Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot E-Paper 26-02-2023

‘Mixing and Mashing as One Guyana’

Mashramani 2023

After curtailed celebrations for more than two years due to COVID-19 restrictions, Guyanese were excited to be back on the streets- rain or shine- for Mashramani 2023 (Adrian Narine photo)

From a gas station attendant to Deputy Chief of Police

Guyana-born law enforcement worker retires with satisfaction

IN 1981, Guyana-born Ingrid Pellew-Berkeley was disqualified from joining the then Metropolitan Toronto Police Force (MTPF) after failing to meet the mandated height-to-weight ratio for prospective applicants.

“Setback but undeterred, I got married, started a family, joined a gym, continued my studies and advanced to a management position in a service station.”

Ingrid resumed the application process five years later, not limiting her prospects to one police force. “I applied to several police forces, including the MTPF, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Peel Regional Police (PRP).

“After successfully com-

visory and senior positions has increased significantly in recent years, female officers of colour continue to lag behind. Policing continues to be a male-dominated profession. With the exception of my promotions to Superintendent (2016) and Deputy Chief (2018), I had to apply for every other promotion two or three times,” she explained. “In my rank of Superintendent and Deputy Chief, I had the honour of being the highest ranking Black female police officer in Canada. Accordingly, my promotions to the ranks of Superintendent and Deputy Chief gave me the honour of being the highest-ranking Black female police officer in Canada. These experiences stressed the importance of a mentor, someone for

so many ways.

“I went from being surrounded by family and friends who were Blacks of Caribbean, Canadian or African descent to being immersed in a predominantly Caucasian environment. Stepping out of my comfort zone was difficult but I used the opportunity to teach others about my culture and I took the time to learn about theirs. Some of my instructors were not always pleasant; I felt that I was subjected to bias appraisals coupled with a lack of empathy from a predominantly male Caucasian teaching and administrative staff. On the contrary, the camaraderie and support of my classmates were always enjoyable and contributed to my success at OPC.”

in Platoon activities.”

Influenced through experiences, Ingrid disclosed that she was working the night shift (spot checks known today as Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere “RIDE”) in December 1988 and was assigned to traffic control at the scene of the fatal shooting of Michael Wade Lawson, a 17-year-old

old Black youth who was shot and killed by two Caucasian Peel Regional Police Officers.

“The resulting anger and mistrust towards the police by some in the Black community determined my path in my policing career. Working to effect change and strengthen community police relationships at the

rank of First Class Constable, I made conscious decisions to apply to the (then) Community Services Bureau in 1990 and to the (then) Race & Ethnic Relations Bureau in 1992.

“These were not highly sought-after positions and were viewed as ‘soft social worker type positions.’ Ironically, these two positions were the most influential to me in my role as a police officer. They provided me with greater insight, empathy, deep introspection and the mechanisms necessary to be an effective police officer and leader. These positions were critical to engaging and building trust with the emerging diverse communities,” she said.

Moving up the ranks

“My progression through the ranks proved to be challenging. Whether it was not being selected for transfers to sought after positions or for promotion; being one of a handful of females Officers in corporate settings or simply feeling outside of my comfort zone as the sole Black female Officer in many environments, it was through persistence and determination learned from childhood that I was able to

pleting the written and physical testing with all four forces, I was invited to interview with the OPP, MTPF and the PRP. Peel Regional Police was the first agency to call and offer me a position, and so began my journey in policing, Ingrid told the Sunday Pepperpot in a recent interview.

In 2020, following a distinguished and illustrious 33-year career with Peel Regional Police, Ingrid retired as Deputy Chief of Police.

“Although the number of female officers in super-

guidance whether personal, career-centred, or a melding of the two.”

Recalling her journey in PRP, Ingrid disclosed that she was the only Black female recruit in her class of 32, the only female with a child (a three-year-old son) and one of the older recruits.

“At the Ontario Police College (OPC), I was one of only two Black females in an intake of 300 recruits. Success at OPC meant developing friendships and building trust with individuals who were so different from me in

According to Ingrid, “my journey with Peel Regional Police stretched beyond the realm of just being a job; it was life-altering. I was the first and only Black female Police Constable on the job for approximately one year and though it was not always easy, quitting was not an option. As a Recruit Constable, my experiences with my Field Training Officers and Platoon mates were very positive. As one of two to three females on the Platoon and one of two Black Officers, I always felt included

Ingrid’s mom and dad on their wedding day

Ingrid Pellew-Berkeley decked out in her Deputy Chief of Police uniform

Ingrid Pellew-Berkeley with former Consul General to Toronto, Anyin Choo, at a ceremony marking Guyana’s 50th Republic anniversary.

