Sunday, November 16, 2025 Popular series, misadventures, returns with a
Local creative and her team bring fresh faces, bigger dreams, and real Guyanese life to the screen
Anastacia “Annie” Shako–Van Tull, creator and lead of Misadventures
Supporting her home as a roadside vendor of seasonal fruits, lime-flavoured pepper sauce, mango achar, and eggs
By Michel Outridge
NESHA Asgar, a conventional but reserved stay-athome mother and grandmother who doesn’t like to sit still idly, has a roadside stall in front of her house where she sells fresh fruits, lime pepper sauce, and mango achar.
The Mon Choisi — formerly Number Five Village — West Coast Berbice resident, who lives on the main public road, finds it convenient to establish a roadside stall where she vends seasonal fruits, homemade lime pepper sauce, and mango achar.
In addition, Asgar also sells creole eggs when they
are locally in stock, and it is the same with fruits — she would buy from local farmers to resell for a small profit to
bring in extra income for her household.
She presently has freshpicked sapodillas, ripe man- goes, and kayan bananas, all at giveaway prices suitable for everyone.
Asgar told Pepperpot Magazine that, even before her husband retired as a welder from the sugar estate, she had started selling at the roadside in front of her house to earn, since every dollar counts in an extended family setting.
The 53-year-old became TURN TO PAGE VII
For sale: sweet, freshly picked mangoes at the stall
The lime-flavoured pepper sauce made by Nesha Asgar
Homemade tasty mango achar on sale
Mon Choisi Village residents’ roadside vending stall
Popular series, misadventures, returns with a bigger, bolder Guyanese story
Local creative and her team bring fresh faces, bigger dreams, and real Guyanese life to the screen
WHEN Anastacia Shako–Van Tull first conceived the idea of Misadventures, she knew it would be more than another local TV series — she wanted it to be a reflection of the Guyanese spirit. Now in its second season, Misadventures follows the story of Shikisa, a young woman determined to follow her dreams. The show captures the triumphs, stumbles, and laughter of her and her group of friends.
From the first season to the second, Anastacia says the star-studded production has evolved into a bold celebration of ambition and community. This week Pepperpot Magazine sat down with creator and lead of the show, Anastacia, and fellow cast member Carissa Van Doimen, as they shared what it means to prove that local storytelling can be just as powerful, funny, and universal as anything on international screens.
In many ways, Misadventures tackles some of the most talked-about challenges of young people. The story follows Anastacia’s character, Shikisa, a young woman with dreams of becoming a fashion designer. While the show follows Anastacia’s character as the lead, it also balances the diverse lives of young Guyanese, all with their own stories told passionately and creatively, side by side.
The melting pot of lives, drama, and individuality is exactly what Anastacia wanted to bring to the screen. “The show is not about just people having one specific kind of dream. Somebody could have a dream of being a fashion designer, another person could have a dream of being a business owner, or just being in a relationship.” She added, “It’s really to describe whatever desires a person may have, and it
just follows their ups and downs, the things that they go through, and how they go through it together. They’re like friends for Guyana.”
The first season of Misadventures was well received, garnering viewers across platforms. The second season, however, brings new lessons and new faces to the screen. As Anastacia stated, “The cast is definitely different. The only returning cast members are my character, Shikisa, and Vikash, played
by
Charles Adrian. The story has definitely expanded and developed, and the characters get to take on a wider journey. This season, you can see it’s more of an ensemble cast. It’s not just happening to one character; it’s happening to a group of people.”
The current cast features an experienced, dynamic team with Khristian Khaleel, Charles Adrian, Leahna Emmanuel, Nethan Breedy, Ken Sahadeo, and Jessica ‘Scarlett’ Lindo.
The feedback for Misadven -
tures has also been growing since its premiere, with many Guyanese already invested in and interested in the show and its diverse, captivating characters. “We had a premiere for the show, and the feedback has been that people were just really waiting to see where we were going to take the season.” Anastacia further added that while many people were impressed by the show, there was surprise that it was a Guyanese show — a narrative that Anastacia and her team hope to change. “They were very surprised that this was a local show. What they have said is that it’s not good for a local show, it’s just a good show. And that’s what we’re aiming for, that our show could just be a show. It doesn’t have to necessarily just be a Guyana-only show. We’re really proud of that perception,” she stated.
This season, Carissa acted and served as assistant director. While her character is notably troublesome, Carissa says she fell in love with the character the first time she read the script. “When Anastacia sent me the script, I was reading through it, and I really liked the character of Destiny. That might sound a little crazy because Destiny is a menace.” She added, “But I really saw her, and I said I wanted this role. It felt like she
was just misunderstood, like we really just needed somebody to play her the way she was meant to be played, to tell her story the way it was supposed to be told.” Carissa believes it is because of diverse characters like hers that the show continues to garner support.
While on the surface Misadventures may seem focused on the mundane lives of young Guyanese, the show highlights much more. It sheds light and perspective on the reality of young Guyanese making choices and decisions, growing and changing. It emphasises the complexity of young lives most creatively and vibrantly. This representation, Carissa says, is vital — not just in Guyana but everywhere. “I think it’s important for us to have representation. It’s important for us to see that life can be more than just sitting home, going to school, and going to work.
You can have a purpose, you can have a dream.” She added, “In our culture, we don’t really get to explore that. We’re often told you have to do what your parents want, be a doctor or a lawyer. It’s important for us to show that there’s more to life than that.” Misadventures is currently available
to stream on YouTube at Anniemated Productions.
Anastacia “Annie” Shako–Van Tull, creator and lead of Misadventures
Cast member and assistant director Carissa Van Doimen who plays the fiery and misunderstood Destiny
The season two ensemble cast of Misadventures, bringing young Guyanese stories to life
From Caribbean Kitchens to Guyanese Tables
Attorney and author Saleisha Averhart brings her cookbook, Tasting My Way Through the Caribbean, to Guyana
By Shaniya Harding
WITHIN the Caribbean region, food is a part of culture and identity, and for Saleisha Averhart, cooking is a bridge to her heritage, a way to honour her family, and a celebration of Caribbean culture. The attorney, mother, and newly-published cookbook author recently brought that passion to Guyana, immersing herself in the country’s history, traditions, and flavours to inspire her latest work.
Her food-history cookbook, Tasting My Way Through the Ca-
ribbean, does not just share recipes; it tells the story of the Caribbean, from African and Indian roots to Indigenous and European influences, all intertwined with her own personal journey. Now, she is inviting Guyanese to experience that story firsthand at her upcoming book launch event in Georgetown. Slated for November 22, Averhart aims to host a Food and Rum Festival where Caribbean flavours, culture, and creativity will take centre stage in a celebration of food, music, and shared heritage.
Saleisha Averhart grew up surrounded by agriculture, food, and
family traditions that have shaped both her career and her culinary journey. Born to Trinidadian parents and raised in North Carolina, Averhart’s childhood saw her immersed in culture, cooking, and agriculture. “I probably was cooking way longer than I’ve been an attorney, and I’ve been involved in the agricultural world and the farm world since I was a child.” She added, “I grew up in North Carolina on a 67-acre property, and we mostly did livestock for agriculture. I’m a child farmer. My parents ran two doctors’ offices, so Dad was the doctor and my mum was the nurse. When we got home in the evenings, we ran a farm as well.”
Cooking, Averhart says, was always part of her daily life from a very young age, and served not just as an act of necessity but as a way of cultural connection. “In order to keep with our culture, we were always cooking. I learned how to cook from a very young age, in the kitchen with my grandmother, my mother, my aunts.” Even after becoming an attorney, Averhart remained deeply passionate about the culinary arts.
“When I became an attorney, I was still very much an entrepreneur and started my own business, but agriculture law is also a big part of that. I really stay connected with my roots, with the farming background, and bring that aspect into my law practice. I thought this cookbook was a great way to bring both of those worlds together. It’s my little love letter to Caribbean cuisine.” Her unique blend of legal expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and culinary skill comes together in a way that is deeply personal and distinctly Caribbean.
Averhart’s Tasting My Way Through the Caribbean is not only a compilation of recipes but a chronicle of Caribbean history, identity, and migration. “It’s a food-history cookbook, and that’s really what brought me to Guyana — to include all aspects of our cultural identity as Caribbean people.” The diverse piece of literature, published just a few months ago, transcends communities and cultures through food and history, and the history of Guyana was particularly inspiring, says Averhart. “Our main make-ups are Afro-Caribbean and Indo-Caribbean, and to really highlight the
Indigenous cultures, I wanted to visit the Amerindian Museum in Georgetown, Guyana. I had such a great experience, sitting there, going up to the third-floor library, and reading all of the books I could get my hands on about the Amerindian culture and the different folks who researched those areas.”
