Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot E-Paper 13-04-2025-V2 by Guyana Chronicle

Backpacking Through the World

A Chinese Traveller Talks About His Journey During a Short Stop in Guyana

Sunday, April 13, 2025

Thirty-nine-year-old Yang Yu has been travellingthe world for over a decade, visiting some 160countries. Last week, he explored and enjoyed the rich culture of Guyana after travelling from Suriname

( Photo courtesy of Yang Yu)

Backpacking Through the World

A Chinese Traveller Talks About His Journey During a Short Stop in Guyana

AS Guyana’s popularity grows on the international stage, we continue to see more tourists eager to see and experience the land of many waters. While Guyana may be popular for its beautiful architecture and i nteresting destinations, one hitchhiker says it was the people that stood out to him. Th irty-nine-year-old Yang Yu has been travelling the world for over a decade, visiting some 160 countries during his time, and says he won’t stop until he has visited

every country. Most recently, an enthusiastic Yang visited Guyana, where he said the people are some of the nicest, most hospitable he has met, and wi ll definitely make for one of his most memorable travels. Sitting down with the Pepperpot Magazine, Yang shared a bit about his childhood. Born and raised in the southwest region of China, Yang always knew he wanted to see more of the world. As he recounted, he remembers sitting alone on a hill in his village

when he was still quite young. The trail in front of him was overgrown with grass, but his imagination ran wild. “I imagine if I carry a bag and walking just along this trail, way where I could reach. I said maybe I can say the world about this way,” he stated.

Back then, backpacking was not a popular concept in China. Yang didn’t know the term, but he knew he was interested in wandering, camping, and travelling on foot. Today, Yang has travelled to more than 160 coun-

tries. He funds his adventures with savings from his previous job running a hostel and work in real estate marketing. He rarely takes flights and instead travels primarily by foot a nd by hitchhiking, meeting strangers along the way and documenting his experiences online. On social media, he goes by the handle @universelove1986, where he shares stories from his journey.

Last week, he made a short stop in Guyana, having crossed the border from Suriname. Within just six days,

he made his way from Corriverton to Georgetown mostly by getting free rides from truck drivers. “First, hitchhiking is very easy. Get

a lift is very easy here. From the border until here, maybe four or five lifts. The private cars normally don’t stop. The trucks stop very easily,” he said. Travelling this way, Yang doesn’ t spend money on transportation or hotels . He camps, gets invited to stay with locals, or sometimes sleeps at hostels.

Yang shared that he didn’t know much about Guyana before coming but was curious to see what it was like, and was pleasantly surprised to see that Guyana is a cultural melting pot. Yang describes Guyana’s food as ‘original, but not the original’; having elements of Indian and African cuisine, but with a unique Guyanese

and Caribbean twist on things. As he shared, “Here you have Indian food, Chinese food, Western African food. I tried all of them in their original way before. Here, it’s not the original, but it’s good,” he shared. Similarly, Yang was surprised to see Guyana’s diverse communities and found it interesting that communities like Corriverton we re home to a large Indo-Guyanese population. “Corriverton looks like a little India. All are Indian people. It’s interesting,” he said. Amidst the diversity, the one common thing among Guyanese seems to be our caring a nd open nature and way of life. As Yang shared, while walking in Corriverton, he was stopped and offered a place to stay, which he says was a unique experience. “I was walking on the street. There was a guy. He

Thirty-nine-year-old Yang Yu has been travelling the world for over a decade, visiting some 160 countries during his time, and says he won’t stop until he has visited every country

Easter Hats Anyone?

Berbician Wows with Creative Hand-Made Hats for Easter

By Michel Outridge

WITH the requisite skill, Thashmini Ra mhit utilised her talent to create some lovely Easter hats from scratch to sell just for the upcoming Easter holiday.

Although she didn’t have much time on her hands, she allocated some just to ensure that the children get to experience the joy of wearing a hat specially made for Easter.

The 30-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that she was a t eacher for 10 years, but due to personal and other challenges, she had to quit.

She embarked on becoming self-employed and established a stationery/copy centre that offers photocopying, printing, passport photos, and other services, including bill payments.

Thashmini Ramhit

It is the perfect place to display her specially made Easter hats, which are on sale for $1,500 to $3,500 each for both adults and children.

The mother of two shared that she has an eight-year-old son with special needs and a two-year-old daughter. She runs the business from her home as the sole employee. Ramhit added that

she once had an employee, but after some time, the person left, so she decided to operate the business on her own.

The businesswoman stated that there is hardly any time to do much during the hours the shop is open for business—and when it isn’t, she has another full-time job as a mother and wife.

“I really like Easter, so three years ago I had an idea and started making these Easter hats as samples. They were well-received, so I was encouraged to make more to sell. Ever since, every year around this time, I

would ensure I make some Easter hats,” she said.

Ramhit told Pepperpot Magazine that her stationery/copy centre is located at her home, Lot 75 Sheet Anchor, East Canje, Berbice. It is convenient to be at her residence, where the shop is attached.

She reported that at times she would get special orders for Easter hats and would welcome the challenge of fulfilling them. With her inborn creative skills,

she visualises ideas in her mind and brings them to life through her

TURN

Designing her future

Teen brings creativity to interior design and events management with ‘Ribbons and Roses’

By Michel Outridge

ANYTHING that has to do with interior design and events management gets Jael Richards excited and hyped because it is one of the things she is passionate about.

She had the opportunity to benefit from some skills training recently, and it paved the way for her to become a student at the Carnegie School of Home Economics, where she is pursuing a diploma in interior design and events management.

