Guyana Chronicle E-Paper PepperPot 02-16-2020

Ready for Mash!

Sunday, February 9, 2020

The Ministry of Education (MOE) recently launched its Mashramani band costumes in honour of the country’s Republic Jubilee Celebration under the theme “Promoting education through technology”. On display in this photo are two revellers in the MOE costumes which were designed Neilson Nurse

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 16, 2020

The enduring importance of

Indigenous language preservation

By Gibron Rahim

G

UYANA is the land of many languages.

There is English, of course, but we are also home to Guyanese Creole and Akawaio, Arecuna, Carib, Lokono (Arawak), Macushi, Patamona, Waiwai, Wapichan and Warrau, the languages of our Indigenous Nations.

For this reason, language preservation and linguistic diversity are rightfully issues of concern for our country. The decisions we make regarding these issues will have far-reaching implications for our collective future.

International Mother Language Day was proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999. Since 2000, it has been commemorated on February 21 each year with this year’s theme being “Languages without borders.”

It aims to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by people of the world and this is undoubtedly of significance to Guyana and its people.

There are multiple bodies tirelessly working to preserve Guyana’s linguistic heritage, including the Guyana Languages Unit (GLU), part of the Department of Language and Cultural Studies, Faculty of Education and Humanities at the University of Guyana, and the reasons are easily deciphered. The importance and effect of language preservation can be seen across multiple sectors of Guyana.

The Pepperpot Magazine was able to speak with stakeholders in some of these sectors.

Dr. Deirdre Jafferally currently works as an independent consultant and country coordinator of the Darwin Initiative Project. In her current capacity, and in her past capacity as project manager of the Iwokrama International Centre, Dr. Jafferally has had

extensive interaction with communities in the North and South Rupununi. She has learnt the importance of the land to the Indigenous People of those locations based on her experience. Language plays a role in the way they interact with and preserve their environment.

Dr. Jafferally pointed out

she explained, the language is based on interaction with each other, rather than writing, the way they think and portray events is completely different.

One notable point about language preservation was explained to Dr. Jafferally by Cecilia Jeffreys of Massara in the North Rupununi. She

A scene from last year’s International Mother Language Day celebration at the Umana Yana (Photo credit: Bryan Nobrega)

and referring to it by the English name and she said, ‘No, learn the Macushi name,’” Dr. Jafferally related. “Because it explains so much more than it just being a location.” The name, she said, gives the stories behind those places.

Romario Hastings occupies a unique position as both an environmental officer with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a proud Kapohn which means “sky

view and preserved in their culture. The understanding there is that human beings are a part of their environment, even as that environment is a part of them. “You harming the natural world is basically harming yourself, that’s how communities see it.”

Hastings noted the role that Indigenous languages play in the transfer of values from generation to generation within each Indigenous

Romario Hastings speaks at International Mother Language Day 2019 celebration (Photo credit: Bryan Nobrega)

Nursery school students from one of the pilot schools in the Quality Bilingual Education Programme for Wapichan Children (Photo courtesy of QBEP) that these languages are oral and said, “One of the things that we have to recognise is the way they think, the way they see the environment is completely different from the way we think, the way we see the environment.” Since,

said that Jeffreys has always told her about the importance of keeping the Indigenous languages alive, especially as they relate to the names of places. “We have a tendency of trying to make [names] English or finding a translation

people” and is the name the people of the Akawaio Tribe use to individually and collectively refer to themselves.

He explained that the connection between Indigenous Peoples and the environment is encompassed in their world

culture. “Everything is transferred within the language, regardless of whether it has to do with environmental conservation [and] sustainability, traditional medicine, geography – all of the knowledge that exists for Indigenous

People is embedded within their language,” he explained.

He added, “In terms of making direct linkages between conservation, the ideas of conservation, and Indigenous livelihoods, it is communicated through their language.”

The oral nature of the Indigenous languages, as Hastings pointed out, means that the death of these languages also means the loss of the knowledge contained within them. This is a salient point because, he went on to say, “You can only understand certain concepts with the language itself, it may not be able to be directly expressed in English.” Further, attempts to translate such concepts into English, or another language may result in a different interpretation.

Attempts to preserve Indigenous languages are already having an impact on education. Silverius Perry is administrative coordinator of the Quality Bilingual Education Programme for Wapichan Children (QBEP) that is currently being piloted at three schools in the South Rupununi in Region Nine – Maruranau, Sawariwau and Karaudarnau Nursery Schools. He told the Pepperpot Magazine that the programme is a grassroots initiative by the Wapichan people in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and supported by the Jesuits in Guyana. Their main goal has been to provide quality education for Wapichan children.

With the help of the Jesuits, Wapichan communities identified their priority needs as education and the need to preserve their Wapichan identity. This was a result of the consistently high failure rate of children in the villages and the decline of Wapichan language and culture. Consequently, in 2015, the Jesuits invited Mr. Manoj Kitta, an educationalist, to gather data and information on the state of education in the three pilot

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 16, 2020

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Making the best of what you have challenges you to be innovative!

By Telesha Ramnarine that if they can make it, I can too,” he expressed during an CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT February 9, 2020

interview with ― the Pepperpot Magazine at his home.

E has a bright, positive, vibrant personality, so The Pepperpot Magazine visited Norris at his home in much so that one conversation with him teach- New Hope, on the East Bank of Demerara, where he lives es the average person many encour- aging with his caring parents, Danny and Yvonne Cummings. Mr. lessons about life, and Cummings is the breadwinner of the family, while Mrs. how the simplest of things Cummings has devoted her entire life towards should not be taken for caring for her son. granted.

She Cummings is always at home and on hand Norris Rosslee needs Meet 30-yearto care for her beloved Norris, parNorris speaking with the old Norris ticularly in instances where he Pepperpot Magazine recently Rosslee cannot help himself. And she in the comfort of his home C u m too is an amazingly positive mings, person who maintains a w h o joyful spirit in her less h a s than perfect circumgivstances. en Mrs. Yvonne Cummings

H

‘Work with what you have’

Norris loved school and said ple that despite any circumstances, once you make the best he was way ahead of what you have, you can make it in life. It doesn’t matter of his peers when if you live with a disability or without. You have to have a he attended the positive mindset and be innovative.”

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 9, 2020 v Diamond Special CLE PEPPERPOT ― February 9, 2020 v that he has been reNorris is grateful for the support Needs School. ceiving from family and friends and said they never once He regrets that the discouraged him. school only went Despite being a recipient of the government’s public asup to the primary sistance, Norris feels strongly that there is a lot more that the level, and wished authorities can do for persons with disabilities. “Guyanese he could have moved really need to change their culture and perception towards Norris Rosslee Cummings needs himon to the other levels. persons with disabilities. I am pleading with Guyana, everyNorris Rosslee Cummings needs Norris speaking the one, to inself a Norris was surewith to point clude persons with disabilities.”

Pepperpot Magazine recently Norris speaking with the nickout that his disability is To help make ends in the comfort of his home Pepperpot Magazine recently name: “DJ physical and not mental. meet, he explained in the comfort of his home Foot.” He Despite the challenges, how he gets loves music Norris is happy to be alive. and now enjoys He expressed: “After realisDJ’ing, but because ing how my disabiliMrs. Yvonne Cummingsty affects me, he has to cope with cereMrs. Yvonne Cummings bral palsy, he is unable to use I had to his hands and must rely completely make on his feet to be able to play.

As unbelievable as it may RONICLE PEPPERPOT ―sound, February 9, 2020 v Norris does everything for himself using just his feet. His disability, which occurred at birth, makes it impossible for him to properly balance his head and control the movement of his hands. His speech, too, has been affected Norris Rosslee Cummings needs somewhat, although he is quite Norris speaking with the capable of carrying on an intelPepperpot Magazine recently ligent conversation. in the comfort of his home Apart from DJ’ing with his feet, Norris eats and writes, carothries on a photocopying and printe r Mr. and Mrs. Danny and ing business from his home, and w o r k Yvonne Cummings does many other personal things for some done: “I Mrs. Yvonne Cummings himself just by using his feet! adjustdo it using But he makes nothing a problem; ments. You my feet. I load none of these tasks is too hard for him, work with what the paper, type stuff, nor does he complain or frown upon the y o u h a v e . Yo u a n d also work as a graphics reality of his life. In fact, he says he thinks don’t have any other designer. I studied at Global Technology a few years back, about the fact that many others with disabilities choice than to make the and I am also working on being a DJ.” may be worse off than him. best of what you have, and Norris once participated in an ‘Amateur DJ Clash’ “I look around me and see people who are in a worse this brings out the best in you and on the West Coast of Demerara, and came off as the position than me; they have a worse disability…one foot, challenges you to do things in other ways. winner. He was the only person with a disability in the one leg, no hands, no feet. So all of that is motivation for me “I am happy to be alive because I can be able to show peo- competition.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 16, 2020

Time for

‘Fit n’ Prappa’ Names

Will this “Bridge Road” leading to the Berbice River Bridge be officially named “The Rohan Kanhai Drive”, sometime soon?

By Francis Quamina Farrier

T

HE term “Fit n’ Prappa” is very popular in Guyana and also in the diaspora at this time.

As such, I am engaging it to make a case for the naming of some of our yet unnamed streets and other places, with names which are “Fit n’ Prappa” as we celebrate Guyana’s Jubilee Republic year in this 2020.

Now, let us commence with a really hard one; is the name “The Cooperative Republic of Guyana” a truly “Fit n’ Prappa” name for a country in which the word “COOPERATIVE” is not seen almost everywhere you turn?

Why is there no Coop Taxi Service operating the Airport to Georgetown route which would impress the visitor immediately? Why is there absolutely no Coop Minibus Service?

There used to be the “Guyana National Cooperative Bank” (GNCB), which is no longer in operation.

While the mane “Guyana” itself comes from the Indigenous citizens and means “Land of Many Waters,” which is a “Fit n’ Prappa” name, Guyana’s capital city Georgetown, is named for King George III who in his maturing years suffered from a mental condition. Mad as a hatter, if you will. The capital of Region Nine, Lethem, is named after one of the most popular governors of colonial British Guiana, Englishman Sir Gordon Lethem. As a boy, I saw that governor on many occasions. He was a good man who took the interests of the ordinary citizens to heart, sometimes leaving his little car at Government House (Now State House) and walking around incognito and learning at first hand from the “Voice of the People”, The Man in the Street.

The year 2000 seems like yesterday for many of us.

“The Guyana National Cooperative Bank” (GNCB) is now a missing name in Guyana, with the former Head Bank in Georgetown closed and rotting away and shrubs growing on it (Photos by F. Q. Farrier)

For others - some who would be voting for the very first time in the upcoming General and Regional Elections - it is unknown since they were not yet born, but at this time are going forward to find their place in the sun. Where have 20 years gone since 2000 we may ask ourselves? TWO DECADES! What permanent strides have we made as a nation, and very importantly, have we honoured and sustained The Cooperative Republic of Guyana as it was fashioned half a century ago? How strong and powerful is the cooperative movement as we celebrate 50 years as the world’s first and only Cooperative Republic. How many buildings are there in our country with the word “Cooperative” impressively written on them?

Names mean quite a lot, and so one generation gives names to buildings, parks, airports, institutions, streets and others, to record the ongoing history of the nation and to honour those who have done great things for their country.

The names of certain Guyanese streets and institutions do bear the names of those who have gone before us. Guyana’s principal International Airport at Timehri is named for President Cheddi Jagan. The other International Airport is named for businessman and politician Eugene Correia.

The capital of Region 10 is Linden, which is named for President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham. In Guyana’s second town, New Amsterdam, there are streets which bear the name “Cheddi B Jagan” and “LFS Burnham.”

