Guyana_Chronicle_Pepperpot_12_12_2021

Local NGO passionate about representing domestic violence survivors

DORCAS Mending Hearts Ministry (DMHM) is a non-profit organisation providing free legal services to victims of domestic violence.

In this photo, DMHM’s President Kyte-Thomas poses with Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud at the launch of the new ‘CAN’ programme to tackle Domestic Violence

Sunday December 12, 2021

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 12, 2021

Local NGO passionate about representing domestic violence survivors

- Construction of a safe house in full swing

By Telesha Ramnarine DORCAS Mending Hearts Ministry (DMHM), a non-profit organisation providing free legal services to victims of violence irrespective of the form it takes, is now in the process of establishing a safe house in the country, having already been gifted land by the Guyana Government.

While the building plan has already been drawn up, the actual building is expected to start in 2022.

“It’s going to be a place where victims of violence can go and heal and recover so that they can restart again.

A lot of times, we have no-

other support services to them and even the children involved in the cases.

“We have been working with the GDF for a while now and have done a lot of training on the Sexual Offenses Act and the Domestic Violence Act. Recently we even produced a training manual for the GDF,” Kyte-Thomas pointed out.

Her organisation helps with filing fees, counselling, representation in court, and a host of other support services to help the beneficiary recover as fully as possible.

Financial assistance has also been given on occasion to help survivors start up businesses or continue those that may have been neglected.

Encouraging

The GDF has been providing assistance to DMHM

where to send the people who engage us. It’s going to

be a place where you receive counselling and be provid-

President of DMHM, Kim Kyte-Thomas

ed with an environment in which you can heal,” President of the organisation Kim Kyte-Thomas told Pepperpot Magazine lately.

The intention is for the facility to be able to house at least 25 women at a time who will be afforded the sort of protection they need from their aggressive partners, who many times ignore the protection orders in place.

“The police can’t be behind you 24/7. The risk is real. The safe house will offer that period of protection.

We signed a co-operation MOU with Guyana Defense Force (GDF) as they’re helping us with the building,” Kyte-Thomas shared, adding, “It’s going to be a state of the art facility. What we have in mind are those fa-

cilities that you hear about abroad. I kid you not.”

A former prosecutor and magistrate, Kyte-Thomas has had lots of dealings with victims of violence, so the issue is very close to her heart.

Even as a practising lawyer, she found herself offering pro bono services for victims on many occasions.

“Sometimes in the magistrates’ court, there’s an inequity with respect to representation; the victim could be alone while the abuser has some big star lawyer. That inequity is one of the reasons behind this organisation,” she reflected.

Launched in 2018, DMHM has helped dozens of women who experienced violence in some form and has been working to provide

Kyte-Thomas feels that even though the country has come a far way in dealing with Domestic Violence, it still has a long way to go. “I think the stance of the Human Services Ministry now is very encouraging. I find that the ministry is engaging the discussion at every level, going to the community and I applaud that. It’s saying to everyone, let’s work together and the fact that they’re reaching out to others saying let’s join in the fight together is encouraging for all of us,” she expressed.

She’d especially like to see stiffer penalties in place so that people will think twice before they engage in these types of activities. “I would also like to see Domestic Violence offenses separated from the normal criminal offenses in the Summary Jurisdiction Magistrates’ Court Act and the Criminal Law Offenses Act. I want to see them placed in a different category,” she said.

The Missing Statements and the Hidden Knives Pepperpot Magazine was able to talk with one of the survivors who was helped by DMHM. The survivor, who will remain anonymous, said she didn’t mind sharing her story so that other sufferers SEE PAGE XXII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 12, 2021

Science at Sand Creek Secondary

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- How one teacher’s efforts are making a difference

By Telesha Ramnarine OF the 68 students at the Sand Creek Secondary School in Region Nine, 50 have opted to pursue the Science stream, thanks to the diligent efforts of the only trained Science teacher there who has been trying to make the subjects less boring and more fun with the help of very innovative ideas.

But the students there have not always been into Science. In fact, teachers were barely seeing a 40 percent pass rate until Teacher

established, we have been struggling in the Science area. We had no trained teacher, so mostly we relied on our Project Trust volunteers to help us in the Science Department. That is one of the reasons that drove me to train as a Science teacher,” Buckley told Pepperpot Magazine in an interview a few days ago.

With Science undoubtedly being a tough subject to teach, requiring much more than the ‘chalk and talk’ approach, Buckley and the other teachers at Sand Creek set out on a mission to make

fair was using innovative materials. Everyone who came was impressed and left that day learning something.”

Communications Technology] and Innovative teaching methods in Science.”

The word “innovative” in the chosen theme bears much significance as the teachers and students at Sand Creek often have to make do with whatever materials they can find to teach essential concepts that would’ve best been accomplished with the proper apparatus.

“We do not have the equipment needed to conduct experiments. This puts us at a disadvantage. A proper lab was built here at the school, but even so, it’s been a real

Trained Teachers

Science Teacher Abigail Buckley

Lack of equipment and the proper apparatus for conducting experiments is a challenge

Abigail Buckley decided that she would undergo training to be of more help to the students. And help she did, as the school has now been having over 90 percent passes in Integrated Science.

“Since the school was

Science more appealing to the students.

As part of quarterly events in the Science Department, the teachers recently organised a Science fair with the theme, “Promoting the use of ICT [Information and

challenge to us because we now have to think of other ways and means of getting chemicals, equipment; inventing our own, so that the students can understand the concepts we’re teaching them,” Buckley explained.

The teachers at Sand Creek Secondary often have to find innovative means of teaching certain concepts

This especially becomes challenging when the students would need to get their SBAs done since a lot of practical work is involved.

Despite the challenges and shortcomings, though, Buckley and the other teachers have not given up on their efforts to help the children.

“Our school results have motivated us to continue working and have shown us that we can excel just as any other secondary school,” she expressed.

The Science fair that was recently held effectively complemented the efforts of the teachers to get the

attention of students. “We tried as much as possible to use demonstrations and experiments, games and ICT in the classroom to get them interested. We wanted to see how the students would have responded to some of the attractive models we created at the fair. We’re using it as a learning experience. We now know what our students are interested in and what they respond best to,” Buckley shared.

The fair’s main focus was to help the students view Science as an interesting subject and one worth pursuing. “The work that we presented at the

Since her return to the region after completing her studies, Buckley has noted that there has been significant improvement where the sciences are concerned. It seems that the children are just ready to embrace the field if they’d just be given the help that they need.

Sand Creek Secondary has only been managing to offer Human and Social Biology (HSB) and Integrated Science. But with more students now interested, more Science subjects will be added.

“I have another colleague at CPCE (Cyril Potter College of Education) who is training for Science and as soon as she’s done, we will go fully into offering Chemistry, Biology and Physics. The two of us I think can handle the sciences here,” Buckley offered.

Even as other teachers are willing to help, they simply do not have the required training. “Lack of trained teachers is a major challenge across the entire region,” Buckley pointed out, with St. Ignatius having just two, Annai having one and Aishalton with one also.

“As the only trained teacher here, I try as much as possible to share my knowledge and it has really been working,” Buckley said.

Buckley explaining and demonstrating to students

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 12, 2021

If you are planning to visit Ghana...

By Francis Quamina Farrier

THE recent state visit to Guyana by the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Mahamudu Bawumi, was in keeping with a promise made by the President of Ghana during a previous

of mutual interest were raised by those in attendance, principally about closer relations between Africans on the continent and those in the diaspora, including Guyana. Jet aircraft flights by airline companies, directly from the Caribbean to Africa, could take just about three hours

Author of the best-selling book, “TO SIR, WITH LOVE” Guyanese E.R. Braithwaite, whose other book “A Kind of Homecoming” chronicles his visit to Ghana. He passed away on December 12, 2016, at age 104 (Photo by Francis Quamina Farrier)

state visit. The Head of State of the Republic of Ghana, President Nana Akufo-Addo, paid a twoday state visit to Guyana in July 2018 to much acclaim

by Guyanese. During his short visit, the Ghanian president toured some of Guyana’s manufacturing companies and also held a meet-and-greet session with Guyanese, especially of African heritage, at the Guyana Marriot hotel in Georgetown. Many issues

with much cheaper airline tickets than from North America and Europe. Current journeys from North America and Europe take eight and more hours to Ghana, South Africa and other countries in Africa.

That situation was central in the discussion with the Ghanaian president and those at the meet-and-greet session back in 2018.

At that Ghanaian Presidential State visit, I had already visited Ghana four

times and had written a few articles about the country, especially the growing relationship between Guyana and Ghana. My Ghana visits have covered about 60 percent of the country; that includes almost all of the coastline and deep into the hinterland, including cities such as Ada, Ho, Kumasi, Tachiman, Tamale and Teshia, as well as some small rural communities. While on one hinterland river journey by speedboat, I felt like I was travelling on the Pomeroon River in Region Two, Guyana. Even the vegetation on the banks of that river was similar to those along many river banks in Guyana. Since I have traversed so much of Guyana’s deep hinterland for over 70 years, it was pretty easy for me to recognise those similarities and enjoy them.

Politics in Ghana One of my previous articles had the headline, “Why I like the New President of Ghana.” In that article, I was looking at that Ghanian politician’s human side and actions. I pointed out that when Nana Akufo-Addo did not win the December 2012 Presidential elections - which in fact was by a very narrow margin, and which he claimed to have been cheated - he took a step which is not generally taken by politicians, especially in (so called) third world countries.

Nana Akufo-Addo instructed his party members and supporters not to demonstrate

Farrier outside Police Headquarters in Accra, Ghana, October 2018

Francis Quamina Farrier with a group of students in GHANA, West Africa, after a Poetry and Storytelling Session, in October 2018

or engage in any public protests. Instead, he decided to take the matter to court for arbitration. That turned out to be unsuccessful for him.

Gallant in defeat, his official statement on that judicial decision was, “I do not agree with the decision of the court, but I will abide with it.” Although Nana Akufo-Addo probably felt the pain of the loss of the presidency at that time, he met with the victor His Excellency President John Mehama and had cordial discussions. It must be mentioned that Ghana has a National objective to be regarded as one of the most peaceful countries in Africa, and most Ghanaians strive to upkeep that objective. Not that Ghanaians do not have heated political arguments.

While I was on a three-

hour-long bus trip within the country, a political debate erupted. It was in one of the languages of Ghana which, of course, I do not know. However, because of the temper of those arguing and hearing the names of Ghanian politicians constantly mentioned, I realised what the arguing was all about - politics and politicians. It got to the point when even the driver of the bus became involved in the arguing and was waving his arms all about; at times, neither of his hands was on the steering wheel. I became petrified. Then, a woman who was seated directly in front of me shouted in her language, what could only have been an order to “Stop the damn nonsense before this bus crash.”

Because immediately, everyone became quiet, and the

rest of the journey, extremely quiet and pleasant. Did the reputation of the country as the most peaceful country in Africa kick in? Seems most likely.

Over the past weekend, the Vice President of that West African country, His Excellency Dr. Mahamudu Bawumi, paid a three-day official state visit to Guyana which proves that the two countries are continuing to work together for their mutual benefits. The private sector of that African country has expressed an interest in assisting Guyana’s private sector in several areas including infrastructure, oil and gas, tourism and agriculture as stated by the Chairman of Ghana’s Investment Promotion Centre Governing Board, SEE PAGE V

Veteran airline pilot Capt. Lloyd Marshall, much-travelled in Africa (Photo by Francis Q. Farrier)

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 12, 2021

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Preparing for the busy holiday season and beyond

By Dillon Goring GUYANESE are accustomed to ensuring that they clean every corner of their homes and surroundings come Christmas time and while many still prefer to undertake this task themselves, quite a few people have begun to outsource the cleaning to janitorial businesses.

