Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot E-Paper 05-10-2025

Sunday, October 5, 2025

A little bit of wholesome traditional sweetness

CEO Alyssa Singh and her husband, Mark Singh, Manager of Maliyah’s Kitchen, when they received their recertification for the Made in Guyana Standards Mark

Guyanese author, educator honoured for contribution to Toronto community

By Frederick Halley

THE Toronto Arya Samaj/ Vedic Cultural Centre has recognised two well-known Guyanese Canadians – Janet Naidu, author, educator and community leader, and Ramnarine Sahadeo, author, retired lawyer and community leader in Toronto.

The recognition ceremony took place at the Centre’s Annual Awards, held recently, and paid tribute to the two outstanding Guyanese for their achievements and significant contributions to the community at large. It was staged at a lavish fundraising dinner in Markham, Ontario, Canada, with over 150 guests in attendance.

Adit Kumar, President of the Toronto Arya Samaj (TAS), welcomed the recipients, who have now joined a list of awardees dating

back almost 30 years since the centre initiated the recognition ceremony to honour distinguished members of the Guyanese Canadian community deserving of this recognition and award.

The Toronto Arya Samaj/ Vedic Cultural Centre is a longstanding and reputable organisation in the Greater Toronto area, sustaining Hindu culture with a special focus on promoting Indo-Guyanese heritage through music, art, and cultural celebrations.

Mr Mani Singh, Honorary Consul of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Toronto, Canada, brought greetings on behalf of the Government of Guyana, the Guyana consulate in Toronto, and the Guyanese Canadian diaspora. Mr Singh congratulated the awardees and presented them with the “One Guyana” pin depicting the value of unity for Guyanese

at home and abroad.

He also acknowledged the significant contributions the awardees have made in the community.

Naidu’s many accomplishments were highlighted in professional, educational, artistic, and community development contexts, as well as her dedication and commitment to voluntary services in Guyana and Canada.

In addition to her leadership role in the field of human rights, diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, the audience learnt of Naidu’s many leadership roles in Guyanese-Canadian organisations. She served as the Co-chair of the Guyana Independence Festival celebrations in Toronto in its early years.

As the founder of the Pakaraima Writers’ Association, which offers group TURN TO PAGE VIII

Awardees Janet Naidu and Ramnarine Sahadeo pose with Mani Singh, Honorary Consul of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana in Toronto

From Classroom to Farmyard: Local Farmer’s Modern Swine Journey

From Classroom to Farmyard: Local Farmer’s Modern Swine Journey

By Michel Outridge

DOWN a narrow one-lane street in Nabaclis, East Coast Demerara, sits a neat, cosy home decorated with pots of vibrant plants and greenery. At first glance, you’d think it’s just another charming suburban residence. But step beyond the yard and you’ll discover something remarkable — New Springs Farm, a stateof-the-art swine facility run by a woman who has turned her passion into a thriving agribusiness.

Her name is Colette Josiah-Rodney. Once a respected teacher, Colette made a bold shift from the chalkboard to the farmyard. For her, it wasn’t simply a career change but a calling inspired by family. After her mother, one of the East Coast’s most dedicated midwives, retired from delivering babies safely for over 40 years, the family began exploring new ventures.

While poultry was the first idea, Colette chose pigs — a decision that would change her life and the lives of other farmers who now rely on her expertise.

From Teacher to Innovator

She started small, with just a few sows. But with her educator’s mindset, Colette was determined to do things differently. Instead of sticking to traditional methods, she embraced modern technology.

With the support of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), she utilised Artificial Insemination (AI) to expand her herd and enhance the genetics of her animals.

The results were remarkable. From one sow, she produced 19 piglets using AI — a success that quickly expanded her herd.

For Colette, AI is more than just a breeding tool; it is a smart business choice. By relying on AI, she avoids the high operational costs of maintaining breeding boars year-round, while still access-

ing top-tier genetics.

“It saves money, improves my animals, and gives me flexibility in planning,” she explained. AI also reduces disease risks and ensures she can introduce diverse, superior traits into her herd without the expense of importing live animals.

Raising Standards in Swine Farming

That success set the tone for her farm. Today, New Springs Farm is not only a source of wholesome pork but also a trusted breeding facility. Farmers from across the region look to Colette for animals with superior genetics at affordable prices.

And true to her teaching roots, she is always ready to share knowledge — whether it’s about AI, waste management, or feed innovation — so that others can improve their own operations.

A key part of her management system includes gestational and farrowing crates, which she carefully invested in and now also retails for other farmers.

Gestational crates allow her to monitor pregnant sows closely, ensuring they receive proper nutrition and care during pregnancy. Farrowing crates, on the other hand, provide a safe space for sows to deliver their piglets while minimising the risk of crushing newborns — a common chal-

lenge in swine production.

For Colette, these tools are not just about efficiency but about animal welfare and survival rates. “It makes the difference between losing piglets and raising healthy litters,” she explained.

Efficiency Meets Sustainability

What makes New Springs Farm stand out is how it combines efficiency with sustainability. The pens are equipped

with automatic feeders and water systems, ensuring the pigs are always well-fed and hydrated without wasting resources.

An underground drainage system keeps the environment clean, odour-free, and safe for neighbours — a thoughtful touch given the

farm’s suburban setting.

“For me, it was important that my farm doesn’t pollute or disturb anyone,” Colette said. “This system works, and it keeps everything running smoothly.”

Food safety is another area where she refuses to compromise. She uses only

minimal antibiotics, never sells sick animals, and carefully observes withdrawal periods before selling or slaughtering any pig. In fact, she reserves slaughtering mainly for Christmas — her busiest season — or on demand by customers, giving

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One of the many pigs using the automatic pipe in the pen

Some of the pigs utilising the automatic feeder in their pen

Pictured is female swine farmer, Colette Josiah-Rodney, with some of her pigs

A little bit of wholesome traditional sweetness

By Michel Outridge

IN celebration of Agriculture Month, the Pepperpot Magazine will be featuring all aspects of agriculture — including agro-processors, fisherfolk, rice farmers, apiculture, livestock rearing, cash crop farmers, poultry farming, and swine rearing, among others.

The theme for this year’s Agriculture Month is: “Transforming Livelihoods through Agri-Food Systems”.

This week, the magazine features agro-processors Mark and Alyssa Singh of Maliyah’s Kitchen, the producers of Sal Sev (Chicken foot), Tasty Mithai, Milk Powder Fudge, and Delicious Black Cake. These products are retailed countrywide at the Guyana Shop, as well as at supermarkets such as Massy, Bounty, and Andrews, at the Exclusive Egg Ball Stand, in hotel lobbies, shops, and even at gas stations.

Agro-processors Alyssa and Mark Singh, of Pike Street, Kitty, are bringing wholesome traditional sweet treats to sweeten taste buds and revive the nostalgic goodies once made by our grandmothers during childhood days.

How It All Began

Alyssa and Mark Singh collectively own and operate

Maliyah’s Kitchen from their residence, which also houses an agro-processing facility that meets all hygienic requirements and is certified for operation.

The business employs two full-time staff members.

“We are passionate about creating delicious and authentic food products that bring people together. We specialise in traditional sweets and baked goods, using time-honoured recipes and the freshest ingredients to create flavours that are true to their origin,” Alyssa Singh, Chief Executive Officer, said.

The business story began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Alyssa explored her passion in the kitchen as a way to perfect her culinary skills.

Maliyah’s Kitchen was conceptualised in 2020, its name derived from combining the names of the couple’s two daughters.

“I began to share samples with close friends and family who always encouraged me to make my products known. Soon, I began catering and producing a few items by pre-order about twice weekly,” Alyssa Singh explained.

From the outset, their goal was to share their love of authentic East Indian sweets with the wider community, believing that food is a powerful way to connect with

others and celebrate shared experiences.

Products and Quality

At Maliyah’s Kitchen, they offer a wide range of products, including Sal Sev, Tasty Mithai, Milk Powder Fudge, and Black Cake. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to enjoy yourself or a gift to share with loved ones, their products are the perfect choice.

