Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot E-Paper 16-01-2022

The fisherman and ‘quake maker’

- Life as the only resident of Speculation Village

Rajendra Ramnarace lives comfortably as the only resident in a small village in East Canje called Speculation.

He is a fisherman and fishing quake maker (a basket-like container used for holding caught fish). In this photo, Rajendra displays his hand-made quake as he returns home from fishing (Delano Williams photo)

Sunday, January 16, 2022

II

MANAKA vs STAMPA back in the day

By Francis Quamina Farrier

YOU could be one of about a hundred persons reading that headline who would know exactly what this article will relate. In fact, you would be jumping for joy to realise that the sporting interactions of “MANAKA” and “STAMPA” of decades ago are remembered and written about, after all these years. You would also immediately know that this article will recall the glorious days of those two British owned and operated British Guiana timber concessions, which are located on the Essequibo River. Both had a glorious era of Guianese and British Guiana history of logging. There were also the memorable occasions when sports teams from both locations engaged each other in exciting cricket and football encounters. It was a history which I personally experienced as a youngster, over seven decades ago.

For those who do not know what “MANAKA” or “STAMPA” are, here are the facts. MANAKA is a timber concession, or “timber grant” as such were called, is located on the left bank of the Essequibo River, directly west of Fort Island. It had a glorious past during the 1950s and 1960s, a portion of which I experienced personally. In fact, one of my many plays which is entitled “MANAKA” is based on my personal experiences while spending some of my school holidays there. The island of STAMPA is located in the Essequibo River, about 15 miles north of Bartica. Travelling by speedboat or ferry boat between Parika and Bartica, passengers will go past STAMPA island. That was once a very populated and industrial island which had management from

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 16, 2022

Britain and dozens of local workers, and even had a functioning sawmill, is now totally unpopulated and void of structures.

The concession of MANAKA had two settlements. The headquarters at the Essequibo riverside and the backdam location which was a few miles west. At that time, there was a railway connecting the two locations. A trail ran parallel to the railway which was primarily used by heavy-duty trucks and Landrovers. To some extent, MANAKA and STAMPA had their own Guyanese sub-culture, especially with language.

Certain statements were unique to the two locations. “Yoh still want” was one of them. So, for example, should you ask someone who was going to the grocery shop to bring you an item, and none was available at the shop, the person on returning would let you know, “Yoh still want.” Then there was the exhortation, “Leggo, de leggo.” So, should the passengers on the train decide that they wanted it to travel faster - and that was usually fairly often - they would In the foreground is a portion of the Essequibo Rivshout to the operator, “Man, leggo de leggo.” er, about 50 miles south of Parika, then a white sandy beach, and beyond, a forest and a clear blue sky You won’t be surprised to learn that there was (Photo by Francis Q. Farrier) an occasion when the operator had consumed more that his safe level of alcohol, complied with There is so much more I can write about those two unique the demand of the passengers. He did “Leggo, de leggo” and increased the speed of the train way be- Essequibo communities of MANAKA and STAMPA of CHRONICLE Sunday, February Colonial British ― Guiana; but unfortunately, have to let yond what was safe, resulting in it jumping the tracks PEPPERPOT CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, JanuaryI 28, 10, 2021 2021 and crashing. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured. you know, “Yoh still want.”

THE SEAWALLS FOREVER!

REVISITING THE GUYANA/ RESTORING LESOON VENEZUELA CONTROVERSY TO COME BEFORE THE ICJ REPENTIR CEMETERY

E Guyana/Venezuela controversy will again shortly and discussions where factual bases invariably become anyInternational native or resident sees blurred.

Le the cemetery, hundreds of coconut palms were planted, and me up WHEN before the CourtofofGeorgetown Justice (ICJ).

Repentir cemetery today, it brings great sadness to one’s its prevented earth slippage intoto the Guyana, most oflie thedeep writings the controversy have In this thisisimproved offering, weaesthetics, will depart from this norm and try THE Seawalls in theon consciousness of Guyanese today rather muddy was once covered with seashells and heart. The cemetery is now the most horrible place in the trench and provided an income to the Town Council from npeople, of acity historical and factual nature and this a good answer two questions have been asking theup but Georgetowners. itis has rarelyThe there alwaysthat be many children exploring and since picking and especially makes the worst slums appearYet to be celestial. salewould of the coconuts. ng, since the Guyanese public are not encouraged seizure of the two Guyanese fishing boats in Guyana’s terribeen noticed by the news media and the last time it was seashells of different colours; sometimes they may find large cemetery is always waterlogged even after days of sunshine A team of weeders kept the cemetery clear of grass and mentioned as an item of national concern was five or six conch shells. move their attention into the realms of arguments torial waters by a Venezuelan navy ship.

The first question and is flooded after a shower of rain, and relatives who can bushes and were permitted to sell their grass to owners of yearsreach ago when the Ocean overtopped wall The foreshorevehicles or continental shelf gradually rises andsuch fallsas the burial site may sometimesthe have to and placeflooded the coffin animal-drawn and those who kept livestock, the yards parallel the Public Road. This was the first every 20and years andAtoday, the foreshore landkept between Camp in a grave withtofloodwater. cows goats. few rangers on bicycles the cemetery The burial areas that are overgrown grass and thick Street under all times, and norisen one would attemptofto time in living memory there waswith suchhigh an occurrence andsurveillance the PegasusatHotel has almost to the height though the with thick girths were throw trees rubbish and bushes it led toand great panic. high The trees authorities hurriedly con-cut theclandestinely wall and coconut andthere. other vegetation grow on it. down asome 10 years many tall trees have since grown up The two arterial roads running across the cemetery from structed barrier of ago, standing concrete among the tombs, cracking or breaking them up.

Worse, the north to south and east to west were first built of red brick slabs on the Walls to counter such overtopmain roads of the cemetery have become rubbish dumps with and then were asphalted and were tree-lined with rare forest ping.oldInfurniture, the lastrefrigerators, few weeks, mattresses, the Seawalls car bodies, electronic species; on the east of the eastern part there was an avenue of havewaste againand featured in the news, but inRelatives a garbage of every description. trying to use majestic Royal Palms. From these main roads branched off happier vein. the cemetery for burials would often have to pay to clear the the narrower roads leading to the burial beds. The parapets From to the Demerara roadsCamp so thatStreet hearses could drive to River, the graves. of the stretch of road from the Louisa Row gate leading to its the wallThe had ornate becomegrillwork, disfiguredvases by an accuand statuary which deco- junction with the east-west artery were planted with marigolds, ratedof graves in thegarbage 19th andand early mulation unsightly no20th one centuries have all African daisies and other bright flowers. An impressive obebeenthe plundered by scrap-metal dealers assumed responsibility of cleaning it. Aand even the mar- lisk with Masonic symbols and a crucifix with a life-sized cruble sheets nameswho and sometimes details of the dead have been cified Jesus stood at the junction. The ruins of this monument homeless man,with Carl the Melville, removed from the tombs.

This vandalism has destroyed still survive. The bridges and gates from Sussex Street, Broad slept there was noticed by Dwayne Hackett an important segment of Guyana’s history.

Street and Lousia Row were sturdy and well built and were trying to clean the garbage and immediately The vagrants who sleep among the tombs and the thieves opened at 6 a.m. and closed at 6.30 p. m. Today, the Broad volunteered to help Hackett placed the and bandits whohim. conceal themselves in the high grass and Street bridge has disappeared and the Sussex Street bridge is incident on social media and immediately bushes regularly attack and rob mourners and visitors. A num- in a rickety condition. numbers ofteenagers persons volunteered services. ber of on bicyclestheir snatch cellphones and handbags In these high days, one entered the cemetery with a feeling Firstand Lady Arya Ali wassurrounding one of theslum first areas. to disappear in the of awe and the beauty and peacefulness of the place were a volunteerBefore and the Works, the Ministry cemetery of hadPublic declined into the conditions, it is comfort to mourners—the decline of the cemetery set in after in presently, it was once famed as of thethe largest and best-kept independence. the Director of Solid Waste Department cemeteryCity in the Caribbean.

The Service perimeter drainage trench Before independence, the town councillors were elected on Georgetown Council and the Fire which surrounded the cemetery was well kept and was never a restricted franchise in contrast to the position after indepenbecame involved with her. The Fire Service stagnant, but kept flowing.

It was continuously cleaned of dence, when it became universal suffrage. The councillors of cleaned the bandstand and in a few days all the all weeds and was periodically dredged. The burial areas those pre-independence times tended to be businessmen and garbage was removed and Seawalls appeared were therefore always drained and dry. Along the edges of professionals, some of whose names are commemorated by as if they had always been maintained! Many

thesun cityhad streets. the risen.They brought high management skills to the is,governance why is theofVenezuelan publicprosowere convinced they the Town, bono publicoathat and were On moonlit nights theserved Seawalls always crowded never corrupt and it was they who created the well-kept Town have a valid claim to two-thirds of Guyana’s territory and promenade. Many went to socialise with friends, but all went and its various services, including Le Repentir cemetery. why their politicians are so bellicose and aggressive about to enjoy the beauty of the moon rising from the sea and the Georgetown deservedly earned the appellation ofdid “The Garden this claim? moonlight And the second question is, why President blue-green which was brighter, since there were City.”

After independence, there was a short interregnum Maduro of Venezuela choose this time toenjoy seizethe thevarious boats no road lights to dilute it.

Others would of professionals and national politicians as councillors and when heofknew he would alienate the Guyanese population phases the New Moonand withthese the background purpleJagan skies administrative workers included Dr of Cheddi and cause the international community to condemn or with thousands stars Luckhoo, which appear for a shortembellished time, Mr LFS Burnham, Sirof Lionel Mr disapprove of his action, leaving Venezuela isolated interbrighter there were no lights.

R. B. Gajraj and Mrsince Claude Merriman andcity Town ClerksOthers such nationally on the issue. would goand to the in theorlate afternoons as Mr E. A. Adams Mr Seawalls Elmo Mayers, Town Treasurerto such Mradmire Romalho of Markets such as Mr J.A.M. Theasanswer to theand firstClerk question began during theinto Cold sunsets gradually transforming the Pacheco and these kept alive the pre-independence tradition blue light of dusk.

War: At the beginning of the 1960s Britain had decided to of governance. joysthe of colony the Seawalls were the withdraw fromAnother Guyana of andthe grant independence, By theearly 1970s, however, the Council became fully evening Sunday concerts given by the Militia but it was very likely that the Prime Minister of thedemocnewly ratised and the councillors became ordinary folk, many of Band and the Police Band at the Bandstand which independent state would be Drmany Cheddi Jagan, anskills, avowed working class origins.

Without management the attracted hundreds of people.

Their repertoire conMarxist.

U.S. Cold Warforinterests tried tobecame persuade Britain workforce responsible administration politicised. sisted ofindependence, light classical music such Strauss’ and toThe delay Guyana’s butsetallin that Britain could decline of the various services andas among them other waltzes, ballet music such Delibes’ pizzicato was Lewas Repentir cemetery.

The media, for many have promise that she would hand over power to a years, non-ComandMinister.

Sylvia, least oneofEnglish patriotic such carriedPrime complaints andatcriticisms the various facets of City munist American Intelligence feltsong that this Hall and its activities, so there is no need to repeat them. as “This royal throne of Kings” and Guyanese and British offer needed further insurance and so they devised The cemetery could be restored to its past glory, but such Caribbean folk songs.

The concerts were arranged a plan whereby their client Venezuela would threaten to restorationfor could onlyevening be achieved by full centralcould government early so that children attend; funding and theGuyanese establishment independent andthat largely many in lateroflife have admitted their autonomous management it. first exposure toof classical music was from these Together with this restoration, consideration should Bandstand concerts. also be given to leasing a large area on the eastern part of On Easter Monday thousands of kite-flyers the cemetery to an investor to develop private funerary turned out from five o’clock in the morning. services to the public along North American lines. Kites One were all hand-made were in a variety of shapes of the local undertakers mayand be interested in making the such as boxes, birds and snakes, but the predominvestment. inant shape was the Guyanese octagon and in a

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 16, 2022

The value of Yoga and Ayurveda

Agnela during a Yoga practice

A healthy pastime during the pandemic and beyond

By Telesha Ramnarine AGNELA Patil came to Guyana in 2017 to serve for three years as a teacher of Indian culture. When her tenure was up, though, the “warmth, compassion and hospitality” of the Guyanese people encouraged her to return and continue her

years, Agnela was born and raised in Goa, India and was introduced to yoga at a tender age by her teachers.

