Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot E-Paper 05-02-2023

‘The sky is not the limit when there are footprints on the moon’ --Young scholar displays great wisdom and humility

BEING born into one of Guyana’s most affluent families, Arya Mohamed is one of the most humble, well-grounded, and wise 12-year-olds you will encounter.

This self-taught pianist and table tennis genius, recipient of the third-highest marks in Guyana at the 2022 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations, and valedictorian of Success Elementary School doesn’t feel any sense of self-entitlement for her accomplishments thus far. Instead, she believes in working hard for what she wants to accomplish in her life.

Arya told the Pepperpot Magazine that accomplishing her dream at the NGSA exams wasn’t a walk in the park for her; that there were times when she felt like she couldn’t go on.

“I am very satisfied with my accomplishments, because it is something for which I have worked for quite some time; two years and all the struggles. But after I wrote the exams and got my results, it was such a relief to know that I finally accomplished my long-term goal of becoming one of the top students for NGSA and my school,”

she explained. “I am humbly proud of myself, because it was very difficult to go through this, as I am sure it was for the other children who did it.”

Arya continued by relating that the simplest of tasks, like picking up a pencil and writing “a piece of information” were very tiring for her. Still, she put in the work and

made sacrifices, sometimes getting only 30 minutes of sleep after studying.

Even though the 12-yearold has a solid support system, she extended special thanks to her mother and teachers for never giving up on her.

“I owe everything to three main people: First of all, the most important person is my mom. She stayed up with me, even though it was in the morning hours. At 5am., after my prayers, I would revise and my mom was always there, saying, ‘Arya, you can’t give up now, you worked so hard, and have come such a long way; do not give up now,’” she recalled. “My mom always encouraged me, and ensured that I got all the resources that I needed; she played a very great role in supporting me, and I love her for that.”

The other two people that Arya was referring to were her teachers, Sir Success and Sir Derrick

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Ariya is the Success Elementary School valedictorian and received the third highest marks in Guyana at the 2022 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations

Mom, Nadia Mohamed (centre) with Arya’s sister, Amani. Arya Mohamed (right) and her sister Zahra Mohamed (left)

Camera traps, bird watching, nature walks

– Wildlife Club assisting Rupununi youths to preserve their environment

THROUGH the wildlife club that she started in her first year of teaching in 2016, Kim Spencer has

To date, Kim has dealt with several obstacles that have come in the way of the efficient functioning of

finding a way to continue her work, though, Kim met with some Grade Nine students in February 2022 and formed a

been helping scores of children in the Rupununi to learn about the environment and make efforts to preserve it. As she continues her much-needed, practical lessons, the plan is now to build a benab next to the school she teaches so that she can hold sessions right there for the students. This will be one of the biggest projects yet for the club, even as the usual research work continues on wild animals and camera traps on the mountain environment near the school.

her club. She had to leave for college and so lost touch with the students who were initially members of the club. In 2019 when she attempted to resume things with a new set of students, things were going great,especially since she was also teaching the Environmental Education Curriculum for the South Rupununi Conservation Society (SRCS).

But the COVID-19 pandemic came and changed everything. Once again, it seems like the club would be going nowhere. Still intent on

new executive committee for the wildlife club.

an interview recently. With the 30 students she

“I want to share my knowledge, experience and skills with youths especially to preserve our environment…to take care of the our homes, rivers, mountains… to gives youths opportunities to take up roles in leadership and improve their skills in public speaking, report writing and so forth,” Kim said in

has at the moment, Kim engages the students in activities like bird watching, camera trapping, club meetings, and nature walks. With the camera traps session, students are able to have a firsthand grasp of how to set it, record and analyze the relevant data.

“Every Thursday, we have wildlife interactive sessions where we go out into the fields to learn life skills. Learners develop freedom of expression and responsibility; they also practice public speaking. During our field trip sessions, they are equipped to set camera traps and understand how it works and its importance,” Kim shared.

The students are also exposed to knowledge of the

endangered Red Siskins, learning how to monitor and protect them from fires, and being familiar with other common birds in a particular area.

Kim initially started out by using her own money, but as the club progressed, they started raising funds to help. “For our campout trips, the students will contribute a

The students enjoy the trips and sessions that happen in the afternoon

SRCS Teacher and founder of the Wildlife Club Kim Spencer

The Wildlife Club is made up of 30 students at the moment

Learning camera trapping

The humanitarian with a heart of gold

DIANA Alli D’Souza is a humanitarian par excellence and an incredible individual with a heart of gold. At 71, she has no intention of slowing down and is currently in Rishikesh (Himalayas), India, where, according to her, she felt the need to give back “where poverty is unbearably devastating.”

Born in Mumbai (then Bangalore) Dianna met a Guyanese jeweller in England and, along with two young children, moved to Guyana in 1971, but according to her, after an unstable marriage, she migrated to Toronto, Canada in 1975.

Leaving India all alone, at the tender age of 16, Diana lived with an aunt for a few years, completing her General Certificate of Education (GCE) O and A Levels but recalled that tragedy hit her family when a home cooking fire explosion took her father’s life and six months later her only brother was accidentally pushed off the last early morning crowded open-door train.

In a candid interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, from her location in India, where she is providing humanitarian help in the form of teaching in Rishikesh, one of the holiest Hindu cities in India, Diana related how “I get to be a kid again, having fun with my kiddies, in my case high school, university students and mature enough with the labourers yearning for better prospects, as their English teacher and philanthropist!”

According to Diana, “I get to play with the younger

ones, nearly 580 kids, in one of the biggest NGOs called Khusi Charitable Society, some with one parent and no governmental support systems.”

Speaking of her experience, while in Guyana, Diana said she gave birth to her youngest child at the St Joseph Mercy Hospital while living in Georgetown. “I now donate to an orphanage called Oaks of Righteousness in tribute to my daughter born there and to commit to global needs. As well, for several years, I have supported projects dealing with poverty through Janet Naidu at Christmas.” Naidu is the current president of Guyanese Canadians for Unity (GCU), based in Toronto, Canada, an organisation which Diana also serves as member.

Diana pointed out that her kids were immersed more into the Guyanese culture “as we came from a very large family. My father-inlaw married twice and had 20 kids, each then had mostly three children, a large community of our own. I am a better Guyanese cook, learned Indian cooking later in life and now passionate about covering recipes from all states.

“Besides family, my circle of friendships grew more with Caribbeans through my leadership work for over 40 years in Toronto with numerous Community organisations and beyond, as well as serving as the Diversity representative for University of Toronto medical school nationally - ie the National Association of Canadian

Medical Schools, and the Association of American Medical Schools (AAMC).”

Diana disclosed that she was humbled to receive the AAMC North East Region Advocacy Award. “My Indian (Mangalorean) culture uprooted itself later in life after separating from an unstable marriage, and immersed more after retirement in 2012 when I felt I needed to give back to my birthplace where poverty is unbearably devastating.

“Education for me in all of my commitments and contributions has indelibly changed thousands of lives, especially in Toronto. I chose to take the tool sets to the Himalayas and support Indigenous populations, Dalits once called the untouchable and Adivasis (tribals)! Through my work and credit to the NGO called Khushi (happy) Charitable Society, lives have remarkedly flourished exponentially for hundreds of marginalised kids. I have chosen to stay connected to Guyana through organisations leading programmes to improve lives for those struggling in society and to ensure women are provided support system through the

many challenges they faced.”

According to the Canadian Immigrant magazine, after Diana retired from her work as a senior administrator with the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine in 2012, two student awards were named in her honour as a tribute to her 38-year professional legacy, a hint of the impact she’s made in Canada since arriving from India four decades ago.

