Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot E-Paper 13-11-2022

gave the best of my life to Kildonan and my teaching profession’

Ex-Headmistress and re tired teacher of Kildonan and Nurney- Yvonne Henry

‘I

- Ex-headmistress and retired teacher

The United Nations and the conflict in Ukraine

RECENTLY, when I was asked, “What is the United Nations doing about the conflict in Ukraine?”, it proved to be the catalyst for this feature article, which comes just a few days after another ‘birth day’ of that international organisation. The United Nations is 66 years in ex istence and has held its mandate of maintaining and resuscitating peace in several countries around the world, which experi enced, or are experiencing, times of both internal and external conflict.

Guyana became a mem ber of the United Nations on September 20, 1966, just four months after gaining its independence on May 26, 1966. The brilliant barris ter-at-Law, Sir John Carter, who is a native of Cane Grove on the East Coast of Demerara, was appointed Guyana’s first ambassador to the United Nations, with

Headquarters in New York City, New York. Meanwhile, a United Nations Office was established here in George town almost immediately. Over the decades, the UN and Guyana have maintained close bilateral activities for their mutual benefits. The United Nations, through its right-arm Division - The United Nations Develop ment Programme (UNDP)which is established in over 170 countries and territories around the world, focuses mainly on helping to erad icate poverty and reduce inequalities and exclusion. Its role is also to decrease inequalities within countries, develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and build resilience to sustain de velopment results. The Unit ed Nations has been involved in many projects in Guyana, both on the coastland and in the hinterland with much success. Its current work

in far-away, war-ravished Ukraine, is however, very different. With the principal objective of its efforts at this time of supporting the suf fering Ukraine civilian pop ulation - especially women and children - to get to safe locations in neighbouring friendly countries, the UN is demonstrating the way it can reduce human suffering in times of armed conflicts between countries, and also within countries.

Doing all within its pow er at this time to have the war in Ukraine come to an end as soon as possible, is one of the current projects of the United Nations, which is working relentlessly behind the scenes, as the rest of the world hopes for an early end to the war in which Russia is the clear aggressor. Guyana is located far away from the war between Russia and Ukraine. Nonetheless, be cause of that war, this coun try is adversely affected by

the price of commodities that it imports from Ukraine, such as iron, steel, fertilisers, min eral fuels, oils and distillation products, among others.

There is that saying, “No man is an island” and while there are many island nations, including the nation continent of Australia, there is that connecting link of the United Nations, which is a forum at which disagreements between member states are ironed out for mutual satisfaction.

There have already been over 29,300 Ukrainians killed in the war with Russia so far.

Russian President Vladi mir Putin recently advanced his opinion that “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will ac celerate the inauguration of a new world order based on

law and order, in which economic and politi cal gains will justify the losses sustained so far with the ongoing war.” That, of course, begs the question of whether that is a justification for a war in which so many innocent people are being killed and so much human suffering is being visited upon a relatively peaceful nation.

Meanwhile, as the war continues and more and more lives are taken daily, countries in the European Union and others are also making similar diplomat ic efforts to have the war come to an end, which at this time has been going on for over 250 days. The objective of the United Na

tions is to save as many innocent lives as possible in Ukraine. Reports are that many Ukraine civilians are being killed in what is now described as “A senseless war” in Ukraine. In an official report on October 23, 2022, The office of the United Nations High Com mission for Human Rights (OHCHR), verified that 6,374 civilians had been killed in the conflict. That included 402 children, to whom Santa Claus will not have the opportunity to take gifts this coming Christ mas.

The United Nations Headquarters in New York, viewed from Long Island City across the East river (Photo by Francis Quamina Farrier)

Merundoi on the move

SINCE the establishment of Merundoi Incorporated in Guyana some 16 years ago, Guyanese, particularly young people, have been thoroughly entertained and have learned many lessons from its popular radio pro gramme of the same name.

The mission of the or

compliance,” Lawrence said during the interview.

According to Lawrence, Merundoi is the longest-run ning radio serial drama in Guyana and the Caribbe an. The organisation is in volved in community out reach activities as part of our edutainment reinforcement

has been engaging in audio visual for vulnerable youths and the disbursement of in formation on health and so cial services for Venezuelans.

According to the Ex ecutive Director, the Street Theatre Outreach Programme adopts an interactive ap proach and creates a safe

believe could lead to a better outcome.

“The performances use comedy, drama, dance and music and local colloquial isms to both entertain and educate the public. In an effort to make sensitisation campaigns more impacting, each street theatre interven tion is followed by discussion

forums moderated by Merundoi Incorporat ed Staff and Volun teers and/or relevant Resource Personnel,” Lawrence explained. “These forums not only serve as an eval uation mechanism for Merundoi staff by help ing staff gauge the level of

knowledge audiences attain through the dramas, but also provide community members with a safe venue for voicing any additional questions and concerns they might have.”

The organisation also has its Modeling & Reinforce ment to Combat HIV/AIDS (MARCH) Project which was launched in 2006 as a PEPFAR Project special ising in Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) with an edutainment (educa tion-education) strategy. The MARCH Project was regis tered as an NGO, Merundoi Incorporated, in November 2007.

ganisation is “Modeling, fostering, and reinforcing healthy choices and lifestyles through innovative public ed ucation, facilitating positive behaviour change, utilising the creative arts and mass media platforms.” The organ isation also facilitates attitu dinal and behaviour change related to good health, en vironment, economic, social and governance practices.

The Pepperpot Magazine recently sat down with Exec utive Director of Merundoi Inc. Margaret Lawrence, who noted the significant impact that the organisation has had over the years through its radio programmes, plays and short dramas created with its mandate to effect bahavioural change in mind.

“Our range of interven tions has become wider as we have applied our Modeling and Reinforcement Edutain ment Strategy to a variety of health and social issues, including HIV/STIs, Gen der-based Violence, Chronic Diseases, Sexual and Re productive Health, Stigma & Discrimination, Human Rights, Governance, Access to Services, Suicide, TB, Parent-child communication, Birth Certificate Registration, Mental Health, Voter registra tion & Elections participation & Debates and Income Tax

methodology. Participating in and coordinating listening and discussion groups, street (forum) theatre, in-school drama, exhibitions and work shops successfully in all the regions of Guyana have en abled the team to develop appropriate skills.

Lawrence also noted that Merundoi‘s plays and dra matic presentations are writ ten based on research, which, when combined into data, gives accuracy and reality to the drama.

“Listeners are therefore able to identify with the posi tive, negative and transitional characters. These characters provide models for behavior change, and the storylines reflect the culture and the support services of the local environment. The reinforce ment of the messages is done at the individual and com munity levels through lis tening and discussion groups (LDGs), in-school drama, public listening sites and street (forum) theatre,” Law rence made mention during her interview.

She also noted that Mer undoi’s successful radio dra ma and street theater attract sizable audiences, which ensure their public service ac tivities will generate interest and participation.

Most recently, Merundoi

space where issues and alter natives can be discussed. It has enormous potential as the audience is asked to discuss the characters’ behaviours, identify poor choices and model better choices that they

“Merundoi” is an Akawio word meaning hope, strength, stamina, energy. As the only BCC Non-Governmental Organ isation (NGO ) in Guyana with a US Centers for Dis ease Control and Preven tion (CDC) approved BCC methodology, Merundoi works towards strength ening communities, espe cially young adults and vulnerable populations, to take ownership of their attitudes, actions and be haviours and to work to gether for their mutual benefit.

AV Assistant Andrew Semple demonstrating how to use a video camera

Two members after a Performance of “Is we Own” by Dave Martins

Merundoi Headquarters in Kingston

Preserving a Guyanese tradition with the ‘Pepperpot Festival’

USING a meal that is a Guyanese tradition for most households, especial ly at Christmas time, one visionary will make this Christmas a memorable one by creating an event around the dish.