Richards’ one-year diploma programme at the Carnegie School of Home Economics is almost finished, and she will embark on pursuing an associate degree in Natural Sciences at either St. Stanislaus Secondary or St. George’s School of Sciences.

The La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara resident told the Pepperpot Magazine that she has always loved natural sciences because of the nature aspect of it and the mere fact that it doesn’t include any medical intervention.

“Ribbons and Roses”, a small business which operates from her home, was established on January 25, 2025, after she was inspired to take steps toward becoming an entrepreneur to practise already acquired skills in interior design and events management.

The 17-year-old has always liked designing things and making a space come alive by creating from scratch—curtains and other decorations—to brighten any living area or function to its desired décor and style.

She makes unique pieces in the form of money bouquets, gift baskets, backdrops,

Jael Edwards

hand-made ribbon roses, floral arrangements, and other items.

Richards is a proud graduate of the Youth Enhancement Project (YEP), hosted by Food For The Poor (FFP) Guyana and funded by The Butterfly Project, a non-profit organisation established and managed by two brothers who came from the rough neighbourhoods in Guyana and are a shining example of what determination and skill-building can achieve.

Fuelled by her passion and the knowledge gained during her time with YEP, Richards took a bold step in launching her very own events décor business, “Ribbons and Roses.”

Through creativity and hard work, this young lady is turning her dreams into reality, providing exceptional event design services to her clients while furthering her education.

YEP successfully empowered participants to pursue higher education, secure employment, and develop critical life skills.

Designing her future...

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The project’s holistic approach to capacity building, combined with practical support, has positioned these youths for brighter futures. This initiative demonstrates the profound impact of targeted interventions in transforming lives and building resilient communities.

“We are incredibly proud of Jael’s journey and can’t wait to see how ‘Ribbons and Roses’ blossoms into a hallmark of excellence in the events

industry,” FFP representative Valini Leitch said.

At last year’s YEP graduation, Richards had the opportunity to shine when she was delegated the task of designing the space for the event—and she did not disappoint.

Richards is a very focused young lady who will stop at nothing to become successful and pursue her goal of becoming independent.

With the establishment of “Ribbons and Roses”, Richards is not limited in

any way; instead, she is empowered to create new things and offer variety to customers with fully customised pieces.

She told the Pepperpot Magazine that she learned of the FFP’s YEP programme through a teacher after she wrote the Carib-

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Backpacking Through the...

FROM PAGE II

invited me to his house. He drove an e-bike. He passed me. I said hello. He came back. He asked me where I was going. I said, ‘Number 63 Beach in Georgetown, but I’m not in a hurry. I’m just walking.’ He told me to come by his house tomorrow. He will take me, just like that,” he said. That man, Yang said, cooked him chicken curry. It wasn’t like the food Yang had in India, but it reminded him that food everywhere is deeply personal and varies based on culture and family. As he shared, “Every country I go, I want the local taste. I would like to taste the local one. Come to the market, taste a very local one. And also eat the homemade food of the local family.”

Although Yang’s travelling has gained him plenty of notoriety, he says the things he has learned and the people he has met are what really make the journey worthwhile. Yang speaks a number of languages, including French and Spanish, and although he loves the cuisine of his country, he has also gained a love for food from all around the world. Having only spent a few days in Guyana, Yang says that Guyana has as much potential as it does people, particularly in the area of agriculture. As he stated, “Guyana has a lot of land, and should plant more. You have so much land, you don’t need to buy food from anywhere else,” he said. Yang is already on his way back to the United States, where he hopes to continue hitchhiking and sharing

his experiences online. His route is not fixed, and his plan is simple: keep moving, keep learning. With some 160 countries under his belt, it’s impossible for Yang to pick a favourite. But each place offers a unique experience, different people and a different story to tell. “Different country, different story. But I like South America and East Africa,” he said. On the matter of if he ever feels lonely, Yang says he doesn’t consider himself lonely, even though he travels alone. “Every country I meet, I make new friends,” he said. However, some places do have unique hurdles. Although he has never been hurt or the victim of a robbery, Yang says that some countries have been particularly challenging, and he has even been trapped in countries because of wars in the past.

Though it’s not a lifestyle many people would choose, Yang is content. For him, this way of life began with a dream, and he has no intention of stopping. Over the last decade, Yang says he has seen some of the best highlights and worst low points in countries, from seeing the world’s top tourist destinations to countries at war. Yang’s aim now, after a few quick stops in America, is to have completed travelling to all the world’s nations. With 35 countries left on his list, Yang hopes that at the end of his travels he will have proven one thing: that the wor ld and its people are a lot more beautiful than you think.

Thirty-nine-year-old Yang Yu has been travellingthe world for over a decade, visiting some 160countries. Last week, he explored and enjoyed the rich culture of Guyana after travelling from Suriname ( Photo courtesy of Yang Yu)

Easter Hats...

FROM PAGE III

unique pieces.

Ramhit disclosed that annually when Easter hat competitions are held, companies order hats from her, and she is usually up for the challenge.

stores—but last year, she went on holiday abroad and brought back some raw materials to make Easter hats for this year

“I think the prices for my hats are reason-

The entrepreneur stated that she tries to create new designs of Easter hats each year to keep them trendy and fresh. So far, it has been a good experience and a chance to experiment.

Ramhit said she sources materials locally from the city— not from any particular

said.

Easter hat-making is a very time-consuming effort. It takes a lot of patience, creativity and skill to produce—but she does it anyway because it brings her immense joy.

