Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot E-Paper 18-12-2022

Dookalbo Island

Dookalbo Island is one of 365 islands on the Essequibo River and it is a twin island, the smaller of which is uninhabited. The larger Island is home to members of an extended family of eight. As a result of constant flooding on the island, a sea dam is being created, since they have no internal drains and the locals are very pleased about this development by the current administration. In this photo, residents are seen approaching the landing to the island (Delano Williams photo)

Sea dam being created to reduce flooding and bring relief to farmers

Celebrating Christmas ‘Guyanese Style’

YOU know it is Christmas in Guyana when Christmas music is being played on the radio, masqueraders are in the streets, and Guyanese are shopping, trying to get the best deals from vendors almost everywhere.

The Pepperpot Magazine took to the streets to get first-hand, from vendors, their thoughts, feelings and impressions of what Christmas means to them and their trade.

Vendors at this year’s Christmas Village shared expressively that the Guyanese community can be the beneficiaries of great deals, particularly on items made locally by great Guyanese entrepreneurs both in Georgetown and out of town.

We spoke with stall holders of the Guyana School of Agriculture who showcased local products such as fruits for those housewives and others who are planning to make their tasty fruitcakes for their friends and family who will drop by for the Christmas holidays.

“Now what we have is what we call our Christmas baskets. We have a variety of Christmas baskets, where you can get some of the items at a reduced cost. So we have baskets with just condiments inside like your peppers and your greens, seasonings and so on, baskets of assorted meats as well and, finally, baskets of black cakes,” Aliyah George excitedly told the Pepperpot Magazine.

The Guyana School of Agriculture has made provision for persons who have begun

the festive celebrations with the inclusion of a festive basket.

“The festive basket has a black cake. It has an all-purpose sauce, a hot sauce, carambola, health mix and a chicken ham,” George explained during her interview.

The excitement leading up to Christmas day is mounting, with bargains and deals from the Guyana School of Agriculture.

The Pepperpot Magazine also spoke with Avery, who hails all the way from Region Seven (Cuyuni / Mazaruni), who is the manufacturer of numerous handcraft such as hats, bags (with the national colours). Avery also hails from a family with skills in handcraft has been involved in a variety of exhibitions for several years now. For Avery, she wants to make an indent into the lives of her future generations and to leave a legacy for them.

She added that she simply loves her craft and does what she does not for a living, but just for joy while doing her craft.

“Well, where knitting is concerned, my mother use to knit and I sat and I watched her and I began with pointer and thread at a tender age because I love it,” Avery told us at the Pepperpot Magazine.

The Scenery at Christmas Village 2022 ( Photo by Delano Williams )

Persons visiting the Guyana School of Agriculture booth Photo by Delano Williams

Youths motivated by climatejustice convictions participate in PFG painting competition

A ‘HIGH-SPEED’ painting competition aimed at illustrating the goals Guyana needs to pursue to achieve

“fun” step by Guyanese youths who are motivated by climate-justice convictions.

team took prior precautions of shifting the venue from outside of the Parliament Building.

climate-compatible lifestyles was successfully conducted earlier this month by Policy Forum Guyana (PFG), constituting the first

Despite torrential downpours, the competition was successfully carried out in the auditorium of St. Stanislaus College after the PFG

It saw 17 teams competing in four age categories, mainly school-based, and included teams from children’s homes and groups of friends.

The suggested goals included: a Guyana that seeks inclusion rather than winners and losers; a mentally and physically healthier Guyana; a Resource-Responsible Guyana; a Guyana that protects its rivers and forests; a resilient Guyana; a Guyana of Cohesive Communities; a Guyana that listens to its young people; a Guyana that recognises the rights of future generations; a Guyana that recycles, repairs and reuses; and a Guyana that treats everyone humanely.

PFG Project Coordinator Benita Davis has offered that similar events are planned for other regions, with Anna Regina and Linden being first

in line. “By progressively focusing on and interpreting the above goals, the process will culminate in a Future

Generations Manifesto, a youth-driven vision of the future,” Davis shared.

Developing the Manifesto will facilitate the younger generation to influence decisions that affect them more effectively. The second and later phases of the project will see the younger generation seeking support for the Manifesto from the business, professional and trade unions sectors, and ultimately, political endorsement.

The winners selected by a panel of three judges in the Age 10-12 group were: Smith’s Memorial Primary (1st); Goed Fortuin Primary (2nd); and Save the Forest (Strathspey Primary) (3rd).

Project Coordinator of Policy Forum Guyana, Benita Davis

Students of Goed Fortuin Primary with their prizes and artwork

The Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary team completing their painting

Artwork by North Georgetown Secondary

PWDs recommend changes that can make their lives easier

– at inaugural youth conference

LATA Devie Jagmohan, one of the participants of the inaugural National Youth with Disabilities Conference held earlier this month, couldn’t agree more with the recommendation that all government ministries and agencies should have disability inclusion policies to guide the delivery of services and accommodation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

The 28-year-old, who is visually impaired, was impressed at the support that the disability community received at the event, held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

“I was amazed by the support we had from government, NGOs, USAID, etc.; I was so surprised to see so many influential people come out in honour of us. That’s one thing that stood out to me,” she reflected in an interview with Pepperpot Magazine.

Approximately 60 youths with disabilities from across Guyana were in attendance and were engaged in discussions relating to the current state of the disability community in Guyana and the required improvements to change the status quo positively.

For one thing, Lata Devie believes that whoever is chosen as policymakers should be able to understand the circumstances of PWDs adequately. “As much as you may try for others to understand what it’s like to have a disability, someone can never fully understand unless they are going through it. It

may look easy because you have adjusted and adapted; you can’t have someone making decisions for you who don’t know what you experience on a daily basis.”

As such, having people to represent PWDs in the core areas identified for improvement can help to make their lives easier, Lata Devie offered.

Being the largest conference she’s been to, she felt good to see the diverse group of PWDs who participated and shared their thoughts on things that need improvement.

Asif Khan, another participant who is visually impaired, feels strongly that the Local Authority (Elections) Act, Chapter 28:03, should be amended to remove Section 40 (2) that bars PWDs who receive public assistance from running for local government office.

With a background in politics and international relations, Asif has a sincere interest in national develop-

ration highlight the pertinent areas the youths with disabilities would like to see significant changes. The three core areas of the declaration, in keeping with the objectives of the conference, are Leadership and Governance, Employment, and Accessibility.

and that all administrative measures should be implemented by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to promote accessible and inclusive voting for persons with disabilities.

The participants reasoned that youths with disabilities should be represented on the President’s Youth Advisory Council and all other similar bodies and be meaningfully engaged by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

Regarding employment, some of the recommendations were that the Guy -

ana PWD Act should be amended to increase the penalties for employers who discriminate against employees with disabilities and strengthen the reporting mechanism for cases of discrimination; exempt persons with disabilities from paying PAYE or income tax if their income is below $2,400,000 per year; and encourage the private sector to employ qualified and skilled persons with disabilities through the granting of tax concessions and other special concessions.

The PWDs said there should be mandatory disability sensitivity training sessions for employers and staff on disability rights, non-discrimination, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities; all government agencies should ensure that the budget provides reasonable accommodation for employees with disabilities; ministries and agencies should be allowed to have a minimum of 5 percent of employees with disabilities if they employ more than 20 persons; and that there should be special job fairs targeting PWDs.

The disability community is also calling for the relevant legislations and policies to be amended and strengthened to ensure that all public buildings are fully accessible with strict enforcement and

timelines for implementation. This, they said, should include, ramps, elevators, wide doorways, corridors, accessible washrooms, etc.

Traffic signals, pedestrian crossings and other similar systems should be retrofitted or made accessible to accommodate persons with disabilities; there should be a special accessible transportation service to transport persons with disabilities at a subsidized cost in the absence of a structured public transportation provider or system; all information for public dissemination should be accessible for persons who are deaf, blind and persons with learning disabilities; and all textbooks should be available in an accessible alternative format to accommodate PWDs. These include braille, audiobooks, sign language, and closed captioning videos, etc.

ment and should an opportunity present itself for him to take up a political office, it would definitely be something that he’d consider.

Meanwhile, the conference was implemented in partnership with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The contents of the decla-

PWDs believe that those in the disability community who possess the necessary qualifications should be encouraged to be a part of the legislative, judicial, and executive arms of government and that any barriers that hinders this process should be removed.

Further, they recommended that the relevant legislation should be amended to promote independent, accessible voting for PWDs

A few participants at the inaugural National Youth with Disabilities Conference

Lata Devie was impressed by the support that the disability community received from influential people in society

Lata Devie Jagmohan

Asif Khan

Determined no matter what

DESPITE the adversities, challenges and hurdles, Nerissa Pearson graduated from the University of Guyana with a distinction in her Bacehlor’s Degree in Communication.