Even before the turn of the century, Murray Street in Georgetown was changed to “Quamina Street.” A little before that, Pakoo Dam was christened “Carifesta Avenue” in memory of the very first CARIFESTA which was held here in Guyana in 1972. “Festival City,” located in southern Georgetown, was so named because that new Housing

Formally, a grassy, muddy speedboat landing, this brand new Esplanade at Supenaam in Region Two, is awaiting a “Fit n’ Prappa” name

Scheme was where the majority of the visiting CARIFESTA performers were accommodated.

In this 50th Republic Jubilee Year, we may ask ourselves what are some of the streets and roads and other public institutions which should be given “Fit n’ Prappa” names.

Let us commence with “Seawall Road” which is the northernmost road in Georgetown and stretches from the Kitty Pumping Station in the east, down to the Bandstand. That roadway is waiting for a “Fit n’ Prappa” name. What is your suggestion? Another east-to-west road which is also waiting for a “Fit n’ Prappa” name is that which goes from the Palmyra Public road, in Berbice, to the Berbice River Bridge, and is known as the “Bridge Road.” I recently asked a few Berbicians what name they would give that road, and one came up with, “The Rohan Kanhai Drive.”

There are so many places and streets which ought to be given “Fit n’ Prappa” names in this special Republic Jubilee Year 2020. The roundabout at the northern end of Vlissengen Road in Georgetown; that should be given the name of a prominent villager from Kitty, or from the Guyana Defence Force. What about naming that one block, north to south street which is parallel to Water Street in Georgetown within the John Fernandes complex, “The John Fernandes Way”?

I submit that there are already many Guyanese who have been honoured with their names on streets and buildings, and even towns or sections of towns; “Campbelltown,” located just adjacent to Mahdia in Region Eight, is named in honour and to the memory of Guyana’s Indigenous hero, Stephen Campbell, who was the very first Indigenous Guyanese to sit in the country’s Parliament. So, let’s go for it. Let’s all be “Fit n’ Prappa” in Republic Jubilee Year 2020.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 16, 2020

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The National Cultural Centre comes alive on Thursday with ‘JUBILEE JAZZ’

O

N Thursday, February 20, several international artistes will take to the National Cultural Centre stage with the production of “Jubilee Jazz” in celebration of our 50th Republic Anniversary.

Headline performers appearing for the first time in Guyana will be Canadian ‘SHUFFLE DEMONS’ with support from Canada fund for the Arts and just out from the Naniki Music Festival in Barbados and heading to Suriname after their Guyana performance.

It is a high-energy Canadian band that blends virtuosic jazz and funk playing with eye-catching costumes and over-the-top stage antics to produce an incredible show.

A hit at festivals all over the world, the Shuffle Demons are a crowd-pleasing, full-on musical group that backs up wild stage antics with phenomenal playing by some of Canada’s most talented musicians.

The Shuffle Demons first broke onto the Canadian music scene in 1984 with an electrifying musical fusion, blending highly visually entertaining, funny, and best of all, can really PLAY. All their eye-catching, crowd-pleasing stunts are backed up by incredibly solid musicianship and real groundbreaking playing.

The band has toured extensively in Europe and around the world and has played at the Molde, Oslo, Stockholm, Lund, Pori, Birmingham, London, Edinburgh, Montreal and North Sea Jazz festivals, Jazz a Vienne, Outside In Jazz Festival, the Yokohama Jazz Promenade (Japan’s biggest Jazz Fest), on

the Barenaked Ladies Ships and Dip Cruise, at the Bangkok International Festival of Music and Dance, at the Taranaki Arts Fest and the Dubbo Jazz Fest in New Zealand and Australia, the Jarasum Jazz Festival in South Korea, the Zacatecas Cultural Festival in Mexico, the Beijing Jazz Festival, in India, the USA, Cuba and all across Canada.

Ruth Osman-Rose is a Guyanese singer/songwriter and flautist based in Trinidad and Tobago. She has over the years collaborated with a number of Trinidadian and Caribbean greats, including calypsonian Brother Valentino, Nigel Rojas of “Orange Sky”, jazz guitarist Theron Shaw, and jazz pianist/ composer, the late Rafael “Raf” Robertson.

She has produced two albums: Letting Go (2013) and Elemental (2016), which was dubbed a “10-track gem” by the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian.

Osman, who has played at Jazz Under the Stars, the Tobago Jazz Festival, The New Fire Festival, and TEDx Port of Spain, among others, will be performing with her band, The Love Warriors. Together, these artists create a musical experience that critics have called ‘original’, ‘entrancing’ and ‘profound’.

She will be accompanied by the Trinidadian band, THE LOVE WARRIORS. Members of the band include Mark Brewster ,a music educator, pianist, arranger and composer. Drummer Makesi Joseph who has toured and performed with Clive and Carlton Zanda, Michael Boothman, and many others and Clint Harewood is an accomplished bassist who has toured with some of Trinidad’s top alternative bands including 3 Canal

and 12 The Band COURTNEY FADLIN is an internationally renowned Guyanese-American saxophonist, known for his signature style and silky-smooth delivery. Throughout his career, which spans more than 20 years, he has refined his undeniable sound, an achievement attested to on his eight recording albums. He has built a solid fan base that consists of listeners of every generation from all over the world. Through his latest albums, “Still Standing” and “Hymnology 2,” Courtney continues to build his reputation as an outstanding Jazz Saxophonist and gains global recognition for his performances.

Wendell Bunyan is a USA-based Guyanese. In his early years after graduating from Queens College, he continued to play first, the “bass” drum with Club 59 Steel Band and later, the clavioline and organ with the Fabulous Rhythmaires.

Among his many engagements over the years, Wendell has been fortunate to have had the opportunity to incorporate a range of musical genres into his repertoire for the enjoyment of many supporters in various parts of the United States and Canada.

Guyanese Sean Bhola, singer, composer and keyboard player completes the performers team.

JUBILEE JAZZ starts at 20.00hrs (8.00p.m) on Thursday 20th February. Tickets $6,000; $5,000 and $3,000 are now on sale at the National Cultural Centre The concert is produced by GEMS Theatre Productions and Dream Team Productions in collaboration with the Government of Guyana.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 16, 2020

Remembering the ‘hero’ of the Republic

F

OR most of the year 1763, Berbice was embroiled in a massive struggle.

More than 2500 enslaved Africans on Plantation Magdalenenberg on the Canje River in Berbice revolted against the injustice meted out to them. At the forefront of this was Cuffy, who later became Guyana’s hero of

the Republic.

Examining historical records and accounts, Kofi Badu or “Cuffy” as he is better known, was a ‘house slave’ at Plantation Lilienberg, another plantation on the Canje River. Throughout my years as a history student, I recall being told that house slaves were the ones that were often more loyal to the colonial

masters because of the special privileges they enjoyed from living closely with the enslaver. Cuffy, clearly, felt disinclined to be loyal to his master, or any colonial master for that matter.

On February 23, 1763, the catastrophic events began.

The enslaved persons who were brought together into a ‘military unit’ of some sort by

Cuffy, burnt structures and wreaked havoc on the then colony of Berbice, in an attempt to dislodge the white ruling class. This was their way of resisting and revolting against the injustice that had been meted out to non-white people throughout the Caribbean at this point.

For about a year, this group managed to dislodge the white ruling class and establish some degree o f governance o v e r them-

selves. A collection of circumstances and occurrences, including internecine strife, however, led to the failure of the 1763 revolt.

But, in my opinion, Cuffy’s story is not an isolated event of just an African man getting people to come together to fight against the injustice meted out to him and people like him. Rather, Cuffy’s struggle is microcosmic of the wider struggles that have characterised much of Guyana’s history- as a developing nation. Cuffy was willing to lead his people towards a common goal, aimed at enabling a more just life for them all. It was this same impetus that was reflected in the 1823 Uprising in Demerara, where about 10,000 enslaved persons tried to fight the system of injustice.

And though the circumstances are definitely different, Cuffy’s struggle was

intrinsically reflected in the struggle of Cheddi Jagan and Linden Forbes Burnham as they fought for Guyana’s independence. The nation’s patriarchs recognised that the masses of people living here ought to have the autonomy to have their own decisions, in the best interests of themselves and thus, the nation came together to push for independence. Years later, now, we are celebrating the action taken to solidify our independence by becoming a Cooperative Republic.

But did you know that Cuffy also influenced revolutionary action throughout the rest of the Caribbean?

“The Berbice Revolution of 1763 struck the first blow for Guyanese independence.

It was a blow that the theoreticians of human subjugation will never forget,” Eusi Kwayana (formerly known as Sidney King) wrote. However, he added that this event

was also “part and parcel” of the Caribbean movement of disbanding penetration and domination.

Occurring in 1763, this revolt preceded the Haitian Revolution (influenced by the French and American revolutions which both occurred after the Berbice Revolt), and the other major revolts that took place across the various Caribbean islands.

Kwayana contends that Cuffy’s revolt was the nexus between the Maroon and Bush Negro movements, and the revolution and revolts of the Caribbean. It was a watershed movement for Guyana and perhaps influenced the wider Region.

Cognisant of his role i n Guyana’s history, when Guyana became a Cooperative Republic on February 23, 1970 (the same day the Berbice R e v o l t began!), Cuffy was declared the Hero of the Republic.

“Cuffy was the first revolutionary in our land and of our nation, and though his struggle then ended in failure, his courage, his vision and his example marked the beginning of success and stamped him as worthy of recognition as the Hero of this Republic,” Former President Burnham posited.

As we are exactly one week away from our 50th Jubilee celebrations for our anniversary as a Cooperative Republic, I believe it is important to remember this hero and all those who functioned to create the Guyana we live in today. This country is still undergoing its development, and perhaps it has a long way to go, but our history illustrates that we have been able to effect changes through collective action.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 16, 2020

The enduring importance ...

FROM PAGE II ←

South Rupununi schools. The key issue found by Kitta was that the students were being educated in English-medium schools though their first language was not English.

From these findings, Perry related that the idea was born to teach children in their native Wapichan first and introduce English as their confidence grew. In 2016, the proposed education programme was presented by local teachers and community members to the Education Commission of Inquiry in Aishalton where it was well-received. After engaging in dialogue with the Ministry of Education and the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD), a two-year Memorandum of Understanding was signed giving permission for the programme to be implemented in the pilot schools from September 2018.

In addition to Perry, Leah Casimero is the programme’s academic coordinator (Wapichan) and Marva Hawksworth acts as its early childhood consultant. A key aspect of the programme is the inclusion of Wapichan language and culture. Teachers of pilot schools are given the freedom to explain concepts bilingually to their students when necessary. “If those children who enter nursery school, Wapichan speakers, have problems the teachers can speak to them in Wapichan,” Perry explained. “And those children who speak English, the teachers have to speak to them in English so that they [can] be comfortable in school.”

The programme also uses Wapichan storybooks created by local resource team members. In addition, every Friday, children wear their traditional clothing to school as part of building their identity.

Another key aspect of the programme is the inquiry-based learning approach being used in the pilot schools to attain the Ministry

of Education’s national nursery standards. “Teachers just step back and guide the children so that they can discover for themselves what learning is,” Perry stated. He went on to relate that teachers have told him about the significant changes they have seen in their young charges for the first time in their teaching careers.

After the pilot phase ends in July this year, the bilingual education team, along with NCERD and the Ministry of Education, will evaluate the programme. The results have been promising thus far. While not an educator himself, Perry related that he has had some positive experiences over the past two years working with teachers, parents and children.

“There is significant, visible evidence of this programme working for the teachers, for the children, for the parents,” he said.

Perry further explained that parents have been heartened by the fact that their children from the pilot schools often return home to share their learning experiences, Wapichan stories and songs which was something that had been non-existent with their older children.

Last year, 2019, marked the International Year of Indigenous Languages. It was a time to celebrate our Indigenous languages and the cultures from which they were born. However, the effort to preserve these languages continues, and simply documenting them is not enough. As Hastings noted, “The language and the knowledge itself exist within a thriving environment, whether it’s a cultural environment or a physical environment.” The loss or degradation of either results in the corresponding loss of knowledge. Clearly, the preservation and protection of Indigenous languages will take continued efforts on many fronts.