Ramhit explained that she often starts well before Easter and

works on hat-making at night or during any free time she gets.

She pointed out that what makes the hats so appealing is how eye-catching they are—the colours, the decorations, and the overall design. The finished product, she says, should speak for itself.

An Easter hat is any new or fancy hat worn by w omen and even children as a Christian head- covering on Easter. It represents the tail end of a tradition of wearing new clothes at Easter, in harmony with the renewal of the year and the promise of spiritual renewal and

redemption.

Easter is usually observed in Guyana during a holiday weekend, starting from Good Friday, which marks the end of Lent for Christians, to Easter Monday, when kite-flying is the main activity of the day.

able and pocket-friendly, so any parent can afford to gift their child one of these handcrafted Easter hats. They can bask in the excitement of showcasing it, owning it, and, of course, feel proud to wear it for the Easter holiday weekend when kite-flying is at the centre of it all,” Ramhit

Some of the selection of Easter hats

WORLD HEALTH DAY 2025

‘Healthy

Beginnings, Hopeful Futures’ — Its Connection to the Environment

EVERY year, on April 7, we celebrate World Health Day. This year, the day is observed under the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.”

World Health Day serves as a global call to action for health awareness, urging individuals and governments alike to reflect on the most pressing health issues

ing a hopeful, sustainable future for generations to come.

Healthy Beginnings: The Foundation of Life

The theme "Healthy Beginnings" draws attention to the critical early stages of life, starting from conception through infancy, childhood, and adolescence.

During these formative years, the body and

drinking water, access to green spaces, and the quality of the built environment (homes, schools, and communities) play a significant role in supporting physical and mental health during early development. When environmental conditions are compromised by pollution or climate change, it directly affects the health of children, hindering

affecting the world today. This year’s theme underscores the importance of early-life health and its profound impact on long-term well-being while also highlighting the role of environmental factors in shaping these outcomes. The connection between healthy beginnings and the environment is not just crucial— it is fundamental to ensur-

mind undergo rapid development, and establishing a strong foundation for health during this period can have lasting positive effects on an individual's future well-being. A healthy beginning, however, doesn’t just focus on personal health—it must also encompass the environment in which children are raised. Factors such as clean air, safe

their ability to develop optimally.

Environmental Factors and Early Childhood Health

The environment and the physical surroundings in which children grow up can significantly influence their health from birth. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution

Designing her future...

FROM PAGE V

bean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and wanted something to do to pass her time away from school.

Richards stated that she was sent the information and went to be interviewed, and, just like that, she became a participant in the programme to boost her skills and build capacity.

“The YEP programme really gave me the direction I want to take in establishing my small business, and it also provided the insight I needed to run my business independently—and for that, I am very thankful,” she said.

Between April 11 and

13, 2025, Richards will be participating in the Small Business Women’s Home Services Expo at the Aquatic Centre in Liliendaal, and she will have products on sale—handmade pieces from her collection at “Ribbons and Roses”.

She reported that she will also have the opportunity to showcase her products and have a physical booth to market them.

Richards has an older sibling, and she is very grateful for the support and all the encouragement she has received over time, which has inspired her to keep moving forward.

Hand-made pieces

Raindrops in the...

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we realise that someone has likely had those same thoughts, analysed them, and recorded them already. The freshness that evokes curiosity seemingly disappears from the whole world, leaving us in a dull place where nothing is worth trying or exploring. This feeling can be suffocating, and it can drain away the joy that accompanies the process of growing up.

Each breath we take, each step we walk, and each beat of our heart often becomes indistinguishable from the millions or billions that we experience during a lifetime. Soon enough, we realise that, like a breath, step, or heartbeat, human life often be comes an indistinguishable part of the world. A new soul entering the world in the form of birth is not too different from the instant when a raindrop falls into the ocean. However, unlike the raindrop, which is lost forever, human beings have a chance to define themselves as individuals and contribute their own form of value to the world. We only need to find a way to pull ourselves up and out of the ocean that swallows and hides us.

When we do overcome the initial sense of hopelessness, we may realise that living is not truly about uncovering a mystery, proving a point for the first time, or even being different from others. It is about discovering an experience. It does

not truly matter that there are others who may be thinking or doing the same things that you are. It does not even matter that someone has already found the answers to the questions that you have just thought of. Life is about the thrill of finding the answers for yourself in a journey that you choose t o take in your own unique way.

Perhaps you may even eventually discover that the saturated nature of the world is an advantage to your growth. After all, if you do know what the outcome of every action is, then you will most certainly have a better understanding of how to approach your own life. If there are others who have the same thoughts as you do, then it simply means that you have a group of individuals with whom you can relate and share your life rather than having to live it alone.

It is natural to encounter a feeling of hopelessness or to feel as if life is not as meaningful as you initially be lieved. These feelings inevitably accompany those who seek to a dd something to the world and change it in some unique manner. However, the uniqueness does not lie in a ctions, appearance, or thoughts but rather in the quality of one’s character. Even though someone might have attempted to do something that you already have and failed, it does not mean that you will

experience the same outcome.

Generation Z has been given the op -

portunity to connect and influence in a way that no other generation has been able

to. We are indeed all still raindrops in the ocean, but we have a chance to find our

way out—or better yet, work together to form a whirlpool of change.

Standing Up Against Domestic Violence

DOMESTIC

violence continues to be a challenge for every society. Many governments are implementing strategies and programmes to mitigate this dreadful problem. Several of these strategies have yielded positive results and significantly reduced domestic violence. However, there remains a need to reduce further and ultimately eradicate this abuse.

