Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot E-Paper 13-03-2022

‘Invest

in your talent and believe in yourself’ Young entrepreneur trusts her ingenuity and passion for success

At just 20 years old, Shakkeene Layne has already started up two small businesses in skincare and fashion that she feels have the potential to excel. She is also fully ready to charge ahead to bring growth to her entrepreneurial endeavours (Photo by Delano Williams)

Sunday, March 13, 2022

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 13, 2022

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 13, 2022

Leguan’s WPO honours outstanding women who retired in leadership capacity

T W E LV E w o m e n w h o have spent their lives before retirement in dedicated service to the island of Leguan were recognised

newly renovated building of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) at Enterprise village and gifts, compliments of Guyana’s

event that was successful, motivating, and enjoyable, especially to the recipients.

The women honoured for their contributions to Le-

Twelve women were recognised and honoured for their contributions to Leguan and even beyond

From left: Naomi Khan, Bibi Shariman Ali, Tandika Smith, and Shazia Khan

and honoured by the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO). It is no secret that the women chosen endured many hardships as they worked in the past to help the people on the island.

The women were generally very appreciative of the initiative on March 8, which included a ceremony at the

First Lady, Arya Ali. Others, including the business community in Leguan and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), lent tremendous support to the event, either through their financial contributions or through their volunteer efforts, which were of equal importance in pulling off an

guan, and even beyond the island, were Teachers Beverley Ramchandar, Audrey Leander, Rani Gobin, Philomena Chintamani, Nandani Narine, Bowlie Ramroop, Anita Peters, and Pauline Hodge; along with former WPO Chairman Shanta Manbodh, former Overseer Padmoutie Oudit, former Education Officer Bibi Shariman Ali

The honorees were joined by other women of the island

Some of the men who volunteered to help at the event

and former Human Services Minister Bibi Shadick.

Wakeela Singh, a member of the WPO-Leguan branch, shared with Pepperpot Magazine that she, Fajina Khan, and others, who organised the event, just had to ‘say the word’ and the men were ready to help out. Planning, therefore, was a breeze because of the good cooperation that they received from residents of the island.

“We were always looking forward for something to happen in Leguan and there are a lot of things that women can do,” she expressed, adding, “You were able to see the happiness and the encouragement on the faces of the women who showed up and we are looking forward

to many more like this.”

Singh said she felt that an initiative like this could inspire the younger women on the island. “Some of the girls nowadays only think about marriage, so we can use these events to encourage them.”

Fajina Khan said she was very grateful to all who rendered assistance.

“It was a pleasure and honour to be amongst those women and all the other fabulous ladies who graced the occasion…honouring our hardworking women who retired from leadership roles after giving years of service in different areas to the people of this beautiful island.”

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 13, 2022

‘Invest in your talent and believe in yourself’ Young entrepreneur trusts her ingenuity and passion for success

SHAKKEENE Layne may not have any formal qualifications to show, but she surely knows how to get the job done. This is due, in part, to a fiery personality and an inner determination to succeed, despite any challenges that may pop up.

At just 20 years old, Shakkeene has already started up two small businesses that she feels have the potential to excel once she gets the right kind of help she needs-financial and otherwise. But help or no help, the young entrepreneur says she is ready to charge ahead with the ideas that she has in mind.

“Let’s just say that a burning desire is about to become something bigger than my imagination can allow,” she boldly expressed during an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine last Monday.

Do It Yourself Layne’s Cosmetics, the skincare business that Shakkeene started early 2021, started on the basis of a “Doit-Yourself” (DIY) project with a hair cream made of rice. She then tried her hand at a body scrub, and to her surprise, it worked wonders for her. “But this simple DIY was about to be the

“To this day, my products give results and they remain 100% natural” – Shakkeene

start of something great,” she reflected.

A few months passed, and Shakkeene was greeted with a terrible skin condition resulting in dryness of the skin, peeling, acne breakouts and excessive hyper-pigmentation. “I was ashamed of my skin and used heavy oils to hide as much as possible the flak-

iness and dryness which led to itching. While this brought temporary relief, I still tried to get on to a dermatologist to be treated, but my tries failed and time was not mine. Eventually, I accepted my reality, or so I thought,” she shared.

After doing research, Shakkeene made her first turmeric face mask and

started to see significant improvements in her skin.

She also made a dilution with apple cider vinegar and water and she used it every night to clean her pores. In just one month, she noticed that the condition of her skin had greatly improved.

“I then proceeded to make a body scrub. All this I did while keeping my DIY [project] a secret from the world, only sharing it with my best friend. Although I knew from the ‘get-go’ that I wanted this to be big, I was afraid; afraid because my remedies were natural and simple, and maybe, just maybe, people would not be interested in simple.”

But Shakkeene got an opportunity to test her skills when someone she knew sought good skincare recommendations via WhatsApp. “I responded to his status, explaining that I could help.

I told him I would provide him with samples and that all he’d had to do was to give an honest review, along with pictures of his skin improvement. This was the beginning of Layne’s Cosmetics.”

After starting the business, Shakkeene’s desire to know more grew, and with that, she began working on more products. “To this day, my products give results, and they remain 100 percent natural. Currently, work is being done to extend the shelf life of the products without changing its core makeup, so that I can have products on shelves around Guyana,” she shared.

Pride in Every Outfit

Shakkeene has been directing all of her energies towards improving her clothing business

Shakkeene has also started up Layne’s Apparel, a fashion business directed at designing and clothing creation. “The aim is for you to experience royalty with every outfit you wear. I take pride with the clothing that I produce, and recently I have been working on getting better in every aspect, so that my pieces can be a reflection of greatness,” she expressed.

Shakkeene has been directing all of her energies towards improving her clothing business. “There is

Shakkeene has also started up Layne’s Apparel, a fashion business directed at designing and clothing- creation.

love and life in creating. The feeling of producing a new outfit, cutting new cloth, and putting everything together, is amazing. This business started on talent and desire, but will elevate on determination and greatness.”

She has been interested in designing clothing from an early age, but it was in 2017 that she started to take it seriously. She started by making hand-sewn clothing for herself and friends and later invested in a sewing machine. In fact, she can still recall how excited she was the day she got her first machine; it was something that she always dreamt of having.

Operating from her

home in Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara, Shakkeene now takes orders and tries to do the styles that her customers request. “Since I was young, I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I don’t do it for the money; I just am passionate about what I do.

It’s all natural. The products do work and I have faith in them. I just have that drive.

Whenever I am stressed, I just sew and get a whole lot of relief,” she said about her businesses.

Shakkeene has recently quit her job to focus on building her businesses. “I am hoping to benefit from a small-business grant, but in the meantime, I have some SEE PAGE V

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 13, 2022

Standing tall in Guyanese culture

Calvin Burnette is passionate about promoting Guyana through music WHEN it comes to the creative arts, Guyanese music has always been a force to be reckoned with, particularly as it relates to the preservation of Guyanese culture.

Within the local music industry, the name Calvin Burnette is certainly familiar. The artiste is popularly considered one of Guyana’s leading vocalists, and he continues to contribute to the preservation of Guyanese music and culture through his work.

Burnette, who was born and raised in New Amsterdam, Berbice, told the Pepperpot Magazine during an interview that Guyana is a blessed country with a tremendous amount of talent and talented people.

However, he believes that policies and decision-makers need to do more when it comes to music and entertainment in Guyana.

“I think we need to be sensitised about what copyrights is[sic] all about, because copyright is bigger than just recording a song and ensuring that nobody can steal your song and such

like,” he explained. “Copyright takes so, so much:cars, tyres, CDs, DVDs…As a result, while it is good for me, I have to be considerate of the average man who is trying to make a dollar by selling music from a pushcart to make a living.

Therefore, whilst I might be eating, I have to consider the fact that I am putting someone else out of bread.”

He believes that we as a populace need to be fully sensitised as to what copyright entails, how to ensure that the person who creates the art is well compensated and that the smaller man feeds off of what we produce as music or forms of entertainment.

Burnette believes that the issue lies with more local content being offered as a music diet, rather than foreign music content.

If Burnette had his way regarding Guyanese showing their talent, he would have preferred to see a replica of performances that the country had, when the Guyanese delegation went to perform in Dubai for that country’s national expo back

Calvin Burnette, Guyanese entertainer

in 2020.

Love your Own This is the message that

Calvin wants the world to know. He also encourages support of our own as Guyanese.

“It starts first though

‘Invest in your talent...

with embracing what we put out like my grandmother would say, ‘whatever you cook you have to eat and a lot of times, we tend to be a bit foreign minded when it comes to certain things,” he explained. “I mean, listen to our radio stations. Listen to most of the music that is played on our televisions. How much of it is local content?

What is needed for us is the networking and proper marketing and, again, support.”

The Berbice-born artiste noted that when he is performing on stage, he loses all connectivity with negative emotions, because he would have gotten deeply in sync with his craft, even if he would have come out of a bad relationship.

