Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot E-paper 02-07-2023

Ingenuity and creativity

Entrepreneur experiments with creative keepsakes

Denzel Jordan poses with some of his customised items

Sunday, July 02, 2023

(Delano Williams photo)

The Chelsea Foundation

Working to help man’s best friend

IN 2022 a young girl with a big vision and an even bigger heart started a foundation for a cause i she she believed in. She created the Chelsea Foundation. At just 15, she felt the need to care for the injured animals, strayed and left behind. With the motto, ‘Rescue, Rehab, Rehome,’ Chelsea has made it her mission to help those who need her. The Chelsea Foundation is a non-profit, surviving solely off of donations from concerned people. And although much progress has been made to help the animals, Chelsea says much more can be done.

The foundation does not only help and clean up the old and injured. But it also seeks to give these dogs a new home. “Most countries I’ve visited don’t have the atmosphere or resources to take care of the stray dogs,” says Chelsea, when comparing the issue of stray dogs around the world, saying it is most certainly not a Guyanese problem. Despite this, it is still a large and growing problem. And it is by no means an issue Chelsea can fix on her own. “I thought I could help this problem with this small thing I’m doing. To help the issue as a whole,” Chelsea explained. The work has so far brought Chelsea genuine joy, but it hasn’t been without its challenges. The biggest challenge thus far has been getting people to see stray dogs as an issue as she

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Chelsea Hollingsworth, the founder of the Chelsea Foundation

Chelsea comforting a dog during a visit to the vet

Chelsea interacting with a dog from the Founda

A Person First

Looking at the lives of persons living with disabilities

By Shaniya Harding

SHAZAR ‘Ray’ Mohamed was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at just a few months old. Ray’s parents knew something was wrong when he could not walk at the age of three. Cerebral palsy is a disorder caused by damage or abnormal development of one’s brain. It affects a person’s movement, balance, posture and, in some cases, speech. In Ray’s case, it affects him in all of these areas. Ray’s life has been characterised by pain, slips, falls and years of therapy. Nevertheless, he has not let this keep him from his goals. Today, he works as a teacher and says he aims to help others just like himself and to ensure that people with disabilities are seen for who they are; people.

dependency on his parents and teachers. At this time, he hadn’t yet gained full use of

after he suffered a fall. The fall not only injured Ray’s knee but made sitting CXC impossible. And although it was hard, it wasn’t the first injury of this type he had suffered. “Before the fall when I was 15, I fell a couple of times in primary school because I liked to run. And I broke my hand twice,” Ray admitted.

Making A difference

Perhaps it was his challenges, but Ray Mohamed always wanted to help others. But first, he had to help himself. For more than a decade after high school, Ray went through gruelling therapy to develop his motor skills and make walking on his own possible, and he succeeded.With his passion for doing good still burning with renewed confidence,

one of them and asked for

he joined a skills training programme set forward by the government and became a qualified teacher.

Today Ray is an Information Technology teacher at the same institution where he did his physical therapy, The Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre. Because he struggles with the use of his hands, he now teaches chil-

He says the relationship between himself and his students is a friendly one. As he teaches them skills that will give them a sense of freedom and independence as it did for him. “The relationship between me and my students is friendly. They like me and I like them. And i just want Ray is a beacon of unwavering faith, with his contagious smile with his optimistic attitude. But this does not mean that his time of facing adversities is over. There are still everyday things that Ray struggles with. “I put on my clothes. I do everything for myself. But my fingers, I can’t button my shirts. And I have to be able to push my feet into my shoes. Because I can’t tie my laces,” he said. And even with a spirit and attitude as strong as Ray’s, he says there are still some issues with accessibility he wishes to have changed. “The steps in some buildings are hard for me. If the stairs are too slopedor without railings, I have to take my time, or I’ll fall,” he said. It is things like these that affect Ray and other people with disabilities

Hard lessons

“Learning to walk, learning to talk and learning to do things for myself were the hardest [tasks] for me,” Ray shared with The Pepperpot Magazine. Born and raised in Wales on the west bank of Demerara, Ray says that in the early stages of his life,he wasn’t yet fully aware of exactly how different he was from other children. His years in PatentiaNursery School were spent with great

his legs; and as such, he had to be carried.

For many people, being given a hand like this in life would have meant giving up, but not for Ray. He persisted in his years in high school. Here, he met the people who would support him, his friends. This is also where he encountered his first bullies.

“In school, I didn’t have too many problems because I had friends that looked out for me. Even today, I called

help, they would do it. They always support me,” says Ray, emphasising the importance of support from friends and family.

Despite the moral support he had, they were still things that Ray was determined to do on his own. One of these was writing. Due to the lack of control in his hands, holding a pen was and is still a difficult task for him. “It was hard in school because I had to write. They didn’t have computers and no one to help. So I had to write subject after subject, but it was okat,” he explained. At the age of 15, tragedy struck, and all his hard work seemed in vain

all he had to do was find a way to help. And in 2009,

dren how to use a computer.

Shazar ‘Ray’ Mohamed

Ray Mohamed.

Ray has limited mobility in his hand

Colourfulbars st the rehabilitation center, on which children can practice physical therapy

OKC the Artiste

A musician’s success story.

“Soca has my body, but calypso has my soul.”

Whether in body or soul, music takes control of Osei Clarke almost as well as he takes control of music. Known professionally as an O.K.C The Artiste, Osei wasn’t always the entertainer he’s known as today. He says there was a time when he and his brothers ran through Sophia when it was just dams and backlands. From playing music on makeshift drums to signing labels and live

shows, Osei has come a long way to earn his title as an artiste.

Self-described singer, songwriter and musician Osei says that his love for music began long ago. “My love for music began long before I knew myself. By the time I saw three, I was playing the drums. I knew music before I knew my name,” the artiste explained.

The name O.K.C came as a burst of inspiration to Osei after he needed a name

to place on his first-ever single, an R&B song called ‘Closer’. After brainstorming, he decided to stay true to himself and choose his initials Osei Kwado Clarke and went on to make that name known.

Growing up, Osei began singing at the age of nine in his church’s choir; music, however, wasn’t always what he wanted to do. At first, he wanted to be a pilot. In highschool, Osei developed a love for writing and then had

aspirations of being a journalist or television presenter. Although he didn’t become a journalist, he is a television presenter, with his show, ‘African Beats’. Commenting on this he said, “Everything happens for a reason. I didn’t get to become a pilot, but my love for writing does help in scripts for my show and, of course, my music,” he said. Although not what he thought he would be doing, music was an instrumental part of his life, as he calls calypsonians his heroes. “I

grew up on calypso music, Sparrow and Bill Rogerswatching the calypso and soca monarch was a family tradition. We wouldn’t go but the family would sit around the TV every year. While other children had WWE and John Cena; [we had] Adrian, Jumo, Revel and lord Canary.” These heroes are what inspired him to become a musician and a hero to other children, as the calypso legends were to him. As he looks at his community and the youths there that

look up to him as a beacon of hope and the neighbours that hold him with a sense of pride; this, he says, is his motivation.

A passion for performing

This year was Osei’s first year in the senior national singing competitions, and at a place where many would second guess themselves, Osie didn’t. After winning in junior competitions in the past, this year was an entirely new ball game with very different competitors. This, however, didn’t pose a challenge to Osei as he came out third in the competition and described it as his biggest and most memorable performance ever. “ The soca performance was the most memorable. The calypso had its moments, and the chutney had its moments. But the soca was the most memorable. I am most comfortable in soca, but I have a deep love for calypso. I love soca but calypso gives me peace of mind.”

