Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot 19-11-2023

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 19, 2023

The ‘voice of West Indies Cricket’ Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira to receive honorary Doctorate from the University of Guyana

Veteran Cricket commentator, Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira (Delano Williams Photo)

Sunday, November 19, 2023

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 19, 2023

Don’t let diabetes conquer you

THE month of November has been designated “Diabetes Awareness Month”, and in this article, we look at a disease plaguing nations all around the world.

There are literally millions and millions of people who have Diabetes. Nonetheless, the war against this killer disease continues.

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also referred to as blood sugar, becomes too well-balanced meals. A meal planning strathigh. In more recent years, health administrators in egy is recommended. most countries globally have been working to help raise Good meal planning not only saves time awareness for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, through and energy, but maybe even money. When education and advocacy. For them, that is the necessary you know exactly what you want when you way for success in bringing down the cases of Diabetes. go to the supermarket, half the job is done, In Guyana, one out of every three women has Diaand done to your advantage. Regularly plan betes. For the Guyanese men, it is one out of every four. for healthy meals.

Internationally, China leads the world with 141 million diabetic persons. That is followed by India, Pakistan, The Fast Food Culture the USA, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico, Bangladesh, In more recent years, Guyana, like most Japan, Egypt, and Kwait. It must be noted, however, other countries around the world, has develthat all those countries have multi-million populations. oped a culture of having fast food. While The theme for the ongoing anti-diabetes prohaving fast food is not entirely bad, desertgrammes in 2023 is, “Access to Diabetes Care”. The ing home-cooked meals and absorbing fast focus is on delaying or preventing Type 2 diabetes. It foods daily is not recommended by doctors is also intended to stop the development or stop other and nutritionists. These Health Professiondiabetes-related complications. Being healthy depends als warn about stroke and cardiovascular a lot on us living a healthy lifestyle, and “To Know your A section of the compound of the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, George- diseases risks from daily consumption of town. (Photo by Francis Quamina Farrier) Risk. Know your response”. For example, the majority fast foods. of adults would have a clear idea of which foods may Yes, do enjoy your fast foods, but with not be good for them. In Guyana, we refer to such foods as indulge in ice cream, for example. However, a very small intelligent moderation. Even Fast Food outlets want you to our “Kinna”. These foods are not harmful to the general pop- amount once in a while, though not encouraged, can be had. live a long, healthy life and support their business for many That, of course, depends on how disciplined the diabetic paulation, just the selected few. years. tient is. To repeat, “Know your risk; know your response”. It As such, let there be a healthy balance between Homewould be foolhardy of family members to have lots of sweet Know Your Friendly Foods cooked meals and the Fast Food you like to “lash-up” as I Like some other things in life, foods can be good for some stuff here, there and everywhere around the house when say so often. Another bit of advice from this article is the people but not entirely for others. Those who have Diabetes there is a diabetic person living there. Avoid any temptation recommendation for annual diabetes checks. More regular if are well aware that they need to stay away from sweets, and as best as possible. The diabetic person will find ways to get you are advancing in age. You also need to ensure that your their hands on the sweet stuff and gobble it up when no one’s all things sweet that are a temptation to their palates. food intake is more quality than quantity. Regular exercise is It is not at all easy, but discipline is vital, especially for looking. They will also syphon off some of the goodies, even also an important recommendation. those with Diabetes. You just can’t put any and everything in the presence of others without them observing. The diabetic Remember also that the benefits of nutrition and fitness into your stomach. Those suffering from Diabetes should not person will fool themselves by saying, “This is just a little. are paramount to managing Diabetes.

No harm will be done.” The diabetic person should also have

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 19, 2023

The ‘voice of West Indies Cricket’ Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira to receive honorary Doctorate from the University of Guyana

By Shaniya Harding

DURING the early 1960s through the ‘70s and into the ‘80s, Joseph Perreira was the voice of cricket all over the West Indies. Joseph is otherwise and perhaps more popularly known as ‘Reds’,a name he earned not only due to his complexion but also for his intense tenacity in commentary.

For over five decades, ‘Reds’ has dedicated himself to advancing sports in Guyana and the Caribbean. And today, after overcoming numerous challenges and decades dedicated to the advancement of sports, Reds is being honoured in a way that very few people will ever experience. He will be given an honorary doctorate from the University of Guyana. When asked how he felt about his accomplishment, he shared that the only thing he feels is “Humble and happy.”

Reds was born over80 years ago in the Pomeroon on the Essequibo Coast. Coming from humble beginnings, Reds was the son of a farmer and the fifth of his nine siblings. His boyhood years were taken up with all the activities of living in the country. Reds first step into sport came in 1945, when his family moved to Charlestown, closer to the capital city and in the thick of things.Here is where his interest in the fast footwork of football and the excitement of fast bowling caught his attention as a young boy, and it seemed as though it never let him go.

Reds explained that his upbringing has taught him a great deal of strength and humility that is forged by growing amidst adversities. Before he was the voice that precisely chronicled sports matches, capturing every goal, wicket and knockout punch, Reds was just a young boy with a severe stutter. Today, Reds is known for his words and captivating descriptions of games before the era of television. But there was a time when the sounds of Rs and S’s proved challenging as they would get caught in his throat.

“I had to overcome my stutter; it was major. It was a handicap,” Reds stated. He explained that his stutter was something he battled with, particularly because there was no cure for it. “It is not easy because you can not go to the store and get a prescription and have it go away in a month. It took great strength and confidence to overcome stammering. I had to repeat words I could not repeat.

Rodriquez, Sri Lanka and Richardson, the R’s and the S’s

Veteran Cricket commentator, Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira (Delano Williams Photo)

would twist me up,” he said.

By 20, however, he had successfully overcome his stutter.

Even during his first test match in 1971, Reds still had a bit of a stutter that he fought hard to contain. And on the stage of five million people listening to him, Reds’ illustrious voice

carried without a single stutter. In the years that followed, his experience across sports disciplines grew as he worked for several different sports associations. He went on to be apart of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) as its director and President of the St. Lucia Boxing Association (SLBA). But his most memorable moments are travelling through the Caribbean while bringing Windies sport to the rest of the world, whether by radio or television.

In reminiscing about his past, Reds recalled in a list several outstanding moments in his career. “My days of cricket broadcasting here in Guyana and the Caribbean and then the wide world; my days as a football coach with Santos, with the BGCC and with the national under-23 team; my days with the West Indies travelling with Sir Clive Lloyd and Sir Vivian Richards when the West Indies were winningin the World Cup in 1975 and then 1979. I certainly feel like I was lucky. But would like to state that it is important to remain humble,” he said.

Reds left Guyana in 1980. Since then, he has returned regularly, although he now resides in St. Lucia. He stated that as much as he left Guyana, it will always remain his home.

“There is a song called Hotel California. And I left Guyana in 1980, but I never really left Guyana. I left to do a world title fight with Patrick Ford and Salvador Sanchez in Texas.

That was for television. And I took the opportunity to work in Barbados to expand my horizons. I developed because of the opportunity. And the Caribbean Broadcasting Union flew me all over the world. The song I refer to says, ‘You can check out, but you can never leave.’ I checked out in 1980, but I never left Guyana.” Reds stated.

