Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot E-Paper 25-06-2023

Entrepreneur Hermilda Debideen displaying her freshly prepared roti and chicken curry at her home (Delano Williams photos)

Flawless crochet and the multi-talented woman who started it all

THERE isn’t anyone that is entirely one-dimensional. With everyone having different jobs, hobbies and interests, we are all multi-faceted in one way or another. But people like Phelicia Adams take the term multi-talented to a whole new level. Phelicia is the owner of Flawless Crochet. She is also a designer and a home economics teacher; this 22-year-old is a prime example of what can be accomplished with hardwork and dedication.

After becoming a crochet designer at seventeen, Phelicia decided to turn her natural talent into a tool for creativity and inspiration. As a model,Phelicia has always loved fashion but went beyond to start her own business and teach others the basics of her passion, crochet.

Naturally flawless

Today, crochet is what Phelicia is known for. But she says this wasn’t always the case. It wasn’t until one day, when she was 17 and her dreams of becoming a nurse had failed, that she decided that it was time to try something different. Learning how to crochet from her mother, it was never what she wanted to do. But after that day,Phelicia says that changed, saying, “I was home with my mom one day and she was knitting an

outfit for a customer. And after she left, I looked at the pattern. And I picked up the needle and the thread and just began knitting. So crochet isn’t something I learnt. It just came naturally to me.”

Although moving quite a lot during her childhood,Phelicia has always called Parika her home and has never lost her sense of family. Growing up as a self-de-

scribed tom-boy, Phelicia says that fashion has done a lot in helping her develop into the woman she is today.

“After I started modelling and began to explore that part of my life, I became more ladylike and changed a lot at that point in my life,” she explained. Although full of confidence and poise today, Phelicia says that her childhood was far less glamorous. “Growing up wasn’t easy for me. My mom was a single parent. And it was really hard for her to find food for us everyday. As time went by, I did what I knew had to be done, which was to pass my CXC and make her proud. And I believe I achieved that very well,” she said.

Phelicia considers her mother to be the inspiration behind what she could achieve today. Like herself, Phelicia describes her mother as not only multi-talented but also someone who did it all on her own. This fact is even more impressive as Phelicia explains how intricate, complex and challenging the art of crocheting is. “Crochet is something that, if you make one mistake, the entire thing has to be opened back to that mistake. Crochet is not something made by a machine. It is very complicated and requires a lot of patience,” she explained.

Entering fashion and the beginning of Flawless

Crochet

As a model, Phelicia has done three pageants thus far and displayed her creations in fashion shows by other models. And although she has indulged in fashion both on and off the runway, Phelicia says designing is what she loves best. “To be able to see someone walking in my designs and knowing that I made that is incredible,” she admitted.The Moonlight Sto-

are. Being a Home Economics teacher, she is a champion for the appreciation of the art of fashion and a mentor to those willing to learn how to crochet. This growing love for fashion in Guyana is just one aspect of what fashion means to her.

“Fashion to me is all about bringing the best you can on a runway for people to see what you are capable of and

herself a newcomer to the fashion scene as she still needs to learn things. It is in creating clothes that she feels most comfortable. “The fashion industry is different. It is not something you see everyday, especially when it comes to creativity. When local Guyanese designers come together and they put out the work, it is amazing and up to standard,” said Phelica.

As someone who has made a living out of creating,Phelicia assures up-andcoming designers that fashion is not for the faint of heart. Taking away from the usual simple glitz and glamour of it all, Phelicia says it is not simple or easy. Fashion is an undeniably hard task to perform. Phelicia stated that, “you have to put your mind to fashion. It has to be something you really want to achieve. Because fashion is not easy.”

ries Gala and Runway Show was one of those incredible moments for Phelicia. As the design, a collaboration between herself and another designer was modelled on the runway, Phelica felt pride in seeing something she had handmade being showcased and received with love from the audience.

Established in 2019, Flawless Crochet is Phelicia’s brand. Flawless Crochet stands out as being authentic handmade and caterers directly to the needs of customers. Making everything from baby clothes and crop tops to swimsuits and dresses, Phelicia has every customer in mind. Although currently a one-man show, Phelicia is looking to expand her business and have crochet expand to be known as more than chair backs or coasters. But to be known as an art form. “Flawless Crochet is all about creating handmade crocheted outfits to suit your every need and at the best quality,” she said.

Knowledge and experience are said to be the best things worth sharing. Phelicia certainly believes that they

for them to see what you can make. And then to give it to people and receive positive messages is what makes it all worthwhile,” Phelicia said.

A newcomer and still learning

Phelicia still considers

In the future endeavours of Flawless Crochet, Phelicia says that there is plenty to look forward to. She is looking to expand Flawless Crochet to a new permanent location and then move regionally. As her business is, customers can reach out to her on all platforms by her business name to acquire their own crocheted garment and to have something that is authentically handmade and uniquely flawless.

Phelicia Adams and her mother

Phelicia Adams wearing a crop top she made

Phelicia Adams wearing one of her own designs

Phelicia Adams in a piece printed with the colours of the Guyana flag

Guyana is taking the right steps in the right direction towards ending violence against women – UN official

THE growing momentum across the private sector in Guyana to address issues surrounding violence against women and girls is clear to see, and although much work remains to be done to champion the end to such issues, UN officials are saying that the country has been taking the right steps in the right direction.

For one thing, many organisations within the private sector have been looking internally to see how they can strengthen in-house systems to address head-on the scourge that women have been dealing with over the decades.

For example, just recently, 14 private sector companies (with three more to be added soon) signed on to

the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs). WEPs were originally launched in 2010 by UN Women and the UN Global Compact to offer guidance to businesses on how to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace and community.

The WEPs were recently launched here in Guyana under the EU-funded Spotlight Initiative to increase awareness of the role of the private sector. At this launch, the local companies – ranging from the banking, food, private security, and education sectors, among others - announced their commitment to implementing WEPs.

In WEPs, specific workplace policies must be put in place to support survivors and victims of intimate partner violence and address

sexual harassment.

“Looking at sexual harassment in the workplace, gender-based violence in the workplace, lack of equal pay for equal work, lack of promotion around representation at the highest levels of the organisation; these are the most obvious reflections of gender inequality and violence in the workplace,” Tonni Brodber, Representative, UN Women Multi-Country Office (MCO) – Caribbean, shared with Pepperpot Magazine.

In an interview a few days ago, the UN official also

Everyone suffers when there is gender inequality, she posited. “When you look at the data in Guyana around labour force participation, around rates of violence, around femicide, we see that we have to still look at women’s empowerment. This is not about taking away power, it is about addressing the fact that if we do not have more equality as it pertains to access to resources, to skillset; equality in terms of people feeling dignity, access to justice, social protection, we are

European Union to Guyana, Suriname and with responsibility for Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St Barthelemy, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten, Ms. Evelina Melbarzde commended the UN and government on the collaboration with a wide group of stakeholders towards preventing and eliminating violence against women.

The activity was conducted within the framework of Pillar Three of the

spoke about the causes of such issues. “We do not necessarily value yet as a society the work that is unpaid care work, unpaid domestic work; the work that usually falls on women. As a result, women are not necessarily given opportunities for promotion because they are balancing a dual workload, and we are not necessarily encouraging men in our society to engage in sharing the care.” In fact, before the COVID-19 pandemic, Brodber pointed out how women were doing three times more unpaid domestic work than men across the Caribbean and Latin America.

As for sexual harassment, she noted that while workplace relationships have been happening over the years, it is critical to have clear policies that protect employees and put them on the same page regarding what is acceptable and what is not.

And this is where WEPS can make a difference in the workplace. “It’s one thing to tell people that they should be doing something; it’s another thing to say this is how you can do it. That’s what WEPS do in a simple, accessible way,” Brodber pointed out.

not going to be able to thrive as a society. So, focusing on women’s empowerment is not a detractor from the issues; it is a core issue to empower our countries today. You empower a woman; you empower a family.”

Meanwhile, at the launch of WEPS here recently, Deputy Head of Delegation of the

ongoing Spotlight Initiative Project, which focuses on gender inequitable social norms, attitudes and behaviour change at community and individual levels to prevent violence against women and girls and design an inclusive future for men, women, boys and girls in Guyana.

