Guyana Chronicle E-Paper PepperPot 04-19-2020

Sunday, APRIL 19, 2020

Marian London, a seamstress in Trafalgar, West Coast Berbice, is making reusable fabric face masks affordable in the fight against COVID-19 so people can protect themselves in the community (Carl Croker photo)

Doing her part in the fight against COVID-19

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― April 19, 2020

Voices from the Guyana diaspora speaking out

By Francis Quamina Farrier

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HE importance of the Guyana Diaspora has been well established over the decades. Guyanese at home have been receiving much assistance from that source with barrels of goodies, money, and other gifts such as computers and free medical attention. Now Guyana has already been returning the favour and exporting barrels of oil to the diaspora. Of course, the country has exported a high percentage of its most brilliant daughters and sons to lands all around

the globe for over 50 years.

Some Guyanese in the diaspora have ended up in prison for crimes such as murder, money laundering and trafficking in narcotics. Others such as Sir Edward Riches who was from Adelphi, East Canje, Berbice, became the Premier of Bermuda - the first non-white to achieve the highest office in that country. Guyanese, by and large, are high achievers when action is taken to "Roll the stone of hindrance away" as the late Rev. Evelyn John sang.

Guyana is now at a political, economic and social crossroads, and the situation is hurting the hearts of those

in the diaspora as much as Guyanese at home. After the March 2 General and Regional Government Elections, the country suffered a national stroke, as it were.

After well over a month, there has been no official announcement regards the results of the elections. Compounding that, there is the deadly attack by the COVID-19 pandemic. In which direction should this beautiful country go in the weeks, months, years and decades ahead? National unity is very much needed.

How soon will the leaders

Allan Khan, Christopher Deane, Keith Barnwell, Pancho Carew, Ron Sanders, Carlton James and Matthew Allen of the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), looking "onward, upward" (Photo compliments of Sir Ronald Sanders)

o f the country get together and map out a plan which will make Guyanese stop the vicious racial and political rhetoric and recognise that if we do not agree to live together in "love and harmony, peace and unity", as the Guyanese song implores, then we will most likely die in despair, as we drown in our oil and suffocate in our gas.

Maybe, like the way in which the deadly Coronavirus has us in lockdown, a frustrated voter recommended that the political leaders should travel to the Kaieteur National Park and go into lockdown mode. While there, they would observe social distancing, but coupled with national togetherness. They should also enjoy the beauty of the Kaieteur National Park and the power of the magnificent Kaieteur Falls.

During that unique lockdown, they would make every effort at political unity, with a determination to find mutual solutions for the country's many problems. And, as it is known, every problem has a solution.

As the Billy Pilgrim patriotic song declares, "Can we do it?

Yes, we can!" The location of such a meeting is really not that novel since some years ago, there was an open-air presidential meeting at Fairview Village on the West Bank of the upper Essequibo River, just south of Iwokrama. In the Background, were the powerful rapids cascading over huge boulders along the Essequibo River. Much was achieved at that meeting, which could be used as the blueprint for the recommended Post-General Election 2020 fiasco; a unifying meeting at Kaieteur top.

By the beginning of April, more and more Guyanese in the diaspora were speaking out. They include Guyanese-born, Sir Ronald Sanders, who, after migrating to Antigua and Barbuda many years ago, quickly climbed the ladder of the Foreign Service of that sister CARICOM State.

He was High Commissioner to

London, United Kingdom, serving two tours of duty; 1983 to 1987 and 1995 to 2004. Sir Ronald also served as a Member of the Executive Board of UNESCO, and Ambassador to the World Trade Organization. At this time, he is the Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States of America (USA) and to the Organization of American States (OAS). He was also a candidate for the post of Commonwealth Secretary General. So, as a Guyanese-born world-citizen, Sir Ronald Sanders is well qualified to make comments related to the international well-being of the Land of his birth. "The image and standing of Guyana are being tarnished throughout the world," stated the veteran Broadcaster, Columnist and Diplomat in a recent feature article. "Yet, a small window of opportunity remains open for the country to be regarded as democratic and for its government to be hailed as legitimate,” he added.

Most Guyanese under the age of 40 would hardly know anything about Sir Ron Sanders, but back in the 1970s, Ron Sanders and a number of very young media operatives - in their early 20s - kept the nation buoyed with their innovative radio programmes; Action Line and No Big Ting, being two different examples. It was the era of fierce patriotism in Guyana, and those radio icons of the early Independence years were the radio rock stars of Guyana, so to speak. They were more popular and loved by the average Guyanese than some of the politicians of the day. The attached photograph to this article shows eight of those radio rock titans of the 1970s. New Amsterdam even named a street to the memory of Matthew Allen after his death.

There have also been countless commentaries about the elections deadlock with no announced results some seven weeks after citizens voted on

March 2, 2020.

Vo t e r s w e r e urged to go out early and vote; ironically, the results are extremely very late in coming in. Some prominent Guyanese in the diaspora have also added their voices, Sir Ron Sanders included.

There is that saying, "no man is an island", and that was pointed out in a very strong way by Sir Ronald. "CARICOM still has a role to play in supervising a transparent recount of all the votes of March 2, so that a credible elections result can be declared acceptable to all. It owes it to itself as well as to Guyana," he stated. Failing which, according to Sir Ron, there could be serious repercussions. "It will itself invite the sanctions that will certainly come and ostracization and pain that will follow." How important is it for Guyanese at home to listen to the voices from the diaspora, and seriously consider the merits of what is said, and if considered appropriate, to take the necessary action for the good of Guyana. Voices from the diaspora as well as overseas observers all have their own flaws, but listening to them is vital.

The current impasse compounds the previous international image of Guyana as a ‘narco’ state with endemic corruption.

A state with a very high percentage of suicides, extrajudicial killings, murders especially of women, traffic fatalities, trafficking in persons, and money laundering. Many citizens hoped for a CARICOM intervention in the past. One voter stating that democracy should not only be for the counting of ballots but the counting of the level of "happiness and prosperity of Guyanese" every day.

The image of Guyana need not be further tarnished if all the political leaders accept that "no man is an island", especially an island in an ocean of problems.

At this time it must be "All hands on deck". God bless Guyana, our beautiful native land, waiting to take its place in the sun.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― April 19, 2020

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Physiotherapists using telerehabilitation An elderly woman using telerehabilitation (Researchitaly.it)

―to assist elderly, those with existing health conditions

By Telesha Ramnarine

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CCUPATIONAL therapists, along with physiotherapists and other health workers attached to the Ministry of Public Health’s Disability and Rehabilitation Division, are now using “telerehabilitation” as they continue to provide services to patients.

Owing to the number of patients who are elderly and who have existing health conditions, the department, based inside the Palms Geriatric Home Compound, on Brickdam, took a decision to close its doors last month.

These groups of persons are more prone to contracting the dreaded Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and hence the health officers are making use of technology, especially with those who have access to the internet, to continue delivering services.

According to information provided by the Department’s Director Barbara Lawrence, telerehabilitation denotes delivery of professional physiotherapy services at a distance, using telecommunications technology as the service delivery medium.

It features all aspects of patient care includi n g the

Occupational Therapist Calvin Lawrie

patient interview, physical assessment and diagnosis, treatment, maintenance activities, consultation, education and training. It can include mediums such as videoconferencing, email, apps, and web-based communication.

Occupational Therapist Calvin Lawrie is a registered member of the Association of Caribbean Occupational Therapists (ACOT), and would have benefitted from some training recently in telerehabilitation.

Making practical use of the knowledge he acquired was not the easiest thing for him initially, but he told the Pepperpot Magazine that he has gotten accustomed to telerehabilitation by now.

Lawrie is working along with five physiotherapists, one speech therapist, and five rehabilitation assistants at the Palms, who have all been using technology in an effort to continue working with their patients. According to him, each person is working with five to nine patients.

The team is now using their personal phones and internet to communicate with the patients since the closure of the department. “ I t ’s t h e first time we’re doing it using WhatsApp and phone calls, but most of them already know the exercises they have to do, so we call them regularly to remind them to do it and to walk them through t h e steps,” e x plained Physiotherapist LawKemra Budhram rie.

Director of Disability and Rehabilitation Division Barbara Lawrence

The team insists that a family member be present with the patient, bearing in mind that their safety is important. “Sometimes we do video calls to show them what they have to do.

We are not introducing any new exercises at the moment, and sometimes we would send them videos of the exercises they should be doing,” Lawrie further commented.

With occupational therapy, it’s a bit easier to work with the patient because they’re already at home and do not need specific equipment. “So they are able to use their own spoon, bed, shower, and things like that. It’s a little more convenient for them because they’re in their own homes.”

However, with this mode of service, it can be difficult for the therapists to judge progress, especially if the patient has no internet access. “In those cases, we would have to rely on what they say, and we would also depend on feedback from the relative who is assisting them.”

Physiotherapist Kemra Budhram, also working out of the Palms, pays more attention to those patients whom she thinks has special needs, and who would need to do more technical exercises.

“Physiotherapy is a more hands-on approach, so it has been a bit difficult to explain some of what they have to do.

But we’re just trying the best way we could to get services to them,” she expressed.

Meanwhile, conceptually, telerehabilitation is an alternate mode of service delivery of traditional rehabilitation services and should not be thought of as a new rehabilitation service in its own right. As such, the practice of telerehabilitation does not remove or alter any existing responsibilities for the provider of the rehabilitation service and providers must adhere to existing ethical codes of conduct.

Over the years, rehabilitation services have been established in all of the regions across Guyana. In Region One, such services are provided at Moruca, Mabaruma, and Port Kaituma.

In Region Two, services can be accessed at Suddie and Charity; Region Three, at West Demerara Hospital, Leguan and Wakenaam; in Region Four, at the Georgetown Public Hospital, the Palms, Ptolemy Reid Centre and at Castellani House; in Region Five, at Mahaica and Mahaicony; in Region Six, at Skeldon, Port Mourant, and New Amsterdam; Region Seven, at Bartica and Kamarang; Region Eight, at Mahdia; Region Nine, at Lethem, Annai and Aishalton; and Region 10, at Linden and Kwakwani.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― April 19, 2020

IV

From athletics to healthcare Imogen Pydanna-Fernindad

By Michel Outridge

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MOGEN Pydanna-Ferdinand, a former local athlete, is still getting accustomed to her post as Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the New Amsterdam Hospital since being appointed July last

year.