Guyana’s traditional Pep perpot will be showcased at a festival which will be one of the events to commence Christmas celebrations in Guyana.

The event, dubbed the “Pepperpot Festival Taste Off,” will feature Guyanese from all walks of life show casing their skills at making this traditional dish.

The Pepperpot Magazine spoke with the coordinator of the event, Andrea Bryan-Gar ner, who underscored the importance of the event and stated that its main purpose is to keep this festival and this delicacy alive.

“It actually started with a dream I had, a little [dream] I had last year at the end of 2021. After the dream, I real ised that this is a great initia tive to become a reality. It is done in an effort to showcase a tradition in Guyana.” Bry an-Garner said. “Its purpose is to celebrate our Guyanese tradition of making Pepper pot in the hope of being a lot more appreciative of what we have here in Guyana.”

Just as other delica cies, the dish pepperpot has

evolved over the years and many persons are likely to bring their own twist to the competition. The entrepre neur is super excited about the event, since this is the first of its kind in Guyana.

“We will put pepperpot on a pedestal where it really belongs. We probably take it for granted, especially at Christmas time or you eat for breakfast throughout the year. In other parts of the world, there are festivals for various foods such as corn and the like, but as Guyanese, we can celebrate our own and appreciate [it] even more,”

“It is such an amazing dish that you don’t have to refrigerate, cassareep in it self,” Bryan noted during her interview.

Benefits for the average Guyanese

Shoppers and Guyanese in general can expect to find all their goodies for the Christmas with the Christ mas market booth, which is geared to help your Christ mas shopping easier.

Bryan-Garner told the Pep perpot Magazine.

The entrepreneur noted that in addition to the Pep perpot Festival, there will be a Christmas Village.

“There will be on display booths for small business es at affordable prices. The public will be able to benefit in a manner that is benefi ciary[sic] to them. It is there that they will be able to get Christmas accessories for a reasonable cost quite earlier,” Andrea delightedly said to the Pepperpot Magazine.

According to Bryan, this event is unlike any other and will include public sampling of the tasty Pepperpot dishes made from traditional meat, mixed meat and vegetarian for the folks who aren’t meat eaters.

“The public could benefit where you have small busi nesses who will be plying their wares and folks can do their shopping for the holidays a little earlier than usual,” she told the Pepperpot Magazine.

Garner posited that since this is the inaugural festival, she believes that this would eventually become an annual event, particularly to usher in the Christmas season.

“The idea is to attract persons and even tourists visiting Guyana for the Christmas holidays, also to celebrate the origins of cassareep and much more of the Indigenous peoples, inclusive of the origins of pepperpot. I must say thank you to our indigenous peoples who have mastered the art of preserving meat without refrigeration,” Garner added during her interview.

Pepperpot is a staple in almost every Guyanese home at Christ mas time

Event organiser Andrea Bryan-Garner

A visit to Kildonan Village

By Cindy Parkinson

THE Pepperpot Magazine traveled from the nation’s capital, Georgetown, to Kildonan Village in Region Six (East Berbice-Coren tyne) to interact with the

populated village is now adorned with educational and religious facilities, a mechan ic shop, restaurants, bars, grocery shops and snackettes, with a population of approx imately 500 to 700 residents. A rich ethnic diversity among

identified as a “hot spot” where young people would engage in illegal activities at different corners of the village. Moore, along with other individuals from the community, is working with the youths to ensure that

locals and get an insight into their day-to-day activ ities as well as their social and economic activities that are promoting community development.

Kildonan sits between Nurney on the west and Bush Lot on the east and is a quiet, welcoming and beautiful village. The once sparsely

its people makes the village pleasantly interesting.

Collin Moore, the coun cillor representing Kildonan at the Adventure/Bush Lot Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), explained that his community is in a better place than it once was five to six years ago. He not ed that the village was once

they are actively involved in sports, which he believes will benefit them in the future. Moore happily shared that he has recently seen several young people showing an interest in leadership roles in the community.

He added that upon invi tation by the village cricket club, Minister of Culture,

Youth and Sports Charles Ramson visited Kildonan and saw some of the challenges the youths faced. “The minis ter committed to returning to the village and contributing to the development of sports such as cricket, football and, most recently, a youth bas ketball team.” The NDC

councillor is very optimistic that Minister Ramson will deliver on his promise for the community’s youths.

“Even though we may have our own differences within the community, I can safely say that the people always stick together regard less of age, gender, or eth

nicity. In general, the people are caring and welcoming to newcomers who have moved to Kildonan,” Moore ex plained.

In terms of economic activities, the community is well known for its dairy, cash crops and rice growers.

Entering the village of Kildonan

Elder on her way to work

Basketball court at the multi-purpose complex

Kildonan Primary School

Pupils on their way to Kildonan Primary school

‘Our vision is for Kildonan to produce a great athlete’

Kildonan Youth Group committed to youth

By Cindy Parkinson

YOUTH empowerment and youth development are vital in alleviating poverty in any nation or community. It significantly impacts the inclusive and democratic process of creating social cohesion, economic success

the community’s young peo ple involved in meaningful recreational activities after school and on the weekends.

“We are looking to build our selves and the young people in the community; we are pushing them in the direction of bettering their lives in a respectable way and making

“very interested” in partici pating in sporting activities within the village as well as even competing with other groups from different villag es. “Because there’s nothing much that’s going on in the community for them to take part in, you find that they may get themselves involved in situations that they shouldn’t be in,” said An thony.

Having the community’s el ders give more support to the young people is one of John’s major concerns.

and political stability in a country.

Anthony John, a young and robust president of the Kildonan Youth Champion Network (youth group), and other members of the group, are working towards getting

meaningful use of their free time,” said John.

He explained that there isn’t much that is happening in the community in regards to youth development but noted that the youngsters were approached and seemed

John stated that he would like to see the elders in Kildonan have a little more faith in the younger generation and support, guide and encourage them to elevate themselves.

According to John, he has recognised that the elders have lived long lives and

have a wealth of knowledge and experiences, but he is also asking them to place some trust in them, even though they may not have it

development

all together. They are, how ever, working on themselves to be better and with their support, John believes that they will get there faster.

According to the youth group president, before every game they have discussions with the youths about school, their day, or just listen to them and their concerns and what they would like to see done. Anthony noted that they are anxiously waiting for the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Charles Ramson, to revisit their Kil donan and develop the play ground, basketball court and its facilities. They are also excited for him to equip their group with the necessary cricket, football and basket ball gear.

Anthony John is also re questing that the business communities within the vil lage and across the region help their youth group in whatever way that they can.

“I [would] really love to see the businessmen support us with the tools that we need to better ourselves. It is our hope and vision that Kil donan will produce a great

sportsman or woman, but we cannot do our best if we do not have the proper gear or equipment,” he shared.

The president of the youth group said that they are presently targeting the young individuals involved in heavy drinking or smok ing, hoping that they can show them a better and more productive life outside of the life they have chosen for themselves. Anthony is hoping that they can one day get all of the young people of Kildonan and neighbouring communi ties involved and off the streets. He explained that it is his hope that other communities can look at the Kildonan youth group in the future and emulate the standard that they have set for themselves. He will want the people of the com munity and especially the youth, to know that “no matter how hard life gets or whatever you are going through, know that it will get better, but turning to drugs or alcohol is not the answer.”

President of the Kildonan Youth Champion Network (youth group)- An thony John

Multi-purpose development ground

A rich legacy built by different generations

By Cindy Parkinson

DEVANAND Sawh comes from a long line of fami ly members with diverse backgrounds in mechani cal engineers, fabrication and businessmen within the rice industries that occasionally import ma chinery and spare parts into Guyana.

