention and ducation Officer, Counter TIP t, Ministry of Social Protection

ents of the Sophia Night School, which\ nered with the Central Recruitment and npower Agency to help prepare young job-seekers for the world of work. the governo courtesyfered of theby Ministry of Social Protection)

ment through a number of agencies, so that they can become employable. Also, as the country prepares to embark on oil production, Guyanese youth must be equipped to take advantage of every opportunity available to them. I want to encourage persons seeking employment, and employers seeking suitable employees, to utilise the services provided by the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency and also take note that our service that we provide is free of cost,” she said.

CRMA SUCCESS Last September, Ms.Shenel Benn was offered a position at the Ministry of Social Protection after going through the recruitment process at the CRMA. Ms. Benn shared with us, details about her job-search experience and life in the world of work.

“You know, job-seeking can be a bit tedious when you’re looking to find the correct field to work in, that ties [into] what you would’ve studied, your qualifications and so forth. So, having heard of the CRMA and approaching them, it was a very smooth and helpful process. The staff there is very helpful in locating and finding you a job that suits your qualifications.

The staff, they were very helpful [and] courteous. They were down to earth. So,in terms of any queries or questions and concerns about how you seek employment, your mode of dress, the way you should speak, they were very knowledgeable and they ensured that they imparted their knowledge to you,” Ms. Benn said.

Her employment, Ms. Benn explained, helped develop her

public in edu cating them on traf- f i c k i n g i n persons. So, with that constant communication you become a bit bolder,” she said.

Ms. Benn encourages job-seekers to take full advantage of the service offered by the CRMA. “For current job seekers and anyone who is of the persuasion that it’s very difficult to find a job out there, I would definitely encourage them to check the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency. The staff is very much helpful and they will ensure that you’re placed at the place that will be suitable for your qualifications. And persons who are now embarking on the journey of work, I would just encourage them to be punctual, to be very confident, but to be very humble for the opportunity, and to take full [advantage] of all the opportunities that they are given. Put your best foot forward in any task that [you’re] assigned,” she said.

Ms. Benn’s story is just one of 500 of those who found employment through the CRMA in 2019. The Government of Guyana believes that all Guyanese who are willing to work should have access to job opportunities. The Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency will continue working hard to ensure that Guyanese are given the opportunity to work, improve their quality of life, and contribute to Guyana’s economy.

Ms. Yolanda Grant, Assistant Chief Recruitment and Manpower Officer, Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency Ms. Valerie Moore, Chief Recruitment and Manpower Officer, Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency

interpersonal skills.

“Having been employed, it really boosts your confidence level and the [nature] of the job, Prevention and Education Officer, I would have to interact on a daily basis with persons

Ms. Shenel Benn, Prevention and Education Officer, Counter TIP Unit, Ministry of Social Protection

Students of the Sophia Night School, which partnered with the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency to help prepare young job-seekers for the world of work.

(Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Social Protection)

from the

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Snoring

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NORING, like all other sounds, is caused by vibrations that cause particles in the air to form sound waves. For example, when we speak, our vocal cords vibrate to form our voice.

When our stomach growls (borborygmus), our stom-

ach and intestines vibrate as air and food move through them. While we sleep, turbulent airflow can cause the tissues of the nose and throat to vibrate and give rise to snoring.

The Journal of the American College of Chest Physicians recently reported that

snoring in women is a sign of pregnancy-induced hypertension and risk for growth retardation of the fetus. Hypertension disorders during pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal death in the United States and Great Britain and are important causes of neonatal morbidity and

mortality. The cause of these disorders is unknown.

Because snoring is common in pregnancy, investigators in Sweden studied more than 500 pregnant women to see what effect snoring had

on their health, b u t according to Karl Franklin, MD, and colleagues at the Umea University Hospital in Sweden, no one has investigated whether snoring is associated with hypersensitive disorders of pregnancy. Snoring can be a sign of increased upper airway resistance and obstructive sleep apnea (temporary pause in breathing) and known to be associated with arterial hypertension and coronary artery disease.

