Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot 20-06-2021

Devon Gilead, resident of Glasgow, East Bank Berbice, is a proud husband and father who, after much hard work and perseverance, was able to achieve the almost impossible task of growing grapes locally.

He also taught himself bee keeping many years ago and now practices that trade full-time as well. These two unique skills now serve as Gilead’s key source of supporting his family (Carl Croker photo)

Proud father supports family with ‘green thumb’ and beekeeping

II

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

Fatherhood – a reflection of the old days versus now

By Dillon Goring

HUBERT Muesa is a father of six, who hails from the village of Triumph, East Coast Demerara. Reflecting on his years of fatherhood, he revealed during an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine that with the advent of technology, fathers aren’t spending enough time with their children as they ought to in this 21st century.

He believes that as a result, particularly the boys, haven’t been getting the role models that are needed to teach them, in turn, to become exemplary young men.

“As boys growing up, we would respect what our fathers gave us certain directions unlike today. I find that a lot of young men, they are influenced by their peers and

sometimes they don’t listen to their fathers, they just want to argue a lot with their fathers; so that is the basic difference I find of the fathers years ago as compared to the fathers today,” Muesa said.

Muesa concluded that many things have changed, including fathers not being able to spend enough time with their children and spending more time with their peers, rather than with their children, thus not showing enough interest in their children’s lives.

“The time that should be spent with the children, that time is not there,” Muesa told the Pepperpot Magazine.

Lessons learnt from life as a child Reflecting on his own

Hubert Muesa and his family

childhood, Meusa said that he learnt many lessons.

“We were told that you must not be hitting other people, particularly females.

I encourage my boys not to engage in activities that will bring dishonour to their families. I have told my boys to treat any young lady as they will like people to treat their sister. One of the things I have encouraged them to do is to have a good prayer life,” Muesa said.

Another important lesson learnt is the implementation of morning and afternoon devotions. According to him, that is something that is missing these days at home.

He further made mention of the fact that back then, fathers were more concerned with instilling certain qualities in their boys and girls, thus enabling them to be respectable persons in society.

“Fathers who are involved in extra-marital affairs have contributed to the decline in the moral fibre in society,” Hubert Muesa was

quoted as saying.

He contended that family values play an important role when it comes to stronger societies and a lack of this is as a result of the breadwinner of the home (father), spending more time out working, thus not being able to spend more time with their children to instill values in them.

Being more forthright These days, children are allowed to express varying opinions with their parents, but not so in times gone by, Meusa said.

He expressed the view that he shares a very close relationship with his children when compared to what he had with his dad.

He noted that his children can come to him at any time and share anything with him.

This fosters a great relationship with his children and also serves to improve the family life of his children when dealing with issues emanating from his children’s

families.

“I am very pleased with my sons, the way they are treating their wives and so on and how my daughters are responding to their husbands. I have seen the fruits of our labour, my wife and I, at times they might go out of line, and they correct those mistakes,” Muesa said.

The Joys of being a Father “My boys and my girls, all of them are working, all of them have good jobs and all of them have happy families,” Muesa expressed.

He said also that one of the regrets that he has is that he should have been more accommodating in dealing with his children regarding certain circumstances.

Advice to Fathers “Treat women with respect, be responsible, dedicated and industrious and spend time with their children,” are the words that Muesa would give to fathers of today.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

The ultimate role model A father figure to many

The Secretary/CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club M.S; the President of the Berbice Cricket Board; recipient of the Medal of Service and

re-founded the church’s youth group in 1986. They promoted Catholicism through community service during their time in the youth group. The youth club

His club facilitates a boastful number of 700 projects per year. Some of which include: annual Christmas village and party, summer Camp for new high school

III

ship, the club also managed to produce over a hundred high ranking National and International cricketers. All of these sportsmen and women can attest to the influential role Hilbert has played in their lives through the use of sports. Assad Fudadin, Shemaine Campbelle, Royston Crandon, Esuan Crandon, Erva Giddings—among many others.

A true mentor

Hilbert Foster with his wife; Saintalene and daughter; Marissa

Director to Cricket West Indies- these are all titles worn proudly by Hilbert Gardiner Foster. These titles were possible due to his hard work, dedication and perseverance but he also holds the proud title of father and father-figure to many.

But sharing his experience growing up in a single-parent household, Hilbert admitted that he had no idea how to be a father because of the lack of having father-figures in his life.

Yet, he recalls fond memories of growing up with his brothers, Keith and Alex grandmother and his strict and disciplinary mother. They grew up selling cakes baked by their mother and grandmother. Nevertheless, he admitted that he was scared to ever become a father when he was much younger, but that did not deter him because many can give testimonies on how influential and inspiring this father figure is to them today.

Growing up, his single-parent mother instilled a strong Catholic belief system within her three sons.

Hilbert, his brother Alex and a host of other youngsters from the St. Francis Roman Catholic Church

subsequently received the Commonwealth Youth Service Award in 1992. Birthed out of a similar vision of the youth group was the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTYSC ) in September 1990. The sports club was formed with the main objective to foster youth development through sports, mainly cricket. Many would call the RHTYSC the second child of Hilbert.

Foster is happily married to Saintalene Chinsammy-Foster. The pair has been married for twenty-four years and has one daughter; Marissa. When the Pepperpot Magazine asked his daughter which one of her father’s accomplishments she’s most proud of for Father’s Day, she responded by saying: “Biologically, I am an only child but throughout my life, my father had taken so many youths under his wings. Many youths look up to him as a positive role model and father- figure. He has inspired so many young people to live up to their true potential through his work.

So, I guess it’s safe to say that I have hundreds of ‘inspired siblings’ across the country because of who my father is—I am beyond proud of him for that”.

students, summer cricket academy, tributes to retired teachers/heroes programme, father’s day and mother’s day luncheons, say no-say yes campaigns—just to name a few.

In 2011, Hilbert received the National Sports Personality award, the club received the Medal of Service in 2016 and Foster himself also received the Medal of Service in 2019. Under his leader-

Simon Naidu is a young upcoming sports administrator. He considers and even calls Hilbert his father.

Simon comes from a family of six siblings and his father died when he was much younger.

Hilbert became his life’s mentor and with his help, Simon is now a part of the Berbice and Guyana Cricket Boards. “When I didn’t have clothes to wear or money to buy things, Mr. Foster always took care of me and he changed my life completely. I don’t know where I would’ve been in life if I didn’t meet him in 2014”, said Simon.

Johnathon Rampersaud is a national under 19 cricketer, he owes most of his Hilbert success to Hilbert’s guidance and wanted to share that, “On and off the cricket field, he played an outstanding role in my life by giving

Influential father figure and cricket administrator; Hilbert Foster

me great advice as well as, by

Foster

supporting me and showing me love. On many instances when the odds were against me, there was only one [person] looking up to me offer-

From left; Denica Henry, Marissa Foster, Hilbert Foster and Simon Naidu

ing a word of support that tomorrow will be a better day,” he said.

When he is not acting in the role of the president of the Berbice Cricket Board or CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth Sports Club, Hilbert could be found listening to classic oldies, watching a history/crime documentary or spending quality time with his family. He is described as a man of many titles but his greatest accomplishment will always be his family and the results of his influences on the lives of others. For the future, Hilbert expressed that he would like to leave his legacy behind for others to follow. He has been a household name in Berbice and ultimately Guyana for quite some time now and he hopes that he can god-willingly continue his work to better the lives of Guyana’s youth.

IV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

An exemplary father

By Francis Quamina Farrier AS Guyana joins with many other countries around the world observing and celebrating Father’s Day 2021, we take the opportunity to throw the spotlight on one particularly exemplary father, Lawrence Lachmansingh. He is the father of three daughters; Hanan, Leah and Adriel. Lawrence Lachmansingh who is also well-known and highly respected in the Guyanese society can be described as a loving and hands-on father who ensures that his daughters are given the best in education and, with his wife Shianne, parental caring and guidance. Born at Port Mourant on the Corentyne Coast, Region Six, Lachmansingh grew up at Linden in Regon10. Reflecting on those formative years in the bauxite mining town, he referred to the pleasant comradery of the bauxite workers of various races. While his early education was at McKenzie, Lachmansing attended the Saint Stanislaus College in Georgetown for his secondary education.

His principal working years were spent with the United Nations Development

Programme (UNDP). That took him to many countries around the world, which includes Afghanistan, Cambodia, Cyprus, Ghana, Indonesia, Jamaica, Sri Lanka, Turkey and the USA. Some of those were ether brief visits or short postings, which nonetheless, were “Very taxing having to leave the children behind.” he said. However, there were two postings, where he served for periods of over two years, and where he had his family with him. Those postings were in Ghana and Indonesia. Asked about the effects on his growing children being in such far-away places with such different cultures to Guyana, Lachmansingh said, “It was an issue with them leaving their friends in Guyana, and equally hostile when they had to leave their friends in Ghana and in Indonesia.”

What is of note which he said with a measure of fatherly pride was, “My daughters have kept in touch with those friends in both countries to this day.”

It is also of note to mention that while in Ghana, Lachmansingh saved a young man who was drowning in a river. The young man was pulled out of the water by Lachmansingh and they have kept in touch ever since. That young man who is now the

Lawrence Lachmansingh and his family

Manager of a Barclays Bank in Ghana, has since been married and is now a father himself.

Lachmansingh has been

Lawrence Lachmansingh dancing with his wife Shianne at a Diplomatic Corps Function in Ghana (Photo by Francis Q. Farrier)

back and working here in his native Guyana for a number of years now, and has been very active with governance issues and projects. He is

a member of the National Democratic Institute (NDI), and is also National Forest Governance Facilitator.

Hard-working citizen

and proud father of three daughters, we salute Lawrence Lachmansingh as one of Guyana’s exemplary fathers.

Lawrence Lachmansingh with his wife and three daughters outside the American Postal Museum in Washington DC, USA, just after viewing the British Guiana One Cent Magenta stamp (Photo by Francis Q. Farrier)

V

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

Fatherhood and relationships in today’s society

By Dillon Goring ON considering the role that fathers play in society today. Father of three, Sean Wilson believes that it is a critical one and that the influence of a male figure in the home is still ever important.

Sean believes, too, that being a good father does not

couples that they aren’t in competition with each other, but that the strength of both parties is geared to enhance the relationship.

Depending on which party has the strength in an area, it is a great asset to the marriage or relationship.

According to him, the important ingredient is dependent on the method of

sence of those skills training from the father, the child may develop attributes of violence when dealing with situations, which he will garner from the streets and that may be contrary to the correct morals,” he said.

It was further noted that because of the skills training of the father particularly, the girl child through education

Sean Wilson’s daughters (from left) Gabriel, Ruth and Jewel

come in isolation. In fact, he states that with intellectual stimulation injected by women more and more in the home, this enhances further a man’s role as husband and father.

“If the woman is able to bring these attributes to the relationship, even the man or the husband does not have those attributes. I don’t see that as eroding the role of the man, on the contrary, I believe that these are essential elements that are really necessary to strengthen and build any relationship,” Sean said .

He further commented on the fact that being a counsellor /Pastor, has advises

communication to each other.

Wilson drew the conclusion that fathers are therefore relevant in today’s society, hence they play an important role in a child’s life.