While at the University of Toronto, she founded or cofounded more than 21 outreach programmes for underserved, underrepresented, vulnerable and racialised populations. Her desire to make a difference also led her to spearhead global-scale benefit concerts through the University International Health Program (UTIHP) to raise funds for destitute children around the world. And, as lead ad -

led her to found Access Empowerment Council, a non-profit organisation created to inspire disengaged, marginalised and underrepresented youth and engage isolated elderly globally, with a focus in the Himalayas. “Being a philanthropist, mentor and English teacher has been my biggest blessing,” she says.

During the pandemic, Alli D’Souza also turned her attention locally, supporting a number of soup kitchens in Toronto, in particular one called Ripples of Kindness for the neediest requiring a hot meal, water and fruit packed for them.

“It is a humbling experience knowing that many of us live in a privileged world, with a roof over our head and all the necessities that many barely have.”

In August, 2022, Diana was chosen as one of the

presenting partner, Western Union,” Sanjay Agnihotri, publisher, Canadian Immigrant magazine, said. “This year’s winners have shared their amazing stories of their journeys to Canada, and they are all truly inspiring examples of immigrant success stories.”

A passionate trailblazer on social responsibility, Diana has served on numerous Boards: Faculty of Medicine Council, University of Toronto Governing Council, community foundations, university task forces and committees and is the recipient of more than two dozen prestigious awards including, 10 medical school graduation awards given to her for role-modelling, compassion and excelling the students’ experience.

ministrator of UTIHP’s Books with Wings project, medical textbooks have filled libraries in war-torn and developing countries.

She told the magazine: “I have a passion for humanitarianism and making this world a more just and equitable society for all, serving and supporting the most marginalised and underrepresented populations, in particular, Indigenous and Black kids and youth.” Diana herself faced many struggles in her early years in Canada as a single mother of three children.

After retirement, Diana continued interest in altruism, and social responsibility

Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awardees, an annual citation by Canadian Immigrant magazine that recognises outstanding work by immigrants who “have come to Canada and have made a positive difference living in the country.” The impressive and prestigious ceremony was returning after a two-year hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic and among the winners were Canadian soccer coach John Herdman and Federal Transport Minister Omar Alghabra.

“We are so pleased to celebrate such amazing immigrants for the 14th year, now with the support of our

Apart from the Top 25 Canada Immigrant Award, she is the recipient of the Order of Ontario, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and has also been bestowed with two perpetual awards in her name awarded to medical students, a MD/ PhD Canadian, and University of Toronto MD graduation awards.

Diana enjoys time with her three children and their families. She is a grandma to nine beautiful grandkids. Her new found interest is working on political campaigns: municipal, provincial and Federal in Canada. (With input from Canadian Immigrant magazine).

Diana Alli D’Souza

Diana, third from left, with her Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award. Others in picture, at far left, are Sean Fraser, Canadian Federal Minister of Immigration. Refugees and Citizenship and Canadian Immigrant Publisher Sanjay Agnihotri and sponsors.

Diana (with scarf) during one of her teaching sessions in Rishikesh (Himalayas).

Expressing life’s challenges through poetry

“ Poetry is like second to none when it comes to a song. There are a lot of young poets out there who have been through life‘s experiences. There is so much to share, and the only way to express is through poetry,” Carlene Gill told the Pepperpot Magazine during an interview.

Over many years, poets across the globe have spoken

perpot Magazine .

She made mentioned that there are a lot of topics and social ills that can be solved through the art form of poetry.

This she believes can address most of the domestic issues, that a lot of our children are faced with these days, and curb in some way, the prevalent social ills that are constantly on the front burner, particularly in the school system today.

Carlene gets her inspiration from life’s issues

“ Sometimes I read a book, sometimes my own experiences, sometimes you may have an experience that went bad and you write a poem and twist it around to determine which road the situation could have gone or it is determent on topical issues occurring in the country at the time,“ Carlene expressed to the Pepperpot Magazine.

Gill is looking forward to engaging the Ministry to have a curriculum set regarding not only the teaching of poetry but also to have programmes in place that integrates poetry.

She noted that she doesn’t believe enough is being done for poetry to be recognised as a part of the art culture in the country.

Over the years, there has been a lot of work done for poetry in Guyana by various personalities, including Martin Carter, among others. Still, for Carlene Gill more emphasis needs to be placed on ensuring that young people become involved.

Gill is currently working on a collection of poems, which she hopes to publicise nationally, and she intends to go a long and far way with poetry for as long as she is alive.

According to Gill, Poetry is not a turning loose of emotion, but an escape from emotion; it is not the expression of personality, but an escape from personality.

Camera traps, bird ...

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about many issues affecting families and people in general.

These poets have positively lent support to alter the lives of persons for the common good of all.

The Pepperpot Magazine spoke with Gill, who has been involved in poetry ever since she was a child, to get from herthe impact of her poetical ability on the lives of people.

Gill has plans to engage the Ministry of Education to bring poetry to the schools because it is an art to bring hope to persons who are going through difficult life experiences.

“I am hoping that we would be allowed to teach Poetry in school and take poetry to another level,” Gill told the Pep-

sum of money to go on a trip or other forms of contributions such as farine, fruits etc. I now have some support through an award from Conservation International Guyana – but this is linked to another project,” Kim explained.

Two of the projects that the club wants to work on are to create a bird list for theSand Creek Secondary School and to visit the elderly to have their stories about wildlife, the environment, the community, and history recorded. The club also wants to do craft making, such as basket weaving, cotton spinning, and wood carvings.

“My students reported that they enjoy and appreciate the trips and sessions

that happen in the afternoon. I also really enjoy my time with them; we learn and share knowledge together on the environment and culture as some students know stories from their grandparents and others,” Kim expressed.

The club has been getting support from some experienced persons who assist with building leadership capacityand life skills.

Meanwhile, Kim has been awarded an Amazon Women’s Fellowship by Conservation International Guyana to inspire, empower and build the leadership capacity of young Indigenous females in the Rupununi through conservation.

Kim assisting some of the students

Cane Grove Village

A food-secure community

LAST week the Pepperpot Magazine visited Cane Grove village, East Coast Demerara, Demerara- Mahaica, to highlight the way of life of the populace.

Cane Grove is divided into six constituencies: Mary’s Hope, La Bagatelle Diamond (Strathavon), Melville Virginia, La Bon Pere –Huntley, which is divided into sections of Coconut Dam and Manager’s Line, Estate Yard, and Grannyfield Saywah.

The village, which sourced its name after a sugar plantation that once thrived there, is now a place where rice is planted on a large scale.

It was reported to have existed since the early nine-

Manger’s Line where the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) office is located used to be the residence of the manager, back in colonial days when the sugar plantation boomed. That building was long abandoned and it is falling apart after

scale since it is teeming with produce and also rich in livestock and poultry.

She reported that the main crops include rice and cash crops being bora, peppers, ochro, pumpkins among other crops which are wholesale to buyers.

for a dollar from Booker Tate by freed slaves and the first settlers started making logies as living quarters until the transformation into modern times with better houses.

have a mini excavator doing infrastructural works within the village.

teenth century and its first settlers were reportedly East Indian immigrants. Today,

decades of neglect.

According to NDC Chairperson, Kashni Rooplall,

the upgraded cemetery, Cane Grove Craft Centre, the Water’s Users’ Office, the Land Development Office and the RDC sub-office.

Cane Grove also has the Anglican Church, one private school, two mosques, four

however, it has a mixed population of all six races with a squatting area aback of Coconut Dam.

Cane Grove is a large village which has sections and it is a self-sufficient community that produces food on a large

Cane Grove Village has the Hakh Rice Mill, which provides employment for locals and the owner contributes to society in a meaningful way via community-based enhancement projects.

The village is thickly populated with about 10,000 residents, a place where racial tensions are non-existent; instead, there is peace, harmony and tranquillity irrespective of race, creed and beliefs.