“For me, the stage is my everything, so when I touch that stage everything disappears, all the problems disappear; all the fears disappear. For that hour or however long I am on stage, for that time is just me, myself and I. Sometimes I am performing and I don’t even see the crowd, because I am so caught up in what I

am doing or how I am performing, but in dealing with certain things, you cannot allow it to get the best of you,” Calvin noted during his interview with the Pepperpot Magazine.

The singer shared with the Pepperpot Magazine that he is the second child of four siblings. He grew singing in the Philadelphia Adventist Church, in humble beginnings with parents who did their best to ensure their children got the best out of life.

He recalled that it was at church that everything started for him.

“From singing in choirs to Pathfinders Club, Master Guide Club and just finding yourself vocally, this is where it stems from,” Calvin revealed to the Pepperpot Magazine.

According to Calvin, he didn’t want to be a singer, but a doctor, because he wanted to help people.

However, he got into singing through his association with friends at school, and, it is clear to see that that path has worked well for him.

FROM PAGE IV

money saved up to buy fabric. I have plans to sew and display my work; to put it out there, and hopefully, I will get some more customers.”

Shakkeene is at times discouraged by the fact that while there’s so much more that she can do, she is limited on account of finances and other factors. Yet, her advice to persons in the same boat as her is not to take their talent for granted.

“A lot of times, we think it wouldn’t matter if we did it because others are doing it, but you never know who will benefit from your talent. You never know how many other people you can make happy. Invest in your talent. It’s going to be hard at first, but just believe in yourself,” she advised.

A hand-sewn dress that Shakkeene made for someone

Wearing a hand-sewn dress

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 13, 2022

The serene

Leguan Island

A clean, breezy place

People, places, buildings and things on Leguan Island, Essequibo River (Delano Williams photos)

T

HIS week the Pepperpot Magazine visited the beautiful Leguan Island, Essequibo River, in Region Three (West Demerara-Essequibo Islands) to highlight the way of life of the people.

This journey started early for the team, crossing the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) overland then travelling to Parika, East Bank Essequibo.

The team then boarded a speedboat which took about 20 minutes from Parika to Leguan Island, Essequibo River. It is one of 365 islands in the Essequibo River, where an incomplete but upgraded stelling was used to moor the boat.

It was about a 10-minute walk to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) building from the Leguan stelling. There, the RDC extended its hospitality in providing transportation with a driver, who guided the team around the island SEE PAGE XXVI

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 13, 2022

Cricket and the locals of Leguan Island

By Michel Outridge THE people of Leguan Island, Essequibo River, are very passionate about sports, especially cricket.

So much so,that they have a cricket club with a winning team that would compete in tournaments both locally and overseas.

Local butcher and cricketer, Shazad Razak, told the Pepperpot Magazine that they have hosted many tournaments on the island with their team.

Their team, called ‘Team Satro,’ went to Suriname two years ago and won the 10/10 tournament and in the 20/20, they placed third on their second visit to the Dutch-speaking country.

Razak explained that they play only seniors’ cricket and they have two founding members, himself and a poultry farmer, Naim Habib.

He related that they would raise funds from their own pockets through their small businesses and when they went to Suriname, they held a food sale on the island to garner funds for their travel expenses.

Team Satro has 15 members, all from the island, but some are away from Leguan, mainly working.

“Our team won a lot of tournaments and we are inspired by that and the last competition we had was the Phyllis Carter tournament, which was played right here on the island. In that tournament, the former President David Granger was present to hand over the winning [sic] trophy to the team,” he said.

Razak stated that it was a 20/20 match and growing up,

fireside to prepare meals.

The 59-year-old also rears ducks, chickens, goats and sheep.

She is the mother of four and she has a lot to do at home and doesn’t sit by idly, but is engaged in meaningful activities to earn.

The RDC driver Siahwa Hardat, called Terry, is a resident of Leguan Island and he is a carpenter/ driver attached to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Region Three, and is based at the Leguan Island office.

He has been on the job for the past 23 years and did all the carpentry work before he began driving for the RDC. The 41-year-old would assist his wife, who sells snacks at the Leguan Secondary School early in the morning, to make egg balls and cassava balls.

Cricketer/butcher Shazad Razak (Delano Williams photos)

“Waking up early is a challenge, but to earn and help my wife, I would do it, because it is too much for her alone to make all the snacks for weekdays, selling at the school,” he said.

Hardat, the father of two, has a lovely home and does not have neighbours in that section of Leguan Island, but he doesn’t mind that at all.

Gomattie Razack, farmer/shop-owner

even as a boy, he loved cricket, which is the preferred sport on the island.

At age 12, he began competing in matches and it is now 37 years that he has been involved in cricket.

He disclosed that they have three ballfields on the island and they would utilise them for their matches and for practice.

Razak added that they would do things to raise funds to buy cricket gear and upgrade their cricket uniforms.

The butcher and his

wife While cricket is a major activity on the island, other residents lead a simple life going about their duties, like Kayume Razack, who is also a butcher and who has a herd of cows at his home.

He would rear and sell his own beef at Bartica.

His wife, Gomattie Razack, is a farmer and has a small shop inside her yard.

She is a plant lover who has dozens of plants and flowers and spends a lot of time tending to them.

Razack keeps a tidy home and often utilises her outdoor

Rookmin Murray, the village elder At 84 years old, Rookmin Murray is one of the elders on the island, and she is basking in retirement after working at many jobs in her younger days.

Murray, who is originally from De Kinderen, West Coast Demerara, was a rice farmer, a gardener, reared cows and cleaned trenches before she attained the age of a pensioner.

The mother of 10 stated that two of her children have since passed away, and she lives alone in a very comfortable environment.

She got married and relocated to Leguan Island in 1953 and began working to assist her husband in the home.

Siahwa Hardat

Rookmin Murray and her friend Tella Nankumarie at her home

SEE PAGE XXV

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 13, 2022

Of great value to the community

-The Leguan Secondary School and Leguan Community Library

By Michel Outridge IN an effort to encourage entrepreneurship and early responsibilities of holding a job, the Leguan Secondary School has incorporated the rearing of meat birds and farming as part of its curriculum.

According to acting headteacher Sarita Dhanessar, the students have different abilities. With a total of 164 on roll, it is the only secondary school on the island and the teaching administration believes that exploring the capabilities of the students is vital.

She has been there for the past 23 years, and she is the head of the Mathematics Department and is also the acting headteacher, Although she attended Zeeburg Secondary School, East Bank Essequibo, Leguan Secondary School is home and it is a place where she wants to be moulding the minds of students to excel in their pursuit of academic achievements for a bright future.

Leguan Secondary School is located within walking distance on the main access road not far from the stelling, and it is strategically located for easy access.

In the compound the Community Library is housed, and this facility is managed by the regional administration, Region Three (West Demerara-Essequibo Islands) and is separate from the school, but students utilise the library for research purposes.

Dhanessar told the Pepperpot Magazine that they are boosting learning through information technology and have introduced it to Grades

The acting headteacher Sarita Dhanessar

Gardening at Leguan Secondary

seven and eight, and there are plans on stream to extend it to the entire school population.

“In some subjects, we have all the textbooks and materials to promote learning, and with the resources we have, it is adequate at this time,” she said.

Leguan Secondary School has produced top performers over the years, and that has not changed within recent times; as a result, they have had many success stories.

Some past students have become lawyers, doctors, medical professionals, teachers, among others, but often they would leave the island for better job opportunities.

Dhanessar added that some would return to give back to society and serve their community.

The headteacher stated that they have had students writing and excelling in 12 subjects and with the 21 teachers they have on staff, they are more than a capable

Leguan Secondary School and Leguan Community Library in front (Delano Williams photos)

Chicken-rearing at the Leguan Secondary school

bunch who share their expertise with students in the various classes.

Leguan Secondary School has a farm of vegetables, and another section houses the chicken pens with meat birds, all made possible by students through the guidance of teachers.

“We want the students to become responsible early to decide on their career

community, since she is the only librarian on the island and manages the place.

She has the assistance of a charwoman, and even though the facility is a bit outdated, it is well-kept and the dozens of books on the shelves are in order.

It is an airy, wooden, flat building that houses the Leguan Community Library, and it is serving the community but is basically under-utilised, except for schoolchildren.

The library is in the compound of the Leguan Secondary School, and it has a seating area with tables and chairs for added comfort and a fan.

The Leguan Community Library is open to the public from 08:00hrs to 16:30hrs on Mondays to Fridays.

They have a collection of Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Harley Quinn, dictionary, thrillers, mysteries and other books in several sections, all neatly arranged.

All the books in the library were donated or either sourced through the regional administration, but on some days there are hardly any visitors to the facility.

Li told the Pepperpot Magazine that she has a deep love for books and when she got the job, she was elated because being surrounded by hundreds of books is fascinating.

At work, she gets to read and broaden her scope, and since reading is fundamental, she is on the right track.

The Leguan Community Library is a cosy place, and it has some members, so books are borrowed and returned.