‘Mash’ in Leguan like never before!

–Residents turn out in their numbers to celebrate

FOR the folk on Leguan Island, experiencing a ‘Mash’ celebration this past week -- the magnitude of which has never been enjoyed before -- was quite thrilling. The celebrations were also in keeping with the efforts by residents to promote a spirit of unity

and camaraderie.

The event was planned by the Leguan Mash Committee, set up by the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and comprised representatives of various institutions.

In the past, there would

the primary and secondary schools on the island. This time around, there were five school floats and four adult floats by the Leguan Cottage Hospital, Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO), Leguan United Group, and Ministry of Public Works.

only be a few floats from

Maryville Primary

School came off as the winner in the Children’s category of the float parade, with Eastern Leguan Primary coming in second. The WPO won the Adult category, with the Leguan United Group bringing second.

The WPO was adjudged Best Costume and Best Float, while the Ministry of

Public Works was adjudged first for Impact Performance. Overall, the WPO got first place, theLeguan United Group second and the Leguan Cottage Hospital third.

While all of the schools on the island participated, Richmond Hill Primary was adjudged the Best Float, while Maryville Primary

got Best Costume and Impact Performance. Overall, Maryville Primary was judged first, Eastern Leguan Primary second and Richmond Hill Primary third.

The judges - Dave Lalltoo, Mary Peters and Jon -

SEE PAGE XI

The WPO team

Eastern Leguan Primary School came in second

Two Leguan youths enjoying a moment during the parade

There were five school floats and four adult floats in the parade

A New Perspective on Calypso

JUST fresh off his win in the National Calypso Competition and placing third in the Chutney Competition, Bill Rogers, also known as “Young Bill Rogers“ is committed to ensuring that Calypso music continues all year round and not only at Mashramani Time.

The Pepperpot Magazine sat down with the now reigning Calypso champion to get his perspective on the future of Calypso music in Guyana.

“The Calypso art form will extend and live on forever. It expresses the kind of feelings that speak to the people politically and socially, and that is what the Calypso art form is all about and that is how I get into Calypso,” he explained, adding his belief that, over time, public interest in the genre decreased with the advent of other genres of music.

“The Calypso music in Guyana has been a little stagnated, simply because of the lack of proper marketing and also because most calypsonians focus on political issues. In earlier years, Calypso was the main attraction, particularly around Mashramani, but since the advent of other genres of music such as Soca, Chutney and other kinds of music that has killed the calypso art form,“ the Calypsonian told the Pepperpot Magazine.

According to Rogers, the perception is that Calypso is for the elderly and it has little to no traction for young people.

“I would not say calypso is dead, but it is on the low down

and you know, as I said, we had calypsonians the caliber of the Mighty Sparrow, who started in Guyana in 1956, who recorded Jean and Dinah, which was recorded in Guyana at Gems

studio in Robb street,” Rogers recalled.

Rogers is confident that Calypso has a future, but under the condition that efforts are put in place to revive the art form. He mentioned that he was currently working with two Guyanese in the diaspora to have calypsonians who do not have a platform to showcase their talent to do so.

He stated that there is need to get youths more involved in the genre and allow them to express themselves in Calypso by hosting workshops and shows for Calypsonians in schools. That is the only way he believes the art form can create momentum.

Rogers believes that Calypso should be further integrated into schools, homes and especially in minibuses, which he noted mostly promote music that contains excessive vulgarity.

“If we get support from the private sector and government, then calypso music is on its way to being revived,” Rogers told Pepperpot Magazine.

Preservation of the Calypso Art Form

“The support base for younger calypsonians is big; young people like to support their own young people and when you are supportive of your young people, you will support whatever they do,“ the reigning calypso monarch explained.

He calls on the Government of the day to implement and formulate plans for after Mashramani to promote the art.

“When you love something, you don’t give it up and the drive for me is to one day see the calypso art better and get that message over to people, especially the young people. I am looked at by my mom, children who want me to sing Calypso, as a result, they will be inspired to do better things in the long run and learn from me,“ Rogers noted in his interview .