Singh emphasised that their products are made with love, crafted with care, and based on traditional family recipes passed down through generations.

The mother of three noted that premium quality is at the heart of their offerings. They source only the finest ingredients to ensure authentic taste and superior quality in every bite.

As agro-processors, they are also community-focused, supporting local initiatives to preserve Guyanese culinary traditions for future generations. The CEO stressed that their products are made fresh daily to guarantee the best taste and quality for customers.

Recognition and Certification

During a visit to the facility, it was noted that the

“We commit to meeting the requirements of our customers, relevant Occupational Health and Safety requirements, and those of regulatory and statutory agencies. Our commitment to quality is a refined experience, enjoyed with every bite,” Alyssa Singh said.

premises were clean, wellequipped, and ideal for their intended purpose, with food safety certificates prominently displayed. Staff were outfitted with proper protective gear while handling and packaging products.

Maliyah’s Kitchen is certified by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) and approved by the USA FDA, ensuring the highest quality and safety standards. They have also achieved TURN TO PAGE VII

CEO Alyssa Singh and her husband, Mark Singh, Manager of Maliyah’s Kitchen, when they received their recertification for the Made in Guyana Standards Mark

Powder Fudge

Black Cake

Young beekeeper shines via his innovative makeshift queen bee banking

By Michel Outridge

AT 22 years old, Davidson Dutchin is certain about one thing: his love for beekeeping. Following in his father’s footsteps, he has developed a new and innovative method for rearing queen bees for his apiaries.

Davidson and his father are from Lovely Lass Village, on the West Coast of Berbice, where they operate their own apiaries and beekeeping ventures.

Their love for apiculture runs deep and was further enhanced when they participated in the Guyana Livestock Development Board’s (GLDA) first-ever Honey Fest, hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute’s (NAREI) compound last year.

Their honey was touted as one of the best. Their bees are placed in hives along the

sea defence, coastline, and among the mangroves, producing honey that is unique and one of a kind in taste, texture, and colour.

He told the Pepperpot Magazine that in beekeeping, he learned a great deal: that something so small — an insect — can bring such significant rewards and opportunities. For him, it has been an amazing journey.

Innovation with Simple Tools

Davidson added that being able to do what he loves, even with makeshift interventions, brings him great satisfaction. He is, however, pleased about the prospect of adding modern equipment to lighten the burden of manual labour in his venture.

A final-year student of the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), Davidson stated that in 2015 he began his beekeeping journey alongside his

father — a farmer in every sense, with livestock, apiculture, swine, chickens, ducks, pigeons, and cash crops.

This year, in July, he began his own venture when he was gifted several hive boxes from GLDA to expand his operation. He explained that collectively, between himself and his father, it was their first side business. He was drawn to introduce queen beekeeping after discovering how fascinating it was.

His simple methods are by no means ordinary. It is a well-thought-out project that Davidson designed using materials he had at home and in his environment, creating something that is both practical and impressive.

Queen Rearing and Honey Production

The young beekeeper told the Pepperpot Magazine that he has come a long way in producing honey — what be-

gan as a hobby quickly grew into a viable small business. He noted that annually, there are only two bee flows when honey can be extracted from the hives.

Through his queen bee-rearing method, he uses one box with 10 bees per crate, and every 21 days, a new queen bee is born.

He explained that the makeshift cells where the bees are stored serve as a safety intervention, trapping the queen bee before she is added to a hive to accelerate production.

Davidson revealed that he is currently rearing 85 boxes of Africanised bees in the backdam area, which produces a sweeter honey thanks to its location amid wild bush, mangroves, and fruit trees.

The Dutchin Farm Apiary, based in Lovely Lass Village, West Coast Berbice, is not only a family name and business but also their

trademark of quality honey production.

Davidson is spearheading the development of an independent queen-rearing facility — a forward-looking innovation that will allow the family to expand their apiary sustainably while strengthening bee genetics in the region.

Tradition and Innovation Hand in Hand

Together, father and son now manage nearly 100 hives between them — a partnership of tradition and innovation. David’s steady, experience-honed wisdom is complemented by Davidson’s technical training, youthful drive, and willingness to learn.

Beyond the farm, Davidson is an enthusiastic participant in GLDA’s annual Honey Fest, a forum designed to showcase authentic honey, educate the public, and strengthen networks among beekeepers.

“Honey Fest is an excellent initiative. It gives us as beekeepers the opportunity to showcase our product, educate the public, and build networks of support. I am ecstatic about this year’s event,” he said, looking forward to Honey Fest 2025.

For Davidson, the festival has been invaluable for boosting business exposure, creating opportunities for collaboration, and deepening solidarity within Guyana’s growing apiculture sector.

As a new apiculturist, Davidson also admitted that his old protective gear has long expired and needs replacing. “In fact, I need several new suits for beekeeping,” he shared.

During a visit to their farm, he displayed a tattered suit, hoping he could source protective gear of good quality to withstand wear and tear.

Young apiculturist Davidson Dutchin and his father, David, displaying their own locally produced honey

The new innovation by Davidson Dutchin in queen bee banking

With rice fields as far as the eye can see and cows for days, one family is contributing to Guyana’s food security

By Michel Outridge

ON the Mahaica-Berbice coast, the name Suenarine has long been linked to farming. For generations, the family has planted rice and raised cattle, their reputation built on hard work, careful management, and an unshakable love for the land.

Today, 34-year-old Vayrendra Suenarine is carrying that tradition forward — but with a twist. Like his father and foreparents before him, he tends rice and cattle. But unlike in years past, when rice was the main breadwinner and cattle were more of a family passion, Vayrendra now sees both sides of the enterprise as vital.

And with Guyana’s oil economy transforming the country, he believes the time has come for farmers like him to think bigger: to diversify, modernise, and prepare to meet rising demand for food — not only at home but across the Caribbean.

Growing Up in the Fields and Pastures

Vayrendra’s earliest memories are of being by his father’s side, helping to rear cattle and planting rice whenever a crop was due. Farming, he says, wasn’t something you chose; it was part of who you were.

“Growing up, I was always in the fields or with the cows. That was my world,” he recalled. “It’s what shaped me.”

Back then, the family’s

35,000 to 40,000 acres of rice fields were the main source of income. Cattle rearing continued because the Suenarines loved animals, and because it was a tradition passed down from one generation to the next. The cows were tended faithfully, but they weren’t seen as a big business venture.

That view began to shift when Guyana discovered oil.

As the economy grew, so too did the demand for food. Beef and milk consumption began to climb, and suddenly, what had been a sideline started to look like an opportunity.

Taking Cattle More Seriously

Today, the Suenarine ranch is home to about 2,000 Brahman cattle, carefully bred and managed. Unlike in the past, the focus is no longer just on keeping cattle as a tradition. It is now a structured business designed to produce high-quality breeding stock for farmers across Guyana.

In fact, most cattle farmers in the country have at least one animal linked to the Suenarines’ herd. It all started in 2010, when the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) gifted the family their first improved bull. That bull produced offspring that set a new standard for the herd. Over time, Vayrendra and his father hand-selected the best heifers, imported another bull with superior genetics, and, more recently, benefitted from two additional bulls provided by GLDA.

“The support has been constant,” Vayrendra explained. “Whenever we need advice, GLDA is just a phone call away. Dr Waldron, Chief Executive Officer, GLDA, and its extension staff headed by Dr Joel Dilchand, Senior Veterinarian and Region Five Coordinator, are always checking in, helping us with record-keeping and management. That kind of support makes all the difference.”

Tradition Meets Technology

Vayrendra still looks to his father for guidance. He has deep respect for the traditional knowledge passed down through the generations — the rhythms of the land, the instincts that can’t be taught. But he also knows the world has changed.

“We can’t just do things the old way anymore,” he said. “With climate change, with new markets, we have to embrace technology. That means better genetics for both crops and cattle, and systems that are sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.”

For the Suenarines, this has meant diversifying rice varieties too. They continue to grow local strains developed by the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), but they also plant other varieties that resist the dreaded red rice. These allow them to manage fields more efficiently, spraying a targeted herbicide that clears out weeds while protecting the crop and environment.

