Guyana_Chronicle_Pepperpot_05_12_20201

The elders of Naamryck Village are hard-working farmers too Sixty-three-year-old Leyland Lewis is a farmer and resident of Naamyrck Village, East Bank Essequibo, who ventured into a life of farming since he completed secondary school. He now owns 35 acres of farmland in the Salem and Hubu backlands where he grows crops of pineapples, ground provisions, plantains and bananas. In this photo, workers are offloading pineapples transported by boat from Lewis’s farm (Delano Williams photo)

Sunday December 05, 2021

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 05, 2021

Don’t let COVID-19 totally overshadow HIV/AIDS

By Francis Quamina Farrier WITH the COVID-19 pandemic dominating the health-related headlines worldwide for over two years, HIV/AIDS, which was the principal health concern some two decades ago, has apparently been pushed to the backburner.

That health scourge which was on almost everyone’s lips daily, is now being hardly noticed, discussed, or is of great concern to the general public as it once was.

It would be recalled that not so long ago, media reports as well as cultural productions, were almost always about HIV/AIDS. There were articles, lectures, commentaries, songs, poems, essays - and there

were hundreds of speeches on HIV/AIDS. However, that transmissible disease, much like COVID-19, is still with us, and we still need to do whatever it takes to eradicate it. That must be done, even as we continue to battle with the COVID-19 pandemic. So, we have been struck with a double whammy, if you will; or as some Guyanese would say, “Ole house, pon ole house.”

In throwing the spotlight on HIV/AIDS in this article, is to belatedly join with millions of others globally, who observed “World Aids Day” last Wednesday.

World AIDS Day has been observed on December 1 every year since 1988. The world became aware of HIV and Aids as a horrible threat to health and life itself when the popular Hollywood

movie star, Rock Hudson, contracted the disease and died of it. HIV/AIDS hit the international media and over the past three decades, scientists have been working relentlessly to end the global pandemic through innovative research. More recently, there have been significant breakthroughs, and reports are that the cure to HIV/AIDS is in sight.

That, of course, is great news for the 38 million people who are living with HIV/AIDS globally. Deaths due to this disease are also ongoing, but not reported as widely in the regular media, as the focus is much more on COVID-19.

At this time, we all have to bear in mind that we need to live our lives constantly thinking of protecting ourselves from

The Leguan Public Cottage Hospital, Region Three (Photo by Francis Quamina Farrier) transmissable diseases - especially HIV/AIDS and the COVID-19. It is a period in medical history when we are advised to err on the side of being too careful, for many who have relaxed their health self-protection,

have sadly contracted either COVID-19 or HIV/ AIDS and have since died.

While it is good to know that there is a steady decrease in the number of deaths from HIV/AIDS over the past two decades,

that must not lure us into a false sense of security. We just have to continue to be vigilant and observe all the protocols, not only to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, but the HIV/ AIDS as well.

Burnout during Christmas time THE Christmas season is perhaps the busiest season of all. If you’re a consumer, you’ll be busy shopping for gifts, clothes and home decor. If you’re a business owner or you’re employed—you’ll be busy working around the clock to ensure that customers and their orders are fulfilled. Apart from working and shopping, many of us are also busy cleaning up our homes and decorating to ensure we keep up with the season’s festivities. If you have a family like mine, then you’ll know that the Christmas season is when you see less of your family. All of my family members are out all day working extra hours and we rest all evening to wake up the next day to continue our routine.

Last year, I worked as much as I could to make

enough money to purchase gifts for my loved ones. I’ve worked multiple part-time jobs while working full-time at my small business, trying to fulfil orders for customers. I also had my studies at the University to complete during that time. It took a lot out of me to get through the season. I was too tired to even awake on Christmas Day because I was working until the evening hours on Christmas Eve at my business’ location. All of that overworking led to a severe

mental and physical burnout in the month of January; I was beyond tired. I’m writing this article with the hope of encouraging you all to do and be better than I was during the last Christmas season. Apart from Christmas being Christianity’s main season of celebrating, it is also a season of giving and compassion. Most of the time when we think about Christmas being the “season of giving,” we forget to give SEE PAGE IX

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 05, 2021

‘GI branding will work best if small businesses come together for certification’ - NQI Project Official

By Telesha Ramnarine

GEOGRAPHICAL Indications (GI) branding would be perfect for promoting and marketing small, community-based businesses in Guyana and would give them the sort of exclusivity that their products need and deserve on both local and international markets.

So says Component Coordinator of the Project Execution Unit within the IDB-funded National Quality Infrastructure Project, Jowala Somai.

GI is a certification process, much like those being promoted by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO)- an organisation that develops certain standards to ensure the quality, safety, and efficiency of products and services being offered by a company.

GIs are names and other designations used on goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that is due to that place of origin.

GIs ensure that a specific name can only be used for products made or originating in a specific geographical location. Accordingly, instead of conferring an exclusive right to a single producer, GIs confer a right to all the producers of a specific region whose products comply with the specifications of the product.

At the moment, the Demerara Rum by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL)

A stakeholder’s session on Geographical Indications back in 2019

process of having everything finalised.

Somai, who has years of experience working in standards and quality, believes that businesses should use this time to get together and start the process of GI branding, so that once the review of the Act is completed, they can move right on ahead with having their products branded.

Originally, geographical indications were executed in accordance with national laws. However, national protection had weaknesses as products were often imitated outside the country of origin. It soon became apparent that international cooperation was required to ensure that geographical indications were protected internationally and that there was reciprocity in the level of protection between states.

Somai explained that the NQI project was tasked with activities that focus on providing locally manufactured products with export markets and helping make them become more competitive; GI branding is one such tool that can be used toward this end.

“GNBS came to us and asked for support to establish the infrastructure for GI branding in Guyana, so we awarded a consultancy to El Dorado Demerara Rum (Photo sourced from ‘De- someone in Belgium to come merara Rum’ FB page) is the only product in the country that is GI branded, having received the certification earlier this year. Since then, local authorities have been working to have more companies come on board in this manner.

But currently, Guyana is not at the point where it can award branding because the country is still awaiting the review of laws governing GI. Once this is done, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) will be the agency responsible for issuing the certification.

GNBS is reportedly in the

and review our system (the Act and all testing facilities, etc.) as well as to train staff from GNBS as to how to go about conducting a GI audit.

That consultancy was done in 2019 and the consultant produced a report with recommendations.

As authorities work to implement these and reform the Act, Somai believes that much can be done in the meantime by local businesses that are interested in becoming GI branded. “It’s quite an expensive process that takes some time to put together; DDL started even before 2019 but only got it in 2021. So by the time the businesses get themselves in order, the Act may be passed and GNBS will be the legal authority and will be able to issue the certificates,” Somai explained in an interview with Pepperpot Magazine.

To help curb the expenses involved in becoming certified, it would be more practical for businesses of a similar nature to come together and apply for the certification together. “Small manufacturers can come together under one label. GI is available to anyone but more appropriate for community-based operations. It incurs a lot of money, but the burden would be lessened if it is done as a group. When you

Staff of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards being trained on Geographical Indications Background

Component Coordinator, Project Execution Unit, NQI Project, Jowala Somai. do it as a group, you’re not competing against each other. You’re helping each other; everyone is able to benefit from the process,” Somai pointed out.

Commenting on the effectiveness of GI branding, he said: “It prevents people from imitating your product.

Guyanese from all over the world would be more inclined to buy something with the GI branding. It improves marketability and protects the product from imitation that can cause harm to the product and ruin your business.”

On December 30, 2005, Guyana adopted the Geographical Indications Act of 2005 and on May 14, 2008, the Guyana government enacted the Act through a Commencement Order. These two instruments make up the full body of law on geographical indications in Guyana.

Since then, there were requests from Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and the Guyana Sugar Corporation to have their products rum, sugar and molasses certified as GIs. This could not be realised because the system to execute this process was not in place.

To address this deficiency, the consultancy mentioned earlier was executed and the recommendations made. Since then, the infrastructure needed to execute the activities of the control system has been identified and are in place. The GI Act of 2005 and the Commencement Order from 2008 are presently being revised according to the recommendations proposed from the consultancy to ensure that legal aspects of the control system are in place.

Three additional products - Heart of Palm, Rice and Greenheart Lumber) have been identified for registration and certification as GI brand locally.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 05, 2021

Carolyn’s toy drive is on again; this year with the help of her friends!

By Telesha Ramnarine DETERMINED to host her toy drive for less fortunate children in the face of a raging pandemic that saw her take a financial ‘beat-

interested in using her time to pursue benevolent work.

As a city councillor, she’s had the opportunity to interact with people locally and internationally and was particularly impressed to

munity initiatives that saw her interacting with children, older folk, single parents, and other groups of people who are in need. But the pandemic put a damper on her activities in 2020 and

Last year’s toy drive ing,’ Carolyn Caesar-Murray, a businesswoman and former city councillor has found a way to do it with the help of her friends this year.

Growing up in Garnette Street, Albouystown, Carolyn has witnessed firsthand how poverty affects people and has thus always been

see the measures that are in place in other countries to support children and vulnerable groups. ‘There’s absolutely nothing preventing me from bringing this same kind of thing home,’ she thought.

So she started to host a party for the children in Albouystown every year, among several other com-

when her income was threatened, she decided to put all her energy and efforts into her business.

“We took a real beating in the pandemic last year,” Carolyn, the owner of Harmony Inn and Secret Villa Apartment Rentals, told Pepperpot Magazine.

She still managed to host

This year, 350 children are targeted from the Albouystown, West Ruimveldt and Festival City communities

a toy drive last year with the kind assistance of another businesswoman Natasha Narine from Glitz and Glams, but many of her other initiatives were generally halted.

“Amidst a hundred, if I can just touch the lives of one or two children and make a difference, I would go for it,” she expressed. So once out with friends one night, the topic of the toy drive came up and Carolyn was saying that she didn’t think she could host it out of pocket this year.

“I’ve been doing the party or toy drive for the past 10 years, so my friends said let’s not let it die. We all came up with an idea to pool our resources to make it happen,” she said. Carolyn couldn’t be happier that her toy drive will be a reality later this month with the help of funds that will be generated at a brunch today (December 5) at Parc Rayne.

Having done business with Parc Rayne over the years to host her parties, the folks there didn’t hesitate to say yes when she asked them to use the facility to host the brunch. “It’s amazing what you can do when you have a group of like-minded people come together for a common cause. The energy is really good; we’re excited,” Carolyn said about her friends.

“We believe that we have an obligation to people, whether it be to children, older folks[sic]; we have an obligation to touch other people’s lives through an act of kindness, a scholarship; to point an entrepreneur in the right direction; we believe that we have a lot to give,” she continued.

Carolyn and her friends contacted Meleesa Payne to put on a fashion show at the brunch. Payne was happy to be a part of the initiative and will have her models walk for free at the event. Saxophonist Calvin Nelson will also be on hand to serenade the audience and Latifa Agard from the National Dance Company will do a dance composed

by Vivienne Daniels. Other persons who are contributing to the event include Delecia George, Aaliyah Brewster, Leson Jones, Quacy Craig, Colleen McLennon, Saskiea

Carolyn and her friends when the idea of coming together to host the event was conceptualised Boyer, and Kevin Murray.

Carolyn said she would love to make this initiative an annual one to put a smile on the faces of many children. Three communities - Festival City, West Ruimveldt, and Albouystown – are being targeted this year with 350 children who stand to benefit.

“Despite the pandemic, we found a way and without a budget. So many

Carolyn Caesar-Murray

people are giving of their time and other resources and we are really grateful to them. We encourage people in other areas to come together in a good spirit of trust and help to do things. It might send a child to school or help him access medical attention.

Just come together for a common good,” Carolyn urged.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 05, 2021

Rising from the ashes

By Dillon Goring THIS is the story of Clerisia Anderson, a student who was forced to discontinue her law programme at the University of Guyana.

Anderson, who hails f r o m L a i n g Av e n u e i n Georgetown, lost everything in a fire that destroyed approximately 12 homes back in October 2007 but has since rebuilt her life by establishing her own business as a cosmetologist.

During an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, Anderson noted that her idea for starting her business enterprise began when she was trying to make ends meet due to losing her home to fire.

According to her, she was expected to be gainfully employed at the CARICOM Secretariat but quickly realised that it would have conflicted with her time and studies at the University of Guyana.

“It started with a thought to do something in the meanwhile, while I was on my leave of absence from studying at the University of Guyana- because being a third-year law student, we had a fire in Laing Avenue and everything that I had owned was consumed in that fire- tools to study with etc.

But I was still determined to complete the course,” she explained.

Anderson was dealing with a lot at the time, and she even collapsed on the UG Campus as a result.

According to the Doctor’s report, she explained that her collapse was due to chronic fatigue and stress. “So they recommend that I take some time out from studies, so in the meanwhile, I thought of doing this cosmetology course. [I] never had the idea that this would have

been a long term something for me,” Anderson told the Pepperpot Magazine.

