Guyana Chronicle E-Paper PepperPot 01-26-2020

Sunday, January 26, 2020

―The daily happenings in ‘The Jib’ Village

80-year-old Harry Singh, resident of ‘The Jib’ Village, is a spritely gentleman whose age doesn’t hamper him in any way. An active watch repairman by trade, Singh said that the people of The Jib Village do not sit idly, they get up and do something to make a living and he believes that is how life should be (Carl Croker Photo)

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 26, 2020

Renewed efforts to make our roads much safer

By Francis Quamina Farrier

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A S T y e a r there were 128 road-traffic fatalities here in Guyana, and as I write this article six persons have already lost their lives due to traffic crashes. However, with the stepping up of a wide range of concerned Guyanese, there is the hope that there will be a decrease in the number of victims in 2020.

Over more recent years, in the face of unbelievable madness displayed by a high percentage of drivers here in Guyana, more individuals and groups have stepped forward to arrest the situation in which hundreds of fatalities and thousands injured since the turn of the century. Most Guyanese drivers of today seem to be always in a hurry; always very impatient. Most of them seem unable to keep their hands off the vehicle

horns,slamming on it many times for no obvious reason.

That impatience while driv-

ing results in many of the accidents and crashes regularly. As is well established,

mini-bus drivers are the worst offenders. Accompanying this article is a photograph I

In Georgetown, a one horse power vehicle dares a multi-horsepower mini-bus to come with any hooliganistic type challenge (Photos by F.Q. Farrier)

life was lost due to a traffic crash on the very first day of 2020. Donal Mootoo,

day morning, January 12, 20-year-old Navindra Balader lost his life when he lost

The sad condition of a Guyana mini-bus horn due to incessant slamming on the instrument by the driver

In more recent years, infrastructure is being constructed for the safety of pedestrians

took of a damaged mini-bus horn which is due to it being used more like a punching bag than a vehicle horn.

Mini-bus operations are vital for the day-to-day functioning of our country. As such, it is of great importance that they should be operated in a safe, professional and comfortable manner as possible, not only for their passengers but also for other road users. Sadly, that is not the case, and mini-bus operations have reached a point where they are considered a total and an absolute menace on our roads. They are the cause of much of the mayhem and death on our roads, and are also responsible for a very high percentage of traffic crashes, including fatalities.

Last December, President David Granger spoke up about the horrible on-going traffic situation, and in a way, expressed his concern and expectation that something is done to put an end to the madness.

Enter a new year and a new decade, 2020. Sadly, a

a 59-year-old painter, was killed on the Montrose Public Road, East Coast Demerara on New Year’s Day when he was hit by a speeding vehicle.

Some days later, Rondell Jacobs of Linden died when a tractor on which he was riding ran over him when he fell off the vehicle. The incident occurred at 72 Miles Potaro on Sunday, January 5. A week later, 81-year-old pensioner Parvidi Ramcharran was knocked over and killed by a speeding vehicle while she was walking across the Corentyne Coast Public Road on the pedestrian crossing from the Nigg Post Office, where she had just collected her first pension for 2020.

Another pensioner, Francis Lopes, was killed on the Enmore Public Road when he was run over by a truck on Friday, January 10; he died on the spot. What was horrible about that tragedy, is that particles of the victim’s body were allegedly left openly on the roadway as other vehicles drove over them.

Two days later, early Sun-

control of the motorcycle he was allegedly riding at a fast rate of speed on the Essequibo Coast public road, and crashed. He died sometime later at the Suddie Public Hospital. It must be noted that there have been many fatal motorcycle crashes on the Essequibo Coast public road involving youngsters, during the past 10 years. On January 21, sanitation worker,54-year-old Chatterpaul Kabir lost his life in a way that could only be described as a freak accident. Standing behind the garbage truck as a member of the crew, he was run over when the driver reversed the vehicle.

So in January 2020 so far, there has been a total of six road fatalities in Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice. The hope is that the number will remain at six.

Here is some more good news concerning Road Safety in 2020. Just two weeks ago, the Police Traffic Division resuscitated the Traffic AdTURN TO PAGE 16 ►►►

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 26, 2020

III

From nothing to something ―One woman’s unwavering drive to come out on top

By Michel Outridge

A FEW years ago, if you had told Tennesha Bristol that she would graduate with a distinction from the University of Guyana (UG) in Social Work she would have been in doubt but she did it despite many challenges.

This mother of two has shown exemplary strength and determination, two qualities that kept her going and her grounded faith in God and most of all made her academic journey a success.

During an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, Bristol said she always wanted to become academically qualified to rise from her current situation, having had a hard life, an abused one where her days were void of a strong family foundation.

Hardships “From a young age I never had the encouragement to upgrade my academic level but I knew I wanted to become a lawyer or a writer but for now I will contend with what I have achieved until I can realise my dream,” she said.

Bristol reported that in 2013 with no financial backing from any family member nor a bank account she enrolled at UG for the four-year Social Work degree programme.

Mind you, she didn’t even have a guarantor and subsequently, had to withdraw after her first year because she couldn’t complete her first semester and got a job.

Bristol added that she was unable to save any money to return to UG and she bec a m e very depressed but didn’t give up and with her first salary, she purchased a cell

phone.

Timely assistance Back then, BBM was the trend and she connected with a lot of people, particularly a Nigerian man, who was genuinely interested in her life and she told him what was going on in her life.

The 27-year-old said that the Nigerian told her to re-apply at UG to continue her studies and that he would pay for it.

As chance would have it, she had already re-applied and was hoping for a miracle.

“I didn’t believe him because of how these Nigerians are presumed to be but here I was talking to this guy I never met and he was willing to help me. Being true to his word, he sent more than $100,000 every semester for two years and never asked for a receipt,” she said.

Bristol told the Pepperpot Magazine that when the administration changed the Anti-Money Laundering Act came into play and her friend had difficulty

Tennesha Bristol and her children (Delano Williams photo)

sending the money but she asked a friend to assist her since she had no bank account and even the

friend was mildly surprised when the money came.

Determined However, Bristol lost her cell phone and in her third year at UG she was on her own because she lost contact with her Nigerian friend and had no way of getting money to finance her studies.

She remained steadfast and a few people stepped in to assist her after she was forced to take another year off due to the lack of finance.

Bristol, a single mother of two boys disclosed that her lecturer, her classmates and others pitched in and contributed making it possible for her to complete her very challenging studies.

“It was a real struggle for me, imagine I used to walk a lot not because I wanted to, I had no other choice, I walked from Tucville to my children’s school every day and even walked to UG many days for a month,” she said.

Bristol stated that she had to read materials and had to do her homework from her cell phone during that period she had no electricity at the place she was staying in Guyhoc Park.

This aspiring young woman is the mother of two boys, a threeyear-old and a seven-year-old. Presently, Bristol resides in Tucville at a family friend’s place.

Bad memories Recalling her childhood, she told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is still going through a lot of trauma, as an abused victim, she keeps reliving the horrors that befell her and she was blamed for it.

Bristol said she grew up with her grandmother after her dad stole her from her biological mother as a child and only got to know her mother when she was about 15 years old.

“Most of my life I had no real contact or relations with family due to the fact I endured a lot of abuse which left me very depressed and suicidal but I prayed for help,” she said.

Bristol related that she was disgraced by her family and blamed for the abuse she suffered and that motivated her to study social work because she said she needed someone to talk to but there was no one.

“I needed self-help but I had none and when the social worker came it only made the situation worse and I know a lot of people are suffering just like I did and I want to help. I want to bring about healing, justice, and change, be a testimony that God is good and to empower others,” she said.

Aspirations Bristol reported that she has been through a lot and with academics she can better reach out to others and her goal is to open a house for abused girls and women, a place where they can feel safe, get counselled while they heal.

She told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is hoping to pursue a career in law because she wants to help abused girls and women where she can provide pro bono services since people experience unique issues.

“I want to become a comfort, a mentor, a role model and I want law to fit into the house I plan to open and I would also like to write a book about my life, so with all these goals I have to get a well-paid job,” she said.

Bristol added that she has already drafted a proposal and is optimistic all will work out as planned.

“Today, I am very grateful because a few people believed in me, my lecturer told me that I am a very determined young lady and that will take me places and that was my mantra, it motivated me. I am amazed at what I can accomplish,” she said.

For instance, Bristol noted that when she wrote CXC she was in the top three for the Seventh Day Adventist Federation even though she couldn’t sleep and was hopeless.

“I will never forget where I came from, due to my struggles I see it fit to encourage my children to be their best, be humble, live simple and be of service to people. Life isn’t easy but it’s worth it especially when you don’t have a support system or anyone,” she said.

Bristol believes that one should not run from their problems because it doesn’t go away but to face it and try to deal with it.

At a young age, she had to manage her money so from that she evolved into a wise spender and believes she was created for a purpose as such, she is hoping to be successful in her endeavours.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 26, 2020

IV

Floretta Kim Spooner

e s a e l w e n A e f i l on

Floretta during the interview at Stella’s Diner

― How one accident victim’s life has changed

By Telesha Ramnarine

EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD Floretta Kim Spooner practically got a second chance at life after surviving a serious car accident last August that left her in a coma for three weeks. At this point in her life, there is no doubt in her mind that there are a few things that she needs to change about her lifestyle.

Born and raised at King Edward Street, Albouystown, in Georgetown, Floretta was enjoying a simple life with a job at Stella’s Diner on Robb Street, owned by Lucia Desir, who’s just like a mother to her and her other employees.

A typical teenager, Floretta enjoyed going out a lot to party with her boyfriend and friends, especially her best friend who was employed at a popular bar at the time. But their night didn’t end well on August 17, 2019. It was a Saturday night party and the group was heading home Sunday morning when tragedy struck.

Together with her boyfriend’s two brothers, her best friend, his best friend, and a few co-workers, they went to a party and around 03:00hrs, they left the party and were driving around looking for more places to have fun.