Rooplall pointed out that they have the NDC office, a police station, a post office, a health centre, three nursery schools and two primary schools, three playgrounds,

mandirs, a recently opened Chinese supermarket and

Rooplall told the Pepperpot Magazine that the NDC does not collect rates and

Chairperson stated that the health centre at Grannyfield Saywah was renovated, and it serves the large catchment.

Rooplall noted that all government schools were renovated and upgraded in the building, fence and compound.

She revealed that three wooden bridges in the community were upgraded to concrete.

Rooplall said the oldest bridge that had existed for 50 years was among those upgraded at Grannyfield Saywah.

many shops.

Cane Grove was bought

taxes because the village was a gift to the people for a dollar, but it receives a monthly subvention from central government for developmental works.

Highlighting developmental works within Cane Grove Village, she disclosed that several internal streets were upgraded into all-weather, and also the main access road, which is 4.5 miles long from Mahaica Market to Cane Grove.

Rooplall added that street lights were also installed in six constituencies and they

She reported that the drying floor for seed paddy, which isn’t for commercial use was extended to accommodate 500 bags per day and it is at Virginia.

Cane Grove Village has two pumps which control the drainage and irrigation network in the community and this is one village that isn’t prone to flooding.

“Cane Grove is a paradise, a bread basket. We have food security and we are self-sufficient and on the move for rapid development to enhance the lives of the natives,” she said.

The Cane Grove NDC

Staffers of the NDC

The new Cane Grove NDC building

One of the two pumps in the village.

Bora cultivation on a large scale in Cane Grove.

The Cane Grove NDC building

Cane Grove NDC Chairperson, KashniRooplall (Delano Williams photos)

Cane Grove Post Office

The private guesthouse.

36 years in the teaching profession

Local Cane Grove Resident committed to imparting knowledge

By Michel Outridge

GOWCOOMAREE Persaud officially retired from Virginia Nursery School on Monday last, after investing 36 years in the noble teaching profession and the very next day she was gifted with a farewell ceremony as a token of appreciation.

Persaud is also a volunteer who gives back to the community via feeding programmes through Cane Grove Assembly of God Church, which caters for children and the elderly.

The retiree told the Pepperpot Magazine that the brothers and sisters from Canada would contribute towards the feeding programme and goodies for the children.

She related that 73 hampers were distributed to seniors during Christmas and 120 gift bags were handed out to children in the community.

Persaud explained that giving was a part of her life and, since she was young, she had her eyes set on becoming a teacher all due to her love for children. At age 13, she began

assisting her neighbours with their children and became a Sunday school teacher at a tender age.

At Virginia Nursery School, there are 77 children on roll and it is one of the model schools which is clean, tidy and everything well put together with trees and a lot of flowers in the compound to add a bit of colour to the environment.

The yard also has a play area with swings, slides and a general playground for the children. Inside the school building is an organised space with a lot of learning concepts to stimulate the children’s ability to learn.

Virginia Nursery School is a well-kept school and one of the cleanest, all thanks to the head teacher, Persaud, for keeping everything in check and upgraded.

“If something is broken, I would fix it without even informing the Ministry of Education; I like to get things done quickly for the benefit of the children and teachers here at the school and we maintain the yard and building to the best of our ability,” she said.

Persaud told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is all about serving her community and giving back is etched in her life and has gained the respect of all in her village over the years.

She spends most of her time working with slow learners and would do all paperwork for villagers free of cost and assist in anything possible.

“I love teaching and I want what is best for all children. I invest in them and I have seen the fruits of my labour in their success and I am here for that purpose, to do my best and to serve,” she said.

Persaud revealed that the nursery school as first housed in the Cane Grove Anglican Church building and on the lower flat, a little space since the primary school was also there.

She explained that there was a need for a building and an application was filed for land space within the village which was available and they approached Social Impact Amelioration Program (SIMAP) to fund the cost of the building.

Persaud reported that the Virginia Nursery School was established in 1985 with 70 children and two teachers: Jasmat Hakh and Zairoon Lakhraj.

She stated that, on February 13, 1992, the land application was filed and funding was approved in 1997 at a cost of $9.3M and they had some sponsors for an additional $625,000 to fully complete the building.

Persaud added that the school building, a flat concrete building, was handed over on November 27, 1998.

In giving a background on how she became a teacher, Persaud explained that when the school was housed in the Cane Grove Anglican Church, she used to visit to lend a helping hand since the two teachers were overwhelmed with 70 children

then.

After she was encouraged to apply for the teaching position, she received a favourable response and thence started her career in the teaching profession and went on to qualify herself at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) and later at the University of Guyana (UG).

Persaud began teaching on October 9, 1986, spent 36 years in the profession, and retired on January 31, 2023.

“Being humble, kind and doing what you have to at your best was what kept me going and I will always cherish the time I had and the cleaners always kept the place clean and tidy while the teachers cooperated in getting everything organised,” she said.

Persaud related that the cleaners, Maesha David and Javana Simon are the ladies who take care of the place making it spic and span.

“When teaching is in your blood it’s hard to let go so I will be opening my own private school sometime after getting some rest first,” she joked.

Gowcoomaree Persaud and her teachers

Gowcoomaree Persaud (Delano Williams)

Compound of Virginia Nursery School

Gowcoomaree Persaud poses with her staff, the two cleaners Maesha Davis and Javana Simon

Doing what they love best

- Cane Grove residents committed to community development

By Michel Outridge

AIMING high and setting standards is a norm for Lothoya McKenzie, a teacher attached to Virginia Primary School, Cane Grove, who is a volunteer and the mastermind behind the Macmind Reading Programme.

McKenzie is a resident of Virginia Village, Cane Grove and she has partnered with the Cane Grove Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) to establish the reading programme, Macmind Reading which caters for learners.

The reading programme runs for two weeks and lasts for eight hours at a time and it was a vision of McKenzie, who had no resources so the NDC came on board to provide the materials needed and offer the use of their building.

She told the Pepperpot Magazine that it is her way of giving back to society and she has been active in volunteer activities in the community for the past six years.

McKenzie always wanted to become a teacher and she fulfilled that wish when she applied and was granted the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Guyana (UG) in Education. She will be the point person when they launch the STEM project at the school.

Shelly Petrie

Meanwhile, at the same school, the head teacher is Shelly Petrie, who has been at the location since 2017 and

has been in the teaching profession for the past 32 years.

“I chose this profession. Growing up I always wanted to be a teacher and I had that in mind all through school, admiring the teachers of those days, well-dressed role models and I told myself I will be that teacher one day,” she said.

Petrie attended Bladen Hall Secondary School and when it was career day she portrayed herself as a teacher for one week and knew right away it was her choice of career because she enjoyed it considerably.

After sitting the CSEC she took sometime-off and then joined the teaching profession and Virginia Primary School is her fourth school since.

Petrie is from Unity/Lancaster Village and makes the

daily commute on weekdays to Cane Grove for school but doesn’t mind.

school teacher and has other teachers in the family. She has close relations with the community, the parents and the 16 teachers she supervises and likes the quietness and safety of Cane Grove.

Aunty Pet

Tandica Gonsalves better known as Aunty Pet is a fixture at the head of Manager’s Line, Cane Grove where her stall is, she is the school children’s vendor, among two others.

“Knowing that I played a part in seeing a child grow academically and make something of their adult life is real joy because that is my role to mould young minds and it is always good to see them succeed,” she said.

Petrie was also a Sunday

Aunty Pet is well-known and well-liked in the community because she serves up tasty snacks, black pudding and other delicious eatables daily.

She has been vending in the village for the past 29 years and she is a household name, especially on weekends. She would take orders for black pudding, egg ball, cassava ball with mango sour.