For those businesses, it is a busy time of year, and for Operations Manager of Brandon Janitorial Services, Iodelli Moore, the service such businesses provide are very important- this time of year, and beyond.

“Cleaning is very important for any environment that you enter in. It is of crucial importance,” Moore noted.

Moore, who has been in charge of operations for the past three years, revealed that the company began its operations in 2018, and since then it has been working to accumulate a substantial customer base.

According to Moore, this Christmas, Brandon Janitorial Services will be focusing on homes and chair-cleaning, thus ensuring that they are geared for the Christmas with state-ofthe-art cleaning.

Moore noted that her company comes with a different approach to cleaning. Coupled with her 22 years of experience in the janitorial business, this is a strength that allows the company to be able to be successful in the market.

“When you go into cleaning, for some, it is just pick [up] a mop or a broom and start cleaning. This is not how it is done…

For me, it is a different way how we do things, in the way we wipe and how we actually clean.So when we finish cleaning,

If you are planning ...

FROM PAGE IV

Alex Dadey.

A few years ago, I wrote an article pointing out the growing closeness of the two countries as they engage with bilateral projects. Both Guyana and Ghana are located just north of the equator, on opposite sides of the Atlantic ocean. They share some bilateral projects such as oil and gas, gold and agriculture products among others. While Guyana continues to struggle to develop its tourism industry, Ghana struck ‘gold’ as it were, during their “YEAR OF RETURN” in 2019. Not only did the regular tourists turn up and enter that “Door of Return” but many international celebrities, including American Steve Harvey.

Guyana with 83,000 square miles in size, is slightly smaller than Ghana, which is 95,000 square miles. However, Ghana, with a population of 30 million is much more populated than Guyana, with under a million people in residence. While Guyana’s coastland is below sea level at high tide, this is not so in Ghana. On my visits, I particularly looked at the level of sections of Ghana’s coastlands with the Atlantic

Ocean- all of which I have observed are well above the ocean level, which forms part of the boundaries of both countries. In the case of Ghana, the Atlantic is at its southern side, while it is at the Northern coast of Guyana.

Respect for Elders Ghana has a culture of respect and love for elders that is immediately noted by the visitor from abroad. An elderly person is always offered assistance by a younger person when assistance is observed to be needed.

There was the occasion when I was waiting to cross a very busy street in Accra, the capital. After about three minutes, a youngster, probably in his late teens, left what he was doing, went to the middle of the street, and brought traffic to a stop with arms raised. “Come, Daddy,” he instructed me.

I gave him a gentle tap on the shoulder and said, “Thanks very much,” as I hurried to the other side of the street. If you plan to visit Ghana after the COVID is over, just go for it, especially if you are of a certain age.

Operations Manager of Brandon Janitorial Services, Iodelli Moore

it is second to none,” Moore said.

Once the Christmas rush is over, Moore has plans to penetrate the local market even further by targeting bigger entities, both in government and the private sector.

The company also plans to train more staff in the area of janitorial training, while at the same time reaching out to the less fortunate children.

Moore explained that when she, as the Operations Manager would complete cleaning work on a building, her joy of the project comes from the satisfaction of her work and her company.

Therefore, when the customer is satisfied with the work that her company performs, there is complete joy and pleasure, knowing that her company has done a great job and service.

She added that included in next year’s plan is a reward system for her staff who have done exceptionally well performing or executing an assignment given to them, which will also help to boost their morale. Among all this, she also intends to look for opportunities of expanding her business overseas, she revealed, as this will ensure the longevity of her company and help to spread its name and reputation that it has so far built.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 12, 2021

Dundee Village A very hospitable community

Dundee Village (Delano Williams Photos)

By Michel Outridge THIS week, the Pepperpot Magazine visited the countryside village of Dundee, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, to highlight the way of life of the locals.

This small village is sandwiched between Novar and

Focus on the Village

Airy Hall, all agricultural communities and tightly-knit.

The population is about 2,000, with people of predominantly East Indian ancestry.

The residents rear chickens, pigs, sheep, goats and cows; some are farmers planting rice and cash crops and there are a handful of self-employed folk as well, young professionals and businessmen and businesswomen, who own stores, supermarkets, hardware stores, spare parts stores, shops and other businesses.

Dundee Village is home to a lot of fishermen who spend much time at sea fishing and the catches are usually sold to wholesale buyers.

On the roadside, tyre shops, spare parts places, and some businesses are conveniently located and supported by the locals, some of whom also work there.

Dundee Village has a health centre, a Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Office, a mosque and two churches.

There are also several bars, a cambio, and places

where utility bills are paid, all located within the village, on the public road.

The people are very hospitable and friendly and are willing to sit and have a chat despite their busy schedules being hardworking folk.

Dundee Village has several one-vehicle internal streets which were recently upgraded, and they go way down to the foreshore area.

The community also has a large savannah section where rice cultivation takes place, SEE PAGE XIV

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 12, 2021

The multi-talented and friendly people of Dundee Village

By Michel Outridge THE people of Dundee Village, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara are very multi-talented and they do many things to earn. As for Lalta Persaud, he is a shepherd rearing more than 100 sheep.

The 70-year-old is a trailing youth and he has taken on a rigorous practice of getting his daily exercise to keep off the excess weight.

He has a racing bicycle he would ride every day from the Abary Bridge to his village and he also has a punching bag and would take

He has his sheep pen at the back of their property where his livestock would be until he takes them out to graze in the pasture in the village.

Among the herd is a very large ram sheep nicknamed ‘Chiney Man,’ who is considered the boss of the lot, and he gets on in a bit of loud conversation with Persaud when he doesn’t get his way.

In the early days, Persaud used to be a tractor driver and worked on farms, but he is now a pensioner and, having retired, he is now using his time to rear sheep.

He had already prepared

ing and started to exercise and I lost a lot of weight and I feel good, knowing I can be fit as I was in my youthful days,” he said.

Persaud is a very friendly person who goes about his daily chores and tends to his sheep in an organised way and he would also spend time cooking and taking charge of his exercise.

Seucomarie Ramsarran the village elder Also in that same village is the home of Seucomarie Ramsarran, a mother of eight, who lost two of her children.

The village barber, Bachoo, with a customer in his barbershop

Seucomarie Ramsarran

a few hits daily to keep fit.

The father of two lives alone and he has a large house and at the rear of that, he has a son, who resides in his own home with his family.

a meal of ground provisions and a stew and was about to heat some freshly bought cow’s milk.

“I had a lot of weight and I felt lazy, so I got up one day and decided to shake the feel-

Lalta Persaud on his bicycle (Delano Williams photos)

The 70-year-old is an active woman who was doing some laundry and had already cooked and cleaned the house.

Her grandson, whom she took care of since he was a baby, is residing with her but he was away at work in the city. She would wake up early to ensure that his meals are ready before he leaves.

“I am alright and I already did the Christmas cleaning, so I am looking forward to going shopping in the city with my grandson,” she said.

The elder is originally from Unity Village, but relocated to Dundee in 1968 when she married, but her husband passed away nine years ago. He was a fisherman.

Ramsarran is a pleasant elder who enjoys a very simple countryside life of being a mother and a grandmother.

Jaio Ramdat, the shopkeeper

Jaio Ramdat is self-employed. His parents have a shop and a bar, which is equipped with a pool table and he would assist with the daily operations of the business.

He has his own small business of rental tables and chairs for events and functions and considers life in Dundee Village as good.

The 40-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that the men of the village would visit to play pool as a form of recreation and also have a drink.

Another section of the business is a grocery shop,

which is also supported by the locals.

The village barber Bachoo (only name) is the village barber and he has a shop located in School Street, Dundee Village and it would be opened daily to accommodate customers, mostly men from the community.

It is considered a ‘chill spot’ for the young men, who would play dominoes as a form of recreation while awaiting their turn to have their hair cut and be groomed.

The father of one stated that everything is good in the village and the people are

neighbourly.

“This is the busiest street in the village and a lot of people pass through, so I decided to have my barbershop here which is a good location for business,” he said.

He has been at the location for one and a half years and became a barber because he wanted to be self-employed.

Bachoo would annually take his own money and buy toys for the children in the village and he would do the same this year and drive around to distribute the goodies because of COVID-19.

Lalta Persaud’s sheep in their pen

Focus on the Village

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 12, 2021

Fishing is a way of life for some people in Dundee Village

By Michel Outridge PAUL Ali is a simple man and has been a fisherman for the past 35 years. He would be at sea on many day trips, captaining his fishing boat with a crew member of three, and it is his way of earning.

He is a resident of Dundee Village, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara and having worked all his life in the fishing sector, he managed to acquire four fishing boats and has a total of seven employees.

Ali, better known as “Kumar,” is the father of three and he has since adopted a boy from the village and on that day when the team visited, despite the heavy and continuous rainfall, he was mending fishing nets at his home.

His eldest son who is 19 years old, is the captain of one of the fishing boats and he too would be on fishing expeditions at Abary and they do only day trips.

Ali stated that at times they would overnight, but fishing has become really challenging these days so they would not venture out very far and stay within our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

“It is a rainy day, so it’s a chance to go out to fish and I decided not to, because it may not be a good catch and I don’t want to take that risk and put my employees at risk too, so we stayed in and [are] doing other things to prepare for another day trip when the weather is better,” he said.

Ali is also a cash crop farmer and is in the process

Paul Ali and a part of his family at their home (Delano Williams photos)

Dhanraj Singh

of re-planting, having suffered losses due to the floods this year and when he did, his crops of tomatoes and sweet peppers were destroyed by rats.

He told the Pepperpot Magazine that there are some mice that would just walk through his entire crops and he would usually buy plants to grow on his farm.

Ali lost 3,000 roots of tomatoes and when his sweet peppers were about to be ripe, the rats ate 10,000 roots in one night.

“I couldn’t do anything, so I pulled what was left and I sprayed the entire farm, hoping I can re-plant, because it is also my livelihood when I am not fishing,” he said.

He has been residing with his wife, at their home in Dundee Village since marriage, but he is originally from Huntley, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara.

Ali’s wife is Lena Bibi and she is a stay-at-home mom, who takes care of the home and children and do all the cooking.

Hansraj Baichoo Meanwhile, also in the village is Hansraj Baichoo, a fisherman, who was at his employer’s home, visiting due to the heavy rainfall they did not work, that day.

The 58-year-old has been residing in the community for the past two years, having relocated from the nearby vil-

Dhanraj Singh Dhanraj Singh is also a fisherman of Dundee Village and he is currently working with some people in the village because his fishing boat has been stuck in a canal for years and it is in a rotten state.

The father of three stated that he has been a fisherman for 20 years and had his own

was lifted and placed in the canal and he had no way to remove it as such, it was left there and it fell apart over time.

The 43-year-old added that his boat cost $1.5M and nowadays he has to work with people when he had his own fishing boat and views that as unfair.

“Just like that, my liveli-

Home of Paul Ali Hansraj Baichoo at his employer’s home

lage of Recess and is gainfully employed as a fisherman.

He told the Pepperpot Magazine that life is fair in that village and he likes it there because the people are good to him.

boat, but had taken it out from the Atlantic Ocean to undertake some repairs and had placed it at side of the Abary Sluice Canal.