During that time, Anderson, after completing her studies of cosmetology in the twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, returned to Guyana and became a professional in the trade.

“It was myself and a friend. Persons would know of Clerisia’s Salon from the street. We were in Salt and Pepper’s establishment, but due to the circumstances of the security of the environment, we moved to the new Vendors’ Mall. It is a hard task getting customers from that location to here, lest persons look at the length of travel for them via walking. So we are now here because of a lot of work and effort. However, my intention is to continue my law course, now having something to bring in an income,” Anderson told the Pepperpot Magazine.

The entrepreneur mentioned that this isn’t her first business venture. Since her exit from the East Ruimveldt Secondary School, where she pursued Principles of Business when writing the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), and for her School Based Assessment (SBA), she chose to sell.

“I would have worked part-time selling clothes, and so on. My father had a tin smith business. Business has been in our family all the time. I could remember being around the age of 9 or 10 and walking down the street selling cake pans,” Anderson vividly recalled.

She couldn’t help but emphasised the importance of noting that something has to bring an income.

Anderson recalled that from the time she was a

young girl, she always liked doing hair and nails.

“I vividly remember buying stuff at Gandhi’s, trying something on my own but didn’t get through.

So after the whole thing that happened, you are thinking about ways of surviving and being qualified, having my CXCs, you are thinking about going to have just a normal job. But I want to do something in the meanwhile, whilst waiting to finish my law course and this was the way to go,” the beautician told the Pepperpot Magazine.

Anderson said that during the time of study and focus on her law degree, she was not immediately aware that the tragic loss of her home as a result of fire had had a severe effect on her mental health.

She noted that even though this tragedy occurred, she learnt some vital lessons along the way such as more ways how to acquire much-needed finances to carry her further ahead in her life’s journey.

The beautician is of the strong view that when life hits you hard, giving up is certainly not an option.

She opined that people must be on the lookout for opportunities that will come your way.

“I am feeling extremely great that I didn’t give up, and lay back asking for help. I made something happen and due to that fact, by the grace of God, what has happened not only is it benefitting me…I remember my first employee was my niece and she had her own frustration at that time and I was able to teach her while … and today, she is in the same field doing something for herself and that is really a blessing, knowing that you can teach someone how to

Clerisia Anderson catch fish and they’re doing something,”Anderson said.

What is needed in the Business Sector?

Anderson believes strongly that in the business sector, there should be more

access to grants, financial support, and training.

According to her, wherever you go in the country, there are people with lots of ideas, but lack the training and financial support to accomplish an excellent job.

Anderson also advocates for an organisation or a system to be put in place for persons with an entrepreneurial mindset as she believes that such an institution could greatly help small business owners.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, DecemBER 05, 2021

Naamryck Village A ‘bread basket’ of farm-fresh produce

Naamryck Village (Delano Williams photos)

By Michel Outridge THIS week, the Pepperpot Magazine journeyed overland to visit the quiet countryside village of Naamryck, East Bank Essequibo, to highlight the way of life of the locals.

This small agricultural village is nestled between Look Out and Salem and is bordered by the Essequibo River and the savannahs.

It is located several miles from Parika, a central hub of many businesses and a

Focus on the Village

market and the ferry stelling and the beach where private speedboats are moored.

It has a population of about 250 residents, most of whom are farmers, homemakers and other skilled craftsmen and women and some young professionals.

The village has two internal one-vehicle streets and it has canals and trenches running along the houses.

It has two main access dams that lead into the vast backlands and are primarily used for large-scale farming of ground provisions, pineapples, bananas, and plantains.

The village is mostly self-sufficient in terms of food security and the people eat what they produce.

The natives seem to be from ‘farm-to-table’ folk, who toil for long hours starting early in the mornings to way into the day on their respective farms along that corridor.

Naamryck Village is located on the eastern bank of the Essequibo River, approximately 22 miles from Vreed-en-Hoop.

The residents are predominantly Africans, Amerindians, Indians and people of mixed ethnicities, who consider themselves one big family.

It is a very close-knit community and most people are either related by blood or very neighbourly and they co-exist in relative peace and calm, regardless of the

political overtones.

Naamryck Village is home to some of the sweetest pineapples and wholesome ground provisions, including plantains, cassava, sweet potatoes, yams, and eddoes.

The people are very friendly and would open up their gates for you to enter and have a chat at any given time; and these folk do not have idle time because they are always doing things to enhance their lives and financial situations.

The community has a ballfield but it needs maintenance and an upgrade because it is in a ‘run down’ state and inundated with water and bushy.

SEE PAGE XIV

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 05, 2021

The people of Naamyrck Village prefer the simple way of life

By Michel Outridge TULSIDAI Tullaram is a homemaker who also assists her husband in farming and she takes care of the home, the chores and the pets.

The 35-year-old is a resident of Naamryck Village,

early for the backlands and tend to the farm/crops and return when the work is finished and start all over again the next day.

They plant ground provisions and pineapples.

In her spare time, she would also cut cassava sticks for the farm and do whatev-

Vishwattie (only name) East Bank Essequibo and a mother of three.

She used to rear some meat birds but suffered a setback when the rain/flood came and her poultry perished.

The dog and the parrot, Tarzan, managed to survive the harsh conditions.

Tullaram would often assist people in home-cleaning around the village for a fee to bring in an income into her home.

Her husband, Inderpaul Samkumar, would leave home

Vishwattie is the mother of three and she is a homemaker who takes care of the house and chores.

She used to go to the farm with her husband, but after she was injured, she stopped because of the pain.

She has a well-kept home and surroundings and is always doing something to occupy her time.

er is needed to ensure that meals are prepared early in the morning for the family.

“Life is simple here because we work and does be at home and that is how it is around here,” she said.

Mary Balkarran Also in the village is the home of Mary Balkarran, a senior citizen, who was celebrating her 73rd birth anniversary and her neighbours had gathered to prepare a meal for them to observe the occasion.

The women in the neighbourhood came by to lend support to the village elder and she seemed quite pleased with the gesture.

She was a cook who prepared food and sold it at a snackette at Parika for many years and as a single parent she brought up five children, two of whom have since passed away.

Balkarran told the Pepperpot Magazine that she

Trisha Tullaram Trisha Tullaram is the mother of one and the day when the team visited, she was at home since it was her day off.

The 20-year-old is a sales clerk at Parika and she likes Naamyrck Village because of the quietness and the peace.

Mary Balkarran

Mary Balkarran and her neighbours

Tulsiedai Tullaram (Delano Williams photos)

benefitted from the $25,000 COVID-19 cash grant from the administration and she is thankful.

These days, she would try to enjoy her golden years because she worked hard for many years and it is her time to relax and “smell the roses”.

Saskia George Saskia George is also a local of the village and she is a stay-at-home mom of three and has been residing in the community for the past 12 years.

She is from Suriname and came to Guyana after mar-

riage and settled here.

Like most men in the village, her husband is a farmer and he would spend a lot of time during the day on the farm.

They grow ground provisions and pineapples.

Vishwattie (only name) Vishwattie is a 51-yearold housewife who is recovering from a fall and she has been living in the village for six years.

She is originally from Columbia Village, Essequibo and relocated with her husband who is a part-time taxi driver and farmer.

Being a small village, the people are familiar with each other and they look out for one another and live in harmony.

She lives with her uncle and his family, and they too are farmers and were away on their farms.

Tullaram told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is hardly at home during the day and doesn’t socialise much; but she is accustomed to the simple way of life in that community where things are normal and it is safe.

“Things are okay here and life is easy once you work,” she said.

Focus on the Village

Trisha Tullaram and her daughter

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 05, 2021

The elders of Naamryck Village are hardworking farmers too

By Michel Outridge LEYLANDS Lewis is a farmer and resident of Naamyrck Village, East Bank Essequibo and since he completed secondary school, he began the simple life of farming.

The 63-year-old was among the men at Salem Koker and supervised the offloading of pineapples he had transported from his farm via boat.

He has 35 acres of farmland at Salem and Hubu backlands and he has crops of pineapples, ground provisions, plantains and bananas.

Lewis came from a long line of farmers, his parents were farmers and he grew up working with them and credited his success to them, because they taught him well and to be patient.

In his younger days, he tried his hands at pork-knocking and carpentry and stayed as a farmer for the most part of his life.

Lewis has been a farmer for more than 40 years and started at age 16, because he knew what to do and was no stranger to hard work.

“Being a farmer is hard work and it teaches patience and it is a humble job, growing and waiting for your crops to sell,” he said.

The farmer stated that he would have a worker with him on the farm on most days, and when he has produce to offload, he would employ about four persons to assist.

Lewis would sell his pro-

duce to wholesale buyers from Berbice and they do not sell at markets at all.

“It has been difficult to grow crops because of the adverse weather conditions.

We are seeing more rains than before and often the crops would be destroyed and I have to start all over again,” he said.

However, during the last flood, he lost his entire crop but was pleased and thankful when he received a cash grant of $100,000 for farmers and he was able to re-plant to earn.

“Farmers are the backbone of any community and we produce food, but we haven’t been getting the produce as we should and the cost of fertilisers has increased, and there is nothing to cushion these high costs we face,” he said.

He explained that pineapples take 20 to 24 months to fully grow, while cassava takes nine months before it can be harvested and sweet potato takes four to five months to fully ripen.

Lewis stated that farming is hard labour on the farm lands and the dividends do not often add up, but it is the sole source of income and he has to continue, even in rough times.”

“This morning it was raining heavily, can I not wait for the rain to finish so I had to get to the farm and so it goes,” he said.

Lewis disclosed the prices on the market depend on the availability of produce and rainfall has a lot of im-

Pineapples from the farm of Leyland Lewis being offloaded at Salem Koker pact on prices too.

The retired headteacher/ farmer Also in the village is Lallbachan (one name only) who told the Pepperpot Magazine that these days he is retired and would spend some time on his farm.

He spent eight years as a teacher at Parika/Salem Primary School before hanging up his teaching gloves, but he did enjoy his time in the education sector.

Lallbachan gained experience and he certainly

Leyland Lewis (Delano Williams photos) enjoyed the methodology of teaching.

The father of one added that he has two grandsons and he lives quite comfortably in Naamryck Village with his family.

He is originally from Essequibo and when he was 19 years old, he and his brother and father left and came to Naamryck where they bought 30 acres of farmland

and began farming and settled there.

The 71-year-old related that he has been residing in the village for the past 51 years and back in the days he worked on his father’s farm in Essequibo planting rice.

Lallbachan told the Pepperpot Magazine that because the two main access dams to the farmlands are in deplorable condition; it is

easier to go my boat via the drainage canal.

He added that the locals are very nice people who are hard workers, mostly farmers and they grow food and they also aim for self-sufficiency.

Things in the small village are accessible because they have a lot of shops and places of business.

Focus on the Village

Lallbachan

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 05, 2021

The midwife of Naamyrck Village is serving her community

By Michel Outridge GEEWANTIE Persaud, better known as Devika, is a household name in Naamryck Village and its environs because she is a midwife who delivered many babies and is serving her community.

This qualified midwife is very passionate about her work and she is willing to assist people in any way possible and with the resources she has.

Persaud is a roving registered midwife who travels throughout the region, visiting health centres working with high-risk patients and mothers.

Presently she is on annual leave, which was planned for the marriage celebration of her daughter who tied the knot last Sunday. It was a big event.

“I am still tired from all the work that was invested in the ceremony but after its success I am catching up on some much-needed sleep, so I can return to work well rested,” she said.

Persaud would make her rounds at Vergeongen Health Centre, Parika Health Centre and the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

Persaud started her medical career in 2012 and so far she has been enjoying her work, so much so that she was awarded the best midwife in 2019 and 2021 for her outstanding work.

The mother of three told the Pepperpot Magazine that her eldest is a daughter who is 25 years old and married recently; and she has a 23-year-old son, who is a farmer alongside her husband. Her youngest is a student at Westminster Sec-

ondary School.

Persaud related that she does not promote home births but only if it is an emergency,she would assist in the delivery but prefers that the expectant mother visit the regional hospital, especially with first-time births or in high-risk cases.

She said it is advisable such mothers visit a hospital that has a theatre and has the facilities for safe delivery if the need arises that they have to undergo caesarean births.

The midwife added that home deliveries are risky and a series of things can go wrong very quickly, putting both the mother and baby at risk.

“In my training sessions at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) I had to perform 25 deliveries under observation and it was successful before

Geewantie Persaud (Delano Williams photos) I became qualified in that field,” she said.

Persaud said that was their practical. They had the exam for theory. It was all very fulfilling being able to assist people in having safe and successful deliveries at the hospital.

She reported that midwifery is challenging, but the work has been good despite the onset of COVID-19. As a frontline worker, she is at risk, but she would take the necessary precautions and wear the gears she should to remain safe and keep others safe, as well.

Persaud is well-known in the area and she is noted for her humanitarian efforts in assisting locals with dressings, testing their blood sugar levels and blood pressure, administering injections to diabetics, senior citizens and bedridden folk and doing simple sutures etc.

