GuyaneseA'goodoleChristmas'
ITisoftensaidthatChristmasisthemostwonderfultime oftheyear,butitcomeswithmuchwork,preparations, housecleaning,decluttering,shopping,entertaining,and cooking.
InGuyana,asinmanyotherpartsoftheglobe,itisa specialtimetogetridoftheoldandwelcomethenew.House cleaningbeginsweeksaheadofthefestiveseason.
Olditemssuchasfurniture,televisions,andhouseholdgoodsthatnolongerservetheirpurposearediscardedneartrashbins,awaitinggarbagetruckpickups. Newitems,includingfurnitureandotherhousehold essentialsthatpeoplehaveworkedtowardsorsavedup for,arepurchased.
Anewpieceoffurnitureaddsabitofcolourtothings we’vehadforawhile.HereinGuyana,wedon’tchangeour homedécoreveryseasonlikepeopledoabroad.AtChristmas,everythinggetsrearrangedandrefreshed.
Guyaneseusethisseasontofreshentheirhomes:getovernightdecoratorstoaddthatsplashofcolourtobrighten theplace.
Paintingisalsoahallmarkoftheseason,withrugs washedlongbeforetheholidaysandeitherreusedorreplacedwithnewonestoaddextracomfort.
Thisisthetimeofyeartobejoyfulandspreadcheer whereverweare.Itisalsoatimeforspendingqualitymomentsathomewithfamily.
ChristmasinGuyanaremainstraditionalandoldschool, withgingerbeerandfruitspreparedmonthsinadvancefor curing.Ingredientsarestoredformakingblackcake,pepperpot,bread,andotherfestivefoods.
PeopleoftensaveuptomakeChristmasathomespecial, stockinguponallthemeats,drinks,andgoodiesassociated withtheseason.
Itisalsoatimeforsharing,caring,andshowinglove forhardworkanddedicationovertheyear.
crawlsincertainareasofthecity,especiallydowntown
shoppingdistricts, wherevendorsoutdothemselves,sellingeverythingimaginable.
Thisseasonisabusytime,withsomuchtoaccomplishin suchashortperiod.BythetimeChristmasmorningarrives, manyfeelexhaustedfromdoingeverythingtoensureothers enjoyagreatholiday.
ChristmasinGuyanaisaboutgoodfoodanddrinks, sharing,andspreadingjoy—especiallytothosewhoneedit most—throughrandomactsofkindness.
city,themarkets,andvariousshopstogatheressentials, oftencarryingheavybagswhilebravingthehumidconditions.
Guyanesegotheextramileduringthistime,beautifyingtheirhomeswithnewcoatsofpaint.It’samazinghow muchafreshlayerofpaintcantransformandbrightena space.
Thereisnobetterfeelingthanbeinghomefortheholidays,surroundedbylovedonesandsharingmealsprepared withlove.Women,daughters,sisters,aunts,andniecesoften cometogetherinthekitchen,bakingandcooking.
Spendinglonghoursmakingmealsfromscratchisparteration.
ChristmasinGuyanaisalovelytimeforcelebration, remainingfocusedonfutureprogress.
Thefestiveseason,oftendescribedas“agoodoleGuyaneseChristmas,”drawsoverseas-basedGuyanesebackhome toenjoyitswarmthandtraditions.
Guyaneseknowhowtothrowapartyandbringjoy, outdoingthemselvesinonewayoranothertoshowcarefor lovedones.
Christmasisnotonlyaboutreceivingpresents butalsotheidealtimetogivewithoutexpectinganythinginreturn.Itisaseasonoflove,sharing,and gratitude.
ChristmasTreeisamustinGuyana atChristmastime
FORthelasteightyears, anincredibleinitiative hasgoneunrecognised. TomorrowLeadersisa programmeaimedatempoweringunderprivileged childrenacrossGuyana, especiallythoseinorphanages.FoundedbyUS-based GuyanesebusinesswomanDianeInnis,TomorrowLeadersisdoingvital worktodevelopasenseof pride—somethingDiane saysshehasneverlost, evendecadesafterleaving Guyana.
DianeInnis,co-founder ofCandyExpressandthe inspirationalInitiativeTomorrowLeaders,alongwith hersisterRoxanne,hasspent decadesintertwiningher entrepreneurialspiritwitha vibrantcommitmenttogivingbacktothecommunity. ForDiane,Christmasholdsa specialplace—itisaseason thatnotonlybringsherfamilytogetherbutalsoreignites herdedicationtothechildren ofGuyana,particularlythose inorphanagesandunderprivilegedcommunities.
“I’vealwaysbelievedin givingback.Itissomething myfamilyinstilledinme growingupinAlbouystown, evenwhenIdidn’trealiseit wasconsideredaghetto.We mightnothavehadmuch, butwhatwedidhave,we shared,”shesaid.
BornandraisedinAlbouystown—aneighbourhoodoftenlabelledas rough—Dianestillrecalls itashome.“IhadnoideaI grewupintheghettountil someonetoldme,”shesaid. Recountingherchildhood, sheshared,“Wehadahousekeeper,weusedknivesand forksatmeals,andwewere taughttopresentourselves withprideanddignity.” Thesevalues,nurturedby herfamily,formedthefoundationofDiane’sidentity andlaterfuelledherdesireto empowerothers.
DianemovedtotheUnitedStatesasachild,and whilethetransitionwasn’t withoutchallenges,herGuy-lyplanted.“EverythingI neededtoknow,Ilearnedin Guyana,”shesaid.“Howto eatproperly,dresswell,and
family—itwasatimeto extendthemtoothers.
Determinedtomakea realimpact,Dianefounded TomorrowLeaders,aninitiativefocusedontheyouth ofGuyana.
WhenIgottoAmerica,I realisedjusthowmuchmy upbringingpreparedmefor theworld.”
Inthediaspora,Dianedid notsimplymaintainherculturaltraditions—sheproudly celebratesthem.Christmas becameanannualevent blendingthevibrantspiritof Guyanesefestivitieswithaditionaldisheslikepepperpot andgarlicporksatalongside Diane,theholidayseason wasmorethanjustfoodand
“Thechildrenarethe futureofGuyana.Ifwedon’t investinthem,whowill?” shesaid.
