Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot 05-23-2021

SUNDAY MAY 23, 2021

Dennis Stephens is from Long Creek Village and for the past 25 years he has been walking and working in the forested area of the village cutting trees to make ‘bora sticks’ which he would sell by the bundle to farmers in the community.he bora sticks are used in gardens and large scale farms to promote the growth of the bora plant which is basically a vine that runs producing the vegetable, bora (Carl Croker photo)

Eking out an honest living cutting ‘bora sticks’

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, May 23, 2021

Guyana Observes Mosquito Awareness Week

By Dillon Goring M O S Q U I TO E S can be considered one of the most dangerous creature in the world! Mosquitoes kill

nearly 725,000 people a year because they can transmit deadly viruses like Malaria, West Nile virus, and dengue with just a bite.

Guyana in its recent observance of Mosquito Awareness Week focused its attention on the Aedes Mosquito.

This year ’s theme is

“Bringing the Region together to protect communities against diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito” The yellow fever mos-

mosquitoes.

“We are urging persons to get rid of tyres in their yards or if you are not going to get rid of them, at least bore holes in them, so that the water can escape, addi-

Session of the CARICOM Heads of Government on public health threats in November 2014, the Heads approved a proposal for the establishment of an annual “Caribbean Mosquito

quito, is a mosquito that can spread dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika fever, Mayaro and yellow fever

tionally in order to eliminate breeding sites, cover drums used to collect water with a cloth, so that they aren’t

viruses, and other disease agents. The mosquito can be recognised by white markings on its legs and a marking in the form of a lyre on the upper surface of its thorax.

Appearing on the National Communication Network’s (NCN) Guyana Today Show were Cassinder Alzo- Ash , Focal Point of Aedes Borne Disease Program and Microbiologist Mohini Sooklall, who is attached to the Vector Control Unit of The Ministry of Health. The two representatives spoke of keeping a healthy environment to prevent the harboring of these insects.

Sooklall, in her statement, urged members of the public to eliminate their breeding sites for the deadly

exposed to the elements”, Sooklall urged.

She also urged members of the public to get rid of plastic and glass bottles which can be habitable sites of the Aedes Mosquito.

In order to make the public, more aware of the dangers of this mosquito (Aedes) and the exposure to diseases borne by this mosquito, the vector department of the Ministry of Health is planning to educate as many people as possible through demonstration.

With the continued presence of mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue and Chikungunya, and the arrival of Zika in the Region, it is a crucial time to bring the Region together to “fight the bite”.

At the 17th Special

Awareness Week” to be observed by Member States with support of CARPHA, CARICOM Secretariat in partnership with PAHO. This year Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week event took place from May 6-12, 2021. The annual event is a collaborative initiative between the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

The event is designed to strengthen existing initiatives in the Region and mobilise the public and communities to take action and eliminate mosquito breeding sites. The overall theme ‘Small bite, big threat’ and the slogan “Fight the bite, destroy mosquito breeding sites” and remains the same.

The objectives of Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week are: * to promote education, awareness and community participation in vector control; * to promote communication and cooperation; * to maintain vector control activities on the political and community agenda; and * To serve as a platform for integrated activities.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, May 23, 2021

A bold project to keep Guyana’s children slim and healthy

By Francis Quamina Farrier

THE Rotary Club of Garden City, which is the most recent Rotary Club to have been launched in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, has set itself a far-reaching objective. The club is focusing on keeping Guyanese children slim and healthy.

Together with District 7030 Childhood Obesity Prevention Committee, this new Rotary Club has launched a handbook on healthy eating for children. The handbook was written by Remire Montjoly of French Guiana. The illustrations within the handbook are by another Rotarian of French Guiana, Diego.

The Guyanese club has expressed gratitude to their French counterparts for this project. Described as being “Creatively written,” the book which is entitled, “Eat Well, Move Well,” provides pre-teens and early teenagers with simple but technically sound guide to healthy eating and exercise. During the past century and earlier,

Guyanese ate more homecooked meals, along with fresh meats, fish, provisions, vegetables, fruits and greens.

That has been reduced to some extent in more recent years, in preference to consuming fast foods.

In the past, Guyanese also exercised naturally, much more. Walking, running and riding were regular daily activities. Washing clothes by hand in a tub with a scrubbing board, was strenuous exercise.

There was also the system using a beating board to get dirt out of clothes and pounding green boiled plantains in a morter to make foo-foo was exercise.

Even the churning action to make ice cream, gave the opportunity for exercise. So too, cutting wood for the fireside and other similar activities. Back in the previous century, a much higher percentage of Guyanese engaged in such means of natural exercise, which helped to keep them in shape and not becoming over-weight and obese.

The current increase of

(From left to right) Amanda Sahai-Ali, Nicola Burnette, Carolyn Nicols and Elizabeth Cox, committee members of the new Rotary Club of Garden City

overweight and obese citizens of Guyana, especially children, has been observed by the Rotary Club of Garden City, which is one of the newest Rotary Clubs here in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, which is about to celebrate 55 years of Independence. Together with District 7030 Childhood Obesity Prevention Committee, that Rotary Club recently

announced the launch of a Healthy Eating children’s English version handbook. It was authored by Rotarian Valentin Marie from the Rotary Club of Remire Montjoly in French Guiana, and illustrated by Rotarian Diego.

“We remain grateful to our French Club.” the Guyana Rotary Club announced in a recent statement.

Chief Librarian, Emily

King of the National Library in Georgetown, received 50 copies of the book from the Rotary Club of Garden City. Those copies have been placed in the Juvenile section of the Public Library in Georgetown. Other copies are also in the Library’s Bookmobiles and out-district public library centres. The objective is to have a drastic reduction of overweight and

obese Guyanese children as the country moves beyond 55 years of independence.

Wi t h t h e y e a r- l o n g lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and children getting so much less time to engage in physical games, it has now become even more important to go by the recommendations put forward in this book.

PROTECTING OURSELVES FROM THE COVID19 ONSLAUGHT IS NOT A BURDEN BUT AN IMPERATIVE WITH HISTORIC PROVENANCE

By R. Satram

against it is sharpened because of the belief in the recency of WE have heard continuous grumblings and complaints its invention. against the safety precautions to be taken to protect If, however, we were to ourselves against being infected by the COVID19 virus reflect upon and research soresulting in our being victims of the pandemic. These cial distancing, we will find it precautions include wearing of masks at all times, frequent everywhere permeates life and washing of hands and sanitisation and social distancing to remove it would make exiswhere one must sit or stand no less than six feet away from tence difficult, if not impossible another person. and this characteristic has been Social distancing precludes one from being part of any mentioned in religious literacongregation of persons except in a very restricted way. ture, at least 5,000 years ago.

One cannot attend weddings, funerals, sports events, For example, if one attendchurch, restaurants, bars, social events and so on. Many feel ed a court of law, one would “social distancing” particularly burdensome and objectionable find there is strict social disand imagine this was a prescription invented by the medical tancing between the accused, profession to harass and humiliate mankind. The resentment the lawyers and the judges. Or

in parliament, the government party and the opposition have strict distance between them and the Speaker remains far away from them. In the past centuries and millenia, in the times of slavery and feudalism, social distancing was very rigid. And even in religious writings, Hell and Heaven have strict distancing between the inhabitants.

Social distancing is based on class, race, family, power, wealth and so on. The pandemic social distancing is the first time in history that the poor and powerless could positively distance themselves from the rich and powerful, when in past times it was the other way around.

Accordingly, when social distancing is placed in its social and historic contexts, it could never be perceived as a burden or imposition but rather as a useful and acceptable norm.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, May 23, 2021

Occupational Health and Safety, the hallmark of Guyanese businesses

By Dillon Goring IT was in the month of April that Guyana joined with the rest of the world in observing Occupational

about what her company is doing to ensure the safety of workers across the country.

“We currently do three main things for our clients: we offer training, so if a

Owner of Kronoco Safety Solutions, Latoya Jack

Health and Safety (OSH) Month. The observances were held under the theme, “Investing in OSH systems, capitalising on safety and healthy working environments in times of crisis.”

Pepperpot Magazine, in an exclusive interview with Latoya Jack, owner of Kronoco Safety Solutions, spoke

company comes to us and they are interested and they have the mechanism, they have things in place for their employees to be in a safe working environment, for their employees to have employees benefit, for them to basically manage a safe workspace, we support them by offering them

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training,” Jack explained.

“Some companies want to have driver’s training, some companies want to have a general awareness of safety health and then other companies have specific high-risk activities that they need to be training for their employees. The thing that we are most popular for is driver’s safety.”

Jack also noted that Kronoco Solutions is the leading safety company when it comes to defensive driving in the country.

Secondly, she mentioned that road safety is near and dear to the company’s heart.

Jack was careful to note that some companies don’t have safety mechanisms in place to make their employees feel safe and the environment in which they function.

She noted that ensuring the safety of the employee and his/her workplace is combined with training to achieve a safe culture within the organisation.

“Most of the clients we work with doesn’t[sic] necessarily need for safety, there is a need for safety and training but they just don’t want to manage it themselves,” Jack told Pepperpot Magazine.

It was also noted during her interview that most of

the responses that have been garnered, has been from manufacturing companies, security firms and companies, who wish to become part of the oil-and-gas sector.

Entities must be in compliance with the laws of Guyana regarding Occupational Health and Safety practices and be able to create a safe environment for workers.