The results aren’t always

predictable — yields range from 30 to 40 bags per acre depending on the weather — but the family adapts with each crop. “Rice is never the same from one season to the

next,” Vayrendra admitted with a smile. “But that’s farming. One crop will be good, the next one not so good. You just keep moving forward.”

Records That Tell a Story

One of the things Vayrendra is most passionate about is record-keeping. To him, TURN TO PAGE XV

Critically Examining How Our Social Systems Impact the Environment

WHEN we examine our environment and social systems, on the surface level, we might consider them to be two separate entities — independent from each other. This, however, is not the case, as many experts believe in a model known as the socio-ecological system, which describes the interdependence between us humans (inclusive of our culture, history and other social systems) and the environment (our ecosystems, natural resources, wildlife, etc.).

How often do we consider how our daily lives and the systems we construct socially as humans affect the environment around us? Are we oblivious to the fact that we alone live on this planet? Or is it that we prescribe ourselves to be the most intelligent species, so we owe no one (or no environmental correlations) an explanation for our actions?

During the course of this week, I was asked to describe an object that is meaningful to me and how it is directly associated with socio-ecological systems (SES). It was quite an interesting exercise — one that allowed me to ponder how generational social and cultural decisions can have lasting impacts on the environments in which we live. As such, I decided to write this column with the hope of inspiring you to also reflect on your actions,

while exploring more sustainable solutions for your current self and the generations to come after you.

To my surprise, when asked to reflect on an object that is meaningful to me and to show the theme of the socio-ecological systems (SES), I quickly placed my hand on my

neck, grappling with a gold necklace that was given to me by my late grandmother as a parting gift prior to her death. This chain holds sentimental significance, one that cannot be replaced by any dollar bills.

As we know, in Guyanese culture, the gifting of gold is not a

A little bit of wholesome traditional...

the Made in Guyana Certification, in addition to USA FDA approval.

In May 2025, GNBS granted the rights to use the Made in Guyana Standards Mark for their Sal Sev, Tasty Mithai, and Milk Powder Fudge. The Standards Mark recognises locally manufactured products in both domestic and international markets, serving as a signature of quality for authentic Guyanese products.

According to Manager Mark Singh, Maliyah’s Kitchen began in 2020 as a small, basement operation but has since evolved into a high-quality, certified facility equipped with modern machinery.

FROM PAGE IV

He added that their products are carefully packaged, promoting the rich flavour of handcrafted traditional Guyanese snacks in every bite. The Sal Sev (Chicken foot)

foreign concept. It is a tradition often passed down through generations, as a gift of prosperity and a family heirloom. We often joke that you can recognise a Guyanese by their accent and, secondly, by their love of gold. It is deeply embedded into our culture, but have we ever

stopped to consider how this love for gold, or the traditional practices of gifting it, affects the environment around us?

I reflected on gold practices in Guyana and began researching the impacts of gold mining, particularly illegal gold mining, which can have detrimental effects on indigenous communities across the country. Gold mining often involves mercury, and while there are discussions about prohibiting its use, there is no concrete enforcement of this prohibition. When mercury enters waterways, the water for indigenous families becomes contaminated. As such, I asked myself: how many indigenous families, especially children, have drunk contaminated water simply for me to have this necklace?

I also reflected on gold mining and its effects on our forests. Guyana is richly blessed with the Amazon rainforest, where many of the world’s protected species of wildlife and plants thrive. Unfortunately, gold mining is often associated with deforestation. Yet again I asked: how many trees had to be cut down for me to wear my gold necklace?

This was a critical examination I did on just one simple piece of jewellery I own. I have not yet begun the process of critically examining other items, objects, and

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Critically Examining How Our Social Systems Impact the Environment

possessions I have — especially those that are meaningful and have direct social and cultural connections.

I urge you all to consider doing this exercise as well. Pick an object that you believe is meaningful to you and question its social and environmental impacts. Are those environmental impacts detrimental? Are you willing

to continue purchasing or upholding such traditions, even if you are now aware of their environmental consequences?

We often think of environmental impacts as a consequence of a global phenomenon, rather than measuring our individual behaviour. Every individualistic choice eventually adds

up to our overall impact on the environment.

While I love my grandmother and her taste in jewellery, I deeply appreciate the necklace I was given. I also challenge myself to think ahead to the future — even to my future children and their children. I questioned whether this tradition of gold-gifting is sustainable.

How many more forests have to be degraded, and how many more waterways will have to be contaminated, in order for us to continue this tradition?

Perhaps we can continue the tradition, but in the process, we must find more sustainable ways of doing so — such as replacing gold with a more sustainable

metal, like titanium. While socio-ecological systems are complex, they are also described as adaptable. As such, we can adapt our methods accordingly to adjust to the changing environment.

I want us all to remember that every decision made

today will have a lasting impact on our future.

Let us be mindful of our way forward. Similar to the realisations I made with my necklace, I am hopeful that we start to consider these environmental challenges within our social systems.

support to local writers seeking publication and sharing their works through readings or book display events, Janet provides encouragement and support to writers.

Naidu, a writer and poet, has published four books of poetry that capture themes of migration, resettlement, ancestral heritage, and the nuances of adapting to new lands and cultures. She also served as President of the Association of Concerned Guyanese, an organisation lending support to Guyana in its stand on democracy.

Sahadeo, a retired lawyer, has been instrumental in representing many persons who sought refuge from political persecution in their home countries by fleeing to Canada. He also helped educate refugees about the complex process of applying for refugee status and, in the 1980s, played a significant role in advocating for the Canadian government to review its criteria for granting refugee status to immigrants.

Several Guyanese also received Sahadeo’s assistance during this period. His passion for educational development and his desire to help people in Guyana are evident in his involvement with the “Adopt a School” project, following the 1992 General Elections.

Encouraged by the life and contributions of Gandhi, he wrote the book Mahatma Gandhi, echoing the words, thoughts, and deeds that became popular in the community. He also established a Gandhi Scholarship at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, and initiated another milestone project to place the Bhagavad Gita in every home.

Sahadeo continues to help people in the community and provides pro bono legal services to South Asian and Guyanese groups as

needed.

Adit Kumar and the Consul General both presented the awards to Naidu and Sahadeo, and the recipients delivered warm and appreciative acknowledgements upon receiving them. The evening of musical entertainment was presented by Pandit Dave Ramoutar, accompanied by his daughter, Priya Ramoutar, and Kevin Dhar on keyboard, as well as Nanda Ramoutar and Nadia Umadas on percussion.

Dr Ganraj Kumar presented a congratulatory song dedicated to the two award recipients. It was an adaptation from Vicky Parekh’s original song, rewritten by Dr Kumar for the special occasion, and personally performed by him to the great appreciation of the recipients and the audience. One of the verses of the song referred to the recipients as “Srimati Janet Devi” and “Ram Bhai ji”, and in his congratulations, he recited, “May your courtyards always be in bloom.”

Kumar thanked the donors, advertisers in the published booklet, volunteers, attendees, as well as the musical performers, for their support and valuable contributions to the event sponsored by the Toronto Arya Samaj/Vedic Cultural Centre.

A commemorative booklet was also published for the occasion. Both recipients, in their acceptance speeches, thanked Toronto Arya Samaj/Vedic Cultural Centre for conferring the awards.

Kumar, in his vote of thanks, expressed gratitude to all the donors and volunteers who supported the programme and contributed to its success. He pointed out that Toronto Arya Samaj is blessed with a team of loyal volunteers who always rise to the challenge.

Rescuing a Dying Organisation

SEEING your organisation falter can be terrifying. You may feel helpless and powerless as you watch all you have worked for start to come undone. With experience stemming from years of corporate leadership, Geary Reid offers this book of expert advice to assure you that it is possible to stop the death of your organisation.

With the help of straightforward comparisons, Reid illustrates the exact steps leaders must take to bring a business or organisation back from the brink and ensure its ongoing survival.

Section 1: At Death’s Door

Non-profit organisations are established to provide products or services for the benefit of society, whereas profit-making organisations are primarily concerned with generating profit for their

shareholders. The greater the profit, the more financial and social gains.