ThecornerstoneofTomorrowLeadersisitsannual dinner,agrandeventwhere underprivilegedchildren fromorphanagesaretreated likeroyalty.Thisisnoorchinaandlivemusic,designedtomotivatetheyoung participants.
Dianeismeticulousin herplanning,importingeverythingfromtablewareto foodfromtheUnitedStates.
“Iwantthemtoexperiencesomethingdifferent. Wedon’tjustservecurry androti;weintroducethem todisheslikeItalianlasagne orAmerican-stylemeatloaf. It’saboutbroadeningtheir horizons,showingthemthat there’saworldbeyondwhat theyknow,”shesaid.
Leaders,which promisestobea
Theeventisnotjust aboutthemeal—it’sanopandself-worthinthechildren.Dianeoftentellsthem, “Ifyoudon’tbelieveyou’re beautiful,whyshouldanyone else?Youhavetoseeyour
Despitethegrowingfinancialstrain—eventscost significantsums,muchof whichcomesoutofDiane’s ownpocket—sheremains committed.Plansarealreadyunderwayforthe10th anniversaryofTomorrow
“Iwanttogivethesekids anexperiencethey’llnever forget,”shesaid.
Diane’spassionforgivingisdeeplyrootedinher childhoodmemoriesofGuyana.Sherecallsherfamily’s close-knitnature,whereeveryonepitchedintosupport oneanother.
“Westruggled,likeany family,butwealwayscame together,”shesaid.
Onestoryshesharedwas particularlypoignant.
“WhenIwasabout19,a friendtoldmeAlbouystown wastheghetto,”shesaid.“I hadnoidea!Tome,itwas justhome—aplacewherewe dressedwell,usedknivesand forksatmeals,andvalued educationandetiquette.”
Theselessonshave
shapedDiane’sapproachto lifeandherworkwithTomorrowLeaders.
“Iwantthesekidsto knowthey’recapableof achievinganything.Justbecauseyoucomefromhumble beginningsdoesn’tmean you’regoingtostaythere,” shesaid.
ForDiane,Christmas inthediasporaisablend oftraditionandinnovation. Sheensuresherfamilystays connectedtotheirGuyanese roots,cookingtraditional dishesandlisteningtoparang music.
Butshealsousestheseasontoteachherchildrenand grandchildrentheimportance ofgiving.
“We’llbakecookiestogether,butwe’llalsopack carepackagesfortheless fortunate,”shesaid.“It’s importantforthemtoseethat Christmasisn’tjustabout receiving—it’saboutgiving back.”
Thisphilosophyisatthe heartofeverythingDiane does,fromherbusinessventurestohercharitablework. ThroughTomorrowLeaders, shehopestosparkhope, showingthechildrenofGuyanathattheyarevaluedand capableofgreatness.
AsTomorrowLeaders approachesits10thanniversary,Diane’svisionremains clear.
“Iwanttoexpand,to reachmorechildren,andto inspireotherstojoinmein thismission,”shesaid.
ForDiane,Christmasis morethanjustaholiday—it’sney,celebrateherblessings, andrecommittoherpurpose.
“It’saboutlove,generosity,andfaith,”shesaid. “Andthat’ssomethingwe canallshare,nomatter whereweare.”
SisterduoRoxannaandDianeInnis
CampThisChristmasatStreetPrison
ByMichelOutridge
WHENmostpeoplearespendingthefestiveseasonwith theirfamilies,lovedones,relatives,neighbours,and friends,therearethosebehindbars—eitherservingtheir sentencesoronremand—whowillspendanotherChristmasincarcerated.
Asiscustomary,PepperpotMagazineannuallyvisitsa prisoninGuyanatohighlighthowChristmasisspentthere. Thisyear,thereportervisitedCampStreetPrison,located atLot11-12CampStreet,Georgetown,andengagedwith severalinmateshousedthere.
AnandNarine,whoisspendingthefestiveseasonlocked up,toldPepperpotMagazinethatthiswillbehiseighth Christmasbehindbars.Hesaidhewouldusethetimefor theygetanopportunityforafamilybondingperiod,which helooksforwardto.
“SeeingmyfamilyiswhatIneedatthistime.Beingable tositwiththem,chat,andhaveamealmeanseverythingto meaftersomanyyearsofseparation,”Narineshared.
Thefatheroftwonotedthatdisciplineiskeyinprison. Hefollowstherulestoearnremissionsforgoodbehaviour.
“OnceIamoutofprison,Iwilldomybestnottoreturn. Inthemeantime,Idon’twanttowasteanytime.Iammaking useoftheskillstrainingavailablehere,”headded.
Inaddition,hehasbeentakingcoursessuchasfamily reconciliation.Healsoworksintheprison’sSelf-Support section—adailyjobhetakesseriously.Narinereportedthat hereceivedfourremissionsthisyearasaresultofgoodbehaviourandislookingforwardtobeingreleasedsoon.
VidyutKumarTulesaram,anotherinmate,toldPepperpot MagazinethathehasspentChristmasatotherprisonsacross thecountryinpreviousyears,butthisyear,heisatCamp StreetPrison
The60-year-oldnotedthatChristmasbehindbarsfeels andbeveragestotheinmates.
Tulesaramsharedthathecherishesthefamilybondingsessionduringthismonth.“Isawmyfamily,includingoneofmy twosons.Itiscomfortingandwillstaywithmethroughout theholidays,”hesaid.
Hereportedthatheandotherinmatestrytocheereach otherupsinceprisonisthelastplaceanyonewantstobeat theirfamilies.
Tulesaramnotedthatthefoodduringthefestiveseason isreminiscentofhome-cookedmeals,withallthetrimmings associatedwithChristmas.
“Thiswillbemy11thChristmasinprison.Iamlooking forwardtogettingoutsoon.Thatday,I[will]walkoutofhere togohomeandbewithmyfamily…[so]nextChristmas,I’ll behome,”hesaid.
Thoughhewon’tbereleasedanytimesoon,hewasgrateful forarecentvisitfromhistwonephewsandhismother.
“Ihavespentthepast25yearsinjail,andI’velearnedthat ShaquawnAlleyne,anotherinmate,willbeexperiencing
The25-year-oldreportedthathehasbeenonremand sinceJanuary.Hespendshisdaysengaginginskillstraining prison.