Her research in Guyana, she says, was essential to the creation of the book. Following the lives of various cultures through the centuries, through slavery and indentureship, Averhart not only tells the story of the food we eat today — her work also looks at how those dishes became what they are and remembers the people who shaped them. “The book highlights a real crossroads of Caribbean culture — African roots, Indian roots, Indigenous roots, and even European influence.
The first half of the book is text, combining my personal stories with the history I gathered from museum and library visits, intertwining my legal writing background with storytelling and giving traditional Caribbean recipes.” She added, “With so much of our migration patterns throughout the Caribbean from our Indigenous cultures, it starts with Guyana. I didn’t think it was appropriate to do a book launch event for a Caribbean food-history book without bringing it back to Guyana, so that’s why I decided to do my book launch event there.”
Her connection to food is also a bridge to her children and to the next generation. As a mother of three, Averhart uses food, as her family did, as a link between cultures. “I started a food blog in about 2017 after my first daughter was born, using it as a way to document our family recipes and give her something to look forward to as she got older. With children and being part of the Caribbean diaspora, I want them to understand that the Caribbean is home.
My oldest daughter will be 10 next year, my youngest turns 6 next week, and my stepson is now 23.” She added, “I want my children to understand that the food is what connects us. They love carnival, Caribbean music, and Caribbean food. It’s amazing to pass down these traditions to our children and share it with the broader community. I want to bring the story full circle, celebrating our shared identity across the Caribbean, utilising what is most real and valuable to us: our people and our land.”
Averhart’s upcoming book launch in Georgetown promises to be an immersive Caribbean experience. “People can look forward to celebrating our Caribbean flavours, our culture, and a lot of creativity. From noon to 1:30, it will be a lunch experience with a community lunch portion to sit down and enjoy each TURN TO PAGE XIII
Saleisha Averhart with her new cookbook, Tasting My Way Through the Caribbean
Cookbook author and attorney, Saleisha Averhart, whose work blends food, history, and Caribbean heritage
The veracity of being a female farmer at Silver Hill
By Michel Outridge
AS the traditional festive season fast approaches and the demand for eggs and other protein sources steadily increases across the country, the quiet community of Silver Hill, located along the Soesdyke–Linden Highway, is quickly transforming itself — not only socially but also in its agricultural production systems.
Once known primarily for its vast pineapple farms, Silver Hill is now embracing diversification, with many residents shifting towards poultry and small livestock production.
Among those leading this transformation is Jennifer Lord, a resilient, soft-spoken, petite female farmer who embodies the spirit of adaptation, innovation, and perseverance in Guyana’s evolving rural landscape.
Lord, a seasoned farmer with more than a decade of experience, began her agricultural journey cultivating pineapples on a large scale.
However, as yields declined over time, she diversified her operations into duck and creole chicken rearing—a move that not only sustained her livelihood but also positioned her to meet the growing market demand during the festive season.
“Pineapple is still part of what I do,” she explained. “But the crops are not as they used to be, and I had to turn to poultry to sustain myself.”
Her modest farm in the heart of Silver Hill is alive with activity. About 100 ducks waddle around the yard, while an equal number of creole chickens roam freely — a system that reflects both her resourcefulness and deep understanding of traditional farming methods. Although she once maintained a larger operation, Lord was forced to scale back due to financial constraints. Yet she remains hopeful. “When I can recover financially, I’ll restart my large-scale duck-rearing business,” she said with quiet determination.
Life in Silver Hill — A testament of endurance
Living deep within Silver Hill means living off the grid. Residents rely primarily on rainwater harvesting and
natural creeks for their daily water needs, as the area lacks a piped potable water supply throughout the community — a situation that is rapidly changing.
The PPP/C Government, through Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), continues to work across the community to ensure that each household has access to safe drinking water. As part of these ongoing efforts, 159 water tanks, each with a 450-gallon capacity, have been distributed to residents who depend on rainwater collection and storage.
Such initiatives are crucial for improving living conditions in Silver Hill — a community defined by self-reliance, co-operation, and agricultural resilience.
“We depend on each other here,” Lord shared. “If I have extra eggs or birds, I exchange with another farmer. It’s normal for us.”
This exchange system not only strengthens community ties but also ensures the diversity of their poultry gene pool, keeping local breeds strong and adaptable.
Lord’s approach to farming is a blend of traditional knowledge and practical in-
ground, and the scratching helps aerate it. It creates a healthy ecosystem right here in my yard.”
Free-range eggs are valued for their richer flavour, vibrant yolks, and natural taste — qualities that appeal to Guyanese consumers who are increasingly conscious of food quality. As the festive season approaches, the demand for eggs — especially creole and free-range — has surged in Linden (Region 10) and neighbouring areas.
“There’s no struggle for market,” Lord said with a smile. “My eggs and ducks sell easily — everything goes.”
She retails a tray of freerange creole eggs for $2,000, a price she has maintained throughout the year.
Remarkably, she has never encountered resistance to
her prices. “People know my eggs are always fresh and wholesome,” she said proudly. “Even though demand has gone up, I have no desire to increase the price. What pleases me most is delivering quality, healthy products to my customers.”
For Lord, customer satisfaction and service are the heart of her business. She believes that trust, reliability, and consistency have been the key factors in maintaining her products at premium market prices. She also places strong emphasis on food safety, ensuring that her eggs are properly stored and distributed to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. “Storage and handling are just as important as production,” she explained. “That’s part of good farming too.”
For generations, Guya -
nese families have reared creole chickens as part of homestead farming — a practice that has long provided food and supplemental income. These hardy birds, known for their adaptability and rich-tasting eggs, continue to hold a special place in rural households.
Lord preserves this tradition by using natural nesting and incubation methods, allowing hens to hatch their chicks under straw and wooden boxes — a reminder of how farming used to be across the country. Her methods reflect the enduring connection between culture, self-sufficiency, and food production in rural Guyana.
To further strengthen poultry production nationwide, the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry TURN TO PAGE VII
novation. When her chickens fall ill, she relies on homemade remedies rather than costly veterinary drugs. “I mix a little molasses in their water — they recover fast,” she said. “Sometimes I add lime juice and bird pepper too. It keeps them healthy.”
On her farm, the birds roam freely, pecking at the earth and feeding naturally on insects and vegetation. Without formal pens, her operation is largely free-range—a system that aligns perfectly with her environment and resources.
Free-range farming allows birds to move about freely outdoors, providing them with sunlight, fresh air, and access to natural food sources. This system is less costly than intensive farming, which requires housing, artificial lighting, and expensive feed. For small-scale farmers like Lord, it is a more economically viable model that also supports animal welfare and sustainability.
Lord explained that her free-range system not only produces healthier birds but also benefits her environment. “The chickens help add fertility to the soil,” she said. “Their droppings enrich the
Female farmer of Silver Hill, Jennifer Lord
Innovation and Unity
How one passionate resident is helping fellow Silver Hill farmers rise together
By Michel Outridge
AS the soft rays of sunlight and the fresh smell of secondary forest fill the misty morning air along the Linden–Soesdyke Highway, the quiet farming community of Silver Hill is awakening to a new era of agricultural productivity, unity, and empowerment.
Nestled amid lush vegetation, sandy soils, and winding creeks, Silver Hill may appear unassuming at first glance, but its residents are steadily transforming the area into a vibrant agricultural hub.
The community is home to resilient farmers who cultivate poultry, small ruminants, and cattle, as well as a variety of crops, all while navigating the challenges of sandy, porous soil and limited water sources.
At the forefront of this transformation is Amanda Corlette, a resilient and innovative poultry farmer whose roots in agriculture stretch back to her childhood in Kwakwani, Berbice River.
Amanda, now the Vice Chair of the Silver Hill Agriculture Development Group, has become a driving force behind the community’s progress, inspiring dozens of small farmers — especially women — to believe in the power of collaboration.
Her journey from a young girl tending animals with her parents to becoming a key advocate for community farming showcases the strength of perseverance, vision, and teamwork.
“I grew up in Kwakwani, where my parents were farmers, so agriculture has always
been part of me,” she said. “When I came to Silver Hill, it reminded me of home — the peaceful environment, the people’s love for farming — and I decided to invest in poultry farming. It’s something I know and love.”
Amanda believes that community farming groups like the Silver Hill Agriculture Development Group hold the key to rural development and resilience.
By working together, small farmers can access training, resources, and government support more effectively, while also sharing knowledge on best practices for managing the sandy, sometimes unforgiving soil.