“Apart from industry’s best practices, there are international standards, organisations of the world brought together all stakeholders and set standards that will govern all aspects

of our lives. There are the in Guyana.

ISO standards for quality, He opined that investing safety, and environmen- in Occupational Safety and tal operation. These stan- Health systems and the workdards are among a list of place is a necessity and can requirements that covers all save lives. businesses that have these Hamilton noted that the risks,” Jack said.

Ministry of Labour is currentMeanwhile, Minister of ly in the process of employLabour Joseph Hamilton ing 21 new OHS officers as in a Guyana Chronicle ar- part of efforts to ensure that ― workers Sunday, March 2021 ticleCHRONICLE dated AprilPEPPERPOT 6, 2021, all across 21, Guyana announced that as far as the have equitable access to more government is concerned, efficient services. there is a great need for us to According to the minplace an increased focus on ister, OHS officers will be good workplace safety and trained to deal directly with health practices, and promote sectors such as construction the safety and health culture and forestry.

Women across borders sharing their journeys

The power of diversity!

I BELIEVE I am enjoying this month more than every other month so far.

Most of the time it is the little things that contribute to an awesome month.

From sharing a chocolate “fudge-sickle” with my granddaughter Peyton or listening to the latest book by my grandson Jaidyn. I love my daughters and love when they visit, but when my grandkids are around they have my attention. A day at Isika with family and great friends and having the courage to go for a thrilling Jet Ski ride in the

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton

I AM celebrating seven amazing women from the Women Across Borders Anthologies.

When the host of Watch Radio NY requested an interview with me, I asked him if it was okay for me to invite life changers to join me. I am sharing some excerpts from their stories.

Dr. Jackie Evan Phillips -- born in St Lucia, living in Connecticut My journey towards being a Midwife of Purpose came through stages of being broken, displaced, and restored. Through this journey, I experienced a divorce, earned a doctorate and got displaced from a higher education administrator’s position. Coupled with this journey were two major eclipses or shifts in my life. An eclipse happens when you can realise that your calling becomes greater than your current rough Essequibo River.

My Through precious moments alongto a circumstances. this process, you can transcend higher mode of thinking where you can connectup within your jasmine tree is blossoming the way.

Growing spirit and align yourself as one with nature. and I am enjoying the scent Bartica made me appreciChristine Neblett – born in Guyana and living in NY That evday I began have things the real experience of dreamwhen the breeze blows atetothe that people ing and bringing my dream world alive. I was immediately ery day. I encourage you may view as insignificant. scheduled for an interview with the agency where they tested not to be too consumed by in Appreciating relimy proficiency using Microsoft Officeother and typing speed.

the destination that you miss enjoying the small but

gions is another positive from my hometown Bar-

One week later I completed tica. my assignment with CTO and Diwali or andPhagwah was now ready to move on to my next careerpart move.of our Eid etc were I called Monique to let her celebration.

I recognised the know I was available as we power of she diversity from an agreed and was so happy to have start realised my first early agemeand as I temporary assignment with grew older that is even more Deutsche Bank. My first powerful than my little mind could have comprehended back then. I have a lot of

Muslim acquaintances and religions and cultures. I have a few Muslim friends. I was been trying to control my invited to celebrate Eid by a sweet intake, but that day I friend and it was wonderful allowed myself to indulge having lunch with his family in the delicious variety of and close friends. Because sweets. What made it worse of COVID, the gathering in a good way is that the was small. I experienced guests received additional my first Muslim wedding sweet stuff to take home. I with the same family. Eid decided to share with two takes place at the end of Ra- people because I love sharmadan - a month of prayer ing and I would have had and fasting. The name “Eid it all lol. al-Fitr” translates as “the When we understand festival of the breaking of more other people, I knew that I would be in When I was six years about assignment lasted two weeks, trouble if I told my dad old beginning I started school inreligion Mesa, big covering someone’s vacation. the fast.”

Like the and culture make us Due to my work ethic and Arizona, so I began staying what had happened. It was a of Ramadan, Eid begins understand why and how to secret: the desire to go the extra mile, with my mom with the first sighting ofhusband the routinedo what they kinddo. thatDuring could getthis me and her I landed another assignment into big trouble.

I didn’t ly. It was it likeisgoing from Muslims in the same department new moon.forI believe period are required six months, then another for heaven to hell. It was a horror know how much trouble, but important to make effort storyan that’s yet to be writ- I wasn’t willing to three months, which finally SEE V take a PAGE chance. “Shhhh... ten. While at grandma’s I led to mytopermanent posi- other learn about people’s tion, allowing me to live a

was filled with the love of

Don’t tell anyone.”

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, May 23, 2021

Young entrepreneur finds success with homemade pickled cucumbers IN this COVID pandemic era, more and more Guyanese are becoming creative and entering into other industries with the aims of earning and contributing to the development of their country.

What started as a dream for young entrepreneur Amanda Harte and a hobby of making of pickled cucumber for the family, is now a thriving business.

During an interview with Pepperpot Magazine, Harte made mention that there are expansion plans.

Harte further mentioned that she made the business official in December of 2020 after a barter with her sister.

“Because I would usually make it for home purposes, both my friends and family would enjoy it and everything,” Harte told the Pepperpot Magazine.

Harte is convinced that her product is not the typical pickled cucumber, but in fact, it is more versatile, fresh and has lots of flavours. It is unique and distinct from

everyone else’s product.

“I want this product to be a household product, that it should be in every household because anybody can utilise it, even children can consume it because cucumbers are a healthy snack, but I have just made it a little bit more tasty to consume. You would want to consume as against it being a mundane,” Harte said.

During the interview, the young entrepreneur also revealed that Guyanese should appreciate the “localness,” particularly in her line of products (pickled cucumbers). “ It is just 100 percent Guyanese. I am not trying to mimic anybody or anything, or replicate anything or try to come close to anything,” she said.

She also noted that she intends to go on the international market and take her business as far as it can go, even unto the next generation.

Harte is of the view that

she would usually omit the word small whenever she recommends her product or even business to anyone, thus referring to it as an Agro-Processing Business.

She equates the legacy of her business to that of Banks DIH: it is brewery fresh.

When they think of her product as “pickled cucumbers,” her brand must be a household name.

Harte also says that she sees herself as a very large company, even though she knows that she isn’t there yet.

But while she waits for her dream to become a reality, she is working assiduously by allowing herself to be the manager, the cleaner and everything in her business.

She noted that from time to time, she would pay someone to help her, but 99 percent of the time she is solely responsible for the everyday maintenance of her business.

Amanda Harte’s products are available at the Guyana Marketing Corporation Shop.

Agro- Pickled cucumbers by Amanda Harte

The power...

FROM PAGE IV to share a percentage of their wealth with the poor and that is commendable. We have different contracts which contribute to our belief system and I make an effort to chat with people about them.

I ask some people to share their perspectives with me .

“As a Guyanese Muslim, I enjoy our cultural diversity. My favourite thing about Hindu holidays is the warmth I feel when visiting friends and admiring their outfits and decor.

Generally, all religious holidays are enjoyed by me and my family. There are many similarities between the Quran and the Bible. I can recall going to a funeral service in a church and I was wearing my headscarf.

I glanced at a picture of Mary, mother of Jesus and the Image reminded me of myself with the headscarf. It was refreshing to realise how much we have in common.”

Sarah (in the photo of this article) I met the charismatic and beautiful Roshini Boodhoo Persaud a few years ago when she auditioned for the Guyana Fashion Week. I have learnt a lot about the Hindu religion and more about her culture from our close association. It was an honour to celebrate with her on her wedding day. I enjoyed watching the proceedings and eating ‘seven curry’ in the traditional leaf.

She shared her thoughts with me regarding other religions.

“Christianity: love the stories and the legends. Every Easter, for example, they would show those films that teach about the life of Christ and his disciples, I learned a lot from those, especially whilst growing up.

Muslim: I admire those way of prayers, and it’s amazing how they do prayers at certain times of day and no matter where they would drop what they are doing and

pray. Putting aside pride and what others may think, they stick to their beliefs.

Bahai Faith: I’ve been to camp and summer classes.

Learning about the Covenant and the relationship with God through this messenger ( Bahu’lah ) has opened my eyes more to appreciating all religions because this faith teaches more beliefs than religion, in my view.

My Hindu practices have nurtured respect and appreciation [for] these religion and cultural beliefs, but being a Guyanese taught me something more: love and respect for humanity is bigger than religion.”

There is so much to share on this subject and one column will not do it, so we will continue next week. I invite you to share your views by emailing beyondtherunway1@gmil. com as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

BTR 1 & 2

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, May 23, 2021

Omega Village/ Camp Alpha

A scenic paradise of simple living

Camp Alpha (Carl Croker photos)

Bella, the only village pet

By Michel Outridge THIS week the Pepperpot Magazine visited the small highway village of Camp Alpha and the associated village called Omega which is located on the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway.

Omega Village is between Kuru Kuru and Long Creek communities.

This village consists of members of one extended family, who came from Region One (Barima-Waini) and settled in that village more than two decades ago.

When they came, it was to caretaker of the Assembly of God (AOG) Camp Alpha on the Linden/Soesdyke

Highway and the couple, later gave birth to children, all of whom are grown and have families of their own.

Camp Alpha is a church camping site with nine dormitories, a large benab and a kitchen, the grounds are spacious and it has the caretaker’s house and the place is well-kept and maintained by the Jeffreys.