We previously featured Nerissa Pearson in her role as a radio broadcaster. Now, she shares her academic journey and the challenges she overcame to achieve her goal.

“First challenge I had was that in 2018 when I started, because I did a straight four-year degree, I was an only parent, as I prefer to be called, and my daughter at the time would have been about six years old. Hence she was now facing Primary School and that was the hardest one because at that stage, they desire your undivided attention. Many of the times, I wasn’t able to spend time with her. I was not the best parent that I think I could have been,“ Pearson told the Chronicle.

She added that, having a full-time Radio Announcer’s job at the National Communications Network (NCN) she was not given any time off but worked a shift where she could attend evening classes.

This, according to Nerissa, posed different challenges in that she did not have a vehicle at that time to easily travel to and from classes and pick up her daughter from school.

“At the same time, when I applied to the University of Guyana, I did not get a scholarship from the initial stage. I only got a scholarship in the final stage of my four-year-long period of study. So, for the first two years, I was paying cash and if everyone knows the tuition fee at UG, that is serious money to find,” Pearson noted during her interview.

Throughout my studies, it was a challenge to balance work and studies and being a parent, all at the same time.

Perseverance

As a radio announcer, according to Pearson, your voice is the instrument that distinguishes you from all other individuals.

Nevertheless, Pearson noted that she came to the realisation that the voice wasn’t the thing that will cut it for her, because many young voices were being recognised.

“I had to find a way to set myself apart. I also thought about today or tomorrow, if I lose my voice, what is going to happen to me?“ Pearson said.

She also mentioned that education is key and that you need to keep pushing for it, thus setting an example for your child/

children to follow your dream.

According to her, education is the stepping stone that will provide the opportunities to function at high-quality levels and at high-profile jobs, also placing you in positions of grandeur and influence where your great skill, if not perfected, couldn’t get you.

“University is challenging and tertiary education on the whole, and anyone that thinks is not, I think they underestimate the rigours of what you are exposed to because you are

Celebrating Christmas...

FROM PAGE II

She related that she got into the business to keep herself out of trouble and to more or less become entrenched in her work.

As she puts it, she is not very much a conversational person and hardly has friends.

Primarily, Avery and her husband are involved in the mining industry but she focuses on knitting as a hobby.

Meanwhile, Pepperpot Magazine met yet a third vendor, Mark Phillips, who stated that the Christmas Village was a family-oriented venture.

He spoke too that, from his perspective, it is a great opportunity to bring out the family to enjoy the scenery and the ambience that the environment has to offer the Guyanese tourism sector. According to him, there is a need for more family-oriented

events, such as the Christmas Village. He added, too, that vending in the Christmas Village is bringing his business of online items great attention. Phillips, through his business, provides many household items, including bedsheets and Christmas décor.

The entrepreneur has plans to be out next year, should there be another

reading

set you apart. It is not going to be easy and as one of my favourite sayings goes…the pain, challenges, frustrations and moments of giving up that you will feel when you start the course, you have to understand that it will not last forever. What will last forever, is that day when you cross the threshold to receive your certificate, your degree or masters,”, Pearson said.

Nerissa expresses gratitude to her mother, aunt and lecturers for great success and accomplishment.

Christmas village, and he will be more prepared in a bigger way.

According to him, he might not be a Christmas person, but whoever did the décor, and set up the lights did an excellent job.

Guyana’s President, in his remarks at the launch of Christmas Village 2022, spoke about the need to encourage Guyanese families

to love each other.

According to him, this was a brilliant move which, again, demonstrates that he is committed to leaving a lasting legacy of togetherness and love; that he wants what is best for every Guyanese and Guyana as a whole.

The Christmas Village will continue until December 31, 2022.

for documents that will

Nerissa Pearson graduated from the University of Guyana with a distinction in her Bacehlor’s Degree in Communication.

More Scenery

Aunty Avery displays her products ( Delano Williams photo)

Fort Island on the move for progress

LAST week the Pepperpot Magazine visited four islands in the Essequibo River, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) to highlight the way of life of the locals and focus on some of the development of the islands.

The team first stopped at Fort Island, a 20-minute speedboat ride from Hubu Koker, East Bank Essequibo.

The first resident who showed up, Arjune Nellie, was working at his first fulltime job as a line catcher with Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) at the newly commissioned Fort Island Ferry Stelling.

The 49-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that as a first-timer holding a job as a public servant for the past four months is a new experi-

Francis Cornelius King

ferry will stop.

Nellie related that he is very thankful he was able to secure a job right on the island and extended his support to the current administration for constructing a new ferry stelling and re-launching the ferry service.

Due to the development, many residents who were not working were employed with T&HD as full-time employees affording them an opportunity to earn.

Nellie stated that he was a farmer and a fisherman but it is a seasonal job

and at times he was unable to bring in an income to his home.

He also expressed thanks for the government’s COVID-19 cash grant initiative of which he was a beneficiary of $25,000 and the cash grant of another $25,000 for hinterland and riverine communities.

Nellie has been living on Fort Island for more than 20 years. He has a farm of ground provisions, pineapples and coconuts on a neighbouring island, Dookalbo, also in the Essequibo River.

He stated that when he

has a healthy harvest, he would sell to mostly wholesale buyers at either Hubu Koker or at Parika.

Nellie, better known as ‘Lil Boy’, is very happy to get a steady job and right on Fort Island.

He told the Pepperpot Magazine that he was also the recipient of 25 black giant

grading of the sea defence by Fort Zeelandia, private internet service at a reduced cost and for the very first time, solar street lights were installed on the island.

The Fort Island resident reported that the $82M Ferry Stelling on the island was commissioned on May 24 by Minister of Public Works,

land Ferry Stelling and the re-launching of the ferry service.

The 39-year-old added that he was on the 23:00hrs to 07:00hrs shift and it rotates with a few guards holding down other shifts so there was always a security personnel on the location.

He has been on the job

Arjune Nellie

ence for him.

“I feel I can keep this job because it is not so taxing physically, and I enjoyed the training plus I am still learning,” he said.

Nellie’s role entails collecting the rope to moor the ferry, Makouria, to the actual ferry stelling whenever the vessel is ready to dock for passengers on the way to and from Bartica via Parika Ferry Stelling.

He is also responsible for securing the rope to allow the ferry to fully moor before leaving the Fort Island Ferry Stelling on weekdays and weekends. Once there is more than one passenger, the

chickens, a project initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture via GLDA to assist riverine and hinterland residents affected by the flooding, earlier this year.

Nellie disclosed that for this year alone, they have seen accelerated development on the island with a brand new ferry stelling, re-launching of the ferry service, up-

Bishop Juan Edghill and the ferry service was re-launched after many years.

Francis Cornelius King, the security guard attached to the Fort Island Ferry Stelling

Meanwhile, another resident, Francis Cornelius King told the Pepperpot Magazine that he was happy to have a permanent job following the opening of the Fort Is-

since September this year and finds the experience good despite a few challenges.

King is employed with T&HD and he is of the view that they have seen a lot of development within recent times and it is a plus for the locals and he looks forward to even more community development to enhance their lives.

One of the 40 solar street lights installed on Fort Island, Essequibo River (Delano Williams photos)

The Fort Island Ferry Stelling

The opening of the Fort Island ferry stelling has created job opportunities for

By Michel Outridge

BASMATTIE Seecharran is a resident of Fort Island, Essequibo River and she would sell her produce on Fort Island Ferry Stelling since its opening and the re-launching of the ferry service.

The 45-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that she was very pleased that she had a place to sell her fruits and cash crops to earn because getting employment off the island wasn’t an option.

Seecharran added that she has a table at the stelling and when the ferry comes she would be there to sell.

The local stated that she was also looking for another job and had applied for the position as sweeper/cleaner at the Fort Island School and was awaiting a response so she can start work for the new school term.

Seecharran related that

The team also met 69-year-old Ivor Haynes, a resident of Fort Island, Essequibo River, who is employed as a security guard at the Fort Island Ferry Stelling.

Haynes told the Pepper-

resident of the island and settled there as an adult.

He is the father of five and grandfather of 11 and great-grandfather of five.

Haynes said he has been living on the island for the

has his own small farm at Quarter Benabo Island, Essequibo River and he has a cultivation of coconuts, bananas and eddoes.

“The job has been going very well so far. I am on the day shift as a security guard at the Fort Island Ferry Stelling and I have no complaints. It feels good to work from right where you live and I am thankful,” he said.

Haynes told the team that when he met the girl from Fort Island, he had to follow her there because her parents asked him to, and he has a modest cottage-style

pot Magazine that life on Fort Island is modest and peaceful. He is pleased that they have also benefitted from solar street lights for the first time, and it is a good move.