Sometimes, in an attempt to make profit, an organisation engages in various activities and experiences several challenges. These challenges may become so severe that medical attention may be necessary. Many times, when medical attention is sought, the organisation is already at death’s door. When an organisation reaches this stage, a diagnosis is needed. This is a preliminary requirement for many medical officers when someone shows signs of lifelessness or dysfunction.

To help a dying organisation, the root of the problem must be identified. If the main problems are not identified, then the organisation may fall into the same situation again. One good example is an individual who is discharged from hospital and goes home, but later returns

for the same reason. Therefore, identifying the root of the problem and addressing it is the most effective way to resolve an issue.

The attempt to find the problem may be time-consuming, but if you want to help the organisation, you have to find out what caused it. When the cause is found, then efforts must be made to reduce, eliminate, or remove it from the organisation. Solving some problems may be costly, but it may be the only way to address them.

Some of the problems can be a result of faulty machines, old equipment, poor performance from the labour force and more. Whatever the problem is, it must be addressed. Timeliness is also a key factor when addressing the problem.

Section 2:

Learning from the Past

The past should not be

considered as a bad period, especially for organisations that experienced challenges. Many people who have learned from the past are able to make a great impact for the future. The past provides many learning opportunities. Some past experiences may not be enjoyable to remember. However, if the lesson has been learned and a similar situation occurs in the future, those who are given the opportunity to manage the organisation will know what needs to be done.

When faced with certain challenges, start-up organisations sometimes do not know what to do, since it might be the first time they are experiencing such a situation. Some organisations have taken an approach to ensure that their senior management team includes some experienced people. Those experienced people will be able to provide quality guidance to the younger management team, which can save them from

many pitfalls.

Certain experiences are not easy to achieve. However, those who have learned from tough experiences will be able to guide others in the right direction. This is similar to a parent sharing some experiences with their child. Children sometimes believe they have a good grasp of life, but when certain situations confront them, they recognise that they need their parents or that they should have taken their parents’ advice.

Past experiences serve as a valuable learning tool to help avoid future challenges of the same nature from recurring. When an organisation is planning for the future, it should also consider some of its past experiences. This will help ensure that its assumptions and estimates are all-inclusive and not made as though all things will be perfect.

Some organisations will use statistics for future pro-

jections. One such statistic is the average or mean. This will allow the organisation to use a figure that encompasses both positive and negative results. The choice to use this option may have advantages and disadvantages, but something must be used as the basis for future projections.

Section 3: Fully

Recovered

After a long and intense effort, the organisation might be able to find its way back on the road to recovery. Any organisation that has recovered will be more than happy to stay alive. To be alive is a good thing!

Those organisations that have been successful in the rescue operation would like to make success a daily diet. They will do everything to stay alive. Staying alive can be very challenging, but it is better than being dead.

A successful organisation, which has survived the TURN TO PAGE XIX

By Cosmata Lindie

An excerpt from the story, Where the Winds Blow, published by ADDA, 2023

“MARK that date!” roared King Ayabingi, slapping a mighty hand on the calendar that hung on a wall in the Throne Room and shredding it to pieces. The calendar had been replaced every day for the past month. “The International Convention of Storms will not be missed!”

There was no possibility of it being missed. This momentous event, held every five years, brought together all the world's influential winds. On this occasion, it was going to be hosted by the North Wind at his Ice Palace in the frozen North.

“Prepare them young ones to travel with me!” thundered the King, “it is time for their category ranking.”

“With us, you mean,” said the Queen, “what makes you think I will miss this? Besides, my fearsome husband, you’ve never gone that far north before, and with your sense of direction – ”

“That’s what I said,” interrupted the King. “We, will take the younglings.”

What neither said aloud was that, anticipating a disappointing ranking, they were both feeling rather protective of the eldest young prince.

Leaving a trusted steward to govern in their absence – an old hurricane who had long retired from active duty and now spent his time reminiscing to anyone who cared to listen – they soon departed for the Ice Palace, with the two young princes and princess in tow.

Set among the shimmering Northern Lights was the glittering Ice Palace, home of Boreas, the North Wind, ruler of the cold and deadly winter storms. The rainbow of colours reflecting off frozen panes and icicled turrets delighted the young tropical guests, who knew about lightning in its many forms but had never seen this type of fiery magic before.

“The cold fires of the northern skies,” whispered the Queen to them as they passed through a high, arched doorway into a great hall.

“Lit by Aura, Queen of the North.”

As they emerged into the vast hall, King Ayabingi seized the great ivory conch that swung from his belt and put it to his lips. He blew a

A Gathering of Storms

mighty blast that echoed and re-echoed in that enormous space. In the harsh bellow of the conch were the voices of a thousand tropical storms, all roaring at once. Storms do not announce their arrival quietly.

Boreas greeted them with as much warmth as was possible for an icy wind to produce. “Welcome, my friends!” he roared, I trust the hurricane season will be a terrible one this year!” Beside him sat his pale, beautiful queen, her eyes changing colour from green to violet and pink, with occasional flashes of silver.

Iscar peered up at him and was impressed by what he saw. The North Wind was enormous, tall and broad, though not as tall as his own father, Iscar noted. His snowwhite hair hung like shards of ice on his shoulders, and his beard was a frosty tangle that reached down to his waist. As he caught Iscar looking at him he suddenly smiled, and his glacial blue eyes sparkled with a friendly light.

“What do you think of my home, child of the tropics?” he boomed, his breath adding another layer of ice to the walls and ceiling. Iscar said he liked it very much,

though he thought the ice and the lights were rather chilly; he found them beautiful nonetheless. The North Wind looked pleased with his answer.

The Great Hall quickly filled. From North America, came Spinning Wind, Chief of Storms, a graceful and deadly tornado. He funnelled his way through the door amidst a glittering shower of sharp icicles that came raining down from the ceiling, pulling nearby objects, and smaller attendant winds, into his vortex.

He disentangled the objects and struggling winds as he halted, setting them upright with one smooth move. But he didn’t apologise, a storm never apologises for being a storm. A dozen en-

thusiastic young tornadoes followed in his wake.

It was going to be a rough year for those states in the tornado belt. Iscar had been spared the indignity of being upended by the entrance of these fierce winds only because his mother had the foresight to grab a handful of him, discreetly, anchoring him in place.

From the continent of Australia, the ominous rumbling of a didgeridoo announced the arrival of the Great Elder, a powerful cyclone who had left a swath of destruction on his way to TURN TO PAGE XXIII

To reason with a changing world…

WE must reconstruct our understanding of the needs that are necessary to cultivate the platforms that will contribute to the construct of family life, amicable to a balance in which male and female will collaborate, without meanings that shelve undercurrents that define clashes with volatile exchanges that were already agreed upon yesterday, yet remain active though considered concluded many yesteryears gone.

Too many fatal domestic clashes are occurring along a trail of conflict, hardly revealed in media reports accompanying the pictures

and headlines anywhere.

I have witnessed and written about men, brothers I knew, who went into private enterprise without the usual accommodations to facilitate a rented work area that was not vulnerable to break-ins, because there was no income to pay for capable security services. Then there is the fact that one brother pointed out to me: what happens if the landlord decides to cash in on their fire insurance with a believable yet suspicious fire? And if that doesn’t cover the tenant, who doesn’t have adequate fire insurance, then how does one restart, or even survive?

Recognising that home businesses are not a widely discussed topic in Guyana so far — though it’s evident — and some of us who have had experience with Technical Drawing have created designs, the lack of respect for Intellectual Property Rights is evident. Thus, the battle of talent/ skill earning remains in conflict with the home front and new ideas.

One of my school friends asked me why I explore the need for possibilities that were never common. I reminded him that both my father and my godfather, with whom I grew up, were government employees. Both

men had private practices of their relevant skills at home.

Upstairs was for family matters, and downstairs was the private extension of their skills. I earned my comic book money eagerly, working with them as much as I could.

What I recognised on reaching manhood was that the home business design becomes more relevant when dealing with the wife and her visiting friends and their views.