To Osei being a musician means having his voice heard. To him, it’s all about having the chance and opportunity to have his music reach the length and breadth of Guyana. And the only way to do this is to perform, and that’s exactly what he loves to do. “My producers would bring up the issue of money and promoters not paying. But that doesn’t really matter to me. I just love to perform. I just want to be on stage. Even if they decide to give me a stipend, that is not a problem for me. Money is not the problem.Performances and performing is what I

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Osei performing at the 2022 mash competition

Osei on stage

Osei

Passionate about teaching

Carnegie’s Principal shares her experience over the years

SHARMAINE Marshall, the current principal of the Carnegie School of Home Economics, has dedicated and committed her life to moulding the life of the nation’s future educators and builders.

She began her teaching career at the Anna Regina Primary School on the Essequibo Coast in the Cinderella County of Essequibo as a pupil teacher.

“When I graduated from high school, I went straight into the teaching profession. I started as a pupil teacher at that time at Anna Regina Primary School in the year 1996. In the year 1997, I entered the Teachers’ Training College [the Cyril Potter College of Education], where I did my three pre-vocational studies in Home Economics. After that, I went to teach at Port Kaituma Secondary School for two years when I returned to the coastland, I began studies at the University of Guyana,” Marshall told Pepperpotduring our interview.

The principal revealed that she took a break in service from the teaching profession and began her studies to become a pilot.

She also noted that during those times, she realised that her ultimate goal was to become a teacher, so she joined the staff at the Carnegie School of Home Economics as a part-time lecturer in 2007.

“I was appointed as a full-time staffat the Carnegie School of Home Economicson March 1, 2009, and here I am,” Marshall joyfully shared with thePepperpot Magazine.

Challenges faced in the journey at Carnegie

Like many other teachers in the profession, Marshall faced

APerson...

FROM

everyday.

Laws and Human Rights for persons with disabilities

The PepperpotMagazine sat down with Ganesh Singh from the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD). To understand the legal aspect of accessibility for people like Ray, we asked what the laws were concerning people living and working with disabilities.

many challenges in her career.

“There were many challenges that I faced since I came to Carnegie, one of them was the fact that I had to adapt to new teaching methods to stay relevant to this current generation, who wouldn’t understand the unorthodox method of teaching that was previously during my time when I was growing up

as a student /pupil,” Marshall explained.

She alluded to the fact that it is the duty of teachers to meet the demands of the current student population while at the same time being so aware of the challenges that students themselves facein and out of the classroom.

“For me, my work ethic is what brought me to work every day. Days when I am not so well, I still find the courage to come to work and to deliver because, in my view, if I don’t show up, I will put a team member at a disadvantage,”the principal noted during her interview.

“I always compare to what my children would face in school if their teacher did not turn up, and as such, I model that if my children have teachers like me, teachers who have impacted their lives versus a teacher who is not there, how it will either help or hinder their lives?” Marshall noted during her interview.

Overall, however, her passion is what remains for the profession. “I love working in the hospitality industry. I love that Carnegie is aligning itself with what the Government’s mandate is for tourism and hospitality,” Marshall said.

A typical day at Carnegie is very busy and demanding, she explained and there is much that she has learnt and continues to learn.

also spoke on accessibility, its forms and how it can be improved for each individual. She explained thataccessibility has two forms. “The first is access to the physical environment. This would involve ramps, accessible washrooms…utilising lifts, wide corridors and doorways... The other form of accessibility has to do with access to information. Having information in a format that is accessible to persons with disabilities. For example, someone who is blind would need to have their material in electronic format. Guyana is a very paper-based country that tends to make accessing information difficult,” she said.

“The Guyana Persons with Disabilities Act clearly states no person with a disability should be discriminated against. Whether it’s in the recruitment process or during employment. There are clauses in the legislation that promotes and protects persons with disabilities. But we have not made significant strides in getting people employed, especially in the private sector. The majority of persons with disabilities employed are employed with government agencies and ministries. We have a lot of people with disabilities who are teachers, broadcasters, clerks and social workers,” Ganesh explained.

And although it is not yet perfect, Ganesh assures that with the continued help of the government, more persons with disabilities will be employed. “In the past two years, we have seen an increase with more persons with disabilities being employed in the private sector. And that is because of some of the work that we have been doing as well as the Office of the First Lady. Additionally, we would have 40 persons with disabilities employed under the temporary job programme. An additional ten are employed in region 10. We have made some strides. It’s a working progress. Now we are able to see the private sector be more willing to employ persons with disabilities,” Ganesh said.

The importance of accessibility

Rosemarie Ramitt, a special education needs teacher,

Rosemarie and Ganesh agree that transportation is among the biggest accessibility issues faced by persons with disabilities. “I know of many instances where wheelchair users are able to be employed because people are willing to employ them. But because of the lack of access to transportation, they may not be employed. In many cases, wheelchair users utilise taxis because it is very hard for them to get in and out of a minibus. And some minibus operators may not want to transport them. So that is a barrier. They can’t be employed because of the transportation issue,” Ganesh said.

Aside from the legal aspect, there is always the issue of stigma. There are certain narratives surrounding people with disabilities, and many of them should be changed. “We still have the issue of viewing disability from a charity-based perspective. And this means that the majority of society views a person with a disability as an object of pity and charity. The problem with that is that any service rendered to that person is done on that basis,” says Rosemarie. “Many people would say, ‘Why do you need a ramp if somebody is willing to lift you into the building?’ and that comes down to dignity. Because as a person with a disability, we are people. We have our dignity to maintain. And we should be treated with dignity, so it is a matter of human rights. That is the major challenge we have. We are trying to get people to understand that disability is not a charity-based issue.It is not a problem that can be fixed by giving a few hampers. It is a human rights issue.”

People with disabilities are people first. And their challenges don’t define them or place a limit on what they are capable of. These are sentiments shared by people like Ganesh Singh and Rosemarie Ramitt. And they are words that Ray Mohamed lives his life by.

Ganesh Singh (Guyana Chronicle file photo)

Rosemarie Ramitt (Guyana Chronicle file photo)

#8 Village

THE Poorans of #8 Village, West Coast Berbice, are resilient despite many challenges since Kawall had to quit working due to an accident that left with disabled.

Before the accident, he was gainfully employed at the Blairmont Sugar Estate and had to accept a onetime payment before he was deemed medically unfit for the job.

Pooran told the Pepperpot Magazine that he could not work since or do any strenuous activities due to his accident.

The 56-year-old added that he would do odd jobs when he could to earn and even tried farming in his yard.

Pooran had gone that day when he visited to check on his wife, Maywatie Persaud, who was manning her daughter’s roadside stand selling snacks, cold drinks and confectioneries near the #8 Village Primary School.

Pooran explained that he was tasked with staying

home to care for his grandbaby. He was of the hope he would be able to benefit from public assistance given his circumstances in which he was laid off as a result of his disability but to date,

authority.

Maywatie Persaud told the Pepperpot Magazine that she was at home and couldn’t say no when her daughter asked her to operate the roadside stand since she is employed.

he is unable to even after he applied to the relevant

The small business was established two years ago,

and she would get a “small raise” from her daughter for the job.

Persaud would buy vegetables and fruits to re-sell at the stand and sell homemade pepper sauce as a side business.

Persaud explained that since her husband’s accident four years ago, things have changed for them, but they

around the house and yard since his wife, Sheila is not well.

They have a lovely home in School Street, #8 Village, West Coast Berbice and their yard is full of plants, flowers, and trees.

Sheila, 67, underwent a surgical operation for her left foot following an accident at home and due to her diabetic condition, she developed heart and other health issues.