Asagospelsingerandmusician,Tulesaramuseshis talentstoentertainfellowinmatesbysingingcarolstolift theirspirits.Beingskilledinplayingtheguitar,keyboard, andsteelpan,hetriestospreadjoythroughmusic,especially duringChristmas.
“Thisyear,beinghereinjail,Ihavemixedfeelings.I’ve learnedalot,andithashumbledme.Prisonhumblesyou. indulgeinandtrytomakethemostofit,”headded.
Tulesaramworksasaprisontailor,sewinguniformsfor withintheprisonwalls.
SherwynHarttoldPepperpotMagazinethatwhilehehas grownaccustomedtocopingwhileinprison,beingawayfrom hisfamilyisparticularlyemotionalatthistimeoftheyear. (GPS)usuallyelevatesthecelebrationsatChristmas,providingbetterfoodanddrinks—non-alcoholic,ofcourse—than therestoftheyear.
HartsaidheplanstostartCXCclassesinthenewyear.
Alleynesharedthatreconnectingwithhisfamilyduring staywithme,especiallyduringtheholidays,”hesaid.
hostedforoneweek,allowinginmatestospendtimewith theirfamilies.
30minutestosit,chat,andshareamealwiththeirfamilies duringthisvisit,”Wilsonshared.
-
portedtoCampStreetPrison.Inmatesaretreatedtofestive meals,includingmeats,fruits,cakes,andbeveragesassociated withtheseason.
Wilsonnotedthatinmatesreceivethreemealsperday, includingapieceoffruitwithbreakfast.
CampStreetPrison,beingamaximum-securityfacility,houses157inmates,includingoneondeathrow.
AnandNarine
ShaquawnAlleyne
SherwynHart
VidyutKumarTulesaram
ByMichelOutridge
JUSTlikeanyprivateorganisation,UncleEddie’s SeniorCitizensHome,locatedatTucville,Georgetown,goesoutofitsway toensuretheresidentsof thefacilityhaveagood festiveseason.Thisyear underwaytoprovideallthe traditionalGuyanesefoods onChristmasDayandBoxingDay,respectively.
InterimAdministrator andCommitteeMember ChristineHalestoldPepperpotMagazinethatshe overseesthedailyoperations atUncleEddie’sSeniorCitizensHome.Shehasbeena memberoftheGeorgetown DurbanParkLionsClubfor over22yearsandbecame associatedwiththeHome shortlyafterjoiningtheLions Club.
Asiscustomary,the Homeacceptsdonations andtokensfromcorporate Guyana,privategroups,and citizenstoliftthespiritsof itsresidents.Halesadded thatfromthebeginningof December,thetoneforthe seasonissetbydecorating
thefacilitywithChristmas trees,garlands,festiveholidaywreaths,andfairylights deckingthehalls.
DecoratingtheHomeis anannualeventusuallyundertakenbytheLionsClub ofDurbanPark,although thisyear,itwasdonebythe RotaryClubofGeorgetown Central.Duringthisperiod, theresidentsareengaged withindoorgamessuchas dominoesandcards,Christmasmusic,andsportson television.
Halesdisclosedthat churchgroups,children,organisations,andothersvisit theHometohostconcerts duringChristmastime. Thesevisitorsputonshows, singcarols,andspread cheer,bringingsmilesto thefacesoftheresidents. Sheexplainedthatchildren fromseveralschoolsvisit andspendqualitytimeinteractingwiththeresidents.
“Ourresidentsenjoy meetingandinteractingwith youngpeoplewhospend qualitytimewitheachof them,”shesaid.
Halesreportedthatthe mealsonChristmasDay andBoxingDayarespecial-
lyselectedsotheresidents canenjoyallthetraditional festivegoodies.Theannual partyfortheresidentswas heldonDecember19.
Shehighlightedthat recentrenovationstothe facilityhavebrightened thespace,creatingapositiveimpactfortheresidents.TheCommitteeof ManagementoftheHome expressedgratitudetothe RotaryClubofGeorgetown Centralandtheirdonors formakingithappen.
However,Ms.Halesnotedthattwoofthebuildings areindisrepair,andthecommitteeisdiscussingways torestorethem.UncleEddie’sSeniorCitizensHome currentlyaccommodates20 residents,comprising15men forentryintotheHomeis thatpotentialresidentsshould bereasonablyable-bodied, withamedicalreportrequireduponadmission.As
theHomeisnotanursingfacility,residentsmustbeable toperformbasictaskswith
Residentsarerequired
topayamonthlyfee,which coverstheirmeals,care,and accommodation.Relatives andfamilymembersareencouragedtovisitandspend
timewiththemasoftenas theywish.
Theoldestresident,a malewhocelebratedhis90th birthdayinMaythisyear,is visuallyimpairedbutstill mobile.Thefacilityisprivatelymanagedbyaboard ofdirectors.
UncleEddie’sSeniorCitizensHomewillcelebrateits 50thanniversaryinFebruary 2025,coincidingwiththedent’smove-in.Halesstated thatdonationsarealways welcometoassistwiththe Home’supkeep,asmuch workremainstobedone.lyopenedonFebruary 261975,byitsvisionary founder,overseas-based GuyaneseMr.Edward Holford,knownas“Uncle Eddie,”whosadlypassed awayshortlyafteritsopening.Ms.IvyEdghillwasthe June201975.
AsectionofthenewlyrefurbishedUncleEddie’sSeniorCitizensHome
ByShaniyaHarding
NOauthenticGuyanese Christmasistrulycompletewithoutabottleof somethingspecial.As Christmasapproaches, Guyaneseeverywhereare gearingupfortheholidays andthecelebrationsthat usherinthenewyear.If youarelookingforsomethinglocaltobringanextrakicktoyourfestivities, ‘Dixie’sPunchDeCrème’ maybejustwhatyou’re lookingfor.WithaseriesofGuyanese-inspired crèmeliqueurs,Dixie’s hopestoaddatasteof traditiontothisholiday season.