Having a large fami ly comes a great deal of responsibility and Sawh’s grandfather took that seri ously. He was the mechan ical and civil engineer who worked on almost all of the rice mills and sawmills on the Berbice Coast at the time, and he also found the time to dabble in rice farm ing. Devanand also claimed that his father, brother and himself pursued mechan ical and civil engineering careers. After a while, his brother eventually migrated to New York and he was left with managing the company.

After leaving secondary

school, Devanand recalled his father being involved in a tragic accident, and as such, life wasn’t “smooth” finan cially. For some time, he

life as a young man. Having experienced that personally, Sawh welcomes young peo ple from the neighbourhood who wish to train in his

knew what it felt like to not have a sense of stability and understood the hardships of

workshop as mechanics, and he also pays them while they are learning. “It’s their

choice if they wish to stay and work for me or move on,” but Devanand takes pride in knowing that he is positively contributing to someone’s life.

While Sawh has praised

work on changing.” “These are modern times that we are living in and we all have to break out of the culture of dumping garbage anywhere and everywhere,” said Deva nand. He expressed hope that the people refrain from throwing their garbage on the street corners or in the trenches and canals. “Like all communities, we may have our own situations at times, but we are united as a people.”

He also encourages young people in Guyana and his community to seize the opportunities that come their way and make the most of them. “As human beings, we can see clearly how we can help another person, and I shouldn’t want that person to go through what I did know ing that I could help.” He is also challenging his fel low business colleagues

government of Guyana for its investment in this field, especially in Region Six. “The investment that the government has made in this sector is huge, especially in this region.” We are getting a lot of benefits and encour agement to expand, even though we may not have enough land space. “I am not exaggerating here, but the future is looking very bright for Guyanese and it’s not just because of the oil.”

For the brief moment that this publication spent at his residence, Devanand appeared to be one of the busiest persons in the village of Kildonan. Whether it’s the workshop, the rice sector, or the contracted projects that he’s working on, Sawh was pleasant and graciously welcomed the team while his workers awaited his in structions.

The proprietor noted

A rich legacy built 1

the people of his community and the cooperation they have shown, he is also re questing that they improve the cleanliness of their com munity by disposing of their garbage properly. “It may not happen overnight, but it is something that we can all

to do similar acts in their neighbourhoods so that the young people can benefit.

According to Sawh, Guyana is doing excellently in the agricultural sector compared to some previous years. He applauded the

that his son is currently studying mechanical engi neering at the University of Guyana. He is optimis tic that his son will carry on the family’s legacy for generations to come.

Devanand Sawh in part of his Mechanic Shop

A few of Devanand Sawh’s workers prepare for the day’s work.

Section of Devanand Sawh’s resident and mechanic shop

‘I gave the best of my life to Kildonan and my teaching profession’

- Ex-headmistress and retired teacher

By Cindy Parkinson

IT goes without saying that “once a teacher, always a teacher”, and everyone knows that a teacher is the centre of the educational system because they play a crucial role in ensur ing that the children are ready to be successful, con tributing and responsible members of society. It is a known fact that every great teacher embodies some common qualities: love, care, accessibility, enthu siasm and strictness. Their main goal and intentions are to bring the best out of a child, even if that means they have to be “the bad guy at times.”

Born and raised in the village of Cromarty, in Re gion Six, Yvonne Henry, a retired teacher, moved and lived in Nurney with her sis ter at 12 years old. She was a past student of Belvedere Secondary School, which eventually became Lower Corentyne Secondary School after it was moved to the vil lage of Port Mourant. While Miss Yvonne was in Form Three at school, she met her husband through his brother at the congregational church opposite the Kildonan Pri mary School.

While blushing, Yvonne Henry claimed that she didn’t “fall in love” with Mr. Henry at first sight but instead was focused on her role as a girl guide in the church as well as playing an active role in recreation al activities in the village. According to Henry, the man who would become her

husband chased after her for some time and her love for him grew. Immediately after finishing school, they got married on September 30, 1972, settled in Kildonan and subsequently had their first child, Quacy. Even though Henry was married, she was deter

chosen to lead the church’s youth group. The church’s pastor “slipped” into the backseat of the church one day while she was speaking to the young people, unbe knownst to her, and was listening to the message she was delivering. “After I was finished speaking, the

mined to retake the English course because she did not receive a satisfactory score on her final exam in secondary school. While she awaited the results of her exams, Henry was

pastor got up and told me that he was impressed with the type of encouragement that I was giving to the youth.” He asked me what I was doing in my career, and I told him that I was

waiting on my English results, and then I would apply for a job.” Henry ex plained that the pastor told her to write an application and bring it to him, and he would forward it to the appropriate authorities.

“He kept his word almost immediately, and I was hired as a teacher on June 1, 1973,” she said.

Henry started teaching at the congregational school in Fyrish, where she also com pleted her teacher’s training from 1976 to 1978. In Jan uary 1979, she made a case for herself with the relevant personnel in connection with being transferred to Kildonan Primary School, where she spent over nine teen years giving back to the community and its people. “Many people over 50 have

passed through my hands in this community.” “I refused to apply for a promotion because it was convenient for me; I walked to school every day, but it also gave me a chance to serve the children and people of the community.”

Henry explained that in her days of attending school, her teachers ensured that they knew the work: “We didn’t have a choice; my teachers were loving, but they were strict too and you

had to get the work done.” When I became a teacher, I made sure that all my pu pils knew something before they left my classroom. I treated them like I treated my own children: I would hug them and love them up,

but I wasn’t afraid to use the whip sometimes. I also built a relationship with the parents of the children and we all worked together in everyone’s best interest.”

Miss Yvonne and her tasty papaya

Mrs. Henry as she tells the story of her bread fruit tree.

Miss Yvonne picked some of her sweet mangoes for the team

Apart of Mrs and Mr Henry’s garden

‘Poverty should not be an excuse for failure’

Kildonan youth activist passionate about advancement

By Cindy Parkinson

ACHIEVING one’s life goals requires a lot of effort, dedication and tenacity, to name a few essential qual ities. Poverty should really be one of the primary mo tivators for someone to rise to success, as Kildonan resi dent Colin Moore explained to this newspaper while giving us a glimpse into his personal life. Poverty is nei ther a reason nor an excuse for not being a respectable and responsible member of society.

After losing his father at the tender age of seven, life became very difficult for Col lin and his mother, Mouhril Hackett. Collin recognised that his mother’s kindness and helpful ways towards the people she worked for in the community were not enough for her to be given the re spect that she truly deserved as he watched her leave for work every day as a domestic

worker. “I knew my mother was looked down upon and didn’t get the respect she deserves because we were extremely poor and were looked at differently because of that.”

After seeing what his mother endured, Moore knew from a very young age that he wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. With this in mind, Collin made a vow to himself to be success ful in his studies at school to represent the people of his community who are less for tunate in life and the women like his mother who don’t have a voice to speak up for themselves.

A proud product of Nur ney Nursery, Kildonan Pri mary and Central Coren tyne Secondary, Collin was successful throughout his academic years at school and at his Caribbean Sec ondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination. While he waited for a response

from the different institutions that he had applied to, Collin was also serving at different non-governmental organisa tions (NGO).

According to Moore, in 2016, the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) had a vacancy for a councillor position. “A number of peo ple applied and I didn’t think that I would get through; I was the poor boy who was looked down at,” said Moore.

At only nineteen years of age, Moore was selected as one of the youngest persons to serve as a councillor for the NDC.

It was a moment of pride and a testimony to what Moore envisioned for him self in his career but never thought was actually hap pening right before his eyes.

“I am grateful to my mother, who worked really hard to ensure that I was given an ed ucation. She was my biggest inspiration and the reason behind all of this. “I saw the way she treated people and I

wanted to be like that too.”