Investigators looked into the snoring-related occurrence of pre-eclampsia, toxaemia of pregnancy characterised by hypertension, proteinuria (excessive serum proteins), and oedema (a buildup of fluids in body tissues), as well as daytime sleepiness, and infant outcome. The study included a questionnaire that women completed on the day of their delivery with the involvement of their husband or partner. It also included analysing Apagar scores that reflected the infant’s heart rate, respiratory effect, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and colour-all measured shortly after birth.

Snoring increased during pregnancy. By the third trimester, 24 percent of the women reported that they had begun snoring or increased their level of snoring.

Twenty-three per cent said that their snoring had become habitual during the last week before delivery. Habitual snoring was described as snoring every night or almost every night. Sleep apnea was observed in 11 percent of habitual snorers compared with two percent of the nonfrequent snorers. The habitual snorers also had a more pronounced weight increase during pregnancy. Fourteen percent of the women who snored habitually had pregnancy-induced hypertension as compared with six percent of the nonfrequent snorers.

Ten percent of the women who habitually snored met the definition of pre-eclampsia with hypertension and proteinuria compared with four percent of the non-frequent snorers.

Daytime sleepiness increasingly grew among all women during pregnancy, and no marked differences were observed between the habitual snorers and nonfrequent snorers. Daytime sleepiness started earlier in pregnancy than did snoring.

Oedema (swelling) of the face, hands, legs or feet occurred in 52 percent of the habitual snorers compared with 30 percent for others.

Infants born to mothers who were habitual snorers more frequently had lower birth weight and lower Apgar scores, a finding researchers described as “novel.” More than seven percent of mothers who were habitual snorers delivered an infant with growth retardation at birth compared with 2.6 percent among nonhabitual snorers. After adjusting for weight, age, and smoking habits, snoring remained a significant predictor of growth-retardation. In addition to snoring, smoking is also found to be an independent predictor of growth-retardation. An Apgar score of less than seven was more common in infants born to habitual snorers, as compared with infants born to occasional or non-snorers.

For example, 12.4 percent of infants of habitual snorers were given an Apgar test at one minute after delivery had scores of less than seven compared with 3.6 percent of the infants of non-frequent snorers who were given the Apgar test one minute after delivery.

Statistically, the percentage differences were even greater when the test was administered five minutes after delivery, but less frequent for both habitual snorers and infrequent snorers.

All the subjects who snored habitually and had pre-eclampsia started to snore before any sign of hypertension or proteinuria was present and the habitual snoring was related to sleep apneas and this includes that nocturnal upper airway obstruction may contribute to the development of pregnancy-induced hypertension and pre-eclampsia.

The experiment concludes that it is possible that pregnant women are especially vulnerable to increases in upper airway resistance, as breathing may also be restricted by an increase in the abdominal pressure affecting the diaphragm.

Respiratory sleep studies, including the treatment of sleep apnea in women with pre-eclampsia, are desirable and may answer the question of whether there is an etiologic link between increased upper airway resistance and pre-eclampsia.

Though dentists are in a position to identify and treat patients with obstructive sleep apnea, the above study may not have much impact on a typical daily practice as many women avoid dental treatment during pregnancy or do not comprehend the relationship between dental care and sleep apnea.

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Can you write 50 things about yourself?

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READ something the other day about self-discovery and what it can do. How it can provide clarity on so many things; that it eases stress and reduces depressive and anxiety symptoms; that it promotes gratitude and self-love. I can tell you that from doing it, it does all that and so much more. It showed me areas in my life that I sometimes take for granted and areas which may need improvement. It also showed me what my personal boundaries were and where my strengths lie.

I made my list here, especially for you faithful readers who write to me every week. So you know can me a little better, so I can know myself a little better and to give examples of what your list can be.