“The home is the first place of training for the child, it is the place where the child can learn critical skills from both parents.

Every child needs a father in his or her life, it would be wonderful if both parents are present and play that important role, the father brings important skills particularly to the boys- how to respect women, how to treat a woman. With the ab-

can bring solutions to problems, critical issues that she or her family may face.

Further, it is important to note that the presence of the father in the home and his ability to train the children or child particularly boys, will prepare the child to assist in household chores in his own marriage.

Thus, precedence is set to the male children that assistance in doing household chores builds and strengthens the relationship in the family and in the home.

Validating the Child The role of a father in a child’s life helps to vali-

Sean Wilson and his wife

date the child and lifts their self-confidence. “ You talk to a lot of young people today and even older people and one of the things they say ‘I miss my Father validating me’; ‘I miss my Father saying you have done a good job’, while the mother would bring her thinking, I still want to understand from a male’s perspective, so from a holistic perspective, the male brings a different kind of view, to strengthen and enhance the child’s thinking, growth and development in a child’s life,” Sean said.

He contended that the validation of a child is im-

portant particularly when that child would have grown up and taken on the role of a father later in their own lives. “ The man functions basically from the experiences of his father, and if he did not have a father who was really active in his life, then perhaps he might look at people in the community or other people in the movies or he may do what he thinks to be the right way to connect with his child and may necessarily approach that may be beneficial to the child. Sometimes his experiences will be with men like him and so the influence

may be that you don’t need to express your love to your child neither be active, once you are providing money, that is sufficient,” Sean contended.

According to him, society must look at the way they prepare men to be fathers; churches and religious organisations, and social clubs need to revise their methods of training.

He concluded that society must revise the way they train men and that there is a lot of work to be done by religious organisations, clubs and social society.

VI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

Glasgow Village (Carl Croker photos)

Glasgow Village THIS week the Pepperpot Magazine visited the quiet village of Glasgow, East Bank Berbice and highlighted the way of life of the locals and the community.

Glasgow Village is between Gay Park and Bermine and it comes under the New Amsterdam Mayor and Town Council.

On the other side is Edinburg Village, another large community.

The community is fairly large and has potable water, electricity and cable service,but there are no landline phones and internet service.

Glasgow Village has a lot of large and interestingly designed houses and in some

sections, other structures are going up, while there are lots of unoccupied plots which are overgrown with bush .

The village has a population of about 3,000, most of whom depended heavily on the sugar industry as their sole source of incomes, but when the estates were closed they had to seek other jobs.

The people are friendly, neighbourly, down-to-earth folk, who will leave whatever they are doing to give directions and even go with you to the place you are looking for and will not hesitate to have a chat.

It is one of those communities where people feel

A developing community

safe and still leave their doors unlocked and your neighbour looks out for you all the time.

Some of the houses are still colonial-styled and well-maintained and preserved by their occupants and it is a quiet village, where you can hear the birds chirping instead of the blasting of loud music and people cussing out each other.

Glasgow Village has a Nursery School and a Community Centre Ground with several buildings and a spacious yard as a ballfield.

Other services are accessible in nearby communities.

The village has many

Focus on the Village

small shops and other small businesses and most people work outside the community.

There is a high unemployment rate among the young people, some of whom are highly qualified and are at home.

One of the two main access bridges is inaccessible and the other access bridge is in a state of disrepair. Both are wooden.

With the exception of a few streets in this community, the rest needs an upgrade and the overgrown state of the place needs some attention.

Mayor of New Amsterdam Meanwhile, Mayor of New Amsterdam, Winifred Heywood, told the Pepperpot Magazine that they used to call Glasgow Village Greater New Amsterdam and it was owned by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (Guysuco)but was later

handed over to the Ministry of Housing.

She explained that through central government the lands were developed into a housing scheme and allocated to occupants and it became a part of New Amsterdam when Glasgow Village was handed over to the New Amsterdam Mayor and Town Council.

It is said that the allocation process began in 2000 and people began constructing houses and started to reside there.

As it relates to the dilapidated first access bridge in the village, Heywood reported that through the government, a contract was signed for the rebuilding of a new wooden bridge to replace the old one.

Heywood added that she will soon embark on a site visit to get a first-hand look at the empty lots in the village and see what can be done to address the overgrown

bushes.

She stated that the two internal streets were upgraded via the Town Council and eventually they will re-pave the rest into all-weather roads.

Heywood explained that they are awaiting this year’s subvention and all works such as upgrading on roads and other developmental projects have been placed on hold.

The mayor disclosed that Glasgow is the last village that comes under the New Amsterdam Mayor and Town Council and the rest of the villages along the East Bank Berbice stretch is the responsibility of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

She pointed out that like the rest of the villages that come under the township, Glasgow is being developed and hasn’t been neglected, but things have been a bit slow; nevertheless, development is happening.

VII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

Every day is a ‘hustle’ for the people of Glasgow Village

By Michel Outridge IF hustling “like a boss” does not mean anything for some, it certainly means a lot for 32-year-old Daylon Nicholson of Glasgow Vil-

are ‘hustling’ for a living.

The father of two stated that since the pandemic, things have been hard with a lot of people and he understands their struggle, so he would “flex.”

night until everybody gets home.

He reported that they would work up until 22:00hrs before calling it a night.

There is no minibus ply-

Focus on the Village

Cattle farmer Ramchiartar Seelall

Taxi driver Daylon Nicholson (Carl Croker photos)

lage, East Bank Berbice, who plies the New Amsterdam to Glasgow route daily as a taxi driver.

Since there is only a school bus plying the route, the taxi drivers provide a service for the locals at a reasonable cost of $300 from New Amsterdam to anywhere inside the village, even with the bad roads.

Nicholson explained that the fare is $300 but some people would hand him $200 saying they don’t have money and he would accept it because of the pandemic and most people

“Is village people so I would give and take because I know these people and they travel with me and I can’t demand money from them when clearly they don’t have,” he said.

Nicholson has been a resident of Glasgow Village for the past 15 years, but he is planning to relocate to Bermine Housing Scheme in New Amsterdam.

The taxi driver stated that about 40 cars are plying the same route and some would come out early in the mornings and work, while another set would work late into the

ing this route, only hire cars and they would transport passengers from way down in the village to wherever they are going.

Like most, Nicholson is doing an honest job as a taxi driver to bring in an income to his home as a father and head of his household.

The cattle farmer Ramchiartar Seelall is a cattle farmer and has been affected by the flood and to top it off, he is taking care of his bedridden wife.

The 65-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that

more than 25 sheep from his flock have died because he didn’t have anywhere else to take his livestock.

“They catch cramp from being in the floodwaters and died, since I had no higher ground to take them,” he said.

Seelall explained that he estimates his losses at $3 million and two vets visited his place when it was flooded and took some information, but nothing has happened since.

Seelall reported that he used to be a cane cutter and after the estate was closed, he had to seek alternative employment and started to rear some cattle.

The father of nine explained that his wife took ill four years ago; having suffered a stroke she cannot

walk and became bedridden and was totally dependent on him.

Seelall is the sole caregiver for his wife and he is also caring for a granddaughter when his daughter took her own life to escape an alleged abusive relationship.

Earlier, his son also died in a road accident and he was trying to cope with the losses he suffered and then his wife took ill.

Seelall is dependent on his cattle to earn a living, since he has no other job and has two persons depending on him to provide for them.

“I am hoping I can get some assistance to re-group from the loss of my sheep so I can still be able to have a few animals to rear and sell,”

he said.

Seelall stated that at his age he is unable to get any work, so he had invested his savings into the sheep and a few cows to become self-employed and that was all he had in terms of money.

The elderly resident reported that he is trying to come to grips with the loss of his sheep and he is hoping to ‘bounce back,’ but needs a little help to do some and it would be nice if the authorities can render some form of assistance.

Seelall said the flood came unannounced and he did not prepare for it and was caught off-guard,so there was little he could have done to save his sheep.

VIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

Home-made beauty products creating quite a stir in the Ancient County

By Michel Outridge WHEN it seems like no means to an end, a desperate mother trying to find a cure for her son’s skin condition explored the possibilities with the use of the internet and began making a line of hair and skincare products unlike others.

It was after exhausting finances and going from one hospital to another and after years, Allison Gilead was ready to give up because she was unable to find any treatment for her son’s skin condition.

It was so bad it raised

years ago her firstborn was diagnosed with atopic eczema and everywhere they go to get medical intervention their hard-earned dollars went to waste, because none of the medications helped him.

Allison and her husband Devon Gilead were at their wits end because when they were out with their son people used to ask her why she wasn’t looking after the child’s skin condition and she felt really bad.

The couple were beside themselves and Allison turned to the internet for information and began reading

Allison Gilead displaying her homemade products (Carl Croker photos)

eyebrows when they were out in the public and caused people to look at him with scorn.

This is how a small business started and has blossomed into a full-blown, home-based operation for a mother of two, who after much research, time and experiments was able to make a home-remedy skin ointment for her son’s skin condition.

The Glasgow Housing Scheme, East Bank Berbice resident, today has a line of beauty and skincare products which have extended into scented candles.

The 43-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that 10

about home-made remedies and after much research, they decided to try put together a few ingredients.

“My husband Delon first concoct a cream from all local products because he is a beekeeper and we had honey and other by-products. He made a skin ointment and he was not pleased, it did not come out as he wanted and then he gave up. But I decided to give it a try and it came out perfectly after I blended all the ingredients together making a one-of-a-kind skin ointment which became a bestseller and helped my son, today he is atopic eczema

free and has clean skin,” she said.

Back then, Allison reported that her husband was weeding yards for a living and they were struggling and she really needed to help her son to get better skin because of how bad it was and looked.

Today, the product, the skin ointment, continues to be a best seller and has helped many people to get clean, clear skin and it is used as an everyday skin cream.

It is made from beeswax, honey, lemongrass and some essential oils, most of the oils are sourced from overseas, but Allison’s husband produces their own honey from their apiary in Ithaca Village, West Bank Berbice.

Her eldest son will be 11 years old in September and is atopic eczema free. Allison has a younger son.

She makes lip balms in different flavours, including, honey and turmeric, beeswax, vanilla, strawberry, lemon, lavender among others.

Allison began making a hair food from beeswax, shea butter and it was also a hit on the local market, then she started to make her turmeric line of face and body scrubs, body butter and soaps.

It helps to remove dark spots, pigmentation, acne, sunburn and other skin conditions and later began making her coffee, honey/turmeric, noni, coconut oil and oatmeal and activated charcoal/tea tree soaps.

Based on customers’ reviews and testimonials, Allison started to make different other soaps to create that dewy, youthful glow to the skin and would make soaps to meet requests from customers.

“My products are all home-made, made to strict hygienic conditions and we test-use all the products before launching and selling, so it is wholesome and healthy to use,” she said.

Allison told the PepperSEE PAGE XXVIII

Focus on the Village

The skincare products by Allison Gilead

IX

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

Overseas-based Guyanese enjoying retirement in Glasgow Village Kemila Henry landscaping the yard

By Michel Outridge WHILE passing through Glasgow Village, East Bank Berbice, it was somewhat unusual to see a petite Kemila Henry called ‘Annie’ skillfully handling a brush cutter as any man would and even better.

