Chronicle Pepperpot 06-06-2021

Living by the creek - A life of tranquillity for local family

Fifty-three-year-old Daphne Spellingburg is contented living by the Kara Kara Creek. Her house is connected to Speightland Village in Linden via a wooden bridge, but due to the flood conditions, she had to use a paddleboat to get across the creek. (Carl Croker photo).

SUNDAY JUNE 06, 2021

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 06, 2021

A Marriage proposal at over 30,000 feet

By Francis Quamina Farrier

J

UNE is the month of brides, and here is a story about love and marriage which is so romantic and which I know you will enjoy reading. The married couple whom I am featuring this week in a series of married couples, commenced their official life together as a committed couple, at over 30,000 feet above the Caribbean sea. They were on a flight from New York to Guyana. I was also on the flight and was seated in the row directly in front of the couple. During the first leg of the flight which was from New York to Jamaica, I recognised romantic sounds emanating from the row directly behind mine. Deciding that it was none of my business, even though it was romantically titillating, I did not pay much attention.

However, sometime after the Fly Jamaica aircraft took off from the Norman Manley International Airport, Jamaica and levelled off above the Caribbean Sea on the second leg of its journey to Guyana, an announcement was heard on the PA system, inviting passengers to pay attention to an upcoming in-flight event. What it was, was totally unexpected. The couple seated behind me stepped out from their seats and stood in the aisle. One of the flight attendants held a microphone close to the gentleman. He then went down on one knee and proposed marriage to the lady who was his travelling companion.

There was an explosion of applause by the other passengers as the lady said “Yes” in a most romantic way. Deque Gibbs and

Deque and Felicia on their Wedding day

Felecia Johnson had become engaged to each other in a rather spectacular way. They were now committed to spending the rest of their lives together as man and wife. It was quite a unique proposal by a Guyanese which I have ever heard, and certainly, witnessed - at over 30,000 feet in the air.

Giving me the details sometime later, Deque Gibbs related his original meeting with Felecia Johnson, the woman who would become his wife and to whom he proposed marriage in such a unique way. “We meet July 13, 2014, as I was hosting my sister’s baby shower,” the gentleman later told me.

A native of Victoria Village on the East Coast of Demerara, Deque Gibbs further informed me how he got to know and become interested in Felecia Johnson. His cousin who was the DJ at the baby shower asked if he could come and assist him there. That was in Brooklyn, New York. Relating the origins of her relationship with Deque Gibbs, Felecia Johnson explained her early interactions with Deque. “At the shower he tried to get my attention by hiding Felicia and Deque just after he had proposed to her in the my shoes, turning the microphone off and trying airplane, flying at 31,000 feet over the Caribbean Sea. to give me his flyer to attend his party of which I was seated in the row just in front of them (Photo by he was helping to rebuild the school in his village Francis Q. Farrier) Victoria [In Guyana].” Continuing the romantic tale, of my hair and asked for my phone number.” she said, “At the end of the evening when he had That was no sham, since just a few hours later, she noticed I wasn’t giving him any attention, he took a pen out received a text which stated that he was home and hoped that she was also safely home as well. It seemed that particularly caring act by Deque won the heart of Felecia.

They got closer which led up to that up-in-the-air marriage proposal. The couple were married at a lavish ceremony in Brooklyn, New York, where they are now based.

However, Deque has another love in his life - his home village of Victoria on the East Coast of Demerara. He gives of his financial resources, contributing to projects in the village; maintenance of the community centre is one of them. For that and other activities, Deque has the full support of Felecia - the love of his life, who said “Yes” to his proposal of marriage at over 30,000 feet in the air.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 06, 2021

Beating COVID-19 - How one family recovered and vows never to become complacent

By Telesha Ramnarine THE Lupuku family is one that spared no effort in upholding the safety guidelines and protocols of the dreaded Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19); yet their entire family was infected while they helped to care for a family member. As horrid as the experience was, the family has learnt valuable lessons about COVID-19.

For one thing, they’ve vowed never to become complacent about upholding any safety measure, and they’ve come to see firsthand that a lack of education about the virus can make people treat others disdainfully.

After fully recovering from the virus, they’ve had their share of people continuing to avoid them and treating them as though they were still positive cases. It took a toll mentally, and it was draining, especially when Indira had to be in the hospital, away from her family.

The ordeal has also helped them see the things that matter most in life and

not to take for granted simple things such as family time and a hug from their children.

“It gives you a new perspective on life because you were so close to not being here anymore; it gives you a new perspective on your relationships and the things that you take for granted daily,” Indira reflected.

“Just time spent with my children; to look at them, feel them, touch them…a simple hug took on so much more meaning. It makes you think about your priorities,” she expressed during an interview with Pepperpot Magazine.

It all started when her mother Liloutie Jairam contracted the disease at her place of work and as Indira shared in helping to care for her; she too, along with her husband Victor and their two children(ages 6 and 9) became infected.

At the time of contracting the disease in August 2020, it was not easy for the family to be tested for it and so even though the mother went to the hospital, she was not tested for COVID-19. She then went to stay with Indira and

that’s how the whole family became sick. The entire family was later tested sometime after and it was confirmed that they were all infected with the disease.

Indira started her quarantine at home but after two weeks, she was still positive. Starting to get shortness of breath, she went to ‘Georgetown Hospital’ and was subsequently sent to the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, after the doctors could not pinpoint why there was no improvement in her breathing.

Everyone at this hospital provided excellent care to Indira and she continues to be grateful for the kindness shown to her there. But even so, being away from her family was hard to cope with. By the time she was admitted, her family had already recovered. She’d have to see them through her window at the hospital as they made their way to the seawall to see her from there.

While in hospital, just dealing with the fear of COVID-19 can be crippling.

Physiotherapist Anesia Persaud is very patient with those whom she’s helping

COVID-19 survivor Indira Lupuku

“Your mind goes really far at times. Looking at my mother having it so bad made me wonder if it will happen to me too and what will happen to my children. When it came to shortness of breath, I got very fearful. I started to wonder if I would make it,”

Indira recalled.

Although she was discharged from the hospital seven days later, life was surely not ready to get back to normal for Indira. Although she’d never had breathing problems prior to contracting COVID-19, she

Indira and her mom Liloutie Jairam

now became dependent on an inhaler to breathe.

It was a kind doctor who recommended that she begin physiotherapy at the Ministry of Health’s Rehabilitation Department based in the SEE PAGE XI

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 06, 2021

First edition of Mister and Miss Model of Tourism World competition to stream virtually

VOTING via social media in the Mister and Miss Model of Tourism World competition has commenced and the local team needs the Guyanese support to help its representatives come off victorious.

Persons can vote by liking the pictures on the official Mr. and Miss Model of Tourism World Instagram and Facebook pages and following the representatives on their journey via their social media handles and the Mr. and Ms. Model of Tourism Guyana page.

Representatives for Guyana are Paul Anthony Charles, 35 and Raveena Mangal, 29. Paul was born and raised in the small community of Albouystown and works with the Ministry of Health National AIDS Programme Secretariat where he does outreaches across Guyana and the Ministry of Education where he teaches workshops in dance.

Raveena hails from the quaint community of Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara and is the head of Marketing and Sales at the Institute of Applied Science and Technology where she has helped to develop iconic local products and was fortunate to extensively travel Guyana’s hinterland.

Team Guyana has been hard at work with its preparations and humanitarian projects.

Charles and Mangal were selected to represent Guyana for the first edition of the fast-approaching virtual competition, slated to be shown on June 26, on the Mr. and Miss Model of Tourism Facebook page and locally on E-networks.

Paul is no stranger to pageantry and has multiple titles under his belt, including Mr. Guyana International 2014 and Mr. Caribbean 2015. This might be his last pageant and he intends to make it count.

While it is the first for Raveena, she is excited and inspired by their hardworking team inSEE PAGE V

Though it’s her first pageant, Raveena is excited and inspired by her hardworking team (Photos courtesy of Roshini Boodhoo)

Paul is no stranger to pageantry and has multiple titles under his belt

Raveena Mangal

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 06, 2021

Parents reflect on strengthened relationships during pandemic

By Dillon Goring

- As world observes Global Parents Day

GLOBAL Parents Day is observed every year June 1 to honour and express gratitude to our parents for the efforts they put in to shape our futures. The day celebrates the unique relationship between children and parents and it also provides us with an opportunity to appreciate our parents for the sacrifices they make for us. Parents play a crucial role in our lives for our careers, social, financial and mental development. In 2012, the United Nations announced that June 1 would be celebrated as Global Parents Day. The theme for Global Parents Day 2021 is, ‘Appreciate all parents throughout the world.’ The theme puts a spotlight on the struggles, sacrifices and efforts made by parents for their children worldwide. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, parents took all responsibilities of their children and took care of them even when they were burdened with their own tasks. The theme has been kept in accordance with the efforts and hard work done by parents across the globe during the pandemic for their children.

The Pepperpot Magazine spoke with Guyanese parents to get their perspectives on the implications of such an observance to the Guyanese Community.

Terrence Esseboom, a journalist by profession, believes that the novel coronavirus pandemic has put a greater spotlight on parents’ roles in their children’s lives.

“A lot of them in Guyana were still required to go to work every day, so parents had to find alternative ways to care for their children; so the burden shifted completely to parents, because the institutions of the state, inclusive of daycare and so forth, were closed. Hence, there was a great burden on parents to take care of their children,” Esseboom told the Pepperpot Magazine.