DixieJordan,a33-yearoldentrepreneurfromBuxton,hasbuiltavibrantand thrivingbusinessthatis puttingGuyaneseflavours onthemap.Herjourney, shapedbyyearsoftraining inTrinidad,beganunexpectedlyduringthepandemic whenshefoundherselfback inGuyana.Bornandraised inBuxton,Dixiespent15 yearsinTrinidad,where shelearnedtheartofmanufacturingalcoholspirits andworkingwithnatural ingredients.
“IusedtoliveinTrinidad,whereIwastrainedand workwithalcoholspiritsand createproductsfromlocal backgroundcomesfrom: manufacturinginTrinidad. IlivedinTrinidadforabout
15years,andthenImigrated backhomefouryearsnow,” sheexplained.
However,herreturnto meanttobepermanent.Like somanyothers,thepandemiccaughtDixieinGuyana.
gratebackhometostay.I migratedtopassthrough Guyanaduringthepandemic.Butthepandemiccaught
meinGuyana,andthenI washere,andIwasdoing mybusinessandmybrand. Istartedworkingfromthere tocreatewhatIhavenow,” shetoldPepperpotMagazine.
ingherworkethicandthe qualityofherproducts,as wellastheprideshefeelsin
herall-naturalproducts.
“Theyhaveveryhigh standards.Theyarevery patriotic,andtheytakepride inwhatevertheydo.And whentheydoit,theywantit tobeauthenticandorganic,” shesaid.
Ontheotherhand,Dixie noticedthatmanyGuyanese oftenfavouredimported
“Iwantedtouseourlocalproductsthatwehave hereandcreatesomething thatGuyanesecouldbe shockedwith.Thisisalocalproduct,andittastesso good,”shesaid.
Thisneedfornatural productsinthemarketis
DeCreme.Assheshared, “Iwantedtobringbackthat conceptthatwehavegood stuffthatpeoplewantto haveandbragabout.”
thecrèmeliqueursbusiness camewhenhercousinasked hertomakeauniquespinon aTrinidadianholidaystaple calledPunchyCrème.
“Trinidadhasaproductthattheymanufacture
creationsistheCapadulla liqueur,whichhasbecome herbest-seller.
“Themostpopularis theCapadulla.Capadulla istheaphrodisiac,”Dixie explained.Theinspiration forCapadullacamefromher customers.
“WhatIfoundwaspeoplebuyingliqueurs,andthey saidifyouaddCapadullato thisthing,itwouldbereal good.Iwaslike,‘Thatisa contemplatedit.Isatdown anddecidedhowIwasgoing thebarkandaddittothe wouldreact,”shesaid.
Withguidancefromone ofhertrainersinTrinidad, Dixiedevelopedaprocess
AsChristmasapproaches,Dixieisexcitedtosee herliqueursplayarolein holidaycelebrations.
atChristmastimecalled PunchyCrème.Itisvery populararoundtheChristmasseason,”sheexplained. Hercousinwasworkingon aprojectfortheUniversity ofGuyanaandwantedtoinofPunchyCrème.
Puttinghercreativityand innovationtothetest,Dixievours,andtheresponsewas overwhelminglypositive. aftertheprojectwasfinished.Peoplewereaskingif weweresellingthat.Thatis waslike,‘Youshouldsell time,soIwaslike,‘Why Fromthere,thebusiness quicklygainedtraction.As thingImadewasacaseof theoriginal.Itsoldoutin aminute.Iwenttoaparty, andItooksomeofthecake andputitonthetable.When peopletriedit,theywere wasaguy;hewassoimpressed.Hewaslike,‘Could
“Ourliqueurispure Guyanesetraditionandculture.Theflavours,forinstance,theoriginal,isa combinationofspicesand remindusofhome.ItremindsyouofGuyana.Itremindsyouofwhenyouwere youngandyourgrandmother usedtomakeporridge.That
spices,andyouputplenty ofmilkandthatrich,homey vibe,”shesaid.
fortheseason.
“Addingthattoyour wineoraddingthattoyour alcoholselectionoryour alcoholbarisonlygreatness. Youcanbragandsay,‘Look atthis,youknow,thisfancy thingwehaveherethatis theoverseasguysthatcome home.Theycomehomefor holidays.Theywilllove theseliqueurs.Allofthe
Dixieseesherliqueurs notjustasdrinksbutasa waytoshareGuyaneseculturewiththeworld.
“Somethinglikethisin youralcoholselectionwill beperfectforChristmas. Perfectforgifting,especiallyforforeigners.Peoplewillcomehome.They willloveyouforhaving oneofourliqueurs.”
DixiealongsideoneofherfamedCapadulla PunchdeCremes(SamuelMaughnphoto)
DixieJordan(SamuelMaughnphoto)
A Gift of Culture
SmallbusinessbringingIndigenousheritagetotheseason
ByShaniyaHarding
AStheChristmasseasonunfolds,thebustlingcraftshops ofGuyanacomealivewithintricatedesignsandthe promiseofmeaningfulgifts.Attheheartofthisfestive spiritisUniqueAmerindianHandicrafts,afamily-run businessfromSantaAratackMission,RegionThree.Led bytheskilledhandsandpassionateheartofMayleen
SpeakingtoPepperpotMagazinewhileadvertisingher businessatMainStreet’sChristmasVillage,Mayleenshared thatasidefromSeptember,Christmasistheseasonwhen peopleseekoutunique,handmadegifts.
“Thistimeofyearisalwaysspecialforus,”Mayleen gifts—thingstheywanttotakebacktotheirhometownsorto sharewithlovedones.It’saseasonofgiving,andourproductscarryalittlepieceofourculturewiththem,”shesaid.
UniqueAmerindianHandicraftsspecialisesinmulti-purposeitemsmadefromtheIpepalm,atreenativetoGuyana’s thecareanddedicationMayleenandherfamilypourinto theirwork.
Mayleenexplained.“Ithastobestripped,boiled,andthen wewaitontheweathertogetagoodcolour,likethewhite. Afterthat,wedyeittocreateallthesevibrantcolours,”she explained.
Fromjewelleryboxestodecorativefans,eachitemis designedtoserveasbothapracticaltoolandameaningful keepsake.
“Theseproductsareallmulti-purpose,”sheadded,referringtoadelicatejewellerybox.“Youcanuseitasdécoror forstoringtreasures.AndforChristmas,theymakeperfect gifts.”