She is recovering and believes her health will also improve over time.

Sheila and Raj have 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The couple described life in #8 Village as safe, fair and peaceful, a place to settle with your family.

Prasram Singh, the

are trying.

Raj and Sheila Seetram

Raj is a pensioner and he had to quit large-scale farming due to challenges, but he would plant some crops in his yard.

He retired after 42 years at the Blairmont Sugar Estate, working as an operator and these days he assists

rice farmer

Even though his rice field is located in #6 Village, he likes living in #8 Village, West Coast Berbice and is a resident of the Second Street.

Singh, 60, told the Pepperpot Magazine that he

SEE PAGE XXIII

Kawall Pooran.

Raj Seetram reclining in his hammock

Sheila Seetram

Maywatie Persaud at the stand

Prasram Singh at his home

Committed to community-based development

By Michel Outridge

BEING among the first settlers of #8 Village, West Coast Berbice, Errol Pluck speaks with a lot of pride and certainty as he recalled the early days when he moved deeper into the village following marriage, establishing his own home.

He told the Pepperpot Magazine, during an impromptu visit to the village, that #8 Village is a common name and it comes under the Woodlands/Bel Air Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), which has an office building as soon as you enter the community.

properties. It is standing quite tall, having been planted 45 years ago and it serves as a landmark.

Pluck remembered that the village was established during the late Linden Forbes Burnham reign and he was living on the main public road.

The local added that his nearest neighbour was his cousin, Alvin Pluck, and over time more people began settling in the village, and it became populated.

Pluck stated that he came from a home of a large family with 15 siblings and his parents. His father’s name was Phinalbert Pluck and

and, despite some bickering, it is indeed a good place to live.

Pluck is a rice farmer and he is the father of four who had returned from the rice fields that day having made a trip to check on the rice.

The 56-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that he recently got a grandbaby girl and is very pleased but has two other grandchildren from his eldest.

“Living among relatives in the same village is no straight road because ‘teeth and tongue’ will clash, but we always come to a swift

goats, cows, chickens and ducks.

He noted that #8 Village is the home of celery and tomatoes on a medium scale and the people eat fresh vegetables and fruits and it is one of those villages you can go next door for almost anything, such is the countryside life.

Pluck told the Pepperpot Magazine that the village is

populated and there is a need for a health centre and the community centre ground needs upgrading.

He pointed out that drainage and irrigation in the community need a bit of attention and they would like to boost their sporting skills with more games and will accept sport gears for the youths.

Pluck added that the vil-

lage has a lot of youths with skills; they need an opportunity to grow in terms of having a recreational area to play basketball, football, volleyball, rounders, lawn tennis and cricket.

He reported that most of the elders have died and it is a village of about 300 and next door is the Abandon Life Ministry Church.

Pluck disclosed that in the early days of the 1960s there were only three houses in #8 Village and himself and two neighbours were the only inhabitants of the village.

He reported that the village wasn’t developed back then and it had a small mud dam leading in and out the village, which was overrun by black sage bushes, and the land had to be cleared before he built his house.

In front of Pluck’s house, he planted a fiddlewood tree (a medicinal tree) used for herbal healing due to its

his mother was Priscilla Reynolds; both have passed on but their legacy lives on.

He pointed out that he has nine brothers and four sisters but three of them have since died but he has a lot of relatives residing in the same village.

Pluck reported that #8 Village, West Coast Berbice is a small two-street village with a community centre ground, a Resource building, a primary and a secondary school and three churches.

He stated that #8 Village has a mixture of people except Spanish and Chinese

resolution choosing peace over quarrel,” he said.

Pluck is a Councillor and he did his part to contribute to the community via the NDC for upgraded roads in the village and will always lobby for the development of the community.

He said the main economic activities of the locals include farming in cash cops, rice, poultry and cattle.

Pluck added that they have a few teachers, nurses and other private and public sector workers in the village, but they grow their own food and have their own sheep,

Errol Pluck seated under his Fiddle wood tree in front of his house (Delano Williams photos)

providing tasty, wholesome foods at #8 Village

By Michel Outridge

CARLENE Pluck is a self-employed small busi -

owner who is well-

in her community

for the delicious foods and snacks she makes daily for her customers via her roadside snackette at #8 Village, West Coast Berbice.

The 33-year-old told the

Pepperpot Magazine that she did not like the thought of having to work for people, and after some planning and hard work to save up some money, she embarked on her

business venture of establishing her own snackette.

Since the could cook well, it was a well-thoughtout concept. She started eight years ago, and her small business is still growing, because she provides a reliable customer service.

The mother of three related that when she went out and saw how people were treated by their employers, she knew right away she had to have her own small business.

Pluck stated that she began preparing homecooked meals for sale daily, which was immediately a hit among the locals and schoolchildren.

It encouraged her to con-

tinue operating her small snackette, strategically located at a corner on the first street in the village.

Pluck noted that she would wake up from 03:30hrs to start preparing the foods for her shop.

Her daily menu includes fried chicken with fries, channa, phulourie, egg ball, pastries, macaroni and cheese, burgers, saltfish and bake, puri and chicken curry with locally-made fruit juices and coconut water.

The resident of #8 reported that the people in the community fully support her small business, as do the dozens of learners attending both the primary and secondary schools

within the village. The mother of three told the Pepperpot Magazine that she was born and raised in the village, and for her, it is not just her place of birth, but it is home; a community that is safe and ideal for a good country life.

Pluck reported that her shop is located in front of her mother’s house, and within the same yard she has her own house. They are a close-knit family and community, she said, adding that her prices are pocket-friendly, and she would try to keep the cost within a certain range to accommodate the children attending school.

“I am accustomed to cooking and preparing all the ingredients for the eatables. And waking up early to do it is no bother for me at all,” she said.

The snackette is clean, and it has a wooden bench for customers, and also outfitted with refuse disposal bins. The surroundings are tidy as well.

Pluck’s snackette would be opened for 06:30hrs daily, which caters for breakfast for people who are working and have to leave the village early.

“This is a good place to live; the people are good-natured, and almost everybody here is related by blood, so we cooperate to get things done. It is a quiet, peaceful village,” she said.

Pluck would close for the day when her glass case is empty, and all her foods are sold out just about midday or a bit later to accommodate schoolchildren.

ness

known

Carlene Pluck displays freshly prepared foods at her snackette (Delano Williams photos)

The roadside snackette

Ingenuity and creativity

By Michel Outridge

DENZEL Jordan was gainfully employed with a commercial bank when he opened a small business as another source of income. However, he woke up one day and decided he wanted to become fully self-employed, doing what he loves best, creating masterpieces through his customised items of key chains, tee-shirts, teacups, tumblers, jig saw puzzles, photo slates, and pin

Entrepreneur experiments with creative keepsakes

buttons, among other things. The 29-year-old started his small business from his home. On the lower flat, he constructed a store, and named it Jordan’s Fashion. He is located on the public road, which is quite convenient.

Jordan told the Pepperpot Magazine that he started by selling clothing from the trunk of his car. It was slow at first, and he drove around selling his items. Soon, his friends began supporting him, and he eventually got more customers.

in 2017, and he was motivated by his late brother, who inspired him to become a self-starter by owning a small business.

His sibling encouraged him to establish a business to leave a legacy for his family.

He related that his brother had a store in the city, and he used to ship clothing from abroad to sell, but he passed away two years ago.

Jordan explained that he used to purchase brand-name clothing from his brother to sell, but soon he discovered his hidden talent of making customised items.