Moore, being the eldest of six children, explained that there is “no turning back” now for him; he is us ing the opportunity to climb the ladder to its highest point, but he reassures the people of Kildonan that he will continue to help his fellow youngsters along the way.

The young, vibrant and driven 26-year-old is the former NDC chairman from

2017 to 2019, councilor for Kildonan Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), councilor at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), making representation across the board in Region 6 and an active member of the youth group in the community.

Moore will like to en courage the young people across Guyana, but more so the ones from his com munity, to get an educa

tion, dream big and work towards their goals. He is also pleading with them to use their free time and get involved in the agricultur al sector, which he noted will greatly benefit them.

“I know with the love and support of the people of Kildonan, our community and the young people can become better in the years to come,” said Moore.

Collin Moorecouncilor for Kildonan Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC)

BURIED ALIVE

PREITY awoke late in the morning, for today was not a school day. As she lay there in bed, her mind embracing a new day, re lief surged slowly through her body down to her toes with a tingling sensation. She was free for now from all the hard work and long hours of studying for exams.

She rose from her bed and looked at the small

Preity’s father had died by accident when she was just a young girl and her broth er, a toddler. Such a tragic loss could have broken her mother, but prayers and faith had given her strength to continue living for her children.

And today, Preity knew, would be quite rewarding for her sacrifices because the CSEC exam results would be announced. She

from work. The hour in the afternoon seemed to take forever to arrive but finally, she heard the gate then the door opening.

“Hey, mom,” she greet ed her mother with a calm smile, trying not to give anything away.

The mother looking calm also asked, “Well?”

“Well,” Preity answered, then she laughed with joy and ran to her mother, hug

Murti on her bedside ta ble of the Hindu Goddess, Mother Saraswati, to whom she said a silent prayer, and her strong belief in herself had set the tone and pace for success in her studies.

She took a leisurely bath and went downstairs, where a full breakfast awaited her, for on school days, she always ate something light.

Her mother had already left for work, the hardwork ing woman she was, taking on life’s challenges as the sole provider for her family.

was confident she had done well but not sure how well, so when the results were announced that a girl from a top city school had topped the country, Preity was stunned to hear it was her. It took a long moment to sink in that her performance was so outstanding and tears of joy spilt from her eyes.

Congratulatory messages from friends inundated her phone and she responded to as many as she could as she waited anxiously for her mother to come home

ging her.

There was no need for words, the mother had heard the news and embraced her daughter, the tiredness of a hard day’s work gone from her body and she said, “Thank you, Dear Lord.”

The happiness of that moment wrote a song in their hearts. From a life of struggles, the mother, through selfless sacrifices, had helped her daughter

Adventures in Africa

I AM having lunch in Ab idjan and thinking about how every day on the con tinent of Africa is an ad venture in a profound and

powerful way that is not easy to put into words. So many things to write about and a challenge as to where to start. My encounter with a beautiful Ghanian wom an in Abidjan convinced me to start with my visit to the historic Elmina Castle. We were chatting about my trip to Ghana and I told her the highlight was visiting Elmina Castle.

My visit to Elmina Cas tle was very emotional, a day I will never forget. I could not hold back the tears while standing in the dark dungeons.

Elmina Castle was the first trading post built on the Gulf of Guinea, so it is the oldest European building in existence in sub-Saharan Africa. Elmina is also a pic turesque fishing town along Ghana’s coast, not far from Cape Coast. It is home to

one of Ghana’s biggest at tractions, St George’s Castle. Built by the Portuguese in 1482, it was captured by the Dutch 150 years later and became the headquarters of their West Indies Company for the following 250 years. Imagine something so hei nous that happened over 500 years ago can alter the way we think.

Slaves soon replaced gold exports, and the tours through the dungeons will give you a good idea of how gruesome a trade it was. The castle houses a small mu seum and guided tours are available. The stark beauty of the white-washed Castle walls contrasts deeply with this place’s dark history. We both shared what we felt through the tour and although I am from Guyana and she is from Ghana, we experienced similar emo tions. She said something to me after saying she was happy we crossed paths and needed to stay in touch and I agreed that we should. She

said something with such conviction that day that penetrated my heart.”Sonia, I never knew what real hatred felt like until I walked through El mina Castle! It was not just what she said, but the way she said those words. My friend Kweku Eshu organised my castle tour and asked how he felt.

“This was not my first time at the enslaved castle for Africans. The feeling is always the same as the first time. In the abyss of the human soul, something tells us that this event in the history of man kind was absolutely wrong”

We were blessed to have Osagyefor Kwame Nkrumah as our tour guide and he was exceptional. He was not just re peating history but was connected to it. I noticed the pause to compose himself throughout the tour and wondered if it would become easier after four years, so I asked him.

“It never gets easier at all when you see the tears run down from the eyes of Africans. It feels like they have lost themselves and as I tell the history from the crust of my blackness, I have this feeling that I’m strengthening the sons and daughters of Africa who were lost. It makes my heart get tender like a father receiving his lost son. I always pray to the spirits of the ancestors. That as they touched the horrific walls of the dun geons as they were being dragged and whipped and when they pain and the blood spills on the walls, then the walls should have spoken on our behalf. It is quite unfortunate that the

walls do not have lips to narrate to us, the pain and the agony of our ancestors. Therefore, I open my soul and mind for them to pour out what they want to tell their lost children. So when I’m delivering our history, I feel possessed with anger and hatred. But they find a way to balance my spirit because they want us to come to gether as Africans and re unite, build and strengthen mother Africa to take back what was taken from her when she was so lenient and warm with others.

So when I stand tall on my feet, I feel that I’m standing in the midst of our fathers and mothers and I become a vessel.”

Osagyefor Kwame Nk rumah: “I am not African because I was born in Africa, but because Africa was born

in me “

Let’s preach our history. That is our heritage and tool of strength.

I quote Marcus Gar vey: “ A generation or a people without their history is like a tree without its roots, it is easy to [be] car ried away by the slightest wind that blows.”

I quote W.E.B Dubois ( it will be better for Africans in the diaspora to come back to Africa to build where they were taken from than to fight for equality on a strange land.”

I had an extended con versation with this very im pressive tour guide and I can’t wait to read his book in the future and I encourage you to follow Quame Afro centric on FB and Instagram.

One of the persons I re membered on this tour was my friend Ayana McCalman,

who was so touched after her trip a few years ago she hosted an event to share her story when she returned to Guyana.

“It was a transformative experience in every way; spiritually, emotionally. It touched me at the core of my being, and I believe it set the stage for a lot of the transformation and shift that I experienced and has led me to the faith journey where I am now. So for me, going to El Menia was one of those life-changing experiences that shifted me to the core,” she said.

Standing at the Door of no Return (pic above) did something to me that I will amplify in my next column as we continue to celebrate this because journey called Life BEYOND THE RUN WAY.

THE TRADITIONAL MALE SURVIVAL CRISIS

WITH all honesty, the tra ditional male dwells on a challenged platform. It’s not a top subject that our options are at times not of our doing. ‘We’ -so ciety - don’t do much of what this article is doing: raise a red flag, but there have been professionals, women included who have addressed the issue. My God parents raised me, and most of what I learned in my early life I credit to them, and occasionally to my father. Who was the parent around that I knew by sight for the first decade of my formative years? That’s how it goes with broken marriages. My mother had left the country. No, it’s not always a situation of sympathy, it’s where fate takes you. It was good for me. Most sons were raised in a traditional mould to take charge of responsibilities, show lead ership, and with manhood and fatherhood, provide guidance and support, full stop.

I’ve always maintained that should the true circum stances be outlined, the rebel lions etc. and had become a subject in schools, then there would have been a natural fall in population growth. It must be recognised that in Guyana, two opposing philosophies envelope manhood, that of Matriarchal and that of Patri archal, both have advantages and disadvantages, but these differences are not our discus sion because our laws don’t revolve around them.