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Are you consuming too much alcohol?

I

’VE had a few people write in to tell me that their alcohol use hasn’t really cut down since the typically holiday

increase; that they are having a hard time “catching themselves.”

Today I have attached The Alcohol Use Disorders

Identification Test (AUDIT) that is used in clinical settings to determine whether someone is abusing alcohol.

Please think of only the

last two months when answering.

Questions •0 •1 •2 •3 •4

1. How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?

• Never • Monthly • Or less • 2- 4 times a month • 2-3 times a week • 4 or more times a week 2. How many drinks containing alcohol do you have on a typical day when you are drinking?

• 1 or 2 • 3 or 4 • 5 or 6 • 7-9 • 10 or more 3. How often do you have six or more drinks on one occasion?

• Never • Less than monthly • Monthly • Weekly • Daily or almost daily 4. How often during the last two months have you found that you were not able to stop drinking daily once you had started?

• Never • Less than monthly • Monthly • Weekly • Daily or almost daily 5. How often during the last two months have you

failed to do what was normally expected of you because of drinking?

• Never • Less than monthly • Monthly • Weekly • Daily or almost daily 6. How often during the

last two months have you had a feeling of guilt or remorse after drinking?

• Never • Less than monthly • Monthly • Weekly • Daily or almost daily 7. How often during the last two months have you been unable to remember what happened the night before because of your drinking?

• Never • Less than monthly • Monthly • Weekly • Daily or almost daily 8. How often in the last two months have you been unable to remember what happened the night before because of your drinking?

• Never • Less than monthly • Monthly • Weekly • Daily or almost daily 9. Have you or someone else been injured because of your drinking?

• No • Yes but not in the last year • Yes but not in the last year 10. Has a relative, friend,

doctor or other health care worker been concerned about your drinking or suggested you cut down?

• No • Yes but not in the last year • Yes but not in the last year

To grade this is very simple. On the top box, where it says “Questions”, there are numbers 0-4. Those are points that you will add up.

For example, for the first question, 1. How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?- if the answer is ’monthly or less’, it will be 1 point, if the answer is ‘4 or more times a week’, it will be 4 points.

You add up all your points to each question at the end.

The results are as follows: • 0 to 7 points: Low risk • 8 to 15 points: Medium risk • 16 to 19 points: High risk 20 to 40 points: • Addiction likely I would love you to all take the test to see where you fall on the spectrum.

Thank you for participating. If you would like me to speak about any topic, please continue to email caitlinvieira@gmail.com If you would like to book a private counselling session with me, please whatsapp or message 623 0433.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 16, 2020

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─ Much of what we know about our history is not factual

A

S I was scrolling through Netflix, I noticed that there was a new series out called, “Who killed Malcolm X?” I was glued to my television, as I patiently watched all six episodes of the series. By enlightening myself a bit more on the

Up until that point, my thoughts and knowledge on ‘Black History’ were just like the textbooks they gave us in high school--quite murky.

As Malcolm X safely said, those names are not our own.

Much of what we know of our history is not in fact; ‘Our History.’ If we log in to one of

The 1763 monument (Guyana)

history of ‘Black America,’ it encouraged me to focus my thoughts a bit more to home. Reviewing the story of El-Hajj Malik El- Shabazz, better known as ‘Malcolm X,’ made me realise that the history of Africans is so rich, but yet so untold.

To my knowledge, as popular as he was, his story, his struggle and his fight for racial equality are very vague. When asked what his last name was or even the last name of his father, Malcolm X stressed that his last name is not his own. It is a name that was imposed by the slave master. I clearly remember him saying, where we come from, there are no names such as, “Smith” and “Jones.” That very line gave me goosebumps and it was like my entire mind has a reshuffling of thoughts.

preserved history compared to their knowledge of lineages.

I am not here to give you a history lesson on the essentials of African History in Guyana, because as far as I know, my knowledge extends only to that of what my high school teachers taught me--just like most of you. However, what I can safely say is that the history of us, as a people, did not start or begin when Europeans forcefully entered the scene.

Our stories and the stories of those who have come before us, started thousands of years ago. I urge you all to research the history of West Africans if we ought to understand where we truly came from.

Can you imagine being stripped of who you are? Can you imagine being forced to work and live in a completely different continent? Can you imagine being separated from your families? Can you even imagine being taught that your history, your beliefs/ religion and the language you speak is deemed unnatural and demonic? The colour of your skin determined your place with God and your every existence was not humanistic. Can you? Because I simply cannot. I cannot

El-Hajj Malik El- Shabazz, better known as ‘Malcolm X

those ancestry sites, the most they can tell us is the proposed percentage of ethnicities we have. Unlike a European user of the same site, we cannot fully trace the lineage of our family tree because there is little to no documentation of African History. As far as I can tell, the knowledge of my very own family tree can only be traced back to my greatgreat grandparents and for some Guyanese, that’s a lot of

grasp the amount of hurt, pain, sweat, tears, sacrifice, confusion and suffering those before us endured-so that we can become the people that we are today.

As we observe this month as ‘Black History Month,’ I hope you all reflect on the sacrifices those before us have made. In this crucial election season, may we be reminded that racism has surged in Guyana, the

Caribbean and the rest of the world for centuries.

‘Massa’ has left us a long time ago and we have implemented new ways of racism amongst ourselves. As Malcolm X rightly said, ‘second-class citizens’ “is just

another term for 20th-century slavery.” No Guyanese, regardless of race, should be deemed a second-class citizen and if by chance you do not believe in equality, then all I can say to you is that you are not ready to be

a citizen of the upcoming, “Developed Guyana” of the future. Happy Black History Month to all of you reading this. Our past is only a mere reflection of the greatness Guyanese are capable of as a people.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 16, 2020

WE NEED LAWS AND CHECKS AND BALANCES FOR NEW STREAMS OF CREATIVE BUSINESSES

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UYANA is behind the rest of CARICOM concerning engaging and streaming the needs of creative businesses. What do I mean by creative businesses? It’s definitely not only the Arts. Creative businesses apply to any commercial endeavour that is developing a process not used before, but in its activity enhances the discipline it is developed within. Some years ago, a former university student in engineering related a story to me about a project he was working on; he fell ill and was incapacitated. On recovering, he discovered that the friendly lecturer he was sharing his idea with had left the job and had migrated with his files and notes.

with others who are promoters who see talents to be kept as low-valued investment, with their personal high-profit results, view the legal empowerment of talents that will require tax and performance contracts, possibly using the Jamaican template for music performers, with an advance on signing of contract and the remaining amount backstage before the act takes the stage, leaving no room for after-show excuses, promises and deceptions.

Talent must be that part of the budget that is addressed with priority. Why must our sleepy, archaic and useless laws on intellectual property be updated? Simply because the labour world we live in is a swiftly changing world, and because people live day to day, thus procrastination and sloth

will be closing, from top-end retailers like Walgreens, Sears, Forever 21, Pier 1 imports, Earth Fare, among others.

These stores provided employment for thousands of sales service and blue-collar jobs, many of them immigrants, many Guyanese among them; this will reflect in fewer remittances back here. Then there is the dark shadows crime business hope that many Guyanese refer to naively as “ De Government should leh de drugs pass.” For those who think that sending narcotics to the ‘Big City’ is still a lucrative open-market option, selfishly they ignore the body count of those days and social degradation. Well, it’s idiotic to expect continuity of that

Today, the auto industry sports a useful innovative radar system, that very well might have had had its genesis on these shores. I am told that on entering university, a student signs an agreement that whatever the student works on at the University belongs to the university. Fair enough, but what applies in the sudden, apparent commercialisation of that research beyond the university. Which can be traced back to not-so-prudent actions from within the institution; do those complex mechanisms and laws required to decipher intentional wrongdoing and render justice exist?

In the area of the Arts, fabric design, architecture, literature, software design, graphic arts, novels, comic books, movie and animation storyboards and their prolific imagery are all linked. Most ideas may emerge from a single mind that has processed heaps of information and assembled it into a moving concept, at times over decades. But to bring it to the commercial market requires skilled technical workers who will have access to volumes of other people’s exclusive, priceless creative concepts. What industrial laws exist to deter an opportunistic employee from downloading this or that on a flash drive and pirating its content to eager businesses, confident of loose laws, and negligible penalties.

There is a strong parasitic political and commercial lobby against the streaming of Intellectual Property Rights in Guyana. Their secret concern and peeve is the erroneous belief that there is a preponderance of one ethnic group in the Arts, thus copyright “gon empowah dem people.” While

adjustments should not be where we find ourselves, as was done with the EU sugar subvention, towards the inevitable economic collapse of the sugar industry in this country. The sugar contraction and decline provide a capable ‘case study’ in after-the-fact response, for example; In the Stabroek News, October 2, 2010, then President Jagdeo mentioned in dismay that-“ If [the] Skeldon factory doesn’t work sugar is dead.” There were no joint letters demanding favourable preparations for the sugar workers. But in 2018 after the collapse had come, to my surprise, there was Kwayana, ‘not in my name,’ the late Andaiye, and Moses Bhagwan castigating government, January 9, 2018, on the inevitable retrenchment of the sugar workers, in the 24th hour, taking high ground where there was no substance for high ground.

But this kind of too-late-blame cry will happen again if we cannot morph into a proactive mode. Let’s take a look at the largest real economy in the world, North America, the US of A, where about half of our nation has taken up residence over the past 60 years. American statistics state that over the past decade home-owned businesses without employees have maintained 60.1% of the American economy. Some years ago, ToysRus closed their physical store doors, to online shopping. Currently 2020, in what America is calling the “Retail Apocalypse,” Macy’s after over 100 years is closing 125 stores in the next three years, at a human high-end job value of some 2,000 corporate positions. Altogether 2,200 stores

kind of illegality, against countries with advanced technologies that have been on a war footing for over 100 years. The deals their friends who are in their custody made, no doubt have listed all who are involved, including you, are linked and also the potential next tier. Perish the illusionary cartel dreams of boys with drug money and designer clothes, magically escaping poverty, tough on locals, bribing here and there but soft when faced with real toughness. I’m talking extradition-Rikers-Island, isolation toughness. No country, on the other hand, can without systems for practical self-development provide continuous monthly salaries based on citizenship, because it has an oil income. That’s the ultimate extreme of ‘hand-to-mouth thinking.’ It has never been done.

We have the creative talents in every area, but not the A administrative bureaucratic, and B legal support. The A & B have to be addressed, and the conversation must begin, for much has not been said.

Beyond the elections the potential and practical reasons to keep our creative people here and to activate their talents in the national interest, rest primarily in the court of the APNU+AFC Coalition and specific commercial groups, to seriously commence core discourses to address the serious nature of this article and explore the impending consequences of not being pro-active for Guyana, in the new world image and identity and its cultural economics.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 16, 2020

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A develop Focus ing comm that has unity s u r v ived the test of time on the Village

Gwendolyn Kingston (Carl Croker photos)

By Michel Outridge

HIS week the Pepperpot Magazine visited the far-flung community of Naamless, East Bank Essequibo.

At that time, preparations were being made to facilitate road works, much to the delight of residents.

Villagers related that an asphaltic road will make the community more accessible and schoolchildren will no longer have to wade through mud and loam to

T

This village is located a few miles from Parika and can be accessed by road and by boat. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel with the new all-weather asphaltic road, making it accessible to all categories of vehicles.

Meanwhile, in April 2019, residents of Naamless benefitted from improved potable water service from the water company, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) after they reactivated the Hubu Well Station.

During a visit by GWI’s

Managing-Director, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles, last year, residents expressed their concern about the very low water pressure they were receiving and sometimes none at all.

The village was previously served by the Vergenoegen Water Treatment Plant.

A new well was drilled and the Hubu Well Station service was activated and today, residents are receiving potable water in their homes.