1. I take a lot of things for granted 2. I am strong 3. My family and friends are the most important thing in my life 4. I really love sunrises 5. Music is such a big part of my every- day life 6. If I could do anything in this world, it would be to sing well 7. I’ve always wanted to learn a second language 8. I have travelled a lot in my life 9. I secretly love celebrity gossip 10. I work really hard when I’m passionate about something 11. I hold grudges until I get apologies

12. I still believe other people’s opinion matters 13. I want to not care about what other people think 14. I can say mean things when I am mad 15. I want (and try to) learn how to apologise better 16. I tend to take on burdens that are not my own 17. I do not practise enough self-care 18. I tend to binge watch TV when I’m sad 19. I love to teach the things I’m passionate about 20. Occasionally, I drink too much alcohol 21. Occasionally, I eat too much junk food 22. I read self-help books when I feel I need improvements in some life areas 23. I am so bad at math 24. I love to write 25. I rarely follow world news and therefore know very little about it 26. I sometimes overthink situations into a crisis 27. I need to fix broken things right away…this is including relationships 28. I have very little patience (but I’m working on it) 29. I love to play squash 30. I get shy around new people 31. I speak my mind too often sometimes 32. I am scared of passing on bad traits to my children 33. I worry about my future a lot 34. I worry about things I can’t control (which I’m

working on) 35. I am so grateful for my health (even though I forget to be sometimes) 36. I get easily annoyed 37. I have issues controlling my temper sometimes 38. I think education is so important and am grateful to have been educated 39. I don’t care my possessions as much as I should 40. I get sick often 41. I am terrified of anything that crawls; bugs etc.

42. Somehow, I still love the outdoors 43. I like to look good on the outside as it reflects what I feel on the inside 44. I get really happy if someone around me is genuinely happy 45. I feel low when people are negative around me 46. I believe in a higher power and I pray during low times 47. I love a good games day/night 48. I dislike cooking (but I’m trying not to at the moment) 49. I am a massive procrastinator 50. I watch a lot of crime TV shows so I get scared kind of easily.

Thank you every one for reading. Please feel free to send me your list or any other topic you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com If you would like to book an appointment with me, please message or WhatsApp 623-0433

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 19, 2020

Avocados

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HE Avocado ( Persea Americana Miller) is an evergreen tree of the family Lauraceae with seedling plants reaching 67ft (20m) in height with large, single seeded fruits having yellow to yellowish green butter-like flesh. Mature fruit vary in colour and may be green, yellow, purple or red.

There is always a great demand for avocado plants and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI)’s Plant Nurseries are always trying to meet the demands of farmers. Although, there are seedling trees around, avocado plants are commonly grafted as this reduces the time taken for bearing, combines the best characteristics of varieties and improves resistance/tolerance to diseases.

Fruits are collected from healthy, vigorous, mature trees and deseeded; the seeds are washed, dried and sown individually in black plastic bags, broad side down and covered with not more than 1 inch (2.5cm) of soil. Grafting is done when plants have attained a height of about 1.5ft (0.5m). Wedge grafting is the type commonly used. The scions for grafting are collected from healthy, vigorous, mature trees having desirable traits e.g. fruit size, flavour and shape. The graft is wrapped securely and covered with clear plastic until it catches.

This is seen if graft remains green and buds start to burst into leaf after 2-3 weeks.

During

this entire process the plants should be protected from severe sunlight and receive adequate water until transplanting in field. Avocado plants are ready for planting out in the field approximately 6-9 months after grafting. Site Selection Avocado can be grown on a variety of soils but it does not thrive on the coastland. Nevertheless, wherever the avocado is planted there is need for good drainage since its shallow root system makes it sensitive to poor drainage and water logging.

There are numerous varieties of Avocados but they all have either of two flowering patterns: A or B. The A type flowers are those which show receptive female parts in the morning and receptive male parts in the afternoon of the following day. The B type flowers show receptive female parts in the afternoon and receptive male parts in the morning of the following day. With this mechanism the female parts of the A type flowers are thus receptive to pollen from the B type flowers in the mornings, whilst the female parts of the B type flowers are receptive to pollen form the A type flowers in the afternoon. Avocado is not commonly self-pollinated, therefore it is important to encourage crosspollination by having A and B type trees in the orchard or backyard.