As a juvenile, I can re member there were ‘School inspectors’ who paid attention to the prevalence of school attendance and visited homes to make serious enquiries on severe lapses. I am however, at a loss, on what were the consequences of violations. Though there were two differ ent philosophies on male up

bringing, these were overlap ping. I evolved from birth in a Matriarchal construct. I refer to this, because many of my male schoolmates were taken

casually instigated domestic fatality. Today, a successful businessman can be robbed by his Lawyer, accountant, or salesperson, with eyes

gone mainstream, in Guyana it was a value system turned upside down that is still as serting its macabre inner self, packaged as progress through

conspicuous consumption and not through innovative stimulation of the mind and spirit. Where does the expect ed traditional male fit?

For the world of con spicuous consumption is driven by greed, deceit and self-serving handouts, as the unveiled knowledge of the nature of the wider world is revealing its functional inconsistences. Will the sen sible male ideas of another age, moments gone, in the context of evolution be able in Guyana, to retain its stability to heal what is so cially disturbed, towards a balanced normalcy, against all odds, ending the crisis of a wounded generation, by raising principles based on the logic of responsibility, institutionalizing the bal ance and potential of merit, over the expectations of random favour? Why not?

out of school to help feed the rest of the family, which comprised of siblings.

‘Matriarchal’ empow ered the mother figure with the privilege to demand of the male child, or in the case of a female eldest, support beyond his or her own well being towards the mother and especially younger siblings. Though most men, especially the elder brothers, ran away and virtually disappeared after comparing their limita tions with the expectations allotted to them. Yet many were caught in the psycho logical web of responsibilities from too early, and enter the world with the disadvantage of semi-literacy, after becom ing ‘a man’ while still a boy. Some edged their way into meaningful livelihoods with a loyal female partner who was strong enough to resist the subtle encroachments of friends and relatives, elimi nating and managing in the interest of her-their own fam ily.

But others fell prey to the pass-on predictive sce narios of visitors who come with many agendas, with half-truths told and divisive judgements promoted. If ex plored, that may lie at the root of many an unfortunate,

wide shut. If he does not have the literacy skills to read and understand the logic of the official paperwork necessary for month-to-month survival.

There’s a school that was burnt down not so long ago. In running my daily chores, I would cross stu dents from that school on the road, we were no angels in my time, yet I was afraid to contemplate the behaviour of these children, especially the males, most below their teens. Where would they fit in the world of the next ten years? Mind you, I have an offspring who is currently a victim of an unforeseen negative development. He is a consequence of likewise negative insubordinate social influences that altered our value systems from some forty-odd years ago, that were never checked or thoughtfully responded to by administra tors.

Referring to the rise of marijuana, cocaine, TV stations blasting negative HIP-HOP music twenty-four hours, with no pause for conscious content, the rest we know well. I saved an Es sence magazine from March 2005 talking about ‘dirty dancing video girls’. They re ferred to this as pimp culture

Navigating the world through GIS

“THE world is getting smaller” is a statement that now holds true; with technological advance

ment, we are now able to chat with our families and friends in real time across continents. More so,

we can use Google Earth to take a virtual tour of any country on the Earth without having to leave

the comforts of our living room. The advancement in technology is making the world more connected and more accessible. One such technology is the Geo graphic Information System (GIS): this technology can do numerous things such as help citizens predict areas of flooding and map soil quality to ensure efficient land use.

GIS DAY AN ANNUAL EVENT

The third Wednesday of November, each year, is des ignated internationally as “GIS Day.” On this day, users of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) celebrate the technology and its multiple applications in the real world. The recognition of this day was initiated on November 19, 1999, by the combined efforts of the National Geo graphic Society, Association of American Geographers (AAG) and Esri, one of the leading GIS service provid ers.

A geographic information system (GIS) is a framework for gathering, managing, and analysing data. The system integrates many types of data and organises it into layers, so as to create a holistic and ac curate depiction of the world. It aids in smart decision-mak ing by revealing underlying relationships, patterns and trends through maps and 3D visualisations (Esri, 2018). This interoperable system provides a means of manipu lating geographic data which can be viewed and analysed in any desired scenario or context.

The applications of this technology are endless and offer a range of possibilities across all sectors. It is cur rently being used globally in almost every discipline, in cluding telecommunications, transportation, urban plan ning, disaster management and mitigation, surveying, public health, agriculture, security systems and a num ber of uses in environmental management. Schools and universities now have geosci ences or the use of geospatial data as a core component of academic curriculums, in

order to provide awareness and strong foundation for students. Over the years, GIS software has become cheaper, and now even for free with the use of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS).

THE IMPORTANCE OF GIS TO THE WORK OF THE EPA

The Environmental Pro tection Agency of Guyana (EPA) relies heavily on ac curate and relevant data for planning, monitoring, re search, and data dissemina tion. The use of geospatial data is a critical component to the functioning of the agency, particularly in the regulato

THIS YEAR’S OBSER VANCE

Annually, EPA takes time out to celebrate this important day. This year, the Manage ment Information System Programme Area conducted a presentation focused on how GIS can be used for monitor ing, particularly freshwater ecosystems. Additionally, a demonstration was made to showcase how drones are used to collect information.

The uses and applications of GIS continue to evolve and improve with advancement in the technology. This tool is not just useful to organ isations and large entities, but also to every person who desires information for deci

ry role it plays. Using GIS in the routine activities of the agency include mapping field information obtained through environmental in spections, and overlaying it with baseline data to identify and address potential conflicts or issues which may occur in a specific region. Since activities in the environment do not happen in isolation, it is essential for much collab oration with other regulatory agencies and organisations with regard to overlapping and cross-cutting issues.

Environmental complaints and pollution sites are also mapped to locations of highrisk activities and hotspot ar eas can be identified and man aged. GIS technology also allows the EPA to determine the distribution of permitted and non-permitted operations in relation to other sites such as protected areas, medical or educational facilities, wa ter bodies, etc., and provide informed and data-driven decisions.

sion-making and planning. It is envisioned that the impor tance of GIS will escalate as persons recognise the need for real-time information, to make routine decisions as simple as which road will take them to a particular destina tion the quickest. On a larger scale, GIS has the potential for helping us to understand interactions in our environ ment, communicating across sectors and addressing issues faced by the population. The need for establishing clear policies and guidelines with regard to data-sharing, stan dards and security, adequately trained personnel and quality, updated information is there fore critical in the smooth functioning of the system.

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.epaguy ana@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram

build a stairway to reach for the stars. Today, the CSEC results showed how far she had ascended, hop ing no obstacles would step in her way to greater educational pursuits, for no one knows what tomor row brings.

She had become a star for her school and her coun try, admired and applauded for her excellent achieve ment. Preity was modest in her thanks, the simple girl she was, and tried her best to please all her friends who sent invitations to her for the summer holidays. Today she was going with three of her girlfriends from her class, who also gained excellent results, to the theatre and she kissed her mother good bye for the show was at 1 pm, and her mother would be home from work until 4 pm.

“Love you!” she called, waving to her until the bus drove away, and she contin ued exploring the multiple features on her new smart phone. It was a gift from her mother, who had been secretly saving to buy her something special for her success.

Preity had been sur prised and thrilled when she opened the gift, “This is so awesome!”

At the movie theatre, she and the girls had just exited the lobby after the show when Dravid pulled up in a brand-new Infinity car.

“Oh my gosh!” all the girls exclaimed at once, “That is so cool.”

Dravid, from the same city school, had topped the country in CAPE, and com ing from a rich family, the car, as promised by his fa ther, was his gift.

“Who wants to go for a ride?” he asked, proud of his car.