“The rain was set up; Palm

Court was closed, so we said we would go home,” Floretta recalled during an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine.

“We dropped my brothers-in-law down to the park, dropped my best friend in Sophia and while heading home on the East Coast, me and my boyfriend [started to fall] asleep and rain started falling. So he pulled up the windows and put on the AC,” she recalled.

That he put on the air conditioning was the last thing that Floretta remembered.

Everything else had to be told to her after she came out of the coma. Her boyfriend’s best friend, who was driving,

apparently nodded off and crashed into a container that was parked on the road.

It is not clear if the container was legally parked there, but Floretta said half of it was parked on the road, while the other half stretched into the grass on the parapet.

“After a long d a y ’s work, partying

she received that she is now able to lead a normal life again.

“I was lucky. Fifty per cent of persons get out of a coma, and others spend longer times. Plus, most of the accidents that happened during the late part of last year,

night. Also, when you drink and sleep, you sleep really heavy and that is what I did and wake[sic] up three weeks later.”

Floretta’s experience has also shown her the need to spend less and to start saving. “I like to drink a lot of expensive drinks. So when I have money, I prefer to keep it and not spend it on

alcohol.

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With

her b

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night time and into the morning, you would be sleepy,” she noted, but she equally acknowledged that it was unwise for them to be out so late when everyone was tired.

“If you work all day and are tired, you shouldn’t be on the road; you should go home and sleep,” she said.

After coming out of the coma, Floretta couldn’t walk; she was bedridden and badly in need of therapy. In fact, it was not until October that her memory started to come back.

She attempted to walk, but was advised that she might do more harm than good to herself.

So she started receiving therapy from the Ministry of Public Health’s Rehabilitation Department in the Palms compound. There, she received invaluable help from physiotherapists on how to begin walking again. It was mainly because of this help

people died.

Out of everyone I survived,” Floretta expressed.

While recovering, she had a lot of time at home to reflect on her life and how she can make better use of it once she recovers. She has since decided to cut back on going out, and says she prefers to party only on special occasions. “I had time at home to really think things through, to put myself in order and to think about what I will do and will not do when I recover.”

She is also advising her fellow youths to set a time limit when they are out, so that they can keep in mind a fixed time by which to stop partying. “Anyone can go and party; it’s not about drinking, but just keep a time limit because our bodies are accustomed to sleeping at

throw t w o b o x hand and I throw money in my puzzling tin every week.

I used to be spending a lot on clothes because I always have an event to go to.

Now I am a more understanding, “chill” person than I was before. I am not angry anymore for no reason.

I am at home all the time; you can talk to me and I would listen,” she said.

Furthermore, Floretta plans on working hard to improve her standard of living and will be taking up business management studies from September. She also wants to rewrite Mathematics at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination.

Meanwhile, the police did look into the matter, but the driver of the vehicle was not charged. According to Floretta, he does not drink alcohol and hence was not under the influence that night.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 26, 2020

Early intervention can change a life!

By Naomi Marshall

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HILE other mothers got to see their children meet developmental milestone after milestone such as smiling, talking, developing greater independence, self-control, and creativity, Michelle Bastiany was left waiting on her son to meet at least one of those milestones.

On December 8, 1996, Bastiany, who was an alcoholic and drug addict at the time, gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, Nkossi Johnson, who became the light of her world.

As months passed, things seemed to be fine with Johnson until it came to the stage where he should have been talking, but he didn’t utter much.

“At age three he started getting the mama and papa and then his words would not come out clearly, we wouldn’t understand. People were saying that some children do take long to talk so I had hopes in that,” Bastiany told the Pepperpot.

Things never

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came a far way.”

Presently, Bastiany is focused on making all her son’s dreams come through, including gifting him the opportunity to see snow.

Meanwhile, Bastiany thinks that society should be more educated about persons with disability to decrease the ignorance it posseses with regard to persons living with disabilities.

“When we are

go-

i n g down t h e streets people w o u l d trouble him about how Michelle Bastiany and her Michelle Bastiany and her he moves or son who lives with Autism son who lives with Autism behaves and I think that society at large has to be more receptive to children living with disabilities, because people on the outside 23-year-old Nkossi Johnson 23-year-old Nkossi Johnson are ignorant and they lash out. I am asking the public to be nice to persons living with disabilities,” she pleaded.

Additionally, the mother stated that parents of children with disabilities must make a special effort to bond and teach their children independence.

“You are not going to live forever, so you need to make your child equipped so if anything happens to you, your child won’t be mistreated. Parents need to make their special-needs children more independent and teach them ownership,” she added.

According to the Autism Society, early signs of autism in children include speaking later than usual or not at all; repetition in language or movement; uncommon nonverbal communication, including avoiding eye contact, giving few facial expressions, or having a monotone, and being extremely distressed by changes, including new foods or changes in schedule, amongst others.

changed w i t h Johnson, instead, he began holding his ears and screaming very loudly on a regular basis. Nevertheless, Bastiany was in denial of her son being anything other than normal, so she would ignore comments such as, “something is wrong with your son,” and “your son is not normal.”

“I didn’t think that God would give me a child and something wrong with it so I was in total denial,” said the 53-year-old.

At age five, Johnson was visited and observed by a family friend who lived overseas and had a granddaughter with autism. The family friend observed that Johnson displayed signs like her granddaughter and suggested he was autistic.

After numerous visits to the hospital, Johnson was diagnosed with autism by doctors from the United States of America who were carrying out a drive at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Not knowing what autism was, Bastiany began researching the condition and how to deal with children on the spectrum.

According to the Autism Society, “Autism is a complex, lifelong developmental disability that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation.”

“Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviours and is a spectrum condition that affects people differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause of autism,” the society added.

Refusing to let her son be left behind and not have an enjoyable life, the woman, who lives in Diamond began to give her son extra attention. Through videos and other media, the social worker and counsellor examiner for HIV began to teach her son how to read, write,and to be independent and creative.

According to the Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation, early diagnosis is significant in helping a child with autism live a normal life in society.

Today 24-year-old Nkossi Johnson is a living testimony that early detection and intervention can lead to a person having an improved quality of life, once the support and services that they need are provided.

Bastiany describes her son as sweet, brilliant, honest, kind, understanding and a lover of National Geographic and Dinosaurs.

She expressed, “He taught his stepfather and I how to apologise, to be nice to others and a whole lot of other things. He is the light of our lives and I am proud of my son, because he really

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 26, 2020

Violence against teachers

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HERE is no other way to describe the recent act of violence against a teacher of the St. Agnes Primary school than as utterly unacceptable.

I read that a Grade One teacher at this school was assaulted by the parents of a child, who had been in a fight with another pupil that day before. The assault of the teacher allegedly stemmed from a disagreement for the payment of medical expenses at a private hospital for the injured student. That disagreement escalated into a full-blown altercation, where the teacher was beaten and stripped almost naked.

For five days a week, and six hours each day, children are left in schools in the care of their teachers. Schools are institutions of teaching and learning, not just academic studies, but also critical values and skills. And teachers have the critical task of moulding the young and

impressionable minds.

This past Monday, the teacher and the perpetrators were taken to court. The two parents, a relative who was present during the altercation, and the teacher, were all charged with assault and breach of peace.

While this happened, scores of teachers were outside the Magistrates Court protesting, since they felt it was unfair that the teacher was also being charged. Simultaneously, hundreds of teachers across Guyana went to work that day dressed in black and white, standing in solidarity with that teacher. I felt proud to see photographs of so many teachers donning their black and white outfits in support of the assault against one of their own. I felt even more pride seeing it from my alma mater as well.

This show of camaraderie and support was not lost on me, or many others. It showed that in times of need, the people who are working

every day to equip children for the future, would not let their teaching spaces, these supposed places of safety and knowledge transfer descent into an altercation site.

The message was clear: an incident like this must not happen again.

But more than just wearing black and white for the day, this incident calls into question the level of security provided in schools. It baffles my mind how a parent could

Mark Lyte during an interview with a local news outlet, stressed that “adequate” security should be provided in schools. He also explained that the security services are contracted but the o f -

assault a teacher, in the headteacher’s office, to the point where she was left almost naked-- without first being restrained and taken away by the security guards on duty.

President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU),

ficers employed are most times inadequate, with many of the persons only there awaiting a payday but not providing the services required.

As such, he mentioned that the GTU was consider-

ing whether teachers should now be arming themselves to protect against such perpetrators. This recent event follows another similar altercation in November, where a teacher was assaulted by a parent at the Winfer Gardens primary school. I understand that teachers need to ensure their safety, but arming themselves does worry me.

Another problem this raises for me is the effect of that incident on the children of the school. Naturally, I can imagine that some children (and their parents) may become traumatised, and would attend school with some degree of hesitancy. It is for this reason that it becomes even more imperative for schools to have better security.

Violence against one teacher is disrespectful to all teachers in Guyana. For me, at the very minimum, this means that the perpetrator has no respect for the role of that individual in teaching their child. And worse yet, it means that there is scant regard for the critical role teachers play in developing the human capital- the nation’s future. This is utterly unacceptable.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 26, 2020

VII

The elections mood is a crescendo of unaddressed social and cultural vibrations in the manifold landmarks in our minds

“

Poverty: the next threat; there are 400 multimillionaires with more wealth than half the world’s population,” Oscar Arias, Nobel Peace Prize winner, 1987, former President of Costa Rica. A cultural inheritance of 2,000 years of forced poverty can inflict a process of unique sober insanity, to drive by all means the reachable possibility to own the saleable

roots of racism cannot be analysed from a political or the traditional tertiary education, that produces to a greater number, a clerical approach to matters, whether lawyer, manager or technical administrator.

Worse still in the context of Afro-Guyanese, whose original pre slave trade cultural ethos does not have a mythical or religious doctrine based on racist superiority and converted hatreds,

Our world functions on suspicions and speculations, thus we can be fooled and tricked. The ‘LIE’ is a force that absorbs those who practise it frequently.