The acting CEO is responsible for all administrative matters at the facility, and with the current threat of COVID-19, she is going beyond the call of duty.

She related that with this new post it is not easy but she is open to suggestions and is

optimistic that she will manage just well.

“I am doing this job because I know I can serve the community in this capacity and help improve the lives of others and that is comforting in itself,” she said.

Pydanna- Ferdinand is accustomed to working from

By Marissa Foster

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HE Naked Closet and The Babe Cave are located on Duncan Street, Georgetown.

They aim to bring women of all walks of life together to make a difference through fash- ion and feminism. The face behind these businesses is the enthusiast, 23-year-old Amber Low who is also a commercial pilot by trade. Low always felt the need to give back to Guyana and its people because they helped to mold her into the woman she is today. As such, she returned to Guyana to make a difference in any way she saw fit. In June 2019, the Naked Closet was launched and Amber described it as being “Guyana’s First Female-led online marketplace”. Proceeds from every sale made through The Naked Closet are used for a monthly community project. With her help, over 50 children went back to school in Baramita, Barima-Waini (Region One) with new uniforms and school gear. Her businesses also provided care packages for the women and children at Help and Shelter and their current project is their Snack Pack Project.

They will be making snack packs for children in need who are at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Naked Closet was Low’s first introduction to the small business community here in Guyana. She realised that there was much be desired in terms of support. Young women with online businesses always put themselves at risk when they have to meet clients and customers in unknown spaces.

This fervent entrepreneur stressed that, “Most of us were running our small businesses from our homes, doing deliveries and meeting people at random places to get packages to customers. This did not seem like a safe option for anyone.”

As such, Amber developed her recent initiative called, “The Babe Cave”. It is a collaborative workspace for women in small businesses. This business provides an opportunity for women to have a safe place to display and sell their items in a physical location. The Babe Cave also serves as a safe environment for meeting clients and customer pick-ups and also has a studio lighting space for freelance makeup artists to work in.

The Babe Cave serves to boost small businesses and help women to grow together. Low’s platform also provides a network of strong women. This network of women includes Timeka Marshall who recently launched her hair product line. These women stand together to make a difference in each other’s lives and hopes that their work can inspire other women in business.

Naked Closet also has a support chat for women which allows them to speak to someone from their team if they ever need an ear. With every sale listing and every purchase, these businesses strive to help others. Amber’s work transcends business; it is also very charitable. In the arena of business, conflicts do happen but Amber hopes to change that especially amongst women. She said, “‘Competition’ is not a word we ever use in the Babe Cave.

We aim to collaborate, grow and transform together. Everyone has a brilliant idea, most people just need to know that they will have the support to make that idea become a plan and a plan become a reality. That’s what we do.”

The Babe Cave has several small businesses on its premises with business owners from various sectors including hair care, fashion, jewellery, accessories, shoes and electronics.

Patrons are encouraged to visit the Babe Cave to support the women and their small businesses.

home and her family prefers it that way, but now that she has to be out of the house at such a high-risk period, she stated they are very concerned for her wellbeing.

She pointed out that she is doing everything to keep her family safe when she gets home from work she sanitises everything and goes to the shower right away then she mingles with her family.

The acting CEO added that with COVID-19 they are putting measures in place to safeguard all staff and she is there to offer any form of assistance to uplift women and will carry out her duties in a professional manner.

The mother of two stated that she applied for the position last year and didn’t hear anything until she got a telephone call to go in and,

now, here she is, working at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Pydanna- Ferdinand stated that the New Amsterdam Hospital has 451 persons in its employ and so far, the staff have been cooperative in implementing certain measures to safeguard themselves while at the institution.

“I hardly go anywhere unless it is absolutely necessary and when I go home I don’t normally come out after,” she said.

She added that her trust is in God and she is hoping that people take the virus a seriously, noting its implications and is praying for everyone at this time.

Pydanna-Ferdinand is the daughter of former West Indian cricketer Robert Milton Pydanna. The Pydannas are a family of athletes, who came

from humble beginnings.

HEALTHY MINDS SWIM SCHOOL Pydanna-Ferdinand is known for offering her home pool to teach both children and adults to swim and do aerobics. She said, however, that she has put all swimming classes on hold until further notice since the lock-down has been put in place and the Peace Corps volunteers have all gone back to their respective countries.

“Well the swimming thing is my passion and I can’t give up on it and I am hoping we tide over this virus so we can go back to normalcy,” she said.

Last year, she had enrolled more than 300 children where she has 12 instructors and two Peace Corps volunteers.

Empowering wome n through the use of her bus inesses

Timeka Marshal in The Babe Cave

The Babe Cave

Owner of The Babe Cave and The Naked Closet; Amber Low

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― April 19, 2020

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Protecting Guyana’s vulnerable migrant community in the time of COVID-19

Charlie Tokeley (Photos courtesy of Charlie Tokeley)

By Gibron Rahim

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UR country, and the world, is undoubtedly facing one of the most difficult times in its history.

COVID-19 poses a serious threat to all residents of Guyana. For this reason, we all must unite to face this threat. We especially need to take care of the vulnerable among us. Guyana’s migrant community is among these vulnerable groups.

The Pepperpot Magazine spoke to two representatives of Voices GY regarding the vulnerability of Guyana’s migrant community. The locally-founded organisation has become known for its efforts to promote languages, cultures and social cohesion and its assistance in humanitarian projects. Voices GY’s Charlie Tokeley related that Guyana’s migrant population is quite diverse. Venezuelans make up a large proportion, he said, with it being estimated that there were approximately 36,000 at the beginning of 2019. There are also Cuban, Haitian, Brazilian and Chinese migrants.

The reasons for migration are as diverse as the migrants themselves, he said. Some migrants have come to Guyana to work in the mining and construction sectors. There are also those migrants who seek better economic conditions or are fleeing oppressive conditions. Tokeley noted that there is a grey area when it comes to the terminology used to refer to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. Guyana is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and hence does not recognise refugee status.

Tokeley’s fellow representative, Christian Vargas, noted the importance of the distinction in the terminology. As an example, he pointed out that those migrants who come to Guyana to work in specific sectors have more income than those who have fled their countries due to political or economic strife. These distinctions even hold true within a single demographic, he said.

Cubans coming to Guyana to work in the medical field, shop and return home or seeking asylum is an example of such a case.

The vulnerabilities of the migrants also vary. Among the most significant is the language barrier, as Tokeley noted. “There are migrants, refugees who don’t understand English and won’t receive much information in English or in other languages,” he said. He related that bridging that barrier is particularly important given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. For any action plan tackling the situation to be successful, there cannot be differences in the information received by segments of the population nor can there be a lack of information for one segment of the population, Tokeley said. “It needs to be comprehensive, it needs to reach all corners of the population.”

Such a comprehensive plan begins by making information

available to the public in different languages and ensuring that such information is accessible to all. Voices GY has recently conducted a survey in English and Spanish to gauge differences in knowledge about COVID-19. “We saw some quite significant differences,” Tokeley said. For instance, one question tested respondents’ knowledge of steps to take if they suspect they may have contracted COVID-19. Among the Spanish-speaking community, 73 percent of respondents answered correctly. This contrasted with over 90 percent of English-speaking respondents answering the same question correctly.

Lost in translation One notable issue is that the COVID-19 hotline is in English.

“So if you have symptoms or you want to find out what to do or someone in your family is starting to feel unwell, even if you know you need to call the hotline, the answer is going to be in English,” Tokeley stated. Voices GY tried calling the hotline as a test. The representatives conceded that they were eventually put on to a Spanish speaker and that was good news. However, they noted that the process required patience, determination and confidence. Tokeley pointed out that there needs to be a more direct way for non-English speakers to receive a response in their languages.

Employment Employment is another area in which migrants are currently vulnerable, both in general and in terms of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tokeley related that many migrants do not have formalised work situations. He said that many migrants are employed in face-to-face roles involving customer service, leading to increased exposure and potential of contracting COVID-19.

Others are employed in precarious, low-paying jobs and simply cannot afford to take time off from work. Their legal status might also prevent some migrants from seeking medical attention. Additionally, some migrants live in crowded areas where there are already issues with sanitation and hygiene or in remote regions of Guyana where they must already contend with other illnesses.

Vargas was sure to note that many of the problems facing migrant communities also face the more vulnerable parts of the Guyanese population. These include difficulties in accessing clean water and living in overcrowded conditions. Vargas noted that their living conditions prevent them from practising prescribed social distancing.

An added burden for migrant communities is that aid efforts cannot take place with the current situation. One instance of this is the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) needing to suspend its resettlement programmes for the time being. Such unavoidable precautions mean that refugees have been left without support.

Monitoring the outbreak among migrants Efforts to keep the migrant population safe will also keep the rest of the population safe, as Tokeley pointed out. “It’s also important because there needs to be some way to monitor the outbreak,” he said. Should a COVID-19 outbreak infiltrate vulnerable communities where cases may not be reported, it may hinder monitoring of outbreak severity and locations to protect everyone. In an effort to prevent such an

Christian Vargas

eventuality, a representative from the Ministry of Public Health noted that the Ministry’s reports on the COVID-19 situation in Guyana are currently being translated into Akawaio and another Indigenous language, in addition to Spanish. Further efforts are also being made to have messages and information from the Ministry of Public Health translated into all 10 of Guyana’s indigenous languages.

Fortunately, much can be done to prevent a disastrous outcome. Increased dialogue between the Ministry of Public Health and NGOs and civil society organisations that work with vulnerable migrants and refugees is one area that Tokeley noted would be invaluable in the fight against COVID-19.

These organisations would then be able to communicate the information they learn to the populations they serve. “There needs to be that link in communication,” stated clearly. “We need to have some type of channel of information where things are flowing both ways.”

Most recently Voices GY has begun directing its efforts into a civil society coalition, identifying areas of collaboration that would allow those organisations to assist all sectors of the vulnerable demographic, not just the migrant community, across all 10 regions of Guyana. “The idea is [that] working together we will be able to reach the most vulnerable in the country,” according to Tokeley. This is an effort to ensure that information reaches these groups and also that they receive assistance at this critical time.