Some of the representatives from companies that have made commitments to the Women’s Empowerment Principles (UN Women Photo/Trevor Smith)

Representative, UN Women Multi – Country Office – Caribbean, Tonni Brodber, delivering remarks at the recent WEPs launch in Guyana (UN Women Photo/Trevor Smith)

Imani Duncan -Price, UN Women consultant who has been coordinating the activities with the Private sector in Guyana under the EU funded-Spotlight Initiative (UN Women Photo/Trevor Smith)

(L-R): Gayle Gollop, Private Sector Specialist, UN Women MCO-Caribbean; Avia Maria Linde, Business Consultant, Avia Maria Linde Consulting; Imani Duncan-Price, Consultant, UN Women MCO-Caribbean; Miranda Thakur-Deen, CEO, Atlantic Alliance Maritime & Offshore Training Institute Guyana (Photo: Imani Duncan-Price)

Wasim Khan, Professional Guard Services (PGS), WEPs Signatory, delivers remarks about the company’s experience implementing the Women’s Empowerment Principles into their corporate practices (UN Women Photo/Trevor Smith)

More prestigious awards for Guyanese Canadian Generalist

-Receives kudos for role in addressing stigma surrounding mental health

ALREADY with over 200 awards to his credit, Guyanese-born Canadian Narine Dat Sookram’s bulging collection was further boosted by four prestigious accolades within the past few months.

In glowing introductory remarks, upon receiving the Innovator award from PeerWorks for championing mental health and trying to close the gap, Operations

Director Allyson Theodorou pointed out that “the judges have decided to think outside the box for the first time in the award’s inception in 14 years. Narine Dat Sookram is awarded for his dedication to marginalised people’s mental health and well-being. He is addressing the stigma surrounding mental health. His passion for mental health led him to help hundreds of job seekers, many of whom

had mental health issues and were unhoused. Narine’s dedication to mental health and well-being has impacted thousands, making him more than deserving of the Lighthouse Award.”

On June 8, Sookram was recognised twice by two different organisations in two Canadian Provinces. The first was the Phillip Emmerson Award for Employment Excellence from the Canadian Association for Supported Employment.

The Phillip Emmerson Award is a national honour bestowed yearly on one individual in Canada, with a population of almost 40 million people. This award is presented to an outstanding person who has made significant contributions to the promotion of full citizenship and personal capacity through employment and innovation in the workplace within Canada.

The awards ceremony was held at the Second World Supported Employment Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia and attended by over 600 guests from around the world. Later that evening, Sookram was also recognised with the Community Spirit Award from the City of Oakville, Ontario, for “his unmatched community-building and advocacy work.”

On June 15, Sookram was also presented with the prestigious Wellness Award by Summit Housing and Outreach Programmes for giving a second chance to those with challenging lives.

According to the quiet and assuming Sookram, he’s also scheduled to receive at least three more awards within the next few weeks, two of which are from the Government of Ontario, his home province in Canada, while he’s also set to be inducted into the Phi Alpha Society because of his academic excellence in the Doctor of Social Worker programme at Capella University.

Sookram grew up in Number 64 Village, Berbice, Guyana, and was an assistant Hindu priest to Pandit Dave Chetram, for the No. 64 Krishna Mandir. He founded a youth group at 14 to unite the youths in his community.

After migrating to Canada, Sookram continuously developed himself personally and professionally and has always prioritised giving back. Named one of Royal Bank of Canada’s Top 25 Canadian Immigrants (2013), Sookram is an Advanced Generalist Social & Psychotherapist.

The Community trailblazer has initiated the award-winning Caribbean Dreams Concert and the award-winning community

radio Caribbean Spice and, most recently, the popular talk show, Let’s Chit Chat with Narine Dat.

The author of the book, ‘The Teenage Years’, Sookram, is the first gen-

Engagement (Public Peace Prize), Top Chutney Radio Award (Caribbean Music & Entertainment), Person of Distinction Award (The

eration to have graduated from college/university and has done an impressive job by graduating with over a dozen programmes. Some of these include a Bachelor of Social Work (University of Manitoba), Master of Social Work (Brescia University), Graduate Certificate in Career Development (Conestoga College), Associate Degree in the Social Service Worker Programmes (Mohawk College), Bachelor of Professional Arts in Human Services (Athabasca University), Bachelor of Education in Adult Education (Brock University). He is currently completing his Doctor of Social Work degree at -Capella University and is expected to graduate in 2024.

Sookrams’s previous awards include the Distinguished Social Worker Award (Ontario Association of Social), Spirit of Angela Award (Brescia University’s highest honour), Public Peace Prize for Social Integration and Community

Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region), Canadian Who’s Who Inclusion, Rev. John C. Holland Community Services Award (The Hamilton Black History Committee), People of Distinction Humanitarian Award (People of Distinction, USA), I Choose Dignity Inclusion Award (Extend-A-Family of Waterloo Region), Man of Honour Spirit of Community Award (Women’s Ministry of Washington DC, USA), an honorary degree (King’s University, USA) among others.

Among the many unique community initiatives, Sookram is an advanced generalist, social worker, researcher, and psychotherapist; He’s the only Guyanese born to have his name engraved at Mohawk College for academic excellence and at the City of Waterloo Chamber for Civic Service.

Narine is the last child of seven children and the first to have completed post-secondary and postgrad education.

Narine Dat Sookram receives the Lighthouse award from Board member Colene Allen

The Phillip Emmerson Award

Narine poses with the Summit Housing & Outreach Programme Award

Narine with the Community Spirit Award

Renowned Guyanese educator recounts early life lessons and experiences

GUYANESE ElsieHarry has been one of the most remarkable persons throughout her lifetime and has worked her way to the top through her commitment to hard work and dedication.

The Pepperpot Magazine sat down with Harry, as we talked about her life, career, and her lifestyle.

“I grew up in a strict household, where my parents had stern rules related to both formal and informal education. Not only were we required to focus on academics, but we were expected to learn other skills and to be socially and politically aware,” Harry recalls.“I remember being made to watch the Local News from about age six and to report to my father what I learned, and a Q&A session followed. The following year regional and international news were added to the roster.

“My upbringing was also marked by transience since my parents were constantly in search of opportunities for growth for us as a family. My sister and I were separated at various times during my childhood from either our father or both parents as they worked to secure steady employment or resolve immigration issues. As a result of this, however, I received early exposure to the world outside of Guyana- its challenges, but also its many opportunities.”

Challenges faced whilst growing up Harry explained that she faced quite a challenge while growing up as a young girl, who lived in another country.

“My earliest and perhaps most profound challenge was

growing up as an immigrant in a country that I previously knew nothing about and learning how to thrive in this new locale. When I was six years old, my parents migrated to St. Kitts & Nevis, and I spent my formative years there. As is usually the case in these circumstances, I was teased about my‘unusual’ accent,” she recalled, adding that she was constantly reminded of her status as being an outsider by her peers at school and other locals.

Further challenges arose when Harry began to excel at school. She explained that parents of students within the school system and and her community openly expressed that they did not believe she deserved to excel above the local children and sought to advocate for herdisqualification from competitions and from academic rankings.

“My final challenge is interestingly related to my remigration to Guyana in 2013- this was a culture shock since my socialisation occurred away from this locale. While I visited Guyana during the years when I lived abroad, I was only able to fully appreciate the complexities of Guyanese society, including the influence of race, politics, and social status in determining a person’s trajectory, until I was immersed in day-to-day life in Guyana,”Harry told Pepperpot Magazine during her interview.

Facing challenges

Like most circumstances in life, you must overcome every challenge that you face, and Harry explains how she overcame

“I overcame my challenges in three ways: my parents always told me, even before we migrated, that I was capable of achieving whatever I put my mind to. They told me that I was capable of an infinite number of things and that I shouldn’t limit myself to only the things that I have access to now, but I should be prepared to seize any other opportunity that may arise- so I often kept myself in a state of readiness by learning, practising, observing and participating. They also told me to adopt the attitude that no one was better than, or more deserving than I was-that we all deserved an equal opportunity to compete regardless of the fact that I wasn’t born in Kittitian society or to an affluent family and that natural selection would take its course,” Harry told Pepperpot Magazine.

Still, Harry was able to distinguish herself while in St Kitts and Nevis to fulfill many academic and social goals, including graduating at the top of her classes, winning various awards, and representing the island at Regional and International forums.