Bill Rogers began singing Calypso from a tender age, participating in school competitions and learnt a lot from his father, the legendary Bill Rogers (Sr) who sang a number of hit tunes, including ‘A thousand bush’ and many more.

According to him, he is leaving a legacy for his daughter and son who have participated in school competitions and got places in the competition . He noted that he is training other young people as well.

Young Bill Rogers

Small rural living is simple and peaceful for local family

LAST week the Pepperpot Magazine visited the distant village of Welgelegen, East Bank Berbice and a few other small communities along that 30-mile stretch of Mara Road to highlight the way of life of the natives.

works at the Schepmoed Primary School as the caterer for the school’s breakfast programme.

riety of plants, trees and flowers.

and two are abandoned.

The first family member the team encountered was Rohini Perso, a heavily pregnant mother of three, who

It is a five-day per week job she is thankful for and she prepares different wholesome meals daily under strict hygienic conditions.

Perso keeps a very tidy home and surroundings, and her yard is filled with a va-

She has two school-aged children and a grown son, and her husband is a farmer who has his cultivation of citrus, fruits and cash crops in his large backyard and a

In the village, they only have two neighbours and are related; it is a lovely, peaceful place to live.

She stated that it is not a fast-paced village, but it is safe, and they have enough space to plant and eat what they grow without the intrusion of a lot of people.

Perso reported that she is from the city, her place of birth, but grew up in Welgelegen Village, East Bank Berbice, her father’s home village, and has grown accustomed to the quiet rural lifestyle.

The 36-year-old added that she has lived at the location for 26 years.

Perso’s father-in-law, who resides two houses away, gifted them that plot of land they are occupying, and they have utilised the land space to farm to earn since there isn’t much to do around there for work.

farm elsewhere.

Perso told the Pepperpot Magazine that there are only five houses in that village,

She pointed out that the produce from their farms is sold at New Amsterdam Market weekly, and often, they would have to put in long hours of hard work at their other farm at Trench Scheme via boat to yield a good harvest.

Welgelegen Village, East Bank Berbice, is located between Vigilante and Ma-Retraite villages. Perso disclosed that the village has no electricity, potable water supply, landline service and internet.

She is, however, thankful they have an upgraded road

A part of the farm at the home of Rohini Perso

Rohini Perso in her flower garden at her home (Delano Williams photos)

The pond for fish and source of water

‘Teaching is my life’

Passionate headteacher has been in the profession for the past 34 years

By Michel Outridge

DENISE Lindee is one of those persons you meet and feel as though you have known them all your life. Chatting with her is easy, because of her cultured disposition and open-door policy as the head teacher of Lighttown Primary/ Nursery School, East Bank Berbice.

Lindee has been at the helm of the school for the past 10 years and is fulfilling her purpose to serve the community by fostering good, healthy relations with parents, learners and the community.

She told the Pepperpot Magazine that she started teaching at Lighttown Primary/Nursery in 2013 and when she arrived, the building and compound were in a bad state.

It was then she realised there was a lot to be done and she partnered with the community to get the place to an acceptable standard

that was safe for all. Today, the school has a well-kept building and compound.

Lindee reported that she finds teaching very fulfilling because she loves working with children, and she knows her role.

She stated that it gives her real joy to play a part in the lives of children who are left in her care during school hours.

“It is moving learners from not knowing much to becoming productive people from the nursery level right up to primary, Grade Six. And they would return to you at some point in their adult life to thank you for playing a vital role in their academic achievement after they are employed and become somebody in society,” she said.

Lindee told the Pepperpot Magazine that moulding minds is very attractive to her. It is something she craves and her job isn’t a means to an end at all, because she sees it as a lifelong

job.

The educator pointed out that she really likes what she does for work. It has been 34 years since she started her career as a teacher and she is two years away from retirement.

“I wanted to become a nurse, but when I looked at certain things like the blood and the late shifts, that did not appeal to me, and I have a phobia with blood, so I had to rethink my options in career choice,” she said.

Lindee added that she had to switch careers and she patterned herself after her secondary school Biology teacher, whom she admired.

The head teacher reported that she spent five years learning from that Biology teacher and after completing high school in the city (Richard Ishmael Secondary), she knew what she had to do was become qualified as a teacher.

