Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot E-Paper 14-01-2024

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 14, 2024

Adjusting and adapting A Good Intent Nurse shares the concerns of her community

Nurse Amanda Ramsey (Japheth Savory photos)

Sunday, January 14, 2024

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 14, 2024

Empowering communities via the Community Open-Door Alliance

CAROL Earle is the President of the not-for-profit or- er and grandmother, she wants to lend a helping hand training. ganisation, Community Open-Door Alliance (CODA) and to make a difference in the community because she has She reported it is her way of giving back to the community through a daughter who gave her four grandchildren and she that training was doesn’t know what can happen so she wants to play a done in regions 2, volunteerism.

She related that CODA is a Non-Governmental Organ- role in changing lives.

3, 4, 5, 6 and 10 Apart from volunteering, Earle is a full-time seamstress since its formation isation (NGO) initiated to fulfill one purpose– community and would allot time to everything since she is an early riser in 2015, when it had capacity building.

CODA fosters relations with residents among other who prepares daily meals, completes household chores, and done its first programme in Kuru Kururu as more than 104 stakeholders to work for a common good as it addresses starts sewing until she finishes all the work. participants attended.

“I like sewing; it was what my mother did and I stood by human and community capacity building.

Earle stated that the training programme was led by the Earle is a mother of one and a grandmother of four, who and learned a lot from her and it was the way we connected first and then President, Ms. Gloria Noble, a resident of the resides at Buxton, East Coast Demerara and she is a seam- and I wanted to sew to earn as well,” she said. said locality.

Of the five siblings, Earle is an only daughter, and she stress by profession.

The board consists of five executive members; PresidentThe 66-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that the has liked sewing from a young age. She mastered the art in Ms. Carol Earle, Vice President Ms. Julya Apple, Secretary NGO is mostly self-supported but would partner with other her teenage years. In Buxton, she is well-known and called Mr. Joseph Anthony, Treasurer Ms. Seeta Accra and Asst.

“Aunty Carol”, a household name in the village and its Secretary Treasurer Ms. Samola Norton organisations to raise funds and accept donations.

“Often, we would use our Earle said the mission of own money to assist as we see CODA is through innovative fit based on need, but we have practices, it seeks to merge had a few organisations step in with the relevant administo help us along the way, and tration to eliminate comwe appreciate that and look formunity ills; make way for ward to continued partnerships community capacity buildto make communities such as ing; create opportunities at Tiger Bay a better place for the various levels to further young people and residents in enhance the livelihood of general,” she said. the citizens enabling them to Earle disclosed that they had give back to their respective donated six laptops from Digicommunities. cel Guyana and backpacks with She related that the present school supplies for the children project that is taking place to of Tiger Bay, their focus area. benefit youths and residents of Currently, CODA doesn’t the South Georgetown Area is have an office space and they one that commenced on April are operating out of Theatre 11, 2022, and at that phase, it Guild, Kingston and would CODA members with some children following a gathering at Theatre Guild, Kingston during the was specifically done to assess host training sessions and other the needs of the residents, festive season. gatherings there. mainly the children and youths Earle added that CODA was in the said area. formed two years ago. They have had their inactive times but environs.

That phase consisted of various training programs, inEarle added that with its theme ‘catalyst for community cluding but not limited to literacy and numeracy, computer always regrouped without quitting since the active members are very cooperative. Together, they assisted 50 children and development’, the organisation has partnered with several training, cosmetology, catering, sewing, public speaking entities, including but not limited to Justice Corp (Guyana) and others. youths of Tiger Bay, a depressed community.

The President of CODA stated that they would like to Inc., NGOS Network, Eletra, Pan Arts Association of GuyThe training programme she reported continues with outfit the children with football gear and uniforms so they ana and others in the execution of skills training, sports, sports and arts training. The sport; football being done at literacy and numeracy classes, computer technology and arts the Burnham Basket Court. During Phase One, where 50 can compete with small teams in competitions.

She related that the children participants took part in “We are very willing to learn and would are Gutsy”, a USA-based show up at every session, including NGO character-building the classroom ones. Some would camp held at St. Stanislaus even show up barefoot because they College in late August 2022. want to learn something.

The beneficiaries also enEarle told the Pepperpot Magjoyed a special Christmas party azine that they do not want to buramong their regular attendance den parents with providing sports during the said period at the gear and other things for the chil“One with Me Ministry’ in dren, so this year, they will try to Newtown Kitty. get an organisation to assist with Earle said that in 2023, they that. She noted that they are also continued to practice and enjoy re-starting mathematics, English, social capacity-building and cosmology and computer classes. coping skills. They enjoyed a Recalling how she got involved summer camp held in August with CODA, some years ago, a class in collaboration with El Dowas held by Community Activist/ rado Tours, among other proVolunteer Nadia Mohamed-Persaud. grammes as they closed off the They met and have been fostering year with a special Christmas capacity building since, especially treat on Saturday, December 30 for the children of Tiger Bay. at the Theatre Guild.

“You must love what you do or “In 2024, we will seek it will be difficult to lend so much to further improve the proof your time to volunteerism and I grammes offered to them do it without expecting anything, in areas such as health and from the heart and I am empowered safety, hygiene and personal to help others, always have been big growth as we continue with on assisting the less fortunate and the general training; literacy, that is how I want to spend my life, numeracy, computer, sports building others to become all they and arts, among other imCODA Youth League President Eartha Scott with some of the children of Tiger Bay. can be,” she said. promptu workshops,” she Earle explained that as a mothsaid.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 14, 2024

Music has always been my ‘go-to’ --local singer Akeem Alexander releases new music, ‘Ready to fete’

FROM a very tender age, 24-year-old Guyanese musician Akeem Alexander knew that he loved music. Be it in church, school, concerts – anywhere he had the opportunity – he’d always be singing.

Perhaps at most, his ‘Sunday’ experiences at church had the deepest impact. “Growing up with my grandmother, you know every Sunday you had to go to church. Listening to the worship and hearing the people singing in church, that sparked the interest in me wanting to sing,” Akeem told Pepperpot Magazine.

One day, he just got the courage to go up on the stage and sing. “From that moment, I just fell in love with it,” he expressed, adding, “Music has always been a part of me or my go-to from a very young age.”

It’s not just listening to music that brings joy to Akeem, but actually being able to perform it on stage. “Music is life; it gives you a sense of relief, especially Soca music at that.

You listen to a little bit of Soca music, and it allows you to forget about your problems, forget about your stress, and just live in that moment.”

Into it professionally for four years now, Akeem fondly remembers the year 2020 when he was given the opportunity to take part in the Junior Soca and Calypso competition, capturing 2nd place in Soca and 4th in the Calypso.

In 2021, he re-entered the competition and landed 3rd place in both Soca and Calypso. “I’ve gotten the opportunity to grace many stages so far,” he offered.

In 2023, he was in the senior Soca Monarch, with his biggest song to date titled, “Thank You Soca”, which would have opened many other opportunities for him, and created a wider fan base for the ‘Akeem Alexander brand’.

Akeem said the goal is to become so well-known, that music can become a full-time job. “I want to become a household name in Guyana, and then take it international from there, having more popular songs out there, and people knowing the person behind them. Often times, persons would know a song, but they don’t know who sang it.”

The efforts of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to ensure that Guyanese music is being recognised are not going unnoticed by him. In fact, with the ministry’s help, Akeem said he has been able to get quite a number of bookings.

For 2024, he has already started the ball rolling with the release of new music titled “Ready to fete.” This was a collaboration between him and Kross Kolor Records led by

Social media: Facebook – AkeemAlexander; Instagram@iamakeem; and Tiktok-Akeem Alexander Photos: Akeem 1: Guyanese musician Akeem Alexander Akeem 2: Akeem has been doing music professionally for the past four years Akeem 3: Performing on stage is one aspect of music that Akeem especially enjoys Akeem 4: Akeem’s biggest song to date is “Thank You Soca”

Akeem has been doing music professionally for the past four years

Guyanese musician Akeem Alexander

Burchmore Simon. “They’re [Kross Kolor Records] the ones who found me and trained me and I really want to give a big shout-out to them, especially Vanilla [Melissa Roberts] and Mr. Simon,” he declared.