Life before fame

Harrynoted that she would not consider herself to be famous or even particularly well-known.

She shared that she has made many meaningful connections because of her work and volunteerism.Harry noted that

her life has become more purposeful and more fulfilling as the years have progressed. She shared that her academic, professional, and personal achievements, as well as her purposeful attitude, continue to open doors for her to earn and to effect positive change in society.

“Each year, I also become better at prioritising restand joy, and only giving my time and efforts to the causes that I consider to be meaningful, thus, my days are spent working at my place of full-time employment in the area of Monitoring and Evaluation, teaching part-time, and volunteering with threeorganisations in the areas of Community Development, Environmental Sustainability, STEM, Guyanese Heritage, and others on an ad-hoc basis. Recently, I have been participating in programmes within my church community, and I run a social enterprise called ‘This is YOUR Life’, that encourages purposeful, intentional living and offers services such as capacity-building workshops, mentorship, and career guidance,” Harry noted during her interview.

Harry shared that during her free time, she would spend time with her84-year-old mentor- who wouldoffer her a weekly dose of wisdom.Harry noted that she would also take the time to enjoy her friends’ company and travel both inside and outside Guyana so that she can continue to interact with and learn from various perspectives.

Using challenges as a means of betterment

“I am not one of those persons who believe that your challenges ‘make you who you are’, challenges cause unnecessary strain and lasting trauma. The only benefit that I ascribe to trauma is building resilience- meaning, after you have endured one challenge, you learn how to cope with others. My challenges have only strengthened an already strong resolve, and they reiterated the already sound advice of my parents. I didn’t need challenges to be who I was destined to be;in fact, if not for the challenges, I would have been able to achieve my purpose with more ease and more joy. Nevertheless, I am grateful that I was able to overcome them to continue along the path to fulfilling my purpose,” Harry shared.“It is my firm belief that God has called me to both lead and serve, and I will do so for as long as He allows. He sends help from the most unexpected places, but he also equips me with the skills that I need to build wells in dry places. I set aside uncertainty, doubt, and fear by choosing to focus on the purposeful thought- Why worry about the future, when I know the author, and he has already written the final chapter!”

Educator and humanitarian, Elsie Harry

Two villages, two interesting names

A trip to Wine Bush and Shantytown Villages

Heeralall Persaud retired from the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate after 46 years of unbroken service, but these days, he gets the time to do many things and enjoy his old age at home.

He is a resident of Wine Bush Village, Leonora, West Coast Demerara, and his house is located at a corner spot overlooking the squatting area and the drainage canal with fruit trees and wooden benches along it.

The 61-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that the village got its name from the early days when people moved into the area and there was a berry that used to grow all through the village.

That berry was used to make wine by the locals and grew so much that it almost overrun the place; thus, the name was derived. The bush no longer grows in the village

is peaceful and quiet.

The locals have done their part to beautify the environment by planting flowers and fruit trees and

and placed them along the avenue.

He explained that when he first moved to Wine Bush

today but the name remained.

The father of two stated that the village is a safe place to reside and it has all the basic amenities and infrastructure for a comfortable life.

They have electricity, water, landline phone, internet, good roads, bridges and drainage and the village itself

placing wooden benches as a recreation area by the canal running through the village.

Persaud is one of those persons who saw the need to contribute to society and he along with his cousin, a neighbour, planted fruit trees, made wooden benches,

Village, it was overrun with bushes and the jamoon-like berry and he cleared a plot and built a small house and it was 22 years ago.

Persaud is originally from a different section of Leonora

SEE PAGE XVIII

Sections of Wine Bush and Shantytown villages

Heeralall Persaud (Delano Williams photos)

The wooden benches along the avenue

Shantytown Village

By Michel Outridge

Relaxing in the outdoor hammock is the favourite pastime for 83-year-old Gomattie Bissoondial of Shantytown, Leonora, West Coast Demerara, who has a shop and would sit and wait for customers while basking in the quietness of the place.

The elder told the Pepperpot Magazine that life is peaceful in that section of

the locals to have a comfortable life of simplicity.

Bissoondial stated that she is originally from Cornelia Ida, also on the West Coast Demerara and she was always a housewife that took care of the home and children while her husband provided for them.

She lives at Third Street, Shantytown and the shop is attached to the house and they sell groceries, beverages and confectioneries.

herself and seven children.

She added that only four of the children are alive and she has 10 grandchildren with five great-grandchildren. Even though there is a beer garden next door, there are no complaints because the men would drink but they do not interfere with anybody and the neighbours are equally peaceful.

Bissoondial has the company of her son and a granddaughter whocooks for them and collectively, they keep a tidy and clean house and surroundings.

“I miss the company of my husband, he is gone but

Singh reported that he has lived in the village for the past 14 years and is familiar with most of the villagers.

The father of four added that they have all the needed amenities to enhance their lives and he is very pleased that their community is developing.

They have good roads, potable water, electricity,landline phones, internet and good drainage.

Leonora Primary School and she used to give extra lessons at her home.

There is a section with benches and tables and a blackboard for the pupils’ comfort but shestopped the classes in 2018.

Persaud reported that her son, her daughter-in-law and two nieces and their husbands are also teachers, so it is safe to say teachingruns in the family.

the village, which has a few cross streets. It is a relatively quiet place with no strangers since the people are known to each other.

Bissoondial related that since she was very young, she got married as was customary back in that time and she relocated to Shantytown Village when there were just a few makeshift houses and lots of bushes.

She explained that back then, the village was very different, but now the community developed and it happened over time which is plus for

The resident disclosed that business is kind of slow these days and she once had a thriving shop which was fully stocked but since her husband passed away at age 91 years old, she has scaled down in stocking the shop.

Bissoondial reported that she lost two sons and her husband within a short period of time and she is still trying to come to terms with their passing.

The elder noted that her husband was a very good person and he worked hard as a carpenter to provide for

I have memories to keep me going and he did a good job in bringing up the children in the right way. They all turned out good and I am very pleased about that,” she said.

Bissoondial told the Pepperpot Magazine that she would take things easy and is enjoying her old age as is.

She likes living in the community and would have it no other way since it is home for her.

Devindra Singh

Next door is the home of Devindra Singh, an employee of the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) at the Pouderoyen location, and that day when the team visited, he was about to head off to work.

The 46-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that he is from Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara and relocated to Shantytown following marriage and he is quite comfortable in that part of the country.

Singh said the place is safe and quiet as in any countryside village and they have six cross streets with one main access road from the public road.

“I would say that life here is relatively good once you are employed and can provide for your home,’ he said.

Retired teacher

Narpatty Persaud has retired after 27 years in the noble teaching profession and spent most of her career teaching at Leonora Primary School.

She told the Pepperpot Magazine that after two years of training at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), she was the acting head teacher at a community high school in the city for one year before being transferred to Leonora Primary.

It was only when she attained the age of 55 years old she retired as a teacher from

“I like to impart knowledge and mould minds and I keep learning from the pupils because one can never know it all and teaching is a wonderful experience for me, I enjoyed it and it is my way of giving back to society,” she said.

The 59-year-old added that Shantytown is a closeknit village where most people are related and known to each other and they look out for you.

She disclosed that before the mandir was constructed, the service used to be held at her residence and her door is always opened to villagers since she would assist in clerical work, free of charge.

Persaud also acts as a counsellor who provides her time and space for locals who may have domestic issues and other problems since they have that confidence in her.

Gomattie Bissoondial (Delano Williams photos)

The extra lessons area at Narpatty Persaud’s home

Narpatty Persaud

Devindra Singh

Earning a living in Shantytown Village

By Michel Outridge

HERMILDA Debideen is a staunch Muslim who does the most to assist others in any way possible. She is

Coast Demerara.

That day despite heavy rainfall, Debideen was in the kitchen making roti and chicken curry, burgers, pak choi with shrimp, chicken

ly, and she keeps it under budget to cater for everyone, especially the fisherfolk.

Her day would usually start at 04:00 hours in

quite dedicated to cleaning the mosque but still finds the time to earn via her homemade meals.

The 49-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that three months ago, she had the desire to earn and decided to establish her own small business from her home in Wine Bush Village, Leonora, West

chowmein, donuts, black and sponge cakes.

She also has a stocked refrigerator with cold beverages, nothing alcoholic and the locals would support her daily by purchasing breakfast and lunch.