Esseboom further contended that with the introduction of online classes, the responsibility of parents in nurturing their children became even greater.

He further noted that the heroic efforts of parents should be considered.

“As a pastor, and a former teacher, I am still of the view because it is biblical, that the function for every society is the ‘Family’ and what the pandemic did is remove our external support back to family. The nation has not collapsed, because the family stayed together and the year of the pandemic has taught that,” Esseboom related.

According to Esseboom, the relationship between parents and children since the start of the pandemic is boisterous and stronger, because in a lot of instances, your children are more at home.

He believes that the pandemic acted as a mechanism to

Terrence Esseboom

Glenyss Adams-James

strengthen your relationship as a parent with your children. “ Families that were strong, have become stronger, families that were weak, were strengthened, but in some instances became weaker, because the financial resources to boost the family aren’t available as a result of the pandemic ,” Esseboom contended .

Meanwhile, another parent, Adele Fraser, expressed the view that today’s parents need to exercise greater discipline when it comes to rearing and caring of their children. She believes that the training today’s children receive cannot be compared to that of yesteryear.

“For me motherhood is about nurturing, disciplining and being a role model to your child/children. Motherhood is a blessing I take very seriously and as a mother of a daughter, I aim to mould a strong, intelligent and God-fearing young lady who will grow up knowing that there’s no limitation to her aspirations and she can always count on mommy and daddy to be her biggest cheerleader,” she explained. “During this

pandemic, it has not been easy for us; especially in relation to her schooling, but I wouldn’t trade this experience with her for anything. We have gotten closer and I have learnt to cherish the little things around me.”

Glenyss Adams-James, another parent, believes that education is pivotal to a child’s development and growth. “We made sure that we gave our children all the support they need on education, because when you are in a relationship with the Lord and you have an education to me, those are two vital areas,” James expressed to Pepperpot Magazine .

First edition of Mister and Miss Model of Tourism World ...

FROM PAGE IV

cluding ‘Pageant Guru’ and National Director Roshini Boodhoo, National Costume Designer Dexter Gardener and Videographer Phillip Drayton.

Raveena, who enjoys cooking and travelling in her spare time, manages her own small business, advocates for women’s empowerment and self-love, and defends animal rights.

She plans to publish a motivation and self-help collaborative book to inspire young Guyanese women to become independent and pursue their dreams.

Paul is said to be fun-loving and humble. His projects revolve around youth development through art and culture and he uses his strength to develop and share his talent with youths in making them more rounded, self-aware and confident to build their leadership skills.

The Mister and Miss Model of Tourism World pageant aims to showcase the cultures of various countries through tourism, travel and humanitarianism. Though now virtual, the pageant will still have many traditional segments such as swimwear, evening, talent, runway and national costume.

Paul Anthony Charles

Parents play a very significant role in our lives. From the day when a child learns to walk until the day, he/ she becomes self-dependent, parents are always there to support and encourage their children. Parents Day is a reminder for people to acknowledge their selfless love, struggles, hard work and commitment according to the United Nations on Global Parenting .

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 06, 2021

Speightland Village A developing community in Linden Speightland Village (Carl Croker photos)

By Michel Outridge

Focus on the Village

THIS week the Pepperpot Magazine visited Speightland, McKenzie, Linden Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) where the locals took time out to chat despite the rainy conditions that day.

Speightland is a peaceful place, a community that has grown over the years and it has all-weather roads which have deteriorated over time, electricity, potable water, landline phones, cell phone services and internet services.

It has about 140 houses and more than 500 residents, people of mixed race who are descendants of the first settlers who moved there during the booming bauxite days when the plant was in operation. At the head of the village, there is the abandoned and ageing bauxite plant.

Back in the bauxite plant operation days, workers used

to reside in the community but when the operations folded the company relocated its employees to Rainbow City, also in McKenzie, they were allocated house lots and constructed houses and settled there.

Speightland Village is a quaint place that is somewhat sleepy yet alive and it is indeed a nice place to settle with a family.

The people are skilled carpenters, masons, electricians, loggers, miners, construction workers, builders, mechanics, nurses, landscapers, teachers, cash crops and poultry farmers and small business owners, who have shops and other businesses in the community.

The villagers live a simple way of life, earning and co-existing peacefully and since most of them are related and they live in harmony and are aiming to become self-sufficient.

At the head of this village, there is a primary and a nursery school, a health

centre, a play park and other facilities needed to maintain a healthy and long life.

The most distressing thing about the village is the flooding and the bad roads but apart from that, it is the ideal place to raise a family.

It is within walking distance to the main road but a taxi ride is $500 from the village to the McKenzie Market or its environs.

Living in this village is costly because of the rising food prices and the cost of other things that are necessary for life and the residents complained of hardships since they have many children.

The people reported that jobs are not easy to get so they are trying their hands with small shops, buying and selling greens and ground provisions and farming.

The people do what they have to earn honestly and from the looks of things they are trying their best despite SEE PAGE XVIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 06, 2021

The people of Speightland Village

- Keeping busy to earn a living

By Michel Outridge A N G E L O Cornelia is probably one of the first settlers of Speightland Village who moved from Creek Mouth in 1985 and constructed a small house in that village when the place had just a mud dam.

The 63-year-old stated that the place did not have many residents and there

came here to live to now because a road was paved but the road has become riddled with potholes and we have the basic necessities to lead a comfortable life,” he said.

The father of nine told the Pepperpot Magazine that more people moved into the village and it became very populated over the years and they live in harmony.

He said in Speightland

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Romona Spellingburg (Carl Croker photos)

Village there are no strangers and the people are good to each other.

The greens and ground provision vendor Romona Spellingburg was job-hunting and was unable to get a steady job and she decided to become empowered by setting up her own small business right

Romona Spellingburg’s house being built

were no facilities there and the place had almost nothing but trees.

He reported that just a handful of people were residing in Speightland back then and it was the people who used to work for the bauxite company and when that company closed its doors the workers were relocated to Rainbow City, also in McKenzie.

Cornelia added that over time he started to build a better house to accommodate his large family and in 2006 they were given land titles for the land they occupy as more people began settling in the community.

“This place has developed from the time I first

Angelo Cornelia

Home of Angelo Cornelia

Focus on the Village

from her home.

The mother of three told the Pepperpot Magazine that she has been residing in Speightland Village all her life and was unsure what to do for work then the idea of having her own small businesses was conceptualised.

She added that she has just started to build her own house and is looking forward to moving in with her children.

Spellingburg would buy vegetables and ground provision from farers in and out

the village and sell them on a stand in her yard.

Her sister has a small shop so villagers would come and buy what they need and also make purchases from her.

The 32-year-old stated that she would normally grow their own produce but due to the heavy rainfall they have been unable to do so.

Spellingburg reported that life in Speightland Village is quiet and there is simply nothing too much to worry about and it is one of

those places where you can still leave your door open at nights.

She related that at times she would shop at McKenzie Market and on Saturdays, she would sell greens and ground provisions at the market.

The small business owner pointed out that the people of the village work hard to earn and the men would cut wood and do other jobs in and around SEE PAGE XXIV

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 06, 2021

Living by the creek - A life of tranquillity for local family

By Michel Outridge IT is often said that home is where the heart is and this can be said for Daphne

Spellingburg, a mild-mannered woman who is contented living by the Kara Kara Creek, which is South

Amelia’s Ward.

The mother of 10 made her way across the creek in a paddleboat

The Kara Kara Creek

Anesha Spellingburg paddling the boat across the

comfortable with her little house across the creek which is connected to Speightland Village via a wooden bridge but due to the flooded conditions she had to use the paddle and boat to get across the creek.

Spellingburg stated that during the dry season the living conditions across the creek are more acceptable but admitted that her son would often encourage her to move out and go live with him in Amelia’s Ward but she refuses to leave.

The 53-year-old said she is concerned about the 200 meat birds she has in a pen aback her yard and if the water rises they will die.

Spellingburg resides with five other persons in

Daphne Spellingburg and her granddaughter, Anesha in their boat

Focus on the Village

current location and will remain there because she enjoys the tranquillity of a peaceful life.

Where she resides there are just five other houses and they live in harmony and there are no issues.

Spellingburg told the Pepperpot Magazine that this time the water is extra high and there is a need for the creek to be dredged and the last time that happened was in 1995 when the mud was used to fill her yard.

She would use the creek water for washing and other household chores and a few others across the creek would wash their wares too with the creek water.

Spellingburg stated that she would fish in the creek

Daphne Spellingburg’s house across the creek

with her granddaughter to meet the team, that rainy day despite flooded conditions, caused heavy rainfall and the overtopping of the Kara Kara Creek.

She told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is very

her cottage and they have a dog, a parrot, some birds and a cat as pets.

Many years ago, she used to reside with her family at Creek Mouth, Kara Kara Creek but relocated to her

when the weather is good and would also tie a hammock under the big shady trees to relax.

She reported that she has a small solar powered system SEE PAGE XIII

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 06, 2021

Daily life in Speightland Village

By Michel Outridge

ALIN Crighton is a resident of Speightland Village, McKenzie, Linden, in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and he is doing whatever is in season

you have to constantly seek employment and you will wherever that leads,” he said.

Crighton was outside his yard, on the bridge to be exact, patiently shaping a piece of wood he had cut from the forested area in his village

sharpened cutlass and that alone would take about an hour or two to complete.

After it is shaped to his liking it would be smoothened using special hand shears and the completed hand-made wooden

The shop manned by Rena Da Silva

for work.