I knew a con man named ‘Jubal’ (now deceased), who told me one day of a scenario that I knew was a plot he had created; he was puzzled and seemed not to recall it. That condition was explained to me by another friend who referred me to a

ways intentional, though I value gratitude, for I have benefitted from unsolicited kindness, and do practise loyalty to the pursuit of realistic ideals.

I am the sum of a good childhood, then a totally unsheltered, almost shipwrecked adolescence onward, acquiring those knowledge skills that could only have come from experience. The modern era of Guyana is divided into two

modations, optimism, good intentions and egos, the nature of the monsters that hover in our midst, with opportunistic self-destructive suggestions and incitements, crafted in logical displays, as much as is the conclusion of the reality of the broken bridge before you, which does not always in truth translate to the obvious fault of the contractor.

We c a m e f ro m d i verse experiences, Afri-

self-survival. These assets and inflictions are with us and will morph continuously. The politics of over the past four years reveal a dangerous disconnect and contempt over the sensibilities, humanity and values of the other masses, or the No confidence motion, devoid of logical grounds, the incident with the President at the Manufactures Association and before that, the assassination plot would

resources of a nation using devious, divisive and whatever callous means necessary to possess and fulfil with insane destructive urgency what should satisfy an ancient nightmare that can only be appeased by wealth, indifferent to the ‘other’ citizenry-- towards no other purpose.

Elections in Guyana are a crescendo of cultural undercurrents fuelled by an emotional symphony of incredible myths, tangible experiences, truths, nurtured feelings and perceptions, all within the nature of schemed aggressions compiled through time into a doctrine to protect and enable supremacy survival, one cultural being of values against the other.

David Hinds accused especially the middle-class leadership of the PNC of skirting around the question of race-“they acknowledge and rail against racism in private, but run for cover when they are publicly confronted by it,” Guyana Chronicle, October 6, 2016.

David is correct, as most of the article was, but there are facts not recognised. The

which accommodate with a smile, but conceal intense resentment and divisiveness at the same time, as doctrine.

Racism can be understood better through the combined studies of social Anthropology, History and Psychology, towards the exploration of that tremendous topic, and for the mature mind, the course and the restricted books rather than the classroom will suffice.

Therein dwell answers that can enable a greater sense of enlightenment, rather than secret whining and the mirage of optimism.

References to Guyana’s problems from that background can become much easier to articulate, explore and subjugate. A greater understanding of behavioural antics and functions will be an asset, not in a stereotypical sense, but explanatory with respect to values and priorities at different levels.

Knowledge allows a mental transference to see through the mist to the other side, instead of interpreting the world according to one’s own cultural values and tenets.

movie on the subject, titled ‘Blue,’ that conmen after a time throw themselves into “boards” and are consumed by their own lies. This also applies to people who develop personas to enable them to coexist, while attempting to remain loyal to the original world view and its values. This has happened to many politicians, group cultures and nations.

I expressed to a senior politician some months ago in a particular public engagement, because I suspected that he had begun to conduct a chameleon act that required it. A personal position developed over the years, that -‘I listen to what is said to me, but I remain loyal to what I have experienced, witnessed and know’. That was related on the grounds that I acknowledge areas of grey, of stereotypical paradoxes, betrayal, honesty and dishonesty and have cultivated a mental guideline based on sensible human levels of awareness. So I expect nothing from promises, thus, I avoid the bitterness of disappointment, because disappointment is not al-

eras: that of post-emancipation and pre & post-independence. All were riveted in schemes, betrayals and fatal conflicts revolving around racial, social, political, but predominantly economic agendas, where we have failed, is to understand beyond our emotions, envies, treacherous accom-

can tribes, Indian caste systems, and levels of extreme privation in Europe and Asia that facilitated amidst some groups a loss of self-esteem that prevent empathy, principles and fairness from being an innate value in the active consciousness, overwhelmed by the hunger of

not have happened, in the straight display of its ethnic divide. The future will require the need for the nation’s most enlightened sons and daughters to heal the injury caused, but those who are the architects will never leave the shadows of our negative contemplations.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 26, 2020

― 2020 January 26, 2020 CHRONICLECHRONICLE PEPPERPOTPEPPERPOT ― January 26,

IX

The Jib Village ...

Tucked away but not forgotten

The Jib The quiet, Focus simple life The residents of are the friendliest!

The Jib village (Carl Croker photos)

on the Village

Life is what you make it

The bridge which separates The Jib from the next village, Paradise

By Michel Outridge

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HIS week the Pepperpot Magazine journeyed to the small roadside fishing/farming community known as The Jib. There the team spoke with residents, who were all too willing to chat about their way of life, among other things.

The Jib village is on the Essequibo Coast, a few villages from Charity. The village has about 500 residents mostly of Indo-Guyanese ancestry, but there are a handful of Indigenous, Afro-Guyanese and people of mixed race residing there.

The Jib is divided into two sections, that is, the side with the public road which is bordered by the seawall and the

Atlantic Ocean and the housing scheme, which consists of a few streets after which there are vast farmlands and rice fields that stretch as far as the eye can see.

The people there earn their livelihoods by planting cash crops, rice and most of the men are fishermen, while others have small businesses and some work outside the village.

The Jib has the countryside look with traditional architecture of wooden houses and some larger houses made out of concrete blocks which are brightly painted and well kept.

The Pepperpot Magazine upon arrival in the village met Richard Chattergoon, who lives just over the concrete bridge where the village

Chattergoon’s house

Richard Chattergoon

starts, separating The Jib from the village of Paradise.

The Jib is between Paradise and Exmouth villages and is described as the smallest village on the Essequibo Coast and the quietest. Chattergoon related that The Jib is a small and quiet place to

live and he has been there for the past 30 years. He added that his parents are from the village, his father is still alive and they are a family of fisherfolk.

The 60-year-old stated that presently, the tide is very rough, as such, it is not

a good time to be at sea, but when he does he goes out about two miles into the Atlantic Ocean, where he would bring back his catch of banga mary, ‘karass’ and other fish.

“I have market for my fish, I have a guy who comes and takes the entire

catch for which I sell by the pound, so I wholesale all the fish I catch,” he said.

Chattergoon told the Pepperpot Magazine that he has only cellphone service since there is no landline phone service there, but they have electricity and potable water supply.

He added that the streets in the village need to be re-surfaced but other than that things are good once one is earning a living.

“This village small, so everybody is familiar with each other and they are neighbourly. I can say but people here are old-fashioned and simple, so there isn’t any major problems or conflicts,” he said.

Chattergoon related that The Jib is his home and he is comfortable there, even though the place is kind of slow and small.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 26, 2020

Focus on the Village

Tasia Parasram seeing her children off to school (Carl Croker photos)

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 26, 2020

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The Jib Village

Tucked away but not forgotten

The Jib The quiet, simple life

The residents of are the friendliest!

By Michel Outridge

HE residents of The Jib village are very friendly and would leave whatever they were doing and have a conversation at any given time.

The team met Tasia Parasram, who was at the time seeing her sons off to school and was outside waiting on the school bus to take them to school, which is located a few villages away.

She reported that she has resided in The Jib for the past

T

10 years after marriage and is now settled, with her husband and two sons. Parasram is originally from Better Success, also on the Essequibo Coast and pays a weekly fee for the transportation of her sons to school so she is not tasked with collecting them after school.

The housewife stated that they have all the basic necessities and she lives on the Public Road, so the place is breezy and nice, she said.

Parasram added that she takes care of a small kitchen

garden in her spare time and that is the source of her fruits and vegetables.

“I don’t buy greens because I use from my garden and it is less expensive and that money is used for other things,” she said.

The mother of two pointed out that most people in the village do fishing and clean drains with the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) office as a living and people live a life of simplicity, nothing fancy and they are at peace with the quiet ambience.

Life is what you make it Winifred Marks in her garden

Narinie at her house

The Pepperpot Magazine also met Narinie (only name) who was at home vending some eddoes, plantain and eggs from her verandah.

She resides in The Jib housing scheme and has been there for the past nine years.

Narinie said she normally makes the purchase of eddoes, plantains and eggs from the Anna Regina Market and would re-sell same at her house, which is convenient.

She explained that with the children all grown up and gone to live elsewhere, she is alone and is making a living to maintain her personal expenses but life is good.

At the time, she was chatting with a neighbour, who had visited.

The team also encountered Winifred Marks, who was tending to her plants in her garden which is in her

front yard.

The 53-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is originally from Moruca, North West but moved to The Jib 12 years ago for a better life.

She added that the fruits and vegetables from her garden are used in the home.

She added, however, that her life isn’t easy because she is caring for her young daughter who is sick. She pointed out that she would like to take her daughter to the city where she can get a second opinion on her daughter’s illness and where she can get the medical treatment she needs.

Marks said if she can benefit from basic necessities such as light and water her life in The Jib will be more comfortable but for now she is hoping for the best and will not give up prayers.

the friendliest!

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 26, 2020

By Michel Outridge

IANE Basdeo is a resident of The Jib village and is a stay-at-home mother, who also tends to her kitchen garden apart from regular household chores.

The mother of one told the Pepperpot Magazine that The Jib Village is a good place to live because one would benefit from a peaceful and quiet life and still has a lot to do.

Basdeo added that in The Jib everybody lives to suit themselves and it is a place where people ‘hustle’ for living honestly. The 23-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that her husband is a fisherman and they have their own fishing boat, which was moored awaiting the tide.

“Right now the tide low, so the boat is stuck in the mud and when the tide comes up, my husband will moor out the boat so he can prepare to go on a fishing trip,” she said.

Conveniently, the seawall (sea defence) is situated in the village which is easily accessed and all fishing boats and fishing gear are stored there.

Basdeo disclosed that in The Jib life is good because they all have things to do to make a living, and once you can earn it is easy to live an honest life and contribute to society.