“Groups like ours help farmers improve their production systems, gain better access to training, and benefit from government and stakeholder support,” Amanda explained. “We are stronger together. Because of our unity, we can negotiate better, receive assistance, and share ideas to improve our farms.”
Silver Hill’s 44 registered farmers actively collaborate in poultry, small ruminant, and cattle production, as well as crop cultivation.
Many residents rely on rainwater harvesting and natural creek sources for irrigation, making the introduction of climate-smart agriculture practices critical. Farmers have
been adopting methods such as shade houses and soil conservation techniques to protect their crops from harsh weather and maximise yields.
Corlette and her peers have expressed deep gratitude to the Government of Guyana, particularly Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha and Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, for their direct involvement in Silver Hill’s development.
The community has benefitted from two rounds of poultry distribution by the Ministry of Agriculture through GLDA, which has allowed farmers to generate much-needed income and expand their production systems. “Those distributions were a big boost for us,” Amanda said. “They helped many farmers restart or grow their operations and provided income to reinvest in our farms.”
Earlier in 2025, Minister McCoy also delivered 159 black tanks, each with a 450-gallon capacity, to ease water scarcity in the TURN TO PAGE XV
Female poultry farmer, Amanda Corlette
The baby chickens on the farm at Silver Hill
Some of the ducks on Amanda Corlette’s farm
Supporting her home as a roadside...
a roadside fruit vendor more than 10 years ago to earn and gain financial independence, even though it is not a “big” money earner.
“I am the kind of person who doesn’t sit by idly; I am always doing something — whether selling, making mango achar and lime pepper sauce from scratch, chores, or cooking. I utilise my time wisely,” she said.
The mother of three stated that being independent as a woman is empowering, and she would urge all stay-athome mums to do something worthwhile — even if it is small, it is still something.
Asgar explained that her neighbour, a widower, Murlene Persaud, who is also a stay-at-home mother and resides with her senior-citizen mother, makes the mango achar for sale, while she makes the lime pepper sauce
FROM PAGE II
the old-fashioned way — that is, homemade, from scratch.
As a countryside resident, where jobs aren’t always available, Asgar has found resourceful ways to earn from home without complaining or finding excuses, and she is very proud of herself as a homemaker.
Asgar related that now pepper costs $1,000 per pound, so it is pricey to invest in lime pepper sauce-making, especially since limes are also costly — but she does it anyway. It is a very well-made lime-flavoured pepper sauce sold at a reasonable price. Recently, she acquired 25 baby Black Giant chickens to rear to complement her income and is seeking support for additional small business ventures from her home.
The veracity of being...
of Agriculture and the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), has launched several initiatives to empower small farmers and boost food security.
During a recent outreach to Silver Hill, the Minister of Agriculture fulfilled a promise to the community by donating 100 broiler chicks to Lord — a gesture that reignited her enthusiasm.
The GLDA also distributed the “Black Giant” breed of chickens, a hardy, dual-purpose bird suited for both meat and egg production. More than 63,000 of these birds have been distributed across the country, with Silver Hill farmers among the beneficiaries. Additionally,
the government provided a new tractor to enhance farming productivity and improve access to remote plots.
As Christmas draws near, the hum of activity in Silver Hill grows stronger — ducks quacking, chickens scratching, and farmers like Jennifer Lord preparing for one of the busiest times of the year. Her free-range eggs and fresh ducks will reach markets in Linden and nearby communities, helping meet festive demand while sustaining her livelihood.
For Lord, her free-range production system is not only practical but purposeful — it keeps her birds healthy, adds natural fertility to the soil, and helps
maintain a balanced ecosystem on her farm. She takes pride not only in what she produces but also in the relationships she has built with her customers — relationships grounded in trust, reliability, and quality.
Farming, for her, is more than work; it is a way of life deeply rooted in tradition, community, and care for the environment. In her own quiet way, Jennifer Lord embodies the resilience of Guyana’s small farmers — people who continue to nurture their communities, safeguard tradition, and feed a growing nation, one egg, one bird, and one season at a time.
Power in Passivity Power in Passivity
EMOTIONS are the cornerstone of the human experience. As life washes over us like waves in an ocean, our emotions often become the buoy that keeps us afloat. We use our emotions not only to make sense of the world’s chaotic nature, but also to survive it. When we encounter difficult situations, we depend on hope and joy to help us overcome the pain. When we are confused about important decisions, we lean on our hearts to point us in the right direction. Our emotions are so important to us that without them, our very identities become altered.
Despite the crucial role emotions play in our lives, they can often become our weakness.
At any given moment, we perceive the world in two different ways. From one perspective, we see the world exactly as it is, with its flaws and its undesirable aspects. In another perspective, we see it as the version that we prefer it to be. These two perspectives shape our actions and are very often the bridge that connects the two worlds which reside in our minds. For example, imagine that in the current reality, you find your room is dirty and littered. However, using your ability to perceive optimistically, you can imagine it as clean and well-organised. Because you can envision your room in different ways, you can clean it and thus use
your actions as a bridge to transform your current reality into a new one.
In this way, it is in our instinct to constantly seek a better version of reality. Every choice we make, from the food we eat to the work we do, is based on our desire to change the world around us in a way that makes it more desirable for us.
This instinct gives us purpose and the optimism to thrive, but it can also become entangled in our emotions, creating insurmountable obstacles. Our instinctive need to change our environment to make it more comfortable is useful only when change is actually possible.
In situations where change is not possible or not
suitable, it becomes a constant irritation instead. For an individual who prefers sunny weather over rainy weather, every rainy day becomes an obstacle. For an individual who prefers driving to walking, every unavoidable journey on foot becomes excruciating. In this manner, our emotions and our preferences make our lives difficult when we do not simultaneously develop the skill of passivity. Of course, our generation is characterised by everything that stands against passivity. We are used to speaking out and calling attention to matters that need to be addressed. We are not used to accepting intolerance or unpleasantness, and we are most certainly not used to
bearing discomfort for the sake of keeping peace.
As admirable as these qualities are, they have also unfortunately led us to believe that passivity is entirely negative. In truth, being passive is not about being oblivious or unempathetic.
It is also not about being docile and easy-going. It is about learning to accept life as it comes, even when this means that we are occasionally uncomfortable or discontent. The ability to accept disagreeable realities without being overcome by our emotions is a mighty gift.
Think of it in this way — when you accept unchangeable realities gracefully, you will eventually learn to find the best way to live through them. Through passivity, the same individuals who disliked rainy days will gradual-
ly learn to use the weather to their advantage. Those who may have disliked walking would begin to see it as an opportunity for exercise rather than a chore.
Being passive encourages us to take control of our emotions so they do not affect our productivity, even in seemingly unfavourable conditions.
As a generation, we have already proven ourselves capable of creating change and catalysing the metamorphosis of realities that we disagree with. With this power already within us, there are no limits to what we can achieve if we also adopt the skill of passivity. As we learn to walk the line between proactiveness and passivity, let us discover the extraordinary feats we can achieve.
WHEN EXECUTIVES MEET, WHAT HAPPENS?
EXECUTIVES face difficult situations in business, both strategically and interpersonally. Learn from an experienced executive how to navigate the professional landscape.
For new and aspiring executives alike, When Executives Meet, What Happens? is a treasure trove of advice on succeeding in business. Geary Reid draws on his experience as part of an executive management team to share what should and should not be done along the path to success.
Even experienced executives will benefit from Reid’s insights into aspects of executive meetings that need improvement. If you want to become a better executive or are looking to work your way into an executive position, Reid also provides a comprehensive, easy-to-understand overview of the various roles and market systems in the business world.
1. Formal Activities (Meetings)
Meetings are advantageous because they allow people to share ideas and views and make decisions. Conversely, meetings may also be viewed as boring, depending on who is chairing the session and the topics to be discussed. People sometimes dread meetings because they feel these sessions are long and yield no positive outcomes. These meetings may be classified as another way to “talk shop”. It is therefore imperative that executives design and conduct meetings to gain quality results. The items to be discussed and their frequency must be considered when allocating time for meetings. Meetings that occur weekly should be brief, unlike those that occur only once per quarter.
At an executive level, the meeting must allow exec -
utives to meet and plan the strategies for the organisation. The organisation will not become independently successful unless there is some amount of planning, especially at the executive level.
The planning must consider the organisation’s vision, mission, and goals, among others. From these main areas, the other important factors of the organisation will be developed.
Executives will need to plan beyond tomorrow. The industry in which the organisation operates may be competitive, and having a plan that spans several periods is important.
As noted in the preceding section, the long-range plan will give executives something to work toward for several years, and they will be required to review it and make the necessary adjustments as needed.