“It was when I started practising that my creativity kicked in, and I took a liking for it and wanted to challenge myself to become better at it,” he said.

Jordan said that his name

is a household name in Berbice and its environs, due to his quality of work, reliability, price, and service. He is often recommended to others.

He told the Pepperpot Magazine that he gets a lot of support from the villagers, and they would order all their customised items from him. Aand there is no competition for him in that line of business.

Soon, his printing business became known.

“In this printing business, I am seeing a lot of returns, and I like to put smiles on people’s faces and give them exactly what they need. And I am doing what I have through my products and service,’ he said.

Jordan related that in Ber-

scale, Bath and Body Works and Victoria Secret lotions and body mists in 40 different fragrances, self-care products, clothing from baby to adults which includes plus size, handbags, shoes, and other high-end products in his well-organised store located on the public road at #8 Village, West Coast Berbice. Presently, Jordan is

The things on sale inside the store

Jordan added that he had some practice from 2019, and over time, he became better at creating things and giving customers what they want.

bice, things are a bit slower than in the city. As such, he has pocket-friendly prices, and that is how he has managed to keep his customers.

He also sells, on a large

re-stocking his store with trendy clothing, among other things, and has a wide customer base, even in the city, because of his quality products, service and price.

Jordan’s Fashion on #8 Public Road, West Coast Berbice (Delano Williams photos)

Denzel Jordan poses with some of his customised items

#8 Village NDC pushing for community-based development to enhance the lives of the locals

By Michel Outridge

CAROL Nurse, Chairperson of the

Bel Air Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) said the Council and the community have good relations and would partner

to maintain a clean village. She told the Pepperpot Magazine that the NDC controls five villages from #6 to #10 Villages, West Coast Berbice, which falls under the Woodlands/Bel Air NDC.

Nurse added that #8 Village has seen its fair share of community-based develop -

SEE PAGE XXV

# 8 Village, West Coast Berbice, Woodlands/

People, places, houses and things in #8 Village, West Coast Berbice (Delano Williams photos)

THE DESERTED PASSION FOR BOOKS AND THE PRICE TO BE PAID FOR NOT KNOWING

IF you were born in the late 50s and raised in the 70s, you grew up in an age of books, magazines, novels and newspaper cartoons and valued what was selected for you for the simple reason that all kinds of people wrote books. In the colonisation period, the origins of colonised people were immediately converted to have been created by Europeans. Most Euro-scholars who differed became the authors of rare books because their books were not widely circulated, so wise elders selected reading materials. But in the 70s, the most popular literature with youth were novels, comic books and magazines. One of the most intriguing book sets that I received as a gift was J.A. Rogers’ three Volume ‘Sex and Race’. I was around 21 then and I started reading them almost a year later. I was at that point taken over by Ebony, Black Star and other American magazines. This was a natural process that was coupled with the music of the day. Those magazines featured the groups like Smokey and the Miracles, Marvin Gay, The Supremes, etc. There was no TV or smartphones and social media to distract. There was Madam Ifill in the big market for the latest comic books, which was a hub of activity with action, love stories, western comics and novels. Most of the second-hand book stalls followed her layouts. The latter were mainly exchange facilities. Most heavy literature was packaged in an illustrated series titled ‘Classics Illustrated’

I bought some with earned pocket money back then at Latchmansingh’s drug store on Camp Street, between Norton and Durban streets, Werk-en-Rust. We humans all are blessed with talent, and in some unfortunate situations they get suppressed by others. I was fortunate

that with my Godparents who raised me at Mahaica, after the biological folks separated, I was encouraged to pursue my passions there.

I can remember an instant when I had lent a school friend two Commando comics, (these were more popular than the Marvel comics at that time). Second were the Cowboy comics. I’m not so sure if those were DC or Marvel. The fact is the movies mirrored our picture-reading choices. My friend’s mother came with the two books that I had loaned him. She told ‘Ma,’ as I called my godmother, that “I didn’t want my son to become a comic.” She expressed her anger and with a smile.

My godmother accommodated her when she was relaxed. She admitted to a problem that my friend didn’t like reading, and she was going to get a certain teacher to give him lessons, ‘Ma’ agreed, my friend’s mother left, and the books were placed on the table before me. She picked up one of the Commando comics and opened it and told me to read two pages for her. I had to tell who was speaking and that ACHTUNG! was an alarm word the Germans used. She asked me who was the star-boy? (A term for the main character), and I eagerly answered. She told me to put the books down, eat my snack, do my chores and prepare for homework.

Years later as an adult, I understood what she had done. The essence was that progress was being made

as long as the child was reading. One book I have tried to get without success was an edition of ‘Treasure Island’ that I had received as a childhood gift, with paintings by N.C.Wyeth the American artist, that was stolen from me by some supposed family friend/visitor. What is not quite understood is that even people without written alphabets had methods of recording events; the first alphabet is most likely the artistic Hieroglyphs of ancient Khemet, but before that were the cave graphics by ancient man. It is sad that in this age where the written word can be dictated through a MoU, whether or not your business rights are taken from you. That a book covering one’s interests is less an option than a fashion item that serves as a showoff idol-worship statement, this does not mean that those other areas of our culture are not important, but when placing values, knowledge is still ‘Power.’

I can well understand how TV and social media have overridden the culture of family reading when the family took paragraphs of most times a library book and had some fun, at the mispronunciation of some words and how it sounded

when a comma or a full stop was ignored. And the fun and celebrated achievement

of a sibling, friend or relative when they mastered the errors, we have got to back

step and pick up where we ignored the signs, we can do it.

THE PRICE OF LOVE IV

IT was a question he asked Paul two days later after telling him what had happened. Paul answered him after thinking about it for a short moment.

“Maybe because he thinks she likes you.”

“Why would he think that?” Sachin asked surprised, “I mean, he’s wealthy, she’s wealthy and I’m just her driver. How do I fit in there?”

“Not everything is about money, you know?” Paul stated.

“Has she been nice to you lately?”

“Yes.”

“Does she smile with you?”

“Yes.”

“And there’s where the jealous boyfriend comes in.”

On the way to the Amazonia Mall on the East Bank, she asked him, “How have you been?”

“Kind of busy, but good.”

She said nothing more and on the way back that afternoon she told him to drive to Movietowne. He parked the car on her instruction and accompanied her to the movie theatre.

“Have you seen Fast 10 yet?” she asked him.

“No.”

“Well, this is your chance.”

“We’re watching a movie now?”

“Yep,” she answered and handed him a ticket.

did not cause my break-up with him.”

“I don’t know why he thinks so.”

“You don’t?”

There was something different in her tone, the look in her eyes, a brief moment of something incredible happening that needed no words. That feeling stayed with Sachin all the way home and throughout the night until he fell asleep.

The next morning he stood by his father’s picture and said to him, “Something is happening Pa, that may leave me with a heartache. Please give me the strength to deal with it.”

“Damn,” Sachin sighed deeply, “What am I to do?”

“Nothing, just play it cool and continue to do your job.”

“One thing I know for sure,” Sachin said.

“What is that?”

“She doesn’t like me the way he thinks.”

Paul looked at him and smiled as though doubting that, “Only she would know.”

Sachin shook his head and thought to himself, “I may have to leave this job before that crazy dude kills me. I have a family to take care of.”

Ahana came back and three days later, he saw her after he was called to bring the car around to take her out.

“Hey,” she greeted him with a little smile as he opened the door for her.

She had a refreshed look on her face that somehow accentuated her natural beauty and he thought to himself, “I’m sure I will miss her when I decide to stop working here.”