“Living apart from family members with just my daughter and husband is very good because you are more comfortable to do the things you want without any difficulties and there are no family conflicts,” she said.

Basdeo told the Pepperpot Magazine that a typical day for her starts early in the morning, to cook after which she does her household chores and then she would spend some time in the kitchen garden.

Aside from all this, Basdeo still finds the time to have some form of relaxation where she would sit in her hammock or go outside where there is a sitting area under a tree.

“I am good here because I lived here all my life, so I am very comfortable and at ease,” she said.

Meanwhile, also in The Jib Housing Scheme, the team met Vanessa Singh, who was at the time entertaining friends.

Singh has a grocery shop and operates the business from her home which is quite good for her, since she does not have to go anywhere to earn.

“I does sell groceries and beverages and open on a daily basis and things are a bit slow, but we are taking it a day at a time,” she said.

Singh reported that she is not pleased with the services offered by the hospitals in that region, since there is usually a drug shortage and often they would have to make the long journey to the city for medical attention, which incurs a high cost.

She also said apart from that, in this day and age they have no ramp or lift to transport patients to the upper flat of the facility.

Singh added though that despite these shortcomings, Essequibo is her home, a place like no other and she cannot see herself living elsewhere.

on the Village

Life is what you make it D

Focus

The quiet, simple life

XI

Diane Basdeo relaxing in her hammock (Carl Croker photos)

Vanessa Singh’s shop

Vanessa Singh chatting with friends

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 26, 2020

XII

Life is what you make it

Nelvia Jack

n

i s g n i n ppe a h y l i ─ Da The Jib

One of the many sitting areas in The Jib

A

T 80 years old, Harry Singh is a spritely gentleman whose age doesn’t hamper him in any way. He is a small-business owner and a resident of The Jib

Village.

Singh is a watch repairman at the Anna Regina Market, also on the Essequibo Coast and when the team met him he was on his way to the market to open his business for the day.

The senior citizen reported that he is originally from Canal #1 Polder, West Bank Demerara and worked in the city at the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) for 30 years before retiring.

These days, Singh said he is taking it easy but has the presence of mind to work because he has his elderly mother to take care of and the duo live in a neat, well-painted house in The Jib Housing Scheme.

The father of six added that his children are products of two relationships. He described life in The Jib as good and as one of the smallest and quietest villages; a place where people don’t lock their doors or have to worry about bandits.

Singh said living in a small village is no big deal since people are familiar with each other and it is the kind of village where people keep busy with their farms, rice fields and other jobs.

“The people here don’t sit idly, they get up and do something to make a living and that is how it should be, no time to waste,” he said.

The Pepperpot Magazine also met Nelvia Jack, a mother of three, who was busy doing the laundry via a washing machine. She resides on The Jib Public Road and has been in the village for the past eight years and relocated from Mabaruma, Region One when she met her husband.

The housewife said life isn’t boring for her because she has a lot to do, even though Harry Singh as he was on his way to the Anna her husband was away on a fishing exRegina Market for work (Carl Croker photos) pedition.

Fazeema Zorina and her daughter

“I

do my chores and then relax a bit and start all over again. I had a stall selling vegetables but things got slow and I quit that,” she said.

Jack added that after doing her chores which includes cooking, she will spend some time watching her favourite programme on television until the children get home from school.

‘Things are good there, I cannot complain because we live well and everybody is happy,’ she said.

Fazeema Zorina, another resident, lives with her extended family of nine adults and five children on The Jib public road.

They operate the only shop on the public road and she was there sweeping the yard while her daughter looked on.

The 21-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that she got married and came to live at The Jib Village but is from Middlesex, also on the Essequibo Coast.

Zorina has a daughter who is one year and three months old and would assist her in-laws in the grocery shop and with the chores.

“We live together as a large family and we cook meals collectively and co-exist, even though I joined the family through marriage and everything is going good so far,” she said.

Zorina related that the country life is nice and it is up to you to make your life worthwhile by finding a job or something meaningful to occupy your time.

The Jib Village has several trees along the public road under which residents constructed wooden benches; it serves as a sitting area where they would have a chat or just take some good country breeze before retiring to bed.

LE PEPPERPOT ― January 26, 2020 CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 26, 2020

3

XIII

Guyanese returns from Venezuela to her home country to start life afresh on the Village

Focus

Satwantie Narine’s pet

By Michel Outridge

AT WA N T I E Satwantie Narine’s pet Narine was born and once lived in Guyana but had The Jib sideline dam where Satwantie migrated to VenNarine resides (Carl Croker photos) ezuela, where she had settled. Now she has returned after the hardship in that count r y The Jib sideline dam where Satwantie and is Narine resides (Carl Croker photos) Satwantie Narine back in her country of birth residing in The Jib Village.

The 57-year-old said she has been in The Jib for only three months and is slowly adjusting to the quiet country life in the community where she is a Deo Narine, Satwantie’s brother pulling rice/cash-crop farmer with her weeds from the garden Satwantie Narine sibling, who also fled troubled Venezuela.

Narine had been living and working in Venezuela for the past 33 years where she shared a home with her husband and her brother. She related that their mother passed away recently and they decided to move into her Deo Narine, Satwantie’s brother pulling house and start utilisweeds from the garden ing the land t o

S

Narine’s rice lands aback her home

ne’s rice lands aback her home

farm since they must

work.

Narine added that they are also rearing ducks but do mostly farming which is not an easy task and it is hard manual labour and long hours but she is accustomed to hard work and will not give up. The vegetables and fruits garnered from the garden are for kitchen purposes and the excess is sold within the village, she said.

Narine pointed out that while she is trying to get her garden in order, some goats from the village are venturing in her yard and consuming her crops even though the place is fenced and there is ample space to graze goats in the village.

“Another issue is that the people planted coconut trees on the edge of our rice fields and I have a crop going right now and that needs to be settled,” she said.

Narine and her brother toiled endlessly to plant

eight acres of rice this season and are hoping for a good crop to bring in much-needed cash to support the home.

Recalling her life back in Venezuela, Narine said she worked part-time as a sweeper/cleaner in offices and homes, but enjoyed her life there and she also liked living in Diamond, East Bank Demerara, where she used to stay until she moved to The Jib. “I used to stay by the second bridge in Diamond, the place bright and nice and it was nice there, but then I had to move to this small, quiet place but it is what it is with life; it is never guaranteed that things will not change,” she said.

Narine said she understands she needs to adjust to the country life here in Guyana and will spend all her time developing her garden and keeping busy in an effort to earn and start all over afresh, since reminiscing will not do her any good.

XIV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 26, 2020

Hypochondria

I

RECEIVED an email to speak about a condition from which I personally know a lot of people suffer. It’s usually pretty debilitating and affects their everyday lives.

Hypochondria, also known as illness anxiety disorder, is a long-term condition in which a person is excessively and unjustifiably worried about having an illness. It’s an inaccurate perception that there is something wrong with the body or mind, as there is no evidence of any actual illness. An individual with hypochondria is commonly known as a hypochondriac.

These people become alarmed at the slightest headache, possibly thinking it’s a brain tumour; stomach issues, possibly thinking its stomach cancer; a sad day, possibly thinking it’s depression and

so on and so forth.

It’s a preoccupation with the idea of illness; worry about minor symptoms and being easily alarmed by them; repeatedly checking the body for any signs of disease; avoiding places that one feels may be a health risk; frequently searching the internet for new illnesses; frequently making doctor’s appointments, yet finding little to no reassurance if they are cleared by a doctor. More often than not, they are cleared by a doctor but still believe that there is a medical issue present. If a doctor is not an accessible option, they just worry and take whichever home remedy they believe is best.

It’s a preoccupation which creates added psychological distress such as high worry and stress levels and can even create further physical symptoms such as high blood

pressure.

Hypochondria is considered a mental illness, particularly as a somatoform disorder, very highly associated with anxiety disorder. It manifests in so many ways such as intrusive thoughts, physical sensations, preoccupation of the mind and time and often check-ups with doctors, family or friends.

Hypochondriasis is often accompanied by other psychological disorders, including anxiety, depression, phobias and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This makes it quite difficult as mental health issues which accompany these illnesses produce their own physical symptoms, which create additional worry for the hypochondriac.

There have been a few documented causes of hypochondria. Having overly protective guardians who focused on illness is one, indicating that it is somewhat a learned behaviour. Someone who may have recovered from a serious illness may also develop hypochondria.

Also, highly stressful situations such as the death of loved ones can bring about or worsen this disorder. There has yet to be studies to show a true genetic component of the illness.

One may be likely to develop hypochondria if there is

a major life change, a period of high stress, a threat or recovery from a serious illness, abuse as a child, neglect as a child and excessive health-related Internet use. Thanks to the Internet, becoming or being a hypochondriac is much easier than it used to be.

Hypochondria can cause further complications such as familial or relationship issues, financial problems as well as motivation, productivity and general performance at work.

Treatment for hypochondria includes therapy such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), which helps the afflicted to learn skills which manage their thoughts and behaviours. It helps to identify the fears, become more aware of why they are there, change the way one responds to them, as well as learn skills to cope. While there is no medication specifically for hypochondria, medication may be prescribed for the anxiety which comes with the illness.

The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM) suggests many alternative therapies that might relieve symptoms such as avoiding stimulants such as coffee and tobacco, limiting alcohol, keeping a healthy diet and exercise regimen, as well as practising calming activities such as meditation.

Remember to also look at the real evidence and ask yourself the real probability of something occurring.

Think of other possible explanations. Try your best not to go to the worst-case scenario. If you have access to the internet, stop looking up your ‘symptoms.’ If it’s to the point where it is affecting your daily life, seek professional help. It is best to try and stick to one doctor, one who may know your medical history. And finally, learn about your condition, the more you know about it, the better and there is greater likelihood of overcoming it.

Thank you everyone 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.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 26, 2020

→Avocados L

AST week, NAREI in Focus began looking at avocados. This week we will focus on aftercare, pest and disease management.