ForMayleen,thestoryofUniqueAmerindianHandicraftsisdeeplytiedtoherfamily,withthecraftbeinga wayoflife.
“Iwasbornintothis.Mymumanddaddidthissowe couldhaveagoodeducation.Throughtheirhardwork,I gotmyprimary,secondary,andeventertiaryeducation,” sheshared.
Thisfamilylegacycontinuestothrive,especiallyduring theholidays.
“Myfatherandmotherarestillapartofthebusiness. They’reherewithme,keepingthetraditionalive,”shesaid.
Thebusinessalsoconnectswithsuppliersfromvarious regionstocreateitsuniqueproducts.
“Wehavematerialscomingfromdifferentregions aroundGuyana.Thistime ofyear,everyoneworkstogethertomeettheChristmas demand,”shesaid.
Christmashasalways beenanexcitingseason forUniqueAmerindian Handicrafts.Overtheyears, Mayleenhasseenhowthe holidayspiritdrivesinterest inherwork,withpeople takingaspecialinterestin uniqueitemsduringthefestiveseason.
“Weusedtowalkaround lookingforaplacetosell ourcrafts.Then,someone gavemymumspacetostay foraweek,andfromthere, wegrew.Weevenreceiveda grantthroughthesmallbusinessgroup,whichhelpedus buildourowncraftshop,” sherecalled.
Now,thebusinesshas grownbeyonditshumble beginnings.
“Wehaveourmain shopinSantaAratack,but wealsohavelocationsin Georgetown,”shesaid.
ForMayleen,theChristmasseasonbringsmorethan justsales—itbringsopportunitiestoeducatepeople aboutherculture.
“Alotofcustomersdon’t realisethatourmaterials comefromtheIpepalmand theprocessbehindit.When weexplainit,they’reeven moreinterested.Itmakes ourworkfeelappreciated,” shesaid.
Handmadegiftscarry auniquecharmduringthe
holidays,andMayleen’sproductsarenoexception.Customersaredrawntothecareandtraditionbehindeachpiece, makingthemcherisheditemsfortheseasonofgiving.
“ForChristmas,peoplearealwayslookingforsomething special—somethingwithmeaning,”Mayleensaid.“Our craftsaremorethanjustitems;they’reawaytoshareour cultureandheritage.”
Adeepsenseofprideandgratitudefuelstheholidayrush atUniqueAmerindianHandicrafts.
“Christmasisatimeforfamilyandgiving,andthat’s whatourbusinessisallabout,”shesaid.“It’saboutsharing whatwelovewithothers.”
Asthebusinesscontinuestogrow,Mayleenremains committedtohermissionofpreservinghercultureand traditions.
“Wehaveaveryrichculturehere,”shesaid.“It’ssomethingIwanttopreserveforgenerationstocome,”sheadded.
ForMayleenandherfamily,Christmasisnotjustabout sales;it’saboutcreatingconnections.Eachhandcrafteditem representsapieceoftheirstory,makingitagiftthattruly comesfromtheheart.
Thisholidayseason,UniqueAmerindianHandicrafts remindsusthatthebestgiftsarethosethatcarrymeaningandtradition.Throughtheirwork,Mayleenandher familykeepthespiritofChristmasalive—onehandmade treasureatatime.
MayleenPatterson(SamuelMaughnphoto)
-TheNewAmsterdamSecondary(Multilateral)Schoolisbringingjoytothecommunity
ByMarissaFoster
THENewAmsterdam Secondary(Multilateral) School’s(NASSorNAMS) IndustrialTechnologyDepartmenthasbeentransformingthelandscape aroundtheschoolandthe broadercommunitywith thestudents’skillsandtalents.Thedepartmentoften executesuniqueandcreativeconstructionprojects, proudlydisplayedonthe school’sFacebookpage. Theteacherstakepridein showcasingtheirstudents’ abilitiesthroughpractical work.
Forthisfestiveseason, thedepartmentembarked onajourneytocreateinnovativeChristmaspropsfor theschoolandcommunity, aimingtospreadholiday cheertoeveryonewhointeractswiththeirprojects. Thedepartmentisheadedby TameshMohabir,alongside teachersAdrianSomar,ArthurSweinie,AaronSomar, andRandiniRamdharry.
rangeofcourses,including IndustrialArts,CVQMetal Work,ConstructionandElectricalInstallation,andDesign Technology,amongothers, forstudentsfromgrades7 to13.
ForChristmas,thedepartmentdesignedandbuilt threemajorprojects:
1.Five-PointStars–SymbolisingtheStarofBethlehem,guidingthewaytothe birthplaceofJesus.
2.3DNativityProps –Life-sizedrepresentations ofMary,Joseph,babyJesus, themanger,andanimalsof thenativityscene,bringing theChristmasstorytolifefor visitors.
3.A12-foot-tall ChristmasTree–Erectedfor theNewAmsterdamSecondaryChristmasTreeLightUp event,addingagrandfestive touchtotheseason.
andthenativitysceneprops werecreatedfortheNew AmsterdamMayorandTown Council’sChristmasVillage. Thenativitysceneprops werecraftedunderthesupervisionofTameshMohabir. Meanwhile,AdrianSomarled theconstructionofthetwo
footChristmastree,which
becamethecentrepieceof theschool’sChristmasTree LightUpevent.
SpeakingtoPepperpot Magazine,Mohabirshared whatinspiredtheseprojects:
“InearlyNovember, Mrs.ShobaMcIntosh,the MayorofNewAmsterdam, reachedouttomeasking ifmyteamcouldassistin creatingdesignsandprops fortheChristmasVillage. Laterthatsameday,our PTAteacherrepresentative, MissCondolitaJervis,also contactedmeabouttheneed foraChristmastreeforthe NAMultiXmasLightUp
videanimmediateanswer, asIneededtoconsultmy team.Novemberistypically oneofourbusiestmonths, withgraduationevents,SBA deadlines,andinter-school sportsalldemandingattention,”heexplained.
Afterdiscussingitwith theteam,theyconcluded thatwhilethetimelinewas tight,theChristmasproject’s valueinspreadingjoyand creatinglastingmemoriesfor thecommunity—especially forchildren—wasworththe
said.