Reds’ love for sport stems from the larger impact it could have on young people and the hope it can give to a country. He expressed that,“Sports in Guyana has a tremendous impact on crime. If you can get young people away from the bridges, away from the block and playing sports, you can change their lives. There is the classical case of when the World Cup is on in some countries, crime dropped, because of young people and people in general watching the World Cup. Sports has the ability to change people’s lives, and build character and give people hope.”

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 19, 2023

Successful despite difficult circumstances

--UG graduate reflects on moving from a remote village to achieving his degree

LEAVING his remote village of Warapoka, Region One (Barima-Waini) Moruca District, for the city to pursue a Bachelor of Social Sciences Degree in Communication Studies four years ago at the University of Guyana (UG) was probably the most difficult decision Dave Jeffrey had to make in life, but it paid off because he was successful.

Today, the young man is very proud of his academic achievement, and with no regrets, he did what he had to to secure a better future for himself and his family. Jeffrey is the first in his family to graduate. Despite difficult circumstances, he did it with God’s Grace, and the help of others.

Having formally finished high school, he did not want to become a farmer or seek employment within the village. Jeffrey decided he wanted to do more; to study. Four years ago, Jeffrey left his community with a heavy heart, because he was sad to leave his family and go to a new place. He also knew he would face challenges due to financial constraints, because his family did not have the resources.

He, however, armed himself with a positive mindset and set about his journey. He was living at his sister’s place at Parika, East Bank Essequibo, and had already been enrolled at UG, but no scholarship was available at that time for him, and he had no money to continue. Jeffrey figured that his only option was to quit. But as he was about to, he received a telephone call from a friend in Trinidad and Tobago enquiring about his studies. Recalling that telephone call, he told the Pepperpot Magazine that the person offered to pay his tuition for that year along with miscellaneous fees.

“It was my sight not to give up on my studies, just so out of the blue, I got this call, and then my first year at UG was paid.

I was blown away, and I told myself I could not disappoint the people that were behind me. I had to succeed no matter

Warapoka Village is a remote Amerindian village and the home of Dave Jeffrey

Dave Jeffrey

what,” he said.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS AND HOME LIFE Jeffrey told the Pepperpot Magazine that Warapoka is an Amerindian village located on the left bank of the Waini River, and it has 700 residents, most of whom depend heavily on farming as their main economic activity to earn. He is the third of eight children. His mother is a primary school teacher in the community, and has served in that profession for the past 30

Dave Jeffrey following his graduation at UG.

years, while his father is a farmer. Jeffrey related that growing up, he always had the desire to further his studies. A religious person at heart, he prayed a lot for the courage to leave home and become independent.

“Graduating from UG is like a dream come true for me. It will bring new opportunities, and I want to give back as well; to serve my people by being a mentor to others just like me, seeking a better future despite challenges,” he stated.

Jeffrey will remain in the city, but for now, he is staying at the Hinterland Tertiary Dormitory at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, a facility managed by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.

He has expressed his desire to stay and seek employment within the Office of the Vice- Chancellor of UG under the Philandrist Alumni Civic Engagement (PACE) Office but is not sure of his placement just yet.

Jeffrey successfully completed a two-year internship at UG, and he would like to help others from his community to become successful at UG, since he fully understands what it takes to graduate at UG, coming from a remote village with no financial support.

He added that most Amerindians depend on scholarships to further their studies at UG, and it is often difficult to leave family behind for a new place.

Jeffrey has decided to continue studying while working, and he has since enrolled at UG for his Masters in Strategic Development.

“If it wasn’t for the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and others who encouraged me and contributed towards my studies, I would not have made it, and I am very grateful for the opportunity,” he reasoned.

Jeffrey told the Pepperpot Magazine that he feels very blessed, and graduating is indeed a milestone for him.

He would like to be an example for others from remote villages in Guyana, where opportunities and jobs are scarce, so they, too, can succeed at UG, once they have the will to do so.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 19, 2023

Tourism Month 2023

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Explore Guyana with Wanderlust Adventures

By Michel Outridge AS we move further along Tourism Month 2023, we shine the spotlight on Wanderlust Adventures GY. Established in 2019, Wanderlust Adventures GY is a local tour operating company licensed with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA).

Its founder, Roselyn Sewcharran, has solid customer service experience and tourism experience, having worked as a qualified travel agent with a reputable airline and a Flight Attendant for many years. Sewcharran told the Pepperpot Magazine that she knew she had what it takes to become a local Tour Operator.

Wanderlust Adventures GY brings a variety of professional, fun, educational, reliable and safe tours for persons of all ages. The company has won five awards from the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) in 2021 and 2022 for exceeding expectations in Tour Operations, Customer Service and for the Best in New Experience. It is also a recent winner of a Global Award for “Excellence in Service” from the Travel and Hospitality and the Business in Excellence Award 2022 from Women’s Chamber and Commerce and Industry Guyana (WCCIG).

“We continue to be innovative and bring a little extra to each tour and to come up with new ideas to explore Guyana,” she said.

Wanderlust means “the desire to travel” and Sewcharran’s expectations were high while her standards for the business were even higher, she told the Pepperpot Magazine.

“I feel quite honoured to be the recipient of these awards but it came with hard work and a team that supports

me, I want to leave a lasting impact in tourism and that is my goal,” she reasoned.

She stated that her tour company offers not only packaged and affordable tours but customised and personalised tours of all nature to suit the guest’s needs and budget. The services offered include nature tours, river tours, city tours, family tours, waterfall tours, private tours, budget travel tours, and transport services.

“Being an avid solo traveller visiting different countries, I grew to appreciate all cultures and the people, and I realised that I can promote tourism and offer the same experience right at home, in my country, Guyana, since we have the landscape, beauty and all that is required to open a tour operation,” she said.

Sewcharran reported that Guyana has so much to offer in tourism and she knew she wanted to be a part of it, showing the world how

Roselyn Sewcharran during one of her local tours in Guyana

Roselyn Sewcharran

diverse and rich our culture is and how hospitable our people are. “I believe that travel is not just about visiting new places; it’s a transformative experience that opens doors to self-discovery, cultural immersion and personal growth. Being able to help create moments that form memories that will last a lifetime is what I look forward to doing every day,” she said.

Sewcharran told the Pepperpot Magazine that she experienced challenges in exploring various countries but somehow mastered the art of planning and creating itineraries. As such, she wanted to help make it easier for others to explore Guyana.

Sewcharran added that she employs five in-office staffers and would utilise licensed tour guides to conduct tours via Wanderlust Adventures GY. She related that her staff is small, but they are dedicated and provide reliable, qual-

ity service all year round. Her hallmark in the business is to provide a service that suits all in an organised, safe way.

The owner of Wanderlust Adventures GY told the Pepperpot Magazine that it is her passion and love for the promotion of tourism that keeps her motivated and, as an explorer, she is primed.

As a city girl with Amerindian roots from the Wapishana tribe in her family tree, Sewcharran loves the Rupununi and is constantly amazed by the modest way of life of the people, who sustain themselves through a variety of methods.

Recently, Sewcharran visited Egypt and Bali, and she feels that it is the impression after leaving stays with you.

It is a wonderful feeling once the visit was memorable and through her own tour company, she wishes the same for guests utilising her small business.