AFTERCARE Training and Pruning: Avocado plants should be pruned to encourage branching to ensure a good framework. Pruning should be practised after harvest to remove deadwood, as well as to maintain the framework of the tree. Avocado plants are brittle and break easily; thus, windbreaks should be planted.

FERTILISING Fertiliser needs are directly related to the type and nutrient status of the soil. It is essential therefore that a soil analysis is conducted to determine these factors for the particular location. However, in the absence of precise soil analysis, the following might suffice Clay Soils - Compound Fertiliser 12:12:17:2 at the rate of 1/21b (225g) to 2lbs (0.9kg) depending on the age and size of the plant is applied twice per year, usually at the beginning of each wet period.

Sandy Soil - the above is to be used at the higher

rate as well as 9:27:9 +FTE at the rate of 1/41b (112 g) to 1/21b (225 g) per plant once per year.

Control: The best method of control for this disease is its prevention in the first place. This is done by the use of disease-free PEST MANAGEMENT planting material, use of There are no major pest sterile tools in grafting, problems with the Avoca- efficient drainage and irrido. The most serious are gation, and use of resistant Mites and Scale Insects and rootstocks. The disease these could be controlled may be treated with a soil by the use of Danitol (Fen- drench of Metalaxyl (Ridpropathrin) or Rogor (Di- omil) at the rate of around methoate) at 0. 02 pts per 0.15g/ml. The measuregallon (10 mls/4L). ment here refers to the • It should be noted that canopy of the tree. the occurrence of any un usual pest or disease must 1. Anthracnose (Collebe reported to the Crop totrichum gloespoiroides) Protection Section at NA* This disease affects REI for investigation. immature fruits and shows up when fruits ripen as DISEASE small, brown, sunken leMANAGEMENT sions, which soften 7-15 Three main fungal dis- days after harvest. This eases affect avocado: leads to fruit deterioration • Avocado root rot (Phy- (Figure 3). tophthora spp.) * Control may be • Anthracnose (Colle- achieved by the routine totrichum gloeosporiodes) spraying of a Copper • Scab (Elsinoe perseae) Fungicide such as Ko1. Avocado Root Rot cide from the onset of (Phytophthora spp.) flowering to fruiting at * Leaves are smaller, a rate of about 5 ozs. pale, wilted, and fall giving (140g) in 1 gallon (4.5 the tree a sparse appear- L). The fruits may also ance. This is accompa- be dipped in a funginied by dieback of twigs cide solution, e.g. benoand branches, fruit drop or myl mixed at 1/2 oz/0.8 small fruits, and defoliation gallons (1 5g/4L) water.

(Figure 2). Watering too of- This treatment prevents ten or with excess amounts the disease from showing increases avocado root rot. up on the fruits.

XV

Cont’d

XVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 26, 2020

Renewed efforts to ...

visory Committee which includes the Guyana National Road Safety Council and

the Guyana United Minibus Union. All stakeholders have their work cut out for them.

However, I have to say that there is a group of stakeholders who have been keeping

themselves very quiet and low-key as they collect impressive financial returns

daily. They are the minibus owners. In one of my articles last year, I levelled a charge at them, referring to them as being greedy and part of the problem of the min-bus madness. Many of the mini-bus owners are powerful citizens, and I implore them to use their power and influence to demand better operations by those whom they employ to operate their property. They should draft contracts demanding certain professional execution of their service. As seen in some other countries, photographs of drivers and conductors are posted inside the bus along with a Police Hotline number for passengers to make phone calls should they need to make complaints.

On February 28, 2019, an enforcement exercise was carried out by ranks from the Brickdam Police Station on mini-bus operators in the Stabroek Market area. Retrieved from the persons of drivers and conductors were many deadly weapons such as knives and ice picks. Minibus owners must realise the deep pain to the relatives and friends of those who have lost their lives in mini-bus crashes. They must also consider the physical and mental pain suffered by many commuters due to the loud noise in their buses. Commuters who are workers and students should have some peace and quiet as they start another day of work and studies.

People going to the hospital or going for other medical attention do not need banging noises in such a limited space which they pay to occupy.

The mini-bus owners have the power and responsibility to keep boom boxes out of their buses, which in any case is illegal.

So I say yet again, that the mini-bus owners can help to solve the on-going madness on our roads. They have the power and responsibility to make a positive difference and they need to use that power to ensure that commuters and other road users enjoy “The Good Life” promised by President David Granger to the people of Guyana, including minibus commuters.

It took a little while, but more and more commuters are indeed fighting back, using innovate efforts against the terrorist-type service, as retired Police Commissioner David Ramnarine had advised. As part of the rejection of the ‘terrorist’ type of service given, some passengers utilise their cellphones.

They take photographs of offending mini-buses and

FROM PAGE 2 ◄◄◄ post them on Facebook.

One example was a recent incident when the driver of a Route 42 minibus, BRR 8747, allegedly ordered the passengers out of the bus after a passenger complained about loud music, and other passengers supported her.

They were ordered off the bus even though it was night.

More passengers are speaking up as well against any conductor who attempts to overload a bus. What is not happening so far, is young girls objecting to being pulled and tugged by conductors who feel that a girl’s body is fair game. Girls with the mentality of being less than a young citizen of Guyana who should be treated with respect and dignity.

In a press release by the Police Public Relations Division of March 1, 2019, information was given regarding a campaign against the minibus operations. The release ended by stating that, “The drivers were all grateful to the police for their leniency.”

That being the case, it did not take long for those minibus operators to display blatant ingratitude to the police and return to the very same illegal and hooliganistic-type behaviour from which they had promised the police to desist. Moving forward in 2020, it is the view of a high percentage of commuters that the police need to show much more firmness, and not compassion, since that compassion has been repaid with ingratitude by the mini-bus operators and owners, and the travelling public continues to suffer, even though they pay for the service.

In another press release from the Police Public Relations Division on April 4, 2019, it was stated that “The Police Traffic Division has been engaged in a massive education and sensitisation campaign which has placed great emphasis on youths and students, as well as mini-bus owners and operators.” The police have been very patient with the deviant mini-bus operators and owners. The madness still being displayed on our roads by mini-bus operators, some even driving on pavements to overtake other vehicles, is giving Guyana a bad name and taking names off the voters’ list by way of untimely deaths. As such, leaders of political parties are also expected to play their role in helping to cure the on-going madness on our roads. As stated over the years, “Road Safety is Everybody’s business.”

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 26, 2020

XVII

Defining ‘Guyanese hospitality’

Amid the growing Venezuelan migrant population in Guyana Ann Fredericks and her children and nephews safe and sound in Guyana after re-migrating from Venezuela a few weeks ago (Delano Williams photo)

By Shirley Thomas

A

S A child, I always heard talk about Guyanese hospitality and our peace-loving nature and in fact, it was in this context that at an early age, I came to grasp the meaning of the word ‘hospitality.’

More than 50 years later, one can truly say that it informs the way the average Guyanese reaches out to and renders goodwill and acts of kindness to persons in a predicament or otherwise seeking help to find their way around.

But who can better attest to this than the people of neighbouring Venezuela, hundreds of whom continue to turn up seeking to make Guyana a home, as a result of the economic turmoil in that country for the last several years? Whereas the numbers were initially small, with Guyana continuing to respond positively, there is now a great influx, which has seen the numbers rise to thousands so far.

But while relations between the people of Guyana and those seeking residency status remain cordial, the biggest problem continues to be that of ‘a language barrier.’ This is so, with more than 50 per cent on both sides not being able to read, write and speak the language of the other nation. This fundamental problem could potentially hinder the very essential ‘communication flow’ – not least between ranks manning Guyana’s ports of entry and the Venezuelans seeking to enter these shores to eke out a living for themselves and families and start life all over again.

Meanwhile, kudos are in place for Guyana’s Ministry of Education, the International Organisation for Migration and the Ministry of Citizenship for jointly assessing an initiative which seeks to teach our local border ranks Spanish as a second language, in order to better equip or prepare them to effectively communicate with the immigrants. The parties committed to

I

future collaboration to fill the gaps and to achieve the objectives in the education sector.

Meanwhile, a United Nations study conducted on the Barima-Waini, at Mabaruma, Region One, determined that there is need for infrastructural development, education and cultural re-integration among other things, to make for improved access to quality education.

So far, the only immigrants who seem not to be experiencing a complete language barrier given the foregoing scenario, are Guyanese who had left these shores and migrated to Venezuela decades ago, continuing to live there until the present political and economic turmoil facing the people of that country.

However, their children who have been introduced to Guyana and integrated into the school system here, still face the problem of a language barrier since, invariably, Spanish is the only language they would have been learning within the education system and hearing daily.

To this end, concerned persons are of the view that institutions should be set up--even if only on a small scale initially -– where Venezuelans could be taught ‘English as a Second Language’ soon after arriving here. Likewise, Guyanese wishing to learn Spanish to be able to better communicate with their Spanish-speaking counterparts or business associates, can ‘zero in’ on the services of the centre in Queenstown, Georgetown. This facility has, for years, been teaching Spanish with remarkable results. Similarly, other teaching facilities could be set up through which medium there can be a rich cultural exchange, as well as the setting up of other teaching facilities.

Against this backdrop, and with the constantly growing numbers of non-English speaking countries arriving here for extended periods, the question is now being asked: “Is Guyana fast becoming a multi-lingual country?” Over time

there has been a rapid build-up of nationals from non-English speaking countries, including China and Venezuela.

FINDING REFUGE In the North West region, the regional administration has been very open and supportive, providing help in diverse ways, including the Mabaruma Regional Hospital which continues to provide medical care for parents who are Venezuelans, as well as sick children.

Forty-two-year-old remigrant, Ann Fredericks, fleeing from troubled Venezuela asserts: “What we were looking for was a better life and if you work and the money can’t buy your essential needs, then it’s no use staying around. But worst of all, is being unable to access medical care, even in times of medical emergencies.”