Explaining what his new song is about, he said: “Ready to fete is a celebration of life, being happy to be alive, and living life like there is no tomorrow,” Akeem shared. Ready to fete can be found on all streaming platforms: YouTube, Spotify, iTunes, ‘anywhere!’”

Performing on stage is one aspect of music that Akeem especially enjoys

Akeem’s biggest song to date is “Thank You Soca”

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 14, 2024

Canadian-based Guyanese eager to lend expertise to his homeland

GUYANA-born Mahmoud Fawzi Wahab, a Certified Supply Chain Professional and a Certified Supply Chain Manager, is eager to lend his expertise to his homeland.

In a recent interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, Fawzi disclosed that working with or consulting with companies, corporations or government in the areas of Inventory and Materials Management, Inventory Auditing, domestic and global logistic shipment planning, production planning, warehouse efficiency, ABC analysis, 5S, forecasting and demand planning, root cause analysis, and pareto analysis are some of the areas he’s capable of playing major roles.

According to Fawzi, he has more than 25 years of experience/knowledge in the field of Logistics & Supply Chain Management (L&SCM), acquired through employment and contracts with Fortune 500 companies such as Procter & Gamble (P&G), Kraft Canada, ICI Paints and several others.

Fawzi also spent seven years teaching L&SCM for an affiliate of St. Lawrence College of Kingston Ontario. This role involved lecturing and preparing all academic materials, exams, case studies, course and learning outcomes, preparing student workbooks for twelve courses, grading and student evaluations. He currently sits on the L&SCM Programme Advisory Committee for colleges.

tary schools, including JB Croppa).

When his father was transferred to Georgetown to be an instructor at the Police Training School, the travel continued with residences in Eve Leary, Eccles, Herstelling, and finally, Nandy Park and Peters Hall. Fawzi continued his school journey by attending Kingston Government, St. Ambrose Anglican School, Providence Government, and finally finished his high school at Indian Educational Trust College.

After school, his first job was with Torginol Paints as

Life in Guyana Fawzi was born in Sheet Anchor Village, Canje, Berbice, Guyana, in the year 1956, the third of five sons to Abdul and Raheisan Wahab.

His father was a member of the Guyana Police Force. In the tradition of police services, it is very typical for officers to be transferred to various districts. This resulted in living in various villages (Fyrish, Albion, Port Mourant, Rosehall, Springlands, Skeldon, Reliance, and attending several elemen-

Wahabb- Fawzi Wahab

a paint tinter, and he attended the founding meeting of the Guyana Manufacturers Association.

Fawzi then served on the United Nations Guyana Mapping Project, trained in cartography and photogrammetry, and then specialised in the field of photo mechanics. Situated at the Lands and Surveys Dept., 22 Upper Hadfield St. Lodge.

During this tenure, he also served as the counterpart to the United Nations Expert in the field of Photo Mechanics. During this time, Fawzi also travelled to Ebini, Wismar, Mara, Lethem, Abary, Mackenzie, Wakenaam, Charity, and Dandanawa and took long trips along the Pomeroon River, Canje River and the Demerara River.

Fawzi has been an ardent photographer for many years, capturing thousands of photographs on his trips. Many of his photographs in Guyana were displayed during the Agriculture and National Expo in Georgetown.

Fawzi moved to Canada in 1981 and continued in the field of Photo Mechanics, working for Kenting Earth Sciences in Calgary and the Alberta Bureau of Surveying & Mapping (Government of Alberta) in Edmonton.

He is an avid philatelist who focuses only on British Guiana.

Fawzi studied Operations Management at the University of Alberta and also acquired Journeyman Printing Licenses for Alberta and Ontario.

After moving to Ontario, Fawzi acquired an honours degree in mechanical engineering and transitioned into logistics and supply chain management.

Fawzi offers his services as a consultant within L&SCM. And tutoring specialised modules in L&SCM focusing on process improvements and profitability for his clients.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 14, 2024

Thriving through partnerships - The R3CCI is leading by example

By Michel Outridge Theon Alleyne is a Public Relations Officer and is one of the faces behind the Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) Chamber of Industry and Commerce (R3CCI), which has been doing its part to spread joy to the less fortunate in their communities.

For 2024,Alleyne explained that the entity started with a food hamper distribution in the spirit of giving and community solidarity.

According to Alleyne, the initiative aimed to support and uplift the less fortunate members of various communities across Region Three as the new year begins.

He added that the New Year’s Day initiative is a testament to R3CCI’s commitment not just to economic development but

Members of R3CCI as they were about to participate in a food hamper distribution in region 3 recently.

Theon Alleyne, Public Relations Officer R3CCI.

also to fostering strongercommunity bonds.

“It echoes the belief that acts of kindness, big or small, can lead to significant positive changes within our society. As we step into 2024, R3CCI remains dedicated to initiatives that not only enhance the economic fabric of our region but also strengthen the interpersonal connections within our community. The success of the New Year’s Day Hamper Distribution is a shining example of what we can achieve when we come together for a common good. R3CCI extends its heartfelt gratitude to Puran Brothers, Fat Boy Discount Store, Countryside Agriculture, Telco Solutions, Seeram Singh Top Notch Contracting Services, Chicken & Burger, EICCIO Advisors, and MJM Accounting and Management Institute, who contributed to making this initiative a memorable and joyous occasion for those in need. Your generosity truly embodies the spirit of our community,” he said.

Alleyne disclosed that R3CCI is a Business Support Organisation that advocates for the interests of its members and promotes economic development in the Essequibo Islands— West Demerara region of Guyana.

Specifically, the R3CCI provides several benefits for businesses, including networking opportunities, increased visibility and credibility, advocacy and support, access to exclusive programming, and a direct voice in national and regional policy development.

The R3CCIwas formed two years ago and they have 16

members. Some are inactive but growing slowly and have undergone some name changes over the years.

Alleyne added that their office is at the West Central Mall, Leonora,West Coast Demerara and they are partnering with other agencies to fulfill the community’s needs through various means.

He reported that last year they collaborated with the police on security, oil and gas sessions, and training programmes on ISO certification.

They even hosted a job fair and engaged Minister Indar Deodat.

In highlighting the achievements of 2023, the R3CCI build strong relationships, effective communication and providing value by partnerships with both the private and public sector.

Some major highlights included meeting with Dr. Natasha Gaskin-Peters and the Centre for Local Business Development Team. The meeting fostered much dialogue on unlocking business opportunities in the burgeoning Oil & Gas sector, highlighting new horizons for members; meeting with the Regional Democratic Council and the Regional Division of the Guyana Police Force leadership regarding security concernsandensuring a conducive environment

for private sector growth and a game-changing meeting with ExxonMobil Guyana discussing their plan for Region Three and strategies for getting more skilled workers in the energy sector.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 14, 2024

The village of Good Intent Founded on good intentions

In our little country known as Guyana, there are hundreds of communities, villages, townships and settlements spread out across the nation; each with their own history and unique culture curated by its people throughout the years. This week the Pepperpot Magazine journeyed through time and history to the little village of Good Intent.

Good Intent, with all of its notable shops, churches and colourful assortment of homes, is located on the West Bank of Demerara. The community is home to more than 2,000 people and has become known for its peaceful and hospitable nature. Good Intent is bordered by Bellevue to the North and the equally captivating community of Sisters Village to the South.

Good Intent and neighbouring Sisters Village are among the few communities

Good Intent villager Kelroy George

Good Intent villager and farmer Brian Cooper

on the West Bank of Guyana to have a history as rich as theirs. More importantly, it is important to have that history preserved through the decades. The Pepperpot Magazine reached out to the village’s neighbourhood democratic council, who happily shared the deep history of the community. I went from farmlands as far as the eyes could see into a community filled with small businesses, entrepreneurs, and hardworking professionals. The community has come a long way and can only go further.

Perhaps one of the reasons why Good Intent and Sister’s Village communities are as closely knit as they are is because they were once a single village. The two communities were once all one vast field that housed a plantation. The bustling community of Good Intent

Ownership of Good Intent was eventually handed over to William Matherson. Matherson kept the land as a plantation for several years before it was once again transferred. According to community council information, Good Intent was then sold to JD Mollyneaux and George King. Both men were descendants of freed Africans and bought the land for $6,400 in April of 1854.