At the time, she was weeding her yard while her two children were raking up the grass under the supervision of their grandmother.

She is said to be an all-rounder when it comes to doing a man’s job of landscaping and a handy person, who has a knack for fixing things in and around the house.

Henry lives with her grandmother, Linda Henrymoore, a retired nurse, who lived abroad for more than 14 years is back in her home country and resides in Glasgow Village.

She has a nice house and her granddaughter, Kemila and her two children live with her.

Henrymoore told the Pepperpot Magazine that she was a nurse in Guyana before she migrated and after she returned as a nurse in the United States (US) she wanted to come back home to bask in her golden years.

“For me Guyana is home and I wanted to be here to live out my last years in quiet and peace this country has to offer so I’m looking forward

Samuel Monah

to it,” she said.

The 63-year-old added that while, she was abroad her granddaughter took care of the house and she is happy to have company in such a big house.

“I was praying to be in good health and finish working to reach the age of retirement to come back home, and now I am here it feels good,” she said.

She stated that she doesn’t know much people in the village except seeing her immediate neighbours and would have a chat with them from time to time.

Henrymoore reported that she is originally from Mahaicony Village, East Coast Demerara and was allocated a plot of land in Glasgow and constructed a house and took up residence there.

The mother of two pointed out that her husband still

resides overseas and during her 14 living abroad she would return to spend some time.

She explained that in 2008 when she started building her house it was just five houses there and a lot of bushes and today she is pleased to see how the village has developed and is so populated.

Henrymoore said life would be even better if they get landline phone service and internet because the children needs to be occupied with online schooling.

She reported that she got gadgets for them to access the internet but the service hasn’t reached that village yet.

“This is a nice place to live, so far, things have been good especially peaceful and that is what I want,” she said.

Linda Henrymoore’s house in Glasgow Village

Linda Henrymoore (Carl Croker photos)

Samuel Monah

Focus on the Village

Meanwhile, the Pepperpot Magazine also met another overseas-based Guyanese, who returned here to reside after his retirement.

He, too, resides in Glasgow Village and was at a roadside shop chatting with his fellow villagers when the team met him.

Samuel Monah, 86, told the Pepperpot Magazine that he donated the wooden planks which was used to strengthen the second wooden access bridge to the village when it was falling

apart and the authorities did nothing.

He saw the need for the bridge to be repaired and he assisted with money from his own pockets as his way of giving back to the community.

Monah said while things are okay living in the community the first bridge is in need of repair and vehicles cannot cross it and should be dismantled before something happens and people get injured.

He stated that it has been five months since the first access bridge is broken and left as is.

Monah also wants better roads in the village and the bushes cut.

The elder also asked that the depressed section of the village, Pepper Street, gets some attention since unemployment and poverty have struck the people and to top it off the pandemic brought added extra strain to the locals.

He pointed out that the youths needs to be meaningfully engaged in activities and skills training and a recreational park is recommended, a safe place for people to go and relax and play games.

X

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

The self-employed folk of Glasgow making their mark

By Michel Outridge DEVON Gilead was always good with his hands and he did whatever we could to grow food, landscaping and then started off as a beekeeper and established an apiary at Ithaca, West Bank Berbice.

As he began harvesting honey, it dawned on him that he should do something with the locally produced product, it was plentiful and he began bottling it and sold it in the community.

Gilead started producing “Nature’s Gift,” for all the by-products from honey bees including the stingless bee honey which helps to reverse glaucoma naturally.

He then attempted to make honey soap but was unsuccessful until his wife tried and it came out as a success and she is making seven different soaps presently.

His beekeeping journey started at age 16 years old; he used to go with a fellow

when there was a bee invasion and would smoke out the bees at nights.

Gilead was the handy boy who held the ladder and would earn a “small piece” and after doing that for some time, he realised that at that rate they would kill out all the bees and he wanted to rear some.

He pitched the idea to the gentleman, who told him he was mad if he wanted to mind bees and declined to assist him.

Gilead admitted that he was afraid of bees but did not give up; he wanted to learn more about beekeeping and went on to buy a hive with the box and was told it was $70,000; back then it was money he didn’t have.

So he bought just the box alone and made his own hives and started to put the bees into the box and the next day when he returned he would find all the bees gone.

He was determined to try again and he got hold of

Devon and his wife, Allison in their garden

Focus on the Village

villager, who used to work with the Ministry of Agriculture at government buildings

a beekeeping book his uncle had and he did some extensive reading, hoping to learn.

Gilead tried again and failed, the bees keep escaping the box and he said that he then turned to God

for help and had a dream of what to do and he did it, but ants had taken over the box, causing the bees to flee, once again.

It was when an experienced beekeeper from the city visited he asked him for help and in return had to give him some hives.

“It was just as I dreamed, but the only thing is you

can’t leave the box on the ground for ants to get in, you have to put it on something, high with the honeycomb and queen bee in it,” he said.

The beekeeper took a piece of honeycomb with the queen bee and placed it in the box and the bees stayed but didn’t produce any honey for some time.

Gilead was crushed and

wanted to end it all with beekeeping and he went to buy some gas and was on the verge of burning the boxes, when he decided to check the boxes one last time and to his surprise it had honeycombs filled with honey.

All 15 boxes had honey and Gilead was elated at last

Anneli Simon poses by her roadside small business

SEE PAGE XI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

The self-employed folk ...

XI

FROM PAGE X

and extracted the honey and began selling it via some glass jars in the 10 ounce portion for $1,000 each.

Gilead stated that he had finally got honey after many years of trying and his apiary began producing honey and he bought a honey extractor to make his work lighter.

This gentleman did not give up despite many challenges and three years ago, when the Berbice River overtopped its bank he lost many hives, it washed away and while, relocating some in a boat, that boat sank and he lost the few he had left.

He did not get any honey for one year straight recently but did not quit and prayed about it.

Gilead, earlier this year became a sensation on the internet when the Guyana Chronicle featured his local grape growing venture in his yard.

People did not believe that he was able to grow grapes locally and had to go to his place and see for themselves- some even held them to make sure they weren’t plastic.

He has his eyes set on growing strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, mint, jack fruits and dragon fruit.

Annie’s Tasty Delight Anneli Simon is a resident of Glasgow Village, East Bank Demerara and has been operating a small roadside snackette along the mina access road just outside of the village for the past 10 years.

She is well-known and her foods and snacks are tasty

Devon Gilead’s nursery

Devon Gilead and his locally grown grapes (Carl Croker photos)

and wholesome, because she is a stickler for cleanliness and takes care of her surroundings and environment.

Simon has the tastiest pholurie, boiled and fried channa, puri and chicken curry, cassava ball, egg ball, meat ball and on weekends she would make white and black puddings with mango sour and has a wide range of cold beverages to go with it.

This small business owner used to buy and sell clothes, but had to put a hold on that venture due to the slow economic situation as a direct impact on COVID-19.

She is only selling food because business has been slow and she is trying to keep her door open since the spending power isn’t there like before.

Simon would open her small snackette on Mondays to Saturdays and takes the Sundays to do chores and worship service at church.

“This is a nice place to live, but the animals roaming free, destroying your gardens and breaking up the parapet and it has to be addressed by the Mayor and Town Council,” she said.

She has been residing in Glasgow Village since 2000 and she has a well-kept house and a lovely flower garden.

Her shop is the meeting place for elders in the community, who would gather and have a chat and discuss other things that are trending.

The place is clean and it is at a roadside spot and the owner, Simone, is a pleasant lady, who is well-liked in the community.

XII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

COMING HOME TO YOU, DAD THE drive from the airport, miles upon miles into the countryside past lush, green landscapes, expansive rice fields and coconut walks, was a scenic experience pleasing to the young man returning from overseas. As he neared his old home, his heart raced with feelings of uncertainty for it had been such a long time. David got out as the car stopped at a back street in the settlement and looked at the modest, unpainted house, standing amongst the fruit trees and flowering plants, somewhat lonely. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a short moment and he said quietly to himself, “Welcome home, David” It had been 20 years since he had left, as an eightyear-old with his mother, younger brother and sister, and today he was returning for the first time.

The wooden gate was

unlocked and he walked in and put down his bags; no one was there, but the house and yard were unbelievingly neat and well kept. He looked around for some little thing that could refresh his memory for he hadn’t much, to begin with, then he saw his name, carved into the trunk of the mango tree and he smiled. “Yeah, now that’s something.”

“I had lifted you on my shoulders that day so you could reach,” a deep course voice said behind him.

David turned around, almost startled and looked at the bearded man standing there.

He wasn’t sure who it was and asked a little hesitantly, “You are…?”

The man gave a little chuckle and shook his head, “Can’t blame you for not recognising your old man.”

A strange feeling touching his heart, seeing now the man who had been missing

from his life for 20 years, who never called or wrote, now a broken old man – his father.

“Hey—” David said, not sure what else to say.

The old man looked at the tall, well-built, young man with his mother’s good looks for a long moment, in serious thought, then silently, he picked up one of his bags and said, “Let me show you to your room.”

David followed him up the freshly scrubbed stairs and looked around the small house, astounded at the tidiness and well-polished furnishings, arranged neatly

in place.

“Impressive,” he said.

“You manage all this on your own?”

“Yeah,” his father mumbled, “Make yourself comfortable while I find something for dinner.”

David threw himself down on the bed, letting the feeling of homecoming sink into him and he drifted off to sleep. It was close to dusk when he opened his eyes, the delicious aroma of something cooking, wafting in the air. He went downstairs and

saw his father by the stove.

“You can cook?” he asked.

“Yeah, had to learn or starve,” the old man said, taking a swig from the quarter bottle Eldorado white rum on the small table.

“And still with that too?”

“Yeah” was the coarse, indifferent answer.

David took a long, refreshing bath with rainwater that was stored in barrels and then ate a good dinner, spicy fish curry with green

mangoes, tomato and loud pepper. The two men, old and young sat in silence after dinner, neither not knowing what to say to each other.

David watched his father’s drawn face from the shadows of the lamps’ flickering flames as the old man pulled deeply at the cigarette and took swigs from the rum bottle.

His father finally broke the deep silence and asked in a low tone, “Why are you here? I don’t have much for you to inherit” David smiled wryly, “I’m an aviation engineer and I have my own house” “Good...then you’re here to see if I’m dying, to give me a decent burial?”

“No, I just wanted to see you” “Why?” David didn’t answer, not knowing how to explain to the man sitting in front of him that though he, the son, knew how badly the father had treated his mother and children; the father who had never called to say sorry, to change his life around so they could come back. He who left his wife alone to struggle to make life good for his children whose hands he was never there to hold. And even though the stepfather who came into their lives was everything the father wasn’t, the son still felt that something was missing in his life, a part of him he had to find so he could understand why this all happened.

His father emptied the bottle and got up a bit unsteadily.

“I’ll see you in the morning” David watched him go, SEE PAGE XXV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 28, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

XIII

What should we really be doing?