For several days, her eight-year-old son was sick with terrible abdominal pains and high fever, then death stared him in the face, and based on what was happening. “I knew that my son had only about eight more days to live … then he’d be gone forever. But thank God who was in front of everything.

We hurried home to Guyana and when we reached my brother in Guyana, we were no longer short of anything,” she said.

As the migrants from Venezuela continue to pour in, particularly in areas such as the waterways around the Barima- Waini Region One, they have been wholeheartedly accepted and befriended by the ‘hospitable residents of the region who continue to accept and befriend them – providing temporary living accommodation for them until they get ‘back on their feet again’; supplies of water, food and clothing. Others still have found favour with churches that have brought them the message of salvation, while being a virtual source of help for them and their families.

Breaking some of the stereotypes you might have about Berbice

F BY chance you’re a regular reader of my articles, you probably realised by now that I am from Berbice. The many hints, references and even mention of my life here are evidence of that fact. I was born and bred in a small town on the Corentyne, Rose Hall Town. I owe much of my success and achievements,the woman I’ve become to this county. I’m assuming that most of you are here because of the title of this article.

So, what exactly are stereotypes that Berbicians and the overall county of Berbice have stained upon them, according to the rest of the country?

For starters, Berbice has been the face of mental health issues for Guyana—both negatively and positively. The first thing most of my Georgetown colleagues and friends mention when a discussion about the ancient county pops up is the Psychiatric Hospital and the suicide rates.

The Psychiatric Hospital is situated in Berbice, so that automatically means the entire county is filled with ‘mad people’ and the climbing suicide rates automatically means that all Berbicians have the tendency to commit suicide—according to the stereotypes. As one who uses my platform to help my county rise above its challenges, I’ll say to you all that mental issues are not funny or meant to be jokes. I am also proud of the fact that our county facilitated the only Psychiatric Hospital of its kind and the majority if not all the labour, professional employment and execution of exceptional public health services are done by Berbicians at the said hospital.

In my eyes, I think Berbice is not often invited to sit at the ‘round table.’ Social cohesion is very important to any nation’s development. Hence, the inclusion of all of Guyana’s citizens is

just as important. This point leads me to another stereotype we face in Berbice; resources and human capital are limited or not good enough. If you believe that Berbice does not produce qualified human capital and have quality resources, then I think it is about time you divert your thinking to what is factual. Hundreds of students graduate each year from A-Grade high schools, Technical Institutes and even from the University of Guyana Berbice Campus each year. The main problem with which these students are faced is job opportunities or better yet, jobs that actually pay them for their degrees! Most of these students are forced to leave the county, seeking employment in Georgetown and other parts of the country; this, in turn, leads to a brain drain. Nonetheless, that does not mean that those who are left here (inclusive of myself) cannot contribute to Guyana’s overall development.

Berbice has always been my home and I cannot imagine calling another place home. I plan on continuing this conversation next week by allowing young Berbicians like myself to speak about their perspective on the stereotypes of our county. While each county is unique in its own way, at the end of the day we are all Guyanese. I speak for my fellow Berbicians when I say: we lack inclusion, we need more of our voices to be heard and we want the rest of Guyana to understand that the way we are contrasted from you, is not always a bad thing. From Crabwood Creek to the mouth of the Berbice River, we all make up this beautiful county and I urge you, the readers who aren’t from Berbice, to allow yourself to see more than what meets the eyes--look beyond the stereotypes.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 26, 2020

XVIII

tive Coopera ft) th r o N i le r h hird from the Time rson of armen Simon (tciety are busy e p ir a h C fish Ms. C the So Society,er members of rocessed salted p th and o ing recently packag

y Salon Dionne’s Beaut Proprietress oferts at her establishme Ms. Dionne Rob ed a grant that she ob Ms. Roberts us Small Business Burea tained from the ent for her business to buy equipm

Minister of Business, Mr. Hemraj Rajkumar

tive Coopera ft) th r o N i le r e Timeh ird from son of thrmen Simon (thiety are busy , Ms. Cabers of the Socd salted fish e is critical to create wealth within a soer mem entlyNTREPRENEURSHIP process c e r g ciety and to enhance standards of living. Entrein g preneurs introduce new products and services, create employment, generating more wealth and adding to the national economy. The Government of Guyana has continuously advocated for the development of small businesses and has put in place facilities that provide training to ensure their success.

In this edition of Government in Action, we explore how the government’s support for small business development has created hundreds of jobs and changed many lives, by turning business plans into businesses and the unemployed into entrepreneurs.

E

nate eeRejuvet from orfath n, s lo s Sa s v y e r ti ut tr (fi ea B ie e s y p a Henr rooprrth Coao Dionne’ PN noth Proprietress oferts at her establishment. left) benefited am m ehriM .S s fr im T d ob R e ir e . bHuesnyry e Small B h s nn th ob (t e f M sh o n .

Ms. Dio at o n th m t o a im an th ed a gr peurs rmen S her teiety aarne frfiosm ha urirea Ms. Roberts us Small BusinessCB , Ms. Cabers of the Socd slo ed h ty lt ie a e c th o om S fr e ss m tained ocess er me t for her busine and oth ing recently pr to buy equipmen g a k pac

hri North the Time on (seco f o n o s r Chairpe Ms. Carmen Sim e Coope , ty ie c ers of th in front o b S m e m r h e and oth ssed salted fis h proces proce ted salted fis t Bank c constru ehri North, Eas Tim

Creating a space for start-ups In 2019, the Ministry of Business through the Small BusiChairperson of the Timehri North ness Bureau (SBB), and the Ministry of Social Protection, Cooperative Society, Ms. Carmen Minister of Business, through its Sustainable Livelihoods DevelSimon displays salted trout which Mr. HemrajEntrepreneurial Rajkumar opment (SLED) programme, disbursed over $260 million in was processed and packaged at grants to new, small business owners. The SBB, on its own, the salted fish processing facility located at Timehri North, East disbursed over $44 million in grants last year, which led to Bank Demerara the creation of 195 small businesses and over 300 jobs. , Minister of Business, d Salon Leading the government’s drive to ensure that start-ups h Spa anmbers of lt a Mr. Hemraj Rajkumar e H e ate get the support they need, is Minister of Business Mr. Hemraj Rejuvenfrom left) and mgrant and a e th f o ess rst th a Rajkumar. Minister Rajkumar said the grants are provided Proprietr antha Henry (finefited from bo Bureau m s e a s b to facilitate small and micro-enterprise development.

S e y . r in Ms us Hen Ms. hearing Small B am.been “Micro industries have a very important role to play in [Guyana’s] development. For example, about r tehave m the o hewe fr n a lo would be able to local content and I think that our entrepreneurs, our business persons, as long they are properly accredited… [provide goods and services for] the FPSO [Floating Production Storage and Offloading] vessel and all [operating within the] oil industry… We work hard and guide our young business persons… I think that if we can have our entrepreneurs understand that we have to do business in a correct manner and satisfy all the requirements of the market… I don’t see why we can’t have active and productive and profitable small businesses in our country,” the minister said.

As the businesses grow, the minister said, their need for financing increases. For further empowerment and security, entrepreneurs who have benefitted from the grant perative scheme are able to access loans at a reduced rate of interest. The Ministry of Business, orth Coo om right) N i r h e working with a local bank, also guarantees up to 70 per cent of collateral for the loan. the Tim on (second fr , display rson of In addition, the SBB provides training opportunities in General Business Manperative Chairpe Ms. Carmen Sim the Coo t of the newly t , f ty o ie s r c e o agement. The training programme is tailored for sector-specific needs, focusing on S cility a h in fron er memb and oth ssed salted fis h processing farara technical skill development, gives beneficiaries an opportunity to refine their Chairperson ofwhich the Timehri North s e e fi proc Ms. Carmen ank Dem products andCooperative enhance theirSociety, productivity. d salted nstructe ri North, East B o c Simon displays salted trout which “You’re giving a man some resources to start a business and if he doesn’t understand Timeh processed and packaged at how businesswas works, then we’re heading for trouble,” Minister Rajkumar said. the salted fish processing The Ministry of Business, he said, doesfacility not only disburse grants, but continuously located at Timehri North,development East Chairperson of the Timehri North guides the beneficiaries in their business to ensure that their ventures are Bank Demerara Cooperative Society, Ms. Carmen sustainable and that the business owners maximise on the investment made.

Simon displays salted trout which “It’s a relationship between the [Small Business] Bureau and the client… We would was processed and packaged at go after a few months to ensure that things are working well… It’s not a one-off story, the salted fish processing facility [where] you come, collect your grant and leave. [Rather,] we have constant communicalocated at Timehri North, East tion, constant meetings. So even though the grant is given, sometimes they would like to Bank Demerara have some more training,” he said.

Moving from potential to prosperity Aesthetician, Ms. Samantha Henry, is a beneficiary of both a loan and a grant through the SBB. She is the proprietor of the Rejuvenate Health Spa and Salon, located in Da Silva Street, Kitty. Ms. Henry trained in aesthetics and massage therapy in the United States of America and Saint Vincent. In 2001, she re-migrated to Guyana and has since been practising her trade.

In 2017, she approached the SBB, where she received business training and obtained a grant of $200,000 and a loan of $500,000.

“When I first started, I [was] by pushing a suitcase down the road with a foot spa inside of it and I went from house to

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 26, 2020

house… I really have to thank God for [the] Small Business Bureau, because I used to just be walking around the place doing manicures and pedicures… Finally, I decided to settle in a salon where I rented a room and worked there, but I always wanted to own my own business. I went into [the] Small Business Bureau, they sent me to do a course on business management and six months after I did that course, I had my own business… The first thing they did for me is… educate me on how to get it done and that was the most important thing of it all,” Ms. Henry said.

Since then, Ms. Henry has been able to expand her salon and she has employed three members of staff. She noted however, that an important part of her success is that she views her staff as team members. “I realise that I cannot do it alone and each one of them brings a different skill… They are adding value to my business,” she said.