Thus, she developed a love and passion for it, which continues to this day.

Like many students in India, she initially studied in Engineering but later found that this was not what she

Yoga,” she reflected in an interview with Pepperpot Magazine recently.

So she then pursued a diploma in Yoga from Nashik University, Maharashtra and subsequently a Bachelor’s degree in the discipline.

Soon after completing professional developmental courses, Agnela was select-

Yoga instructor Agnela Patil

practice.

A certified yoga trainer practising for the past 25

wanted to do. “I realised that this was not my calling, and I eventually switched to

dian culture at the Indian High Commission, promoting Yoga and Ayurveda in Guyana.

Because she greatly enjoyed her time in Guyana, she decided that she wanted to come back and continue her work here. She did, and this led to the establishment of the Namaste Yoga and Ayurveda Centre located at Temple Street, Ogle, East Coast Demerara.

At this facility, classes are held in Yoga which comprise of Pranayama (breathing) Yogasana (postures/ stretches), relaxation techniques and meditation as per ancient traditional yoga. The stretches or postures target joint and back pain, strengthening body muscles and joints. Agnela pointed

break from the mental unease occasioned by isolation as a result of the pandemic,”

digestion and other common health issues. And on Saturdays, special meals

ed by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) to serve as a teacher of In-

The stretches or postures target joint and back pain, strengthening of body muscles and joints

Agnela with her students during a teaching exercise

out that classes are conducted according to the National COVID - 19 Guidelines.

“The common feedback from students is that the classes serve as a stress reliever, enables peace of mind, and is a refreshing

she shared.

Ayurvedic supplements are also available to tackle these issues, along with hypertension, diabetes, in-

are prepared, both tasty and healthy, based on ancient kitchen remedies, she said.

“And this is not all.

Backed by popular demand

SEE PAGE XII

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 16, 2022

NEW 360 Camera Booth will turn your party into the event of the season

By Telesha Ramnarine AS much as she believes that the party scene in Guyana is up to speed, Lesa Fleming has in mind further exploring its great potential by adding variety through new, modern equipment that are not popular in Guyana, or more so, not available anywhere else except through her business - Big Picture Rentals.

Lesa is not just into the party scene, she wears several other hats, such as co-founder of the popular Tourism Guyana (TG) brand and publisher of the Tourism Guyana magazine, proprietor of The Ego Boutique, and Director of Creative Marketing Company.

Due to her significant amount of marketing experience and networking, Lesa has an opportunity to see firsthand just what type of equipment would make for a good addition to what already exists on the scene.

She may be the first indi-

vidual, along with her overseas-based business partner Tsahay Brown (who helps to source all of the latest equipment) to offer the 360 Camera Booth, also known as the 360 Photo Booth.

“Our 360 camera booth will make your ordinary birthday party into the Oscars after-party or your wedding into the event of the season,” Lesa told Pepperpot Magazine a few days ago.

With this brand new piece of equipment, guests are welcome to take unique, swift, and spinning 360 shots of themselves that Lesa believes will surely be the hit of their parties.

“Our photo booth features an exceptional technology that allows the arm attached to its stationary platform to capture a 360 view from any video camera.

This unique photo booth will result in a bullet-time effect that’s shareable within seconds. It is suitable for guests of all ages, and will surely entertain kids and adults Lesa’s overseas-based business partner Tsahay with its unique features,” she Brown.

Lesa Fleming

The faces of Big Picture Rentals moving forward -Jessica Mittelholzer (left) and Camyla DeMoreas

With the 360 Photo Booth, guests are welcome to take unique, swift, and spinning 360 shots of themselves

explained.

This revolutionary experience of taking photos will see guests standing on an elevated platform and a slow-motion arm capturing

a video from all angles. “The end result is an awesome, unique, and branded content for events of any kind,” Lesa pointed out.

Asked to share her per-

sonal views about the current party scene locally, Lesa said: “We GT people know how to have a great time.

SEE PAGE XXXI

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 16, 2022

Black Entrepreneurs Association moving forward in 2022

By Dillon Goring AS Guyanese advance in the area of entrepreneurship, more and more businesses are being formed to ensure the sustainability and the development of Guyana ‘s economy.

It is against this backdrop that the Black Entrepreneurs Association (BEP) was established in 2020 with the aim to bring financial support to black businesses and entities across the country.

In an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, the group’s spokesperson Melissa Varswyk noted that the group is working in tandem with Afro-Guyanese entities both to develop each other’s business as well as provide services for each other that would be of benefit to all.

Chairman of the group Rowen Willabus added that black ancestry ensured that land was purchased to ensure support for businesses was sustained. “ Since then we have also been a membership of close to 300 [persons] and we have also had a branch established in the United Kingdom and we are currently exploring branches in the United States as well as Africa, so that is currently in progress. We had a group of legislators from the United States who visited for the Emancipation Season and helped us with our launching and we had our very first gathering. Due to the pandemic, it was difficult to have any gathering , but that was the very first time they came together publicly as an association,” Varswyk told this publication.

It was also mentioned that one of the biggest achievements is the fact that organisations can collaborate and form networks which help in building the organisation.

She added that amidst the challenges faced, entrepreneurs are now owning properties. She pointed to the fact that there are serious challenges in the real estates market.

Chairman Willabus noted that working relationships have been established between the Government of Guyana and the United States.

Melissa further made mention of the fact that the Association is making sure that the businesses that they are working with are business investment compliant and ready.

Training programmes During the interview, the

Spokesperson of BEA, Melissa Varswyk

Association reported that they were training programmes with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) to ensure compliance of registration for businesses with the Association.

There were also mental health and counselling sessions for persons who were coping with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Willabus pointed out that the BEA has a board of directors so there is a wider group that is considered the engine of the Black Entrepreneurs Association (BEA), which are various sections including ICT, health etc.

“It isn’t an organisation that caters for neither big nor small, and to my mind is a good thing, because a big brother big sister relationship is created, where we are looking out for each other.

Therefore there is a family that can be relied upon, should someone require advice,” Willabus pointed out during his interview.

Willabus vehemently drove home the point that the BEA’s consideration for “black” does not mean Anti-Indian, or any other race.

“We need the other races as well to work cohesively with us,” he said.

The BEA teaming together with the Institute of Private Enterprise Development

Chairman of BEA, Rowen Willabus

(IPED), a local lending agency to fund projects that are run by the Association. Persons wishing to become actively involved in the organisation can contact the organisation through its website and be given a form to fill. This is according to Willabus.

Moreover, Willabus noted that every member must have a business that is registered and that business owners must be compliant with the business registration procedures of this country.

Plans for the future “We are looking to regionally to find opportunities. We are currently finishing up on our 2022 work plan. We have created a database. Through our database, we are able to determine any irregularities and clichés as it pertains to business documentation and procedures,” Willabus said.

As a growing organisation, there are plans to have a mentorship programme for young entrepreneurs who will graduate from secondary schools, while at the same time, aiming to expand globally.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 16, 2022

The villages along the Canje Creek, East Berbice, are perfect for a quiet life The scenes of the villages in East Canje, Berbice (Delano Williams photos)

By Michel Outridge THIS week the Pepperpot Magazine journeyed overland across the Berbice River to several farfetched villages along the East Canje, Berbice Road, which is about 10 miles long.

The last village along that stretch of road is New

Forest which is forested and has a Pump Station at the rear.

The villages include Zorg, Speculation, Enterprise, Diversta, Bachelor’s Adventure and Volkr’s Lust.

There are just a handful of houses in these villages, and in some, there are no houses or inhabitants.

Along this section of

East Canje, Berbice, there is a channel from the Canje Creek, which runs along the villages.

New Forest Village and other villages can be accessed via the Sheet Anchor Road just by #2 Village before the Canje Bridge, which takes you to New AmsterSEE PAGE XIX

Focus on the Village

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 16, 2022

The people of East Canje, Berbice enjoy a quiet countryside life of farming

By Michel Outridge M U N E S H Narinedat, his wife and two children were residing in Suriname but returned to their home country, Guyana and settled as caretakers of a farm/house in New Forest Village.

It has been seven months, the couple is living in that community, and they tend to the crops of cantaloupe, tomatoes, peppers and bora.

They live rent-free but are tasked with keeping the place clean and tidy and the general upkeep of the farm which belongs to a resident of Betsy Ground, also East Canje, Berbice.

Narinedat stated that he likes the simple life of being a farmer/caretaker there and they do not have any facilities but make do with what they have, such as flambeau and lamps at night.

When the team caught up with him, he was on his way to wash down a muddy

old, will be able to go to school soon and that is one of the main reasons we came here,” he said.

The housewife Vavewattie Mathura is a

of the place and the breezy atmosphere.

She is originally from Geod Banana Land, East Canje, Berbice, but when she married, she relocated to Volkr’s Lust Village.

They plant their own vegetables and fruits and they have poultry.

For electricity, they have some solar panels which illuminate the place at night and they would buy drinking water or fill up at Adelphi Village.

The Canje Creek water is used for household chores.

Vavewattie Mathura with her garden-picked squashes

Sookram Singh is a very simple man who resides in an extended family setting with some of his children, grandchildren, son-in-law and his mother-in-law.

The 56-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that he

most of which he lost to the flood last year. A filly, 13 goats, four calves and some ducks all perished.

Apart from being a farmer, Singh is a construction worker in New Amsterdam and gets around on his mo-

Home of Sookram Singh Chandranie Ramu

homemaker of New Forest Village and a mom of three children, who basically is the boss of the home and takes care of the chores and meals.

She is the wife of the village Pump Station attendant and all her children are employed except for one.

fireside. It was freshly caught hassar.

They grow their own greens and fruits.

Seema Bharat For Seema Bharrat, 43, a mother of four, life is quiet and care-free at Volkr’s Lust Village, East Canje, Berbice.

She oversees the preparation of all meals with the assistance of her daughter-inlaw and has two school-aged children.

She is the wife of the village ‘milkman’ who would

Home of Munesh Narinedat Sookram Singh

Munesh Narinedat at work (Delano Williams

tractor and do other chores while his wife was bathing the children by the creek.

“I am hoping that my daughter, who is five years

The 41-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that she just has one neighbour, an elderly man, who is not well.

She likes the quietness

“I would get up early to prepare meals for the men in the family and have a start of the day but this is a nice place to live despite not having any facilities or the basic necessities for a good life,” she said.

Sookram Singh

Focus on the Village

is a farmer and is originally from Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice.

He has been living in New Forest Village for the past 30 years.

He relocated after marriage and went to reside at his wife’s place, where there are only five other houses in that part of the village.

The houses are far apart, but the people are neighbourly, and they co-exist in relative harmony.

Singh has some cash crops, some cows and goats,

torcycle.

His mother-in-law is the village elder. She is Chandranie Ramu, 80 years old, and who is from Lochaber Village, West Bank Berbice.

She has been in that community for a long time and you can tell she likes it there where she enjoys a hassle-free life, far away from a populated place and has lots of space.

That day, when the team visited, Singh’s son-in-law was about to prepare some hassar curry via an outdoor

go from village to village via his motorcycle to sell their fresh cow’s milk from their own herd of cows.

Her eldest son is also a ‘milk man’, who also sells milk in several villages daily.

The men of this house do more than one job to have a comfortable life and they too, are farmers.

They have rice cultivation, poultry, cattle and cash crops farms.

The 45-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is originally from Adelphi Village but moved to Volkr’s Lust Village after marriage 24 years ago.

“Life here is very quiet since I only have two neighbours, all related so I am accustomed to this kind of countryside lifestyle where things happen in slow-motion and things are simple,” she said.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 16, 2022

Living one day at a time

By Michel Outridge FOR Hardat Sham life is certainly not a leisure since a regular day starts very early in the morning and usually ends late at night tending to cattle and having a farm is a full-time job.

The 47-year-old is a cattle and plantain farmer, who resides in a tiny village across the Canje Creek, East Canje, Berbice.