She, however, sees Wanderlust Adventures GY expanding as a destination management company which will cater to the needs of visitors from the time they arrive in Guyana up until they leave.

“For a small tour operation to stay afloat, one must consider the service they provide to keep customers and that is, a safe, reliable, licensed business with trained staffers which provides step-by-step information and assistance to people of all walks of life and even with special needs,” she added.

Sewcharran credits her success to GTA for showing great training support and their input in exploring and experimenting with new touring locations and opportunities.

For Tourism Month, all of November, Wanderlust Adventures GY is offering a 15% off on selected tours locally to give back to customers and urges all to explore their Wanderlust with Wanderlust.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 19, 2023

Guyana Tourism Passport launched for Tourism Month

“20 persons who participate in this initiative will be randomly selected to win tour experiences valued at $100,000.”

THE month of November is designated Tourism Awareness Month and this year’s theme is “Cultural Tapestry: Investing in Our People, Enriching Our Heritage”. For November, a calendar of events has been launched by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) to create tourism awareness.

Therefore, November is the ideal time to travel locally, utilising the tour packages provided at a discounted cost offered by the GTA via licensed tour operators in observance of Tourism Awareness Month.

According to GTA Destination Marketing Manager, Annarie Seecharan, the idea behind this is simple -- travellers will be encouraged to participate in at least two experiences from any licensed participating tour operator, after which they will be eligible for a “free travel experience/s” valued at up to $100,000.

She related that the GTA will stand the cost of the “free experience/s”. This initiative will be active from November 1, 2023, to December 15, 2023.

Seecharan reported that the participating tour operator will officially stamp a traveller’s passport after payment for the tour. This is done per person, per experience.

She added that once the traveller completes two tours, his/her passport will be officially stamped,

deeming them eligible for the “free experience/s”.

However, the two tours cannot be the same experience.

The GTA Destination Marketing Manager told the Pepperpot Magazine that once they have completed the tours, they must fill out the bio page and place the passport into a container at the tour operator’s location.

This will facilitate a grand drawing by the GTA before the close of the year.

She noted that the “free travel experiences” would be valid for six months after the Drawing.

Seecharran said Passports can be found at the Ministry of Tourism’s office on South Road, GTA’s office in the Sophia Exhibition Centre, THAG’s office in Waterloo Street and all the participating licensed tour operators countrywide.

Seecharran added that, through discounted tourism experiences, travellers are encouraged to participate in the minimum of two tours offered by one of its 18 licensed tour operators to have at least two experiences of the 40 tour GTA Destination Marketing Manager, Annarie Seecharran. packages being offered.

Seecharan stated that 20 persons will then be randomly selected to win tour experiences valued at $100,000 from November 1 to December 15, 2023.

The Destination Marketing Manager reported that the discounted prices for tour packages start at $2,000. The prices vary depending on the packages, such as the day tour to Kaieteur Falls.

Seecharan noted that, when travellers buy any two tour packages, they will be given a Discover Guyana Passport, which the tour operators will stamp, and it can be dropped off in boxes provided for the drawing at the end of December.

She noted that, so far, they have had favourable responses and as the month progresses, they hope it will be fully successful.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 19, 2023

The Village of Clonbrooke

“PEACEFUL”, “quiet”, and “tranquil” are some of the words used to describe the village of Clonbrooke. Located on the East Coast of the Demerara River, Clonbrooke is closely connected to neighbouring villages Ann’s Grove and Two Friends. The trio of communities share more than a land connection. They share similar historical past, people and challenges.

Roderick Anthony is a 48-year-old painter, and December of this year will mark seven years of him living in the village of Clonbrooke. Roderick hails from the village of Beehive, just a few miles further up the coast. Clonbrooke was a natural decision for him.

He stated that life in Clonbrooke is comfortable because it was not much different from how he grew up: quiet, peaceful and with neighbours like family. “Clonbrooke feels comfortable to me. I originally come from Beehive, more up the coast. I was born and grew up in Beehive. The people I grew up with in Beehive were friendly, no fighting. It was a quiet place,” Life in Clonbrooke and the surrounding villages is a unique experience, as some residents explain. The community has an interesting blend of a rustic country atmosphere that has been maintained even though the village rests just a few miles away from the capital city. “Our community is more country, because of our standard of living. I do not consider here like town. Our country lifestyle is different

Clonbrooke resident, Roderick Anthony (Shaniece Bamfield photos)

The roads in Clonbrooke

from a town lifestyle,” he said.

One of the striking things about Clonbrooke is its soothing silence, which differs greatly from the hustle and bustle of the East Coast roads. Even the people seem to have a unique sense of peace as they quietly go about their daily activities.

“Around here, the people are friendly,” Roderick stated.

The Pepperpot Magazine asked if the community always maintains this sense of tranquillity, to which Roderick responded by saying yes, the neighbourhood is generally a quaint place with lovely people. And that is one of the main

members.

Clonbrooke is among the very few Guyanese villages to still be run by a co-op society. The co-op is said to have been created at the same time as the village’s founding. The village’s name comes from the Dutch who settled in

reasons he is happy to call Clonbrooke home.

He shared that, “There is no fighting. The only thing is probably some music on the weekends. But other than that, it is very quiet and I like that.” The community is, however, facing an issue.

As of 2012, the village was home to more than a thousand people, and its population is growing. But the cooperative society that the village was founded on seems to need

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the area sometime during the eighteenth century.

According to sources in the community, the village was once a stop on the railway before it was given to indentured labourers in the 1900s. It is said to have become a Scheme for East Indians in 1908, and in 1937, it was merged with Ann’s Grove along with Two Friends Village, but separated again in 1939. The remainder of the village is occupied by the ‘Doch Cab’ Cooperative Society and it is still a Doch Cab society today.

Roderick and many of his fellow residents are happy with the co-op. But they also firmly believe that, with government intervention, the community could have more done. “This is not a government run place, this is being run by a coop. I think that is why we can not have roads.

For us to get roads, everybody has to give money. When we want things, whether it is posts or lights, whatever we need; we have to give money,” Roderick stated.

The co-op, which has a committee of about six or seven people, holds various fundraisers in an effort to get things done in the community, and thus far they have successfully completed several tasks.

As Roderick explained, “They would normally keep a bar-b-que if they want to do something to get funds.

Sometimes they do clean or something else around the village. The last thing they did was dig the roads and fill it up with dirt.” He went on further, saying that, “The co-op is doing well so far, but the only thing is the roads. The problem we have is that we do not have enough people in the co-op.”

Roderick explained that many of the people who own homes in Clonbrooke live elsewhere. “I would want to see more people get into the coop. I want to see them do things, especially the roads. I rather it come under government management. Because if it was under government management, we could join as a team and go and get help,” he said.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 19, 2023

The toll of caring for others A mothers challenges caring for her daughter

By Shaniya Harding NESTLED along the far end of the community of Clonbrooke is the home of the mother-and-daughter duo, Jasmattee and Natasha Rajmangal. The pair lead a simple existence at their Clonbrooke home. Jasmattee says that although there are a few challenges they are still dealing with today, life and reaching thus far has been no walk in the park.