He sat behind her two seats away and relaxed to enjoy the movie he had wanted to see but never got a chance to.

After the movie, the night it seemed, was still young for her and she went over to Kosmos Grill and Lounge for a cocktail. He brought the car around and parked not far away from where she was sitting, standing by the car waiting for her.

Two cocktails later, she was ready to leave for home but stood outside for a moment longer and said, “You said everything was okay whilst I was away.”

“Yes, miss.”

“And the morning at the resort in Essequibo?”

The question took him by surprise because he did not know she knew what had happened.

“Nothing really,” he answered casually.

“Getting badly beaten is ‘Nothing really’?”

He didn’t answer, not knowing what to say and she said to him, “Chris has a violent temper and that what he did to you was wrong. You

That same morning, Mr. Singh summoned him, “I will be out of the country for two weeks and I was reliably informed that a threat of unrest is brewing in different parts of the country. So before you take Ahana out anywhere, be sure the road is safe and always stay alert.”

“Yes, sir.”

“She is in your hands out there and I trust you to keep her safe.”

Sachin nodded and said reassuringly, “I will, sir.”

But what happened, no one saw coming!

Ahana did not go out much for that week so he was asked to work on Sunday to take her to Blairmont Estate to visit her friend. Sachin called a high-ranking officer in the Police force whose number Mr. Singh had given him to enquire about the situation on the road.

He was told everything was normal and given an all clear for the trip.

It was more of a relaxing trip than the last one, stopping for her to take pictures of nature, the landscape, farms and unique little houses and churches. She had brought with her a long-lens camera so added to his job of driver/bodyguard. He was now an assistant photographer.

That trip brought something new into their lives for it felt like they were not boss

US VISA APPLICANTS MUST GUARD AGAINST SCAMMERS AND EXPLOITERS

GUYANA, between the 1960s and 1990s, was governed by an authoritarian regime which turned its back on democracy, engineered a precipitous economic collapse, damaged the social fabric and to whose door must be laid the uncontrollable crime wave and widespread shortages of food, medicines and other necessities which enveloped the country. In desperation, a large percentage of the population fled the country going to any country they could, and thousands found themselves in the United States.

Today, though Guyana has become an oil-rich country with the promise of approaching within four to five years the developed world’s social and economic amenities and standards, many Guyanese are still rushing to apply for US visas. So many people are in this movement that there has grown up a new profession of ‘Visa Consultant’ to serve them. These so-called consultants charge enormous fees for filling up visa application forms and almost invariably project themselves as being able to secure visas by falsely claiming they have “contacts” in the US Embassy. These persons are scammers and the US Embassy has taken the time to issue a release exposing their machinations. In this article, we shall keep close to the text of the release for both authenticity and clarity.

The release begins by stating: “There has been an increase in third-party preparers or visa-service providers creating fake appointment letters and charging exorbitant fees for visa services people can otherwise do by themselves.”

The embassy then goes on to advise that correct and upto-date forms could always be had free at : https://ceac. state. gov/ceac/ and https:// www.us-cis.gov/forms/all-

forms. Persons are asked to use these official sites for correct and up-to-date forms. The embassy then gives further information and step-by-step instruction to help applicants through the various processes, and such could be obtained from the website : https://gy.usembassy.gov/ visas/ and https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gy/niv/users/ sign_in.

Applicants are alerted

may cause you to miss important updates about your case and cause delays”.

“Keep a copy of your application and confirmation and proof of direct payment of visa-processing fees”.

Finally, the embassy enjoins applicants:”Visa consultants cannot improve your chances of qualifying for a visa and they have no “inside” connection with the embassy. Your eligibility is determined by a consular

that the visa-application process is simple, but the “visa application centres” on profit by making the visa application process appear complicated.

If the applicant uses the help of a visa consultant, he/ she must ensure that no false information is on the form since, in the words of the embassy,”False information could disqualify you and make you permanently ineligible for a visa. You are responsible for what is on your visa application. For this reason, we encourage applicants to complete their application forms themselves and pay the required visa-processing fees at the embassy.

“If someone else is helping you with your visa application, ensure they give you the login details or confirmation number”.

“You must use your own email address to create an account to manage your visa application and appointment since the Consular Section often sends case-status updates to the email you use to register. Using someone else’s email

officer after a visa interview … Knowing someone at the embassy will not help you to get a visa since an applicant’s qualifications, as presented in the visa application and at the interview and the US Law are the only bases on which consular officers make visa decisions.”

This urgent effort by people, especially young people, to enter the United States is beginning to lessen, as it is gradually being realised that America is no longer “the Land of Opportunity” or “the American Dream” as it was in the 19th and 20th centuries. And also, most countries of the Developing World are beginning to provide their citizens with a better life.

In Guyana’s case, within four or five years, social and economic conditions would have advanced to such an extent that Guyanese people would only visit the United States as tourists to see their relatives or friends settled there and to return home as quickly as they can and visa consultants would in due course fade away.

CARICOM at 50

THE Treaty of Chaguaramas, which established the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), was signed on July 4, 1973. Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica were the four Caribbean countries that signed the treaty 50 years ago. In a matter of days, we will commemorate that historic venture and reflect on how the body has evolved over the years.

First, I think we can all agree that everyone has an opinion on CARICOM. For some, it’s a failure. For others, it’s an example of a good regional integration model (though one can argue that the pool of people sharing the latter view may be significantly smaller than those who hold the first view). I don’t necessarily think of CARICOM in arbitrary ratings -- whether it has been a success or a failure. I don’t think CARICOM has lived up to all that many believed it would be, but simultaneously, I don’t think the body has been a failure. I believe CARICOM is a work in progress.

My experience as a Guyanese student at the University of the West Indies (UWI) informs my impression of CARICOM. In the first instance, poor experiences with immigration personnel convinced me that we have much further to go if we want to realise the free movement of CARICOM nationals. We must be able to appreciate and respect each other much more than we do, instead of letting prejudices and biases define our interactions. However, the plus side is that the UWI shows how formidable the region can be when we work together. For example, work from the UWI and people who

present the institution contributed to the global attention being paid to reparations for the atrocities of enslavement and Indigenous genocide in our region. Together, our governments have been able to draw attention to things by which we are most affected, such as food insecurity and unfair global debt financing.

My impression of CARICOM being a work in progress is also influenced by my conversation with the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, earlier this year. I interviewed Dr. Gonsalves during his visit to Guyana as part of an extended feature for the News Room’s Insider production. Because I got the opportunity to speak to the Caribbean’s elder statesman months before this official anniversary, I had to pointedly ask him: has CARICOM been a success or a failure?

He thinks it is unfair to rate CARICOM as a success

The Chelsea...

FROM PAGE II

does. And as one that we all should be working to fix. “There were people that [sic] were interested in helping. But there were also people that [sic] didn’t see this as such a big problem as I did. Or they didn’t have the same amount of sympathy as I did for these dogs,” says Chelsea. But nonetheless, she persisted and took in dogs of all ages and backgrounds.

One of the guiding principles of the Chelsea Founda-

tion is offering a home to every animal that needs one. From puppies to old dogs and purebreds to mutts, the Chelsea Foundation is a safe haven for them all.

Many of the dogs of the foundation are older, sick and of very tough backgrounds, which affect traits and behaviours. “People are more interested in adopting a dog that came from a breeder or had a better background, rather than one from a foundation,” Chelsea explained. She also stated that it became apparent that not as many people were willing to adopt as she thought.