She is, however, excited to return to work on December 12, 2021 and is enjoying the quiet, countryside life of being the wife of a farmer.

Persaud disclosed that her son and husband work on their farm located in Naamryck and Parika backlands.

They would go via boat and cultivate crops of pineapples, ground provisions, plantains, and bananas.

She stated that the pair would leave home early to have a good start and they would return when their work on the farms are completed.

The midwife related that their produce is sold to wholesale buyers at Salem Koker, a point utilised by farmers.

Persaud is originally from Lima, Essequibo Coast and was living in Naamryck at her in-laws’ residence after marriage and they relocated to their own house in the same village.

She has been residing in little Naamryck Village for the past 26 years and describes the place as lovely for a family-oriented.

“This is a safe place, you don’t have to lock up anything and the neighbours would look over for you when you are not around, so we don’t worry about bandits here,” she said.

She added that it is a small village and the locals are very familiar, with everyone living there so they would recognise strangers very quickly.

Delano Williams photos saved in a folder in Graphics as Parika Village Tour.

Captions:

Focus on the Village

Home of Geewantie Persaud

Burnout during Christmas...

FROM PAGE II to ourselves as well.

We are so busy trying to give others gifts and goodness, but we forget that we also need some of that goodness in return. In short, you cannot pour from an empty cup.

It is also important to note that while grand gestures of gifts and presents are nice, our loved ones may simply need something simple and small. My mother always told me that it’s the, “thought that counts’’ and I couldn’t have agreed more. Yes,

your loved ones will be pleased with a grand gesture, but they will also be understanding if you can’t go above and beyond for them.

They are called your “loved ones” for a reason, right? It is nearly impossible to not be busy during this season, but if you schedule and manage your time effectively, you might be able to balance the busyness of the holiday season. Don’t forget to ask for help if you feel as if you’re overworked and overwhelmed as well. If you need help at home for the Christmas

cleaning, ask for it.

If you need a day off from your place of employment, just to relax and regroup,take it. Life goes on after December and your responsibilities will still be there waiting for you. Instead of trying to please everyone this Christmas, enjoy the intimate moments you’ll spend with friends and family; absorb the goodness and festive energy that surround you and most importantly, remember to be kind to yourself.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 05, 2021

Young Pandit of Naamyrck Village is passionate about his role as a religious leader

By Michel Outridge AT 21 years old, Vovinda Persaud takes his role seriously as a religious leader

in this small village has been in his family tree for generations and handed down to his grandfather by his great grandfather and today it is

Pandit Vovinda Persaud (Delano Williams photos) in his community and as a role model, who also serves as a guidance counsellor with an open-door policy, serving his village with diligence.

The Hindu priest manages the Naamryck Shri Rameshwar Mandir, conveniently located just next door to his house.

The mandir, a landmark

under his guidance.

One day, perhaps it will be handed down to his offspring, and when asked about this prospect, the Pandit just smiled since he is yet to be married.

Persaud has lived all his life in the small village and says it is home because he is used to the quiet countryside lifestyle and they would

mostly be indoors, unless they have errands such as shopping which is done at Parika.

He told the Pepperpot Magazine that he comes from a long line of pandits in the family and it all started when his great grandfather took up the role of being a self-ordained religious leader.

His son later patterned himself after him and he too became a pandit and so it went on with the men in the family from generation to generation.

Even his cousin, who lives a few houses away, is also a pandit.

Persaud has been a Hindu priest for five years. He had the calling as a young boy when he admired the men in his family and the way people looked up to them for advice and the manner in which they carried themselves.

He told himself that is

The Naamryck Shri Rameshwar Mandir

He explained that many young people are overwhelmed by peer pressure and domestic issues and he would try to give the best of advice to those who seek re-

cals are simple, everyday people, who are farmers and they work really hard on their farms daily and for extended hours, so they do not have the luxury of idle time on

Pandit Vovinda Persaud with a devotee at his home

The prayer corner in the pandit’s residence

what he wanted to become, a respectable young man who serves his community and is devoted to the mandir and the people.

“Being a religious leader is a privilege for me because I feel honoured to be helping people and to serve as a role model through my humble way of life,” he said.

Persaud stated that he would dedicate his time to counsel devotees and just about anyone, who would visit his home for advice or to “open book”, a religious reading about their life.

ligious intervention through the books.

Persaud told the Pepperpot Magazine that alcohol and drug abuse aren’t so prevalent in that village but they would have some ‘drinking’ at times but nothing overly.

He reported that the lo-

their hands.

The pandit disclosed that the village has a nurse, a policeman and a few elders, who all live in harmony and Naamyrck Village is a very safe place where they do not have to worry about thieves.

He pointed out that they have a lot of space and one

such place is across the road and can be converted into a recreational park for locals.

The religious leader related that the locals lead a very simple life of working and returning home and those who are homemakers are indoors a lot and they really don’t go out a lot.

He stated that the mandir don’t have any Sunday service since COVID-19 and they would have a small service with a limited number of devotees only on Mondays at 06:00hrs to 07:00hrs.

The pandit added that they have 15 committee members and about 150 members, most of whom do not visit the mandir regularly.

He noted that female members would clean the mandir once a week and it is through donations garnered they would upkeep the operations of the mandir.

Persaud related that he would not charge a fixed price for religious services, but whatever donations can be made to the mandir is accepted and he doesn’t charge a fee per say.

He stated that the members are very cooperative and they would pitch in to assist in mandir functions and events and he is just a caretaker of the mandir which is for the people.

Focus on the Village

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 05, 2021

Holistic Mind Tips, tools and resources for your mental wellness

XI

By Anju Vivekanandaraj

BLUE CHRISTMAS: NAVIGATING GRIEF, DEPRESSION AND THE HOLIDAYS I’ll have a Blue Christmas without you I’ll be so blue just thinking about you Decorations of red on a green Christmas tree Won’t be the same dear, if you’re not here with me

WE all know Elvis Presley’s classic song ‘Blue Christmas’ that expresses grief and loss during the holidays. The term Blue Christmas denotes the longest night of the year in the Western Christian tradition. And the worship during this season includes the opportunity for expression of grief and pain and the opportunity to focus on the promise of hope.

Christmas is a season of joy and celebration. As the rest of the world seems overjoyed with the holiday spirit, it can be difficult for those dealing with loss. Whether it’s a recent loss or it has been several years, all you know is that you dread this time of the year and you can’t wait for it to be over. With the recent pandemic, many of us have lost our loved ones to COVID-19 and some might be experiencing a relationship breakup too.

While holidays are a real challenge for the grievers, we must learn to navigate the celebration without our loved ones.

As you are reading this today, I hope you will gain understanding and find meaning during a difficult time.

Why are grief and depression heavier and thicker during Christmas season?

It’s often easier to withdraw and shut down when you are hurting and it seems as if everyone else is happy. It takes a tremendous effort to be otherwise, which you are doing now and it’s a wise, healthy choice. Let’s understand some reasons as to why the grief feels so heavy, overwhelmed, and sapped in energy during the holiday season.

Positive expectations and the gap: When it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, and holidays we expect it to be meaningful, happier, filled with love and relationships. It can be difficult to experience difficult emotions such as sadness, emptiness, and loneliness when we expect to be festive. These positive expectations associated with the festive season can magnify everything that is already so hard about grief and loss.

Holidays and strong memories: We usually process the

loss and grieve by holding on to those special memories of our loved ones. Holidays are mostly associated with some wonderful memories and special times that you had with your family and loved ones; it can intensify our association with memories exacerbating the feelings of grief.

Gloomy weather: The Christmas season is mostly associated with cold weather and more rainy days here in Guyana.

This can mean more darkness and fewer outdoor activities, contributing to a more “down” mood.

Increased loneliness: The feeling of loneliness associated with depression and grief will be more pronounced during November and December. As our friends and peer groups get pulled away to family gatherings and Christmas parties, we are less likely to see our close friends. This can become particularly difficult for individuals who are depressed and grieving.

Loss of daily routines: holiday season disrupts many of our daily and weekly rhythms. Daily routines and life rhythms help us maintain emotional resilience, which gets affected.

Tips for coping with grief during Christmas If you are grieving, you are hurting and you need to feel and process the loss. You might feel sad, overwhelmed, tearful, guilty, or angry but you need to acknowledge it, sit with it and feel it. It’s your truth and denying it will only delay your healing.

Be gentle with your broken heart: Holiday traditions are built and grow for years, but it’s not something set in stone. With the death of loved ones or loss in relationships, the traditions can trigger pain, and understand that you have control over the kind of holiday you want to have this year. If the pain feels too much, if it’s raw consider postponing certain traditions. Plan for an emotional holiday season, make choices that give you peace and protect the broken heart.

Talk about your loved one: Talk to your family about the significant person in your life, how much you miss them, and their memories. Your friends and family usually don’t realize that your loved one

is always in your mind and they may be reluctant to talk about the deceased, thinking it might upset you. So be the one to share the memories of your loved ones and encourage conversation Find ways to express your feelings: The depth of your pain is reflective of the love you have for this significant person in life. You wouldn’t deny love for the loved one, don’t deny your pain. Acknowledge your difficult feelings and find ways to express them. You can start writing a journal, use creative arts to express the many feelings you are experiencing, connect with other grievers through an online community, or express your feelings with your family members at home who are there, showing their love and support.

Gift of remembrance: Find different and special ways to remember your loved ones during Christmas. Some suggestions that can be incredibly healing include lighting a candle in memory of your loved one, hanging a memory stocking, and writing a Christmas card or a letter.

Sharing love and kindness: The world needs a lot of love and kindness and finding ways to share the measure of love you had for your loved one can be the best thing you could do. Make donations and volunteer to help others, invite someone who doesn’t have a family or you could support others you know of who are going through grief.

Take care of yourself and your loved ones: Even if your heart is broken, look out for simple things in life that you feel grateful for. Take care of your health and try to be there for your loved ones around you.

Loss and grief can be brutal, but remember you are not alone. Remember, it’s ok to ask for help. I hope you find this article a place where you feel understood and cared for. Thank you for reading! Kindly send in your feedback, questions or any topic that you would like to address to innerpeacegy@ gmail.com. If you would like personal counselling or therapy sessions (online and in-person), please call me at 613 9255.

XII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 05, 2021

Colonisation is a cultural process that needs to be understood from a student’s vantage point THE question of colonisation is not a subject that can, by virtue of its frequent usage without definition of what it means and how it works,be swept under any blanket or shroud. It is too forceful and infectious to simplify and too self-destructive to ignore, because colonisation requires the complex mental reversion of all that constituted the historical memory and a complete conversion to a new Theory-of-Everything (ToE).

Like physics, it is a cultural, scientific, biological process that has its own

ToE. And though like physics, it must recognise the differences that constitute its holistic cosmological differences that it strives to define in theoretical oneness. The same quest applies with colonisation to its subject human variations, upon recognising those expressions in science, art, language, and industry that have contributed and are combined in the ‘Human Collective’. However, the nature of colonisation is to absorb, digest, redefine and garb itself in all that is enhancing, and creating critical remains to demean

in the construct of the complying colonial, which is, ‘the colonial’ the spawn of colonisation. This is a junior reference of the discus-

sion of colonialism because it does not end with a ‘Flag and a National Anthem.’

Henceforth, this is where the real challenge begins, for colonisation is not a particular human face; it is a cultural/economic process, an ingrained cultivated group of training modules designed for a particular variety of outcomes. Here is where the discussion begins, with an honest, exploration on colonisation.

Colonisation did not begin with the Columbus voyage; the trans-Atlantic slave trade; the savage European assault on Africa and Asia; the Roman march across a northern Europe trapped in a proverbial ‘Barbarian Age,’ etc. Colonisation is a human process that is simply motivated by ‘theft and slavery’ accompanied with a justification argument, most times religious or mythical to sustain the innate struggle between conscience and predatory onslaught. The technique applies the elimination of stronger leaders and the forced coercion of its weakest priesthoods and their servile cliques into new doctrines.

The knowledge of leaders across the African continent and the Mediterranean and most likely in other areas applied a form of colonisation that demanded tribute from Kingdoms that were allowed token self-management from selected new

kings and chiefs, as the colloquial defines ‘Briga Bobbies’ grounded in retaining self-importance, obvious to a subconscious reality of self-inadequacies, adopted airs and bumptious excesses repress that. Functional colonialism must exert dominance over self-definition.

Thus, colonisation has its micro manifestations of cronies and ‘De Boss man’ thus, the first to be colonised are the callous opportunists, who, through lack of self-esteem, or just laziness or cultivated dependency, can be ego-activated into a micro colonised comfort zone.

That the most difficult struggle faced by post-WWII was the impertinence of its colonial elite on one side and its new ‘Briga Bobbies’ on the other. In a plural society such as ours, this concept of ‘Colonisation’ extends to sections whose colonisation is not current, it is more complex, for it reaches back to their old-world origins, while others were over a duration of hostile assimilation evolved with a new interpretation of self in defiance of the coloniser.