Ms. Javita Kerr, a massage therapist at the Spa, said she obtained employment in November after completing training some time during the year. Ms. Kerr heaped praise on Ms. Henry’s leadership as an employer and explained that she has since added to her skillset.

“It’s a great feeling!. She is sharing her knowledge; I’m also learning to do facials, manicures, pedicures... It’s great to know that another woman can empower you to fulfil your dreams,” Ms. Kerr said.

Another SBB beneficiary, Ms. Dionne Roberts, proprietress of Dionne’s Beauty Salon, said she received a grant sum of $449,000, which enabled her to purchase critical appliances for her business.

During our interview at her Stelling View Arcade, Stabroek Market location, Ms. Roberts said a friend told her about the funding facility at the SBB, so she made enquiries.

“I went in and asked for a loan, but they offered me a grant, so I signed up and it was approved in January of last year… I took the cheque to Clippers where I got my quotations and I collected two chairs, products to work with, a foot spa, and everything. It improved the business a lot because customers now come and sit to get their hair done and they’re comfortable. I would like to thank the government for blessing me with the cheque and giving me the strength to uplift my business,” Ms. Roberts said. e at the Rejuven Proprietress of d Salon, Ms. Health Spa an rst from left) Sustainable Livelihoods and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) (fi Samantha Henry The Sustainable Livelihoods and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme am. Ms. te r he of rs be and mem a th bo is another scheme administered by the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry om fr ed Henry benefit from the Small of Social Protection, to facilitate the creation of small businesses and stimulate the an lo a grant and u growth of micro-enterprises. In 2019, the ministry invested a total of $227,000,000 in Business Burea 28 cooperative groups in order to fund 65 projects spread across Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two), Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three), Demerara-Mahaica (Region Four), Mahaica-Berbice (Region Five), East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six), Potaro-Siparuni (Region Eight), Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine), and Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice (Region 10). Today, 37 of those projects are complete and, according to the ministry, will benefit over 3,200 persons. perative The businesses are primarily based on cash-crop farming, livestock rearing, agro-processing, catering, o o C th r left) ri No h m e o craft production, and beauty. fr im T d hir the e busy rson of Simon (t One of the successful economic ventures established in 2019 under SLED, is a salted-fish processing Chairpe , Ms. Carmen f the Society ared fish facility located at Timehri North, East Bank Demerara. The facility, which was funded by the government Society er members o rocessed salt at a cost of $5 million, is managed by the Timehri North Cooperative Society, and oth ing recently p lon, which comprises mostly eauty Sa s Bwomen e’ packag nn women. It became operational in Septemberrie 2019 and employs 10 from the community. io D of s es ishment. blcreating Prop trSimon,er r esta hethat ts at The co-operative is chaired by Ms.Carmen who said by a business in her commuob R e nn ob io e D Ms. that shshe said, she expects that even ant grows, gr a ed us nity, her cooperative is reducing unemployment.

As the business ts er u Ms. Rob iness Burea more persons will gain employment. tained from the Small Bus r business he r fo t “We decided to start the [co-operative] theenunemployment of women in the community and buy equiofpm to because we wanted to find something to assist them that would be beneficial to them,” Ms. Simon said.

The business started selling 50 pounds of salted fish per week. That amount has steadily increased, though it did experience a drop in sales in December as other meats are preferred during the festive season.

Since the start of the New Year, however, she said business is picking up again.

“I’ve seen tremendous growth in the business and I think that we can grow from strength to strength and establish ourselves by exporting our stuff. I would like to encourage women in the country who are not doing anything or are unemployed, to come together as a group and set up a proposal. There is help out there. Apply to the Ministry of Social Protection or the Small Business Bureau,” Ms. Simon said.

The Government of Guyana is cognisant of the benefits of having a vibrant and sustainable Minister of Business, small business and microenterprise sector as it contributes significantly to the Gross Domestic Mr. Hemraj Rajkumar Product (GDP). Entrepreneurship spurs economic growth by creating new businesses that generate wealth and myriad other multiplier effects in a society. As a result, the government continues to provide the support necessary to nurture the growth of small businesses, through regulation and training, micro-credit financing and other technical assistance. lon, a and Sa

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The world through h er ey

es

t tis ar c hi ap gr a as f el rs he r fo e m na a e ak m to ―teenager determined

By Malika Edmonds

E

IGHTEEN-year-old Destiny Aliyah Moses developed the talent for graphic arts at the tender age of 15 and now she is determined to make a name for herself in the world of arts and

Eighteen-year-old Destiny Aliyah Moses

Some of Destiny’s work

graphics.

This budding teenager during a chat with the Pepperpot Magazine related that her life-long dream is to become a professional graphic artist and has embarked on a journey to craft her career.

Destiny is from La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank

Demerara and it was after she attended an art exhibition at the National Art Gallery, Castellani House, that she realised that art is life and she can make it happen; then it was all in her mind.

“I am very passionate about graphic arts because I TURN TO PAGE 32 ►►►

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 26, 2020

!

Oh Beautiful a n a y Gu

Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel ... Inspiring lives through fashion

T

HERE are many reasons Guyana has been mentioned in many publications in the last year as one of the places you must visit. I recently experienced one of the places that contribute to that ranking, the IWOKRAMA reserve.

Last week I shared my hiking experience up Turtle Mountain and I must thank you all for messaging me and expressing interest to visit and I recommend strongly that you do soon. Iwokrama is in the heart of the Guiana Shield, one of the four last intake tropical forests in the world (The Congo, New Guinea, and the Amazon rainforest are the others). Vacationing in the forest which has exotic animals and land that expand to over 1,000,000 acres (one million) which is the size of a few small countries together. It was not just the size, but the significant oxygen contribution to the land of the living. My very good friend and a woman I admire had invited me there a number of times over the past decade. Why did I take this long to embark on the best adventure of my life? I strongly believe that this happened at the right time, at the right

place with the right people and it is a plus when it is doing the right thing.

It is the beginning of a new decade and I am intentional to have my mind decluttered to be in alignment for my assignment and it was necessary to be in the right place. I had a great feeling from the beginning as I sat in the front seat of the land cruiser next to Colin Jarvis, who turned out to be a very competent driver.

I was so confident that I was in safe hands that I fell asleep after spotting many spectacular sights along the way that will be perfect for my new collection. I found a creative spot in the river at the Sherima crossing. We were welcomed by enthusiastic staff who were waiting with scented cold towels and lime drink/ swank. After dinner, I was enjoying the full moon at the eco-lodge with Raquel, who is one of the directors; Tangerine Clarke, travel agent Kay Ramdat and professor Adam. He had us laughing with his experience on the Guyanese Critic show. Critic was in Iwokrama and thoroughly enjoyed going down the rapids (I will try that on my next visit) just a couple days before us and we passed him on his way out.

Adam is such a free spirit and a great photographer.

We converted the canopy

walkway into a catwalk and the rainforest provided a perfect backdrop for my resort collection. I got the opportunity to visit the Bina Hill Institute, Surama Village and the famous Rockview and the legend, Collin Edwards. The environment there was so relaxing that I fell into a sound sleep in the hammock.

One of the highlights of my trip was my interaction with the children at the Kurupukari school in Fairview. I was happy the shy young men and women were chatting with me and sharing their future plans.

I promised them to return soon with and I can’t wait.

Meeting Michelle Frederick of Michelle’s Island was great and she invited me to explore her island and I will take her up on that soon.

One of the things that stood out as I interacted with the villagers is the significant contribution Iwokrama is making to the livelihoods of families in this area.

My foundation has great plans to collaborate with Dr Raquel Thomas and Iwokrama for some projects in the various villages.

We are entering the last week of the first month of 2020 and I trust things are going as planned as we continue this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 26, 2020

Writing about Art

A

S STUDENTS prepare to write the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination, their School Based Assessment (SBA) remains the main component towards the student’s success at the exam.

Students writing Visual Arts at CSEC must complete a reflective journal in addition to the SBA and the exam. This journal contains evidence of exploration, experimentation and research. Research that is based on their own expressive forms and also on artists who inspire them.

Writing about an artwork allows students to express what they understand about the work. A well-written analysis covers four major areas in art criticism, which are description, analysis, interpretation and judgment.

Today’s column is a critical analysis of a painting.

E. R. Burrowes School of Art with a major in leathercraft and a minor in painting. He usually paints nature scenes and is fascinated by the jaguar and the harpy eagle. This painting shows his excitement about Guyana’s achievement of finding oil, and it also highlights the negative effects oil would have on the country, especially if an oil spill were to occur.

This painting shows a large map of Guyana. In it, are two flags: one flag is on the top left corner, and the other, on the bottom right corner. The flags appear to be in motion.

Five barrels of oil are within the map. One is in an upright position and four others have been turned on their sides. The map is placed within an oval shape, seemingly representing the top of a barrel. There are subtle bursts of lights emitting from the barrel in the upright position. The background takes the shape of a rose petal. How-

Crude invasion,an acrylic painting by Dillon Craig (Photo by Dillion Craig)

Even though I am no art critic, and neither are the CSEC students, writing about art enhances our appreciation of the art we view. An art critic is a person who specialises in evaluating art.

Crude Invasion is an acrylic painting done by artist Dillon Craig in 2020. Craig is a young Guyanese artist who recently graduated from the

ever, the petal is painted in the colours of the flag: red, black, gold, white and green. An oil spill is displayed in the Upper Takutu- Upper Essequibo (Region Nine), on the map.

The artist uses the elements of line, shape, colour, and space in this painting. The use of curved lines creates movement. The oval shape representing the drum, reminds

one of an egg in all its frailty.

The colour combination in the painting creates the excited en-

ergy that emits from the painting. Space is adequately used to emphasise the subject. This

brings me to the principles of art used. These principles are rhythm, emphasis, harmony, and balance. The brushstroke creates rhythm. Emphasis is placed on the Guyana map and the barrel of oil. The colour scheme creates harmony and balance is achieved by place-

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ment of the objects within the painting.