Singh related that at that time, some drainage works were ongoing and the boat

hood was taken away, and I was a boss; now I am working with a boss,” he said.

He had approached the administration many times seeking assistance, but to date he is still awaiting such support.

Focus on the Village

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 12, 2021

Pursuing her dream of entrepreneurship Dundee Village cosmetologist is where she wants to be

By Michel Outridge AT a very young age, Keisha Suraijdeen was certain that she wanted to have her own small business and over the years, she has worked towards achieving

Suraijdeen has been the village hairdresser for the past 13 years and she is very serious about her job, giving her clients exactly what they ask for.

She received her formal training at Nayeli’s School

For Suraijdeen, being an entrepreneur is very empowering because she can arrange her time to work with clients and has mastered being organised and efficient.

The 30-year-old is a very humble person who is also

a knack for it and wanted to develop my skills,” she said.

She added that working in the comfort of her own salon is a good thing because it is cosy and very conducive for business and clients are also pleased with the envi-

ronment.

Suraijdeen related that she likes butterflies and the colour pink, so she designed the salon with that in mind and is also hoping to re-open her gift shop.

With great determination,

Keisha Suraijdeen in her salon with a customer (Delano Williams photos)

that goal.

Today, she is a successful salon owner and has clients who come from far and wide for the services, the prices, the reliability and the expertise offered.

Suraijdeen is a qualified hairdresser and nail technician, who has a salon at her mother’s residence, public road, Dundee Village.

The resident of Dundee works every day except Mondays and she does her operations based on appointments.

of Cosmetology when she was 17 years old and worked with that salon in the city for a year, before saving up enough to construct her own salon and starting her small business.

“I always wanted to work for myself, so I knew I had to work to achieve my goal of owning my small business and it happened and that goes to show [that] if you really want something you can [achieve it] with hard work and determination,” she said.

kind and works flexible hours to meet the needs of her clients, who often journey from Berbice and parts of Region Five.

Suraijdeen told the Pepperpot Magazine that she achieved a gold certificate in hairdressing and nails and back then she topped her class.

“As a girl, I always liked colourful things and I had a liking for doing hair and nails and I experimented on my cousins and realised I had

Focus on the Village

she is successful today and encourages others to pursue their dreams of owning their own small businesses as well, since giving up is not See page XV

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 12, 2021

The Dundee Health Centre and the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) are both fulfilling their mandate of serving the community

By Michel Outridge DUNDEE Village, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara is a lovely place to reside to enjoy a good quality of life and with a family, and it has a primary health care facility.

The Dundee Health Centre is strategically located on the public road and it is surrounded by many business places.

This facility is managed

by Medex Youlanda Henry and her team of staffers, who operate in a professional manner as frontline workers.

She has been at the location for the past five years after she was transferred from Bush Lot Health Centre.

According to Henry, they provide a series of services from Mondays to Fridays and the services include ante-natal clinic, chronic diseases clinic, child health and adolescent clinics, family planning and home visits.

She related that the chronic disease clinic on

Mondays is the largest because some people from out of the catchment area would visit for the services and they have a few new patients.

Henry told the Pepperpot Magazine that they have more than 200 patients weekly due to their intake of diabetic and high blood pressure patients.

“We serve a large catchment of about 15 villages from Abary Bridge to Park Village, so it gets busy on some days depending on the clinic days,” she said.

The Medex reported that she has six staffers and one visiting pharmacy assistant, and together, they try to limit the waiting time for patients and would even assist with simple dressings on some days.

The Dundee Health Centre has a waiting area with seating accommodation, a triage table, a vaccine room, an ante-natal area which is also used for weighing and measuring babies, a pharmacy, a doctor’s room and

Dundee Health Centre (Delano Williams photos)

washroom facilities.

The facility is open from 07:30hrs to 14:30hrs on weekdays and the busiest days are on Mondays and Wednesdays.

The Dundee Health Centre is a small yet spacy facility that is well-kept and clean.

The Abary/Mahaicony Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) The Abary/Mahaicony NDC is headed by Deonarine Singh called “Patso”, who hails from Good Faith Village but used to be a local before he relocated.

He told the Pepperpot Magazine that Dundee Vil-

lage is 100 rods in length and it is an agricultural community.

Singh stated that the village is highly populated and the main economic activities are farming, poultry and livestock rearing and businesses.

He reported that the roadside is a hub for businesses and it has a health centre, an NDC office, shops, two general stores, two large supermarkets and other places of business.

Singh related that they do not have many issues but some people have family problems that revolve around fighting among themselves for land and property.

The NDC Chairman told the Pepperpot Magazine that the village is very safe and they hardly have any reports of anything gone missing.

He said Dundee Village is a very peaceful place and a good community for fam-

See page XIII

Medex Youlanda Henry

Focus on the Village

The Abary-Mahaicony NDC Chairman, Deonarine Singh and Overseer, Andrea Moriah

WHEN I CAN BE XI HAND TOCHRISTMAS HOLD ALL A I WANT FOR KISSED BY DAWN III

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 12, 2021 XII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 8, 2021

‘I just want you for my own, For tiredness liescould ever know More than you On my lids Make my wish come true My like All body I want fora Christmas is you’ Broken goblet The Earth can feel SARAH closed her eyes as the beautiful Christmas No more my feet song the car’s Her plea baby “SoonI must come radio home, serenaded dear Lord,”her wasmind. the hoarse was the asleep onthe heroldlap and looking her adorable face, from lips of woman, lying in aatrecliner on the patio. moments later, she wondered, “What would this ChristThe middle-aged nurse aid sitting close by reading the mas be forinquired us, Isabella?

Willwoman, a star in the sky twinkle for newspaper of the old us so we can joy and cheers, or will our path be dark “What is it,feel Sharda?” andShe rough?” did not answer, looking up at the clear blue sky, Questions the answers in her her eyes not so she dim,had hernot hearing still fine.for Shebut could seeheart, the lovely flowers bloom and hear thesomething sweet songsnew of the birds in she wished that she could have and special her garden, but her love and passion for nature were slowly in her life this Christmas. fading Sheaway. sighed deeply, no tears left, just an ache in her How does one continue to embrace life when the body has become aged and feeble, memory sometimes floating into HER name became a urged have nothingness, whennow you need a young, strongher hand“You to hold andto go intrusion of tragedy of a different nature leaving trails part of the home and home.” theregreat was none? when they spoke of her, he The puppy comfort- like scattered leaves of sadThe took the soup but short “My dad’slater, a niceIsabella guy, he awoke “Yes?” “How did this happen?” she asked herself, tearslying misting andboy refined man. while crying. Sarah comforted saw how their eyes lit up. ably on the rug in front of the ness, fear and loneliness. hesitatedAs for the a moment then never hurt myasmother.”

“I’m sorry to disturb you in her eyes, “Why did this happen?” car pulled her as best she could and after bottle of milk, knewwork yet how children toaprovide care and she beshe had Sleepless walked away from rich asked, lifestyles made them her hard andmuch “She is nice,” Aashi, TVher paid no heed and Shamita “Why don’t you come again, that night so late, but Aashi’s temperaThe loneliness wassaid a deep ache in heart, craving for them,Neither outthey of came the park, came calm.home All was until the woman in the front seat they laying needed each other toforgetand companionship for again they hardher matrimonial withwellin where from, the sacrifices a foundation “She hasshe pretty brown eyes.” sopicking her to uphear gently, let her see her?”asked she sat upthe in bed writing ture has risen andlyrics. she’s It the children loved and missed much just their driver him, “So changed radio channel to music with explicit exile the fear and loneliness ly found any time in their her four children into the for the successes they had and for the aged mother, “And shewere knows to bake out the adults door. She barked in “I can’t go out looking her diary when there was calling for you. I don’t know voices. But they gone, now matured pursuing how did your car break was not Sarah’s kind of music and after a while she asked and that love was dailywhat schedules to can spendyou with throesa of an unknown therelike wasthis” no time. achieved in their lives.waiting But on awesome cookies,” Aiden protest not run to she answered pullrapping at the world. door. The to do, come, careers and sharing their lives with new lovesand anddid interests. down, man?” politely, “Can you please change that?” a threshold. mother. hadstartled worked Aing lone down after reaching great heights added pausing littlealone beforein the thehome father, not until Shamita thetear hairtrickled over the one side She sound her long and for their a please?”

The mother nowalived where they had “ I ’ ma face n ostill t s u rhours e moment The day woman gave look, “What do you want The mirror on their the wall That The night as sheinlaid every to build aher a cross world, her wrinkled face, continuing, “Just likelife. mom.” stepped out the of her face. she froze, wonderquiver hisin voice shared a beautiful family She had moulded anddoor. guided in the business what happened,” to hear, girl? gospel?” bed, and she looked at the paintnice little home withbe comfort beautiful“My never mind The father froze in his He was standing patient- knew. dad canher takeage you he in ing who could at the door the tearful look on AidShamita drew the cur- his car,” answered in a deep, then“Not really, softer music.” work and did not say any- ly at the gate and raised his he suggested. she heard thejust children’s en’s face touched her heart smooth voice, “The The woman grumbled butdeeply changed and the thing for a long moment, hand a little to say “Thank tains open halfway and light A glimmer of fear flashed father’s voice. andthe shechannel said without mechanics working lookedtoat you, Sarah and smiled “Just slightly. such was the deep effect of you,” but she turned and streamed into the little coun- in her eyes andarethe child young “Canman I speak hesitation, give me a his son’s words. Then he walked in the house. Some- try house, fresh air through asked, on it.”

The warm feeling she feltmoment.” from that look surprised her, “Why are you so please?” responded with the hint of a how she did not feel that the open windows seeming afraid ofHhim?” i s p h o n e r a n g butShe before she could dwell Isabella, now in a playful wondered how he got on it,To be continued… smile, “That’s nice.” intense fear on seeing him to breathe new life into her.

She notmoment answer, and not in, then reached remembered giving justdid that mood, out her little hands to the stranger, laughing He did not sleep well, and in her mind she could In the afternoon, the children sure what tell the a key to on the Sarah’s gate andlap. Pic saved as fables captheretowas a child, levelbut of Aiden and bouncing again, that night, the chil- not deny his casual good stopped by Aashi bringing a he was a smart kid the opening the window shesaid an- sternly, tion: Prasad frustration in and his at voice “Isabella,” Sarah in a photography low tone, “Quiet dren’s joy replaying in his looks that any woman would picture for her she had drawn door because he said to her, swered ih a concerned tone, apparently, down.” mind, knowing how much notice. She sighed deeply as in class. As the children he was late for a very “Let her be,” the young man said patiently, “It’s better they missed having a mother. she stood in front the mirror enjoyed the special chicken important meeting.

He she’s playing and not crying.”

For the past three years since and pulled off the veil, letting dish she had prepared for did not seem to be havthem, Shamita noticed the she was gone he had never it fall slowly to the floor.

SEE PAGE XIX ing a good day and a little girl’s paleness. thought of another wom“One day at a time…”

“Are you feeling okay, an until now. Someone the That evening she called heartchildren from the tragedy that intruded her life.

She hadyou Aashi?” became attracted to, herinto younger sister, “Can The child shook her gotten herhearts childhood whomarried in their to little was sweetheart come whenfrom you church have the head, “Not too good.” time?

I need hair cut.” and special. though they were both young, they had agood plans Shamita checked her wonder, though,” he withShe her hairskills cut in a for the “I future.

A food business hishad culinary temperature and the reading mused, “How can she emdifferent style so it partially was the venture they had drawn out plans to start with a showed above normal. them hera heart when of hid the scars on face,atgivsmallbrace loan.