The organisations involved thus far are Voices GY, Food For The Poor (Guyana) Inc., Guyana Women Miners Association, SASOD Guyana, Catholic Charities Guyana – Migration Support, Guyana Deaf Association, Humanity First Guyana, Guyana National Youth Council, Blossom Inc. and PAHO/ WHO. Two initiatives have already come from this collaboration. One of these involved the handing out of hygiene kits and food supplies in Region Seven. The other is an initiative where three of the organisations are collaborating to also provide supplies in Region Seven.

The efforts to prevent COVID-19 are not solely reliant on governments or organisations, however. “It also requires a degree of awareness by everyday citizens,” Tokeley noted.

He emphasised that it is a time to unite with a spirit of working together, communicating information to other people and looking out for one another. “If you have friends who speak Portuguese or friends who speak Spanish, try and check up on them, make sure they got the right information, share information with them. This is just something that everyone should try and do to make sure they’re making the full use of their networks.”

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― April 19, 2020

Masks instead of kites

RUST you all had a safe relaxing Easter weekend. I am sure persons missed all the numerous activities that happened around Easter. I had initially planned to go to Lethem for Rodeo and was anticipating a great few days but I did have a fulfilling weekend anyway. I was listening to some of my favourite preachers, spent time with family, read my bible, touched base with my co-authors, watched Queen of South, meditated and distributed masks. Around Easter, it is normal to distribute kites but this year we distributed masks.

When this year started none of us imagined we would be in this crisis and we are still adjusting.Getting involved in something meaningful helps.

I sincerely would like to thank all the persons who made the masks project possible for free distributions. I knew it was necessary to start because it would be in demand because of COVID 19. I needed back up from my tribe and I called Natasha David first and told her my idea and she agreed to assist in any event though she had never made a mask and neither had I. I believe when we are intentional about doing something we figure a way out after committing how it can be done.

Diana Trotman was contacted and she said yes. Meleesa Payne and Raquel Thomas got their moms involved in the sewing also. Nakeisha Niles got her grandmother involved and I got my mom and daughter and sister involved in production. Frances Ann Hughes, Marcie Halley, Crystal Ramlakan and Sarah Mosely also volunteered their time and Frances and Natasha celebrated their birthdays producing masks. I owe them big time. I thank Dr Vindya Persaud for her advice on manufacturing the masks and Dr Mootoo for your encouraging words. I wish more businesses and fabric stores were like Kirpalani’s. They reduced the price for cotton and donated some to our mask protect. Easter Monday my friend Raquel and I distributed masks and the people were so appreciative of the gesture. I urge community groups to get together and pool their resources to manufacture masks to take

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care of their communities. Crises build unity and community and foster togetherness.

One morning it was 2:00hrs and mom and I were still steaming the masks and I was cutting the fabric.

It was great chatting while working and listening to some of the music like Kenny Rogers, Lionel Richie and the Bee Gees.

The reason I love all of the above singers plus Engelbert Humperdinck, Neil Diamond, Shirley Bassey, Dianna Ross, Etta James, P a u l

Anka, The Carpenters and Abba is from listening to my mom's music selection she played on cassette back then. I glanced at her many times thanking God for her in our

life.

Beyond the Runway with

She taught us lots of Dr. Sonia Noel lessons from her actions. ... Inspiring lives through fashion We did not have much but she found a way to bless others from the little we had. I am grateful that I inherited some of that from what she inherited from her mom.

I am even more grateful for the people I surround myself with and simple things we sometimes take for granted. I am grateful for my ability to focus on the silver lining. Our thoughts are very powerful.

I heard these words some time ago and they stuck with me.

Watch your THOUGHTS they become you WORDS Watch your WORDS they become your ACTIONS. Watch your ACTIONS they become your HABITS Watch your HABITS they become your CHARACTER Watch your Character it becomes your DESTINY It begins with our THOUGHTS. What is consuming your THOUGHTS today?

Try to keep a positive mindset in these challenging times and enjoy your own company and also your family. Find a way to add more value to yourself so you can add value to someone else during this time and when it is over.

Stay at home for your own safety or wear a mask if you have to go out because it protects us all.

I sincerely thank everyone who contributed in any way to make this project a success.

Find a way to contribute in a positive way toward to fight against COVID 19 as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

Limes (Cont’d): Preparation for Market

Cleaning HE first step in preparing limes for market involves cleaning of the fruit surface to remove dirt, sooty mould, scale, spray residues, etc. In smallscale operations, the fruit can be cleaned by putting the fruit in a wash tank and gently rubbing with a soft cloth or soft brush. The wash water should be properly sanitized with 150 ppm hypochlorous acid (household bleach) and maintained at a pH of 6.5. 150 ppm is equal to 2 oz of household bleach (such as Marvex) per 5 gallons of water, or .3 litres of bleach per 100 litres of water. The water should also contain soap or detergent.

Steel drums can be used to make a simple washing stand. The drums are cut in half, fitted with drain holes, and all the metal edges are covered with split rubber or plastic hose. The drums are then set into a sloped wooden table.

The table top is constructed from wooden slats and is used as a drying rack before packing.

In larger-scale operations, limes may be cleaned by passing the fruit along with a series of revolving roller brushes. Initial rotating brushes will remove most debris, after which soap or detergent is sprayed onto the fruit to

enhance cleaning as the fruit continues across the brushes. Adequate cleaning usually requires about 30 seconds on the brushes, rotating at about 100 rpm. The fruit is thoroughly rinsed as it passes over the last of the brushes and the excess water on the surface can be eliminated with sponge rubber rollers. A postharvest fungicide can be applied as an overhead spray following washing and water elimination. A spray wax application can also be made at this time.

Grading Limes should be sorted and graded immediately following cleaning. The main fruit characteristics used in grading limes are size, colour, shape, and appearance of the peel. The minimum size requirement for marketing limes in the domestic market is a weight of 75 gn and diameter of 4 cm. There is no maximum limit for weight and diameter. Further sorting of limes into different size categories for domestic market sales may be worthwhile if a premium price can be obtained for certain sizes. For export markets, sizing of the fruit is essential.

Limes should be separated into small, medium, and large sizes. In most small-scale operations, manual sizing is done with the use of standard

size gauges made of wood or plastic. Examples of the different market sizes should be placed within view of the workers for easy reference.

Mechanical sizers are also available for larger-scale operations using conveyors fitted with rubber belts having openings of different sizes, with the smallest openings placed first and the largest openings put at the end of the line.

Within the size categories, the fruit should also be separated according to peel colour and the number of surface blemishes. Green and yellow coloured fruit should not be mixed in the same container. The limes in each carton should be uniform and consist of the same cultivar, quality, size, and grade. The fruit should not have any noticeable peel scarring, insect injury, decay, wounds, sunscald, oil spots, and stylar-end breakdown. The fruit should also have a well-formed uniform shape typical of the cultivar. High-quality limes shiny, uniformly coloured, and free of surface injury, shrivelling, and decay.

Waxing Limes have a very thin peel cuticle (waxy covering) and are quite susceptible to moisture loss during storage. In addition, much

of the lime's natural wax may be removed during washing. Limes will benefit significantly from a postharvest wax application, which will reduce the amount of dehydration during storage and give a shine to the fruit surface. The wax may be applied by hand rubbing, or mechanically as a foam, dip, spray or brush wipe. The wax is usually applied with water using an emulsifier, such as soap, to keep the wax soluble. Water-emulsion waxes do not require a completely dry fruit surface before application. Spray application is most commonly used in larger-scale operations, using a pair of travelling spray nozzles over a bed of slowly rotating (not more than 100 rpm) horsehair-type brush rollers. The wax coating can be detrimental to limes if it is applied too thick. This may restrict oxygen absorption and cause off-flavour development of the juice. A fungicide can be incorporated in the wax to prevent postharvest decay. Recommended fungicides are thiabendazole or imazalil (2000 ppm) or benomyl (1000 ppm). The fungicide concentration incorporated in the wax is double the amount recommended in the wash or spray water.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― April 19, 2020

VII

Focus on the Village

A day in r a g l a f a Tr Children engaged in kite flying in Trafalgar Village

Home of Raylene Edwards

By Michel Outridge

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HIS week the Pepperpot Magazine visited the sleepy community of Trafalgar, West Coast Berbice, where the team met and chatted with residents, thus, highlighting their way of life.

The village is called Number 28 but the gazetted name is Trafalgar and it is bordered by Union and Number 27 villages.

It is home to mostly skilled contractors, masons, carpenters and other tradesmen, miners, cattle, rice, cash crops and poultry farmers.

Trafalgar is home to predominantly Afro-Guyanese with a handful of people of mixed race and some Indo-Guyanese.

A small percentage of people leave the village for work.

Trafalgar Village has a Nursery School, a Health Outpost, many shops, a large ball field, small businesses, churches and vast backlands The village is an agricultural-based village where almost every yard has a kitchen full of fresh fruits and vegetables and livestock.

One of the many large houses in the village

There are plenty of chickens in Trafalgar, many of which can be seen running around the streets.

Trafalgar Village is home to about 300 residents and it is a striving community where the villagers have some signature houses, the architectural landscape of this village is one to remember.

They have some very large houses with some beautiful designs.

The access road to Trafalgar was newly paved into an all-weather road before it was a mud dam and there are several streets.

The team first met Rayelene Edwards, who was at the time taking in some cool breeze at the side of the house with her children, having completed the household chores.

“I grew up in this village because my mother resides here and I am staying with her so most of my life I have lived here,” she said.

The 29-year-old added that the village is a very quiet place for good family life and the people are most welcoming and receptive.

Edwards said they have all the basic amenities but there

is no landline service and a few months ago, the main access road was paved and that was good.

“It was a mud dam before and whenever it rains, it was a mess to get in and out of the village to the Main Road so I am pleased with the development,” she said.

The mother of two related that they would do their shopping at Rosignol or Bush Lot and described life in that village as fair.

Edwards reported that most people in the village have their chickens, goats, sheep, cows and farms and they make a living somehow.

