Seventeen-year-old Sarah Freder icks is a resident of Mainstay/Whyaka and an aspiring fashion designer. As her village prepares to celebrate Na tional Heritage Village Day on September 10, Sarah is just as busy making traditional outfits for herself and her nephew (Delano Williams photo)
Sunday, September 04, 2022 ‘Heritage Day’ Mainstay/WhyakaMainstay/WhyakainPreparationsinfullswingfor
Miss Guyana Teen Scholar Pageant empowering young Guyanese women
II CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday, September 4, 2022
PAGEANTRY has been and continues to be the vehicle by which many young women saw their lives became the platform to reach the world’s most influential personalities. In Guyana, one pageant that focuses on the empow erment of young Guyanese women is the Miss Guy ana Teen Scholar Pageant (MGTSP), which will host its 2022 pageant on Seo temberThe3.Pepperpot Maga zine recently sat down with one of the organisers of the Miss Guyana Teen Scholar Pageant, Wasim Khan, who outlined the objective of the programme.“MGTSP is a pro gramme where the pageant serves as the ‘graduation’. [It is] the grand finale of a two-month programme,” he explained. “The pageant of fers resources, a microphone and a stage, an audience, and guidance on making the most significant impact while the programme pro vides our young people with the tools of education, rights, empowerment and a plan to achieve their goals.” These characteristics, according to Khan, make the MGTSP distinct from the Khanothers.also alluded to the fact that the programme only serves to add value to the Pageantry“Ithink our modules will stick with them for life and they cover adolescent health and well-being, profession alism and life skill, social and gender development, stage presence and talent development,” Khan com mented during his interview.
of pageantry
It should be noted that young women stand to ben efit significantly from the programme since a team of critical thinkers is committed to ensuring that the mandate of the Imperial House (TIH) on youth empow erment brings with it a wealth of experience. With 20-plus years of pageant affiliation, advocacy, development,communityproject man agement and public relations skills, this combination has served TIH well in carving out the best programmes tai lored for youth empower ment, including MGTSP. Relevancy of pageantry In some spaces, pageantry has been argued to maintain patriarchal ideologies, but Khan is adamant that the MGTSP is quite the oppo site. “The pageantry industry remains relevant, despite the challenges faced as a result of the stereotypes and the challenging gender roles,”he stated, adding that MGTSP stands to benefit both the participants and all involved. “Because we are much more than just the pageant and because of how we have tailored our programme, we can continue to sharpen the tool, develop and grow with the changes that come our way hence maintaining our relevance in this progressive world.” COVID-19 He explained that the team did face challenges with the pandemic, but they were able to innovate and adapt. “When COVID-19 hit Guy ana in March 2020, things were already in motion for MGTSP2020. Everything SEE PAGE XXIII
The transformative power
Moreover, the initiative consists of three key pillars: Aspire, Activate and Accel erate. By utilising the free online business training plat form, DreamBuilder, women entrepreneurs will take 13 courses on topics that span planning, marketing, pricing, management, accounting and goal setting, to name a few. They will learn to nav igate evolving business en vironments by learning to access business plan devel opment and other training, to strategically use materials and resources designed by Thunderbird School of Glob al Management to enhance value chain integration and adaptation to COVID-19 market conditions and build supportive net works and landscape.altheopportunitiespartnershipacrossnational,regionandinternational
‘Creating Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs is Pivotal to Development’
IIICHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, September 4, 2022
Currently, the initiative is carried out in Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Gua temala, Honduras and now, Guyana.During a telephone in terview with the Pepperpot Magazine, President of the WCCIG, Rowena Elliot, indicated that the initiative is a catalyst for development in Guyana, particularly as the country’s economy is transforming, because it pro vides a ‘window’ for women entrepreneurs to enhance their service or product-based businesses and contribute to society.Funded by the Women’s Entrepreneurs Finance Ini tiative (We-Fi) and IDB Lab, the innovation laboratory of the Inter-American De velopment Bank Group, in collaboration with Thun derbird School of Global Management (Arizona State University), the We3A pro gramme is available to wom en-led businesses in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and Ten in Guyana. “The idea of the We3A project is to strengthen women-owned and women-led small and medium-sized businesses so that they can be incorporated into the value chains of busi nesses within the economy… A lot of persons might have an idea of a business, and what the DreamBuilder plat form does is that it takes you from the idea phase of it and allows you to move forward on building your business,” Elliot said. Elliot also revealed that the first cohort of 60 par ticipants will start in Sep tember 2022. She stated that the WCCIG issued Ex pressions of Interest (EOI) for applications across various media channels in November 2021. While learning on the platform is self-paced, there are course facilitators who provide instruction and guidance to participants throughout the courses, which can take approximately six months. The second cohort is ex pected to have a total of 100 participants.
Established in June 2019 as a nonprofit charita ble organisation by Lyndell Danzie-Black and Kerensa Gravesande-Bart, the Wom en’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Guyana (WC CIG) actually strives to fos ter inclusive, collaborative environments to amplify the voices of women and nurture their economic independence through self-employment and business ownership, and access to its current pro grammes.These educational pro grammes include seminars, workshops, regional and in ternational fellowships, net working mixers, boot camps, community outreaches and leadership programmes, to name a few. Despite the pan demic, the WCCIG launched the annual Guyana Women and Girls’ Summit virtually in 2021 and it went on to successfully host the second event in 2022 with support from the organisation’s cor porate sponsors. As Guyana’s economy is projected to see tremendous growth over the next five years, the WCCIG is also dedicated to ensuring poli cies and legislative frame works act as economic sup port mechanisms for women entrepreneurs to make their businesses viable as well as sustainable and the organi sation continues to work to ward achieving gender equity in the country. For anyone desirous to contact or to learn more about the We3A Project, they can visit www.we3a. org
– WCCIG launches three-year initiative for women-led businesses
The WCCIG launched its first Women and Girls’ Summit in 2021 and successfully hosted the event in 2022 (Photo Credit: Women’s Chamber of Com merce and Industry Guyana
The leadership board of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Guyana at the launch of the We3A Strengthening Women Entre preneurs in Value Chains initiative (Photo Credit: Koaito Grant)
Over the years, women entrepreneurs at the helm of businesses from diverse industries in Guyana have made significant progress toward breaking the pro verbial glass ceiling and achieving greater equity and equality in business. Cognisant of the need to educate, empower and encourage women by provid ing them with development opportunities to advance their businesses, the Wom en’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCIG) has been putting new efforts into introducing initiatives that will deliver essential training, resources and support. Among the full range of programmes that the WCCIG has facilitated to establish spaces for women entre preneurs to transform their businesses and build capacity for leadership, networking, advocacy and mentoring, the organization, on August 31, launched a three-year fund ed initiative dubbed ‘We3A Strengthening Women En trepreneurs in Value Chains.’ The We3A initiative aims to provide women who own small and medium-sized en terprises (SMEs) in Central and South American coun tries with the techniques, tools and skills they need to take advantage of value chain activities that will allow them to successfully develop their businesses while they lever age digital technology, build resilience, grow their net works and overcome barriers.
Therefore, to further invest in entrepreneurship training for women who lead businesses, the WC CIG will share the success of these women on various media channels and work toward strengthening mul tisector interventions to reduce risks that can hinder the process of making a business prosperous. In ad dition to this, the relation ships established between the WCCIG and women entrepreneurs will play an integral role in equipping them to benefit from the oil and gas sector. “We are learning and we are seeing the value of women in the economy and the value of women leading organisations and building their own businesses. The We3A initiative will create that independence for female entrepreneurs and a lot of times we have seen that it takes them out of dire situa tions, especially by creating a level of financial indepen dence and financial respon sibility,” Elliot said. “It also builds confidence in women in business because it will strengthen what they already have and give them tools to do more. The programme puts them at an advantage to gain business knowledge and different perspectives relevant to global markets.”
A section of the audience at the We3A launch (Photo Credit: Koaito Grant)
swing for ‘Heritage Day’ in Mainstay/Whyaka
IV CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday, September 4, 2022 SEE PAGE IX
Mainstay/WhyakaVillage Village.
Preparations in full
Children at play in Mainstay/Whyaka
THIS week’s Focus on the Village features the scenic Lake Heritagethemaketionspenaam),RegionMainstay/Whyaka,Two(Pomeroon-SuwherepreparaareinfullswingtotheplaceallsetforSeptember10NationalDay.
Signage at the entrance of the village (Delano Williams photos)
The month’s activities will kick off from Mainstay/ Whyaka Village, the host vil lage, this year, and a series of things are taking place in the community to beautify and enhance the village. This year’s Amerindian Heritage Month theme is “Celebrating our traditional culture while building One Guyana.”ThePepperpot Magazine will be visiting several Am erindian villages throughout September to highlight our indigenous people’s way of life.Mainstay/Whyaka was designated the host village this year to usher in a calen dar of events for Amerindian HeritageWhenMonth.theteam visited Councillor/Treasurer of the Village Council, Saman tha Pearson-Smith, who is the head teacher attached to Dredge Creek Nursery School, provided a guided tour of the village. She is also a resident of Mainstay/Whyaka Village, which is located on the Esse quibo Coast in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and can be accessed through a road near the Anna Regina PoliceThatStation.roadis in dire need of upgrading, and it is about five miles long. Recently, a contract was inked for up grading the Pearson-Smithroad. told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is very happy that their village was chosen to be the host village for this year’s Amerindian Heritage cele brations.Sherelated that they are in full preparation mode, and it is a collective effort of the community to make it possi ble in terms of adequatelyparedthatPearson-Smitharrangements.reportedsixweeksago,theyprethestrongwinestobecured,anditwas done by locals who came together for several days to make it happen. She stated that the wine-making part was a long process which took time, but they were successful in mak ing potato and cassava wines which will be distributed along with all Amerindian dishes for free on Heritage Day.The villager added that they are all excited, and it is indeed an honour to be the host village and a flurry of activities is happening in the community where construc tion, landscaping, cleaning and beachfront enhancement are being Pearson-Smithdone. disclosed that rehabilitation and ex tension of the Multi-Purpose Resource Centre are com pleted, and it is opened to the community.Thebuilding was re paired, and on the lower flat, an extension was added to accommodate the computer room, which houses 20-inter net-ready laptops with desks and air conditioning units. She explained that the Multi-Purpose Resource Cen tre hosts all training pro grammes and in the upper flat, events are held free of charge and an air condition ing unit will soon be installed
“I am really excited to finish and wear my outfit for that day because a lot of peo ple will be here, and I want them to see our talent and also to market myself as an upcoming fashion designer,” she said.