Today, Chelsea says that support is growing. Apart from the organisation’s volunteers going out to find strays, many people have brought dogs in. Located in Diamond, the facility currently houses some dogs and even a litter of puppies. The foundation has made strides in getting support, even forming a Go Fund Me. “I believe it is working out. We haven’t reached our goal as yet, but we have had great donors. And I would like to see more support,” Chelsea explained. The more the foundation grows and develops, the more animals get the help they need. And it is this belief that drives the Chelsea Foundation.

The Founder

Though born in the United States, Chelsea has Guyanese heritage through her parents and stated that she always thought of Guyana as a home. It was on her many visits to Guyana that the Foundation became a reality. “I grew up in Queens, New York, but it’s almost like I grew up in Guyana because of how often I visit. I feel connected and I feel closer to my family. We do have a population of Guyanese here in New York; but I feel like [sic] I’m known in Guyana. I feel like [sic] I share the same experiences as those who live in Guyana,” Chelsea explained. Chesea hopes to further her education to better help people as she moves forward. Although the foundation is still young, Chelsea has big hopes for the future. “I see in the future that we gain more dogs and we possibly start to expand to other countries and save other homeless dogs and adopt them out to other families,” she explained.

Chelsea holding one of the dogs of the Foundation

THE PRICE OF...

with caution. Police are on the scene.”

and may not be comfortable for you. Plus, your father may not like the idea that I took you to my house.”

said without hiding his feelings, “Yes, she is.”

and employee but friends; a beautiful feeling even if it was for just that day.

On the way back, late afternoon, as they reached the East Coast, the police officer he had spoken to called and advised him to drive with caution because a sudden protest action had started.

“No, this is not good,” Sachin voiced.

“What’s happening?” Ahana asked.

“A sudden protest just started.”

“Oh no!” she exclaimed, “What are you going to do?”

“I was told to proceed

The traffic was starting to build up because the main road was blocked and Sachin knowing it could get worse wasted no time. In a swift, precise move he left the line of cars and took a street to the embankment road and drove skilfully, handling the car through the traffic. He managed to reach Success village and turned into a narrow street then two more cross streets and stopped in a dim lit corner.

“Are we safe here?” she asked, a rising fear in her voice.

“Yes, we should be. This

is my village.”

“What do we do now?”

“We wait until I receive word that the road is safe.”

She exhaled in relief and called home to tell her family she was fine, but may be home a bit late.

“Yes, he’s with me and he’ll keep me safe,” she answered her mother’s question.

After a long while, she asked Sachin, “Where do you live?”

“Further down the street.”

“What?” she asked in surprise, “So why are we sitting here in the dark?”

“Well, my house is small

“You know what,” she said firmly, “I don’t care about your reasons. Let’s go.”

“Okay,” he complied but somewhat doubtful.

His house was indeed one of those small country homes, but nice and clean with a fresh scent new to her senses.

His mother, quite pleased to see her, made sure she was comfortable on the sofa and offered to cook some hot food for her.

“No, no, I’m fine. Thank you.”

She looked at Ahana with a warm smile and said to Sachin quietly, “She’s beautiful.”

Sachin, for the first time

Ahana looked at him and smiled, and for the first time he saw a touch of radiance in that smile. As it got late and no call came, she fell asleep and looking at her sleeping face from where he sat, he thought, “I wonder what’s the price I have to pay for falling in love with someone who can’t be mine? How did this happen?”

His eyes closed in sleep so he was unaware she awoke later and sat up looking at him for a long while, pain in her eyes.

“If only I can speak of my feelings for him. How did this happen?” she bemoaned silently.

Wealth, prestige and family would stand in the way, she knew, to deny her the love she wanted.

The phone rang at 1am to say the road was safe but he waited until the break of dawn to take her home.

He had kept her safe, her father’s little girl.

And as he turned to go, she called him, “Hey.”

He turned back and she said, “I did not say ‘Thank you’ for protecting me once again.”

“Doing my job,” he said but with a teasing smile.

She came closer to him and, touching his arm, she said quietly, “And this job is the only way I can see you, don’t leave it.” Until one day, nothing would stand in their way of being together

And that was when he saw the love in her eyes and for that love, he knew he could pay any price for.

OKC the...

FROM PAGE IV crave.”

Support from Home Today Osei says that making music is a lot easier than it once was, but it is not without its challenges. And although he loves singing for the Guyanese people, he believes that support is not where it should be. “I check my plays online from time to time. And I found out that most of the plays on my music come from Barbados and Trinidad. So I am getting more support from overseas than right from in my own

country,” says Osei. This, however, has not stopped his love for music nor his love for Guyana. He still continues to represent the Golden Arrowhead everywhere, every chance he gets. There are moments where he doubts himself and wonders if it’s worth the work he’s done. “From DJ’s not supporting me and not getting enough radio plays; to Guyanese saying he ain’t bad for a Guyanese. A Lot of times, I would wonder if it’s all worth it, but I have goals for myself.” Despite this, Osei does not blame Guy -

ana’s music industry for its lack of support; he believes it is still in its early stages. And that it will grow, and so will the support. “Yes, the support is not fully there, but it’s sufficient. It’s enough. I would love for it to be more. But I can’t really come down too hard on the Music industry in Guyana. It’s not the music industry in Barbados or Trinidad. Our music industry is still growing. Let’s see what will happen in the next five years. Let’s see where we are now and where we’ll be then.”

Osei is sure that sup -

port for music is growing and he urges young musicians to take the leap of faith, but to be prepared for the rough road ahead. “Don’t ever stop pushing. Prepare your mind because it’s going to be tough. And invest in yourself. Ain’t nobody gonna invest in you. You gotta do it yourself. I got signed after winning my first junior crown. Before that, it was all on me. I remember when my salary was just for me to do music,” he said. And although he still works while making music, Osei says he doesn’t think he will stop music any time soon. He is currently working on a project, which he assured The Pepperpot Magazine, will be big.

#8 Village

FROM PAGE VI

came from a family of five sisters and four brothers.

Singh reported that

because a lot of pupils and students pass through to and from schools on weekdays at both the primary and secondary schools located in the village.

His father was a chauffeur, and his mother was a housewife,but they passed away years ago and did their best to raise them in the right way.

Singh added that he had just returned from checking his rice crop and he had to go to school to pick up his grandson.

“I am from here, so this is the place I will remain because I like it here and I don’t want to relocate,” he said.

Meanwhile, his spouse

people in the village would support the small business and the people are equally good and don’t have much to complain about except they need landline phones.

He said his sons would assist him in farming and he is very pleased about that and has two varieties of rice.

Singh disclosed that the village has electricity, potable water supply, good roads and infrastructure, and a private internet provider.

He noted that the village is busy during school period

The roadside stand near the Primary School has a shop and she tends to customers while he is at the rice field or out.

the

Fruits, vegetables and pepper sauce sold by Maywatie Persaud (Delano Williams photos)

Youth Offenders should not be society’s throwaways

THE young people in Guyana are expected to be our future; they’re expected to be the promising key strategic players in our country’s economic and social growth. With that in mind, let’s consider what happens when youth and crime are correlated. What happens when there are many

increased crime rates among young people? How do we address it as a nation and how can we help prevent it from happening to begin with? I’ve heard a lot of emphasis being placed on young people in general. There are many plans for our land’s youths, especially with our current

economic situation. There is, however, a lack of specific approaches towards young people. We can’t generalize, even if we’re tackling problems from a macro perspective. There are plans, opportunities, and resources for young people but sadly only a handful can access them.

That brings me to this week’s topic of “youth offenders”. It’s a broad, academic term often used in the context of the law when describing anyone below the age of 18 and even young adults in their mid-20s who have committed a crime.