But her biggest adversary was balancing motherhood, work and the numerous hardships that came with life. Natasha is Jasmattee’s daughterwho suffers from the mental effects of nerve damage to her brain. Jasmattee has continued to care for her daughter as a single mother after the death of her husband and all that life has thrown at her. But regardless of what happens, she says she will continue striving forher daughter and herself, and she will never give up.

The mother and daughter live at the far end of Clonbrookeand near the neighbouring village of Beehive. Jasmattee was raised in Clonbrooke, while her daughter, 44-yearold Natasha, was born there. The mother explained that the biggest reason Clonbrooke is such a charming place is its people and the way they work together without judgment or strife among themselves.

“I like living here…There is nobody to trouble anything.

We do not have many problems here. We have nice people here, and everybody looks out for each other,” Jasmattee stated. Apart from a few infrastructural needs, the community is also prone to flooding. This is perhaps the only real issue the residents face. ] Married at 19, Jasmattee is the mother of six children, and Natasha is the second. Natasha, who is in her mid-40s, struggles with mental illness caused by damage caused to the nerves of the brain. “She is a psychiatrist patient. But it is not every month I have to take her to the doctor,”Jasmattee shared. Natasha herself remembers seeing changes in her behaviour at just 14 years old.

“She was still going to school,” Jasmattee stated. “I remember working as a guard at Cyril Potter College, so that was a long time ago. She started acting different. She would not sleep.” In the months that followed, Natasha’s symptoms worsened. Her mother explained that she progressively lost more sleep and her behaviour continued to change. At any moment, Natasha is prone

to outbursts of anger or any other extreme emotion, her mother explained.

Jasmattee had a few challenges getting Natasha enrolled

Jasmattee Rajmangal (Shaniece Bamfield photos)

in a public clinic. She eventually succeeded in getting Natasha the necessary treatment and a definitive diagnosis. “They told me it is her nerves,” Jasmattee stated.

However, the intensity of caring for Natasha has taken its toll on Jasmattee. She explained that although loves her daughter, at times the situation becomes too much for her to handle.

Jasmattee is like so many other family members worldwide; tasked with the difficult job of caring for those around them who are struggling with mental and psychological issues. Jasmattee explained that in many cases, she bares the brunt of caring for Natasha, which can sometimes be overwhelming.

“It is only me and she that live here,” Jasmattee stated.

Although she has fiveother children and a large extended family, Natasha and her unpredictable mood swings are solely her responsibility and this, as much as it affects Natasha, has a profound impact on her mother. “Sometimes I want to run,” Jasmattee admitted. But the love she has for her daughter is the number one factor that keeps her going.

She further explained that caring for Natasha for as long as she has, requires a great deal of strength and the utmost faith. “God gives the faith,” Jasmattee said.In talking with the Pepperpot Magazine Jasmattee expressed that talking to someone about the challenges she faces is like a breath of fresh air “When you have nobody to sit and talk to or tell them your feelings or council you, sometimes it is hard,” Jasmattee stated.

Jasmattee was suddenly a single mother when her husband died when she was pregnant with her fifth daughter.

She believes this was the first thing that sparked Natasha’s psychological changes. “When I came home and I told her that her faith had died, she said she did not believe it. And that was a shock to her.” Jasmattee stated.

Despite the challenges being the caretaker of Natasha presents, Jasmattee is glad to be there for her daughter in her happy moments. She expressed, “She likes to go to church and she likes to sing.” The light-hearted moments between the two are what Jasmattee appreciates the most. And those are the moments she will continue to fight for.

Mother and daughter, Natasha Rajmangal (left) and Jasmattee Rajmangal (right)

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 19, 2023

The faith it takes to move forward

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A young woman tells her remarkable story

By Shaniya Harding WHERE someone calls home shapes that person a great deal. It also impacts their personal struggles, shifts, challenges and changes. This week the Pepperpot Magazine ventured into the charming little village of Clonbrooke on the East Coast of Demerara. There, we met a family with an interesting story of strength, resilience and the faith it takes to move forward.

The family originally came from Unity. Michael Harvey and his family have lived in Clonbrooke for just around nine years. Michael explained that the family came to live in Clonbrooke because they saw it as a good opportunity. The fa-

ther of five and grandfather of one says that working and living in an area like Clonbrooke is getting increasingly hard. Harvey, who works in construction, makes the daily commute to Diamond on the East Bank to work.

The greatest battle the family is fighting, however, is healing from a horrific occurrence faced by Michael’s daughter, Natasha, who was just 15 years old when she experienced something not many would be able to move past. “There was an incident that happened in the community. I was raped.” She stated, opening up to the Pepperpot Magazine. It profoundly affected every other aspect of her life in the following years.

It altered the course of her

life and severely impacted the family. But Natasha was determined to move forward and flourish.

Although the incident has had a personal impact on Natasha and the family, she stated that it has also had somewhat of a social impact where the family feels they are viewed differently now. She and her father explain that they would rather people move on as the family has tried to do since Natasha was set on not letting the incident ruin her life. After years of ongoing court cases and numerous hearings, Natasha is finally taking steps away from her past. Today, she is married and is the mother of a beautiful baby girl. Both she and her father said that moving on took strength

Natsha Jones and her father Michael Harvey (Shaniece Bamfield photo)

and a whole deal of faith.

Natasha urges young women to be well aware of the people around them, citing that the people close to them are just as harmful as strangers. She explained that knowing the people around you is important because you may not know what they are capable of.

“Know the kind of people you put yourself with.” she stated. Today, Natasha is just as happy and jovial as he has ever been. She somehow has managed to remain optimistic and fun-loving showing the world that getting past anything is possible. She has moved away from the village of Clonbrooke, but she often returns to spend time with

her family. The close-knit family is extremely supportive and protective of each other.

Her family, particularly her parents, are also moving forward. Three months ago, Natasha gave birth to Michael’s first grandchild and it was the happiest moment of his life. “I feel happy about being a grandfather for the first time,” Michael said. Both Natasha and her parents express that they are as protective of the family’s newest addition as much as possible. It was however a bit daunting for the family given their past trauma. “I was scared when she got the baby. Her mother and I did not sleep that night,” he stated.

“It was scary at first when I got pregnant,” Natasha said, too. She is, however, happy today with the birth of her daughter and her first steps into motherhood.

“But I thank God I came out if it safe. And so far, it’s going good,” she told the Pepperpot Magazine.

“I live in Golden Grove with my husband,” Natasha said, adding that although her past will always be a part of her, it by no means has to stop her. Today, she had a family of her own to love and protect. Natasha is the definition of strength, perseverance and what the support of a family can accomplish.

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Small businesses making a big difference Entrepreneurial couple talk about the challenges of owning a business

By Shaniya Harding

BEING a part of a business venture is an exciting prospect for many, but the unpredictability of owning a business is what causes the majority of people to see the field as daunting. Entrepreneurial couple Nassica Joseph and Troy Sertimar explain that owning a business does have its fair share of issues. The couple say that the field of small business is challenging because it goes far beyond a job. It is their means of survival, and with every fall in the market, small business owners feel it the most.

When Nassica and Troy opened their clothing business in 2016, they saw it as a way to provide for their family and

several months ago, they opened a snackette in Clonbrooke.