That day, he was on his way from his farm where his cattle is and an acreage of plantains, way down, New Forest Village.

Sham was on horseback and was in a rush to get into his speedboat to get home before the tide changed that day.

He is originally from Betsy Ground, East Canje, Berbice but has a house across the Canje Creek, in a place called Philadelphia.

He would stay there to get to his cows and tend to

to the cows every morning to ensure they graze and all are accounted for since he suffered a few losses due to wild animals on the farm.

Sham has two plantain farms along that stretch of road, which goes for like 10 miles and between tending to the cows and the crops, he is quite busy.

“I just came from looking at the cows, so now I am heading home to get some rest to return later to secure the cattle before nightfall. I want to get across the creek before the tide changes,” he said.

Sham would leave his beloved horse secure and get home via his small boat, which is outfitted with an outboard engine.

“Life here is hard work from dusk to dawn and it entails manual labour,” he said.

Sometimes Sham would provide employment for some men when he needs extra hands for work, but when he can handle the

Forest Village is the home of Rohit Gangadin, who is a farmer and an employee attached to the Guysuco Pump Station in that village.

Gangadin is the father of three and the grandfather of three, some of whom reside with him in an extended family setting.

The 56-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that he works at the Pump Station of a shift system and is also a farmer.

He has some cash crops, and he lost most of his poultry during the flood last year and would also catch fish in the village when he has the time.

Gangadin enjoys a quiet, country life of work and being at home mostly since he doesn’t have many neighbours.

His village is far-fetched, but he likes it there for the quiet peacefulness and the space and fresh air with no large crowd or many activities.

workload he would do that single-handedly.

Like most men in that section of Berbice, Sham is a hard worker, toiling to earn an honest dollar for their home and families.

“This place would get better if we get potable water and electricity because it is very dark here, and I am saving up to buy a solar panel for the light,” he said.

Gangadin added that he has four creole fowls left, and he is undecided if he wants to continue rearing

-The farmers of East Canje, Berbice

Hardat Sham and his beloved horse, ‘Lazy Man’

Rohit Gangadin

his farm daily via horseback.

The horse, ‘Lazy Man’ he has had for five years and it is a good workhorse whenever he is in the mood.

Sham would sell his produce, only plantains, to wholesale buyers every year since plantains take a year to fully grow.

He would have to get

Rohit Gangadin Meanwhile, also in New

SEE PAGE XXVIII

Focus on the Village

Home of Rohit Gangadin

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 16, 2022

The fisherman and ‘quake maker’

IX

- Life as the only resident of Speculation Village

By Michel Outridge FOR Rajendra Ramnarace, life isn’t a ‘bed of roses’, but he lives comfortably as the only resident in a small

he has a one-of-a-kind wooden ranch-style house.

Ramnarace is multi-talented and can do many things to earn.

Early in the morning,

settled with his second wife.

He would fish for hassar and store it during the week and on weekends, he would journey to Port Mourant, Corentyne Market, where he would sell the fish.

The father of two stated that in his village, there are no other houses and being the lone resident, he was the victim of theft on many occasions.

He was storing his hassar in an old fridge with water and when he wasn’t at home it was all taken away by persons unknown.

“During the week, I would catch

Going home after a fishing expedition (Delano Williams photos)

he was supposed to sell, but when he returned home, it was all gone.

That would have been worth about $12,000.

Having suffered such loss, he had to make other arrangements to store his hassar.

Ramnarace would use his cast net to catch fish and store it in his homemade fishing quake (a basket-like container used for holding caught fish) and would return home via his bicycle, a daily routine in which he makes a living.

Since there is an abundance of bamboo in his village, he decided to utilise Some of the hassar caught by Ramnarace

One of the fishing quakes made by Rajendra Ramnarace

village in East Canje called Speculation.

Being the lone villager along with his wife, there isn’t much speculation in Speculation Village.

His house sits on a plot of land that is cleared and all around him is forested, and

before 08:00hrs, he would complete his fishing near an area by the New Forest Pump Station before returning home to do other things.

The 50-year-old moved to Speculation Village five years ago, having left his home village of Fort Ordinance and

as many as I can and store it up, and on the weekend, I would go and sell it at the large market at ort Mourant, especially on Saturdays,” he said.

There is a small creek by the first Pump Station and it is a good place where hassar have their nests.

He told the Pepperpot Magazine that one time, recently, he had in storage more than 100 live hassars which

Focus on the Village

Home of Rajendra Ramnarace

SEE PAGE XIII

X

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 16, 2022

The Pandit of Volkr’s Lust Village, East Canje, Berbice

By Michel Outridge BEING one of a handful of residents who are mostly related in Volkr’s Lust Village, East Canje, Berbice, Pandit Ravi Shaimsundar is well-known as the Hindu

priest in his village.

He related that the village was once populated but due to the state of the road and the lack of basic necessities such as, potable water and electricity, a lot of people moved away for a

better life.

Shaimsundar stated that the road was, however, upgraded to an all-weather road in 2012, and things were a bit better in terms of traversing.

He stated that they have

Pandit Ravi Shaimsundar (Delano Williams photos)

Home of Pandit Ravi Shaimsundar

solar panels outfitted with lights for the night since they have no electricity and the creek water is pumped into their homes to be used for household chores.

Drinking water is filled up at Adelphi Village, where there is a Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) Well Station with treated water.

The Pandit reported that his parents are from the village and he lived most of his adult life there.

His family used to reside at Non Pareil, East Coast Demerara but relocated when he was a boy.

It has been 42 years in the village, and his house is located on a turn where his brother’s residence is and next to his house is that of his uncle.

There are only three houses in that section of the village, but in total there are about 20 houses.

Most of the people are rice, and cash crops farmers and some have cattle and poultry.

Shaimsundar has a mandir in New Forest Village, the last community on that stretch of road and he would also perform religious services at janhdis and other events based on invitations and requests.

He is a rice farmer and works part-time, at nights at the New Forest Pump Station and also has a kitchen garden

of cash crops for the kitchen.

The father of two told the Pepperpot Magazine that life is fair there, but the lack of internet services is very costly on his pockets since both his sons are in high school.

They have no other choice than to activate the monthly data plan for their children to benefit from online classes.

The Pandit disclosed that Volkr’s Lust Village is about eight and a half miles drive to New Amsterdam, and they would make the journey when necessary.

“I like it here because of the quiet peacefulness, and there is a lot of space and it is very breezy. We have space to plant and accommodate our poultry and livestock and there is still space for our rice farming,” he said.

Shaimsundar stated that if they benefit from electricity and potable water supply, their lives will be significantly enhanced, and there is a great need for internet services or an ICT hub for the school children.

“We don’t have thieves, per say, they don’t break in, but some people would come at the back here to take away our cows, so we have to be vigilant at nights,” he said.

The Hindu priest reported that through self-help methods, they would clear the bushes along the main access

road and clean the drains.

Shaimsundar added that he was told the village doesn’t come under any Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), and the nearest one is at Canefield/ Enterprise village.

He added that the onus is on the regional administration and the Ministry of Public Works to maintain the road and other infrastructural works within the village, an agricultural-based community.

Despite the challenges of not having regular internet like other people in developed villages and COVID-19, one of his two sons gained 10 subjects at CSEC and is aiming to sit CAPE. Shaimsundar told the Pepperpot Magazine that most people in the village, that is, the men have more than one job.

He stated that they do many things to earn an honest dollar. They depend heavily on their livestock and poultry and their rice cultivation for a steady income since there are not many jobs there.

The Pandit added that the people are simple and hardworking, utilising their resources to earn.

He pointed out that the people are neighbourly and hardly ever have time to idle since farmers have so much to do.

Focus on the Village

XI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 16, 2022

UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU WANT TO BECOME, WHAT YOU ADMIRE TO SEE YOURSELF AS… - What you learn can save you the delusions of a significant disappointment

I WA S living with my Godparents up the East Coast when my father came to take me to spend the weekend at my Grandmother in the Ruimveldt

My father took the money to a man he referred to as the manager. The money was counted and a receipt given. My dad turned to me and said, in business,

In the building of the Kuru Kuru Cooperative college, I was a Pioneer (outside of the National Service) we worked after training and tasks. Towards eve-

ages containing cocaine and delivers it to the second character, who can be described as a seasoned campaigner unaware that the latter suspected some cross action, because

to a lonely place, fire a few shots over his head and he takes them to the location of the ‘seasoned’ the seasoned declares “Cocaine? this man does trade, he leff two parcels

Scheme. I was given a pocket piece by my Godfather for helping him when he installed a flush toilet up the road at Mr. and Mrs. Cumberbatch, (incidentally, my Godfather’s wife was at one time married to Mr. Cumberbatch, but at nine and ten years old, understanding adult relationships were outside of my interests).

What was interesting was the flush toilet mechanism, because, back then and still in some places, back yard ‘latrines’-outhouses were common. So, with my $2 pocket piece I joined my father, he had a serious pile of ten, fiveand twenty-dollar bills, I looked at him, and he said this is business money, we might not be able to visit mother Ifill this week, meaning the grandest comic book stand in ‘Big Market’ managed

by Mrs. Ifill. I was disappointed, because I wanted to keep my secret two dollars towards buying an airplane kit. The Saturday morning, we departed. We caught the bus and headed for the lumber yard.

you must get a receipt for money you pay, it’s important.

The manager took him to what seemed to be the back of the lumberyard and showed him wood that he referred to as cured -wood, they spoke for awhile and some arrangements were made that I was not too concerned about. I told him about my two dollars and what I was saving it to buy. He told me to make a choice then, so I bought six new Commando comics for a little less that a dollar and was happy enough to remember the lessons he taught me, “I take part credit on wood, because most furniture orders are part credit advances, but yuh must pay yuh bills.

I paid off so I get some cured wood, that is better for Furniture, yuh owe, and is a smart ass, well, you get wet wood, and duh is problems.”

In Guyana today anyone can declare that they are astute in any profession that doesn’t require a ‘Uniform’. The first request from John or Jane public should be to see a portfolio.

ning we privately worked with a Contractor named Mr. Pickering. One of the things I learnt is’ that in the construction of a house, every aspect of the home must correspond to specific structures, to carry weight etc. So in Guyana how have bathrooms collapsed and crushed people to death?

The fact is that if you want to become an independent Artisan within the contracting field, get some industrial training, too much guesswork, with the excuse that “the client cutting cost, so we use one sack of cement to four (instead of two and a half) wheelbarrows of sand, and we didn’t buy no construction plastic, all fuh save, suh, I could get pay.”

People will get hurt and your most valuable asset, your reputation, will be broken beyond repair. There are also people attracted to the idea of shortcuts, via crime, the wannabe always suffers the most.

There was an incident that involved two friends.

They enter this deal and the one who has worked most of his life takes the lead. He picks up two sizeable pack-

unknown to the newby, he had robbed the same supplier before. Some criminal cops pick up the newby, take him

of ‘dead sea salt’ here, if yuh feel is cocaine, you check it out.” The policeman pierces the packet and confirms his

allegation. So, both men get charged, no evidence links ‘Seasoned’ to it, not even fingerprints. The prints are all the newby’s own so he goes to prison. ‘Seasoned’ walks. With crime you have less of a come-back without committing or opening self to more serious crimes, with a bad investment, with time the door can be reopened to a wiser approach.

Everything you want to aspire to, with no knowledge of its techniques, its realities must be discussed.

The same options are not opened to everyone. Explore the niche, rather than the common. And the strata’s of its humanity involved, whether labour force, producers, merchants and buyers, do your homework, get trade books, the age of self-employment and specialist employment is now.

Be prepared.

XII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 16, 2022

The value OF Yoga...

FROM PAGE III and suggestions from Yoga enthusiasts who love Bollywood, we have introduced a creative and culturally engaging feature in addition to our Yoga classes. These 30 minutes dance sessions begin before yoga classes and include a variety of Indian dances ranging from the famous Punjabi Bangra and Garba, to simple Bollywood dances.”

Every dance programme targets flexibility, agility, better coordination, balance, endurance, physical confidence, and social skills. “Bollycardio is a creative and engaging way of cultural exchange for our yoga enthusiasts who love Bollywood. Students get to learn some other Indian dance forms, along with mainstream Bollywood dance. This session is absolutely free and…it aims at uplifting

people’s mood especially during this depressing pandamic time. Students sweat thoroughly and enjoy following the trainer and watching themselves in the mirror dancing like never before,” she explained.