The Pepperpot Maga-

zine spoke to Gwendolyn Kingston, who said she is pleased that after many years they are receiving potable water.

She stated that the quality of the water needs improvement, but at the same time everything takes time.

Kingston reported that the water is a bit muddy and has an odour, but she would add some bleach to make it usable for her laundry.

“Even though the water quality needs to improve, the fact is we getting water and it is better than none at all like before and we are still thankful,” she said.

Kingston told the Pepperpot Magazine that

about 10 years ago the road was asphalted, but when the tide is high, over time, it washed away the road and it was never paved, only loam was graded into a road.

She explained that when it rains, the makeshift road is often a mess and it is difficult for schoolchildren to traverse and vehicles have some difficulty navigating the potholes.

She is pleased that they will finally get a good road under this administration and was thankful.

Kingston related that she is a local who grow up in Naamless Village and she likes it there because it is peaceful; she has her own

looking good for them and they are looking forward to more development within the community.

“Before we got potable water supply, we used to depend on rainfall water to drink and cook. We used to go down by the river (Essequibo River) to bathe and fetch water to do chores.

Who can afford it have black tanks to catch rainwater, so we are thankful for small mercies,” she said.

Kingston reported that even though Naamless is a small community the people are cooperative and support each other because most of them are farmers and others have

Preparation for an asphaltic road to be paved in Naamless Village

get to and from school.

A new all-weather road will be built next week, the Pepperpot Magazine was told by road workers. The small farming community of Naamless Village, East Bank Essequibo, is located between Present Hope and Bendroff villages and is home to about 100 residents and has less than 50 houses.

It is about two villages away from Morashee, the last village along that corridor which is almost forgotten because it is not easily accessible, because of the bad road.

Road works being undertaken in the village

Children on their way home from school

small business like many residents.

“I recently spent five months in the US but here is home for me and I like my country because Guyana is such a paradise people don’t even know how fortunate they are to escape many natural disasters and so on,’ she said.

Kingston added that with good road and better water service, things are

small businesses, earning an honest living.

The 65-year-old added that she is a mother of seven and worked single-handedly to raise her children and is proud of their accomplishments to date, because they all made something of themselves.

She has 23 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 16, 2020

Focus

Naamless residents on the Village

making a living by being resourceful

Hubu Koker activities (Carl Croker photos)

By Michel Outridge

D

OREEN Ramkissoon is self-employed and has her small business making and selling snacks in the village at her roadside stand.

She is originally from Philadelphia, East Bank Essequibo and settled in Naamless after marriage.

“Well you have to make life, no matter how it is, you have to do something to support your family financially, because if you have children you always have to have money and we does try with the little we have,” she said.

The mother of seven stated that life in Naamless Village is like anywhere else and most of its people are farmers and small-business owners.

Ramkissoon added that with a better road the lives of residents will improve and so will commerce in the community.

She pointed out that since last year they have been benefitting form potable water supply with good pressure and that is commendable, because before they used to have to use rainwater and water sourced from the nearby Essequibo River and they are very thankful their lives can improve with these basic necessities.

The Pepperpot Magazine also spoke to Brian Harry, a resident of Naamless, East Bank Essequibo, who reported that he is very pleased with the current development in that community, which he described as being neglected in the past.

He added that he has been residing in Naamless Village for the past 23 years and has been seeing development within recent years.

Harry was mostly happy about the potable water supply they are receiving and with a new road, he said the village is developing.

“Before the time we used to have to take a tractor to get out this village, because the road was so bad you simply couldn’t walk out,” he said.

He reported that it is time they see some much-needed development in that village which is several miles away from Parika, a central point for business and a market where all goods and services are accessible.

“As you can see, we are not rich people here; most of us are cash-crop farmers and we make do so any development is welcome because it will enhance our lives and that of our children,” he said.

Harry, 30, disclosed that he is mostly pleased with the current administration for fulfilling their requests for a good road and potable water

St. Lawrence Primary School

service.

As such, he will continue to work with the administration to foster development in his village.

He said their village has only one church, that is the Full Gospel Church which serves as a community building for church-related events.

The children have to leave the village to go to school, some miles away and the nearest playground is villages away, at St. Lawrence.

Harry added that they have a few small shops within the village and they are resourceful people, living at that end of the country.

The mild-mannered man noted that being a riverain community the nearest commerce location is at Hubu Koker, where farmers from other riverine communities would bring out their produce to transport it to the Parika Market or sell it wholesale.

He stated that there are two more kokers before Parika and these are utilised by farmers within the communities on the East Bank of Essequibo to ferry their produce to the nearest point where they can market their produce.

St. Lawrence Playground

Doreen Ramkissoon Brian Harry

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 16, 2020

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Amena Alberts (Carl Croker photos)

The home of Clifton Alberts

Naamless residents

pleased with recent development within the community

Focus C on the Village

Leroy Goddett and his family

By Michel Outridge

lifton Alberts is a resident of Naamless Village. He was doing some carpentry work but took the time off to engage the team in a chat.

The 71-year-old said he is originally from Linden, but came to the city and used to stay in Kitty where he met a young woman and over time they developed a relationship, causing him to relocate to Naamless Village.

“I used to work in the interior, but after dengue fever and malaria became prevalent I left mining work and came to the city to look for other work and met my wife,” he said.

He has been a resident of Naamless for the past 30 years and has his own cottage on a plot of land which has another wooden cottage that is occupied by his daughter and her family.

The father of six added that these days he is unable to do strenuous work because of high blood pressure but whenever he gets a ‘day work’ with farmers he would take it, because it brings in an income to his home.

Alberts said that apart from a few challenges, life is good and he has managed to adjust to living in such a distant place.

Meanwhile, the Pepperpot Magazine also met Alberts’ daughter, Amena Alberts and her husband, Leroy Goddett.

They reside in a neat little cottage in front of her father’s place which has a lot of plants and trees.

Goddett told the team he is a block-maker and was not at work that day, but he also does other jobs when the need arises.

He is originally from the Essequibo Coast and has settled in Naamless after his union with Amena.

The couple has a son who is one year and 11 months old and they describe life in Naamless as good.

A smiling Charlotte Kippins

The team encountered another resident, Charlotte Kippins, a friendly woman who has a shop and accommodates village meetings at her residence, since there is enough space for that.

Although she is from Bartica, she has been a resident of Naamless Village for the past 33 years.

Kippins explained that it was marriage that brought her to the community which is now home to her and she is well settled.

She stated that she takes care of the business side of things, that is, running a shop and her spouse, a sensible man, is a farmer and he tends to the crops on the farm lands they have.

With five children, her days are ‘not a walk in the park,’ but she manages to send off the children to school after which she does the chores and still has the time to operate their small business, a village shop.

Kippins told the Pepperpot Magazine that from the time she moved to Naamless Village to now, she has seen some development within the community and is very pleased that a new road will be paved next week.

In addition, she spoke of having potable water potable, thanks to Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) and by extension the administration for its intervention in making it possible for them to benefit from such a service after many years of hardship.

“We want a proper road that will last, not a biscuit road that will break away and erode when the tide is high, because a lot of heavy-duty vehicles traverse the community since it is agriculture-based and people have their small businesses as well,” she said.

The Kippins’ farm produces plantains, bananas, and sweet potatoes on a large scale and these are sold at the Parika market to wholesalers.

“Whatever development we get we are thankful[for], because it is better than none at all,” she said.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 16, 2020

Imporovements abound under coalition administration Focus on the Village

By Michel Outridge

COALITION government councillor with the Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) Regional Democratic

cess to Parika Community Playground, Salem Primary School and Grove Multi-Purpose Centre.

Samlall added that they have desilted the Parika main drain (after more than

Centre.

The businessman disclosed that one mile of all drains and their shoulders from Parika backdam to Hubu were cleaned and cleared by the RDC equip-

ment and this process was repeated in 2018.

Samlall pointed out that under this government the floors of the Parika Health Centre were raised

and re-surfaced to prevent flooding and the entire building was re-painted.

He reported that a new state-of-the-art bridge was built at the Kent Dam in Parika backdam for farmers to access both sides of the main drain.

The councillor added that a state-of-the-art footpath bridge was constructed over the Parika main drain so that residents from Barnes Avenue can have safe and easy access to other communities.

Samlall said an old wooden main access bridge across Parika Façade was replaced with a concrete one.

“A grant of $2 million was provided to upgrade the Parika/Salem playground and for a new concrete fence to be built in front of it. The grant also helped with the enhancement of the Lookout Playground and the construction of a sport stand there,” he

said.

Samlall reported that 200 metres of sea defence were constructed behind the Parika Burial Ground to strengthen sea dams and revetment of the sea defence was also done in Parika/Salem and Grove villages.

He added that a more suitable wharf was built by the RDC at Hubu Koker for farmers to offload their produce and a CCTV system was installed at the Parika junction for the safety of businesses and road users.

Samlall said salary increases for NDC staffers also came to fruition with the intervention of the Local Government Commission, in keeping with the minimum wage approved by the government.

The councillor was more than willing to provide all the developmental works that have been accomplished in the village.

Cleaned drains in Parika areas Produce being offloaded at Hubu Koker/wharf (Carl Croker photos)

Council (RDC) for the catchment areas of Parika/Mora, Harriram Samlall, said the administration has made great strides to enhance the lives of the people.

The businessman was one of the two councillors who reached out to the Pepperpot Magazine and provided a tour of Naamless Village this week.

The team comprised party stalwart Alshazie Ramlakhan and Samlall, who took the opportunity to meet and greet residents, some of whom expressed their concerns.

He highlighted some of the development fostered by this administration which included the granting of free Wi-Fi ac-

10 years of blockage) from the Parika koker to the end at the Parika backdam koker.

He added that the coalition government also provided electricity to Parika backdam and Naamryck backdam after decades of no power.

“They also paved a new asphalt road at Jessamy Street after it was destroyed by a businessman and constructed new toilet facilities at Parika/Salem Secondary Schools and a new concrete bridge for the Parika Nursery School,” he said.

Samlall stated that the government provided a $1.5M grant which facilitated the repairing and construction of a new fence a the Grove Multi-Purpose

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 16, 2020

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Focus on the Village

Farmer Randolph Matthews (Carl Croker photos)

By Michel Outridge

P N U stalwart Alshazie Ramlakhan underscored the development in Naamless, East Bank Essequibo, during a tour of Parika and its environs, this week.

She related that in the past, villages such as Naamless were forgotten and neglected, but for the past four years and more, this administration has invested in its people by providing the requisite resources

A

On the road to development

for their development.

Ramlakhan during her visit to the communities also took the time to reach out to residents, some of whom aired their concerns as well as, expressed their gratitude for a new road and potable water supply within recent times.

During the village walkabout with the team, Ramlakhan’s sentiments were echoed by villagers, who recognised the progress fostered by this administration especially the clearing of drains, canals, outfalls and the

A farmer on his way in the village

façade.

She explained that it was as a result of a public village meeting in Naamless, residents had asked for a proper road and a reliable water service and it was delivered by the government.

Ramlakhan added that the government is trying to meet the needs of the people and things will take time, but it will be granted in due course.

“The people here in Naamless have seen more development than ever than before and plans are in stream for further progress in which new schools will be built, concrete bridges constructed, health centres for villages and other modern buildings and facilities, all for the

betterment of all,” she said.

Ramlakhan, a resident of Parika, related that in her village they have had their share of development, boasting about good roads and other services that bring real meaning to life and people.

She pointed out that the interest of the people has always been on the forefront and this government has been providing the necessary resources to promote development all around.

The Pepperpot Magazine met Randolph Matthews, who reported that the children of Naamless and the surrounding areas as far as Morashee should get a bus to transport them to and from school.

Alshazie Ramlakhan

He explained that his six grandchildren have to journey from Morashee, which is the last village on that end to Naamless by boat, then take a bus which costs $200 each to go to Parika, after which they have to take other buses to go to their respective schools.