It is not the same term as “juvenile delinquency” because that term may vary based on the country in question. However, in most instances, it’s where someone below the age of 18 and over the minimum age of committing a crime. The average range of a juvenile is 6 to 18 years old. For the purpose of this article, I wanted to speak for all youth offenders—from children to young adults. We want to nationally address “youth” but fail to address those who have been affected, hurt, abused or neglected—to the point where they become perpetrators. We can get into the entire argument of “nature vs. nurture” in the next column, but for now, I’d like to focus on the nurturing aspect of why young people commit crimes.

Many studies have shown that a youth’s economic background (or lack thereof) is a major factor. Children endure poverty every day, with little to nothing to eat or even a toy to call their own in Guyana and worldwide. Some of these children commit crimes out of necessity rather than malicious intent. I’m not advocating for violence, nor am I saying it’s the right thing to do, even in desperate times. However, if we’re to address the entirety of the issue—all factors must be considered. Some children are forced into criminal activities by their peers. Children with low self-esteem and confidence are more susceptible to peer pressure. From the behavioralists’ perspective, the child mirrors activities they see happening in their household. So, they may exhibit just that if they see their parents indulging in such or living life with no moral compass. I hope that we collectively understand that most of these young people are products of their environments.

It’s not every day people talk about helping those who are seen as society’s “damaged goods”, but it should be an everyday discussion and intervention at all levels. They shouldn’t be tossed aside. We should not wait until a simple “stealing $100 to purchase a sweet drink” turns into a full blown violent robbery. There should be preventative measures in place at schools, adults should be sensitised in all aspects of the community to ensure that they effectively help address delinquent behaviour and we should have more systems in place for accessible counselling and remedying support to families in need of it. Whether it be a national approach or your response to delinquency in your community amongst young people— I hope it’s a proactive and effective effort. The juvenile delinquent or the youth offender can grow up to be the adult murderer, thief or felon. We must do all we can to deter and reform their behavior into a positive one. We can do so much more for them than what we already are.

#8 Village NDC pushing for ...

FROM PAGE X

ment in a project in which the central government and the Ministry of Works upgraded 16 streets this year.

She related that spending from their subvention saw the construction of two wooden bridges linking #8 Village with neighbouring villages # 9 and #10.

The chairperson stated that the community itself conceptualised the multi-purpose building. Still, the project was funded via the Social Impact Amelioration Programme (SIMAP) but, as is, it needs upgrading. It is utilised for events and functions hosted by the locals and is under the NDC’s control.

Nurse added that #8 Vil-

32 part-time workers who get 10 days of work every month and 18 Community Infrastructure Improvement Programme (CIIP) employees who maintain the parapets and drains in the village.

Nurse reported that the NDC also has a flower garden, and the staffers take care of it and try to keep the surroundings clean and tidy.

She disclosed that they intend to install solar street lights in #8 Village, West Coast Berbice, as part of their upcoming project.

The chair reported that they have two tractors, a brand new one with a trailer, but the older tractor/trailer is used for garbage collection in the village every second Wednesday of the month.

She stated that for $300

to benefit from a landline phone service, since from #9 to # 6 don’t have a service.

Nadine Pluck, the farmer Meanwhile, in the same village is the residence of Nadine Pluck, a farmer who recently lost her crops of tomatoes and celery, among other vegetables.

She is replanting new crops and will have to invest in securing seedlings for the undertaking, since it is her only source of income.

Pluck told the Pepperpot Magazine that she has lived most of her life in the vil-

SEE PAGE XXVII

lage doesn’t have a health centre but the nearest one is located at #7 Village and the villagers would utilise that or go to the Fort Wellington Hospital.

She disclosed that #8 Village, West Coast Berbice, has

per barrel and $200 per salt bag, the residents would often clean up their immediate surroundings.

Nurse pointed out that there is a need for the community centre ground to be upgraded and for the village

The community centre ground

Nadine Pluck flanked by her brothers, Declan and Steven

#8 Village Secondary School

CARICOM at ...

FROM PAGE XIV

or failure because of the layers of work in several areas, be it food and trade to security and education over the past 50 years. He also reminded me that the bloc comprises sovereign states, each with its own decision-making power. That means consensus is important. Each sovereign state can choose to sign onto some decisions of CARICOM, and they can opt out. That makeup, therefore, makes it hard for CARICOM to push ahead on some matters.

Still, there are some things to be happy about. Immigration, as I mentioned, needs some work, but there is at least one clear example of community law taking precedence in the Caribbean. In 2012, Jamaican Shanique Myrie took on Barbados and tested the weight of CARICOM law. She travelled to Barbados the year before and was denied entry after what was described as an inhumane cavity search. She took the case to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), arguing that she was denied entry and was discriminated against because she is Jamaican and asked that the CCJ determine the minimum standard of treatment for CARICOM nationals moving within the region. And within the course of its judgement, the CCJ held that CARICOM nationals are entitled to enter CARICOM member states without harassment or the imposition of impediment and to stay for up to six months.

We also have big ambitions under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. Among other things, this treaty caters to the free movement of people, goods and services. Because we signed onto this, there are ways of compelling countries to comply more with certain provisions or laws.

In fact, the CCJ can assess trade matters within and between member states. Before the CCJ’s recent itinerant sitting in Guyana, I never thought about the c-ourt’s ability to adjudicate on matters concerning the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. The CCJ’s appellate jurisdiction -- which itself is valuable to us in Guyana -- is what I have been exposed to, and exposed to a lot more over the past three years because of the litany of elections-related cases on which the court ruled. Over the last two weeks, however, I’ve been increasingly aware that the CCJ, in its original jurisdiction, is able to preside over matters involving CARICOM more specifically.

To be practical about explaining this, I’d say it is possible for local honey producers to bring their long-standing honey woes before the CCJ. For years, Guyana has been trying to use Trinidad as a trans-shipment point to get honey into other Caribbean territories. However, as per the country’s Beekeeping and Bee Products Act, only honey originating from the Windward and Leeward Islands can be trans-shipped there. The country initially restricted the importation of honey from Grenada and other Caribbean countries over concerns about a potentially disastrous disease of honeybees, the American Foulbrood disease. Guyana and Grenada have been trying to hammer out this issue through consultations and engagements (which aren’t bad things), but the possibility exists that the matter can be taken to court.

Of course, this is neither an in-depth nor exhaustive list of all things CARICOM, but it does include some of my recent learnings on the body. I imagine we’ll be hearing much more about CARICOM in the coming days, and I, for one, remain hopeful that we can be closer as a region (especially if that means cheaper flights!).

#8 Village NDC pushing for ...

FROM PAGE XXV

lage; it is her safe place, and relatives and other good people surround her.

The resident added that #8 Village is a quiet place where the people do many things to earn honestly and it is a community of farmers and some like-minded professionals who hold jobs in offices and agencies.

Pluck related that long ago she used to go to the Rosignol Market to sell her produce, but these days the wholesalers are buying the produce for cheap and re-selling at a hefty price, so it is not viable to continue.

The farmer utilises her yard space to plant and she lost 10 trays of tomato plants due to heavy rainfall.

Pluck has five siblings; two brothers were by her side when the team visited and they were planning to go out to run a few errands.

“Presently it is a tough time for me and my family members because within a short space of time we lost our parents and it has been challenging since,” she said.

The local reported that the village is small but has many youths who need a place for recreation and games.

Pluck said #8 is a safe village and she would often leave her doors unlocked and go out for a long period, and nothing will go missing.

Despite the challenges of farming, she remains optimistic and is hoping to replant crops soon.