The dance sessions are conducted by Sanyukta Singh who is an Indian national from Haryana state.

She is a Software Engineer and foreign language trainer and is versed in the art.

Aside from yoga, dance and sumptuous foods, Agnela and team also offer high quality, hand-crafted Indian clothing sourced directly from India. These are the latest fashion in India and are available for all occasions. The fabric is said to be high quality, skin-friendly and pure cotton, which is suitable for Guyana’s tropical cli-

The dance sessions are conducted by Sanyukta Singh who is an Indian national from Haryana state

mate. “They are also exquisitely designed and are very pleasing to the eye and are available through advanced order,” Agnela said.

Indian traditional practice “Yoga connects the body, mind and spirt through the practice of an eight-fold path created by Sage Patanjali more than 2,000 years ago,” Agnela posited, adding, “Modern-day yoga scholar Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, in a paper titled ‘The History of Yoga from Ancient to Modern Times,’ identified the eight-fold paths as Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi.”

Yama, involves attitudes towards the environment; Niyama, attitudes towards

oneself; Asana, physical postures and stretches; Pranayama, restraint or expansion of the breath; Pratyahara, withdrawal of the senses; Dharana, focus or concentration; Dhyana, meditation; and Samadhi, spiritual connection which involves a meditative consciousness.

“Yoga is a universal practice; it is not related to religion, caste or creed, and so anyone can join a yoga session. Yoga is not just about exercises [simple and complex postures], but the integration of the mind, body and spirit into one harmonious whole,” said Agnela who teaches the 5,000-year-old Indian traditional practice at

the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in New Haven, Bel Air, Georgetown.

She claims that after one session, yoga improves brain function, lowers stress levels, and increases flexibility and that after a few months of practice, participants experience lower blood pressure, improved lung capacity, improved sexual function, reduced chronic neck and back pain, anxiety relief, lower blood sugar levels in diabetics and an improved sense of balance.

After years of practice, the expert said practitioners develop stronger bones, healthy weight, and lower risk of heart diseases.

Agnela is a certified yoga trainer, practising for the past 25 years

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 16, 2022

The fisherman and...

Rajendra Ramnarace mending his damaged cast net

FROM PAGE IX his skills and started making bamboo fishing quakes for sale.

Based on orders among people in nearby villages, he would gather up a quantity of bamboo, strip it and began plaiting it to make the fishing quake which is time-consuming.

Depending on the size of the fishing quake he would set a price between $2500 and $3000 and would deliver it to the buyer, on his bicycle.

For Ramnarace, life is simple but it entails hard work and he does more than one job as a self-employed person to provide for his home.

The lone resident of Speculation Village, East Canje, Berbice, told the Pepperpot Magazine that it would usually take several hours, an entire morning, to plait a fishing quake.

He explained that it is an acquired skill and growing up he had a lot of practice and today, he is almost perfect.

Ramnarace added that he

had some creole fowls that survived after the flood, but thieves took away all.

He has a few chickens he bought and a turkey. He was forced to get a dog for security.

Ramnarace can also knit cast nets and when the team caught up with him later that day, he was at his home, knitting a damaged cast net he uses for fishing.

Based on his orders, he would know how to manage his time between fishing for hassar and making fishing quakes.

“This place is nice, peace, no neighbours, absolutely no one else in this village but me and my wife. We have a lot

of space and we try to get by without the basic necessities such as, light and water,” he said.

Ramnarace disclosed that the air is very clean and fresh in his village because of the many trees that grow there and there are only visitors passing through daily.

In the night, he would lock up and use a flambeau or a lamp to illuminate the place until he is ready to retire to bed.

Ramnarace plants his own vegetables and would make the necessary purchases at the shops in other populated villages along that stretch of road.

XIII

WHEN I CAN BE AND TO HOLD KISSED BY DAWNROSES III SCARLET XIV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 8, 2021 CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 16, 2022

II

SHE opened her eyes slowly and as her vision cleared, she saw two fair, pretty little girls with long, brown hair standing beside her with bunches of the most beautiful flowers and a grey-haired white man with soft blue eyes holding a bible, a kind smile on his face.

“Oh God. Did I die and is this heaven?” she asked weakly.

“No, you did not die” the old man answered, “But you’re in a place that is like a little heaven.”

intrusion of tragedy of a different nature leaving trails ort- like scattered leaves of sadThe boy took the soup but “My dad’s a nice guy, he “Yes?” the ness, fear and loneliness. hesitated for a moment then never hurt my mother.”

“I’m sorry to disturb you knewwork yet how children to provide care temperaand she had Sleepless walked away rich asked, lifestyles them,Neither her hard andmuch mita “Whymade don’tthem you come again,from that night so late, but Aashi’s they laying needed each other toforgetand companionship for they hardher matrimonial home with sacrifices a foundation where they came from, her see her?” she sat up in bed writing in ture has risen again and she’s exile the fear and ly found any theirknow her four children into the was aged for the successes theyloneliness had and for “Ithe d in can’t gomother, out looking her diary when there calling fortime you. Iindon’t and that love was dailywhat schedules to can spendyou with throes an unknown achieved in their lives.waiting But on therelike wasthis” no time. n to she answered pulla of rapping at the world. door. The to do, come, threshold. their mother.

She had worked long after areaching great heights Aing lone tear trickled down mita the hair over the one side sound startled her and for a please?”

The mirror on their the wall That The nightquiver as sheinlaid every day build a in the business world, her wrinkled face, a face still hoursmoment of her face. she to froze, wonderhisinvoice bed, and she looked at the paintnice little home withbe comfort beautiful“My never mind ent- knew. dad canher takeage you in ing who could at the door the tearful look on AidShamita drew the cur- his car,” he suggested. his then she heard the children’s en’s face touched her heart ank tains open halfway and light A glimmer of fear flashed father’s voice. deeply and she said without and streamed into the little coun- in her eyes and the child “Can I speak to you, hesitation, “Just give me a me- try house, fresh air through asked, “Why are you so please?” moment.” hat the open windows seeming afraid of him?”

She wondered how he got To be continued… him to breathe new life into her.

She did not answer, not in, then remembered giving uld In the afternoon, the children sure what to tell the child, but Aiden a key to the gate and Pic saved as fables capood stopped by Aashi bringing a he was a smart kid and at the opening the window she an- tion: Prasad photography ould picture for her she had drawn door he said to her, swered ih a concerned tone, y as in class. As the children rror enjoyed the special chicken ting dish she had prepared for them, Shamita noticed the little girl’s paleness. ” “Are you feeling okay, lled you Aashi?”

The child shook her the head, “Not too good.”

Shamita checked her in a temperature and the reading ally showed above normal. giv“I think you’re developnge ear- ing a fever.”

The child stretched her ow, she arms out to Shamita, “Can I stay with you, please?”

“Yes you can,” she said and she lifted a trembling for them and today, instead ing on the wall facing her and rd,” hand to wipe it. A hand that of holding her hand, like a smile touched her lips, lessding hugging her, “But I think e to your dad would need youwas once strong, that held her she had held theirs, they ening the pain in her heart. home to take care of you.” children’s small ones every turned their backs, leaving It was the picture of three When the father came for children, her father working her alone. step of the way. hilA choked sob escaped in the garden and her mother fer- them, she watched the chil- A wry smile crossed met dren go, concerned about theher face and a faraway look her lips and once again she standing not far off with a shone in her eyes as her whispered, “It’s time for me bucket of fresh vegetables ged little girl, sorry she couldn’t thoughts took her back to a to come home, dear Lord, on her arm, smiling warmly ore have the child stay with her. as she watched her children. time when she was a young there’s nothing left here.” he Aiden stopped by in the morning before he went to A portrait that captured The nurse aid got up and woman.

She was so full of but life, like a butterfly with took her hand, urging her a simple life and a beautiful ove school to give her an update amazing colours and a sim- gently, “Come on, Sharda, family. ting on Aashi.

“Her fever got a little “You have left so long ple, little home filled with it’s time for your meal and anago, mother,” she said in a love, then her father gave medication.” t to higher, so dad is taking her She sighed and looking weak voice, “I can’t rememher hand in marriage to a ung to the doctor.”

But two days passed and rice farmer’s son; a new life up at the nurse. She inquired, ber much for now I have grown too old.” as a bride and later, a young puzzled, “Who are you?” kind the child still had not reThe brother and sister “I’m Jeanette,” the wommother. Paths she had walked ar, I covered from the fever despite the doctor’s treatment. paved with love, compassion, an answered patiently, as she playing with her had also tears and pain, episodes of assisted her to her feet, “Your left, their names now written ned Shamita made a healthy vegon tombstones whilst she, the her life written on the leaves nurse aid.” heir etable soup for her and gave “Oh,” she exclaimed soft- youngest, waited still alone. of time.

The it to Aiden, “This should be good for her.”

“Whisper my name, Then one day, fourteen ly, a momentary lapse in her mother,” she said, “And I years later, when she could memory.

The kind woman had shall come, so we can be have borne no more of her husband’s arrogance and abu- been with her for the past SEE PAGE XXIX sive behaviour towards her, three years, financed by the go

A little puzzled look crossed her face, “Who are you and where am I?” He nodded to the two little girls who placed the flowers in wooden vases and left the hut.

“Now is not the time for questions,” he said kindly, “You’re weak, you need food and rest, then we’ll talk.”

He nodded to a native woman by the doorway who brought in a steaming bowl of soup that rekindled warmth and energy in her body. She slept for a long while after and when she opened her eyes, she saw not the old man, but the hunter who had saved her life standing in a corner of the hut, looking at her. His expression was relaxed and with barely a whisper, she said, “Thank you.”

He nodded his head slightly and left the hut.

She watched him go, touched by his gesture and sighed, “I wish I could remember something to tell me who I am.”

She was given native clothes to wear, her own torn from her trek through the jungle and in the evening, the old man came back to talk to her.

“You look like a native goddess,” he remarked, a soft look of admiration in his blue eyes, “My wife, I had likened to the sun goddess.”

She smiled at him warmly, knowing without being told that he was a good man with a kind soul.

“Are you feeling better?” he asked.

“Yes,” she answered, her voice still weak.

“You were in a bad shape,” he told her, “By God’s grace, you were rescued in time.”

She smiled slightly, tears gathering in her eyes, and he said comfortingly, “Don’t cry, you’ll be fine.”

She nodded, wiping her eyes and he told her, “I came with an English missionary team over four decades. No one knew of this native tribe deep in the jungle and as a young man preaching the word of God, I found in this place that’s something of heaven. I felt blessed being here and it became home for me.”

“You have been here living with the natives, all this time?” she asked, in a low incredulous tone.

“Yes, I married a native girl and I have three children.”

SEE PAGE XV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 16, 2022

SCARLET ROSES...

FROM PAGE XIV “That’s so beautiful,” she said, awed by his story.

“My son saved your life,” the old man said “But how did you get this far?”

A distressed look crossed her face, “I don’t know, I just walked, hoping to find a way out. I can’t remember anything, not who I am or where I’m from…” her voice broke.

“It’s okay” he said, comfortingly, I know a little of who you are.

She looked at him surprised, “How can you…?” her voice trailed off.

He smiled, “You were wearing a pilot’s uniform and on the crest is your name ‘Amelia Ciprani’. It’s clear, the plane you were piloting, crashed, the accident causing you to lose your memory.”

“Is that why I keep thinking I love to fly?”

“Yes” he said, “Your mind is still holding onto a little fragment and soon, it will all come back to you.”

She sighed deeply, “I thank God you rescued me but how will anyone find me here?”

“A small group of natives will leave in the morning”, he assured her, “to locate the search party looking for you.”

The search party found the crashed plane and as Arvin stood looking at the wreckage, her plane; ‘Scarlet Roses’, memories of her flowed in his mind and he called for her, “Amelia” hoping wherever she was, she would hear him.

In her sleep, that night she heard a voice call her name, a voice she felt she knew and she awoke, wondering, “Whose voice is calling me?”

“Amelia.”

She laid in bed, thinking about what the old man had told her that she was a pilot and her plane had crashed, the accident causing her to lose her memory. She knew, now though her mind was still in scattered pieces, that search parties were looking for her.