He in had few years experience as her a cook “I think you’re developshe is battling her own probing her a new look.

A change the Marriott Hotel and a server at the Pegasus hotel. They had begun much her tear- ing a fever.” werelems?” a young couple with big dreams but one latetonight, The child stretched her A few streets away, fulborn, mother’s relief and, now, three months before their baby was he was accosted Shamita laid in bed sleepless since that horrific attack, she arms out to Shamita, “Can I not far from home, by two men on a motorbike, robbed stay with you, please?” too, thinking of the children. saw her daughter smile. and She fatally “Yes you can,” she said and she lifted a trembling for them and today, instead ing on the wall facing her and justshot. couldn’t get their sad “Thank you, dear Lord,” She when received the “For shocking hand to wipe it. A hand that of holding her hand, like a smile touched her lips, lessfaceshad out screamed of her mind whenshe she whispered, sending hugging her, “But I think newsthey andmentioned had cried so she came close to ainnervous themuch, loss of two little angels her life to your dad would need youwas once strong, that held her she had held theirs, they ening the pain in her heart. breakdown.

But the thought of herhelp unborn child gave her home to take care of you.” children’s small ones every turned their backs, leaving It was the picture of three their mother. her heal.”

When the father came for the strength to hold on.

That tragic loss brought drastic children, her father working her alone. step of the way.

“Such a great loss,” she The thoughts of the chilA choked sob escaped in the garden and her mother changes in her life, father and now a single thought, “Their mustbeing dren’s father mother, were no she differ- them, she watched the chil- A wry smile crossed had to give up the rented, comfy two-bedroom house thatmet dren go, concerned about theher face and a faraway look her lips and once again she standing not far off with a have been…” ent, for since his children little girl, sorry she couldn’t shone in her eyes as her whispered, “It’s time for me bucket of fresh vegetables had beenShe home.

She affordShamita, the rentsomething alone andchanged now turned hercouldn’t face in the thoughts took her back to a to come home, dear Lord, on her arm, smiling warmly pillow to shut out the thought for them.

They more have the child stay with her. she was going back to her grandmother - the onewere family as she watched her children. of him, butto, thewhere children andwas cheerful, not because she was close there love and warm comfort he Aiden stopped by in thetime when she was a young there’s nothing left here.” morning before he went to A portrait that captured The nurse aid got up and woman.

She was so full of the puppy would bring the wasn’t a good father, but in her little home. life, like a butterfly with took her hand, urging her a simple life and a beautiful father close to her. because they missed the love school to give her an update amazing colours and a sim- gently, “Come on, Sharda, family.

Onevoice late morning, of a mother.

Sitting on Aashi.

A loud aroused whilst her fromand hercare thoughts, startling “Her fever got a little “You have left so long ple, little home filled with it’s time for your meal and the children were at school, alone on the upper veranthe baby in her sleep. It was a passenger, the driver had higher, so dad is taking her ago, mother,” she said in a love, then her father gave medication.”

Crystal ran away from home dah, an empty chair next to secured a heavy-set woman with a few heavy bags.

She sighed and looking weak voice, “I can’t rememher hand in marriage to a hearing him, he thought of apolothe young to the doctor.”

“Iagain needand twoShamita more, Sis,” he told Sarah, a little But two days passed and rice farmer’s son; a new life up at the nurse. She inquired, ber much for now I have the barking opened the door woman, getically. grown too old.” as a bride and later, a young puzzled, “Who are you?” for her. During the lunch “She seems nice and kind the child still had not reShe smiled little,a understanding butlives hoping could The brother and sister “I’m Jeanette,” the wommother. Paths she had walked period, she aheard familiar but she withhesuch fear, I covered from the fever desecure the other passengers, for she had been sitting in the spite the doctor’s treatment. playing with her had also an answered patiently, as she paved with love, compassion, car at the gate and knew the can’t even talk to her.” car at the parkfather for almost half of an But hour.fate Nothad longdesigned after Shamita made a healthy vegtears and pain, episodes of assisted her to her feet, “Your left, their names now written children’s was looking the driver on tombstones whilst she, the her life written on the leaves nurse aid.” for the came puppy.back with a pleased theirsmile, lives saying, to cross “This for their etable soup for her and gave gentleman will on payCrystal,” for bothshe seatslife so we canwere go now.”

“Oh,” she exclaimed soft- youngest, waited still alone. of time.

“Come stories similar. The it to Aiden, “This should be good for her.”

“Whisper my name, Then one day, fourteen ly, a momentary lapse in her “Thank goodness,” Sarah said with relief. mother,” she said, “And I years later, when she could memory.

She glanced at the gentleman who got in the car beside The kind woman had shall come, so we can be have borne no more of her her, as she made herself and her baby comfortable. husband’s arrogance and abu- been with her for the past He was young with a business casual outlook but there SEE PAGE XXIX sive behaviour towards her, three years, financed by the was a tense expression on his face. He glanced at her briefly, said a barely audible ‘Good morning’ and turned on his laptop. His alluring fragrance compelled her to glance at him again and she could tell he was a confident

XII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 12, 2021

THE SENIOR CITIZEN AND THE CONTRADICTING SCIENCE THAT DEFINES THEM

THERE was a time when the elders took young children into the worlds of their experiences. Some embellishment occurred, but a landscape was formed that was, of course, subject to adjustment here and there. I have sat in that atmosphere as both a young child and an adolescent and in silence heard the conflicting debate of what really happened to ‘Freddy Bandola,’ the Santapee Band bad man and mystic; was he imprisoned. Or was he banished to another colony state of the Caribbean British Empire? All arguments sounded convincing to the ‘lil pickney’ audience who were not allowed to comment. It could be the actual location of the fort at Mahaica, to where the first gathering of Critchlow’s B.G.L.U was located. What was significant in that age before google or social media, was that

names, events and concepts were registered. The faces of those debating elders imprinted in memory, and a timeline before yours was fused forever in the subconscious mind, that will awaken those memories in the active consciousness when the time is suited, to be explored and verified, then cast into context when the need arises.

I bought a special edition of ‘Discover Magazine‘ October 2012 after a friend in Robb Street had lost his mom and decided that I would read every article, a fact that I really don’t do in any short time, because interests motivate.

My friend was an in-and-out bachelor and was self-employed. When he moved his mother to reside with him, he employed his girlfriend to take care of his mother. His mother eventually died in about a year. In retrospect, I began to understand what had transpired. Age is predicted as

the herald of declining mental conditions, forgetfulness, loss of attention, and our senses, meaning that “Shrinkage, dopamine depletion, and lost dendritic connections are not the only problems facing the ageing brain. Myelin, a substance that insulates neurons, deteriorates, and the number of nerve fibres that carry messages throughout the central nervous system also decreases.” That is a swift synopsis of the medical science that envelopes the ageing brain; DISCOVER Oct. 2012, but cultural and social factors also impact the (mind) brain along the way.

A person enters a job after acquiring negotiable qualifications about 20, with more personal goals to meet. Family life begins, and the fearful unforeseen that school, parents or guardians cannot really convince you to pay attention to, while encouraging you to embrace life in SEE PAGE XV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 12, 2021

The Dundee Health Centre and ...

FROM PAGE X ilies.

Singh pointed out that it is a village where people know each other and they have unity in numbers and cooperation.

“We have good relations with the community because we aim to foster community-based development and we need the community to assist us in moving along,” he said.

Singh added that Dundee Village is said to be a very hospitable place with good people and they entertain

visitors.

The NDC Chairman told the Pepperpot Magazine that the people of Dundee Village are hardworking and they do many jobs to earn.

Singh disclosed that the internal streets in the village have been upgraded and they have maintained the parapets and drains in the village to an acceptable standard with the resources they have.

He noted that the NDC and the business community assist each other and they have collaborated to initi-

ate several successful projects.

Singh said the NDC is a place where locals can visit to air their concerns and try to resolve issues at the earliest.

He stated that he has the support of the councillors and the staffers of the NDC including Overseer, Andrea Moriah.

S i n g h re p o r t e d that he has the support of the people, and because of the good relations, they have been able to execute many community-based projects.

The Abary-Mahaicony NDC

XIII

XIV

Dundee...

FROM PAGE VI

and the people refer to it as ‘backdam.’

Dundee is a small but highly populated village that

runs deep into the backlands section, and it is used for farming and catching fish.

It is a place where the people have converted every available land space into

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 12, 2021

kitchen gardens of fruits, vegetables, flowers and other plants, making it a ‘green village.’

The villagers grow their own foods, and bulk shop-

The signage of Dundee Village which is mounted on the public road

ping is usually done in New Amsterdam, Rosignol or the city.

The locals utilise the many shops, supermarkets, stores within the village to make necessary purchases and hardly ever leave the community unless they have to.

D u n d e e Vi l l a g e h a s barbershops and a salon where the people would get groomed and have their nails done.

The village has a lot of rum shops and under-the‘bottom-house’ bars and it was observed that on rainy day some of the men, who were unable to work were having some liquid refreshments and playing pools and friendly games of dominoes.

There is no ballfield in the village, but locals would

go to the beach via Good Faith, Mahaicony Village, a few villages away to picnic and dip in the salty water.

Dundee Village is a very safe place and it is a quiet, peaceful place where the people are neighbourly and they co-exist with little or no boiling issues.

Most of the villagers have lived most of their lives there and it is the only place they call home and is accustomed to.

Dundee Village is a place where the people know each other and many things including doors are left unlocked and unattended.

The people aim for full self-sufficiency and do whatever it takes to use their skills to do more than one job to bring in extra income to their homes.

Dundee Village is a place where the women work alongside their husbands to earn and they are an enterprising people, who do not waste time.

The women are also cash crop farmers and they utilise the empty spaces in and around the village to plant many crops of tomatoes and sweet peppers.

Some locals in Tailey Avenue have dozens of sheep, poultry, cows, goats and pigs rearing for their livelihoods, and this street goes way down to the foreshore area.

All activities are centred on the roadside where Tuss Bar is located, a popular watering hole for both locals and visitors and it is noted for its tasty cutters of bunjal goat, mutton, duck and fried fish with chips.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 12, 2021

THE SENIOR Pursuing her CITIZEN... dream of ...

From page XII

the blissful age of innocence. The age of innocence, from pre-teens on, of drawing St. Valentine hearts and putting a pre-teen girl’s name on it, for better or for worse, either you get a cloud nine smile or an early heartbreak on hearing she tore your Valentine heart up, too innocent to understand the green eyes of the bench mate who had brought the bad news, fact or fiction. I’ve always contended that it’s not age that solely deteriorates us, but the monsters, both organic and aspirational in the enchanted garden of life we choose, that impact whether we continue to smile or wear a frequent frown within or without.

The person who entered the job ‘about 20’ is retired at 5565, without a presidential pension, translating to not enough money for health care, to provide items that have become customary to him and the wife and gifts for special occasions for whoever- grandchildren or life-long friends. Then in some cases, some of his children are independent, but some have only grown up, but not evolved. Meaning, they hang around with notions of entitlement, inducing a state of uneasiness. At the same time, amid these unforeseen developments, that lead to the consequential question of, what are the contributions of constant stress, anxiety and frustration that visits beyond sleep to an ageing brain?

Medical professionals do tests on focus and retention, to explore capacity in senior citizens. In many cases an older person has to adapt to multiple personal mental tasks and concerns,such as those identified above, that are constantly imposing to the point where in retainable priority. For example, two earlier discussions with promises to follow up are easily eclipsed by a later two conversations, that also include follow-ups, eliminate the previous two, for that reason, senior professionals have secretaries, but when left alone, a mental overload occurs.