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 Hello to all my loyal readers. again and it doesn’t go as well as they would have hoped. on embarrassment as they feel it may not live up to some sort my RECENTLY, hand that I into cannot count thewho numI ran an old high school friend has The person mindset will believe “I knew I was of standard. really, who creates these standards? be with thea fixed worst material possession thatButthey could ever lose.What turned out to be quite successful. However, when I asked never any good at public speaking- I should try to avoid society feels about your passion and pursuit of it is not your hedhim for(persistently!) it, while ithewas actually in my tothesay that feelings of anxiety, irritation and what does now, he repeatedly re- this atThey all costs.”continued The individual will growth mindset concern. Almost by definition, living up to your full potential sponded “Oh, I don’t do anything.” Very humble that one. will instead examine what went wrong and come up with requires you to step outside your comfort zone and expand o when get up morning overwhelming sadness would if they were to lose their It got meIthinking aboutin life the in general and whetherand we solutions to make it better next time.

With a growth mind- be yourfelt boundaries. are all living up to our full potential and if we aren’t, how set, there is no such thing as failure, there are only hurdles Keep your eyes on the progress, not the prize. While it is going to sleep is check my phone. I phone today. can we? So, this is dedicated to the boy who does nothing. towards your success. true that it is important to understand your end goal, it is your Let’sand start simple: what is our individual These progress that will determine if you are going to get it. Focus healthy something mustpotential? be done. harmless, right? so much a are our latent qualities or abilities that can be developed for So, for theIt sakeseems of self-awareness, what kind of mindset moreCaring on the little, everyday steps you areabout taking. future success.

How can we maximise this?

The first step is do you have?

Never compare yourself to others.

Everyone has their and found that women were more phone? Well, this week I’ve own been really paying attention always self–reflection and awareness, which includes both timeline, and it is based on so many factors. Comparing strengths and weaknesses.

What are our natural talents, Bannister Effect is also something I always thought to yourself to others is the fastest way to be unhappy and feel d toour their phones simply because men Theto the importance that I and others around me give to a what needs more practice, what should we just stay away be quite interesting. It reinforces that sometimes psychological unsuccessful. completely?apps. Also, older people barriersphone, play into the equation of success and failure.

For many Finally, accept that things may not go your way and you ocialfrommedia rather than what’s actually going on around them.

When we figure out our current capabilities, it is typical years, it was considered a law of nature that the human body may temporarily fail. During these times, remind yourself that e addicted.

I establish believe this because to simultaneously passion.

If it isis recognised that was incapable running a mile in than four minutes.we That are there is no overnight success. importantly, while failures Ourofphones --lesswhether speaking toMore other people, you are not so good at what you are passionate about, not to was until May 6, 1954, when Roger Bannister ran a mile in in a career, hobby or even personal life can be heartbreaking, useworrysmartphones (My father actually humans can learn pretty much anything with motiva- three minutes 59.4 seconds. what was long it’s just that; it is not on you as a person. Take it using socialHe did media orconsidered playing games --a reflection can be addictive tion and persistence. impossible, but it turned out that it was only impossible be- as a learning opportunity and maintain the growth mindset So, you have found something you want to pursue, what cause people believed italter was impossible. for improvement. as they our moods, beliefs and trigger enjoyable next?

I genuinely do believe that every single human being has y colleagues andare actually friends how– kind bad A few Set a goal. Now goals rarely achieved little unenjoyable but important tips: great potential them, waiting to being be unleashed. and feelings. Apart fromwithin obviously my of like New Year Resolutions – but this is typically because of Thanks for reading. Please send any topics you’d like to main communication, phone is my one simple reason. They are too broad or vague, which makes When it comessource to succeedingof in the area you want, do not discuss my to caitlinvieira@gmail.com.

Also,newspaif you are interested them seem overwhelming and unachievable. For example, let popular opinion dissuade you. I think many of our fears and in personal counselling sessions, please contact me on +592 per,thoughts watch, alarm, the most common goal I hear is to “save money.” self-defeating come from the fear of map, what others recorder, may 623 0433 day planner, calendar, Let’s play out a scenario. What if I asked you as a goal, think. Many people don’t pursue what they want to do based camera, music player, calculator, a weapon (sometimes) to save 1 million dollars by the end of this year and ask you to rate how likely that would be on a scale of 1-10, most of and my friend when I’m bored or lonely- basically evyou would average between 0-3. However, if I suggested that you put away a small, specific amount every month, erything. However, it is also my constant interrupter and cut certain frivolous spending and even suggest a specific way to bring in more income, how much higher would distractor. I (I imagine much like most of you out there) that number be now? Specificity is key when it comes to achieving goals. have a deep desire to know everything that is going on.

Now, we have a specific goal, it’s time to acknowledge that achieving this goal is a by-product of what we are doing.

I believe that is human nature. But when does it become How much time are we putting into achieving it? Is the time productive? Length of time does not necessarily amount to too much? good productivity.

As a psychologist, I have to think that a key aspect is Well, I believe it’s too much when it has a name. ‘Nomindset, which is a personal set of beliefs that shape how you mophobia’ is the term coined to describe the fear of being make sense of yourself and the world in general. We, psychologists, believe that there are two types of mindsets; fixed without a mobile phone. Seriously, what have we come to? and growth. A fixed mindset, just as it sounds, is concrete, unwavering beliefs about yourself. For example, if a person It becomes an addiction when the object begins to control with a fixed mindset believes they are not good at something or may not enjoy a certain experience, this belief will not your life and interferes with your daily activities, work, and change. If they did badly at math as a child, they will believe this throughout their life, without even trying again to see if relationships. I read somewhere that “The biggest obstacle their understanding or capabilities have changed. If they did not enjoy the experience, as was predetermined, it will be to productivity is connectivity,” but overuse can affect a reinforced that they should not try anything they think they may not like – even without any evidence for this belief. This lot more than our productivity. The truth is, overuse of our type of mindset understandably reinforces negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, making it harder to reach your full phones can harm us psychologically, socially and physically. potential.

Now a growth mindset is exactly the opposite, it’s a more With regard to affecting our social skills, how many of us positive, realistic and rational way of viewing yourself and the world. There is the belief that things can be achieved with miss out on a joke or good conversation as we were on our the right amount of resources and effort, as well as an understanding that you cannot predict the future and how certain phones? How many times have we annoyed our good friend situations will make you feel. or family member because we were posting on social media Let’s use a quick and simple example of something that I know causes many a great deal of anxiety- public speakhow much fun we are having with them? It truly affects our ing. Let’s say two people have a fear of public speaking due to a once embarrassing situation during childhood and one individual has a fixed mindset and the other a growth one. Now, it’s time for them to speak publicly

XIV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

XV XIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― ― Sunday, Sunday, February June 20, 2021 CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT 28, 2021

FACING THE FACTS OF OUR AGE WITH THE COURAGE TO FIND RESOLVE IN DUTY

ON THE AWARENESS OF THE AESTHETIC AND THE ‘BEING’ OF OUR YOUNG NATION Part II To face the monster of ‘DRUG’ addiction within

WHEN over two decades ago a stalwart in our Arts community came out and confessed his son’s battle with addiction, I found it admirable and the breaking of the pretentious secrecy that was counterproductive to providing remedies for anything. I had no such problem then; my children were small. However, I committed myself upon purchasing my first camera to address this creature my brethren called ‘DE JUMBIE’ before then. I was well aware this that discussion, there were ‘date-rape drugs, mostly IN concluding which is intended to raise M-X and other stuff about, that was looked down questions within the spoken reader and inspire responsible actions upon bythose my then youth peers as used by positions losers taking among that acquire decision making or are advantage of women theyarrive didn’t the ‘swaare’ to already there, we cannot at have a sensible without considerations in retrospect.

Sowith; in a brief flashback, must win a natural relationship we thus viewedwe them recognise, what we havewere lost toperceived our physical with contempt.

Drugs as amemory way outreferof ence archive, and use this as inspiration, to be able to the raise generational poverty by most of the people doing it in a natural alarm, a connection to the aesthetic late ‘70s early ‘80s, others in the business weresensitivity purely alerting us to the fact that we need to have a historical callous, unconcerned about anything except their own memory in respect to our surroundings, as buildings, landbenefits; the reality for most of ‘the other’ with limited scapes and architecture are inherent of memories in both or collateraland embraced narco-trafficking, theno conscious subconscious awareness. instead We haveofto falling a than banking system with interest rates that becomeinto other people who occupy a geographic space on this and relate to our what is the necessary thinking were notplanet, collaborative with limited market capacity, that enable us to address fromroad the now onward what as thewill profound saying goes, “The to hell is paved is significant to telling our stories, especially stories imwith good intentions.” There were two brothers from portant to our timelines.

Kitty whom I had imploredWhen not towe dealbecame cocaineindependent, in Guyana the euphoria of self-governed nationhood intoxicated us, because of my limited knowledge then of how destructive it had its grounds for intoxication alongside sober examthis drug is, most homes not be ablethat to deal with ination. We did not makewould the observation all around addicts, it was going to ‘Big us withinthey the argued bordersthat of countries we still heldBabylon’ controlled and since everybody was broke here, it would make a admiration for, had retained the edifices of past times. difference; one brother died here, suspected to have been Our own coloniser England never dismantled Hadrian’s Wall. In more one, fromin previous colonisers and poisoned; the ways otherthan in Brooklyn, a vicious drug war also from despised local leaders, they kept memory between mainly Guyanese that took over 100the lives that for reflection, in our Caribbean, spectacular spilt over to Guyana.

The addictChristophe’s (Junkie) explosion in fortress was of defence in Haiti of will Guyana a consequence allremain, this, andregardless more, it isofonhis history. Europe with the obvious white supremacy that that condition that we must focus. emerged with colonisation did not destroy the sculptures Most times whenKnights, addictionartworks or any frightening behaviour of Afro-European and literature that hits the of, home, we are surprised because presence there are no spoke or alluded to the African in indicaa much tors thatEurope, can be identified by they the things wein-depth do that may have older of course, didn’t celebrate them either, and also hid their identities new inspired or sent a message of normalcy as with to this, or portraits that ofand in custom movies.of practice or sub-culture, we are conditioned fensive Where that we erred notour to children use the structures to assume what in weGuyana do and was say to will be thatprinciples became available withguidelines the declinefor ofwhat trademark services the and sensible our children like the Trains, to build museums dedicated to that part of our will follow. We assume that our child will act rationally; historical memory. Why preserve the physical imagery of the the fact is that our ourancestors offspring lived are separate ‘beings’ thatthe may, past?

Simple, it, for the historian, creor maymind, not, for rational reason given, the act this way or that ative theno investigative journalist, physical location way based on,The or counter to the script we preach and is important. development of museums wastoathem, continuous it’s not of thethe fault of Dr. parents thatWilliams, there are language peeve late Dennis who had modules identified Five Museums to be built, that aimported marine museum outside of our narrative thathe weinsisted have never just in wouldwords have been a must. I can now a display case, like ‘Hallucinogen’ and imagine ‘Narcotics’ were of notthe ship’s used kitchen on Lady Northcourt itshome, cook, as thepart portrait words in secondary school, orwith in the of of indifference ‘John’, ‘keep away from John’s kitchen, and common discussions. why?’ A caption should read before this rude faced ship’s cook From experience, can assure that the evolves made of papier máchéI –“whose kitchen lay addict beneath a toilet, in its which stages water of retrogression, what we see the were road,made by from dripped continuously, or on so we Bourda market, through Cross Street or anywhere else took See Page XIX years. Years that left families broken in mind and spirit, destroyed plans of natural development to explore the forced or coerced redemption of a loved one, out of the expected call of ‘Duty’, unknowing that this is a battle against a tremendously powerful enemy, that can truly conduct a grotesque metamorphosis, in the most unconquered anatomical area of the human body-the brain and the neural system; ahead of the consequential deterioration of the entire soul (body); an

Part I

addict in the home embraced by a family intended to redeem its loved one will gradually lose aspects of its normalcy, because in many ways the addict becomes the enemy within.