The eldest grandchild goes to the Government Te c h n i c a l I n s t i t u t e (GTI) in the city and the transportation money adds up, putting a strain on finances in the home.

Matthews, a cashcrop farmer who plants and sells bora at the Parika market stated that he would assist his daughter with some money to assist in the transportation costs for schooling, but it is not

easy.

The 59-year-old added that life as a farmer has many difficulties, but they try to make ends meet and he is however thankful for the development he has seen in Naamless, his village.

“This area has a lot of schoolchildren and it is costly for them to travel, because most of them have to go out of the village to attend secondary schools and it would be a good thing if they can get a bus to assist,” he said.

Matthews noted though he is pleased with the efforts of the government thus far and noted that the residents of Naamless welcome any form of development.

Residents of Naamless Village

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 16, 2020

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 16, 2020

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S AMERICA observes Black History Month, I decided to take a closer look at one of our Guyanese artists whose work played an integral part in our black history.

Aubrey Williams (19261990) was a Guyanese painter who lived in Britain in the 1950s. During this time Williams was exhibiting his dense, chromatic canvases in various galleries and exhibition spaces in London. His work was also prominent in the London-based Caribbean Artists’ Movement in the 1960s and ‘70s. Williams gained recognition in 1965, when he was awarded the prestigious Commonwealth

truthfully the dreams of the people. For art and literature are like lightning, and lightning can never be timid.’ Revolt would not be allowed a showing until 1970 at the Guyana Museum at a Retrospective Exhibition of Guyanese Artists, organised by an art sub-committee chaired by Williams himself.

Williams is said to have painted himself as a representation of the slave. His self-identification in Revolt is also the key to understanding its historical impact in Guyana. The slave in Revolt is given a similar stance to the pose that the artist would have struck when standing to paint his mirror image. With raised hand to the canvas he

marily as objects of interest, rather than as artists themselves. The need to resist such a situation would add urgency to his self-portrait in Revolt.

Relinquishing an authorial position through self-portraiture became a dominant concern in Britain by the early 1980s when black artists developed similar realist approaches to that of Williams several decades earlier.

By putting their own bodies in the frame in a variety of new encodings, they aimed to identify both their both British and artistic presence.

Williams self-identification runs beyond Georgetown and Berbice, toward self-assertion of his place within

Aubrey Williams, Revolt, 1960. Image taken by Dwayne Hackett and taken from The Arts Journal Volume 2 Number 2

Prize for painting, and exhibited his latest, abstract composition, Guyana (1965), in London’s Royal Academy of Arts.

The painting Revolt was produced in Britain and given

by Williams as a gift to the Guyanese people in 1960.

The piece stirred up much controversy when the Royal Agricultural and Commercial Society (RACS) in Georgetown, which housed the Guyana Museum, refused to exhibit the piece. This action prompted Jan Carew, a London based journalist and writer (like Williams, from Guyana) to write: ‘This august and antiquated body was striking a traditional posture of resistance to Guianese freedom. The colonial mentality cannot stand art and literature which smells of the earth and interprets

placed a blade, in a technical procedure of metaphorical substitution: a weapon for a paintbrush. Equally, Williams plays with the observer’s point of view, by orienting the slave in Revolt toward his target of aggression, the Dutch planter, perhaps Governor Hoogenheim himself, and his household. As spectators, we stand in the same relation to the frame of his canvas as would the mirror in which he studied himself for a portrait so that he takes our view of him as his own view.

Williams once met fellow artist Pablo Picasso who only viewed him as a subject for his own work rather than a fellow artist. As a stereotypical encounter, the meeting was a basis for Williams’s ongoing complaint that black subjects have featured throughout modernism pri-

a genre of 1950s and 60s neo-figuration in Britain. As such, the painting entwined two histories: the leading preoccupations among British post-war art, and the cultural politics of Guyana leading up to independence.

Revolt is typical of the work Williams continued to produce throughout his life in which he delivered figurative references in order to disclose some sharply critical outlooks. The painting is now a part of the National collection at the National Gallery of Art, Castellani House.

The information in this column was taken from a written piece entitled Aubrey Williams’s Art of Transnationalism: Entwining History at the End of Empire by Leon Wainwright in the Arts Journal Volume 2 Number 2.

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EETH wear down and break.

In addition to proper oral hygiene, please consider these additional pointers.

Don’t even think about opening a bottle or a wrapper with your teeth. Using your teeth as a can opener or chewing on pens, ice, or popcorn kernels can dull or even crack your teeth.

Don’t even think about showing up to your dentist’s office without brushing and flossing. Brush before you come in. The whole office will appreciate it.

Don’t even think about letting your child go to bed with a bottle in his or her mouth containing anything but plain water. Milk, formula, and juices can cause what’s known as baby bottle tooth decay when they remain on a child’s teeth for extended periods.

Don’t even think about sucking your thumb. Yes, some adults suck their thumbs. In fact, my sister does it and she is older than me. Thumb-sucking is a paranormal habit which will damage tooth alignment.

And, by the way, pacifiers or bottles for children pass the age of two are just as bad.

Don’t even think about smoking or chewing tobacco.

They not only discolour and weaken your teeth, but can lead to gum disease and oral cancer.

Don’t even think about going to sleep without brushing and flossing. The plaque will remain on your teeth for an extended period, making you more vulnerable to gingivitis. Most research shows that if you disrupt or remove dental plaque and the bacteria it harbours within 24 hours, it does not have time to produce enough acid to decay your teeth. At minimum once a day is a must!

Don’t even think about u s i n g o v e r- t h e - c o u n t e r teeth-whitening products without your dentist’s guidance. These teeth-whitening products are not regulated

by the FDA, ADA and other world dental associations because they are considered cosmetic, so there is no guarantee that they are safe or effective. Plus, you may not be a good candidate for whitening, even if they do work.

Don’t even think about chewing gum or sucking on lollipops all day unless they are sugar-free. This includes any substance that will bathe your teeth in sugar for long periods. When it comes to sugar-free products, I recommend you also avoid aspartame because of all the controversy about possible health risks. To know if you are using the right product just check the ingredients. If sweetened with aspartame, that’s bad; if sweetened with xylitol that’s good, because it’s natural and good for the teeth.

Don’t even think about using super-abrasive toothpaste. Sure it may remove the stain, but it may take part of your tooth along with it.

Don’t even think about biting your nails. You can wear your teeth down and chip off the edges.

Don’t even think about not wearing your retainers after having braces or other orthodontic treatment. Without the retainers, your teeth will almost certainly return to their original place.

Don’t even think about going to a bargain dental centre. You get what you pay for, so go to a reputable dentist.

Don’t even think about using someone else’s toothbrush. It harbours foreign bacteria that cannot blend in with your own oral flora and can harm you.

Finally, don’t even think about getting your tongue pierced. Tonguepiercing can cause excessive drooling, infection, pain, and swelling chipped teeth, increased saliva flow and nerve damage. Remember the tongue is the only part of your body where so many important nerves traverse.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 16, 2020

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#SupportCreativity

By Subraj Singh

‘Parasite,’ Bong Joon-Ho’s History-Making Film About Class Conflict

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ONG Joon-Ho has always been one of my favourite filmmakers.

Besides ‘Parasite,’ there is an array of other works to choose from – movies made by ‘Director Bong,’ as he is fondly referred to by his fans and colleagues.

‘Okja,’ for example is a story of a girl who goes on a wild adventure to save her genetically modified pig from an evil corporation.

‘The Host’ is about a group of people who team up to rescue a child who has been abducted by a river monster. ‘Mother’ is a drama about a woman who sets out to prove that her son has not committed a terrible crime, while ‘Snowpiercer,’ like ‘Parasite,’ presents a story about class, where, in a dystopian world, the lower class rebels against the upper class by attempting to overtake a train that circles that globe carrying all that is left of the world’s population. Based on his oeuvre, with its seriocomic flair, heavy topics, and the fact that Bong is a Korean director, working in the Korean language, it is surprising but absolutely wonderful, that he is now an Academy Award-winning director. Of course, his talent was always there, but the Academy has not been known to be kind to non-white artists, or to foreign talent. In fact, this year marks the first time in the 92-year-old history of the Academy Awards that a non-English-language film has won the Best Picture award. At the ceremony, Bong went on to win three other awards for ‘Parasite,’ Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film, becoming the record-holder for the most wins for a single film. Clearly, ‘Parasite’ and Director Bong were

both well received by the Academy Awards and a range of precursor award ceremonies. What was it that was able to make this international film so successful though? What was the thing that was able to escape the confines of language and culture to make the movie accessible to a range of audience members around the world? For me, it undoubtedly has to do with the fact that the film focuses on the hierarchical nature of class, the need to destabilise it, and the victims of this dismantling, as much as it has to do with the fact that ‘Parasite’ is an excellently made and extremely strong film, crafted by the most talented people soaring at the very height of their abilities.

The film is about a very poor man who, along with ‘Parasite,’ 2019, Barunson E&A, directed by Bong Joon-ho his wife, son, and daughter, ens to reveal everything. After infiltrate their way into an the twist, pure heart-pounding upper-class family’s home pandemonium takes over and through counterfeit and fraud. chaos descends on all of the The son of the poor family characters.

There is not enough time (Choi Woo-shik) takes up a job as a tutor in the house, or space to go into the many, thanks to certificates forged many, many merits of ‘Paraby his sister, and before long site.’ I could talk about how the rest of the family come strong the cast is, about how trailing in. The daughter (Park refined their performances So-dam) pretends to be an are, where despite the ambiArt teacher, the father (Song guity of each character’s moKang-ho) gains work as a rality, the audience still came chauffeur, and after the rich away from the film rooting family’s housekeeper (Lee for them. It is a shame that Jung-eun) becomes indis- none of the actors were nomposed due to the poor family’s inated at the Oscars, because, machinations, the mother in a fair world, they would (Jang Hye-jin) takes her job. have cleaned up and gained Of course, the poor family nominations in every single must keep their relationship category. If I had to choose with each other a secret from one performance to highlight, their employers so that their it would Lee Jung-eun as the fraudulent means of gaining housekeeper, in an uproarious, employment are not found rollicking, physical perforout. The rich family (led by mance that I am unable to Lee Sun-kyun and Cho Yeo- see any other actor executing jeong), oblivious and incapa- as well.

Bong, as a director, has an ble, remain unaware of what is going on in their house until eye for stellar imagery. The an utterly shocking twist in ‘peach scene,’ for example, the middle of the film threat- when the poor family gets rid

of the housekeeper by exposing her to peaches (to which she is allergic) can be considered a work of art, and stand on its own as a short film separate from ‘Parasite.’ It is a wonderfully shot slow-motion montage presenting the actors engaged in careful blocking, showing what appears to be people going through everyday activities, while also layering information and plot through the scenes presented and the narration that is woven through the montage. It is tension-riddled and beautiful.

Bong Joon-ho is known for including both comedy and tragedy in his films. ‘Parasite,’ has both moments of extreme hilarity and moments of extreme darkness. There is a slow-motion fight scene, for example, where every member of the poor family wrestle over a cellphone. It is funny and also tense because

the stakes at that moment are so high. Similarly, the shocking and bloody climax of the film is very gloomy and yet, still remains lighter than the actual end of the film. This inclusion of both hilarity and horror, while addressing the theme of class struggles, is an important addition to me because it showcases the humanity of the people involved in the situations presented in the film. It is a vital touch, one of many with which Bong imbues his film.

‘Parasite’ represents the best of world cinema and I am proud of all that this film has accomplished. It is a worthy winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture. Who knows when another worthy winner, one in the same league as ‘Parasite,’ may be found again.

This movie deserves to be seen by everyone.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 16, 2020

A developing community that has survived the test of time

By Michel Outridge

THIS week the Pepperpot Magazine visited the far-flung community of Naamless

At that time, preparations were being made to facilitate road works, much to the de schoolchildren will no longer have to wade through mud and loam to get to and from

A new all-weather road will be built next week, the Pepperpot Magazine was told between Present Hope and Bendroff villages and is home to about 100 residents and h

It is about two villages away from Morashee, the last village along that corridor w

This village is located a few miles from Parika and can be accessed by road and by it accessible to all categories of vehicles.