All the girls wanted to but everyone except Preity had long distances to reach home. She was somewhat uncertain though Dravid was a good friend.

“I’m not sure, I have to reach back home before dark.”

“It’s just a short drive,” he said, “You won’t be late. I’ll drive you home.”

She got in, thrilled that she was sitting in a fancy car, and he smiled at her, “How does it feel?”

“Great,” she said, show ing him her phone, “We both got cool gifts.”

He drove a little way to wards the highway, stopping by a roadside snackette for refreshments, and drove a little while more until Preity said, “I think we should go back now.”

“Okay,” Dravid agreed as he waited on a break in the traffic to turn when his phone rang.

“It’s my father,” he said, putting it on speaker as he paid attention to traffic.

“Hey, Dad.”

“Where are you?”

“I’m a little way up the highway. Why?”

“I’m still in Essequibo and your brother just called that his Wrangler has broken down and he needs a ride home.”

“Oh…” Dravid paused for a brief moment, then said in an uncertain tone, “I don’t think I can, I have a friend with me and I have to take her home now.”

“I am occupied here in closing a business deal so I don’t have the time to call anyone else.”

There was an edge of frustration in the father’s voice, then when he said, “I haven’t seen him for several months, it touched Dravid with a measure of guilt, and he sighed and said, “Okay,

I will.”

“Thank you, son,” the father said and ended the call.

Dravid wasn’t quite pleased and he said to Prei ty, “I’ll take you home now then I’ll have to drive back to pick him up.”

“How far is he?” she asked.

“Not sure, about twenty to thirty minutes away.”

Preity thought for a mo ment, knowing it would be a lot of driving for Dravid to take her home in the oppo site direction and then back to the highway, and for his sake, she said, “I guess you can do that.”

“Are you sure? He’s not a nice person and he may say something rude to you.”

“I’ll take my chances with that.”

Dravid smiled and touched her hand, “You’re such a nice person.”

In a little over twenty minutes, they reached his brother who was looking very impatient.

“What took you so long, nerd?” he asked angrily, getting into the car with his friend.

“I had to drive careful ly,” Dravid answered in defence.

“You’re such a wuss,” his brother said insultingly, slapping him playfully but hard behind his head.

Now Preity understood why Dravid was reluctant to pick him up.

They were driving for just five minutes when Bri an instructed Dravid to pull over.

“Why do I have to stop?”

“Just shut up and stop, will you?”

Brian brought a few bot tles of beer from a roadside bar, much to Dravid’s an noyance.

“You can’t drink in the car,” he said firmly.

“Why? I’m not driv ing.”

“Yeah but I’m not comfortable with that and my friend isn’t either.”

“Why? Is she a church girl?”

He and his friend broke into laughter and Preity touched Dravid’s hand, shaking her head slightly to signal no to answer his brother.

Less than five minutes along the roadway, Brian called again for the car to stop. This time Dravid erupted angrily, “What the hell for now?!”

Brian came out of the car and, opening the door of the driver’s side, he hauled Dravid out roughly.

“Where are you going, to a funeral? Get in the back and let me show you what this baby can do.”

“No!” Dravid retaliat ed, pushing him, “You’re not driving my car to wreck it as you did to yours!”

The two brothers al most came to blows and Preity held onto Dravid’s arm as his brother got be hind the wheel, ordering them to get in. He revved the car, spun it around, and went back up the highway.

“What are you do ing?!” Dravid shouted, “I have to take her home before it’s dark!”

“Relax, loser,” Brian said, drinking his beer, “I’m just taking it for a spin.”

Preity held onto Drav id’s hand, looking scared, “I don’t like this.”

The car was go ing dangerously speed, taking sharp turns that caused Preity to scream. She thought of calling her mother but before she could, the car sped around another turn on a lonely stretch of road and this time, she screamed in hor ror.

To be continued…

‘I gave the best of my ...

FROM PAGE VIII

In conclusion, Henry took the opportunity to ask the young people to be re spectful of themselves and others, improve their lives and say no to drugs. She is also pleading with the teachers of today to have a genuine love for teaching even when it gets frustrating, saying, “In my days and as

much as we were never paid a lot nor were we exposed to the benefits that teachers receive now, we did what had to be done to enrich the minds of the youngsters.”

Henry also credited her husband for quitting his job and staying at home to care for their six children while she worked and provided for the family, saying, “It wasn’t an easy decision, but

he did it for us.” She is also grateful for her husband’s sister, Marlyn Evans, who is now deceased; “she encour aged and supported me from abroad during my teacher’s training.”

Sixty-nine years old, Henry and her husband had been through a lot of challenges in their lives, but she encouraged mar ried couples and persons

in relationships to find common ground and work through their problems, regardless of how difficult it may seem. Last Septem ber, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversa ry. These days, they find comfort in planting their kitchen garden and taking care of their fruit trees, which has become a hobby of theirs.

Bullying and Mental Health

TODAY, after an email from a young man, I would like to talk about bullying, a topic that I have actually been actively working on for a few months.

Many of us see, experience or even participate in bullying daily, sometimes without even knowing that it’s happening.

Bullying occurs when people try to overpower, influ

ence, intimidate or force others into doing things- it is always unwanted, often repeated, and can be physical, verbal, or emotional.

Bullying does not only happen to children in a class room- it occurs among people of all ages, genders, ethnici ties, and statuses and it happens when there is a perception of an imbalance of power. I’ve met many people who were unsure if specific actions were considered bullying, so I will lay this out clearly.

Bullying can be physical which involves hurting a per son or their possessions. For example a physical attack such as hitting, pushing, etc., or breaking someone’s belongings, destroying someone’s property, stealing, etc. Bullying does not usually begin with the physical, but rather evolves into it from emotional and verbal abuse. Verbal bullying includes threats, teasing/name-calling, etc. This is the most common type of bullying and has longer-lasting effects than any other type. Social bullying involves purposely ex cluding someone, spreading rumours, cyber-bullying, etc. Cyberbullying involves any kind of technological device, including phone calls, texts, emails, or social networking sites such as Facebook or Instagram. Cyberbullying is the type I see most of all and for younger generations, it is the most undetected as there is usually a lack of parental supervision on social media.

If you are being cyberbullied, I want to urge everyone to contact the Cyber Crime Unit located in the CID head quarters. They have actively and empathetically aided the community in this societal issue.

Bullying is not a rite of passage- something that every one must go through once in their life. It is a cruel form of interaction with severe short and long-term mental health consequences.

It is easy to see and understand the effects of bullying on its victim. A bullying victim often feels afraid, ashamed, depressed, weak, isolated, lonely, and lacks self-esteem. He/she is usually afraid and unwilling to attend school or work. This results in poor academic performance, highstress levels, anxiety, and a loss of interest in previous ly enjoyed activities which

Bullying and...

FROM PAGE XVI causes further isolation, so cial exclusion, aggression/ rage, and self-hatred – all of which can result in various forms of self-harm.

Individuals who are bullied are also more likely to have trouble eating and sleeping and use excessive amounts of drugs and alcohol. They are more likely to have physical ailments and psychosomatic symptoms such as head and stomach aches. If the bullying is severe, anxiety disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal thoughts can develop.

It causes a cycle of violence as research on the adolescent years of famous serial killers reports consistent bullying.

Bullying also literally changes brain structure. An inter esting brain scan study by Erin Quinlan which examined the brain of teenagers found that those who were being bullied had lower volume in two brain areas- the caudate which processes learning, memory and decision making, and the putamen which regulates movement. This means that bully ing actually affects normal brain development.