The mother of eight told the Pepperpot Magazine that her prices are pocket-friend-

the morning and she would ensure meals are hot and wholesome, prepared fresh daily and try to have options of three different foods.

Since doing it alone has become too much for her, Debideen employs a helper, a relative who would assist her in preparing the meals for sale from her home.

“Some days when I have a lot to do, I would still have to cook because I have orders to fulfill, people depend on me to cook and provide meals, so I have to be reliable with my service,” she said.

Debideen is a member of the Leonora Masjid and has been attending the services for more than 20 years.

She and her husband would plant the yard with vegetables for kitchen use, and vegetables they are not growing would be sourced from the markets to prepare meals.

Debideen also sells plucked chicken and eggs from her home and the locals support her small business.

“I like living here because it is mostly quiet when

the people next door isn’t loud and consuming alcohol but other than that it is peaceful and safe,” she said.

Alliesa Sookram, the cosmotologist

Alliesa Sookram is an upand-coming beautician who has her small business at her home where she specialises in mails, manicure, pedicure, make-up, facial and hair.

The 22-year-old has qualified herself in the field at a city cosmetology school and is a resident of Shantytown, Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

She started accepting customers about four months ago and would work based on calls or walk-ins. People from the village and those outside of the community

would support her venture. When it is off-peak and her business is stagnant, she would work with her aunt as a cook/helper in the kitchen.

Sookram told the Pepperpot Magazine that she has a goal of establishing her salon and she is working towards that vision and doing it even if it means doing other work.

The young lady reported that she wants to set a foundation so when she gets married and have a family, she will be financially dependent on her own small business to earn and work from home.

Satnarine Satdeo, the shop owner/bus driver

Satnarine Satdeo is also a resident of Wine Bush Village, Leonora, West Coast Demerara and he has a shop at his home and he is a minibus driver that plies the 32 route Georgetown to Parika.

The father of four told the Pepperpot Magazine that day he was at home tending to customers via the shop since his wife was at the hospital with her son, who is injured and needs medical attention.

The 49-year-old is wellknown and he has been residing in the village for the past 49 years and he seems to be familiar with the locals like most small villages.

Satdeo reported that as a small boy, he used to graze cows and where his minibus was parked in his yard was a pond, where he used to fish and the place was very different in those days.

He added that he and his friends used to do ‘bushcook’ where he occupied and it was bushy and undeveloped. However, today it is populated and hardly any space available.

Satdeo explained that 22 years ago, the village was regularised and is deemed a ‘village of families’ since most people are related by blood and kinship.

Satnarine Satdeo’s shop

Hermilda Debideen displaying her freshly prepared roti and chicken curry at her home (Delano Williams photos)

Alliesa Sookram

Satnarine Satdeo inside his shop

Moulding minds and contributing to the community

By Michel Outridge

PANDIT Jagmohan Persaud is the officiating priest at the Groenveldt Mandir at Leonora, West Coast Demerara and he spearheaded the construction of the temple and Shaivala (specially dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva) and was instrumental in acquiring the plot of land for the edifice which was once a dump site.

The Groenveldt Mandir was constructed on July 23, 2018, after a land-filling and clearing exercise and the contractor was his father. He built the structure without a plan, but today the building is a lovely, well-designed one so much so it must be admired.

Pandit Persaud told the Pepperpot Magazine that it is the first place of worship in the community since there

was none even in the other denominations, so it is a safe place for all and they enforce the no alcohol policy.

He explained that after the 18 to 20 little shacks that gave Shantytown its name were removed, the plot was vacant and became a swamp which then turned into a dumpsite. The land was later acquired for the construction of the mandir.

Pandit Persaud reported that he had a vision of what he wanted the mandir to be and, most of all a place for all and thought of what he had to do to achieve that.

“I see the mandir and an institution where all are welcome, to mould minds and we have the space with night lights for games/sports and I encourage our youths to engage in meaningful activities instead of falling prey to illegal drugs and doings and it is degenerating trend these

days,” he reasoned.

The religious leader pointed out that the land pace in the compound of the mandir is used for volleyball, softball, cricket and other games and also utilised for festive occasions where onthe-spot cooking is done with live music.

Pandit Persaud stated that they also competed against other mandirs in sports and people within Wine Bush and Shantytown and even beyond are members of the Groenveldt Mandir.

He added that the mandir is not only open to Hindus, but none members and just about anyone can visit to express their talent and ability in a healthy environment.

The Pandit related that Guysuco used the drainage canal to transport 22-tonnes of sugarcane on a barge and as a young boy growing up in

the village, he witnessed that and it is the ideal place where a sitting area was created by the locals.

In addition, Persaud is a licensed marriage officer and a Justice of Peace, Oaths and Affidavits and he does clerical work free of cost for all and even if a donation is given, he would hand it over to the mandir.

He reported that the mandir does its part to give back to the community, and they assist in burials. If a poor person within the village dies, the temple shoulders the cost for burial and even provides a priest for the service.

It is understood that it cannot be done for everyone, but the Groenveldt Mandir also gives back via its feeding programme and grocery hampers for the elderly and single parents.

Pandit Persaud noted that all funds garnered through events at the mandir go back to the community and those festivities are held to raise funds.

He added that the mandir is also responsible for cleaning the avenue where the fruit trees and wooden benches are and they do their part in sanitation in and around the temple.

“My family and extended family supports charitable work and my sister, sister-inlaw and others would cook and sell foods to raise funds for the mandir and to pack a month’s worth of groceries for the less fortunate and schoolchildren are gifted back-to-school packages,” he said.

He disclosed that his sister, Tajwattie Persaud would work along with the women’s arm of the Dharmic Sabha

to host charitable events and she is a great cook who would prepare foods to sell at the roadside to garner funds.

Pandit Persaud added that before COVID-19 she used to acquire 500 back-toschool packages for children on the region and further afield like Parika.

The priest added that his sibling would also pack a month’s worth of groceries in the form of hampers to distribute to single parents and pensioners at Phagwah and at Christmas and she would target about 200 needy persons.

In giving parting words during the interview, the Pandit said, “I would like to share this bit - as you start the day, ask yourself who can I be a blessing to today and it’s a good deed to touch the lives of others regardless of who they are.”

Pandit Jagmohan Persaud (Delano Williams photos)

The Groenveldt Mandir

Life starts at 75 for this Shantytown resident

By Michel Outridge

SEENARINE (only name)

loves utilising his yard space to grow plants and flowers and he has incorporated the habit as part of his daily life since he had spent his boyhood days assisting his mother to do the gardening.

The 75-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that he has moved away from planting vegetables as his mother did and decided to grow flowers, all kinds, in and around his yard, as a hobby and to beautify the environment.

Outside his home, he planted some flowers in handmade wooden boxes he

made along the roadway, and it makes a difference because it adds that extra bit of colour to the place which was once without anything.

Seenarine told the Pepperpot Magazine that he started working at the then Guyana Telecommunications Corporation (GTC) in 1972 at Central Radio Station, Thomaslands, Georgetown.

He added that he was transferred to the Personnel Department with a promotion in 1974 as Senior Clerical Officer and after a few months, he asked to be transferred to Revenue Accounting Department at 69 Brickdam.

Seenarine reported that after a few years in that department, he was placed in the cashier area, where he did the money collections for Bartica and Essequibo.

However, in 1991, the company was divested to Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT). He was later transferred to the Final Accounts Department and was in this section until he reached age 65. He retired in October 2012.

He related that he worked with the company for 40 years, enjoyed every bit, and is utilising his benefits these days as a pensioner.

Seenarine is an unassuming man who spends his time gardening and doing simple household chores. Whenever he is up to it, he cooks meals he likes but no cooking is needed because his daughter would provide all meals dai-

ly for him.

The elderly gentleman stated that he would prune the trees, which form a barrier at his fence with the neighbours, to keep it to a certain level and he has been planting flowers for a long time.

He explained that as a boy, he liked gardening with his mother, who spent a lot of time growing vegetables which she sold at Leonora Market. They used to live at Leonora Pasture.

Seenarine noted that his father worked at the sugar estate and lived in a logie-style house in the British colonial era.

He related that his mother was a very hardworking woman who passed on good morals and brought them up in the right way with discipline.

Seenarine pointed out that his mother cultivated cash crops on both sides of the yard to earn and he assisted her because he enjoyed gardening as much as she did.