Nassica explained that being a business owner allowed her more flexibility and time for her family. “I felt more comfortable working with myself. It is about the little income that we get. We do not look at the amount of money that we have. But we find more time for ourselves, more time to do things,” she said.

Like most entrepreneurs, when asked about the hardest aspect of owning a business, Nassica says that it is undoubtedly the beginning. Getting the products and capital needed to make an entrepreneurial dream a reality is the first and most daunting step.

Nassica stated that although a business venture may not be Nassica Joseph and Troy Sertimar (Shaniece Bamfield photo)

what you would expect, it is the owner’s job to be determined so the business can succeed. “When you start a business, sometimes it may not be what you expect, but your determination is what helps your business to get bigger and bigger.”

The unpredictability of the small business field is perhaps the first and most obvious challenge. But what is often not fully understood is the fact that for a family where their business is their primary source of income, ups and downs for the business are ups and downs for the family.

“There are definitely ups and downs in business. For example, if you invest a million dollars, you can expect that the million is going to give you two or three million but sometimes, you barely manage to make two or three hundred [thousand]. Business is not smooth all the time, especially the clothes business. You do not sell clothes every day,” Nassica said.

The mother of two explained that the shifts in trends in business impact the family. But they have to be determined to keep the business going. “The ups and downs of the business affect us, yes, but we have to keep on going. It affects me especially because we have children going to school, and I have to find money to give them. I have two girls, 13 and 15.”

She went on further to say, “It really affects us because we have bills to pay and things to buy daily and children to look after. There are so many things you have to do with the money from the business. We have to pay bills and get back the capital and the profit but I just keep on going.”

The couple opened their business in 2016. Since then, they have seen a number of changes in the growth of their business and the larger sphere of business industry around them, “It has changed a lot. Business has increased. We have more customers, new customers, and more people support the business,” Nassica said.

Her fiancé, Troy, firmly believes in being an asset to the community as a small business owner. Both he and Nassica try as best as possible to keep their prices and products in a place that the everyday man, woman or child can afford. When asked if keeping their prices stable places a strain on the business, Troy stated that he does not see it that way. “I do not see it as placing a strain on myself.

Most of the people that shop here are children,” Troy said, referring to the couple’s business in Clonbrooke.

He further explained that he and his wife tend to the needs of the people who support their business as much as possible. “The biggest challenge facing businesses is that as a small business, you have to fight among bigger businesses,” he said. The couple state that they will continue to fight to grow as a business while doing their best for their customers.

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The dictates of the day and the simple vision of the common man

WE live in a spectacular age that in many ways inform us of the sinister and also of the useful. This is a giant leap from the ordinary of yesterday. What I refer to is the custom that is now ignored. We reflect on childhood; on a time when we were taught to care.

There were the eccentrics and the ‘sagiwangs’; men and women who had fallen through the social cracks through alcoholism. Then there were always the odd ones; the characters that were off. They had issues, but each issue was repre-

hind the name, I never knew.

One of Law and Order’s favourite spots was at the Water Street entrance of the then Bettencourt’s store.

There he sat on a stool, in a worn-out but clean suit, and his medals. His display was a miniature gallows and a hanging figure. Law and Order would address the traversing human Water Street traffic with a focus on specific members of the passing crowd, “Calling all choke and robbers, gather around; keep yuh hands in yuh own pockets.” When he was satisfied that an in-

sented in their dialogue of the day.

‘Law and Order’ was a colonial whose frequent shout was, “We are British People while.” ‘Walker the Nigger’, as he was sometimes called, was a social reformer who was himself a WWII veteran, judging from the medals he wore, and from the utterances of seniors. Then there was ‘Grey Puss’, who was violent, and hated his false name. Call him and run! The story be-

terested audience was within earshot, he would say prose on the sins of the purse snatchers and their pickpocket brethren. Then he would comment on the greedy rural millionaires, eager to buy the splendid colonial buildings of Georgetown. “One of them was caught in the sweet promises of a confidence trickster’s proposal to sell him the Town Hall, Oh! What a price the fool paid!”

He would name the con man, who is now diseased.

Flashback to these characters do present an analogy of the then and the now, in the context of the mythic slogan of “The good old days.”

Were those times more lenient than today, or the same? One down on today is the fact of having a serious national cocaine/marijuana/ etc. drug problem, and of course, we must include our alcohol contribution. In the context of human honesty, I can use a character from old Wellington Street from the 70s, an age of sign artists, street fighters, gamblers, con men and mystics.

‘BILLY MOORE’ AND HIS SIDEKICK One character was the musician, ‘Billy Moore’ and his fellow believer, Roydon Hinckson. These were seekers who believed in their having access to the Kosmic chronicles. Billy Moore and the ‘Four Lords’ sang the popular Christmas song, “Church Bells are SEE PAGE XXI

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WILD FLOWERS FOR A FAIR LADY

NIGHT, its veil of darkness descended silently and from the deep shadows, as though wooed by night, all that had stayed hidden in the day came forth.

Naren, a security guard, walked along the cemetery road to the backdams, where two machines tilling the land were parked. He was assigned to guard the machines that night till morn, a job that led him to different locations in the backdam.

Tonight the machines

were parked on the dam of a canal, overlooking a cemetery.

Not many people would have wanted to work in such a location, but Naren was a brave soul and had become accustomed, over the years, to seeing strange things on his night shifts; sleek white horses galloping along the dams then disappearing, ghostly apparitions of wandering souls, and strange voices speaking in languages he did not quite understand.

But those haunting illusions did not bother him because the real dangers were encountering thieves, fugitives and tomb raiders.

Tonight, though, was different.

He noticed, not far from his post, a new grave site, the fresh flowers on the tomb not yet withered. Someone had been buried there just that afternoon.

He wondered if it was the young woman, two settlements away from where

he lived, who had died at the hands of her abusive husband. The story had been all over the news, the tragedy sending shock waves throughout the district. The young woman had been a school teacher, admired for her simple, pleasant personality and recognised for her selfless work with charities for children and the elderly.

Naren shook his head and sighed with deep regret, “This violence seems to have no end from uncaring and cruel partners who refuse to let go.”

He checked the machines to ensure everything was fine and just couldn’t close his mind from the disturbing thoughts of men who allowed

power and control to hurt the ones they love.

He sighed again and settled down to another night of security duty. The hours ticked by, and his eyes, not heavy with sleep, shifted regularly to the surroundings, his mind alert to every little sound.

It was just past the midnight hour, as he poured from his flask a hot cup of tea, when he saw dim lights coming down the cemetery road, quite unusual for that hour.

Naren positioned himself behind one of the machines so he could not be seen and watched as a car stopped and a tall, young man strode into the cemetery grounds straight to the new gravesite.

He stood there for a long time with his head bent, then picked up a handful of loose dirt and threw it aggressively on the grave.

“I told you, you can never leave me,” he said with cold anger, “I told you, you can only belong to me, but you didn’t listen. You tried to leave.”

In the quiet of the night, although Naren was a fair distance away, he heard what the man said and though he was brave, those words sent a chill through his body. After a while, the young man turned and walked back to the car, glancing towards the parked machines. Naren SEE PAGE XIII

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WILD FLOWERS FOR A FAIR.... couldn’t recognise him in the dark, but knew now he was the husband of the murdered woman and wanted by the police.