A President David Granger and First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger

Meanwhile, in April 2019, residents of Naamless benefitted from improved potab the Hubu Well Station.

During a visit by GWI’s Managing-Director, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles, last y times none at all.

The village was previously served by the Vergenoegen Water Treatment Plant.

A new well was drilled and the Hubu Well Station service was activated and today The Pepperpot Magazine spoke to Gwendolyn Kingston, who said she is pleased t She stated that the quality of the water needs improvement, but at the same time e Kingston reported that the water is a bit muddy and has an odour, but she would a “Even though the water quality needs to improve, the fact is we getting water and Kingston told the Pepperpot Magazine that about 10 years ago the road was asph was graded into a road.

RTICLE 188(1) (a) of the Constitution Guyana that sions of our independence anniversaries, Emancipation Day Sheofexplained when it rains, the makeshift road is often a mess and it isand difficn enshrines the President with the power to grant Christmas.

Sheofisany pleased will finally getwho a good underinthis administration any person concerned in or convicted of- that they Ms Ronella Junor, wasroad pardoned 2017, and Ms Bibiand h Kingston relatedParjohn, that she who is a local who growinup2019, in Naamless Village andofshe fence under the laws of Guyana a pardon, either was pardoned share their stories lifelikec free or subject to lawful condition.

“I recently spentafter five prison. months in the US but here is home for me and I like my cou Since taking Office in 2015, President Davidand so on,’ she said. w natural disasters Granger has pardoned men, women, p From inmate to Kingston added that with good road and better water service, things are looking g and youth from the Georgec “Before we got potable water supply, we used to depend on rainfall water to drini community leader town, Timehri, Lusig“Prisontanks is nottoa catch nice place to be. It’s definitely not a nice Who can afford rainwater, so we are thankful for place small mt n a n , Newit have black to that be…even prison is not Naamless good. I mean, can change you. Itthe canpeople break arew AmsterKingston reported though is a itsmall community you. But you just have to hold the faith and keep it up,” Ms Junor w dam, and earning an honest living. said, solemnly recounting her time behind bars.

Mazaruni I The 65-year-old added shesaid is a she mother of to seven and worked single-handedly Ms.that Junor clung the unique premonition of her tt Prisons, mother, who saw in a dream that she would be pardoned from t themselves. and the prison. and six great-grandchildren.

She has 23 grandchildren New Opg “My mother told me... She said, ‘man, you’re going to be s portunity coming home for Christmas’, but I didn’t believe her… I asked her p Corps (NOC) Carl Croker photos folder Graphics as Village Focus. whysaved [and]in shea said thatinshe’s been praying.

She’d been praying so T on the Captions: much for me and she turned and [told] me she [knew] the President s occawas going to pardon I said,photos ‘how do 00416 – Gwendolyn Kingston (Carlme.

Croker ) you know that?’ [She said] I sawroad it in to a dream.’

I was like, seriously?

I didn’t o 00387 – Preparation for an‘well, asphaltic be paved in Naamless Village actually in believe…

I was saying to myself… is it y 00450 – Road works being undertaken the village true? Because I know I got four years, but I 00533 – Children on their way homewas from school like wow. Only eight months I actually n spent,” she said. g Ms. Junor said her return home was m emotional. Her immediate and extended b family wrapped her in their arms and t shed happy tears. Her mother, who was a overseas at the time, heard the good

Second A

Aspiring entrepreneur, Ms. Bibi Parjohn is grateful for her second chance

Ms. Bibi Parjohn covers one the dishes she prepared for her catering business

Ms. Ro life as a bab

A developing community that has survived the test of time

By Michel Outridge

This village is located a few miles from Parika and can be accessed by road and it accessible to all categories of vehicles.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 16, 2020

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Meanwhile, in April 2019, residents of Naamless benefitted from improved pot THIS week the Pepperpot Magazine visited the far-flung community of Naamless, East Station.

Bank Essequibo. the Hubu Well During a visit by GWI’s Managing-Director, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles, las At that time, preparations were being made to facilitate road works, muchtimes to thenone delight of residents. Villagers related that an asphaltic road will make the com at all. schoolchildren will no longer have to wade through mud and loam to get to and The fromvillage school.was previously served by the Vergenoegen Water Treatment Plant.

A new well was drilled and the Hubu Well Station service was activated and tod A new all-weather road will be built next week, the Pepperpot Magazine wasThe toldPepperpot by road workers.

The small community of who Naamless Village, Ea Naamless, East Bank Essequibo.

Magazine spoke to farming Gwendolyn Kingston, said she is please between Present Hope and Bendroff villages and is home to about 100 residentsShe and stated has less than houses. that the50 quality of the water needs improvement, but at the same time s, East Essequibo. ch to theBank delight of residents. Villagers related that an asphaltic road will make the community more accessible and Kingston reported that the water is a bit muddy and has an odour, but she would It is about two villages away from Morashee, the last village along that corridor which is almost forgotten it is not easily becausewater of thea and from school.

“Even though the water qualitybecause needs to improve, theaccessible, fact is we getting elight of residents. Villagers related that an asphaltic road will make the community more accessible and Kingston told the Pepperpot Magazine that about 10 years ago the road was as This village is located a few miles from East Parika and Essequibo, can be accessed by road by boat. eschool. was told by road workers. The small farming community of Naamless Village, Bank is located wasand graded intoHowever, a road. there is a light at the end of the tunnel with the new all-we it accessible to all categories of vehicles. dents and has less than 50 houses.

She explained that when it rains, the makeshift road is often a mess and it is dif d by road workers. The small farming community of Naamless Village, East Bank Essequibo, is located She is pleased that they will finally get a good road under this administration an has less than 50ishouses.

Meanwhile, in April 2019, residents of the Naamless benefitted from improved Kingston potable water service from water company, Guyana Water Incorporated corridor which almost forgotten because it is not easily accessible, because of bad road. related that she is the a local who grow upthe in Naamless Village and she li the Hubu Well Station.

“I recently spent five months in the US but here is home for me and I like my c which is almost because not During easily accessible, because ofthe thenew bad all-weather road. Dr. Richard a visit by tunnel GWI’s Managing-Director, Charles, last disasters year, residents their concern about the very low water pressure th oad and by boat.forgotten However, there isitaislight at the end of the with asphalticVan-West road, making natural and soexpressed on,’ she said. times none at all.

Kingston added that with good road and better water service, things are looking y boat. However, there is a light at the endThe of the tunnel with the new all-weather asphaltic road, making village was previously served by the Vergenoegen Water Treatment Plant.

“Before we got potable water supply, we used to depend on rainfall water to dr A new well was drilled and the Hubu Well Station service was activated and residents are black receiving water in theirsohomes. oved potable water service from the water company, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) after they reactivated Whotoday, can afford it have tankspotable to catch rainwater, we are thankful for small The Pepperpot Magazine spoke to Gwendolyn Kingston, who said she is pleased that after many years are receiving water.

Kingston reported that eventhey though Naamlesspotable is a small community the people a ble service from the water company, thestated Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI)needs after they reactivated She that the quality of thepressure water atsomethe same time everything takes time. rles,water last year, residents expressed their concern about the very low water theyimprovement, were receivingbut and earning an honest living.

Kingston reported that the water is a bit muddy and has an odour, but she would some bleach make for her laundry.

The add 65-year-old addedtothat sheitisusable a mother of seven and worked single-handedl year, residents expressed their concern about the though very low receivingthe and some“Even thewater waterpressure quality they needswere to improve, fact is we getting water and it is better than none at all like before and we are still thankful,” she said.

Plant. themselves.

Pepperpot Magazine that about 10 years ago the road wasShe asphalted, but when the tide over time, it washed away the road and it d and today, residents are receiving potableKingston water in told theirthe homes. has 23 grandchildren and issixhigh, great-grandchildren. was graded into a road. s pleased that after many years they are receiving potable water. y, residents are receiving theirexplained homes. that when it rains, the makeshift road is often a mess and it is Carl difficult for schoolchildren vehicles some difficulty naviga ame time everything takespotable time. water inShe Croker photos saved intoa traverse folder inand Graphics as have Village Focus. that afteradd many years they to aremake receiving potable water.

Sheforis her pleased that they will finally get a good road under this administrationCaptions: and was thankful. he would some bleach it usable laundry. everything takes time.than none at all like Kingston is a localshe who grow up in Naamless Village and she00416 likes it there because it is peaceful; she hasphotos her own water and it is better before andrelated we arethat stillshe thankful,” said.

– Gwendolyn Kingston (Carl Croker ) small business like many bleach but to make usable her “I laundry. recently five months in road the US here never is home for me andloam I like my00387 country because Guyana such a paradise people even know how fortu dadd wassome asphalted, whenitthe tide for is high, over time,spent it washed away the andbut it was paved, only – Preparation for an isasphaltic road to be paveddon’t in Naamless Village d it is better than none at all like beforenatural and wedisasters are still and thankful,” so on,’she shesaid. said.

00450 – Road works being undertaken in the village halted, but when tide is high, to over time, it washed away thesome roadgood and road it was never paved, only loamthings are looking Kingston added that with and better water service, good for themon andtheir theyway are home looking forward it is difficult for the schoolchildren traverse and vehicles have difficulty navigating the potholes.

00533 – Children from schoolto more development within th “Before we got potable water supply, we used to depend on rainfall water to drink and cook. We used to go down by the river (Essequibo River) to bathe ration and was thankful. newsforthrough a tearful phone call. and Who Hetanks placed us back in society so to show society that for we’re better and time go.’ I was so happy. I even forgot some of my stuff… but I cult schoolchildren to traverse vehicles have difficulty navigating therainwater, potholes. can afford it have to catch wealso are thankful small mercies,” she to said. nd she likes it there is peaceful; has hersome own small business like many residents.

While the initialbecause release it was a relief forshe both Ms Junor andblack we’re changed persons…

I would consider him my father be- never went back for it. I just [left] it,” she said. was thankful.

Kingston reported thateven even though Naamless isthey a small cooperative support eachrecounted other because mostofofthat them ke my country Guyana is such a paradise people don’t know are toPresident, escape many her family, the because years since her release haven’t been without their cause he’show like afortunate father figure…

Mr.community Ithe lovepeople you…are You’re Msand Parjohn happily the events day.are Herfarmers favou- and eschallenges. it there because it is peaceful; she has her own earning an small honestbusiness living. like the many father residents. of Guyana and you’re my father and continue doing the rite part, she said, was surprising her children, whom she said were “The first year was is rough because good job that you’re doing,” with their next she returned home. untry because Guyana suchthey a paradise people don’t to even know howshe fortunate they to escape Theforward 65-year-old added that is within a mother ofcommunity. seven and many worked single-handedly to raiseplaying her children andfriends is proud of door theirwhen accomplishments to date, becaus looking good for them and are looking more development theare when [it was time] to get a job, it was a she said.

“I was so happy because I missed my children so much and they themselves. ter to drink and cook. We used to go down by the river (Essequibo River) to bathe and fetch water to do chores. problem because you start working,forward to more development within the community.

Since her interview, Ms. weren’t doing well. They weren’t doing well at all. From birth, it good for mercies,” them andifthey are looking She has 23 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. orcertain small she said. people in the area end up findJunor has found purpose. was me all the time, anywhere we go… It [was] just me and the two nk Weyou’re used to gosupport down by theother river because (Essequibo to bathe and fetch water to do small chores. people are cooperative and each mostRiver) of them are farmers and others have businesses, ingand outcook. where working, then During the morning hours, Aspiring of them. There are two bigger but the two small ones, they’re entrepreneur, Ms. ones, Bibi Parjohn mercies,” she said.