Since the pandemic, there have been no large gatherings at this camp and recently church members had a oneday prayer service with limited persons in attendance.

Across the highway is the village which has 10 houses and not more than 40 residents, all descendants of the Jeffreys, their spouses and

children.

John Jeffrey is the head of this small village and is the caretaker of Camp Alpha and runs the church in the village and generally keep things in order.

Omega Village is a quaint place with 10 houses of a large family, who peacefully co-exist and are trying to become self-sufficient.

The soil is mostly sand and the people are planting cucumber, passion fruit, pumpkin, corn, sweet cassava, lime, coconuts, soursap, pear and pine.

They eat what they plant and they rear some creole fowls, most of which are eaten by wild animals at nights so just a few are left.

Focus on the Village

This is a very clean village and it is maintained to that standard by the people, who reside here and they are environmentally conscious and hardly use plastics.

Omega has nine families which comprises of 40 residents, including children and there are no schools, health centre or any facilities in this village.

The villagers utilise the services provided in neighbouring villages and the children either go to Dora

Secondary and Kuru Kuru Primary and Nursery schools.

Most of the women in this village are homemakers and housewives while, the men work as carpenters, labourers on farms and poultry farms, masons, wood cutters, coal burners and any other work that is available outside the village and at sawmills along the highway.

The men in the village also use their free time to cultivate and clear the land and all the houses in this

community were made by the men of the village.

The people are multi-talented, religious and are doing their best to preserve their culture and to earn an honest living.

Omega Village has a church at the front of the community just as you enter and the houses are scattered on the land which runs deep and it has a creek a few miles in the village and it takes SEE PAGE XIV

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, May 23, 2021

Living within your means

By Michel Outridge LIVING in a place where there are no facilities but wide open spaces which overlooks the natural surroundings and vast lands is the way of life for Zoreena Jeffrey and her family who cannot begin to imagine living anywhere else.

She is a housewife and takes care of the children and the home while, her husband brings in the money and they have a nice little house in Omega Village, Soesdyke/ Linden Highway.

The mother of three has a lot to do but still allocates time for herself after finishing household chores and that day when the team visited her husband was at home to assist with the cooking.

The couple had harvested a large pumpkin from the plant in their yard and was making roti to go with fried

Jeffrey told the Pepperpot Magazine that it takes a lot of effort to ensure the home is in order and everything is as is but it is all in a day’s work and she doesn’t mind at all because as a wife and mother she had signed up for that task.

Jeffrey explained that her husband works at night, just over the highway, a short distance away, there is a cell tower and he is the security guard posted there so he would help around the house during the day.

“Like this place, the quiet stillness brings me peace and there is a sense of calm that overwhelms you and makes you feel like you belong here and there is no greater feeling than being home surrounded by the people that are dear to you and although we don’t have a lot of vanity, we enjoy the humble, simple way of life,”

John Jeffrey

pumpkin and some tea.

The children were playing and weren’t fussy at all and allowed their parents to sit and have a chat with the visitors, who had sparked their curiosity.

she said.

Jeffrey is originally from Port Kaituma and she got married last year and relocated to Omega Village, on the highway and she has grown to appreciate the en-

vironment.

She has been living in the community for the past eight years and her eldest child is seven years old.

“I got my son one year after meeting my husband and my life took off from

The way of life for the people of Omega Village facilities so their lives will be significantly enhanced.

Meanwhile, the Pepperpot Magazine also met John Jeffrey Junior, a 27-year-old, who about to go to work,

and whatever else he can to earn.

The father of two stated that life is what you make of it since you cannot sit idly by and expect things to ap-

would go on day work and also work on farms along the highway.

“I prefer the peace and quiet here and it is ideal for me and my family,

Zoreena Jeffrey, her husband and two of their three children

there and things begin to fall into place and here I am,” she said.

Jeffrey’s youngest child is one year and 10 months old and has maybe signed off from chid bearing, perhaps, who knows.

During daylight hours she would make a beverage from a palm tree, which bears a fruit that is similar to cockerite and she would pick it, wash it, scald it in some warm water until it gets soft enough to grind.

Then it is seasoned to taste with water and a bit of sugar and placed to be cool, it is called ‘Torro’ drink and it is very tasty which tantalises the taste buds.

Jeffrey explained that when her youngest son attains the age of three she will consider working but for now she prefers to stay at home and take care of her loved ones.

She is, however, of the hope that her village will soon benefit from the basic

Focus

along with a group of men from the village.

He reported that he would burn wood to make charcoal, cut wood to make t-shore, do carpentry and masonry jobs

pear out of nowhere but one must work to have a decent life and to provide for their family.

Even though jobs aren’t all the time available, they

who doesn’t like a crowd and we are all good here even though we don’t have much, I’m still thankful for all we have,” he said.

on the Village

Some of the men in the village as they were leaving for work

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, May 23, 2021

Omega Village, a developing community that is ripe for enhancement

By Michel Outridge SOME say paradise is a place and can be found where things are nice but for the Jeffrey family, an extended group of descendants from the Warrau tribe said they found paradise and it is where they live.

John Jeffrey is considered the leader in his village, the pastor and the village elder, who is most respected and oversees everything among his family members.

He is the caretaker of Camp Alpha which is located on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway and just across the highway is a small village called Omega.

The Jeffrey clan occupy the community and they are a God fearing bunch, who are very peaceful people.

The 60-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that he is originally from Region One (Barima-Waini), a small village but left the place in search of a better life, after marriage.

He was offered a job as the caretaker for the Assembly of God Church Camp Alpha which is on the highway and we settled there in 2000.

Most of his nine children were born there, the only place they know and across from where the church camp is Jeffrey’s children and their spouses and children began occupying.

When he began living there, it was thick bush and he cleared a part and houses were constructed and they began living in the village they developed and called it Omega.

Jeffrey and his children

have been occupying the land for two decades and have made the place into a lovely oasis.

He explained that it wasn’t an easy decision to relocate to Omega Village considering he had to leave everything in his home village.

Jeffrey added that over time he began to get accustomed to the environment and adapted to the simple way of life and decided he wanted to stay and have a place where his entire family can live.

He stated that gradually they progressed in life and they reach a point where they can be comfortable with what they have.

Jeffrey noted that they are cultivating some crops and when they harvest they use it in their kitchens and

Omega Village

Focus on the Village

buy what they need.

He disclosed that the soil isn’t fertile like that in Region One and they have to use chicken or cow manure to accelerate healthy growth of the crops.

“We are surviving by

God’s grace and in terms of work we do whatever is available and try to make ends meet because there are no stable jobs in these parts and we have to do whatever work we get and most men leave the village for work,

on farms, poultry farms, sawmills etc.,” he said.

Jeffrey reported that he has 28 grandchildren in total and has nine children, all SEE PAGE XII

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, May 23, 2021

Education at any cost Omega Village resident helping to tutor children amidst pandemic

By Michel Outridge THREE days of the week, Rowena Rodrigues, a Community Services Officer (CSO) would leave her village and go to Tigerbone Banakari Village where she would assist school

children to complete their worksheets.

The group of CSOs, some parents and children of Tigerbone Banakari Village, would meet at the village pavilion and there they would hold group session with the children.

The worksheet session with school children at Tigerbone Banakari Pavilion

Rodrigues is a resident of Omega Village, a few villages away and she would often walk to ensure she reaches on time to assist the school children with their Ministry of Education-issued work sheets.

The 22-year-old is very

Community Services Officer, Rowena Rodrigues (Carl Croker photos)

passionate about her role in the community and act as a tutor for the children, all of whom have been away from school for more than a year due to the pandemic.

Rodrigues is one of 10 CSOs that are attached to the Tigerbone Banakari Village and they would participate in community-based activities to enhance the lives of villagers and the village itself.

They have embarked on

several fund-raising projects such as a barbeque and beverage sale to garner funds to get tee-shirts with the logo of CSOs and to buy other things for the group.

The CSOs are also geared towards the completion of a tourism site in Tigerbone Banakari Village which will serve as an attraction spot where plants, trees and other things will be installed to beautify the

place.

Rodrigues told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is helping the group of Year One to Grade Six children with their work sheets which was distributed by the teachers of the various schools they attend in other villages.

She reported that the SEE PAGE XXVII

Focus on the Village

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, May 23, 2021

Eking out an honest living cutting ‘bora sticks’ Dennis Stephens

Focus on the Village

Dennis Stephens’s camp in Long Creek.

By Michel Outridge OPPORTUNITIES are not in abundance for the people residing in the villages on Linden/Soesdyke Highway as such, they have to find honest means to earn and Dennis Stephens did just that.

He is from Long Creek Village, one of the biggest villages along the highway and for the past 25 years he has been walking and working in the forested area of the village cutting trees to make ‘bora sticks’ which he would sell by the bundle to farmers in the community.

Stephens is a father of four and is originally from Maria’s Pleasure, Demerara River and left his home village in search of a better life and settled in Tigerbone Banakari village where he spent some years and later relocated to Long Creek.

The 56-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that he has been cutting the branches of a particular tree in the wooded area in Long Creek and would place it in a certain length and 25 per bundle. The bora sticks are

used in gardens and large scale farms to promote the growth of the bora plant which is basically a vine that runs producing the vegetable, bora.

He would tie it and leave it in one place in the forested area and once weekly a canter truck would come into the village and take it away and he would earn.

Stephens disclosed that a bora stick is just eight dollars each and 25 is in a bundle and he would try to cut and parcel more than 10 bundles per week.