He turned his gaze to the grave site and drew in his breath sharply.

Standing there in the silent posture of a departed soul was a young woman in a long, white gown, her hair

That night seemed darker, and sitting by the machines, he watched her as she wandered around, seeming lost.

“Maybe she doesn’t realise she’s dead,” he deduced.

It was at that moment she turned and looked at him and Naren held his breath, though not afraid. He did not want a close encounter with a departed soul. He closed his

guardian angel until Heaven was ready for her.

Two beautiful lives were shattered because of one man’s obsession and deadly anger.

tied loosely at the nape of her neck, decorated with tiny white flowers. From where he stood, Naren could not clearly see her face but he knew there must be grief and invisible tears. She sat down, her head bent for a long time, and he watched her, unable to move.

“So young and beautiful,” he said silently, “Life interrupted by cruel hands and he couldn’t even allow her to rest in peace.”

Naren closed his eyes for a few minutes, and when he reopened them, she was gone.

The night wore on, soon to give way to dawn, and Naren packed his bag to leave for the day, but before he did, he picked a bunch of wildflowers and putting it on her grave he said, “I don’t know you, but I can feel your pain, and I just want to say sorry for what happened to you.”

The day for Naren seemed long, her ghostly illusion and her sadness imprinted on his mind. The story of her death was still relevant on the news, the police appealing to citizens to help them find her killer. Naren called in and told the police what he had seen and that he was sure the man was her husband.

eyes so she wouldn’t know he was seeing her, but moments later, he felt a chill. He reopened his eyes and saw her standing just a few feet away from him. A pleading look in her eyes seemed to freeze his consciousness and in that portal, he heard her speak softly.

“I miss my little daughter.

She must be crying for me.

I need to see her. Help me please.”

“How do I do that?” he asked.

“I don’t know how to find my way home. Guide me please. My daughter needs me.”

“You know you have died, don’t you?”

“Yes,” she answered.

“Then how can you help her?”

“It was not my time to die, so Heaven is not ready for me, and until that time I will watch over my daughter.”

Her plea touched his heart and he nodded his willingness to help her. He risked losing his job that night, leaving his post to guide her home. As he watched her in her invisible form embrace her daughter, a very pretty child, he felt tears welling in his eyes. She would now be the child’s

“Don’t these things happen only in movies?”

Two nights later the police who had been staking out the cemetery, waiting for the fugitive, captured him as he tried to escape in the backdam. Naren was on the scene, looking at him and seeing the savage look on his face, said to him quietly so only he heard him, “Your wife is very sad, she misses her daughter.”

The man looked at Naren, livid with anger.

“Who are you and how do you know her?”

“I’m a stranger,” Naren told him calmly, “But I can see her and hear her.”

The man looked at him in shock and disbelief as he was shoved into the police van. Naren knew those words would live within him and give him no peace for the rest of his life.

In a way, it would be justice for her.

Night shifts took Naren to different places in the backdam, but whenever he passed by the cemetery road, he would put a bunch of wild flowers on her grave.

“So your beautiful soul can rest in peace.”

Naren returned to work feeling happy in his heart that he had done something good for her, and as he settled down, he thought to himself,

fables

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Addressing the “homeless crisis” in the streets of Georgetown AS you walk the streets of Georgetown, you’ll notice the rapid transformation of grand buildings and wider roads. We are starting to see the rise of wealth through a glamorised lens, but do you know what you’d also see a whole lot of in the Green City? Homelessness.

From the beginning of this transformation, I’ve always maintained my stance on the importance of simultaneously advancing social justice, social welfare and economic equality for all our citizens. To have wealth

to do better, which starts by acknowledging the divide between those who have and those who aspire to have. As I’ve researched, I’ve found that there are systems in place for homelessness, but there are limitations. There are shelters available, but compared to the homeless population size in our country, these shelters can only fit a small number of destitute or homeless individuals.

Other welfare benefits such as money or food also exist in governmental and nongovernmental organi-

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/hardhitting-posters-highlight-how-homeless-people-are-treated-as-invisible-a4086701.html

might be good for Guyana, but it is paramount that we ensure that these resources available are equally shared and accessible to all. It saddens me to see the realities that still exist within poverty-stricken communities.

We need to ensure that the gaps within our economy are filled to make underprivileged citizens play “catch up” like students who can’t learn fast enough for an impatient teacher in class. We have

sations, but there is no interconnected, coordinated approach. You collect the food items—and then what?

You receive the money—and then what? These are “quick fixes” to a deeper, traumatic and sometimes painful problem. There’s no easy way to approach the factors of homelessness because they can be very complex. Drug/ substance abuse, financial difficulties, and mental illnesses are all factors relating SEE PAGE XXV

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MOMENTUM, MENTORSHIP AND MINDSET (PART II) MENTORSHIP can be a significant and impactful experience for both the mentor and the mentee. Some of the mentors I have met in person and some I have known through the Internet, but they have all impacted my life tremendously.The same goes for people who I have met Online and in person.

Here are more thoughts as a continuation of the article from last week: Increased self-confidence and self-awareness: Mentors can help mentees to develop a stronger sense of self-confidence and self-awareness. They can provide mentees with feedback and guidance that helps them to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and to set and achieve their goals.

Improved career prospects: Mentors can help mentees navigate their career challenges and opportunities. They can advise mentees on networking, job hunting, and career advancement.

Expanded professional network: Mentors can help mentees to expand their professional network. They can introduce

mentees to new people and opportunities, and help them build relationships that can benefit them throughout their careers.

Enhanced personal and professional development: Mentors can help mentees to develop their personal and professional skills. They can provide mentees with new perspectives and insights and help them develop new ways of thinking and approaching problems.

As mentors, we also benefit significantly from these associations.

A sense of fulfillment and satisfaction: Mentorship can be a very rewarding experience for mentors.

Seeing a mentee grow and succeed can be a source of great satisfaction. I remember mentoring many of the young women for the Women in Business Expo, and witnessing their growth over the years was priceless. Some of the ladies went from one product to over 20!: Increased leadership and communication skills: Mentorship can help mentors to develop their leadership and communication skills. Mentors need to be able to provide clear and concise instruction and give feedback in a supportive and constructive way.

A broader understanding of the industry: Mentorship can help mentors gain a broader understanding of their industry. Mentors can learn about new trends and developments from their mentees and stay up-todate on the latest industry best practices.

An opportunity to give back to the community: Mentorship is a way for mentors to give back to their community. Mentors can use their experience and knowledge to help others and positively impact the world.

In addition to the benefits listed above, good mentorship can help create a more positive and supportive work environment. Employees who feel supported and valued are more likely to be engaged and productive. This can lead to improved performance and increased profits for the company.

Overall, good mentorship is a valuable experience for both the mentor and the mentee. It can increase self-confidence, improve career prospects, and enhance personal and professional development.

Mentorship can also help to create a more positive

face of setbacks.

and supportive work environment. For all these reasons, good mentorship is essential to development.

Our mindset, the beliefs we hold about ourselves and the world, plays a significant role in determining our success. A growth mindset, the belief that we can learn and improve through effort and perseverance, is associated with greater success in academics, business, and life. In contrast, a fixed mindset, the belief that our abilities are fixed and cannot be changed is associated with lower levels of achievement and less resilience in the

Here are some of how mindset can affect our success: Our mindset affects our motivation. Those with a growth mindset are more motivated to learn and grow, while those with a fixed mindset are more likely to give up when faced with challenges.