He added that he also benefitted from the cash grants initiative for riverine and hinterland communities.

The history of Fort Island

Fort Island was once known as Flag Island because of the huge flag mounted on the island to guide Dutch ships traversing the lengthy

River because the location gave the Dutch West India Company a more strategic vantage point than the other fort used by the Dutch: Fort Kyk-Over-Al, located at the confluence of the Cuyuni and Mazaruni rivers.

The island, three square miles in length and a mile in width, also houses the Court of Policy. This court was not only a Court House during the 17th century but a church and venture office as well. Really, Fort Island was a hub of some sorts as Essequibo was transformed from a mere trading post to a Dutch colony.

It is only imaginable that the island must have been busy with people during those times. And let’s not forget another characteristic of a Fort - evidenced by the cannons present to this day, meaning it was a place of warfare.

she believes that her life will improve when she has a full-time job and is looking forward to the opportunity.

Ivor Haynes, the security guard/farmer

pot Magazine that he is originally from Jacklow, Pomeroon River but left when he was 12 years old with his family in search of a better life and he later married a

past 49 years and is a farmer, who used to reside at Hyde Park, Parika and was working on a farm at Kaow Island before settling at Fort Island.

The elder stated that he

house which is surrounded by nature.

He added that having a steady job was a blessing and, for the first time, it felt good because farming is seasonal and when the rainy weather sets in, there is hardly anything to do on the farm.

Haynes told the Pepper-

and mighty Essequibo River.

Later, the name was changed to Fort Island- perhaps because it houses Fort Zeelandia, the ‘youngest’ Dutch fort in Guyana.

Centuries ago, the fort was constructed closer to the mouth of the Essequibo

As the colony of Essequibo grew and ownership changed from Dutch to the British, larger areas developed to advance the interests of the colonial rulers and the places like Fort Island were left neglected.

Farming and fishing became the island’s main economic activity, and due to its strategic location, islands further up the Essequibo came to trade produce. But the population dwindled. From 200 residents, there are now less than 100 locals, most of whom were born and raised on the island.

the locals, who are more than thankful

The Fort Island Ferry Stelling

Basmattie Seecharran, vendor at the Fort Island Ferry Stelling (Delano Williams photos)

Ivor Haynes, the security guard/farmer

Fort Island, Essequibo River

Dookalbo Island

Sea dam being created to reduce flooding and bring relief to farmers

By Michel Outridge

DOOKALBO Island is one of 365 islands in the Essequibo River and it is a twin island, the smaller of which is uninhabited.

The larger Dookalbo Island is home to members of

The Pepperpot Magazine met a group of residents who had gathered at the home of Buddy Singh.

He is the father of three and has been living on the island for the past 24 years. Singh is a farmer, but the recent spring tide caused

Singh told the Pepperpot Magazine that the wine crops do not survive in flood waters when the spring tide comes up on the island.

The 52-year-old added that he would usually have a crop of ground provisions, but with the intervention of

To offset living expenses, Singh related that he and his son are also poultry farmers and they have a few cows and sheep on the island.

Singh told the Pepperpot Magazine that he is from Hogg Island, but relocated to Dookalbo Island at his

father’s place after he passed away.

He is among the first settlers on the island and began clearing the land and farming to bring in an income to his household.

Singh reported that he would plant ground provisions, banana, plantains and watermelons and the produce are transported via boat to the Hubu Koker to be sold to buyers.

On his side of the island, there are five houses with families; on the other side, there are three houses, making it eight families.

The nearest school and health centre is at Fort Island, about 20 minutes boat ride away.

“At this point in the Essequibo River, the water is mostly rough and unpredictable, so it is difficult to travel, but we take a chance when we have to go out,”

he said.

The farmer noted that if they can get a well for clean, drinking water, it would be good for them and they have small solar panels just to power a few bulbs.

They do not have the luxury of flushable toilets and would like to have at least one on the island for the children to use.

There is no drinking water except when they buy or use rainwater and in the dry season, it is difficult to source fresh water for drinking.

“I am trying with what we have and we make do and if we get a small help, we will be glad, since we don’t get any visitors,” he said.

Singh related that life has been trying; since the pandemic things have been a bit slow and with the constant rainfall and high tides,

an extended family of eight: farmers, fishermen, and they also rear livestock to earn.

There is no water supply, electricity, school, health facility or buildings, except for a few houses on this island.

The island’s people are friendly and welcoming and seem to be happy with the little they have and do not wish to be relocated, since they prefer the lifestyle of solitude.

flooding on the island, and he has lost some livestock.

As a result of constant flooding on the island, a sea dam is being created, since they have no internal drains and the locals are very pleased about this development by the current administration.

It is the first time ever that the equipment is on the island excavating until the sea dam is fully completed.

the sea dam, it will be easier to access the farmland and also bring relief to them in terms of farming.

Singh disclosed that 1300 rods of sea dam have been created so far, and it is a form of development they welcome on the island where they have had little to none.

He also hopes that they will benefit from solar lights and other infrastructural works to improve their lives.

Buddy Singh, resident of Dookalbo Island, Essequibo River.

Dookalbo Island (Delano Williams photos)

Quarter Benabo and Bonasika receive sea defence upgrade, a plus for the locals

By Michel Outridge

ZAMAN Nazier is a resident of Bonasika, which is on the mainland and is accessed via the Essequibo River through a tributary.

The area consists of Lower and Upper Bonasika, a farming community of Indigenous people and East Indians.

There are about 144 residents in Lower Bonasika and the school is three miles down the river. Most of the men in that

to tie off the land from the river but it is not enough to fully prevent erosion.

“I would like some assistance to keep the door of my business open and if the authorities can visit and render any form of help I will be more than glad,’ he said.

community are labourers on farms or are farmers themselves.

Upper Bonasika is more populated and has a health post and a school as well as a community centre ground and an active community policing group and outpost.

Nazier is a businessman and a farmer and he has his

business place at Present Hope, East Bank Essequibo, a river gas station for boats.

His farm is at Bonasika, and he is a large-scale citrus farmer. He only cultivates limes.

The 53-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that he is originally from North West District (NWD) and he has been a resident of the riverine community for as long as he can remember.

Nazier explained that he is plagued by constant erosion and would do what he can to prevent his gas station from falling apart or getting washed away.

He explained that he packed greenheart and slabs of wood

The father of four added that due to the schooling of his children, he had to relocate and being a resident of a riverine community is not ‘a walk in the park’ because it entails a lot of challenges in addition to the high cost of living and the fluctuating fuel prices.

Nazier would allow residents and just about anyone to use his landing as a form of ease of access and if he can assist locals in any way he usually would.

He is very pleased about excavation works being done at Bonasika for the first time through the government and it will enhance farmers’ production significantly and reduce flooding.

Nazier provides employment for 20 people on his farm and four at his gas station on the river.

Mahadeo Teehal, the farmer from Quarter Benabo

Meanwhile, Mahadeo Teehal, better known as Tony, is a resident of Quarter Benabo, Essequibo River and is a farmer. The 50-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that the island has seen an upgrade in the sea defence in which a basket was constructed to prevent erosion and flooding.

Zaman Nazier (Delano Williams photos)

Quarter Benabo’s resident, Mahadeo Teehal and his wife, Rena

Community Highlights at Fort Island

By Michel Outridge

BEING a Community Health Worker, Pretty Debideen is no stranger to fostering healthy relations and promoting community development at Fort Island, Essequibo River.

She has recently been instrumental in offsetting a few projects through government-funded initiatives.

work on the island and assist farmers with ease of access to get to their farmlands and to bring out their produce.

Debideen reported that with the operation of the new Fort Island Ferry Stelling and the re-launching of the Ferry Service, the lives of the locals have been significantly enhanced, especially this year.

She disclosed that the ferry service is back in opera-

would liaison with T&HD and Minister of Public Infrastructure, Bishop Juan Edghill to ensure the smooth operation of the facility.

She also related that the Fort Island Health Centre has been renovated, a new fence was installed, a waiting area with shed was also constructed and they have around-the-clock security at the health facility and a new

the ground to oversee the construction of the new ferry stelling replacing the rotten structure and he was also present for the opening of

the people of Fort Island can earn because they are employed at the stelling.

The farmers are able to sell their produce at the stelling

goes to Bartica from Parika daily and would stop over once there are passengers,” she said.

Debideen added that through the intervention of Minister Edghill the island had 40 new solar lights installed for the first time. It is indeed a real enhancement for the locals, who are without electricity to date.

She explained that since Fort Island is a riverine community, there are a lot of snakes and they have had some incidents were the locals were bitten by venomous snakes and had to seek immediate medical attention.