The community kept its name and sought a surveyor to divide the land into 60 equal lots. These lots were sold to other persons, predominantly the descendants of Africans. This gave rise to a new community that was strong in tradition. The village of Good Intent quickly evolved from being a community that simply farmed to support itself into a village

culture is Brian Cooper. The Pepperpot Magazine caught up with the 28-year-old on his way to do some yard work at his Good Intent home. Brian has known agriculture for as long as he can remember.

Setting a sapling and seeing it blossom is something that Brian feels runs within his very veins.

Brian has been tending to the acres of soursop, plantains, and ground provisions since he was 13. The ambitious young man says farming is all he has ever known.

“When I used to go to school, I would come home and go farming. I used to work with my grandparents, and that is how I took up farming myself,” he explained.

According to Brian, Good Intent has seen a few drastic

Entrance into the village of Good Intent is marked by a canal (Japheth Savory photos)

was home to hundreds of acres of land that housed rows of sugarcane and coffee beans. The two villages were originally owned by a Dutch planter, who divided the land among his children. While Good Intent was given to his sons, Sister’s Village was given to his daughters, hence the village’s unique name.

that became revered around the country for its crops.

The age of Agriculture Farming is still alive and well in Good Intent. Agriculture has blended with the community’s business owners, housewives and young people. One such young man who has taken up agri-

changes. He described the village as being no more than mud roads and trees several years ago. He stated that “All of the streets were mud. All around had mango trees.”

Today, the community is one of the most populated and has become known for its entreSEE PAGE VII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 14, 2024

Good ol’ traditional values

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A Good Intent woman shares what had brought her this far.

By Shaniya Harding

“Good Intent was simple, not as big as it is now. It was rough.”

ALTHOUGH history books and tell tales tell of stories from a long time ago, something special is brought about from the essence of experience. Stories told by someone who has spent years on earth weathering the storms of life are among the most captivating tales ever told, and oftentimes, they are where significant lessons are learned.

Very few people live a life as long as Leadel Ghent. Leadel or Ms. Ghent, as she is known around the community of Good Intent, is one of the most active, jovial and spritely 92-year-olds around. She is always ready to show visitors her garden, offer her home to the neighbourhood children in the absence of a playground and offer a warm, home-cooked meal to anyone in need.

Travelling Guyana and the Caribbean for more than nine decades, Leadel’s life has been an intricate tapestry of experiences from a different time.

She spoke to the Pepperpot magazine about what years, time and tide and has taught her, and the secret to long life, she says, is simple.

Starting a family Life was simple in the quaint little village of Good Intent. Leadel and her husband embarked on numerous journeys together, but parenthood was among the longest and certainly would be considered by many to be the most challenging. Throughout their marriage, the couple had 13 children together.

Supporting their rapidly growing family was the couple’s first priority; and Leadel called on her values of hard work in those difficult times. “My husband used to do farming and I used to do farming too. And then I started baking and selling. To look after the children and send them to school,” she shared.

Over a span of more than forty years, Leadel gave birth to a new generation, with more than 30 grandchildren, and well over 50 great-grandchildren. Leadel embodies what it means to be a mother and more so, a matriarch. Raising the children throughout all those years was primarily her responsibility.

The value of hard work during tough times She would run her home unlike any other, Leadel was born into a hardworking family in with 13 children to feed, care, clothe and send the community of Sisters Village as the last of four to school. She explained how her days began children. Her family brought in modest earnings early and ended late. Waking the children and and Leadel and her siblings sought enjoyment in got them ready for school, but not without the simple things in life. Early morning swims, putting together a meal of whatever she could sleeping in trees and long walks through the backfind. If not anything else, she would ensure lands of the West Bank where what filled the days Leadel Ghent posing with a few bottles of her home made pepper sauce her family was healthy and happy. of children of her generation. Leadel stated that (Japheth Savory photos) “Growing up was not too bad. But we had to make Life lessons learnt class at the time. Her parents were farmers and tended to their life as best we could, and that was working hard.” acres of land the old-fashioned way, with hand tools in place Hard work is essential in every aspect of life, but more After a long life defined by countless encounters and of a plough. At quite an early age, Leadel undertook various so for people like Leadel during a time when farming and shaped by various experiences, some painful, unfortunate and responsibilities in order to add to her family’s earnings. She manual labour were the only options for people of the working happy, Leadel has garnered a unique view of the important worked several jobs, some more tiring than others, but all in things in life. The importance of family is above all else to the an attempt to survive. ninety-two-year-old. After fostering, caring and bringing up a At 19 years old, Leadel would family as big as hers, Leadel cherishes each and every one of meet her husband while working her family members. She explained that despite the challenges one of her many jobs. She admitof motherhood, it is essential that each child is loved for who ted that initially, the thought of they are. She stated, “Not all of your children are going to beginning a family of her own come out good. There is one that causes some trouble. But was daunting. The young couple, you have to cherish them.” however, happy and in love, setLeadel was born, lived and raised a family throughout tled in the village of Good Intent different eras. In reminiscing about her life, she rememmore tha seven decades ago. The bers and values the simple things. The things that people community of Good Intent was may often overlook are what Leadel looks to as life’s still primarily farmland and cattle, greatest gifts. In answering what was most important to and was still cultivating its sense her, and perhaps what has brought her this far, she simply of community. Leadel said that, stated, “Good food and family.”

The village of Good...

FROM PAGE VI preneurs and farmers.

There are, however, a few issues members of the community would like to see assessed. In a community where agriculture has been a major player for countless years, water availability has long been an issue for the farmers. With the change in the climate, farmers like Brian are searching for new

ways of getting water to their farm. He shared that water is a problem. Alot of our things are dying out because we are not getting water.”

This has presented as a major problem for the farmers’ community. However, Brian is hopeful that the issue can be easily resolved and fixed in due time. This comes when the village’s neighbourhood council is develiping the community’s infrastructure

and hopefully works towards solving the village’s water woes. Despite the issues, Brian will always call this village home and farming his way of life.

Age of Entrepreneurship While in the fields and among the trees is where Brian feels at home, some of Good Intent’s people have a different wayof life.

Kelroy George was born and bred in the community of Good Intent. The 42-year-old owns a hangout spot and feels far more comfortable behind a bar.

Growing up as the middle child in a family of five boys, Kelroy had what some would call a countryside upbringing.

Kelroy’s father worked at the Wales sugar estate while his mother was one of the community’s seamstresses.

He described his boyhood in Good Intent as sunny days filled with all the childish joys of the countryside. He told this magazine that “Growing up in Good Intent was nice and quiet. I used to follow my bigger brothers and try to do what they do. And the two brothers after me would look up to me.

We would catch birds, swim and play cricket.”

In those days, Kelroy says life was much easier and people seemed to have a free-spirited aura to them. Kelroy believes the community he has known and loved has seen subtle changes over the years. He shared that, “The community has not seen anything strange. Just that there have been a lot of houses built up around here. Back in those times, we never had bridges and so on.”

Good Intent is a stellar model of what it means to build a community. Starting off, like so many other villages, founded on a basis of farming for self-sustainability. Good Intent has evolved into a village just on the outskirts of Georgetown, perfect for raising a family, starting a business, or having a quiet retreat. With its authentic rural atmosphere, coupled with all the necessities just around the corner, Good Intent is a captivating community that is bound to keep moving forward.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 14, 2024

Adjusting and adapting A Good Intent Nurse shares the concerns of her community.

By Shaniya Harding.

TRULY dedicating oneself to anything requires effort, perseverance and immeasurable amounts of self-discipline. But nursing requires an extra touch of caring and love for others.

Amanda Ramsey was born, raised and is now giving back to her community of Good Intent in one of the most incredible ways: as a nurse at the community’s clinic. The 38-year-old has been a part of the Good Intent health centre for over ten years. In that time, she has gone the extra mile to treat her patients, getting to know the people who bring their woes to her. Today, Nurse Ramsey along with her team at the Good Intent Health Centre, strives to go beyond the bounds of the clinic. They aim to ensure the health and well-being of their community.