Her eyes were, however, set on high-school teaching, but she applied and was

accepted as a primary-level teacher and there was no turning back.

“The best part of teaching for me is interacting with the children daily and getting to know them on a one-onone basis. When I show up for school in the morning, no matter what kind of day I am having, when they greet me instantly, my mood is transformed and I can’t help but smile,” she said.

Lindee stated that it is the little things that matter most to her, and the children really make her day and she would apply techniques based on the needs of each child to ensure that they are in the know.

However, she is of the view that parents should also get to know their child or children because often they pattern themselves after their parents, and they are crying out silently for individual attention in the home.

Lindee advised that parents should spend time with their child or children and pay attention to what they say and the way they speak

to them and just observe them to see if they are imitating them.

The educator noted that when children misbehave, it is often a clash of personalities and in that part of the country, the people don’t have much going for them and the literacy level isn’t high, so all that needs to be considered.

Lindee believes that if she helps parents she is also helping the children in a holistic way and over the years she has developed a strong bond with both learners and parents.

She would host a parent/ teacher association seminar once a month to keep parents updated on all happenings at the school and they have an E-Government Wi-Fi system, but it goes off at 06:00hrs when the solar power is off.

At Lighttown Primary/ Nursery School, there are 28 pupils in the primary section and 11 children in the nursery level with a total of six teachers.

Lindee disclosed that she has applied for a 10foot extension of the school building on both storeys to accommodate an E-Library, a staff room, adequate space for the learners and a sick bay.

She reported that secondary school students would visit the school to use the internet since all secondary schools are outside the village and they are disadvantaged because there is no electricity.

Lindee is from Glasgow Village, also on the East Bank of Berbice, but likes Lighttown Village because of the amount of time she spent there.

For her, the quiet and peace of the community are calming and she would like a plot of land to erect a house there to cultivate crops and rear livestock.

Lindee is originally from Kimbia but was schooled in the city and relocated to Glasgow Village when she secured a job as a teacher at Lighttown Village.

Head Teacher of Lighttown Primary/Nursery School, Denise Lindee (Delano Williams photos)

The Lighttown Primary/Nursery School

A visit to Experiment and Juliansburg Villages in basic amenities

By Michel Outridge

Sylvan Rai is an overseas-based Guyanese who is often in Guyana, and when he is here, Experiment Village, East Bank Berbice is his favourite place to be.

He is originally from Lighttown Village, also on the East Bank Berbice and has some land in Experiment, where he has a house and is rearing some cows.

Rai told the Pepperpot Magazine that he was preparing the land to bring in some cows before he

left the country again.

He stated that he grew up in New York, United States of America but is from Guyana. He spent all of his adult life in the foreign country, but he would come back often.

“This place brings me peace and the quietness and when I sleep here, I am well-rested. When I wake

on some work around the yard.

His home is also a safe haven for dogs which are usually strayed by people, who would dump their unwanted dogs on that stretch of road.Somehow, he explained, the dogs would find their way to his place, where they would be fed and they would make it their home too.

There are no other houses in Experiment Village, East Bank Berbice and being the lone occupant of the small village, Rai doesn’t mind at all.

However, there are many farmlands in this village, mostly unutilised but privately owned.

up and this is what I like, no noise and not a lot of people,” he said.

Rai reported that they were cooking a pot of rice and some chicken curry for the day before they embarked

Juliansburg Village

A little further down from Experiment is Juliansburg Village, a small community with one large family of parents, their children and their families.

This village has five houses occupied by Nochan-

SEE PAGE XXXIV

Home of Sylvan Rai

Sylvan Rai (Delano Williams photos)

Nochan Ramdatt painting the mandir

The homes of Nochan Ramdatt and his family

The Mandir at Juliansburg Village

One of the strays at his home

Lighttown Cooperative Society Limited paving the way for entrepreneurship among locals

By Michel Outridge

CAROLINE Rahaman is a resident of Lighttown,

The 28-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that the co-op members rear cattle for breeding purposes and

and loans for small-business start-ups.

She explained that the profits made are split equally among members, and they do not sell their cattle, only chickens.

Since there isn’t much happening in that section of the country, the co-op encourages young people to become self-employed by becoming members so they can earn because, other than farming, employment is non-existent in the area.

Lighttown Village is a remote community located along the Mara Road, East Bank Berbice and it is one of the most populated villages in that section.