For those wondering, bullying also has severe negative consequences for the bully. Firstly, it is important to under stand why bullying occurs in the first place. Much research has shown that envy, resentment, and projection are the main causes of bullying. Bullies usually have low self-esteem, forcing them to want others to feel low. By demeaning oth ers, bullies feel empowered that they are now shining a light on someone else’s misery so their own can be undetected. People who experience symptoms of depression, poor aca demic performance, high aggression, and personality disor ders are also more likely than the average person to become a bully. Let’s not forget the cycle of bullying, that many people bully because they are being bullied elsewhere. A bully will further experience difficulty in forming and keeping healthy relationships, increased substance use and abuse, and have higher chances of school drop-out, issues with the law, and unemployment. One study showed that those who were bullies as children were more likely to be members of gangs and carry weapons.

What to do when there is bullying?

As always, prevention is the best route. Hold seminars/ campaigns and educate in dividuals on the harms of bullying. Tell your story as your voice is important.

Step up and say something if you see it happening! Bystanders play a major role in bullying as well. Bullying can occur in an isolated place, yes, but typically it happens when other people are around as the bully mostly needs an audience. It can be difficult and maybe even dangerous to step in but you do not have to do this on your own.

If there is a complaint to you about bullying, keep it confidential. I’ve seen this too many times in schools and workplaces where the person who made the complaint is named. This is not helpful and just increases their chances of becoming a victim.

How many of us make fun of people without even no ticing or simply thinking it is harmless? We need to pay attention to our behaviour and how it affects others (and ourselves). It is so prominent that I truly believe that if you are not being bullied, you’re probably the bully and you probably don’t even know it. Pay close attention to your words and actions!

Thanks for reading! Please continue writing to caitl invieira@gmail.com and let me know what you want to talk about.

PROTECTION FROM TOXIC PESTICIDES

AS consumer advocates, we have always been con cerned with the dangers that pesticides pose to so

ciety. At the end of last month, Pesticides Aware ness Week was marked with the Ministry of Agri

culture’s media advertise ments warning the public that pesticides are harmful to health and the environ

ment. Farmers were also reminded that the use of less hazardous pesticides does not reduce agricultur al productivity.

At the same time, the public were reminded of the

as compared with adults. Small children become in tellectually retarded with poor school performance and manifestly difficult be havioural patterns with fam ily and school. All humans’

certain herbs such as neem or aromatic spices and these controlled pests fairly effec tively and did not have the side effects of the modern, more effective chemical pes ticides.

dangers of lead poisoning, since Lead Poisoning Pre vention Week coincided with Pesticide Awareness week.

brain, kidneys, liver, blood and reproductive system be come affected. This results in victims being chronically

Though the effects of lead poisoning were known in the ancient world, its cause was never fully iden

The toxic effect on the hu man body of both pesticides and lead tended to be much the same: With small chil dren, the toxic effects tended to be four times as impacting

unwell, low productivity at work and early death.

Before the 19th century, chemical pesticides were rarely used and farmers and householders relied upon

tified. An example of this is the City of Pompeii, which readers may recall was com pletely covered with dust

PROTECTION FROM ...

from the eruption of the volcano Vesuvius. Pompeii was among the best-appoint ed cities in the Roman Em pire, and the wealthy of ancient Rome lived there. It provided many amenities which may be considered quite modern. One such amenity was the provision of piped water to homes which was used for drinking and cooking, but the pipes used were made of lead, which poisoned the water. Pom peiians died at younger ages compared to other cities; no one suspected this was due to lead poisoning from the water pipes.

Mosquito coils contain chemicals which are not only poisonous to mosqui toes, but also to humans who inhale their smoke.

The Western-pro duced coils have to conform to standards which prescribe that the chemicals used in their production must be at safe levels, but those from East Asia, usually smuggled into the country, are attractively packed and often smell like incense, but do not conform to interna tional standards and are dangerous to health. These smug gled coils are usually sold in the markets and in small shops and are sometimes seized by the Bureau of Standards and the Food and Drugs Depart ment. These institutions, unfortunately, do not have enough inspectors to be able to eliminate them from the market.

Liquid insecticides, usu ally in sprays, are equally dangerous to health if in haled or go on the skin.

The pesticides used in agriculture to control un wanted grasses and other vegetation and to eliminate destructive insects and other pests from damaging and

destroying crops, tend to be far more toxic than neces sary. Less toxic pesticides could be as effective for farming use and would pose less of a danger to human life and health, as well as the environment. Some of these very toxic pesticides such as paraquat have no

antidote, and environmen talists and social workers are trying to have some of them banned from being imported. Many suicides are caused by ingesting these deadly pesticides.

Lead poisoning was caused by using cooking pots or crockery which have a lead content or leaded papers used to wrap foods; today, most cas es of lead poisoning are caused by use of leadbased paints. There are always alternatives to such paints and consumers are enjoined to exercise care when choosing paints.

With a modicum of awareness, consumers could protect themselves and the environment by using milder and less toxic pesticides, which are just as effective as the harsher ones and are probably less

expensive. When sprays are used in homes against insects, masks should be worn to cover as much of the face as possible as gloves and if any of the insecticides get on the skin, it should immediately be washed off. The body and face should be covered as far as possible with ag ricultural spraying. The skin is an organ which easily absorbs whatever is on it into the bloodstream and baths should be tak en after use of pesticides. When using mosquito coils, avoid inhaling the smoke and keep the light ed coil away from the bed, so the smoke dissipates before reaching the bed. The deleterious effects of pesticides on the body tend to be slow to detect; users should, therefore, never relax their precautions.

Explore the world of academia on your own accord, not theirs

AFTER completing primary school, I was constantly asked about my plans for secondary school. When I grad

uated high school, I was told I needed to position myself to enter the world of tertiary education. After graduating

from university, I was told I needed to go back again to get a higher degree. I was told this by family, friends, and even strangers. Some people said it was a means of motivation, while others said it was a means of enforce ment or some kind. Personally, I really do love the world of academia. However, I do know that there are times when you feel pressured and even coerced into doing it when you don’t want to. I’m constantly being asked when I will obtain a Master’s Degree. I can and I will but I will do it on my own accord, nobody else’s. This is what inspired this week’s article, as it is becoming increasingly annoying, to say the least.

Now, sound secondary school education is compulsory as it is required for most jobs out there; that much is acknowl edged. Nonetheless, some families still force their children to write CSEC subjects they have no interest in. They coerce these children into joining streams, simply because it’s a “higher” one. That happens even though there’s no ranking of streams most of the time, just the difference in subjects offered. Education is important. It is an empowering tool that is useful throughout one’s life. Education allows us to succeed at the things we set our minds to achieve. Education is meant to be freeing and rewarding. The way in which we force the wrong ideals and beliefs about education does the exact opposite of what it’s meant to do, to begin with.

I’ve noticed the unhealthy mechanisms used to control and limit children in Guyanese society. Parents force their own personal values and beliefs onto children. They even go

as far as trying to live their dream of becoming someone of high esteem and “greatness” through their children. Family members who want to see the family legacy continue for generations to come might want to coerce younger relatives to go into the family’s line of studying without acknowledg ing that said young relative may want something different for his/herself. People are so even mocked and laughed at for not following through with their educational plans the way their peers did. There’s no timeline to get it all right.

If you personally feel that you need to take a break from academia, go right ahead and do so. If by chance, you are being forced by someone or something to do a degree or enter into a class that you don’t want to partake in—don’t do it. You need to make those choices for yourself because, at the end of the day, your field of study will lead you to your lifelong career. It will be such a shame that you choose a field of study and career with out liking it to begin with. This is something you ought to do for yourself. Learn the difference between coercion and encouragement. Before my degree, I always allowed myself to do what others told me to do as it related to my field of study. These days, I realise that I personally need a break from the path I see myself throttling; I have my own personal goals and ways to achieve them. Remember at all times that education needs to be empowering, en lightening, and engaging. If by chance, societal pressure allows you to feel otherwise, then remember always to do what you feel is best for you and your future.