Amanda was raised in the village of Good Intent. A quick stroll through the village today would expose you to the unique and enchanting atmosphere that characterizes the village. With neighbours who interact like family and strangers who treat you like old friends, Good Intent brings what it means to be a community to the forefront through its people. According to Amanda, this way of life and sense of community was always something that Good Intent encapsulated and what made the village feel at home to her.

“Back then, it was good,” Amanda shares. She and her siblings’ childhood in Good Intent was marked by playing through the back streets, swimming, and climbing the ever-elusive mango trees of their neighbours. With its lively, cheerful, warm and welcoming nature, it would seem as though Good Intent was always a village that stood on a strong sense of

Nurses at the Good Intent health Centre beside one of the community’s pregnant women.

Nurse Amanda Ramsey (Japheth Savory photos)

community and a simplistic way of life. “Everybody was one and lived as one. We would go into each other’s yard and pick fruits.” Amanda said.

“There where some good days in Good Intent,” Amanda said. As the eldest of five siblings, Amanda was tasked with caring for her siblings early in her life. This, however, took nothing away from her childhood. Amanda’s experiences enriched her appreciation for family and emphasized the moments she spent with them. “Growing up as the eldest sister was a bit challenging,” she shared.

Amanda and her siblings were brought up by their aunt and grandmother. She said, “We grew up with my grandmother and my great aunt, not my mother. My mother

used to live on the east bank.

I had to take care of the small ones. But it was still good.”

Although nursing is undoubtedly her passion today, Amanda admits that healthcare was not her original ambition. Amanda was thrown into the nursing field after some pushing and intervention from her brother. Today, she considers it one of the best decisions she has ever made. “My brother put in the application form for me.

Nursing was not my heart’s desire. But now that I am doing it, I love it.” Amanda shared.

Guyana houses friendly people who have cultivated a culture of familiarity with their hospitable nature. In the little village of Good Intent, this culture is emphasised.

Amanda and her clinic are

in charge of the health of more than a thousand people across various communities.

She, however, has still managed to form bonds with her patients, making them feel more like people rather than the illness assigned to them.

Amanda shared that, “I love nursing. I like taking care of my patients. I like talking to them, sometimes, I give them advice.”

Looking back at the village’s medical aspect, Amanda shared concerns echoed by Guyanese healthcare workers countrywide. The rise of chronic deceases is some-

thing that has garnered attention on a national scale with programs set out to combat hypertension and diabetes.

This health trend can be felt on a much smaller scale as well. As Amanda shared, “Most of the cases we see are either high blood pressure or diabetes.” She further stated that plenty has to be changed to combat the growing issue.

Drastic adjustments to our diets and adapting new eating habits are just a few things on the list of measures that should be taken.

“Most times, we do not eat right, and that contrib-

utes mostly to the problem.” Amanda, who has had her personal experiences with hypertension, says that diet and exercise are consistently apart of her life, saying that, “I try to eat the right foods, take on less stress and exercise.”

She urges the patients at her clinic to place emphasis on their health. Taking the steps towards acknowledging one’s health issues is key. Heeding the advice of a neighbourhood nurse, doctor or medic could go a long way in ensuring someone’s health.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 14, 2024

Entrepreneurial endeavours and parental paths Good Intent mother and businesswoman shares the challenges of both roles

By Shaniya Harding BUILDING a business can be likened to the building of a community. It begins with a mere idea and evolves with the intention of developing something strong and self-sustainable. Time, hard work, and resources are exhausted to create something worth marvelling at. At the far end of Good Intent, Jenele Benett owns one of the village’s more notable supermarkets. The multimillion-dollar establishment was birthed from a small stand over three decades ago. Today, her business has become a pillar of the community.

The woman behind the business is 30-year-old Jenele. For the mother of two, entrepreneurship is a new venture. After dedicating herself to teaching for more than a decade, Jenele turned a new page in life when she took ownership of the store she runs today. Thrown into a field she knew nothing about, Jenele fought to manage, develop, advance and grow the business she was handed.

The move from teacher to mother Jenele began moulding young minds as a young teacher just out of school.

She taught at a number of schools across the country.

Jenele described her time as a teacher as having created some of the happiest memories of her life. She felt at home in the classroom, gazing at a sea of fresh young faces.

She told the Pepperpot Magazine that she had a profound and genuine love for her profession and the children she taught. Jenele is particularly fond of going the extra mile for the children under her care. She has taken it upon herself to help children in and out of the classroom. She says she does it simply for the love of it. “Teaching was amazing.

I was one of the teachers that loved to teach. I did it because I love teaching.

I never did it for anything else,” she said.

After meeting her now husband almost four years ago, Jenele left the classroom to undertake an en-

Jenele’s store

tirely different task: motherhood. When she left the field of work, Jenele was eight months pregnant. She quickly resumed working in the store but still longed for the classroom. “I miss my kids, I miss classroom interactions, I miss the whole thing,” she said.

Business woman and mother Jenele Benett (Japheth Savory photos)

During this transition, Jenele called on the two most influential and inspirational women in her life, her mother and motherin-law. She shared that, “In terms of teaching, my mother was actually my role model. She taught for over 35 years at the nursery level.” In child care Jenele again sought advice and solace from her mother. She expressed that, “Coming over to children, my mother along with my mother-inlaw were great help with the baby.” Jenele was preview to a unique situation.

Being a teacher has given her countless interactions and immeasurable experiences with children. But as much as she knew her way around a classroom, motherhood, Jenele says, was an entirely different ball game.

Although her years of teaching have given her experiences with children, the shift from the classroom to the home was drastic. Jenele explained that as challenging as teaching was, being a mother was full-time job, one

where the children did not leave at the end of the day.

Jenele shared that, “In the classroom, you have the children and then they go home to their parents. My mom and mother-in-law were there to show me the do’s and the don’ts. I was so accustomed to the eight to three and then the children go.”

Entrepreneurial endeavours The charmingly named ‘Rite Price Supermarket’ Jenele is in charge of today is located in Good Intent. The establishment was founded decades ago by her husband’s family and has evolved throughout the years.

Jenele admitted that she bore a few inhibitions when she married her husband a few years ago and was offered the opportunity to manage the supermarket. “It was scary at first,” she stated, “To know that it is my responsibility to not only make sure that everything is okay. I am here, but I have employees I have to look after, too.”

“I inherited this busi-

ness. My in-laws owned and operated it before and they migrated. So my husband and I had to take over,” Jenele shared. She further explained that bearing the brunt of the business’ wins or setbacks was daunting. But she has persevered, growing her business in the last year amidst its competitors.

For the time she has been dabbling in entrepreneurship, Jenele says that she wishes to see more support for the local market. As a self-proclaimed patriotic Guyanese and business owner, Jenele urges her fellow countrymen to support the goods and services produced locally as much as they can.

She stated that, “In terms of business, in terms of our tourism aspect and in terms of our music. I am a diehard Guyanese and I support my own.”

Jenele urges Guyanese and entrepreneurs everywhere to never forget where they come from. For her, remembering where she came from brought her to where she is today.

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MAN, KNOW THYSELF!

‘MAN’, in this context, is not a gender-based statement. It encompasses our species, written in the artistic alphabet of the wise men of Khemet, above the entrance of the teaching centres of their mystery systems; systems that the entire humankind has benefitted from. It revolves around our value systems, personal creeds, and what we should and should not do. This includes cases enveloped by opposing circumstances where, at the moment, we sit in the gloom of darkness, and suddenly glitter tempts, and we become enveloped in the Carnival of Fools that appease for a while.

But because it builds nothing that can endure, it, thus, contributes nothing to posterity, and is soon forgotten.

In Guyana, like many nations, its peoples have passed through, as a young nation, several swift eras from which we should have learnt more, but we seem content to assume that we’ll do it better now; it will work itself out without our participation through understanding what happened before. It doesn’t work like that. The past and its imprints do not easily evaporate. Let me tell a true story about an era of mixed-up moods and gambling conclusions, driven by the promising chances of the now, rather than the achieving goal of tomorrow, that intercepted and prevailed.