Planting should be done during the wet season while there is an adequate supply of moisture for quick establishment of roots. When planting, the vigour and growth pattern of the trees should be considered. Those that have a spreading habit would require more space than upright types. Generally, plants are spaced 20-25 ft apart (6-7.5m) giving approximately 100-70 trees/acre (250-175 trees/ha).

In areas where there is no water logging, planting holes are dug to a size that would accommodate the plant in the bag. The size of the hole should therefore be around 1ft (30cm) in length, width and depth. The roots of bare root plants are more spread out and a larger hole will have to be made to accommodate these plants. The topsoil removed in digging the hole could be mixed with rotted manure and/or some phosphate fertiliser. Some of the soil is then returned to the hole filling about half way up. The plastic bags are carefully removed to keep the root ball intact and the plants are placed in the holes. The balance of the topsoil is then returned to fill the hole and thoroughly compressed. The plants should then be watered.

After planting, it is recommended to stake the plant to prevent movement by wind. In areas where water-logging is suspected, the same system is used except that planting is done on mounds.

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Turtle Mountain

My hiking experience at Iwokrama Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel ... Inspiring lives through fashion

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HERE are many reasons why visiting Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve should be on your bucket list and Turtle Mountain which is located in the rainforest is certainly one of them. You have to hike almost 1,000 ft to get to the top. As I disembarked the boat at the landing, I remembered how I felt when I was going to climb Stone Mountain in Georgia. “Do you think you are fit to hike?” Was the question I asked myself in Georgia. Dr Raquel Thomas introduced Glenn and

prints. I was hoping to see more than the footprints but maybe next time. It is ironic that the name of my cabin at the River Lodge is Puma. We were having great conversation about life while getting to or first rest stop was I was thinking how many Guyanese understand how blessed we are. I enjoyed the coolness of the forest and the sight sun rays peeking through the giant trees including Greenheart and Wamara which are only found in Guyana. I could not resist taking a pic with the tree

Julian as our very competent tour guides and I had a feeling they have mastered their craft. After a few minutes of walking through the jungle, we came to the turtle mountain camp and a sweet aroma that reminded me of bush tea from my mom’s kitchen permeated the air.

The excitement was becoming evident not only for me but my hiking partners Tangerine and Kay and I am sure for Raquel too who did this many times. The tour guides briefed us on what to expect on the fascinating hike in the jungle.

My love for adventures and experiencing new things overpowered the doubt of my fitness and I was ready.

We experienced some rain before getting to our first rest stop but that was expected after all we are in the rainforest! Before we got to the next rest stop Julian, our tour guide spotted what appeared to be Puma

trunk that looks like a pair of wings ready to fly out of the jungle. The colour combination of another tree trunk inspired me to design a pattern on fabric for my resort collection.

The hiking intensified as we got closer to the top and it reminded me of life lessons. When we are close to reaching our goals or receiving our breakthroughs life can seem so difficult and sometimes we want to give up. Julian pointed in a direction and said: “That is the top that looks so close but we have to go around many times to get there.” I am sure we all experienced seeing the finish line but had to take many detours to get there. A feeling of national pride consumed me as my feet landed on the top of Turtle Mountain.

Just the thought of standing on a reserve that expands over one million hectares of land and it is located in my

Guyana that is contributing significantly to the world’s oxygen content. We stood for a while overlooking the beautiful Pakaraima Mountain and the mighty Essequibo River.

“From Pakaraima’s peaks of pow’r To Courentyne’s lush sands” The line in the Song of the Republic surfaced in my thoughts and I was not the only one. We started a conversation about the things we are most proud of as Guyanese and reminiscing about the national songs we sang which motivated us to appreciate our dear land.

I am no singer so very often I tried a Milli Vanilli song during assembly in school but had to try something when my headmaster placed his ears close enough to hear If I was singing lol. I am not sure if the children sing national songs now but it helped us to understand that we are a gem to the world. Tangerine suggested we sing the song one of our national songs and it had such an emotional effect on us all. We sang with

meaning and every line was an affirmation to this land that give us birth. You can check the video on my page and send your feedback. I am sure Turtle Mountain provided last memories also to the people from many parts of the world and it made an impression on a professor from Boston whom I met at Iwokrama. Adam Sulkoski is a character and he did a handstand in the 120 countries he visited. The pic in this article is the one he did at Turtle Mountain and this is what he said about Turtle Mountain “Breathtaking - the kind of spiritual experience you hope for in a cathedral” Tangerine said, “I took on this dare, with equally strong, determine-minded women. I call the hike, a feat of great minds, and I embrace the saying- ‘If you put your mind to

something, you can achieve it’. This was one of my greatest accomplishments. I felt like I had touched the sky in my quest for greatness.”