Planning without decision-making will not allow the organisation to accomplish anything. Therefore, decisions must be based on the information available to executives, and they must be in the organisation’s interest rather than the executives’. When sufficient information is unavailable, executives must also be forward-thinking and request additional information to make an informed decision.
All resources must be carefully coordinated to allow the organisation to accomplish its goals. The resources of some organisations may be many, while those of others may be few. Regardless of the quantity, once the resources are organised properly and available as needed, the organisation, under the direction of the executive, may accomplish many things.
Those executives who are good communicators can expect some success, and their
ability to motivate people will bring additional success. Both verbal and non-verbal communication are crucial to the success of every organisation, and the executive must use both for senior and junior employees. Sometimes non-verbal communication can be misunderstood. It must be carefully used, and the timing must be considered. While silence is good, it may convey the impression to persons that the executive has agreed with a matter at a meeting, which may not be the case.
Executing plans will contribute to success or failure. Many times, executives depend on junior employees
for execution. Some of the plans prepared by executives must be documented so that, at the time of execution, all employees will do the right thing from the outset, thus minimising errors.
Reviewing performances will inform executives whether they have properly executed their plans or where they need to be adjusted. Performance reviews must be conducted for all employees at all levels and across many aspects of the organisation.
The design of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and other measurement tools will help executives make decisions about the organisation’s current and future direction
without going into too much detail. Additional information about KPIs is mentioned in the literature. Ethics must be at the centre of all executives’ thinking and actions as they manage the organisation.
2. Informal Activities (Meetings)
Many executives hold formal meetings; however, they also hold informal ones, and they sometimes engage in activities not considered best for the organisation.
In this section, you will see some unprofessional actions performed by executives that are not designed for the benefit of the organisation.
If you have been hurt by an
executive, then you might identify some areas in this section. When executives deviate from their professional training, they engage in planning and activities that often harm their employees and the organisation.
Persons may be aware of politics at the national level but fail to recognise it within an organisation, and this can be initiated by its executives. Many things approved by the executive in an organisation may relate to favouritism. Employees in an organisation may not be the most qualified but may have the support of some political manoeuvring by the executive. Contractors TURN TO PAGE XVI
THE TIDE OF OUR TIMES WASHES WITH ANGER
- AND HARMFUL PERSPECTIVES THAT IGNORE ACCOUNTABILITY AND LEGITIMACY, FOR WHAT HAVE BECOME LOOT, TO BE POSSESSED
I’VE never witnessed it in my family before, but it did occur when an elder sibling passed, and a sense of entitlement arose that questioned nothing and demanded possession of everything, without exploring the root legitimacy of anything by all concerned, with claims here and there.
But in this world of entitlement, the legitimate paperwork and functional source of inspiration are not necessary in the quest for the tide of our times; it is overrun by bullying if allowed.
I recall an incident shared about an elder who returned home to spend some time and occupied his room in his house, which is now occupied by his daughter, her husband, and children. Her hus-
band, after a short period, phoned his sister-in-law in the States, complaining that his father-inlaw — THE STILL OWNER OF THE HOUSE — was occupying the children’s room, and that his overseas in-laws should find somewhere for him to stay.
The shocked sister-in-law took the matter to her elder, street-wise brother, so she could overcome the presumptuous demand from her sister’s husband.
Her brother responded with threats and said he would be in Guyana in less than a week to kick him out of his father’s house.
Knowing her brother, the sister of this arrogant husband persuaded him to move them to someplace else, and much safer.
The shock of this story is — what had nourished this kind of arrogance, that prevailed with this incident some years ago? But this arrogance, at some stage, has become entrenched at different levels. We ignored them in the past, where the element of balance, based on principles, was ignored, and some were spoiled into believing they were above all else, super-entitled.
Thus, personal possession at all costs seems the first manifest position. In a country where every street has a religious institution, morals have stopped working, and for some people involved in religion, it has become a joke to many who point at the broader society.
The rise of illegitimate “runnings” that have empowered many
seems to have seeped into the ordinary man as normalcy.
Those of us who struggle with small businesses have become a no-no, because most small businesses require research and hard work to make the first lap and still be breathing — I’m fully aware of that.
But the fact is that whatever one does, integrity is what will enable; smart bullying will not empower for too long, and faith in iniquity — with that! Look around, it gon cost yuh, yuh soul. Not established continuity. Somehow yuh gon wake up and find that the salawalla will let yuh down; witness nuff of that.
Most worked-for and legitimate inheritance and knowledge gained will empower — pay attention.
Have paperwork guidance and accountable achievements yuh could pass on.
True, some people have swindled others’ goodwill and walked all over them as a matter of gratitude; children who have dumped old folks in stalags to perish. But it’s best to admire those who have lived and taken care of theirs. There are some things we assume as superstition; things manifest a bit differently, but amount to the same result if you pay attention.
Treachery and greed will remain tempting entities in human nature, as well as the astuteness to know the nature of the tide, so as not to be swept away in regret, but to survive sensibly and sleep with inspiring dreams.
Where Homegrown Hospitality Meets the Kamuni Creek
Nature lovers transform a quiet creekside escape into a model for sustainable, community-rooted tourism
By Shaniya Harding
TUCKED away along the majestic black waters of the Kamuni Creek, Waia Lodge stands as more than a scenic getaway — it is one of Guyana’s newest tourism destinations. The eco-lodge, founded by husband-and-wife team Shebana and Keiran Daniels, has become one of the newest symbols of Guyana’s growing community tourism movement. Blending Keiran’s deep roots in Santa Mission with the couple’s shared passion for sustainable travel, Waia Lodge offers visitors a glimpse into authentic hinterland life while channelling opportunities back into the community that inspired it.
Waia Lodge did not begin as a tourism endeavour, but as a simple family getaway. As Shebana told Pepperpot Magazine during a recent interview, Waia began after the couple returned home from spending some years overseas. “We both really don’t like city life. We spent all of our time in Suriname pretty much in the bush, so when we got here, Keiran, who was born in Santa Mission, and I discussed that we’d
probably go back and try to find a nice place where we could build a little family getaway, because we don’t really like being in town.” The business later grew as the couple, both with a background in tourism, sought to create something they’re both passionate about in a place they both loved.
This led the couple back to Keiran’s home of Santa Mission, a naturally stunning community bursting with wildlife and culture.
For the husband-and-wife duo, the decision of where was easy. After developing a camp in the area with the help of family, Waia became the family’s premier getaway — and it was soon something they could not keep to themselves.
“Once we started, it was absolutely beautiful. We said we can’t keep it to ourselves, so let’s turn it into something we can offer. We’re good with customer service, tour guiding, tourism management — that is generally what both of us do. We decided we’d put our skills to the test and develop something we can share with everyone.” Waia Lodge is a truly authentic experience with plenty of effort put into its design.
Waia Lodge was launched in September of this year, on World Tourism Day, but that was more than a year after it was started. As Shebana shared, while creating the business was step one, many other steps were needed to make Waia Lodge an established, accredited tourism destination.
While challenging, Shebana highlights that it sets the standard of service in the business. “From the inception, we knew we wanted to do things the right way — having the business properly registered, being compliant with the Guyana Tourism Authority and what they require. Keiran and I are both licensed tour guides, and we’ve also licensed our business, Wild Adventures, as a tour operator. Now that we have the property, we want to continue being compliant.” Apart from winning a grant, Guyana’s leading tourism organisations were vital in this journey.
The Waia Lodge experience is more than the beauty of the community — it is the diversity the experience offers. From the moment visitors arrive, Waia’s tranquil charm takes over. “We generally TURN TO PAGE XVIII
Shebana and Keiran Daniels, founders of Waia Lodge in Santa Mission
Waia Lodge sits along the black waters of the Kamuni Creek, offering a peaceful, nature-rich escape
From
DOUBLE SIX
The Domino Masters of Demerara by Khalil Rahman Ali
“DOUBLE Six!” shouted Vishnu Prashad, the captain of the Anna Catherina Dominoes Team, called ‘The ACES’, as he slammed the first domino onto the sturdy wooden table. The seven dominoes remaining from the pack of 28 shuddered from the vibration, but remained face down.
Vishnu’s two other opponents in the final game of a very closely contested championship match of Dominoes between teams from the three neighbouring villages of Leonora, Anna Catherina, and Cornelia Ida, on the West Coast of Demerara, Guyana, South America, stared at him
with deep suspicion. They knew that Vishnu, whose nickname or ‘call name’ was ‘Double Six’, had an uncanny knack of picking out this, the highest value domino, regardless of who shuffled the pack with all the numbers facing down.