She was awaiting the arrival of her mother, who had gone out to do some shopping and was spending some meaningful time with the children since, they cannot go out, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Edwards stated that Trafalgar is a nice place to live and the people are hardworking and mind their own business.

There is a Seventh Day Adventist Church in this village which is frequented by locals.

“Most people that live here, are from this village, there are hardly any strangers,” she said.

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Life is relaxed in Trafalgar Village

By Michel Outridge

G

AVIN Semple is a resident of Trafalgar Village, West Coast Berbice and when the team met him, he was at a relative’s shop, taking some breeze.

The taxi driver, who usually plies his trade in the city, said because of the novel coronavirus he is forced to stay in the village since the movement of people is restricted.

He has been residing in Trafalgar for the past 13 years and is originally from Belladrum, also on the West Coast Berbice.

Semple, a very out-going guy, reported that he came to Trafalgar as a result of marriage and it has become home for him.

“This is my sister-in-law’s shop but it closed due to the coronavirus and we does come here play some dominoes, have a chat to pass time, and take some breeze because if you worry it stresses you out,” he explained.

Semple plies the Georgetown to Rosignol route but working his car has been put on hold since the curfew was put in place and only essentials businesses are allowed to operate.

“Two days now this shop isn’t opened for business and a lot of people are not working too,” he said.

Semple related that Trafalgar is a blessed village because the people have skills and they sue it to make a living.

“In this village, people don’t sit down and be lazy, they work and they do things to upkeep themselves,” he said.

The taxi driver added that most young men in the village are skilled tradesmen and they have some miners too.

Semple was just sitting there hoping some friends show up so he can have a chat to pass time because he was a kind of bored

being at home.

The team also met Edwin Monah, who was with another resident, they were on their way to take home some goats which were grazing in the backlands.

The 61-year-old was on a bicycle guiding the goats home.

Monah added he has 15 goats and he would graze them along with another goat owner.

Some of the goats had on a wooden collar because he received complaints they were entering the garden of people and destroying crops.

During a walkabout in Trafalgar Village the team also met Simon Gordon, he is one of the contractors residing and working in the community.

He told the Pepperpot Magazine that after he left the army, having spent 15 years of his young life he used to work with a cousin, building houses and making thing and he developed a liking for the trade.

Gordon, a very humble man related that he lived almost all his life in the village and after he acquired skills constructing houses including, his own, he started to expand and build a lot of houses in the village, some of which he opened out to the team.

The father of four stated that it feels good to be working in his village and it is very convenient since he doesn’t have to leave the place.

Currently, he has a few employees, including villagers, and he was constructing a house next door to his, which was incomplete but taking shape.

“I feel good, providing a service to the people of this village and being here is nice because I live in peace and I have a good life because I make it that way as a countryman,” he said.

Gordon added that apart from being a contractor, he has some goats, a few cows

and some chickens and he makes a comfortable living in Trafalgar Village.

“I even got a son working with me and things are a bit slow now but good in general because we have to look at the positives,” he explained.

Focus on the Village

Gavin Semple

Edwin Monah

A resident taking home his goats after grazing

Contractor, Simon Gordon (Carl Croker photos)

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― April 19, 2020

IX

Focus on the Village

Doing her part in the fight against COVID-19

Easton London in his striving garden at home (Carl Croker photos)

By Michel Outridge MARIAN London is making reusable fabric face masks affordable in the fight against COVID-19 so people can protect themselves.

She is the seamstress of Trafalgar Village and is well-known and plies her trade from her home.

She has two sewing machines set up in her bottom house, which is breezy and quite conducive for work.

London has been sewing since she was 15 years old and was trying to finish a wedding dress when the Pepperpot Magazine met her.

“I still sewing face masks but I have to complete this bridal gown for a certain time and I have a long way to go,” she said.

The mother of four related that she wanted to assist in the fight of the coronavirus and is making the fabric face masks which has the filter at $300 and $400 each in different colours.

“I had $5,000 and I bought some materials and started to sew face masks which are selling right in the village,” she said.

The 52-year-old related that because of the virus she is not taking much sewing jobs.

She has a number of face masks which are sanitised and ready for use.

London said that she does try to contribute to the community and annually she would sew school uniform with her own materials and give it to children, who cannot afford to pay for the service.

She has a Facebook page titled Marian’s Fashion and Design and does try to help just about anyone.

Her husband, Easton London also assists his wife in sewing some face masks.

The 56-year-old is an employee of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Onverwagt Power Station and was working a few hours a day.

London has converted his back yard into a vegetable garden, the produce is solely for home use and it was evident from his yard full of flowers and plants that he is a gifted gardener.

“I does find things to do in my spare time and I started the garden and things are going well because I have cabbage, bora, lettuce and so much vegetables that I use from the garden to the table,” he said.

London stated that any time he gets free, he will visit the garden and do some work.

He has a lot of vegetables in the back yard as well as both sides of the yard and the place is well-kept and very clean.

It was evident he has put a lot of work in his yard and it shows.

The home of the Londons is a very nice house, one of a kind, which is well-painted and outfitted with flowers and other plants which adds a homey touch to the premises.

Marian London and her fabric face masks

Marian London’s creation

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― April 19, 2020

s e m i t t l u c i f f i d n i g n i v i l a g n i k a M Focus

Melana Webster

on the Village

Dervin Rogers (Carl Croker photos)

By Michel Outridge

D

ERVIN Rogers is a resident of Trafalgar Village, West Coast Berbice, and when the team met him he was in the process of fetching in some dirt from in front of his neighbour’s yard.

He told the Pepperpot Magazine that he is a miner, who is home for the time until he is ready to head back in the interior for work.

“Things not nice nowhere right now, with the coronavirus, most plac-

Yvonne Stanley with her children

contractors.

Meanwhile, the team also spoke with his neighbour, Melana Webster, a mom of five, who was at the time at her mother’s place, visiting.

“I live at Number 30 Village but I am staying with my mom for now, with this virus and all, we are all staying in and trying to cope, so I am watching television with the children,” she said.

Webster is married to a dentist and the curfew is no bother to her since she is often at home and only when it is the weekend or a holiday she would take the children out.

“I like it h e r e

She added that the yard is low and when it rains the place is flooded and she wants to avoid that so she is getting dirt to fill up the back yard.

The single parent stated that she has been living in Trafalgar for the past five years and has a very cosy flat-concrete house.

In her yard, she has a small business, she sells clothes, of which she would buy and send back to Guyana when she goes overseas.

“Right now I have nothing to sell because of the coronavirus I can’t clear my barrels so things at a standstill but I have oth-

Dirt being dumped in front of Yvonne Stanley’s yard

es not working so I came home to relax for a bit and when I get some work within the village I do it,” he said.

Rogers said he has been living in Trafalgar Village for the past five years and is originally from Hopetown Village, which is a few villages away, also on the West Coast Berbice corridor.

Although he is a skilled worker, he prefers to work in the hinterland and is hopeful he will be able to find work in the village since it is home to a few

and I don’t intend to move,” she said.

She is the mother of four boys and a girl, all of whom were engrossed in a cartoon that was on the television at the time Webster stated that she has two siblings, who reside at the same house but they were out and she was home with the children.

The Pepperpot Magazine also met Yvonne Stanley, who had just returned home after getting a canter truck to offload some dirt in front of her house.

er things to do,” she said.

Stanley related that the place was swampy and she constructed her house and it trying to build-up the land because it is low and water accumulates quickly when it rains.

“I am getting some help from friends, I get the dirt free and I get to bring it here so I just have to pay to get the guy to bring it in the yard,” she explained.

She described life in the village as good and with that she was off again, to get more dirt.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― April 19, 2020

XI

A professional place for health care of the people

By Michel Outridge

T

RAFALGAR Village has a Health Outpost with five staffers, who are very accommodating and approachable.

The Health Outpost is referred to as #28 Health Outpost and it sits almost in the middle of the village and is accessible to all.

The team met Registered Nurse Jacia Shepherd who told the Pepperpot Magazine they offer all the services like any other health centre and they provide professional service to the people of the village and its environs.

She disclosed that some of the services offered are pre, p o s t and anti-nat a l care, family planning, chroni c diseases clini c and persons c a n just walk in for treatment i f they are ill.

S h e p herd stated that chronic diseases clinic

Nurse Jacia Shepherd

Y

E T again, here I am writing on COVID-19. I am currently using my platform to ensure that factual and relevant information is shared to my readers, at all times.

Hence, this week I am here to discuss something that has been on the back of my mind ever since the first case of COVID-19 was detected in Guyana. How will we ‘pass the time’? What creative activities we do at home? How can we live and stay sane in the same physical space, day after day? This is something I have struggled with and that I am still struggling with. My home was once my haven but as the time increases, it’s slowly feeling like a cell. My parents and I have an amazing relationship, we spend time together and we enjoy the time spent with each other.

However, at the same time, my everyday life and rou-

are held every Friday and that is the biggest clinic they see.

The #28 Health Outpost is staffed with a Clinic Attendant, a Patient Care Assistant, a Nursing Attendant, a Visiting Doctor, a Midwife and a Community Health Worker.

Collectively, she added they try to provide a good service to the people and they see most common cold and flu patients given it’s a seasonal illness.

Shepherd stated that the more serious cases are referred to Fort Wellington Hospital and Mahaicony Hospital.

The 25-year-old reported that in Region Five they have 16 health centres with #28 being the only Health Outpost and the main Health Centre is at Bush Lot, a few villages away.

“I have been in nursing for six years and I was drawn to the profession because I like people and serving my community is what I wanted to do for a living, be of service to people,” she said.

She worked at the New Amsterdam Hospital before she was transferred to #28 Health Outpost in 2016.

“Working in the public health sector is nice because you get to upgrade with training programmes and get hands-on experience which makes you marketable,” she explained.

She resides a few villages away but Trafalgar is like home for her because it is her place of work and she is comfortable being there and serving the people.

“If we have clinic we try to see patients as soon as we can to minimise the waiting period and we provide one on one health care. Patients can speak to us in confidence as it relates to their health care so we can diagnose them correctly and makes referrals,” she said.

The mother of one stated that the Health Outpost is opened from 8:00hrs to 16:30hrs from Monday to Friday.