The 54-year-old is a very friendly person who keeps her surrounding cleans and has everything on her stall organised and she also has a hammock to rest when she feels a bit tired.

On weekdays, Aunty Pet has cold beverages, packaged goodies, channa, pholurie,

with a butter bowl of channa prepared with some sour and as she began to save money she began buying more and her small business was established.

Aunty Pet stated that as a mother of one, she was never idle and that will not change and prefers to earn her own money and be independent. She would wake up at 02:00hrs in the morning to prepare snacks for her stall; by 06:30hrs she would be at the location to start selling. Her son, who is a taxi driver would transport her to the location and he would be there at 15:30hrs to pick her up for home, a daily routine for weekdays.

Aunty Pet has maintained her clientele over the years due to her prompt service, reliability, and providing wholesome quality snacks and at pocket-friendly prices.

“I am a disciplined person who is humble and I would do about my day even if I am not feeling like it but I can’t give up or

hot dogs, and chicken burgers for sale.

Recalling how she started, she told the Pepperpot Magazine that she used to sell

become complacent, people depend on me to provide a service and I will do it,” she said.

Head Teacher of Virginia Primary School, Shelly Petrie

Teacher, Lathoya McKenzie (Delano Williams photos)

Tandica Gonsalves better known as Aunty Pet at her roadside stall at Manager’s Line, Cane Grove

Stall of Tandica Gonsalves

Virginia Primary School

Volunteerism is part of the way of life in Cane Grove for locals

By Michel Outridge

FORMER Chairman of the Cane Grove Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Bhagwin Ramsarran, who holds the position of Finance Committee Chairman and councillor, is a rice farmer by profession who dedicates his time to community-based development.

He served as Chairman for 18 years before hanged up his gloves and handed down the baton to a much younger chairperson Kashni Rooplall.

He is a resident of Coconut Dam who told the Pepperpot Magazine that Cane Grove is on the road to transformation in terms of infrastructure, street lights and drainage.

Ramsarran said they have all the basic necessities such as potable water, electricity, internet, and landline phone.

He stated that they have abundant fruits, vegetables, rice, livestock and poultry and the bulk of the produce goes to La penitence Markets and other markets in the city to wholesale buyers.

A handful of locals sell their produce at the Mahaica market, the central point of businesses and a shopping area.

“In this village, things are fairly good. The people are ordinary working class, our main economic activities revolve around rice and cash crops farming and it is work, eat, sleep on repeat because we are hardworking people,” he said.

Neemawattie Baldeo

Meanwhile, Neemawattie Baldeo, a councillor and a statistics clerk employed at the Grannyfield Saywah Health Centre,

Cane Grove told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is giving back to her community as a volunteer.

Wearing many hats isn’t always favourable regarding time management but Baldeo has that under control since she is a gifted multi-tasker.

She related that zoom and WhatsApp has also made things easier where meetings were possible and being there in person

was not necessary.

Baldeo added that she enjoys her job at the Greenfield Saywah Health Centre and is among the seven staffers supervised by a visiting doctor from Mondays to Fridays.

The Councillor told the Pepperpot Magazine that the health facility provides primary health care from 08:00hrs to 16:30 hrs on weekdays and they have the largest clinic on Mondays which is chronic diseases.

On Tuesdays, they have pregnant women’s clinic; on Wednesdays they host the children’s clinic; outpatient is from 13:00hrs to 16:30hrs.

Baldeo she likes her village of Virginia because of the quietness and the peace it brings and it is a safe place to live.

“The people are neighbourly and we don’t have any form of racism in Cane Grove in general because we treat everyone as we would like to be treated,” she said.

Baldeo added that annually they host a party for the elderly in the community and last year they catered for 360.

Their yearly toy drive for children and back-to-school initiative is also active and they partner with the business community to equip children to return to school.

Baldeo disclosed that the three remaining internal streets will be upgraded this year and they host the annual gymkhana on January 1st and 2nd at the Grannyfield Playgroup where the greasy pole is usually the feature event.

She related that Cane Grove has two pump stations, one that is electrical and located at Joyce Phillips Village and the other is mechanicallyoperated at Huntley Village.

Et Tu Brute?

LIKE many of you, I’ve read the play, Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare. Brutus’ betrayal of his friend Julius brought out many themes that highlighted the painful reality of trust and betrayal. From the dawn of humanity, betrayal was always there, as documented in many civilizations and societies. Where there is love or trust, there can be a betrayal. Where there is betrayal, there is hurt, anger, frustration, and disappointment. Betrayal trauma is more common than we’d like to acknowledge because of the mere fact that betrayal on the whole is quite common. Whether intentional or not, it’s one of those emotions or experiences that will leave you with negative feelings and emotions. Betrayal can come in the form of infidelity from someone you’re in a romantic relationship with or a friend who crossed a boundary. Betrayal can be in the form of your close family and friends not being there for you (physically or emotionally) in a time of need. The feeling of betrayal can result in many complex feelings to process all at once.

The most common types of betrayal are family, romantic, and friendship. All of these are equally difficult and complex to work through. Getting over a betrayal will not be a walk in the park. You’ll first need to evaluate the relationship you shared with the person who betrayed you. You need to decide whether or not that relationship is worth saving and if that person should be forgiven. Ask yourself, “are they apologetic and remorseful for what they did?”, “are they willing to make amends?”, “How has this changed you and the person in question?”, “Is the relationship beyond

repair?” These questions and others can help you determine whether you should work to repair the relationship or not. At the end of the day, that decision is yours to make. You need to decide whether or not it’s healthy or suitable for you to remain in a relationship (of any kind) with the person who betrayed you.

On the road to healing, you must acknowledge that the betrayal happened at the hands of this person you highly trusted and cared for. I’ve seen too many people living in denial about what happened, but it’s better to accept the cold hard truth than to be comforted with denial about who they are and what they did to you. Allow yourself to feel those negative emotions that result from betrayal but don’t drown in them. It’s okay to be angry and feel it but

don’t allow it to control you or disrupt your everyday life and routine. Remember that you can also take a break or stay away from the relationship/person if you feel it’s too overwhelming. Reflect on all aspects of the relationship—the past, the present, and the future. If something or someone doesn’t bring you joy or happiness then they are not healthy for you or your sanity. Given that information, I hope you all make better, and more informed decisions about the persons who betrayed you in your life. The decision is yours to make at the end of it all. Lastly, I want to encourage you to always be kind to yourself. You owe yourself that much, especially after a traumatic betrayal at the hands of a loved one.

BhagwinRamsarran (Delano Williams photos)

Neemawattie Baldeo

Empowering women via the Cane Grove Craft Centre

By Michel Outridge

EMPOWERING women

brings real joy to Amanda Hamilton, who is a craft teacher attached to the Cane Grove Craft Centre which is managed by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and she is more than a teacher, a mentor and a counsellor to many women of that community.

Presently, she is leading a team of 10 women from Cane Grove in various courses such as baking, cake decorations/icing, food preparations, tie-dye, painting and embroidery.

Hamilton told the Pepperpot Magazine that they recently finished a threeweek course in cakes and 10 women were successful and received certificates of completion.

She added that the goal of the project is to empower and equip women with life skills to earn and become independent so they can provide adequately for their families.

Hamilton stated that they have several ongoing like skill training programmes in pastry-making, cake-baking, icing and cooking in the form of meats and rice preparation.

She reported that they are also engaged in needlecraft, tie-dye, painting and the different types of stitches.

Hamilton related that she is from Victoria Village, East Coast Demerara and the daily commute to Cane Grove during the weekdays has become a norm for her because she sees the women not only as her students but as a large family.

She has been at the Cane Grove Craft Centre for the past 15 years and has developed a lasting friendships with a lot of the women there and she would act as a counsellor of that go-to person whenever they have personal issues and need someone to talk to.