With the charge of my experience, I became a witness to the lives of other victims, I say ‘victims’ because the people who empower themselves through Drugs, and foreign states have done this intentionally, but my reference lies with the addict in Guyana, they are victims of people and groups in local organisations, who know and care less for the human

The addict seeks coherence; like nations and peoples, the propositions crafted will not be based on ‘the truth’ or even a partial truth to justify coherence. Blame is an important part of the arsenal of defence against the support group, to justify the experience of continuous drug usage. Drugs consist of cocaine-based constructs, marijuana, alcohol and the serious underrated over the counter pharmaceuticals or medications.

Addicts are among the more convincing liars because we relatives fail to acknowledge the impact of

consequences. Thus, victims is a suitable term for addicts, whether the victim’s ego or mental weakness through social breakdowns around the person, permitted the entrance of drugs as a placebo, or to suffice peer accommodation.

The first act towards redemption is acceptance of personal contribution to the condition, and even if a gesture is made acknowledging that from the addict, beware, it can change and be replaced almost moments after with a proposition of accusations and blame directed at the very people who constitute the ardent support group of mainly relatives.

drugs on mental health, and in our need to retake the life of a relative and to return ourselves to normalcy, we can be vulnerable. The more we know is the better our judgement in every case, the addict is not the advocate of his/her own redemption; first a mind at large has to be grounded. On 21 October, 2019, Guyana launched its Drug Treatment Court, this facility is a tremendously positive step taken, but nevertheless, a work in progress, as the task before them has grown since the 1980s. We conclude our discussion next week.

sharing their journeys XVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

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

van Phillips -- born in St Lucia, living in

owards being a Midwife of Purpose came being broken, displaced, and ough this journey, I experienced a divorce, e and got displaced education administrator’s position. Coupled were two major eclipses One week later I completed y life. An eclipse happens when you can my assignment with CTO calling becomes greater than your current and was now ready to move hrough this process, you can transcend to a on to my next career move. hinking where you can connect with your I called Monique to let her ourself as one with nature. know I was available as we lett – born in Guyana and living in NY agreed and she was so hapegan to have the real experience of dreampy to haveand metoday start mytantly, first my dream world alive.

I was immediately THE drive from the air- brother and sister, diness and well-polished “And still with that too?”

David smiled wryly, “I’m temporary nterview with the upon agencymiles whereinto they tested port, miles he was returning forassignment the first with“You are…?” furnishings, arranged neatly “Yeah” was the coarse, an aviation engineer and I Deutsche Bank. My firstThe man gave a little in place. n using Microsoft Officepast and typing the countryside lush, speed. time. indifferent answer. have my own house” green landscapes, expanThe wooden gate was chuckle and shook his head, “Impressive,” he said.

“Good...then you’re here sive rice fields and coco- unlocked and he walked in “Can’t blame you for not “You manage all this on your David took a long, re- to see if I’m dying, to give nut walks, was a scenic and put down his bags; no recognising your old man.” own?” freshing bath with rainwater me a decent burial?” experience pleasing to the one was there, but the house A strange feeling touch“Yeah,” his father mum- that was stored in barrels and “No, I just wanted to see young man returning from and yard were unbelievingly ing his heart, seeing now the bled, “Make yourself com- then ate a good dinner, spicy you” overseas. As he neared his neat and well kept. He looked man who had been missing fortable while I find some- fish curry with green man“Why?” old home, his heart raced around for some little thing from his life for 20 years, thing for dinner.” goes, tomato and loud pepper.

David didn’t answer, not with feelings of uncertainty that could refresh his mem- who never called or wrote, David threw himself The two men, old and young knowing how to explain to for it had been such a long ory for he hadn’t much, to now a broken old man – his down on the bed, letting the sat in silence after dinner, the man sitting in front of time. David got out as the begin with, then he saw his father. feeling of homecoming sink neither not knowing what to him that though he, the son, knew that I would be in how badly the father When I was off six years assignment lastednot two weeks, car stopped at a back street name, carved into the trunk “Hey—” David said, into him and he drifted say to each Iother. knew big watched trouble if his I told dad treated his mother and I started someone’s vacation. in the settlement and looked of the mango tree and he sure whatcovering else to say. to sleep.old It was close school to duskin Mesa, David fa-myhad what had a soeyes, I began Due man to my work at ethicwhen and heArizona, at the modest, unpainted smiled. “Yeah, now that’s The old looked opened his the staying ther’s drawn facehappened. from theIt was children; the father who had secret: the with my mom desire to go the extra mile, house, standing amongst something.” the tall, well-built, young delicious aroma of something shadows of the lamps’ flick- never called to say sorry, to thatold could me and herinhusband landed another assignment the fruit trees and flowering “I had lifted you on my man withI his mother’s good cooking, wafting the air. routineering flameskind as the man getchange his life around so into big trouble.

It was like department plants, somewhat lonely. shoulders that day so you looks forina the longsame moment, in Hefor wently. downstairs and going saw from pulled deeply at the cigaretteI didn’t they could come back. He much trouble,who but left his wife alone to hell. It was a horror six months, then another He took a deep breath, could reach,” a deep course serious thought, then silently, hisfor fatherheaven by thetostove. and tookknow swigshow from the rum I wasn’t willing to story that’s yet to be writthree months, which finally closing his eyes for a short voice said behind him. he picked up one of his bags “You can cook?” he bottle. struggle to make life good for takefinally a chance.

“Shhhh...

I father to me myshow permanent posi- ten. While at grandma’s His moment and he said quietly David turned around, al- and said,led “Let you asked. broke his children whose hands he telland anyone.” filled tion, allowing me to live “Yeah, a washad to himself, “Welcome home, most startled and looked at to your room.” to with learnthe or love theof deepDon’t silence asked in was never there to hold. And of though the stepfather a grandma and Jesus David” the bearded man standing Daviddream. followed him up starve,” the old man said, tak- daily. a low tone, Maybe it’s the trauma even myare experience, but for On from the other hand, at my Safeeyastairs Mohamed It had been 20 years since there. the freshly Dr. scrubbed ing a– swig the quarter “Why you here?

I some reason I still mother’s house, was filled Trinidad he had left, as an eight-yearHe wasn’t sure who it and looked around the small bottle Eldorado white rumI on don’t have much forcannot you toremem- SEE PAGE XVII ber how with Rock ‘N Roll, drugs We received the updates old with his mother, younger was and asked a little hesi- house, astounded at the ti- the small table. inherit” often it happened, when that the accident was horrific and inappropriate, wild sex and that the victim was stuck parties. Ultimately, from it started, or even when it such an environment you can ended in the car.

The vehicle had to be cut imagine the kinds of abuse Penny Phakahi –South open to get to the victim. It that mom’s house provided. never occurred to me that When I was 11 years old, Africa I have had my share of grandma Shirley died and my my brother could be remotely in- stepdad left. My mom had turmoil and I strongly believe volved. The next thing I an emotional breakdown, so that it is these stints of turremember, I was looking at I ran away! I couldn’t take moil that brought me this far in my life. I was any more. the body of my brother Andrea Edwards – born and perhaps is still in my covered in blood in a hearse. The strident, agonis- in Guyana, living in Florida refinery process.

As a young girl, I grew As I sat in the back of ing scream of my mother in my dad’s Nissan Bluebird, I up with one main ambition, the A&E that early morning has not peered through the windows wanting to get away, far away from the system of escaped my mind almost 17 at the images on thinking or the box that the fence of the Guyyears later as she howled ana Botanical Gardens and we often find ourselves in. “my son died, my son died, nobody’s help- Zoological Park. The radio Apart from understanding myself I always dared to ing us!” But nobody could, blasted the popular be different, which was a calypso song “1985” by as his spirit departed at the a then-popular calypsonian. constant struggle when surpoint of impact. Up to this day, I would have just celebrated rounded by my situations. I grew up under a strict I ponder where the strength my sixth Christian family with my birthday, quite oblivious came from to navigate that to the concept of time, but grandfather and step granny, night. that song would not allow as my mother lost her mom Shanon Paar – Arizona me to forget SEE PAGE XXV that it was 1985.

The importance of women leaders

XVII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

The importance of ...

FROM PAGE XVI who came into their lives was everything the father wasn’t, the son still felt that something was missing in his life, a part of him he had to find so he could understand why this all happened.

His father emptied the bottle and got up a bit unsteadily.

“I’ll see you in the morn-

ing” David watched him go, feeling pity for the man who seemed so lonely, who seemed not to have anything.

He sat there in the semi-darkness until the oil in the lamp burnt low in this place that was once home but where there had been too much pain and suffering.

The next few days were spent in the small farm, the fish pond at the back of the

yard, meeting with the neighbours and his father’s drinking buddies who stopped by often.

He also got bitten by some angry red ants and scratched by sharp thorns, an unforgettable experience while bonding with his father in their country home.

On the morning of Father’s Day, David woke up early feeling in his heart that it would be a special day.

It was somewhat quiet and as he opened the door to go downstairs, he stopped and stared stunned at his father – neat haircut, clean-shaven face and nicely dressed – a new man.

“Whoa...that’s a big change” David laughed.

After a hearty breakfast, they sat outside on a tree stump table in the shade of the mango tree, and after a while, his father said pensively, “All my friends, lost their families; now we’re just a bunch of old men, with nothing much to look forward to” “How did this happen?”

David asked His father did not answer for a long moment, then he sighed and said, “When I married your mother, I was reluctant to give up my greater love of drinks and friends for family life. I thought I could have had both but I was so wrong. I knew I hurt her a lot with my selfishness and

uncaring attitude; I wanted everything from her but was unwilling to give of myself.

Ten years after she took the three of you and left, I woke up one morning, looking around for my family but I found an empty house and vacant chairs, I realized then how late I was.”

He paused and lit a cigarette with trembling hands, inhaling deeply, then he asked his son, “How is your mother?”

“Great. She doesn’t work anymore, I’m taking care of her now” “She did a great job all on her own. I’ve been living for the day when I could see all of you, just for once, to say how sorry I am for pushing my family away. I made the wrong choice.”

His voice broke a little and he took a long drink to regain his composure.

He looked at David and said, “Son, I need you to understand, it will not make

you less of a man to love, to care and to embrace your responsibilities to home and family, it makes you a bigger man to do so.”

David smiled, happy that his father understood his wrongs and had corrected his ways even though he was now alone. Handing him a nicely wrapped gift, he said, Happy Father’s Day, Dad.” His father opened the gift slowly and for a long moment, he stared at the beautifully framed picture in his hand of the family he had let go.