The referee for the contest had tried to conceal all the dominoes by moving them around with the palms of his hands as swiftly as he could. But once Vishnu’s sharp brown eyes had locked onto his favourite domino, no amount of cover or artistry in the shuffle could deter his gaze. Then, as the referee allowed the three players to
choose their seven dominoes each, Vishnu knew exactly where to locate the Double Six. He sat upright on the well-carved wooden chair made from local mahogany wood, and with the stealth and swiftness of the jaguar’s attacking instinct, he pounced on his prize. He then quickly gathered up the six other dominoes he needed for his set.
Vishnu ‘Double Six’ Prashad was of Indian heritage, dark brown in complexion, very slim, and about five feet and nine inches tall. He was wearing a light-blue, shortsleeved cotton shirt which
was tucked into a pair of khaki trousers held together by a narrow black leather belt. He loved wearing white yachting shoes, which he always kept in tip-top condition. Normally, he appeared a few years younger than his age of forty-five.
But as captain, he always seemed to frown a lot as he took his responsibility very seriously. He had earned this recognition through several years of greater success than failure at Dominoes. He was also an accomplished card player, and claimed to be a good student of any games or sports he played, always willing to listen and learn
PART 1
from others.
Afzal ‘Mule’ Amin, the captain of the Leonora team called ‘The LIONS’, was also of Indian descent, and an imposing figure of about six feet tall, with large hands. He tried to draw his seven dominoes from the area that Vishnu targeted, but failed to intercept or block his opponent’s reach for the Double Six.
Afzal was forty-six years old, and wore a red tee shirt which seemed to be under great pressure from his powerful, muscular upper chest. The sleeveless tee shirt allowed his large and well-defined biceps to be displayed for all to see and admire. He wore a pair of blue denim shorts to emphasise and show off his bulky thighs and calves. He prided himself as being one of the strongest men across the whole of the twenty-mile-wide West Coast of Demerara.
He would often walk with a deliberate swagger, pushing out his large chest, and smiling at all his admiring onlookers on either side of the wide tarmacked main road that passed through all the villages. Young men and children would often
walk up to him, admire his muscle-bound frame, and try to pose like their hero, even though most of them were scrawny or, in some cases, very overweight. Afzal preferred to wear smart, modern, designer-label sneakers specially obtained from his relations in the United States of America.
The audience of about sixty very excited and partisan supporters of the three teams stood in awe, as they also knew of Vishnu’s trick. They had been warned by the referee, who was an African Guyanese gentleman from Hague village, which was next to Cornelia Ida and not connected with the finalists, to remain silent throughout the most important game that would decide the champion team and village for the entire region of the West Coast of Demerara.
This deciding game was specially reconvened from the official finals day of the preceding Sunday which had overrun and had to be stopped due to darkness caused by a disruptive and irritating power cut. The village hall, located in Anna Catherina and owned by Arthur Ching, TURN TO PAGE XXIII
Review of Edwidge Danticat’s Watch Out for the Falling Iguanas
EDWIDGE Danticat’s enchanting new children’s book, Watch Out for the Falling Iguanas (Akashic, US$16.95), is brought vividly to life by illustrator Rachel Moss, whose use of bright, tropical colours perfectly captures the story’s vibrant setting and whimsical tone.
This delightful tale explores a curious real-life phenomenon — falling iguanas — in a way that is both engaging and informative. Like the best entries in the genre of children’s literature that answer the big “why” questions (Why is there night? Why does the moon change shape?), Danticat’s story invites young readers to wonder, imagine, and learn.
But the question posed here is uniquely intriguing: Why do iguanas fall from trees on certain days? While rooted in science, the book is far from a textbook. Instead, it’s a playful, imaginative story featuring characters as vivid as Moss’s lush illustrations.
Moss captures the Miami setting with a rich palette of greens, yellows, and blues, evoking swaying palm trees, blooming tropical flora, and
the warm energy of South Florida.The story begins on an overcast morning, as young Leila heads off to school. Her grandmother offers a curious warning: “Watch out for falling iguanas.”
Leila thinks she must have misheard — perhaps something about chickens crossing the road or peacocks on the sidewalk? But her confusion turns to amazement as, on her walk to school, iguanas begin dropping from the trees. Why is this happening? What follows is a charming, gently suspenseful tale that offers a satisfying explanation—one grounded in science but delivered with a touch of magic.
At just 30 pages, with sparse, lyrical prose, the book is ideal for a single sitting, yet leaves a lasting impression.
Watch Out for the Falling Iguanas belongs to that special category of children’s books that illuminate the world in unexpected ways, offering answers to questions readers didn’t even know they had. It’s a delightful, beautifully illustrated read that both entertains and informs — an excellent addition to any young reader’s bookshelf.
From Caribbean...
other’s company. From 2 to 6, it’s a day party with a DJ. Transparent tents will cover the area, so rain or shine, it will be a wonderful event. It’s for different community members to come together, mingle, network, and have a good time.” All dishes served will come directly from the cookbook, prepared by the Marriott’s executive chef.
Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase the book and have it personalised.
Although a Trinidadian, Averhart’s connection to Guyana is a cherished, personal, and intentional one. “I did two site visits to Guyana: 2023 and earlier this year around Christmastime. I stayed at the Marriott and wanted to immerse myself in the culture and natural environment. Christmastime is when we
FROM PAGE IV
tend to come together best, and it was a wonderful visit.”
While this event will mark its launch, the cookbook has already made waves online. “The book was published in August of this year. For the first month, it ranked number one or two on Amazon in the Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago travel category and has remained consistently in the top 30. It’s available through Amazon or directly from my website, thenaturalfoodie.com, where it can also be personalised.”
Through the celebration of Caribbean flavours, history, and heritage, Saleisha Averhart aims to take event-goers on an immersive journey that explores food, culture, and the unique blended culture of the Caribbean.
FROM SOMEWHERE, A SONG OF LOVE
A NEW day dawned, a special day with love and a little song in his mind.
Jarred looked at himself in the mirror and smiled at his reflection.
Today he was sixteen!
A day worthy of love, gifts, and best wishes, and thanks to the Lord and his family.
From a baby, they had
given him everything a child could ever want, but as he grew, deep inside, there was a little emptiness — a feeling knotted in his heart that he couldn’t understand — and broken verses of a song played continuously in his head.
On his fifteenth birthday, his mother had presented him with a book chronicling
the life of a young woman, her successes and failures. It was a revelation for him as he read, and he understood then that the empty feeling inside of him was for his birth mother, who had never been a part of his life, not from babyhood to now.
The young woman in the story had been a college student, studying hard as
she pursued her dream of becoming a lawyer, but a mishap occurred when she became pregnant by her boyfriend. He had promised her to stay, but two months before the baby was born, he had walked away. The heartache and stress almost drove her over the edge, saved only by the pills she had become addicted to, and her world had spun out of control. She couldn’t care for him — her baby boy — so she had wrapped him in a blanket, a precious little bundle, and left him at a church’s door. His cries she couldn’t hear as he lay in the cold, for her mind was numb — a young, broken woman, lost and confused.
He had put down the book at the end of her story, wiping the tears from his eyes. The book was unfinished because the story had a continuation—the story of the baby, now grown into a handsome and smart young TURN TO PAGE XXV
Innovation...
community, and announced plans to introduce electricity, which promises to enhance productivity further. “The government has been doing a good job at Silver Hill in providing water and equipment to sustain farming,” Corlette said. “We even have a community tractor now, which has been a big help.”
Farmers have also received support through the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and Presidential Grants, enabling expansion into small ruminant and cattle rearing, as well as crop cultivation. “The LCDS fund and Presidential Grants have been a blessing,” Amanda emphasised. “They’ve enabled women and single mothers to start their own farms and earn a living for their families. Many of us are now self-employed because of these initiatives.”
Collaboration with agencies such as GLDA and NAREI has allowed Silver Hill farmers to adopt climate-smart agriculture practices tailored to the community’s unique soil and water challenges. The training emphasises efficient water use, soil management, crop diversification, and resilient farming systems — essential in an area where soils are porous and natural water sources are limited.
Recently, farmers participated in a dragon fruit planting exercise hosted by NAREI’s Kairuni branch to introduce high-value crops and diversify production. The training also included shade house technology, enabling year-round production and protection against erratic weather.
“Even though poultry production continues to be our main source of income, we are exploring shade house farming,” Amanda shared. “The training from NAREI is very helpful, especially with the changing weather patterns. We are learning how to adapt and use technology to improve our yields.”
Amanda also praised GLDA’s extension officers for their frequent visits and technical support. “So far, our relationship with GLDA is excellent,” she said. “Dr Nauth, Mr Bhagwandin and Hercules, Dr Walrond and team from Head Office, they’ve always been there for us — offering advice, guidance, and practical solutions when challenges arise.”