The 34-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that he is originally from the other side of the Kara Kara Creek that is, Block 42, Amelia’s Ward but relocated to Speightland Village since 2006.

“I would do some brush-cutting, carpentry, masonry and make axe handles and whatever else is in season to earn because here you don’t get steady jobs so

with a cutlass to make an axe handle of which he would sell for $1,500 to $2,000 per handle.

It is a painstaking task but he is up for it because it was a rainy day and it was work for that day so he would be able to earn.

Crighton reported that first, he would have to source the wood which is chopped off the branches of large trees and shape the wood using a

axe handle is completed and ready for sale.

“I would use my time to do things and today I also have a bicycle to repair and being multi-talented is a gift because I can do many things,” he said.

Crighton stated that Speightland Village is home for him and doesn’t see himself living anywhere else.

He reported that over the years the place has developed

Alin Crighton as he was shaping the wood into an axe handle (Carl Croker photos)

Focus on the Village

to an acceptable standard with the basic necessities to be comfortable but the roads need upgrading.

Rena Da Silva Shopkeeper, Rena Da Silva is a spritely woman, who was keeping the shop for her daughter, who had gone out to do some errands.

The 54-year-old added that she is originally from West Watooka, Wismar, Lin-

den, a small farming community but relocated to Speightland Village a few years ago to be with her daughter and family.

The mother of eight stated that life is fair but she is worried about the high prices for groceries because it doesn’t leave any margin for even a small profit.

Her daughter owns the Creek View Grocery Shop and document centre which

does web browsing and printing.

Da Silva pointed out that their small business is surviving because the people in the village supports it being the neighbourhood shop.

She explained that there is no other document centre in the community so they decided to open a small space that allows for printSEE PAGE XXIV

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 06, 2021

A fresh perspective Focus New Community Development Council Chairwoman optimistic about change

By Michel Outridge

LIKE most villages, Speightland, McKenzie, Linden is managed by the Community Development Council (CDC) and the newest chair is Nikita Roberts, who succeeded the late Chairwoman Gem Narine, who passed away a month ago.

She comes with youth on her side, fresh ideas and is hoping she will garner the support of the people to develop the community to the standard they would like.

Roberts is originally from Coomacka Mines and relocated to Speightland Village four years ago and her house sits on a plot of land that overlooks the Demerara River, quite a scenic view and a lovely place to reside.

She told the Pepperpot Magazine that Speightland Village is fairly large with more than 500 residents, most of whom are skilled workers, who leave the village for work.

Roberts disclosed that apart from the bad roads and streets in the community and flooding there are no other issues and complaints.

She stated that the people are peaceful and they live neighbourly and there are no pilfering making it a very safe place to live.

Since she took on the role of chairwoman of the CDC she is of the view they will improve their communication skills and the youths can benefit from skills training to make them marketable.

“Not every family is financially equipped to deal with the challenges that the pandemic brought so you find some people are having difficulty with online schooling for the children among other things and we want to do something to assist the vulnerable,” she said.

As for community enhancement, most projects have been placed on hold due to the Coronavirus which came to these shores last year March.

The mother of two added that they have an empty plot of

on the Village

land and they would like to develop it into a ball field with a multi-purpose community centre for the community.

Roberts reported that the multi-purpose building will serve as a ‘meeting place’ for the villagers and a place where the youths and children can play games and engage in meaningful recreational activities.

The CDC Chairwoman told the Pepperpot Magazine that once things get better in terms of the pandemic they will embark on a project where street lights will be installed in the village.

She disclosed that the people of Speightland are engaged in farming and keep their surroundings clean and the village is considered a ‘green village’ because they have a lot of trees,

Roy Narain in his workshop

plants, fruits and vegetables.

Roberts noted that the people of Speightland are also into livestock and poultry farming and some have established small businesses to become self-employed and empowered themselves.

“This is a place of sports people, a lot of talent is here in terms of football, cricket, cycling, and basketball,” she said.

Roberts reported that the late CDC Chair Gem Narine was all about development and she knows she has big shoes to fill but she will try her best to foster development at the community level.

She is asking for support to ultimately enhance the lives of the people through community-based development and cooperation.

Roberts is a teacher attached to the Watooka Primary School.

The Upholstery Shop Roy Narain is a resident of Speightland Village and has an upholstery shop in the community where he would re-cover seats for vehicles, sofas and just about any seating.

Narain can finish a complete vehicle in just three days so the owner can collect it in good time.

He works alone since his business is small and cannot hire any help just yet but due to the pandemic things have been in slow motion in terms of business.

The father of two reported that he used to reside at a place in Greenheart Street, McKenzie where he was renting and had his workshop but due to some issues they relocated to a plot SEE PAGE XI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 06, 2021

A fresh...

FROM PAGE X

of land they were allocated in Speightland.

He said they constructed a home and over time established a small workshop to earn and is happy he works from home.

Meanwhile, his wife, Kamini Mohabir, is a lovely lady, who is the homemaker and takes care of everyone in the home and does the chores and cooking.

The 41-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that her children a 17-year-old is attending high school and he has classes while the seven-year old is at school benefiting from virtual classes and worksheets.

This family has been residing in Speightland Village for the past 24 years and she is originally from Old Kara Kara.

This couple also have a farm at Creek Mouth and due to the heavy rainfall and flooding they have been unable to access their crops.

Beating ...

FROM PAGE III compound of the Palms Geriatric Home, quite ably headed by Senior Physiotherapist Barbara Lawrence.

The situation became so dire that for months, Indira had to sleep in a sitting position, or if she’d go flat on her bed, she wouldn’t have been able to breathe.

She also couldn’t do much walking or engage in any kind of exertion. “From the minute I started physiotherapy, I got relief. My physiotherapist was very patient when working with me and did not compare me with her other cases. Her techniques helped me bring up mucus and my breathing improved,” Indira recalled.

After six weeks of physiotherapy, she no longer needed an inhaler and the problem with breathing went away. Indira is grateful that the doctor who suggested physiotherapy looked outside the box and explored all of the options available for bringing her relief. She is hoping that more doctors will do the same.

The physiotherapist who helped Indira, Anesia Persaud, said working the case has been very insightful to her, even as she works with several other patients who have recovered from COVID-19. “Therapy plays a major role in the before, during and after process of COVID-19,” she commented.

During her stay at the Liliendaal hospital, Indira saw her family from her room window

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 28, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 06, 2021

XIII

JUNE 6, 1944

ON THE AWARENESS OF THE AESTHETIC AND THE ‘BEING’ OF OUR YOUNG NATION Part II - ITS SIGNIFICANCE TO OUR CARIBBEAN AND THE THIRD WORLD

WE must begin to cultivate a perspective of the world we live in, in respect to what is relevant to our evolution from the history that encompasses us, which we by choice have declined concern for, because our elders have for the convenience of what was relevant at the time shelved a profound bodies of information that should be active until later, but instead was never un-shelved.

Some 37 years ago I began a script based on events from the 1930s to the conclusion of WWII. It was inspired by several areas of literature, one of them was the autobiography of Malcolm X, a book that convinced me not to lend books ever again. I am convinced my friend who borrowed my book intended to steal it from the inception.

There was a caption that indicated that Afro British Gui-

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

anese and other WWI nationals were volunteering to go to fight for Ethiopia against the Italian invasion. It intrigued me as to the thinking back then. So, I prepared my script for a series of graphic novels and discussed it with my then my boss Denis Williams, who enquired where I intended to take the story (since I have not yet copyrighted it I can’t mention the name). Dr Williams quietly told me “All

you know of WW2 and the then colonial world leading up to the war and after and African antiquity, are products of Hollywood and war novels, and he insisted that I need to go deeper even with the historical ones, so take 20 years of research before you begin to rewrite it.” I was enraged under my deception of agreement, but I followed his guidance and completed the script and layouts some four years ago.

What I learnt was never taught in school: that so many of my countrymen and CARICOM brethren fought in that conflict, some joined in London,while others were dispatched from these shores.

Most of those who saw action were enlisted in England, Caribbean colony pilots saw more action than infantry.

June 6, 1944, was D Day- the invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe. What did this war mean to us? Well one of the things it meant was that it was forced upon the Western allies to invade because the Russians were moving with such speed over the German

defences that if D-Day didn’t happen, Russia would have occupied all of Germany the Russians had taken with the aid of British bombers most of Konigsberg the capital of Prussia the warrior state of Germany. This would lead to the prominence of Russia as a world power with an adverse philosophy to the western nations, who were colonisers, holding close to their hearts the very Nazi white supremacist conceptualisation, riveted to falsified biblical interpretations, pseudo-science that had evolved side by side with its supporting mysticism, to create an earth already in preparation for a perpetual caste- governed planet. It was so ingrained that at the victory march 1945, all non-white troops were exempted. The emergence of Russia generated a philosophical alternative and though communism and socialism presented an ally to the colonial world, in fact, those systems were conceptualised for nations subjected to centuries of serfdom, suppressed by the church and aristocracy which the major

population of the former colonies in the Caribbean were not subject to before slavery, which they anyhow resisted during its entire era. Cuba sustained its Vodu and Santeria with its African Gods, Amerindian and Catholic influence alongside its socialist state. The greater realisation was that in the arena of conflict would emerge as cited, “The camaraderie forged by British West Indians at war for the British Empire was to fuel a new Caribbean sense of nationalism and unity of purpose which would hasten the post-war surge for independence in the region” FOR KING & COUNTRY

by Irvin W. Andre & Gabriel J. Christian. I can remember been told by a female colleague and friend from an organisation we both belong to, that “WWII was a White man’s war”, the truth is, it enveloped a world, with its values at the time and a test of all that was held sacred against its truths that were encased in denial. It was a challenge to the mytholoSEE PAGE XIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 06, 2021

Living across...