This is the story of the Americas. Colonisation is like most complex conditions that confront the human consciousness. In its historical context, those who reject its negativity were apt to seek coherence by becoming the once oppresso to be enveloped by this same negativity

that offered propositions of divine and intellectual justifications when faced with the gauntlet of whether to interact on a higher ground.

Standing before the choice to embrace the other, who may have fought beside them for a ‘higher ideal’ or condemn the same other, in exchange to feel the glory of the once coloniser. Such is the case study of North America and most of Latin America, who themselves became, but not all, eagerly consumed by the tentacles of ‘Colonisation’ after proclaiming to have chosen the higher ground to have cast the yoke of colonisation off.

Bringing a study of this subject to our students and parents will demonstrate a stronger sense of realisation towards the concept of what is, and how colonisation works, and we must examine that if we exchange ourselves and become the character on the stage, the Jester of the court, of whimsical temptations, ‘The Devil.’ We will surely find them a grand coloniser.

In conclusion, we have hardly begun to explore the national being, how does it work, what are its relevant conversations? Let us begin with a much-used but not quite explicit term, “Colonisation” that has several manifestations of the one process. Towards its collective fulfilment.

A HAND TO BY HOLD KISSED DAWN IIIXIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 05, 2021

For tiredness lies On my lids My body like a Broken goblet The Earth can feel No more my feet “So I must come home, dear Lord,” was the hoarse plea from the lips of the old woman, lying in a recliner on the patio.

The middle-aged nurse aid sitting close by reading the newspaper inquired of the old woman, “What is it, Sharda?”

She did not answer, looking up at the clear blue sky, her eyes not so dim, her hearing still fine. She could see the lovely flowers bloom and hear the sweet songs of the birds in her garden, but her love and passion for nature were slowly fading away.

How does one continue to embrace life when the body has become aged and feeble, memory sometimes floating into HER name became a urged her have to go intrusion of tragedy of a difnothingness, whennow youawe need strong hand“You to hold ANNA stared in ata young, the huge Christmas treeand in the ferent morning children.” nature leaving trails great part of the home and home.” there was none? mall decorated with gold lights, multi-coloured ornaments Standing at the door was a stunningly beautiful woman like scattered leaves of sad“Well shea could be married.” whendid they of her, heasked herself, The puppy comfortThe boy took the soup but “My dad’s nice guy, he “Yes?” “How thisspoke happen?” she tearslying misting and garlands.

At the top of the tree was a glittering golden with lustrous dark brown hair, and a simple and casual ness, fear and loneliness.

“There’s no ring on her finger.” saw how their eyes lit up. ably on the rug in front of the hesitated for a moment then never hurt my mother.”

“I’m sorry to disturb you in her eyes, “Why did this happen?” star and gasped, marvelling hownoincredibly beauoutlook. knewwork yet how children to provide care temperaand she had Sleepless walked away from rich asked, lifestyles her hard andmuch “She could have boyfriend.”

“Sheshe is nice,” Aashi, TVat paid and Shamita “Whymade don’tthem you come again, thatanight so late, but Aashi’s The loneliness wassaid a deep ache in her heart,heed craving for them,Neither tiful it was.

In her littleeyes.” heart was the joy and wonderful “Good morning,” they said in unison. they needed each other to companionship for they hardher matrimonial home with sacrifices laying a foundation forget where they came from, “Well maybe, but you could at least try,” she “She has pretty brown picking her up gently, let her and see her?” she sat up in bed writing in ture has risen again andurged she’s him, the children she loved and missed so much just to hear their feeling this blessed season brings.

“My name isloneliness Arianna, andforI’m your volunteer music exile the fear and ly found any theirknow her four children into the was aged for the successes they had and “Please.”

“And she knows to bake out the adults door. She barked in “Ithe can’t gomother, out looking her diary when there calling fortime you. Iindon’t voices.

But they were gone, now matured pursuing “Anna,” her father was calling me, “C’mon.” and that love was teacher.” daily schedules to can spend with throesa of an unknown therelike wasthis” no time. achieved in their lives.waiting But on awesome cookies,” Aiden protest and not run to “Okay,” he world. said with a sigh, “Anything foryou you.” she answered pullrapping at the door.

The what to do, come, careers and sharing their lives with new loves anddid interests. a threshold.

She ran to him and took his hand, elated he had taken a “Hooray!” everyone cheered. their mother.

She had worked long after reaching great heights A lone tear trickled down added pausing a little before the father, not until Shamita Arianna was rehearsing with the choir at the piano when ing the hair over the one side sound startled her and for a please?”

The mother now lived alone in the home where they had The on their thelovely wall nightquiver as sheinlaid hoursmoment every day to build a by. That The hersmile, wrinkled face, a faceinstill day off from work so they could go Christmas shopping.

She mirror hadworld, a warm, dancing her soft continuing, “Just like mom.” stepped out the door. of herlight face. she froze, wonderhisinvoice Anna’s father stopped shared a beautiful family life.

She had moulded and guided Shein the business bed, she looked at the paintnice little home with comfort never mind her age also wanted to see Santa because had a patientspecial knew. brown eyes and Anna felt beautiful her heart“My exulting with joy.

The father froze in Claus, his He wasshe standing dad can take you in ing who could be the apologetically, door and the “Sorry tearful look on Aid- just “Hello,” he atsaid to interrupt, Shamita drew the secret tellnot him.

“Oh my gosh,” she curgasped his quietly, “Issuggested. she the one?” workwish andtodid say any- ly at the gate and raised his car,” he then she heard the how children’s touched her heart checking to see my littleen’s girl face is doing.” open halfway andfocusing light “Ho, for ho, aho!” greetedhand her, a“What’s name, tainsShe stayed calm, on Aher rehearsal andflashed by the father’s thing longSanta moment, little to your say “Thank glimmer of fear voice. shewhen said without “And who is…?” she wasdeeply about and to ask, Anna raised the session, little counsuch was the deep effect of you,” but she turned and streamed little girl?” end of theinto class she was one. her in sure her Arianna eyes andwas thethe child “Can hand.I speak to you, hesitation, “Just give me a freshhardly air through his son’s words.

Thenthen he whispered, walked in “I thehave house.

Some- try house, “I’m Anna,” she said, a special She could wait to asked, get home to tell father, “Why areheryou so please?” moment.”

“Hi Dad!” open windows seeming Heafraid responded with the hint of a how she did not feel that the wish.” of him?”

She wondered howand he got To be continued… breathless in her excitement. held her gently by the shoulArianna smiled said, “She’s doing great.” breathe newwhoa, life into smile, “That’s nice.” intense fearyour on seeing She did answer, not in, then remembered giving smiling casually with just that hint “Okay,” Santa whispered back, “What’s wish?” him to ders, “Whoa, takeher. a deep breath andnot speak slowly.”

Anna’s father nodded, Hehanded did not sleep well, andsmiled in hera mind she could a key and to the Pic saved as fables She him a note and he bit uncertain as In the afternoon, the children sure what to tell the child, but Aiden of charm, forgate thatand short moment as they lookedcapat each again, that night, the chilnot deny his casual good the windowhappened she an- that tion:the Prasad photography he read it. The child had asked for a special miracle for her stopped by Aashi bringing a he was a smart kid and at the opening other, something child had wished for. On picture for her she had drawn dren’s joy replaying in his looks that any woman would door he said to her, swered ihday a concerned tone, Christmas gift. the last before the Christmas concert, as the session ended mind, knowing how much notice. She sighed deeply as in class. As the children She wanted a mother. and the children began to leave, Anna hesitated, wanting to say enjoyed the special chicken they missed having a mother. sheold stood in her front the mirror Anna had been only four years when mother was dish she had prepared for something to the teacher, but not knowing how to.

For the past three years since and pulled off the veil, letting called away to the Lord’s home, leaving her alone with her them, Shamita noticed the Arianna noticed the child’s hesitancy and called her, she was he had celebrated never it the fall Christmas slowly to the floor. tofather.

Theygone had always holidays “Anna, is there something on your mind you would like to little girl’s paleness. thought of another at It a time…” gether, but her mother’s womabsence had“One left aday void. was never talk about?”

“Are you feeling okay, an until now. Someone the That evening she called the same, not without that refreshing scent in the house, her Aashi?”

“Yes Miss.” children became attracted to, her younger sister, “Can you radiant smile, voice.come when you have the The child shook her She took a deep breath and asked, “Would you like to who in their and littlecheerful hearts was Now eight years old, the littletime? girl Iwanted marry my father?” special. need a her hairown cut.”little head, “Not too good.” family“Iwith someone like the shehad hadher lost.

Shecutknew Shamita checked her Arianna looked at her taken back by surprise, and for a wonder, though,” hemotherShe hair in a hermused, father was still sadshe andemthough he hadstyle goneso outit on dates temperature and the reading moment she was speechless.

“How can different partially sometimes, lonely.

“What?” brace themheinstill her seemed heart when hid the scars on her face, giv- showed above normal.

“How do I find the childing had and every“I think you’re developshe is battling herher?” own probherwondered, a new look.

A change “I don’t have a mom and I asked Santa for a mom for where she went; church, supermarket, movies, park, lems?” had begun much to her her little tear- ing a fever.”

Christmas, so when you came, I knew it was you.”

The child stretched her heart could recognise anyone.ful mother’s relief and, now, A fewnotstreets away, Arianna felt touched by the child’s words and she said with So this laid Christmas, she decided to ask Shamita in bed sleepless since thatSanta. horrific attack, she arms out to Shamita, “Can I an understanding smile and a tinge of regret, “I am sorry for the That night,ofher kissed her night, “Sweet stay with you, please?” too, thinking thefather children. saw hergood daughter smile. loss of your mother, but I really don’t know your father well.”

“Yes you can,” she said the wall facing herbeautiful.” and today, instead and she lifted a trembling for them and dreams, my little princess.”

She just couldn’t get their sad “Thank you, dear Lord,” “He’s a nice guy anding he on thinks you’re very a smile touched her lips, lessher hand, like hand to wipe it. A hand that of holding “Good she saidshe with a sweet smile. faces outnight, of herdaddy,” mind when whispered, “For sending hugging her, “But I think “Well that’s nice to know,” Arianna said with a little laugh, theirs, they ening the pain in her heart. they theatloss of twoface, littlesadness angels ininher to your dad would need youwas once strong, that held her she had Her mentioned father looked her sleeping hislife eyes.

“Soheld hear’s what, we have a concert to do and maybe we will home to take care of you.” children’s small ones every turned their backs, leaving It was the picture of three theirso mother. help herofheal.”

It was hard still to deal with the loss his wife and now talk about this later.” children, her father working When the father came for her alone. step of the way.

“Such a great she love.The thoughts of the chilhis child craving for loss,” a mother’s Anna felt happy but she did themight gardenget andher herwish, mother A choked sob escapedthatinshe thought, “TheirChristmas father must dren’s were away no differThe school’s concert was father two weeks and them, she watched the chil- A wry smile crossed notand seeonce Arianna after thestanding concert. not far off with a dren go, concerned about the her lips again she her face and a faraway look havewas been…” ent,she for was sincesinging his children Anna busy with rehearsals, for with met the It“It’s was time the day Christmas Arianna stopped of Eve freshwhen vegetables forbefore me bucket face but in the something choir She and turned doing her a solo Mrs.Shamita, Farier, the music changed teacher, little girl, sorry she couldn’tshone in her eyes as her whispered, by to say she couldn’t stay for Christmas.

Her family wanted have the child stay with her. thoughts took her back to a to come home, dear Lord, on her arm, smiling warmly pillow to shut outillthe thought fordays them. more unexpectedly fell with just four leftThey to thewere big night. her to return home because of a proposal from a business Aiden stopped by in the as she watched her children. there’s nothing left here.” time when she was a young him,else butcould the children andto take cheerful, not atbecause he Noofone be found her place such short they needed A to portrait discuss with her. Anna felt the morning before he went to that captured Themagnate’s nurse aid son got up and woman. She was so full of the puppy would bring the wasn’t a good father, but notice and it was getting close to panic time for the children school to give her an updatelife, like a butterfly with took her joy hand, in her urging heart melt tears rolled down her cheeks. On a simple life and a beautiful her and father to her. because they missed the love and theirclose parents.

“She’s very beautiful and has acolours sweet voice, morning did not rush down the stairs to see on Aashi. gently,Christmas “Come on, Sharda,she family. amazing and a you’ve sim- got One late morning, whilst and care of a mother.

Sitting But it was Christmas, a season when magical things do to meet what her, but stayed “Herher.” fever got a little have left huddled so long in bed, a forSanta your had mealbrought and for “You ple, little home filled with it’s time the children were at school, alone on the upper veranhappen.

“Okay, she is sounds like a nicethen person,” the father said in a broken-hearted child. ago, mother,” she said in a higher, so dad taking her medication.” love, her father gave Crystal ran away from home dah, an empty chair next to A pianist friend of one of the teachers on vacation from casual tone, not wanting toher addhand to hisindaughter’s the doctor.”