“My family must be worried,” was her distressing thought, “And I’m so far away from home.”

Her eyes closed in sleep, close to the morning hour and when she awoke, sunlight was streaming through the window.

The two little girls came in later and led her to a hut nearby where there was a bathtub expertly crafted from the rich woods of the forest to hold water.

“This is unbelievable,” she said, quietly, as she stepped into the water, warm and scented from the floating flower petals.

It surprised her that the natives had such luxury but as she relaxed in the tub, she realized it was because of the innovative thinking of the Englishman and skills of the native.

The girls helped her to dress in native’s clothes and brushed her hair, adorning it with a string of tiny petals. She looked at her reflection, hardly recognizing who she was anymore and turned around as the hunter came into the hut. He was looking different, his long hair neat, his face clean-shaven, and he wore jeans and t-shirt, casual good looks.

“Nice,” she said to herself He looked at her for a short moment then he said with a slight smile, “Beautiful” and held out his hand, “Come with me, breakfast awaits you.”

Breakfast was a nice little family affair with the old man, Samuel, his son, Nate, a close resemblance to his father, two daughters, more native than European, and his grand-daughters, the two pretty little girls who had brought her flowers and was taking care of her.

“Did you sleep well?” Samuel asked her.

“Not too well, I’m worried about my family.”

“Try not to” he advised her, “Your mind needs to be relaxed, not stressed. The trackers left since before sunrise, they should locate the search parties soon and until then, you’re in good hands.”

She smiled at the old man warmly, thankful for his kindness and understanding, a man of god, honoured by the natives.

And his son?

She glanced at Nate, his long hair giving him that rugged outdoor look, something in a way she could not help noticing.

The food was served, setting her mind at ease and she almost gasped, not having a seen so much food in many days.

The flavour of real native dishes, she had never tasted and she savoured the pure delicacy of the pepper pot, cassava bread,

beans and corn, a glow of satisfaction on her face.

“That was very good, I thank you for this wonderful meal,” she said to the native/European family who were beginning to give her life a new meaning.

Nate stood and said to her, “Come on, let me show you around my home.”

Nate took her or a walk along the flowing, meandering streams with its crystal water and she watched amazed and thrilled, the exotic birds and rare flowers, a secret haven of nature. Nate held her hand sometimes so she could not lose her balance on uneven ground and twice he lifted her over the rocky areas.

He sat her down on a rock in the middle of a wide stream

XV

so she could rest a little and he pulled off his shirt that had gotten wet, wringing it dry and tied it around his waist, then lifted her off the rock. For one timeless moment, standing there close to each other, it looked from above as if God had recreated man and woman in a beautiful garden.

She looked around, lost in thought for a moment, “I wonder if it’s real or it’s all dream that I will soon awaken from?” she asked him, standing there close to him.

He looked at her, her simple beauty, the smile on her lips and before he could answer her, she gasped at the sound of a voice calling her name and she pulled away from Nate, a confused look on her face.

To be continued…

XVI XVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 28, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 16, 2022 CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

NEGGING

How to get through a Miscarriage

not always know what I’m looking losing your phone would be on a scale of 1-10. 98 percent phone is such a normal part of my said 10theand percent said allif you claimed that it would is completely your choice. anonymous prefer.

There 9. are They TODAY I would like to can also happen later during overlooked during preg- 2 mother/parent.

I think it requires menvarious reasons why a womdiscuss a topic that many the pregnancy termtypinancy.

This is rarely true. y hand that I cannot count the numbe the worst material possession thatis emotional they discould tioningever that menlose. also do feel As there an would miscarry, which find uncomfortable and cally called a stillbirth. My Most miscarriages occur this loss.

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The person on the other side called me althy andthat’s something musta be done. any easier. ItItis impossible as the woman felt her partner of other parents and the fertilised egg has right? an ab- jealousy sometimes, okay.

Having miscarriage seems harmless, Caring so much about ait.”herThat just that and then followed it up with “but I like normal number of chromo- intense feelings of loneliness didn’t care or understand However, knowledge helps does not necessarily mean for anyone to understand the made me sit foraredays think about so many things. ndanyfound women were more While expectant fathers (especially if there a lotandgrief. somes/ genes, and this is been situation that and often this week I’ve really paying attention that you have a fertility prob- pain ofphone? someone whoWell, has Why do people enjoy getting insulted?

Why do we insult absolutely do feel this loss, of parents in your social cirvery random.

Unfortunately, take away discomfort. lem. Most women (87 per- been through an event that people that we actually like?

It brought me to a topic o does their phones simply because men bondgive betweento a pregnant Please take my advice the this meansthat that there was cle). to For the importance I and others around me a that A miscarriage is the loss cent) who have miscarriag- traumatic. couples who not many people know about-negging. nothing done to have caused – allow yourself to feel and woman and the baby growa pregnancy where the es have subsequent normal have recently been through many of you havearound heard about her this term?

I’m guessalofembryo media apps. Also, older people ing inside is unique.

A expressHow these emotions. it,than and nothing can be done what’s actually going on them. or foetus does not pregnancies and births. A this, it phone, is important torather know ing not very many, but it is a popular form of emotional and woman can begin bonding The only thing I would to prevent it.

Normal activdevelop enoughItobelieve survive. miscarriage is because a somewhat that 98 percent of the time, verbal abuse. addicted. this is Ourisphones we are speaking toto other from the people, moment she has say you are not allowed itieswhether such as work, exercise, It typically happens within loaded term — possibly sug- a miscarriage not caused -have years pregnancy studying insults positive test.and self-blame.

It’sactually hard aspent sex or minor injuries do not feel, is Scientists the first three months, but gesting that something was by any action taken by the se smartphones (My father actually how they differ from criticism, satire, straightforwardness using social media or playingnot toetc. games canupbe addictive Bonding for the father typifeel as if you-did somecause a miscarriage. and they with adoes simple very– accurate startbut later after wrong whenhave you come lose a cally Now, since a miscar- thing definition.

Yiannis Gabriel, Professor of Organizational as they alterriage our moods, beliefs and trigger enjoyable is a trauma, it typically pregnancy. However, guilt they start to see the physicalTheat the University of Bath, claimed that insults a “big symptoms or some menare until completely unhelpful brings forward the five stag- is aory colleagues and friends how bad effect with little effort, since they take advantage of a weak and unenjoyable feelings.

Apart from obviously being my es of grief- denial, anger, emotion when there is noth- the baby is born. You can point of the target.” relationship to main source of communication, my phone is help myyour newspasurvive by being understanding, respectful and sensitive per, watch, alarm, map, recorder, day planner, calendar, to each other’s needs and keeping the lines of camera, music player, calculator, a weapon feelings, (sometimes) communication open about the situation- onceevyou are and my friend when I’m bored or lonely- basically both comfortable doing that, and accept each other’s erything. However, it is also my constant interrupter andcoping mechanisms as they may be quite different. distractor. I (I imagine much like most of you out there) If you have suffered a have a deep desire to know everything that miscarriage is going on.trying and are to conceive again or already I believe that is human nature. But when does it become pregnant, unfortunately there bargaining, depression, and ing you could have done to is nothing absolute that you too much? acceptance. Regarding grief, change the outcome of your can do to ensure there is no there is no right or wrong pregnancy. When something miscarriage but like anything This brings to a fairly new term, negging, which Well, I believe it’s too when itmestretch has aelse,name. there are ‘Noactions you we all way to experience it. Theremuch is goes wrong, occurs when someone deliberately insults you in an attempt no appropriate timeline to find someone, something can take to make the possibilto describe undermine your confidence self-esteem mophobia’ is also themust term coined the fear of your being ityand lesslower likely.

This includes to blame.

With miscarriagthat be followed - you toto make you moreanyone vulnerable their advances.

Its intent seeking regular prenatal care,is to rarely or to will simply recover when es, there’s without a mobile phone.

Seriously, what have we come to? make the perpetrator look more desirable and the victim you do. However, there are thing to blame, and it leaves taking the appropriate vita- to rely onempty. their approval; it is a mins, form ofavoiding emotional manipulation. known misfeeling So, accepthat can be done that us the It becomes anthings addiction when object begins to control The author of “Rules of the Game,” Neil Strauss, such would help through this dif- tance of the normalcy of this carriage risk factors — explains thatevent the is point of negging isasnot necessarily to put women smoking, drinking alcohol tragic key.activities, ficult process. your life and interferes with your daily work, and down, but for a man to disqualify himself (in her mind) Also, do what makes and illicit drug use. Remem-as a The first to realise is that so that they ber naturally become more interestthan obstacle you CAN have a feel goodsuitor -“The despite what not alone – finding youpotential relationships. you I are read somewhere biggest ed.that This not only applysuccessful to male-female relationships pregnancy after or think.does Many people and accepting healthy sup- others relationships only aeither, just using thatwomen as an easy miscarriage.

Most sobut unwarranted opinport is is crucial during this haveromantic to productivity connectivity,” overuse can affect abut terexample.

Growing up, we are given some common time. This can be friends, ions and criticisms when who have miscarriages have rible we are toldoveruse to play games and notour show others subsequent normal preghaveadvice: never been through someone whom they lot more than family, our orproductivity.

The truth is, of how truly interested we areplay hard to get and all that you know has also experi- such trauma. Many believe nancies and births. Having -andshouldn’t women. Men are taught not todoes call for phones can harm psychologically, socially physically. a miscarriage not days nec-at a suchmen grief beand enced us a miscarriage.

This thatboth time, so they do not seem desperate.

Out of nonsense like can and should also include experienced if the miscar- essarily mean you have athat comes issues such during as negging.

Ifmany youproblem. properly With regard to affecting social skills, how ofstudy usnegging, fertility occurred early professional help fromour a riage it’s made to undermine, belittle, and control another’s thought My final piece of advice social worker, the pregnancy (even though process, emotions, and behaviours.

This invention, I think, miss out on a counsellor, joke or good conversation as we were on our psychologist, religious lead- most do), but that woman or for either parent is to respect is another toxic masculinity whereneeds the idea your own andencouraged limitamaychild haveof been planor anyone who makes you couple men to view women as objects to be manipulated for their phones? How er, many times have we annoyed our good friend feel comfortable. There are ning a pregnancy for years or tions as you work through own benefit.

However, again, not only men neg. also online support groups just felt a great rush of love your grief and begin to heal. or family member because we and were posting on social media Some popular and easy include: Don’t rushofit,negging acceptance will excitement and that is examples that are free and include peoBackhanded compliments such as “I don’t usually go come. difficult to just simply forget ple from all over the world. how much funYouwe are having with them?

It buttruly affects our women like you, for you, I’ll make exception” or Thank youan everyone move on from. can literally google and for “online support groups for miscarriages” and thousands of options will pop up. This way, you can also remain

“Wow, you’re reallyfor smart, I didn’t expect that.” reading.

Please include If you’d likeactually to name Insults that seem as questions such as “Are you sure you your baby, plant a tree for sending topics to caitlinvieSEE ira@gmail.com PAGE XVII them, have a funeral, talk about it or not talk about it- it

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 16, 2022

NEGGING...

FROM PAGE XVI

want to wear that?” or “Are you sure you are still hungry?”

- Insults dressed as ‘constructive’ criticism such as “You know, you’d actually look good if you lost 10 pounds” or “People with your skin tone shouldn’t really wear that colour.”

- Compare you to others, such as “You’re no Jennifer Lopez, but you look beautiful in that dress” or, “My ex didn’t put me through this much stress.”

If you think these insults are casual and harmless, think again, as they have lasting damage on any individual. They target and directly harm self-esteem, emotions, behaviours, pride, and persons’ overall identity and self-love. These directly cause mental health issues that affect psychological development and social interactions.

An important question is: does this actually work?

The sad answer is yes. Research shows that it does-- at least in the short-term, pick-up phase. The first study was done in 1965 by Walster, whereby he arranged for a group of female participants to interact with a male research assistant who flirted with them. The female participants were then given positive or negative personality test feedback. After their self-esteem was increased or decreased in that way, they were asked to rate their liking for the male research assistant. The results of the study indicated that women who had their self-esteem temporarily lowered found the male research assistant significantly more attractive than the women with temporary high-self-esteem.