JUNE 6, 1944...

FROM PAGE XII

gies and their pantheon of false gods that were created at the dawn of the Atlantic Slave trade and the right to invade and colonise before the justifying altars of a doctrine that usurped nature and Providence. That remains dormant, ever so often to be summoned as we witnessed in the US of A recently as a vehicle towards power and office, and haunts us too. I realised that ‘Hitler’ invented nothing, the templates for all

FROM PAGE VIII

that she uses for lights at night but a few residents have electricity.

“I would often buy a month’s supply of goods so I don’t have to go shopping often and use the nearby shop if anything is needed,” she said.

She disclosed that her parents came from a small village in the Demerara River and had settled in Creek Mouth but they have since passed away but taught her many valuable lessons in life including how to bake traditional foods and cooking.

Spellingburg recalled that she and her mother would bake in a box oven and it would be bread and pastries for the home.

She had 10 siblings but six have passed away, leaving only her and three others.

Spellingburg would also take care of her grandchildren including a twin, one of whom was by her side

Daphne Spellingburg (Carl Croker photos)

that day.

Of her 10 children, Spellingburg has a 16-year-old who writing who is currently writing the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations while her youngest is 13 years old.

She is at peace where she resides and despite the challenges of the location she finds it quiet and away from others, she has space and is happy.

Even though they don’t have the luxuries of many things she doesn’t mind and they have a contended life.

“Life is satisfactory and we make do with what we have and our needs are met because we work ad can provide for ourselves so we are not missing out on anything except vanity,” she said.

his ‘evil’ were theories from mystics and men of science in his day. Some call him the ‘necessary evil‘ I have another definition, and that struggle is endemic across our species, for many colonial men, service in the battlefield was a challenge to prove as with the Tuskegee airmen their capacity to fly aircraft, with others that they shared the same courage and were equal to other men, and were not inferior to anyone, they defied deformed mythologies.

June 6, 1944,is relevant

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to us, sacred with its success to the Western Aallied nations, but to coin the essence of the title of the book by Robert N Murray, “Least we Forget.” Thus, we must explore the relevance of WWII and its early aftermath to our cultural and psychological evolution and not leave an intricate era that shaped us outside of our active consciousness, because whether we accept or not, that unknowing will linger and nudge us to fill the rightful spaces of self towards being all-round complete.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 06, 2021

BLOOD CHILD - CONCLUSION

...and the soldiers stood at attention, saluting their superior officer, the lieutenant-general, as she entered the room, in the uniform of one of the highest ranks in the military.

The family stared dumbfounded at her, standing there proud and dignified from a child they had rejected - their own blood child.

The mother cried quietly as the lieutenant-general stared at them, her eyes emitting cold fury. She had lived for this day, to see them suffer, cry and beg for forgiveness as she had cried and cried when she was thrust into strange hands that stormy night as the ship sailed away to an unknown place.

She sat down and spoke in a deep South American ac-

cent. Her voice was low, but had a sharp edge as the storm outside continued to rage.

“Lies, scorn and rejection, stories of your lives. You continued to live and make your name in society because there was nothing and no one that would bring shame to the family, she was gone.”

She looked at the distressed mother, “Many bad things could have happened to that child, but the traders, merciless businessmen, felt pity for her and sold her to a wealthy childless couple, kind people who gave her a good life.”

“God answered my prayers,” the mother sobbed, “I begged him every day to take care of you.”

Lieutenant General Morales looked at the mother, unmoved by that heart-wrenching display of emotion, and turned her attention to the father.

“She was dead to you, wasn’t she? You couldn’t even say she was your child, such scorn and hate for your own.

SEE PAGE XV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 06, 2021

BLOOD CHILD...

FROM PAGE XIV What did she do so wrong? She was only six, innocent to the world.”

He couldn’t answer. The enormity of the wrongs done by his hands against his own child was cutting into him like a sharp sword.

“I can kill you now,” she said icily, “But that’s too easy a punishment for a heartless father like you.”

She sat back in the chair, taking her time, having carried this weight on her mind for 22 years.

“A brother protects his sister. Doesn’t he?” she asked of the brother. She called for you, she screamed for you but you never came. But when you saw what had happened to her, you lied, so shame was cast on her. What happened to a brother’s love?”

The brother broke down crying, “I am so sorry, I can’t tell you how sorry I am. Please forgive me.”

A small, cynical smile played at the corner of her mouth, “You, as the eldest son, was the pride of the family enjoying their love and attention, never sparing a thought for your little sister. And now you want forgiveness?”

He bent his head, too ashamed of himself to look at her.

The sword of guilt cutting into him even deeper.

“Ahana.”

She turned as the mother called her name, a name she hadn’t heard for so many years.

“You loved me so much. Why did you let him take me away that night?” she asked.

The cold fury ebbing a little from her eyes.

“I cried for you until I couldn’t cry anymore.”

The mother’s lips quivered, “I tried but I lost because I couldn’t win against him with his brutal fists and threats. All I could do was pray for you.”

Her voice broke as she looked at her daughter, “I prayed for you every day for 22 years, and in my mind, I walked with you every step so no harm could come to you.”

The General said nothing for a long while then she stood up, her face impassive, seemingly unmoved by the mother’s words and tears but underneath the soldier’s uniform was a woman whose heartbeat with love and compassion, who could cry and laugh.

She nodded to a soldier to untie the mother’s hands.

“Take her to the guest house and have her refreshed and relaxed, I will talk to her later.”

She turned to the father and brother, the cold fury back in her eyes.

“It’s too late for apologies, I just wanted to make sure you suffer for what you did to me.”

She directed an order to her soldiers, “Take them back to their home, I’m done here.”

She left the army base for the guest house where her mother awaited her.

General Morales changed from her uniform to a simple dress, letting her hair down, a relaxed look on her face - the woman she was, just Gabriella.

As she entered the room, her mother rose from the sofa, her face lighting up with a smile at the different look.

“You’re as beautiful as I always imagined you would be.”

For the first time that night, she saw her daughter smile a smile that drew tears to her eyes.

“Whoever you are now, you’re still my sweet Ahana.”

“I am happy to hear that,” Gabriella said, embracing her mother.

It is such a long time to be held by those loving arms again, to hear that affectionate voice. They sat together talking over cups of coffee as the sun rose, sleeping far distant from their minds.

“There is only one regret,” the mother said.

“What is that?”

“I can’t have the special wedding celebration I wanted for you.”

Gabriella smiled, “Maybe you can.”

She said something in spanish to the waiter serving breakfast, and a few moments later, a most handsome man entered the room.

He was dressed casually, the soldier who had been asking the questions in the interrogation room. Gabriella rose and he embraced her, kissing her lightly on the cheek.

“Mom, this is my fiance, Javier.”

The mother smiled happily, “Thank you, dear Lord. It gets better.”

Javier was not a soldier although he had served in the military. He was a director in his family’s oil company but he

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had just accompanied her on this trip to help her find closure that had been like a great burden on her mind.

“Now I can have my celebrations,” her mother said as they ate breakfast together.

“What celebrations?” Javier asked.

“You’ll have to ask her,” Gabriella said with an innocent smile.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 06, 2021

“THE OCEAN: LIFE AND LIVELIHOODS”

THE ocean covers over 70% of the planet. It is our life source, supporting humanity’s sustenance and that of every other organism on earth.

The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen; it is home to most of the earth’s biodiversity, and is the main source of protein for more than a billion people around the world. Not to mention, the ocean is key to our economy with an estimated 40 million people to be employed by oceanbased industries by 2030.

Even with all its benefits, the ocean is now in need of support.

With 90% of big fish populations depleted, and 50% of coral reefs destroyed, we are taking more from the ocean than can be replenished. To protect and preserve the ocean and all it sustains, we must create a new balance, rooted in a true understanding of the ocean and how humanity relates to it. We must build a connection to the ocean that is inclusive, innovative, and informed by lessons from the past.

The United Nations has designated June 08 as World Oceans Day. World Oceans Day is a day for humanity to celebrate the ocean. This year’s theme is “The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods.” The theme also signals a declaration of intentions that launches a decade of challenges to get the Sustainable Development Goal 14, “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources” by 2030.

Life & Livelihoods A DECADE OF LEARNING AND RECOVERY On December 05, 2017, the United Nations proclaimed a Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, to be held from 2021 to 2030. This Decade will provide a common framework to ensure that ocean science can fully support countries’ actions to sustainably manage the oceans and more particularly, to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Activities conducted during this decade will further boost those planned for the SEE PAGE XVII

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“THE OCEAN: LIFE...

FROM PAGE XVI

Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, which will also occur from 2021 to 2030.

While the ocean means different things to all of us – whether cultural or religious, economic or recreational- we need to take care of our ocean as much as other ecosystems. Make a start by switching from single-use plastics to reusable items, and by ensuring that your waste is disposed of in the right way.

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

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Speightland ...

FROM PAGE VI

The Church

The Nursery School

the many challenges the pandemic has brought.

This community has a lot of children and they have been at home for more than a year and are eager to return to the classroom and school.

Although online classes are held many children cannot access the internet to benefit from virtual teaching as such, some would utilise the worksheets at hand because they do not have the gadgets to access the internet or the funds to pay for data on cell phones.