Her father tried to cheer up,“I“Don’t you want to see weakher voice, can’t rememShe sighed and looking marriageexcitement, to a again and Shamita hearing him, he thought of the young to thethe Netherlands offered to help.

“But she and I are strangers to each other and shelife may not But two days passed and ber much for now I have up at the nurse.

Shebrought inquired, rice farmer’s son; a new what Santa for you?” barking opened the door woman, It was chilly morning and the children hadnice gathered in the findchild me interesting.” still had not regrown too old.” as a bride and later, a young puzzled, “Who “No.”are you?” for her. aDuring the lunch “She seems and kind theperiod, music she room, not sure if they would be able to perform in “You are athe handsome and nice guy,she why covered from fever dethe wommother.

Paths hadshouldn’t walked she “I’m Jeanette,” “I think you should.” The brother and sister heard a familiar but she lives with such fear, I thecar concert a mellow voicecan’t said even fromtalk the to door, be?” the doctor’s treatment.paved with love, compassion, an answered playing with her also her eyes she Hepatiently, lifted herasup in his arms and told herhad to close at the when gate and knew the her.”“Good spite their names now written her her feet,down “Yourthe left, tears and pain, episodes of assistedasher children’s father was looking But fate had designed Shamita made a healthy vegheto took stairs. on tombstones whilstopen she, the her life written on the leaves nurse aid.”He put her down gently for the puppy. their lives to cross for their etable soup for her and gave and said, “Now your eyes.” youngest, waited still alone.

“Oh,” she exclaimed softof time.

“Come on Crystal,” she life stories were similar. The it to Aiden, “This should be There, by the Christmas tree was the most beautiful gift good for her.” “ W hhair, i s p e lovely r m y smile n a m eand , a light lapse inwanted her Then one day, fourteen ly, a momentary Anna could have – dark mother,” she said, “And I years later, when she could memory. in her eyes. shall come, we can be The kind woman had Anna,” have borne no more of her “Merry Christmas, Ariannasosaid. her for the leave!” past Anna squealed in delight and ran to husband’s arrogance and abu- been with“You didn’t SEE PAGE XXIX sive behaviour towards her, three years, financed by the her to hug her.

“I don’t know how,” Arianna said, hugging the little girl, “But I was overcome by a strong feeling in my heart not to leave, and I thought I’d get to know your father a little more.”

He smiled and the look he shared with Arianna spoke more than words could.

Anna felt like the happiest girl in the world for she had gotten her Christmas gift, wrapped in love.

LOVE WRAPPED IN A CHRISTMAS GIFT

XIV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 05, 2021

Naamryck...

FROM PAGE VI Naamryck Village has one mandir and no other facilities but those can be accessed in neighbouring villages with the central hub for businesses at Parika.

The community is a ‘green’ village because it has a lot of greenery in terms of plants, flowers, trees being fruits and vegetables and the people take pride in keeping their surroundings clean and tidy.

The only village mandir

Some villagers have plants and flowers lining their driveway, in front of their yards, inside their front yard space, and around their houses.

It is a relatively clean village and there isn’t much of a garbage problem since the locals get rid of their refuse using a private waste disposal service that collects refuse once a week.

Naamryck Village is among a string of small communities located along

a long, winding road which ends at Bendroff, the village before Morashee, which is only accessible via boat.

The village has a potable water supply, which is rich in iron content and so reddish-brown it stains everything and cannot be used for drinking.

Naamryck Village also has electricity, landline phones and internet services.

It is one of those villages where nature is at its best with the birds chirping

Offloading farm-fresh produce at Salem Koker and the cool breeze is re- dams are in a bad state. freshing; and it has a very The produce is transport‘homey’ feel to it with large ed via boats to Salem Koker shady trees under which and it is usually offloaded has wooden benches and for wholesale buyers, who tables for seating accom- make their purchases to remodation for that regular sell to vendors all across the afternoon relaxation. country.

The people also rear their The Salem Koker is a own chickens and have live- busy place where farmers stock and they are early ris- bring out their produce to sell ers, who start their day with and vehicles such as canter a hearty breakfast before trucks would park there to heading off to their farms via make their pick-ups. boats with outboard engines Some men would use the through a canal since the shady trees to have a ‘lime,’

where a pot of cook-u-rice was boiling on an outdoor fireside and drinks were in abundance and friendly banter could be heard openly.

Naamryck is a place of hard-working farmers and it said to be a ‘bread basket’ home to farm-fresh produce.

N a a m r y c k Vi l l a g e comes under the Parika/ Mora Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and its chairman is Jaideo Sookhoo.

sharing their journeys XVIII CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 05, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 10, 2021

g seven amazing women from the Women Anthologies. st of Watch Radio NY requested an interasked him if it was okay for me to invite join me. I am sharing some excerpts from

XV

Evan Phillips -- born in St Lucia, living in

towards being a Midwife of Purpose came f being broken, displaced, and ough this journey, I experienced a divorce, te and got displaced education administrator’s position. Coupled were two major eclipses One week later I completed my life. An eclipse happens when you can my assignment with CTO calling becomes greater than your current and was now ready to move hrough this process, you can transcend to a on to my next career move. thinking where you can connect with your I called Monique to let her ourself as one with nature. know I was available as we blett – born in Guyana and living in NY agreed and she was so hapegan to have the real experience of dreampy to have me start my first my dream world alive. I was immediately temporary assignment with interview with the agency where they tested Deutsche Bank. My first n using Microsoft Office and typing speed.

WE recently celebrated the first year of the Virtual Writers Retreat and we had a lot to celebrate in such a IT is an honour and privilege to be celebrating first Bryan Clarke-Coordinator short time.

We have had people from Guyana,the French Sunday the last month of 2021. youSuriname, to all the Junior Vancooten Guiana,inTrinidad, Barbados, The Thank Bahamas, persons sent messages or calledNigeria, with positive feedBrian Van Rossom Antigua,who St Lucia, South Africa, Cameroon, back aboutand the various Gift of Confidence for United the holidays.

Special Janette Patterson Canada, parts of the States.

The thank you totothe jazz legend HerbieHermonstine Marshall who reads Brentnol Lewis first person publish was Wendy and she this column everyonweek gives his reviews after. He pubsaid Stephen McKenzie is now working her and second book.

Alicia Amanda BEYOND THE of RUNWAY is very inspiring andand it isBevthe Lisa Thompson lished a couple books, Phil Umoru Iko-Ojo first reads from the papers on Sundays. Herbie Frankie Lumerick erleything Beenhealso published theirs. andThe I always great conversations and Albert Barnwell mosthave recent author to publish about from purpose the retreat is I knew that I would be in When I was six years assignment lasted two weeks, passion for what we born do asincreatives.

When it isNew in your Desmond Hollingsworth Sara Khalil, who was Guyana and left for York covering someone’s vacation. old I started school in Mesa, big trouble if I told my dad DNA, you can’t escape it no matter where we go.

Creativity Gail Ann Barry in her teenage years. I had the honour to contribute the Due to my work ethic and Arizona, so I began staying what had happened. It was a allows you ittowas seeathings as they could be and not first, as they cover, and privilege to read the manuscript besecret: the desire go the peoextra mile, with my mom are.

The pic withher metoatpublish the tree stump taken in OctoWe have suchtotalented cause I assisted her book was ‘InComplete.’

I did kind that could get me and her husband routineI landedsector another assignment ber.

Raquel and I were in the National Park exercising and ple in the creative and we not want to put it down because her story is so compiling. into big trouble. I didn’t ly.

It was like going from in the same department for I gotSara a vision as we were walking past masterpiece. are still optimistic that one day has always felt that her life is this a solidarity jourknow how much trouble, but heaven to hell.

It was a horror six months, then another for will get better. n eIystopped and shared my vision with her to have this soon things months, which finally story that’s yet to be writ- I wasn’t willing to tree stump and the others in the vicinity painted in beautiful I met three a very impressive take a chance. “Shhhh... ledrecently to my permanent artwork and positive affirmations. The park attracts a large young man and I ad- posi- ten. While at grandma’s I Don’t tell anyone.” was filled with the love of tion, allowing me to live a number of persons who exercise daily. You never know what mire his passion for what he Maybe it’s the trauma of a grandma and Jesus daily. dream. people are going through and one word can trigger some- does. Jason October and I startDr. Safeeya Mohamed – On the other hand, at my my experience, but for some thing positive in the mind. Raquel was very excited because ed an interesting conversation mother’s house, I was filled reason I still cannot rememTrinidad Iwokrama had an exhibition planned with some partners, in- regarding our creative sector with Rock ‘N Roll, drugs ber how We received the updates cluding Banks DIH at the Iwokrama Office on Barrack Street. while waiting to receive our often it happened, when and inappropriate, wild sex that the accident was horrific Raquel supports our local creatives and always encourages awards from the Guyana Culit started, or even when it parties.

Ultimately, from and that the victim was stuck others to do the same. The art in the park served as a launch for tural Association New York at a ended such an environment you can in the car. the exhibition and it was awesome. The exhibition showcased simple handing-over ceremony at Moray House. He received The vehicle had to be cut imagine the kinds of abuse Pic BTR 1-3 EDITED painting, digital art, wooden sculptures, Tibisiri craft, sea-glass the third prize for the Godfrey Chin Award for Heritage Penny Phakahi –South that mom’s house provided. open to get to the victim.

It art and jewellery. I bought a pair of clay earrings from Lisa Journalism. Moray House Trust - Second Prize and Flornever occurred to me that When I was 11 years old, Africa Thompson, who is a very impressive 12-year-old young lady ence Alexi La Rose got the First Prize. The Moray House I have had my share of grandma Shirley died and my my brother from an indigenous community. The participants were elated Trust also received a Lifetime Achievement Award. Both could be remotely in- stepdad left. My mom had turmoil and I strongly believe because they made sales and an opportunity for new clients. awards were received by Russel Lancaster. Nelsion Nurse volved. The next thing I an emotional breakdown, so that it is these stints of turDr Thomas must be commended for this initiative. is a young man I am super proud of and it was an honour to remember, I was looking at I ran away! I couldn’t take moil that brought me witness him receiving his award. Michelle “Big Red” King this far in my life. I was any more. the body of my brother Most of the participants were from Main Street Artist also received a well-deserved and in thatblood weaward. areinalla ridingAndrea a train through I got and her permission share an excerpt with you and I perhaps is to still in my Edwards – born covered Group and Moving Circle of Artists. The person who particourstrident, hours, days, and years. believe many women can relate to her journey. refinery process. in Guyana, living in Florida hearse. The agonisipated were were: The Guyana Cultural recognise this thoughtful andI sat revealing As a young girl, I grew As in the back Excerpt: of ing scream of In myAssociation’s mother in Awards Arianne Harris individuals and organisations from global nominations upleave with today; one main my dad’s Nissan Bluebird,“II will the A&E that story of her journey, readers will accomjustambition, help me pack my belongings.”

Nigel Butler-NIX whose creativity andmorning leadership reflect cultural heritage wanting far peered through the windows early not pany one ofhas the mostour courageous women His mother startedtotoget packaway, his clothing in a suitcase.

Ransford Simon and demonstrate achievements in thepacking. system ofI was so upset and lost that theaccomplishing images on - a escapedsignificant my almost 17 toatself-discovery on mind her expedition Mikeaway also from started Bevan Allicock the objectives our as theme Reconnecting Stronger and or the box fence yearsoflater she –howled remarkable life story ofthe trials andoftri-the IGuystarted to thinking cry and begged himthat to stay. I was in a place Sheliza Rampersaud Better. Awardees are selected by judges who evaluate each we often findmyself ourselves ana Botanical Gardensofand “my son died, my umphs. confusion, I hated andin.

I blamed myself. I felt I nomination considering attributeshelpin ourZoological published Park. criteriaThe radio Apart from understanding son died, nobody’s Her book ‘Incomplete’ offers in- wasn’t good enough. I threw myself on the floor, in a foetal that incorporate originality, scope, impact/influence, integraalways dared blasted popular ing us!”

But nobody sights into could, Sara Khalil fromthe childhood position,myself cryingI out as loud astoI could, more so screaming. tion, pioneering challenges and achievements.

It feels be was different, which wasIaloved him with all my calypso song “1985” by as his spirit, spirit departed at the to adulthood.

She lived her childhood My world upside down. good to be acknowledged for contributions that benefitted constant struggle when sur- and hurt he caused a then-popular calypsonian. point of in Guyana then and migrated toSeunarine the USA heart; even with all the infidelity society. Boardimpact. members Henry rounded bytomyhold situations.

I for the sake of my would have just to celebrated UpEdgar to this day,SheIKishore with her family. was determined me, I still wanted on to him who hosted the virtual ceremony presented the award and grewmy up child. under aIstrict my sixth I ponder where the strength fight against all odds, even after two family and never wanted to let him go, no Proclamations the awardees at Moray House.