Then one will realise that some folks despise books, etc. So, bookshelves in a colleague’s home become a focus of criticism; they rely on gossip and

seek to colonise with sordid views beyond their realm of permission and comprehension.

This part should be recognised and addressed in school.

The RESCU team and I visited a particular school during that period, where we were invited to encourage children — specifically males — to develop the habit of reading.

We did what we could.

Now that the headmistress is no longer there, my colleague and I cannot determine whether there has been a change in that area. The female students did most of the reading.

I want to reflect on this experience: I didn’t grow up in a wealthy home, but I did inherit positive habits.

For example, one of the habits instilled in me was that upon awakening as a child, before having breakfast, the bed had to be made — or no breakfast until so done. Likewise, in the context of tools, whatever was used had to be cleaned, and Coca-Cola was a significant help as a tool cleaner.

Let’s explore this article and debate whether its content aligns with realities that we can find useful cultural habits, which can have long-term benefits beyond childhood.

From Classroom to Farmyard: Local Farmer’s Modern...

her more time to focus on breeding and genetics.

A Family Venture with an Eye on the Future Her drive for innovation

doesn’t stop there. Alongside her husband and family, Colette has developed a specialised feed formula that has already shown excellent results in weight gain and

FROM PAGE III

meat quality. With her eye on the future, she plans to produce this feed commercially, giving other pig farmers access to a locally developed formula that works.

Despite being tucked away in a suburban community, New Springs Farm has become a shining example of how technology and innovation can transform agriculture.

For Colette, it’s not just about raising pigs — it’s about raising the standard of farming. And as a woman leading the charge in an industry traditionally dom -

inated by men, she’s also breaking barriers and inspiring others.

“When I started, I wanted a business that allowed me to care for my mother while still being productive,” she reflected. “But it became so much more. Today, I’m proud that New Springs Farm is trusted, that our pigs are known for their genetics, and that we’re proving women

can drive modern agriculture forward.”

From classroom chalk to farmyard mud, Colette Josiah-Rodney’s journey is a story of vision, persistence, and empowerment. With each season, New Springs Farm grows stronger — and so does the message that with innovation, women in agriculture can achieve anything.

A section of the pigs reared

Some of the pigs in their pens

Knowing Ourselves A Soulful Chaos

THERE is a soulful chaos in our world that rarely escapes our notice. It is an element of randomness that rules the smallest moments of our lives. Sometimes, it spills out of our very own lips in moments of anger or grief. It shapes life into something that cannot be predicted, even by our strangest dreams.

OVER the course of our lives, all human beings unfurl and bloom like the creased pages of a diary that is slowly being filled with fresh stories. We allow life to embrace us, and, in return, we are granted the space to be who we are. As we grow up, the gentle discomfort and pressures of creating your identity fade. Our skin becomes our armour, and our heart fills with the satisfaction of being able to live our lives just as we had imagined in our

childhood dreams. Even those who may not yet have attained their goals are comforted by the freedom of choice—the grace of knowing that, even though they have not reached their destination, they still have the power to steer themselves towards it. The reward for those who are true to themselves is the ability to look into a mirror and respect the person they see. They shall experience no loss or failure that can take away this ability from

them.

For a millennium, we have attempted to overcome the unpredictability of life. We have treated the chaotic nature of life as an obstacle that must be fought against.

Recently, I discovered the story of Narcissus from Greek mythology. Narcissus was a young man who was prophesied by a prophet to live a long and fruitful life as long as he did “not know himself.” He was known to be extremely handsome but prone to rejecting the affections of others, no matter how sincere they were. Then, one day, as he was travelling through a forest, he came across a body of water and caught his reflection glimmering

Perhaps this is why we have failed to answer so many questions about the path to true peace.

As the newer generations begin to inherit the world, we have begun to notice something strange about them — they do not treat the chaos as something to be survived, but rather as something to be harnessed.

on its surface. He leaned forward and watched as his own perfect face peered back into his eyes. Then, he remained there, falling in love with his own reflection until he passed away from thirst and starvation, unable to tear his eyes away from it. The spot where he died was marked by a bright yellow flower known as the Narcissus. We now commonly refer to the Narcissus flower as the daffodil.

ful version of many of our ancestors.

The myth of Narcissus is a fascinating tale

that offers us a valuable lesson. It teaches us the dangers of self-absorption and the losses we may face by refusing to open ourselves up to the love and affection of others. We may speculate that perhaps if Narcissus had already been in love with another person, he might never have been inclined to fall so madly in love with himself. It also shows us that our destiny is rarely within ourselves. We may spend a lifetime preparing ourselves to be better people, but this preparation will not mean anything if we do not use it to change the world for the better. Beauty and good character have no power if their positive influence does not extend beyond our own boundaries.

Members of these generations seem to be more willing to disregard social frameworks and long-standing social conventions. In exchange, they have gained the ability to laugh more freely and walk with fewer burdens on their shoulders. They seem to have reached a tacit understanding that it is acceptable to compromise on some traditions and rules if it means that people can express themselves more freely.

The easiest way to observe this change is by comparing photographs of people in the past to those in the present. Have you ever noticed that in older paintings and pictures, people rarely ever smiled? The subjects of these portraits often wore expressions so serious that it was difficult to tell whether they were angry, upset, or simply posing for a picture.

One of the main reasons behind this choice of expression was the belief that smiling, especially in something as important as a picture, was associated with someone who was either foolish or mad.

It was considered much more respectable to pose for pictures and paintings in a solemn manner.

The process of building an identity—of “knowing ourselves”—is necessary as we progress through our lives. Attempting to live without being comfortable with who we are is much like living in a space where we cannot fully walk, stretch, or look upwards at the sky. However, it is also quite easy to fall into the lonely path of knowing no one but ourselves. As we lean forward to watch our shimmering reflection grow and transform into something that we are

It may be true that the world now has a large collection of “respectable” photographs and paintings of people from the past, but unfortunately, we will never know what most of these people looked like when they smiled.

As a result of a fleeting social norm, we may never see the light of humour dancing in our great-grandparents’ eyes. We may never receive a chance to see a kind smile on the faces of the great monarchs that we read about. We may never get to see the most beauti-

This may seem like a rather small loss in the grand collection of all the things we have lost to time. However, this loss is not something for which we can blame the passage of time. It is a loss that our own rigidity and false sense of importance have caused.

proud of, it is quite easy to forget to look around us at the people who are fuelling the successes and the joys we are experiencing.

The affections of others are a gentle influence. These affections can fade away and disappear long before we glance around and begin to notice that we stand completely alone. Yet, the emptiness they leave behind when they are gone is a mighty force. Those who have developed a strong sense of identity and learned to love themselves deeply will not be limited by the failures they experience or the losses they face. However, they are still quite open to the possibility of grief.

We spend our lives acting according to a set of rules that have been composed for the sole purpose of defying the chaos of the world.

We teach ourselves to dress, walk and even speak in a specific, practised manner, not realising that when we have finished teaching ourselves these things, we would have also lost pieces of ourselves that make us uniquely beautiful. Then, when many years have passed, we wake up with the sudden realisation that we have never found true happiness or peace because we have been too busy trying to learn these rules.

In a similar manner, it is possible for our own influences and connections to the world to fade away, just like the affections of others. When we fail to acknowledge and reciprocate the love that others proffer us, we will eventually lose it. If we stop reaching out to the world with kindness, we will ultimately lose our ability to impact it.

The truth is, we cannot suppress all of the unpredictability of the universe using something as meaningless as formalities and etiquette. There are no timetables or flowcharts that are powerful enough to tell you for sure how your day will go.

Each of us holds a massive power within us. Let us allow this power to extend beyond us so it can reach parts of the world that truly need it.

There are no rules of etiquette that can predict what someone will say when you interact with them. There are no dress codes that can tell you exactly how professional or dependable those around you are.

A sense of peace is not something that we can create or manufacture. Instead, it is something that arises when we are courageous enough to accept the reality of the world we are living in. Our world is filled with soulful chaos — some of which is good, and some of which is bad. Perhaps if we choose to embrace the positive chaos, we can create a world that is truly peaceful.