Regarding acceptance of this behaviour, a 2003 study

by Gudjonsson and Sigurdsson examined the relationship between self-esteem and compliance with requests. Both male and female participants were asked to complete various measures of self-esteem, compliance, and coping behaviours. The results showed that individuals with lower self-esteem are more compliant and agreeable to the requests of others. This means that if you are a victim of this, you are not alone and it is not your fault AND most importantly, we can take control and change this as Sigmund Freud once said that “out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength.”

So, how can we make changes for ourselves? Insults affect people in many ways and trigger a series of individually different emotions and behaviours, but there are general things we can do. Firstly, you need to identify and accept that this is indeed happening to you or if you are doing it yourself. I’m going to focus on what to do if it is happening to you. I always suggest that you start by bringing attention to it because it is possible that the person does not know what they are doing and if they do, this brings to their attention that you are aware of what they are doing and, even more so, you’re willing to do something about it.

Of course, if you can in the situation, keep communication minimal. If that is not an option, take control and ask them to stop and then cross-examine. This tends to make people very uncomfortable, which is what you want to happen. Cross-examination looks like this: “I just want to get this straight. Did you just say [repeat the insult]?” Then you look at the insulter straight in the face and wait for an answer. Most of the time, the insulter will back down and won’t be able to face you if you challenge them. If they deny it or try to manipulate more, you should walk away as your efforts will be wasted. You are not running away. Walking away means the dynamic of the game is over.

However, keep in mind that their reaction basically says it all, whether they are intentionally doing it or whether they plan on continuing to.

View them for what they are, not what you are hoping they are. Understand that someone who does this intentionally is weak, insecure and feels as though you cannot love them without them making you feel less of a person.

They are someone who intentionally hurts you to keep you submissive, and there is no respect in that as it’s an abusive way to gain control. Allowing them to manipulate you or to have control of your feelings is exactly the target of the insult- do not let them win.

Thank you for reading. Please continue to send topic suggestions to caitlinvieira@gmail.com

XVII

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 16, 2022

Nearly two years on, COVID-19 remains relentless

IN March, it will be two years since the spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes the disease COVID-19 became a pandemic. It has been a relentless period that shows few signs of easing up, especially now that there is the new Omicron variant ripping through countries.

Towards the end of last year, the deadly Delta variant emerged as the dominant strain of the virus. This led to a significant increase in the number of people infected, massive amounts of people hospitalised after experiencing the more severe symptoms of COVID-19, and, unfortunately, too many deaths.

Last year, in just four months (August to November) when it was believed that Guyana was in the height of the Delta surge, 453 deaths were recorded. During that time, 15,277 infections were recorded.

Comparatively, from March 11, 2020, to January 11, 2022, Guyana recorded a total of 1,073 deaths and 46,005 infections. What this means is that more deaths and infections were recorded during that ‘Delta surge’ than any other period.

The Delta strain appeared to be the worst of the pandemic (at least so far) but now, the Omicron variant presents some concerns. While it has not yet proven to lead to more deaths, because the symptoms (again, at least so far) appear less severe), it is more transmissible. Early evidence suggests that this variant has a reduced effect on the lungs (as the Delta variant did) and instead, is more likely to infect the respiratory tract (the nose, mouth and throat).

This simply means that the virus is more easily spread from person to person, meaning that many more people can become infected. Guyana, for example, has not seen a significant increase in hospitalisations and deaths with the

suspected presence of the Omicron variant.

Yet, there has been a significant number of people infected in less than one month. From December 28, 2021, to January 10, 2022, a total of 6,212 people were infected.

The numbers moved from 32 new infections (December 28) to a peak of 1,016 new infections (January 8).

As mentioned before, there has not been a corresponding increase in hospitalisations and deaths as seen with the Delta variant. Still, some concerns have been raised globally that can be taken into consideration here. With the Omicron coronavirus variant affecting more people, scientists stated that individuals with underlying pre-existing conditions might be more vulnerable to becoming more seriously ill.

And it is for this reason, global authorities have refrained from categorising this variant as “mild.” In fact, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has specifically asked that health authorities do not underestimate this Omicron variant.

To add a bit of nuance, it is important to note that the Omicron is spreading across the globe at a time when there is a greater level of vaccination, though widespread inequalities remain. Perhaps the vaccination’s impact has contributed to the less severe symptoms being experienced.

Whether or not this is the case, it is important to note that vaccination and adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines -- such as wearing masks, avoiding large gatherings and constant sanitisation -- remain key tools in fighting the harmful effects of the disease and the spread of the virus.

This is all the more important, I believe, now that Guyana is moving towards returning to a greater sense of normalcy- particularly with the reopening of schools for face-to-face classes.

There have been significant learning losses (including dropouts) associated with the closure of schools for the past 22 months and as such, the reopening of schools has been touted as much-needed. But still, there are challenges with this, especially now that the Omicron variant is surging.

I don’t believe that this Omicron variant is something that should be taken lightly and I certainly do not believe that now is the time for any of us to relax our focus on keeping safe. I think that the pandemic is still a far way from being over, but more and more, we have to find ways of adapting and adjusting.

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

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 16, 2022

The villages along the Canje Creek...

XIX

Canje Creek

FROM PAGE VI dam.

There is the New Forest Primary School which used to house the Nursery children, but as people moved away, the school was abandoned.

There is only a mandir in New Forest Village and the Pandit resides a few villages away, in Volkr’s Lust where he has only two neighbours, all relatives.

The people of these villages have no electricity, potable water supply, no landline phones and no internet service except for that on their cell phones which is very expensive with a data plan for the students.

The locals use the creek water for household chores, and drinking water is filled up many villages away at Adelphi.

Most of the residents have lived all their lives, and there are some people, who married into the village and others, who settled there for quiet country life.

New Forest is a picturesque place with vast rice

fields that stretch for miles and the main access road was upgraded to an all-weather paved road about 10 years ago from a mud dam.

All the school-age children go to schools outside the village and they commute when there are classes and some participate in virtual sessions.

The people of these small country-side villages are rice, cattle, livestock and cash crop farmers but most grow their own fruits and vegetables.

The villagers have chickens, ducks, goats, sheep, cows and horses.

New Forest and other villages overlook the Canje Creek and it is quite a picture with the steady hum of boats that passes by carrying people and goods.

It is a place where bamboo grows all over the roadside and the creek water is black but clear and cool to the touch, all inviting features for a dip.

The people have simple, everyday lives that revolve around their farms, rice cultivations, livestock and cattle.

There are two milkmen in the village and a handful of labourers and many farmers.

These villages are about a 25-minute drive to New Amsterdam and the people would do their bulk shopping wherever is convenient for them.

There are two pump stations that employ locals and they are owned and operated by the Rose Hall Estate, East Canje, Berbice.

The people are very welcoming and would invite you right in to have a cold beverage to offset the heat of the day and engage in friendly banter.

Since the main access road was re-paved a lot of vehicles would pass and mostly on weekends, visitors would go to the creek for a picnic or go to farms in New Forest, the last village.

In New Forest itself, there are more farms lands than houses and people from all over have cattle and crops of plantains and other traditional cultivation there.

The people would go on horseback to access their

The abandoned New Forest Primary School (Delano Williams photos)

farms or via tractors.

There are many abandoned houses and some houses have been completely removed to other places when the road was in a very deplorable state.

The villagers use bicycles, motorcycles and some have vehicles to commute while others would pay $1,000 to $1,500 for a oneway trip via taxis.

There is no public transportation plying this route.

The locals would engage in their favourite pasttime of fishing for hassar when they are not farming.

The residents crave development and they need an ICT hub for internet access for the children since they spend a lot of cell phone data for online classes.

Most people have small solar panels for lights at night since the place is very dark and just a few have generators.

The cell phone services in these villages are very unreliable and poor.

The locals are semi self-reliant and they are comfortable there but welcome development in any form to enhance their lives.

sharing their journeys XVIII XX

CHRONICLE CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT PEPPERPOT ― ― Sunday, Sunday, October January 10, 16, 2021 2022

g seven amazing women from the Women Anthologies. st of Watch Radio NY requested an interasked him if it was okay for me to invite oin me. I am sharing some excerpts from

van Phillips -- born in St Lucia, living in

owards being a Midwife of Purpose came being broken, displaced, and ough this journey, I experienced a divorce, e and got displaced education administrator’s position. Coupled were two major eclipses One week later I completed my life. An eclipse happens when you can my assignment with CTO calling becomes greater than your current and was now ready to move hrough this process, you can transcend to a on to my next career move. hinking where you can connect with your I called Monique to let her ourself as one with nature. know I was available as we lett – born in Guyana and living in NY agreed and she was so hapegan to have the real experience of dreampy to have me start my first my dream world alive. I was immediately temporary assignment with nterview with the agency where they tested Deutsche Bank. My first n using Microsoft and typing WE recentlyOffice celebrated thespeed. first year of the Virtual Writers Retreat and we had a lot to celebrate in such a WE are in aWe new year, andpeople some of us are improving and Why aren’t we kinder? a simple matter of attrition: as we get older, we come to see short time. have had from Guyana, French implementing new things to better our lives and the lives Here’s what I think: how useless it is to be selfish — how illogical, really. We Guiana, Trinidad, Barbados, The Bahamas, Suriname, of others.StA Lucia, very good friend in theNigeria, U.S. sent someone’s Each of us is born with a series of built-in confusions come to love other people and are thereby counter-instructAntigua, South Africa, Cameroon, convocation me because he thinks it will be that are probably somehow Darwinian. These are: (1) we’re ed in our own centrality. We get our butts kicked by real Canada, and speech varioustoparts of the United States.

The something I will enjoywas reading. central to the universe (that is, our personal story is the life, and people come to our defence and help us, and we first person to publish Wendy Hermonstine and she He was right, because I enjoyed it so much, I decided main and most interesting story, the only story, really); (2) learn that we’re not separate, and don’t want to be. We see is now working on her second book. Alicia Amanda pubto share part ofofit books, with you. we’re separate from the universe (there’s US and then, out people near and dear to us dropping away, and are gradually lished a couple Phil Umoru Iko-Ojo and Bevseventh this theirs. new kid joined our class. In the there, all that other junk – dogs and swing-sets, and the convinced that maybe we too will drop away (someday, a erley“In Been also grade, published interest of confidentiality, Convocation Speech name State of Nebraska long time from now). Most The most recent author her to publish from the retreat is I knew that I wouldpeople, be in as they age, become When I was six years assignment lasted two weeks, will be “ELLEN.” ELLEN was small, shy.

She wore these and low-hanging Sara Khalil, who was born in Guyana and left for New York big trouble if I told my dadselfish and more loving. old I started school in Mesa, covering someone’s vacation. glassesI that, at the time,to only old ladies clouds and, you less inblue her cat’s-eye teenage years. had the honour contribute the what had happened.

It was a this is true. The great Arizona, so I began staying Due to my work ethic and wore.and When nervous, which much always, she know, other peoI think cover, it was a privilege to was read pretty the manuscript first, besecret: the desire to go the extra mile, with my mom had a habit of taking a strand of hair into her mouth and ple), and (3) we’re Syracuse poet, Hayden Carcause I assisted her to publish her book ‘InComplete.’ I did kind that could get mesaid, in a poem written and her husband routineI landed another assignment chewing on it. permanent (death ruth, not want to put it down because her story is so compiling. in the same So she to our okay, sure department for ly. It was like going from into big trouble. I didn’t near the end of his life, that Sara hascame always felt school that herand lifeour is aneighbourhood, solidarity jour- and is real, six months, but not then another for heaven to hell. It was a horror know how much trouble, he but was “mostly Love, now.” nwas e y mostly ignored, occasionally teased (“Your hair taste – for you, I wasn’t willing to story that’s yet to be writthree months, which finally good?” — that sort of thing). I could see this hurt her. I still for me).