There is also a need for an internet-ready computer for the students and other learners to utilise during their visit to the public facility, mostly to do research and homework.

“I have been here for the past four years, and I like assisting the visitors to look for books and to even make recommendations to them,” she said.

Li disclosed that the locals would visit to donate books, which is a good gesture and they are always willing to accept more books to stock the shelves in the library.

“Living here is nice. I like the quietness, the breeze and the space. It is a sanctified place because the people are all doing something to earn and it is one of the safest places to reside,” she said.

paths; as such, we have these ventures as part of the school syllabus to serve as a guide,” she said.

Leguan Secondary has a canteen which is conveniently located in the compound, and it is one of the cleanest schools which has a lot of plants to enhance the environment and promote a green Guyana.

The Leguan Community Library Diana Li has a very important role to play in her

Librarian Diana Li at the Leguan Community Library

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 13, 2022

The working women of Leguan Island

By Michel Outridge

FOR Christine Forde, life is but simple as a resident of Leguan Island, Essequibo River, as the village black pudding lady, who would go around the island on her bicycle, mainly selling on weekends.

The 54-year-old has lived all her life on the island and is very comfortable and decided to contribute to the home five years ago by starting a small business out of her home.

She began making black and white pudding on weekends and would go around the village selling on her bicycle.

Forde would source her ingredients from Parika, East Bank Essequibo, and would make the commute by speedboat, at least once weekly.

She also takes orders, and her small business usually takes her all over the island.

The mother of one told the Pepperpot Magazine that she used to plant her own vegetables, but due to the

the black pudding lady, and so far, it is not a big money earner, but it is still something,” she said.

To supplement the small

with mango sour and would make a batch worth $6,000 weekly.

The Leguan Island resident would also make white

daughter, who resides in another section of the island.

Aunty Sylvie, the cashcrop farmer

Christine Forde, the ‘black pudding lady’ (Delano Williams photos)

The home of Christine Forde on Leguan Island, Essequibo River

business, Forde is rearing some chickens and has a flock of sheep.

pudding, since some people do not use black pudding.

“Most people would

Also on the island is Sylvie Basdeo. Even at age 69 years old and battling arthritic pains in her feet, she still does farming for her livelihood,her sole source of income.

Aunty Sylvie, as she is fondly called, has a lovely home and has her farmland in a section next to her yard where she plants calaloo, ochroes, squash, boulangers, bora and tomatoes.

She has an abundance of fruit trees in her yard, and when the mangoes, the sapodilla and other fruits are ripe, she would take them to her stall

at Parika to sell wholesale to buyers.

“I have more than 40 mango trees in this yard, but picking it[sic] is the problem.

I would have to employ people to pick the mangoes and I would have to sell it[sic] to wholesale buyers because it is too much,” she said.

She stated that when the weather is dry, and they have a good harvest, she would employ helpers to assist her husband.

Aunty Sylvie has a stall at Parika, and she would go there weekly to sell her produce, both retail and wholesale.

She has been living on the island all her life and enjoys the quiet and peaceful life there where it is very safe in her section of the village, Amsterdam.

Aunty Sylvie has some parrots and an orange-coloured cat as pets in her large yard, which she keeps tidy.

The mother of four told the Pepperpot Magazine that she used to go and sell her produce twice weekly, but as she progressed in age, it has become a challenge.

She is experiencing severe pains in the legs due to arthritis, and she has had to employ a helper to assist with the household chores once weekly.

Aunty Sylvie does her own cooking, and that day, she was preparing fried tomatoes with salted fish and rice.

She is one of the nicest people you will encounter, and she is very friendly and did not hesitate to open her home to the team.

A section of the farm

heavy rainfall on the island, she had to put that on hold since the backyard was a bit flooded.

“I was looking for a job to assist in the home to pay the bills and meet other life expenses and it wasn’t available, so I decided to become

Due to the high cost of living, Forde explained that the prices for a lot of the essentials for making black and white pudding had increased, so she had to adjust her price to make a little profit.

Forde is now selling two slices of pudding for $100

come to my house to make orders when they need to, because the people here know each other well,” she said.

Forde added that her household hardly ever goes out much, only when it is necessary, due to COVID-19, and they have things to do at home to pass the time.

She disclosed that there is another black pudding lady on the island, but she had to quit the small business as a result of old age and ill-health.

The small business was, however, passed onto her

Sylvie Basdeo, the cash-crop farmer of Amsterdam, Leguan Island

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 13, 2022

The Leguan Cottage Hospital and the RDC

By Michel Outridge DOCTOR Marcia Evelyn is the resident doctor at the Leguan Cottage Hospital. She is right at home to serve the community through good relations with the people and she has become a household name on the island.

She had worked at the Wakenaam Hospital as the resident doctor for six years before she started at the Leguan Cottage Hospital in February this year.

Even though her first career choice was to become a Leguan Health Centre (Delano Williams photos)

Leguan Cottage Hospital

Dr Marcia Evelyn with a patient

paediatrician for the love of helping sick children, after she had a daughter, she had to contend with being a general practitioner.

“When my daughter grows a bit older, I will become specialised and follow my dream of becoming a paediatrician. But for now, I am still loving my job. Helping people is what I do best and I do what is necessary to promote good health on the island,” she said.

Dr Evelyn recalled clearly her first day working on the island was on Valentine’s

Day and she was pleased to become a part of the community, since the people were so welcoming.

The people were quickly drawn to her because of her personality, expertise and she is welcomed at any home on the island.

Dr Evelyn resides in the upper flat of the Leguan Health Centre with her husband and daughter and is on call 24 hours.

The Leguan Cottage Hospital is in the same compound as the Leguan Health Centre and they have enough space to accommodate different sections of the hospital, which also has a mortuary.

She disclosed that they would usually see some seasonal illnesses, chronic disease patients, and the most severe cases are road accidents patients.

Dr Evelyn added that it is a norm for some people to imbibe and ride their motorcycles on the island. As such, they are involved in road accidents and would seek medical attention for injuries received.

The Leguan Cottage Hospital is a tidy place with a doctor’s room, triage area, pharmacy, records section, laundry room and waiting area.

It provides primary health care and has specific days for four separate clinics. About 50 patients would pass through for medical services per week.

The laboratory technician visits weekly, and the Leguan Cottage Hospital also has several wards to house patients and has 21 employees.

Leguan Cottage Hospital also has a dentist who heads that department.

Dr Evelyn hails from Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara, but her mother is from Hogg Island and her father is from Wakenaam Island, so she is familiar with life on an island in the Essequibo River.

“I was inspired to become a doctor because I love taking care of people, mostly children and the elderly, and thought, why not get qualified to do what I love, so here I am as a doctor,” she said.

Meanwhile, Nurse Mark Seeram, who was attached to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) for 10 years, is back home to serve his community at the Leguan Cottage Hospital.

He returned to his home village two years ago and couldn’t be happier.

“The best part about living here [is] you don’t have to spend a lot of money like elsewhere, because we plant and have our own livestock, cattle and things are within reach,” he said.

Seeram added that life in Leguan Island is not so fast-paced as in the city. He is a local, so he is accustomed to the quiet life where there is hardly any drama SEE PAGE XI

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 13, 2022

NDC Vice-Chairman Jainarine Singh

The Leguan Cottage ...

Pharmacy staffers at the Leguan Cottage Hospital

FROM PAGE X

and stress.

He is one of the nicest frontline workers, who wears a smile and is a professional, always ready to serve the people.

Leguan RDC The Leguan Regional Democratic Council (RDC) representative is Sheik Ayube, who describes life on the island as good and the place happy.

He told the Pepperpot Magazine that things are good, except the heavy rainfall which disturbed the rice crops, cattle and livestock-rearing and the farmers.

Ayube added that they have upgraded roads and internal streets, a reliable electricity supply and potable water.

“Here, you can sleep with your doors opened, and nothing will go missing, or no one will come uninvited,” he said.

Ayube stated that he is originally from Leguan Island, but worked at Guymine for many years in Linden and also lived in Kitty, Georgetown.

He returned to Leguan 40 years ago and has a lovely home because he is drawn to the quiet life.

Ayube related that the island has produced a lot of good people and pointed out that former parliamentarian Winston Murray, who was interred in the yard of the 1827-built St Peter’s Anglican Church is from the island.

He noted that the RDC has 15 labourers, one cleaner, two guest houses and a total of 24 employees, all from the island.

Ayube stated that under the Community Infrastructure Improvement Programme (CIIP), they have in their employ 23 workers, who are responsible for the maintenance of drains, canals, parapets, and koker the outfall on the island.

Meanwhile, Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Vice Chairman Jainarine Singh told the Pepperpot Magazine that they need a mini excavator on the island to reduce flooding, since there is overtopping.

He related that it would bring much-needed relief to farmers on the island.

RDC representative Sheik Ayube

Nurse Mark Seeram

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 13, 2022

Leguan’s WPO honours...