“I would do it myself, but if I am having some dif ficulties, I would ask my grandmother to assist and she would give clear directions,” she Shesaid.told the Pepperpot Magazine that it is out of sheer joy she would take the time out to make Indigenous outfits for herself and family members.
The enterprising women of Mainstay/Whyaka are determined to become successful
AT 17 years old, Sarah Fredericks has many thoughts, but one thing is for sure, she is pretty focused on getting things done and has her eyes set on becoming a fashion de signer. She is in the process of making, from scratch, Amer indian outfits for herself and her nephew for the impend ing September 10 National Heritage Village Day. Fredericks is a resident of Mainstay/Whyaka, and she is very passionate about designing clothes and making outfits from pieces of fabric to create a colour scheme that is pleasing to the eye. This bubbly young lady is part of the Mainstay/Whyaka Culture Group and she will be featured during the stage show in the village.
The lovely Sarah Fredericks in her last year’s heritage outfit (Delano Williams photos) Sarah Fredericks putting together an outfit for heritage celebrations in the village
Fredericks pointed out that Mainstay/Whyaka is a quiet place which is pic ture-perfect, and she doesn’t see herself living anywhere else because she is accus tomed to the natural way of life.Presently she is awaiting Caribbean Secondary Ed ucation Conservationist.mindExaminationCertificate(CSEC)results,andherisfixedonacareerasaShewillsee how far that takes her and is willing to make the sacrifice to study for such a job.
people is to step outside the box, go beyond the norm to pursue careers and dreams. Although technology makes our lives easier at the same time it is important to put away our smart phones and enjoy what is around us like our surrounding,” she said.
Pearson-Fredericks ex plained that the nearest pho tocopy business is at Anna Regina and it is costly to commute just for photocopy ing.She will be participating in the National Heritage Vil lage celebrations by being one of the cooks who will prepare all the Amerindian dishes on the menu for that day.
Althea Pearson-Freder icks, the pathway worker at Mainstay/Whyaka Primary SchoolPearson-Fredericks start ed her new job in June this year and she is very pleased about being employed so she can earn and save up her own money to invest in a small business.Themother of two told the Pepperpot Magazine that her role at the school is to lend support to the teachers and work with slow learners. It is a line of work she is enjoying.Shesigned a one-year contract to work as a pathway employee and she is one of five pathway workers at the same school, which pretty much overlooks the lake, a beautifulPreviously,sight. she worked at the Lake Mainstay Resort but quit that job and was un employed.“Ifeel better now that I am earning and I will be able to build my own small business of a photocopy shop with colour prints since there is no such business in the village,” she said.
VCHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, September 4, 2022
Fredericks is almost ob sessed with the environment, and she wants to preserve it as much as possible and to also educate others of our role in keeping the environ ment“Mytoxic-free.advice to young
Fredericks is making an outfit out of fabric, black beads and buck beads and it is hand-made, a time-con suming process she doesn’t care about because she wants it to be just right.
thingstimeheworksrelatedPearson-Fredericksthatherhusbandinthehinterlandandisoftenawayforsomeandshehastomanageduringthattime.
Althea Pearson-Fredericks and one of her two children, Marvin Nemar Home of Althea Pearson-Fredericks
By Michel Outridge
Fredericks is making a lap skirt and a top that resem ble traditional wear during heritage celebrations. That outfit will accom pany matching foot bands, headbands and armbands in the same colour outfitted with an assortment of beads native to theAsarea.asample of the kind of outfits she would make, Fredericks wore the outfit she wore for 2021 heritage obser vance in the village. It was a lovely piece which matched perfectly.
“I feel it is my duty to showcase what we can offer as a people and it has been a life-long dream to have my own small business to ex plore the possibilities here in my home village, Mainstay,” he said.The businessman added that Loreso Restaurant is a small business which will certainly provide a reliable and quality service to the people through wholesome Amerindian dishes and good customerWhenethics.theteam visited, Pearson was constructing a section of his building which will accommodate his home, restaurant and bar.
craft for the first time, I began making more and as I gained a bit of experience, I became skilful and I used that coupled with my creative side to create interesting pieces that would appeal to people so they would want to take it with them,” he said.
Home of Rudolph Lewis
He revealed that his mother is the cook and she will prepare wild meats in the form of tuma pot, barbe que or fried with fries be it plantain or potato, hot off the fire to tantalise the taste buds.
Rudolph displayingLewishishand-madecraft(DelanoWilliamsphotos)
Pearson, making his dream come true with the opening of an Indigenous restaurantMeanwhile, Loreso Pear son is a small business owner who has a shop selling bever ages among other things and he is in the process of con structing a restaurant which will have all Amerindian cuisine.The 28-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that when the construction of his three-storey building is fully completed, his business will take on a new look to pro mote their local cuisine and drinks.
VI CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday, September 4, 2022
Rudolph Lewis is a gift ed man with many talents who multi-tasks with great ease and making craft from scratch is a joy for him since being inspired by his spouse. The 74-year-old is a res ident of Mainstay/Whyaka Village, Region Two (Pomer oon-Supenaam) and is pre paring for the much anticipat ed National Heritage Village Day on September 10, where the community will be trans formed to host the event. Lewis told the Pepperpot Magazine that the first ever piece he made was from coconut shell. It was a pair of earrings for his wife, Waveney Lewis, as a gift. He explained that she liked it, and she began en couraging him to broaden his skills by making more craft pieces.Lewis stated that he never knew he had the talent within him and was even surprised that he could make almost any craft from simple things found in his yard. The village elder added that after he retired from working in the interior as a heavy-duty equipment op erator, he had the time to do simple things such as making craft which became a hobby for him.Today, the people cannot get enough of his craft and would bombard him to fulfil orders made and he is trying to get some craft completed for Culture Day where his products will be showcased and also be on sale.
Pearson said it is a place overlooking the lake, the perfect spot for locals and visitors to relax and un wind with good food and beverages.
By Michel Outridge
The father of 10 noted that he would use kokerite, coconut shell, kuru, bamboo, beads and various species of woods to make earrings, chains, bands, coat hangers and other things. When the team visited, Lewis had set up a table to display some of the craft he had on hand, some simple but good pieces, including Guyana map pendants, bead ed chains, earrings and hand bands. He even used some pearls which he brought from overseas to make a lovely pair of “Afterearrings.making
Lewis disclosed that he would make craft whenever he has spare time since he is a farmer and also rears some chickens to supplement his income.Hewill be at the craft booth at the beachfront on September 10 with his craft pieces so visitors can check himLoresoout.
“I am trying to make the place presentable for the National Heritage Day and I want things to be in order so I can provide a good service to the people,” he said.
Utilising inherited skills to earn Mainstay/Whyakainis a way of life for locals
Loreso Pearson
The restaurant/bar under construc tion at the beachfront
By By Michel Outridge
Fredericks told the Pep perpot Magazine that from September 4, members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will be in the village to assist in the preparations and they will host them in the defunct pineapple processing plant.The old pineapple pro cessing plant will be convert ed into a water processing facility in the near future. When the team visited
Mainstay/Whyakaof
Joel Fredricks and Pearson-FredricksSamantha
SEE PAGE XI Say
‘We are ready to host National Heritage Day’
The potato wine being cured for Heritage day in Mainstay/Whyaka Village (Delano Williams
The Village Council office building. villagers
VIICHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, September 4, 2022
Former Toshao of Main stay/Whyaka Village and former Chairman of the National Toshao Council (NTC), Joel Fredericks, a resident of the community, is responsible for the cul tural aspect of the activities for the National Heritage Day to be hosted in the community on September 10 at 10:00hrs. He told the Pepperpot Magazine that a lot of ac tivities have been planned for that day for both the night and day and the Village Council asked him to spear head all sports activities, as well.In addition, to football, cricket and football, they will have other games such as crab catching competi tion, firewood competition for both males and females, wine tasting where 10 local wines made from fruits will be sampled.Fredericks stated that other games like the naming of birds, trees and fishes in a minute are also on the cards for the National Heritage Day in Mainstay/Whyaka.Hepointedoutthat for the competitions, prizes are up for grabs and it will be de cided whether it is monetary or in the form of trophies.
Fredericks reported that this year’s heritage celebra tions in the village will be massive since they are host ing it and they will surely put on a proper stage show and have other things in place to have the people occupied. “This is the perfect op portunity for us to showcase our culture, talents and what we can do as a people and we are looking forward to making the event possible together,” he said. He added that on display will be their local foods, drinks and craft and there will be plenty to eat, drink and it will be “Onmerry.September 10 come down to Mainstay/Whyaka Village. Bring your family and friends, we are catering for you and we have a grand celebration to observe our heritage,” Fredericks said. He noted that people can bring their hammocks, tents and whatever else they want to even though they have ac commodation for them and it will be good to sit by the lake when the campfire is lit in the evening.“All are welcome, come on down to Mainstay/Whya ka, it will be grand and basi cally, we have all the prepa rations under control. Things are happening here and fast,” he said.