And so, a prediction and take a chance. “Shhhh... led to my permanent posi- ten. While at grandma’s I remember the way she’d look after such an insult: eyes cast Now, we don’t my heartfelt wish for you: as tion, allowing me to live a was filled with the love of Don’t tell anyone.” down, a little gut-kicked, as if, having just been reminded really believe these you get older, your self will Maybe it’s the trauma of a grandma and Jesus daily. dream. of her place in things, she was trying, as much as possible, things – intellectudiminish, and you will grow Dr. Safeeya Mohamed – On the other hand, at my my experience, but for some to disappear. After a while, she’d drift away, hair-strand ally we know better in love. YOU will gradually mother’s house, I was filled reason I still cannot rememTrinidad still in her mouth. At home, I imagined, after school, her – but we believe be replaced by LOVE. If you We received the updates with Rock ‘N Roll, drugs ber how mother would say, you know: “How was your day, sweet- t h e m vthat i s c the e r aaccident lly often it happened, have whenkids, that will be a huge was horrific and inappropriate, wild sex ie?” and she’d say, “Oh, fine.” And her mother would say, and liveand bythat them, moment in your process of it the victim was stuck parties. Ultimately, from it started, or even when “Making any friends?” and she’d go, “Sure, lots.” and theyin cause self-diminishment. You really such an environment you can ended the car.us Sometimes I’d see her hanging around alone in her front to prioritise won’t care what happens to The our vehicle had to be cut imagine the kinds of abuse yard, as if afraid to leave it. o w n n eopen e d s too vget e r to the victim. It that mom’s house provided.

YOU, as long as they benefit.

Penny Phakahi –South And then — they moved. That was it. No tragedy, no the needsnever of others, That’s one reason your paroccurred to me that When I was 11 years old, Africa big final hazing. even though what entsofare so proud and happy I have had my share grandma Shirley died and my my brother One day she was there. The next day, she wasn’t. we really want, in today. One of their fondest could be remotely in- stepdad left. My mom had turmoil and I strongly believe End of story. our hearts, is to be lessnext selfish, more of what’s ac- dreams has come true:stints you have accomplished something it is these of turan emotional breakdown, so that volved.

The thing I aware Now, why do I regret that? Why, 42 years later, am I tually happening open, and difficult and that tangible thatme has enlarged you as a person and brought away!

I couldn’t take moil remember,inI the waspresent lookingmoment, at I ranmore still thinking about it? Relative to most of the other kids, I more loving. will make your lifeinbetter, from here on in, forever. this far my life.

I was any more. the body of my brother was actually pretty nice to her. I never said an unkind word and thatblood we areinall aHow trainmight through ICongratulations, got and her permission an excerpt with you and I So, the second million-dollar question: we – born theshare way. perhaps by is to still in my Edwards covered in a ridingAndrea to her. In fact, I sometimes even (mildly) defended her. ourstrident, hours, days, and years. believe many women cananxious relate to— herunderstandably journey.

DO this?hearse.

How might we become more more open, When young, we’re — to refinery process. inloving, Guyana, living in Florida The agonisBut still. It bothers me. and revealing less selfish, more present, lessthoughtful delusional, etc.,I sat etc?in the back findExcerpt: got what As a young girl,itI takes. grew Can we succeed? Can As ofout if we’ve ing scream of In mythis mother in So here’s something I know to be true, although it’s a upaleave with one main ambition, my dad’s Nissan Bluebird, I will A&E that story of her journey, readers will accomtoday; justourselves? help me pack Well,the yes, good question. we“Ibuild viable life for But my youbelongings.”

— in particwanting totoget far have peered through the windows early morning not little corny, and I don’t quite know what to do with it: pany oneonly ofhas the most courageous women His packaway, his in noticed a suitcase.

Unfortunately, I have three minutes left. ularmother you, ofstarted this generation —clothing may a certain from system of the images on - a escaped my mind almost What I regret most in my life are failures of kindness. on herthis. expedition toatways. self-discovery Mikeaway also started packing.

I wasdosowell upset that So let me just say There17are You already cyclical quality tothe ambition.

You in and highlost school, or the box that the fence years later asin she Those moments when another human being was there, know that remarkable life story trials andof tri-the IGuycry and into begged himcollege, to stay.soI you was can in adoplace because, yourhowled life, there of have been High instarted hopes to ofthinking getting a good well we often findin ourselves ana Botanical Gardensof son died, my Kindness periods, in front of me, suffering, and I responded... sensibly. Re- Kindness“my umphs. confusion, I hated myself andin.

Iofblamed feltso I periods and Low and you know inand the good college, the hopes gettingmyself. a good Ijob, Apart from Zoological Park.inThe wasn’t radio sonyou died,toward nobody’s helpservedly. Mildly.

Her the book ‘Incomplete’ good enough.

Iunderstanding threw floor, in a foetal what inclined former and awayoffers from the you can do well in the goodmyself job so on youthe can… always dared blasted ing us!” But nobody could, Or, to look at it from the other end of the telescope: latter. Education into Sara Khalil fromthe childhood crying as loud astoI could, more so screaming. issights good; immersing ourselves inpopular a work position, Andmyself this isI out actually okay.

If we’re going to become be different, which wasIaloved calypso song “1985” by as his spirit departed at the Who, in your life, do you remember most fondly, with the of art: good; prayer to adulthood.

She lived her childhood My world was upside him with allserimy is good; meditation’s good; a frank kinder, that process has todown. include taking ourselves constant sur- and a then-popular calypsonian. of friend; most undeniable feelings of warmth? in Guyana then ourselves migrated to some the USA even withstruggle all the when infidelity hurt he We caused talk withpoint a dear establishing in kind heart; ously — as doers, as accomplishers, as dreamers. have rounded situations.

I for the sake of my Iwas would have celebrated Up torecognising this day,She Those who were kindest to you, I bet. with family. determined to me, I still wanted hold on to him of spiritual impact. tradition —her that there havejust been to do that, to be by ourtomy best selves. grew up under a strict my sixth I ponder where the strength It’s a little facile, maybe, and certainly hard to imple- countless really smart fight against all odds, even after two family and my child. I never wanted to let him go, nois Still, accomplishment Christian my birthday, on quite came from to navigate that Reflecting ment, but I’d say, as a goal in life, you could do worse than: people before failed marriages. heroblivious matter what.

He hadfamily madewith his decision and wouldn’t be us who unreliable.

“Succeeding,” andevening, step granny, to the but grandfather night.

Try to be kinder. nomadic early years, we concept witnessofalltime, budged.

At 6 pm that Mike left hismean Mom. have asked these same whatever thatwith might to as my mother heryou, mom song would not allow Now, the million-dollar question: What’s our problem? questions and left bethat she faced as shethat doggedly pursued Our six-year-old son,lost Jayden, started is hard, to andrun the behind need to Shanon Paar – Arizona me to forget PAGE calling. his father, butSEE Mike keptXXV walking; Jaydenrenews asked itself me, hind answers for us.her do so constantly that it was 1985. any Because kindness, Sara shared with warmth and “Mom, why daddy leaving again”? (success Iisdidn’t like a have mountain honesty how she dealt with betrayal, answers at that time. I quickly to growing control myself it turns out, is hard that tried keeps ahead forgiveness, and feelings of being and started engaging in other conversations — it starts out all of you as you hikewith it), my and unloved. son, thinking he would get distracted forget. rainbows and puppy there’s theand very real Guess danger and asking the dogs, and expands to This book is authentic, sassy, in- what? I was wrong. He kept crying that “succeeding” willsame take spiring, bold, and pragmatic, qualities question, over and over. Finally, afterwhole some life, timewhile passed, include . . . well, evup your the quite similar to the author herself. he stopped crying and asking started to erything. bigquestions questionsand go untended. so I bathed One thing in our She launched her book at Artfest be himself again. It was close to So,bedtime, quick, end-of-speech in Atlanta and will be launching in Jayden, took a shower and we were off to bed.

The very favour: some of this advice: Since, according to “becoming kinder”New York later this month and Guyh a p p e n s n a t u r a l l y,ana in November.

SEE PAGE XX SEE PAGE XXI with age. It might be

Sara’s incomplete journey KINDNESS

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 16, 2022

KINDNESS...

FROM PAGE XX

me, your life is going to be a gradual process of becoming kinder and more loving: Hurry up. Speed it along. Start right now. There’s a confusion in each of us, a sickness, really: selfishness. But there’s also a cure. So be a good and proactive and even somewhat desperate patient on your own behalf — seek out the most efficacious anti-selfishness medicines, energetically, for the rest of your life.

Do all the other things, the ambitious things — travel, get rich, get famous, innovate, lead, fall in love, make and lose fortunes, swim naked in wild jungle rivers (after first having it tested for monkey poop) – but as you do, to the extent that you can, err in the direction of kindness.”

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I believe this content will inspire and resonate with a few people. Being kind not only has a direct effect on others, but it has a positive impact on us as well. Let’s make an effort to be kinder as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called LIFE BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 16, 2022

THE ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION PROCESS

THE Environmental Protection Act establishes key functions of the agency in the area of environmental management, chief among which are: * To prevent and control pollution; * To coordinate environmental management activities; * To promote participation of the public in environmental management; and * To take into account potential environmental impacts of development projects when deciding whether to authorise a project or not.

The last role is implemented through the environmental

authorisation process, which begins with submitting an application to the EPA. General documents required when applying for Environmental Authorisation * Completed application form (this can be downloaded from the EPA’s website or uplifted at our offices); * Proof of identification (National ID or passport); * Proof of land ownership (lease, tenant agreement, transport etc. and does not apply to state agencies); * Business Registration license;

* Any other permits or licences or approvals required by other government agencies; * Project Summary/Description including a map of the surrounding area; * Site layout; and * Application fee Other documents may be required, depending on the nature of the project.

Screening Applications are then ‘screened’ to determine whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) should be required or not. This is perhaps the most important part of the authorisation process as potential environmental impacts are identified. The agency has strengthened its screening process by ensuring appropriate screening questions are asked about the proposed project, site visits are conducted,

existing information is gathered and reviewed, and engagement with key agencies and residents in the proposed project area is done.

The outcome of this process is a Screening Report on the potential impacts and identification of possible significant impacts to inform the agency’s decision with regard to whether an EIA is required or not to further inform its

decision to issue an Environmental Permit or not. The EPA has also strengthened its adherence to the Act by publishing reasons for its decisions, and making Project Summaries available for public access and review.

The EPA then proceeds to publish its decision in at least one daily newspaper as is required by the Act. The SEE PAGE XXVI

The shocking Falsehoods in Dentistry tooth CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 16, 2022

H sensitivity following placement of a filling is ommon. A tooth may be sensitive to pressure, et foods, or temperature. Usually, the sensitivity s on its own within a few weeks. During this time, hose things that are causing the sensitivity. Pain rs are generally not required. he general reason why teeth may become sensitive ing filled is because of the drilling and cutting of which are done during preparation of the cavity for Remember, the tooth is alive and needs some time but there are several other explanations for pain fillings. r example, there may be pain you experience when e down, which may be observed soon after the ana wears off and continues over time. In this case, the

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Decay that is left untreated can progress to infect the dental ration prior to placement of pulp and may cause an abscessed tooth. This can lead to the restoration or a fracture terrible pain, loss of the tooth and even death from Vincent’s of the restoration from bite or chewing trauma. Older angina or encephalitis.

If the filling is large or the recurrent decay is extensive, fillings will generally be lost there may not be enough tooth structure remaining to support due to decay or fracturing of over atooth shorter period remaining struca replacement filling. In these cases, your dentist may need thedamage Myth. A toothbrush with stiff bristles cleans teeth because roots do not have a ture. Finally, whatever unto replace the filling with a crown. better than one with soft bristles. hard protective covering of enamel. Using a hard bristle desirable symptoms or doubts you may have after having New fillings that fall out are probably the result of Using a toothbrush with stiff bristles over a long period on gums can damage the tissue and cause them to recede. improper cavitythe preparation, contamination the prepadamages teeth by wearing away theoftooth’s surface.a filling done, its best to check back with your dentist.

IT never ceases to amaze me how many people still believe in falsehoods associated with dentistry. In fact, dental myths remain one of the greatest roadblocks to achieving good oral health.

These misconceptions promote behaviours that can be detrimental to the health of teeth, gums and oral tissue.

Because myths need to be replaced with facts to ensure the deliverance of appropriate oral care, an attempt is

s interfering with your bite. You will need to return dentist and have the filling reshaped. Then there is en your teeth touch. This pain is a very sharp pain urs only when your teeth touch. The pain is likely by the touching of two different metal surfaces (for e, the silver amalgam in a newly filled tooth and a own on another tooth with which it touches). Somehe teeth may even be some distance apart. The two form the poles of a “battery” with the saliva being trolyte.