Once a pretty young girl was interested in becoming a nurse, and was on her way to doing so. Then, an adult male in the community took an interest in her, but she didn’t take him

seriously. He visited her home and spoke to her mother. This male was part of an era unlike any other before to hit G/T, where a vibrant cultural creed and illegal hustle merged, providing hope where no such lay before to most in the population. But, of course, all involved ignored the promising time’s probable consequences.

Soon enough, gifts were bought for the home, and with the mother entrapped, she coerced her beautiful daughter.

Thus, her daughter’s life changed forever. The beautiful youth was enthralled by the social trends that proposed a popular way out from obvious generational denied wants and needs. There is so much a mother in charge of many can do, I had then concluded. The presence of the male was essential. The father’s failure as the principal guardian in that nurturing period was crucial.

But the young woman was strong, and she survived her trials.

‘Knowing oneself’ is not a simple boastful endeavour; it requires deep thinking towards enquiry, and not the illusion of one’s invincibility, machismo, and loudness in the face of a cap-

tive crowd. It requires one to be aware of the knowledge of the past crowd.

Every order of things has its history of loyalty,

betrayals, survival justifications, amplifying treachery at different levels. Thus, ‘knowing oneself’ is indeed a private quest, because

poverty intoxicates. So do greed and self-centeredness, as well as the need to address legitimate personal conditions. To learn,

one must listen, with the understanding that some elders have done things to empower themselves that required betraying obvious expectations. In telling you their story, they will use fictions that are older than you, and switch events around to produce your justifying nod.

Be aware that for the ancients to arrive at a statement that defines their teachings, it must have taken centuries of learning, failures and eventual successes to compile the categories of learning what constitutes ‘knowing oneself’. Breaking this down into a functional/personal core value towards your own benefit urges you to understand the world around you. This is not a menial task; it will take time. Why do some conflicts locally and abroad exist, and how did they begin? You will have to read books, magazines, and then crossread the subject. Spend some time at the library; check out secondhand book stands.

They will surprise you. You can’t imagine the speed at which some relatives are apt to sell the books of some studious citizens as fast as they depart this world. It’s a fact that there are far more empty kettles than those with life-saving ‘Bush Tea’.

It is not even because people don’t know; some don’t care to know. They try to convey their views by repeating titbits of information heard. It’s not a perfect world. If you can’t read, please learn. Be able to read what you’re signing for. Fatal conflicts have emerged because the victim did not ‘know themself’.

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Detoxing the soul I SHARED with you that I am even more intentional about my mind, body, and soul aligning throughout the year. I have cut certain things from my meals, and enjoy exercising more than anticipated, which is good. I am meditating more, and creating more time for critical thinking. I was chatting with Pastor Nath from Nigeria, and he recommended that I read his book, Toxic Detox, and I am happy I took his advice. I resonated with a similar situation Pastor Craig found himself in, and it just shows you how, as humans, we can err more than we would like to admit. I am better now, but I was so impatient. And when my daughters mentioned it, I was like, “What are they talking about?” I believe these excerpts shared from Toxic Detox by Pastor Craig Groeschel will resonate with many people

Recently, at church, I asked our congregation, “How many of you battle with self-.deception?” A few people in the crowd raised their hands. Then I asked, “How many of you know someone who is very self-deceived?” You guessed

TICKED OFF So, how do we begin identifying our self-told lies and replacing them with truth?

Through the process of ruthless self-examination.

After my kids spend a long day playing in the woods, I always have them check themselves for ticks. They loathe this somewhat embarrassing self-examination, since it requires them to go over every square inch of their bodies slowly and carefully. But they know that catching a tick early can keep them from getting seriously ill.

Similarly, I’d encourage you to do a thorough internal self-examination. Just as those pesky bloodsuckers jump on you when you enter their environment; spiritual toxins infuse your thinking as you wade through our culture. Take an honest look at the way you live, how you think, and who or what influences you the most.

Work hard to be brutally honest.

Examine your life for toxic behaviours; anything you do that cripples your spiritual effectiveness or distracts you from your eternal mission. Look within for toxic emotions; any deep feelings that lead you away from God’s truth. Take an honest look at any unhealthy consumption; the media you consume, the sites you surf, the people you spend the most time around. The first step to defeating an enemy is to recognise your opponent. Though your enemy might be invisible, God can give you eyes to see.

Let me warn you, though. The closer you get to uncovering a toxic killer in your life, the harder your enemy will fight to keep his grip. If you are like me, you might even unknowingly betray yourself, and fight against the change. Denial is often our first line of defence. We’re skilled at taking responsibility for little, and justifying much.

MUDDY WATERS The Bible consistently reminds us to check our spiritual diet for toxins. Proverbs 25:26 says, “Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked.” How muddy is your water right now?

Is your well polluted by all the cultural toxins seeping in? Or does your spiritual well draw on Living Water as its pure, thirst-quenching source? Maybe you are a Christian, and you’ve been made righteous by Christ, yet you become a muddied spring or a polluted well, and you don’t even know it.

Since we see ourselves from only one perspective, it’s incredibly difficult to get an accurate picture of ourselves. In order to see into our blind spots, we must use different mirrors held at different angles. I’d like to provide you with some of these mirrors in order to expose the toxic behaviours that tend to sneak up on all of us. They’re often present on a daily basis, and even though we can’t see them, they can accumulate inside us, and poison the well of our souls.

Why can’t we see our self-generated toxins?

David answers this question in Psalm 36:2 -3 when he describes a deceived sinner. In their own eyes, they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin. The words of their mouths are wicked and deceitful; they fail to act wisely or do good. Notice how David puts it that some people flatter themselves too much.

They lie to themselves, and don’t even know it. And they become so skilled at self-deception that they cannot detect or confess their sins. Basically, we manufacture our own poison, and administer regular doses to ourselves.

Chances are good you know someone like this. Perhaps you have a friend who gossips all the time. He says boastfully, “I don’t gossip; I’m just telling you, so you can pray for them.” You and everyone else know he is a gossip. Or maybe you have a family member who is off-the-charts rude. Yet she would tell you, “I’m not trying to be offensive; I just tell it like it is.” Odds are you know someone who has a drinking problem, yet this person denies having any problem, and adamantly believes he can quit at any time. You might have a friend who thinks he’s God’s gift to women, but you and everyone else know he’s an arrogant, womanising, self-centered jerk. You possibly work for a woman who thinks she’s a great leader at the office, but everyone else knows that she is a micromanaging, overbearing, control freak. Why don’t these people see it in themselves?

know that they don’t know. If you are deceived, chances are pretty good you don’t know that you believe something untrue, otherwise you wouldn’t be deceived. If we never identify the lies and replace them with truth, we will forever crave a healthy life on a diet of poison, and always wonder why we are sick.

it. Almost everyone knew someone else who’s guilty of self-deception.

Chances are you do, too. You probably know someone who thinks more highly of themselves than they should. Or you might have a relative who thinks he’s funny, but everyone else thinks he is annoying. You likely know someone who has a problem, but will deny it until the cows come home. It is hard to be objective about ourselves.

I laughed as I explained to our church that we have a statistical problem. Almost no one in our church believes that they are self-deceived, and yet almost everyone knows someone who is. Why? Because we have an unlimited capacity to deceive ourselves.

As we lie to ourselves (“great singer”), we start to believe our lies. The more we tell the lies, the more we believe they are true.

Before long, we wholeheartedly embrace a distorted reality skillfully created by a willed ignorance. We deny, suppress, or minimise what is true. By default, we assert, adorn, and elevate what is false. When we finally see the truth, we think the truth is a lie.

We could say it this way: Those who don’t know, don’t

Be careful when you hear yourself think or utter these phrases or something similar: *I don’t have a problem with this. * It’s really no big deal; this is one way I cope with everything. * I’m not as bad as most people. * I can quit anything I want to. * This is just the way I am.

Those who are most defensive are often the most unknowingly guilty. It has been said that the more convinced you are that you are right, the more likely you are wrong. If you fight back against those trying to help you, chances are you are fighting to keep your own lies intact. If someone who loves you tries to show you a dangerous pattern in your life, you might be 100 per cent convinced they are wrong, when the truth is they are 100 per cent correct.