It is generally expected that individuals will build rather than destroy their families. Every family is a valuable resource and, if utilised properly, can produce great results for all its members and the wider community. Domestic violence affects individuals, families, communities, and entire nations. Since neither the perpetrator nor the victim benefits from domestic violence, everyone must take a stand against it. Often, domestic violence fragments families, which can also negatively affect the organisations where those individuals are employed. Extended families must be mindful not to contribute to domestic violence knowingly. Neighbours, too, can play an important role in preventing abuse.

DEFINING

The United Nations defines domestic violence as:

“A pattern of behaviour in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviours that frighten, intimidate, terrorise, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, or wound someone. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. It can occur within a range of relationships including couples who are married, living together or dating. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels” (United Nations, n.d.).

Section 1: Domestic Violence and Its Contributing Factors Domestic violence harms many people. While some may believe it only affects the victim, numerous others—including organisations—are impacted a s well. Sometimes, when perpetrators reflect on their actions, t hey recognise their mistakes, but by then, it may be too late to make amends.

Standing Up Against...

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No specific gender is solely responsible for domestic violence, and there must be no finger-pointing. Every human being has a responsibility to act with m aturity and rational thought.

Children often emulate what they observe from their parents. No country is immune to domestic violence; therefore, every nation and all people must be engaged in the effort to reduce and eliminate it.

The impact of domestic violence is far-reaching. When it spills from a household into a community, everyone in that community must take action to reduce it and encourage mutual protection.

Everyone should learn to recognise the signs that someone may be a victim of domestic violence. These signs may be subtle—such as withdrawal from social interaction or loss of appetite—or more visible whe n abuse becomes

physical. Despite medicine and therapy, the physical and emotional effects of domestic violence can linger long after the incident.

Section 2: Everyone Should Take Action to Prevent Domestic Violence

No one can fight domestic violence alone— everyone must be involved. Though the contributions required may vary, each person can play a role.

Men are not the only contributors to domestic violence, but they are a vital part of the solution. When men gather, they should take time to encourage one another to behave positively and reject violence. Men who have learned to control their temper and actions should support others who struggle. Sometimes, walking away, regaining composure, and choosing a different way to address conflict is the best course of action.

Likewise, women also have a responsibility to avoid provoking or escalating conflict. Words can heal or harm, and women

must use theirs to uplift rather than tear down. At times, silence may be the wiser response when angry.

Both men and wom-

en should refrain from seeking extramarital affairs to cope with issues i n their relationships. Instead, couples should consider counselling to resolve their challenges and move forward together Governments and NGOs must continue

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UNCOVERING THE VALUE AND IMPORTANCE OF GUYANA’S FORESTS

UNTIL a few decades ago, most Guyanese who lived in the coastal regions only thought of the forests—which cover 85% of the country, equivalent to 18.4 million hectares—as being a place that supplied wood for house building and as a territory where porknockers and other gold and diamond miners dug the earth to recover treasure. It was also the place where the Amerindians lived, preserving much of their ancient culture. It was only when foreign institutions and even governments became involved that Guyanese began to grasp the value and importance of their forests.

Foreign institutions such as the World Wildlife Protection Organisation, various international bodies involved in the preservation and protection of Indigenous peoples and cultures, and ecological bodies concerned with climate change caused the Government and people of Guyana to begin to understand the value of their forests.

A more recent value of the forests which has come to the fore is their role in the protection of Guyana's sovereignty against military aggression from Venezuela. The recent commemoration of the International Day of Forests on 21st March, with

the theme: "Forests and Foods", under the auspices of the United Nations, has further opened the opportunity for reviewing the importance and value of Guyana's forests.

Ten percent of Guyana's population—consisting mainly of the nine Amerindian tribes: Akawaio, Arecuna, Arawak, Carib, Macushi, Patamona, Warrau, Wai Wai and Wapishana— depend upon the forests for food security, medicines, nutrition, and livelihoods. These people maintain soil fertility, safeguard vital water resources, and support pollinators essential for agricultural productivity. They cultivate cassava, from which they make cassava bread, and hunt wi ld animals—never killing more than they need. Inhabitants of these forest regions can earn further income by producing non-wood items such as crab oil, honey, and medicinal plants and through eco-tourism.

Guyana's forests are a living pharmacy from which a vast array of plants with medicinal properties can be sourced for traditional medicines. Western medicine also uses medicinal plants, and it is estimated that at least 25% of prescription drugs come from medicinal plants.

Guyana's forests are located in the Amazon

UNCOVERING THE VALUE...

FROM

PAGE XIV

region and the Guiana Shield—the world's two premier biodiversity-rich zones—and are globally known for providing habitats for thousands of species of flora and fauna. Guyana's ecosystems have

mainly remained intact because of the policy of sustaining a very low rate of deforestation and forest protection, and the country is regionally and globally recognised as having extraordinary levels of biodiversity.

Guyana’s forests are famed for the large number of animal species which inhabit them, such as the Arapaima—the lar gest freshwater fish in the world—the unique

leatherback turtle, and the jaguar, a species of big cat that is rapidly disappearing from other parts of the world. The Forest Department must constantly be on the lookout for poachers and animal

dealers who illegally capture and take away animals for sale abroad at enormous profits.

Guyana is being assisted in protecting its animal species by the World Wildlife Fund and the Sustainable Wildlife Management Programme.

Guyana's forests offer climate regulation and carbon sequestration, which have been globally recognised. These forests store 19.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent and have been diligently doing their part to prevent climate change.