That was when the tears came and he unashamedly cried, letting out all the years of regret, pain and loneliness.

David got up, embracing him and said “It’s okay, Dad, I’ve come home to you.”

It wasn’t too late for the father, there was still time, for there was still a place for him in his children’s hearts.

V XVIII

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

THE SEAWALLS FOREVER!

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

CHRONI CHRONIC

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

a/Venezuela controversy will again shortly and discussions where factual bases invariably become re the International Court of Justice (ICJ). blurred. most thedeep writings the controversy have In thisisoffering, we will depart this with normseashells and try to wallsoflie in theon consciousness of Guyanese today rather muddy was oncefrom covered and orical and factual nature and this a good questions have been asking theup the sun had risen. ut especially Georgetowners.

Yet itis has rarelyanswer theretwo would alwaysthat be many children exploring and since picking is the Venezuelan public sowere convinced they On moonlit nights the Seawalls always athat crowded the Guyanese of theoftwo Guyanese fishing boats inthey Guyana’s terriiced by the newspublic mediaare andnot the encouraged last time it wasseizure seashells different colours; sometimes may find large is, why have a valid claim to two-thirds of Guyana’s territory and promenade.

Many went to socialise with friends, but all went as an item into of national concern was five or sixtorial conch shells. rd attention the realms of arguments waters by a Venezuelan navy ship. The first question why their politicians are so bellicose and aggressive about to enjoy the beauty of the moon rising from the sea and the when the Ocean overtopped the wall and flooded The foreshore or continental shelf gradually rises and falls this claim?

And the second question is, why did President blue-green moonlight which was brighter, since there were s parallel to the Public Road. This was the first every 20 years and today, the foreshore land between Camp Venezuela this time seizethe thevarious boats no road of lights to dilutechoose it. Others wouldtoenjoy ving memory that there was such an occurrence Street and the Pegasus Hotel has almost risen to the height of Maduro he would the Guyanese phasesheofknew the New Moon alienate with the background of population purple skies d to great panic. The authorities hurriedly con- the wall and coconut trees and other vegetation grow on it. when and cause embellished the international community to condemn or with thousands of stars which appear a barrier of standing concrete disapprove brighter of his action, Venezuela intersince leaving there were no cityisolated lights. Others he Walls to counter such overtopnationally on the issue. would go to the Seawalls in the late afternoons to the last few weeks, the Seawalls The answer to the sunsets first question began during theinto Cold admire gradually transforming the in featured in the news, but in a blue light of dusk.

CORRUPT practices have War: At the beginning of the 1960s Britain had decided to vein. ternational consultant or an er methodologies the Govbecome a serious concern of the joys of the Seawalls were the withdraw fromAnother Guyana and grant the colony independence, Camp Street to the Demerara River, international public servant, ernment of Guyana uses to worldwide, since is very an earlylikely evening concerts given byeliminate the newly Militia but it itwas thatSunday the by Prime the had become disfigured by an accubut actuated his Minister sense of of corruption. These ailment that independent has attacked Band the Police at the Bandstand which stateand would be he DrBand Cheddi Jagan, an avowed patriotism, decided to reinclude greater transparency of unsightly garbage and no one all countries,Marxist. both rich attracted of people.

Their conturn serve his repertoire through parliamentary overU.S. Cold hundreds War and interests tried to persuade Britain the responsibility of cleaning it. A and poor.

In the an-Guyana’s sight,could independence and the sisted ofindependence, light classical music Strauss’ and to delay but allsuch that as Britain man, Carl Melville, who sometimes cient world, the great mandate of constitutional other waltzes, ballet music such Delibes’ pizzicato e was noticed by Dwayne Hackett promise was that she would hand over power to a non-Comreligious teachers bodies, new constitutional andMinister.

Sylvia, atAmerican least one English patriotic such clean the garbage and immediately munist Prime Intelligence feltsong that this like Lord Krishna, and legal frameworks as “This royal throne of Kings” and Guyanese and ed to help him. Hackett placed the British Lord Buddha, Lordoffer needed further insurance and so they devised leading to greater inCaribbean folk songs.

The concerts were arranged on social media and immediately plan whereby their client Venezuela would threaten to Jesus, Propheta Mohamtegrity in public ofof persons volunteered their services. med and the Greek for early evening so that children could attend; fice, public finany Arya Ali was one of the first to p h i l o s o p h e r s l i k e many Guyanese in later life have admitted that their cial management, first exposure to classical music was from these and the Ministry of Public Works, Socrates and Plato public procurement, or of Solid Waste Department of the have all spoken out Bandstand concerts. enhanced focus on On Easter Monday thousands of kite-flyers wn City Council and the Fire Service against corruption, money laundering but only a compara- turned out from five o’clock in the morning. Kites nvolved with her. The Fire Service and countering the tively small proportion were all hand-made and were in a variety of shapes e bandstand and in a few days all the financing of terrorism. of their devotees were such as boxes, birds and snakes, but the predomwas removed and Seawalls appeared In referring to the fully responsive to theirinant shape was the Guyanese octagon and in a had always been maintained! Many oil industry and oil revteachings in that regard.variety of colours. Singing engines, a kite which high in their praises of this example enues, Guyana will impleIn the 18th century, with droning sound, was one of the most made a loud popular. ment the standards of the esponsibility.

Likewise, the sea has reclaimed the land along the Kitty Seathe advent of the European Kite-flying was always combined with picnicking.

The Easter Industry TransExtractive eawalls had always been the promenade and park for wall where houses once stood. Indeed, a substantial building Enlightenment and the Intoday country. is a pale reminiscence of the heyday. parency Initiative and uphold e of Georgetown and the surrounding villages from is still standing close to the wall near the Kitty Pump Station, kite-flying dustrial Revolution,Asit mentioned began Dr Singh spoketensions to theandthe Santiago Principle of above, the political criminality uarter of the 19th century and continued to be so until but the sea is under it. Old fishermen who set their nets on to be clearly discerned thatawayUN General Assemblyininthe his1960s.

Sovereign kept people from the Seawalls By the Wealth Funds. when the country became plagued with political ten- the foreshore sea could vividly describe the cyclical rise and nepotism, bribery, embezinvade Guyana if there was any possibility of a Marxist capacity as a Guyana minIn other there would 1990s life had become more stable and people again beganwords, to here were robberies on the Seawalls. For most of the fall of the beach. zling public funds, publicbeingister government installed inambience Guyana.was and his address so be much distance between frequent the Seawalls, but the had changed.

There erefore, fewer and fewer people visited the Seawalls.

The Seawalls provided a favourite place forofficials health ennot acting except Theup 1899 Arbitral Award had settled the boundaries of and oil revenues. compact and comprehensive politicians grew stalls lining the parapet of the Public Road from the heyday, the Seawalls were the most delightful place thusiasts. Many would go there to practise deep when breathing theyofreceived gratuGuyana and Station Venezuela these selling boundaries wereInfully thattoit the isand impossible to report citing Kitty Pump Pegasus, refreshments and the need and imetown. The vast openness of the seascape and the the clean and fresh sea breezes. Others would be cycling or forms ities and other of cor-bothon it without quoting him portance of international coaccepted by parties and the International communiall of these to stalls were well-lit. The character of the Seawalls ng landscape, the blue skies and silver clouds, the even training for cycle races. Probably the most notable ruption were were ty. oppressive verbatim. operation One of the junior lawyers representing Venezuela at had changed promenade to a lively fair. in fighting corrupent seagulls and the steady flow of the health-giving the ones who went for physical culture. Many of group slowed thethis citizenry, up bothfrom a peaceful He Prevost, pointed out cor- tion, underscored Clause the arbitration, Malletleftthat ais letter washenot Now that the tourism industry beingthat revived, the ds and the enveloping peace and quietude attracted would go to the Seawalls by either jogging to getbusiness there or and by governmental ruption threatens the core 47 in the have been after his death. In that letter,Lima Commitment stillopened offer anuntil attractive attraction. resulted of people at all times of the day. The beach which cycle and they would arrive there at 5 o’clock, administration, long before toSeawalls values of democracy.

In result in Democratic Governance he claimed that the Arbitral Award was the of an in great inefficiencies and other words, one could not against Corruption, which arrangement Britain and the Russian arbitrator gravely diminished the qual- between protect and nurture democ- emerged from the Fourth to deprive Venezuela of its rights.

After more than half aof the Americas. ity of life. Modern governracy without at the same Summit century, based on Mallet-Prevost’s posthumous ments, to improve theirVenezuela, own time working to eliminate A manifestation of this was efficiency, protect letter,their nowcitrejected the Arbitral Award andisclaimed twocorruption.

This burden the role played by the interizens and winthirds their support of Guyana’sshared territory.

Mallet-Prevost’s by many countries, posthumous national community during and cooperation, letter became was the causus Venezuela used to threaten Guyana March 2, 2020 including Guyana.

Guyana’s From Page III committed toand eliminating this continued after Cold War, the raison d’etre forin ensuring that deDr the Singh then went on elections, corruption. the claim, had ended. to point out other negative mocracy was not subverted Dr Ashni Singh, Senior or that area and zone in the village. “So we several short documentaries of corruption. and notice that the democratic will Most lawyerseffects and historians whoThese took any Minister in the Office of the would affect economics, se- of the people was eventually ace of 18 months, will work with the villagers called the “Secret Life of of Mallet-Prevost’s letter dismissed it as a historical President with responsibility curity, efficiency, crime and respected. Dr Singh then Giant Anteaters to create certain rules and Giant Anteaters” and each flimsy evidence on which to attempt to for Finance, curiosity recently or ad-very so on.

“Corruption,” reaffirmed to the UN Genntified. help them to know what they episode focuses on different upset a long-accepted Arbitral Award. said ButDr the Venezuelan dressed a special session of Singh, “has deep, insidious eral Assembly that Guyana ding to Millar, re- should and should not do. For aspects of the work being politicians and the Venezuelan public gave credence and the United Nations General and lasting consequences on will continue working with the animals includ- example, no one is allowed done. Two more episodes are importance to Mallet-Prevost’s posthumous which Assembly on the challenges economies and societies.

Its letter, its international partners inout on horseback to kill them, keep them as a expected to be released this have beenharmful dismissed in the modern world. and measureswould to prevent effects on stability cludingBut the United Nations, wing them from a pet, destroy their habitat, and month. and combat corruption and politicians the Venezuelan andpublic public institustill live in 19thOffice on Drugs and security, thetheUN to be able to stock light a fire in certain places, The team also does a lot strengthen international co- tions century Napoleonic world where territorial conquests were and the Impleand trust in them, the and Crime ore scientific infor- so that we can further protect of awareness work, including operation. Drregarded Ashni Singh as acceptable and even In today’s world, Mechanism of functioning andheroic. efficiency mentation One of the things the population.” environmental education. is an extraordinarily able of this 19th-century ethic has been markets, and completely overall eco-rejected. the UN Convention Against overed is that the The SRCS has been They have another project for professional in the of nomic performance are has wellbeen Corruption.

Thefield Guyana/Venezuela controversy an albaove to climb trees. granted two years of addi- which they have designed an finance and is internationally documented.