By just speaking to Nurse Shepherd you can tell she is serious about her job and she gives you a sense of concern making you feel very important since her effort is concentrated solely on you as an individual.

Apart from villagers of Trafalgar, people from nearby villages would also visit for basic health care and to attend the clinic.

Shepherd and her colleagues had on their protective gear with face masks and for them, it was a normal day.

Focus on the Village

#28 Health Outpost (Carl Croker photos)

Staffers of #28 Health Outpost

Bored at staying home all day; what can we do? tine were snatched from me from this virus without my consent. It is for the best (for everyone and ourselves) that we stay home but at the end of the day, I can’t help but think that: “I am only human”.

a quote on social media that said, “This is a pandemic, not a productivity competition.” Social distancing and staying at home should not be a competition for anything. Yes, you can practice your skills or you can study

Boredom during covid19

The United Nations suggested that worldwide 1.5 billion children and young persons are home due to COVID-19 lockdowns in 124 countries. I came across

for school and strive to do better when social distancing is over. Nonetheless, we can find so many constructive and creative activities to do.

We can start by creating a

new schedule and routine to adapt to. Change can be difficult but we ought to in order to adapt and survive.

One can also use this time to do things they have always wanted to do. Personally, I have been using this time to work on my poetry skills (something I was always too busy to do before). You can also use this time to change old and bad habits and try to substitute that behaviour with a new and improved one.

Another great idea I discovered is the documentation of one’s day-to-day activities during this virus outbreak. Persons are writing journals or making videos on the day’s activities done, their thoughts and their feelings. Many are doing this to serve as a reminder to themselves and the future generation about this era.

Some other activities one can do includes: blogging, social media challenges, cooking a new recipe every

day, starting a new social/ creative project, challenge yourself to develop a new skill and even recreating your home spaces. The most important activity during this time is to take care of yourself and your family (physically and mentally).

Your mental health is just as important as your physical one and these activities will help you to cope with those underlying thoughts. Family and friends suffering from anxiety, claustrophobia, depression and other mental illnesses will need our help the most. I urge the Ministry of Social Protection and Public Health to establish a 24 HRS mental health hotline for Guyanese to call if they need help in that manner.

We ought to keep our minds alive and healthy.

The best way I can put is: we have to try not to “lose it!” We need to upkeep a physically and mentally healthy lifestyle. There is

no doubt that this virus will inevitably change our normal lives, even after it’s all over. Life as we know it will never be the same. But, how we choose to respond to that change and how we choose to live during this difficult time is dependent on us. Remember, it is not a productivity competition.

Life, as it is right now, is very difficult, no need to pressure yourself even more. Just be yourself and engage in healthy activities that will benefit your body and mind. Lastly, I urge all of you to follow to safety precautions outlined by the Ministry of Health and The World Health Organization. “There is no time to be bored in such a beautiful world”, indeed.

There are so many things to do and explore with time and of course the internet by your side. What will be your next planned healthy activity? Have you decided on what to do next?

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― April 19, 2020

m s i s s i Narc

I

received an email from someone who thinks she might be in a relationship with a narcissist and asked me to discuss exactly what this is. I am obliged as I think it’s a word so casually used, without thinking of its deep impact. The label "narcissist" is widely deployed to refer to people who appear too full of themselves but it is so much more than that.

Narcissism, like many other traits, is properly viewed on a spectrum. People on the lower end of the spectrum might think very highly of themselves but at the other end lies narcissistic personality disorder. One which is diagnosed only by a mental health professional and is suspected when a person's narcissistic traits impair their daily functioning.

THERE ARE MANY TRAITS OF NARCISSISM These are those who encompass a hunger for appreciation or admiration, a sense of specialness and a desire to be the centre of attention, and an expectation of special treatment reflecting perceived higher status. There is a grandiose sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy for others. They treat both you and others with little respect. They frequently demean, intimidate, bully, or belittle others. Your needs will never be fulfilled or even recognised. Most of the time, based on the way they treat others, narcissists rarely have any close friends at all.

Don’t’ get me wrong, a narcissist is usually charming and charismatic but that’s either just at the beginning of your relationship or reserved for just others to witness it.

They don’t handle criticism well and typically become impatient or angry, have difficulty regulating emotions and behaviour and feel moody because they fall short of

perfection.

Some call this disorder‘The Impossibility of Love’.

There are personal harms of being a narcissist. These and other traits can prove damaging in relationships, whether romantic, familial, or professional.

Like many other mental illnesses, the cause of narcissism is directly unknown but scientists know it is a combination of environmental (parental relationships), Genetics (inherited characteristics) or Neurobiology (the connection between the brain and behaviour and thinking) causes.

Many people wonder how to handle a narcissist. There are a few things you can do for yourself but not much to change another person.

First of all, knowledge is power, learn as much as you can about narcissists and know when you’re being mistreated or manipulated.

Make a plan. If you have a long-standing pattern of letting others violate your boundaries, it’s not easy to take back control. Set yourself up for success by carefully considering your goals and the potential obstacles.

A relationship with a true narcissist is deeply distressing and perpetually frustrating. The best thing for you to ultimately leave the relationship but if there are factors preventing that, there are other things that you can do.

Consider a gentle approach. If preserving your relationship with the narcissist is important to you, you will have to tread softly. By pointing out their hurtful or dysfunctional behaviour, you are damaging their self-image of perfection. Try to deliver your message calmly, respectfully, and as gently as possible. Focus on how their behaviour makes you feel, rather than on their motivations and intentions. If they respond with anger and defensiveness, try to remain calm. Walk away if need be and revisit the conversation later.

Be prepared for other changes in the relationship. The narcissist will feel threatened and upset by your attempts to take control of your life. They are used to calling the shots.

To compensate, they may step up their demands in other aspects of the relationship, distance themselves to punish you

or attempt to manipulate or charm you into giving up the new boundaries. It’s up to you to stand firm.

DON’T TAKE THINGS PERSONALLY To protect themselves from feelings of inferiority and shame, narcissists must always deny their shortcomings, cruelties, and mistakes. Often, they will do so by projecting their own faults on to you. It’s very upsetting to get blamed for something that’s not your fault or be characterised with negative traits you don’t possess. But as difficult as it may be, try not to take it personally. It really isn’t about you.

Don’t buy into the narcissist’s version of who you are.

Narcissists don’t live in reality, and that includes their views of other people. Don’t let their shame and blame game undermine your self-esteem. Refuse to accept undeserved responsibility, blame, or criticism. That negativity is the narcissist’s to keep.

Don’t argue with a narcissist. When attacked, the natural instinct is to defend yourself and prove the narcissist wrong. But no matter how rational you are or how to sound your argument, they are unlikely to hear you. And arguing the point may escalate the situation in a very unpleasant way. Don’t waste your breath. Simply tell the narcissist you disagree with their assessment, then move on.

LOOK FOR SUPPORT AND PURPOSE ELSEWHERE Spend time with people who give you an honest reflection of who you are. Make new friendships, if necessary, outside the narcissist’s orbit. Some narcissists isolate the people in their lives in order to better control them. If this is your situation, you’ll need to invest time into rebuilding lapsed friendships or cultivating new relationships.

Look for meaning and purpose in work, volunteering, and hobbies. Instead of looking to the narcissist to make you feel good about yourself, pursue meaningful activities that make use of your talents and allow you to contribute.

Thank you for reading. Please continue to send desired topics to caitlinvieira@gmail.com If you would look to book a private appointment with me, please WhatsApp 623-0433.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― April 19, 2020

What will the

‘newbenormal’ like?

H

ERE in Trinidad, I was asked to journal bits and pieces of my thoughts, feelings, and experiences as a foreign student confined to the Twin Island Republic during this COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this was to provide insight into what it has been like adapting to the unfolding events of the ‘new normal’.

My work has largely scaled-down since I can only work from my bedroom. The same goes for my academic pursuits- no longer any I am readily able to engage with my lecturers as fluidly as I would like. My trips to the grocery store have to be planned days in advance, and planned alongside dozens of other students, in ways that would maximise efficiency and minimise our exposure to the outside world.

While I sat down for most of the past two weeks jour-

nall i n g ( o r, attempting t o journal, I should say) more and more about these experiences, I thought about the ripple effect of all the new normals that are ensuing.

In the news this past week, the World Health Organisation (WHO) highlighted that it was looking into crafting advice for countries so that the pervasive ‘lockdown measures’ could be reduced and that productivity could begin resuming, incrementally. Importantly, this was not due to any belief that the threat of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19 was diminishing, but rather, it is a measure of facilitating this new normal that is ensuing.

Basic measures such as physical distancing and handwashing will be enforced even if (or when) lockdowns are lifted. Moreover, the increased capacity at health systems will also need to be maintained once restrictions are eased.

On a macro scale, the ‘new normal’ refers to how the global landscape has changed (and continues to change), because of the litany of implications resulting from the pandemic.

There is an inherent interplay between the effects of COVID-19 and all sectors of society, from the economy (society’s “base”) to our social institutions. The negative economic impact caused by the loss of productivity and employment will runoff into these sectors.

In this vein too, the new normal might very well involve the continuous adjustments of fiscal and monetary policies to stimulate economic activity, or from the looks of things,

offset the heavy impact of the loss of economic activity.

Already, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has said that more than four out of five people, or 81 percent of the global workforce, are currently affected by full or partial workplace closures and that global unemployment during 2020 will depend substantially on future developments and policy measures.

These policy measures will include an increase in government spending, a reduction in taxes, adjustments in the interest rates to encourage investments or alike. Recall, here in Guyana, Value Added Tax (VAT) has been temporarily removed from water and electricity Guyana also implemented sweeping measures to stymie the spread of the virus, including closing two major airports to international traffic and restricting all public gatherings.

Local travel has also been substantially curtailed. These have all had an impact on persons’ livelihoods, outside of the already heavy direct social impacts.

Even so, a sigh of some relief could be breathed as the government committed to continue paying public sector employees their salaries and providing old-age pensions in full. But while these fiscal and monetary measures and the forthcoming economic stimulus package (whatever form it may take) are governmental decisions taken to help ease the burden of the new normal on the average citizen, this may not happen the same for private-sector employees and those in the more informal employment sectors.