The facility is a wellkept, tidy place which has professional staffers who greet you with a smile and promptPearsonservice.pointed out that since she was attending sec ondary school, the health centre was there. It was a bit run-down in terms of appearance, and it is good that the place was spruced up with an upgraded edifice to better serve the community.Thevisiting doctor is Savina Lall from Dartmouth Health Centre, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomer oon-Supenaam).
The interior of the Mainstay/ Whyaka Health Centre
Staffers of the Mainstay/Whyaka Health Centre
The 33-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that being a mother of two and holding a full-time job is challenging at times, but it makes it even more inter esting.She reported that she is pleased that the Mainstay/ Whyaka Health Centre was renovated and extended two months ago. “It is more comfortable now with even more space, and we were blessed with new furniture and other things to improve our ser vices,” she Pearsonsaid.added that the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ash ni Singh, visited the village last Sunday to hand over several pieces of furniture to the health centre, fulfilling promises.Sherelated that the Main stay/Whyaka Health Centre provides primary healthcare to the locals in the catchment area and even some in other areas and they also do home visits.Pearson told the Pep perpot Magazine that she has been at the facility since 2012 and she is a qualified midwife who was successful at the Georgetown School of Nursing in midwifery.
Pearson added that living and working in the same vil lage is a blessing because she is giving back to the commu nity, which is a good feeling. “I am thinking of doing some studies to upgrade my status as a healthcare provid er, and I will consider which direction to take,” she said.
Midwife Shenelle Pearson is a resident who is attached to the Mainstay/Whyaka Health Centre and is very passionate about her work, so much so, that she is will ing to further her studies in the medical field.
“I have safely delivered seven babies, with the last being three years old and it was a joy doing the job is love,” she said.
VIII CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday, September 4, 2022
The facility is equipped with a spacious Doctor’s Room which houses the storage of the drugs, an Ex amination Room for preg nant mothers, which is also used to store vaccines, upgraded washroom facilities, triage area, and waiting accommodation outfitted with seats.
Healthcare at its best at the Mainstay/Whyaka Health Centre
The midwife stated that the Mainstay/Whyaka Health Centre opens five days per week from Mondays to Fridays from 08:00hrs to 16:30hrs, and on a daily basis, they see a handful of patients, including children with seasonal illnesses and minorPearsoninjuries.reported that the village has 765 residents, and their catchment area is Mainstay/Whyaka, Red Lack and Hill Top. “I was drawn to the pro fession since I was a child, growing up I always told my self I wanted to be a nurse, and as I matured, I educated myself in that field because it was my true calling,” she said.Pearson related that she especially likes tending to children; she enjoys the most about her job as a healthcare provider and is also zealous about wouldwithbuildingthewayHealthThevaccination.Mainstay/WhyakaCentrehasfourpathworkerswhoassistingeneralupkeepoftheandservicealongPearsonandadoctormakeamonthlyvisit.
The Health Centre (Delano Williams photos)
Midwife Shenelle Pearson attending to a patient
By Michel Outridge
Pearson told the Pep perpot Magazine that things in the village are often quiet and they are strategically located near the community entrance, accessible and near the Vil lage Council office.
Mainstay/Whyaka
Her dream is to work in a fast-paced workplace like an Emergency Unit (ER) in a big hospital, and she will make it happen through dil igent work and dedication.
Pearson told the Pepper pot Magazine that the Main stay/Whyaka Health Centre was extended by 10 feet making it more spacious to accommodate a waiting area with seating accommodation, furniture (tables, fans and chairs) and drugs cupboard, all gifted by the administra tion via Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh. The roof was replaced, the floors were tiled, the building was re-painted, and it also has electricity.
In addition, the housing aspect of locals was further improved with five new houses as a gift project to the community by Food For The Poor (Guyana). The five houses- wooden cottages- are almost completed, and it will be handed over to five families who are living in an extended family setting.
Pearson-Smith noted that the beachfront will be sand-filled and levelled input of the regional administration, tents will be constructed by members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), who will deploy ranks to the community from Sep tember 4 to assist in preparatory activities.Shepointed out that a new landing will also be built, and all new benabs are complete with washroom facilities and a changing room with shower area.Pearson-Smith reported that all the wooden benches by the lake will be painted, trees trimmed and the general area will get a facelift.
Preparations
IXCHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, September 4, 2022 for that added Pearson-Smithcomfort.told the Pepperpot Magazine that new washroom facilities were also added with black tanks for adequate water supply to the building. She added that plans are also on stream for preparing all local Amerindian cuisine, fol lowing a meeting held by the VillagePearson-SmithCouncil. reported that on September 10, which is deemed their Culture Day with day and night activities, they have a packed programme to keep visitors occupied and en gaged.She revealed that they will be serving portions of labba, fish, and crab, bush cow either in tuma pot or barbequed and other wild meats with cassava bread.The resident of Mainstay/ Whyaka told the Pepperpot Magazine that for the Culture Day they will have various outdoor games, including cr ab-catching.Intheevening, they will have a campfire at the beach front, just by the lake, and they will host a stage show in the form of a pageant, singing, danc ing, poems and skits performed by members of the culture group, youths of the community.
The project is in Phase One, and 20 more houses will be built over time in the community, forming a new housing scheme. Food For The Poor will also launch a project in the village to empower women via skills training to boost their capacity to earn.“Generally we are 60 percent complete for the hosting of the National Heritage Day here in Mainstay/Whyaka. And we are very excited about everything, and collectively we are going to make it happen since everybody is involved,” she said. Pearson-Smith pointed that food, drinks and craft booths will be constructed at the beachfront where the ac tivities will take place. Delano Williams photos saved in a folder in Graphics as Mainstay Village in August 30, Captions:2022.5340–in
full ... The toll gate booth at Mainstay/ Whyaka (Delano Williams photos) Pearson-SmithSamantha The Multi-Purpose Resource CentreResourceMulti-PurposebuildingTheinteriorofthenewlyrenovatedCen-tre The interior of the upper flat of the Multi-Purpose Resource Centre FROM PAGE IV
X CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday, September 4, 2022 SEE PAGE XVII
Ann Marie tried not to sleep that night, but at about midnight, her eyes closed and next morning, by her bedside, was a yel low orchid. She picked up
Night time - dark and mys terious, the soft whispering of the wind and sounds of the jungle; nature un disturbed. The native girl standing on the fringe of the reservation closed her eyes, breathing in the cool, fresh air, her mind em bracing all she loved so much, the natural beauty and serenity of this place she called home, in the hinterland. “Ann Marie.” Her friends were calling her, for the end of the week feast was just beginning. It was a night when the vil lagers gathered around a bonfire, drinking, eating and being merry. They told stories of their adventures, their work and yields and of course, stories of super stition and mysteries. Ann Marie, being the village’s heroine for her bravery and courage, always had some kind of adventure to relate, but tonight she just listened, fascinated by this one story of the beast. The villagers were divided in their beliefs, some thinking it was not real but for those who believed, the story lived on. It had been a dark night like it was tonight, and the Toshao’s son, a brave young man, who was an ace hunter was returning back with a small hunting party, after three days in the jungle. It had been a very dry season, and the animals had moved away in search of water. The hunting party had not found much game and then, as though luck had crossed their paths, they came upon a deer and doe drinking from a small pool of water. The hunters froze in their tracks and the Toshao’s son signalled he would take the shot. He knew not then it was a spirit of the jungle that took many animal forms and he shot the doe. The spirit BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
THE NATIVE
angry and grieved at the death of its mate, struck the young hunter with a bolt of lightning, changing him to a hideous creature, saying, “Not until someone can show you love and kindness will you be man, again.” The other hunters, scared of the spirit’s rage, had ran leaving the young man, now beast, alone in the dark jun gle and told their story of their encounter with the spir it. No one saw the Toshao’s son again and that was al most ten years ago. Never a sign of the beast, and many wondered about the hunter’s story. The Toshao, a sad and broken man, still awaited his son’sAnnreturn.Marie had been just a little girl and as she grew older, so did her fascination for this story and in her heart, she felt it was true. She had ventured in many dark, for bidden places in the jungle, where even the bravest men dared not to go, but she had never seen this creature. Where could he be and why is he hiding so long? A soft growl riding with the wind flew over the tree tops above the now sleep ing village. A dark creature stood in the shadows, its red eyes gleaming, looked at the girl, as she sat alone by the fire, its glow casting a reddish-golden light on her long dark hair. She was so beautiful, like an Indian God dess, and though he had seen her many times, as a young girl and had sensed there was something special about her, he had never allowed himself to be seen, afraid of scaring her. Now, she was a young woman and he felt the time was right for her to know of his existence. But, would she be able to love a creature, like him, to lift the curse? Ann Marie sat by the fire, as the embers burnt to a soft glow playing with the ring on her finger. She was thinking about David, the young En glishman whose life she had saved, when she had found the lost plane, waiting for the day he would return so they could be together for ever. The diamond ring he had given her as a promise, so she could wait for his return. She stood up and walked towards her hut, then stopped and looked around feeling a strange sensation of being watched. She shuddered off the feel ing and went to bed, and as her eyes closed, slipping into the comforting embrace of sleep, she wondered what new adventure tomorrow wouldAnnbring.Marie opened her eyes to a warm and beau tiful new day. She sat up, lifting her hand to touch the sunbeam streaming through the window when she saw the white orchid by her bedside. She looked at the flower, quite surprised and picked it up gingerly. It was one of the rarest flowers found anywhere and she knew where it came from, but who could have brought it? Her father burst into the hut then, quite disturbed, “Ann Marie, you’ve got to seeShethis.”rushed outside with him and stared at the maze of strange tracks everywhere. Something not human had entered the village that night and there was fear and con fusion in the air. She recalled the feeling she had last night and looking at the flower in her hand, she gasped as the thought dawned on her. “Oh my gosh, could it be?”Had the beast come home?Her father looked at her curiously and warned “I want you close to home until we figure out what this is.” A hunting party went out scouring the jungle, but found nothing. Whatever it was, was long gone.