“Weknewitwasaspecialproject,andwewere committedtocompletingit, nomatterhowpackedthe schedulewas,”Mohabirsaid.
Thestudents’reactionto theinitiativewasoverwhelminglypositive.
“Thestudentswereabsolutelythrilled!Ithink theywereevenmoreexcitedaboutworkingonthese Christmasprojectsthanon theiractualSBAprojects,” Mohabirsaid.
TheChristmasseason’s symbolismofhope,joy,and renewalfuelledthestudents’ enthusiasm.Mohabirdescribedtheexperienceas heartwarming,seeingthe studentscometogether,pour theirenergyintotheirwork, andcreatesomethingmeaningfulforthecommunity.
Grade11studentAditya Deodatsharedhisthoughts:
“ParticipatinginmakingpropsfortheChristmasVillagewasadeeply fulfillingexperience.The processallowedcreativity andteamworktotakeover us.Creatingthesepropsprovidedasenseofthestoryof Christmasanditsmessage ofhope,love,andfaith,”he
Thiswasthedepartment’sfirsttimeworking onprojectsofthisscale,and theythoroughlyenjoyedthe experience.Lookingahead, theyplanto continuecollaboratingwith theNewAmsterdamMayorandTown CouncilonfutureChristmas Villageprojects, includingadditionalpropsand decorations.
Theyalso haveplansto partnerwith theRoseHall TownYouth andSportsClub forthe2025 RoseHallTown ChristmasVillage,withHilbertFosteralreadyreaching outtoinitiate discussions.
Beyondholiday-themed projects,thedepartmentaimsto establishasustainableinitiativebyproducinghandcrafted itemsforsale.
“Weplanto startproducing customfurniture suchastables,
chairs,spindles,andbed frames,aswellasmetalwork pieceslikegrills,gates,mailboxes,andevencakepans,” Mohabirsaid.
Theirgoalistocreatea
self-sustainingdepartment thatprovidesongoingopportunitiesforstudents whileenhancingthecommunitywiththeircraftsmanship.
TheweldingofChristmasstarsdonebystudentsoftheNAMS’Industrial TechnologyDepartment(TameshMohabirphotos)
TheNewAmsterdamSecondary’sChristmas TreeconstructedbytheIndustrialTechnology Department.Credits:TameshMohabir
Formostofus,therecordspublishedinbookscansimplifywhatmayseemoverwhelming atsomestageinourlives,witheventsthatmayeventuallybecomeimportantbutmay neverhavebeenapriorityofstudyinourpursuitofearning.Thefollowingisextracted fromAlfredButler’s“TheArabInvasionofEgyptandtheLast30YearsofRomanDoothers,butmostimportantly,tellsabriefstoryofChristianity:
“Rome’schallengetotheGreeksandthebeginningofthePunicWarsinstalledanaggressive WesternAsiafoundsomespiritualreliefinrecalling,throughfactorfolklore,thestoryofa
developmentofChristmashasbeenshapedbyotherculturalaspects,whichhavecontributedtoa
dhamNicholls,coveringmasqueradesintheEasternCaribbean,indicatesthatwhatwedoin
‘Andsoit’sthetimeofthe year, ofgoodwillandcheer, JinglebellsandChristmastrees, Themagicandthesplendor, That’stheChristmasSeason.’
‘ShallIplayforyou,pa rumpumpumpum Onmydrum?’
BeautifulsongsofChristmas,sparklingcoloured lights,andfestivedecorations—awondrousspectacle that’ssimplymagicalduring theChristmasseason.
Aaronstoodinfrontof theCourtsshoppingplaza onMainStreetandstared admiringlyatthespectacular lightsadorningthatsection oftheroad.Hewasnota youngboyanymore,but evenastheyoungadulthe wasnow,thefestivitiesof Christmasstillenthralled him.
Hebreathedinthefresh, warmair,aluxuryforhim. Therewasnosnowandcold, justthewarmthofthistrop-
icalcountrywherethere isalwaysmusic,laughter, andfoodwithaCaribbean
“It’ssogoodtobehome,” hesaid,moretohimselfthan tothemanypeoplewalking around.Someanswered cheerfully,“Itsureis.”
Helaughed,afeelingof joyinhisheart,ashegreetedstrangers,sangafew linesofChristmascarols withagroupnearby,and thenwentbacktohishotel.
Tomorrow,hewould visithisboyhoodhomeon theEastCoast.
“It’sbeenalongtime sinceIwashome,”he musedasthetaxidrove alongtheembankmentroad thenextday,passingthe breathtakinglybeautiful pinkandwhiteliliesinthe waterwaysborderingthe road.
Herememberedthe sweetwaternutsheusedto eatasalittleboywhenthe olderboysintheneighbour-
“Fundaysthosewere,” hesaidtohimself.
AsthecarnearedhisdestinationinCummingsLodge, hesaidtothedriver,“Stop bythehousewiththehuge
geniptree.”
Aaronsteppedoutofthe car,hisheartrejoicing—for hewashomeaftersixteen longyears.Butthescenethat
homeinAmerica.Hemissed hisgrandmother,herloving care,kindvoice,andcosy, freshlyscentedhome.Buthis motherwouldnotsendhim
oldladystandingatthegate, lookingathimcuriously.
“Areyoulookingfor someone?”sheasked.
greetedhiseyesdampened hisenthusiasm.Hestaredat theemptyland.Thehouse wasn’tthere,justapileofold woodenmaterialandsome rustedzinc.Thegeniptree thathadgrownoldwasleaningonthefence,holdingonto life,andhisgrandmother’s prizedfruittrees—thesorrel, carambola,andcherriesthat hadonceprovidedtastylocal drinks—werenowdying fromneglect.
“Wheredidmygrandmother’shousego?”he askedquietly,tryingtokeep acalmmind.
Ithadbeenhishome sincehewasatoddleruntil heturnedsevenwhenhis mothercameandtookhim away.Hehadneverforgotten hisgrandmother’stearsthat dayorthelastwordsshehad saidwithaquiveringvoice: “God’sblessingsbewith you,myangelboy,untilIsee youagain.”