Peter, in the New Testament, is a perfect example. When Jesus explained that some of the disciples would fall away and deny him, Peter was convinced that he never would.

With unshakable confidence, Peter replied, Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will (Matt. 26:33).

Can you hear his self-deceived SEE PAGE XXIV confidence?

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WHEN THE RAIN STOPS

AMBER stood in the light drizzle, by the old white picket gate and looked across the lawn at the white house that stood so forlorn in the shadows of the overgrown trees and shrubs - creepers clinging to the wall like tentacles. Something once so beautiful now so old, worn and faded by time.

It had been six years since she had walked out the gate with her little bag and her puppy - a ten-year-old girl, tears rolling down her cheeks. It had been a day like today when it had rained all morning and she had stood on the porch waiting for it to stop. There had been a deep ache in her young heart because there was no one left to take care of her and she had to leave a home she loved so much.

She pushed open the gate that fell away on one hinge and walked up the overgrown path, almost expecting to see her white terrier, Snow White, bounding towards her, her mother at the door, greeting her with a smile and her father appearing from nowhere swinging her up on his strong shoulders as she screamed in delight.

How wonderful life had been for them living in that beautiful little white house, filled with love and laughter until that horrible accident on the highway on a rainy morning, snatched her father away from them. That tragic loss had changed their lives and nothing was ever the same again.

The grass had grown tall and wild shrubs had trespassed in every corner of what had been a beautiful garden, a small place with so many precious memories. She walked up the front door, and stood there for a short moment, tears gathering in her eyes. She turned the shiny key in the rusted lock, her hand trembling, for it had been such a long time. Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open.

Amber stared in wonderment for instead of cobwebs and dust that would have taken over a house closed for six years, there was light and everywhere seemed to be the same, as though the house had been taking care of itself, waiting on their return. A soft cry escaped her lips as she looked at the piano standing alone in the corner. She closed her eyes as tears flowed down her face, trying to stop the aching in her heart. A soft voice called her name and opening her eyes, she saw the vision of her mother, such a beautiful woman, walking down the stairs in an elegant off-white gown and her father, tall and handsome, waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs. It was their anniversary; a special dinner was planned that night.

A lovely couple they were, so in love with each other, a sublime kind of love, so that day when he could no longer kiss her, laugh with her, and dance with her, darkness stepped into her life and she lost the will to live.

Amber wiped her tears and opened a few of the windows, the breath of fresh air helping to clear her mind. A few birds flew up from the garden and it brought a little smile to her lips, for they were her friends, whom she used to talk with and at that age, she always felt they understood what she was saying.

She looked around the house, the furnishings, the décor, everything so beautifully decorated in gold and white, her mother’s favourite colours.

The few pieces of antique her father had bought for her and the crystal globe with a dancing prince and princess she had wound over and over to listen to the sweet musical sounds until she lost her mind. She had left Amber, not in life, but in mind, for the loss of her husband had been too much for her and she had lost the fight to stay sane, lost the desire to live, even for her little girl.

She had been taken away to an institution and Amber had had to leave to live with other family, waiting weeks, months and years for the psychological treatment to bring her mother back to her and each time she saw her on visits, she had read little poems she had written for her, hoping bit by bit it would help her lost mind to find its way.

Years passed, and the poems were compiled into a book, her personal collection. She did a lot of reading on mental health and decided to further her studies in psychology.

“It’s not easy to lose a loved one,” she had said to herself, “Not by death nor mentally.”

The doctors were confident she would come back and Am-

ber had lived with that hope, seeing glimpses of her mother’s true self sometimes in her visits.

Just one day before her sixteenth birthday, as she sat alone in the park, the hospital called to say her mother was asking for her and wanted to go home. Amber sank down on her knees and cried, cried for everything. For the years she had ached for her mother, now her waiting was over. Her mother had found her way from the darkness.

A car pulled up outside and she ran to the door, knowing who had arrived. The door opened, and her mother walked in, as beautiful as ever, just a little older and wet from the rain.

Mother and daughter stood for a moment, looking at each other for after six years, they had returned home.

She stretched her arms out and cried “I’m sorry, my baby!” and they hugged each other, crying and laughing for all the joys they had shared and all the sorrows they had borne. They were together again in the home where there had been so much love and happiness, a home just waiting for their return.

And outside, the rain stopped.

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National Muslim events necessitate the participation of main Muslim organisations BETWEEN 4 and 6 September, 2023, an Islamic Symposium hosted by the Research Centre for Islamic History, Culture and Arts, an affiliate of the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation, was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in cooperation with the Government of Guyana.

The objective of the Symposium was to “illuminate the rich history and legacy of the Muslims in the Caribbean”.

All Guyanese, and Muslims in particular, appreciate the help and support our Muslim brethren abroad proffer in helping to elucidate and explain Islam, and their assistance in the noble effort of Dawah, that is, to bring the message of the Holy Quran to ordinary folk. Over the years, such efforts were always done with a local partner, and the Symposium was the first within living memory where the local partner was the State.

The Government of Guyana gave its full support to the Symposium, and was an example to other Governments in the Region. The President of Guyana, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, gave the opening and feature address, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, gave an impactful and very fine closing presentation. The Symposium was a successful event.

The media did not carry any of the content of the presentations, and this was something to which the public had been looking forward. However, the academic community and the CIOG may be able to compile the presented and unpresented papers in due course. Many matters of a universal Islamic interest, such as the presence of Muslims among the African slaves, or the Caribbean spirit of Islam where there is full and welcome cooperation between Islam and other Faiths could be studied.

The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), did offer its fullest support to the Symposium, and made it a point of individually informing prominent and important members of the society of the event. Many, however, had looked forward to the CIOG playing a more high-profile role in the event, but then this impression may be due to inadequate reporting by the media.

For the last three decades or more, the CIOG, under the leadership of Sheikh Moen ul Hack, has borne the leadership of the Muslim Community. That leadership has been creative, and has kept in close contact with the ordinary Muslim folk, for though the headquarters of the organisation is in the capital city, Georgetown, the “sub offices” have been active in the countryside, where the majority of the Muslim population reside. Recently, Bro Namdar, who lived and worked on the West Coast Demerara, and who was Vice-President of the organisation, passed away, and though his loss was a severe one, successful efforts are being made to have others fill the breach, since he was an example of a CIOG official who kept in touch with the ordinary folk.

The CIOG has been involved in many useful and necessary activities: It has helped in providing ambulance service to the poor; has had free medical outreaches; has assisted in the funerary expenses of less privileged Muslims; has been conducting wedding services throughout the country; has ensured that Muslim cemeteries are well kept; and those who are in need are financially assisted, not only during the holy month of Ramzan, but at all times. It has tried to ensure that the madrasas in all the various jamaats are well conducted. In the last decade, it has realised that there is a need for schooling in Western education, so that more young Muslims can

qualify themselves to serve in various aspects of the economy, and also to be able to qualify themselves for professional and technical studies. The main school of this type is the Muslim College at Thomas Lands, which caters for several hundred boys and girls. It should be mentioned that Sheikh Moen and his Executive, despite pressure of time, try to attend and give support to all Muslim functions and events.

The first all-Guyana Muslim organization, which the CIOG succeeded, was the Guyana United Sadr Islamic Anjuman, which was established in the 1930s. That organisation has many achievements to its credit, and among these are: It cemented the Muslim jamaats together, and gave the community national leadership when it was most needed; it founded an orphanage, which is still doing much-needed social work; it gave representation to the Muslim community in Parliament, and it was during the Hon. Yacoob Ali’s term of office that Eid-ul-Ahza and Youman Nabi were declared Public Holidays; it was also under the leadership of Haji Abdool Rahaman that Guyana became a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which has recently lent Guyana several hundred million dollars to finance the major road from Linden to the Interior of the country.

During the long night of the Burnham dictatorship, the Anjuman had to struggle to survive, and when Haji Abdool Rahaman, who led that struggle, died, a pal of sorrow overtook the community, and it was feared that a vacuum would be created. Fortunately, the CIOG, under the devoted leadership of Sheikh Moen ul Hack, filled the breach, and stands ready to partner and participate in all national Muslim events.