With the solar lights now in place, the residents can breathe a sigh of relief for the illumination, especially at night, to move around.

Debideen told the Pepperpot Magazine that they have seen tremendous progress in 2022, and they are very pleased with it because it has provided employment for the locals of the island, who were otherwise without permanent jobs.

The community leader stated that they have had sea defence upgrade near Fort Zeelandia and other sections of the island that was prone to erosion.

She added that a sea dam was also constructed to strengthen the drainage net-

tion following the opening of the Fort Island Ferry Stelling in May this year. After 12 years via Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) locals have been employed as security guards, ferry service employees, among other positions.

Debideen noted that some of the locals from the island have a steady job as security guards, one Line Catcher for the ferry, one bond clerk and a cleaner.

This resident of Fort Island is incharge of the Fort Island Ferry Stelling and

security service.

Debideen added that they have a new teacher and security at the school building, which houses both the primary and nursery learners.

The Community Health Worker, the only healthcare professional on the island, said through a community meeting with the Regional Chairman, Inshan Ayube, a new security service, Elite Security, was provided for the government buildings.

She reported that Minister of Public Infrastructure Bishop Juan Edghill was on

the stelling on May 25, 2022.

“With the new ferry stelling and the ferry service,

and transporting goods and produce is very affordable via the ferry, Makouria which

Debideen pointed out that all households on the island benefitted from the 25 black giant chickens initiative and the current administration’s cash grants for hinterland and riverine communities to improve the lives of the people during the pandemic and flooding.

She related that they benefitted from internet service through partnership with the private sector for the first time.

Debideen said D&G internet came on board to provide private internet service to the locals of the island at a reduced cost for the entire package of installation and monthly fee as such, a few households have the service.

The resident of Fort Island told the Pepperpot Magazine that they are very pleased about the steps taken by the government to develop the island since it is a tourism site with Fort Zeelandia and the Heritage Museum among other attractions to

Pretty

– The solar street lights on Fort Island and the new Ferry Stelling

The pet dog, “Blacks” of Beezie Island

Quarter Benabo and Bonasika ...

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He is, however, grateful if at least one internal drain can be dug to relieve farmers on the island who have to cope with constant flooding.

Quarter Benabo Island is one of the hundreds of islands in the Essequibo River. It is 20 minutes via boat from Fort Island and is home to eight families, who are cash-crop farmers, cattle and livestock farmers, fishermen and other skilled folks.

The island is very large but is like a swamp with no drainage and irrigation for water to recede from the island, making it inaccessible for walking.

Quarter Benabo Island is the home of plantains, bananas, ground provisions, citrus and other fruits and cash crops.

The water coconuts on

this island hold a lot of water. From one coconut you can get three and a half glasses of fresh water to indulge.

Any movement around this island is by boat and the people are very friendly and welcoming.

There is no potable water supply, electricity, internet, or cable services, but the internet can be accessed via cell phones.

The nearest health post is at Morashee across the river from Quarter Benabo Island and people would utilise the services there and also at the Fort Island Health Centre.

This island doesn’t have a village leader or a Community Development Council (CDC), but the residents said during the rainy season it is challenging for them because the place is very wet, inundated and muddy and the cows would get stuck for days.

Community Highlights at ...

entice visitors.

Beezie Island

The team also stopped over at Beezie Island, Essequibo River, it is a tourist attraction and it is privately-owned and there are only two locals, who reside on the island as caretakers/ farmers.

It is a lovely place to relax, unwind from the busy day to day life, sit in one of the hammocks provided, and enjoy the tranquil peace of the scenery of nature, the river in the background.

On the island there is the pet dog, ‘Blacks” who is in charge of the security and he would alert the caretakers of the presence of visitors.

The current state of the erosion at Zaman Nazier’s gas station at Present Hope

Zama Nazier’s Gas Station

Beezie Island, Essequibo River

Mama Winnie - intelligent, beautiful, warm, compassionate and fierce

LAST week I mentioned a brilliant mind I encountered on my recent travels to Africa. I also met some brilliant Guyanese minds who have also experienced living on the continent for many years. Eric Phillips is an accomplished Guyanese man with some of the most brilliant ideas. I envy him for having great conversations with both Nelson and Winnie Mandela. He lived four houses from Nelson Mandela and visited Winnie at her Soweto home many times. As a child, the only thing I knew about South Africa

was Nelson Mandela and then I found out about the phenomenal Winnie Mandela.

I was excited to take a pic with their statues, so can you imagine if I had the chance to meet them? lol . These are some of my favourite quotes from her.

“It dawned on me then that you either had to survive Apartheid, or you had to perish with it. And I decided to survive.”

“Preventing the conflicts of tomorrow means changing the mindsets of the youth of today.”

“They think because they have put my husband on an island that he will be forgotten. They are wrong. The harder they try to silence him, the louder I will become!”

Her strength and determination in a hostile and challenging environment are admirable. I love to engage people who knew her and my friend Fran, a South African living in California, was one of them. She was very close to the Mandelas, especially Winnie and she promised to introduce me to Winnie but she died a few months before. Dabu, a brilliant young attorney in South Africa who knows a lot about her, is my new chatting buddy. Eric and I had many conversations about her and I enjoyed hearing the stories as my mind envisioned this courageous woman who inspired many around the world. “Winnie Mandela was a beautiful looking woman, a proud African woman who was intelligent, warm, compassionate and fiercely aggressive in her fight against poverty and subjugation. None of us can vaguely understand the severe, personal pain she endured.” Eric said

He shared many poems he wrote as a tribute to her and decided to share a couple with you.

A ROSE

Took a stroll in the garden Just to clear my mind

Saw an inquisitive flower Peeping at me Through misty talkative eyes

A single Black rose Amidst a row of White flowers So very easy to be seen How could I not have noticed this before

A startling contrast ....obviously I plucked this flower at its stem Felt its petals tremble

The blood in my veins Became abnormally warm My heart beat became unstable Its petals were Black Its stem was green Wearing a red crown It sat there supreme I fell in love Instantly

A beautiful Black rose Did I decide to take home Hypnotized by a flower Wearing my ancestral robes I caressed her softly

While expressing my regrets Of not quickly recognizing Nature at its best

We talked for hours Renewing acquaintances Pledged our loyalties From that moment hence

In the garden of remembrance I took my daily stroll

Enjoyed being hypnotized By a beautiful Black rose A lesson to me

This experience will always be Of unpar-

alleled Black beauty Visible but unseen

FREEDOM

You said you were free You promised you were free

And we believed you With all our hearts and souls And having believed you We entrusted you

With all our hopes and aspirations Freedom Freedom Free at last Freedom

That all encompassing force

This became your pilgrimage The eternal quest of your life For South Africa For the Civilized World To end Apartheid To end economic genocide

For you believed them Because You have honour And Dignity And Love for Your People

O Freedom Thou freest of all slaveries Captive of our hearts Redeemer of our souls

Freedom

Why didnt thou Set us free

Winnie did and for that She was ostracized

But Winnie You are Free And we are Free Sleep well Dear Mother

All is well with Your Soul And we shall prevail

In Your Name and Grace

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela AKA Mama Winnie has certainly done her way with regrets too few to mention. When I think about her life, she lived with conviction and stood up for what she believed in. What are we staying up for as we celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

CHRISTMAS AND READING

WHY the love and appreciation for reading and Rooks are necessary as a functioning capacity in relation to Christmas, is the same reason why generally these factors are essential for living in the 21st century. But with the celebration of Christmas, with its tremendous symbolisms and rituals to have a general understanding of what we can extract as its tenets against what we may have generally interpreted from in-house practices and customs, the exchange of ideas through reading is a great benefit.

` To read was necessary for many of us growing up with Christmas and Christ in disputes of who Christmas belongs to; what did the mother of Jesus look like: did Jesus, the Christ live? etc. But before we (my generation) arrived at that argumen-

tative age as young adults, reading was a necessary part of the arsenal of group arguments and debates, separating facts from opinion, and winning bets. In school,reading was on the timetable. As you passed to FourthStandard onto Form One, Literature was a subject.

The education system by then had dropped Scripture as a subject. But further on, as young parents, we understoodthe obvious, as young adults, that the season of Christmas involved children BIGTIME. That’s when toys, games, story books and boys and girl annuals appeared, all directed at young minds, and comic books, all foreign, with none of us in it, except for Mandrake, Phantom and Tarzan, with colonial propaganda inclusions. I must include that the commercialism of Christmas, with literature,did develop fixed livelihoods

ofniche employment.In every market across Georgetown(I can’t report for the rural markets, but I know that shops did sell comic books and magazines, depending on the village), there were multiple second-hand book stands that made revenue from selling, exchanging and renting novels, school books, comic books and forbidden books, to juveniles; a children’s world of reading existed.