She highlighted the importance of climate-smart initiatives, noting that Silver Hill’s soil requires careful
management. “As farmers, we rely on creeks and rainwater harvesting, and the soil can be unforgiving if not cared for properly,” she said. “That’s why climate-smart agriculture is an excellent initiative, and we are forever grateful to Dr Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C Government for their support.”
While grateful for government interventions, Amanda is advocating for additional training in business development and financial management, so farmers’ groups like hers can remain sustainable.
“We are growing in production and knowledge, but we also need to grow in business,” she noted. “I would love to see more training on management and entrepreneurship so that our group can be financially healthy, make better marketing decisions, and negotiate better prices. This will ensure our long-term survival.”
She acknowledged that, despite progress, a lack of prudent business management skills still presents challenges. “We’re learning as we go,” she admitted. “But with continued support and the right training, we will overcome these hurdles.”
Amanda describes Silver Hill as a “sleeping agricultural giant” that is now being awakened through targeted government support. The area, long known as one of Region 10’s largest poultry-producing zones, is seeing its potential realised through improved infrastructure, training, and community co-operation.
“The transformation we’re seeing is remarkable,” she said proudly. “With the government’s support, the help from GLDA and NAREI, and our own community spirit, Silver Hill is changing. We are producing more, learning more, and helping each other grow.”
For Amanda, farming is not just about raising chickens or growing crops — it’s about building a future for her community. Through her leadership and advocacy, she continues to inspire fellow farmers to embrace innovation, unity, and sustainability.
“Our journey shows that when communities come together, supported by good leadership and government initiatives, great things happen,” Amanda reflected. “We are grateful for the opportunities and determined to make Silver Hill a model of agricultural success for all of Region 10 and beyond.”
WHEN EXECUTIVES MEET, WHAT HAPPENS?
may be eligible but unable to receive a contract because of politics by executives.
Victimisation may be familiar to many persons. Employees may complain about their victimisation to executives, unaware that the same executives have established systems to victimise specific employees, especially when employees refuse to carry out their unprofessional requests.
An employee may have the skills and knowledge to perform a particular task, but because the executive wants to victimise the employee, work may be withheld from that individual, or the employee may be placed in an area that is not appropriate or less conducive to the employee’s work.
If power is not used correctly, then it can hurt many people rather than help them. Executives may use their power and influence to inflict certain wounds on some employees. Because of the influence some executives wield, they may choose to do things that provide direct benefits to themselves. Novice executives may use power and influence in ways that could have an adverse effect, since they may operate more out of zeal than wisdom.
Some employees may be requested to work longer hours not because those em-
ployees have not done their work properly, but because the executive wants to impose power and influence on or subdue that employee — especially if they share ideas that are different from those of the executive, and if many employees support those ideas more than the executive’s.
Meetings scheduled by executives can be conducted within the organisation if such space is available. However, if executives have to rent a place for the meeting, they may choose expensive venues or locations that benefit the executive personally. The menu items ordered by the executive may be lavish, as the executive may see themselves having a feast at the meeting. This happens because there are limited procedures to guide executives on meal expenses and location.
Book & Author Information
For more information about Geary Reid and his books: Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/gearyreid Website: www.reidnlearn. com Facebook: Reid n Learn Email: info@reidnlearn. com Mobile: 592-645-2240
Where Homegrown Hospitality Meets the Kamuni Creek
allow flexibility for people to drive themselves up to the Timehri area, and I will pick them up from there. If somebody requires transportation, we can arrange that for them, but most people prefer to just drive and park, and then we pick them up for the day,” Shebana stated. Visitors are taken on a short boat ride to Santa Mission, which sets the tone for the experience ahead. “The boat takes you directly to the lodge.
We do a brief stop at the village itself for orientation so people see where the village is in comparison to where we’re located on the village land, because we are not within the central village. Then we go straight into the lodge.”
At Waia, guests can do as much or as little as they wish, creating an experience that everyone can enjoy.
“Once you’re at the lodge, you can choose to do something or you can choose to do nothing, and both are fine. We provide a peaceful environment — it’s quiet, you can enjoy nature.
Some people just want to tie a hammock and sleep all day or just lie and read a book.” For those seeking a bit more adventure, the couple offers a range of outdoor activities. “We offer other activities too — trail biking, nature walks, and fishing with traditional hand lines. We’re right beside the Kamuni Creek, so you can soak up the black water and swim as long as you want.”
Waia’s offerings continue to grow as the lodge evolves, with the couple working on developing additional activities. “We currently have a couple of paddle boards, and in the new year we’ll be adding our kayak. Those are generally the activities we offer. There’s also a second version of that itinerary, which is an add-on that provides a longer day.” Shebana added, “We offer the option to continue on to the Demerara River for a sunset experience — you can see
the birds roosting, the new bridge, and the sunset from the riverside.” The couple’s next goal is to open their space for overnight stays. Currently, the lodge offers only day trips, but the duo is working to develop rooms for longer stays by the end of this year.
For the Daniels family, Waia Lodge is more than a business — it serves as a bridge back to the community that shaped them. As Shebana shared, “One of the reasons why we decided to go back to Santa Mission was because Keiran is really passionate about giving back to his community. We were looking at how we can do that. He talks about the community; this is where he was born and grew up.” This ensures that every tour carries a touch of that connection. “When he guides tours, it’s more like a first-hand experience that he’s transferring. He tells stories about him as a child growing up in the community and what might be different now. We take pride in bringing a bit of business and income to the community where we can.”
As Waia continues to grow, Shebana hopes their story inspires others to take the leap into the exciting sector of tourism. “There’s a lot of potential for tourism in Guyana. There are so many things you can do in the industry. There’s room for everyone. You just have to decide on what you want to do, be focused and committed to it, and work toward that.” She emphasised that customer service should not be overlooked.
“Customer service is important, and not just customer service but excellent customer service — that should be the focus of every tourism operator in Guyana. We are the ones showcasing what Guyana is all about, whether to local or international customers. The level of service we give is what encourages more people to come to us.”
DOUBLE SIX
a member and vice-captain of the ACES team, did not have a reserve electric generator, and thus the tournament was left undecided.
Arthur Ching was a fortyyear-old Chinese businessman, and about five feet ten inches tall. His height and weight caused him to stand out amongst other Chinese in the district. He was an affable man who was very popular amongst the villagers, and always wore a gentle smile which caused his small eyes to almost shut. He loved to wear very brightly coloured short-sleeved cotton shirts, khaki shorts, and loose-fitting brown leather sandals.
Peter ‘Smokey’ Ramdin, of mixed African and Indian heritage, was the third competitor, and captain of the Cornelia Ida team called the ‘COBRAS’. He was about forty-five years old, dark brown, slim, and about five feet six inches tall. He was also a very friendly man who was extremely popular in all the villages. His very toothsome smile would always light up any room.
The blackout had created great tension amongst the supporters of each team over the following two days to Tuesday, the 6th of August, 1985. The final showdown was the main point of conversations and argument within any gathering of two or more residents of the three villages. Small bets were waged as to which of the three captains would finally prevail in the deciding game.
Afzal flexed his bulky chest and arms as if he was preparing to control the mules belonging to the Leonora Sugar Estate. His job of minding the six mules was unique, and began when they were retired and replaced by tractors to pull the punts with the cut sugarcane from the fields, along the canals, to the weighing site of the factory.
Every year, when there was the local sports day at the Leonora Park Cricket Ground, a special race track was cut out at the unused land beyond the northern end of the cricket field. The mule race was a special treat for the spectators, and Afzal’s mastery in controlling the six large animals was a spectacle in its own right. The mules responded to every command by their keeper and were soon ready for the race. This began with the official starter firing his pistol raised high above his head. The starter then made a frantic dash to get well out of the way of the galloping giants, much to the delight of the spectators.
Other events on the day were the “Greasy Pole” climb, and the “Catch the Greasy
FROM PAGE XII
Pig” race.
The greasy pole was a metal pipe of about twenty feet long and four inches in diameter. It was covered in black grease and placed over the trench that flowed on the right-hand side of the cricket ground. The competitors had to climb along the pole and grab a prize which was firmly tied at the end of it, dangling high above the slow-moving, murky water of the trench. The crowd was well entertained as each competitor tried their utmost to crawl along the pole; they quickly lost their tenuous grip and plunged into the trench. Eventually, as further attempts were made and much of the grease slid off the pole, one determined climber would succeed in reaching the end. The winner would grab the prize and, much to the delight of the hundreds of spectators, dive into the trench whilst holding the prize aloft.