East Bank Berbice and she is Chairperson of the Lighttown Cooperative Society Limited. She is also a poultry farmer who rears meat birds as her source of income.

meat birds for profit-sharing and there are 13 members, all young people generating an income.

Rahaman reported that youths from the age of 16 can enrol for membership and the co-op is funded via grants

Rahaman disclosed that cattle rearing has become difficult due to limited space. There isn’t enough pasture for the cows because private landowners are utilising their lands for farming.

She stated that the cows are mostly housed in the backlands and they are running low on space, so something needs to be done for them to upkeep their liveli-

hoods.

Rahaman pointed out that they are trying to apply for lease lands for cattle farming but have encountered many difficulties.

She told the Pepperpot Magazine that on her poultry farm she would rear 1,600 to 3,000 meat birds per cycle, that is, every six weeks and when the chickens are sold, the profit is divided equally among members.

Rahaman added that the Lighttown Cooperative Society Limited was established in 2018 and was started through grants and loans from private agencies.

She stated that life isn’t

easy since they lack basic amenities such as a potable water supply, electricity, and internet and landline phone service.

The resident of Lighttown Village noted that they have a lot of children and getting their homework done is a challenge, because they have no internet access and poor

cellphone service.

Rahaman is originally from Wismar, Linden and relocated 16 years ago to Lighttown Village after marriage. She is a mother of two and is pregnant with her third child.

“At first, it was hard to

Caroline Rahaman’s poultry project.

Signage for the Lighttown Cooperative Society Limited

JagessarSeeram

Farming is in the bloodline of these Lighttown elders

By Michel Outridge

At 72 years old,Hestel David has a pain-free life and is very effervescent due to her bubbly personality and full-of-life attitude.

David is a resident of Lighttown Village, East Bank Berbice, and for her age,she is very active and would still go to her farm daily via a speed boat across the Berbice River to Plantation Fern, West Bank Berbice, accompanied by her sons and husband to do a full day’s work.

She is a very pleasant person who doesn’t allow anything to bother her, and once she gets to go to tend to her crops, especially her chi-chira, she is happily living a simple way of life farming in a small community where she is well-known.

David told the Pepperpot Magazine that life in the ‘black and white’ days to now has changed a lot. Back then, they didn’t have a lot but they were happy. These days, she says they have so much, yet food items are so expensive.

She is the mother of eight, grandmother of 20 and great-grandmother of 14.

The village elder added that her life revolved around hard labour -farming -their only source of income, and she is from a family of farmers just like her husband, who is a simple man.

David has been farming all her life, and it is a job she likes because sowing seeds that grow food is indeed a blessing and she takes pride in it.

They have crops of ground provisions, cash crops and permanent crops, fruits and vegetables, and three of her sons would assist on the farm along with her husband, Samuel David.

She stated that the village is usually quiet and the main economic activity of the locals is farming. They are a group of hardworking regular folk trying to make an honest living, doing what they love best.

David has six sons and one daughter and they were all brought up in the right way, disciplined and well-mannered. She explained that that is how young people should be: obedient and they should honour their parents and elders.

David explained that in the olden days, young people had respect and they were moulded to lead a good productive life by utilising their inbred skills to earn.

She stated that two of her daughters-in-law reside with them and they have a fairly good life and they would assist in selling the produce at the New Amsterdam Market, but she would still do her own chores and prepare

meals.

David reported that electricity is necessary in Lighttown Village, a thickly populated place with a lot of children and youths, for them to benefit from the technological era and to be able to access the internet like others.

In giving a bit of history of the village, David told the Pepperpot Magazine that there is no fancy living in Lighttown since they are all normal people trying to earn and the job that is at hand, farming.

From what she was told by elders long before her, Lighttown Village was bought by freed slaves and a village was established over time and the lands were handed down to generations by the first settlers, whose offspring still reside on the ancestral lands.

She explained that the then Governor was named Light, but she could not remember any more of his names, and thus the village name derived Lighttown.

David noted that many people left the village while the old people have long passed on and there are no strangers in Lighttown because almost everyone is related in some way.

Her home is a safe haven for many dogs and at one time, they had 15 dogs, but these days they have only six

with a few puppies and they are responsible for security.

“I look forward to going to the farm everyday and I would so do early in the mornings to catch the tide because you have to go by boat and I would get a lot done before the sun comes up. It is my form of exercise and it gives me something to do and I feel happy farming,” she said.