Despite these challenges, parents are working with their children to ensure they complete the worksheets.

A section of this village is under floodwaters and last Saturday Minister Juan Edghill and his team visited and distributed hampers of food items and cleaning supplies to 60 affected households.

A discussion was held between the Minister and residents following an assessment of the flood situation.

Villagers stated that they would experience flooding at least once a year when the tide is high and there is heavy rainfall and that was the situation when this team visited.

The Kara Kara Creek has over-topped and the water has inundated the road and a section of the village, higher than usual and it is unprecedented.

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Youths benefit from soil management workshop THE involvement of youths in protecting the environment is crucial for the sustainable development of Guyana. The agricultural sector offers many opportunities; as such, sustainable management of the environment is necessary for the success of the sector.

The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) recently partnered with the Ministry of Natural Resources to educate youths on Guyana’s rich biodiversity and the need to protect the environment. NAREI took the opportunity to educate participants about the work of two departments: Mangroves Restoration and Management and Soil Management and Farm Mechanisation.

The one-day workshop held at the Guyana School of Agriculture was facilitated by Ms. Kene Moseley Coordinator of the Mangroves Restoration and Management Department and Mr. Johnathon Melville, Research Scientist attached to the Soil Management and Farm Mechanisation Department.

This article will share information on the Soil Management and Farm Mechanisation Department.

GIS: Soil Maps and Land Capability Maps: * GIS: Geographic Information Systems * Farmers need soil information within a geographic context to make appropriate and timely decisions in managing farmlands and developing areas with potential for cultivation. GIS produces digital soil maps that can be accessed via web and mobile apps. * Soil Maps * Land Capability Maps Climate-Smart Agriculture: * The department focuses on adaptation strategies for climate change through its hydroponics and shade house facilities. * Hydroponics is an agricultural practice that can be implemented to adapt to climate change. Agriculture is highly sensitive to climate change, since it depends largely on environmental conditions. * Climate change affects sufficient freshwater supplies, fertile soil, the right balance of predators and pollinators and air temperature. * Advantages of using hydroponics systems include mono-culturing, as there is no soil depletion and elimination of soil-borne pest and diseases; higher planting densities; efficient utilisation of water and nutrients; and absence of weeds. * Properly implemented, hydroponics gives more produce in less time than open-field production.

Soil Health and Soil Fertility * Soils are important to food security, and climate change has the potential to threaten food security through its effects on soil properties. * The ability to produce nutritious crops in sufficient amounts depends on soil properties and conditions. * In particular, soils that have a well-developed structure, sufficient organic matter, and other physical and chemical properties conducive to promoting crop growth lead to better yields.

Soil Chemistry Laboratory * At the Soil Management and Farm Mechanisation Department laboratory, our main goal is to provide agricultural stakeholders with a comprehensive soil-testing programme that promotes the sustainable use of fertilisers, soil amendments and other soil-management practices for increasing agricultural production and productivity.

Soil Sampling: * For orchard crops, we require three soil depths at 0-6, 6-12 and 12-18 inches. * For vegetable crops, we require two soil depths, 0-6

and 6-12 inches. * Based on soil results, recommendations are made for fertiliser, organic matter and limestone inputs.

Soil Microbiology (Production of Rhizobium Inoculant) * Nitrogen is often the scarcest nutrient in the soil. That is why it is used more than any other fertiliser in agriculture.

The overuse of artificial fertiliser can lead to serious environmental problems.

* Rhizobium is a genus of Gram-negative soil bacteria that fix nitrogen. Rhizobium species from an endosymbiotic nitrogen-fixing association with roots of legumes. * Legumes can form a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria called rhizobia. The Rhizobium bacteria take in nitrogen from the atmosphere and turn it into ammonia (NH3), a kind of natural fertiliser this symbiosis is to form nodules on the plant root, within which the bacteria can convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia that can be used by the plant.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 06, 2021

Infrastructural development has to consider flooding, climate change XXVII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 28, 2021

Aye or no for parliamentary decorum?

LAST week, the Civil De- is experiencing now is the fence Commission (CDC) worst I have ever seen. And reported that flooding at out of curiosity and concern, varying levels was record- I started reading as much as I ed in all 10 administrative could get my hands on. regions of Guyana. Region According to a 2017 reSix (East Berbice-Coren- port on the drainage capacity tyne), Region Nine (Upper of Georgetown, flooding in Takutu- Upper Essequibo), previous years has resulted and Region 10 (Upper De- in significant economic lossmerara-Upper Berbice) es and disrupted the lives of DURING this past week’s edition of ‘In the National have been, reportedly, the thousands of people in GuyAssembly,’ Parliamentarians debated the 2021 National hardest hit. ana. With recent reports of Budget, which presented in the month

by SeWhen the was great 2005 earlier agricultural losses, damage to nior Minister in the Office of the President with responsiflood hit Guyana, I was bare- homes, buildings, and infrability finance, Dr.there Ashni Theand debate, however, ly fivefor years old, so is Singh. structure, the outbreak of spotlighted of decorum in the Parliament. not much thata Ilack can recall.

As some diseases, the same can It is understandable for the different such, theboth flooding the country andbeacceptable expected now. sides of the house -- the government and opposition sides -to have opposing views on the budget. After all, the national 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.

What was striking for training Parliamentarians me, was of that the report re- so that a semblance of decorum could that be maintained in the lated the network of National Assembly. It is envisioneddrainage that suchchannels training in sessions would also help to guide open the officials on proper parliamentary procedures.

Georgetown was originally But also, events to should force us to reconsider what developed inthese the 1600s we expect from our elected officials -- all of irrigate and and drainaccept the sugar them-- while they discharge their responsibilities towards us.

Are they articulating our collective values when they make racist, sexist, homophobic, and other derogatory statements?

plantations that are spread across what is now Georgetown.

The report also detailed that there were several considerations such as the impact of climate change, that were absent from a local flood analysis of the city. The policies or strategies that the local authorities possess, as detailed in the study, seemed fragmented. And, there was no framework for specified improvements to the drainage systems.

One would hope that thoughts (and perhaps, actions) were given to these considerations, since that report was completed. If not, it is long overdue.

I say it is overdue because over the past nine months or so, there has been much talk and excitement about transforming Guyana. The country appears to be forging ahead with efforts of infrastructural development. Cognisant of the disastrous effects of flooding the country is facing now, the impact of increased rainfall and potential flooding should be a central part of these efforts. After all, much (but not all) of the development is expected to involve coastal communities and regions, many of which are below sea level.

We cannot envision development to be grandiose buildings and facilities, re-

Are they adequately representing us and our best interests at all times?

I hope we can do better.

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

plete with smooth roads, without also thinking about how each construction must adequately prepare for the inevitable effects of climate change, specifically, increased flooding. And, I hope that we are thinking about this indeed.

This past week, the approach to flood control in the Netherlands was something I started reading about. The low elevation of parts of the country makes it vulnerable to flooding, not unlike Guyana. What the Dutch did was integrate flood control and prevention in the development of their cities.

One illustration of this is the creation of open spaces in a city that functions as a flood basin. They have also continuously updated their drainage infrastructure.

Not to pin the solutions to our woes on Caucasian salvation, but I think it is important to note that the kokers, sluices, and drains that we rely on for drainage have been seen as part of the Dutch legacy while they occupied Guyana more than three centuries ago. We can learn from the Dutch.

With the current nationwide flooding, relief support is much needed. People’s livelihoods and lives have been impacted and undoubtedly, support should be mobilised for them. But we

cannot only focus on continuously responding to these challenges.

There is no individual or political leader that can control the water cycle that causes rain to fall. The rising sea levels and increased rainfall or, contrastingly, the drier dry seasons and unplanned savannah fires, are not occurrences we can peg on our current or previous political leaders. These are, quite frankly, symptoms of a changing climate caused by global industrialisation and development (without a focus on sustainability). It has been decades in the making and the catastrophic effects are being increasingly felt each day.

That said, our awareness of our vulnerability and susceptibility to the changing climate and its symptoms should force us to be more diligent in our preventative measures, instead of being forced to save residents from being washed away. These are things we can control and these are things that should be central to our pursuit of greater infrastructural development.

If you would like to connect with me to discuss this column or any of my previous works, feel free to email me at vish14ragobeer@ gmail.com

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 06, 2021

The ‘flood curse’ of Guyana’s coast and our role in it THE months of May and June are usually considered to be the wettest months of the year in Guyana. These months up until late July to early August are usually predicted to be one of Guyana’s wet seasons (where rain is expected to fall more

tation of 13.5 inches. Annually, Georgetown receives 94.5 inches of precipitation.

Our coastline is also six feet below the sea’s level. Hence, why there is a need for the sea defence systems we have in place.

The sea defences were

systems, the dumping of garbage into the drains, heavy rainfall, high tides, receding shorelines or the fact that our coastline is below sea level.

We can do that or we can do the sensible thing and take action by considering these factors of flooding in making

than usual). Despite being in a tropical climate zone, Guyana has two wet seasons per year. We can thank our greenery and rainforest for that. These wet seasons can be both a blessing and a curse for Guyana. It’s a blessing for our rainforest and biodiversity as it helps to upkeep the abundance of it but it can also be a curse to our low coastlines and outdated drainage systems.

Recently, there has been a heavy pour of constant rainfall and this has resulted in several communities on the coast being affected by floods.

This is not the first time this is happening, it’s been an ongoing problem ever since we decided to populate the coast. However, the questions remain; why is this still happening? Aren’t we learning from our previous mistakes? Should we be worried about developing further on a coastline that is below sea level? I wonder.