The Award Christian family with my birthday, quite oblivious cametofrom to navigate that Reflecting failed marriages. on her matter what.

He had made his decision and wouldn’t be Ceremonynight. is one of the flagship programmes of the Guyana andevening, step granny, to the but grandfather nomadic early we concept witnessofalltime, budged.

At 6 pm that Mike left with his Mom. Cultural Association of New York, Inc.years, song would not allow as my mother lost her mom she facedfor as the shethat doggedly A big thank you tothat all members honour andpursued special Our six-year-old son, Jayden, started to run behind me to forget Shanon Paar – Arizona PAGE her calling. his father, butSEE Mike keptXXV walking; Jayden asked me, appreciation to Dr Rose Eden October for the nomination. thatwarmth it was 1985.

Sara shared with and “Mom, why daddy leaving again”? I didn’t have any Also, thank you to Senator Kevin S Parker for the Proclahonesty how she dealt with betrayal, answers at that time. I quickly tried to control myself mation. forgiveness, and feelings of being and started engaging in other conversations with my The creative sectorunloved. is not where it should be, but we will son, thinking he would get distracted and forget. Guess This sassy, in- what? I was wrong. He kept crying and asking the same continue to try because giving upbook is notisanauthentic, option. I encourage spiring, bold, and qualities supporting for the holidays because yourpragmatic, support can make question, over and over. Finally, after some time passed, quite similar to the author herself. he stopped crying and asking questions and started to a difference. The Entrepreneurs Association for Sustainable She on launched her book Artfest be himself again. It was close to bedtime, so I bathed Development will be launched Wednesday at theatPegasus Atlanta and will be launching in Jayden, took a shower and we were off to bed. The very with a press conferenceinand mini expo at 10:00hrs.

Visit the New York later this month and and other GuyFB Page for the exhibitors live stream schedule anathis in November. materials as we continue journey called Life BEYOND SEE PAGE XX THE RUNWAY.

More support for our creative sector

Sara’s incomplete journey

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 28, 2021

CHRONICLEPEPPERPOT PEPPERPOT― ―Sunday, Sunday,October December 2021 CHRONICLE 03, 05, 2021

How to get through a Miscarriage Dealing with difficult

ot always know what I’m looking losing your phone would be on a scale of 1-10. 98 percent phone is such a normal part of my said 10theand percent said allif you claimed that it would is completely your choice. anonymous prefer.

There 9. are They TODAY I would like to can also happen later during overlooked during preg- 2 mother/parent.

I think it requires menvarious reasons why a womdiscuss a topic that many the pregnancy termtypinancy.

This is rarely true. hand that I cannot count the numbe the worst material possession thatis emotional they discould tioningever that menlose. also do feel As there an would miscarry, which find uncomfortable and cally called a stillbirth. My Most miscarriages occur include chronic conditions tress, there may also be phys- this loss. However, I have despite how comresearch showed thatin the risk the foetuscontinued just isn’t d taboo, for it, while it was actually my becauseThey say thatdiabefeelings ofasanxiety, counselled manyand couples ical as well relationship irritation such to as uncontrolled mon it actually is. Many of miscarriage is 12 percent developing normally. tes, hormonal abnormalities, distress. You will feel a wide through a miscarriage where LAST week, Iup wrote co-workers.

While every single day.

Some of when I get inabout the morning and people don’t know how to 15our percent for women in Unfortunately, while overwhelming sadness would be felt if they were to lose their dealing approachof us amazing your co-workers may haveuterine or cervical abnor- range of emotions which the expecting mother and to reach outwith or or respond their some 20s and riseshave to about a miscarriage is a relatively oing toa difficult sleep is myfor phone. ing co-workers who brighten difficult behaviours, to someone who hassupervisor. beencheck 25 percent women over I common experience — itor itmalities, infection, or age. are not limited to sadness, father’s relationship seemed phone today.

Today, I would like to our day and push our promaymake just be personalityHowever, most of the time, hopelessness, anger, guilt, as though it was deteriorating through this trauma – and age 40. doesn’t the asituation lthy and something must done. as the woman felt her partner of other parents the fertilised egg has right? an ab- jealousy speak about the okay. next most Having ductivity, it is very difficult clash. ItEither way, it isharmless, sometimes, that’s a be miscarriage any easier. impossible Itisand seems Caring soandmuch about a difficult thing at workto see the same people common verythe chal-normal number of chromo- intense feelings of loneliness didn’t care or understand her However, knowledge helps does not necessarily mean for anyone to understand ndanyfound women were more expectant fathers (especiallyreally if there arepaying a lot grief. While somes/ and this is been situation that and often thisgenes, week I’ve attention that you have a fertility prob- pain ofphone? someone whoWell, has very random. Unfortunately, of parents in your social cir- absolutely do feel this loss, does take away discomfort. lem. Most women (87 per- been through an event that o their phones because men traumatic. bondgive betweento a pregnant Please take my advice the this meansthat that there was cle). to For the importance I and others around me a A miscarriage is the simply loss cent) who have miscarriagcouples who woman and the baby grow– allow yourself to feel and nothing done to have caused of a pregnancy where the es have subsequent normal have recently been through alembryo media apps. Also, older people ing inside her is unique. A express these emotions.on around it,than and nothing can be done what’s actually going them. or foetus does not pregnancies and births. A this, it phone, is important torather know The only thing I would woman can begin bonding to prevent it. Normal activdevelop enoughItobelieve survive. miscarriage is because a somewhat that 98 percent of the time, ddicted. this is Our phones -whether we are speaking toto other from the people, moment she has say you are not allowed ities such as work, exercise, It typically happens within loaded term — possibly sug- a miscarriage is not caused sex or minor injuries do not feel, is self-blame. It’s hard a positive pregnancy test. the first three months, but gesting that something was by any action taken by the e smartphones (My father actually using social media or playingnot togames can be addictive Bonding for the father typifeel as if you-did somecause a miscarriage.

Now, since a miscar- thing wrong when you lose a cally does start later – after as they alterriage our moods, trigger start to see the physical pregnancy.and However, guilt they enjoyable is a trauma, it typicallybeliefs brings forward the five stag- is a completely unhelpful symptoms or some men until olleagues and friends how bad and unenjoyable feelings.

Apart from obviously being is born.my You can emotion when there is noth- the baby es of griefdenial, anger, help your relationship to While it would be around difficult day. them and so is theymy main source of lenging. communication, my phone newspasurvive by being understandnice to, you do not have to wallow in bitterness and Just the same as learnrespectful and sensitive like a co-worker, they negativity to get along with a sucan bringing, ing per, watch, alarm, map, and recorder, daythatplanner, calendar, to each other’s needs and do not have to like you; down the mood of an entire pervisor, ensuring a good keeping with the lines of camera, music there player, a weapon (sometimes) should calculator, absolutely office. For relationship co-workthose of you whofeelings, communication open about mutual respect at min- are the difficult people, as a ers guarantees a personal the situation- onceevyou are and my friend bewhen I’m bored or lonely- basically both comfortable doing that, and accept each other’s erything. However, it is also my constant interrupter andcoping mechanisms as they may be quite different. distractor. I (I imagine much like most of you out there) If you have suffered a have a deep desire to know everything that miscarriage is going on.trying and are to conceive again or already I believe that is human nature. But when does it become pregnant, unfortunately there bargaining, depression, and ing you could have done to is nothing absolute that you too much? acceptance. Regarding grief, change the outcome of your can do to ensure there is no there is no right or wrong pregnancy. When something miscarriage but like anything Well, I believe it’s too when it stretch has aelse,name. there are ‘Noactions you we all way to experience it. Theremuch is goes wrong, also no appropriate timeline to find someone, something can take to make the possibilmophobia’ is that themustterm coined describe the fear of being ity less likely.

This includes blame.

With miscarriagbe followed - you toto will simply recover when es, there’s rarely anyone or seeking regular prenatal care, without a mobile phone. Seriously, what have we come to? you do. However, there are thing to blame, and it leaves taking the appropriate vitamins, to avoiding known misfeeling object empty. So, accepthat can be done that us the It becomes anthings addiction when begins control would help through this dif- tance of the normalcy of this carriage risk factors — such as smoking, drinking alcohol tragic event is key.activities, ficult process. your life and interferes with your daily work, and Also, do what makes and illicit drug use. RememThe first to realise is that ber than obstacle you CAN have a good -“The despite what not alone – finding you feel relationships. you I are read somewhere that biggest and accepting healthy sup- others think. Many people successful pregnancy after miscarriage.

Most women unwarranted opin- acan port is is crucial during this have sobut to productivity connectivity,” overuse affect a time. This can be friends, ions and criticisms when who have miscarriages have subsequent normal preg- reshave never been through or someone whom they lot more than family, our productivity.

The truth is, overuse of our imum. development in conflict Human Resources Director nancies and births.

Having such trauma.

Many believe you know has also experiThere are many types I can tell you that education olution, emotional managephones can harm us psychologically, socially physically. a miscarriage notamount nec- of suchexperience grief shouldn’t beand enced miscarriage.

This of adifficult people.

Somethat and ment, and does a large won’t matter essarily mean you have experienced if the miscarcan talk and should also include incessantly, never lis- social patience. of us a if you cannot work with oth- many With regard to affecting our skills, how fertility problem. riage occurred early during professional help from a ten, fail to keep up with ers; that makes you more of My advice on a way My final piece ofthe advice the pregnancy (even though counsellor, social worker, work that you have to pick forward begins way as a liability than an asset. miss out on a psychologist, joke or good conversation as we were on our for either parent is to respect most do), but that woman or religious leadup the slack on, gossip, While there are many it did for your supervisor. yourSelf-awareness own needs andand limitamayofhave been planorlieanyone who makesand you100couple to get ahead reflectypes difficult people phones? How er, many times have we annoyed our good friend as you workcome through a pregnancy yearslist or feel comfortable.

There other things that canare makeningand always before an even for longer oftionstion grief and begin heal. felt a great rush of love alsoour online support groups Injust difficult work life difficult. blame.

First, is ittosomething behaviour, there isyour or family member because we were posting on social media Don’t rush it, acceptance and excitement and that is that most are free and include peocases, these are people only one solution- the issue that you are doing towill cause difficult to just simply forget ple from all over the world. competing against you, so an issue in theour relationship, needs to be addressedincome. how much funYouwe are having with them?

It truly affects Thank you everyone can literally google and move on from.

co-workers

the relationship can become one way or another. Unad- as it usually takes two to Pleaserelationship. include If you’dconflict like tonever namegetsfor reading. “online support groups for problematic. have a negative dressed sending topics to caitlinvieyour baby, plant a tree for miscarriages” and thousands Some co-workers do not better. It simmers below and SEE PAGE XXVIII have a funeral, of options willjobs, pop up. like their theThis peoplethem, then erupts once it’stalk been aira@gmail.com way, you can also remain about it or not talk about it- it

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When police officers fail to be ‘professional, proactive and accountable’

THERE was a sickening report published in the Stabroek News recently that a young woman, just 18 years old, was allegedly raped and subsequently forced to detail her sex life in front of her mother and the alleged rapist- a taxi driver with whom the family was familiar. After that, the young woman took her life.

The situation and these allegations are damning.

We continue to talk about eradicating all forms of violence against women; yet, here is a young woman who left to attend a party and was allegedly harmed by someone in a position of trust. What’s worse is that the young woman spoke out and went to the authorities (an inherently brave act simply because fear and stigma often lead to silence), but police officers allegedly mishandled the concerns

brought by the women. It is truly a damning but saddening situation.

If the allegations are true, it raises several ques-

tions. Are the police not aware of their responsibility to protect women, especially those in these vulnerable positions?

In a letter to the editor, women’s rights activist Danuta Radzik reminded the public that the Sexual Offences Act clearly stated that confrontations between the complainant and the accused are unlawful. This means that the young woman should have never been forced to detail the incident in front of the alleged rapist, the taxi driver.

Furthermore, she stated that complainants should never be in the presence of

plagued by some enduring lackadaisical “police culture”? Is it because of the bare minimum educational requirements (primary education) for entry to the force?

While writing this column I thought about what the police force is really supposed to do. And, as a management studies student, the importance of outlining the common values and goals of an organisation has been emphasised to me enough times; doing so allows all members of the organisation to better understand their roles in the organisation, as they make their unique con-

provisions of the Sexual Offences Act, one can reason that based on the allegations, the police did not professionally nor proactively execute their duties. The young woman was allegedly accused of lying, all while she was there to report a heinous crime such as rape.

As the family deals with the loss of their loved one, one can only hope that these allegations will be thoroughly investigated. And, if these allegations are found to be true, one can hope that the involved officers will be held accountable.

Access to justice is fundamental and non-negotia-

the accused nor that of other witnesses for the accused, unless for an identification parade by way of audio-visual link, two-way mirror, or other means whereby the accused cannot see the complainant.