“My mom was a good person, she used to sit and talk to us about life and what is expected of us as we grew into adults, and she instilled good values at a young age and she also liked the place to be very clean, it made her feel like home,” he said.

She passed away in September 2006 but left a legacy of her memories.

SEE PAGE XV

Seenarine (Delano Williams photos)

Some of the plants at Seenarine’s home and in front of his yard

The question of Guyana’s national tree, from antiquity and impact, on the national ethos

THE question of what tree can be described as the ‘National Tree of Guyana’ was asked by Macsood Hoosein in the Stabroek News on June 3, 2023.

Such a question commands a credible answer. This article will attempt to provide propositions that will briefly traverse the myths of collective consciousness across human timelines, from our earliest records to current times.

The very first mythology of the origin of life recorded so far in old Guyana revolves around the Silk Cotton Tree.

According to Walter Roth, “The God Makunaima,

it is said, ascended this Tree of Life, and, from his seat in the Silk Cotton Tree, scattered twigs and bark in the air, on the land, and in the water, and from these pieces arose the birds, beasts, reptiles, fish and also men and women. Several examples are to be met with, of Bush Spirits being associated with particular plants and trees. Perhaps the most interesting is that of the Silk Cotton Tree (Bombax sp.), the superstitions concerning which have been incorrectly surmised as communicated by from the negroes to the Indians. The earliest references to this connection that

I have been able thus far to find for it in the Guianas, is by Stedman in Suriname: -Perceiving that it was their (negroes) custom to bring their offerings to the wild cotton tree… under this tree, our Gadoman or priest delivers his lectures: and for this reason, our common people have so much veneration for it, that they will not cut it down on any account whatever, ‘ It would be interesting to learn whether the so-called fromager of the French Ivory Coast is identical to our tree. Certain it is that the records are abundant as to both Indians and Africans refusing to cut

one down. As a matter of fact, however, the superstitions of the Bombax were cherished in middle America long before the arrival of the negroes; The Mayas of Yucatan spoke it as the tree of creation.” See –An Inquiry of the Animism and Folk-Lore of the Guiana Indians: by Walter E. Roth –manuscript 1913, published

1915. However, since that remarkable publication, as to the revealed dates of the African presence in the Americas has change; see current research by- Ivan Van Sertima- African Presence in Early America 1992- featuring the pioneer in that field Alexander von Wuthenau.

In this Guyana’s context,

the Silk Cotton Tree has captured the imagination of all its citizens. So far, it is the only tree to which a village has adopted its name ‘Cotton Tree’ on the West coast of Berbice. In the recent Historical Book ‘Blood on the River” by Mar-

SEE PAGE XXIII

Caribbean Month Celebrations

CARIBBEAN Month celebration was on my schedule every year before COVID-19 and it is exciting to do that again. Having the opportunity to reconnect with some old clients and meet new ones is a blessing. The start of the tour was challenging, with my flight plans going in the opposite direction, but because of my mindset, I was able to adjust. It was lovely having dinner in Guyana and then breakfast in NY with my two friends Nadira and Sara. Sara planned a beautiful picnic breakfast in the park not far from the airport, which took my time of the chaotic situation my travel agent created. That was one of the times I let go and let God not worry about if I would get

there in time for my first event.

God made a way again and I could have lunch in Miami with another friend Leticia and make it in time for an event the phenomenal Lidca, Wilma and Yvette were hosting for me. I was the one Guyanese at the event and the love and appreciation I experienced was priceless. The response to my collection was great and we even had a fashion display. I have some new clients now, but I think my main reason for showing up there was to interact with a woman named Helen, but that I will amplify in another column. Although I did not sleep for more than 36 hours, I did not feel tired because of the passion and love for what I do.

Orlando was my next stop. Thank you to Guenet and Sammy Roberts for hosting this event, although Sammy was upset that no male shirts were in the collection. I must apologise to the guys and I promised to correct that soon.

The ambience that was created set the pace for a lovely Sunday chill with great conversations and exclusive clothing. I enjoyed looking at the ladies selecting their Sonia Noel outfits, modelling them for the others, and having fun doing it. The place was full of love and laughter, adding a certain energy coupled with Gia’s backstage influence to the evening. This was not the first event with Guenet and we will be hosting a big fashion event later this year, God’s willing. I then had the opportunity to meet my friend in the US for the first time because we were always missing each other and she even cooked.

Atlanta has always been one of my favourite places and the things that transpired on this trip reminded me why. Top on that list is an event for me sponsored by Caribbean International Shipping. What a wonderful evening this was, from all the feedback. I thoroughly enjoyed the chat with Kim Jonquile George and all the questions from the audience. Thank you, Kim

Caribbean Month ...

FROM PAGE XII

and you look amazing in your Sonia Noel Design including jewellery.

We had a great audience, and some of the people I was meeting for the first time but did not feel that way.

I often mention how blessed I feel and that evening was a big blessing. I must thank Sharon Barnwell for sponsoring and putting together a team to organise. Thank you to the Guyana Association of Georgia, especially Merlyn Osborne (President of the Association), Marilyn Brown, Neville and Marrie George and everyone who supported it by purchasing outfits, books or jewellery.

Thank you to Hadiya George for capturing these precious moments.

I had the opportunity to share my new collection, my books and my story with the most amazing people, and the tour still has a few stops. To God be the GLORY. I express my gratitude to everyone who made this trip possible and continues to support my journey as we continue this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

Life starts at 75 for...

FROM

PAGE X

Seenarine reported that he came from a family of 11 siblings, of which only seven are alive. His father passed away a long time ago when he was still young.

The resident of Shantytown, Leonora told the Pepperpot Magazine that he got married in 1975 and wanted to have his own house/land and occupied a plot of land when people started to squat in the village.

Seenarine stated that in 1978 when the village was regularised, they moved away from illegal squatting, and he acquired a plot of land and constructed a house which he is occupying.

The father of two added that it has been 45 years since he came to settle in the village and it has been good so far.

He noted that his wife passed away in November 2020 and he is still adjusting to being alone but prefers to stay positive since he has things to do to pass the time and finds joy with his flowers and plants.

“It is peaceful here, the neighbours are good people and we do not quarrel at all since they are respectful in and out of the village,” he said.

Seenarine doing what he loves, pruning his plants

THE PRICE OF LOVE III

THAT hold up was so unexpected that everyone stood there stunned as they were robbed of their phones, cash and jewellery at gunpoint. It took just a few moments and as the robbers sped away, Sachin pulled Ahana to her feet and she ran to her friends who were reeling in shock.

Chris, for all his big talks on how bold he was, froze as they took his watch and phone. He turned to look at Sachin and asked, an incensed look on his face.

“How did that happen? Who are they? Friends of yours?”

Sachin looked at him in disbelief but before he could answer, Ahana came to his defence, infuriated with Chris, “How can you say that? He was warning me about the suspicious men so we could all leave but if you weren’t interested in harassing him, this could have been averted.”

“So what now that makes him a hero? Your hero?”

In a swift movement, he sucker-punched Sachin, who fell back against the car.

“That’s for pulling my girlfriend’s hand away from mine, you clown.”

Ahana choked back a scream and looked at Chris exasperated, “What is wrong with you?!”

He pulled her a little roughly to him and said in a low, furious voice, “I don’t like him being your driver and I don’t like you being nice to him.”

He walked away and Ahana shook her head, fuming a little and said to Sachin, “Let’s go.”

On the way she said, “I’m sorry about that. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

She sighed with controlled frustration and though he was the one feeling the pain from the blow, he somehow felt sorry for her having to deal with someone like Chris.

Sachin reported to Mr. Singh and gave him the licence plate number of the robbers’ vehicle that he had noted down.

“You did a brave thing, once again, in protecting my daughter,” he said, “In showing my gratitude, I will be increasing your salary.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

“That’s good,” Sachin said with a wry smile after leaving the office, “For I’m getting punched by her crazy boyfriend.”

He didn’t see Ahana for two days since the incident at the creek and thought she was still dealing with the trauma of it all, but it was more than that. According to Paul, who always had an update on the latest news, she had broken up with Chris.

“Good for her,” Sachin said with relief, touching his jaw, “That guy packs a wicked punch.”

As he polished the Lexus, Paul said to him, “You have done better and lasted longer than the previous drivers she had.”