The Cane Grove Craft Centre was established more than 27 years ago, and when

it first started, the classes were held in the Virginia School building until a new edifice was constructed spe-

sonal, to be able to interact with them and become close it is indeed a gift to be able to help others,” she said.

confidential and be responsible to maintain a professional standard,” she said.

The educator stated that they have developed a WhatsApp group and they keep in contact regularly and she has an open-door policy where any of the women can talk to her at any time.

“It brings me real joy when I know that I had a hand in turning things ate home for the better, there are issues in the home and often women, who are housewives do not have anyone to discuss such matters with and it is often overwhelming for them,” she explained.

Giving a background of how she got into craft, Hamilton told the Pepperpot Magazine that after completing high school at Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara her granny encouraged her to enrol in a Home Economics class.

She explained that she did well in that class and took a liking to it and she was asked to fill in for the craft teacher while, she was on leave on September 9, 1995 at the Victoria Craft Centre.

Hamilton added that after the full-time craft teacher quit she got the job and has been in the craft profession since and she is loving every bit of it.

While, at the Cane Grove Craft Centre, a few women showed up for classes and one of them include, Khemwattie Inadipaul called

Devika who came from Strathavon and was in the baking class.

The mother of two told the Pepperpot Magazine that she feels good being able to learn to bake, apply icing, decorate a cake, and cook different foods.

She is a stay-at-home mother who hardly goes anywhere except to pick up her child from school.

Another student, Kaimatie Haripersaud, 31, said since enrolling in the class at the Craft Centre she has learned a lot since October last year and now she can prepare many new dishes.

Kristen Seecharan, 29,

told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is part of a six-day cake decoration course and completed that project with flying colours.

She is an employee of the Cane Grove NDC and a mother of one, who is a rice farmer.

Seecharran reported that she is versed in cake making and did her uncle’ birthday cake which came out good.

Bissoondai Ballie, 47, a mom of three, stated that she was invited to the course by a friend and she is glad she came because she can bake very well now after s few sessions.

‘The sky is not the...

FROM PAGE II

Persaud. According to the valedictorian, she was away from school for two weeks the month before her exams, due to an illness, but the two teachers ensured that the work was sent to her.

cifically for the craft school.

“I feel good knowing I am making a difference in the lives of so many women who pass through this craft centre and for me it is per-

Hamilton explained that the people of Cane Grove are simple, hardworking folk in a farming community and like anywhere else, they have some issues at home and they get a chance to exit the home and do their little project and they feel better about themselves and they are evenly empowered to do things.

“I have a position of trust with the locals and women and I do not wish to break that bond so I will remain

“Even though my teachers sent me the work, it touched my heart, because it showed that they care,” Arya said.

According to Arya, all children should be treated equally in their schools, regardless of their level of achievement. She believes that everyone studies to the best of their ability, and no one should be seen as greater than another.

“Everyone is different, and we have to remember that one man’s meat is another man’s poison,” said the wise

twelve-year-old.

Arya took the opportunity to ask that all teachers across Guyana teach from their hearts. “Touch the children’s hearts and souls, and you will see the results,” said Arya. Her firm belief is that those gestures will make the children feel cared for, loved, and appreciated, inspiring them to give their all.

Apart from Arya’s academics, she doesn’t believe that the sky is the limit for her. “For me, the sky is not the limit, when there are footprints on the moon,” she said.

Arya explained that the future has a lot of twists and turns, and life is unpredictable, so she isn’t sure what she will do in her professional career, but more than likely, Arya said, she may go into business, since she would like to follow in her father Azruddin Mohamed’s and

her grandfather Nazar Mohamed’s footsteps.

Finally, Arya said to all Guyanese, especially her young peers, “Time is something valuable, and procrastination is the thief of time.”

Arya’s mother, Nadia Mohamed, told the Pepperpot Magazine, “That is just Arya; this moment is the same as all others. We are humbled and overjoyed for her; she puts in a lot of hard work, and always gives 100 per cent to what she does.

Arya is a person who questions everything and everyone if she gets something wrong. She even requests that her teachers show her where she went wrong in a problem, and demonstrate where and why she is incorrect. She takes her work seriously. I was expecting her to do well; I knew she would have done well.”

Amanda Hamilton and her students poses outside the Cane Grove Craft Centre building

Craft Teacher, Amanda Hamilton (Delano Williams photos)

KhemwattieInadipaul

Reviewing Kofi, our national hero

HISTORY is not static, and with access to new information that was not within grasp or even concealed, a new perspective can be presented towards a better understanding of a foregone concluded topic, with areas left to the imagination and popularly planted touches of sarcasm.

The Book by Marjoleine Kars, ‘BLOOD ON THE RIVER’, retells the historic 1763 revolution with familiar and somewhat new details. My first exposure to the 1763 revolution was through a booklet prepared by my foster grandfather, P.H Daly’s ‘Revolution to Republic 1970’, with an interesting introduction by Martin Carter. My other insight came from the first set of old books I talked myself into being offered to buy.

Youth and enthusiasm can be expensive; these were published in 1960 and sold for ‘a Bob’, or 25 cents. It carried as a series, ‘The story of the slave rebellion in Berbice-1762 Translated from Hartsinck’s “BESCHRYVING VAN GUIANA ECT”

By Walter E Roth. They were extremely enlightening. This was informative, but I realised I didn’t have all the books that comprised the entire series. Our local historians, Alvin Thompson, Winston McGowan, Brian L.

Moore, Hazel M. Woolford, Walter Rodney, Kimani S. Nehusi, James Rose, and Eusi Kwayana all created a tapestry of linked events to which one can put together a logical timeline and imagery until the Time Machine is created and becomes common.

This recent addition from an author that had access to the further Dutch Archives ventured where our historians could not. Thus, this book is a valuable addition to what we know of Kofi and the landscape of activities in 1763. The touted description of 1763 as no mere slave rebellion is further enforced. What did Kofi’s insurrection and revolution in discussions between him and Van Hoogenheim entail? An answer is reinforced, “But kofi {Coffij} was proposing an agreement on a much grander scale. He initiated the negotiations, not the colonial authorities, and he approached Van Hoogenheim as one Head of State to another. His proposal to divide the country in half was unprecedented. Coffij did not offer to retreat with his people to villages in the jungle. Rather, he suggested living with the Dutch as equals; as one nation next to the other. Did he and his men intend to exploit the plantations to trade sugar with the Dutch or other Europeans,

as Amina rebels had planned on St. John in the 1730s? If so, they would need access through Dutch territory to the sea. Reportedly, Coffij told Chardon that he wanted ‘free trade’ with any ships that called to the colony. This suggests that he was not after Maroon fashion, but had capitalist-style production and trade in mind. He’d also intended to exchange plantation products from his half of the colony for salted meat and bacon from the Dutch governor. No record remains in which the colonists discuss their reaction to the proposal. This outlines the scope of vision based on occupying plantations rather than burning immediately at the onset of the 1763 revolution, as one dramatist assumed, using ‘stock anatomy of slave rebellions’ where the enslaved stage a ‘REBELLION’ and burn everything, and flee into the rainforests.

This laziness that becomes the first choice can harm the arts/cultural industry’s interpretations of heritage. Kofi did not understand the predicament that was the impetus behind European colonisation: The need for agricultural and raw products from Africa and Asia. They were no ‘Explorers’; they were all invading Colonizers. Christendom was a soothing tool. Kofi did not realise that

--from a new author’s perspective

it was not the governor alone that he was negotiating with, but the entire slave-depending new world of the colonising nations of Europe that offered aid, in bodies, ships and supplies to Governor Van Hoogenheim.