With rice fields as far as the eye...

good records are more than paperwork — they’re a way of ensuring traceability and accountability.

“In cattle especially, when you’re selling breeding stock, people need to know the history of the animal: its genetics, when it was born, its parents.

That’s how you build trust,” he explained.

The family maintains strict logs of every calf born, every cow sold, and every breeding decision made. GLDA extension officers also check in regularly — sometimes every three days — to register new calves. For Vayrendra, this process isn’t a burden; it’s a backbone.

“Records give you confidence in your system,” he said. “It helps you improve year after year.”

Public and Private, Hand in Hand

Vayrendra is also a believer in partnership. He sees the relationship between farmers and government institutions — through agencies like GLDA and GRDB — as essential for the future of agriculture.

“Farmers bring the land and the labour, but the agencies bring research, improved genetics, and technical support,” he explained. “When we work together, that’s

when the industry grows.”

Farming with Heart and Vision

Despite the scale of the operation, farming still feels deeply personal for Vayrendra. He admits that some days the numbers don’t add up — cattle income often goes straight to paying workers, with little left over. But that doesn’t dampen his pride.

“Sometimes I go to the ranch just to walk among the cows. It makes me feel good, proud of what we’ve built,” he said warmly.

For him, farming is not just about making a living. It is about heritage, community, and the promise of a future where agriculture keeps pace with national growth.

“Oil is changing Guyana, yes, but agriculture must stay strong,” he said. “People will always need rice, beef, milk. And if we do it right — with good genetics, technology, and support — we can feed not just Guyana, but the whole region.”

As he looks out over his fields and pastures, Vayrendra Suenarine sees more than crops and cattle. He sees resilience. He sees opportunity. And most of all, he sees a family tradition, renewed for a new generation.

Sections of the rice fields owned by the Suenarines during this season’s harvest in Region Five

Home Sweet Home

AN October day in the countryside, warm and tranquil, the streets bordered by modest houses in white with different coloured accents, with a few subtle changes to modernity.

The woman, in her thirties, stepped out of the car onto the gravel road, breathing in the fresh air as though it were a lifeline.

“So good to be home,” she whispered to herself, as her suitcases were unloaded, to begin a much-desired vacation, to find peace within

“I wonder who’s still here?” she thought.

herself and to heal after the tragedy of her husband’s death, from the metropolitan life of skyscrapers, rush hours and the cold of North America that was home, to this place in a small tropical South American country that had been home, a real home.

All the family and friends she had left behind, the girls her age, for sure would have got married in the rich tradition of lavish wedding celebrations.

The quiet was broken by a loud squeal.

“Eh eh, Julie girl, ah yuh dah?”

Julie turned around at the near-familiar voice to see who had spoken in a language that she hadn’t heard in a long time.

“Oh my gosh,” she laughed, recognising one of her old friends from the neighbourhood.

“Anita, it’s you?”

“Yeah gyal, and yuh come back from foreign.”

Julie hugged her old friend, tears of joy welling in her eyes. “It’s so good to see you.”

She remembered Anita as a tomboy who played cricket and marbles on the streets with the boys, but looking at her now, mature and married with children, Anita had become a new person, her womanhood defined.

Nothing stays the same forever; everything changes with time.

The neighbours came out to welcome her with hugs, kisses and tears. She had been away for over two decades, yet she received such a show of affection. It touched her heart and aroused a deep sense of belonging — the place where she was born, the people, and their culture.

The spicy Indian curries were a delicious awakening to recognising her roots; the fresh fruits and cool coconut water; the religious songs early in the morning and the chutney beats in the evening. The one thing that held her in awe was the

language, the sweet rawness —a blend of Indigenous, African, English, and Hindi that formed the unique Creolese language.

For every day spent and for almost everyone she saw, a memory was attached, like leaves to a tree. She embraced it, for it was all she had of her girlhood days that she could impart to her children.

A loud singing awakened her from a midday siesta lying in a hammock under the mango tree, and she recognised Uncle Bikarma, the old man who sang old melodies after a few drinks.

Julie spoke to him and gave him some money, and he looked at her vaguely, then exclaimed, “Hai Ram, is Lakeram daughta, God bless yuh chile, yuh grow up suh nice.”

Julie smiled and watched him as he hobbled down the street.

His drink buddy, Uncle Willie, had passed on — a very lively character who one day had caught two ugly toads from the drain to scare his nagging wife. She had run over to Aunty Galo’s yard screaming, “Help, de man runnin’ me wid crappo!”

Aunty Galo, scared of the hideous creatures, had run, screaming, through Julie’s mother’s yard. She also ran, and it was a really funny scene seeing the three women running up the road screaming, and Uncle Willie behind them with the toads.

The people of this settlement were like one big family — limbs of a tree, its blossoms and fruits.

Julie cherished every moment as she retraced her steps to her girlhood days, remembering vividly her best friend who was like a sister to her, and the ‘grocery shop’ they used to run with empty milk tins, soap boxes, candy wrappers and the mud and water cakes they baked for the ‘cake

shops’.

The English cherries they used to pick and sell on the street corner to buy sweets and pencils, and the guava trees they used to climb.

Her friend Maria had a ladies’ Raleigh bicycle that they rode a lot, racing around the streets on turns, and Julie would never forget that day when she turned the corner so fast that she didn’t see Uncle Billie’s donkey until it was too late and knocked the animal down. But amazingly, she didn’t fall and had hurriedly ridden away. Uncle Billie came later that afternoon, fuming to complain to her father.

“Dis ah wan race track?!” he quarrelled. “Dem chilren dis getting too wile on dem bicycle, she knack me po’ donkey down!”

Julie’s father had apologised to appease the old man, and Julie was banned from riding for a week. If that wasn’t bad enough, Marie was also handed a ban for crashing into an old lady’s gate and scaring the woman out of her wits.

Julie loved the warm mornings and cool nights, sitting on the veranda chatting with her old friends, whilst the children played on the streets.

One night when the moon slid behind some clouds, Shanta, one of her

friends, asked, “Yuh remember Deepan, de ghost who used to walk through de streets?”

“Good Gad, chile, dah was ah real frightening time,” Demitri said.

Julie remembered Deepan’s ghost, a white apparition, haunting the neighbourhood for almost a week, children so scared they couldn’t even peep through the cracks in the wall. It had puzzled the men, who were not scared of ghosts, until Uncle Krish ‘The Cherry King’ decided to stake out the ghost and discovered, lo and behold, it was his own brother-inlaw in disguise with a white sheet, trying to drive a scare into his wife, so she would stop nagging and bullying him. It was a little tale that evoked much laughter, with so many little episodes that created stories upon stories to tell and retell, of the days and lives of the people in that settlement, as time moved on and memories stayed for the new generation born.

It would always be a place to love, and at the end of her vacation, Julie felt reborn, a tinge of sadness in her heart as she left again. But a part of her life was in the script of the stories, that would be told and retold until she came back again, because there is no place like home.

My Own Dear People

A Review

By Berkley Wendell Semple

DWIGHT Thompson's raw and compelling new nov -

by Dwight Thompson

el, My Own Dear People (Akashic Books, $17.96), evokes the title of Claude Thompson’s 1943 short-story collection These My Peo-

ple — and like its predecessor, it offers a visceral portrait of Jamaican life. But where Claude’s work chronicled the rural poor,

Dwight Thompson shifts the lens toward the urban middle class, painting a vivid, unsettling tableau of contemporary Jamaica —

and by extension, the wider Caribbean.

At its core, this is a novel about masculinity: more precisely, boys imitating the hardened men around them, internalising toxic notions of manhood and warped sexual norms. It is a book about the cost of belonging — about the guilt boys carry for the wrongs they endure, witness, and inflict; the secrets they must keep to preserve their sanity and social standing.

Violence permeates the novel — against women, against men who defy gender norms, and against gay men, or “batty men” in the Jamaican labrish.

This is a harrowing narrative, yes — but Thompson’s deft storytelling prevents it from sinking into bleakness. Through the eyes of the young narrator, Nyjah Messado, the novel pulses with urgency and nuance, offering a bold, unflinching assessment of Jamaica today.