I wouldn’t change a thing about the painting. I think that the painting captures Guyana’s excitement for oil and represents an integral part of our history. It is a representational piece.

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Investing oil revenues in economic and social development, prioritising oil refinery, ensures prosperity

W

HEN it was known towards the closing months of last year that Guyana would be an oil and gas producing country, economists and others began to think how the oil revenues should be spent. There were simplistic suggestions of sharing the oil revenues among the population, immediately allocating one million dollars to every person in Guyana. There were more sophisticated suggestions for establishing a Sovereign Wealth Fund to which the

population that oil is the panacea and that all would be inundated by unlimited wealth. This article will try to exorcise this unrealism.

Fortunately, there are a number of able businessmen and other intellectuals who have been publicly giving competent advice on oil revenues.

One of the first such persons was Komal Samaroo, Chairman of Demerara Distillers Ltd, who while addressing the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, pointed out two important characteristics of the oil industry. First, that

revenues would be transferred to be used on various national programmes which required funding.

There are many models of Sovereign Wealth Funds and the one chosen by the Ministry of Finance, as expected in such choices, would not be universally accepted. The business organisations and individual business persons have their own ideas of the structure, framework and activity of the Fund. In addition to this, there is a very slowly growing feeling among the

oil is a commodity like any other and is subject to the vagaries of the international market - it may sometimes have to be sold at very low prices or even at a loss. And second, oil is not a naturally renewable resource like agriculture and will at some time be exhausted. Trinidad is suffering this syndrome as its oil resources are contracting and its economy is beginning to be negatively affected. He therefore emphatically recommended that oil revenues TURN TO PAGE 26 ►►►

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Premedication for dental fear PREMEDICATION is the act of giving someone a drug before the dentist attempts to perform any clinical procedure to tranquilise the person so that he or she may cooperate during treatment. The goals of premedication are to allay apprehension or fearful anxiety and prevent any attempt to hamper or resist treatment. The judicious use of a premedication agent can, therefore, be substantially beneficial, especially when the patient is a child.

is among the best premedication agent, most dentists using preoperative sedation in children prefer the oral route of administration. This method is largely effective even though variability in absorption is sometimes observed. The major advantage of the oral route is that it is an innocuous delivery system less likely to be perceived by the child as threatening or suspicious.

Chloral hydrate selling under the brand name of Notec is the oldest drug of hypnotic groups. It closely

Every dental professional knows that children as patients present a challenge when drugs are required during dental treatment. Special consideration should be given to the route of administration (mouth or injection), selection of appropriate agents, and correct dosage for optimal effect.

Although not a substitute for psychological management techniques, preoperative sedation, when used with certain medications, can significantly expand a range of patients that can be treated in the office environment.

The patient should remain conscious and responsive to commands with the protective laryngeal reflexes (cough) intact. An ideal agent should be efficacious at a level of dosage that minimally alters vital signs and allows for rapid recovery with a low prevalence of adverse reactions.

While the so-called “laughing gas� nitrous oxide

resembles a barbiturate. The drug is available as syrup and the child can take two spoonfuls 45 minutes before the dental appointment. A major drawback to the use of chloral hydrate is that no specific antidote is currently available to reverse any adverse effects should they occur. Side effects are minor and the taste is frequently reported to be objectionable.

Hydrazine has historically been one of the most popular sedating agents used in children. Available as Atarax and Vistaril, this drug tranquilities; prevents vomiting and inflammation as well as it relaxes the muscles. It comes in tablets of 25mg and 50mg.

The suspension and injection are also manufactured.

R e c e n t l y, d i a z e p a m , which is widely prescribed for control of adult anxiety, has gained in popularity for use in the preoperative sedation of children. It has been suggested that a dose the night before and the day of

the dental appointment are necessary to achieve optimal sedation.

Promethazine is widely used in medicine and dentistry as a comedication for narcotic agents. Other similar

drugs are meperidine and alphaprodine.

Parents and guardians should know that it could be dangerous to give a child any premedication agent without the consent and

control of the dentist. This article does not provide information such as dosage in relation to the weight of the child, the specific dental procedure to be performed and its relation to the type

and dosage of the drug etc.

In addition, the mental state (hysterical etc.) age, medical history and clinical status of the child, all must be taken into account before premedication is prescribed.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 26, 2020

INVESTING OIL REVENUES ...

FROM PAGE 24 ◄◄◄

be methodically invested in social and economic developments such as education, agriculture, agro-industries, industries to produce consumer goods which would be self-generating.

President Granger while addressing a group of young people at Linden on the occasion of welcoming the first oil production had the had a similar message as Mr Samaroo: “All around the world people are moving away from petroleum and you better learn that lesson that petroleum, whatever bonanza, whatever profit, whatever revenues we get, will not last forever. So we have to put in place the type of development that would take us beyond petroleum. . . the youth would be provided with the right tools to ensure that Guyana does not become heavily dependent on the petroleum sector. . . Even some of the most productive petroleum countries now have the most successful solar energy generation plants.

Some of the countries producing the most petroleum are also producing the most electricity from solar power.

The President thinks that the priority investment should be made in Education and Training which would assist young people to become economically empowered. They would be involved in agro-processing, agro-culture, apiculture, aquaculture, business outsourcing, cultural industries and eco-tourism among other industries.

Some people have been regarding the oil discovery as the source of a never-ending flow of wealth to be consumed. Fortunately, most Guyanese are regarding the oil wealth in a mature way as capital to invest in the numerous projects which have been crying out for capital investment over the last century. If the oil revenues are regarded in this way, its mystique disappears, since it would be only adequate to fully capitalise the various social and economic projects which would

raise the standards and levels of Education, Health, Housing, profits, wages and employment. If this message is consistently given to the Guyanese people by the media, political leaders, intellectuals, the education system and other makers of public opinion and is acted upon, then the oil industry would be a true blessing.

Among the first investments that have to be made is to build an oil refinery and a port that could accommodate tankers. These two value-added projects would absorb a great deal of the oil revenues but would be generating more wealth from employment, high wages and profits than if the revenues were used to provide immediate satisfaction.

Other sectors in which profitable investments could be made include agriculture sugar, rice, fruit, fish-farming and value-added agro-industries.

Infrastructure - roads, railway to interior, river bridges, ferry services.

Green Power - solar power and hydropower.

Social Services - education: better pay for teachers, upgrading of all educational institutions, raising levels of the University of Guyana, technical and IT training.

Housing- increasing momentum and quality of houses and land on offer.

Health - specialty hospitals, upgrading of all hospitals and health services.

Industrialisation - production of consumer goods for local and export usage.

Developmental Banklending established Private Sector and start-up entrepreneurs.

Once the political and intellectual leaders ensure that the revenues are quickly channelled into developmental projects and the education system and media educate and inform the population of the value of such an approach to the employment of oil revenues, Guyana would be a country in growing and permanent prosperity.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― January 26, 2020

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2020 ― 05:30hrs - 07:00hrs

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The world through ...

remember walking down the streets one day and staring at an elderly man as he was on the roadside creating these letters with his bare hands and a few pieces of other things from scratch and it looked so

real and beautiful. I realised then and there I wanted to do that. To make things with my hands, a skill I developed at a very young age and that I will do,” she said.

Destiny is aiming to open

her small business where people can have artwork of their choice on tee-shirts, to make posters, business cards and much more once she gets her creative juices flowing.

“I know everybody has a

talent, something they are good at and being a graphic artist is my thing and I want to develop myself in this field, because I can draw really well and even I am amazed at what I can do with a pencil and a piece of

paper,” she said.

Destiny had a simple upbringing through which she learned the values of being independent and utilising her skill to become gainfully employed as an entrepreneur.

“I had a wonderful childhood, my parents would have books and pencils for their comic battles and at the end of the battle the book would turn out to be a comic book, so it was my parents who inspired me in that way; that’s how I developed my drawings and graphic skills,” she said.

Destiny told the Pepperpot Magazine that she will undertake the journey of becoming a successful graphic artist and is optimistic that her time will come for her to shine in which

FROM PAGE 21 ◄◄◄ she can showcase her talent.

“I have the support of my family and friends, so I am ready to do this because I have done my homework in terms of research and I have been trying newer styles and designs,” she said.

The former Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary School student added that for her, being successful is necessary and it has become her mantra, simply because she has the support and cooperation to make it happen and all she needs to do is apply herself.

Destiny’s goal is to work from home and have her own small studio to work in and who knows, maybe when her business expands she will employ others and make them marketable as well.

Some more of Destiny’s work

Destiny putting her passion on a T-shirt

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

Ingredients ■ Onion/garlic seasoning ■ 1 small yellow onion ■ 1 head of garlic, peeled ■ 3-4 fresh or dried thyme leaves ■ 3-4 wiri wiri peppers ■ 1/4 cup water ■ (4-5 tbsp of seasoning is needed after blending) ■ Potato mixture ■ 3 russet potatoes ■ 5 tbsp onion/garlic/pepper seasoning ■ 1/2 tsp ground geera (cumin) ■ 1/2 tsp salt ■ 1-2 scallions, thinly sliced black pepper to taste ■ Pholourie batter

Instructions ■ Make pholourie batter and set aside.

■ Peel and chop potato into quarters. If using

smaller potatoes, chop in half.

■ Boil in salted water. Drain when potato is cooked through, but still has a give to it.

■ Mash potatoes slightly then add salt, geera, scallions and 4-5 tbsp blended seasoning. Or add desired amount chopped onions, pepper, and garlic in place of the blended seasoning, Mix in well without over-mashing.

■ Roll potato mixture into balls and refrigerate for half hour.

■ Heat oil in deep pot for frying.

■ Drop potato balls a few at a time into pholourie batter, coating with a spoon.

■ Use spoon to drop into hot oil, fry until golden brown.

www.alicaspepperpot.com

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