He explained that he would wake up at 02:30hrs every morning and begin his journey from his camp in Long Creek and would equip himself with his cutlasses which he had sharpened and would walk for miles before he can start cutting bora sticks.

Stephens had a makeshift camp where he has a hammock and a mattress and some cooking utensils and a fireside where he would rest and cook after SEE PAGE XI

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, May 23, 2021

The children at Dennis Stephens’ camp.

Dennis Stephens relaxing in his hammock after a hard days’ work.

option so that’s how I ended up doing this type of work,” he said.

Stephens like most people living in the communities along the highway make the most of life and work very hard to earn and they

utilise their skills to do so with little resources at their disposal.

He reported that he is a simple man just trying to earn and he is doing so the right way and he is utilising the lands he near to work.

“I don’t have a lot of options, I am a poor man and I am doing what I know and it is hard, slow work, manual labour but it is my hustle and I have to do it,” he said.

Focus on the Village

The bora sticks.

Eking out an ...

FROM PAGE X a hard day’s work.

“This job is seasonal because when it begin to rain a lot I can’t go in the forested area due to the dangers involved so I would be without work for a few months at times,” he said.

He added that the job is working with himself and sometimes his grandchildren would accompany him to assist and together they would cut 15 bundles, the most.

Stephens is a very humble, hardworking man, who supports his many grandchil-

dren, more than seven, some of whom were at his camp that day.

When the team met him, after journeying through a small trail for miles he was relaxing in his hammock after working and it was a very rainy day.

The eldest of his granddaughter had prepared a meal of curried chicken and rice and they all had ate and waiting out the rainfall.

Stephens stated that when the weather is good there is no day-off and he would make use of the good weather to cut as much bora sticks he can so when he

can’t at least he can sell what he had stockpiled.

He explained that every Thursday the wholesale buyer would visit to uplift the bora sticks and he would be paid and that money is used to buy groceries to cook.

Stephens stated that even though he is not in the best of health he has to work because he has people depending on him and he would do what he can in light of the circumstances.

“There are no other jobs around here so I had to do something and cutting bora sticks even though it is not an easy task was my best

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Omega Village, a developing ...

FROM PAGE VIII grown, married and live in their own houses in Omega Village.

He pointed out that the first building constructed in Omega Village is the church and it is just as you enter the community which is a few metres off the highway and is accessible.

Jeffrey explained that since they began occupying the land no one ever came forward to claim ownership but in 2018 a man showed up with the relevant documents, purporting to be the

owner and he did not come alone, he had two cops with long guns and threatened them.

He continue to return to intimidate the villagers and even began grading the land and uprooted trees and they did not know what to do and visited the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs to get help.

Jeffrey discussed the matter with an attorney and an injunction was filed in court to stop the man, who claimed he owns the land from doing an work on the land or visit and they are awaiting the outcome.

The village leader/elder told the Pepperpot Magazine that since the incident they feel a bit unhappy because their lives were disturbed and they do not feel safe because the man returned even after the injunction was filed with armed police to threaten them again.

Jeffrey sad he had to stand up boldly to the man and the police, who wanted to arrest him after they refused to vacate the land.

He reported that a village is expected with the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) executives and

John Jeffrey (Carl Croker photos)

Chairman and they too, have since approached Lands and Survey to address the land issue.

A total of 40 residents are living at Omega Village and it consists of nine families.

“I am asking for help or advice on how to deal with the land issue because it is a scenic and quiet place and

we do not wish to be relocated,” he said.

The boundary of the village has since been fenced off. The nearest creek at the rear of the village is five miles away by foot and the people store rain water for drinking and cooking.

In order for them to get electricity they have to show ownership of the land be-

fore they can apply for the service as advised by the Guyana Power and Light Company.

Omega Village benefitted from two solar-powered street lights which was placed in the village by the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

Carl Croker photos saved

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, May 23, 2021

Omega Village

Omega Village...

FROM PAGE VI about an hour and a half to get there via a small trail.

There are no roads, no electricity, no potable water supply, no internet or landline phones in this village but the people use cell phones and they have small solar-powered lights.

Canter trucks carry

goods, fish and meats would pass through the village weekly and the people would make necessary purchases or go to small shops in other villages.

The children of this village enjoy wide open spaces to play and have fun and are very friendly.

The villagers are very welcoming and would take

Pumpkin cultivation at Omega Village

the time to show you around the village and even make a cool beverage for you to enjoy as they talk about their way of life which is very simple.

Most of the residents are locals and it is the only place they know and call home and they are very comfortable and do not wish to relocate.

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I SEE ONLY YOU

UNDER the shade of a flambouyant tree in the neighbourhood park he sat, his pencil moving with a slow, smooth motion over the sketchpad bringing to life a thousand times on a thousand pages, the face of someone whose image was imprinted on his mind. His mind though, was a blank page, except for her beautiful face glowing with a happy smile.

“Who are you?” he often asked the portrait, “Which part of my life were you

in?”

He sat alone, each day as seasons changed, his hair grown long, beard untrimmed for the world held nothing for him.

Two old men nearby playing a game of checkers glanced at the young man with concern, the wrinkles on their faces could tell stories that spanned decades and even without seeing the portrait, they knew what was his deep worry. One old man said quietly to his friend, “It’s a woman his heart is aching for.”

“ Tr u e , ” h i s f r i e n d agreed, “There’s no light in his eyes and no happy smile.”

The young man stood up, bracing on the tree for

A promising future crushed, spirits broken.

He had earned a scholarship to advance his studies in engineering in the United Kingdom, and for a boy

dinary boy from a farming family,” Virat had thought.

Not sure how he could talk to her but everywhere their paths crossed, whether the library, park, theatre

a long moment, his head bent, then he sighed and walked slowly out of the park, pausing a little for a familiar hand to hold his arm to cross the street for home.

It was his little sister Sandhiya, who had been sitting a little further away keeping a close eye on him, for it was not safe in his mental state to leave him alone. She served him lunch and waited patiently for him to finish his meal. There was no hiding the sadness in her eyes for her big brother.

from a farming family, that was an outstanding accomplishment.

“London, here I come!” he had exulted.

After two years of excelling in his studies and staying focused on graduating with a master’s degree, something new walked into his young life.

Her name was Aleysha, a second-year medical student. She was Indian but British born, from an elite family of celebrated doctors.

“And I am just an or-

or restaurant, she always looked at him with a warm smile. That smile so mesmerized him, it dissipated the uncertainty in his mind, and one day at the park he spoke to her.

A casual friendship blossomed into something beautiful and stronger, but her elite family disapproved of the South American middle class boy, for compared to their wealth and status, he was just rags and crumbs.

But Virat managed to hold SEE PAGE XV

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I SEE ONLY ...

FROM PAGE XIV

his own respectfully against her family’s insults and unkind words.

Often he would look in the mirror, not to see the young man with classic good looks and great hair, but to tell himself, “I have my own worth, ambitions, selfless and genuine kindness.”

So despite the strict objections to their relationship, they stayed together.

Then tragedy struck.

It had been her birthday, a special dinner he had planned, and as he waited for his ride, a black Sedan from nowhere struck him down, dragging his helpless body a good distance before driving away.

She had waited hours for him, unaware of the

tragedy. He had not called to say anything and she was about to give up seeing him that night, when the hospital called.

She had broken down crying when she saw his helpless body as doctors battled to save his life. The hit on his head had left him in a comatose state and though the doctor said he had a good chance to awaken from the coma, he may lose his memory for an indefinite period.

His family had been so devastated for he was their only son, that Aleysha could not find enough words to comfort them, but her family showed no concern.

One month and two weeks later, he awoke from the coma but had no

recollection of what had happened that night, and remembered no one nor anything.

Life interrupted and dreams shattered, he had to return home.

She had watched him leave with deep sadness, for there was nothing she could do for him then.

The years went by slowly and after three years of therapy, and the love and care of family, his mind still remained blank.

Aleysha had called often, hoping that one day she would hear some good news, but nothing. With hopes fading, unable to focus on her studies and unhappy at home, knowing somehow her family was responsible for Virat’s

accident, she had left. She joined the World Health Organization and dedicated herself to humanitarian work in remote areas of Africa and Asia.

Virat’s family though, under great stress with his mental condition and shrinking finances, never gave up, but now after three years, the realization that he may never recover, they had to now accept.

Then one day on the way to the city for his visit to the therapist, a horrific accident involving two cars and a mini-bus stopped traffic.

Virat exited his father ’s car before anyone could stop him and walked closer to the accident scene. He stopped, rooted to the spot as he stared at the badly damaged black Sedan and the young man lying just outside the door.

The impact of that scene on his mind, triggered a sharp pain and

he held his head and screamed, as lights flashed inside and scenes of the past returned like a floodgate. He sank to his knees and bent over crying, his family standing close around him, not sure what was happening to him.

After a long while Virat got up slowly to his feet, took a bottle of water from his sister, drank half and poured half over his head.

He pushed back the hair from his face and looking at his family he said, “Where did all of you go? I haven’t seen you in a long time.”

It took a while for it to register on the family that he had regained his memory.

“Oh my god!” his sister gasped, “It was the accident scene--” and she broke down crying.

A week later, groomed again and back to his normal self, he held the portrait

of Aleysha and said, “All the time my mind was blank, I could have still seen you.”

“That night when the accident happened,” his sister told him, “You were going to have dinner with her for her birthday.”