In our culture, there are men such as Hamilton Green, Eusi Kwayana, ‘Rambo’ Gaskin, Norman Mc Lean, Lloyd Austin and the late Llewellyn John among others, who have demonstrated that though age has its brutal facts, an active mind persists, which is no secret as to why this is so. In the same 2012 DISCOVER special edition, an answer is given about a scientist named Kandel; “ Kandel is 82, appears to be one of those rare souls who has somehow managed to keep Father Time at bay. He remains active in research at Columbia University and his weighty 2012 book exemplifies his extraordinary productivity and creativity, ‘The Age of Insight: The Quest to Understand The Unconsciousness in Art, Mind, and Brain from Vienna1900 to the Present.’ Kandel’s daughter, attorney Minouche Kandel, speculates that her father’s clarity and energy result from a fanatical healthy food regimen -mainly Fish-and regular exercise. “He’s lived this healthy lifestyle for as long as I can remember,” she says, “and he was doing it long before it was popular.”

With my friend, some understanding that his mother did not need loneliness with a maid of unknown disposition in his absence, in an area that was alien to her. What would have been more sustaining was involvement with peers on a landscape that held memories, that could position relevance with activities from day to day. The ageing mind is after all a mind, for this very reason we gather at any age, across gender, over beers or just for a “gaff” at a familiar corner to discuss current events, or compare timelines to empower rational conclusions, not governed by real and imaginary fears, coupled with the burden of loneliness.

De lamentables

From page IX

an option.

Keisha, as she is well known in the village has developed good relations with the people and her clients over the years and has built her clientele likewise.

“Even when I am closed and if a customer shows up I would assist because I know the value of time and they do travel some distances to

come for the service too; so I consider that and also deal with walk-ins, who did not make an appointment,” she said.

Suraijdeen stated that her prices are reasonable and she always gives the customers what they want in terms of trending styles in hair and nails.

At her salon one can get their eyebrows lined with

wax which is the new way to go and some customers prefer that trend, which they say lasts longer.

“I really like this village because I am from here and I know the people, but the best part is being close to family and where I spend my day off at my granny’s house where my cousins reside,” she said.

Suraijdeen told the Pepperpot Magazine that she

XV

has three houses to go in Dundee and she lives just across the street from her granny’s, while her mom’s place is a short distance away, but on the public road.

The hairdresser reported that she feels safe and very comfortable working in her village even though small, but it is her hometown and she has no desire to relocate.

Suraijdeen, like others, says Dundee Village is a good place for residency and she likes it there because there is so much to do there and she doesn’t get bored at all.

XVI XVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 28, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 12, 2021 CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

How to get through a Miscarriage Toxic Masculinity

not always know what I’m looking losing your phone would be on a scale of 1-10. 98 percent phone is such a normal part of my said 10theand percent said allif you claimed that it would is completely your choice. anonymous prefer.

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

I think it requires menvarious reasons why a womdiscuss athat topic that many thecount pregnancy termtypi- nancy. This is rarely true. y hand I cannot the numbe the worst material possession that they could ever lose. that men also do feel As there is emotional disan would miscarry, which FEW weeks ago, itand was International Day.My WhileMost clothes and toys he is gifted. Toxic masculinity is a term used these unhealthy behaviours.

Ittioning brings about conformity and the findA uncomfortable cally called aMen’s stillbirth. miscarriages occur this loss.

I have there may physinclude chronic conditions of ushow laughed about it, there are that many to describe the negative aspects of exaggerated masculine tress, backbone ofalso it is,be men are supposed to However, be masculine, aggresdespite comresearch showed the serious risk because the foetus just isn’t d taboo, forseveral it, while it was actually in my They continued say thatdiabefeelings ofasanxiety, irritation and counselled many couples icalsive, as well relationship such to as uncontrolled involvedis.which brought the popularity this day.developing traits. emotionless, dominating, independent and competitive. monissues it actually Many of miscarriage is 12 of percent normally. through a miscarriage where distress.

You will feel a wide tes, hormonal abnormalities, We often do not even know that we are contributing to This happens when society puts expectations on men to Examples such as “Boys will be boys” “Man up” “Big when I get up in the morning and people don’t know how to 15 percent for women in Unfortunately, while overwhelming sadness would be boys felt if they were toexpecting lose their the others mother and to ofdon’t emotions which uterine cervical abnorculturalout ‘norms’ that are dangerous to our mentala miscarriage behave a certain way- physically andor emotionally.

From a range cry” and so many heavily contribute to reach or respond their 20s and and risesothers’ to about is a relatively father’sviolence relationship seemed donot limited sadness, malities, age. health our has community in young age, boys today. are — socialised to behaveinfection, this certainor way and are mental healthtoissues, homophobia, – including oing toandsleep is myfor phone. to someone who beencheck 25general. percent women over I common experience it phone as though it was deteriorating anger,assault. guilt, Some most they of the masculinity involves somemake behaviours are excused However, simply because aretime, boys. hopelessness, mestic and sexual men struggle as they feel the throughToxic this trauma – and age so 40.many things and it startsdoesn’t the situation althy something must done. as the woman felt her‘manliness.’ partner jealousy of other parents and the fertilised egg has an abfromand the moment aokay. boy is bornHaving with things as simple as theanyIteasier. is implied society should understand and even expect need to conform to others’ ideas and beliefs of sometimes, that’s a be miscarriage ItIt isthat impossible seems harmless, right? Toxic Caring soliterally much about a her didn’t care or understand feelings of loneliness normal number of chromo- intense masculinity glorifies unhealthy and abusive However, knowledge helps does not necessarily mean for anyone to understand the ndanyfound women were more grief.

While (especially if there arepaying a lotbasic somes/ and this is been habits-really down to the very thought ofexpectant self-care fathers being only situation that and often thisgenes, week I’ve attention that you have a fertility prob- pain ofphone? someone whoWell, has in your social cir- absolutely do feel this loss, very random. Unfortunately, of parents for women. does take away discomfort. lem. Most women (87 per- been through an event that o their phones because men traumatic. between a pregnant Please take my advicewhothe this meansthat that there was cle).

The men themselves dobond notgive feel as though to For the importance I and others around me to athey natA miscarriage is the simply loss cent) who have miscarriagcouples who and likely the baby grow-from to feel and woman nothing done to have caused – allow urallyyourself fit into this expectation are more to suffer of a pregnancy where the es have subsequent normal have recently been through alembryo media apps.

Also, older people ing inside her is unique.

A express these emotions. it, and nothing can be done phone, rather than what’s actually going on around them. depression and other mental health issues, substance abuse or foetus does not pregnancies and births. A this, it is important to know can go begin The poor only social thing functioning.

I would woman to prevent it. Normal activand Those who out bonding of their way develop enough to survive. miscarriage is a somewhat that 98 percent of the time, addicted.

I believe this is because Ourisphones we are speaking other from the people, momentrelationships. she has say toyou are not to do itieswhether such as work, exercise, fit into this allowed ‘norm’to also not have healthy It typically happens within loaded term — possibly sug- a miscarriage not caused -a positive pregnancy test. feel, is self-blame.

It’s hard sex or minor injuries do not Studies have found that men who hold these strong beliefs first three months, but gesting that something was by any action taken by the sethesmartphones (My father actually using social media or playingnot oftogames can Bonding for doctor the father feel as if you-didless somecause a miscarriage. masculinity are likelybe to goaddictive to the (for typiphysical cally does later – are aftermore lose as a they Now, since a miscar- thing orwrong mentalwhen healthyou issues) view it asstart weak, they as they alterriage our moods, trigger they start to see the physical pregnancy.

However, guilt is a trauma, it typicallybeliefs likely toand drink heavy amounts of enjoyable alcohol to show toughness, symptoms or some men until completely unhelpful brings forward the five stag- is athey are more likely to have physical altercations for the same colleagues and friends how bad and unenjoyable feelings.

Apart from obviously being is born.

You can emotion when there is noth- andthe es of griefdenial, anger, reason, suicidal thoughts thebaby list goes on. my your relationship to that Can you imagine being pressured to act a certain way main source of communication,is extremely my phone is help myand newspasurvive by beingaround understandharmful to yourself others you? For ing, respectful and are sensitive those ofday you whoplanner, are struggling with this, you not alone per, watch, alarm, map, recorder, calendar, each other’s and there are some things wetocan do to fight it.needs and feelings, of to I have been in situations wherekeeping a man the waslines trying camera, music player, calculator, a weapon (sometimes) opena particular about explain to his friends aboutcommunication how he feels about the you are situation, he was greeted withsituationthe same once derogatory terms, and my friend when I’m bored orandlonelybasically evcomfortable doingasthat, such as ‘man up.’ One evenboth offered him a tissue a joke. andanymore. accept each other’s about we do not do this I am askingcopeveryerything. However, it is also myHow constant interrupter and as they may one – both men and women-ing to mechanisms be more self–aware and ask be quite different. yourselfmost whether you contributing tothere) this issue. Are you distractor. I (I imagine much like ofareyou out If you have suffered a making your own friends and family feel judged and lonely? have a deep desire to know everything is going on. anddoare For those of youthat who are miscarriage contributing and nottrying really see to conceive again already issue, men who feel as though they have to beor‘men’ are far I believe that is human nature.anlessBut when does it become pregnant, unfortunately likely to exhibit helping behaviour.

This meansthere they are is nothingwhere absolute you you likely could to have done toin situations depression, and ing less intervene therethat is bullying too much? bargaining, can do to- especially ensure there is no Sothe outcome acceptance. Regarding grief, change and when someoneofisyour being assaulted women. but like anything When something there is no right or wrong pregnancy. ciety is actually menmiscarriage to believe that helping someone Well, I believe it’s too when itallowing has name. else, there about are ‘Noactions you you we all stretch way to experience it. Theremuch is goesin wrong, trouble makes them look a weak.

Think that before canabout take to someone, something also no appropriate timeline to find contribute to this issue. Think themake fact the thatpossibilmen do not mophobia’ is that themustterm coined describe fear ofare afraid being ity less likely.

This includes blame.

With miscarriagbe followed - you toto treat women nicely the just because they to be called seeking regular prenatal there’s rarely will simply recover when es, ‘whipped’ or aanyone ‘simp.’ or I once watched a man verbally abuse without a mobile phone. Seriously, what have we come to?care, the into appropriate vita-– he to blame, and it leaves you do. However, there are thing a woman and when he was taking pressured an apology mins,not avoiding mis- Let feeling empty.

So, accepthat can be done that us the literally said, “I’m abegins guy- we’re good atknown that stuff”.

It becomes anthings addiction when object to control carriage factors — such theyou, normalcy of thishow would help through this dif- tance meoftell he ‘learned’ to that risk night. as we smoking, drinking alcohol tragic event key. ficult process.

Whatiscan we do? For one, can redefine what it means your life and interferes with your daily activities, work, and and illicitemotional drug use. RememAlso, do what makes The first to realise is that to be a man.

I think that compassion, intelligence, ber than you CAN have afor a feel good -“The despite what not alone – finding youvulnerability, and free expression areobstacle amazing qualities relationships. you I are read somewhere that biggest successful aftertheir Many people and accepting healthy sup- others manthink. to have.

Change will come as more pregnancy people redefine acan miscarriage.