Both the governor and Kofi were faced with similar restraints, that of enough food to sustain the conflict, as the rainy season was due. With the governor, his colony staff was in controlled rebellion against his efforts to keep them loyal to the defence of the colony. With Kofi, there were rumblings on the vision he had. There

were the creole slaves who had extended families and established their own farmlands. In contrast, as slaves, they wanted the end of slavery, ‘Yes’ they wanted slavery gone, but considered whether they would be allowed to keep their worth in the revolution. For the enslaved just from Africa, any risk towards freedom was worth it, many of them were warriors of subdued tribes, and they weighed that slavery in Africa was much different from European slavery. European slavery and serfdom in Europe and the Colonies were similarly

harsh and brutal and, at times sadistic, except for a small percentage of situations. Incidentally, the treatment of slaves on private plantations was a condition presented to the governor, who represented the company plantations, as one of the main reasons, for the uprising. A copy of this book from Austin is a good buy to view added text with more clarity of the tremendous epic event of 1763, at the beginning of our national history. Happy Republic Day and Mashramani 2023.

Vision Boards

I WOULD like to acknowledge all the people who consistently read this column and give feedback, especially Hon. Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Anthony Phillips, Prime Minister of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Her Marshall, Alicia Daniels, Ayana McCalman, and Lynette Duncan.

I thoroughly enjoy going home to Bartica to recharge

and catch up with colleagues, friends, and family. I also try to do something meaningful to add value to the people in the community. My school friend, Mary, from Mary’s Sunset Resort, collaborated with me to host a Vision Board Party at her beautiful venue. Imagine overlooking the Mazaruni River while working on your vision for 2023 and beyond.

It was a fantastic Sunday

afternoon that motivated me even more to make my dreams and goals a reality.

I was happy to see some guys enthusiastically preparing their boards. It was a joy to watch mothers and daughters creating their boards and discussing their visions. The participants created their Vision Board and spoke of their way for the things they have on the board. They were also tasked with creating an

action plan to support their visions.

Your WHY is something to consider that will make your goal setting more effective our commitment to going for long periods, building our motivation, and taking the necessary actions to achieve

WHY: Your why will fuel your motivation and help you overcome any obstacle between you and your goal. Other factors that are worth taking into consideration to help you convert the vision into reality are:

AMBITION: This is about focusing on the future and the ideal reality we want to create. EXECUTABLE: Your goal has to be big enough to make you feel excited, but not too big to paralyze you with fear. Specific: You must understand all the elements that make up your goal, so you can measure if you’re on the right track.

OBJECTIVE: You must have clarity on the steps you need to take to achieve your goal.

MEASURABLE: You have to have ways to measure your progress every month to know where you stand.

EXPIRATION: Your goal has to have an expiring timeline, because a deadline will naturally move you into action.

These tips can assist you with setting your goals and creating your action plan. Action is necessary for the manifestation of your vision. I am anticipating a great time today with the people in Berbice for their Vision Board party. It is at Leisure Inn at 4pm, and I challenge you to call 6848129, because we may just have a space for you.

It is impossible to write about vision and not share content from my number one mentor, the late great Myles Munroe. Sharing an empowering summary from his book, PRINCIPLES AND POWER OF VISION.

According to Dr. Munroe, vision is a mental picture of your future; it is the unveiling of God’s plan for your life. It is capturing an idea or a clear

picture of what can be in the future to propel the present to begin to act towards it. It is seeing the unseen, so that what is seen can be translated into what can be.

Vision unlocks what was, and what is to propel you into the land of what could be. Vision sets you free from the limitations of what eyes see, and allows you to enter the liberty of what the heart can feel. Vision makes the unseen visible, and the unknown possible.

How to Get a Vision for Your Life by Myles Munroe

1. Understand that your vision is already in you

Your vision is from God, but He already put it in your heart at Creation. It is not something you possess, but something that possesses you; you can’t go away from it. It is that desire that is more than the mere interest that always persists in your heart, even when all odds are against it.

Related: How To Fulfill Your Vision; Your Vision For Your Life by Myles Munroe

2. Vision is unselfish Vision should focus on helping humanity, or building up others in some way. It should be accompanied by compassion, and one must be careful and sensitive not to hurt anyone on the way to achieving it. Although some people might oppose you due to a lack of understanding of your vision, your vision still should not destroy the life of anyone.

3. Vision builds God’s Kingdom, not your kingdom

Your perspective and motivation towards the fulfillment of your vision should be God-centered. Working towards the fulfillment of your vision should be a tool for fulfillment of purpose not creating a life of luxury for yourself.

4. Your vision will always be found within a larger corporate vision

Some people will receive a vision from God to start a big corporation or ministry, while others will not.

However, everyone’s vision is part of a larger corporate vision. The one who receives a vision to start a corporation cannot fulfill that vision in isolation; he needs the input of another to see that vision fulfilled.

In a corporate vision, no person or role is inferior, and no person or role is more important. Each one is on a mission to fulfill their purpose, which is in a role another will not allow them to fulfill.

Obstacles to Fulfilling Vision (Principles and Power of Vision by Myles Munroe)

1. Not understanding the nature of vision

A goal is what you want to accomplish within a stipulated time; a mission is a general statement of purpose that declares the overall idea of what to accomplish, while a vision is a distinctive direction or approach for accomplishing the mission.

2. Not recognizing the cost of vision

Vision doesn’t get fulfilled without diligent pursuit. Success comes in installments so you must continue to pay the price to unveil each stage of success.

3. Not knowing the principles of vision Successful visionaries don’t pursue vision haphazardly. They understand the principles that guide the vision and follow them dutifully.

The Bible mentions vision many times and one of my favourites is Habakkuk

2:2-3 “Write down the vision; write it clearly on clay tablets so whoever reads it can run to tell others. It is not yet time for the message to come true, but that time is coming soon; the message will come true. It may seem like a long time, but be patient and wait for it, because it will surely come; it will not be delayed.

Let’s continue daily to see the best life on the mental screen as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

TORN PETALS IV

THIS kind of exclusive event always gave Sarah a sense of pride, for she had elevated her life beyond her expectations. From the dust of poverty, she could today brush shoulders with the rich, successful, and influential people in society.

The changing patterns of life!

Tonight she looked effortlessly chic in a short black, sequined off-shoulder dress that accentuated her slim, toned figure. Her simple beauty and warm personality were great attributes that made her the woman she was today. She mingled with guests, listening to light conversations about investments, travels, and charitable giving. It helped her to learn more about life and people.

She was, among a few others in conversation with the Minister of Education when the Malhotras walked in. She didn’t notice them until a good while later when a photographer requested a few pictures of her and her batchmate friends. As fate had it, Mrs. Malhotra looked her way at the same time and nodded her head a little with a slight smile. Sarah smiled just a little and turned her attention to the photographer as the woman said something to her husband.

Sarah knew they would be in attendance and she had prepped her mind to stay calm and act casual. But seeing them had ignited the flames of fear she had managed to smoulder in her mind over the years. The embers though were still there beneath the ashes and she said to herself, “I have come a long way from being a scared girl, and this fear I have to extinguish.”

After the pictures, a message came over her phone and she was reading it when a deep, dreaded voice said, “You’ve grown into a very beautiful woman.”

Sarah looked up and felt goosebumps on her skin as she looked at her abuser, but she managed to stay calm and responded, “Oh, thanks, but I’m not sure I know you.”

He looked at her for a short time-stopping moment then smiled wryly, “Sorry, you have a strong resemblance to a girl I know.”

“A girl you abused for two years,” Sarah said in her mind and she smiled pleasantly, “That’s okay, it happens sometimes.”

“You look quite exquisite,” Mrs. Malhotra complimented her as she joined them.

“Thanks,” Sarah smiled, though it was in such contrast to the hateful insults she had had to hear from her.

She noted the husband was not his usual dapper self, with a drastic loss of weight and thinning hair, lacking his look of power and confidence. Whilst the wife, though still glamorous, had shades of worry etched on her face.