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We are ready to host National Heritage... The beachfront
FROM PAGE VII The newly constructed Food for the Poor houses in the village
Community Infrastructure Improvement Project (CIIP), workers were weeding and cleaning the building and the surroundings to make it ready for the Fredericksarmy. related that the population in Mainstay/ Whyaka is about 700 and the land mass is large with hous es scattered in the various sections of the village, which includes Whyaka, Red Lack and Hill Top He stated that they have seen a lot of development in the village and the Village Council is working with both the administration and other private sector agencies to facilitate projects to improve the lives of the locals. Samantha manyaofPearson-SmithMeanwhile,Pearson-SmithSamanthaisaresidentMainstay/Whyakawhoisvolunteerandshespendshoursdoingcommu nity-based projects to benefit others.She has been lending her time to the community for the past 21 years and is the kind of woman, who don’t sit still and is always on the go. Pearson-Smith is a mar ried mother of three children, including a toddler, and they often complain she spends more time out of the home than at home. She is also a farmer and rears poultry on a large scale. At times she would have 4000 chickens in the large pens she has in her backyard. In addition, she is a busi nesswoman who has a shop at her home, a little shop on the lower flat of her house where you can find just about everything from hardware to groceries.Pearson-Smith is multi-talented and is very versed in cooking and mak ing Amerindian wines. This year, she made corn and potato wines. She told the Pepperpot Magazine she has lived all her life in the community and she is contented with the quiet and peace of the place. Pearson-Smith stated that having been there for 44 years she is grounded and cannot be relocated because it isThishome.resident is very en terprising and has a restau rant at her home where meals can be prepared fresh in good time.She offers fresh-caught Morocut fried fish with chips, Morocut tuma pot, barbeque labba, lukani tuma pot and in cackura sauce, creole fowl in cadakura sauce with cassava bread.The restaurant is a partnership between Pear son-Smith and her sister, who is the head teacher of the nursery school in the village. The name of the eating house is Samantha/Minerva Local Indigenous Foods. at lake
Mainstay
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The pre-historic world of the illustrators precedes all other areas of the Arts in impact and usefulness as records of where we began as a species, with insights to how we lived thousands of years ago, followed by sculpture. The language of art was well covered in a past column of Talking Culture on May 1 2022. This article is for the cre ative and skilled potential with a leaning towards a career in Graphic Novels or illustrating literature, illus trating current and social upheavals and historical narratives, today. Thus, in beginning, keep your day or night job because unless you have a rich family who is enlightened enough to envision the future you are focused on, then you have to convince them or earn your studio development from your first publication, exhibition or core of assign ments. People are pessimistic towards anything outside of their social class of endeav ours. Minuscule thinking is more common than you can imagine. But fate is not cruel. You will meet inspiration and encouragement from kindred souls as you wrestle with your world for expression and a confident identity. First, identify who you are because there are two types of illustrators, don’t confuse this with styles of work. This refers to the fol lowing. There is a small group of people who main ly write, design and illus trate their own work. Then there are those who illustrate work on assignment with in credible style. Iden tify who you are. If you are in the first category, welcome to 16-17-hour work days, which is dan gerous health-wise. This brings us to the impact of the current standards required for your finished work as shelf life compati ble compared to what was 45 years ago. Today, we are equipped and enticed by the internet and its potential. Be aware that everything you see on Pinterest or other sites belongs to someone else. It’s
not a free snack giveaway. It’s cool to use images as inspirational references, but understand the parameters of how far inspiration goes.
The current equipment we use is snobbish. I’ve got some old school sale boards that I designed and worked well twenty-odd years ago. Recently, I scanned the first two that were on the same cardboard, and what I saw made me take them out of the scanner and re-examine them. The board seemed white to me, but the scan captured shades and stains that were invisible. I realised that what I had bought as Bristol Board back then was something else, and its manufactured combi nations that would pass then isn’t going to make it now. Not having the time to redraw the sale -boards, I added a note and shelved it. Everything you do now will have to experience the scanner and digital software that creates the pre-print art work, that will pay you, so understand that for an illus trated story, you will prepare your intended finished pages on Bristol Board drawing pads, after sketching panels and correcting text on light drawing paper from Aus tin’s, to suit the manuscript you’re working from. Then you ink, and then comes the part an artist friend of mind refuses to do, halting the publishing of a book written by an other colleague. The prepress finishing of erasing the pencils after inking. Making clean-up of layers much easier, and the pro cess of colouring layers is the next not-so-tedious step forward. If you write and cre ate your own characters and storyline, your work is cut out for you. The lead character must be defined from overseas, not using what exists on the stage. But what brings a differ ence from your perspective, substance that includes the hype of your own envi ronment, whether current, historical or futuristic, must be enveloped in the concept you want to bring to life. Thus, you are compelled to research to be able to render locations in current or past imagery. Therefore you need a camera and a habit to capture local scenes before they are changed forever. In case your story needs flashbacks, remember Guyana has no collection of museums, and institutions hardly keep visual records. That’s why I’ve cautioned you to keep the day job. You will have to research Cosmology if you’re doing Sci-fi. The same goes for history, mythology, or any area. The day job will help you get there. We welcomed the in ternet and social media with justification, but the downside is that the world now has critical access to whatever you do. Your originality will be in subconscious ques tion every time someone picks up your work. So, you must devise angles to every character you create because you’re creating multi-plural.isbecausetimidate,notrecogniserealyouhuman-basedlateral/three-dimensionalaworld,andwilldrawfromtheworld,whetheryouitornot.I’mtellingyouthistoinbuttoliberateyouraudiencenolongersingular.ItsKeepthe creative flame alive.
Don’t judge what happens in Guyana as the yardstick. The world of art is a seri ous, vicious business, and they wait till you’re making money to come after you.
HOW THE TECH WORLD TRANSFORMED ILLUSTRATORS WHILE DESTROYING OTHERS
I interact with people from my programmes and the word purpose is men tioned in many of our dis cussions. It is a blessing that many have found their purpose through some of my programmes and that is a big, big blessing. We featured the faces of some of the purpose-driven peo ple in my circle, and we are featuring some more of those faces. I ad mire people who are oftremelyaction.upaboutintentionalshowingandtakingIamexproudthem.
Sharing an excerpt from Myles Munroe’s “In Pur suit of Purpose” “It was the moment for which everyone had been waiting all evening. The thun derous applause of the excited crowd filled the air after the mayor made the announce ment:‘Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to present the annual Outstand ing Citizen of the Year award to Dr. Clyde Wilson, Jr., for his distinguished service to this Acommunity.’well-built, clean-cut young man rose to his feet and walked confidently toward the stage. Sitting at the table he had left were his father, Mr. Clyde Wilson, Sr., and his mother, Emily. This was the moment for which they had waited all their lives to see their son become all they had ever envisioned for him. As pride filled their hearts, they knew that no one in the room could understand their sense of accomplishment, satisfac tion and fulfillment. Mr. Wil son had always dreamed of being a medical doctor. While his son was still quite young, the father had told him that he would do whatever it took to see that the son could become the doctor the father had never been. Young Clyde’s parents had laboured at many jobs over the years and had lived without the conveniences of life just to make it possible for their son to attend medi cal school and complete his internship. This evening made those sacrifices worthwhile, as Clyde junior now brought honour and respect to the family. As Dr. Wilson stood on stage, holding the plaque, the crowd rose to their feet. Cameras flashed and shouts of [elation] filled the room. Then, as the applause sub sided, silence filled the room. Everyone waited for the re sponse of the good doctor. For a moment he stood erect, poised to speak. Then his composure broke and, with tears flooding his eyes, the young doctor pleaded with his parents in a loud voice that mirrored the despair in his eyes, “Please, Mom and Dad, forgive me. I am sorry, but I can’t go on.” Bewildered and embar rassed by the moment, the chairman helped the doctor off the stage. The crowd stood in questioning shock. What could possibly be stealing this great moment from this successful individual? As Clyde and his parents drove home that evening, Clydeat tempted to explain to his perplexed parents the cause of his uncontrollable behaviour. As his words spilled over one another, he tried to describe the frustration that had built within him over the past ten years. “Everything I’ve accomplished and achieved during these years has been done to please you, Dad, and to fulfill your life-long dreams. I have become what you wanted me to be, but I have never become who I am,” he said.“In spite of all the cars, homes and other material things I now have, my life is emp ty. I never wanted to be a doctor like you did, Dad. In truth, I hate being a doctor. I always wanted to be a musician, but you and Mom would not allow me to follow that dream. Please understand. I love and respect you deeply. I know all you have sacrificed to provide me with my education, and I thank you for it. But tonight, I realised that I cannot continue living to fulfill your dreams and expectations. I must start fulfilling my own. When I Accepted that award tonight, I felt like a hypocrite. Someone I don’t even know earned that award because I don’t know myself. I want to live. I want to come alive. I want to be what I was born to be. Please set me free and let me live.” There are millions of Clyde Wilson juniors in our world. Perhaps you are one of them. They are busy, active, dedicated, faithful, famous people who are accepted, respected, revered and ad mired. But deep inside, they are tired, frustrated, bored, disillusioned, confused, emp ty and depressed. Their lives are aimless. Day after day, they go on smiling, pretend
XIIICHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, September 4, 2022
Understanding Purpose SEE PAGE XVII
Many people have written great content on pur pose, but Myles Munroe and John Maxwell are top on my list. Myl es Munroe said, “Until purpose is posemeaning,existencediscovered,hasnoforpuristhesource of fulfillment” I believe that all were created with a purpose, but unfortunately, some people die before discovering theirs.