“She was all that was on my mind that night,” he said with a little smile, and there was no denying the love in his eyes.

There was a short moment of silence then his mother said, “She really loved you.”

He smiled again and this time there were tears in his eyes, when he said, “I know.”

He inhaled deeply to compose himself then asked, “Where is she now?”

“Somewhere in Africa or Asia through work with the WHO,” his sister told him.

He held up her portrait and said, “I will find you.”

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XIII

MOULDING THE HISTORICAL MEMORY The era of indentureship in reshaping the colony of British Guiana Pt II

ON THE AWARENESS OF THE AESTHETIC AND THE ‘BEING’ OF OUR YOUNG NATION Part II

THE first article indicated the origins of our “state” in only the broad sense that articles like this will permit. I have chosen to explore the cultural beings that constitute the “shaping” and the “reshaping” of the colony. It is recorded that there is no area of potential that has been fought over like the so-called new world (which it isn’t). By emancipation the colony was shaped in the cultural construct of a Creole entity, the dictates of the Creole world constituted two aspects, the development of the “colonial”, which is a cultural and philosophical construct that held its former cultural self in contempt, and had reoriented its IN concluding this discussion, which is intended to raise questions within the reader and inspire responsible actions among those that acquire decision making positions or are already there, we cannot arrive at a sensible without considerations in retrospect. So in a brief flashback, we must recognise, what we have lost to our physical memory reference archive, and use this as inspiration, to be able to raise a natural alarm, a connection to the aesthetic sensitivity alerting us to the fact that we need to have a historical memory in respect to our surroundings, as buildings, landscapes and architecture are inherent of memories in both the conscious and subconscious awareness. We have to become other than people who occupy a geographic space on this planet, and relate to what is the necessary thinking that will enable us to address from the now onward what is significant to telling our stories, especially stories important to our timelines. When we became independent, the euphoria of self-governed nationhood intoxicated us, it had its grounds for intoxication alongside sober examination. We did not make the observation that all around us within the borders of countries we still held controlled admiration for, had retained the edifices of past times.

Our own coloniser England never dismantled Hadrian’s Wall. In more ways than one, from previous colonisers and also from despised local leaders, they kept the memory for reflection, in our Caribbean, Christophe’s spectacular fortress of defence in Haiti will remain, regardless of his history. Europe with the obvious white supremacy that emerged with colonisation did not destroy the sculptures of Afro-European Knights, artworks and literature that spoke of, or alluded to the African presence in a much older Europe, of course, they didn’t in-depth celebrate them either, and also hid their identities with new portraits and in movies.

Where we erred in Guyana was not to use the structures that became available with the decline of trademark services like the Trains, to build museums dedicated to that part of our historical memory. Why preserve the physical imagery of the past? Simple, our ancestors lived it, for the historian, the creative mind, the investigative journalist, the physical location is important. The development of museums was a continuous peeve of the late Dr. Dennis Williams, who had identified Five Museums to be built, he insisted that a marine museum would have been a must. I can now imagine a display of the ship’s kitchen on Lady Northcourt with its cook, the portrait of indifference ‘John’, ‘keep away from John’s kitchen, and why?’ A caption should read before this rude faced ship’s cook made of papier máché –“whose kitchen lay beneath a toilet, from which water dripped continuously, or so we were made See Page XIX

values along superficial pretentions and loyalties befitting a supernatural possession by the damned spirits of former oppressive dictates, in need of a scapegoat to project evaluations of its current “social being”. The other, who acknowledges the fact of the cultural fusion of ideas, yet evolves its own essence and values as an undeniable prototypical contribution.

The crisis of the old slavery driven labour in sugar, was of great economic concern at the threshold of England’s “Industrial Revolution’s” coming of age. Thus the planter administration of the colonies engaged in the recruitment of

contractual labour prior to 1838. This was not by any chance a process without event from its inception, affecting contractual labour and the social existence of colony citizen labour.

The planter colony administration intended to implement this system at the least of their expense, and to maintain cheap labour in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity-void of humanity and justice. They looked to the colony of India, with its severe caste system inequalities, the impoverishment colonisation had heaped upon it, to draw an example, by the dumping of British manufactured goods that eliminated local production. They did not equally desire labour from the African pool after the experiences of the labour strikes of 1842 where the contracted labour from Sierra Leone supported the manumitted Afro-colony work force, as their social platform was not the same as the East Indian. There were much more satisfied with the response of the Portuguese and East Indian contract workers in the strikes of 1848, the probable mindset of these labourers were concentrated on their mission to make money and return to their homelands, and not to be involved in local contentions, thus, they did not support that strike, the Churches also had betrayed their major Afro village congregation, adhering instead to the concerns of the planters. The contentions of the manumitted colony citizen was based on wages and rights and more so the fact that the Villages were required to pay taxes for drainage works, upon doing this the planter administration used most of their taxes to import labour; theses actions had tremendous effects on the social being of the villages. We look to a later report on that era that consists some fifty years...

A-“On the whole, in the 1920s, despite their many shortcomings, the estates did infinitely more to protect the health of their Indian Labourers than the colonial authorities did for the villagers. The miserly, often inadequate contribution of the former looks good against the “puny efforts” of the government, “a standing reproach to any community.” The villagers had to pay a fee at government hospitals; often, the sick had to travel long distances over impassable roads. And as the Surgeon General reported in 1922 and 1923, sanitation in the villages was backward, the residents reduced to an aquatic existence during the heavy rains, because of a lack of drainage. The drinking water was often contaminated, the source an open trench befouled in the most abominable way.

Toilets were primitive; the contents of these seeped into the drinking water ponds during frequent floods. In the drought of 1926, man and beast competed for the brackish slimy green water in residual pools. On the sugar estates the canals were deeper, and subject to replenishment by creek and back-dam water in the dry season. The drinking water though impure, was better. A contemporary observer remarked that a serious handicap to estate residents was the continual re-infection by adjacent villages, where no sanitation exists at all. A malarial sluggishness characterised colonial attitudes to drainage and irrigation, sanitation and “the demon of malaria” which was accepted by Keatinge in 1922, as the most serious evil in the colony.”

B- “Apart from the perils of the journey itself, [ that included Cholera, due to bad water supplies on board] –with few exceptions the workers were treated with great severity, Their accommodations were either too confined and disgustingly filthy, or none were provided, and in cases of sickness there was the most culpable neglect. Disease was rampant. There was yellow fever, malaria, dysentery, cholera, hookworm, to name a few.” Indian History ConSEE PAGE XVII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, May 23, 2021

MOULDING THE HISTORICAL ...

FROM PAGE XVI

gress-JSTOR vol. 74 by Mukesh Kumar-{extracts}. The Indentured came with distinct and in some cases opposing cultures, with the Chinese and Portuguese it was less a cultural hindrance to merge with the Creole community, which as indicated was itself not cohesive. With the Indian, after the episode with the 1838 arrivals who were not contained in strict boundary yards, had embraced Creole[ Afro] women and upon severe ill-treatment and a cultural change merged with the adjacent villages, the planters created the estate world, separate and culturally controllable. Thus, the beginnings of deep cultural and socially isolation. As in closing, one observation must be echoed. “The regretted public ignorance of the extent to which the disease “saps the vitality of the population” this deep seated complacency embraced all: at no time did the British Guiana East Indian Association or the Negro Progress Convention manifest a knowledge of the pervasively negative impact of malaria on society; nor did they urge the authorities to work towards its eradication- Mukesh Kumar-{extract}.

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XIX

Revisiting the idea of school placement a good thing XXVII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 28, 2021

Aye or no for parliamentary decorum?

ONLY two Fridays ago, have 10-year-old children sit the Minister of Education and write a two-day assessPriya Manickchand allud- ment in four subject areas ed to the possible elimina- and then have the results of tion of the National Grade that assessment determine Six Assessment (NGSA), their future. Instead, she the primary school exit proffered that all secondary examination that is used to schools should benefit from determine what secondary the same resources so that it schools children are placed does notofmatter what school DURING this past week’s edition ‘In the National into.

As expected, there has a child attends.

Assembly,’ Parliamentarians debated the 2021 National been much debate on the earlier TheinMinister was Budget, which was presented the month by not SetopicMinister and I, for one,Office agreeof the making irrational remarks. nior in the President with responsithat for ourfinance, currentDr. system Many,The if not all, ofhowever, us, are bility Ashni Singh. debate, needs examining. aware that the current spotlighted a lack of decorum in the Parliament. rankconcerns that un- anding and placement systems ItThe is both understandable acceptable for the different derpinned the Minister’s allow and for opposition the ‘top students’ sides of the house -- the government sides -remarks was that it ison not to be placed ‘top to have opposing views the budget.

After all,inthethe national necessarily child-friendly to schools’ which have the budget illustrates the government’s vision, priority areas, and general policy direction, since it points towards what policies, programmes and plans the government intends to use Guyana’s money to fund.

It would be strange for each member to agree on every single thing, since various individuals have different priorities and views and perhaps different sides of the house have different plans, projects, or policies that would guide Guyana’s developments; and, that is completely fine.

It is neither understandable nor remotely acceptable, however, for elected officials, sworn in as Members of Parliament (MPs), to openly hurl insults at each other and make racist, sexist, homophobic remarks. It is not acceptable for this level of disrespect to be entertained in the National Assembly.

The normalisation of racist, sexist, and homophobic remarks in our common, social spaces might be a conversation for another day, but for crying out loud, this is our National Assembly! Or, our Parliament, as it is more commonly called. It is not touting at the bus park!