Stylistically, My Own Dear People is brisk and tightly constructed, with the pacing of a thriller. One might suspect Thompson of studying Elmore Leonard’s Ten Rules for Writing — especially rule #10: “Try to leave out the part that readers tend to skip.”

There are no lulls in this book. Its lyrical prose is sharp and affecting, and the dialogue — much of it in Jamaican patois — feels vibrant and authentic. The rhythm, tone and musicality of the dialect lend the text a memorable poetic cadence. Non-Caribbean readers will find it accessible, even enriching.

This is not the countryside of cane fields and yam hills familiar from canonical Caribbean literature. Thompson’s characters are urban, middle-class boys from Montego Bay: students at private schools, fixtures at beach parties and gated compounds. The novel confronts head-on the sexual permissiveness and moral

ambiguity that swirl in this milieu. Within the first two chapters, a young schoolteacher is gang-raped by a group of privileged boys. The rest of the novel circles this act — its reverberations, its silences, and its cost. Nyjah, our protagonist, is a witness to the crime and a reluctant participant in the culture that enabled it. He is haunted, complex and contradictory — a product and a victim of the very masculinity he performs.

The titular phrase — “my own dear people” — takes on a grim irony. The characters are bound by shared guilt and mutual denial. When they reunite, they speak in cruel banter, always circling, never confronting the terrible truth they share. Their interactions are plastic, performative, and shadowed by trauma. Thompson handles these psychological undercurrents with precision, creating layered, morally compromised characters whom we may despise but never dismiss. He excavates their histories with such care that understanding — if not forgiveness — becomes possible.

But the novel is about more than just one violent act. It interrogates how boys are socialised into manhood, how homophobia and misogyny are normalised, and how this brutal social conditioning curtails tenderness, safety and connection. The women in this novel, though few, are subjected to startling brutality. One dinner-table scene involving a husband and wife is especially harrowing — its tension almost unbearable. This is a book that unsettles, provokes, and lingers in the mind. Yet it is never gratuitous, never boring.

My Own Dear People is a heartbreaking, propulsive work that deserves serious attention. It is a brave, unsparing novel that forces us to confront the many contradictions of Caribbean identity, masculinity and memory.

FROM PAGE X

Rescuing a Dying...

rescue, will have to work towards building muscles. It should establish itself and spread its operations. When operations are spread, the organisation can minimise some of the risks common to other organisations. Having a new customer base is important, as it will guarantee additional revenues.

The success of an organisation in overcoming life’s challenges serves as a learning experience for others to follow.

Sharing its challenges and successes with selected and confidential people may be a good medicine to prevent other organisations from falling into the same situation.

However, some people are selfish and do not want to share what has happened to their organisation. They see others going in the same direction of failure without warning them.

Success is good, but trying to improve should be a constant desire for each organisation. You can achieve incremental improvements or dynamic success due to the changes. An organisation should not plan to stay where it is forever, but try to improve regularly.

Planning for the future requires much foresight. The future is not guaranteed to anyone, but planning for it helps us to grow.

Always try to be conservative when planning for the future. Stick to your plan if most of the factors remain the

same. If any factors change, you will need to make the necessary adjustments.

Often, the success of an organisation requires the guidance of a visionary captain. Often, success lies ahead, but not everyone is able to see it. A visionary captain can see far beyond that of other members of the organisation.

You should connect with the public. Many people may be depending on you. Marketing is an area that some organisations do not place much emphasis on, but that should change. Advertising what you have will enable your organisation to attract more customers, generate more revenue, and stay afloat.

When people are aware of the quality products you offer, they may be willing to leave where they are and purchase what you have to offer. You should make the public familiar with what you have.

Here is the link to the book cover:

Book Cover For more information about Geary Reid and his books:

• Amazon: http:// www.amazon.com/author/ gearyreid

• Website: www. reidnlearn.com

• Facebook: Reid n Learn

• Email: info@reidnlearn.com

• Mobile #: 592-6452240

A Gathering of Storms

the Convention. With him were many grandchildren who had come of age to be ranked. Australian meteorologists gathering data were already anticipating an excess of deadly storms that year.

Close on the heels of the Australian contingent, the Monsoon Empress of the Indian sub-continent swept in with a flash flood that almost swamped the hall. Lightning flashed from her eyes, and the roiling rain clouds of her long, black hair whipped around her.

A great emerald set in gold on her forehead enhanced the darkness of her hair and eyes. In preparation for an epic monsoon season, she had brought her three daughters, one son and four nephews for ranking. Close behind came a handsome pair, the Typhoon Emperor and Empress of East Asia, stately and dangerous in their controlled entrance, something their three enthusiastic offspring had not yet mastered.

Standing out among the gathering of storms was the dusky figure of the Saharan Sand Storm, Queen of African tempests. She was the last of the great storms to arrive, though she had not kept them waiting. She descended without warning upon the gathering, enveloped in a dense cloud of golden desert sand that quickly turned the hall pitch black before condensing into rippling robes around her proud figure. She wore a circlet of red gold to which a burning sun disc was fastened.

Below the disc, her amber eyes burned with a matching fire. In one hand, she held an iron-bladed assegai that she struck upon the floor upon arrival, sending a deep rumbling roar through the hall and shaking the remaining icicles down upon the company.

The Conference lasted for exactly one week, and no time was wasted. There were reports from every corner of the planet, presenting plans and proposals for the next five years, amid seasonal upheavals.

There was also an all-important seminar on the negative impact of human activity on the Earth’s climate and whether global storms should consider this cause for concern, or if the impending climatic catastrophe could be an asset to their fury.

On the last day of the Conference, the young storms were ranked according to their strength and po-

tential. During the physical assessments, they all did their best to impress. And they did impress, ending their trials with flourishes, knowing their category rankings would be high and in keeping with expectations for their future as full-blown storms.

All triumphed but Iscar, who, fully aware that his failings as a hurricane were now painfully obvious, hated every moment of the assessments. Yet the judges noted that his endurance level was exceptional, surpassing even the stronger storms, for he could keep blowing at a steady pace, long after the others had blown themselves out.

He had been expecting this, but as the firstborn son of the Hurricane King and Queen, Iscar could not quite hide his feelings on hearing that he was most definitely not a hurricane. He did not even rank as a squall: he was given the official rank of a strong but variable breeze. Still, he held his head up proudly as the ranks were conferred and accepted them without rancour.

The North Wind must have noticed his disappointment, for as he bade farewell to his tempestuous guests he leaned forward and said quietly, “It is possible, son of great ones, to make an impact without raising a storm.”

Iscar had now officially lost his title to the new Crown Prince and Princess of Tropical Storms. Cora did not have much to say, but Cove, feeling the power of his new title, delighted in humiliating Iscar even more by conferring the title “Prince of Pocket Hurricanes” to his older brother. He pronounced this within earshot of several other young storms, and the resulting laughter burned Iscar’s heart, though his expression remained impassive.

On their way home, the royal young hurricanes and breeze, familiar now with the route, detoured to explore new paths. Changing direction on a whim is normal windy behaviour, so it was not until some time after they had arrived that everyone realised the new Crown Prince was missing.

King Ayabingi was not pleased. In fact, he was extremely displeased. Cove was expected to begin training for the hurricane season, and being absent did not reflect the sort of responsible behaviour expected from a future Hurricane King.

A search was launched for the missing prince. But

as time passed and, one after another, the searchers came back empty-handed, the Hurricane King’s rage climbed higher and higher.

Finally, he dismissed the searchers and prepared to go out himself. His ominous

darkening and furious flashes of lightning were sure signs that things would go badly for the young truant when his father laid his hands on him. On the ground, warnings of an imminent hurricane, a possible category five, were being issued by meteorological offices.

Cosmata Lindie, an Indigenous artist and writer, hails from Kwakwani, on the upper Berbice River, and now resides in New Amsterdam, Berbice. She’s a self-taught artist, nurturing her passion since childhood, primarily in oil painting, with occasional forays into acrylics, pencils, and watercolours.