The Food and Agricultural Organization ( FAO)'s comment adequately sums up the value and importance of Guyana's forests:

"Forests are not merely a resource; they are a living, breathing part of the nation's identity, providing food, livelihoods, and essential e cosystem services... we also must recognise the role of Indigenous People who are sustainably managing the forests to ensure that this vital resource continues to thrive for generations to come."

Guyana has been able to offer this important ecosystem service to the world and has received carbon credits worth several million dollars, which it has been using to maintain the forests and support the economic and social development of the Indigenous people who live in or are affiliated with, the forests.

WORLD HEALTH DAY...

FROM PAGE VIII

causes around 7 million premature deaths annually, and a large proportion of those affected are young children. The quality of the built environment also plays a critical role. Children who grow up in overcrowded, poorly designed urban spaces with limited access to nature and green areas face higher risks of developing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and attention disorders.

Urban areas with limited green spaces or safe places to play not only restrict physical activity but also reduce opportunities for social interaction and stress relief—both essential for healthy childhood development.

In addition, climate change poses a growing risk to children’s health, especially in developing countries. Extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and changing disease patterns contribute to malnutrition, waterborne diseases, and other health complications. The consequences of climate change are already being felt in vulnerable communities, directly impacting the health outcomes of children born into such environments.

Hopeful Futures: The Role of Sustainable Solutions

While the challenges posed by the environment on early-life health are significant, the theme "Hopeful Futures" emphasises the possibility of positive change. By taking action to protect and improve the environment, we can

ensure that future generations grow up in healthier, more sustainable conditions. Some of the key actions include:

• Promoting clean energy and reducing pollution

• Investing in green spaces and sustainable infrastructure

• Ensuring access to safe water and sanitation

• Combatting climate change

World Health Day 2025's theme, "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures," emphasises the critical importance of a healthy start to life and the role of the environment in shaping that health. Ensuring that children are raised in environments that promote well-being— free from pollution, with access to clean air and water, and surrounded by green spaces—creates the foundation for healthier generations to come. By taking immediate action to address environmental challenges, we can guarantee a hopeful future for all, where every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy and thrive.

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 communications@epaguyana.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Standing Up Against...

FROM PAGE XIII

to invest in training and financial resources to reduce domestic viol ence. Individuals and organisations alike should also contribute to this mission. Seminars and workshops are valuable tools for raising awareness and promoting positive behaviour.

Religious organisations also play a critical role in the fight against domestic violence. They can provide safe, confidential spaces for

people to share and seek help while also offering counselling to address the social, emotional, and spiritual issues that may contribute to abuse.

Even entertainment venues such as bars and clubs can contribute positively. Bouncers and security personnel help maintain order and prevent conflict when alcohol is involved, helping to reduce incidents of domestic violence.

Television and ra -

dio stations also have a platform to inform and educate the public. Announcers and DJs should ensure their content does not promote abusive behaviours. Music, a powerful influence, should be used to promote unity and family togetherness— not division.

Children, too, are an important part of the movement against domestic violence. However, education is key— they must be taught how to recognise the

signs and understand their role in building safe and respectful relationships.

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Raindrops in the...

FROM PAGE XI

experience the same outcome.

Generation Z has been given the op -

portunity to connect and influence in a way that no other generation has been able

to. We are indeed all still raindrops in the ocean, but we have a chance to find our

way out—or better yet, work together to form a whirlpool of change.

Standing Up Against Domestic Violence

DOMESTIC

DEFINING

The United Nations defines domestic violence as:

Standing Up Against...

FROM PAGE XII

No specific gender is solely responsible for domestic violence, and there must be no finger-pointing. Every human being has a responsibility to act with m aturity and rational thought.

The impact of domestic violence is far-reaching. When it spills from a household into a community, everyone in that community must take action to reduce it and encourage mutual protection.

physical. Despite medicine and therapy, the physical and emotional effects of domestic violence can linger long after the incident.

Section 2: Everyone Should Take Action to Prevent Domestic Violence

No one can fight domestic violence alone— everyone must be involved. Though the contributions required may vary, each person can play a role.

Likewise, women also have a responsibility to avoid provoking or escalating conflict. Words can heal or harm, and women

must use theirs to uplift rather than tear down. At times, silence may be the wiser response when angry.

Both men and wom-

TURN TO PAGE XIX

UNCOVERING THE VALUE AND IMPORTANCE OF GUYANA’S FORESTS

the theme: "Forests and Foods", under the auspices of the United Nations, has further opened the opportunity for reviewing the importance and value of Guyana's forests.

Guyana's forests are located in the Amazon

Twinkle Little...

FROM PAGE XX

“Sanya,” the little girl turned around to see her mother by the doorway, a poor, broken-spirited woman if ever there was one.

Her life had been so rough, the scars of her

downfall were etched on her face. The child felt pity and sadness for the mother.

“We have no food,” she said to the little girl.

“What’s new?” Sanya said to herself.

Today, like every

other day, once the rain stopped, she would go to the shopping areas, begging for money. But it was never enough to keep hunger away, for her mother and stepfather spent most of the money

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Twinkle Little...

FROM PAGE XXI

she brought home on alcohol. She had lived in the embrace of poverty since she was a toddler— eight years now—hunger, cold and discomfort still a depressing part of her life.

Sanya trudged along in the slight drizzle, the ragged clothes clinging to her thin frame, her feet kissing the bare road through her worn slippers. She stood under a little shade outside the roti shop and even though she was wet and

cold, a little smile played on her face. It was a wet day like this when she had found the kitten bedraggled and hungry. She h ad taken her into her poor home and named her Crystal.