Samuel David told the Pepperpot Magazine that

at 75 years old, he is still a farmer. It is the only job he knows and he is from a long line of farmers.

He added that his great-grandfather was a man called Kwanza Johnson and he was a freed slave. He is a descendant of his fore parents who came from French Guiana to Guyana as indentured slaves to work on the sugar plantation.

SEE PAGE XXIX

Hestel David and two of her daughters-in-law, Cheryl Harry and Ulana Adams

Home of Hestel and Samuel David at Lighttown Village (Delano Williams photos)

‘Mash’ in Leguan like..

FROM PAGE III

athan Singh – found it quite a task to pick the winners owing to the creativity and uniqueness that each float brought with it. “Our three committed judges, who dedicated their time to doing this usually controversial but important task for us, we appreciate you greatly for this,” Organiser and Secretary of the PPP Leguan District Fajina Khan expressed.

“It was a lot of planning; it brought the island together. Coming on board, it showed the creativity of the island people and a positive competitiveness,” Khan continued. The celebrations, which took place last Wednesday, coincided with commissioning of the floodlights at Green’s Park Ground at the flag-raising ceremony.

“Thank you to the Government of Guyana and President Irfaan Ali for affording the island floodlights…it has contributed significantly to the success of the evening part of the programme,” Khan observed.

The Leguan Mash Committee especially appreciates Minister Deodat Indar’s presence at the flag-raising ceremony, along with Regional Chairman Inshan Ayube, Regional Executive Officer Jagnarine Somwar, and everyone else who shared in making the event a success.

“Thank you to the MC Viren Chintamani, to the cooks, the persons who assisted in the ground preparation and stage preparation. Thank you to those who contributed to the prizes: Treshan Ojha, Ojha’s Internet, Imran Badshaw, Sayed Khan…Guyana Breweries Inc.,” Khan pointed out.

One of the judges, Dave Lalltoo, told Pepperpot Magazine that the theme of Mash this year -- Mixing and Mashing as One Guyana – was very fitting for what he observed on the island this time around. The creativity, he noted, was commendable, and there was a lot of uniqueness which made the event very impressive overall.

Overall, Maryville Primary School was awarded first place

DDL creatively fuses company’s and national interests and aspirations

WHENEVER a new product, especially a good quality food product sold at an affordable price, announces its advent in the market, consumers feel a sense of pleasure and welcome it. In this offering, we will be addressing such a product - fresh cow’s milk. Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) subsidiary, TOPCO, and an Israeli company, LR Group, have agreed to launch a modern dairy industry in Guyana. The lead figure on the Guyana side is Mr. Komal Samaroo who has proved himself a very fitting successor to the late and great

of milk were a common sight on the roads in the early hours of the morning and the late hours of the afternoon, delivering milk to regular customers and selling milk to those who called out to them. There grew up a large corpus of stories of the milkman’s trade, many of them humourous, and diluting their milk with water was a common accusation of the milk vendors. The State employed several inspectors who were empowered to test any vendor’s milk to ascertain that it was not diluted; selling diluted milk was a criminal offence and the magistrate courts frequently

try’s economy. Though the Bookers dairy produced milk of good quality and middle-class Georgetown residents bought their milk there, the dairy was not meant to be a fully commercial venture but rather to supply milk to the Bookers’ staff, many of whom were expatriates. With the nationalisation of Booker’s Holdings after the country became independent, their dairy farm was discontinued.

From the 1960s until after Independence in 1966, widespread political disturbances resulted in the disruption of farming and

Dr. Yesu Persaud. The first products will come on the market in 2024, but consumers are so enthused that they would like to express their appreciation and welcome them now.

From the 1850s until after Independence in the 1960s, Guyana was self-sufficient in fresh cow’s milk. The Indian indentured immigrants kept cows and always had a surplus of milk which found its way into the distribution chain. By the 1870s, several bigger dairy farmers emerged, especially in the Mahaicony area.

The milkmen on their bicycles with two large cans

heard such charges.

In the 1950s, the State established a milk marketing corporation headquartered in Kingston which collected milk countrywide and sold fresh milk and pasteurised milk in bottles. Though the milk produced was of good quality and was popular, the business failed largely because of poor management and political interference from a growing authoritarian State.