The NDC building

#8 Primary School

The multi-purpose building

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

All professions are conspiracies against the laity.

GEORGE BERNARD SHAW (1856-1950) The Doctor’s Dilemma (1906), Act 1

STUDY SUCCESS

Dear Student, Welcome dear friend. Self-testing is basic to passing your examinations well. We have already recommended creating valuable packs of study cards. Today

July 02, 2023

we recommend reading a passage, putting it aside, and then writing down as much as you can remember from it. This develops an excellent positive attitude and leads to the “I understand and can explain the topic to others” stage. Keep on reading, writing notes in your own words, and questioning yourself about the material. Be wise.

Love you.

IMPROVING YOUR READING

A word about developing your reading skills.

Reading is an art form of language. It is because it requires many of the same skills as making art. How we read depends upon our purpose for reading.

There is more than one way to read a book. We can read it from back to front, front to back, intently, leaving nothing out. We can browse through the pictures. We can search for a few facts, picking out only the desired points from the overall information. We can scan, sample, skip and skim. Anyway, when we are finished reading, our minds are supposed to understand more of the matter from the text than before we started.

Suppose we are reading a biography. We read it for the story in a different way from when reading it to locate specific information.

We concern ourselves now with reading for the story:

i) We read the whole text from front to back, beginning at line one.

ii) We read from top to bottom and from left to right.

iii) If we lay the text aside, we later pick up from where we left off.

iv) The biography narrative does not need pictures to make its meaning.

v) Completing the narrative helps us gain the satisfaction of reading it.

Something to Do: Find a biography of a famous writer and produce one paragraph of important information you gathered about him/her. Read it to your study partners.

THE PASSAGE

Comprehending a passage

Read the passage below carefully and then answer all the questions that follow.

Jessie, you’d better take this map so that you don’t get lost, and you can mark on it where you have to go. When you come out of the house, turn left and go down to the junction. Turn right, go past the swimming-pool and you’ll come to Main Street. There you turn left and go along the street, over the bridge. On the other side of the bridge there’s a crossroads; if you go straight across it you’ll find the shopping centre on your left. Go in there and buy the things on my list.

When you come out again, look for Turton Road, and go along it to the end. You’ll see a football ground ahead of you from where you turn left towards the river, and go on until you come to Riverside Road. There you turn left and then immediately right again over the bridge. On the other side of the bridge you’ll find a park on your right and then a little further along there’s a cinema on a corner to your left. Please go in there and get the programme for the forthcoming films. Then you can come home along School Road – go all the way along it until you get to Main Street again, which you cross, and you’ll find a little path behind the swimming-pool; it’s a short cut home.

Something to Do

1. The passage above is written differently from any text you have been using. Point out three aspects or functions of the language used.

2. Why are there so many contractions, do you think?

3. Between what two people do you think this note passed? And why was it used?

4. Give the given text a title.

5. When would you need to write using language like this one?

6. Write out the instructions in one paragraph for the person to follow through with while going and coming back safely again.

THE POEM

Comprehending a poem

Read the following poem carefully and then answer the items based on what is stated or implied.

Leisure

What is this life if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare?

No time to stand beneath the bough And stare as long as sheep or cows. No time to see, in broad daylight, Streams full of stars, like skies at night. No time to turn at Beauty’s glance, And watch her feet, how they can dance. No time to wait till her mouth can Enrich that smile her eyes began. A poor life this if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare.

(W. H. Davies, “Leisure”)

1. When the poet says, “Full of care” (line 1), he means a life full of

(A) happiness (B) boredom (C) resentment (D) duties

2. The poet uses the idea “stare as long as sheep or cows” (line 4) because he thinks we should take the time to

(A) gaze at the beautiful formations in the sky

(B) rest calmly beneath the boughs of neighbouring trees

(C) stand around and drink-in our environment

(D) relax and appreciate beauty surrounding us

3. The poet implies that we need leisure in our life for it to be

(A) vital (B) calming (C) essential (D) significant

4. “Streams full of stars, like skies at night.” (line 6), is an example of

(A) simile (B) rhyme (C) metaphor (D) onomatopoeia

5. The poet believes we will have a “poor life” (line 11) if we do not have

(A) interests in nature to enjoy (C) friends to socialise with

(B) proper financing (D) time to make much of life

6. In which of the following lines does the poet answer the question asked in lines 1 and 2?

(A) Line 3 (B) Line 5 (C) Line 9 (D) Line 11

How dangerous are toothaches?

EXTREMELY rarely, if ever, will a death certificate indicate that a toothache was the cause of death. The blame is usually placed on the effects of a secondary infection somewhere else in the body. Now, a twelve-year-old, let me call him Tommy, as it is obviously unethical to publish the actual name of private patients, ignored the pain in one of his teeth. His mother had five children to support and at the time was unemployed. So, visiting a private dentist would have to wait. Before long, the toothache was no longer noticeable. The pain seemed to have migrated into his head. The resulting headache became so unbearable that Tommy’s mother took him into the emergency room at the Public Hospital.

In most cases, dental problems such as cavities or toothaches are viewed as trivial. Many people do not consider these as ”a big deal.” This is so, although there may be pain. A visit to the dentist can quickly bring relief.

Tommy’s headache was caused by a brain abscess – a bacterial infection in the brain. The infection had come from the infected tooth he had complained about previously. The tooth became abscessed and the bacteria spread, causing a secondary infection in the child’s brain. Some species of Streptococcus bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease tend to accumulate in nerve tissue. From an infected tooth, they can migrate up through the nerves and into the brain or spinal column, where they can cause a secondary infection. This is what happened to Tommy.

Tommy underwent two surgeries and the removal of the infected tooth. For several weeks afterwards, he seemed to be on the mend, working with a physiotherapist to regain full use of his right arm and leg, which the brain infection and surgeries had impaired. But despite thoroughly disinfecting the tooth socket and taking antibiotics, some of the infection remained and continued to spread. Within a few weeks the infection inside Tommy’s brain returned, and this time with a vengeance. Again, he was rushed to the hospital, but it was too late. Tommy died before doctors could help. The cause of his death was attributed to a brain abscess, but the real culprit was an infected tooth.

In another case, I am aware that a 57-year-old man was admitted to a hospital complaining of a toothache accompanied by a fever and swelling in his right cheek and neck. The man was a diabetic and suffered from liver cirrhosis due to excessive alcohol consumption. His immune system was obviously overworked, dealing with the consequences of poor lifestyle choices. His symptoms worsened despite antibiotic therapy. Infection from the tooth eventually spread to his lungs (pneumonia), kidneys and liver. After 35 days in the hospital, the patient died of multi-organ failure. Antibiotics were useless. The infection in his mouth continued to feed the systemic infections until it killed him. Although weakened by other health problems, his death, like that of Tommy’s, was literally caused by an infected tooth.

Relatively young and otherwise healthy individuals and those who are older and in poor health are affected. A 19-yearold woman with no serious health problems had an infected tooth extracted. Soon after, she developed chest pain. Even though she was treated with antibiotics before and after the dental procedure, bacteria from the infected tooth spread to her heart. Thirteen days after the tooth extraction, she died of a heart attack brought on by the infection.

While deaths due to tooth infections are uncommon, they happen more often than we suspect. In most cases they go unreported or unrecognised, with the secondary infection getting all the blame. In most cases the patients

suffered from poor nutrition, low immunity ( especially HIV infection), or other health conditions which exacerbated the situation. If a tooth infection can cause death,

it can certainly cause other health problems. Even people who can eat well and care for their health can be affected by the health of their teeth.