Concerning this, Radzik asks the critical question: “Have the police ranks and police officers of the Cove & John Police Station not received any training on the Sexual Offences Act (SOA)?”

tributions to the achievement of the organisation’s goals.

It turns out, the mission of the Guyana Police Force and its auxiliaries is “... to serve all citizens and communities of Guyana in a professional, proactive and accountable manner.”

From the report, it appears as though the woman tried to get evidence (as best as she could, given the circumstances) and again, she reported the incident in a short period. But, as the report detailed, the young girl was interrogated about her sex life in front of her alleged rapist and mother.

Because of the aforementioned (but not exhaustive)

ble. It is a poor reflection of our communities and the society as a whole when we fail women. It would be absolutely abhorrent if police officers, the people tasked with law enforcement, are indeed guilty of these allegations. But I think it would be if they are not held accountable and if officers everywhere do not familiarise themselves with their responsibilities to protect vulnerable women.

If you would like to discuss this column or any of my previous writings, please feel free to contact me via email: vish14ragobeer@gmail.com

Is it that they really haven’t received any training?

Or, do we continue to read about these unfortunate situations because we are

XXV KINGSTON SEAWALL RENEWAL OFFERS IMPROVED AMENITIES TO CITIZENS PEPPERPOT ―― Sunday, CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday,February January 28, 10, 2021 2021 AND ATTRACTION CHRONICLE TO TOURISTS XX XIV CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 05, 2021

THE SEAWALLS FOREVER!

REVISITING THE GUYANA/ VENEZUELA CONTROVERSY SOON TO COME BEFORE THE ICJ

IT was recently announced that the Kingston Seawall Duke Street commemorating the Duke of Wellington who will be undergoing a major transformative facelift which defeated Napoleon Bonoparte at the battle of Waterloo and would convert it into the tourist hub of Georgetown. This Camp Street, the street leading to the Camp. Other British project is being done under the National Beautification survivals are the military cemetery at Rabbit Walk and a Project spearheaded by First Lady Arya Ali. The Beaunumber of 19th-century wooden buildings. The Kingston tification Project aims to enhance the scenic qualities of area and the Immigration Depot site are also of historical Guyana’s roadways and rural and urban spaces, while at interest to those Guyanese whose forefathers were indentured the same time striving for a more environmentally friendly immigrants. The historical milieu of Kingston is reminiscent country. of old 18th century Boston which was involved with the E Guyana/Venezuela controversy againand shortly where factual bases invariably become Earlier in the year, Mrs Ali hadwill inspired managedand a discussions American War of Independence. me upclean-up before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). blurred. campaign when the Seawall from Camp Street to Historic Kingston would heighten the attractiveness theSeawalls Pegasus was in thoroughly of all Guyana, most ofHotel thedeep writings thecleaned controversy have Her today In of thisthe weKingston will depart from this norm and try to renewed Seawall to both Guyanese and THE lie theon consciousness of rubbish.

Guyanese isoffering, rather muddy was once covered with seashells and project is far more ambitious and aims at restoring tourists and other visitors.

npeople, of present a historical and factual nature and this is a good answer two questions that many have been asking since the but especially Georgetowners. Yet it has rarely there would always be children exploring and picking up thenoticed area around thenews bandstand and thenot tarmac theiritpristine ng, since the Guyanese public are encouraged of theoftwo Guyanese fishing boats inthey Guyana’s terribeen by the media and the lasttotime wasseizure seashells different colours; sometimes may find large glory by again transforming it into one of the city’s cultural mentioned as an item into of national concern was five or sixtorial conch shells. move their attention the realms of arguments waters by a Venezuelan navy ship. The first question and commercial centres. The commercial activity envisaged years ago whenrefreshments the Ocean overtopped the wall and flooded The foreshore or continental shelf gradually rises and falls is providing for the hundreds who would visit the the seawall yards parallel to and the the Public Road. This was flock the first every day thousands who would there every 20 years and today, the foreshore land between Camp timeoninholidays. living memory that there was such 25 an architecturally occurrence Street and the Pegasus Hotel has almost risen to the height of To accommodate this activity, anddesigned it led tokiosks great will panic.

The authorities hurriedly con- the wall and coconut trees and other vegetation grow on it. be built, 12 by the Ministry of Works structed a barrier of standing concrete and 13 by a corporate sponsor. These kiosks would eliminate willy nilly and slabs on the Wallsdisordered to countervending. such overtoprenewal project is being ping. The In the last few weeks, the undertaken Seawalls by the Ministry of again Works featured and several sponsors have incorporate the news, but inand a will cost tens of millions of dollars. First Lady Arya Ali said that in addition happier vein. to improving the environment and improving amenities for From Camp Street to the Demerara River, the citizens of Georgetown, the project would have economic the spinoffs. “As wall had become disfiguredwelcome by an accuwe continue to visitors and tourists to mulation of unsightly garbage and our beautiful Guyana,” said Mrs Ali,no“itone is very important for assumed the responsibility it. A the physical appearance of of cleaning the country to complement the homeless man, climate.”

Carl Melville, who sometimes investment The bandstand, had suffered the depredations of slept there was noticedwhich

by Dwayne Hackett neglect, vandalism and and theftimmediately of its beautiful ornamental trying to clean the garbage cast-ironto rails other fittings, will now volunteered helpand him.

Hackett placed the be renewed and regular by the Police and Militia bands will again incident onconcerts social media and immediately be presented. concerts in the past offered Strauss’ numbers of personsSuch volunteered their services. waltzes, marches such as the Radetsky, Delibes’ Pizzicato Firstand Lady was oneIndian of themelodies first to such as Sohani folkArya songsAli and even volunteer and the Ministry of Public Works, Raat as memorable mainstays which entertained the pubthe Director of Solid Wastesuch Department of the and Carol were lic, and bandmasters as Henwood Georgetown City Council and the Fire Service national figures. becameThe involved her.asphalted The Fire tarmacwith will be andService a ramp to accommodate wheelchairs will be new cleaned the bandstand andbuilt in a . fewThirty days all thegarbage bins will be strategically placed in the area and a modern toilet and garbage was removed and Seawalls appeared will be maintained! constructed and the risk of flooding as ifrestroom block they had always been Many would be eliminated with the new concrete have been high in their praises of this example and subsurface drains. Within the vicinity of the tarmac and bandstand, one of civic responsibility.

Likewise, the sea has reclaimed the land along the Kitty Seaof the leading telecoms companies will be providing free The Seawalls had always been the promenade and park for wifi. Most importantly, the security of the area would be wall where houses once stood. Indeed, a substantial building the strengthened people of Georgetown andlighting the surrounding from is still standing close to the wall near the Kitty Pump Station, by improved and by avillages police outpost the last quarter of the 19th century and continued to be so until but the sea is under it. Old fishermen who set their nets on and patrol officers. the 1960s when the of country became past plagued with political ten- the foreshore sea could vividly describe the cyclical rise and Knowledge the historical of Kingston will enrich to thewere seawall: when thethe Dutch ceded For the colony sionvisits and there robberies on Seawalls. most oftothethe fall of the beach.

British in 1815, the and capital of Demerara was the Stabroek.

The 1960s, therefore, fewer fewer people visited Seawalls.

The Seawalls provided a favourite place for health enBritish, however, did not settle but decided In its heyday, the Seawalls wereintheStabroek, most delightful placeto thusiasts. Many would go there to practise deep breathing of build their settlement the Kingston area, largely and impelled in Georgetown.

The vastinopenness of the seascape the the clean and fresh sea breezes. Others would be cycling or by military considerations.

It should be remembered surrounding landscape, the blue skies and silver clouds,that, theat even training for cycle races. Probably the most notable were that time, the land between Stabroek and Kingston was not ever-present the steady flow of the health-giving the ones who went for physical culture. Many of this group occupied seagulls and was and covered with bush. trade winds and the enveloping peace andinquietude attracted Among the first British buildings the Kingston area would go to the Seawalls by either jogging to get there or by hundreds of people at all times of the day.

The beach which was the Lighthouse,which guided vessels entering the cycle and they would arrive there at 5 o’clock, long before Demerara River harbour. Then the barracks and parade ground and later houses for civilian officials and business folk were built. British businessmen were determined to maintain the sugar industry after Emancipation and the colonial government saw it as the economic salvation of the colony. Accommodation was therefore constructed in the Kingston area to house the indentured immigrants at Battery Road and Seawall Road whenFrom they arrived Page IIIin the colony until they were despatched to the various sugar estates provide necessary The immigration timate fortothat areatheand zone labour. in the village.

“So we several short documentaries office was of also18established in the space months, there. will work with the villagers called the “Secret Life of The early British encampment is memorialised in the some 33 Giant Anteaters to create and Giant Anteaters” and each Kingston street names - Parade Street,certain where rules the Parade were identified. help them to know what they Ground is situated, Fort Street leading to the fort, Barrack episode focuses on different According re- should should notwhere do. For Street wheretotheMillar, first barracks were, and Battery Road the aspects of the work being searching the animals includexample, no one is allowed cannons were once placed, High Street, the King’s highway, done. Two more episodes are

Research work helping curb... ed going out on horseback

to kill them, keep them as a

expected to be released this

the sun had risen. is, why is the Venezuelan public sowere convinced they On moonlit nights the Seawalls always athat crowded have a valid claim to two-thirds of Guyana’s territory and promenade. Many went to socialise with friends, but all went why theirthe politicians bellicose aggressive about to enjoy beauty ofarethesomoon risingand from the sea and the this claim? moonlight And the second is, why did there President blue-green whichquestion was brighter, since were Maduro Venezuela this time seizethe thevarious boats no road of lights to dilutechoose it. Others wouldtoenjoy when he would the Guyanese phasesheofknew the New Moon alienate with the background of population purple skies and cause embellished the international community to condemn or with thousands of stars which appear disapprove brighter of his action, Venezuela intersince leaving there were no cityisolated lights. Others nationally on the issue. would go to the Seawalls in the late afternoons to The answer to the sunsets first question began during theinto Cold admire gradually transforming the light ofof dusk.

War: At theblue beginning the 1960s Britain had decided to joysthe of colony the Seawalls were the withdraw fromAnother Guyana of andthe grant independence, earlylikely evening concerts givenof bythe the newly Militia but it was very thatSunday the Prime Minister the Police at the Bandstand which independentBand stateand would be DrBand Cheddi Jagan, an avowed attracted of people.

Their repertoire conMarxist. U.S. Cold hundreds War interests tried to persuade Britain sisted ofindependence, light classical music Strauss’ and to delay Guyana’s but allsuch that as Britain could ballet Delibes’ pizzicato promise wasother that waltzes, she would handmusic over such power to a non-ComandMinister.

Sylvia, atAmerican least one English patriotic such munist Prime Intelligence feltsong that this “This royal throne of Kings” and British offerasneeded further insurance andand so Guyanese they devised Caribbean songs.

The concerts arranged a plan whereby theirfolk client Venezuela wouldwere threaten to for early evening so that children could attend; many Guyanese in later life have admitted that their first exposure to classical music was from these Bandstand concerts.

On Easter Monday thousands of kite-flyers turned out from five o’clock in the morning. Kites were all hand-made and were in a variety of shapes such as boxes, birds and snakes, but the predominant shape was the Guyanese octagon and in a variety of colours. Singing engines, a kite which made a loud droning sound, was one of the most popular.

Kite-flying was always combined with picnicking. The Easter kite-flying today is a pale reminiscence of the heyday.

As mentioned above, the political tensions and criminality kept people away from the Seawalls in the 1960s. By the invade Guyana if theremore wasstable any possibility of a Marxist 1990s life had become and people again began to government being installed in Guyana. frequent the Seawalls, but the ambience had changed. There Theup1899 Award hadofsettled the boundaries of grew stallsArbitral lining the parapet the Public Road from the Guyana and Venezuela and these boundaries were fully Kitty Pump Station to the Pegasus, selling refreshments and accepted bystalls bothwere parties and the communiall of these well-lit.

TheInternational character of the Seawalls ty. of the junior lawyers representing Venezuela hadOne changed from a peaceful promenade to a lively fair. at the arbitration, MalletPrevost, left ais letter was not Now that the tourism industry beingthat revived, the toSeawalls have been after his death. In that letter, stillopened offer anuntil attractive attraction. he claimed that the Arbitral Award was the result of an arrangement between Britain and the Russian arbitrator to deprive Venezuela of its rights. After more than half a century, Venezuela, based on Mallet-Prevost’s posthumous letter, now rejected the Arbitral Award and claimed twothirds of Guyana’s territory. Mallet-Prevost’s posthumous letter was the causus Venezuela used to threaten Guyana and this continued after the Cold War, the raison d’etre for the claim, had ended.