“That’s good to know.”

“And…” Paul paused, so his words could have an impact, “I think she likes you.”

His words did have an impact, for Sachin did not respond for a long moment, not wanting to think of any new feeling within him and he said offhandedly, “I guess she’s pleased with the fact I’m doing a good job.”

The next morning she came out dressed in simple casuals, a cap pulled low over her head and said to him, “I need to go for a drive somewhere quiet.”

He drove to a nice spot on the East Coast seawall in a backdrop of palm trees and she sat there for a good while in her private thoughts, relaxed with the cool wind blowing in from the Atlantic. He waited by the car, not far away, until she was ready to leave. He drove her around town because, it seemed, she wanted to be out and about, not in her rich lifestyle but in a normal way.

“I don’t know what this is about,” Sachin said to himself doubtfully, “But she’s the boss.”

She walked down Main St as he stayed a few steps behind, stopped to check out an artist’s work then bought a few pieces of local jewellery from the craft booths. She handed him something, saying, “It’s a little gift for you.”

It was a keychain with a picture of Kaieteur Falls.

“Nice,” he said, “thanks.”

She wanted next to go to Bourda Market to drink fresh coconut water, but Sachin cautiously objected this time.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea, Miss.”

“Why is it not?”

“Well, it’s a very busy place and your father—”

“My father,” she interrupted him, “employed you to protect me, isn’t that so?”

“Yes,”

“Good,” she said with a little smile, “do your job.”

Sachin realised she was walking on a different side of life to unburden something from her mind and he thought, “Might as well help her along the way.”

Exploitative bank charges, diabetic bread, scam warranties, toxic food and drugs

IN any one week, consumer advocates have to respond to a kaleidoscope of consumer problems, many very different from each other. In this offering, we shall take a look at four random such issues.

In the first, we will review charges made by commercial banks. For the services they provide, commercial banks make a charge, and such charges, combined with the interest they earn by lending depositors’ funds, make up the bulk of their income. Very often, the charges they make vary from bank to bank, and, in some cases, they turn out to be exploitative. The following example occurred very recently:

The holder of a Republic Bank chequing account at a local bank issued a cheque payment of (say) $10,000 to a recipient who went in person the next day to encash the cheque. The teller informed the recipient that he would have to pay a charge of $1,500 before she could pay him. He duly paid the $1,500, but was given no receipt. The recipient returned to the payer and informed him that he did not, in effect, receive the $10,000 due to him, but only $8,500. The payer reimbursed the recipient.

The payer (Account Holder) felt that there was some mistake or misunderstanding since, within his experience in banking, he had never experienced such a surrealist happening, and so he took the matter to the senior-most levels of the bank, who affirmed that the teller was correct, and that the bank had “reviewed the cost and risk or providing such a service” before imposing the charge.

The payer analysed the claim that the bank had incurred special costs and risk in honouring their own customer’s valid cheque, but could find no special costs or risk. On the contrary, the payer (Account Holder) holds a chequing account on which the bank pays no interest, as it would do for Savings Accounts, and he would have bought the cheque from the bank. The bank would, therefore, have received an upfront payment for the service from the payer, by the bank receiving the interest on the Chequing Account, and the payment for the bank cheque. Furthermore, the payer was embarrassed by the bank’s failure to pay the face value of his cheque.

The position of the bank in making this particular charge is exploitative, and this can be seen when compared with other banks, which make no such charge, and do not consider honouring their Account Holder’s cheque a cost or a risk.

Several consumers have asked us to publish the comparative charges imposed by the local banks for services, and we hope to do this in due course. In the meantime, the other banks offer a better buy, in the case mentioned above.

BREADS: Wheaten bread is a staple food in Guyana, and the population eats it every day. The bakeries offer whole wheat and white flour bread. Whole wheat is now regarded as healthier and more nutritious than white flour. Similarly, whole wheat rotis are preferable to white flour ones.

In making bread, all local bakeries mix sugar in the dough, and the more discriminating consumers prefer their breads to have less sugar. The bigger bakeries, such as Bakewell and BanksDIH, use moderate sugar, though many consumers feel they could use even less. Working-class and country folk tend to buy their bread from the smaller bakeries, which tend to use far more sugar in their dough, because their customers like the sweet taste, being oblivious that they are intaking sugar. These sugary breads are a danger to diabetics, especially as they do not realise where they are getting their sugar from. Consumers are enjoined to avoid breads that are sweet, and sugary pastries.

CONSUMER DURABLES: In addition to the recognised stores, there are a plethora of smaller shops, many of them owned by East Asians selling such things as washing machines, cookers, clothes irons, toasters, fans, refrigerators, fans, blenders and so on. The prices at these shops are cheaper than the established stores, but the usual consumer is unaware of two pitfalls. The first is that such equipment may be reconditioned or second hand, and the second is that the smaller shops give warranties from one month to three months. And if the equip-

ment becomes dysfunctional, they do not have any technicians or spare parts. Many such purchases turn out to be useless in a short time, causing loss to purchasers. We think it is safer and, in the long-run, more economical to purchase consumer durables from the recognised stores, since they give warranties for a year and over, have technicians and spare parts, and sell only new goods.

EXPIRY DATES: All drugs and foodstuffs in the shops must carry an expiry date after which it is unsafe to pur-

chase the item. If the item does not carry an expiry date, do not purchase it. Also, do not purchase an item with a near-expiry date, since if the purchaser delays using it, it will expire on his hands. Expired drugs could be ineffective after the expiry date, or could become poisonous or toxic. Similarly, foodstuffs, especially canned foods, become toxic after the expiry date. When buying foodstuffs and drugs, always ascertain the expiry dates.

Two villages, two interesting ...

and he wanted his own house following marriage and moved away from his parents’ place.

He was among the first settlers. He recalled the first person to occupy a plot in Wine Bush was Harry Bans, he was squatting on Guysuco’s land and when he was ordered to move. Persaud said he pleaded with the then-President, Janet Jagan, for mercy since he had nowhere to go.

Persaud related that the man had threatened to end his life and those of his children and after some time he was allocated a plot and he constructed a small house.

He has since passed away but his son resides in the house which was renovated with his family but that day when the team visited, they were not at home.

Persaud told the Pepperpot Magazine that Harry Bans died before the village was regularised as more people began occupying the land in Wine Bush.

Wine Bush, Leonora, West Coast Demerara is between Edinburg and Stewartville villages and Sea Spray, Leonora is home of President Dr. Irfaan Ali.

Persaud disclosed that the people of Wine Bush Village are mannerly and peaceful, and go about their daily activities as usual.

He added that it is home to fishermen, skilled workers, teachers, sugar workers and others who venture out of the community for work.

Persaud related that the correct name of the village is Groenveldt, Leonora, but it is referred to as Wine Bush Village.

He reported that Wine Bush has small streets with one main access road.

The neighbouring village, also a small community, is Shantytown, which was so named because of the makeshift zinc houses that resembled a shantytown.

Wine Bush and Shantytown are part of Leonora, a large community divided into sections, including Sideline Dam, Pasture, Groenveldt, Sparrow Field, Sea Spray, ‘C’ Field, Wine Bush and Shantytown.

These two villages are small, with just a few cross streets and the populations are less than 500 people of mostly Indo, Afro, Spanish and Amerindians.

Persaud disclosed that the first man to live in Shantytown was named ‘Stanley’, who has since died, but his descendants are around.

Wine Bush and Shantytown are both relatively clean and well-kept villages. The locals have certainly done their part to beautify the place with potted plants, flowers and trees, and seating accommodation under huge trees by the roadside.

The overgrown community centre

The main access bridge leading to both Wine Bush and Shantytown villages

One of the ‘chill spots’ within the community

More schools, teachers and data

OVER the past few weeks, and especially over the past few days, there have been announcements of schools across the country being constructed, reconstructed, or commissioned.

The opening of these schools, in part, is meant to end overcrowding woes and respond to the growing population’s needs. Additionally, constructing more secondary schools is part of a plan to inch Guyana closer to universal secondary education by guaranteeing that each student can access a secondary school and attend classes and get a sound secondary education. And, of course, building some of the schools comes out of a need to reconstruct facilities that have, unfortunately, been destroyed by fire over the past few years.

Building more schools is not an all-encompassing solution, though. And I don’t believe anybody thinks it is, but it’s worth stating for the record’s sake.