Then there were the environmental entrepreneurs from Re gion Six who believed that creating paper from waste- particu larly grass that is cut and would be burnt- could be an alternative to chopping down large swathes of trees. If proven sustainable and possible to expand, that project could be a solution to the problem of deforestation.
Those weren’t the only projects with an earth-saving focus. Smart agricultural projects that consider the changing weather patterns caused by climate change or projects that seek to dis place fossil fuel use in other ways were plentiful. Some students advocated for the use of more climate-smart technologies in our everyday life- like solar-powered vehicles.
If you managed to visit the Arthur Chung Conference Centre last weekend, you would have seen young people drawn from all across the country donned in their laboratory coats and eager to tell you about their inventions. While the sophistication of those projects varied, it was clear that those
Obviously, moving from idea to sustainable implementation is no easy task. And big ideas are still just ideas. I’ll also hasten to acknowledge that climate adaptation, particularly in small island developing states and low-lying countries like ours, re mains a complex topic with nuances in vulnerability, financing, reparations, and climate justice. The larger, developed countries have historically (and still continue to) emit more harmful gases to the detriment of these smaller countries. And it’s not a simple black-and-white discussion advocating for countries like ours to be the ones taking responsibility for the much-needed earth-sav ing ideas, projects, and plans.
The number of projects that focused on environmental solutions was particularly striking for me. I don’t think it was a coincidence that almost all the projects featured a solution to some environmental disaster ranging from the damaging effects of the notorious fossil fuel industry to deforestation.
folks had big ideas for big problems.
If you would like to connect with me to discuss this col umn or any of my previous works, feel free to email me at vish14ragobeer@gmail.com
IT was evident that necessity is the mother of invention at the just-concluded National Science fair and expo, if for no other reason than the fact that a majority of the projects conceptualised by Guyanese youth focused on saving the earth.
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Frankly, I found it telling that when asked to present ideas for problems around them, so many of those young people conceptualised solutions to save the environment. For me, it clearly indicates how conscious they are of the climate crisis Guyana and coun tries worldwide are facing. And it was a clear indi cation that they know that, unless quick and mean ingful actions are pursued, the plan et we live on is at risk of manyinhabitablebecomingforpeople.TheQuadsector, for example, focused on generating energy from rainfall. Essentially, the vibrations created when rainfall col lided with flat surfaces that group pitched, could create a steady, sustainable source of energy- instead of harmful fossil fuels.
Still, It would be a missed opportunity, in my opinion, if this very clear focus on saving the earth from the country’s youth was not supported beyond this science fair.
Both of these projects limit the amount of harmful carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. This gas, stored in trees, poses a threat to the environment and significantly contributes to the climate crisis. If much more of this gas is emitted- either through deforestation or the continuous exploitation of fossil fu els like diesel and gas- the earth is expected to get much warmer and much less inhabitable. For Guyana, that means the already vulnerable low coastal plain (where a majority of the population resides) is at further risk of flooding; that means the threat of losing livelihoods and, worse, actual lives exists.
Guyana is pursuing an ambitious agenda of exploiting prolific oil and gas resources while maintaining its low-carbon creden tials. Such an ambitious agenda cannot be achieved by wishful thinking- but with support and even innovative ideas like many of those presented by those same young people.
A focus on saving the earth one science project at a time?
Protecting yourself against the Monkeypox Virus
I REMEMBER seeing short news reports on the televi sion and on social media in 2019 and early 2020 about the COVID-19 virus. I’m now noticing a similar trend with the Monkeypox virus, and I couldn’t help but pen my thoughts on this. Truth is, in the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic most of us (myself included) did not take it as seriously as we should. Many Guyanese did not take the necessary precautions until the rapid increase of cases of, and deaths from, the COVID-19 virus. I decided to dedicate this week’s section to an informa tional piece on the clearcantionssideVirusMonkeypoxalongprecauthatonetaketostayofit. According to the World transmittedThiswithalorpersonwithclosehumanstransmittedMonkeypoxOrganization,Healthistothroughcontactaninfectedoranimalwithmatericontaminatedthevirus.virusisfrom one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding. The most common symptoms of monkeypox are fever, headache, back pain, low energy, muscle aches and visibly swollen lymph nodes. The incuba tion period (interval from infection to onset of symptoms) of monkeypox is usually from six to 13 days but can range from five to 21 days. The most severe cases usually occur amongst children, and while the fatality rate of the disease is 0-11 percent—you can develop other complications due to the effect of said virus, such as secondary infections. Hand hygiene should be practised at all times. Be sure to wash your hands or use 70% or more alcohol hand sani tisers to clean your hands. You can also try to wear clothing that covers exposed parts of your body that are likely to be in contact with any fluids from any skin cuts/blisters from an infected individual. These bodily fluids infect others with the virus, so be very careful and cautious about close contact with others, especially if you notice they have any of the symptoms listed. You should also avoid putting your hands or fingers in your eyes, mouth, ears or nose as these are vulnerable entry points for the virus. Even if there wasn’t monkeypox or COVID-19, hygiene and sanitisation will always be a necessity in everyday life. As I mentioned in many of my COVID-19 related pieces—the eradication of a global pandemic starts with us. I would hate to see the world go into total lockdown yet again anytime soon because of the Monkeypox virus or any other deadly virus or disease. No matter if restric tions are relaxed and things may seem good—there are so many things happening in our environment daily that we need to be alert about. Many deadly airborne diseases are still on the rise. Our air is still polluted, so many diseases can even mutate themselves to form new deadly ones. We ought to be mindful. A simple routine of sanitising your hands after any interaction can save your life.
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some to some people. Take headphones with you everywhere. People who play music or watch videos aloud tend to show that they have little respect for others around them. There’s also the other end that when peo ple wear headphones, they believe they do not have to respect the people around them. This has happened to me in the gym, where some one would bump into me and not stop and apologise because they are wearing headphones. Music doesn’t take away your ability to feel physicalTakingtouch.pictures and vid eos in public without the per mission of those who may be in view is also a personal vi olation. Many people are out trying to enjoy themselves and now have to worry about being exposed because some individuals have to document everything. Film yourself as much as you would like but try your best to exclude oth ers around you. Return people’s items when you borrow them. It SEE PAGE XXII
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I WISH I could say that I had a long conversation with someone, and that brought me to write about this topic, but truthfully, all it took was a 20-minute trip into town. Now, this is not an attack on Guyanese people as I’m Guyaneseprobably the proudest one you’ll ever meet, but I still have to ask the questionwhere did some of our most basic manners go? We all comment on and laugh about it- this person that I haven’t seen in a while told me I got fat or not ageing well and it goes on and on. Some people truly do not know what’s polite or even necessary to say or not to say anymore.Inever think it is too late for change when it comes to behaviour, so I thought I’d talk about the most basic human etiquette or social rules that everyone should follow just to have a more harmonious community with overall better well-being. Yes, I mean that even these little things affect our mental health.Etiquette is defined as formal rules and manners that are considered sacred and acceptable in society. These were established centuries ago but have changed over time to keep up with current
What happened to basic human etiquette? trends. These are the guiding principles of how we should behave that eliminate us from being menaces in society. While cultural differences will change some etiquette, I’m discussing ones that suit the general public, and I hope most people agree. There’s often an internal battle as to how much we should follow our instincts and do what we like or how much we should give in to social conventions. In the majority of these cas es, I’d ad vise giving into
For example, my biggest pet peeve is if someone calls me more than once if I do not pick up the call the first time. The only reason I should see two calls is if it’s an emer gency, and it tells me you should be the first person to call back. For those who call the same number multiple times, if the person does not answer the first time, I’m going to tell you what they are probably not- it’s very bothersome and rude. There is a reason why the call wasn’t answered the first time. Then, of course, there is speaking to other people who are physically around you while you have placed a call to someone else, leaving people on hold for too long, not saying goodbye before you hang up etc. Practise good body lan guage when you are speaking to people. This means eye contact, standing or sitting up straight, no folded arms, body facing them etc.; this is just respectful communi cation.Respect one’s personal space. The COVID-19 sixfeet-apart rule should have been a lifelong common courtesy. There is very little more intrusive than invading one’s personal space. If, for some reason, you feel you have to, ask permission first. Practise your inside voice. Have you ever been in a public place and heard someone speaking very loud ly – to another person or on the phone? Even if thebeisconversationpleasant,itcanverybother
quette,ings.stancesbasedchangemeaningofmanytherenorms.socialFirst,aretypesetiquette,webehaviouronourcircumorsurroundThereissocialetiprinciplesbased
on what society deems accept able. These are the more popular; the ones we are taught, or we learn through trial and error. Common ex amples are to say please and thank you, listen when someone is speaking to us, not to interrupt when others are speaking, don’t ask rude or intrusive questions, be on time, and offer up your seat if someone is more in need of it, hold the door if someone is right behind you, pay your share of a bill when it comes and practise self-control when you become irritated in public.There is business/corpo rate etiquette; how we dress or conduct ourselves at work or during meetings, keeping your desk or direct environ ment clean etc.; Bathroom et iquette; how one should take care of a public restroom, not barge in on others etc.; Restaurant/ Eating etiquette; not to chew with your mouth open, don’t speak with your mouth full or tell vile stories when one is eating etc. These are pretty obvious ones, right? We should all know these things already, right? Apparently, wrongthere are so many people around me that do not ad here to these societal rules, and these are the basics, the ones we are literally taught. This means I’m going to speak about the unspoken ones- the ones we learn from awareness or reading a roomwhich many people actually do not know how to do. Not enough people talk about telephone etiquette. It’s something so easy, acces sible and personal to us that we forget there are societal rules that still should be followed, yes, even if it’s your phone.
XVIICHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, September 4, 2022 the flower and looked at it for a long moment, not sure what to think. Was it the beast and what did he want? She had to know and the brave soul she was, she went into the jungle that day. She did not ven ture too far, stopping by a stream and felt that strange presence again. She did not turn around, but sat star ing at her reflection in the water, hearing the sound as it came closer and gasped quietly as another reflection appeared above hers. It was the beast! He was not just a tale, he wasShereal!rose slowly, trying not to be afraid, not knowing in the next moment if she would be killed. He was so hideous, it almost took her breath away, but his eyes held a soft, almost pleading look. In his paw-like hands was a red rose, that he held out to her, but before she could move, voices were heard coming and with a deep growl the beast turned and disappeared into the jungle. She picked up the red rose, he had dropped and at that moment, she knew what she had to do, for the pleading look in his eyes were more than words could say. The next morning, before dawn, Ann Marie left the vil lage, quietly. She had to reach deep in the jungle, where the rare orchids grew. It was a long journey and just before dusk, she reached where she knew the beast would be. “Beast,” she called “I’m here to see Nothingyou.”moved, it was quiet, too quiet, she thought. Where was he? She sensed his presence, just behind her and turning, she almost screamed. The beast was standing there, bleeding, two arrows pro truding from his shoulder and back and he slumped to the ground. The hunt ers had found him and the voices were drawing closer. She wasn’t sure what to do, but she knew if she didn’t do something, he would be killed. She knelt down be side him and breaking off the arrows, she tore pieces of her clothing to stop the bleeding.
THE NATIVE BEAUTY ...
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know from that, you have a good heart. I see you, not as a beast but as a nice person who will live in my heart.” He touched her face at those words that he had longed to hear so long and his eyes begin to close. “No, no, please!” she shook him, “Stay with me, you can’t die.” Loud angry voices were heard as the hunting party drew closer and Ann-Marie cried softly, looking at the beast, “What does it take to save your life?” And as though in answer to her distraught question, a pure white buck appeared in a glowing light. Ann-Ma rie looked stunned at the spectacular vision knowing the story had related that it was a spiritual being that had cast the curse on the Toshao’s son. It raised it self on its hind legs and a blinding flash of light caused Ann-Marie to close her Wheneyes. she reopened them, the buck had dis appeared and lying in her lap was not the beast but a handsome young man. She cried in relief just as the hunters burst onto the scene, their arrows in deadly poise but slowly lowered on see ing the Toshao’s son. Ann-Marie looked at them, tears streaming down her face, “The story was true.”She had believed and her care and kindness to wards the beast helped to break the curse. Another adventure for the brave Native girl.
The look in his eyes was so gentle, that it touched her heart and holding his face, she “Pleasesaid don’t die, I love the flowers you brought, and I ing and liv ing up to an identity reputationand that is different from their true selves. The lies they live and the inner yearning to be freed from the tyranny that binds them are a constant source of internal conflict. Whether black, brown, yel low, red or white, you and I are pulled by destiny toward a meaningful, fulfilling life. This human need for person al meaning and satisfaction is universal. Each of us must discover this personal purpose and pursue it relentlessly, or we will fail to live a rich, whole, meaningful life.” I am sure most of us know a similar story. I know of a woman who re tired from a job she hated because she didn’t have the courage like Clyde to tell her parents that what she was doing was their dreams. John Maxwell also said, Understanding...
“Success is knowing your purpose in life, growing to reach your maximum potential and sowing seeds that benefit others. When ever I mentor people and help them discover their purpose, I always encour age them to start the pro cess by discovering their strengths, not exploring their shortcomings. Why? Because people’s purpose in life is always connected to their giftedness. It always works that way. You are not called to do something that you have no talent for. You will discover your purpose by finding and remaining in your strength zone.” No one can keep a man down who has found his pur pose. “Great are your pur poses and mighty are your deeds. Your eyes are open to the ways of all mankind; you reward each person accord ing to their conduct and as their deeds deserve.”Jeremiah 32:19 I am grateful for every day and start the day with the intentionality to con tinue to dig the well with the understanding that I may not even drink from the well. I thank God that I have found my purpose and I encourage others to be in the pursuit of pur pose as we celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.
By Telesha Ramnarine
MEET some of the vibrant, brilliant personalities that make up President Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s newly-appointed Presidential Youth Advisory Council (PYAC), consisting youths from all across Guyana with varying backgrounds who will have a voice in shaping programmes and policies that the government will implement. Each member of the Council brings a fresh and unique perspective that will undoubtedly impact national development. All poised to share their knowledge and skills, these young men and women are looking forward to being able to make a meaningful contribution so far as raising the bar on government services and giving a voice to the “small man” in society are concerned.“Ibelieve that the experiences that my other colleagues and I have are what make us best able to contribute. We can speak from various outlooks and we will have different views and ideas on problems, situations and solutions. This diversity of thought is the best contribution we can give,” one member, Aneesa Maryam Hussain, expressed. Many commented that the PYAC is a good indication of the government’s willingness to involve youth in the decision-mak ing process and lauded President Ali’s vision in this regard. Here are the comments of 13 members of the PYAC on their appointment to the Council, to be followed next week with the remaining members: Sabina Savory, 32, Economic and Financial Analyst at Ministry of Finance. “I am specifically interested in the areas of economic and entrepreneurial development, along with improved education and health outcomes for all Guyanese. My background in Economics has provided me with skills to do critical research and analysis. Following outreaches and engagement with the youth, I can put my skills to good use by helping devise proposals for meaningful interventions and policies that are tailored to the needs of all Guyanese.”
Maria Fraser, 26, Marine Scientist with Ministry of Nat ural Resources.
tween foreigners and citizens. The number of jobs created by tourism is significant and can be explored greatly!”
Shane Cornelius, 32, Karrau Village, Lower Mazaruni River. “Currently the Toshao of Karrau Village and Secre tary of the National Toshaos Council. For 10 years, I have been committed towards advancing the development of my people. This appointment gives me additional responsibilities to ensure the Indigenous perspective is taken into consider ation. I would like to see the agriculture sector becoming more youth-friendly…the promotion of smart education and smart health care. In a village that does not have electricity and readily accessible internet, it is difficult to be part of field vis its or ministerial outreaches. Despite the challenges, I remain committed towards ensuring that the President’s aspirations for the youth council are reached.” Leon Johnson, National Cricketer. “Improvements in healthcare, child welfare, and education are all things I am ea ger to see. However, I am most enthusiastic to be a champion for change in Sports & Culture. As a professional and national athlete, I am excited about the opportunity to use my skillset and experience to impact improvements and development that can help Guyana produce world-class athletes. My hope is to play a key role in the development of programs and policies that can be implemented to help shape professional athletes from childhood. World-class athletes evoke the feeling of nationalism which directly impacts nation-building.”
The voices of the Presidential Advisory Council (PYAC)
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Shenisa Fredericks, 28, Brand Manager, originally of Santa Rosa, Moruca. “Having a diverse background, I believe I can contribute in providing unique insights and perspectives as a young professional woman on issues cur rently affecting the youths of Guyana and taking a proactive approach to addressing these problems. The areas I would like to see improvements and development in are Education, Health Care, and Innovation & Technology. Coming from an indigenous community, I would like to see a greater footprint of the government in enhancing and expanding its policies and programmes that will further uplift and create equity for indigenous people.”
Kirsten Gomes, 18, Member of Guyana Junior National Squash Team. “As one of the youngest members of the Coun cil, I hope to contribute valuable insight from the younger generation on various areas of focus. In sports, it is evident that Guyana is missing out wouldatingcanIing.ernmentmentfacilities,thereGeorgetown,areopportunitiestalentsundiscoveredonasmostcentredinasisalackofequipandgovfundTherefore,believethatIassistincreaplanthatoutreach sports to differ ent parts of the country and im plement athletes.”generationbringprogrammesschooltoupanewof
“Having a PYAC is an excellent initiative. Three main areas of interest to me are our marine environment, agriculture, and tourism. My intended contribution is to work with youth farmers and guide them through farming and how important it is especially for our food security. With increased gauge toward tourism development in Guyana, this will boost the revenue of the economy, create thousands of jobs, develop the infrastructure, and plant a sense of cultural exchange be
Ryan Chitranjan Jaikissoon, 27, of Bush Lot Village, West Coast Berbice; Secretary of the Board of the Mahaica Mahaicony/Abary Agricultural Development Authority. “It is of extreme importance that this current generation learn from both the mistakes and successes of the generations gone be cause for the first time, we have a situation of unprecedented economic growth. My contributions would mainly be in the field of Agriculture. Generally, ideas of economizing and per fecting production systems are fields I can contribute well to.”
Lee Fung-A-Fat, 30, Bachelors in Biological Sciences and MBA in Healthcare; currently is finishing Masters in Data Science at University of West Florida. “I came from a healthcare background as my father Dr. Fung-A-Fat and I want to ensure that no Guyanese will ever have to worry about preventable health issues. As a Guyanese, I want us to have that leap forward to ensure these factors are never an issue in Guyana. With Data analytics, I know with feasible surveys and analysis, we can conquer these issues.”
Ian Jagan, 30, Dental Surgeon specializing in root canal treatment. “I personally would like to see improvements in the health, education and security sectors. Quality health care should be easily accessible to each individual as good health is paramount to a fruitful lifestyle. Education is key to building a strong foundation in which each individual grows and sub sequently a stronger nation will be formed. A safe and secure environment provides a conducive setting for us to foster strong bonds, thrive together and build a greater Guyana for today and the future.”