The kitten was her first real friend.

At night, Sanya would sit outside, looking at the stars because she loved their twinkling splendour, and from within her little heart, she always wished,

“Twinkling little star, shine on me so I can have a nice home that doesn’t leak when it rains, a warm bed for me and Crystal, and nice food to eat.”

Days followed nights, seasons changing, and in the streets, some days when her feet were too tired, she would sit under the shade of a tree

and sketch. She had a sketchpad a kind lady at the bookstore had given her, and she realised that was something she was good at and loved to do. She sketched people, buildings, vehicles a nd the beautiful dolls in the store windows she couldn’t have. In the city, it was starting to look a whole lot like Christmas with the spectacular lights, beautiful décor, toys and goodies. But in the slums, there were no lights and merriness.

Then something happened that changed the

little girl’s life forever. It was one of those quiet, dark nights when Sanya was jolted out of her sleep by gunshots. The sounds came from an alley behind the shack she lived in, and creeping cautiously in the shadows, more curious than scared, she saw something that made her freeze in sudden fear.

Three well-built men in dark clothes and guns in their hands were standing over two lifeless bodies on the ground. They spoke in low, heavy voic-

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Twinkle Little...

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es, then casually got into a black Toyota and drove away.

“Who do I tell?” she wondered, trembling a little as she crept back into her shack.

A short while later, she heard raised voices, all speaking at once, people running, and the distant sound of police sirens getting closer. She curled up in her bed in a corner on the floor, hugging Crystal and closed her eyes to shut out the murder scene.

The next morning, it was all over the news

about the execution-style killing of a popular businessman and his business partner. Police, detectives and reporters swarmed the scene and dwellers of the slums were questioned about anything they might have seen. No one paid attention to the ragged little girl holding a kitten. She said nothing to anyone, for she wasn’t quite sure they would believe a beggar child. She wanted, though, to tell someone so the killers could be caught. She had been watching a young detective woman, impressed with the way

sh e was doing her job. She had a serious look and her tone of voice was firm, but briefly, she relaxed sometimes with a little smile and lesser firm tone, and the child felt drawn towards her.

Sanya walked up to her slowly, and the detective woman, seeing her, asked a little concerned, “Little girl, what are you doing here?”

“I live here in the slums with my mother and stepfather,” she answered, and holding up the kitten she said, “This is my friend, Crystal.”

“Cute,” the detective

said, patting the kitten’s head and looked at the child, noting her ragged condition.

She shook her head, sighing deeply, “This is really not good for children to live in such depressed conditions.”

“I have been here

since I was little,” Sanya said.

The detective touched the child’s face with a little caring gesture.

“I will make sure something is done to give you and the others a better life.”

She came back the

next day with bags of food and snacks for the children, and as Sanya happily ate the blessed food, the detective’s phone rang.

“Yes, sir,” she answered, “I’m here, close to the scene.”

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She listened to the caller and then answered again, “No, sir, we have

found no witnesses yet, though everyone we spoke to heard the gunshots.”

She listened a little more before the call ended, and Sanya, noting the determination in the de-

tective’s eyes to solve the murder, took her hand and said, “There’s something I need to show you.”

In her shack, she pulled her sketchpad from under her bed and handed it to her saying, “I like to do drawings.”

The detective flipped through the pages and said, “This is great, you have talent.”

She came to the last page, and Sanya watched silently as she stared incredulously at the detailed sketch of the murder scene, the faces of the killers and their ve-

hicle.

She looked at Sanya, surprised beyond words that this child was the witness the entire investigative team was looking for.

Several days later , Sanya watched the news from a store window, showing the killers’ arrest and the high praise for the detective woman.

As she neared her home in the slums, she saw her mother standing by the doorway, and the detective waiting for her.

“You are the true heroine,” she said, “And I am here to tell you,

you are getting a new home away from here, a good life, school and art classes. And a special invite for you to spend Christmas with me and my family.”

Sanya was so thrilled, she laughed with joy, hugging the detective. A few weeks later, she walked out of the slums with her mother, who had started rehab for alcoholism. Leaving the cold and darkness behind that night, looking up at the sky, she said, “Thank you, twinkling star.”

WE CAN ONLY LEARN FROM THE CULTURE THAT DWELLS IN OUR PRIVATE WORLD TO PERCEIVE THE DRUMBEATS OF THE WORLD THAT ENVELOPES US...

WE live in a world that unveils itself in all its rawness—not that it was not that way before—with nations guided by the impulses of need, greed, survival and ego. But my reflections are not directed at conflicts in the past, or that now exist or threaten. Rather, in our own colloquial realms, one has only to explore our newspapers today to gaze at the casualties of the times: multiple domestic disputes, husband against wife and family, brother against brother, and fr iends transmuting into bitter, deadly foes. Unlike

acts of perversion—and though we can translate some actions to narcotics and alcohol—some actions can even be ascribed to a possible infiltration of rogue pharmaceuticals with great promises. How is this so? How do folks get caught?

The difference between then and now—to reflect on the childhood of yesterday—requires that we understand there were always spoilt brats full of entitled behaviour; likewise, there were also advantage takers. But there were avenues of engagement that embraced

both brawn and intellect, separating and enhancing each. There were sports, and there was a stage where drama and art were ‘lords’. Thus, each triumphed within its own world. I’m not too sure that we have resembling forces within the echelons of the young today. Most of the teachers who tried were known to me to be active when RESCU existed (RESCU was an anti-drug-use initiative targeting the young, allowed to enter schools by progres sive teachers and Ministry officials, and which I had organised along with other colleagues).