Recently, I travelled to Karisparu, a Region Eight community deep in the Parakaraimas. It is a small community with no cellular or internet connectivity. It does not have a secondary school, and several villagers complained about not having enough trained teachers. So what happens in Karisparu, like other far-flung, sparsely-populated communities in Region Eight, is that the children go off to Mahdia (Region Eight’s capital town) for their secondary education.

Let’s say a secondary school was constructed in Karisparu. I think it is obvious that this school alone wouldn’t solve the challenges that exist there. There is still a need for more resources, be it internet connectivity or trained teachers. Training teachers, in particular, is an integral part of improving access to education and the quality of education received. For years, there have been complaints of far-flung communities like Karisparu being without adequately trained teachers. This isn’t to discredit the contributions of teachers who aren’t adequately trained, but it is reasonable to accept that children will benefit more if their teachers are trained.

Based on reports, efforts are underway to train more teachers locally. Age-old systems have been changed- benefitting from an infusion of technology- to allow more teachers (and potential teachers) to get training. It has been highlighted that the goal is to get all teachers trained by 2025. And I believe with the right incentives, these adequately trained teachers will return to those same underserved communities and provide the services so badly needed. This isn’t meant to give a gold star to the Ministry of Education, but I do believe that several positive things are happening. And that’s great for us all.

Still, the data nerd in me yearns for better analyses (and, in some cases, any analysis at all) on the effectiveness of the solutions being implemented.

In the first instance, it allows us to understand the gravity of the situation we are confronted by in real figures. For example, how many learners have been affected by overcrowded schools? How many of them saw declines in their academic performance and/or participation in extracurricular activities? What is the correlation between overcrowding and learners’ engagement in the classroom?

Then, such analyses could inform how we implement solutions going forward. I am curious about the impact on a child’s socialisation when moving from an overcrowded but familiar school to a less crowded but newer facility; what additional support should be provided to aid the transition? Also, to what extent does a child’s learning experience improve when engaged in a less-populated classroom? How are teachers’ engagements with their children improved when they teach in these smaller (for clarity: less populated) settings?

I know we can assume the answers to many of these questions, but I don’t think we can go wrong (or at least we may be less likely to go wrong) with an evidence-based approach. So I’d love to see more of these assessments and analyses too. And if they are already being done, I think publicising those findings could help generate buy-in from the public; at least

I know I would be more interested if I could see those findings.

Before I end this column, I think it is important to reflect on the absolute tragedy recently at the female dormitory of the Mahdia Secondary School. That tragedy should offer us all lessons on the importance of safety and accountability. No matter how well-meaning, new ventures should be scrutinised to guarantee that they function as they should.

If you would like to connect with me to discuss the column or any of my previous work, please feel free to email me at: vish14ragobeer@ gmail.com

What is ‘influencer fraud’ and how to avoid it with social media marketing

LATELY, you may have noticed that Youth Perspectives had mentioned some new and peculiar concepts. It’s mainly because this writer has been thoroughly reading and trying her utmost best to keep up with the times, even though it can be challenging. I’ve heard of voter’s fraud, mailing fraud, insurance fraud, tax fraud but I’ve only recently come across the concept of “influencer fraud”. No, I did not come up with the term by myself and yes, I was just as surprised as you are to learn that it’s a term already being used in popular blogs and articles. Before discussing this topic, who exactly is an influencer and why is half of my newsfeed labelling themselves as one?

Sprout Social described an influencer as being “someone in a niche or industry with sway over a specific target audience. Influencers have specialised knowledge, authority or insight into a specific subject. Their pre-existing presence in a niche makes them a useful launching pad for brands in search of credibility.” With that said, I’m not sure everyone I come across with the label fits it from my social media feed, but that’s a story we’ll discuss in another column piece.

The era of social media “influencers “ is not over and I’m not sure if it will be anytime soon. Some people have been organically and strategically working towards their reach while trying to improve their content creation. With that in mind, there have been people who aren’t probably as patient, so they want to find easier means and ways of getting ahead. Certain brands and businesses are specific with what they expect and look for in an influencer. With so many people now turning their personal pages into a creator or business page, the market for influencers isn’t only limited to the

2016 bunch of makeup artists like Jeffree Star or NikkieTutorials. It has extended beyond the beauty community to almost every field you can think of. No wonder people are “defrauding” the said system, especially if there’s money to make out of it.

“Influencer fraud” can occur when an “influencer” purchases fake followers while claiming their followers are all real people. Influencer fraud can be easily spotted sometimes if the person has a huge amount of followers but very low engagement on their posts. Or, if they have lots of likes but only a few comments and who are those said comments by? Recently created accounts with no profile picture? If an influencer’s following grows at an incredibly fast rate then there’s a chance that they might be “buying” their followers as well. These said “bought followers” or likes aren’t actual people but instead robots/bots activated accounts which goes against most social media policies. Companies and brands often pay “influencers” to promote their goods and services with the understanding that said influencers’ followers would see their product and either purchase it or recognise it. How can companies pay you to promote their products if 80 per cent of your followers aren’t even real human beings?

Up to 20 per cent of mid-level influencers are likely fraudulent, with about 50,000 to 100,000 followers, up to 50 per cent of engagement levels on sponsored content is fake, 50 per cent of marketers stated that spotting fake

The question of Guyana’s national...

FROM PAGE XI

jolein Kars, on the 1763 revolutionary uprising, the author referred to “the tall Silk Cotton trees under which the Dutch allegedly buried their Silver at the start of the revolt. The height of the trees made it impossible to forget where the valuables had been hidden. The Dutch bewitched the trees to keep the coins safe from their slaves. Wherever you see such a tree rising above the bush, people say, there would have been a Dutch Plantation.”

The modern incident at Perseverance Village in the Mahaicony district, where a Silk Cotton tree located in the middle of a scheduled roadway, which defied removal, to the serious or fatal injury of an employee, is modern folklore. The authorities decided to build the road pleasingly, enveloping the Silk Cotton Tree. There’s no other tree that captures the both tangible and intangible heritage. I have explored several sources for a report document of the Perseverance incident, to no avail. However, I have not surrendered. In most families, including mine, there are whispers of strange known encounters handed down that includes the Silk cotton tree lore or otherwise. But records would imply that it’s not the coastal Silk Cotton Trees that are referred to as the Giants, but those in the interior. I pray that we have the enlightened vision to preserve such a gift that nature has blessed us with. The Silk Cotton tree is truly the national tree of Guyana.

What is ‘influencer fraud’ ...

FROM PAGE XXII

followers is a main problem in influencer marketing and fake influencer follower fraud cost companies 1.3 billion dollars in 2019–all according to Invespcro. I encourage small businesses especially to be more cautious about who you ask to advertise or promote your products. Ask yourself if the influencer is an honest or trustworthy person. Find out more about them and what makes them influential in said field or industry.

It’s often advisable to seek someone with a high level of expertise or even a professional or experienced individual. Second, understand how valuable and or authentic their engagement is. They can have 1,000 likes, but will these people (or bots) be interacting with your specific product? Last, all established influencers must have a portfolio with the brands and companies they’ve worked with. Look at what content they’ve created for other businesses and how they’ve handled previous business relations. Apart from having “fake influencers”, you may also find unprofessional ones. Find out how they’ve handled previous partnerships, especially ones that were not in their favour. I’ve written this article to allow small business owners and even large corporations alike to be mindful of who they choose to represent their brand. As the community of influencers continues to grow in Guyana, I hope we steer clear of the fraudulent ones that might arise.

THE PRICE OF ...

FROM PAGE XVI

It was busy, as usual, near the coconut vendors, but he found her a nice little spot away from the jostling passersby so she could enjoy the delicious coconut water.

“Aah,” she expressed satisfied, “that was good.”

They had to walk back a little way to where the car was parked and suddenly he took hold of her hand. She looked at him surprised and he said, “Just keep walking calmly in front of me, there are two young guys behind us.”

They reached the car without incident and the two boys walked past giving Sachin a hard stare.

“Gosh,” Ahana breathed with relief.

“Sorry about holding your hand.”

Ahana shook her head and smiled at his discomfort.

“It’s okay, you were doing your job. Come on, it’s time for lunch.”

It was at a Brazilian restaurant and she said to him, “You’re coming in too to have lunch.”