I would encourage all Guyanese to add the Iwokrama Reserve to their bucket list. Let’s find ways to appreciate more and be

good to each other and the environment as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

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2020-

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lants are essential to our daily lives, not only do they produce 98 percent of the oxygen we breathe but make up 80 percent of our food. However, plants are under constant and increasing threat from pests and diseases.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), pests and diseases account for up to 40 percent of global food crops lost, leading to over $220 billion annually in national agricultural trade losses.

This, of course, leaves millions of people facing hunger, and severely damages agriculture, which is the primary income source of many communities here in Guyana and around the world. Recognising the importance of protecting and conserving these resources, the United Nations (UN) declared 2020, International Year of Plant Health (IYPH).

History of the United

Nations’ International Year of Plant Health (IYPH) for 2020 The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) at the UN Agency’s Council Meeting on December 2, 2019, launched the United Nations’ International Year of Plant Health (IYPH) for 2020, which aims to raise global awareness on how protecting plant health can help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect the environment, and boost economic development.

“Plants provide the core basis for life on Earth and they are the single most important pillar of human nutrition. But healthy plants are not something that we can take for granted,” as indicated by Mr Qu Dongyu.

In addition to raising awareness, they year’s observances seek to emphasise the importance of healthy plants for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; while highlighting the impact of plant health on food security and ecosystem functions; and sharing best practices on how to keep plants healthy while

UN International Year of Plant Health

protecting the environment.

Healthy plants, healthy environment Integrated pest management is one recommended measure FAO is encouraging farmers and policymakers to adopt to help keep plants healthy whilst protecting the environment.

Governments, legislators and policymakers should:

1. Empower plant protection organisations and

other relevant institutions, and provide them with adequate human and financial

resources to aid in their mandate; and 2. Invest more in planthealth related research and outreach, as well as innovative practices and technologies.

WHY SHOULD YOU BE CONCERNED? Plants are the source of the air we breathe and most of the food we eat, yet we often don’t think about keeping them healthy. This can have devastating results.

* We get two major life essentials from plants, air and food.

* Plant health is increasingly under threat. * Climate change, and human activities, is continually changing ecosystems, reducing biodiversity and creating new niches and environment for invasive species. * International trade and travel contribute to the spread of diseases. * When it comes to plants and diseases, prevention is always better than cure. * Plant health policies and actions are essential for reaching the Sustainable Development Goals.

HOW TO JOIN IN ON THE CELEBRATION? 1. Ensure you get the relevant approvals for bringing plants and plant products across borders, even transporting from one local to another within the same country can be a health risk.

2. Take action to protect and manage natural resources.

3. Spread the word about #PlantHealth on social media and in your community throughout 2020 and be-

yond.

4. Farmers can prevent the spread of pests by using only certified pest-free seeds and seedlings. Regularly monitor and report the occurrence of pests on your farms.

1. Also, you can adopt environmentally friendly pest-management practices including those based on biological approaches that do not kill pollinators, and beneficial insects and organisms.

2. If accessible use modern digital technology, mobile apps and software to access information about how to prevent and manage plant pests and diseases and to report outbreaks.

Source: http://www. f a o . o rg / n e w s / s t o r y / e n / item/1253551/icode/ You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at eit.epaguyana@ gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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Breadfruit Roll

Recipe compliments of “A Taste of Guyana” - Dr. Odeen Ishmael

Ingredients ■ 1 medium-sized breadfruit ■ 1 chopped onion ■ 1 sweet pepper, finely chopped ■ 2 oz margarine ■ Salt and pepper to taste ■ Parsley, finely chopped ■ 1 lb fish (or meat), steamed and flaked ■ 1 chive, finely chopped ■ 1 beaten egg ■ ½ cup soft bread crumbs

Preparation ■ Peel breadfruit and cut into cubes.