FROM PAGE III

The Struggles

Former Education Officer Bibi Shariman Ali, reflected on some of the struggles that she personally endured and saw others go through in order to fulfil their roles as teachers and other officers back in the day.

“I am very happy to see what Leguan has become. I had to walk miles to go to school, so it’s good to see that trans-

portation on the island has improved,” Ali, who retired as Deputy Chief Education Officer, shared. In her days, there was also no secondary school which meant that many had to leave home to be able to continue their education.

She spoke highly about the event that was organised for the women and noted how it can serve as a motivation and inspiration to the younger women. “I know the struggles of these mothers. The event was used to inspire young people that they too can attain greatness. I really laud the initiative.

From left: Bibi Fajina Khan, Bibi Shariman Ali, and Nowbati Manbodh

The ladies were entertained, the atmosphere was festive.

Everyone felt happy and motivated.”

Philomena Chintamani, another one of the honorees, worked for 37 years in the education sector. “I felt special, honoured. I was excited to go to the event because I never went to one before; things like these never happened,” she commented.

Chintamani added that the developments on the island at present would see it being transformed to the point that perhaps many who moved away may want to return there to live.

Meanwhile, the persons who volunteered to decorate the venue for the event were Narlyn Jagroop Harris, Dolly Khubraj, Thanisa Singh, Mohendra Rambajue and Chandra Sahadeo. Many young men and others also assisted in cleaning, decorating, serving and escorting the ladies, thus making the evening extra special.

The featured guest speaker was Tandika Simone-Smith, a doctor and Member of Parliament.

From left: Former Headmistresses Rani Gobin, Audrey Leander, and Pauline Hodge

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 13, 2022

NEVER LET YOUR GUARD DOWN The legions that prowl among us always intend the worse

MY wife called me anxiously. I stood beside her and she pointed to the young man on the road, slipping along, whom she had learnt is an addict. She informed me “He’s not yet 25 years old, when it gon stop ? ” Our concern and conviction to pay attention come from experience. We have struggled with one of our offspring, and after a pro-

ing legion that affected him with confusing pretensions of advice came from mostly members of my side of the family. Drug addiction is not something I would wish on any creature. It borders on implementing a system for self-gain that steals the consciousness of another soul. There is no doubt that the coca plant has other beneficial uses, but the al-

Their once-loved ones to be correct, where they must hide valuables, anything that can be sold, that is. The hunger of the addict is tremendous, beyond the capabilities of most working-class Guyanese families to provide this excessive food requirement.

The next confrontation is the odour of the drug yard that has become a necessary accommodation of the addict

found symbolic number of years of traumatising events, eventually with the help of a long-needed significant authority, set up by the state a few years ago, we have embraced progress, with challenges still. Still, changes are seen, despite a severe economic blow to family plans, that offspring came through so far, though it is still a work in progress. The pathway was crowded with pitfalls, and with great pain and surprise, the most undermin-

chemist in humans have found a way to mimic the need for the substance of ‘Food’ through a drug that will produce a creature out of a human being. That will test the faith and resilience of families upon what decisions and sacrifices they are prepared to make in an uncharted quest to rescue one of their own.

Most addicts who roam the street are condemned to that because relatives are terrified and unable to accommodate their loved ones.

in the course of embracing the macabre euphoria of that drug crypt, with its habits and stench, that do not fade away easily. When the mind demands escape, back to the sanctuary of what was home, the challenge presents itself to the occupants of the home, to force adjustment on the addict, from within the no man’s land of he or she is traumatically altered consciousness, requiring more of metamorphosis to morph from the filth of the ‘Drug yards of Georgetown’ to the

normalcy the family is accustomed to, and the victim was trained from childhood in, as a standard.This requires a combined family effort to challenge and enforce that metamorphosis. Even with a balanced family of combined physical strength, it can turn violent, thus the resort to banish and abandon becomes

the alternative to avoid what can possibly lead to worse.

In the real world, outside of the escapist social pretences; the addict has proved his viciousness, there is no institution in this country that has tabulated the number of elderly relatives who have been murdered by berserk addicts that were children, grand-

children, or other, when they could not help in sustaining the habit. No wonder in the wards of the common folk, cocaine and its concoctions into pills etc. are addressed as ‘De Jumbie,’ because while it possesses the addict, it haunts the families. The physical SEE PAGE XXV

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 13, 2022

My desire is to do so much more I DID not expect to get so emotional on this rainy morning. The number of women on the streets is increasing.

Some mornings they distribute sandwiches, buns, tea and coffee and sometimes juice to the homeless as part of the breadbasket project. It was raining all night into the morning. I felt like going back to bed after waking

up at 4pm. My mind was engaged in a serious battle as to whether I should stay at home or go visit my friends on the street. I enjoy the sound of the rain and snuggling up in bed, so it was difficult to leave that cozy spot. I am happy the side won that pushed me out of bed and into the shower then kitchen, to prepare breakfast but not just

for me. I believe the homeless people are even more grateful for a cup of hot coffee on a rainy day. The week before, I joined my grandson Jaidyn on his feeding initiative, and I felt proud of him knowing I not only have my daughters to continue my efforts, but my grandson as well. My desire is to do much more but I have to find ways of having access to more resources; hence, one of the reasons I am excited about the ‘I am Collection.’ Part of the proceeds will be given to work on projects through my foundation.

You saw some pics of the furniture last week and this week, I share some people who supported. Pictures will convey messages words can’t express. No one can do it alone, no matter how talented you are. I have built some meaningful relationships that I treasure. I also wanted to highlight the persons who assisted me in making this a reality. Natasha David was my late-night and early-morning partner off whom I bounced ideas.

Collin Young and Byron brought life to my crazy idea. I wish SEE PAGE XV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 13, 2022

My desire is ...

FROM PAGE XIV I had captured the expression on Collin’s and Natasha’s face when I shared some concepts and the stories to go with them.

I invited my friend Herbie Marshall and if you know him you know how hard it is to separate him from his guitar and he was exceptional. He was playing all my mom’s favourite songs and she appreciated. . Thank you to Mortimer Stewart and Banks for providing

the tents .Thank you to pastor Claude Brooks, Carole Brooks, my mom Claudia Gibson Noel, John Corin Gibson, Brenda Gibson and all the other people who continue to pray for me.

Thank you to Richard Young, Ms Henry, Egburt Blair, Raquel Thomas-Caesar, Ronald Musoso, Phillipa Morrish, Lizze Daniels, Esan Benzy, Rudy Saul, Racquel Shafiullah ,Sarah Moseley,Shonta Noel, Beverley Sam, Shari Sign, Linden

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Cave, Alliyah Culley, Saskia Insanally, Candace Crawford, and everyone, including the media, who assisted in making this a reality.

I AM truly blessed ! Join me on March 30 and 31 for the launch of the I AM Collection (where your way of life meets your style for life) as we continue to celebrate 25 years in fashion BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 13, 2022

A worthwhile revival

I RECENTLY had the honour of producing a programme for International Women’s Day that partnered with local influencers to use their platform to speak out on violence against women in Guyana. The aim was to utilise the large platforms of these influencers to reach more people than may otherwise have been achieved through a more technical approach.

This project opened my eyes to the need for persons with access to certain platforms to reach out to others who may be unable to access the same information or opportunities, and lend them a helping hand.

When I first started The Write Mind, it was intended to serve only as a short series of articles to advise writers on the ins and outs of the industry and to help them to navigate how

to develop a lucrative writing career, even in the absence of traditional resources.

That series covered everything from finding a mentor, finding your niche as a writer in Guyana, how to make money as a local writer, traditional and self-publishing and several other topics from my own experience that I thought other writers could benefit from.

Months later, I am still receiving emails from writers requesting additional information or “picking my brain” on getting published and other related topics. Another surprising result were some requests to have their own creative work published in the newspaper. This has led to the realisation that a mere series is insufficient in this landscape, where there is already a lack of resources. So I have committed to resuming this column to continue to provide guidance (to the best of my ability), while reserving space for a creative outlet for Guyanese writers.

So, before resuming my own writing, I wish to put out a call to local writers who wish to have their poems or short fiction published in the Pepperpot Magazine. As stated above, I believe that when we are presented with opportunities and given certain responsibilities and powers, we must not only use those things for our own benefit; there is always someone in need of a helping hand.

On that note, I look forward to reviving this column and, even more, I look forward to receiving beautiful works of art from our creative writers who seek to tell the stories of our people and our heritage through words.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 13, 2022

Pharyngitis

UNDOUBTEDLY, at some time in our lives, we will all suffer from pharyngitis or sore throat. But while this seems normal, the cause and evolution of the disease may vary quite a lot. Included in respiratory system disorders, the acute or chronic condition arises from causes such as infection, allergies, tumours and drug reactions.

Sore throat is usually a prominent symptom of a wide variety of diseases, among which are rheumatic, scarlet and relapsing fevers (a tick spreads the latter). Others include polio, tetanus, tonsillitis and vitamin B deficiency.