It undermines Several tross around the necks of Venezuelan politicians, since they of the proryone across the tional funding from the Small environmental education currecognised and respected as the rule of law and is often grammes which Dr Singh use it on each other and their public has them imprisoned i assumed it was Grants Programme Guyana riculum that has so far been such. When he left Guyana linked to serious crimes such outlined in his address by it. after the administration he hen they saw huge to expand the project to three implemented in four schools as money laundering, arefishing already on stream and Venezuelan of the twoterrorGuyanese served went out ofThe office, he ism seizure marks on trees, but more communities, namely in the Rupununi and come and trafficking of drugs, Guyana could look forward andinterPresident Maduro’s threatening words to Guyana was welcomedboats by the now that it could’ve Shulinab Village, Wariwau this September, depending arms and persons.” in the foreseeable future was meant to create In a national issue which the opposition national finance fraternity anteaters, because Outstation, and Sawariwau on the coronavirus pandemic, focusing specificalto achieving pride of place haspursued to support. is thus Madand could have a The rch shows that they Village. will be implemented to 12 ly opposition on Guyana, Dr brought Singh under as one of the world’s least lucrative career as an inuro’s umbrella and is temporarily neutralised. mentioned some of the othcorrupt societies. limb trees,” Millar The SRCS uses the fund- other schools.

ASHNI UNFOLDS EFFECTIVE ANTI-CORRUPTION PROGRAMME

search work helping curb...

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

Are you a fraud or are you suffering from ‘Imposter Syndrome’?

AS the road draws near to the finish line of my studies, I can’t help but think that I am not prepared to transition from a student to a professional. Me? An academic professional? At just the age of 20? Am I a fraud? Am I competent to become a professional in my line of work? These and many more are questions that I constantly ask myself.

In a month, I’ll be completing the University of Guyana and will obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. The title sounds great, but the responsibilities are heavy on my mind. On paper, I will be qualified, but my brain is playing mind games by making me believe that I am “fooling” others about my practicality.

I kept on wondering what could be wrong with me. At first, I thought it was self-doubt, but deep down inside I knew that classification was wrong.

After some extensive research on good ole’ Google, I found out that I was plagued with “Imposter Syndrome.” The name might be unfamiliar because it isn’t clinically recognised as a psychological/mental disorder—the puzzles suddenly came together and it all made sense now. This syndrome is felt amongst many. Many might not have been able to put a name to this feeling, but do believe me when I say that I am not the only one who feels this way and neither are you. In fact, 70 percent of people will experience this at least once in their lifetimes.

It can affect any and everyone. It has no specific demographic. Whether you’re a straight-A student like myself or a successful attorney-at-law,anyone can be vulnerable to feel and think this way. You question yourself and your competence. You wonder if your achievements happened by “luck” or “chance.” You may feel anxious that one day, you won’t be able to “fool” people anymore and you’d be seen as the so-called fraudster that you are.

Perhaps, the most frightening symptom of all for me would be that you seek validation from authoritative figures and/or people who are in the same or similar line of work as you are.

Our emotions and thoughts are so complex, it is nearly impossible to control and navigate every single thing we feel or say. I can understand that, but if you’re experiencing Imposter Syndrome, I’d like you to keep in mind that at the end of the day, you should have the last say about your identity, success and self-image. It wouldn’t hurt to show yourself a bit of compassion. You ought to reflect on who you truly are. Learn to embrace your achievements and successes in life. If you’ve worked hard for what you have, there’s no need to disregard and invalidate it. Learn how to rationalise your thoughts.

Before going into “imposter mode” after you’ve received a compliment from a lecturer for acing a test or you’ve been awarded the title “employee of the month” at your place of work,you can re-examine why you’ve accomplished such to begin with.

By doing logical re-examination, you’ll be able to validate fact from fiction. In a society that celebrates individualistic accomplishments, we are bound to feel pressured, even if we’re on top of the ladder of what society defines as “success.” Personally, I am working day by day to overcome this dreaded syndrome. Again, we may not be able to control these thoughts and feelings at all times, but all I ask is to please be kind to yourself.

XIX

XX

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

Exploring the nuances of flooding in Guyana XXVII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 28, 2021

Aye or no for parliamentary decorum?

I LIVE in a two-storey building on the uppermost flat. On rainy days, the potholes in my street, naturally, become filled with water. Many of my neighbours have built their yards so that the water can easily run off into the drains which are, thankfully, always clear. The closest natural body of water is the Atlantic Ocean, which lies beyond the seawall.

All of these factors mean that I am spared the direct impact of flooding, at least where I live. Over the past few weeks, however, as this intense rainy season got underway, I DURING thistopast week’s of ‘Inaround the National have been able travel to a fewedition communities Guyana Assembly,’ Parliamentarians debated 2021 National where several factors have contributed to the flooding.

Budget, which earlier in the monthGuyana,

by SePermit me towas firstpresented provide some simple context. nior Minister in the is Office of the to President responsia low-lying country, susceptible flooding.with We have been bility for finance, Ashni The debate, susceptible, perhapsDr. since timeSingh. immemorial, due tohowever, our geographic location at the of theinSouth American continent. spotlighted a lack of north decorum the Parliament. borders of Guyana, many people resided ItWithin is boththe understandable and acceptable forhave the different closeof to the inland bodies water (the river and canals),sides since-sides house -- theofgovernment and opposition this helps to sustain farming and livelihood activities.

Living to have opposing views on the budget. After all, the national close toillustrates these bodies water, however, meanspriority that increasbudget theofgovernment’s vision, areas, es ingeneral the water levels will result in flooding homes what and and policy direction, since it points of towards farmlands. policies, programmes and plans the government intends to But the causative factors use Guyana’s money to fund.of flooding, from what I have 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

seen, areofnuanced.

There is,soofthat course, less-than-optimal training Parliamentarians a semblance of decorum management of drainage andNational irrigationAssembly. infrastructure, but could be maintained in the It is envithere is certainly also the occupation of low-lying areas and sioned that such training sessions would also help to guide areas close toon bodies of water; sea defence, and of course, the the officials proper parliamentary procedures. overarching yet not fully ventilated issue of climate change.

But also, these events should force us to reconsider what Similarly, the impact of flooding is nuanced as well. There we expect and accept from our elected officials -- all of is the disruption of livelihoods and damage to property, caused them-while they discharge theirisresponsibilities towardsofus. by the ongoing flooding.

There also the skyrocketing Are they articulating our collective values when they make prices of agricultural produce such as meat and vegetables, racist, sexist, homophobic, and other derogatory statements? owing to the basic economic principles of supply and demand, whereby the prices are driven up, considering that the floods have resulted in a lower supply of the products, assuming that demand for these goods has remained the same.

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

Beyond these more apparent and immediate effects of the flooding, there are some underlying considerations of environmental migration. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), there is no internationally accepted definition for persons who move (migrate) due to environmental drivers- such as natural disasters and extreme changes in the natural environment.

Still, the IOM, in 2007, developed a conceptual framework that stated: “Environmental migrants are persons or groups of persons who, predominantly for reasons of sudden or progressive change in the environment that adversely affects their lives or living conditions, are obliged to leave their habitual homes, or choose to do so, either temporarily or permanently, and who move either within their country or abroad.”

Considering this definition, I think about the people in Kwakwani, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), for example. The photos of the flooding in Kwakwani have been among the more striking ones that I have seen during this rainy season, with the water level above houses and buildings.

Due to this level of water, some of the residents have, reportedly, been forced to take up residence in shelters set up by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) in other areas of the community. These residents who were forced to move lived either on the riverbank of the Berbice River or very close to the river bank. As such, when the water level rose exponentially due to high tides and heavy rainfall, their houses became inundated and uninhabitable.

In other communities across Guyana, there are similar occurrences. Several shelters have been set up by the CDC and the regional authorities while in some cases, residents have opted to take shelter with their families and close friends.

Much like those people who live in sister Caribbean countries who have to move when their homes are ravaged by hurricanes, so too do Guyanese have to undergo this uncomfortable movement of leaving one’s home behind- even if temporarily.

Considering the causative factors of the flooding and its impact, it is left to be seen what medium to long-term measures will be instituted to mitigate future occurrences of this disaster. These measures, I understand, will be discussed further once the immediate threat has receded and the process of rebuilding begins.

Still, there are considerations we can all begin thinking about from now. In a previous column, I wrote about how Guyana’s expected infrastructural development ought to consider adequate drainage and irrigation capabilities. Now, I am trying to add another layer to the conversation of flood mitigation- the vulnerability of people living in areas that may be more susceptible to flooding and the layered issues that arise out of this vulnerability.

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 20, 2021

XXI

XXII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

XXIII

XXIV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

COMING HOME TO ...

FROM PAGE XII feeling pity for the man who seemed so lonely, who seemed not to have anything. He sat there in the semi-darkness until the oil in the lamp burnt low in this place that was once home but where there had been too much pain and suffering.

The next few days were spent in the small farm, the fish pond at the back of the yard, meeting with the neighbours and his father’s drinking buddies who stopped by often.

He also got bitten by

some angry red ants and scratched by sharp thorns, an unforgettable experience while bonding with his father in their country home.

On the morning of Father’s Day, David woke up early feeling in his heart that it would be a special day. It was somewhat quiet and as he opened the door to go downstairs, he stopped and stared stunned at his father – neat haircut, clean-shaven face and nicely dressed – a new man.

“Whoa...that’s a big change” David laughed.

After a hearty breakfast, they sat outside on a tree stump table in the shade of

the mango tree, and after a while, his father said pensively, “All my friends, lost their families; now we’re just a bunch of old men, with nothing much to look forward to” “How did this happen?”

David asked His father did not answer for a long moment, then he sighed and said, “When I married your mother, I was reluctant to give up my greater love of drinks and friends for family life. I thought I could have had both but I was so wrong. I knew I hurt her a lot with my selfishness and uncaring attitude; I

wanted everything from her but was unwilling to give of myself. Ten years after she took the three of you and left, I woke up one morning, looking around for my family but I found an empty house and vacant chairs, I realized then how late I was.”

He paused and lit a cigarette with trembling hands, inhaling deeply, then he asked his son, “How is your mother?”

“Great. She doesn’t work anymore, I’m taking care of her now” “She did a great job all on her own. I’ve been living for the day when I could see

all of you, just for once, to say how sorry I am for pushing my family away. I made the wrong choice.”

His voice broke a little and he took a long drink to regain his composure.

He looked at David and said, “Son, I need you to understand, it will not make you less of a man to love, to care and to embrace your responsibilities to home and family, it makes you a bigger man to do so.”

David smiled, happy that his father understood his wrongs and had corrected his ways even though he was now alone. Handing him a nicely wrapped gift, he said,

XXV Happy Father’s Day, Dad.” His father opened the gift slowly and for a long moment, he stared at the beautifully framed picture in his hand of the family he had let go.

That was when the tears came and he unashamedly cried, letting out all the years of regret, pain and loneliness.

David got up, embracing him and said “It’s okay, Dad, I’ve come home to you.”

It wasn’t too late for the father, there was still time, for there was still a place for him in his children’s hearts.

XXVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

ABOUT DESERTIFICATION AND DROUGHT DAY DESERTIFICATION and Drought Day – known as the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought before 2020 – is observed every year to promote public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification. The day is a unique moment

to remind everyone that reversing land degradation is achievable through p rob lem-s olvin g, strong community involvement and cooperation at all levels.

In 2021, the goal of Desertification and Drought Day is to demonstrate that investing in healthy land as part of a green recovery is a smart economic decision –

not just in terms of creating jobs and rebuilding livelihoods, but also in terms of insulating economies against future crises caused by climate change and nature loss, and in accelerating progress on all 17 Sustainable Development Goals as we recover from COVID-19.

The 2021 Desertification and Drought Day, which was held on 17 June, will focus

on turning degraded land into healthy land. Restoring degraded land brings economic resilience, creates jobs, raises incomes and increases food security. It helps biodiversity to recover. It locks away the atmospheric carbon warming the Earth,thereby slowing climate change. It can also lessen the impacts of climate change and underpin a green recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) will work with the Ministry of Environment (MINAE) of Costa Rica, the host of the global observance, to encourage households, communities, the private sector and countries to have a better relationship with nature as we recover from COVID-19.

Nearly three-quarters of the Earth’s ice-free land has

been altered by humans to meet an ever-growing demand for food, raw materials, highways and homes. Fixing damaged ecosystems militates against climate change and bolsters nature’s defences against disasters and extreme weather events such as wildfires, droughts, floods, and sand and dust storms.

Restoring natural landscapes SEE PAGE XXVII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

ABOUT DESERTIFICATION...

FROM PAGE XXVI reduces close contact between wildlife and human settlements, creating a natural buffer against zoonotic diseases.

Avoiding, slowing and reversing the loss of productive land and natural ecosystems now is both urgent and important for a swift recovery from the pandemic and for guaranteeing the long-term survival of people and the planet.

“Land restoration can contribute greatly to postCOVID-19 economic recovery. Investing in land restoration creates jobs and generates economic benefits, and could provide livelihoods at a time when hundreds of millions of jobs are being lost.”

— Ibrahim Thiaw, UNCCD Executive Secretary For more information on Guyana’s efforts to combat

desertification, please visit https://glsc.gov.gy/ 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.

XXVII

XXVIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

Home-made beauty ...

FROM PAGE VIII pot Magazine that the activated charcoal soap removes toxins, unclogs the pores and also removes impurities from the skin.

She stated that the coffee soap helps reduce cellulite, plumps and tightens the skin, while the turmeric soap brightens the appearance of the skin and evens out the skin tone.

Allison added that the noni soap helps with various

skin conditions, while the coconut milk and oatmeal soap is an exfoliating agent for the skin and the lemongrass soap is a natural antiseptic and anti-bacterial.

She reported that often she would pair the turmeric body scrub and turmeric/ honey soap to quicken the process to better skin care.

The mother of two plans to expand her small, homebased business with more products and she is currently finishing off her bottom

flat, which she will convert into her workshop and store with shelves to display her products.

Allison said that her husband supports her fully, even though he has his own gardening projects such as producing local grapes, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, dragon fruit, mint and would even come up with new ideas and he would do the deliveries.

“I am a behind-the-scene person and do not really like

social media, but I am on Facebook as Allison’s Hair and Skin Care products and the reviews motivate me to keep on going to create more products,” she said.

Allison would source the essential oils from abroad, but often the shipping would cost more than the actual oils and would buy coconut oil right in Guyana and source mason jars, bottles and containers locally and the graphic artist would design the labels.

The packaging is attractive and is delivered in a bag and well-presented just like the products.

She explained that all the soaps were made from

scratch and they used the cold process, which can be tedious and dangerous if you do not know what you are doing and the soaps takes four to six weeks to cure.

“We were excited to use the soaps after making the first batch and it was amazing how it came out,” she said.

They have seven different soaps including dandelion.

Allison told the Pepperpot Magazine she came from humble beginnings and she and her husband are both from Islington Village, East Bank Berbice and knew each other from high school.

“My husband Delon

helped me a lot through my teenage years, because I grew up poor and was often at the home of different family members having grown up with my grandparents, because I wanted to complete my secondary education and money was tight,” she said.

Allison pointed out that even after high school he helped her to attend many classes and skills training sessions and they helped each other grow over the years.

“My husband never finished high school and he wanted me to finish and made sure it happened and because of him I am successful today,” she said.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

XXIX

XXX

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

XXXI

XXXII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

XXXIII

XXXIV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

XXXV

XXXVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

XXXVII

XXXVIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

XXXIX

XL

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

XLI

XLII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

THOUGHT FOR TODAY Sow an act, and you reap a habi t.

Sow a habit, an d you reap a ch aracter. Sow a char acter, and you re ap a destiny.

CHARLES READ E (1814-1884) N& Q., 9th. Series, vol. 12, p. 377

JUNE 20, 2021 STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Welcome, dear friend.

By now you should have known how many papers you must sit, what time is allowed for each, and the total questions you must answer in each. Also, vi-

tally, how many sections are in each paper and how many questions to be answered from each section.

Are there compulsory questions? Are all questions worth equal marks, if not, which questions are worth more; etc. Remember: robust study includes evaluating examination papers and having a positive mindset.

Love you.

GRAMMAR Reminders of how some pronouns are used.

A.. Use who and whoever as subjects or predicate nominatives; whom and whomever as objects. The insertion of such expressions as “do you think” does not affect the rule.

1. Who is saying the opening prayer? (subject of is saying) 2. Who do you think is saying the opening prayer? (subject of is saying) 3. Whom did you recommend? (object of did recommend: You did recommend whom.)

4. Whom did you say you recommended? (object of recommended: You did say you recommended whom.) Who is frequently used in informal expression, especially if the object begins the sentence. This is an example of “levels of usage”.

5. Give this to whoever cooks fastest. (subject of cooks; the object of the preposition to is “whoever cooks fastest.”)

6. Choose whomever you find. (object of find) B.. When a form of the infinitive to be links two pronouns, use the same case for both pronouns.

1. I should like to be he. (nominative) 2. They took me to be he. (objective) C.. Use possessive case before a gerund if you wish to show ownership.

1. His (not Him) not campaigning is news.

2. Do not mind my constant reminders.

THE PASSASGE Some years ago, visiting friends in Jamaica, I noticed an old map of that Caribbean island hanging on the wall. Across one barren

area in the mountains ran a faint line of small script. It said: The Land of Look-Behind.

Whenever slaves escaped, they would make for the mountains. Now and then the government would send troops to capture them. So, the runaways must have spent a lot of time looking fearfully over their shoulders.

And that is where the name came from. Rather romantic, isn’t it?”

“To those poor souls, no!” I said. “They might have escaped from the sugar plantations, but weren’t really free. They were still slaves - to fear. They were still wearing invisible chains.”

Respond to the following questions: 1. Give the meaning of each term: barren, faint, troops, mountains 2. Explain the following phrase in a literal way: wearing invisible chains.

3. Put in your own words: i) an old map of that Caribbean island ii) line of small script iii) would make for the mountains iv) looking fearfully over their shoulders. v) They were still slaves READING Reading for inference At sixteen years of age Edison found himself very much alone. He wandered for several years from town to town, from job to job. He longed for the day when he would have his own laboratory again and time to experiment with all the ideas that seethed in his brain.

When he was twenty-two, his dream became a reality. He invented a telegraphic printer and offered it for sale. He was utterly amazed at the offer he received. Forty-thousand dollars! He could hardly believe it – forty thousand dollars! Now he could really start doing big things!

In a short time, Edison poured inventions out into the world, and soon he employed a staff of 250 men to assist him.

Then he invented something, which in those days seemed unbelievable. He

invented a talking machine – the first gramophone.

He was tremendously excited. The whole night through he sang into it and shouted into it. A hundred times or more he said, “Mary had a little lamb.”

Then he rotated a small handle, and every word he had spoken was faithfully reproduced just like an echo.

In a few days the whole world buzzed with the news. Edson had invented a machine that recorded the human voice! Edson had made a talking machine!

He was called “The Wizard” by the newspapers, and people flocked from far and near to see his magic at work.

Many people doubted him. They did not believe that a machine could talk.

“It’s a trick,” they declared.

“There’s really a man hiding under the table.”

(Adapted from a story

by Fred Schonnell and Phyllis Flowerdew) Questions 1. People said, “It’s a trick”’ because: A.. someone was hiding under the table.

B.. no one had ever recorded a human voice.

C.. Edison was a real wizard. D.. the voice came from far away.

2. Why did Edison spend all of his earnings?

A.. He had many of his ideas to try out.

B.. He didn’t like keeping money in his hand. C.. He knew he would have made a fortune later.

D.. He was a true inventor.

3. How did Edison feel when he sold the printer?

A.. hungry B.. exhilarated C.. anxious D.. incredible 4. Edison shouted into the machine because: A.. all his workers had already left.

B.. he was too much excited.

C.. he thought it might stop working.

D.. the sound came out stronger.

5. The story was written to tell: A.. how the first gramophone was made.

B.. about some famous inventions. C.. about a wizard and his magic. D.. about Edison and his printer.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021

Pedodontics P

EDODONTICS is a dental speciality that treats children. Children begin getting their first teeth at about six months of age, and they have a full complement of “baby” teeth-dentists call them deciduous teeth- usually by the age of three. By about the age of six, the child begins losing the “baby” teeth as the permanent teeth come in. The last deciduous teeth are lost anywhere from 11 to 14 years of age.

Pedodontists treat children from infancy to the point when the child goes off to college. Particularly the early years of this period are extremely important. A child is constantly in the process of development; every day sees new changes. Every stage builds on the previous stages of development. Thus, anything that has adverse effects on a child, runs the risk of having an impact on the rest of his/ her life.

Children’s physical systems can be more vital and reactive than those of adults, so toxic intrusions can cause severe problems. Be extremely cautious of dental work with your children. Too many dentists recommend invasive dental procedures that can be devastating.

We are usually completely unaware of the impact of this kind of dental work on young children. Since we do not recognise the problem, we do not have statistics to understand the scope of the issue.

We have no way of knowing how many children may have suffered unnecessary illness brought on by dental procedures. Avoid taking a chance with your children’s health.

Dentists, especially pedodontists, like to use stainless-steel crowns on baby teeth. They can place these crowns rapidly, and insurance coverage is better than amalgam. The problem is that a child can react to the nickel and become very ill, and no one will think that the illness came from the child’s dental work.

In addition to stainless-steel crowns and amalgams,

topical fluoride treatments can be dangerous for your child.

I would also not recommend giving your child fluoridated water or fluoride tablets.

I would strongly recommend that only non-metal restorative materials be used for your child’s dental work.

Never, ever allow a dentist to put an amalgam filling in your child’s mouth.

In addition, my own advice would be that any amalgam fillings in your child’s mouth be removed as soon as possible by a reputable, properly trained Whole Body Dentist. If your child is ill, do not allow a dentist who is not properly trained in health, nutrition, and the corrected process for amalgam removal, do the removal- or the results would be disastrous.

Most dentists I know are ethical, caring individuals.

Many of them, however, simply do not know the effects of some of their procedures. That is why as a patient, you need to recognise how dramatic and dangerous dentistry can be when it comes to your children.

XLIII

XLIV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 20, 2021