A pivotal feature was the Sunday papers that carried a pullout section of mixed illustrated strips that countless children were hooked on. How are these items relevant to Christmas? That atmosphere of adventure, whether Sci-fi, comic strips, Hero characters or love stories, attracted the young, though quietly read by adults, and most of all integrated a fixed place for children and the young at heart as an acknowl-

-A NECESSARY NEXUS

edged component of society. To which Christmas and its displays of toys, competitions like the Fogarty’s Toy Grab, conducted on the radio by the incredible voice of ‘Uncle’ James Sydney (I think that it was a road Safety crossword that had to be filled, towards winning)complemented that fixed place.

True, today we have vast social media realms and Netflix options, but do all Guyanese homes have smartphones, computers and afforded subscriptions to entertainment subscribers? How many social media realms that adults/ young adults find interesting on their smart phones are ‘child friendly? Yet, children are exposed to them, whether you want them to or not.

We are possibly creating adults too soon due to a juvenile void and shaping another generation of damaged humans. A Judge recently lamented that “sexual offences against children are at a crisislevels”the other fact is that in most cases, to my observation, the perpetrators are themselves reasonably young. The perp linked to that case was thirty-nine years old when this happened, the victim a nineyear-old child.

I grew up hearing and witnessing the pointing out of old men and women whoit was said by gossip, liked to touch younger people, but barriers are not sustained today as they were then, and ‘then’ was not a perfect world either. The concept of dressing children up, mimicking adult styles, is off, and I’ve witnessed this happen, and itsconsequences should have been foreseen, the child was twelve but dressed like a seductive eighteen-yearold and ended up pregnant too soon. However, that topic, though related, is a separate discussion that I will revisit. The connection between Christmas and reading lies primarily with the opening of the discussion faculties of the child through the exploration realms of books that you can

discuss the storyline with. You can be engaged in discussions with children if you leave the door open to them in that area, its important, evenon the morals of superheroes,historicalheroes and the leading characters that they find captivating in literature, whethernonfiction or novels.

Christmas is the only holiday with distinct relevanceenveloping history, religion, mythology and stark social symbolisms with an appeal to human nature’s wide and contra-

dictory expressions. If we adults are serious about where our world is going with rumours of impending genocide using science, there is no greater time to address the world we live in with our children through this one holiday, and it’s narrative,that can explore good and evil in an adjusted real way and still be loyal to the selfsame mood of the season, while influencing the future through the building blocks of a wider perspective, in all this, Books play an essential part.

A horrible reality, again

THERE are times when I cannot muster enough willpower to think about what happens in Guyana. Last week, a man in his 30s allegedly killed his wife, a lawyer, in her 30s. And it is frustrating and downright maddening that another woman, Asasha Ramzan, lost her life at the hands of a man who was seemingly unable to manage his emotions and stop himself from resorting to an irreversible decision.

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the senseless murder of women are not uncommon in Guyana. The United Nations (UN) estimates that about one in three women will experience GBV in their lifetime. In Guyana, the situation is worse; it is estimated that about one in every two women will experience GBV in their lifetime. Statistics such as these illustrate the extent of the issue locally, but this alone reflects the horrific situation women face.

Asasha, for example, was a State Counsel working with the Attorney General’s Chambers. From all indications, she was well educated, meaningfully contributing to Guyana’s development. Social media posts indicated that she was an inspiration, becoming the first lawyer in her family and persevering despite her challenges and circumstances. I think about Asasha, and all of the women whose lives were senselessly lost at the hands of their partners, and it makes me wonder why we see violence so frequently. Why do we see it at all?

Days before we lost Asasha, Guyana joined the rest of the world in commemorating the UN’s 16 days of activism to end GBV. And during that period, there were robust awareness campaigns, new programmes launched and even consultations on a new Family Violence Bill that promises to provide greater protection to vulnerable people, such as women and children. Those efforts are commendable and, clearly, much-needed, but it is hard to be optimistic about change when we see women’s lives lost so frequently.

I started writing this column in 2018 and now, nearly five years later, I don’t know how much more introspection and reflection I can do on GBV because I am scared. It seems as though there is a very real possibility that one day, my life, or any of our lives, can be snuffed out because we live in a society that seems rife with unequal power dynamics and men who seem to believe that they have some God-given ability to take lives.

Each report of GBV is a trigger, taking me back to a place of harassment and shame. Each report makes me feel like a helpless 17-year-old who cannot get help because the shame would be too much (It is not, and it will never be. Please, always reach out for support and help). Each report convinces me that one day, I could die at the hands of a partner who was unable to healthily process emotions and resorted to violence and an irreversible decision.

As if the senseless loss of Asasha weren’t enough, there were enough ignorant sentiments expressed that made me feel all the more unsafe growing up in this society. It appeared as though there was much sympathy for the man who took her life, perhaps as an attempt at honouring his life too. Needless to say, I cannot honour a man who murdered his wife or someone else, regardless of his mental state.

Again and again, these extremely unfortunate things happen. And again and again, we are forced to digest this reality and move on until it happens again and our furore returns. It cannot be overstated that we have to address gender inequality, gender discrimination, and the social system of patriarchy.

As written before, if we are genuinely interested in seeing this scourge of violence against women eliminated, we have to be willing to understand that violence is a systemic issue and we all interact with the system of oppression every single day. Our advocacy, activism, or simply, outrage must not end after a WhatsApp status or Facebook post. It most certainly does not end at calling out problematic men, or at least the problematic way they think, on social media. We have to be willing to do the hard work in dismantling these structural causes-whether that hard work means being activists and advocates, supporting

the activists and advocates, whether it means interrogating those relations in our private spaces, or whether it means sharing the knowledge with other people. This horrible reality has to change.

If you would like to discuss this column or any of my previous writings, please feel free to contact me via email: vish14ragobeer@gmail.com

“Value for Money,” the motto of the Guyana Consumers Association, should be a guiding principle as we enter the shopping season, harbingered by the advent of the Christmas holiday season. The Christmas season is a time when the population becomes relaxed; when there is feasting, of enjoyment of the “Christmas Weather” with its cool trade winds, its pastel sunsets and lengthy blue dusks and its ubiquitous decorations of various shiny tinsel formations and fairy lights and Christmas trees, all dominated by the Christmas colours of red,green, gold and blue. Children look forward to this season with dreamy expectations and the religious are reminded of the touching story of the Lord Jesus’ birth and the ethical teachings of the Christian religion and evergreen Christmas music with its carols and songs permeate the air. Shopping is an important facet of the Christmas season.

The annual Christmas blitzkrieg is mounted on the

consumers by the shops and markets: They are invitingly spruced up with colourful decorations and new and attractively packaged merchandise are put on display. These range from haberdashery such as clothes, cloths of various colours and textures and curtains; furniture which appear more comfortable than they actually are and washing machines, toasters, blenders and grinders; groceries from the world over, including special hams, sausages and cheeses of varieties not seen during the year; decorations and ingenious toys.

In confronting this blitzkrieg, we would remind consumers of the following: resist impulsive buying and buy only items you need; compare prices before buying and ensure you are given a proper bill or receipt stating the item bought with price and date clearly marked; check on expiry dates and whether one is being offered seconds, especially in the markets and small shops; always check on the quality of the goods bought as for example on the stitching on garments, and always collect a proper guarantee or warranty on consumer durables such as washing machines and cookers. A warranty on such items should be for at least one year. Many smaller stores have such items priced lower than the recognised shops, but they give a warranty for only a month or three months at most and in any case, they do not have repairmen or spare parts. It is wiser to buy such items from recognised stores.

In Christmas shopping, there is a prejudice which has survived from past times when Guyana did not manufacture anything, that one should always buy foreign goods. Now, there are a number of Guyana-produced goods which are world-class and sell cheaper than their foreign equivalents. We will mention some of the products and producers:

Banks DIH crackers are world-class and their range of sweet biscuits compare with the equivalents imported. Danish cookies packed in a lovely tin have become a favourite Christmas gift, but the beauty of the gift is in the tin rather than the cookies; it may be a pleasant change to give a

‘VALUE

Healthy Coping during Christmas

THE past few weeks have been topics on how to prepare for a mentally and physically healthy Christmas. I thought it best to specifically talk about coping strategies for those who may not be familiar with their options.

I’ve had a lot of readers share their struggles over the years. However, I would say there has definitely been an increase since COVID-19 and always around the holidays.

While some handle stress better than others, no one is immune to stress and its side

actions we choose to take when we are stressed, angry, sad, embarrassed etc. These are very individualistic/ subjective and can be healthy or unhealthy. In Guyana, we see instances of many unhealthy coping skills such as consuming alcohol, smoking cigarettes/ marijuana or abusive behaviour.