Another ingredient back then was the oversight of the “learning legions”; to this, I harken to the school inspectors who, back then, visited the homes of children who were absent from school—at times for most of the school year. These were serious former teachers who would accost parents on the value of an education, even threatening legal pressures upon them.

More than all, within the school system, activities like reading and the follow-up exploration of characters in the literature were studied with the intention of shaping

young minds to understand the bad and the good. Their values were subtly inferred, moving toward a better awareness of a world that rarely could be described, in any ‘Human Age’, on any continent, as righteous and void of error—when subject to the dictates of religious voices, the military orders of tribal service to kings and emperors, and the utterances of prophets and priesthoods.

The fact is, today, in the realm of ‘Social Media’, there’s no child’s play. The content is mainly adult. So how do we guide our young to maintain trust in self,

when all that dances on the stage—and the world that envelops them—is not defined enough for them to understand what is in their interest?

Parents have to take this article into their own hands. Visit Austin’s Bookstore. Let the children choose a book they would l ike to read. Enter their world—there’s space for you. Parts of the Odyssey had to be read to me before I truly explored it as a you ng adult and went on to read about the Haitian Revolution and then 1763… and I’m not alone.

Planning Ahead - Guyana’s Urban Planning Should Not Set Back Rural Communities

JUST a decade ago, Georgetown’s skyline only had chirping birds, and the onl y highway we knew of had just two lanes. Today, long stretches of urban housing communities now exist where bushes and

gr eenery alone once flourished. Urbanisation in Guyana increases the country’s economic growth and standard of living for said urban areas. However, I do not think Guyana has considered the social and even environmental implications this might have on our existing rural areas. Georgetown and its surrounding communities have been transformed into urban centres that

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provide access to employment and services within commerce, construction, and government—just to name a few. This is an excellent improvement for the country’s economic growth, but I think it’s time we look deeper into how rural communities are affected.

Peopl e from rural communities are migrating from their homes to the city areas in pursuit of economic prosperity and career development. This is not a new phenomenon. Communities in rural Guyana, such as

East Berbice-Corentyne or the Essequibo rural regions, have faced significant “brain drain” over the years. Have we considered how this impacts the existing economic growth of the rural areas? Guyana’s rural areas are mostly known for their agricultural and industrial sectors. With that in mind, are we equitably investing in those sectors to ensure that the economic development of rural areas also improves?

U nfortunately, the capital city of Guyana, Georgetown, currently

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Planning Ahead - Guyana’s Urban Planning Should...

sits below sea level and has been prone to flooding in recent years. Rising sea levels, pollution, and climate change amplify this. Urbanisation has rapidly transformed the coastal regions. As such, environmental sustainability should be considered to eliminate further risks. Poor drainage systems, defor-

estation, and unchecked c onstruction have put many communities at risk, especially during the rainy seasons. To solve this issue, Guyana ought to continue

considering the use of urban planning in all of its current and future infrastructure projects because environmental disasters will only cause economic and social ripple effects in rural communities—communities that are even more vulnerable to financial and social collapse than urban areas.

There are many social disparities to consider with vast economic growth. The rise i n the cost of living is not isolated from

Guyana’s rise in economic growth. Rural citizens should not be subjected to social inequality or insecurity because of their geographical locations. W ith the inaccessibility of many rural communities, infrastructure development wi ll take decades to achieve, leaving these communities without the advancements enjoyed by coastal communities. The world looks on as Guyana’s economy becomes the

fastest-growing one. Nonetheless, the decisions that our leaders make today will not only impact the public transportation we ride or the types of buildings that are constructed—they will define the quality of life for every citizen in and outside the coastlands. Every region and community—from Lethem to Monkey Mountain, Black Bush Polder, or Linden—deserves equitable access to our country’s wealth and

STUDY SUCCESS

Dear Student, Welcome, dear reading friend. Formulating paragraphs in dialogue becomes an art over time. It is choosing a character’s exact

words and his manner of speaking that often heightens a story’s reality to the reader. Sometimes people speak in finished sentences, sometimes not; sometimes they are fluent, sometimes

they start, stop and pause; sometimes they interrupt other people’s speech. But most speak according to age, education, experience, character, and background. Mastering and applying dia-

April 13, 2025

logue punctuation and paragraphing rules also heighten story action. Be wise. Love you.

IMPROVING GRAMMAR

A. Self-test on verb use

The blanks within the following sentences should contain some form of these verbs: begin, break, drink, drive, go, grow, know, see, speak, or write. Please note that answers may very.

1. Ms. Wilson has already ….. her speech, hasn’t she?

2. During the break this morning, we ….. all the cold juices on the coffee wagon.

3. Helena and I have ….. each other since we graduated from high school.

4. We ….. Mr. Kingsley earlier today when he was keyboarding information at the terminal.

5. The delivery will be late, but we have already ….. to the dispatcher.

6. Market research has shown that customer demand for software has ….. tremendously.

7. Our interest in buying word processors such as this one ….. a few months ago.

8.After we have ….. Ms. Crawford to the airport, we will return to the hotel.

B.. Correct any errors as you practise to proofread

Read the following sentences carefully to correct any errors. Write OK for any sentence that has no error.

1. Ms. Blake may if she prefers assign this project to a new consulting firm.

2. Mr. Bronson and his family originally indicated that they would attend our anniversary celebration, but we have not received the Bronsons’ reply card yet.