Carl Croker photos saved in a folder in Graphics as Village Focus. they [might] end up going to tell the always here… I was planning is grateful for her second chance work placetoabout previous brush just to come home when I heard ehandedly cooperative and your support each and other them are farmerstoand others havethey smallallbusinesses, Captions: raise her children isbecause proud ofmost theirofaccomplishments date, because made something of with the law and so forth… From that so. I was just coming home [to] 00416 – Gwendolyn Kingston (Carl Croker photos ) Itostarted [thinking] and I said, manof is their accomplishments to date, because they all made something of surprise everybody… They were raise her children and is proud 00387 – Preparation for an asphaltic road to be paved in Naamless Village this how things are going to be, seeing downstairs with my neighbour…

00450 – Road works being undertaken in the village that I just came out and I can’t really they were downstairs playing get a job due to my priors? But I just music with the other children 00533 – Children on their way home from school started praying and my mother said to from over there… and I came in pray and things are going to change. [quietly], nobody knew. When I Ms. Bibi Parjohn Things are going to get better,” she came in, my daughter started crycovers one the dishes age said. ing and she came and she hugged she prepared for her Her faith and the birth and growth me up. My son came and hugged Ms. R catering business of her eight-month-old daughter, Sakishe me up,” she said. life as yah has been great solace during her challenges. operates a Ms. Parjohn was pardoned a b “But God is good and He has been so good up to small store and in the afternoons few weeks before her son’s tragic now. In 2019 I got pregnant. I met somebody, I she oversees after-school death. got pregnant and I got my daughter and she has Aspiring changed entrepreneur, lessons in herMs. neighbourolder son,to[used to] go Ms. “My Junor tends a Bibi Parjohn my life. I’m at home right now due to her, and come… would only be customer whileHe working is grateful for her second chance but I plan on getting a job and I want here [for] Christmas,shop Easter, holat aidays… neighbourhood to further my studies. I have [CaribbeThe last week in June, an Secondary Education Certificate] he would come home and he’d subjects, but I spend the whole of July [and] want to further m yJunor tends to a August. Then he [would] go back Ms. studies and I to Berbice and Christmas time he customer while working do have intenwould come back… Three weeks at a tends neighbourhood shop to aMs. Bibi tions to betterMs. Junor hood. She works closely after [my release] my son died. It was very hard… I saw him eight Parjohn while working myself and customer to with a former headmis- days before… He said, ‘Mommy, come up Sunday.’ So… I [went] covers one the dishes at a neighbourhood shop become sometress, whom she fondly to Berbice and when I went up there, when I was going through the she prepared for her body in life,” calls Aunty Donna.

Ms. Junor street, enjoys he [saw] me and he [came] and hugged me… That was the Ms. Ronella catering business she said.

Junor also hopes last time…

I [saw] him. But about two days before he died, I spoke life astoa denew mother to her Ms. Junor velop a facility baby to help him,” she said. girl, to Sakiyah said she is persons released from Despite the difficulties and the heartache, Ms. Parjohn is excited deeply grateprison transition back about her future and spends most of her time nurturing her young ful to Presiinto society. She hopes children. dent Granger to help them to find em“My plans for the future, I want to have my own small business, Ms. Ronella Junor enjoys a second ployment and change [and] do more catering. I want to be my own boss. I don’t want to life as a new mother for to her chance at life. negative habits. work with nobody. I want to work for myself. In that way, I find more baby girl, Sakiyah onella Junor enjoys “I don’t time for my children… That’s important because during the time I a new mother to her have words wasn’t around… My ex-husband [didn’t have] enough time with From inmate to by girl, Sakiyah to express them and my daughter didn’t do well in her exams, her Grade Six small-business exams. And my son, he just, [fell] off. Until now… [since] my son the thanks and gratitude. died I couldn’t pay all that attention to him. He is still a little ‘own owner I don’t have “My name is Bibi way.’ So right now, I’m trying to bring him back to normal,” she said. words to exMs. Parjohn said she is grateful to the President for pardoning Parjohn and I was parpress the thanks doned last year, 2019, May… Prison is not a nice place to go and her. and gratitude [for what] he has given most of the young people in there, they’re not… behaving nice… I “Thank you very much Mr. President, and I’m really grateful for me… My life has changed [because] of met a lot of young people in there… spending four months exactly the pardon,” she said.

Mr. Granger. He’s such a great person. in there was a learning process for me. I [got] to learn about so many After overcoming some challenges, Ms. Parjohn got her small And I just want him to continue doing different things,” said Ms Parjohn, who was pleasantly surprised by catering business off the ground. She now regularly provides breakwhat he does best, to continue helping the news of her pardoning. fast and lunch for persons employed near her home. She revealed others that are in need, help changing “I didn’t know, but everybody was saying that you’re going to that she will soon be building a small snackette. others’ lives, and to be the Godly man get pardoned if it’s your first offence… [Based on the length of my President Granger has continuously defended his decision to that he is,” Ms. Junor said tearfully. sentence] everybody heard that I have, they’d say it’s [a] joke. But exercise his constitutional powers to pardon prisoners. He has “The President gave us that second it wasn’t a joke. They said if it’s [true] then I would go home for said that his attention is on first-time offenders and those conchance and if he can give us that second independence and then one day, they sent for me and another girl, victed of minor or non-violent offences, as he firmly believes that chance, anybody else could give us that two other girls, to take out pictures and that was it. But I didn’t know they could lead successful lives and contribute to the developsecond chance because he believed in us. what [it] was [for,] but the [other] girls knew. They said it’s [for the] ment of Guyana, if given a chance. Youth and women offenders He put his faith in us and knew that we pardon. So, I said I would be glad for that. And then on the 24th [of] are at the top of the list. To date, 96 prisoners owe their freedom deserved that second chance in society. May about 2 o’clock, they called us up and said, ‘Get your things, to presidential pardons.

d

Chance

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 16, 2020

e r u t u f r u O leaders

T

HE LOVE revolution school campaign was launched last week and we have been extra busy with the rolling out of the initiative for it

to be effective. I experienced an extra fulfilling and meaningful week and I am grateful to everyone who contributed. People are probably tired of me saying how passionate I am to contribute in a positive way to humanity and God willing, I will continue to do so, NO MATTER WHAT. The Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts paid tribute to the Golden Jubilee anniversary celebrations of the republican status of Guyana, with a mission of ‘love’ as the catalyst for youth empowerment, social transformation and sustainable development.

The campaign was launched at Palm Court and the next day we started engaging the schools at Theatre Guild Playhouse. The beautiful and energetic Roshini

Boodhoo-Persaud hosted the evening’s proceedings. Apostle Claude Brooks started the programme with a prayer and a message of love. We had two amazing performances from Jo Ann Forde and

Shawn English. Dr Raquel Thomas Caesar and Richard Young made inspiring remarks. The audience was very mixed and from various nationalities. The collage below shows people’s celebration love from Guyana, Korea, Venezuela, Argentina, Venezuela, Cuba, Canada, UK and the USA. People received pins with the LOVE REVOLUTION message “The future leaders of this world have cemented a special place in my heart.” The schools at our first school event were President’s Collage, St Joseph High School, Kingston Secondary, Richard Ishmael and Peter’s Hall Primary that made presentations with the message of love.

I am sharing with the presentation from Amarylis Alen from Richard Ishmael Secondary School: “I’m

honoured to be here to deliver this speech on Love Revolution. What is Love? Love, it is a complex set of emotions, behaviours and beliefs associated with strong feelings and affection, protectiveness,

warmth and respect for each other individuals. Giving them your full attention, anticipating their needs, letting them know that you’re listening, cheering them up when they are down; these are just a few ways you can show love.

From observing my peers it is clear that they have a strong affection for materialistic things; for example, technological devices and brand name things. We no longer show affection to others; we don’t listen or give them our time when it’s needed. We seem to look a lot like robots with no emotion and this tends to reduce human interaction, because we are so into technology that we are also patterning the attributes we see in action movies. We are practising the violence we see; hence, young people show no signs

of remorse. The level of indecent behaviour and lyrics sold through songs motivates one to disregard morals and values. These days neither sex is no longer looking for love and commitment, but rather they are looking to each other for a short-time ‘fun and excitement’; no morals are practised.

Given our society in today’s world which shows no love, no empathy, no kindness and no respect for each other, we behave like robots, bickering and fighting each other for no apparent reason. So, my fellow peers, I implore you to revisit the morals and teaching instilled into us by our foreparents, grandparents and parents. Let us begin to behave humanely again: let us be more sympathetic, exercise love, care, show kindness; especially to those in need, let us once respect our elders and each other; there must be no place for hate in our hearts. Let love shine through our actions in our daily life, and maybe one by one we will create an epidemic of love and kind-

Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel ... Inspiring lives through fashion ness, thus making our society whole again.

In closing, I leave you with a quote from Ellen Degeneres “Be kind to one another, show light, happiness and love to everyone and you can change the world.”

The SNFCA objective is that the movement develops from national to regional and even gains international recognition because love is universal.

The corporate social responsibility of partners to the ‘Love Revolution’ school campaign launch were Palm Court, Trans Guyana Airways, Impressions Brand-

ing, Ramp Logistics, Tower Suites, BK International, Pastor Joseph (Liberty Church, NY), Crafted by Chey, Sonia Noel Designs, Trophy Stall, Eclipse Photo Studio, Spotlight Productions, Strategic Services, Theatre Guild of Guyana and the Ministry of Education.

I encourage you to visit our FB page and Instagram to be part of this mission that can change lives around the world.

“Let’s take care of each other and our environment” as we continue this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 16, 2020

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Consumers Welcome Catalytic Role Of Carilec In Modernisation Of GPL

T

HE Guyana Consumers Association and the consumer community as a whole have always shown an interest and concern with any event or trend which affects the public utilities.

In Guyana we are mainly concerned with three public utilities - Guyana Water Inc., which supplies water, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Co (GTT) which supplies telecommunication services, and the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) which supplies electricity. The water and electricity corporations are state-owned, while GTT is owned by a small American company and has always been considered by the consumers as an exploitative monopoly.

In today’s offering, we will be focusing on the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL).

The GPL is involved in three basic activities: the production of electricity, the transmission of such power and the distribution of such power, but the equipment and technology used to perform these three basic activities are mostly old and out-of-date and this results in frequent breakdowns and blackouts and this also causes the cost of electricity to be among the highest in the world. Both the frequent breakdowns and the high cost of electricity militate against the growth of industry and has inhibited investment in the country. Ordinary householders suffer losses when the contents of their refrigerators spoil or deteriorate with blackouts.

Any happening or circumstance which may seem to bring some hope of betterment to GPL would, therefore, be welcomed by consumers. Such a happening is the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC)’s Executive Officers and Leadership Symposium which will take place in Guyana in May. This conference will be hosted

by GPL and the CARICOM Secretariat and would be one of the most important held here. Dr Cletus Bertin, the Executive Director of CARILEC paid his preliminary visit seven or eight weeks ago and was satisfied with arrangements.

He held discussions with colleagues at GPL and even spoke with the media.

CARILEC consists of 104 members which include 34 electric utilities who are full members and 70 affiliate or associate members. Others attending the conference will include general managers, chief financial officers, business executives, consultants, senior technical officers, vendors in the energy and electricity industries, international and regional organisations, development partners and government officials and policymakers. The conference will be hosted at the Mariott Hotel and Pegasus will accommodate the spill-over.

Executive Director Bertin gave the raison d’etre for the conference and what benefits are expected to accrue to Guyana and other participating countries. In Dr Bertin’s words: “We’re going to get in some of the reasons why we have outages, load-shedding and so on in the electricity sector in Guyana, that is GPL. That is why we have conferences for the sharing of best practices, new technologies, new techniques and having material assistance and collaboration.”

Dr Bertin went on to explain how CARILEC operates: “GPL is a member and what we do for our members is industry training, conferences, advocacy and assistance programmes after disasters where utility members help each other out with restoration efforts. If there is something like an earthquake or a hurricane, we have a programme where we have a fund of about a million US dollars and that is used to help members in their recovery.”