What we commonly call the throat is really the oropharynx, which is visible at the back of the mouth situated below the nasopharynx and above the larynx (voice box). Tonsils are spongy tissues at the back of the throat, composed mainly of lymphatic cells. There are three types: the palatine tonsils, usually referred to as the ‘tonsils,’ are visible between the arches that extend from the uvula (bell-shaped structure at the centre of the opening), to the floor of the mouth.

Then there are the pharyngeal tonsils, often called the adenoids. These lie at the back of the throat. They generally shrink as a child grows but may have to be surgically removed if they become enlarged and inflamed. The lingual tonsils are on the upper surface of each side of the back of the tongue.

The ‘tonsils’ function to protect the pharynx (common entrance of the gullet, nose and windpipe) and the rest of the body from infectious organisms (bacteria, fungi and viruses).

Infection of the tonsils, called tonsillitis, may serve as a source of infection elsewhere in the body. The tonsils form lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that produce antibodies to combat harmful organisms trapped in the mucous membrane lining in the throat. In fact, the lymphocytic tissue circumscribing the throat actually represents the first line of defence against invading pathogens.

Lets look at how the tonsils relate to the dreaded disease AIDS. In reality, HIV is too frail to kill anyone. Most people

who die from AIDS generally succumb as a result of either pneumocystis carini pneumonia or cancer. These situations develop because there is the depletion of special white blood cells known as Tee Four Lymphocytes, which are responsible for providing immunity against aggressive germs.

The AIDS virus may also invade and kill the Tee Four Lymphocytes, leaving the body vulnerable. These protective cells are manufactured in the tonsils, bone marrow and spleen.

A sore throat that is not responding to conventional treatment may be gonorrhoea of the oropharynx contracted from oral sex. Also occurring sometimes is diphtheria, which begins gradually with fever, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes (glands) in the neck.

A thick white membrane forms on the tonsils and may obstruct breathing to necessitate the surgical opening of the windpipe. Heart muscle and nerves may be affected, causing heart failure, paralysis and sometimes death.

The throat communicates with the middle ear, located behind the eardrums, by means of a passage called the Eustachian tube. This is why the pain of the ear infection is occasionally experienced when the victim has a cold. With a sore throat, the typical complaint is a raw, dry, burning sensation and pain in swallowing all cool substances, such as ice cream. If the infection spreads downwards to the larynx, hoarseness and temporary loss of voice may ensue.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 13, 2022

Moving forward with the changing of schools hair rules THERE is an intense discussion ongoing on the need to change archaic hairstyle rules that are imposed and enforced by schools and I believe this national discussion is crucial if any level of positive change is to be had.

For a bit of context, this discussion intensified after the Ministry of Education issued a hairstyle memorandum that sought to grant a “one-day permission” for the relaxing of hair rules to allow for women and girls to wear their hair as they desire on International Women’s Day. The memorandum, understandably, sparked much discussion and condemnation by scores of people,both from people who believed that these hairstyle rules are archaic and should be abolished, and from those who believe that hairstyles should remain ‘uniform’ as part of efforts to maintain discipline in the school system.

I was not surprised by either of these reactions. While, as an Indo-Guyanese teenager, I did not share the same harsh experiences of having my hair policed by schools or teachers, I have witnessed how this affected my friends and colleagues - it caused them great hurt and frustration.

I distinctly recall when many of us were hoping to be selected as school prefects at my high school, our appearance came under much scrutiny. For us, it was understood that having your hair neatly combed meant that it should be plaited. Of course, you had folks like myself, who couldn’t be bothered to plait our hair (except on Mondays, because that’s the general assembly day); instead, I placed my hair into a quick bun and felt quite comfortable with that.

An Afro-Guyanese colleague, who had very short hair, pointed out to me that if she put her hair in a bun or in any other style besides plaiting her hair, concerns would be raised about the neatness of her appearance. At a time when our awareness of our appearance was heightened (because we wanted to become prefects and get the fancy badges and tie), what my colleague said to me resonated deeply.

These are sentiments shared by so many more people on social media. In mainstream media, some people have spoken out about the perpetuation of gender and social norms that have been inherited from colonial times. They argue that these norms should have no place in a post-independence period, when cultural sensitivity should be a foremost consideration.

And so when I think about the conversation that’s happening now, replete with the intense agitation of some people, I am not surprised, because I have known these hairstyle rules to be problematic for quite some time now.

So here we are, engrossed in conversations and forthcoming consultations on the topic.

And do I think that these conversations and consultations are needed? Certainly, I can appreciate the need to bring more people into the conversation and help some interrogate their beliefs of what neat and tidy hair looks like for different groups of people.

I can also ‘see reason’ that with such actions, people are given a greater opportunity to take ownership of the changes that could come, instead of feeling far removed from the changes, or even feeling as though the changes to the rules are imposed upon them.

My concern with this, though, is whether we become stuck in a ‘talking stage’ for far too long and we forget about the issue until there is some other event or occurrence that prompts a large outcry once again. I am wary that people’s views on the issue can be diligently collected and analysed, but left to languish wherever well-meaning, but unused reports or policy drafts go.

I am hopeful that this will not be the case this time around because we’ve had commitments from the Education Minister and because the ministry itself seems intent on moving the conversation along by convening several panel discussions on the topic already.

Even so, I believe that deeper conversations should be had to help us interrogate just how ingrained ‘anti-blackness,’ for example, is in our norms and possibly even policies and laws, or how we unintentionally perpetuate these problematic things. There are deeper conversations needed on our conceptualisation of maintaining order and discipline in the classrooms, while the overarching responsibility is to ensure that children learn in a safe, comfortable, and empowering manner.

I imagine that the promised widespread consultations will yield much-needed discussions on these topics. And with the level of interest in overhauling the archaic rules generated already, it appears as though there’s no going back from here.

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

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 13, 2022

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Never ignore relationship red flags; it will cost you later

A FEW months ago, my Facebook timeline was filled with the red flag emojis. I think at the time, many people didn’t even understand what a red flag was or in what context to use such a phrase. It was used to make memes of people, places and things that ought to be avoided because they’re “red flags.” The internet labelled almost everything as a “red flag.” Habits such as never seeing a popular Netflix show to people from Berbice were listed as red flags. I’m sure you’ve seen the memes. It was something to chuckle at back then, but as I continue to write and open up conversations on abuse—I can’t help but acknowledge the importance of understanding “red flags” in relationships and why you should never ignore them.

Generally, red flags are used as a stop sign. You have to stop at a red light, or even when the farmer waves a red flag while crossing his cattle on the public road. In the context of relationships and abuse, red flags are essentially “warning signs.” They may directly indicate that a person is mentally or emotionally manipulative and toxic to be in a relationship with. You may end up in emotional conflicts or abuse by proceeding into a relationship with someone who has certain ignored red flags. In essence, red flags in individuals can even pinpoint an abusive personality, narcissism, an aggressor or an oppressor.

Given all of this, sometimes, we intentionally ignore red flags. Red flags are seen as a challenge sometimes rather than a warning sign. Sometimes, we set out to “change” that person with behavioural warning signs, or we hope that they change some time along the way. This is usually a recipe for disaster. Sometimes, red flags aren’t even analysed and understood until the relationship has ended. Some would describe this as “not being able to see beyond your nose.”

In an instance like this, the abuser would manipulate your perception of reality. Don’t ever let them convince you that the red flags you see aren’t real.

It’s also important to know the difference between yellow flags and red flags. Yellow flags are less slightly severe signs.

These are usually subjective in nature and can be tolerable, based on your personal boundaries, values or opinions. Yellow flags aren’t necessarily harmful to a relationship; they may be certain habits or behaviours that can cause minor conflicts or friction in a relationship. Unlike yellow flags, red flags are more life-threatening and can put you in direct danger. Substance abuse, anger issues, co-dependency, gaslighting, inability to solve conflicts, lack of communication skills and being overly controlling are examples of red flags in a relationship.

When confronted with red flags, my best advice is to be honest with yourself and set personal boundaries with what you can and cannot tolerate in a partner. By setting personal boundaries, you’ll be able to define the type of relationship and partner you’d like to be with. As humans, we yearn for connections and relationships. We have evolved to be social beings. While a connection is important, not all connections and relationships are healthy for us. As such, boundaries can help to navigate the type of relationships and partners we’d like to have. When presented with a red flag in someone, we might be interested in, it’s important to take a step back to reflect on the structure and potential of the relationship.

Can the relationship be emotionally, mentally and physically

healthy with the shown warning signs? If your answer is no, then it makes no sense to proceed into such a relationship.

Red flags are usually very subtle in the beginning, but an abuser will never show his true colours all at once, but

their subtle, abusive traits and behaviours will eventually grow over time. Don’t wait until time tells your tale. Ignoring the red flags because you want to see the good in people will cost you later.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 13, 2022

RADHA AND KRISHNA - THE FLUTE PLAYER

SPRING was in the air, and the lavish preparations had already begun for the Phagwah festival. The songs, the colours, the dances always brought happiness and joy to the celebrations for all, rich and poor.