While doing some personal research, I’ve found that in June alone, Georgetown receives an average precipi-

originally built to help with irrigation and flooding of the sugar plantations. These days, our country’s drainage systems should be updated and built to serve beyond that to prevent flooding. While upgrading the drainage systems is one thing, our responsibilities as citizens of this country should also be taken seriously into consideration.

How can we help? We may want to lay most of the blame on our policymakers, but we also have a part to play in all of this. Our drainage (trenches, canals and drains) are not covered, nor are they underground. They are open and easily accessible. As such, garbage can easily get into our drainage ways and can block the flow of water.

When the rain falls, the excess rainwater will have nowhere to go and as such, that leads to flooding. The garbage also makes it very hard for the industrial water pumps to get the excess water out of the flooded areas.

We can sit around and play the blame game all. We can blame the outdated drainage

sensible decisions for our country’s future.

Not only are floods devastating to our country’s economy, but they can also be very dangerous to our health when the rainwater raises the dirty drainage water. In this difficult time of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of Guyana’s communities are under severe flooding. I understand that we cannot win every battle against nature, but the least we can do is try to make our communities safer by taking a bit more interest in how we develop safer, more effective and long-lasting infrastructure that will help to combat this heart-wrenching issue.

I can only hope those communities under floodwaters, especially Black Bush Polder and Kwakwani, recover as quickly as possible and I also hope that everyone is paying attention to what Mother Nature is capable of. We should not wait until a disaster occurs to act— prevention is better than a cure after all.

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THE COCONUT INDUSTRY IS XX XIV AGAIN GROWING INTO A REVISITING THE GUYANA/ THE SEAWALLS PROFITABLE FUTURE VENEZUELA CONTROVERSY SOON

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ―― Sunday, CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday,February January 28, 10, 2021 2021

he addressed the problem of T W O w e e k s a g o , t h e ment project. This occa- of the most knowledgeable the long-owed debt by PanPomeroon Trading Com- sion brought to mind the persons in agriculture in Guy- ama of several hundreds of pany’s executives met the extraordinarily creative ana and has the commitment, millions of dollars to the rice Minister of Agriculture, activity of this able minister skills and energy to revolu- farmers. Though the payTHE controversy will again shortly and discussions where factual bases invariably become the Guyana/Venezuela Hon Zulfikar Mustapha and secondly, development tionise agriculture in Guyana. ment of this debt would have come up before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). blurred. to discuss the expansion of the coconut industry.

For example, as soon as he brought foreign exchange to In of Guyana, most oflie the writings the controversy have In thisisoffering, will depart this with normseashells and try to THE deep in theon consciousness of Guyanese today rather muddy was oncefrom covered and theirSeawalls coconut developMinister Mustapha is one assumed office aswe minister, the country, the previous ad-

FOREVER!

TO COME BEFORE THE ICJ

beenpeople, of a historical and factual nature and this a good questions have been asking theup but especially Georgetowners.

Yet itis has rarelyanswer theretwo would alwaysthat be many children exploring and since picking ministration said the contract thing, since the Guyanese of theoftwo Guyanese fishing boats in Guyana’s terribeen noticed by the newspublic mediaare andnot the encouraged last time it wasseizure seashells different colours; sometimes they may find between Panama and thelarge rice mentioned as an item into of national concern was five or sixtorial conch shells. to move their attention the realms of arguments waters by a Venezuelan navy ship. Theafirst question farmers was private one and years ago when the Ocean overtopped the wall and flooded The foreshore or continentalthey shelfcould gradually and falls not rises be involved. the yards parallel to the Public Road. This was the first every 20 years and today, the foreshore land between The rice farmers felt Camp abantime in living memory that there was such an occurrence Street and the Pegasus Hotel hasdoned. almost risen to theMustapha height of Minister and it led to great panic. The authorities hurriedly con- the wall and coconut trees and succeeded other vegetation grow Panaon it. in having structed a barrier of standing concrete ma admit their debt with a slabs on the Walls to counter such overtoppromise to pay. Simultaneping. In the last few weeks, the Seawalls ously, the minister addressed the ailing sugar and rice have again featured in the news, but in a industries: rice production happier vein. has increased and hundreds From Camp Street to the Demerara River, of sugar workers were again the wall had become disfigured by an accugainfully employed. He has mulation of unsightly garbage and no one embarked upon the process assumed the responsibility of cleaning it. A of making GUYSUCO once homeless man, Carl Melville, who sometimes again a profitable company slept there was noticed by Dwayne Hackett trying to clean the garbage and immediately volunteered to help him. Hackett placed the incident on social media and immediately numbers of persons volunteered their services.

First Lady Arya Ali was one of the first to volunteer and the Ministry of Public Works, the Director of Solid Waste Department of the Georgetown City Council and the Fire Service became involved with her. The Fire Service cleaned the bandstand and in a few days all the garbage was removed and Seawalls appeared as if they had always been maintained! Many have been high in their praises of this example of civic responsibility.

Likewise, the sea has reclaimed the land along the Kitty SeaThe Seawalls had always been the promenade and park for wall where houses once stood. Indeed, a substantial building the people of Georgetown and the surrounding villages from is still standing close to the wall near the Kitty Pump Station, the last quarter of the 19th century and continued to be so until but the sea is under it. Old fishermen who set their nets on and has been stimulating, the 1960s when the country became plagued with political ten- the foreshore sea could vividly describe the cyclical rise and resuscitating and reviving sion and there were robberies on the Seawalls. For most of the fall of the beach. the other agricultural seg1960s, therefore, fewer and fewer people visited the Seawalls.

The Seawalls provided a favourite place health enments. He hasfor been engagIn its heyday, the Seawalls were the most delightful place thusiasts. Many would go thereing to practise deep breathing of his counterparts in other in Georgetown. The vast openness of the seascape and the the clean and fresh sea breezes.countries and Others wouldthe bediplomatic cycling or surrounding landscape, the blue skies and silver clouds, the even training for cycle races. Probably the most community to trynotable to craftwere muever-present seagulls and the steady flow of the health-giving the ones who went for physicaltually culture.

Many ofagreements this group beneficial trade winds and the enveloping peace and quietude attracted would go to the Seawalls by either jogging to get there or by relating to Guyana’s exports. hundreds of people at all times of the day. The beach which cycle and they would arrive there When at 5 o’clock, before Ministerlong Mustapha assumed office, he pointed out that coconut was the third most important agricultural industry after sugar and rice and committed himself to develop it.

Coconut as an industry was first introduced and developed by Indian indentures.

At the end of their indentureship, a few enterprising persons in all three counties rented, leased or purchased land which they put under coconut cultivation. From their experience in India, they were well acquainted with the many uses of the coconut, which was used as a food, to make confectionery and the making of oil. Until the

Research work helping curb...

From Page III

timate for that area and in the space of 18 months, some 33 Giant Anteaters were identified.

According to Millar, researching the animals included going out on horseback and following them from a distance to be able to stock up on more scientific information. One of the things they discovered is that the

zone in the village. “So we will work with the villagers to create certain rules and help them to know what they should and should not do. For example, no one is allowed to kill them, keep them as a pet, destroy their habitat, and light a fire in certain places, so that we can further protect the population.”

The SRCS has been

several short documentaries called the “Secret Life of Giant Anteaters” and each episode focuses on different aspects of the work being done. Two more episodes are expected to be released this month.

The team also does a lot of awareness work, including environmental education.

They have another project for

1970s, of the cooking control the quality of the seed the sun most had risen. is, is the in Venezuelan public convinced they . oilwhy consumed the country andsothe health of the palms On moonlit nights the Seawalls were always athat crowded have a valid claim to two-thirds of Guyana’s territory and was coconutMany oil. went The main . . we’ve been able promenade. to socialise with friends, but to allestabwent why their politicians are so bellicose and aggressive about company which produced lish relationships with the to enjoy the beauty of the moon rising from the sea and the refined coconut cooking oil farmers of the Pomeroon and this claim?

And the second question is, why did President blue-green moonlight which was brighter, since there were wasroad Weiting and have a team of agronomists Maduro of Venezuela this time toenjoy seize thevarious boats no lights to Richter. dilutechoose it. Others would the The coconut estates around hand-selectwhen heofknew he would alienate the go Guyanese phases the New Moon with thewho background of population purple skies werecause overwhelmingly fami-thousands ing theofseed from the and the international community to nuts condemn or embellished with stars which appear ly-owned and when the famtrees that are of the right age disapprove brighter of his action, Venezuela intersince leaving there were no cityisolated lights. Others ily died or retired or emi- and have all the visible and nationally on the issue. would go to the Seawalls in the late afternoons to grated, coconut production desirable characteristics. The The answer to the first question began during the Cold admire sunsets gradually transforming into the contracted and this led to nuts are then cleaned, sorted light dusk.

War: At theblue beginning of the 1960s Britain had to the importation of of foreign and planted in thedecided nursery”. joysthe of theOperations Seawalls were the withdraw fromAnother Guyana of andthe grant colony independence, cooking oils.

SimultaneousThe Managearly evening concerts givenof by the newly Militia but wasthe very likely thatSunday the the ly it with importation of Prime er MrMinister Kissoon gave further Band and the Police Band at the Bandstand independent state would be Dr Cheddi Jagan, an avowed foreign cooking oils, a suc- information about which their attracted hundreds of people.

Their repertoire conMarxist.

U.S. Coldcampaign War interests tried to persuade Britain cessful propaganda project.