A visit to...

FROM PAGE V Moore said that they have had conversations with the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, to get the young people to have a

positive outlook on agriculture and its benefits. Due to the inclement weather, development work on some of the street projects has ceased until it is deemed possible to continue.

Moore added that Kildodan also has a night school that facilitates single parents and “school dropouts” with their studies. “It’s a way for those people to continue their education despite the obsta cles,” he explained.

The team from this publication was greeted with a warm reception from the people of the community

and Moore, who made himself available to escort the members around. It was recognised that being in Kil donan early in the morning gave the team a first-hand opportunity to see the adults and children rushing off to work and school. While some waited on transportation, others walked to their respective destinations and a few rode their bicycles and motorcycles.

Being in their presence, one could have felt the love and unity amongst the neighbours as they conversed in front of each other’s homes. Some chatted along the roadside and even the animals appeared as though they had somewhere to be as they strolled through the village.

Animals grazing in the village

Mosque in Kildonan Village

Kildonan brought

a sense of

relaxation

and calmness that only the country can give—an unforgettable expe rience that is very different from the city and makes you appreciate life’s simplicity.

Block making facility in Kildonan

Popular liquor restaurant in Kildonan village

Multi-purpose development Center

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

One of the greatest pains to human is the pain of a new idea.

WALTER BAGEHOT (1826-1877)

STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student,

Welcome dear friend. If language is problematic for you, let someone help you closely with its rudiments, for a high command of

November 13, 2022

these is decisive in fetching a good academic score. You are taking a final examina tion so begin practising on past papers to identify and shore up your weaknesses. Improve on meanings of questions among other areas. A brief read through of your notes on the examination morning can help you feel good about yourself. Be wise.

Love you.

THE PASSAGE

In the living room were remnants of old, rotting fur niture, and faded pictures. Everything smelt damp and mouldy. There were three or four heavy armchairs, stained with damp, a huge old desk, still covered with books and papers. A book case stood against one wall, half-empty and very dusty. Jimmy found a bird’s nest on one shelf. The floor was littered with dead leaves, scattered papers, and bird droppings.

The next room was not much better. It was a din ing room, and contained a tall, carved cupboard with blue and white chi na on open shelves. We looked in the drawers of the sideboard, and found tarnished knives and forks in boxes, old-fashioned carving knives, spoons of all sizes, and some mil dewed table napkins rolled and stuck into silver rings. The dining table and chairs were thick with dust. Jim my drew a grinning face in the middle of the table and wrote “J.S.W.” under it.

Across the little passage with more shelves was the kitchen, and on the other side of the passage a stair case led up to the rooms above. A single glance was enough to show us that no food of any kind remained in the kitchen. There were some dishes in the sink, piled untidily as though left in a hurry.

(Jean da Costa’s “Escape to Last Man Peak”)

Something to Do

1. The writer does something in her writing. How does the technique help to make you feel you are in the house with the others who are children? What sort of details does she give?

2. Explain these terms: damp and mouldy, lit tered, carved cupboard, tarnished, a single glance was enough.

3. What words tell you that the house has been emp ty for a long time?

4. How do you find the house? Tell why?

5. Write a moving short story about a household with more mouths to feed than the single grandparent can afford. Pay attention to your use of sensory adjectives and direct speech.

IMPROVING WRITING Vocabulary and spelling

A.. Words that confuse the reader. These words are often confused: annul, an nual; emigrant, immigrant. Write each in a sentence that illustrates its meaning.

B.. Select from the pro nouns within the brackets the one that is correct in each sentence.

1. Is Peter as qualified as (she, her)?

2. The winner was (he, him).

3. Invitations will be issued to (whoever, whom ever) is willing to go.

4. She asked that the merchandise be sent only to (myself, me) and the Wain wrights.

5. Everyone got the mes sage but (they, them).

C.. Using standard spellings, respell these wellknown brand names that manufacturers have devised for their products.

2. You spectacles pay ment is long overdo.

3. John made a vein ef fort to correct the mistake.

4. Ms. V. Harry is the soul owner of this sewing company.

5. The new vacation pol icy goes into affect in Feb ruary.

WRITING WELL

Everyday business letters

Note the important in formation is in the opening sentence.

Assignment: Last week Mrs. Angel Stevens, a counsellor from nearby Shaw College, visited your school. Just as she was leaving, you managed to ask her for an appoint ment to see about enroll ing at Shaw College. You will graduate from North Secondary School in June and would like to continue your education in some field of business, possibly computers. Mrs. Stevens suggested that you drop by her office after school a week from Thursday to discuss Shaw’s business curriculum and the pos sibility of your attending that college. Write the letter you would send to Mrs. Stevens confirming your appointment. Shaw College is located at 2436 Younge Street, Campbell ville, Greater Georgetown.

Answers will vary. A sample letter is as follows: Mrs. Angel Stevens Shaw College 2436 Younge Street Campbellville Greater Georgetown Dear Mrs. Stevens:

D.. Use either sometime, some time, or sometimes to complete each of the follow ing sentences.

1. Every worker needs -------- to relax.

2. I -------- go shopping during my lunch hour.

3. We will check these applications -------- this morning.

4. It has been -------- now since the door bell rang.

E.. Each of the follow ing sentences contains an error in the use of a word. Correct each.

1. I haven’t used the crisper for sometime.

I am looking forward to our appointment on Thurs day, November 15, to dis cuss Shaw College’s offer ings in business, especially computer science. Since our sixth period ends at 14:30, I should be at your office by 15:15.

It was a pleasure meeting you at North Secondary yes terday. The other students and I certainly appreciate your coming to our campus to tell us about Shaw Col lege’s many offerings.

Improving your smile

IF you would like to take years off your smile and over all looks, ask your dentist about cosmetic procedures that can help. Your chronological age should never stand between you and a more pleasing appearance. Dentistry’s role in improving appearance is often mis understood and underrated. For example, many people believe that only dentures can alter the appearance of their smile, yet nothing could be further from the truth. Such cost-effective techniques as cosmetic contouring, bleaching, or bonding often work wonders – typically

in a single office

Consumers spend billions of dollars yearly on services and products designed to make them look more attractive. Countless women – and increasing numbers of men – have facelifts and other surgical procedures to enhance their appearance and remain competitive in job markets where looking youthful is an asset. While many patients benefit from plastic surgery, others could be helped with cosmetic dentistry alone. After all, your smile is one of the most important parts of your face. If your smile is attractive and healthy looking, it will take years off your appearance. If, on the other hand, your smile reveals worn, discoloured, chipped, or missing teeth, you’ll look older than you should, and no amount of plastic surgery can change that.

Here are Tips to keep your smile young:

1. Watch for unnatural wear and avoid grinding your teeth.

2. Take preventative oral hygiene seriously to avoid gum and bone loss.

3. Replace faulty fillings before they cause problems.

4. If crowns or bridges are worn down, replace them.

5. Lighten any discoloured teeth.

6. Replace any missing teeth as soon as possible.

7. Correct a bad bite.

8. Never chew ice or hard candy or suck on lemons.

9. Avoid abrasive habits such as aggressive tooth brushing.

As we age, the edges of the front teeth wear until these teeth are about the same length as the others. At the same time, the upper and lower lips lose muscle tone. The upper lip may sag, covering more or all of the upper teeth. The lower lip may also drop, allowing more of the lower teeth to show. The will teeth become darker in colour. These conditions create an older-look ing smile. As they age, people stop taking proper care of themselves, including their teeth. If this sounds like you, remember that it’s never too late to start taking care of yourself again. Many older adults today are seeking treatment to correct dental problems and improve their appearance. Don’t be left out. Visit your dentist today and get an expert opinion about enhancing your smile.