Most women sobut unwarranted opinport is is crucial during this have own expectations and standards. to productivity connectivity,” overuse affect a have miscarriages have criticisms time. This can be friends, ions and Why don’t youwhen all start who by inviting a male friend oversubsequent normal preghaveyou never beenisthrough someone whom they lot more than family, our orproductivity.

The truth is, of who know goingoveruse through something orour notand lenancies and births.

Having trauma. Many believe you know has also experi- suchgitimately ask them how they are feeling; nice and easy way phones can harm psychologically, socially and physically. a miscarriage does grief shouldn’t enced us a miscarriage.

This thattosuch move forward.

Youbeare also responsible fornot hownecothers mean if behave, the miscarcan and should also include experienced around you becauseessarily I feel like if I you hear have the phrase With regard to affecting social skills, how many usthat Iamay fertility problem. occurred early during professional help fromour a riage “I’m a man, what do you expect?” one moreof time, piece of advice pregnancylose (even worker, the officially my though mind. That isMy not final an appropriate response miss out on a counsellor, joke orsocial good conversation as we were on either parent isour to respect most but thatbehaviour. woman or for psychologist, religious leadfordo), ridiculous your Iown and limitamay been plan- this, or anyone who makes you couple If youhave are experiencing knowneeds it is easier said than phones? How er, many times we annoyed our friend as you work a pregnancy for try years feel comfortable.

Therehave are ning done, but please andor talktions togood those around youthrough about their youritgrief andyou begin felt a great rush of love also online support groups justcontributing behaviour and how makes feel.toIfheal. you are or family member because we and were posting social media will life excitement that on isthenDon’t that are free and include peoafraid of a badand reaction, they rush haveit,noacceptance place in your come. difficult just simplyIt forget from are all overhaving the world. with eitherto way. how much funple we them? truly affects our aren’t Thank you Feelings everyone on from. and accept how You can literally google and move Acknowledge you feel. “online support groups for miscarriages” and thousands of options will pop up. This way, you can also remain

reading.

Please include If you’d like name good or badtheytoare simply for feelings and absolutely everyone your baby, plant a tree for sending topics to caitlinvieSee page XVII ira@gmail.com them, have a funeral, talk about it or not talk about it- it

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 12, 2021

Guyanese should invest in financial literacy I RECENTLY reposted lyrics from one of Jay Z’s most popular songs. The song is called “life of O.J” and Jay Z explained through his own experiences why financial literacy is important in minority groups, especially the Afro-American group. While the song has been released quite sometime now, its message is still relevant. In fact, it is essential to be aware of how financial intelligence can be utilised to develop third world countries and further help minority groups. If you’re reading this, I urge you to set financial resolutions for yourself. As descendants of slaves and indentured labourers, we’ve been forced to settle for the “money doesn’t buy happiness” mantra because we didn’t have a choice. In that

same breath, the Europeans exploited our lands and labour. Yes, money doesn’t bring true happiness, and while that is subjective—I think we can move past the shackles of financial dependence if we understand the difference between the concept of wealth and financial We should strive to build generational wealth, shift the stratifications and collect what was owed to you by those who stole from us. It starts with us. We have to break those generational curses that were unwillingly placed onto us because of who we are and where we came from. My parents were savers. They didn’t understand that money sitting in the bank is not always financially wise. I don’t know if it’s my ability to be bold, the knowledge I’ve gained over the years on finances,or both, but I’ve taken risks for my family and the generation after me. It’s paying off so far. I created a business that can easily become my children’s business in years to come. I’m in no way saying take a dive or make an irrational decision to invest. Do your research, make your business plans and models and evaluate your options.

If it’s worthwhile, go for it. This is something I’ve learned extensively throughout my journey on learning how to be financially literate.

If you do acquire it, remember to distribute your wealth

Toxic...

From page XVI

is entitled to them.

If you are someone who has just realised is perpetrating this issue, it’s okay- once you want to change it. Everyone has a starting point and now you can be more aware of the effects your words have.

I would like to expand more on this in the future- but before I do, I needed to bring people’s attention to it first. I would love anyone to write in some specific situations and examples that they are currently facing, and we can dissect it. Believe me, most people will be able to relate.

ThanTop of Form Thank you for reading. Please continue to send topic suggestions to caitlinvieira@gmail.com

within your community because hoarding it doesn’t make us any better than them. Remember to invest in real estate, stocks and even business ideas. Remember not to beat yourself up if you don’t get it right the first time. Remember that the majority of the rich European and first-world women & men in the world came from “old money.” Most of us blacks who are black & brown do not have that luxury--we’re the firsts of many things in our families. The “secrets” on how to be financially literate were never passed down to us because our ancestors were stripped of what they had. Remember that to avoid credit of any kind, no matter how tempting it may be, credit devalues your financial net-worth.

Remember your initial goal at all times. While time does

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not permit me to share every detail on why financial literacy is important for us in Guyana, I urge you all to invest in yourself by learning more about managing money better and understanding how financial systems work. More than ever, financial literacy is needed amongst Guyanese due to our oil and gas industry. We cannot let history repeat itself twice.

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

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 12, 2021

THE SEAWALLS Heavy medical costs can be FOREVER!

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

HE Guyana/Venezuela controversy will again shortly and discussions where factual bases invariably become me up before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). blurred.

Guyana, most oflie thedeep writings the controversy have In thisisoffering, we will depart this with normseashells and try to THE Seawalls in theon consciousness of Guyanese today rather muddy was oncefrom covered and enpeople, of a historical and factual nature and this a good questions have been asking theup but especially Georgetowners.

Yet itis has rarelyanswer theretwo would alwaysthat be many children exploring and since picking ing, since the Guyanese of theoftwo Guyanese fishing boats inthey Guyana’s terribeen noticed by the newspublic mediaare andnot the encouraged last time it wasseizure seashells different colours; sometimes may find large TODAY part of the in serious repercussions.

This is especially children mentioned asGuyana an itemthe ofgreater national concern was five ortrust sixtorial conch shells. move their inattention into the realms of population arguments waters by a Venezuelan navy ship. Thetrue firstofquestion in and Western medicine is practised babies, whereoratcontinental the least discomfiture theyrises suffer, years agowould whenuse theonly Ocean overtopped thewhich wall and flooded andThe foreshore shelf gradually andparfalls and offered at all the hospitals and health centres.

This ents are usually overcome with fear that worse is to the yards parallel to the Public Road. This was the first every 20 years and today, the foreshore land betweencome Camp contrasts with the mode of treating the sick in the 19th and they consult doctors. This contrasts with the situation time in living memory that there was such an occurrence Street and the Pegasus Hotel has almost risen to the height of century when there were few Western-trained doctors or in the 19th century where there was less fear and more and it led to great panic.

The authorities con- the wall andofcoconut trees and other vegetation grow onait. hospital facilities in the country.

Today, ifhurriedly anyone suffers knowledge common ailments and most families used structed a barrier of standing concrete from a cold or influenza or other common ailments such variety of home remedies quite effectively. slabs on the Walls to counter such overtopas measles, indigestion or diarrhoea, that person would Until after World War II, the vast majority of Guyanese did ping.

In the last few aweeks, Seawalls immediately consult doctor.theMany people would go to not depend on doctors or hospitals when they suffered comhave againhospitals featuredwhere in thethe news, but in a fees and other mon or minor disorders. If they suffered from ailments that private consultation medical costs are costly, but they incur such expenses required surgery such as appendicitis or broken or fractured happier vein. which because River, they are conditioned bones, they would consult a doctor or go to a hospital. They From they Campcould Streetilltoafford the Demerara think that if theydisfigured did not seek help, it could result treated most common ailments at home. Sometimes they thetowall had become by such an accumulation of unsightly garbage and no one assumed the responsibility of cleaning it. A homeless man, Carl Melville, who sometimes slept there was noticed by Dwayne Hackett trying to clean the garbage and immediately volunteered to help him. Hackett placed the incident on social media and immediately numbers of persons volunteered their services.

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

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

1960s, therefore, fewer and fewer people visited the Seawalls.

The Seawalls provided a favourite place for health enIn its heyday, the Seawalls were the most delightful place thusiasts. Many would go there to practise deep breathing of in Georgetown. The vast openness of the seascape and the the clean and fresh sea breezes. Others would be cycling or surrounding landscape, the blue skies and silver clouds, the even training for cycle races. Probably the most notable were ever-present seagulls and the steady flow of the health-giving the ones who went for physical culture. Many of this group trade winds and the enveloping peace and quietude attracted would go to the Seawalls by either jogging to get there or by hundreds of people at all times of the day. The beach which cycle and they would arrive there at 5 o’clock, long before

avoided

Research work helping curb...

From Page III

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

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

“Everyone across the Rupununi assumed it was jaguars when they saw huge scratch marks on trees, but now we know that it could’ve

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

The SRCS has been granted two years of additional funding from the Small Grants Programme Guyana to expand the project to three more communities, namely Shulinab Village, Wariwau

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

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

They have another project for which they have designed an environmental education curriculum that has so far been implemented in four schools in the Rupununi and come this September, depending

the sun had risen. is, why is the Venezuelan public sowere convinced they On moonlit nights the Seawalls always athat crowded have a valid claim to two-thirds of Guyana’s territory and would consult a trained nurse who would often do the procepromenade. Many went to socialise with friends, but all went why their politicians are so bellicose and aggressive about dures which only doctors do today.

(There were many nurses to enjoy the beauty of the moon rising from the sea and the practising privately, of them from America). this claim?

And themany second question is, why did President blue-green moonlight which wasreturnees brighter, since there were There were also a number of chemists and druggists who Maduro of Venezuela choose this time to seize thepracboats no road lights to dilute it. Others would enjoy the various tised privately owned Most importantly, when heofknew hewho would alienate the Guyanese phases theand New Moon withdrug thestores. background of population purple skies all mothers knew how to and cause embellished the international community to condemn or with thousands of stars which appear treat their babies and childisapprove of his action, leaving Venezuela isolated interbrighter since there were no city lights. Others dren and such knowledge nationally on the by issue. would go the to the Seawalls in the late afternoons to was propagated Thethe answer to theand first question began during theinto Cold admire sunsets gradually transforming the nurses, druggists, blue light ofof dusk.

War: At theamong beginning the 1960s Britain had decided to housewives themjoysthe of colony the Seawalls were the withdraw fromAnother Guyana andthe grant independence, selves.

Further, books onof home andlikely first aid early evening concerts givenof bythe the newly Militia but it nursing was very thatSunday the Prime Minister were widely Band available and the Police at the Bandstand which independent stateand would be DrBand Cheddi Jagan, an avowed most families would attracted hundreds of people.

Their repertoire conMarxist.

U.S. Coldhave War interests tried to persuade Britain one or two of these. sisted of light classical music such as Strauss’ and to delay Guyana’s independence, but all that Britain could In everyother home, no ballet music such Delibes’ pizzicato waltzes, promise was that she would hand over power to a non-Commatter how humble it may andMinister.

Sylvia, at least one English patriotic song such munist Prime be, there was always an American Intelligence felt that this as “This royal throne of Kings” and British offer needed further insurance andand so Guyanese they devised area converted into a sick Caribbean folk songs.

The concerts were arranged a planthat whereby their room was kept spot-client Venezuela would threaten to for smelt early ofevening so that children could attend; lessly clean and a many Guyanese in later life have admitted that their disinfectant, usually, Jays first exposure to classical music was from these Fluid, and of Bay Rum or Bandstand Limacol. Bay Rum wasconcerts. the Barbados equivalent of Limacol.

The medicationsOn keptEaster at home were thethousands usual basicofones used Monday kite-flyers at the hospitals.