Dr Bertin reminded that the electricity and energy industries often go hand in hand as one is needed to supply the other. Guyana has already become a place for various energy-related conferences as the country moves into being one of the most noteworthy oil-generating countries in the world. This trend is matched by the growing economic expansion where there is a greater need for power.

Consumers are heartened and optimistic that the CARILEC conference in May would serve as a catalyst for modernising GPL and this goal would become quickly realisable, owing to the availability of oil revenues and eventually cheaper fuel as well.

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Stop the pollution, be the solution

ONCE upon a time, I was a clean, beautiful body of water. Surreal, fresh, full of life, cool and home to children with scales, skin, feathers, and shells. Many people enjoyed my water; at the banks they bathed, washed and even took

a deadly effect on all my children, thousands of sea birds and sea turtles are killed after ingesting the plastic you have thrown into me, they get tangled and are forced to hurt themselves.

I have grown old and tired of all this plastic pollution,

from me. For their pleasures, I ran through the savannah, around trees, and turns that kept you on your feet. They used me for travel, for swimming, and even took some of my children for food. The satisfied look on their face after having a taste of my deliciousness told me I had done my job well.

However, now I am sad; people have stopped coming to me because you did not keep me clean! You kept throwing things in me, you treated me like nobody.

My water got dirty; no one took care of me. I continued to shout for help; I am crucial to life, yet you just add trash to me. Plastic bottles, plastic bags, plastic cups, plastic straws are just a few of what you put inside of me. No one wants to drink from me; I carry bacteria and many diseases.

All this plastic is having

now I’m depressed I need someone to rescue me. It is time we stop this crisis; it is time to get a lid on this plastic pollution.

We are surrounded by plastics, the single-use packing discarded by consumers, microplastics are shed from clothes when they are washed. Plastic production by industry is increasing; this means more toxins being added to my waters and plastic for me to worry about.

You can help; support the ban on single-use plastic items, stop buying a bottle of water every day, get a reusable bottle and fill it up. Reuse and recycle your waste where possible, buy your groceries in bulk, and don’t forget to walk with your reusable bag too. Help keep me clean and preserve the life growing in me.

Stop the pollution, be the solution!

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 16, 2020

West Indian Cherry (Cont'd)

T

HIS week, NAREI continues its focus on the West Indian Cherry.

FERTILISING FERTILISER needs are directly related to the type and nutrient status of the soil. It is necessary therefore that a soil analysis is conducted to determine these factors for the particular location. In the absence of precise soil analysis, a compound fertiliser (normally 12:12:17:2) could be used. It is usually applied twice per year (at the beginning of each wet period) at a rate of 100 gm to 1 kg per plant depending on the size and age of the plant. Alternatively, use can be made of composted material.

WEED CONTROL The control of weeds is highly desirous to reduce competition for nutrients and the incidence of unwanted pests and diseases. Manual weed control is usually conducted around the plants, while between the rows weed control is accomplished by the following, singly or in combination:Manually, Chemically, and Mechanically by the use of brush cutters and/or mowers.

Pruning Pruning is the practice of removing existing branches from a tree to remove diseased material, improve light penetration and reduce local humidity and to shape and train trees to facilitate harvesting and other field practices and stimulate growth. If not done properly, pruning can cause reductions in the field directly or indirectly. The use of sharp tools and making angled cuts are two of the proper pruning practices, but the time of pruning and the selection of the parts to be pruned are also important.

PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT Apart from nematodes mentioned previously, the major pests of West Indian cherries include: stink bugs, scale insects, aphids, mealy bugs, ants and whiteflies. These can be controlled using a broad-spectrum insecticide. The most common disease is leaf spotting caused by a fungus. This can be controlled by using Kocide at the recommended rate.

HARVEST The Cherry plant usually comes into fruiting about two to three years after transplanting, depending on the size of the plants after transplanting. Rooted cuttings can produce much earlier with the first important crop produced 18 -24 months after planting. Successive annual yields increase, peaking at four to five years after planting. Healthy six-year old trees have been reported to yield 15 kg per tree per annum. This soft fruit is harvested by handpicking. However, systems of using tractor hauled hydraulic shakers with fruits being collected on tarpaulin or plastic sheeting spread under the trees have been tried elsewhere. In some large operations, all fruits are picked at the same time. This has several advantages, especially for the management of labour, timing and standardisation of field operations; and optimising yield potential by reducing damage to new flowers. It also improves Vitamin C content since green fruits have a higher concentration of ascorbic acid than ripe fruits.

POST HARVEST Handling High losses are to be expected if sufficient care is not taken when picking and handling. This may be of minor importance if the fruits are to be used shortly after harvesting. If fruits are to be stored for long periods before use, then refrigeration (for three to five days storage) or freezing (for more than seven days storage) are recommended. In all cases, it is important to store in the shade because exposure to direct sunlight lowers ascorbic acid content, alters the flavour and leads to undesirable colour changes. Fruits should be stored in open crates or baskets, which provide good ventilation. Bags provide poor ventilation and storage in bags should be avoided.

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English THOUGHT for TODAY:

February 16, 2020

Man’s love is of man’s life a thing apart, ‘Tis woman’s whole existence.

LORD BYRON (1788-1824)

STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student,

T

he paragraph may have a lead sentence

that gives general knowledge, with the remaining sentences providing the details. The lead sentence does not have to come first,

but quite often it does. It helps the other sentences fit together. By arranging sentences carefully, adding words and phrases that help

combine them, the structure results in a smooth-flowing paragraph. Be wise; your whole future hangs on this season’s performance.

Love you.

GRAMMAR Making verbs agree with their subjects Choose the correct verb for each sentence that follows. [This exercise comes up every now and then to test how solid your grammar is.]

1. Josephus and Sunny (is, are) absent. (Was, Were) either here yesterday?

2. The scissors (is, are) lying on the side table.

3. Twenty-seven percent of the students (own, owns) two laptop computers.

4. Simon, as well as his step-relatives, (has, have) similar albums of family pictures.

5. (Don’t, Doesn’t) Geralda Beehive live two doors from Jem Thompson?

6. (Was, Were) you at the meeting? The new debating club (has, have) won a prize.

7. One of the members (has, have) been awarded a substantive speaking contract.

8. They (was, were) an hour late for the wedding ceremony. Time (don’t, doesn’t) seem to mean much to the Jackson’s family.

9. It (don’t, doesn’t) seem right though. Twenty-five thousand dollars (are, is) not too much for a bridal bouquet these days.

10. There (is, are) never too many conscientious church helps in today’s world!

11. Each of the grandsons (was, were) presented with a piece of arable land.

12. Thalamus Peters is one of those people who (is, are) naturally gifted in general science.

13. Holland Bishop is the only one of the field workers who (come, comes) early to the field.

14. George, not his sisters, (work, works) after school.

15. Michael’s first choice (is, are) those skinny-fitting pants.

16. Neither the players nor the trainer (expect, expects) new uniforms.

17. Her sister’s whereabouts (are, is) a secret. Even the immediate family (haven’t, hasn’t) been told by the police.

18. (Have, Has) anyone in your Bible class lost a prayer cloth?

19. Some of my family members usually (helps, help)

them next door.

20. Bread and warm milk (make, makes) a good bedtime snack for the sickly.

21. Three-fifths of our farm (were, was) flooded last March.

22. Puffed pants (is, are) my favourite gift to toddlers who are girls.

23. Fifteen-seventeenth of the tenants (was, were) youthful single-parent women.

GOOD WRITING Note making/ Reporting Note: It is now a special time to put note-making and reporting into practice.

1. a) Imagine you have to participate in a television programme about the changes in your life during the present period preparing for CXC examinations. You now drive a new vehicle. The producer of the programme has written to ask you to supply her with information you intend to use.

Produce the information explicitly for her and you by trying the following technique: i) On your writing desk you have a picture of a new car parked against the old wall of your late father’s home. Use that scenario to help you concentrate better. ii) Construct a series of notes that will inform the producer of the points you will be pursuing. Word them in a way to stimulate recall when you find yourself confronted for the first time by the interviewer and the camera.

2. Write a report for a company or government department that is considering developing an existing large, but neglected expanse of land. It need serious clearing and drainage works. As a concerned citizen with appropriate qualification you are to comment on its potential for a thriving business centre as the site lies halfway between two overpopulated small towns.

THE EXCERPT The boy’s name was Patsy Barnes, and he was a denizen of Little Africa.

In fact, he lived in Douglass Street. By all the laws governing the relations between people and their names, he should have been Irish – but he was not. He was coloured, and very much so.

His mother wanted him to go to school. She wanted him to learn. She had the notion that he might become something better, something higher that she had been.

But for him school had no charms; his school was the cool stalls in the big livery stable near at hand; the arena of his pursuits, its sawdust floor; the height of his ambition, to be a horseman.

Either here or in the racing stables at the fairgrounds he spent his truant hours. It was a school that taught much, and Patsy was as apt a pupil as he was a constant attendant. He learned strange things about horses, and fine, sonorous oaths that sounded eerie on his young lips, for he had only turned into his fourteenth year.

A man goes where he is appreciated; then could this slim black boy be blamed for doing the same thing? He was a great favourite with the horsemen; and picked up many a dime or nickel for dancing or singing, or even a quarter for warming up a horse for its owner. He was not to be blamed for this, for, first of all, he was born in Kentucky, and had spent the very days of his infancy about the paddocks near Lexington, where his father had sacrificed his life on account of his love for horses.

ABOUT THE PASSAGE The passage taken from “The Finish of Patsy Barnes,” deals with the love of a mother for her son. The son, Patsy Barnes, loves his mother and tries to find some means of support.

What to Do Read the passage again to understand his character construction.

■ Write notes that speak of these characteristics.

■ Write a story which shows carefully chosen characteristics of your main player, making him/her portray the type of character you intended.

Fragments & Conversation In conversation, fragments are often properly used as answers. Here are some examples: ■ Are you happy in your work arrangements here?

Yes, very, very happy!

■ When do you plan to leave off?

When the crowd eases!

Think up some situations. Make up some fragments as answers of your own questions in the situations.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― February 16, 2020

GUYANESE BEEF PATTY

Ingredients ─ 1 lb ground beef ─ 2 tsp canola oil ─ 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped ─ 1 small onion, chopped ─ 1 tbsp chopped thyme, ─ 1 tsp finely chopped hot pepper ─ 3 scallion, chopped ─ 1 tsp black pepper salt to taste ─ 1 egg yolk ─ 1 tsp water ─ 2/3 cup cold butter, cut into pieces ─ 2/3 cup shortening ─ 4 cups all purpose flour ─ 3/4 cup water ─ Powered by Chicory

Instructions

■ In a pot over a medium fire heat 2 tsp of canola oil. Saute onions and garlic until tender, add meat, thyme,diced pepper, black pepper, salt.

■ Cook for about 5 mins stirring to make sure meat doesn’t clump. Add 1/4 cup of water and cook for about 20 minutes, until the beef is tender.

■ Add scallion and cook for 2 mins. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

■ To make the pastry, in a large bowl add flour, butter and shortening and using your fingers rub the butter and shortening into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice cold water and mix to form a soft dough. Form pastry into a disk then wrap with cling wrap then place into the fridge for 30 minutes.

■ To make the patties, roll pastry on a well floured surface and cut into 4 inch circles. Place pastry circle in tartlet pan. Dough should come all the way up the sides. Place enough beef mixture to fill, do not overstuff.

■ In a small bowl mix egg yolk and water with a fork. Baste the edges of the pastry with the egg wash then cover with another 4 inch circle of pastry and press edges together with a fork.

■ Brush tops with egg wash, prick with a fork and bake in a 375 degree oven for 20 mins or until golden brown.

■ Allow to cool for a few minutes before carefully removing from tartlet pan and allow to cool before serving.

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