Bibi AleemaAafeedaHakh,
Darshinie Persaud, 31, Associate Degree in Chemistry; soon to graduate with a Masters in Public Health. “ I am passionate about women empowerment. Regardless if you are a working woman or a stay-at-home mom, everyone has a role to play in society and self-development is key. I would like to see kids off the streets and programs being established to create opportunities that engage young minds. I am hopeful that in some ways I may contribute to this vision, working alongside many other talented youths towards building a greater Guyana.”
Bibi Aafeeda Aleema Hakh, 25, commercial pilot and lieutenant employed by the Guyana Defence Force, Aircorps. “Based on my experience, dynamic personality and diverse interests, I will be able to contribute to specific committee projects, such as the agricultural committee of which I am currently a member, working on projects aimed at ensuring food security and youth involvement. Addition ally, it is my desire to have work done in Guyana’s aviation sector, aimed at improving local aviation practices and the safety culture to ensure that they are in line with global best practices.”
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Presidential Youth (PYAC) – Part One
Loiselle Robinson, 29, Bachelor’s Degree in Education (Mathematics) and Regional Councillor, of Mabaruma. “I strongly believe that there are many talented, educated and dedicated youths in Guyana who are willing to bring about a change in their respective communities. The voices of our youths must be heard to help foster and build a strong and one Guyana. I intend to advocate for further development of our hinterland regions and its people. I wish to see further improvements in the areas of sports, education, health and infrastructure.”
Aneesa Maryam Hussain, 22, Associates in Chemistry, currently pursuing an MD degree at Texila American Univer sity. “The pandemic has brought about the importance and the effects of both physical and mental health. That, as well as ensuring that there are more opportunities in our education system, is where I hope to make a difference. We also need to seek better provisions for our students that are on the outskirts of Georgetown. It is unfair to our country that all of our best schools and teachers are concentrated in one area. One step at a time will lead us on a journey of success that sprung from the diverse minds of One Guyana.”
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Environmental Education - Conduct outreach to vari ous stakeholders, including organisations, businesses, de velopers, groups and schools on environmental issues and EPA’s processes and proce dures;Environmentaland Aware ness - Develop materials on environmental issues in for mats including publications, games, models, annual mag azine and calendar; develop ment of ads, videos, docu mentaries etc. and utilisation of diverse media platforms. You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA YouTubegramusana@gmail.com.orphia,Agency,EnvironmentalProgramme,ProtectionGangesStreet,SoGEORGETOWN,emailusat:eit.epaguyFollowonFacebookandInstaandsubscribetoourchannel.
Environmental Education
er, environmental education teaches individuals how to weigh various sides of an is sue through critical thinking, and it enhances their own problem-solving and deci sion-makingEnvironmentalskills.Education is more than information about the particularsion-makingproblem-solvingcal-thinkinglycritical-thinkingissuesionsronmentalnesstionEnvironmentalEnvironmentalenvironment.EducationInforma*Increasespublicawareandknowledgeofenviissues*Providesfactsoropinaboutenvironmental*Teachesindividuals*Doesnotnecessariteachindividualscriti*Enhancesindividuals’anddeciskill*Doesnotadvocateaviewpoint
The components of envi ronmental education are: * Awareness and sensi tivity to the environment and environmental challenges; * Knowledge and under standing of the environment and environmental chal lenges;*Attitudes of concern for the environment and motiva tion to improve or maintain environmental quality; * Skills to identify and help resolve environmental challenges; and * Participation in activi ties that lead to the resolution of environmental challenges. The environment sus tains all life on earth. It pro vides us with nourishment and inspiration. Our econ omy thrives on a healthy environment. A growing body of research tells us that time spent in nature provides physical and psy chological benefits. Our per sonal and cultural identities are often tied to the envi ronment around us. At the same time, it’s impossible not to be deeply concerned about the orcateeducationsecurity,other‘haves’adecreasingclinesspeciesclimateaseconomicenvironmental,unprecedentedsocial,andchallengeswefaceaglobalsociety—fromchangeandlossofandhabitatstodeincivicengagement,accesstonature,growinggapbetweentheand‘havenots’,andthreatstoourhealth,andfuturesurvival.Assuch,environmentaldoesnotadvoaparticularviewpointcourseofaction.Rath
SEPTEMBER is quick ly approaching, and that means Education Month in Guyana. Therefore, the Environmental Pro tection Agency is taking this opportunity to spread awareness on environmen tal education and the role of the EPA in ensuring the Guyanese populace is more cognisant and educated on the subject. Environmental educa tion is a process that allows individuals to explore envi ronmental issues, engage in problem-solving, and take action to improve the en vironment. As a result, in dividuals develop a deeper understanding of environ mental issues and have the skills to make informed and responsible decisions.
* May advocate a partic ularEPA’sviewpointrole on Environ mentalTheEducationEnvironmental Pro tection Act mandates the EPA to play a pivotal role in environmental awareness and education – encourage a better understanding and appreciation of the natural environment and its role in economic development, and promote public participation in the process of integrating environmental concerns in planning for development on a sustainable basis. The work of the Com munications Department of the EPA lends to the Agency realising this important man dateEnvironmentalthrough: Commu nication - Conduct meetings/ consultations with commu nities/members of the public to address environmental concerns/conflicts and ensure the communication platforms and tools are upgraded;
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GUYANA’S MUSICAL CULTURE READY TO EMBARK ON A RENAISSANCE
OVER the last 50 years, the musical culture of Guy ana has experienced a serious decline. Such decline is apparent in all the musical traditions in the country. The Indian tradition with its Ragas and rich religious music; the African tradition, which is reflected in folk songs and in drumming; and the Western Classical Tradition with composers such Bach, Mozart, Beetho ven and Chopin have all but disappeared. Vocal music such as ballads or arias or other songs from the Operas are never heard today, and there have been no local performers for many years. The vocal tradition was once so vibrant that whenever great performers such as Pavarotti were touring South America, they would try to include Georgetown in their itinerary. In all the primary and secondary schools, singing was done every day with classic songs, primarily British and universal classical hymns. In the main secondary schools, such as Queen’s College and The Bishop’s High School, music was a school subject, and the Royal College of Mu sic examinations were taken. When a student reached the Grade VI, he/she was well on the way to developing into an able musician. Every year a member of the Royal College would visit to hold practicals and would give at least one recital for the Performancespublic.bylocal artistes were staged every week end and the venues were the Assembly Rooms which stood where the Bank of Guyana now stands. The Assembly Rooms had a good theatre where plays were often per formed, and its concert hall had excellent acoustics. The other concert hall was the auditorium of the Town Hall, where the acoustics were also good, the floors were pol ished, and the impressive stairway leading to it was carpet ed. The stage was furnished with a small concert piano and an organ and it accommodated an audience of 400 persons. Performances were usually on the piano and violin and by singers. Artistes such as Lynette Dolphin, Lynette Katchay, Billy Pilgrim, the Loncke family and Rosemary Ramdeholl were among the legends of those times. Many young per sons had their first exposure to Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin and other classical composers by these concerts. The Militia Band and the Police Band gave regular performances at the Seawall Bandstand and the Botanic Gardens and their repertoire consisted of semi classical music like Strauss’ waltzes or Delibes’ Sylvia and Pizzi cato, the current hit parade top tunes and one or two folk songs. These bands were a nursery of Guyanese musical talent and many members who emigrated to the USA and Europe were successful musicians in their new countries. African folk songs and drumming were popular in the villages and resonated on Emancipation Day and during the Christmas Season. Becoming an expert drummer was an accolade after which many village youth strived to achieve. Church music was also of high quality. Classical and universal hymns were heard in all churches and the bigger churches and cathedrals had organs while the smaller ones had pianos. During the Christmas and Easter Seasons, Gre gorian chants were heard at St George’s Cathedral and the Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Brickdam. All churches had choirs. The Mandirs and masjids also maintained their Indian musical tradition. In the Masjids, qasidas were sung, and melodious chanting of the Holy Quran was heard primarily at Juma (Sabbath). Many mandirs maintained the Raga classical music played on the sitar as well as devotional bhajans from Kabir and Rajrani Mira and others. Every temple had its own group of amateur musicians whose
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FROM PAGE XVI difference by teaching these norms to children from a young age. Help them to understand the importance of these social rules and their effects on others and ourselves. Be a role model for good behaviour and oth ers will follow suit. Simply use the golden rule- treat others the way you wish to be treated.
Thank you for reading and please continue to send suggested topics to caitlin vieira@gmail.com
XXII CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday, September 4, 2022 does not matter how triv ial you think the item is. For example, I would lend anyone anything, but I do not lend out books as I feel they are my most prized possessions. Just because you may not share the same passion does not mean it doesn’t mean everything to someone else. Guyanese drivers, I know this is a common one, but you are probably responsi ble for 90% of other’s bad moods. The overtaking, re fusal to wait in line like everyone else, not using turn signals. There is a recom mendation for the road- use your turn signal at least 50% more than you use your mid dle finger. Also, everyone on the road has somewhere to be and it’s not necessarily any less important than where you need to be. I know some of you reading may be asking why should anyone care about these things? I do meet a lot of people who think they are entitled to behave and say whatever they would like, and yes, they are, but I often wonder how healthy their relationships are, if they have any. There are many benefits to practising good etiquette.
The most important is that it brings great self-con fidence and a sense of secu rity. When you know you are doing right, you feel right. It also benefits all relationships around you; it creates a great first impression as well as enhances your friendships, intimate and business rela tionships as most do grav itate and appreciate kind, caring and respectful people. It allows for an open line of communication among your self and others due to trust created through positive and comfortable behaviour. We can start making a
What happened to basic...