Radha stood on the balcony, her eyes closed, a picture of beauty and simplicity, her mind focused only on the sounds of the flute, borne by the wind from the forest, the melody mesmerising her. She wondered not anymore, whose enchanted lips played those tunes and from whence he came, for she had seen him the last Holi festival and in her mind, she visualised him, sitting by the stream; fair and handsome, long hair falling over his shoulders and the charming smile, that had stolen her heart.

He was like Krishna, the God she worshipped, and she yearned so much over the years to listen to his music and let herself be lost in his seemingly godly presence.

But he could not come to the mansion to seek her hand, for he was born of the lower caste. Her father wanted for her a groom of high caste and social standing, following the tradition of the family, but he knew not that her heart was already lost to someone else.

“Radha.”

She turned around and smiled as her father walked towards her. The sound of the flute flowed through the windows into the hallway, and he stood for a moment listening, then asked, “Why are you sad, my dear?”

“Papa—,” she started to say, “No, Radha,” he stopped her, “I held you in my arms from the moment your eyes opened; as a baby I watched every step you made as you grew, your smiles, your laughter, always a joy to my heart so I would know my child, when you are sad.”

She lowered her eyes and did not answer, for she knew not if he would be hurt or angry if she told him the truth.

He took her hand gently and said, “Look at me Radha, you are a blessed child, and your happiness is all I want. The Maharaj of Rajput is coming soon for a visit with his son for whom he seeks a bride. I will meet with them because I want the best for you.”

She nodded her head and kissing her on the forehead, he turned to go, then stopped.

“The sound of the flute is really beautiful. Where does it come from?”

“From the village, beyond the forest.”

“Where mortals of the lower caste dwell?”

She nodded.

“You seem enchanted by the sound.”

She smiled, a light dancing in her eyes at the thought of him. Her father looked at her for a long moment then said, “Tradition cannot be broken, it must be upheld, even if we have to give up what we most SEE PAGE XXIII cherish, or what our hearts de-

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 13, 2022

ON Friday, March 18, Phagwah or Holi will be celebrated countrywide. It is the most ancient holy day in Guyana’s holiday calendar, since its origins could be traced to over 5,000 years ago. It was introduced to Guyana by Indentured Immigrants from India in the 19th century.

It quickly attracted celebrants of all races, religions and cultures, thus becoming one of the first integrative forces in Guyana’s plural society.

Over the 5,000 years of its existence, many varied traditions came to be attached to, or absorbed into it, but they all had a celebratory aspect and a moral and religious which proclaimed that truth and goodness will always triumph over evil and wickedness. In Guyana, there are two main Holi or Phagwah traditions that are strongly maintained: the story of the defeat and death of the tyrant Hiranya Kasipu and the return of Lord Rama from his 14-year exile to his kingdom of Ayodhya.

In ancient India, there lived a great and powerful king named Hiranya Kasipu, who was a strong believer in God and who devoted himself to the Divine, practising the most severe austerities (tapasya). God himself acknowledged Hiranya Kasipu’s great devotion and rewarded him with three boons of his choice. The first boon granted was that Hiranya Kasipu could never die or be killed on the face of the earth; the second was that he could never be killed or die at night nor day, and the third was that he could be killed by neither man nor animal.

When Hiranya Kasipu attained these great powers, his

Phagwah celebration in full swing at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (file photo)

personality suddenly changed, and extreme arrogance and selfishness overtook him. He declared he was immortal and was God himself and became a tyrant, oppressing his subjects.

He then declared that everyone must worship him as God on pain of death to themselves and families, and the temples had to remove the icons of God. The people lived in fear until his young son Prahalad publicly declared that he believed in God and that his father was no God. He incurred his father’s extreme hatred, and he decided to kill Prahalad.

He and his sister Holika, who was a witch with the power of fire never harming her, worked out a plan to kill Prahalad. A large pyre was built and at nightfall, Holika took Prahalad in her lap, sat on the pyre which was then set alight. The next morning when the pyre had burnt out, the citizens found Prahalad alive and well, but that Holika had been burnt to ash. The king became dementSEE PAGE XXIII ed with rage and went into the

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 13, 2022

Corporal Punishment CORPORAL punishment is an extremely controversial topic and yet still a widely used discipline worldwide, especially in Guyana. I know many parents who have used this technique, and, in some cases, I have even seen where they believe it was needed. However, I’m sorry to report-and this is not my opinion, but rather based on scientific evidence-it does NOT work in properly correcting behaviour.

Please make no mistake that corporal punishment refers to children’s physical punishment, which means it is a form of physical abuse and a violation of children’s human rights. I know some of you out there may laugh at that, and unfortunately, that is the first problem. Children have rights and should be respected as such. Most importantly,they should not be taught at a young age that physical acts are the resolution to any problem.

Some typical examples that I have seen in and outside of Guyana are spanking, slapping, pinching, hitting with an object, and forcing children to consume unpleasant substances such as soap or hot pepper.

To argue whether it is effective or not, research shows that hitting a child when they do something wrong does have an instant effect on whether they may or may not do it again at that very moment. The key word there is MAY, as hitting children does not teach them right from wrong

in any sense of the narrative. They may not repeat the behaviour that very second in your presence, but they will again another time.

There is an important difference between children fearing you and respecting you. If they fear you, they may not repeat the behaviour in front of you, simply because they fear the physical punishment. However, if you healthily communicate to them why it is right from wrong, they will respect you enough not to repeat the behaviour. Yes, it is better to teach children healthy ways to resolve conflictcrazy right?

Before I get into ways of effective punishment, I would like to speak about what physical punishment actually does to your children. Yes, you often get immediate, compliant behaviour in children, but what do you get in the long run?

Decades of research show that physical punishment leads to increased aggression, anti-social behaviour, criminal behaviours, and mental health issues and illnesses such as depression and substance abuse.

One of the largest pieces of research concerning corporal punishment was conducted by Dr Elizabeth Thompson Gershoff of the National Center for Children at Columbia University. She reviewed 88 studies that had over 62 years of data. She specifically focused on moral internalization, relationship quality with parSEE PAGE XXIV ent, future mental health

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 13, 2022

FROM PAGE XXI

largest temple, shouting that he was God and if there was any other God, let that God come and meet him. As he paced about in his rage, he struck one of the columns of the temple with his sword and out jumped a Man-Lion, Narsingha, who was an Outar or incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Narsingha immediately attacked the king and they struggled for a long time until dusk had set in. They fell on the temple’s steps, and Narsingha managed to catch Hiranya Kasipu by the throat, lifted him off the ground, and strangled him. The king was killed at dusk, which was neither night nor day; he was throttled in midair off the earth, and his executioner was neither man nor animal.

The people broke into spontaneous jubilation, exchanged meals, spayed each other with coloured water, especially red, to symbolise the tyrant’s death and called their festival “Holi” to remember Holika’s death and Prahalad’s great faith in God, which saved his life.

RADHA AND KRISHNA...

FROM PAGE XX

sire and you, my child, are the symbol of that culture, don’t ever forget that.”

“Yes Papa,” she said with a slight, trembling voice.

She felt heartbroken, like a flower withering day after day, for her love would not be allowed to bloom.

The day of the Holi festival was celebrated in a rainbow of colours, singing and dancing, a cultural tradition filled with so much gaiety.

Radha did not hear the flute that day or many days after as preparations continued in earnest for the Maharaj’s visit.

Expectations were high, and she knew she had to fulfil the tradition of her generation, as was in the past and as of now.

In her heart, she said, “Goodbye, my Krishna, for I have to go to another.”

That was a day she had hoped wouldn’t come, but it did.

She walked down the stairs, slowly, with leaden feet and stopped abruptly. From somewhere in the mansion, she heard the soft, melodious tune of the flute.

She looked around surprised and breaking from the arms of those who were escorting her, she ran down the steps, her feet now as light as a feather, and bursting through the doors of the ornate room where only royals are entertained, she caught her breath.

Her Krishna was standing there in princely clothes with a warm smile on his face, beside his father, the Maharaj, who had come with a huge entourage. She looked at them stunned, then at her father and asked softly in disbelief, “What is happening, Papa?”

He took her hand, saying with great pride, “Come, let me introduce you to the Prince of Rajput.”

She looked at the prince somewhat confused, “B-but, I saw him in the village,” she paused, “By the stream.”

“And you thought I was from the village?” the prince asked, a teasing glint in his eyes.

She nodded, still stunned by this unexpected surprise, seeing him as a prince and not the poor boy whom her heart had spoken for.

The Maharaj now stepped forth and said, “The prince had been visiting different districts and villages for the past two years, and that day he saw you, he knew he had found the princess of his heart.”

Tears of happiness filled Radha’s eyes as her father said to her, “He will be your groom, the one who brings a smile on your lips and light in your eyes, and whose heart holds the richness the world possesses not.”