Theout teachings of o’clock FlorenceinNightingale influturned from five the morning.

Kites enced the home-nursing traditionand throughout West Indies. were all hand-made were in the a variety of shapes During World War I, Sulphur were discovered and such as boxes, birds drugs and snakes, but the predomput into universal use.

Patients began to treat themselves and inant shape was the Guyanese octagon and in a the sick-room culture gradually faded away. Just at this time, variety of colours. Singing engines, a kite which many OTC medications became available, which also led pamade a loud droning sound, was one of the most popular. tients to treat themselves. Just at this time, doctors also began Kite-flying was always combined Theover Easter to prescribe the patent drugs sold bywith drugpicnicking. stores (OTCkite-flying today is a pale reminiscence of the heyday. the counter drugs) and moved away from prescriptions that above, political tensions and criminality had toAsbementioned compounded by athe druggist. kept people awayWar from Seawalls the 1960s.

By the During World II, the Penicillin andina number of other invade Guyana if theremore was anyon.possibility of was a Marxist 1990s life had become stable and people again began antibiotics were discovered later Anti-biotics one to government installed inWestern Guyana.Medicine of the greatest discoveries and was frequent the being Seawalls, but of the ambience had changed.

There The Award hadof settled the were boundaries of used for most ailments.

Though anti-biotics grew up1899 stallsArbitral lining the parapet the Public Roadstrictly from the Guyana and Venezuela and these boundaries were fully prescription drugs, many persons acquired them without Kitty Pump Station to the Pegasus, selling refreshments and accepted bystalls bothwere parties andpersons the communiprescription resulting inwell-lit. many developing immuniall of these TheInternational character of the Seawalls ties from misuse.

At all Government-controlled institutions, ty.

One of the junior lawyers representing Venezuela had changed from a peaceful promenade to a lively fair. at hospital treatment, consultation andleft provision of that drugswas usednot the arbitration, MalletPrevost, ais letter Now that the tourism industry being revived, the for the more common ailments are his free.death.

This system of letter, SotoSeawalls have been opened until after In that still offer an attractive attraction. cialist Medicine a boon to the Award population. he claimed thatis the Arbitral was Unfortunately, the result of an one has to wait for fairly long periods for consultations and arrangement between Britain and the Russian arbitrator treatments at government health institutions; these instituto deprive Venezuela of its rights.

After more than tions also do not have the equipment to do certain testshalf or a century,equipment Venezuela,forbased on procedures, Mallet-Prevost’s posthumous enough certain such as dialysis. letter, deficiencies now rejected the public Arbitralhealth Award and claimed These in the system have led twoto thirds of Guyana’s territory.

Mallet-Prevost’s posthumous the growth of a number of private hospitals. These private hospitals a generally good service their charges letter wasprovide the causus Venezuela used tobut threaten Guyana are extremely high, since profit-making seems to be theirfor and this continued after the Cold War, the raison d’etre main focus.

The majority of patients who use the private the claim, had ended. hospitals so because they had been unable to useany the PubMostdolawyers and historians who took notice lic Hospitals for a number of reasons since the charges with of Mallet-Prevost’s letter dismissed it as a historical which they are faced demand very great financial sacrifice curiosity very flimsy evidence and could or impoverish many people. on which to attempt to upset a long-accepted Arbitral Award. But theavoid Venezuelan Consumers and other public members could being politicians andheavy the Venezuelan gave credence and burdened with medical costspublic by first, keeping oneself importance to by Mallet-Prevost’s letter, which in good health eating properly, posthumous exercising, and avoiding stress realising both future do notworld. exist and wouldbyhave beenthat dismissed in and the past modern But only concentratingpoliticians on the present. the Venezuelan and public still live in the 19th ThereNapoleonic are a numberworld of books on territorial good health easily availcentury where conquests were able as well as many sites on the Internet.

Second, use wellregarded as acceptable and even heroic. In today’s world, tried home remedies, knowledge of which could be easily this 19th-century ethic has been completely rejected. obtained from numerous publications on home treatments and Guyana/Venezuela controversy albafirst The aid and also from the Internet.

Third, usehas thebeen PublicanHostross whenever around thepossible necks of Venezuelan politicians, since they pitals since they are free.

The Georgetown use it Hospital on each isother their public has themorderliness imprisoned Public beingand computerised and greater bybeing it. instituted, thereby ensuring that there is quicker acis cessThe to doctors and treatment.

Venezuelan seizure of the two Guyanese fishing boats and President Maduro’s threatening words to Guyana

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 12, 2021

ALL I WANT FOR ...

FROM PAGE XI Sarah relaxed her hold a little and in a flash, Isabella launched herself and clapped down on the man’s laptop.

“Oh my goodness!” Sarah exclaimed, “I’m so sorry.”

The woman from the front turned and laughed, “She probably wants to Google something.”

The young man said nothing, closed his laptop and laid back in his seat with a resigning sigh. It was a good while after Isabella fell asleep again and Sarah closed her eyes too, drifting off a little.

She was suddenly jolted out of her sleep by the screeching of brakes and a sudden impact as something hit the car. The baby almost fell out of her arms, the young man steadied her and they braced themselves as the car spun out of control, the woman in front screaming in horror, as the driver tried to keep control with the steering wheel until he miraculously brought the car to a stop.

“Oh my God!” Sarah cried, scared and trembling.

“Are you and the baby okay?” the young man asked.

“I-I don’t know,” she answered in a little choked voice, and held onto his arm as he helped her out of the car.

He turned to assist the woman in front who was close to a panic attack and asked the shaken, distraught driver, “What was that, man?”

The driver shook his head, unable to talk and pointed to a minibus and another car involved in the accident.

“It’s always speeding and overtaking,” the young businessman stated.

He surveyed the scene from where he was standing and

asked himself, “What the heck saved us?”

A curious crowd gathered as the police and ambulance arrived at the scene. The heavy-set woman was taken to the hospital and the young man spoke to an associate on the phone, “This is really a bad day, send someone to pick me up.”

He looked at Sarah standing there and asked, “How are you going home?”

“I don’t know,” she replied, an uncertain look on her face, “I’ll probably get a bus.”

He noted she was still shaken and he said, reaching to take Isabella, “Here, let me help you with her and when my ride gets here, I’ll give you a lift home.”

“Thank you,” Sarah said with deep gratitude, “Umm, I don’t even know your name.”

“Raj.” “And I’m Sarah.”

Isabella made no fuss as the stranger held her while they waited on his ride.

The ride that came for him was a luxury vehicle and it was the first time Sarah was riding in such posh comfort.

She looked at Raj, his amiable personality igniting that warmth again within her, and she asked silently, somewhat perplexed, “What’s happening?”

She reached the village where her grandmother lived, a small community and she asked him to put her off on the main road.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to take you to your home?”

“No, no, it’s not far in. I could walk, thank you.”

XIX She walked down the potholed street, three corners away to her grandmother’s house. Her arms were tired with the baby and the bags, but it was like coming home and a joyous feeling filled her heart. Her grandmother’s eyes lit up at seeing her and the old lady helped her, tears of happiness in her eyes.

“It is so great seeing you and my great-granddaughter.”

That night after Sarah had put Isabella to bed, she sat down to talk with her grandmother. The old lady asked, with a worried look on her face, “How are you doing, my child?”

She smiled to hide the pain that was still in her heart, “I’m fine, grandma. I’ve come back home to you and this Christmas will be wonderful for us with what little we have until I go back to work.”

Her grandmother, a wise woman, knew she was still hurting from her shocking loss and said, “It’s God’s will, my child. Maybe your accident was fated to happen and maybe something new would find its way to you.”

As she laid in bed that night, her grandmother’s words replayed in her mind and Sarah thought of that new feeling within her when she looked at Raj. She got up and, opening the door, looked up at the sky, saying silently, “I don’t understand what’s happening but we are from such different worlds, I’ll probably never see him again.”

But she had made a wish and one never knows what miracles Christmas can bring.

To be continued…

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Local NGO passionate ... out there can know that there is help available and that they can get out.

Even though she left her abusive husband, he’d still find his way to her new place and carry on with his abuse.

He’d even meet her on the road and perpetuate his violence. So she decided to seek help.

“I had issues with court proceedings. My file was misplaced, so I had to give back statements and reports.

They couldn’t find my statements. I had a Protection Order, but when I went to court, they said they had no evidence of it being in place.

I was up and down. I was really frustrated and scared,” she reflected. All the while, the abuse continued either over the phone or in person.

When the foundation heard her story and came on board to help, it made things easier for this survivor to cope. “The foundation has been a great help in not only legal assistance but support services and would even call to check in on how I

was coping. They provided the legal service in getting the matter settled in court, helped me get a divorce, as well as maintenance for my two children.”

One incident that really changed this woman’s view of her situation was when her children, ages 8 and 13 at the time, hid all of the knives in the house. They did so after witnessing an attack by their father on their mother and was scared that he’d use a knife to hurt their mother.

“This was a wake-up call for me to see that it was affecting my children. It also affected their academic performance,” the survivor said.

Even as she remains scared, often looking over her shoulder when she’s on the road due to fright, this survivor still wants other sufferers to know that help is available. “There is help out there. It’s all about finding that help and surviving.

I can’t say that the road is easy but with the help I received, I am able to push through every day.”

DMHM during an outreach to Berbice

FROM PAGE II

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 12, 2021

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 12, 2021

International Mountain Day “Mountains are the beginning and the end of all-natural scenery” - John Ruskin

ON December 11, the world celebrates International Mountain Day (IMD); this year’s theme is “Sustainable Mountain Tourism”.

Why do mountains matter?

The mountains of the world provide essential ecosystem-based services to global communities and inspiration and enjoyment to millions.

Mountains are particularly important for their biodiversity, water, clean air, research, cultural diversity, leisure, landscape, and spiritual values.

They are income sources for communities through agriculture, tourism, and use of natural resources and important for minimising natural hazards and early- warning systems.

Mountainous formations also occur across considerable areas of the ocean floor. These important and diverse underwater mountain ranges and islands constitute a large portion of the mountainous surface of the planet.

Sustainable mountain tourism Sustainable tourism in mountains has and can contribute to creating additional and alternative livelihood options and promoting poverty alleviation, social inclusion, as well as landscape and biodiversity conservation. These actions allow for preserving the natural, cultural and spiritual heritage, promoting local craft and high-value products, and celebrating many traditional practices such as local festivals.

Mountain tourism attracts around 15 to 20 percent of global tourism. This sector was not spared from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting economies, livelihoods, public services, and opportunities on all continents. The restriction in movement caused by the pandemic has further compounded the vulnerabilities of mountain communities.

However, these setbacks can be seen as opportunities to rethink mountain tourism and its impact on natural resources and livelihoods, to manage it better SEE PAGE XXV and harness opportunities that will promote a more resilient,

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 12, 2021

International Mountain... green, and inclusive future.

Guyana is home to hundreds of breathtaking mountains and four mountain ranges, namely The Acarai Mountains, The Imataka Mountains, The Pakaraima Mountains, and The Kanuku Mountains. Like other mountains worldwide, these mountains also boast enormous biological wealth, diverse wildlife and are home to many of our indigenous communities.

What can you do to help with Mountain Day awareness?

FROM PAGE XXIV

This year, the EPA encourages natural lovers and the general public to join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #MountainsMatter. Pass on some of the key messages or share about the tourism in the mountains near you. Post a photo of your favourite mountain moment and share

it with us @epaguyana and your friends.

Did you know? Of the world’s 237 countries, 197 include mountains.