The MGTSP is a skillsbased training programme for the social and gender development of adolescent girls. Candidates of this programme compete in a pageant for a scholarship that covers their expenses in any tertiary education institution in Guyana during their year of reign. MGTSP is the flagship programme, and the crown jewel of The Imperial House (TIH), a Guyanese non-profit social enterprise organisation.
XXIIICHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, September 4, 2022 instruments were usually the sitar, drums like dholak and tablas, tampouras, sarangis (Indian violin) or occasionally even Western violin, flute occasionally replaced by clarinet and harmoniums. Bhojpuri and chutney music were heard at home celebrations such as weddings and janewas(“christenings”).
FROM PAGE XXI The powertransformativeof... came to a standstill and the team went back to the table, altered that year’s pro gramme and came up with a ‘Digital University’. A fully virtual programme than ran for two months and conclud ed with live Zoom gradu ation,” he explained. “ In 2021, we went ahead again and hosted Guyana’s first fully virtual pageant with a live Coronation broadcast from the studios of NCN. This is evidence that we adapt to whatever comes our Accordingway.” to him, the pageant does have a future and thus the reach of the pageant would be expansive and the value of the schol arship programme would be increased. However, for suc cess to be achieved, support is needed.Encouragement to young womenKhan shared some sage words for young women who are intentional about FROM PAGE II making a difference. “Find yourselves in plac es/groups/ activities that allow you to express yourselves without the fear of being judged. Environments that support and nurture will grow your confidence hence helping you to control your own life while protecting your rights. Apply for MGTSP2023. We can lay the foundation for you,” Khan was careful to disclose during his interview.
CULTUREMUSICALGUYANA’S...
Popular music, a great deal of it American, was heard at house parties and on occasions like weddings; at the big dances organised by the various sports clubs on occasions like Old Year’s Night and Twelfth Night; and on the regular boat “excursions” where a Transport and Harbours Ferry boat was hired for river cruises. On all these occasions, live music was played by the small three or four-piece bands for house parties and big orchestras like Washboards, Tom Charles and his Syn copators and Sonny Thomas and his band for the big occasions. In the 1960s and for a generation thereafter, the musical cul ture of Guyana was caught in a tailspin of decline and had ap parently disappeared by 1990. The reason for this decline was the massive economic disaster which overwhelmed the country with shortages of the necessities of life and unemployment. Violent crime grew at an enormous rate and people feared for their lives and property. The population tried to emigrate to whatever country they could until Guyana was emptied of half its people. In this situation of social and economic collapse, the musical culture which had existed in the 1950s became an almost forgotten memory, In the last decade, Guyana has been steadily making social and economic recovery and political stability is re turning. It is now becoming possible to resuscitate the rich cultural life of the country and this could be achieved if the State authorities, the various NGOs, the churches and other religious bodies and the Private Sector and the Media were to jointly help in this process of the cultural Renaissance of the country. In such a Renaissance, musical life and culture would be revived.
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b) Venus found a faded letter to Santa Claus in her father’s black trunk that was twenty-five years old.
e) Simon Sears finished reading his department’s plans for the last quarter of the year while flying home to Hinesburg.3.Allthefollowing sentences contain phrases that are confusing because they’re in the wrong place. Work along with a study partner to list the phrases you think are confusing.
Revised: The experts claim that a lack of intrinsic knowledge causes the group to fail.
Work out other ways of revision in which to express each of the original sentences. Work with a study partner.1.Original: They say that the Christmas season always has much rainfall.
Revised: The accountant said that Ms. Semple’s deductions had been disallowed.
7. Original: They claim that lack of intrinsic knowl edge causes the group to fail.
Revised: The child was unhappy when her mother refused to approve the request.
a) Ms. Williams’s secretary found a memo that her supervisor had written on the floor.
6. Original: The accountant told Ms. Semple that her deduction has been disallowed.
3. Original: Ms. Smidth told Sandy that she had beenRevised:promoted.Ms. Smidth announced Sandy’s promo tion.4.
5. Original: The mother refused to approve the request, which made her child unhappy.
c) A production chart is on the notice board that includes all the critical dates.
Revised: The weathermen say that the Christmas season always has much rainfall.
2. Original: On the news last night, it said that the economy was improving. Revised: On the news last night, a commentator said that the economy was improving.
b) There is a report on the pastor’s desk that con tains the encouragement we need.
XXXIV CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday, September 4, 2022 September 04, 2022 THOUGHT FOR TODAY True wit is nature to advantagedress’d,What oft was thought, but ne’er sowell ALEXANDERexpress’d.POPE (1688-1744) An Essay on Criticism, 1.297
d) Newsletters were given to all members announc ing the changes.
d) Many boat owners buy fire insurance for their boats that they do not need.
2. Discuss and revise the following sentences.
a) The traffic warden watched the new driver pick up passengers from the back of the estate truck.
Something to Do 1. Below, find some sentences that need revision. Each is coupled with its rewritten counterpart to make sentence meaning explicit. Revision will vary. Some possible revisions have been used here.
c) We looked at the small houses for single retirees skimming through the magazine.
STUDY SUCCESS Dear WelcomeStudent,dear friend. Successful studying, like a successful friendship, calls for good long-term adjust ments to habitual patterns. Out with sporadic bursts of good behaviour. In with being rock-steady. Encour age yourself with workable weekly study plans, valuable sources of ideas and informa tion, and well-chosen study groups and knowledgeable individuals. Look over your workload and fill in as many cracks as possible without overloading and getting confused. Remember that constant revision expands recall ability to 100 per cent capacity. Be wise. Love TighteningWRITINGIMPROVINGyou.your sentence skills with explicitness When a sentence is writ ten it should explicitly say what it wants to communi cate. Friends, explicitness is the ability to put down on paper a message that the reader can interpret in only one way – the way you in tended. This ability must be practised to perfection, without which, confusion and misunderstanding, and a confused reader will result. Confusing and ridiculous messages often result when a writer fails to place a word, a phrase, or a clause with the unit of thought to which it belongs. Look at the follow ing chosen examples: Words. Placing a word near the word it modifies is important in conveying ideas precisely.Using ‘only’ – with shift ing the word ‘only’ the mean ing can be altered. Only Jane brought her handcraft. (Others did not bring their handcraft.) Jane brought her only finished handcraft. (Jane has no other finished handcraft.) The telephone message received: “I am ill and will not be in church practice again.”The real message sent was: “I am ill again and will not be in church practice (today)”.Phrases. Incorrectly placed phrases can com pletely change the meaning of message. I stood looking at the two brown bears at my win dow. (“at my window” badly placed)Istood at my window looking at the two brown bears. (well-placed phrase “at my Checkwindow”.)these other two sentences for meaning: With a new cellphone, James took a picture of a black and yellow butterfly. James took a picture of a black and yellow butterfly with a new cellphone. Clauses. What do you think of the clause, “as the fire spread through the bed rooms”? Who ran for help in eachJacquelinsentence?ran from the house as the fire spread through the bedrooms and went two houses away to call for help. As the fire spread through the bedrooms, Jacquelin ran from the house and went two houses away to call for help. Other factors. Mistakes do occur when you use the ‘which clause’ and the ‘that clause’ without care. Your statements must be clear also about ‘who did what’ and ‘who will do what’. Then, care must also be taken in pinpointing the pronoun ref erence. These factors will conclude our segment on explicitness in sentences in our next issue.
Original: Our new advertising campaign will begin in Revised:November.Ournew advertising campaign that begins in November should help sales.
I HAVE found that fit and healthy-looking patients at tending the dental clinic for treatment sometimes have a serious systemic disease and are under drug therapy. Either or both can significantly affect dental manage ment or even the fate of the patient. In addition, in this country, patients are not accustomed to being questioned by a dentist about matters such as pregnancy and sexu ally transmitted diseases. Very often, since most patients are fit and healthy, the dentist’s index of suspicion may not be significant. But whatever the circumstances, the fact remains that any medical disorder or medication being taken should be reported to the attending dentist. Corticosteroid can mask the presence of many severe diseases because it acts by suppressing the effects of trauma and infection. If sedation or general anaesthesia is admin istered, there is rapidly developing hypotension (low blood pressure), collapse and death. Patients on or who have been on corticosteroid therapy within the past year are therefore at risk from adrenal crisis if they are not given supplemen tary corticosteroids before and during periods of stress, including dental treatment. Diabetes affects about two persons for every hundred in Guyana but is recognised in only half of those with the disease. The prevalence is only increasing and it is, there fore, a relatively frequent problem in dental management. Dental disease and treatment may disrupt the normal pattern of food intake and can interfere with diabetic control, but a little forethought will prevent diabetics from collapsing in the waiting room at lunchtime from hypoglycemia caused by missing a meal. Treatment is best carried out just after breakfast and the normal anti-diabetic medication to allow the patient to eat lunch. It is important to know whether a woman is pregnant since any dental procedure involving drugs, radiography (X-ray) or general anaesthesia is best left until after four weeks of conception. Radiography should be reduced to an absolute minimum. Although there is no known risk of abnormal from most drugs commonly used in dentistry, drug administration should also be done when absolutely necessary. Besides, if a woman should give birth to a baby with defects, no matter at what stage of the pregnancy the dentist had prescribed a drug, the dentist might very well run the risk of the woman blaming him for her misfortune. Anyone who it has been established suffers from a faulty heart should first rinse the mouth thoroughly with a potent mouthwash such as chlorhexidine before having an extraction. Bacteria from the mouth can cause a damaged heart valve to become chronically infected causing endocarditis which kills a third of all its victims. It is quite probable that serious illness and death occur in patients who present medical conditions which originated largely from some dental disease but which the attending physicians fail to identify as such. One typical example of this is brain abscess developing from a necrotic tooth fare-up.
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Medical conditions and dental treatment
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