The sweet sounds of the flute filled the mansion as Radha looked at her Krishna across the room. Her love would be allowed to bloom as the spring flowers, and she could now hold his hand and sit by the gushing stream in the embrace of his love and music.

The other Phagwah or Holi tradition is the commemoration of Lord Rama’s return from his 14-year exile. The story is well known of King Dasrat of Ayodhya having three queens who bore him three sons, with Ram being the heir apparent and one of the queens, Bharat’s mother, scheming to have her son made king. She was successful in having Ram exiled for 14 years into the wild forests, where survival was difficult.

But Bharat, who was the epitome of nobleness, integrity and honesty, found his mother’s action abhorrent. He never sat on the throne but placed Ram’s sandals there and governed as regent for Ram. While Ram was in exile, his wife Sita was kidnapped by Ravan, the demonic king of Lanka, and Ram, assisted by

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Hanuman, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, gathered an army, invaded Lanka, killed Ravan and rescued Sita. This part of Lord Rama’s life is recounted in many Ramayanas, even as far away from India in countries like Indonesia and Thailand. In Guyana, the Ramayana used is written by Tulsidas and is one of the main texts used by Hindus in the Caribbean.

Phagwah is the festival that commemorates Ram’s return from exile which the citizens celebrated with great jubilation. The city was illuminated with lamps and diyas. People exchanged sweetmeats, went to the temples to pray and sang the praises of Lord Rama in the streets. Phagwah and Holi became fused in many ways as for example, all using abeer, the red water to throw on each other. Since Lord Rama’s return occurred in Spring in the month of Phalgun, the festival adopted much of the joyous relief with which Spring Festivals everywhere are characterised. In Guyana, we have retained the celebratory as well as the moral aspects of the festival and calling it “Phagwah” which is related to Phalgun reminds us of its Spring background.

Happy Phagwah! Happy Holi!

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Corporal ...

FROM PAGE XXII diagnosis and future aggressive and criminal behaviour.

During the research, there were undeniably strong associations and the likelihood of the aforementioned happening if the individual had experienced corporal punishment as a child. The research also showed generational acceptance and therefore acts. Meaning, parents who were physically punished as

children were more likely to do the same to their own; children who were physically punished were more likely to endorse hitting or bullying as a means of resolving their conflicts with friends, siblings and partners later in life.

The research also determined that the frequency and severity of corporal punishment matter. The more often or more harshly a child was hit, the more likely all the

aforementioned problems were to occur. This adds to the dangerous nature of this type of punishment, as if we consider that children become used to it, it indicates that parents believe they have to keep escalating it for the children to continuously take it seriously.

So, physical punishment instills hostility and a feeling of powerlessness over children. It doesn’t even work and adds on many more is-

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 13, 2022 sues long-term? Time to consider other options I believe.

First of all, it would be good to acknowledge that discipline isn’t about controlling kids, but rather teaching them how to control themselves. That is the goal and good discipline, like anything else, is not quick or easy.

The most effective forms of punishment have been shown to be healthy communication, reinforcement,limit- setting, redirecting and implementing logical consequences.

As regards reinforcement, there are four types that aid in either encouraging

(reinforcing) or discouraging (punishing) certain behaviours.

Positive punishment occurs when something unpleasant is added, making the behaviour less likely to continue or re-occur. For example, when you give your child a chore which they don’t like to do. Positive reinforcement occurs when something pleasant is added, making the behaviour more likely to continue or re-occur. For example, you give your child a new toy if they do something good that you have asked them to do. Negative punishment occurs when something pleasant is taken away that makes the behaviour less likely to continue or to re-occur. For example, taking away a toy when there is undesirable behaviour.

Negative reinforcement occurs when something unpleasant is taken away that makes the behaviour more likely to continue or re-occur. For example, if you eliminate a chore that your child does not like to do because of their good behaviour. The key to making reinforcement effective is dealing with the punishment (good or bad) immediately after the behaviour occurs.

Limit-setting is another effective form of punishment.

This is a process parents use to teach their children the rules of the family and the world – what is expected of them, how far they can go, and what happens if they go too far. Setting a limit is not the same as issuing an ultimatum, nor are they threats. Limits offer choices with consequences. For example, if you would like your child to clean his/her room, a threat is- “If you don’t clean your room, you can’t see your friends this weekend.” A limit is “If you clean up your room, you can go out with your friends this weekend. If you don’t clean your room, then you won’t be allowed to go out with your friends. It’s your decision.” Through limits, children begin to understand that their actions, positive or negative, result in predictable consequences.

Redirecting is also effective. There is verbal and physical redirection. Verbal redirection involves verbally requesting a behaviour change. The parent first tells the child that the behaviour is not appropriate or appreciated and then tells them what is acceptable. For example: A child is standing on a chair. Say “please don’t stand on the chair, chairs are meant to be sat on. Physical redirection is added on if verbal redirection is not effective. Parents can use a calm and nurturing touch to redirect the child away from inappropriate behaviour.

For example: A child is standing on a chair. Say “please don’t stand on the chair. Chairs are meant to be sat on,” while gently placing your hand on the child’s back to help them sit down or calmly helping them off the chair. The key to making redirecting effective is to be as specific as possible about the changes you want.

Implementing logical consequences that teach life lessons, in my opinion, is one of the best ways to go. Later in life, when it’s time to be “punished” by an employer, partner or peer, the normal situation would/ should not be abuse. Think of real-life consequences and apply them as punishment, so your child actually learns life lessons. For example, if your child breaks something, make them do chores to earn money to fix it.

Overall, corporal punishment damages the relationship between parent and child. This relationship is supposed to be surrounded by trust, stability, safety, and security. How can a child feel that way if they are instead continuously scared?

Thank you for reading. Please continue to send suggested topics to caitlinvieira@gmail.com

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Cricket and the locals ...

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Her husband passed away many years ago.

“I would do all the chores and cooking, but I don’t cook every day. I would prepare two sets of meals for two days at a time and have it refrigerated. That way, I don’t overwork myself,” she said.

The neighbours would keep an eye on her, and she gets daily visits from her long-time friend, Tella Nankumarie, who has recovered from a stroke and is happy to engage in friendly banter.

Murray resides in Clairmont Village, Leguan Island and her mother, Ramwattie Kellawan, is 101 years old and is residing in Richmond Hill village.

She is caring for grandchildren and still is very active, doing all the cooking.

That day when the team visited, she was not feeling well and was supposed to go to the doctor, but couldn’t, due to the heavy rainfall.

Kellawan also hails from De Kinderen, West Coast Demerara, but moved to Leguan Island many years ago.

She was a cane harvester and had worked hard for many years before she quit working in the fields.

Delano Williams photos saved in a folder in Graphics as Leguan.

Captions: 4698 – 4681, 4696 – 4791 4776, 4772 –

Ramwattie Kellawan, 101 years old, at her home on Leguan Island

NEVER LET YOUR GUARD ...

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strength of the addict, his or her convictions, none of this matters if they should test any addictive substance, they would have begun a self-conflict with an enslaving habit (alcohol, cocaine, nicotine, marijuana) that by the construct of their ‘being’ can render them disabled for the rest of their lives, if the family support is unable to wage war with this habit, or the inner strength cannot find the resolution to triumph, over an invited adversary, then the ‘Jumbie’ pact is sealed.

All human beings, it seems, are composed of addictive qualities to some level, mine is Caffeine, but I have abandoned it for De-café, it seems, our species are wired to have habits at different levels. But it is not merely habits from discussions with addictive persons. Many were tempted, others to escape the confusion of changes with nothing to fall back on, needed an escape, and became entrapped, then there are the entitled (Brats) and those with various identity problems, low esteem and self-hate. I am not a professional in any of the fields that engage addiction, but I have learnt the hard way what little I can tell you, for as a parent, I have had to learn as much as I can from as many available people. There are also addicts with resources that can socially hide until they whip out their licensed firearm and commit, at times, multiple murders.

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The serene ...

FROM PAGE VI

to several villages.

There are two options to get to Leguan Island. One option if by ferry, the Malali, which leaves at 10:00hrs for Leguan from the Parika stelling. It is a long sail, depending on the tide and it leaves the island at 15:00hrs to return to Parika.

The other option is the speedboat service in which many of the boats outfitted with outboard engines do not have a shed, so you are likely to get wet if the tide is high.

Leguan Island is a developing place with 35 small villages, and it is a relatively large island where they have many facilities and hardly ever need to travel to Parika except to do business, since there are no commercial banks there nor large-scale shopping.

Leguan Island has two health centres, a cottage hospital with a resident doctor, two well stations, a Guyana Power and Light plant and office for paying bills, a post office, a police station, a rehabilitated guesthouse, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) building, the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) building, the Leguan Secondary School, the Richmond Hill Primary School, a cremation site, a Community Library, three ballfields/playgrounds, five mandirs, seven churches and three mosques.

On the island, at one of the mandirs, there is perhaps one of the largest Hanoman statues in the country, which is made out of pure concrete and stands at 45 feet tall in the compound of the mandir, which is colourful and well-kept.