Well, what if I told you there were healthy and productive ways to deal with this large amount of stress? It is not difficult to change unhealthy coping skills to healthy ones – it’s just simply tedious. Studies show

what other people say or do to upset us or what general situations arise.

Developing coping mechanisms is quite difficult as emotions that arise when we are upset are very powerful. They tend to cloud our judgement, decision making and even creative abilitiesall very much needed to handle a stressful situation. While it is better to start developing healthy coping strategies early, it is never too late to learn them. There are two major types of coping strategies – whichever one is used depends on the

guide me and get the better of me (not always a good thing). I am also a firm believer in the saying, “Life is 90 percent what happens to us and 10 percent how we react to it.” However, this does not work for everyone and many people find the problem-focused strategy very beneficial.

So, what are some ex-

amples of good coping skills? These of course depend on the individual. What relaxes, calms or excites you may not work for many others. If you have never thought about things that may work for you, here is a list to get you started. Try one or try them all! An important tip: Do not wait until you feel negative emotions to imple-

ment these into your life. If something is already a part of your routine, it will make it easier to remember to take part when you actually need it.

-Exercise- any formdancing, team sports, punching bags, bicycles. This is not about weight

effects. Additionally, avoiding stress is futile because not only negative situations cause stress; for example, being promoted or becoming a parent also results in stress; Christmas is stressful. This means that the key to living a good life is not avoiding stress but learning how to deal with it healthily.

First, let’s talk about what stress is. I feel it’s a word that many people use every day but have a hard time defining it.

Stress is any mental or physical strain or tension. Unfortunately, it can come from any angle – family, work, school, relationships, and financial state – just to name a few.

The strategies we use to deal with our stress are called coping skills. These are the

that it takes the average person 40 to 60 days to develop a new habit. So, if you are used to calling someone for a drink when you’ve had a bad day, it would take that amount of time of forced behaviour for it to become natural for you to call them for a workout or a movie instead. The issue is that people usually give up before the 60 days due to the mild discomfort that it may bring.

Stress severely impacts our mental and physical health, so we are only increasing our distress if we unhealthily deal with it- ultimately just adding additional issues in the long run. On the other hand, healthy coping allows us to overcome obstacles, accept and deal with setbacks, and be adaptive and resilient to any changes around us. We cannot control

individual. The first is a problem-focused strategy where the individual focuses on the problem, which may cause stress. For example, if a person has to relocate when they do not want to, they can focus on the problem itselfmoving, what exactly needs to be done and how to cope with that.

The second is the emotion-focused strategy, where the individual focuses on the emotions that the problem/ stress has elicited. For example, if the aforementioned person is sad, angry and resentful about this relocation, they may focus on strategies that handle these feelings of distress.

I have always been partial to emotion focused strategy as I am an emotional person. This means that at times, I let my emotions

‘VALUE FOR MONEY’ SHOULD BE YOUR ...

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few cartons of Banks sweet biscuits instead of imported ones. Banks beer is among the best in the Caribbean and there is little difference between the local beer and the foreign imports.

Another Guyanese company that produces goods of world-class quality is the EB Beharry company. Indeed, all their products are ISO licensed and enter difficult markets such as the American market without the custom authorities rejecting their products. Their sweets, all European formulated and wrapped in colourful high-quality wrappings, are worldclass. And so are the complete range of their pastas. Their curries and 50 varieties of spices are sought after in foreign markets. And their prices are better than any of the imported equivalents.

Sterling Products is another company that produces goods of the highest quality and their production manager and his team are uncompromising in respect of quality. Their margarine is superior to any other in the local market and is the only margarine that uses a fermentation process. And so are their other products such as soap powders, ice cream, yoghurts and other food products. And their prices are better than their Caribbean equivalents.

One could not speak of world-class local products without mentioning Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL). They produce the best rums globally, and the El Dorado brand has made Guyana famous worldwide. El Dorado rums are sold in all the main international airports, bars and hotels. Their variety of liquors, many of which are renowned brand names bottled under licence, are among Christmas bargains. Their other products,such as their fermented vinegar and Topco

Healthy Coping during...

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loss but rather about releasing positive endorphins.

- Keep a feelings journal. Writing is so therapeutic.

- Educate yourself- read about everything! For fun, even.

- Become artistic – draw, paint, colour, create or simply listen to music.

-Watch light-hearted movies/TV shows- we get enough drama from real life.

- Be social with the right people. Keep good and positive people around.

- Spend quality time with yourself. Really get to know and love who you are!

- Practise good self-care. This means taking the time to do things that make you feel good about yourself. This can be anything from reading to doing your nails/hair. When we are confident and feel good on the outside- we tend also to internalise these feelings.

- Try delegating – you don’t have to (and shouldn’t) do everything

- Create and stick to a budget every day. Monetary issues cause a lot of stress.

- Build confidence, gratitude, positivity and optimism.

- Set new and realistic goals for yourself.

- Volunteer! Gain a sense of purpose and satisfaction by helping others.

- Practise forgiveness. This is for you- not anyone else.

- Focus on your religious/ spirituality practices (if you have any)

- Learn to walk away. When you are overly stressed or angry – take some personal space. Unfortunately for us, problems do not just disappear. They will be there for us to tackle when we are ready to do so.

- Find someone you can trust and confide in him/ her. It is okay if you feel you cannot cope on your own. Seeking professional help also counts as healthy coping. This helps you to become stronger (not weaker) when dealing with future stressors and challenging situations.

For whichever one you decide to try, make a note of whether it worked for you or it did not. If it didn’t, that’s okay- just try something else. If it does work, remember that it takes much practice to make it a regular exercisedon’t give up!

Thank you for reading.

juices, are much appreciated. Topco fruit drinks are the only ones in the local market that use fresh fruit. All of DDL products are ISO licensed.

There are several other local products of the highest quality produced by individuals or small companies. Pomeroon coconut oil, quite nicely packed in plastic bottles, is prefered to olive oil by many, both locally and abroad, and has regained its status as the main and prefered cooking oil. Locally produced honey is now preferred over foreign honey because they are pure, fresh and not diluted with various substances as foreign imports are. The market is almost

completely inundated with clothes imports, mostly from East Asia, but there are still a few tailors who make pyjamas, shirts, and underwear; the locally produced clothes are better stitched and the parts stitched together broader. Alim Shah’s in Regent Street was one such store which assisted local tailors.

At this shopping season, consumers would find it profitable to be guided by the motto “Value for money,” by buying local.

Avoid Christmas holidays burnout at all cost

THE festive season is upon us and I’m sure you all know what that means for most of us. It’s time to get busy! We’re either busy at work—trying to make the most of the days left in the year or we’re busy at home with cleaning and organizing. While Christmas is supposed to be the festive season, the most wonderful time of the year, sometimes it doesn’t always feel that way. In truth, Christmas is a season of shopping, preparation, working, planning, and cleaning— and did I mention working?

There’s a lot to be done during this time and it can be very overwhelming, to say the least. In January, many of us are left feeling so tired and exhausted after the holidays. Is it because we can’t keep up with the demands of the season? Or, is it because we neglected ourselves to be able to carry out certain tasks during the holidays?

For me, it’s a challenging time to manage a business, write my articles, and prepare my house and store for the season, all while trying to make memories and tend to the needs of my loved ones. It’s quite a lot and I’ve realised that instead of enjoying the so-called wonderful time of the year—I’m left burned out and tired during and after it. What’s so wonderful about the holidays if you’re exhausted and overwhelmed with so many things to do? To be frank, while Christmas is meant to be a religious holiday—it has also turned into a massive fuel for capitalism and consumerism. It speeds up the country’s economic growth but at the same time, it puts pressure on so many people, including myself. It’s hard to keep up with the demands of work and the demands of Christmas. It’s even more difficult to keep up with the demands of your home life and the demands of Christmas. This can be increasingly pressuring to parents who have children/ families that depend on them for presents, food, and extra supplies for the holiday season.

While sometimes we can take a step back and put some things off for tomorrow, instead of pressuring ourselves today—I know that’s not always the case. Sometimes there are just so many things to do with so little time during the holiday season. However, I’m still pleading with you all to take your time off when you feel it’s necessary to do so—to relax and breathe a bit. It’s important for you to unpack a stressful day, even if it’s for an hour in the evening. It’s important that you listen and pay attention to your body’s physical signs of tiredness and exhaustion. It’s important for you to learn your emotional boundaries and what your triggers are, so that you can stay clear of them. We all ought to learn to take breaks, even through the busiest season of the year. Some people would say, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” If you’re not getting any and you’re constantly working, are you really living life to the fullest? How is that quality of life?