Imagine the astonishment one would experience, years from now, if they were to revisit the hansards. Instead of only well-articulated, thorough analyses of the $383.1 billion budget that was presented for the year 2021, there would be remarks signalling homophobia or thinly veiled insults of an MP’s reproductive capabilities.

To be fair, however, there were a few salient presentations. On the first day of the debate, it is a point of pride that two women -- MPs Susan Rodrigues and Amanza Walton-Desir who are also new Parliamentarians -- made good presentations that one would expect at this forum.

Though this absence of decorum from many of the MPs,is perhaps, not a new occurrence in the local context, it begs us to ask ourselves: what valuable contributions are our elected officials making at this forum?

One would hope that the leaders elected by the people of Guyana, whether in government or opposition, would maintain a certain level of decorum in the house. In discharging their duties towards the people of the nation, at the very least, it is expected that they would engage in critical analyses of the budget. The budget debate should attempt to pinpoint deficiencies in allocations, or indicate what other areas of priority should be focused on.

This is how you operate in a democracy, where transparency and accountability are underpinning tenets. This is how you respect the sanctity of Parliament. And above all else, is this how you adequately represent the people of the nation you committed to serve? Parliamentary affairs -- every single aspect-- should be geared towards enhancing the development of the nation and its citizenry.

Admittedly, clever innuendos and witty remarks have long been part of parliamentary presentations, not only in Guyana, but around the world. The addition of clever satire has its usefulness in communication, no doubt. Much of what we saw last week, however, appeared to be a common bottom house or rumshop debacle, replete with “props” and all, that left much to be desired.

Last December, Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, told the Guyana Chronicle that the

trainingfacilities, of Parliamentarians that a semblance of decorum better teachers, sogovernment school, it was could be maintained in the National Assembly.

It istoenviand avenues for support. always my intention atsioned that such training sessions also helpbecause to guide I attended Queen’s Coltendwould this school the officials on proper procedures. lege, the country’s top parliamentary sec- my parents believed that But also, these events should force us to reconsider what ondary school, for seven the opportunities provided we expect and accept from our elected officials -all years. As someone who to me at this school wouldof them-whilebeginnings they discharge towards us. had humble and their be responsibilities much greater. And, they Are they articulating our collective values when they make came from an ‘ordinary’ were correct. racist, sexist, homophobic, and other derogatory statements?

It is not necessarily because Queen’s College received more attention and funds from the government (I do not know if it did/ does) but much of those op-

Are they adequately us and aour best interests portunities provided torepresenting my commanded certain level at all times? colleagues and I were made of respect and credibility. I possible through alumni sup- am not blissfully unaware I hope we can doSome better. that these are benefits that port and connections. of our facilities, for example, my colleagues in the lowIf you would likethis to discuss thissecondary column orschools any of were upgraded through er-ranked my previous writings, please feel free to contact me via support and these connec- would not have necessarily email: vish14ragobeer@gmail.com tions. benefitted from.

Moreover, during my During my time at the time at the college and even college, I was also acutely now, in my post-secondary aware of the difference in school and professional life, the quality of education the sheer mention that I was I was receiving from my a Queen’s College student SEE PAGE XXIII

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WORLD TURTLE DAY 2021

WORLD Turtle Day or International Turtle Day is celebrated on May 23 each year. The initiation of this day in 2000 by the American Tortoise Rescue organisation, brings attention to turtle conservation issues and highlights ways each of us can help protect these gentle, peaceful but often jeopardised animals.

Of the few remaining endangered species of marine

turtles worldwide, four of them have chosen to nest on Guyana’s shores: the Leatherback, Green, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley turtles. However, the latest report points to the turtles experiencing population growth due to the strong representation with extensive and essential work

by Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS) and other collaboration organizations such as World Wild-

life Fund- Guyana (WWF).

From 2018 to 2019, a study was conducted resulting in data from the tracking and recording (telemetry programmes) of the inter-nesting and at-sea behaviours of sea turtles at the Shell Beach Protected Area (SBPA), Region One. The health and population growth of these beautiful animals should not only be the responsibility of the

mentioned organizations but of every Guyanese. Among the threats to marine turtles, is the indiscriminate disposal of plastic wastes in our waterways. These pieces of plastic eventually make their

trapped, robbing them of life-giving oxygen.

Other threats to marine turtles include climate change, over-harvesting and removal of eggs, natural predators (crabs, sharks,

way to the sea, where sea turtles ingest them mistaking them for food. Although it does not happen as often as in previous years, discarding fishing nets in the sea may result in turtles being

birds), especially for hatchlings, habitat destruction, and other types of pollution.

Turtles are important too!

Sea turtles have many recognised roles in the

evolution and maintenance of the structure and dynamics of marine ecosystems; they are an integral part of the interspecific interactions in

marine ecosystems as prey, consumer, competitor, and host. They also serve as significant conduits of nutrient and energy transfer within SEE PAGE XXI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, May 23, 2021

WORLD TURTLE ...

FROM PAGE XX and among ecosystems; and can also substantially modify the physical structure of marine ecosystems.

Sea turtles are an important part of the planet’s food web and play a vital role in maintaining the health of the world’s oceans. They regulate a variety of other

organisms simply by eating them. For example, green turtles mainly feed on seagrass. By grazing on seagrass meadows, they prevent the grass from growing too long and suffocating on itself.

Nice and healthy seagrass beds again perform a multitude of ecosystem functions: they are a nursery ground for many marine species and

additionally are an important carbon sink and oxygen provider in the ocean.

Another example is hawksbill turtles, who are mostly focused on eating sponges. Their sponge consumption is very important for a healthy coral reef by keeping the fast-growing sponges at bay and giving slower-growing corals the chance to grow. Coral reefs

are thought to be the most diverse ecosystem on the planet, providing habitats and shelter for thousands of marine organisms. Many fish spawn on the coral reefs and juvenile fish spend time there before heading out to deeper waters when they mature.

Coral reefs also protect coastlines from wave action and storms and are an important

revenue generator for many nations through tourism.

Leatherbacks eat jellyfish. Keeping the jellyfish population in check is important. Jellyfish prey on fish eggs and larvae and too many jellyfish means fewer fish. Loggerheads feed on hard-shelled prey, such as crustaceans. By breaking up these shells, they increase the rate at which the shells disintegrate and, as a result, increase the rate of nutrient recycling in the ocean bottom ecosystems.

Sea turtles also provide habitat for many marine organisms! Barnacles, algae and small creatures called epibionts attach themselves to the turtle and by carrying these around, the sea turtles provide a food source for fish and shrimp. In fact, some fish species obtain their diet strictly from epibionts found on sea turtles.

Did you know?

In some species, weather determines if turtles eggs become male or female. In some species, lower temperatures lead to male hatchlings, while higher temperatures lead to female hatchlings.

What can you do to save sea turtles? * Become a conscious and responsible seafood consumer by asking where and how your seafood was caught. Choose seafood caught in ways that do not SEE PAGE XXII

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WORLD TURTLE ...

FROM PAGE XXI

FROM PAGE XX

harm or kill turtles. * Contact your local sea turtle stranding network if you see a sick or injured sea turtle. * Support turtle conservation groups like the GMCS (https://www.facebook.com/Guyana-Marine-Conservation-Society-317183365285264) and the South Rupununi Conservation Society (https://www.facebook.com/southrupununiconservationsociety). * Support actions that help sea turtles.

What Can You Do to Protect Sea Turtle Habitat? * Reduce marine debris that may entangle or be accidentally eaten by sea turtles. * Participate in coastal clean-ups and reduce plastic use to keep our beaches and ocean clean. Trash in the ocean can harm sea turtles and other creatures that live there. * Carry reusable water bottles and shopping bags. Refrain from releasing balloons, they’ll likely end up in the ocean where sea turtles can mistake them for prey and consume them. * Keep nesting beaches dark and safe for sea turtles. Turn off, shield, or redirect lights visible from the beach. Lights disorient hatchling sea turtles and discourage nesting females from coming onto the beach to lay their eggs. * Do not disturb nesting turtles, nests, or hatchlings.

Attend organized sea turtle watches that know how to safely observe nesting sea turtles. * Remove recreational beach equipment like chairs, umbrellas, boats at night so sea turtles are not turned away. * Fill in holes and knock down sandcastles before you leave the beach. They can become obstacles for nesting turtles or emerging hatchlings.

LET’S PROTECT OUR TURTLES AND ALL OTHER FORMS OF BIODIVERSITY. Sources https://oliveridleyproject.org/ufaqs/why-are-sea-turtlesimportant-to-the-environment You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications 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.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, May 23, 2021

Revisiting the idea of ...

FROM PAGE XIX colleagues attending the Richard Ishmael Secondary. And I mention this secondary school intentionally because though it is located five minutes away from Queen’s College, the resource disparities are wide and painfully apparent.

At the beginning of my secondary school life, my colleagues and I in the college had to relocate to the Richard Ishmael school for a short while because a flea infestation at the college made it unsafe for our occupation. Attending that school was a masterclass in appreciating the quality of facilities and resources we had access to at Queen’s College.

Just because Queen’s College students are the crème de

la crème, as we have been labelled since time immemorial, does not mean that all other students, regardless of their academic competency at the NGSA, should not have nice things too.