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The ‘Green Revolution’ DEAR readers, as we step into a new year, leaving the festive season behind, the management and staff of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) welcome you to 2024 with warm wishes and a vision for a prosperous and environmentally-conscious year ahead. We hope that the

and responsibly managing our natural resources. These small individual commitments, whether reducing waste, consuming responsibly, or embracing renewable energy collectively create a significant impact.

Our choices matte r, whether it’s reducing single-use plastics, conserving

waste and preserving precious resources.

As we embark on this journey, here are a few ‘Green Resolutions’ to keep in mind for 2024: 1. Encouraging longterm commitment to sustainable living: The EPA practises sustainability by celebrating

cling: Say goodbye to single-use plastics, and embrace reusable alternatives like water bottles, shopping bags, and straws. last 12 months spent with us were not only rewarding, but also deepened your commitment to nature and environmental protection.

Now, let us delve into the realm of ‘Green Resolutions’, exploring the transformative power of individual commitments for environmental well-being.

Why a ‘Green Resolution’, you may ask?

The planet faces unprecedented environmental challenges, and the call for action extends beyond governments and corporations; it starts with each of us.

Adopting sustainable lifestyles allows us to directly contribute to preserving biodiversity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions,

energy, opting for sustainable transportation, or support-

special occasions, and fostering a continuous effort

ing local and eco-friendly businesses. These choices, collectively, create a positive change, thereby reducing

and dedication towards embracing eco-friendly choices.

It’s about adopting a mindset that values the planet’s well-being in every decision we make.

2. Saving water: Embrace water conservation practices as a top resolution for a sustainable lifestyle. Fix leaks promptly, and reduce the cost of your water bill.

3. Turn off/unplug: Switch off electronic devices when not in use to save electricity and reduce the risk of fire hazards.

4. Say ‘Yes’ to recy-

5. Grow your own garden: Connecting with nature through gardening promotes self-sufficiency, and contributes to biodiversity, healthier soils, and air quality.

6.

Volunteer: If you can’t support financially, volunteering is a meaningful initiative. Join efforts to restore habitats, participate in signature events

like the World Environmental Day Green Walk, and advocate for sustainable practices. Volunteering brings like-minded individuals together, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. It’s an opportunity to connect with passionate individuals, who inspire and support one another on the journey towards sustainability.

Every individual has the power to make a difference.

Let us lead by example, embracing sustainable resolutions, and celebrating the progress we make. Together, we can shape a world that thrives on harmony with nature, social equity, and a

sustainable way of life. The time for action is now!

Let’s inspire, ignite change, and pave the way for a truly sustainable future.

Happy New Year, and here’s to a year of positive environmental impact!

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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‘Mind full’ or ‘mindful’ driving?

HAVE you ever noticed certain medication bottles have a label that you should not drive while using them?

It is usually the type of medication that can make you lose focus, possibly falling asleep while driving.

This comes with the notion

It begs the question if someone can have those gazes while they’re sober—can you imagine what it must be like when they’re under the influence? Your mind must always be present on the task at hand. Many people do not take driving as seriously as

tal thoughts before driving.

Driving is not okay if you’re heated with emotions such as anger or fear. You may be distracted by your thoughts and not be able to drive safely to your destination. Sometimes, we’re so caught up with the busyness of life—we forget

that one must be of sound mind and mindfully present while driving. Lately, I’ve seen many accidents on our roadways. Unfortunately, we’re no stranger to such incidents. What’s more disheartening is the amount of lives that were lost on the roadways for the year thus far. It is quite alarming to even think about.

A lot of road rage also occurs because drivers aren’t practising patience on the roadways.

Quite frankly, it makes me worried to even traverse the roadways myself. Things can happen within a split second. Sometimes, you may find yourself gazing into the roadway, only to catch a glimpse of reality that you’re behind the wheel. I’ve read about the many instances this has happened to people.

they should.

It can be tedious and stressful, especially in urban areas with lots of traffic and people. Practising mindful driving is not complicated and requires only a few life-changing steps that may save your life or another. You can start by lowering your music or driving without music. We sometimes focus so much on what we’re listening to, the sounds inside of the car, that we forget for a minute about what’s going on the roadway in front of us or behind us. Another mindful practice should be not using your phone. How can you possibly focus on both at the same time?

If you really need to use your phone, you can stop or park in a corner and use it. You should also check in with your emotions and men-

to slow down. The next time you’re rushing to go to work because you’re late—remember the saying “better late than never” because if many took heed to that, they might still be alive today.

As you use the roadways, you must be cautious and mindful of what you do. Any wrong action you take can have a multitude of consequences. Whether you’re a driver or pedestrian, you ought to practise being present at what you’re doing. It requires focus—as with everything in life. It is reckless and irresponsible to traverse while you know you cannot do such. Be sure to check in with yourself the next time you feel unsure about starting your engine. You might just save a life—inclusive of yours.

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Detoxing the...

FROM PAGE XI As he flattered himself, Peter was unaware of his toxic self-deception. In the very next verse, we find Jesus explaining that before the rooster crows, Peter will deny him three times. But Peter stood his ground and declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you (Matt. 26:35).”

Sure enough, before the day ended, not one, not two, but – count’em – three different times Peter denied even knowing who Jesus was.

If someone has been trying to show you something about yourself, and you continue to fight it, maybe it’s time to acknowledge that you might be deceived. Your spouse might be convinced you have a problem with painkillers or alcohol or another drug, but you stand

your ground and say that you don’t. Someone might have told you that you’re addicted to video games or social media, but you don’t believe it. Maybe several loved ones have told you that you are a workaholic, but you don’t stop working to listen. If you find yourself resisting or fighting back, be careful. Those who are most convinced are often the most deceived. Be careful not to flatter yourself so much that you cannot detect or hate your own sin.

NO LAUGHING MATTER Since it is hauntingly easy to deceive ourselves, we need outside help to become more objective about our blind spots. And if our shields are up, and our defences are operating at full force, we may not be hearing what those around us are saying.

Sometimes if we really want to change, we must ask God to show us what’s true about how we’re thinking, talking, and living.

In my early years at our church, people complained to me regularly that I was being unnecessarily crude when I preached. To them, some of my illustrations and humour crossed the line of what’s appropriate. I told myself that they were just being prudish, and didn’t understand my sense of humour and strategy.

Though more people complained, I stood my ground. After all, if they had known me before I was a Christian, they’d be blown away by how much I’d improved. Besides, my slightly off-colour humour was connecting with unchurched people, men and women visiting our church for the first time. I couldn’t help it if these other “legalistic” people didn’t have the freedom that I enjoyed.

Many of our church’s most faithful leaders set up meeting after meeting to talk to me about my “problem.” To be honest, I was growing weary of their incessant complaints.

They just weren’t as evangelistic as I was, and obviously didn’t have a good sense of humour. At the end of what seemed like the hundredth meeting about my jokes, an exceptionally wise older gentleman asked me to pray. “Since you’re

convinced you’re not doing anything wrong,” he continued sincerely, “would you ask God to show you if he would have you change?”

Just to get this guy off my back, I reluctantly agreed to pray, although I knew it wouldn’t change my stance.

Not wanting to break my word, a few days later, I half-heartedly prayed something like, “God, I know all these people are wrong, but if there is something you need to show meabout cleaning up my act, please do.”

Be careful what you pray for.

The very next Sunday, my oldest daughter, Catie, who was seven at the time, came to the “big church” and sat with my wife, Amy, while I preached. I glanced at my innocent daughter, smiling attentively, and holding her Precious Moments Bible proudly in its pink case. Right as I was about to begin with a colourful joke, I hesitated. In one sweeping moment, God showed me clearly. I had been crude.

When I was about to say something that was truly funny but not totally clean, I realised that I wouldn’t want my seven-year-old daughter saying the very phrase I was about to say while preaching. In fact, if I heard her say the words that I was about to say, I’d correct her, and tell her it wasn’t appropriate.

BUSTED I f I d o n ’t w a n t m y daughter telling this joke, why should I? For so long, I had been blind to my toxic words and risqué humour. All along, I thought I was funny and reaching people who normally didn’t go to church.