Hehadcriedalltheway totheairportandremained sadformonthsinhisnew
back.Astheyearspassed, oneafteranother,hemadea promisetohimselfthatwhen hecameofageandearned enoughmoney,hewould returnhome.
Todaywasthatday,four daysbeforeChristmas.But therewasnohouseandno onethere.Heshookhishead indeepdespair.
“DearGod,”heexclaimedsilently,“whathappenedhere?Iwaitedsolong forthisday.” Hepushedopentheold gatethatwashangingon onehingeandstoodinthe middleoftheyard,looking around,anacheinhisheart. Hewasafraidtoaskwhat hadhappened.
Hesigheddeeply,knowinghehadtofacethetruth. Afteralongwhile,heturned toinquirefromtheneighboursabouthisgrandmother. Thensomeonecalledoutto him.
“Youngman.” Heturnedandsawan
“Yes,I’mlookingformy grandmother.”
Theoldladylookedat himforalongmoment, perhapsreflectingon somethingbecauseofhis foreignaccent.Thenshe gasped,“SweetJesus,it’s littleAaron!”
Sheclappedherhands gleefullyandannounced loudly,“It’sAaron!”
Herememberedher then—oneofGrandma’s closefriends.Asother neighbourscameoutto greethim,expressing amazementathowmuch hehadgrown,Aaronfelt asmallsparkofhappiness risinginhisheart.Butit wasshort-lived,forthey hadasadstorytotellhim. Hisgrandmotherhad grievedforhimsomuch thatshehadfallenill.With thehelpofcaringneighboursandprayers,sherecoveredandcontinuedher littlefoodbusinessoutside theyard,shadedbythegenip tree.Butasshegrewolder, shebecameweaker.Family memberswhovisitedher occasionallyalwayswanted somethingandkepttaking fromher.Sheeventuallybecamesoillthatshehadtobe takentoahomefortheelderlybecausenofamilystepped uptocareforher.
Thehousestartedtodeteriorate.Onenight,after heavyrainsandhighwinds, itcollapsed.
Bittertearsrolleddown Aaron’sfaceatthestoryof hersuffering—leavingthe onlythingofvalue,shehad, herhouseandhisboyhood home,whichheldsomany preciousmemories.
“Thisissobad,”hesaid, eyestomakethingsright. Thoughhisheartached,he feltadeepsenseofreliefthat shewasstillalive.
“Iamcomingtogetyou, Grandma,”hesaid.
VIOLENCEAGAINSTWOMENMUSTEND
Thisyearmarksthe25thAnniversaryoftheUnitedNations-designated“InternationalDayfortheElimination ofViolenceagainstWomen”.Itiscommemoratedinvariouspartsoftheworld,withtheirvaryingculturesand civilisations,andalthoughthemanifestationsofviolence sameforthevictims.Thisyear,theGuyanaAssociation ofWomenLawyers(GAWL)hasbeenattheforefront ofthecommemorationactivitiesandhasunderscored newlegislationwhere“thereisgreateremphasison prevention,ineducatingandencouragingwomenand personswhoareawareofviolentsituationstoseek help.Inotherwords,theremustbetangiblesupportat thefront.”GAWLthendemandedthat“TheMinistry ofEducationandschoolsacrossthecountrymusttake immediateactiontoteachyoungpeoplethedamaging Theworkplace,too,mustfosterenvironmentsofrespect wherenon-violenceisnotoptionalbutexpected.”
Incertaincountries,womenaretreatedaschattels ownedbytheirhusbands,areprecludedfrompursuinghighereducationandprofessions,aresubjectto‘honourkillings’,cannotwearclothingoftheirchoice,arebeatenand brutalisedatthewhimsoftheirhusbands,andaresecluded fromcontactwithallexcepttheirimmediatefamilies.In beingkilled,sexuallyassaulted,ortortured.WhileinGuyanaandotherWesterncountries,suchbarbaricbehaviour qualitativelythesameasinnon-Westerncountries.
InWesterncountries,violencemanifestsinpersonal attacksonindividualwomen,forexample,whenwomen arereturningfromworkintheeveningsormerelywalking inthestreets,andsuchattacksoftenendinrobbery,rape, orsexualviolence.Anotherprevalenttypeisdomesticviolence,whichincludesnotonlyspousalviolencebutalso violencebetweenvariousmembersofafamily,suchasbetweenfatheranddaughter,childrenandmother,orsiblings. Suchviolencerangesfromphysicalbrutalisationtopsychologicalpressureandhurtandtheconstantenvelopmentof fearamongfamilymembers.Itcouldalsoincludethedenial ofbasicneedstoweakerfamilymembers.
Thepoliceandthelawareexpectedtoprovideprotectionandhopetovictimsofgenderviolence,butthey generallyproveinadequate
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN..
becausetheyoftenoperate ontheunderlyingassumptionthatdomesticviolence isaprivatematterinwhichtheyshouldnotintervene. Incasesofviolenceoutsidethehome,suchasrape,the burdenofproofisfrequentlyplacedonthevictim.
Violenceagainstwomenresultsinserioussocietal andeconomicdamage.Itisahumanrightsviolation;it women(e.g.,lowerpayforthesameworkorbeingdenied ofthepopulationfromcontributingtotheeconomicproductivityandwell-beingofthecountry.
confronttheproblem,wesuggestthefollowing:
Manywomendonotknowtheyarevictimsofdomesticviolencebecausetheyhaveneverencounteredthe understandingoftheirplightandrealisetheycanchange it.Themediaandeducationsystemmustassumeresponsibilityforenlighteningthepopulationinthisregard.
Thelawsaddressingviolenceagainstwomenneed makeavaluablecontribution.
Fromtheearliestyearsofschooling,boysshouldbe socialisedtorespectgirlsandwomenandtreatthemwith fairness.