Did you know? The Kanuku Mountains are legally protected in Guyana.

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 or follow us on Facebook and Instagram

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Wider access to education?

Yes, please!

THE Anna Regina Secondary School in Region Two (Pomeroon- Supenaam) and the West Demerara Secondary School in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) have now started to offer the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), a tertiarylevel examination. And I believe that these are important steps in increasing access to education.

Certainly, calls for increasing children’s access to education will always find a place in this column, simply because it is one of the national goals closest to my heart.

And clearly, this is not an unachievable goal.

I am happy about this development, but now that we have achieved this feat, there are several crucial areas on which we need to continue focusing. For example, establishing the CAPE centre in Region Two is important because it affords greater access to tertiary education for students

there. What is equally important in this same situation, is the availability of trained teachers to give those students the same quality of education they would have expected had they come to one of the top schools in Georgetown (or the top schools + lessons, but that’s a discussion for

another column).

The need for trained teachers throughout the education sector is a longstanding matter that has been well ventilated.

And it comes as no surprise to me that the local authorities are currently pushing for more and more trained teachers, at least in the public education system.

However, I think it is essential to highlight that the outlying regions such as the hinterland regions have traditionally had fewer trained teachers available for learners in those regions.

Based on information from the Planning Unit data of the Ministry of Education, during the years 2013 to 2014, the hinterland regions (Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine) had the lower percentage of trained teachers- across the nursery, primary and secondary levels. From 2017 to 2018, the same was true.

Interestingly, however, based on the information provided for 2017 to 2018, the percentage of trained teachers in the various levels decreased. The only exception to this was the primary level in Region One; there was a three per cent increase in the number of trained teachers there.

Region Eight was particularly worrying, however. First,

during both periods, Region Eight had the lowest percentage of trained teachers across the three levels. Worse, however, was that from 2017 to 2018, the percentage of trained teachers at the nursery level dropped from 24 per cent (20132014) to 13 per cent. For the primary level, the figure moved from 35 per cent to 25 per cent. And, for the secondary level, from 47 per cent to 26 per cent.

Data such as this is important to inform and support our decision-making. Of course, that data must be supplemented by key considerations, such as the region’s geography and the access to much-needed resources such as electricity and transportation. Altogether, these help us all to understand what interventions would be necessary to help provide learners with greater access.

My point is, increasing access to education is not a one-dimensional issue and none of us should be under any assumption that simple decisions can effect meaningful change.

Indeed, it would be incredible if we all woke up tomorrow and the Ministry of Education announced that a new SEE PAGE XXVII

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Wider access to ...

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secondary school was being constructed somewhere in Region Eight- perhaps an outlying community where children have to travel miles to stay in a dorm to attend school. But at the same time, are children being served as well as they could be, if that school is not furnished with sufficient trained teachers?

Similarly, when we think about other means of expanding access to education by implementing more digital technologies, we have to think about who has access to the technology and who does not. If we are making quantum leaps into the future of education, but we are widening the gap between the children who have the resources or the greater level of access, then we are successfully moving the education sector forward.

Fortunately, all of the points I raised in this column are catered for in the new Education Sector Plan (2021- 2025). In fact, reducing inequities in the education sector is one of the stated policy priorities of the plan, cognisant that these inequities are “major problems.”

Even in addressing the need to increase education performance at all levels, the plan acknowledges that “... students in schools in socio-economically disadvantaged communities, mainly in the hinterland and deep riverain areas, are performing significantly below the national average.”

This all means that we recognise our issues and we at least want to try and solve those problems. And honestly, I believe that if we have more of what was done at Anna Regina, bridging the disparities in education will be one less problem the country has to deal with.

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

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THOUGHT FOR TODAY Bright is the ring of words When the right m an rings them, Fair is the fall of so When the singer sin ngs gs them.

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON (1850-1894) Song s of Travel (1896) .

December 12, 2021 STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Welcome, dear friend.

This is another reminder to be honest with yourself and realistic in your study

expectations. Do not cramp your style. Structure your days. This preparation takes time. It depends most upon how hard you have been studying during your course, your natural ability, and your personally expected performance in the examination.

Couple these with eating well, exercising regularly, sleeping enough, caring your mental health, and staying connected. Expect more on such matters later. Be wise.

Love you.

GRAMMAR A.. Correcting any errors as you practise to proofread Read the following sentences carefully to correct any errors. Write OK for any sentence that has no error.

[NOTE: See key immediately after each application exercise.]

1. Ms. Clarkson may if she prefers assign this project to a new consulting firm.

2. Mr. Branchlene and his family originally indicated that they would attend our anniversary celebration, but we have not received the Branchlenes’ reply card yet.

3. There is, according to the manufacturer, only two or three suppliers of this metal throughout Jamaica.

4. Each supervisor has already been asked for their suggestions for cutting transportation costs.

5. To receive a copy of the entire study write or call the Internal Research Coordinator.

6. Most of the older men and women who work in this department has already indicated that they would pay for extended life insurance coverage.

7. Johnson and myself will probably be able to handle this language project before the end of the month.

KEY: Proofreading exercise 1. (may, .... prefers,); ...

2. (OK); ... 3. (are,); ... 4. (his or her); ... 5. (study,); ... 6. (have); ... 7. (I ) B.. Improving your vocabulary NOTE: All language students are expected to have good vocabularies. What is a good vocabulary? It is more than a large store of words. Your vocabulary may be described as good when it enables you: (1) to under-

stand fully what you hear and read and (2) to say and write precisely what you mean.

Your key words here are fully and precisely. Your lack of a good vocabulary may be a handicap. Be careful.

Something to Do 1. These words are often confused: quiet, quite; explicit, implicit. Explain the differences.

2. Match the choices in List B with the correct words in List A. List A.. 1. absurd 2. artificial 3. careless 4. discordant 5. incessant List B.. a. unstable ... b. ridiculous ... c. inharmonious ... d. negligent ... e. abusive ... f. diffident ... g. unnatural ... h. unceasing 3. In each of the following groups, three of the four words have similar meanings. Which word is the intruder? 1. impartial, fervent, unbiased, objective. 2. offend, retreat, beg, implore.

3. meddle, invent, interfere, tamper.

KEY: Vocabulary exercises 1. Quiet (adj.), calm, still.

“I prefer working in the early morning because it is quiet in the sewing room.” Quite (adv,), rather, completely, positively. “Krystal’s headwear is quite interesting.”

(Also, this hint should be of some help: quiet has two syllables; quite has one syllable.)

Explicit, easily understood. “Mr. Samuels gave explicit instructions concerning our handling of guns found on a student’s person.”

Implicit, unquestioning, “All of the farm hands who work for Frankie Blake have implicit confidence in his abilities.”

2. (1. and b); (2. and g); (3. and d); (4. and c); (5. and h).

3. (1. fervent); (2. offend); (3. invent) THE PASSAGE Read the following extract carefully and then answer all the questions that follow .

Will I Ever Get Over Losing My Friend?

The news that one of my close friends committed suicide came as a shock.

Jack was a social guy who was liked by everyone. His

girlfriend recently broke up with him, but he seemed to be taking it all right. He talked to you about the situation – seemed disappointed but not despairing. He mentioned that he was still in touch with his former girlfriend and seemed glad about that.

That’s why his suicide is so hard to comprehend.

Were there warning signs you missed? If you had done more to support him during the breakup, would he still be here? Did you talk to him enough? Did you really listen to him? How could you be a good friend and not know that he had been despondent? You feel guilty every time you think of Jack.

It is hard to come to terms with any death - even one that’s expected, such as when the person is sick or old. But Jack was healthy and young, just about your age. That makes it harder to accept his death. Still, you need to come to terms with it - let yourself feel sad about it, reflect on your friendship with him, and, ultimately, get on with your own life. What can you do to cope?

Something to Do The questions 1. Why should you not blame yourself for Jack’s suicidal death? What networks close to him, do you think, also missed Jack’s signals for help if he were sending any out? Whose decision was it for Jack to take his own life?

2. What in paragraph one could you now call a warning signal for help?

3. What can you share with your group of friends about the way forward to deal with Jack’s death? Listen to what individuals say. Record all that is said in this discourse and write a summary.

4. Do you think that your religious or spiritual beliefs can help with what you are going through here? Why or why not?

5. Do you think you are now able to help keep someone else from making that fatal choice? How do you hope to do it?

6. Jack’s death could be a turning point for you. Examine your own life. Write about how you are living now, and say what you hope to accomplish in the future.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 12, 2021

Beware of dental quacks

MANY people may not remember this, but the Stabroek News of March 9, 1994, carried a story under the caption, “Boy loses eyesight after extraction by quack dentist.”

This report represents a living example of the magnitude of the consequence one is exposed to when one is acquiescent to the therapeutic fraud carried out by the “quacks.” Since that incident, there have been numerous cases whereby individuals have been seriously mutilated by quacks who believe they practise dentistry.

According to a leading dentist, four salient points exist in this case, which should be examined here in the circumstance.

According to the reporter, 21-year-old Detendra Fastima of Anna Regina lost the sight in his left eye, which developed problems from an alleged bungled extraction of a tooth by a “quack” dentist who operates in Essequibo.

Having experienced severe toothache, he consulted the “quack,” who advised him to get the tooth out. The quack then extracted the infected tooth without hesitation.

Point one. Only dentists and dentexes (dental nurses) in this country are trained in the art of dentistry and obviously are the only ones qualified to advise anyone with respect to such matters.

The dentist at Suddie Hospital knows that toothache is not one of the six indications for extraction.

If the patient had visited the Government Dental Clinic at Suddie Hospital and had explained the exacerbation of the pain and had complied with the advice of the attending dentist, that professional could have taken the necessary action to mitigate the suffering.

Point two. Whenever a person seeks the services of a “quack,” they become the accomplice to a crime, according to chapter 134 Part IV Article 38 of the Laws of Guyana.

No one could be a “quack” unless patients seek treatment from them.

Point three. According to a competent source, the deci-

sion made by the “quack,” which was mentioned in the story reported in the newspaper, was ignorant. In the first place, evidently, an extraction was not indicated at the time. Also, the patient should not have been instructed to rinse out his mouth with salt water soon after the extraction.

Finally, it is felt that it was barbaric to tell the patient to “buy 20 red and black tablets and swallow one every four hours,” as was alleged in the article.

Point four. When asked if he had any intention of providing financial assistance to the victim after the botched extraction, the “quack” replied in the negative and suggested that “he can take his own action.” Obviously, the “quack” knew that no one can take legal action against a “quack.” It is like a person reporting to the police that someone stole a kilogramme of cocaine from his house. That person making the complaint will be arrested.

People who subject themselves to the mercy of “quacks” cannot expect any redress as no law allows the accomplice to a crime to receive exoneration.

More than 95 per cent of this country’s population live on the north-eastern coast from Skeldon to Charity. Twenty-five of the Ministry of Health’s 30 dental clinics are found in this part of the country. Yet, totally disregarding a dentist’s

advice, Detendra left himself completely exposed even to possible death (from AIDS) by confiding in a “quack.”

Sources say that Detendra became blind because he contracted a fulminating infection of the entire globe (eyeball) with severe oedema of the appending structures. The “quack” obviously did not know that distinct precautions must be taken to extract each tooth. For example, the upper molars have their apices near the maxillary sinus, sometimes even penetrating the same.

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The extraction created a communication that facilitated the transmission of the infection (most likely from septic conditions), to the sinus and eventually to the orbital cavity and the eyeball itself. Unfortunately, the patient paid dearly for his mistake.

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