“I wonder,” Sarah mused silently, “Something seems to be wrong.”

It was an opportune moment to get some answers and she asked in a casual tone, “The girl you said I resemble so much, is she a family member?”

“No, not family,” Mrs. Malhotra answered, just someone we know well whom we haven’t seen in a long time.”

“Oh. She must’ve been very close to you.”

The husband and wife exchanged a quick look.

“Yes, we shared a kind of bond with her.”

“Because you have her son,” Sarah said to herself.

“Well,” she said with a positive tone, “It’s a small world so maybe you’ll see her one day. Nice talking to you.”

She exhaled as she moved on, “God, that was so intense.”

Her heart was thumping and her knees felt a little weak but her plan was progressing. The fact that she closely resembled Reshma had unsettled their minds to a worrying point because they wouldn’t want the truth to be revealed to Aryan.

“And yet fate has brought Reshma to her son,” Sarah expressed to herself, mother-

ly emotions rising within her, “I never got a chance to feel this way, I was too young to understand what was happening to me.

Sarah didn’t go to sleep until early morning for there were so many things on her mind. She didn’t have to return to the military base that day for her one-week leave had been approved. This was now a new phase in her life to develop a close relationship with her son while keeping her identity a secret until the time was right for him to know the truth. He had already felt drawn to her from her one-on-one discussion with him on his career, and his book of poems had opened a door for them to talk.

“So many years lost,” she rued, “And all I had was one little dream for a beautiful life.”

Late that afternoon she left the hotel for the missionary hostel to spend the week.

“One week to reconnect to a place that was once home.”

It was sad though, that she couldn’t visit her family because her mother had recognised her, and that home hadn’t been quite a happy place for her.

She messaged Aryan the next day, asking how he was doing with his studies and letting him know where she was staying for the week. From his responses, he sounded elated that he could see her again and had lots to talk about his science project.

She was sitting on the patio, reading a book when he stopped by after lessons with his driver.

“It’s so nice to see you again,” he said with a happy smile.

Her heart felt warmth on seeing him and she smiled, “I haven’t had a vacation in a long time, so I decided to take a short break.”

They spoke about the project and he gave her a booklet of more poems to read, but she noticed glints of worry in his eyes and asked, “Is something worrying you?”

He didn’t answer for a

while then said, “My father is getting very sick and my mother is deeply worried.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” she said in a comforting tone, “I’m sure he’ll be fine again soon.”

Aryan swallowed deeply and when he looked at her, there were tears in his eyes, “He has cancer, he’s dying.”

That statement stunned her for a moment but now she connected the dots of their worry and the reason.

Though she felt no sympathy for the dying man, she felt sorry for the son, for her abuser was his father.

She wanted to hug Aryan, to comfort him but she couldn’t for she was still a stranger to him.

That night alone with her thoughts, she inhaled slowly, feeling the freshness of satisfaction as it pulsed slowly through her being. She had gotten the justice she wanted, for the wicked

were paying for their sins.

Now she can feel freer to live her life, without the dark memories of the past. A life that could now include her son, and a truth he would soon know when Reshma returns.

Keeping the same energy

GUYANESE-British star Letitia Wright returned to Guyana after about two decades away and, in just a few days, she has been able to visit numerous places across the country and indulge in the sense of national pride we have for her.

First of all, I can’t begin how exhausting this journey has been for Wright. She has been at event after event, trip after trip, trying to make the most of her stay in Guyana (and we all love her for it!).

She has also hinted at some important things. Wright highlighted that she was keen on exploring how she could support forest conservation efforts at the Iwokrama International Centre for Conservation and Development. She also expressed an interest in future support for youth in the local creative industry.

Most importantly, for me, is that Wright’s presence has also allowed us to revisit the support we lend to those in the creative industry. And how much more support we really ought to be giving.

During her engagement at a Ministry of Education programme hosted at Queen’s College, Wright said her family made her academic studies a priority, but they allowed her to pursue her passion- acting. She was also living in an environment in the United Kingdom that allowed her to pursue acting. It is not far-fetched to think that the support she received was instrumental in her development and success.

Support like that- both from the people around us and our

environment- is important.

In Guyana, the creative sector has ways to go- but not because there is any shortage of talent, commitment (from creatives), or passion. We can be honest and acknowledge that support for the arts is not where it needs to be. And we can acknowledge that we don’t have the most enabling environment for people’s talents to be nurtured and expanded.

From my small involvement and engagement in the local creative scene, I know for a fact that too many people just don’t have the space to freely immerse themselves in the arts. They balance honing their skills and talents with other responsibilities and priorities. As you read my thoughts printed here, I can guarantee there is at least one group of filmmakers and actors squeezing in any free time they have to make Guyanese short films. They balance this effort with their daily lives and jobs. It is no simple feat.

On the other hand, let’s also consider how we view creative talent and expression. Though strides are being made all around, it feels like you have to choose between the mainstream academics and professions (medicine, law, and engineering, for example) and the arts. And if you chose the latter, respect and adequate compensation seem to be uphill battles. In the year 2023, though strides are being made all around, we also continue to revere the ‘big’ professions we’ve known our entire lives. Certainly, those fields are important and persons skilled in them should be

commended and supported but why can’t we keep the same energy for the arts?

A previous column noted that creative expression helps people articulate their thoughts, feelings and ideas, beliefs, and values. In Guyana and the Caribbean, the arts have always been a strong way to communicate who we are- whether resisting oppression or fighting to keep our diverse cultures alive. So, I cannot overemphasise just how important it is to allow this to flourish.

Because the arts represent who we are and the things that make life the way it is, we should respect the field and the people who dedicate themselves to its preservation and advancement. And for the record, I am not oblivious to the efforts and progress being made. For example, all of the fantastic projects emanating from the Cultural and Creative Industries grant are good examples of what can unfold when we meaningfully support the arts and our creatives.

Still, more support would not be wasted.

It is amazing to see Letitia Wright and all that she has been able to achieve. She, undoubtedly, deserves all her flowers. But it would be equally (if not more) amazing, to see the same energy for local creatives and the local arts industry.

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

PARENTS AND TEACHERS COULD EASILY RELATE TO EACH OTHER WITH CORDIALITY

RECENTLY, there were reports in the media of teachers being physically assaulted in two primary schools and verbally threatened in a secondary school. The primaries were Graham’s Hall and St. Angela’s and the secondary was Queen’s College. The staff of the three schools immediately decided to act in solidarity with the allegedly hurt teachers and the Guyana Teachers Association recommended its members wear black clothing in sympathy with them. And the Chief Education Officer, after the St. Angela’s incident, added his condemnation: “Whatever the circumstances”, said the CEO, “it is a reprehensible and ghastly act. It is unacceptable and will not be condoned in the least…when parents and guardians are engaged in violent acts against teachers, it goes against established values, norms, and expectations. The Ministry will take all appropriate actions to ensure teachers continue to work in a safe, secure environment including prohibiting violent parents and guardians from having access to school premises; transferring any pupil whose parents commit any act of violence on a teacher; or any other sanction deemed necessary while encouraging the police or any other institution or authority to take whatever action the law prescribes.”

In all these incidents, the positions and feelings of all the main actors should be taken into account and considered to arrive at a balanced view. In these incidents, the positions and feelings of the main actors, who are the teacher, the headmaster/mistress of the school, the pupil, and the parents were not taken into account before knee-jerk condemnations were made. In the case of the Queen’s College incident, judging from the media reports, it is clear that the teacher involved failed to exercise disciplinary measures professionally and this allowed a routine school incident to be blown out of proportion with all the actors involved, against their will, drawn into a whirlpool of

discord.