Violenceagainstwomenislargelyaman’sproblem, pressureononeanothertotreatwomenwithrespectand fairness.Thiscouldbeachievedthroughsportsclubs,
Christmasisperhapsthemostcelebratedholidayacross theworld.Itisoftendescribedastheseasonofjoyand grandcelebration,butformanypeople,itcanalsobring stress,anxiety,andevensadness.
cialpressuresofgift-givingcanbeaheavyburdenformany. Additionally,thereisthetraditionofChristmascleaning, whichisphysicallychallengingformostpeople.Duringthis time,workplacesoftenhaveexpectationstomeetyear-end deadlines.Thedemandsoftheseasoncanbecomeoverwhelm-
ing,takingatollonone’smentalhealth.Manymightsay thatprioritisingmentalhealthduringtheseasonisalmost
AsyoureadthiscolumnontheSundaybeforeChristmas,IhopeyoutakeintoconsiderationsomeofthetipsI willmentioninthisweek’spiece.Iamheretotellyouthat youcanandshouldprioritiseyourmentalhealthduringthe Christmasseason.
Youcanstartbyprioritisingyoureventsandactivities. Theholidayseasoncanpresentanoverwhelmingnumber ofeventsandparties,butyoudonothavetoattendevery singleoneofthem.Itisokaytosayno,especiallyifyouare notfeelingyourbest.
strainoftheholidayseason.Toeasethis,setabudget—estakeonlytheexactamountofcashIneed.Thishelpsme focusonbuyingonlythethingsIplannedfor.
AmidstthechaosoftheChristmasrush,youshouldalso prioritiseself-care.Donotputyourfavouritehobbiesor activitiesonholdsimplybecauseitistheChristmasseason. Whetheritisgoingtothegymorreadingabook,continue doingthethingsthatimproveyourmentaloremotional well-being.
PlanningisalsokeytoavoidingtheChristmasrush, especiallywhenitcomestoshopping.Whileitmightbe toolateforthisadvicenow,consideritfornextyear’s Christmas.Last-minuteschedulesoften leadtounnecessary stress.Stayingorganisedbycreatinglists canensureyouavoid allatonce.
Anotherpieceof adviceistostepaway fromsocialmedia— especiallythatPinterestboardyouhave beencuratingallyear. Onsocialmedia,peopletendtoposttheir gifts,decorations,and accomplishments, whichcanleadtointernalcomparisons.Ifinglessthanothers basedonwhatyouseeonline,thiscancontributetostress andadeclineinmentalhealth.
AsyouspendyourSundayanxiouslyawaitingthe Christmasweek,Ihopeyoutakesomeofthesesuggestions intoconsideration.Startwithself-careorsomewell-deservedrestandrelaxation.
Finally,ifyouareunabletomeetthedemandsofthe season,rememberthatitisokaytoaskforhelp.Youcan reachouttofamilymembersorfriendstoassistwithtasks youcannotmanagealone.Ifyouhavetheresources,youcan hiresomeonetohelpwithcleaningorusedeliveryservices
Iftheholidayseasonistakingaseveretollonyourmentalhealthandyouarestrugglingtocope,seekprofessional supportormentalhealthadvice.
Weoftenstressduringtheholidays,butitisessentialto rememberthetruemeaningofChristmas.Itisabeautiful seasontoreconnectwithfamilyandfriends,tocelebratethe
Withthatinmind,IwishyouallaMerryChristmas andhopeyouspendtheweekaheadbeingkindtoyourselfandyourmentalhealth.
isationofapassageand itsmainideas,youneedto recognisethestructureof isnotall,youneedalsothe abilitytoextractandnote isnecessarybecauseifyou eralnotesmadeonatext, youwillrecognisethemost
THEPASSAGE
Note:Tosummariseapassage Thesummarymustcontaintheau passagethoroughly,searchingforthe mainideasandsupportingideasinall summaryandcompareitagainstthe
Thefollowingstepswillgetyou onforemostpoints,startyourwriting withanintroductorysentence,then collateyourpointsintoasmooth organisedresponse,andmaybeyou tagesencounteredbywomeninthe uousprose,inparagraphformandit mustnotbemorethan120wordsin
ingonhowsuchprogrammesaredesigned,therecould alsobeadangerofreinforcingexistinggenderroles Girls”)
THEPASSAGE
womenearn20to30percentless programmesrepresentslessthan
thusnarrowingtheiremployment animportantroleintheattitudesof employers,teachers,parentsandthe
uponthecomingboatasonawondertheyareseeing boxesaregorgeouswithapictureorwithgildedrays (Signet,1961)) enlistedbelow: Furiousclatter,poursoutahumancontribution,
enhancecapacitiesforincomegen
(c)Getthenamesanddescriptionofother fancifulpartsofasteamboatofthattimeplyingthe ifpossible,apictureofabeautifulsteamboatforhim steamboat,andnamethepartsthatarementionedin
Howbadisdentaltreatment?
DENTALpatientsneedtoknowthatdentaltreatmentis notwithoutitsfairshareofadversities.So,eventhoughtheirtreatment.
Conventionaldentistryhascertainlyhelpedagreat numberofpeopletoenjoy gooddentalfunctionfor manyyearsnowbecause itrespectsthefactthatthe mouthisanintegratedpart oftheentirebodyandthat itshouldalwaysbeviewed andtreatedinthisrespect. Itsprimaryaimistoresolve apatient’sdentalproblems whileimpactingtherestof thebodyaslittleaspossible.
Thenegativemedical impactofdentistrycancome fromseveralsources.Among themostcommonaremercubacterialtoxinsfromroot canaltherapy.Commonlyhasbeenandremainsafull 50%oftheircontent.Patientsmustbetoldthatifan immediatelytominimise exposuretomercury.Ihaveingsinmypracticeformany maybearapidlygrowing trend. continuestoevaluatenew bytheirmechanicalcharacgiventoevaluatingwhether agivenmaterialwillhavea thepatient.Stainlesssteel andothermaterialscontinue tobeusedinthemoutheven thoughsomestudiesseemto indicatethattheycouldbe implicatedincausingcancer. bethecaseelsewhereinthe body.
Rootcanal-treatedteeth areprovingtobeinfected havebeenisolatedfrom themareoftenincredibly potent.Althoughithasnotsearchersclaimthereisa
strongcorrelationbetweenthepresenceofrootcanalsand thedevelopmentofcancerandheartdisease.Itappearsthat immunesystembecomescompromised.
Pocketsofgangreneinthejawboneareoftenfoundinsites ofpreviousextractions.Thesetoxinsareessentiallythesame mouthbacteriabeingforcedtoliveinananaerobicenvironespeciallyatthesitesofwisdomteethextractions.