Our mindset affects our resilience. Those with a growth mindset are more resilient in the face of setbacks, while those with a fixed mindset are more likely to give up easily.

Our mindset affects our creativity. Those with a growth mindset are more likely to come up with new ideas and solutions, while those with a fixed mindset are more likely to stick to what they know.

Our mindset affects our ability to handle feedback. Those with a growth mindset are more likely to see feedback as an opportunity to learn and improve, while those with a fixed mindset are more likely to see feedback as criticism.

Here are some specific examples of how mindset can affect our success: Students with a growth mindset are more likely to get good grades and go to college.

Employees with a growth mindset are more likely to get promotions and raises.

Athletes with a growth mindset are more likely to win competitions.

If you want to be more successful, you can change your mindset from fixed to growth. Here are a few tips: Believe that you can learn and improve.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

Learn from your setbacks.

Celebrate your successes.

Surround yourself with people who have a growth mindset.

Changing your mindset takes time and effort, but it is possible. With a growth mindset, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

When we have a growth mindset, life has no limitations except the ones we make and believing God has designed a great plan for our life. We can achieve anything we desire.

Join us for the next virtual programme on November 25 as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

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Schools adapting to climate change EXCRUCIATING heat across the globe has become a popular topic, prompting the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Mr. António Guterres to declare that the world has entered the era of “global boiling”. As we confront this reality, a few of my colleagues from across the Caribbean and I have been looking at how increased heat should encourage regional governments to think more about making schools climate-resilient.

The first thing that should be mentioned is that children are among those increasingly vulnerable to the harsh effects of climate change. So it should come as no surprise that governments should be encouraged to cater to their needs more.

In Guyana’s case, increased heat this year prompted the Ministry of Education to issue new guidelines to make learners and teachers more comfortable. As such, it was noted that uniform guidelines could be relaxed at schools’ discretion to keep children cooler. Teachers were also encouraged to give more frequent breaks so children could hydrate more often.

The guidelines also urged teachers to acquaint themselves with the signs of heat-related illnesses, be it headaches, dizziness, dehydration, or exhaustion so they can easily spot children in need.

But these are just short-term solutions; necessary but not enough. This is why I believe it was good to hear headteachers and their deputies raise concerns and suggestions vis-à-vis the heat in their classrooms with President Dr. Irfaan Ali during an engagement with him. And it is good to hear that certain gap analyses will be done to better understand the infrastructural needs of schools to respond to the heat. Based on the science, we will experience increasingly hot temperatures, so we must start preparing now, lest we end up like the characters in Diana McCaulay’s Daylight Come.

Based on what I’ve seen, the heat has gotten much attention in reporting across the Caribbean, but let’s not focus solely on the heat. Guyana also faces the constant threat of flooding, and I think we know all too well just how disruptive and disastrous flooding can be. After weeks of intense heat, we’re seeing rainfall return now with some degree of intensity; it is, after all, Guyana’s second annual rainy season.

With heavy rainfall, schools, like other places, get inundated quickly. Flooding in Georgetown alone remains a huge concern, with the city’s basin-like topography complicated by limited drainage upkeep and garbage. The expansive drainage network, replete with pumps and kokers, provides much-needed relief, but is sometimes not maintained regularly.

So, even if schools have upper flats that allow children and teachers to escape the school yards’ inundation, streets leading to those schools and the compounds themselves are often inundated. Further, people’s homes get flooded easily, so how can children be expected to easily come to school?

Fortunately, there have been some flooding considerations in education sector plans. For example, the Ministry of Education’s partnership with the World Bank in this sector includes climate resilience as a key consideration, particularly for schools found on Guyana’s low-lying coastline. A 2021 project document noted that the introduction of smart classrooms and tablets is an intervention that could help schools operate more virtually, and allow children and teachers to access more content. Of course, we know all too well the challenges of Internet penetration and connectivity that hindered widespread virtual learning during SEE PAGE XXI the COVID-19 pandemic, but

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Schools adapting to ....

FROM PAGE XX

it is obvious that we have to start embracing these solutions more. That means that we must see greater investments in making technology more accessible, even in remote communities; something I don’t believe is being neglected but something that can benefit from greater investments.

Before I end, it is worth noting that these challenges aren’t unique to Guyana, just as the need to adapt because of climate change isn’t. One thing is clear: Countries need to seriously focus on how climate change will affect learners across the region just as seriously as we consider how climate change will affect agriculture, health, or any other sector.

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

The dictates of the day and the...

FROM PAGE XI Ringing”. I actually thought that it was his song all these years. It was only recently that Shaw (Cyril’s son) enlightened me differently.

Billy, however, did have something to do with it that entailed royalties. I can remember Billy Moore in that youthful time, commissioning a banner for a show that he was producing. The sign artist was Gordon Critchlow, and the banner was the talk of the area and of all active entertainment folk.

It was called, according to Randy, an old ‘One Ten’ brethren, ‘THE GRAND SHOW’. The weird thing was that all the singers that were to appear in Billy’s show were dead Jazz and Blues musicians the likes of Sarah Vaughn, Billie Holiday and others. Those who were aware just stood and looked on in amazement.

Others mockingly commented. Billy Moore had lost it, possibly for a long time. I knew his friend, Royden, well. These were not the only believers trapped in that mystic world. But who had gained? Up to recently, the sanest person was his lawyer. That esteemed gentleman passed this year. He is credited with benefitting

from Billy Moore’s mysticism back then more than anyone else.

The irony of that age, forty-odd years ago, is that the idols may change, but the quest demands more today. A world exists outside of one’s own talents, skills, abilities and income.

The faith may be in a newage mystic, a drug dealer, some super-rich personality, or with a smooth politician. We can’t condemn it, because, being servile is less difficult than selling an idea. First, whoever you’re talking to must be listening and have the aptitude to understand because it’s your idea. And you are motivated every time you turn on your smartphone.

You see ideas blooming, but you don’t see the path covered to the finished product. Today, like yesterday, requires knowledge of the quest rather than just faith in a smiling face. The characters in this article, we don’t know the process they experienced to embrace what we then and now may smile at in flashback mood. Let’s learn from their possibilities.

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Addressing the “homeless crisis” in the....

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to homelessness. It’s a broad category, and as such, it involves a host of different types of agencies and professionals to help address the holistic issue.

The most obvious solution to homelessness is housing.

Subsidised housing and more shelters should be available for people who are homeless or are about to be. We must come to the reality that not every citizen can afford to buy or rent. We also need a faster crisis response approach within social services to address homelessness at its beginning stages or even prevent it from happening altogether.

With education and sensitisation to eradicating homelessness, I hope we can find better ways of helping those in need.

I’ve always wondered how betrayed some of the destitute feel.

They have no place to call home and they are often treated as invisible beings on the sides of the streets. Aside from writing this week’s column piece to help raise awareness of homelessness in Guyana, I’d also like to add substance by assisting or collaborating in community projects addressing homelessness at its core factors. If you’re reading this and you’re interested, simply email me at marissavictoriafoster@gmail.com to collaborate.