The made pain ishere really gen- common being to from dispelgalvanic some ofshock the more by thefalsehoods. resulting electrical current. Sometimes the appears by itself after a week or so. children cavities. the decayMyth. was Mostly very deep to theget pulp (nerve) of the of age,pain. cavities may occur here mightRegardless be a “toothache” This response maywhenever plaque, bacteria and sugar areorpresent together that this tissue is no longer healthy the body has in the mouth for more than 48 hours.

Children usually ted as it should. In either case, a root canal treatment develop red. cavities between the teeth and on the chewing surfaces. areisespecially to developing Then The thereelderly is what known asprone referred pain. Withcavities on exposed root surfaces and around old e of pain, you experience pain or sensitivityfillings. in other esides theMyth. one Cavities that received the filling.

With this do not affect overall health. ar sensation, there is likely nothing wrong with your If cavities are left untreated, decay will spread into the he filled toothpulp simply passes alongan“pain signals” tooth’s (nerve), causing infection.

Anyit infection ving tocan other teeth.

This pain should decrease on spread through the bloodstream to other its parts of the er onebody. to two weeks.

If the brain becomes involved, death can result. In rgic reactions to silverconditions fillings are rare. Infrom fact,dental abfact, nine different originating e less scesses than 100 reported in over two centuries, arecases known to be fatal.

Therefore, cavities indeed ng tocan thehave American In these harmfulDental effectsAssociation. on overall health. cumstances, mercury or one of the metals used in gam restoration is thought to trigger an allergic reSymptoms of amalgam allergy are similar to those nced in a typical skin allergy and include skin rashes hing. Patients who suffer from amalgam allergies y have a medical or family history of allergies to Once an allergy is confirmed, another restoration l can be used. stant pressure from chewing, grinding, or clenchcause dental fillings to wear away, chip or crack. gh you may not be able to tell that your filling is down, your dentist can identify weaknesses in your ions during a regular check-up. If the seal between ling and the tooth enamel breaks down, food partid decay-causing bacteria can work their way under

Brushing exposed roots with stiff bristles causes serious

Myth. Plaque can be

SEE PAGE XXV

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 16, 2022

Falsehoods in... soft tissues, increases infection and exposes the wearer to oral cancer.

Myth. A toothache suggests that the tooth in question needs to be extracted.

There are six indications whereby a tooth must be extracted and pain is not one of them. Either pulp infection, pulp stimulation or pulp exposure usually

FROM PAGE XXIII removed effectively by brushing.

It is not possible to clean the surfaces between the teeth when brushing. So brushing alone cannot guarantee that your teeth will not decay. To completely remove plaque from all surfaces, the teeth should also be flossed.

Plaque is associated with tooth decay and gum disease.

If not removed daily, plaque can harden into calculus.

This rough cement-like substance must then be removed professionally by a dentist or dental nurse.

Myth. Denture wearers do not need dental checkups.

No denture fit is permanent. Over time, changes occur in the bone and soft tissues in the mouth. This affects the way a denture fits. To ensure continued proper fit, the denture wearer should have a dental exam at least once a year to make necessary adjustments. This yearly examination will also help alert the dentist to any signs of oral cancer.

Myth. Dentures should be worn at all times.

Dentures should be removed for at least six hours every day. This allows the tissues to rest and relieves the gums from the pressure of the denture. Excessive pressure can cause the supporting tissues of the denture to shrink.

Dentures should be kept in water when they are not in the mouth so they do not warp.

Myth. Denture “fit” problems can be resolved by using denture adhesives and home denture reliners.

If large amounts of adhesives are needed to retain a denture, the denture should be adjusted. A proper fit can only be obtained if the dentures are professionally relined.

Wearing poorly fitted dentuers can damage the bone and

XXV results in toothache. There is a dental procedure to solve all such circumstances. Your dentist should be the one to advise if a tooth should be extracted. Extractions generally cause mutilation, which can never be fully repaired and which the patient often regrets when it is too late.

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THE ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION ...

FROM PAGE XXII agency also uses its social media platforms to make these decisions known to the public.

What happens next?

If there are objections to the EPA’s decision to not require an EIA, the EAB--a body independent of the EPA -- hosts Public Hearings which brings together appellants, developers, and members of the EPA team to present their positions on the proposed project. The EAB then deliberates and publishes its decision – uphold or overturn the EPA’s decision.

If the decision is upheld, the developer is then required to submit management plans which are reviewed by the agency – these plans aid the EPA in drafting permit conditions. This is not a guarantee that Environmental Authorisation will be granted as more information may be requested from the developer. Permit conditions are among the tools used to protect human health and the environment, and the EPA monitors projects based on these conditions.

If the EAB overturns the EPA’s decision to not require an EIA, the authorisation process may be re-started. Next week, we’ll take a closer look at the authorisation process where an EIA is required.

If you already own a business or are thinking about starting one, ensure that you call or come in to the EPA to start the process. Remember to respect each other and the environment, and take the necessary precautions to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Look out for our column next week as we continue to share information on Environmental Authorisations.

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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Living one day...

FROM PAGE VIII chickens.

He reported that the floodwaters were about two feet high and lasted for six months which destroyed his crops and poultry.

The New Forest resident stated that life is simple back there and he would ensure there is something in the pot every day even though they do not have much.

Gangadin and his family would keep abreast with that happening by listening to a small battery-operated radio that is on mostly during the day.

There is no television, but they have a cell phone.

They use the rainwater for drinking and the creek water is used for household chores.

“I like it here but we need the basic necessities to improve our lives, but other than that, we have the quiet and peace we need here,” he said.

He gets around on his bicycle since the taxi fare to get in and out of the village is costly.

Hardat Sham after visiting his farm and cattle in New Forest, East Canje, Berbice (Delano Williams photos)

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NEW 360 Camera ...

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From page IV But there is great potential. It’s vital to understand the current situation with the pandemic to be safe and responsible while perusing upcoming events. Our party scene is definitely not boring, but variety is very important for entrepreneurs; it adds opportunities to evolve.”

And speaking of evolving, Lesa also has in mind adding a more youthful touch to her business by having her 18-year-old daughter Jessica Mittelholzer and niece Camyla DeMoreas play a greater role in the business moving forward. Of course, the teenagers are already on top of what’s trending in all social circles.

Added to this move, Lesa doesn’t plan to stop at the 360 Camera Booth. “This is just the first one of the products we will be offering for parties and we will move on to bringing in new, modern party ideas for various events such as the magical photo booth, the magic mirror, etc.

“Our pieces will be different and unique to anything already being offered in Guyana because variety is important, especially now with our changing economy and surge of foreigners visiting and working in Guyana,” Lesa expressed.

Meanwhile, Lesa and the rest of her TG family are gearing up to launch the second edition of the Tourism Guyana Magazine. To this end, members of the team, who are more than just co-workers but great friends, have been travelling to various locations to gather content and promote tour destinations.

TG boasts a huge following of active enthusiasts and

Lesa’s 360 Camera Booth has been making waves on the party scene lately

travellers who are always looking for something to do and somewhere to visit. In fact, TG has been quite instrumental in providing the sort of influence needed so far as tourism activities and destinations are concerned throughout the country.

Lesa and the rest of her TG family are gearing up to launch the second edition of the Tourism Guyana Magazine

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 16, 2022

January 16, 2022 Dear Student,

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

He gives the poor m much good who gi an twice as ves quickly.

PUBLILIUS SY cent. B.C.) (He gi RUS (1st. ves twice who gives soon.)

STUDY SUCCESS

Welcome, dear friend.

See how many of these successful student habits you can identify with. 1) I have a perfect attendance at classes. 2) I own at least one organised notebook.

3) I take notes. 4) I always submit requirements on time. 5) I ask sensible questions. 6) I go a step further than what was asked for. 7) I recount substantial

information. 8) I am neat and clean. How much do you see yourself? Be wise.

Love you.

THE PASSAGE Better writing Do you remember this narrative from last week?

‘The great short story writer and English novelist, W. Somerset Maugham, once said in a personal comment: “A writer does not copy his originals (wholesale). When he discovers originals, he proceeds to use what combinations of characteristics he wants from them.”

Now, review your short story productions and point out some areas of low confidence. Take heart. Endeavour to correct them in the study time you have left.

Here is a beautiful description. As you read it, pay rapt attention to the verbs which the writer has used.

Examine the choice of nouns.

Look at the choice of adjectives. Get your friends and study partners together in this business, too. Is the topic properly expressed by the noun choices? Have the verbs and adjectives given life to the topic?

The road to Prescott winds past a deserted house that peers out sadly from a clump of tamaracks. Long ago, it was constructed of adobe blocks laid flat and held with heavy clay. Today, a skeleton-like chimney reaches above the roof and clutches to the sky. The adobe has crumbled in gaping patches, and chunks of red lie scattered in the grass.

The window frames hang listlessly from the body of the house. Their panes have long since shattered and disappeared. A few bent shingles still curve over the roof boards. The desolation of the house is broken only by the birds nesting in the eaves.

The passer-by gives the house a quick look and wonders. What lives were once sheltered here? What circumstances enticed the occupants from this wooded spot by a winding road?

Surely the writer has said enough to help you paint a picture in your mind on cue. He is clear, terse, and as vivid and clean-cut as the original sparked his imagination.

What to Do Think of a building that has quickened your imagination; think even about one that is a mystery – a burnt out jailhouse, a condemned great hall in a lonely avenue, a rickety backyard cottage that once carried its fair share of mystery.

Search the structure until you happen upon the right characteristics to take from it. Think about nouns and verbs and adjectives to give your composition life – the life you want it to have.

Dear young writers, a place of mystery needs sensory words. Say the sentences well. Let them really lend life to your writing. Do not down your pen until you have the story said the way you wanted to.

GRAMMAR Helping you upgrade your communication To be successful in expressing yourself in speaking and writing, you often need to extend your range of experience.

Try the following interests: visit new places, meet new persons, increase the number of good and enjoyable books, newspapers, and magazines you read; improve the quality of TV programmes you look at; and pursue new hobbies or games among other language activities.

One main requirement we need of you in your language improvement, is that you discover your own speech and writing errors.

Try very hard to correct those bad habits. Look and listen out for slips in animated speech and writing. You may not be able to correct them all in the process, but take note never-the-less. One suggestion by a renowned grammarian is that you stop and use the sentence again, and do it over correctly. That may sometimes spoil the spirit of the moment, but, look out; slips may cause embarrassment!

Practice Work: 1. Select the correct choice of conjunction for each sentence.

[See the correct choices immediately after the set work.] a) In a recent issue of our company newsletter I read (that, where) Mrs. Hinds will soon retire. b) Johnson’s Supply

Company was supposed to deliver everything today, (and, but) several items were missing from the packages we received. c) Mary Lu said that the secret to selling is to pretend (like, that) each client is a close friend. d) The reason this laptop does not work well in this location is (because, that) it is too close to the motors. e) If it looks (like, as though) it might rain, we will cancel our game after work this evening.

[Key: that, but, that, that, as though.]

2. Correct any preposition errors in the following sentences. Write OK if a sentence has no error. [See the correct choices immediately after the set work.] a) Perhaps both of the managers will be at tomorrow’s session. b) Let us place these breakable items opposite to my filing cabinet. c) Simon said that would meet us inside of the hour. d) Mrs. Austin divided all the work between Charmaine, Donald, and me. e) Of course, we must abide with the decision of the church board. f) We do not know where Mary Ann went to.

[Key: omit ‘of the’, omit ‘to’, within, among, by, omit ‘to’.]

READING WELL Read, then answer the two questions below the passage.

Facing a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming.

Your stress levels may skyrocket. You may be asking yourself questions such as how you’ll be able to deal with uncertainty about your future, the unpredictability of the disease, disability, and the emotions you’re feeling. Spiritual resources can help you cope with your health changes and ease the difficult journey that is just beginning.

Questions 1. Put the first sentence in your own words.

2) In what way(s) do you think spiritual resources can help someone cope with health changes facing a cancer diagnosis? Use your vicarious experience here.

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