The greasy pig race consisted of a continuously squealing specimen which was covered liberally with black grease. The pig would be given a fifty-yard start to run for its freedom. The chasers made their mad dash to try to catch the pig with their bare hands, and failed time and again. The pig would scamper amongst the spectators in its frenzied effort to escape the clutches of the diving chasers. This caused much mayhem amongst the spectators as they tried to avoid being soiled by the animal. The eventual winner would successfully catch and hold aloft the screaming pig as the prize.
Peter glanced at Afzal, and then fixed a gaze at Vishnu who bowed his head and avoided eye contact with his rivals. The players were not allowed to speak to each other, and the spectators were encouraged by the referee to remain as silent as possible.
Michael turned to Arthur who was standing next to him, and he whispered to his friend, “The Double Six is the best domino to draw in the game, simply because it has to be played before any other, and also, this means that Vishnu has already gotten rid of one of his seven dominoes. Besides, the number sixty-six is very significant in our history. On the 26th of May in the year 1966, we became an Independent Nation. It was the birth of Guyana. We were not British Guiana anymore. We were free!”
Some of the spectators overheard Michael’s whispering, and stared at him in a way to urge him to be quiet. He ignored them, and continued to provide Arthur with more of his historical knowledge. He said, “You see, our
President was then the Premier, and then he became the Prime Minister on that fateful day.” Arthur brushed Michael aside, and said, “I know all about this. What has this got to do with this game of Dominoes? Please keep quiet, and watch our own leader and master of Dominoes at work.”
The referee turned around momentarily, and felt pleased that Arthur had helped him to retain silence amongst the spectators. He quickly refocused on the game and awaited Afzal’s play.
Carlos winked at Michael, and whispered, “So, we became independent from our British masters, only to go on to fight amongst ourselves?”
Michael smiled, and said, “This battlefield is full of brothers, close relations, and friends from our three villages. Sometimes I agonise about why we must do such battles against each other. What benefit can we gain from humbling others?”
Nazir said, “Yes, let us prepare to watch our leader do battle, and not spare his oppo-
nents. I only wish to celebrate an ACES victory. I do not care about the losers.”
Ramesh Prashad, the nineteen-year-old only son and child of Vishnu and Parvati, glanced at his wristwatch, scanned the room briefly, and after staring at his father, quietly slipped out onto the roadside. He mounted his 250cc Kawasaki motorcycle and roared off eastwards in the direction of Cornelia Ida. Michael looked at Vishnu, and caught him smiling with some pride.
He said, “My friends, there goes our ACES captain’s dashing chip off the old block! Young Ramesh was born in May 1966, and is a greater gift to Vishnu and Parvati than our country’s Independence!”
Nazir smiled, and said, “That young man must have many more important things to do, than to stand around here to witness this game.”
Carlos nodded, and said, “Hmm, I wonder what he is up to now.”
Continued next week…
FROM SOMEWHERE...
man, who that day had begun a search for his missing mother.
For months, he searched, a prayer in his mind: “Please God, give her some help to find her way.”
He searched the alleys and shelters, the abandoned buildings and old churches, but he could not find her. Christmas was in the air, but not for the destitute and homeless who lived on the crumbs of the street. Darkness and cardboard boxes — their city, their world — no neon lights and velvet carpets.
At dusk one day, twelve days before Christmas, when his feet were tired and his body worn, he heard a soft humming. It was divine music to his ears — the same tune he grew up with playing in his mind.
He followed the sound and saw a small church, partially hidden by overgrown bougainvillaea. He walked quietly to the stairs where she lay, her head resting on a little blanket. He looked at her in that pitiful state, bedraggled and lost, and his heart grieved for the woman who had brought him into this world, close to Christmas. She raised her head and looked at him for a long time, knowing in her heart it was her son. She spoke in a weak, trembling voice:
“Wh-wh-what are you doing here?”
“I’m looking for a beautiful woman who has been missing from my life.”
She looked around and shook her head.
“No one’s here, move on.”
“I know what happened to you, and I want to help you.”
She lowered her head and, for a long moment, she did not speak. Then she looked at him, trying to mask the pain in her eyes, and asked in a hoarse voice, “Are you having a good life?”
“Yes,” he answered.
“Is there love and comfort?”
“Yes.”
“Then you should not be looking for me.”
“No love and comfort can fill the emptiness inside of me — only you can. Let me help you.”
She shook her head, a pained cry escaping her parched lips.
“It’s too late, too late.”
“No, it’s not,” he pleaded with her.
She turned to walk away when he said, “Don’t you want to see your own son? You still remember the baby you left here, don’t you?”
She stopped but didn’t turn back and said, “Go back home, I’m no one and I can’t give you anything.”
She walked out of the churchyard, leaving him on the steps once again.
He sat on the steps for a long while, not wanting to lose her and not knowing what to do, when the church’s door opened and the old Pastor beckoned him in.
“We need to pray,” he told the boy. “Pray for an angel to touch her life, to bring her back from that dark road into the light.”
One year had passed since that day, and Jarred had returned home to his family, the life he knew. His mother seemed to have vanished; he never saw her again, but he prayed each day, morning and night, heeding the Pastor’s words.
On the eve of his sixteenth birthday, he received a note from his mother saying she wanted to see him on his birthday at the church. That’s why he was so happy; that’s why the day felt so special.
That evening, he got there, elated and excited — but she wasn’t there. No one was there. The church was closed. Jarred’s heart sank, and fear clouded his mind.
Why wasn’t she there? Did something bad happen to her?
He stood there helpless
and scared when he heard the humming of that sweet, divine tune. He turned around and she was standing at the church’s doors, the baby’s blanket in her hands — a new woman, radiant and beautiful, light dancing in her eyes.
It was truly a miracle — his prayers answered — for her life had been touched by an angel.
Jarred laughed, the joy he felt in his heart bringing tears to his eyes.
“Thank you, dear Lord,” he whispered.
She hugged him on the steps where she had left him sixteen years ago as a baby, and, hand in hand, mother and son walked into the brightly lit church to celebrate a special birthday. The choir sang, and from above, the angels smiled.
A blessed reunion it was.
At dusk one day, twelve days before Christmas, when his feet were tired and his body worn, he heard a soft humming. It was divine music to his ears, the same tune he grew up with playing in his mind.
He followed the sound and saw a small church, partially hidden by overgrown bougainvillaea. He walked quietly to the stairs where she lay, her head resting on a little blanket. He looked at her in that pitiful state, bedraggled and lost, and his heart grieved for the woman who had brought him into this world, close to Christmas. She had raised her head and looked at him for a long time, knowing in her heart that it was her son. She spoke in a weak, trembling voice,
“Wh-wh-what are you doing here?”
“I’m looking for a beautiful woman who has been missing from my life.”
She looked around and shook her head.
“No one’s here, move on.”
“I know what happened to you, and I want to help you.”
She lowered her head, and for a long moment she did not speak then she looked at him, trying to mask the pain in her eyes and asked in a hoarse voice, “Are you having a good life?”
“Yes,” he answered
“Is there love and comfort?”
“Yes.”
“Then you should not be looking for me.”
“No love and comfort can fill the emptiness inside of me; only you can. Let me help you.”
She shook her head, and a pained cry escaped her parched lips.
“It’s too late, too late.”
“No, it’s not,” he had pleaded with her.
She turned to walk away when he said, “Don’t you want to see your own son? You still remember the baby you left here, don’t you?”
She had stopped but didn’t turn back and said, “Go back home, I’m no one and I can’t you give you anything.”
She had walked out of the
churchyard, leaving him on the steps, once again.
He had sat on the steps for a long while, not wanting to lose her and not knowing what to do, when the church’s door opened and the old Pastor beckoned him in.
“We need to pray,” he told the boy, “Pray for an angel to touch her life, to bring her back from that dark road into the light.”
One year had passed since that day, and Jarred had returned home —to his family, to the life he knew. His mother seemed to have vanished; he never saw her again, but he prayed each day, morning and night, heeding the Pastor’s words.
On the eve of his sixteenth birthday, he had received a note from his mother that she wanted to see him on his birthday at the church. That’s why he was so happy; that’s why the day felt so special.
He told them they were helpless and scared when he heard the humming of that sweet, divine tune. He turned around, and she was standing at the church’s doors, the baby’s blanket in her hands, a new woman, radiant and beautiful, light dancing in her eyes.
It was truly a miracle: his prayers had been answered, for her life had been touched by an angel.
Jarred laughed, the joy in his heart bringing tears to his eyes.
“Thank you, dear Lord,” he whispered.