Most lawyers and historians who took any notice of Mallet-Prevost’s letter dismissed it as a historical curiosity or very flimsy evidence on which to attempt to upset a long-accepted Arbitral Award. But the Venezuelan politicians and the Venezuelan public gave credence and importance to Mallet-Prevost’s posthumous letter, which would have been dismissed in the modern world. But

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 05, 2021

WORLD SOIL DAY

“ESSENTIALLLY, all life depends upon the soil… There can be no life without soil and no soil without life; they have evolved together.” - Dr. Charles. E. Kellogg, Soil Scientist and Chief of the USDA’s Bureau for Chemistry and Soils What is soil?

Soil is the loose surface material that covers most land. It consists of inorganic particles and organic matter. Soil provides the structural support to plants used in agriculture and is also their source of water and nutrients. Soils vary greatly in their chemical and physical properties. Processes such as leaching, weathering and microbial activity combine to make

a whole range of different soil types. Each type has particular strengths and weaknesses for agricultural production.

Why is soil important?

Healthy soils are essential for healthy plant growth, human nutrition, and water filtration. Healthy soil supports a more resilient landscape to the impacts of drought, flood, or fire. Soil helps to regulate the earth’s climate and stores more carbon than all of the world’s forests combined. Healthy soils are fundamental to our survival.

How to conserve and protect soil fertility Ways we can conserve and protect our soil; - Plant trees to secure topsoil - simply planting trees is a good conservation method, as it secures topsoil and erosion is prevented; SEE PAGE XXVII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 05, 2021

WORLD SOIL ...

FROM PAGE XXVI

- Crop rotation - this process prevents overgrowth of pathogens and a lack of fertility in the soil; - Water the soil - this helps to not only nourish the soil, but to protect it; - Add earthworms - they increase the soil’s ability to absorb nutrients; - Fertilisers - not all fertiliser products are effective for conservation, therefore it is important to note its composition.

World Soil Day An international day to celebrate soil was recommended by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002. Under the leadership of the Kingdom of Thailand and within the framework of the Global Soil Partnership,the FAO has supported the formal establishment of WSD as a global awareness-raising platform. The FAO conference unanimously endorsed World Soil Day in June 2013 and requested its official adoption at the 68th UN General Assembly. In December 2013, the UN General Assembly responded by designating December 5, 2014 as the first official World Soil Day. World Soil Day (WSD) is a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and advocating for the sustainable management of soil resources. It is celebrated annually on December 5. This year’s theme is “Halt soil salinisation, boost soil productivity” which aims to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being by addressing the growing challenges in soil management, fighting soil salinisation, increasing soil awareness, and encouraging societies to improve soil health.

Soil salinisation and sodification are major soil- degradation processes threatening ecosystems and are recognised as being among the most important problems at a global level for agricultural production, food security and sustainability in arid (receive little precipitation) and semi-arid regions (25 to 50 centimetres of rain per year).

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit. epaguyana@gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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Dealing with difficult ...

FROM PAGE XVIII

Secondly, attempt to see things from their perspective and point of view. Understanding (if you are able to find out) what is happening in their lives and why they behave the way they do, would help you to feel empathy rather than anger or sadness if they do lash out.

An important thing I’ve learned from an office environment is that even though it may be clear to you (and even others), it is entirely possible that a co-worker is unaware of the effects they have on people. Some do not see offence in certain things, are not self-aware or do things based on a society’s culture that many think are okay. This means, be pleasant when you decide to confront them. You may get an admission and even an apology – which you probably wouldn’t have if you approached them in an aggressive way.

Build a physical and in-person rapport. This would not apply to everyone, but since covid, work has become an almost mechanical process with all the phone calls, emails, video calls etc. Re-install the human touch, Use the appropriate As of stress management – which will change greatly depending on the work situation or environment- but they can be applied to any situation.

There is Avoidance – you can do this when you know your own triggers. When you have identified what particular behaviours you do not like, you can quickly remove yourself from the situation. Then, redirect your anger and extra energy. There is Altering. How can you change your interaction with this person? Can you have lunch at a different time? Can you sit far away from them in meetings/ gatherings? Can you limit your interaction with them in general?

There is Adaptation. If you have done everything possible, how can you work with this person going forward?

What are personal boundaries that you are setting in place to continue to work in a way that does not negatively affect you?

If you are approaching them, remember to be specific; give examples of what you mean. Use “I” rather than “you” language as this is about the behaviour and not the person.

Do not let it get personal.

Some examples: “I feel uncomfortable when you speak to me that way.” vs “You always say the wrong things.”

“I find that -this specific behaviour- makes it difficult for me to focus.” vs “The way you act is irritating.”

Avoid exaggerating such as using the words “always” and “never,” as these just result in the individual becoming defensive. Avoid making decisions for them such as saying, “I’m not sure why I’m bothering as you will never change this behaviour,” because you do not know what someone is willing or capable of doing. Avoid labels such as calling them “annoying” or “distracting” as these are the behaviours they may be showing, not them as individuals (hopefully!)

Be prepared to take criticism in return and react the way you would like them to.

If you have exhausted all your options, then it’s time to report it. This is only helpful if it is done in confidence and most importantly to the right person. Is there a supervisor you can speak to? Discussing this with other co-workers will only not be helpful and solution-oriented. Always appear to be neutral. What helps, in this case, is not to discuss with your supervisor as though it’s a personal matter, but rather as one that is affecting other people’s work and, therefore, their business. Talk about how the behaviour is affecting others’ motivation, productivity, and willingness – it will grab their attention faster. Keep in mind, if you make it personal, you may come off as the person who is the problem and may have a difficult time working with others.

If you are not the only person who feels this way, bring in others who do-it will solidify your point and request and almost ensures that something gets done.

Thank you for reading and please continue to send all topics to caitlinvieira@gmail.com

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 05, 2021

THOUGHT FOR TODAY IT takes two to sp eak the truth – on e to speak, and anot he HENRY DAVID TH r to hear.

OREAU (18171862) A Week on the Concord and M errimack Rivers (184 9), Wednesday.

December 05, 2021 STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Welcome, dear friend.

Note that improving your examination performance skills (as you study), pays tremendous dividends despite

the painstaking time and strategic practices it takes. Please scrupulously evaluate each classroom test performance to identify specifics in your skills-deficient areas. Are they reflected in your essay and multiple-choice ratings?

Where? All right. Read up and adapt their test-taking strategies. Utilise holidays.

Review prior to test day. Remember, your preparation is the key to a successful examination performance. Be vigilant.

Love you.

GRAMMAR Correcting comma errors in sentences as you practise to proofread REMINDER: 1) As we speak and write, we often stop a sentence in midstream to add another thought.

The purpose for adding this other thought may vary; however, if we are to communicate our written message well, we must let our readers know when our words provide extra information and when they are essential. The basic tools for communicating the idea of extra information to the reader are commas.

2) Paying attention to comma errors as you proofread your script may make a difference in your examination grades because correct writing improves examination presentation.

[NOTE: See keys immediately after the following exercises.]

Correct any errors in the following sentences.

1. According to these filQ2ed documents, Shelley Francis M.D. became the trustee on December 12 2018.

2. Only her father Roger Smith owns as many shares of Livestock Trading Inc. 3. The first person to speak at our monthly Women’s Improvement Drive Pamela Dauphin concisely stated the positive aspects of newfound marketing efforts for single mothers. 4. Mary Simon who coordinated the large campaign for unfortunate women’s liberation in this remote town was named a vice president recently. 5.

Holder Bakestone as you know accidentally sent congratulatory messages to Simon James Mongoose Drive Best Village instead of Simon Jackson Mongrel Drive Best Village.

6. This new law became effective on November 1, 2021 and will expire on January 31, 2022.

7. The

forms that they must complete are available in the guard office I believe.

KEY: 1. Shelley Francis M.D., ...... December 12, .....

2. OK ..... 3. Drive, Pamela Dauphin, ..... 4. Simon, ...... campaign, ..... 5. Bakestone, as you know, ...... Mongoose Drive, Best Village, ...... Mongrel Drive, Best Village. .....

6. 2021, ..... 7. office, READING Reading to comprehension REMINDER: There are reading strategies that readers can use to improve their comprehension skills.

Both weak and strong readers are able to show, in some way, that they understand and interpret what is read. Try the following exercises: 1. Improve your general vocabulary.

2. Come up with questions about the passage you are reading.

3. Use clues (hints or evidence) from the context.

4. Look for the main idea in paragraphs and chapters.

5. Draw conclusions about what is read – what is important, what is a fact, what caused an event to happen, which character(s) interest you most, etc.

6. Sketch an object described in the passage, write a skit or some similar application that originates in the passage.

7. Write a summary of what you read.

8. Break up the passage into smaller sections.

9. Pace yourself faster or slower in whole or part of the passage.

NOTE: Basically, reading comprehension involves combining reading with thinking and reasoning among other skills.

The passage In sixteenth-century Italy and eighteenth-century France, waning prosperity and increasing social unrest led the ruling families to try to preserve their superiority by withdrawing from the lower or middle classes behind barriers of etiquette. In a prosperous community, on the other hand, polite society soon absorbs the newly rich, and in England there has never been any shortage of books on etiquette for teaching them the manners appropriate to their new way of life.

Every code of etiquette has contained three elements:

basic moral duties; practical rules which promote efficiency; and artificial compliments to, say, women on their beauty or superiors on their generosity and importance.

In the first category are consideration for the weak and respect for the age.

Among the ancient Egyptians the young always stood in the presence of older people.

Among the Mponguwe of Tanzania, the young men bow as they pass the huts of the elders. In England, until a bout a century ago, young children did not sit in their parents’ presence without asking permission.

What to Do Select the answer which is most accurate to the information given in the passage.

1. In sixteenth-century Italy and eighteenth-century France, the ruling families (A) tried to destroy the lower and middle classes using etiquette.

(B) discriminated against the lower classes using etiquette.

(C) tried to teach etiquette to the lower and middle classes.

(D) put the middle and working classes into fenced enclosures.

2. In England, the upper classes (A) have always followed the French attitude to the lower classes.

(B) accept the newly rich in spite of their lower-class manners.

(C) published books on etiquette for the newly rich.

(D) seem to accept a newly rich person provided he makes some attempt to adjust to upper-class life.

3. Every code of etiquette has contained three elements: (A) practical rules, optimal moral duties and formal compliments.

(B) formal compliments, basic moral duties and practical rules.

(C) optimal moral duties, optimal practical rules and artificial graces.

(D) rules, regulations and requirements.

4. The custom of young men bowing to show respect when passing the dwellings of their elders was cited as a characteristic of (A) the ancient Egyptians.

(B) parts of Tanzania.

(C) England, about a century ago.

(D) all societies.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 05, 2021

The best dental practice

QUALITATIVE questions about dentistry are often asked. For example: what constitutes good dental practice? Who decides whether a practitioner is performing well? Who lays down the guidelines? Who takes action to rectify the unacceptable level of dental care? These questions and many more are rightly being asked within the profession amongst colleagues and often today by the public, our patients.

What constitutes good dental care has been chiefly a prerogative of the dental profession. But a concentration

upon the technical aspects of need, such as levels of dental technology, precludes giving sufficient attention to the attitudes and behaviour of patients and any assessment of need should include their perceptions.

Aspects of good dental care that would be identified and proposed by patients may not necessarily be the same as those proposed by the dentist. Major differences in emphasis in the concepts of quality have been identified between the perspectives expressed by the providers and users of health services.

Whilst the professional emphasis is on technical skills and freedom in prescribing care, patients place emphasis on responsiveness and politeness from the dentist, along with relief from symptoms or improvement in oral function.

A survey was carried out asking patients to evaluate the criteria of good dental practice proposed by both patients and dentists. The criteria originated by patients were: the dentist’s skills, caring dentist, sterilisation/hygiene, understanding with children, explanation of procedures, good appointment system, and dentist qualification.

The criteria originated by dentists were: pleasant décor and surroundings, friendly staff, pain-free dentistry, cost, seen in an emergency, up-to-date equipment and good practice image.

A total of 344 patients evaluated 14 criteria of good dental practice. Questionnaires containing the seven pairs of criteria randomly assigned by a computer were drawn up with each pair containing one patient and one dentist criterion.

Patients were asked to indicate their presence. The number of times each criterion was preferred was scored and ranked.

The three highest-ranked criteria were explanation of procedures, sterilisation/hygiene and dentist’s skills (all criteria proposed by patients), whilst the three lowest ranked criteria were up-to-date equipment, pleasant décor and surroundings and good practice image (all criteria are proposed by dentists).

Many factors influence whether an individual is satis-

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fied with the dental care they receive. Amongst those identified has been the technical competence of the dentist, the characteristics of the practice, cost of treatment, the attitude of the receptionist and the practice’s cross-infection control procedures.

Additionally, levels of patient satisfaction have been shown to influence rates of use of medical services and levels of compliance with advice. If a patient’s expectation of good dental practice are met by the dentist, then they will be more satisfied.

Finally, I challenge the Consumer Associations to explore the option of the systematic collection of consumer feedback to give the dentist a clearer idea of what his/ her patients want and to encourage public discussion on same. In this way we can all play a part in improving the practice of dentistry in Guyana.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 05, 2021