It makes no sense you burn yourself out to the point of no return during this holiday, only to start the new year with a heavy heart and eye bags. We all deserve a break at intervals. You are not a robot and you shouldn’t be expected to act like one—even if there are 100 things on your to-do lists.

Eco-friendly Christmas tips

BEING environmentally conscious is not all about using fewer plastic bags; it’s about making everyday choices that will determine our success or failure as a species. This Christmas, let’s practise being more conscious about reducing pollution, protecting wildlife, conserving natural resources and taking other action that can help slow the rate of climate change and biodiversity loss.

What does being eco-friendly mean?

Eco-friendly means earth-friendly or not harmful to the environment. In other words, being eco-friendly helps prevent contributions to air, water, land and noise pollution. Engaging in eco-friendly habits or practices by being more conscious of how you use resources will also affect the environment and people’s well-being.

Why should we be eco-friendly?

Earth is faced with much worse danger than it has in the past decades. Numerous reports show that human consumption of Earth’s natural resources has tripled over the last four decades.

‘Tis

the season to be sustainable’

on those holiday deals. Remember to make that list; check it twice.

This year, the EPA encourages the general public to post how you plan to be eco-friendly this Christmas and share it with us on our social media platforms and with your friends.

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

Oxygen depletion and the depletion of clean drinking water and other notable resources are on the rise. Therefore, while undoing the havoc created over time may be difficult, we can carry out some committed efforts to cut back on the rate of resource depletion and save the planet from extinction. These efforts will in turn:

- Preserve the environment;

- Save money;

- Save energy;

- Produce less waste; and

- Improve human lives.

Ecofriendly tips EPA recommends this Christmas

1. Try more plant-based dishes when planning your Christmas menu, as meat production has several negative environmental impacts.

2. Buying local supports the local economy by reducing fuel for transportation and paper & plastic used for packaging.

3. Reduce your lightings and displays, save energy and money on your electricity bill.

4. Take your reusable shopping bags when shopping.

5. Consider donating excess food to orphanages and shelters.

6. Reduce waste by buying in bulk and purchasing from local vendors.

7. Avoid disposable products.

8. Unplug lights when not in use.

What can you do to help with eco-friendly awareness this Christmas?

Planning is key to reducing your waste this Christmas, whether it’s your meal plan or saving in on your groceries and your spending to cash in

A STAR IN HEAVEN

CHRISTMAS – is such a wonderful season when hearts rejoice and the warmth of joy and happiness fill the air, the beautiful sounds of carols in the night, and sparkling lights

in every home. The little boy standing by the window looked up at the dark sky. There were no stars tonight, the Heavens looked lonely and he thought, “The angels must be

away taking care of all the lonely children in the world.”

His eyes searched the sky and just a faint glow he saw, and he whispered, “Are you there, mom? Will you come to visit me?”

O Holy Night – glorious morn

A question he had asked so many times over the years. He yearned for her love, to feel her motherly comfort, to hear her voice and see her sweet smile, and each night as he lay in bed, she would sing him a song; the music in her voice only he heard, the smile on her face only he saw.

He had begun questioning God when he understood what had happened.

“Why did you take her away from me? Why, when I opened my eyes to welcome this world, her eyes closed in farewell?”

His father had become so grieved and broken at her loss he couldn’t look at the baby.

She had died in childbirth due to unexpected complications and somehow the baby was blamed for that. He was taken home, but his father’s dislike caused tensions in the home, especially at night when he cried so much, just to hear a loving, kind voice.

Six months later, after his father had left home to work in another region and left him in the care of relatives whose negligence made him almost die twice, social workers took him away from that home of hell and the orphanage became his new home. Sometimes in his mind, he rued pain in his young heart of his father abandoning him.

He sat by the window each night, looking at the twinkling stars, reaching his little hands out as though he could touch them for he felt his mother lived with the angels amongst the stars. And

his young heart had wished that he be given a mother like the angels in Heaven.

This Christmas that was all he wanted. That was all he had ever wanted.

He was a brave boy, he tried never to cry nor to feel sad, just to hope and pray that what was so precious and had been taken away from him could be returned. He believed that Christmas was that time when magic waltzed in the air and miracles happened.

“Daniel,” a kind authoritative voice broke into his thoughts.

He turned around and obediently said, “Good night,” to the House Mother, Sister Claire.

As he got into bed, a tiny little star peeped out from the darkened sky, twinkling at him. Sister Claire looked at the sleeping little boy, a worried look on her face. He had been here at the orphanage for almost six years now and no one seemed to want him, and she wondered why he was so unlucky. Several people over the years had expressed interest in adopting him, but strangely at the last moment, they always changed their minds. What she didn’t know was that the boy himself didn’t want to be adopted by those who came before. In his innocent mind, he knew none of them had been sent by God.

She hoped tomorrow would be a good day for him, for someone was coming to see him.

The next morning was Christmas day and at the or-

phanage, there was eagerness for the scrumptious breakfast served and excitement for the opening of presents. Daniel opened the gift Santa had brought him and he smiled wryly, “Of course, a remote-control racing car.”

“I wonder,” he mused, “Where is God’s gift?”

In the Chapel, as he looked at Mother Mary and the Christ Child late that afternoon, he thought of questioning God, again when a voice called his name, “Daniel.”

That voice, he recognised for often he had heard it in his mind, the warmth flowing in his being. He turned around slowly, whispering fervently,

“Please let it be her.”

She was standing by the door, simple and beautiful as he had imagined. She smiled sweetly at him.

“Merry Christmas, Daniel, I’ve come to offer you a home with me and my little family.”

He stared at her, not saying anything, choked with emotion. So long he had yearned for this, hoping and praying for something special in his life.

Today on Christmas Day, after seven years, God had given back to him the precious gift he had taken.

He won’t anymore be that lonely little boy, sitting by the window looking at the stars, he would now have a home and a family with the love and warmth he had yearned for – the miracle of Christmas.

All I want for Christmas is a brand new wharf

BETWEEN the hustle and bustle and all the pre-Christmas sounds in commercial downtown Georgetown, methinks I heard a strange voice. If you paid rapt attention, when you were downtown during last week doing another segment of your 2022 Christmas shopping, you might have heard the very same voice. It was that of the century-old Stabroek Market, also familiarly called “Big Market” by many citizens of the capital city of Guyana. Big Market had quite a lot to say last week, but certainly not the time of the day or night. That Big Market clock has not functioned for many, many years, and citizens no longer glance up to its face to get an idea of the time - even though it would show the right time twice every day - but just for a fleeting moment. There are some negative things in life which are better ignored or better left unsaid. I guess the non-functioning of the largest clock in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana is one of them.

Both Guyanese and non-Guyanese alike continue to discuss the financial improvements of Guyana, as it is being transformed from “One of the poorest countries in the Western Hemi-

sphere” to one of the richest countries in the world. With the increasing income from oil and gas, projects such as the maintenance of the country’s municipal markets - Stabroek, Bourda, LaPenitence, Kitty, Linden, New Amsterdam, Anna Regina, Port Mourant, Corriverton, Bartica, Charity, Lethem and others, should pose no problem. What is necessary is that those in the seats of power think broadly and follow the established theme of “One Guyana” where all communities are treated fairly. No community in Guyana must be treated as “The Little Boy that Santa Claus Forgot.”

A section of the dilapidated Stabroek Market wharf (Photo by Francis Quamina Farrier)

The sea dam being constructed on the island

Dookalbo...

FROM PAGE VIII

they have been unable to get a good catch of fish to sell.

He explained that the island was once populated, but a lot of people left because they wanted their children to attend good schools and the cost of living is expensive with the rising costs of food items and fuel.

“I came here for a better life and as a man with no proper education and being poor I had to make it work. Being a father of two I had to do things to earn to support my home,” he said.

Singh added that he has nine grandchildren and their way of life is very humble and they are hardworking, simple people.

The landing at Dookalbo Island

Youths motivated by climatejustice convictions ...

The winners’ prizes in each category included electronic tablets, $10,000 and $8,000 gift certificates, and copies of illustrated books on Guyana.

FROM PAGE III

In the Age 13-15 group, the following were the winners: Green Gladiators - Marian Academy (1st); CAN Colours- Marian Academy (2nd); and Westminster Secondary (3rd). The winners in the Age 16-18 Age Group were: Richard Ishmael Secondary (1st); North Georgetown Secondary (2nd); and Aesthetic Force - Cummings Lodge Secondary School (3rd). In the Age 19-25 Group, Brushstroke copped first place, while Dear Tigers got second.

“Policy Forum Guyana is particularly indebted to Bounty Supermarket for its generous donation of gift certificates…A&R Jiwanram Printery, WWFGuianas, the Guyana Human Rights Association, the Gift Centre, Austin’s Book Service and Conservation International,” Davis expressed.