She hugged him on the steps where she had left him, as a baby, sixteen years ago and hand in hand, mother and son walked into the brightly lit church to celebrate a special birthday. The choir sang and from above, the angels smiled.
A blessed reunion it was.
That evening, he got there elated and excited but she wasn’t there. No one was there, and the church was closed. Jarred’s heart sank, and fear clouded his mind. Why wasn’t she there? Did something bad happen to her?
STUDY SUCCESS
Welcome, dear reading friend. We sincerely hope that your progress in reading skills and related abilities is yielding many rewards. Yes? Fundamentally, your academic success heavily depends on them. So, follow the clear plan for exam success: work diligently, intelligently, and consistently on exam requirements; participate actively in study groups, which sharpen focus and foster lasting friendships; and adopt effective strategies and personal study habits. Above all, be dedicated to learning something
relevant or beneficial each day. Be wise. Love you.
STORY READING
Predicting as you read the story
Reinforcement: Active reading deepens comprehension and helps you, the reader, engage with the text to understand things therein. Among many other abilities, it enables predictions about what is to happen in a story. Predictions are informed guesses spurred on by clues. Clues in story texts are hints at the plot, characters’ motivations, or the story’s resolution. They can be phys-
ical evidence, character actions, or symbolic elements, which act upon your own background knowledge and vicarious experiences, and help your predictions. Clues also act upon the characters’ solution to a mystery they face. Know that as you suggest or predict solutions to clues, you deepen your interaction and appreciation of the story.
But you may notice that some stories include details that support predictions of more than one outcome. Predictions are not static: they can be modified when you encounter new information or an unexpected plot twist that challenges what you pre-
November 16th, 2025
viously expected. At times, you may need to keep guessing, depending on the writer’s approach to building suspense.
A chart is a useful tool to bolster your predictions. Design one for yourself after the fashion of those you see in textbooks each time you delve into a story. You may design it to record, refine, and verify predictions and findings. Call it a Prediction Graphic Organiser.
Predicting in the Passage
Read the passage below and then answer all the questions that follow.
When the last bell finally rang on Friday afternoon, Brian rushed to his locker and started jamming all his books and folders into his backpack. He was supposed to meet Steve at the video games store in five minutes, so he did not have time to figure out which stuff was really needed.
It was a tight squeeze. The zipper stuck twice as he tried to close it, but he finally forced it close with one giant grinding tug. As he stood up and put the pack over his shoulders, there was a tremendous crash and then a roar of laughter from everyone in the hallway. The zipper had broken, and his books and papers were scattered all over the floor. It would take forever to gather them all, and his pack was useless now. A girl named Kelly approached with an empty shopping bag. “Need some help?” she asked.
1. Which details help you predict that the zipper would break?
(A) It is a Friday afternoon, and Steve is at the video store.
(B) Brian stands up and puts the pack on his shoulders.
(C) Books and papers are scattered all over the floor.
(D) Brian jams everything into the pack and forces it close.
2. What prior knowledge could someone use to predict that the zipper would break?
(A) Plastic zippers break easily when forced.
(B) Any zipper breaks when the bag is overstuffed.
(C) Brian is now learning to zip his new backpack.
(D) Brian has stuffed his bag before without harm.
3. What do you predict will happen next?
(A) Steve will leave the
Things unattempted yet in prose and rhyme.
video store and never speak to Brian again.
(B) Kelly will help Brian pack his books and papers into the bag.
(C) Brian will walk away and leave all his stuff in the hallway.
(D) Brian will leave school to purchase a new backpack and return.
4. Which kind of information might lead you, the reader, to modify a prediction about what Kelly will do?
(A) Everyone is laughing.
(B) Brian and Steve had an altercation the previous Friday.
(C) It is Friday afternoon, and all the stores are open.
(D) Kelly shops for her mother on Friday afternoons.
5. Which prediction would not need to be revised, based on details in the passage?
(A) Brian will be late in meeting Steve.
(B) Brian will leave his things and go to meet Steve.
(C) It will take Brian a long time to gather his things.
(D) No one will help Brian.
THE PASSAGE
Making sense of a passage
Reinforcement: To make sense of a passage – any passage, active reading and post-reading strategies do help. You must connect with the text before, during, and after reading it.
Here are some workable connections or strategies: visualising scenes and characters; conceptualising maps and structures; monitoring personal understanding, asking yourself questions, putting chunks of difficult wording in your own words, summarising, discussing, and applying.
Basically, if you can preview the text, ask questions about it, and summarise its
key points, you are well into making sense of it. The key advice here is practise, practise, practise active reading and post-reading strategies to master any text.
Directions: Read the selection. Then answer the questions.
You can learn a lot about a bird from looking at its feet. Birds such as cardinals, sparrows, and finches have strong, thick, cone-shaped beaks. These beaks are perfect for cracking seeds. Bird lovers place feeders filled with seeds in their yards for songbirds.
Woodpeckers, on the other hand, have long chisel-shaped beaks. They use their beaks to peck holes in trees. Tiny hummingbirds have long, tubular bills that they use in much the same way that we use a straw.
Herons walk on long, slender legs. Herons have long, straight bills with sharp edges that keep a slippery fish from escaping. Other fish eaters, like the cormorant, have a hook on the end of the beak for holding a fish. Wading birds have long, narrow bills. They use their beaks to probe in the sand for tasty insects or worms.
1. What is the unstated main idea of this selection?
2. Which sentence does not directly support the main idea of paragraph 1?
3. Which statement best describes the main idea of paragraph 2?
(A) The main idea is stated directly in the first sentence.
(B) The main idea is unsupported by evidence in the paragraph.
(C) The main idea is understood from the details included in the paragraph.
(D) The main idea of the paragraph does not contribute to the main idea of the passage.
Is oral health still being affected by AIDS?
AT the end of last year, the World Health Organization published that nearly 41 million people, or 170 for every 1,000 people globally, are living with HIV infection. So, should we be concerned? Of course. Although COVID-19 is declining, it seems that the social spotlight has moved away from HIV infection, but the oral health impact is still significant.
Some years ago, HIV surveillance was carried out among patients seeking attention at the National Dental Centre, now called the Dr Cheddi Jagan Dental Centre. Of those presenting questionable oral signs and changes in the cervical lymph nodes, 52 per cent were confirmed as being HIV positive by CAREC in Trinidad.
Two aspects of the problem were examined — oral manifestations and transmission. Oral candidiasis, commonly known as thrush, remains the most prominent sign seen in people with AIDS. These appear as white patches on the tongue or the mouth’s lining.
This condition should be treated early since it could spread to the trachea (windpipe) and oesophagus (gullet). Besides, if this yeast should enter the bloodstream, the systemic effects would be devastating.
Acute gingivitis, stomatitis (sore mouth), Kaposi’s sarcoma, and hairy leucoplakia all constitute early manifestations of HIV infection. General signs and symptoms include persistent diarrhoea, itchy skin rashes, and chronic cold. Contrary to what is being purported, kissing (the amorous manner) still represents a viable mode of transmission of AIDS.
In fact, this is being publicised online, yet human society continues to live in denial because of the tre -
mendous consequences of its universal acceptance. Now, this is how the act of kissing can transmit the virus that causes AIDS.
Acute gingivitis and periodontal diseases are prevalent conditions. In fact, it is reported that between 70 and 80 per cent of all people above 18 years old suffer from either disease to some extent. A constant feature is painless bleeding from the granulous tissue found in the gingival pockets, mainly when elicited by pressure on the gums.
Such bleeding may be evident in the toothpaste and saliva one spits out during the process of brushing one’s teeth or on sugar cane after it has been chewed. But this only happens when the condition reaches a significant level. In most people, mild gingivitis goes unnoticed.
Now, amorous kissing, in which the tongue and lips are actively involved, provides enough stimulus on the gums to cause some degree of bleeding from the inflamed tissues. Each partner, therefore, would have a break in the continuity of his or her vascular system.
In other words, there is often the free exchange of blood from one person to another during kissing episodes of lovers, although obviously in minute amounts.
As passionate kissing is blood-borne in nature, an infected person can easily transmit the virus to someone through their bleeding gums via common saliva in the mouths of a passionate kiss. So, while public notices advocate prevention by means of a condom, no sharing of needles, etc., widespread transmission of AIDS continues through a seemingly harmless route.
Indeed, having one faithful partner at a time should not only imply sex-
ual intercourse but also include amorous kissing. Whenever it is necessary
to use a cup, spoon, etc., which a person living with AIDS has recently utilised,
the items should be soaked in ordinary bleach for at least ten (10) minutes. To date, ordinary bleach is the best-known destroyer of the virus that causes AIDS.