He said they are sisted ofindependence, light classicalinvolved music Strauss’ and carried against coconut in as intercropping towas delay Guyana’s but allsuch that Britain could ballet Delibes’ pizzicato promise wasother that waltzes, she would handmusic over such power to a non-ComandMinister.

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

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

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

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

As mentioned above, the political tensions and criminality oil aspeople beingaway dangerous with crops as passion kept from thetoSeawalls in thesuch 1960s.

By the invade Guyana if there wasstable any possibility of a Marxist health life and demand formore cocofruit, bananas, turmer1990s had become and people again began to government installed inambience Guyana. nut oil diminished.

It isbut only ic and had ginger.

They are frequent the being Seawalls, the changed.

There The 1899 Arbitral Award had the boundaries of within the last 10 years that threegrew up stalls lining the parapet also ofsettled thecultivating Public Roadthe from the Guyana and Venezuela and these boundaries were fully the truth about coconut oil year dwarf variety for the Kitty Pump Station to the Pegasus, selling refreshments and accepted both parties and the International communibegan to by bestalls exposed.

Now, production waall of these were well-lit.

The characterof of coconut the Seawalls coconut among many ter and to exploring a joint ty.

One ofoil, the junior lawyers representing Venezuela at had changed from a peaceful promenade a lively fair. people worldwide, is preferventure with a Trinidad the arbitration, MalletPrevost, left a letter that was not Now that the tourism industry is being revived, the able to olive oil.

Tobago toSeawalls have been afterand his death. Incompany that letter,to stillopened offer anuntil attractive attraction.

The demand coco- Award export. are explorhe claimed that theforArbitral was They the result of an nut oil is steadily growing ing the the Russian retail and export arrangement between Britain and arbitrator the industry has begun markets holistically and toand deprive Venezuela of its rights. After more than half a to revitalise and Pomeroon find the local market a century, Venezuela, based on Mallet-Prevost’s Trading Inc characterises good learningposthumous place. The letter, now rejected the Arbitral Award and claimed twothat revitalisation. The main company intends to acquire thirds of Guyana’s territory.

Mallet-Prevost’s posthumous shareholder and investor in more land and establish a letter was the causus Venezuelamodern used toprocessing threaten Guyana the company is Mr Duncan facility. and this continued after theisColdMinister War, the raison d’etrecomfor Turnbull, a Briton, who Mustapha Chief Executive Officer and plimented the company the claim, had ended.

MrMost Jared lawyers Kissoon and is hishistorians op- on its so far whoinvestment took any notice erations manager and they and assured interested perof Mallet-Prevost’s letter dismissed it as a historical spoke toorthe media sons there curiosity very flimsyabout evidence onthat which to would attemptsoon to their acompany: be unveiled plethora of upset long-accepted Arbitral Award.

But thea Venezuelan “We started planting three new opportunities in other politicians and the Venezuelan public gave credence and years ago,” said Mr Turnbull segments of agriculture. importance to Mallet-Prevost’s posthumous letter, which in describing their venture. The coconut industry has would dismissed modern Butin “Righthave now been we are doing a ina the great futureworld. not only the Venezuelan politicians and public still live in the 19th seedling nursery. We always oil production, the demand century Napoleonic wherefor territorial were start with a seedlingworld nursery which conquests is growing exregarded as acceptable heroic. In today’s world, because we want to do and seed-evenponentially, but also in its this 19th-century ethicwant has to beenby-products. completely rejected. lings ourselves. We

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Personality Types

o not always know what I’m looking losing your phone would be on a scale of 1-10. 98 percent y phone is such a normal part of my said 10 and 2 percent said 9. They all claimed that it would my hand that I cannot count the numbe the worst material possession that they could ever lose. hedI’VE forreceived it, while itinwas incolumns my I haveThey responses the pastactually about previous written oncontinued introverto say that feelings of anxiety, irritation and sion and extroversion. This has made me question the other types of possible personality o when getaffect upourin thehealth. morning and traits thatIcould mental Some of you do not identifyoverwhelming or relate with either sadness would be felt if they were to lose their introversion or extroversion and that may be because you fit in with one of the others going totosleep I’m about discuss. is check my phone. I phone today.

Many of us need a minute to think when we are asked to describe who we are. Things such healthy andnames, something mustandbeculture done.

ItWhile seems harmless, right? Caring so much about a as our family jobs, hobbies, religion tend to come to mind. these are certainly important factors, what makes you unique and who you are is your personality. and found that women were more phone?

Well, this week I’ve been really paying attention No two people will ever be the same, simply because of personality which is our individual differences that encompass traits, characteristics and specific thoughts, behavioural and emod to their phones simply because men to the importance that I and others around me give to a ocial media apps. Also, older people phone, rather than what’s actually going on around them. e addicted. I believe this is because Our phones -- whether we are speaking to other people, use smartphones (My father actually using social media or playing games -- can be addictive as they alter our moods, beliefs and trigger enjoyable y colleagues and friends how bad and unenjoyable feelings. Apart from obviously being my main source of communication, my phone is my newspaper, watch, alarm, map, recorder, day planner, calendar, camera, music player, calculator, a weapon (sometimes) and my friend when I’m bored or lonely- basically evtional patterns. erything.

However, it is also my constant interrupter and I’ve done tons of research which led me to believe in (and want to share) Robert McCrae and Paul Costa’s theory of the Five-Factor Model (FFM), also called the ‘The Big Five.’ distractor.

This theory suggests that there are only five broad categories which people fit into (some on I (I imagine much like most of you out there) a continuum scale) and within each of these five, there are specific traits that make us who have a deep desire to know everything that is going on. we are as individuals.

I believe that is human nature. But when does it become 1. OPENNESS TO EXPERIENCE too much?

This is exactly what it sounds like - those with this personality type are more willing, happy and excited to try new things that are in or out of their comfort zone. These individuals Well, I believe it’s too much when it has a name. ‘Notend to be more open-minded, non-judgemental and tolerant towards other beliefs and cultures, typically believing in and standing for peace and equality. They are open and accepting ofis the term coined to describe the fear of being mophobia’ emotions- not afraid of showing their own.

They enjoy travelling and experiences of different ways of life. This tends to mean they without a aremobile phone. Seriously, what have we come to? adventurous, independent, and curious and generally okay with being vulnerable. They aren’t ones for routines or predictability and tend to have high levels of intelligence and imagination. an addiction when the object begins to control It becomes SEE PAGE your life and interferes with your daily activities, work, and XXVII relationships. I read somewhere that “The biggest obstacle to productivity is connectivity,” but overuse can affect a lot more than our productivity. The truth is, overuse of our phones can harm us psychologically, socially and physically.

With regard to affecting our social skills, how many of us miss out on a joke or good conversation as we were on our phones? How many times have we annoyed our good friend or family member because we were posting on social media how much fun we are having with them? It truly affects our

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The people of ...

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the community to bring in an income.

“This is a good place to live and it is so quiet and peaceful and that is what I prefer,” she said.

The contractor John Cornelius is a building contractor and his skills are evident just by looking at the interesting design and layout of his house. He has also constructed a large troolie benab in his yard.

The 56-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that he has a shop and when customers come to buy they had nowhere to sit and he decided to make the large

benab which also depicts his culture and ethnicity.

“I wanted people to have somewhere to sit, a good place with shade and the benab was the perfect thing for that and over time I build it by hand, day after day until it was completed,”he said.

Cornelius disclosed that the benab took him five days to finish and he was truly inspired to do it because he wanted to showcase his talent and culture.

In addition, he has a single ratchet chair, a table and some chairs for customers but due to the pandemic he doesn’t allow people to linger and host a

crowd.

He has a sink with soap and water in his yard by the entrance for hand washing and one has to wear a face mask before entering his premises to make any purchase.

Cornelius stated that he has a garden in his backyard and he would use the greens and fruits in his kitchen and sell off the excess when it gets too much.

Like many men in the community, Cornelius does more than one job and he describes life as fair since they have access to facilities and the basic infrastructure to foster development among the people.

Produce sold by Romona Spellingburg

The many grandchildren of Angelo Cornelia

Daily life in Speightland... enjoy the leisure of ing and the use of the comreading the puter and internet for the newspapers, convenience of villagers at a watching reasonable cost. television, Da Silva added that they cooking and would do bulk shopping in eating.

Linden and stock their shop He is and would also buy meats 82-years and greens for the kitchen but old and is some people in the village very satishave gardens and they would fied with also buy from them.

Dennis Spellingburg life because She noted that the village he has a is underwater and the water is rising well-painted cottage that sits on a and it is just a few feet from her plot of land with man fruit trees and place and if the rain continues the is quite comfortable as is. creek water will rise and they will This senior citizen told the Pepbe flooded too. perpot Magazine that financially he gets by with his pension and The village tailor doesn’t pay any utilities and would Dennis Spellingburg is probably take sewing jobs whenever he feels the oldest resident of Speightland like it.

Village and these days he doesn’t “I get lazy these days and I don’t have the urge to work and would really want to work and I would use FROM PAGE IX

my time to cook and eat four times a day so I am doing well and in fair health,” he said.

That day even though it was very rainy and all day, Spellingburg had prepared a meal of squash with chicken and rice and was waiting for lunchtime.

He stated that in the evenings he doesn’t use any rice and would make tea with something light before bed.

“I like to relax and after lunch, I would sleep for two hours before getting up to read the newspapers and it has become my daily routine after cooking and I get used to being alone and it is good to have freedom,” he said.