Steam, crush, add hot margarine, and knead.

■ Add finely chopped sweet pepper and parsley. Knead in fried onions and seasonings.

■ Combine part of flaked fish or meat and bread crumbs. Add beaten eggs and mix well.

■ Roll out breadfruit mixture in a rectangle. Spread with fish or meat then roll or seal by pressing a knife. brush with egg yolk. Leave ends of loaf open.

■ Bake in a flat pan, in a 325°F oven until it is lightly brown.

■ Cut in slices and serve.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 19, 2020

DDL CHAIRMAN SAMAROO INVESTS $4 billion TO REVOLUTIONISE TOPCO AND GUYANESE AGRICULTURE

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VER the last two months, the media has been focusing the public’s attention almost wholly on the oil and gas industry and election politics. Despite this, however, the launching of the expansion project of the Tropical Orchards Products Company (TOPCO) has spontaneously caught the imagination of the consumer community. In consumer circles there has been much interest in the quality of juices TOPCO produces, the benefits the expansion project will bring to the farmers and the new industries it will generate. Many parents felt a discomfiture when the contract to supply the School Feeding Programme with juices was removed from TOPCO and given to a Suriname Company since they preferred their children to consume the healthier TOPCO juices which were formulated from genuine fresh fruit and not from reconstituted chemical substances as the foreign juices tend to be. And the irony has not been lost to many who have noted that DDL has invested $4 billion to upgrade TOPCO juices and stimulate Guyanese Agriculture while the foreign company is quite happy with its profits without investing anything in Guyanese Agriculture.

DDL has the well-known reputation of doing adequate research on any project on which it embarks and does so in a structured and logical manner. In addition to its brilliant leadership, its methodology ensures success in any project the Company undertakes: There were high level and substantive discussions entered into between DDL led by its executive Chairman Komal Samaroo supported by Production Director Shaun Caleb, TOPCO Plant Manager Rebecca Ramphere, Project Engineer Joshua Gobin and Government Affairs consultant Wesley Kirton and several relevant Government Ministries and agencies. These included Ministries of Agriculture, Finance, Education, School of Agriculture (GSA), Marketing Corporation (GMC), National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), University of Guyana (UG), National Industrial and Commercial Investments Ltd (NICIL) and the Carnegie School of Home Economics. These agencies were briefed in detail on the Project and were brought on board.

The project is being materialised and its two most important components, a one-tonne per hour fruit processing line and a one-litre Tetra Pak juice line and a milk packaging line are being installed. Farmers, government officials and other visitors have been visiting the project as it moves towards completion. It is expected that production will begin in five or six months’ time.

The expansion is designed to process and package increased volumes of the existing products which include cherry, passion fruit, carambola and guava juices as well as new ones including mango, pineapple, citrus and vegetable juices. At present 360,000 pounds of fruit are being supplied by farmers but when the expansion begins, two millions pounds of fruit will be required.

A revolution would occur in fruit farming. Farmers would enjoy a guaranteed market with stable prices never subject to the vagaries of market forces. Another benefit the farmers would enjoy is opening the door of collaboration with a network of technical and financial agricultural support agencies.

A most important facet of the project is that the plant would be able to produce pasteurised milk, initially from reconstituted milk and eventually from milk supplied by local dairy farmers.

An import substitution would be provided for milk at present imported and the Guyanese dairy industry which was almost destroyed by the importation of powdered milk would be resuscitated.

The popular foreign juice imports are all reconstituted chemicals while TOPCO juices are made from genuine fresh fruit and are healthier to consume and it is this fact which caused parents to regret the removal of the school feeding contract from TOPCO. Komal Samaroo, Executive Chairman of DDL is one of the most creative businessmen in the Caribbean and he sees the project in national terms. He strongly feels that the agriculture sector must go beyond rice and sugar and plantains and bananas and ground provisions and must be developed to include value-added processing of the nation’s fruits and vegetables into pulp and juices. The dairy industry should also be resuscitated and should produce various milk products.