Now unlike other countries, Guyana has two other tenets to navigate. The first is that even in light of the impact of COVID-19, Guyana’s economy is still projected to grow.

This growth, ceteris paribus, is currently pegged at 51.7 percent. However, what threatens this is, as outlined before, the ramifications of COVID-19- which in this specific case has also led to declining oil prices, and unique to Guyana, the incomplete election processes.

Months ago, Guyana’s new normal could have potentially been economic growth marked by tangible developments in the country. Now, this ‘destiny’ is in limbo, because of COVID-19 and the post-election quagmire.

I cannot clearly envision a new normal for Guyana that is void of hardship. Local economist Rawle Lucas highlighted that Guyana was not heavily impacted by the global downturn in 2008 because the demand for gold went up, and Guyana was a producer of this commodity. This time around, a major recession looms and the most vulnerable groups in our society will be disproportionately affected.

Therefore, Guyana must resolve this current political impasse as best as possible so that the government may be able to employ those same fiscal and monetary measures, along with an effective economic package to help safeguard these vulnerable groups. The new normal is unfolding right in front of our eyes and new steps need to be taken to channel this appropriately.

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d n i M e t i The Wrby Jasmaine Payne

That troublesome writer’s block!

I am currently in the middle of yet another Writer’s block.

This time it has been eight months and counting.

Writer’s block visits me every so often, but I suppose it is, in part, also due to a combination of my schedule and lack of discipline.

After years of research and personal experience, American novelist, essayist and editor, Sandra Scofield deduced that the main contributors of writer’s block are lack of research, lack of imagination, lack of focus and lack of confidence. And you know what? I am inclined to believe her.

One of the worst blocks I encountered came after I released an excerpt for my novel, "Leech". Unprepared, and perhaps having been so engrossed and excited by the prospects of my work,

somewhere during the feedback process I became timid and dreadfully afraid that I would have to scrap the project because it wasn’t right. And no matter the applause, nor the comforting words of ‘hang in there’ or ‘you can do it’, I was filled with doubt that maybe, just maybe, I couldn’t write this book- moreover, maybe, after all, I couldn’t write.

Within moments, I threw out my timeline, dashed my hopes and stopped writing. It took more than a year and a half to get back to it. How’s that for a lack of confidence and focus, Sandra?

STEPHEN KING’S ADVICE After I stopped working on my draft, I admit that I was very disturbed. "Leech" is a project that had stuck with my ever-fickle mind

for years, as though the story had to be told, yet I was putting it down because I became afraid of the naysayers of the world. Determined to start writing again,

I began everything: reading, joining writing groups, and even entered a few writing competitions just for kicks.

I figured that at some point, the muse had to return.

effort that will make all the difference.

Then I stumbled across a recommendation for Stephen King’s book ‘On Writing’.

I hate ‘How to’ books, but without thinking- and maybe because I was clutching at straws at this point, I purchased the book. I can tell you right now that, mainstream or not, Stephen King knows his stuff. First off, he had me by saying that he wasn’t about to tell anyone how to do anything, and I appreciated that, but the two pieces of advice that touched me deeply was that someone will always speak lousily about your work, and that you should never discard a piece of work because it becomes difficult or daunting.

It sounds simple enough, I know, but I think it made me realise that even the greatest suffer from drawbacks like these, so what makes me exempt of them? Someone very close to me told me that the only thing separating me from Stephen King, is my trying. And hey, let’s not be crazy, I may not ever get there, but indeed it is my

block lingers in the air like a recurring bad dream. So what happens then? Here are some bits of advice that writers have said works for them: * Write every day- This is usually the hardest part.

When your confidence is shot, the last thing you want to do is look at your computer or pick up a pen. But writers contend that blocks are a battle and the only way to fight it is to continue to face that fear day after day, even if you think that what you are writing is not quality stuff. * Cultivate an agile mind- stretch your creativity, join writing groups, conduct “story-aerobics” Sandra Scofield advises. Developing skills helps to develop your creativity, which further helps to develop your confidence in writing.

These things all contribute to your end product during the toughest of times. Keep exercising your muscles even through a block. * Never stop researching- If you find that you really can’t write, perhaps

WOOING THE MUSE Regardless of the upliftment you receive, writer’s

it is because you ran out of credible information to expand on. So put the project aside for a while and invest in learning more about your subject or field you are writing on. Gathering more information is bound to cultivate more ideas. * Put it down on paperWhen I cannot write actual novel-worthy words, I still make notes. Sometimes an idea may pop into my head but I am too down and out to write about it. I jot it down in my notebook and come back to it later. I’m usually very grateful for this later on when I am back in my writing groove. Good ideas are often forgotten when you’re in a rut. So write them down! * Keep at it! No matter what, as cliched as it may sound, just don’t give up on your project. I know that my novel was meant to be written because the idea never leaves my brain.

So six years and several blocks later, I still intend to finish it.

So this is not a declaration that my block has been lifted. This is a humble acknowledgement of what went wrong in my process, and my determination to not let it affect my dream.

“STOPPING A PIECE OF WORK JUST BECAUSE IT’S HARD, EITHER EMOTIONALLY OR IMAGINATIVELY, IS A BAD IDEA. SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO GO ON WHEN YOU DON’T FEEL LIKE IT, AND SOMETIMES YOU’RE DOING GOOD WORK WHEN IT FEELS LIKE ALL YOU’RE MANAGING IS TO SHOVEL S**T FROM A SITTING POSITION,” Stephen King.

Interested in contributing to this column on writing? Email me at thewritemind592@gmail.com

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― April 19, 2020

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The colony of British Guiana has always had diseases, so how come we are surprised?

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T was during the rainy weather in 2015 that the APNU-AFC Coalition came into administrative power.

Its President, David Granger did not wait for the rain to stop, he went to work, his intention to proactively secure Georgetown and the nation from the lurking diseases that spring from stagnant waterways. We can all remember this current president in the genesis of his administration directing the clearing of clogged trenches and canal exists towards intercepting what was predicted by a previous Minister that Georgetown was heading for an epidemic. We endured the 2005 floods, not imported but manmade, that took over 20 lives through Leptospirosis and economically devastated thousands of homes; Leptospirosis is passed to humans through,

pools are on us. Yes, I know that for many of us who rent and share yard space this can be challenging, however, indifference to a culture of hygiene does not help us in the end.

We must understand that the industrialised countries we look up to, do not readily invest monies as a priority into laboratories for diseases that are not common to their geographic hemispheres. The error also rests with not inducing the infections that are common to our environment into our popular culture, thus, creating narratives and character imagery that can sensitise and help to familiarise young people with the challenges of our tropical diseases. I’m talking edutainment here, it’s a frustrating but important area that I can’t discuss here. An example is Professor Howler in this section of this edition of the papers, the ‘Knowledge & Time page’.

man and beast competed for the brackish, slimy-green water in residual pools.

On the Sugar Estates, my insert- [owned by the planters who managed the colony] the canals were deeper and subject to replenishment with creek and ‘back-dam water’ the drinking water though impure was better. A contemporary observer remarked that a serious handicap to estate residents was the continual re-infection by adjacent villages, ‘where no sanitation exists at all.’ A malarial sluggishness characterised colonial attitudes to drainage and irrigation, sanitation and ‘the demon of Malaria’ which was accepted

by Keatinge in 1922 as ‘the most serious evil in the colony. Source- Indian History Congress Vol. 74 2013 Author/s Mukesh Kumar, pp. 746-757- I must add, that

and a wide variety of other parasites-appear in nature as unpredictable, minimalist terrors equipped with little genetic material of their own but the ability to make up things as they go. A bird- flu virus can rest coolly in pigs and then flare up in humans, scrambling genes from all three species in ways impossible to fully anticipate with vaccines. The SARS virus bided its time among palm civets [a relative of the mongoose] and in horseshoe bats before killing humans in 2002. And possibly the most diminutive of all, the retrovirus HIV emerged from the blood of wild monkeys to become the most efficient destroyer of the human immune system. With strong enough poison and infinitely transmutable genes, a single pathogen could lay deadly siege to the

in our case, stagnant waters especially where rats, pigs and dogs have urinated in and infected water that gets into our open wounds, or are bathed in by humans downstream where dead animals or urine is deposited or lodged upstream. Most of the animal carriers of these diseases are not affected by them, as we humans are, an extract on the science of environment I will feature in the closing of this column.

Colonial Guyana, B.G had a Leprosy Asylum, a Tuberculosis Hospital and possibly the largest Mental Asylum in the Caribbean, these were not museums, and all were functional institutions with inmates. Anyone over 50 can remember as a child, how many people we knew with Lymphatic Filariasis (Big Foot). This is a devastating infection of which there is no cure. Transmitted by a Mosquito called Culex quinquefasciatus; a night hunter that lays its eggs in filthy water, efforts have been ongoing by the Ministry of health to address this horrible infection. Neglect at the individual created human environment, how we handle rubbish, old tyres, simple unclogged gutters that contribute to stagnant

The following extract will give a specific perspective on our history of mass disease and response. “On the whole, in the 1920s, despite their many shortcomings, the estates did infinitely more to protect the health of their Indian labourers than the colonial authorities did for the villagers. The miserly, often inadequate contribution of the former looks good against the puny efforts of the government, ‘a standing reproach to any community.’ The villagers had to pay a fee at Government hospitals; often, the sick had to travel long distances over impassable roads. And, as the surgeon General reported in 1922 and 1923, sanitation in the villages was backward the residents reduced to an aquatic existence during the heavy rains, because of a lack of drainage. The drinking water was often contaminated, the source being an open trench befouled in the most abominable way. Toilets were primitive; the contents of these seeped into the drinking water ponds during the frequent floods. In the drought of 1926,

the condition of the post-emancipation villages was a result of paying taxes to the very colony administration, that was to be used by the Planter management of the colony for drainage works in the villages, but was instead used by the colonial plantocracy to finance Indentureship, while doing everything to undermine the villages-see Themes of Afro Guyanese History. The Malaria scourge did envelope the entire coastlands and it would take Dr George Giglioli an Italian-Guyanese to from February 1945, beginning at Lusignan Sugar Estate to launch his field experiments that would result in freeing British Guiana of Malaria-see ‘Giglioli in Guyana 1922-1972

by Denis Williams. The concept of a ‘GREEN GUYANA’ as presented by President Granger is captured by this closing abridged extract -“where do viruses come from? The answer It turns out is simple, viruses come from a giant wellspring of diseases-also known as the environment, that we should be careful to disturb. Pathogens-viruses, bacteria,

rest of the world. Nature has an array of mechanisms that fend off pathogens or contain them in particular ecosystems that have defences built-in. Humans, however, are destroying ecosystems and changing that balance by taking those defences apart, making these warped ecologies ground zero for new and deadly infectious diseases, which emerge and spread at an ever-greater rate. June 29, 2009 Newsweek magazine sec. Biodiversity-Medicine-‘Rise of the Bugs’

by Lily Huang. Management of ageless forest lands, specific ecosystems must triumph against the greed of pedestrian politicians; we stand on green ground and live in the precarious age where a ‘Green Economy’ must be enforced state policy. We have to also explore and acquire clarifications from WHO etc. on reports of wealthy businessmen like Bill Gates, if truly what now is on social media, of an advanced Nazi philosophy on social-human population engineering is true, directed at an unexpected Third world.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― April 19, 2020 #SupportCreativity

By Subraj Singh

So Many Abrupt Endings

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OVID-19 has thrust all of us into a world that seems so contracted as if everything has been depleted, shortened, or suddenly and surprisingly made to be less than before. Food is disappearing from grocery store shelves, there are not enough ventilators, not enough doctors and nurses, and certainly, not enough effort from politicians.