This statue was the brainchild of a resident who is a member of the mandir.

Leguan Island has long stretches of beach and upgraded sea defence, where there are wooden benches for adequate seating accommodation and serves as a relaxation area for both locals and visitors.

This section of the island overlooks the mighty Essequibo River, and it is a good spot to watch the sunset or the waves overlap.

The time to get around the island varies, depending on the stops made by a private vehicle. Some residents also use public transportation, which are mini-buses and cars.

Almost all the men have motorcycles, the most viable way to get around, and a lot of the villagers have their own vehicles.

The population of Leguan Island is about 3,000, and at one time, it was said that the island had 10,000. But over time, a lot of people, mostly young people, left in search of jobs.

Leguan Island has 25 internal streets, all of which have been upgraded to all-weather roads and one main road which goes all around the island.

On the island, they have a potable water supply, electricity, internet service provided by a resident at $5,000 per month, but no landline service.

There are many shops, bars, supermarkets, and corner snackettes and barbershops near the stelling area and all around the island.

The people are very hospitable and the population consists of a mixture of Afro and Indo Guyanese, a handful of Spanish-speaking people and people of mixed-race ethnicities.

It is a very safe place to reside, where people leave their doors unlocked and all is intact at all times, since crime is basically unheard of there.

Leguan Island is a clean place with never-ending farmlands and is an island where the people are self-sufficient.

The main economic activities of the people are rice-farming, cash-crops cultivation, cattle and poultry farming.

The locals grow their own food, and there is an abundance of fruits and vegetables. Most people rear cows, sheep, goats, ducks and chickens.

One can get almost everything on the island, and most farmers would go to Parika to sell their produce.

Leguan Island is a quiet, breezy place for a good, family-oriented life.

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INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FORESTS

FORESTS cover 30 percent of the planet’s land surface, and they’re critical for the quality of the air we breathe – 20 percent of which comes from the Amazonian rainforest. Forests are also crucial for the quality of the rivers waters that cities directly or indirectly consume and for regulating the water cycle. They also play a key role in fighting climate change as they soak up and store CO2 in their biomass, preventing it from going to the atmosphere. In fact, protecting forests has the power to help us fulfil the Paris Agreement by 37 percent.

Approximately 85 percent of the total land area of Guyana is covered in various types of forests, so the celebration of this day is of significance to our country.

The Collaborative Partnership chooses the theme for each International Day of Forests on Forests, and this year, it’s no different. The theme for 2022 is “Forests and sustainable production and consumption.”

Today, forests face unprecedented challenges with human development activities being among the most pressing. These challenges threaten the well-being of people, especially indigenous people and nature (wildlife) habitats.

A call is being made for immediate action to develop innovative and creative solutions that set the world on a path to peace and prosperity on a healthy planet.

The Forestry Programme Area at the EPA is tasked with ensuring forest conservation through our environmental authorisation process. The Programme Area coordinates and implements activities in keeping with the Environmental Protection Act Cap 20:05, and works with the Guyana Forestry Commission and other partners in ensuring the wise use of this natural resource and associated resources such as water and biodiversity. In addition to the authorisation process, the department also monitors and pro-

vides compliance assistance and responds to complaints related to activities in the sector.

DID YOU KNOW THAT Some 1.6 billion people rely on forests for their livelihoods?

Forests are also home to over 80% of terrestrial species?

They can play a vital role in combating climate change?

Sustainable management can also aid future generations?

It is our duty to protect and preserve the forest, no matter what development activity we are involved in. So as the slogan for this year says, “Choose sustainable wood for people and the planet.” We can start by refusing to buy or buy fewer harmful products and looking for the ones certified as fair trade or coming from responsibly managed forests. If many people contribute to a reduction in demand, it will significantly affect the suppliers’ side. You can also spread this issue among your friends, family, and community and ask them to do the same within theirs. You can ask businesses directly to change and follow a more sustainable path by making specific suggestions or sharing your concerns. If many people do it, organisations would understand you’re expecting something different from them and change would be facilitated. Ask political leaders for change as well, and use your social networks to be a voice for positive change. Try to positively impact your organisation or the organisation with which you’re working. Let us inspire the change.

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

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THOUGHT FOR TODAY For promotion com eth neither from the east, nor from th nor yet from the so e west: ut PRAYER BOOK h.

(1662)

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March 13, 2022 STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Welcome dear friend.

Make study active. Involve your study partners in the discussion technique. Discussion involves discipline and focus which ensure

meaningful participation for all. It requires all participants to examine the topic beforehand. Discussion is a learning tool that combines several functions such as testing knowledge and understanding; bringing into view new ideas and insights; facilitating active recording in the mind; and requiring notetaking and a back-up summarising or reporting to wind up the experience. Be wise.

Love you.

THE PASSAGE Instructions: Read the following abridged passage carefully.

It was a sweltering July day in Philadelphia – I can still feel it still, 57 years later.

The five boys I was with had grown tired of playing marbles and were casting about for something different.

“Hey!” said Ned. “We haven’t climbed that cliff in a long while.”

“Let’s go!” someone shouted.

I hesitated. I longed to be brave like them, but I’d been sickly most of my eight years and taken to heart my mother’s admonitions not to take chances.

“Come on!” called Jerry, my best friend. “Don’t be a sissy.”

“I’m coming!” I yelled after them.

We finally came to a clearing. At the far side loomed the cliff, a near-vertical wall of jutting rocks, earth slides, scraggy bushes and saplings. It was only 60 feet high, but to me it looked like the very embodiment of the Forbidden and Impossible.

Trembling and sweating I began to climb, my heart thumping in my skinny chest....

They peered down at me.

“You can stay if you want to.”

I heard someone sobbing; I wondered who it was and realised that it was me.

Time passed, and dusk began to gather. Silent now, I lay on my stomach, stupefied by fear and fatigue, unable to move.

About the Passage Students, you can learn much about good story writing from the simply written passage you must have read repeatedly. Let us now look at the qualities of the main character, (the “I” character, that is). See how his characteristics were brought out

easily by the writer. Yes, the story is seen through the boy’s own eyes, disposition, thoughts, and through his inexperience and untried ways.

Do you wonder what really happened to him in the end? Figure it out as you place yourself in his shoes.

What to Do Respond to the following questions after clearly thinking through what you have gathered from the passage or what is implied in it.

1. What do the following word groups, found in the passage, indicate about our main character? a) “a sweltering July day in Philadelphia – I can feel it still” b) “I longed to be brave and active like them” c) “I yelled” d) “to me it looked like the very embodiment of the Forbidden and Impossible” e) “my heart thumping” 2. When you are through with question 1, try to pinpoint more qualities of our main character, and then write a paragraph with him being featured in quite an opposite manner.

3. We know he was not a death victim or else he would not have been able to tell his story 57 years later. How could he have been rescued? Write a conclusion to his episode.

4. Look at the opening words again. To what thing(s) in the passage can the opening words make connection?

Enhancing Your Writing Working toward a final version – Sentence errors 1. Let’s look at editing to correct sentence errors in whatever genre you produce.

Begin this editing stage by taking a careful look at your sentences. Read the production briskly. Assess whether each sentence expresses its thought effectively. Is each fittingly constructed? Is each carrying the mood of the writing?

Check for the following pointers in sentence-editing also: 1. Have I avoided sentence fragments except in my dialogues?

2. Have I avoided run-on sentences? 3. Are all pronouns used correctly? 4. Are all verbs doing their purpose of being appropriate?

5. Have I avoided double-negatives? 6. Have I avoided wordiness?

2. Correct the following paragraph. It contains sentence fragments, comma blunders, run-on sentences, and overloaded sentences. Rewrite the paragraph, correcting all the sentence errors. Add words if necessary. Compare versions with your study partners.

The Ozarks offer many inviting spots for camping.

Swimming in clear streams, fishing, boating, and hiking, all interesting pastimes. There are resorts, they offer a vacation with the companionship of many people. We prefer to carry packs far into the woods and set up tents. Where no one else is seen for days and where there are no open fields or farmhouses. One time two of us set out. We wanted to hike to a small cross-roads store about three miles from camp and we were talking and looking, we missed our trail although we did not realise it at once and all of a sudden we knew we were lost. We sat down. To take our bearings. Then we began again. Every cluster of trees looked alike, every open glade was the same, no vantage point revealed familiar landmarks.

We slept out. That night. Finally, about noon of the next day, we stumbled upon an old road. And, eventually, upon an amused farm boy who was on his way to the store, it did not seem very funny to us.

GRAMMAR Taylor your writing style to meet your audience.

One example is that when you write for a young audience, you should use simple sentences and easy-to-understand vocabulary.

Rewrite the following sentences into simple ones. Change your wording if necessary.

1. Even though writing can be complex and time-consuming, it is frequently enjoyable.

2. Acquaintances who no longer live in the area savor receiving letters from our writing club.

3. “Now and again I take advantage of e-mail, which is extraordinarily fast,” said the grandmother.

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