I am not trying to deny anyone the opportunity of reaping the benefits that can be garnered from attending Queen’s College. Certainly not. I will be forever grateful for my time and experience at the college. My point is, however, that students across the length and breadth of this country should have access to the same set of “nice things” as those in the top schools. It is only fair.

Contesting the suggestion that the placement examination should be abolished, sometime in the future, is the argument of keeping the ranking or placement system while all schools are upgraded to have the same resources, including highly skilled and committed teachers. In this system, the students with the same academic competencies would still be grouped together and it is assumed that, specifically in the top schools, there would be a thriving spirit of competition that encourages students to push themselves and do even better.

Some people agree with this suggestion and some who do not. As a product of Queen’s College, with my 16 passes at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, I do agree that being grouped with “smart” students did encourage me to work harder because I wanted to see my name as one of the top students on the ‘Speech Night’ list of awardees every year. I also wanted to score a scholarship, as many of my fellow ‘plenty subjects’ colleagues did. And so, to this end, I understand the benefit of being in a top school and being motivated by the people around you.

The point is that this is not the case, currently. What happens now is that excelling at the NGSA increases your chances of being in a secondary school with a higher quality of resources and facilities. And again, that is just not fair.

I look forward to this conversation continuing, extensive consultations had and an evidence-based approach at promoting equity in the education system employed. I am convinced that it is possible.

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

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What children see and hear

o not always know what I’m looking y phone is such a normal part of my my hand that I cannot count the numhed for it, while it was actually in my o when I get up in the morning and going to sleep is check my phone. I healthy and something must be done. and found that women were more d to their phones simply because men ocial media apps. Also, older people e addicted. I believe this is because use smartphones (My father actually

y colleagues and friends how bad

losing your phone would be on a scale of 1-10. 98 percent said 10 and 2 percent said 9. They all claimed that it would be the worst material possession that they could ever lose.

Today, I’d like to talk about the importance of sheltering children from adult topics, abuse and pretty much They continued to say that feelings of anxiety, irritation andany unhealthy behaviour.

Anyone has children knowto the lose famous saying overwhelming sadness would be felt ifwhothey were their– that children are like sponges, they soak up everything. There have been mountains of scientific research to support this phone today. even though you probably don’t need it when you curse and It seems harmless, right?

Caring soupmuch about notice your child picked the word quite quickly. a Parents are spending more time with their children now phone? Well, this week I’ve been really paying attention than ever so this is something that worries me. Age doesn’t really matter – children start soaking up this information to the importance that I andfrom others birth and around from birth to 3me yearsgive of age, to their a brain increases 80% of its adult size. It’s a crucial point of dephone, rather than what’s actually going on around them. velopment.

Healthy interactionsto between this age aids in healthy Our phones -- whether we are speaking other people, communication and social skills – ones that will last a lifetime. using social media or playing games -- can be addictive An important thing to remember is that children learn without being taught.

They learn from their environment as they alter our moods, beliefs and trigger enjoyable and who’s in it. It’s called modelling when a child acts and and unenjoyable feelings. Apart obviously being my speaks from the way they observe to be the norm. This means it’s important for adults to speak and behave wisely around main source of communication, my phone childrennot just to them. is my newspaPsychological studies show that children who witness per, watch, alarm, map, recorder, planner, calendar, abuse are atday a much higher risk for mental health issues later down in life- the same risk as If they were abused directly. camera, music player, calculator, a weapon (sometimes) and my friend when I’m bored or lonely- basically everything. However, it is also my constant interrupter and distractor. I (I imagine much like most of you out there) have a deep desire to know everything that is going on.

I believe that is human nature. But when does it become too much?

Well, I believe it’s too much when it has a name. ‘Nomophobia’ is the term coined to describe the fear of being without a mobile phone. Seriously, what have we come to?

Exposure to psychological or physical stress reduces potential of learning, forming healthy It becomes an addiction whenthe the object begins to relationships controland becoming independent. And these negative consequences continue into adulthood. your life and interferes with your daily activities, work, and If we’re talking about a child witnessing abuse, they can become difficulty eating and sleeping, relationships. I read somewhere thatdepressed, “Thehave biggest obstacle issues in school and their relationships. They even may to productivity is connectivity,” affect become but violent overuse themselves and can have a low sense ofaselfworth. All these factors cause them to grow up to become lot more than our productivity.abusers The truth is, overuse of our themselves.

I think most of us already know this. It is important to phones can harm us psychologically, socially andnegative physically. shelter our children from anything including things that may seem harmless like gossip or insulting their other With regard to affecting ourparent social skills, how many of us or grandparents.

You can’t blame childrenlearn from miss out on a joke or good conversation as wetheywere oncopying ouryou.

They are listening to what you say and they are watching you eat. phones? How many times havehowwe annoyed our good friend How did we find this out? There was a very famous and behavioural study conducted in 1961 or family member because wepsychological were posting on social media

by Albert Bandura and colleagues to investigate if social behaviours (specifically aggression) can be acquired how much fun we are having with them?

It truly affects our by SEE PAGE XXV

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What children see ...

FROM PAGE XXIV

observation and imitation.

They randomly chose 36 boys and 36 girls from the Stanford University Nursery School aged between 3 to 6 years old.

The children were pre-tested on their levels of aggression so there would be no bias or false results.

They showed an aggressive model to 24 children, a non-aggressive model to 24 children and no model to 24 children.

The aggression was an adult coming in and becoming violent with some toys, especially a large bouncy ‘bobo doll’- both physically and verbally. The intention was to see if the children were in the aggressive group would copy or ‘model’ the violence that they witnessed the adult partook in. The children only witnessed the violence for 10 minutes.

The results were astounding. Children who observed the aggressive model made far more imitative aggressive responses than those who were in the non-aggressive groups.

The girls in the aggressive model condition showed more physical aggressive responses if the model was male, but more verbal aggressive responses if the model was female.

Boys were more likely to imitate same-sex models than girls.

Boys imitated more physically aggressive acts than girls.

There was little difference in the verbal aggression between boys and girls.

The conclusion was that children copied what they say from adults, even if it’s not in their nature.

If you are guilty of a few things mentioned, it’s not too late to make some changes. Look at your home as your child’s first and last classroom as they are watching and copying everything that you do. Set a positive example for your children. Also, limit what they watch on television as they can model behaviour from there as well.

Finally, keep in mind that every person your child sees is teaching them something. – so keep good people around.

Thank you for reading. Please continue to send topics to caitlinvieira@gmail.com.

If you would like to book a personal counselling session with me, please WhatsApp +592 623 0433

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The generational cycle of toxic parenting styles in Guyana

IN the past, I’ve tried to dissect and write about the toxic generational curses Guyanese would pass onto the next generation. As such, I think it’s only fair I continue down that road by addressing the toxic parenting culture Guyanese parents pass off as “My parents raised me this way too, so you’ll be fine”.

There is toxicity deeply rooted within our “parenting styles” in Guyana. Our culture already teaches us to always respect our elders/adults. So, many children either grow up in fear of breaching that preexisting moral code or they simply don’t know otherwise. These children then grow up to be adults and eventually have children of their own, using

the same toxic parenting style that was passed onto them. This continues the toxic cycle for generations after generations. There are some, like myself who refuses to be caught up in such a cycle. Of course, if you go against the cultural norm of any kind, whether or not the norm in question is toxic, you’ll be labelled as the “disrespect-

ful child”.

There is much that is left inconsolable due to the styles, methods and strategies many parents use in Guyana. You can’t address the towering amounts of social issues amongst children and teenagers without accepting that maybe, just maybe, toxic parenting styles might be a contributing factor. Guyanese “parenting styles” is the indepen-

dent variable for many other correlating issues. I’m sure of it. I believe it is driven and fueled by fear to cause more fear. Guyanese parents are fearful and broken from their very own parents and then transfer said fear to their children.

Some parents may even think somehow it’s “easier” to make children fear you than to make them love you/love them in return. It’s “better” to spank children, aka physically abuse a child instead of strategising an effective yet harmless method of discipline.

The “we are a third world country” or “this is how we were brought up” excuse is also getting very old. I’m sick of it.

Many Guyanese parents these days have access to internet access and they use it daily, not very “third world” of them but they do. One can easily surf the web for more information on how to utilize healthy and positive approaches to parenthood. This isn’t an issue of “we do not know any better”. We do.

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Education at any...

FROM PAGE IX exercise is held with about 25 children from Tigerbone Banakari Village but the community has a lot more children, some don’t show up for the event.

Rodrigues disclosed that the face to face exercise started last week and they will continue until further notice since the children cannot go to school.

The initiative was launched because some children need the extra help to complete the worksheets since their parents are working.

The learning sessions are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 09:00hrs to midday.

Rodrigues is one of many volunteers who have been instrumental in overseeing many community-based self-help projects and volunteerism and reaching out to assist in the community is her true passion.

“I feel good that I am doing something worthwhile to lend support to the children in this community because it is a difficult time and we all need a little bit of help along

The generational cycle of ...

FROM PAGE XXVI Rather, it’s an issue of “we choose not to do better”.

I won’t whitewash any of this because I’m a Guyanese myself. I won’t try to find a positive from this because I’d like to call a spade a spade. There are certain weaknesses and embarrassing things to be ashamed of in our culture and sadly, this is one of them. You don’t agree with me? Do your polls on social media or conduct research of your own, asking the questions, “Has your parents and their parenting styles contributed negatively to your mental health?” “If yes, how?”.