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English

Fa

2020 - 01 - 19

STUDY SUCCESS

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

The King, observing with judicious eyes The state of both his universities, To Oxford sent a troop of horse, and why?

That learned body wanted loyalty; To Cambridge books, as very well discerning How much that loyal body wanted learning.

JOSEPH TRAPP (1679-1747) Nichols, Literary Anecdotes, Vol. iii, P. 330. For the reply see W. Browne.

Dear Student,

Y

ou must understand that in study, postponing thinking about something or doing something invariably fuels and increases anxiety. It also absorbs your emotional energy and intensifies unproductivity. You can take immediate and appropriate action to relieve the feeling of postponing your study. Let perseverance continue to be your watchword.

Love you.

IMPRIVING YOUR WRITING FIRST: Dialogue in a Story Finally, the night was quiet except for Nita’s high-pitched sobbing. “You’ve killed my father!”

Sarah crept from the hall to the living-room window to see if her husband was all right.

There was the sound of crickets, then a hushed, “Open the door.”

Lee rushed in from his sanctuary behind the car. Sarah threw her arms around him. “You’ve got to stop now. It’s time to let somebody else do something.”

Lee held her by the shoulders and said, “That attitude is what’s wrong with West Perrine.”

No arrests were made.

Shortly afterward Lee told Sarah about a vision. “Can you imagine,” he said, “all the churches in the neighbourhood marching together? Can you see the churches giving up a morning to march up Homestead Avenue to let the drug pushers know we won’t take it anymore?”The Dynamic Guyane Sarah stood transfixed. “Would they do that?”

Adrian Dutchin with h “They’ve got to,” Lee answered. “We’re going to lose this neighbourhood unless we can gethis per children, after these churches together.”

Guyana Cultural Asso One March evening last year, as Lee went about his usual closing routine, aFun young sat Dayman in Brooklyn on a bicycle outside the store, his pet bulldog at his side. Lee came out to pick up trashSeptember in the Sunday, 1, parking lot. At that moment, a man wearing camouflage clothing stepped around the corner. He of Adrian’s performan pulled out a semi-automatic weapon and began firing. … When it was over, the man everyone Religious Rally. Hallel called “Mr Lee” lay in the litter-strewn parking lot. He was dead, 12 days from his 52nd birthday.

Guyanese Social Work SECOND: Dialogue in a Story relate on Father The eviction crew works thoroughly, relentlessly. A coffee table sails out of theto house, lands in the yard and breaks a led.

“Stop it,” the owner screams. “I will call the police . . . this is criminal. You must pay for this.”

He struggles with the hired hands, three convict-type bullies.

“You have broken my table, you . . . you . . .”

“We will fix that,” the landlord says from a distance. “Soon as you pay.”

“You have no right to raise the rent,” the tenant complains. “No right at all.” Dressed only in a vest and pair of ragged trousers the bank clerk looks pathetically comical. They must have caught him in bed.

“You know how much tax I have to pay today?” the landlord argues. “And the price of water …. and the price of electricity …. and the cost of fuel to come here and collect? Then you talk of right, huh. The price of food?”

“I also eat,” the bank clerk complains.

“That is your problem,” the landlord shrugs. “Everyone else is paying the new rent,” his hands sweep round to indicate the stupefied onlookers and the double-locked doors.

Something to Do 1. Read the two extracts above one more time. a) What makes each story one of interest to you, its reader? What is each author making you see about his main character? (Use adjectives to tell bout each main character in turn.) b) Which one is written in the third-person and which in the first-person?

World War II Veteran Benja b) Why do you think each author used dialogue in his story? called c) The first excerpt has some amount of dialogue, but the second is fullfamiliarly of it. Why? Let Uncle your Benj heget hears President David Gr study partners help you here. (Think about form and purpose of writing to at your responses.) praise on those who served 2. Give specific responses to the following: Look at the scene in the second story. The writer resorted to dialogue. a military capacity. It was a a) What have you seen the dialogue do for the portrayal of the action? at the Legionnaires on Rem b) What is the main use of dialogue in the first excerpt?