Even when I was convinced my method was solid, everyone else knew I was behaving immaturely, at best, and sinfully at worst.

Since we can’t change what we can’t identify, ask God to show you any areas of your life that may be harmful to you, offensive to the people around you, or displeasing to God himself.”

The content in this book has prompted me to do some serious soul introspection as we celebrate this beautiful journey called in the New Year, BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

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THOUGHT FOR

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TODAY

We owe respect to the dead we owe othe living; to VOLTAIRE (1694 nly truth. vres (1785), vol 1: -1778) OeuP mière Lettre sur Oedipre e)

January 14 2024 STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Welcome dear friend.

One worthwhile abilityfor reading informational mate-

rials is to distinguish between facts and opinions which makes reading interesting. It helps readers to effectively peruse packed, tightly organised newspaper articlesquickly and enjoyably. An interesting writing style encourages good readers to improvetheir ability to appreciate and evaluate the effectiveness of organizational aids. And quality information helps keep readersinformed about the who, what, where, when, and how oflocal, national, and world events. Be wise.

Love you.

THE PASSAGE Note: A writer’s intention is the purpose or reason or underlying goal or objective that drives him to write.An intent is a purpose. His purpose may beto amuse the reader, to persuade the reader, to inform the reader, or to satirize (mock at) a condition, and involves why and how he chooses to convey a message which is either explicitly stated or implicitly stated. There are several strategies for identifying an author’s purpose for writing which include: (a) locating his overt statements or arguing points.(b) comparing the title and content of his writing.(c) understanding context.(d) recognizing point of view.

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

IQ and BQ For many years people enjoyed respect, even preferential, if they scored high on intelligence tests.

However, high IQ does not necessarily predict who will succeed in life. Psychologists agree that IQ contributes to only about 20% of the factors that determine success.

A full 80% comes from other factors, including what is called EQ (Emotional Quotient). Some of the major qualities that make up EQ are: self-awareness, self-motivation, mood management and impulse control.

Self-awareness refers to the ability to recognise a feeling as it happens, that the individual tunes into ‘gut feeling’, a response that is often unconscious. Awareness of ‘gut feeling’ must be deliberately developed allows one to evaluate feelings and change them if necessary, so one does not develop bad situations.

Positive self-motivation requires clear goals, perseverance, and a ‘can do’ attitude. Failure is seen as meaning that the wrong approach is being used, and the individual strategise afresh, while those with low EQ tic more likely to feel rejected.

Mood management is the act of

controlling emotion. Rage, for instance, is a common emotion. When incidents cause anger and that anger goes unchecked or is allowed to build up, it can cause hypertension and/ or lead us to create bad situations…

(Adopted from Daniel Goldman, “Emotional Intelligence.”) (a) Does scoring high on an IQ test predict a successful life for a person? Why? (b) What qualities in EQ does the writer explain in the body of the passage? Name them and simply explain each. (c) What do the letters ‘I’ and ‘Q’ in the abbreviation stand for? (d) Why does awareness of ‘gut feeling’ have to be deliberately developed? (e) According to the passage, in what ways does someone avoid developing ‘bad situations’? (f) What is the writer’s intention in the passage? (g) Have you ever had ‘gut feeling’ in any situation? Tell us about the circumstance. (h) What incidence have you witnessed gone ‘bad’? Tell us about it in a short paragraph.

IMPROVING WRITING Understanding how a description is organised Note: some texts – mainly descriptive – are organised so that you, the reader, may visualize the scene.

This can be done in many different types of organisations. There are these presentations: down-up, updown, outside-inside, inside-outside, details-general impression, and general impression-detail. Learning to recognise these possible presentations can lead you to approve and use some of them successfully. And can you think of other ways details can be organised in writing? Discuss them with a study partner.

Here are three pieces for you to read and decide which type(s) of organisation they represent.

1. Dearest Meg, It isn’t going to be what we expected. It is old and little, and altogether delightful – red brick. We can scarcely pack in as it is, and the dear knows what will happen when Paul (younger son) arrives tomorrow.

From hall you go right or left into dining-room or drawing-room. Hall itself is practically a room. You can open another door in it, and there are the stairs going up in a sort of tunnel to the first floor. Three bedrooms in a row there, and three attics in a row above. That isn’t all the house really, but it’s all that one notices - nine windows as you look up from the front garden.

(From E.M. Forster: “Howard’s End”(Penguin 1941)) 2. I entered. It was a very small room, overcrowded with furniture of the style which the French know as Louis Philippe. There was a large wooden bedstead on which was a billowing red eiderdown, and there was a large wardrobe, a round table, a very small washstand, and two stuffed chairs covered with red rep. Everything was dirty and shabby. There was no sign of the abandoned luxury that Colonel McAndrew had so confidently described.

(From W. Somerset Maugham: “The Moon And Sixpence” (Pan, 1974)) 3. Woodleigh Bolton was a straggling village set along the side of a hill. Galls Hill was the highest house just at the top of the rise, with a view over Woodleigh Camp and the moors towards the sea...

The house itself was bleak and obviously Dr. Kennedy scorned such modern innovations as central heating.

The woman who opened the door was dark and rather forbidding. She led them across the rather bare hall and into a study where Dr. Kennedy rose to receive them. It was a long, rather high room, lined with wellfilled bookshelves.

(From Agatha Christie: “Sleeping Murder” (Ban-

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Gum disease prevention

THE following statement was made by Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek, the man who discovered the existence of bacteria, blood cells and human sperms on a microscope, which, incidentally, he invented himself more than three hundred years ago.

“I am in the habit of rubbing my teeth with salt in the morning, then rinsing my mouth with water, and often after eating to clean my back teeth with a toothpick as well as rubbing them hard with a cloth, wherefore my teeth, back and front, remain as clean and white that only a few people of my age of fifty-one years can compare. Also, when I rub my gums with hard salt, they will not bleed.”

Even before there were dentists or toothbrushes, this Dutch biologist and inventor recognised the relationship between oral hygiene and periodontitis (gum disease).

Bleeding on brushing is a well-accepted and primary sign of gum disease. While texts describe the difference between

health and disease in the gums based on colour, texture, shape and adhesion to the tooth, and the position of the gums on the teeth, these are very subjective signs, difficult for a patient in a poorly-lit home environment to observe, and also quite subjective for the health professional. The absence of bleeding is, in most instances, a sign of health, although it is acknowledged that deep-pocketing between the tooth and gum in advanced gum disease will not demonstrate bleeding on brushing, unless there is superimposed gingivitis.

The cooperation and compliance of patients and the degree to which they use tooth-cleaning skills seem to be affected by several factors beyond the control of the dental profession. The patient’s self-involvement in the instructional process seems to be the most effective method of achieving long-term improvement in oral health care. When studying motives for seeking preventive care, one tends to focus on four factors in motivation: Belief in susceptibility, seriousness, effectiveness of activities, and the importance of dental problems as predictors in involvement in the management of health care, particularly when considering brushing habits.

Only a small number of persons see themselves capable of suffering from gum disease, because it is a chronic condition.

Most people use a toothbrush at least once a day, which is sufficient to satisfy personal beauty, if not to prevent disease.

Therefore, telling people to clean their teeth more regularly is not enough. Rather, the focus must be on the specifics of tooth cleaning, and how one can recognise this process’s productiveness. The best way to prevent tooth decay and

gum disease is to obey the triple-one method. This formula advocates that ONE minute should be spent cleaning ONE tooth in ONE day. In other words, if a person has 28 teeth, he should spend at least 28 minutes every 24 hours brushing and flossing, etc.

Bleeding is a fearful thing for many people, but a demonstration by the dentist will show that this is a sign of disease which, in most cases, can be overcome by simple measures.

Timing and the mechanics of cleaning can be assisted by the dentist (or dental nurse), who can help the patient find the right

techniques for brushing, flossing and gum massage.

The contemporary patient has come to accept that a reasonable level of personal responsibility is necessary for his well-being. Achievement and maintenance of health is seen as a cooperative programme between the individual and the health care provider. The modern preventive regimen includes abstaining from unhealthy practices and practising those measures thought to improve personal health.

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