Unfortunately, it is innate within human beings to know that to have something lessen is to move nearer towards an end, and, we all know that death, the ultimate end, has been very present since the beginning of the pandemic. In these days, spent trapped alone with my thoughts, I think a lot about all the people who have died so far, and I truly cannot think of anything worse than losing a loved one in this situation. Having to take so many precautions would undoubtedly result in a sort of truncated goodbye, where friends and family might not even get to see a loved one after they have been admitted to the hospital. The horror of only seeing a beloved again after they have departed is something that is unfathomable to many.

Then, there would be that period of abrupt grieving where only so many tears can be shed, only so many words whispered, only so long spent at a public burial or cremation, before the world has to be tucked again into a little house or apartment, where the return to safety and shelter, and having to immediately return to keeping everyone else, as well as oneself, alive and well comes back to the fore to take priority over grieving.

There are so many other endings that have been forced to exist in this time. There are friendships where persons needed just one or two more days of hanging out before they could truly blossom towards each other. There are college students with just a few weeks left before they are scheduled to graduate and make their way into the world of work to pave their own paths as doctors, writers, and politicians. There are relationships that ended with a fight, a harsh word, an accident. There were hands waving as people smiled and said goodbye to each other. There were hugs at the airport. Grandmothers kissing their grandchildren on their little noses, single mothers who handed their babysitters envelopes of money, men who slapped dominoes in seedy bars with their friends, fishermen who lobbed heavy snappers and strings of crab at haughty women who turned up their noses at them and then stalked away when the fishermen laughed, the same neighbours that you said ‘good morning’ to as you passed them by, every morning, mothers who cooked one last meal for their sons who live far away, brides-to-be who now have to fold their veils away until next month, until September, until Christmas, until next year. So many people who did not know that this would be the end, that that moment would be the last time they would see their loved one, or their companion, or their colleague, or that man or that woman whom they know by sight, that person that they have always known.

If we knew, that that would have been the last time if we knew then what we know now, what would we have said? What would we have done?

Cried harder. Hugged tighter. Laughed louder. Said, ‘Thank you.’ Said, ‘I’m sorry.’ Said, ‘I love you.’ So many times. So many times.

Several of my students will be leaving the country as soon as the airports open up again. I will probably not see them again.

That means that the last time I saw them was when school ended at midday, abruptly, due to the tension of the unresolved National Elections scandal combined with the rise of COVID-19. On that day, I said my hurried goodbyes, not realising that that was probably the last time that I was going to see some of them.

In a few months, some are due to start college, others are returning to their homelands, and yet others might be heading to another journey in a different part of the world. My time with all of them was cut short, and in the quiet moments spent in quarantine, I have had much to think about. All of the little things that I did not appreciate earlier. That student who always laughed at my dad jokes. That student who always turned their work in on time. That student who always offered to help. That student who doubted herself initially but is now so strong and talented. That student who is the most talented athlete I know. That student who is so sincere. That student who will one day save the world.

In the end, I suppose that we all tell ourselves that endings are only entryways to new beginnings, but, there is no denying that they do hurt, so much, so very much.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― April 19, 2020

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GEORGETOWN COULD ONCE AGAIN BE THE GARDEN CITY

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U YA N A w a s known internationally for a few things - St George's Cathedral, the highest wooden building in the world; the country which produced the rarest postage stamp in the world; Demerara rums and sugar being of unequalled quality; and Georgetown celebrated as being the Garden City of the Caribbean.

Other Caribbean countries looked with envy at Guyana's Garden City but could never emulate it and this gave a feeling of pride in Guyanese that they had something unique in the world. Accordingly, when Georgetown was metamorphosed from the Garden City to the garbage city, the psyche of Guyanese people became pained.

This sad transformation to the garbage city began in the 1960s when there was widespread racio-political rioting in the City, the grant of Independence and the subsequent democratization of the Georgetown Town Council.

The pre-Independence Town Council was elected on a restricted franchise and citizens of the highest social status, education and wealth were attracted to serve on the Council. Such citizens considered it infra dignitatem for them to receive a stipend or pay for serving. It was such citizens who brought expert management, financial controls and technical modernity to the Council and created the Garden City.

With the post-Independence democratization of the Town Council, councillors of largely working-class backgrounds came to be elected as councillors and these did not have the high management skills, knowledge of financial controls and personal contacts in the business and professional communities who could proffer assistance. Gone were the days when there were councillors like LFS Burnham, Sir Lionel Luckhoo, the DeFreitas and Gonsalves families or R. B. Gajraj. At the same time the change was occurring in the Council, a parallel change occurred in the quality of City Council workers and Town Clerks like E.A.Adams and Elmo Mayers or City Treasurers like Ramalho were replaced by less able personnel. inevitably, therefore, the city began on a downward spiral of decline with the drainage collapsing, the roads broken up, garbage collection becoming sporadic, weeding of the parapets ceasing, water shortages with a non-functional sewage system, malaria and other such diseases resurging in the city, downtown streets crowded with vendors, the markets deteriorating into slums, the cemeteries becoming forests, the aesthetics of the city including its trees and canals completely neglected and the City Treasurer's office failing to collect even a

fraction of the hundreds of millions owed. The garbage city had arrived.

Until about the end of the 1950s, the Garden City existed in all its glory. The city's drains were regularly cleaned and the wide drainage alleys, especially in Albuoystown and Charlestown, were regularly flushed out by the "fire brigade". The city never flooded except in the rare circumstances excessive and continuous rainfall over several days, The roads were well maintained, the markets were kept clean and safe from petty thieves and it was a pleasure to shop in them.

The downtown streets and pavements were kept free of vendors and one could walk the streets without being harassed. The Le Repentir Cemetery was planted with flowers along the parapets and the trees and palms along the roads were trimmed and kept in symmetry and it was in effect a park. The City did its own garbage collection and this was done with much efficiency. The canals were kept clean and were dredged before they became clogged and the trees along the streets were well kept and the flowering ones such as the flamboyants in Camp street provided a remarkable spectacle when in bloom.

It was a delight to walk or cycle in the City and until the end of the 1950s most of the population did walk or cycle since there were comparatively few cars. Since the houses were all wooden and mostly below three storeys in height, there was a free flow of fresh air everywhere in the city which made it pleasantly cool. The trees in the city were scientifically as well as horticulturally planted. For instance, upper Brickdam had cannonball trees or Hadfield Street had an avenue of mora trees and Main Street had its majestic samaans.

The trees all bore plaques on their trunks telling what were their botanical and common names. Householders tended to compete with each other with their front gardens which had flowers such as roses, oleanders, buttercups, sunflowers, ferns and runners such as bluebells, stephanotis and coralitas. Most properties had one or two fruit trees in their backyards which provided food for birds and birds of every hue could be seen and birdsong could be heard at all times.

Georgetown could begin the process of rejuvenating itself and recapturing some of its pristine glory by creating a 5-year Plan with the inputs of citizens and professional expertise. The elements of that plan would include the collection of the hundreds of millions of dollars owed to the City; materializing the offer made by foreign donors for the rehabilitation of the unique City

Hall building; working out a system of parking and traffic control; engaging a horticulturist to guide the planting of trees, type of trees and so on; have a permanent crew who would ensure that road shoulders are in place and small repairs are done to the streets before they further deterio-

rate; the ornamental bridges in the City such as those on the Avenue of the Republic should be repaired and strengthened, and property owners should be encouraged to plant fruit trees in their yards. The markets should be cleaned, reorganized and made safe from petty thieves and bur-

glars so that stallholders, as well as shoppers, could be comfortable. The Le Repentir Cemetery should be cleaned, properly drained, its roads to be planted with flowers along the parapets and appropriate trees replanted along the roadsides and the security be strengthened at all times

of the day to eliminate robberies. These and other programmes could be included in the 5-year Plan.

Most of these programmes could be embarked upon even before the Plan is formally adumbrated. In a few years, Georgetown could again win the accolade of being the Garden City.

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HE world is now experiencing a tragic pandemic. More than three billion people have been ordered by

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― April 19, 2020

COVID-19 and dental emergencies their government into a virtual “lockdown” or a curfew due to the global spread of the COVID-19 virus commonly called the Corona-

virus, which causes flu-like symptoms resulting often in death. Consequently, general health and particularly oral health have been suffering

collateral damage. So, what can we do as dental patients with an emergency when the universal mitigation mandate is to stay at home or

practice social distancing.

It makes sense that dentists, at least for the time being, should only focus on emergencies. Most dental emergencies are when the patient is suffering from some form of toothache. This could range from persistent excruciating pain, dental abscess with a swollen face to an annoying sensitivity on one or more teeth. Other emergencies may consist of a broken denture, tooth or filling. Ultimately, however, it is the dentist who decides what constitutes an emergency, especially in this critical period.