Day, November 10, 2019. W 3. a) Now seek and find different passages with use of dialogue. Keep copies ofshow those respect you Guyanese fo like in your personal log. sadly, there are those who d b) From today try to enhance your writing and make your stories more interesting, paying respect attention to the mood or atmosphere you want portrayed. Write a sceneof today wherefor theelders choicein Guya them as “dinosaurs”, and of dialogue enhances the description of action. Show it to a study partnertofor comment.

“they must go one side” as

PUNCTUATION AT END OF QUOTATIONS erful and influential politic statedmarks in theatpresence There are no exceptions to the relevant rules pertaining to punctuation end of of m quotations, whether for full stops and commas; colons and semi-colons; sters. or question and Unclemarks Benjie celebra exclamation points. birthday on November (1) With full stops and commas: Always place them within the quotation marks.

Examples: The cousin said, “They are his children’s toys. He can do the sharing.”

“A lamb takes after its mother,” Kambi cleverly said.

(2) With colons and semi-colons: Always place them outside the last or closing quotation mark.

Examples: Miss Thompson said, “Note well these three chapters in “Child of the Universe”: Chapter 5, Chapter 7, and Chapter thirteen.”

“The Lonely December”; Shirley took the DVD already.

(3) With question marks and exclamation points: a) If the words within quotation marks make up a question or an exclamation, then the question mark or exclamation point belongs with those quoted words.

Examples: “Have you taken the Oath?”

“No!” b) i) If the sentence is a question and a quotation which is not a question is at the end of that sentence then the question mark appears after the closing lifted commas.

Examples: a) How did you get into “Teenager’s Choice”? b) ii) The same reasoning is to be applied to the exclamation point.

“They are John’s toys. Leave him alone with them.”!

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 19, 2020

XXXV

avourite Photographs of 2019

ese Entertainer his Wife and two rformance at the ociation Family n, New York, on , 2019. A portion nce was akin to a lujah. A story for kers and Pastors r’s Day 2020

When I asked this young Sister and Brother from Pakuri (formerly St. Cuthbert’s Mission) on the Upper Mahaica river, Region Four, to pose for me, this was how they looked at each other as I clicked away. They had just finished a dance performance at the Umana Yana in Georgetown on May 21, had also impressed the large audience (Photo by Francis Q I took this photograph from the deck of the Leguan to Parika T&HD Ferry Boat. In the foreground is a portion of the Essequibo River. This is one of the hundreds of beaches here in Guyana. This one is at the estuary of the Essequibo River at Parika, Region Three.

Note how clean this beach is being kept

A KISKADEE, in all its majesty, perched on a rooftop in Georgetown, Guyana, under a cloudless brilliant blue sky and listening to the traffic noises below, but still whistling its sweet song, all early morning long.

Sweet, sweet, lovely Kiskadee.

Oh, how I love thee!

Region Six Royalty, Sonia Jairam, is the reigning Miss Berbice. In this photograph, she is about to join other youths in a Youth Week 2019 March around New Amsterdam, but she graciously took time out to pose for this photograph for her new-found “Uncle Francis”

amin Durant, jie, smiles as ranger shower d the nation in at a ceremony membrance While many or our elders, display a lack ana, referring d saying that s a very powcal individual many youngated his 101st r 15, 2019 Their ancestors were brought from Africa and from India, both with a tradition of a pre-wedding ceremony - Kwe Kwe and Matticore - and the two cultures were fused here as Guyanese dance in A Circle of Love at the Guyana Cultural Association of New York event in Brooklyn on August 30, 2019

Mayor Muriel Browser of Washington, DC, USA, interacts with 101-year-old Plaisance-born, DC-based Geraldine McRae at the 33rd Annual Senior Citizens Luncheon Hosted by the Mayor in the capital of the USA. Mayor Muriel Browser was most gracious in response to my request for her to pose with the Guyanese centenarian and her two children for this photograph (Photos by Francis Q. Farrier)

XXXVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 19, 2020