“No, that wouldn’t be right.”

“You don’t have to sit with me,” she assured him, “You can sit at another table nearby. I’m treating you to lunch, okay?”

He sighed and said, “Okay.”

At the end of quite a leisure lunch when he took her home, she said, “Thank you for today.”

He nodded with a hint of a smile.

Whatever renewed spirit she went out to find today, she found it because there was a satisfied glow on her face and light in her eyes.

She looked at him for a short moment, as though wanting to say something but turned and walked to the house.

He took a deep breath as he watched her go and as he parked the car, he said, “It was indeed a good day.”

A few days later she went away on a two-week vacation in Europe and Sachin felt he could also take a short break until she returned. But the family had visitors who came in from the US to vacation in Guyana so he had to continue working. It was constant driving every day with trips to resorts, Berbice and Essequibo, and if being tired and overworked weren’t enough, he encountered Chris with a few of his friends at a resort in Essequibo.

“Well, well, look who’s here,” he mocked, “the driver-bodyguard.”

It was early and Sachin had been sitting alone under one of the benabs whilst the visitors went out for a boat ride.

“Hey man, I don’t have a problem with you.”

“Oh yeah?” Chris sneered, “But I do.”

And he punched Sachin in the stomach.

“I never liked you, loser,” he said with disdain and hit Sachin with some quick blows to the body.

Sachin stumbled backwards but did not fall, the breath knocked out of him but the last thundering fist to the jaw knocked him down.

“And that one is for Ahana breaking up with me,” he said with a cruel grin on his face. Sachin took some time to get himself back up, the heavy blows having hurt him. He groaned quietly in pain, “Why do I have to pay the price for that break-up?”

To be continued…

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

STUDY SUCCESS

Dear Student, Welcome dear friend. Self-testing is basic to earning top grades at examinations.Test yourself for various purposes. Trycreating those brilliant and

June 25, 2023

important packs of keyword revision cards for lesson-revision or independent homework tasks. Try also the pocket-sized revision cards to jog memory. Tailor them to suit your study-style. Wherever possible, learn about topics in logical whole units, with natural beaks in between, or break units down into logical sub-topics. Do avoid stress and anxiety. Be wise.

Love you.

IMPROVING YOUR READING

A word about developing your reading skills.

Reading is an art form. The text comes alive in the way you handle it with your eyes and ears, students; the way you work along with the author. We now urge you again to try mastering the many reading skills so very important in your English Language examinations.

Do try to improve your rapid reading and comprehension skills. It is necessary that you want to read extensively. It is necessary also that you learn to adjust totechniques for comprehending whatever is being read. Every reading event has a purpose which dictates the kind of reading that is done. Practice is essential if your reading speed and comprehension of texts are to be improved.

There is also proofreading. A special kind of reading is involved here. In it, you need to be able to transfer your reading skills to proofreading. Proofread everything you write; it involves looking for certain types of errors. A great deal of practice and continuity is necessary to master your proofreading skill, students. Be determined.

THE PASSAGE

Comprehending a passage

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

In the living room were remnants of old, rotting furniture, and faded pictures. Everything smelt damp and mouldy. There were three or four stained heavy armchairs, a huge old desk covered with books and papers. A bookcase stood against one wall, half-empty and very dusty. Jimmy found a bird’s nest on one shelf. The floor was littered with dead leaves, papers, and bird droppings.

The next room was not much better. It was a dining room, and contained a tall, carved cupboard with blue and white china on open shelves. In the drawers of the

sideboard, we found tarnished knives and forks in boxes, old-fashioned carving knives, spoons of all sizes, and some mildewed table napkins rolled and stuck into silver rings. Jimmy drew a grinning face in the middle of the dining table and wrote “J.S.W.” under it.

Across the little passage with more shelves was the kitchen, and on the other side of the passage a staircase led up to the rooms above. A single glance was enough to show us that no food of any kind remained in that kitchen. There were some dishes in the sink, piled untidily as though left in a hurry.

(From Jean D’Costa’s “Escape to Last Man Peak”)

1. Children entered the deserted house. How does the writer make you feel you are in the house with the children? What sort of details does she give?

2. List some salient words and phrases that tell you that the house was empty for a long time.

3. How do you feel about the house? Is it a bit scary, friendly? What made you come to that conclusion?

4. What evidence makes you think that other persons were there before the children came?

5. What age children was the novel written for from which this passage came? How can you know it from the author’s written expression? Describe her expression.

THE POEM

Analysing and interpreting the poem Read the following poem carefully and then answer all the questions that follow. Without Title

1. It’s hard you know without the buffalo, the shaman, the arrow, but my father went out each day to hunt as though he had them.

5. He worked in the stockyards. All his life he brought us meat. No one marked his first kill, no one sang his buffalo song. Without a vision he had migrated to the city 10. and went to work in the packing house. When he brought home his horns and hides my mother said get rid of them.

I remember the animal tracks of his car 15. out the drive in snow and mud, the aerial on his old car waving like a bow string.

I remember the silence of his lost power, the red buffalo painted on his chest. 20. Oh, I couldn’t see it but it was there, and in the night I heard his buffalo grunts like a snore.

1. Why do you think the speaker’s father “migrated to the city” (line 9)?

2. What does the phrase “Without a vision” suggest?

3. Through whose eyes are you seeing the poem? How are you sure?

4. What do you think is meant in line 18 by the “lost power”? Whose power was lost and through whose eyes?

5. Is this merely an untitled poem or is the poem suggesting some other meaning?

6. Give the meaning of each word and phrase listed here: shaman, stockyards, first kill, packing house

7. Explain lines 20-22 in the poem.

A lifetime of happiness! No man alive could bear it: it would be hell on earth.

GEORGE BERNARD SHAW (1856-1950) Man and Superman (1903), Act 1

Oral Thrush

WHEN clinical Candidiasis (also known as thrush) emerges, it can result from a variety of predisposing or associated factors. These factors include but are not limited to age extremes, malnourishment, metabolic disease (eg. diabetes), concurrent infection with other harmful germs, antibiotic treatment, HIV infection and radiotherapy. Candida can be found in newborns’ mouth and anal region at a rate of approximately 40 %, which correlates well with the vaginal carriage of the mother at the time of birth. However, the disease affects 4 to 10%. These infections appear as milky white curd-like plaques which are easily removed by digital rubbing and are generally evident three to seven days after birth.

Infections caused by Candida species of fungus comprise one of the most common oral disease conditions encountered in dentistry. In the majority of cases the disease may clinically present itself in several different forms. It is mainly observed as white, soft plaques overlying areas of redness on the mucosa (lining), which are removed easily, possibly showing pinpoint areas of ulceration sores. In infants, it is commonly referred to as thrush.

With the increasing age and a corresponding increase in the diversity of the germs that naturally inhabit the mouth, there appears a corresponding reduction in the incidence of the signs and symptoms of Candidosis. This may result from increasing environmental competition in the oral cavity and the child’s developing competence to fight off infections. Women suffer from Candida infections four times as much as men because of hormonal factors, and are a greater incidence of iron deficiency in women. Notwithstanding, this disease is also a common sign of uncontrolled diabetes.

In the elderly, a major predisposing factor is the wearing of dentures. Chronic atrophic Candidosis (generally known as denture sore mouth) may result from poor denture hygiene and when the denture is worn on a 24hour basis. The infection appears as redness with swelling of the gums, which is generally confined to the outline of the denture. The situation may be quite serious when the white patches of the Candidosis are presented in adults and cannot be scraped off easily. The condition can be a Candidal Leuplakia which is accepted as pre-cancerous. Frequently, dentists detect such a scenario to inveterate smokers of tobacco.

Several easily recognised clinical entities have been identified in which Candida is at least circumstantially involved. One of them is angular cheilitis that we Guyanese call “white corner”. The victim usually complains of dryness and a burning sensation at the corners of the mouth. Vitamin B deficiency often may play a role in initiating such lesions. Another case is median rhomboid glossitis. These big words simply describe the painless, smooth areas we sometimes accidentally discover on our tongue. The palate opposite the lesion may also be affected.

Treatment for Candidiasis must be done by one who can assimilate the significance of the prevailing condition as it relates to the patient as a whole. A competent professional must do diagnosis and treatment. Drugs available for therapy include fluconazole, clotrimazole and nystatin.