Spellingburg is a happy elder, who doesn’t ponder on things for too long and would often sit in his little verandah and have a lookout to pass time and it is the spot he would read the newspapers daily.

Rena Da Silva behind the counterof her shop

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Personality...

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These individuals are also more likely to enjoy the arts such as galleries, musicals, live shows, movies and are typically creative themselves.

2. CONSCIENTIOUSNESS Those who fall under this category do things thoroughly, with a high effort in effective planning and morality; being aware of important actions and their consequences.

They tend to be more hardworking, responsible, dependable and determined than the general population. This typically results in high levels of adaptability and resilience.

Self-discipline, organisation and motivation are mastered with an emphasis on creating and obtaining goals.

We all know people in this category - those who always work hard, are always prepared, do not procrastinate, play by the rules and succeed in achieving their goals.

Little tip: research shows that raising children with affection rather than harsh discipline will more likely result in them being conscientious.

3. EXTRAVERSION As I mentioned last week, extraverts are the most outgoing personality type. These individuals enjoy and gain energy from social situations that may make others uncomfortable.

They are typically confident with high self-esteem. Instead of differentiating completely between introversion and extroversion, the Five-Factor Model measures them both on a continuum scale within extroversion. A brief reminder- introverts are the opposite to extroverts in the sense that they are usually quiet, prefer alone time and may be uncomfortable after long periods of socialisation (or any at all). This model puts introversion on one end of the same spectrum with extroversion on the other. They identified those who fall somewhere in the middle as ambiverts.

4. AGREEABLENESS Individuals in this category are friendly, compassionate, affectionate, patient and overall just very likeable and respected. They are typically very kind, humble, charitable and genuinely enjoy helping others. They dislike conflict and confrontation, but rather aim to please or pacify those around them.

This means that they tend to be forgiving, well-mannered and well-tempered which results in better relationships than most.

Agreeableness is a type that tends to remain throughout lives and sometimes increases with age. However, people in this category often put others before themselves; do not forget the importance of self-care.

5. NEUROTICISM Those who are neurotic have issues dealing with stress and are often negative; looking at the glass half- empty. This category is also measured on a continuum scale ranging from emotional stability on one end to emotional instability (neuroticism) on the other.

Individuals here frequently worry and experience unwanted emotions such as anger, shame and hurt easier than others.

They over-think, are extremely self-conscious and often focus on negative possibilities and outcomes. Additionally, they practise unhealthy ways of coping, occasionally leading to anxiety, depression and substance abuse. They are often described as moody, nervous/anxious, jealous, insecure, sensitive or unstable – all because they are uncomfortable in their own skin.

Now, our genetics, upbringing, environment, as well as life experiences, all influence the development and growth of personality. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t make changes in certain traits that you aren’t happy with.

If you are not sure how to define yourself, the Five-Factor Model is a good place to start.

As those who are aware of who they are and as important, comfortable with it have better mental health.

Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!

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THOUGHT FOR TODAY

There is more fe licity on the far side of baldn ess than young men can possibly imagine.

LOGAN PEARS ALL SMITH (1865-1946) Aft erthoughts

JUNE 06, 2021 STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Welcome, dear friend.

Reduce any feeling of anxiety about adequately ‘covering the syllabus.’ Be clear and specific about what you have covered. Revise daily.

Know why an area should be revised. Know how it fits in the overall revision of your subject. Take breaks from study when you are not obliged to feel guilty.

Some favourite food, a television programme, a revitalizing physical exercise, or a healthy discussion may fit the list. Remember: robust study has checks and balances.

Love you.

THE PASSAGE A many-fold reminder of story writing “What’re you lookin’ at so down in the mouth a b o u t , Ta s s ? ” D o n a l d Thornton asked his wife.

She was feeding their three young daughters when he came home from his meat-packing job, and her eyes met his with an expression he hadn’t seen before.

“Didn’t you hear?” Tass said softly. “A little girl no bigger than our Donna was raped this afternoon in front of our building.”

Donald Thornton now realised what he was seeing in his wife’s eyes: the same concern for their daughters’ growing up in New York City’s Harlem that was worrying him sick. He puts his hand on Tass’s shoulder.

“Start packing,” he said.

“We’re getting’ out a here.”

After that evening bin 1948, the family moved in with Donald’s mother in Long Branch, N.J. Donald got a job digging ditches at nearby Fort Monmouth A r m y b a s e w h i l e Ta s s worked as a domestic. Soon Donald found a second job delivering home-heating

oil at night, and a third on weekends as a bricklayer’s helper. The bricklaying job paid only 50 cents an hour, but Donald had a reason for wanting to learn the trade.

By the time a fourth daughter, Linda, arrived, Donald had saved enough money to buy a building lot. Deed in hand, he called on the president of the local bank. “Sir,” he said quietly, “if you have children, you know why I want mine to have a decent place to live.” After the men finished talking, Donald Thornton received the first mortgage that the bank had ever granted to a black...

About the Story You may not have to read the passage many times for a good understanding of its story line and writer’s style as both are picked up easily.

What to Do 1. Read again for the writer’s words. Of what effect do you find the use of dialogue in this passage?

[Think about story aspects being built up.]

2. How would you describe the relationship between Mr. Thornton and his wife, Tass? Tell it to a study partner. [Think about such terms: duty; husband, wife; children; family; etc.]

3. Think carefully, and then list what possibly could happen to the little girls if Mr. Thornton hadn’t acted upon the concerns of the family.

4. Give a named character which does not appear in the story so far. If you were to extend the story just a bit,

say how you intend to make that character ‘come alive’.

5. Pay attention to the girls and their father. What growth would you expect in the family? Tell this to a study partner and hear her/ his comments.

ENHANCE YOUR WRITING Laying aside the story Relax and recall an interesting happening you witnessed recently. Write it down as you remember it. Then, make it the basis of a short story you would like to turn out excellent and well enhanced with dialogue.

Remember that you need to evaluate your first draft objectively, maybe drastically. If you have the time, you can lay it aside, and return to it within a few minutes, hours or days (timing when you intend to complete it). You can then look at it objectively, asking yourself questions about it as are suggested below.

1. Is my writing interesting?

2. Does it respond appropriately to the happening?

3. Is my plot easy to follow?

4. What do I like best about it?

5. How can I make it better.

The effort it takes in trying to improve LETTER WRITING

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 06, 2021

Dangerous toothaches RARELY will a death certificate indicate that a toothache was the cause of death. The blame is usually placed on the effects of a secondary infection somewhere else in the body. Now, a 12-year-old, let me call him Tommy-as it is obviously unethical to publish the real names of private patients--ignored the pain in one of his teeth.

His mother had five children to support and at the time was unemployed. So, visiting a private dentist would have to wait. Before long, the toothache was no longer noticeable. The pain seemed to have migrated into his head. The resulting headache became so unbearable that Tommy’s mother took him into the emergency room at the Public Hospital.

In most cases, dental problems such as cavities or toothaches are viewed as trivial. Many persons do not consider these as ”a big deal.” This is so although there may be pain.

A visit to the dentist can quickly bring relief.

Tommy’s headache was caused by a brain abscess – a bacterial infection in the brain. The infection had come from the infected tooth he had complained about previously. The tooth became abscessed and the bacteria spread, causing a secondary infection in the child’s brain. Some species of Streptococcus bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease tend to accumulate in nerve tissue. From an infected tooth, they can migrate up through the nerves and into the brain or spinal column, where they can cause a secondary infection. This is what happened to Tommy.

Tommy underwent two surgeries and the removal of the infected tooth. For several weeks afterwards, he seemed to be on the mend, working with a physiotherapist to regain full use of his right arm and leg, which the brain infection and surgeries had impaired. But despite thoroughly disinfecting the tooth socket and taking antibiotics, some of the infection remained and continued to spread. Within a few weeks the infection inside Tommy’s brain returned, and this time with a vengeance. Again, he was rushed to the hospital, but it was too late. Tommy died before doctors could help. The cause of his death was attributed to a brain abscess, but the real culprit was an infected tooth.

In another case of which I am aware, a 57-year-old man was admitted to a hospital complaining of a toothache accompanied by a fever and swelling in his right cheek and neck. The man was a diabetic and suffered from liver cirrhosis due to excessive alcohol consumption. His immune system was obviously overworked dealing with the consequences of poor lifestyle choices. His symptoms worsened despite antibiotic therapy. Infection from the tooth eventually spread to his lungs (pneumonia), kidneys and liver.

After 35 days in the hospital, the patient died of multi-organ failure. Antibiotics were useless. The infection in his mouth continued to feed the systemic infections until it killed him.

Although weakened by other health problems, his death, like that of Tommy’s, was literally caused by an infected tooth.

Relatively young and otherwise healthy individuals are affected, as well as those who are older and in poor health.

A 19-year-old woman with no serious health problems had an infected tooth extracted. Soon after, she developed chest pain. Even though she was treated with antibiotics before and after the dental procedure, bacteria from the infected tooth spread to her heart. Thirteen days after the tooth extraction, she died of a heart attack brought on by the infection.

While deaths due to tooth infections are uncommon, they do happen more often than we suspect. In most cases, they go unreported or unrecognised, with the secondary infection getting all the blame. In most cases, the patients suffered from poor nutrition, low immunity ( especially HIV infection), or had other health conditions which exacerbated the situation. If a tooth infection can cause death, it can certainly cause other health problems. Even people who can eat well and take care of their health can be and are affected by the health of their teeth.

XLVII

XLVIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 06, 2021