Link to the full story https://www.addastories. org/where-the-winds-blow/

STUDY SUCCESS

Welcome, dear reading friend. A saving grace for dry thoughts is a commonplace study notebook. This one is a portable, personalized, educational tool, built to help bolster ideas for story-writing. Because it is built of diverse tidbits and shaped over time, it even qualifies as a hobby. The content is systematically indexed and organised into sections covering notable quotations, de -

tailed descriptions, recent developments, significant characters, historical periods, biographies, lyrics, original ideas, anecdotes, photographs, menus, media clippings, and additional sources. Be wise. Love you.

October 5, 2025

IMPROVING WRITING & READING

Analysing good writing

Note: While you actively read the two passages below, see what each writer did to attract your attention. Is it the title, the blurb, his descriptive prowess, the way he connects his thoughts from the first sentence onward, what? Is it because of the relatable characters, what?

First Story

Sophie sat at her desk in her room, thinking about her life. Last year, her mother had left, leaving Sophie with her father. Their family problems had intensified over the years with her father’s drinking, her mother’s irrational behaviour, and Sophie’s poor performance in school. Eventually, Sophie stopped seeing her friends, replacing busy afternoons with swimming practice and telephone calls in solitude. Her orchids were all that mattered. She poured all her love into them, since she was unable to share them with anyone else. They served as a barrier, protecting Sophie from her family problems, her teacher’s questions, and her own fear of being vulnerable. Sophie broke out of her daze and drifted back into the present. A feeling of frustration flooded over her. Was she another crack-up like her parents? How did other people resolve their problems? All that her family had tried usually failed. Still, there was nothing she could do.

Her parents were the problematic ones. They caused all the agony, leaving her only one place to hide – in her room with her orchids. How could she accept responsibility for a life that was already ruined by others? As for self-respect, the only pride she had was in her plants. Respond to these helpful points.

1. You must have seen or heard the word “responsibility” for some time now. What does it now mean to you after reading the story? Do you consider yourself a responsible person?

2. Name the main character around whom the story revolves.

3. Do you agree with the character’s resolution? What would you have done in her circumstances?

4. Has your life ever been put on hold because of family trouble? You handled the situation somehow or the other then. How differently

Mountains will heave in childbirth, and a silly little mouse will be born

would you handle it today if it reappeared, even if it is in a different form?

5. Write a story in about four to six paragraphs about yourself within a situation where things are going haywire, and people clearly were not facing their responsibilities in that home or school situation.

Second Story (abridged)

The guard entered the prison shoeshop and took him to the front office … “Now Valentine,” said the warden. “You’ll go out in the morning. Brace up, and make a man of yourself. You’re not a bad fellow at heart. Stop cracking safes, and live straight.

“Me?” said Jimmy in surprise. “Why, I never cracked a safe in my life.”

“Oh, no,” laughed the warden. “Of course not. Let’s see, now. How was it possible that you happened to get sent up on that Springfield job? Was it because you couldn’t prove an alibi for fear of compromising somebody in extremely high society? Or was it simply the case of a mean old jury that had it in for you? It’s always one or the other with you, innocent victims.”

“Me?” asked Jimmy, still blankly virtuous. “Why, warden, I never was in Springfield in my life!” …

That morning, Jimmy headed straight to a restaurant, disregarding even the birds and flowers. From there, he proceeded leisurely to the depot and boarded his train. Three hours later, set him down in a little town under the state line. He went to the café of one, Mike Dolan, and shook hands with Mike, who was alone behind the bar … “Fine,” said Jimmy. Got my key?” He got his key and went upstairs …

By pulling out a folding bed from against a wall, Jimmy slid back a panel in the wall and dragged out a

dust-covered suitcase. He opened this and gazed fondly at the finest set of burglar’s tools in the East. It was a complete set, made of specially tempered steel, the latest designs in drills, punches, braces, and bits, jimmies, clamps, and augers, with two or three novelties invented by Jimmy himself, in which he took pride…

(Taken from “A Retrieved Reformer” by O. Henry) Here is a helping hand.

1) Discuss the question with your study partners after actively reading the story that grabbed your emotional interest. Note how it reads. Is it written like a professional? Note these specifics: short, descriptive phrases, pointed single words, compelling choice of words, intentional sentence structures, motivating figurative language, sensory details, and other profound statements of prose. Do not let pass by any hints or whatever else the writer used to grab your attention to continue reading.

2) Create an outline with various sections of summaries to respond to the assignment at hand. Have an introduction. Have summaries for groups of pointers concerning plot, theme, character analyses, and tone, along with your personal evaluation. Have textual evidence for all the valid contributions that make the writer’s style attractive.

3) Draft the report, and focus on clear, formal language, suitable structure, and proper citation.

4) Revise and proofread to produce a polished, evidence-based report on the question below.

Question: How does this writer’s style attract your attention to his work? What does he do to achieve it? Write a report on the outcome of the group’s responses. (Follow the directions found directly above.)

The worst gum disease

OF all the diseases affecting humanity, gum disease is the second most prevalent, after the common cold. However, this condition is not a single entity — various kinds exist. There is a special type of gum disease, often seen mainly in individuals between 15 and 35 years old, and unlike any other, it is painful and generally severe in nature.

This infection is called acute ulcerative necrotising gingivitis (ANUG). Its sudden onset and rapid progress characterise it. The symptoms include painful gum sores and foul breath. The disease is mostly seen in people with poor oral hygiene, a weakened immune system (for example, AIDS), and psychological stress (for example, soldiers on the battlefield of war).

The gums are often red, swollen and may bleed easily, even with light pressure. Sometimes the victim experiences a metallic taste and unexplained fatigue. They may also have a low fever (37.2 to 39 degrees centigrade). When appearing in groups of people, its occurrence may be due to prevailing factors in the similar conditions under which they live.

The disease is characterised by the appearance of pain, redness, and erosions of the papillae (the projections of gum tissue between teeth). In fact, the gum line (where the gum meets the teeth) becomes necrotic and bleeds when touched.

Often, a greyish film covers the ulcer, which may eventually spread along the entire gum line. Finally, typically fetid bad breath appears that is usually obnoxious. The patient almost always complains of inability to eat due to sensible or intense pain in the gums.

The type of pain experienced is a superficial ‘pressure’. Typically, the patient also experiences headaches and malaise.

Excessive secretion of saliva accompanied by a metallic taste is often noted. The lymph glands of the neck can also be detected. In advanced or severe cases, there may be

generalised or systemic manifestations, including an elevated white blood cell count, gastrointestinal disturbances and an accelerated heartbeat.

After healing, the papillae which have been destroyed may leave a cavernous zone, constituting an area that retains germs.

This region can serve as an incubation site where the disease could erupt anytime in the future.

Most researchers believe ANUG is a primary disease caused by a fusiform bacillus (rod-shaped) in combination with a corkscrew-shaped bacterium called Borrelia vincentii.

Because these two micro-organisms frequently exist in many healthy mouths, it obviously suggests that some other predisposing factor is involved in the actual case of infection.

To confirm this, researchers have never been able to induce this condition artificially in people. The most important factor that predisposes someone to contract ANUG, according to recent evidence, is lower resistance to infection, especially due to vitamin C and B complex deficiency.

One author who studied the epidemic which attacked thousands of combatant soldiers during the Second World War established that this condition appeared in the presence of chronic fatigue, deficient food and precarious oral hygiene.

Without a doubt, psychologically stressful circumstances also play an important role.

The treatment of ANUG is highly variable, depending on the dentist's individual experience with the disease. A sudden onset should be considered an emergency because, if left untreated, it may be fatal. Some prefer to treat this condition conservatively, instituting only superficial cleaning of the mouth in the initial stage, followed by scaling and polishing when the situation permits.

Others opt for oxidising agents or antibiotics (metronidazole 250 mg, taken three times a day), in collaboration

with local therapy (rinsing with chlorhexidine mouthwash).

In many cases, there is a marked regression within two days of treatment, even

without medication. It is reported that occasionally complications of this disease can include oral gangrene, septicaemia and toxaemia (blood poisoning).