3. There is, according to the manufacturer, only two or three suppliers of this precious metal throughout Jamaica.

4. Each supervisor has already been asked for their suggestions for cutting transportation costs.

5. To receive a copy of the entire study write or call the Dominica Revenue Department Coordinator.

6. Most of the older men a nd women who work in this department has already indicated that they would pay for extended life insurance coverage.

7. James and myself will

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

There are so few who can grow old with a good grace. SIR RICHARD STEELE (1672-1729) The Spectator, No. 263

probably be able to handle this language project before the end of the month.

THE PASSAGE

Read the following extract carefully and then answer all the questions that follow.

Will I Ever Get Over Losing My Friend?

The news that one of my close friends committed suicide came as a shock. Jack was a social guy who was liked by everyone. His girlfriend recently broke up with him, but he seemed to be taking it all right. He talked to me and others about the situation – seemed disappointed but not despairing. He mentioned that he was still in touch with his former girlfriend and seemed glad about that.

That’s why his suicide is so hard to comprehend. Were there warning signs I missed? If I had done more to support him during the breakup, would he still be here?

Did I talk to him enough? Did I really listen to him? How could I be a good friend and not know that he had been despondent? I feel guilty every time I think of Jack. It is hard to come to terms with any death - even one that’s expected, such as when the person is sick or old. But Jack was healthy and young, just about my age. That makes it harder to accept his death. Still, I need to come to terms with it - let myself feel sad about it, reflect on my friendship with him, and, ultimately, get on with my own life. What can I do to cope?

The questions

1. a) Why should you not blame yourself for Jack’s suicidal death?

b) What networks close to him, do you think, also missed Jack’s signals for help if he were sending any out?

c) Whose decision was it for Jack to take his own life?

2. What in paragraph one could you now call a warning signal for help?

3. What can you share with your group of friends about the way forward to deal with Jack’s death? Are there any more ways to go forward besides these two suggestions?

a) Listen to and note what individuals said or thought before and after his death.

b) Jot down all that happened before Jack’s death.

4. Record all that is said in the passage and writ e a summary.

5. Do you think that your religious or spiritual beliefs can help with what you are going through here? Why or why not?

6. Do you think you are now able to help keep someone else from making that fatal choice? How do you hope to do it?

7. Jack’s death could be a turning point for you. Examine your own life and then write about how you are living now and say what you hope to accomplish in the future.

SUMMARY WRITING

Summary writing is a useful skill for keeping your diary or notebook. In it you write short statements that present only the main ideas and points expressed in a longer piece of writing or in what you have listened to. Its main purpose is to help you review and understand things. To summarise, you need to first distinguish between important and unimportant details. Ask yourself questions like the following:

♦ Is this detail necessary for my understanding of the passage or talk?

♦ Would the resulting piece of writing hold together without this piece of information I am attempting to omit?

Keep on practising to recall and restate only key points and important details in your diary or notebook until proficiency is attained.

Floss versus mouth rinse

DENTAL practitioners have been telling their patients for many decades to floss daily, and they have been doing so for good reasons. A patient visited my clinic with a mouth filled with decayed teeth and swore that while he brushed “more or less regularly,” he never flossed but claimed to use mouth rinse often. In fact, he said he was not sure what flossing entailed. The benefits of flossing are real – they are not a myth.

To say or imply that a mouth rinse can replace floss is false and misleading. Mouthwash is no substitute for dental floss. Some years ago in the United States, a federal judge ruled against a popular mouth rinse advertisement campaign, calling it false, misleading, and a public health risk. Judge Denny Chin said in a written ruling that he expected to order Pfizer Inc. to stop claiming that its product is as effective as floss at reducing plaque and gingivitis between teeth.

The ruling came after McNeil-PPC Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, filed a lawsuit stating that false claims in the advertising campaign posed an unfair threat against its sales of dental floss.

There was an advertisement in print that featured a bottle of mouth rinse balanced on a scale opposite a floss container. This ad stated: “This mouth rinse (name withheld) is clinically prov-

en to be as effective as floss at reducing plaque and gingivitis between the teeth.” The campaign also featured a television commercial titled “Bing Bang.” In it, the commercial announced that this mouth rinse is as effective as floss and that clinical tests proved it, though it did add that there is no replacement for flossing.

Substantial evidence demonstrates that flossing is important in reducing tooth decay and gum disease and that it cannot be replaced by rinsing with mouthwash. Most related companies base their advertising campaigns on emphasising that dental professionals should continue to recommend daily flossing and caution that they are not suggesting mouth rinse should be used instead of floss.

The judge said the company based its findings on two flawed studies of people with mild to moderate gingivitis who did not use floss properly. The studies, he added, proved only that this popular mouth rinse is “as effective as improperly used floss.”

Gingivitis, which is estimated to affect some seventy-five percent of the world’s population, causes inflamed, swollen, and sometimes bleeding gums. It can precede periodontitis, a less common inflammation that develops in deeper tissues and oftentimes leads to tooth loss.

It should be noted that 87 percent of consumers floss either infrequently or not at all, despite

frequent warnings from dentists and dental hygienists to do so. The judge said Pfizer had received complaints about its advertising, including one from a dental professional who said he was “aghast” to hear of the company’s claims and another who said the claims “can set back years of progress by the ethical dental profession in convincing patients that flossing is essential for their oral health.”

Flossing provides benefits that no mouth rinse can, including the ability to remove plaque below the gum line and to dislodge pieces of food trapped between teeth. While most mouth rinses are powerful oral antiseptics—which clearly have their benefits—they could never replace dental floss. It is highly troubling that any mouth rinse manufacturer would take the position that a mouth rinse can replace floss.