PFG is a non-governmental organisation with no political affiliation, and focuses primarily on accountability and transparency issues related to natural resources, climate change and the extractive industries.

According to its website, the first PFG action was to strengthen Guyana’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution to COP21, aimed at reducing global warming. Action on the second priority is taking the form of promoting greater accountability in the extractive sector, particularly through Guyana’s membership of the global movement, the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative.

PFG Guyana said it welcomes all non-governmental agencies and groups to join as members. Rules are said to be straightforward and not demanding. At present, PFG operates with a small steering committee, a Chair and Convener.

Meanwhile, having decided to pursue her degree in Environmental Science, Davis was the Best Graduating Student in the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Second Best Graduating student at the University of Guyana in 2018.

The 27-year-old was in primary school when she realised that she was passionate about environmental protection, and when she moved on to Queen’s College, she continued to enjoy being part of the environmental club and scout group.

She was the recipient of the third ‘Young Heroes Award’ from the Stone Soup Leadership Institute, a non-profit organisation in Massachusetts that has been recognising those on the front lines of climate change, social justice and economic equity around the world.

Aesthetic Force (3rd place in 16-18 category) - Cummings Lodge Secondary team at work

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

But those behind cried “For- ward!”

And those before cried “Back!”

LORD THOMAS BABINGTON MACAULAY (1800-1859) Horati- us at the Bridge

STUDY SUCCESS

Dear Student, Welcome dear friend. Can you confidently coin an official letter to a governmentor local authority? Or are you more comfortable writing to newspapers; to radio and television stations; to athletes, and other public figures; to authors of articles or books? Lettersof information, request, concerns; grievances; fan or criticisms areall public

December 18, 2022

opinion and important. The effective ones get most attention. Do prepareto tacklewell any question desiring anopinion letteron that crucial day ahead. Be wise.

Love you.

THE PASSAGE Read carefully this simple but effectively written friendly letter. There are characteristic about it that you may need to employ in yours. Answer the items below it based on what is stated or implied.

Dear Cynthia, I expect you will be surprised to hear from me since my writing so far has been the odd Christmas card. But guess what? I am coming back to Guyana for a short visit in July of next year. Yes, my dear, I got picked for my school athletics team and we are visiting Georgetown, Guyana as part of a friendly exchange tour with one of your secondary schools.

Now this is my reason for writing. The tour only lasts one week but I thought that I’d like to stay on for a longer time to see Girlie, Hazel and all my old friends. There are so many people I’ve never heard from since I left for Trinidad three years ago. Would it be possible to stay with you for an extra two weeks? Do ask your parents and let me know. It would be so wonderful to be spending time with you again.

Mummy says she will be writing your mother when she finds out all the dates and flight times, etc. but I could not wait. I just had to let you know the news. Please write soon. Give your mum and dad my love, and kiss baby for me. (I guess he isn’t a baby any more now!)

See you soon.

Yours, Kimberley

Something to Do

1. Was Kimberley a good friend of Cynthia’s? Is there anything within the letter that gives a hint? What pointshave you gathered?

2. Is there a hint of honesty and straight talk in Kimberley’s writing? In what words are they seen?

3. Do you think Cynthia would like to have Kimberley stay with her? Imagine you are Cynthia. Write to

Kimberley telling her that she is welcome and what you plan to do during her visit in Guyana.

NOTE: Friendly Letters

Friendly letters are far easier to write than opinion letters. If you imagine your friend listening to you it will help you better to chat heart to heart. Pay attention to proper paragraphing, sentencestructure, and punctuation. Even though some informal language is allowed in friendly letters, do remember that the examiners are looking for a sizeable amount of proper English to be sure that you can write using it well.

Write This: Write a letter of at least three paragraphs that will explain to a good friend what you have accomplished in English during this current school year so far.

Letters of Opinion

In writing a letter of opinion, keep it as brief as possible. State your subject clearly at the outset. Explain your stand on the question on hand. Advance in an orderly fashion the arguments supporting your opinion. Avoid abusive terms or violent language. Keep the general tone good-tempered. Be forceful but not tactless.

Avoid writing from a prejudiced viewpoint; do your best to be fair. Be ready to write letters of praise as of criticism or condemnation. If perchance you feel very strong about a topic of criticism or disagreement, hold that letter a day or two before mailing it. You may wish to destroy it or at least to change it.

Write on These: 1) If you have enjoyed a book written by a living author, write a letter of appreciation, telling the author what pleased you most about the book. If you address it in care of the publisher, the letter will be forwarded to the author.

2) If you read a magazine article with which you disagree, write a letter to the editor, explaining your reasons for disagreement.

3) Write a letter to a radio or television commentator with whom you strongly disagree. Be courteous. Check your information carefully before you express your ideas.

IMPROVING WRITING

Relating sound to mean-

ing in description

The sound of words, as well as their meanings, can contribute to effective description. Sound patterns include rhythm, meter, rhyme, alliteration, assonance, onomatopoeia, and parallelism. Effective writers use these sound devices in prose description, as well as in poetry. You too can learn to use them better as you write with the aim to self-express beautifully.Read the following passage. It is seriously beautiful.

The image of Zhen lingers most in my mind. I remember Zhen vividly on a day when I left Wuyipeng, when her brief appearance seemed like a parting gift. I had found her not far from camp sitting hunched on a moss-covered boulder, muzzle tucked into her folded arms. Quietly I approached to within forty-five feet and waited. She raised her head and with a disinterested gaze looked at me, then leaned forward, her back to me, and continued to rest. There was a startling assurance, a striking kind of freedom, in the way she ignored me. At intervals she changed position, resting on side or belly, and occasionally she sat up to scratch or pawflies off her face. Once she gazed in the direction of loud voices from camp. After two and a half hours, with the onset of a heavy rain, she raised her arms above her head, stretched, and yawned cavernously. She descended from the boulder and began to munch shoots. I left her there, her pelage gleaming softly in the bamboo twilight, until like falling snow she melted gently into the forest.

-George B. Schaller from “The Last Panda”

Something to Do: Read aloud this passage and then make notes on how you think the sound of the words contributes to the meaning of the description.

NOTE: Writers use description for many purposes: for example, to express feelings, to persuade an audience to act or think in a certain way, or to inform an audience. This kind of writing appears everywhere good writers are. [To be continued in next week’s issue.]

Preventing oral cancer

WHAT does a diet rich in Vitamin E foods such as nuts, and whole grains (whole wheat), and soybean oil have in common? A new study says they can help lower the risk of lung and oral cancer among smokers by about 20 percent. In the study of more than 29,000 male smokers in Finland, researchers found that those who had high blood vessels of alpha-tocopherol, the main form of Vitamin E, reduced their incidence of lung cancer by 19 percent to 23 percent. The importance of diet should also be emphasised to prevent cancer.

The benefits were most dramatic: the study found among men under age 60 and among light smokers who had been using cigarettes for less than 40 percent to 50 percent. But despite the encouraging finding, the most beneficial health action smokers can take is still the same: Stop smoking.

I have to emphasise that stopping smoking is crucial for lung cancer but also for oral cancers, pancreas cancer, kidney cancer, and a bunch of other cancers. In the study, which lasted for almost eight years, researchers took periodic blood samples to measure alpha-tocopherol levels, the most active form of vitamin E in humans. The levels

of alpha-tocopherol were then linked to health outcomes among men in the study. There were 1,144 cases of lung cancer diagnosed in the group during the study.

The lung cancer rate was reduced among men with the highest levels of alpha-tocopherol and the cancer protection was most pronounced among men with the shortest history of smoking who also had high Vitamin E levels. Although the new study involved only smokers and lung cancer, earlier studies have shown that healthy levels of Vitamin E give some protection against disease, stroke, and some other types of cancer, such as prostate cancer.

He said that the proven benefits came only from a balanced diet that included food rich in Vitamin E. The researchers drew conclusions about the effect of vitamin pills taken by some of the men in the study. In effect, the proven benefits of vitamin E come from eating the right foods, not from popping Vitamin pills.

Clearly, there is a need for more studies in order to compare supplements with natural dietary sources of vitamin E. There are still uncertainties about the comparative value of Vitamin pills vs. nutrients absorbed naturally from foods. For instance, some studies have shown that beta-carotene, an antioxidant found in foods such as carrots, can help prevent some forms of cancer. Yet, when beta-carotene pills were given to the group of Finnish smokers, the rate of drug cancer actually increased by 16 percent.

Vitamin E-rich foods include soybean oil and other seed oils, nuts particularly almonds, fibres, hazelnuts and walnuts, sunflower seeds, and whole grains, including wheat germ.