The important question is the “how?” because then you’ll understand the heartbreaking stories that some Guyanese had to endure.

If you’re reading this and you agree with much of what I’ve said, I hope you are in the process of breaking free of this toxic

culture. I also hope this article serves as a validation for your position against the topic in question because I know many Guyanese youngsters feel the same way as I do. If you’re reading this and you entirely disagree with what I have to say, I urge you to reconsider your position for the overall betterment of the children of this nation. You simply should not have children at all, if you believe that it’s okay to transfer toxicity to your children just because it was transferred to you.

Every child is different and parenting styles should be strategised and tailored to cater to said child’s needs.

“But, I turned out just fine”. No, you did not! You just learned how to cope with it or your fear blinds you to the point where you can’t see beyond it. Sadly enough, your children may not be as lucky as you are to cope as well as you did.

the way and the children is gaining some one on one attention in the sessions since they cannot benefit from virtual teaching,” she said.

Being a far-flung village, Tigerbone Banakari is not easily accessible and there are no internet services except on cell phones and it is costly to buy data to do online classes.

The people of this community do not live near each other and are scattered in this large village so the worksheets exercise is a good thing to keep the children occupied.

Rodrigues reported that in her village, Omega, which has a small population, the children are home-schooled

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by their parents but if the need arises she can always pitch in to assist but her services are needed more in Tigerbone Banakari Village.

“As you can see we have a good turn out with the children and they are cooperating and willing to learn despite the challenges,” she said.

The children seem engrossed in the face to face learning session that day and were well-behaved.

Some were even happy to get out the house and be around their peers in a somewhat normal classroom setting even though it was in a school.

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THOUGHT FOR TODAY

We haven’t the money, so we’ve got to thin k.

LORD RUTHER FORD (18711937) Attr. in Pro f. R.V. Jones, 1962 Bru nel Lecture, 14 Feb. 1962

MAY 23, 2021 STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Welcome, dear friend.

Make revision an ongoing determination. Coin positive statements to keep you ticking. Look at these two affirmations: a) My concentration

has really improved. Even when it lapses, I know how to recover it. b) I expect excellent results. I am studying to ensure that happens. That is how focused I am... Listen up my friend and be sober; shy away from anxieties especially those coming from loved ones. Robust study is focused study.

Love you.

PASSAGE Abruptly he fell to searching for the words as she (Sophia) wanted to hear.

“She has a graceful neck, auburn hair, sober eyes. She’s clean articulate, though shy -.” He looked sideways at her. “I think you’ll like her.”

“Whether I like her or not is unimportant.”

“She will produce healthy children,” he added, “- something that your three offspring have thus far been unable to do.”

She continued to frown at him. Then apparently as weary of the encounter as he was, she concluded, “Then you wish me to speak to banns with the Powelses?”

“Why not?” he replied hurriedly, “I rather thought that was the point of all this.”

She nodded, a solemn look upon her face, as sad and preoccupied as the one she had arrived with... She had cooled toward him... He could not speak of passionate love.

Of course, he was yet to meet the young woman, Harriet, whom he encountered only at cotillions at country house parties... Now, thinking on the shy, timid, rather stern-looking girl, he doubted seriously if there was a single impulse in her entire personality which would in all honesty be called passionate.

Pay attention to the following reminders.

Reminder: A personal account is a first-person recount of a particular incident or encounter intended to convince or persuade the reader to think in a certain way. It is narrative in nature.

This kind of essay helps the writer to discover meaning of his own past and sharing it with others. The writer then has two perspectives: his perspective in the present and his perspective in the past at the time of the experience.

Sequence of events and important details are two particularly important reference

pointers in this writing form.

Reminder: Description is writing intended to leave a picture in the reader’s mind.

Attention is paid to vivid sensory details that appeal to the reader’s senses when appropriate. It also deals with pictures of feelings the person, place or thing invoke in the writer.

Instructions: 1. Say you are the “he” character in the extract.

Write a personal account of your experience meeting Sophia on this point of grave importance to you. Capture the mood in both characters.

2. Describe the young woman, Harriet, that the male character is planning to bring into his family. Have her come alive to your reader.

GRAMMAR Punctuation of two short and interesting passages Reminder: Punctuation is the term for all the marks (like comma, question mark) used to indicate how a sentence should be read. It gives an overall view of understanding the form of sentences and passages. Its proper use helps prevent errors like comma splices and run-on sentences. It clarifies meaning.

Passages Punctuate the two passages below adhering to rules of types and purposes of punctuation marks.

First: where you are going my lad said the older man is a question that does not interest us what we want to know is where you were on Tuesday night at seven o’clock when as you know old mr bunbury the butcher was killed if you tell us the exact truth it may help us i should like to the young man replied but how can i it isn’t my secret Second: one day as he was walking along the street a friend of whom I shall call james tattlington met a complete stranger the stranger was carrying a large clumsy clock staggering along as best he could under its enormous weight mr tattlington paused eyed the stranger questioningly and then with a smile did you never he asked think of wearing a wrist watch the stranger’s reply is not part of the joke

GRAMMAR Comma splices and runon sentences Comma splices and runon sentences are major sentence blunders which interfere with the reader receiving the thought intended to be sent out by the writer.

A comma splice occurs when a writer places one comma (which is not strong enough punctuation and no coordinating conjunction to separate two or more independent sentences). This is often considered by some authorities as one example of a run-on sentence. Others call it a punctuation error.

Comma splice example: Sandie Page was a local innovative painter known for his work on government buildings and billboards, his artful colour blends and schemes became more acceptable after his death in1990.

Another and more well-talked about kind of run-on (or fused sentence) occurs when the writer puts no mark of punctuation and no coordinating conjunction at all to separate independent clauses. He then passes the lot off as one sentence. Coordinating conjunctions are like and and but.

Run-on example: They bought clothing they bought bath towels.

Word Meaning Think about this!

“Can you answer useful questions?” asked the Red Queen. “How is bread made?”

“I know that!” Alice cried eagerly. “You take some flour -” “Where do you pick the flower?” the White Queen asked. “In a garden or in the hedges?”

“Well, it isn’t picked at all,” Alice explained. “It’s ground -” “How many acres of ground?” asked the White Queen. “You mustn’t leave out so many things.”

Poor Alice may never get the idea across; every word she says seems to be taken the wrong way. Her predicament is a consequence of an interesting, and often frustrating, characteristic of our language. English is full of pairs and groups of words that are similar in some way – spelling, sound, meaning.

[To be continued]

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, May 23, 2021

Overcoming dental fear IT has been estimated that nearly 40 percent of any population exhibit sufficient fear of dental treatment that their oral health has been significantly affected. Overcoming this prohibition is therefore crucial.

The first thing you can do is realise that your dental fear can be overcome. Fear is a learned behaviour that, therefore can be unlearned. Patient-centred behaviour modification treats you as a whole person, not as a set of teeth, and can help you overcome your fears. This will obviously take a team approach between you and your dentist and his/her staff.

Communication is the key. You must feel comfortable expressing your fears and concerns and have a sense that you are being listened to. Modern dentistry with a compassionate dental team can be truly painless. You can desensitise yourself to your fears if you take the first step and allow the right team to help you overcome your fears.

Here’s a list of other steps you can take to overcome your dental fears: 1. Asking questions 2. Establishing a signalling system 3. Learning how to relax 4. Improving communication with your dentist Explanation and clarification of any and all procedures proposed is your right as a patient. If you have a question about a particular procedure, ask it! Empower yourself with the knowledge to alleviate fear of the unknown. You should have input into treatment decisions and choices. You should be honest with your dentist regarding how much treatment you think you can tolerate at first. As you build confidence in yourself and trust in the team that is caring for you, the length of your appointment and the amount of work accomplished will increase.

A signalling system should be established, allowing you to stop for any reason – whether it be because you need more anaesthesia, want to rinse out, or simply need a two-second break. The most common signal is raising your hand.

If you feel tense in the chair, the easiest way to relax is through forms of physical relaxation. A relaxed body promotes a clear and Relaxed mind. The human body cannot be physically relaxed and mentally anxious at the same time! The brain won’t process these feelings simultaneously. Physical relaxation methods are easier to accomplish at first as compared to cognitive ones, so practise forms of physical relaxation first.

Examples of physical relaxation are diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and various methods taught in yoga. There are numerous books and sources for these methods. If you induce relaxation in the presence of stimuli that normally induces your fears (the dental environment), the fear response will be greatly diminished over multiple exposures and you will gradually desensitise yourself to these fears as you build confidence. The memories of traumatic visits will be replaced with more innocuous ones and this less threatening environment coupled with your relaxation methods will help you eliminate your fears.

As you become more comfortable in the dental environment, you can engage in various distraction techniques that many offices have. The use of a Walkman or a Discman is a common technique. Many offices now are equipped with Virtually-reality glasses that provide both visual and auditory distraction by allowing you to view videotapes through these glasses while having dental work done. We only suggest using distraction techniques once you have established some trust and confidence because your ability to communicate will be compromised, although it is easy to stop any of these devices if need to be.

If you have been ridiculed in the past for your behaviour, or if you are embarrassed by your present dental condition caused by your neglect, please express yourself honestly and give your present dentist a chance to understand your concerns and show you that they care. You will be amazed at the wealth of treatment options that you might not have thought were possible. With modern dentistry, it’s never too late to recreate a new

smile! COMMUNICATE, EMPOWER YOURSELF WITH KNOWLEDGE, AND TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FEARS.

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