Together, our small steps can help make a difference to the greater good of our country. It makes no sense we have a land filled with resources and wealth but yet still people are still calling the cold streets their home. We need to do better.

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THOUGHT FOR

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TODAY

We needs must love the highest when w e see it.

ALFRED, LORD TE 1892) Poem GuineNNYSON (1809vere, 1.136.

November 19 2023 STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Welcome dear friend. To read a short story you read it for enjoyment first, then repeatedly to ensure you totally experience the happen-

ing. Read it again,slowly. Make jottingsand underlineimportanthints, key words, phrases and passages of feelings, emotions, ideas.Look up important words in the dictionary.

Afterward, quietly consideryourreactions, ideas, and questionsabout the work, like its theme, etc.,and do not reject anythingyou cannot readily understand. You are quite in order to write a summary of it.

Love you.

IMPROVING WRITING An informal letter to study Note: An informal letter is a missive more free-and-easy than a formal one. It goes to friends and relatives. Even so, its writer must take care to hit the right note in providing the essential information. No friend or relative should be put out by an ill-judged style and, its consequent conveying of an unfortunate tone.

Study the following informal letter: 27 Charlotte Road, Meatloaf Bank, Northburg.

3rd. November 2023 Dear Jennifer, I hope you are enjoying this season of graduation balls and other pinnacle experiences. I’m not writing this merely to wish you a happy season.

The point is this. You return on 23, I think. Well, I’ve just seen in one of our local newspapers that the Festival Ballet is at the National Stadium from 17 November to 27 November. Booking opens on Wednesday 8th.

Do you want me to get a seat for you? I’m hoping to book for myself for Wednesday 29th. (“Guinevere”). If you want me to book for you as well, let me know by return. The seats will go like hot cakes, so I must be at the Box Office when it opens on 8th.

I do, of course, hope that you are all having a splendid time, and better weather than here at home (smile).

Give my respects to your loving mother and sister, please.

Yours, Sandy Something to Do: 1) Study the informal letter which provides guidance for your own practice.

2) Write out what information makes this informal letter clear and consistent.

3) What expressions show that it is informal writing?

4) Which area(s) show the writer’s own personal judgement?

THE PASSAGE Making a summary

Note: To write a good summary you need to takethe following steps:Read the original work carefully. Take notes as you whittle it to its most important point of focus. Always write in your own words. Begin it with an introductory sentence that states the text’s title, author and main point of the text as you see it. Stick to factual statements about the content. A summary is not a rewrite. It is a brief summation of the original piece. Keep all judgement to yourself. Make sure your effort flows.

Passage: Should newborn boys still be routinely circumcised? Researchers no longer think so. For example, a committee of the Canadian Paediatric Society recently studied the issue and concluded that newborns should not be routinely circumcised. The study compared the costs and complications of the procedure itself, the incidence of urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and cancer of the penis in both circumcised and uncircumcised males, and of cervical cancer in their partners. The committee concluded that routine circumcision cannot be justified. This recommendation echoes that of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Canadian Paediatric Society.

Another study reported that the rate of penile cancer in fact is lower in circumcised men, but that this difference alone is not sufficient to justify routine circumcision. Other researchers are more vehement, calling circumcision the mutilation of healthy organs.

If parents do decide on circumcision, it should be performed only by a trained surgeon in a medical institution… The parents, in consultation with their physician, should make the final decision.

Something to Do: Write a summary of the above passageremembering you are stating someone else’s idea in your own words.

IMPROVING READING Setting purpose to reading Read the passage and then answer the set questions.

“1800s: The industrial Revolution Changes America.”The Spinning Jenny and the power Loom in the early 1800s, two new inventions changed American life dramatically. The spinning jenny was a machine that spun thread, and the power loom was a machine that wove cloth. Before this time, spinning and weaving were done by hand, a long, slow process that made cloth and clothing very expensive.

“From Farms to Cotton Mills.” Soon, huge cotton mills were built in Massachusetts, and young women rom nearby farms were hired to work in them. This was the beginning of the industrial Revolution in America, as more goods came to be made in factories and more people began moving to cities to work in them.

1. What would be a like purpose for reading a selection like this one?

(A) to find out how to build a spinning jenny (B) to entertain your friends (C) to find information for a report (D) to start an industrial revolution 2. Which question is answered by the selection?

(A) What was the Industrial Revolution and why was it important?

(B) What industries are important in America today?

(C) How can I make a power loom?

(D) What were the causes of the Revolutionary War? 3. Where could you find details to answer the purpose-setting question?

(A) paragraph 1, sentence 1 (B) paragraph 1, sentence 2 (C) paragraph 2, sentence 1 (D) paragraph 2, sentence 2

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 19, 2023

XXXV

A pulp with disease EACH tooth has a dental pulp commonly called “nerve” by patients. The anatomy of the pulp is well-known to dentists. Individual teeth have divisions of the pulp called root canals. Each tooth has one to four root canals. When these small pieces of soft tissue die or become injured or infected, the resulting pain can be as debilitating as almost any other physical condition experienced by humans.

Why does a piece of diseased or dead tissue cause pain? A tooth is usually sealed externally by the outside tooth coating (enamel). Only a small opening into the supporting bone is present on the tooth end, deep within the bone. When a dental pulp is diseased or dead, pulp blood flow and cellular activity increases, and there is no possibility for the release of pressure from inside the tooth except into the supporting bone. Pain is usually present when a tooth is dead or dying.

Occasionally, the infection finds its way into the bone and perforates out into the soft gum tissue. The patient observes a pimplelike projection on the gums, commonly called a gum boil, and this “dead” tooth is usually not painful.

What clinical conditions are commonly observed related to dead or dying teeth? When chewing on the suspect tooth, significant pain is experienced. Pushing on the tooth or tapping on it with a hard object creates pain. The tooth may have periods of no pain. Antibiotic therapy usually reduces or eliminates the pain for a while. Pain on pressure may indicate a dead or dying tooth, but it may also indicate a cracked tooth or a tooth that has had recent heavy chewing or “bruxing” on it. If your dentist finds a dead or dying tooth, you have the following alternatives: root canal therapy or extraction of the offending tooth.

A red, pimplelike projection on the cheek or tongue side of the tooth near the tooth root end usually indicates that the tooth pulp ( nerve ) is dead and the infection has broken through the bone to the outside. This condition creates a fistula or canal from the tooth root end through the gums. The yellow pus can often be expressed from the red projection without much pain, but the pus will return until the therapy is completed. Treatment for the draining fistula may include the following: A. Endodontic therapy alone.

B. Root canal (endodontic) therapy and an apicoectomy (root-tip amputation and root-tip filling) if the defect in the bone is large.

C. Hemisection (amputation of one or more roots) may be needed if the disease is especially persistent and involves only one root of a multi-rooted tooth.

D. Extraction of the tooth.

Although over 95 percent of root canal treatments are successful, occasionally, a few of these teeth cause subsequent pain or other problems. After a discussion with your dentist, you will have several alternatives: A. Redoing the root canal therapy B. Apicectomy ( root amputation and root-tip filling) C. Hemisection (amputation of one or more roots) D. Extraction of the tooth.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 19, 2023