It cannot be over-emphasised that many situations which require emergency dental intervention may have been avoided in the first place. For example, teeth do not become diseased overnight. A scheduled dental appointment would have confronted an incipient carious tooth or excess calculus long be-

fore.

A n y w a y, you may ask, “If I suddenly get a toothache what can I do about it other than immediately going to see a dentist (which at this time i s unlikely)?” You may want to try one of these as a temporary measure for alleviation.

First, take a double dose of the pain killer you would normally take for an ordinary headache. I usually recommend 600 milligrams of ibuprofen (Motrin).

Second, a tiny cotton ball soaked in clove oil, (pulverise a few cloves in a drop of olive oil or any mineral oil and use that to plug the cavity. Third, apply a cold compress to the affected area especially if the corresponding cheek had recently begun to swell. Cold is the only physical agent known which can subdue the process

of inflammation because it is inflammation that causes pain and swelling. Occasionally, it would help if cold water is held in the mouth. But one should be careful when using cold or heat with aching teeth.

Fourth, an increase in blood pressure can cause tooth pain. Clearly, the pulp chamber cannot distend to accommodate the changes in pressure because it is located at the centre of the tooth. The augmented pressure, therefore, compresses the nerves which results in the pain. Elevation of the head can decrease the pressure. This method may be found to be useful when a toothache attacks during the hours of slumber. However, even if the relief is achieved, if the pain wakes you up at night, it is serious for the tooth.

Fifth, tooth pain after

eating sweet means that the acid produced from the converted sugar is acting on exposed nerve endings in the cavity. The way to resist this is to neutralise the acid.

A home remedy is to rinse the mouth with a solution of baking soda. Baking powder has some sodium bicarbonate in it and this can be used also.

The sixth and final recommendation to achieve emergency relief from a toothache is to clean out the cavity ( the direct application of alcohol in the cavity usually numbs it for a short while) and then plug it completely with sugar-free chewing gum.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― April 19, 2020

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ARTH Day was a unified response to an environment in crisis — oil spills, smog, rivers so polluted they caught fire. On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans took to the streets, college campuses and hundreds of cities to protest environmental ignorance and demand a new way forward for our planet. The first Earth Day is credited with launching the modern environmental movement, and is now recognized as the planet’s largest civic event. From the beginning of the movement, emphasis has always been placed on the power of collective action, and the need for political intervention in helping to shape the future of our planet. April 22, 2020, will mark 50 years since the beginning of one of the largest grassroots movements for environmental action.

This year’s theme resounds the call for ‘Climate Action’ owing to the ever-growing climate crisis, our home planet is experiencing.

Climate change affects the environment, natural resources, economy and other aspects of life in all nations of the world. In the early 1900s, our climate started changing due to a persistent increase in the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This change has been particularly rapid in the last few decades. Humans have altered the chemical composition of the global atmosphere with substantial implications for climate, which is known as man-made climate change.

The warming of the planet due to the increased greenhouse effect is known as global warming.

The time is now for citizens to call for greater global ambition to tackle our climate crisis. In Guyana, the Office of Climate Change, with support from organisations like the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Guyana Forestry Commission, is leading the efforts to adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change.

WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE? Get informedKnowledge is power – learn more about the science behind our climate challenge and the responsibility that all sectors hold in addressing the issue. Add your voice to the issues that are shaping the climate debate as well as emerging, evidence-based data that directly relates to changes in our climate.

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The 5Oth Anniversary of Earth Day Hold yourself accountableTake a personal inventory of your impact on the planet – remember, if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it!

UnplugCan you use energy more efficiently at home? Unplug items when they aren’t in use, buy goods with high energy-efficient standards, and consider making the switch to renewable energy. All of these can help to help reduce your impact.

Travel smarterTransportation is now the largest source of carbon emissions No matter where you live, travel by car or airplane contributes heavily to our shared carbon footprint. Take public transit, ride or walk when possible – it’s good for your health, your wallet, and the planet.

One bite at a timeYour food’s carbon footprint, called its foodprint, is the greenhouse gas emissions produced by growing, harvesting, processing, transporting, cooking, and disposing of the food we eat. Research has revealed the tremendous impact that the mass production of meat, dairy, and eggs has on our planet.

We need to reflect and show our support for our planet and our environment, since we cannot have a grand celebration we can still remind ourselves to think about humanity values, the threats the planet faces and ways we can help protect the environment.

Plant a tree This is a great way to teach your children about the importance of trees. For example, trees produce oxygen and that's something both humans and wildlife need to survive. However, hundreds of thousands of trees are cut down yearly to make room for new homes, shopping centers and other building projects.

Planting a tree together can help restore the balance of the ecosystem and create a lasting memory for you and your family.

There have been numerous national and local initiatives by various cross section of the public to help protect our planet. These involved government agencies, the private sector, non-governmental organization (NGOs), communities, schools, youths etc.

Look out for the following activities Activity Focus Facebook live session

-April 22, 13:00h (1:00pm) Share your views on the impending ban on single-use plastics (SUP).

EARTH NEWS FEATURE Some national and local initiatives in Guyana aimed at environmental protection.

Single-use plastics

poetry competition for primary and secondary school students.

The impending ban on single-use plastics – Deadline for submission, April 22, 2020 RADIO QUIZ Join our radio quiz on 102.5 FM on April 23, 2020.

Fabulous prizes to be won!

Please tune into your local radio and television stations for our Earth Day message and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for much for information on what you can do to protect this beautiful planet.

You can share your

ideas and questions by sending letters to: The Environmental Protection Agency, C/O Communications Department, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at eit. epaguyana@gmail.com.

Remember to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and You Tube.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― April 19, 2020

English APRIL - 19 - 2020

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student,

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HEN your fear comes, take a breather. Stick to the here-andnow and ask such questions as: What am I doing now? What is the very next thing to work on? Jot your answers down clearly and let them guide you. Then, endeavour to complete your task. Your fear is always lurking; expect iTalla was hoeing in the fields again. He hated hoeing… Talla saw a boy his age, dressed in fine clothes, walking towards him.

As the boy walked closer, he said, “You, boy!

Listen. I have a proposal for you. I’d like to offer you a large payment if you will help me sail to Lower Egypt.”

Talla could clearly see the boy now. It was Anuk, the son of the royal scribe. “Aren’t you supposed to

He never spoils the child and spares the rod, But spoils the rod and never spares the child.

THOMAS HOOD (1799-1845) The Irish Schoolmaster, xii

be buried with the Pharaoh in his tomb -?” He was cut short by the hand of Anuk.

“The stench of resin doesn’t please me…. What I need is a guide to take me down the Nile and help getting supplies. I believe...”

Talla interrupted. “Let me see the payment and I’ll make my decision.” Anuk held out a pure red ruby amulet. Talla was amazed, letting his mouth drop.

He quietly closed it and said, “Let’s go.” (from “Sailing to Freedom” by Michael Casey) About the Passage 1. This writing is what is known as third-person narrative. Look at the first paragraph again. Notice that the writer, Casey, introduces and develops the main character, Anuk, in the early sentences. Look also at how he conveys the setting by using historical terms; and describes cultural traditions.

2. The conflict and theme are introduced early in

the latter part of the second paragraph. Both conflict and theme centre on the human desire to be free.

3. There is dialogue in other paragraphs following. This dialogue reveals differences between the two boys. The plot is moved forward through dialogue.

4. The remaining paragraphs continue to build tension ahead of the climax (not part of the extract).

5. If this style of writing appeals to you, try producing one of your own based on some historical facts and time.

GRAMMAR A second look at subject-verb agreement A.. Today let’s look first at a noun of amount as the subject of the verb.

Reminder: When a noun of amount refers to a total that is considered one unit, it is singular. When it refers to a number of individual units, it is plural.

Singular usage: Fifty thousand dollars is an excellent price for an in-house recliner. (one amount) Plural usage: Fifty thousand dollars are on the dresser for you. Take them. (fifty individual bills) Singular usage: Twelve months is the average gestation period for horses. (one unit of time) Plural usage: Twelve months have gone by since that terrible fire up North. (twelve individual months) B.. Special nouns i) There are certain nouns that name viral diseases and subjects of study such as: mumps, rabies, herpes, measles, shingles; mathematics, economics, politics, athletics. These generally take singular verbs.

Singular: Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash.

Singular: Mathematics, said the successful businessman, enhances the beauty of living.

Singular: Politics is too absorbing for some citizens to appreciate. (subject of much interest) ii) There are certain other nouns that may be construed as singular or plural depending upon their usage and meaning. Such nouns are scissors, pants, binoculars, pincers, pliers, eyeglasses; news, crisis, politics; trappings, fetters.

Singular: The political crisis was resolved within six weeks of the entry of experts.

Singular: Binoculars are used to magnify objects so that they can be better seen from a distance; and looked at through both eyes.

Plural: The general’s politics are dirty to say the least. (more than one action of a political nature) Plural: The news about Margaret’s death was unbearable to the adoring husband. (plural construed as singular) Take-away: Some established usage decrees that certain collective nouns shall be used in the singular, while others are used in the plural.

Singular use: news, mathematics, civics, economics, molasses Plural use: trousers, thanks, oats, ashes

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― April 19, 2020

Bangamary fish curry

Ingredients

Θ approx 4 med size Bangamary fish Θ 1 1/2 tsp. curry powder Θ 1 tsp. roasted ground geera (cumin) Θ 1 tsp. garam masala Θ 5 cloves garlic Θ 1/2 onion Θ 1 stem scallion Θ 1 tomato Θ 2 leaves broad thyme Θ pepper to taste Θ salt to taste

Preparation 1. wash and cut up the fish, season with some salt and black pepper, set aside 2. chop all seasonings 3. pound in a mortar or blend garlic, thyme, pepper 5. make curry paste by adding curry powder, masala and geera with some water 4. heat some oil to fry the fish 5. Coat the fish in flour and fry, set aside.

6. Now for the curry, heat some oil in a pan, add chopped onions and scallions, fry for about a minute 7. add curry paste and fry for approx. 2 more minutes 8. add fried fish and add some hot water 9. cook until juices evaporates to your liking

realniceguyana.com

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― April 19, 2020