A misbehaving student should never be ostracised or ignored; every trained teacher knows this. Small children and adolescents often have many anxieties, have no one to whom to turn to, and are helpless in the adult world. Parents and guardians are usually insensitive to their children’s sufferings and in many working-class families, children are needlessly beaten, neglected, and not socialised resulting in many students doing poorly in academic work and being rebellious. A professional teacher would recognise such a child and work towards winning his/her confidence so that the child would open up to him/her. It should be underscored that a teacher must obey the Educational Code and never corporally punish a child. Corporal punishment could only be sparingly administered by a head teacher.

In the case of the St Angela’s incident, the teacher struck the child with a wooden ruler and some flints were lodged in his hand. The parent visited the school and quite wrongfully and illegally assaulted the teacher, opening herself to a criminal charge. Had the head teacher been able to intervene, the issue could have been diffused and kept within the confines of the school.

Relying on the media reports of the Queen’s College incident: A boy in the lower school attempted to bully his female classmate, who was the daughter of a prominent citizen, and the girl stood up to him. The form teacher intervened and made the two students apologise to each other. The girl, regarding herself as the victim, probably felt that the same kind of incident may again occur to her and told her parents of it. (Normally, children never tell parents of such incidents) Her father visited the school to see the headteacher, who, after having kept him waiting, inexplicably did not give him an audience. The parent visited the school a second time to see the headteacher but instead saw the form teacher who claimed that the parent threatened her and had to be restrained by a female police

constable who was present, from assaulting her. The staff was then mobilised to support the teacher. The police constable, however, affirmed that the parent was quite proper in his conversation with the teacher and that she never restrained the parent from any kind of assault. The teacher withdrew her allegations but this incident, which was of the nature of a routine class occurrence, having reached the media, made an unprecedented blot on the name of Queen’s College, though, we understand, the incident has now long been forgotten in the school.

Incidents such as those mentioned above, which seem to be a growing malady, should never occur in the Educational System and the adoption of a few simple rules from the colonial school system would achieve this:

First - etiquette should be taught in every class and printed cards with the do’s and don’ts should be displayed in every room. In colonial times, such cards had 20 or 25 rules. Each student should be given a copy of the etiquette card.

Second - teachers must recognise that they are locus parents that are in the parent’s place. They must accordingly guide, help and understand the psyche of the child, particularly children who may appear to be aggressive and rebellious or dull. If teachers are untrained or uncertain how to deal with such children, the help of the headteacher should be sought.

Third - the teacher should never strike a child. If the child comes from a background where violence is the only sanction, the teacher should privately explain to the child why he/she would never use violence and this could be a step in socialising such a child.

Fourth - the teacher should try to establish contact with parents of “difficult” children. All schools should make an effort to have active parent-teachers associations.

Fifth - teachers and school administrators should always deal with children with fairness since children are acutely aware of fairness and justice, even more so than adults.

Sixth – headteachers and

teachers, in general, should treat visiting parents with courtesy, should never keep them waiting, and try to satisfy the issues they may raise.

Seventh - tensions of var-

ious kinds will arise from time to time in every school and they should be addressed and diffused as soon as they are recognised. If these usages from the

colonial schools are adapted to our present educational system, they would result in lasting cordiality between parents and teachers.

February 05, 2023

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

about the subject.

STUDY SUCCESS

Dear Student,

Welcome dear friend. Good speech habits and voice improvement boost speaking effectiveness. Analyse your voice. Do not be prejudiced and deceive yourself about how you express thoughts. Listen honestly. Resolve to hear yourself as others hear you. Also believe what teachers and friends who have keen ears tell you about your

speaking voice.Know that charm and personality are reflected in your voice and can play a large part in your employment and social pursuitslater. Be wise.

Love you.

IMPROVING WRITING

Doing discursive writing

A discursive composition is one in which you arrive at a conclusion by reasoning. You consider in order the various aspects of your subject-matter and then proceed to make a statement of your own carefully-thought-out-opinions

Discursive writing has other names associated with it: ‘argumentative writing’, ‘and controversial writing’. Those names indicate what kind of subjects are set by examiners and what kind of treatment is expected in each case.

You can be asked to respond to subjects like the following two:

“The advantages and disadvantages of organised and packaged all-year-round hinterland tours.”

“Do you think that potentially dangerous animals should be kept in a zoo in a small city?”

Examiners and moderators of course work are

looking for certain qualities in discursive compositions. They are:

√a genuine interest in the subject under discussion and an adequate amount of information about the subject;

√ the ability to see both sides of an argument and to present your chosen views clearly, coolly and fairly;

√the disposition with which you give account of objections beforecalmly and rationally concluding witha carefully-thought-out opinion;

√the determination to move steadily through opposing arguments and to present a clear conclusion at the end.

The problems. The problem can be technical. Or the

problem can play on your temperament. The latter being considered a more personal matter. Any which way, you need to manage your writing skillfully:

●Always conclude your thoughts on the matter.

●When the response is to be done one-sidedly show an awareness of the arguments that are used against the matter.

●Always temper your anger in a controversial matter with cool, reasonable judgement.

A successfulapproach to handling the presentation depends upon your skills at producing ideas and ability to deal with prejudice.

A. Keep these THREE things in mind:Conclusion –Choice – Coolness

♦ Discursive writing depends upon bringing matters to a conclusion.

♦Argumentative writing requires expounding the arguments for and against and making a reasoned choice between them. (Our Caribbean examination requires its candidates to either take a stand for OR stand against the topic.)

♦ Controversial writing demands coolness and clarity when dealing with topics that stir the mind.

B.Three things to plan on paper: Head – Body – Foot

♥ Introduction: Briefly head into the subject, stating its importance, topically and, perhaps, an aspect of its history.

♥Body of composition: a series of paragraphs each dealing with a relevant topic of subject matter for OR against. Three points are ideal.

♥Conclusion: This bottom-line should deliver the considered opinion based on cool, rational appraisal of the argument.

C.Three things when writing: A-B-C

☻ Attractive-sounding arguments. Listen to yourself as you write.

☻Be simple in your approach. Try to avoid complications.

☻Clarity of expression. Clarity matters most.

Something to Do

Do discursive writing on one of the following subjects:

1. Do you think smoking should be banned by law?

2. Do you think tex -

I had never had a piece of toast Particularly long and wide, But fell upon the sanded floor, And always on the buttered side. JAMES PAYN (1830-1898) Chambers’s Journal, 2 Feb. 1884.

ting while driving should be treated like drunken driving?

3. Is school a place for self-expression?

4. What are the most important things students should learn in school?

5. Should boys and girls sports teams compete in the same league?

6. Should technology in sports be limited?

IMPROVING WORD USAGE

Dealing with letter writing: sense of purpose and sense of audience

Success in using words depends on having: a) a clearly thought-out purpose; b) a clear sense of audience.

Students, do get into the good habit of asking yourself: a) Why am I saying/ writing these words?b) To whom am I saying/ writing these words?

Always survey the questions you choose at an examination for an idea of the kind of word choice. The question-wording helps.

Something to Do

Write a letter suitable to the circumstances described in one of the following situations:

(a) As secretary to your school current free-writing society you have been instructed by the committee to write to the chairman of your local secondary school education authority asking him or her to speak at a meeting of your social-educational association. Write the invitation, remembering to give full details of time, place, data, and suggested topics.

(b) You read in a local newspaper that the stepmother of a friend of yours has been awarded a degree by a notable Caribbean university. Write a letter of congratulation that conveys a sense of admiration for her achievement and that shows your understanding of the hard work and determination called for by the years of study.

NOTE: The tasks are letters to be written by a younger person to an older reader. Do throw yourself into your choice and be good at it. Among other tipsare:you need to draw on different areas of your vocabulary according to which letter you choose. Use crisp, clear-cut business-like language. One audience is a stranger; the other is a well-known person to the reader. Maintain a suitable, warm tone.