The other industrial-style dairy producer was a modest operation established at Bel Air by Bookers, a conglomerate controlling most of the coun -

all other areas of the economy and the emigration of almost half of the country’s population; inevitably, the entire production and selling of fresh milk became disrupted.

From 1970 to the mid1980s, fresh and imported milk became unobtainable since, owing to foreign exchange shortages, very little could be imported. It was only after the middle of the 1980s that milk products were again imported with the advent of the Free Market.

Milk powders, con -

THE COLOUR OF AMETHYST II

CHRIS absent-mindedly twirled the wedding ring on his finger as he waited patiently for his wife at their favourite restaurant.

Today they were meeting for a special lunch because it was his birthday with no party or dinner plans, for he had to work late that night.

“Another milestone,” he mused, “Further and further away from where I had wanted to be.”

He sighed deeply and looked at the ring on his other hand, the gem, birthstone of Piscean - the colour of Amethyst. It was a birthday gift from his best friend, a very special person in his life but that was almost twenty-two years ago.

“Such a long time,” he thought, “I wonder where she must be now and what she has become.”

High school days, so close then and now so far, memories like vintage wine. He had left when she had said ‘no’ to his marriage proposal, trying his utmost not to feel hurt because she had become his world over

the years. It had been difficult for him but he consoled himself with the thought that it was meant to be that way, a loss that gave him a stronger resolve to conquer life as a man on his own, new plans to draw.

where, for he knew he had something beautiful.

The birthday lunch was wonderful with the three people closest to him who had made him a husband and a father. If he had to look back to his life as a young man, the struggles and taunts he had to endure to today what he had gained in life it seemed like a miracle.

The one person he had to thank for that was not there with him but living her life someplace else, maybe with her own family.

The separate paths fate had designated for them.

Maria wrote that day in her diary, a beautiful little poem for her friend’s birthday and, standing at the window, she read it, hoping the words would fly with the wind to find him, wherever he was, just to say ‘Happy Birthday’.

He had moved far away when she got married and he found someone to share his life with there. A beautiful, intelligent young woman from the same company he worked for and on the day of his wedding, he had said a silent ‘thank you’ to his friend who had helped him to find his way.

What she had done for him was beyond special, a selfless sacrifice that lived deep in his heart all those years, and always was the thought, “I wonder if I’ll ever see her again.”

He saw his wife as she entered the restaurant with their two pretty daughters and he rose to greet the three pretty women in his life, his family. An exalted feeling always filled his heart when they were together any -

She had, over the years, written little poems for all the beautiful moments in life, the rich blessings of motherhood, the sublimity of love and cherished memories of those gone to the beyond. Words became her secret companion. Words gave her warmth and hope. Standing on the highest mountain, touching the passing clouds, looking at the world below, wordssuch infinite power.

Three more years went by, time an endless flow as the two friends thousands of miles apart lived their lives with their families. They had not the time to ponder on the one missing part of their lives that may stay lost but life does sometimes come with an unexpected surprise and this one was an invitation from the old student’s association for a class reunion.

Maria read the invitation a few times before she could digest the fact that she would be seeing her old classmates after twenty-five years.

“This is so great,” she exclaimed, excited.

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Chris, too, could barely conceal his excitement and showing his wife the invitation, he said, “Isn’t this great?” I’ll be seeing my old classmates.”

That Saturday night in August with attendees flying in from different countries, was an unforgettable experience. The laughter and happiness, memories rekindled of high school days.

Maria arrived late, having to drive from the city and delayed by two long traffic stops along the way.

Chris, who had flown in the day before from New York was there from the beginning and two hours later,

his hopes began to sink that she would not be coming. He had looked at the door probably a hundred times and, sighing deeply, he turned to the bar for a drink, the same time Maria walked in.

“Vodka on the rocks,” he ordered and was about to have his drink when a familiar voice called his name, “Chris.”

That voice was a beautiful sound he had not heard in a long time and, turning, he saw her standing there in a little blue dress, fair, petite, and pretty as he had known her. She smiled, a happy glow in her eyes and said, “It’s so nice seeing you.”

He looked at her stunned and before he could say

anything, she hugged him impulsively, the first time ever she was that close to him and holding her for a moment, he said, “That’s a great welcome and I miss you too.”

They both had tears in their eyes, just looking at each other, not knowing what more to say and in the next moment, he lost her as her friends took her with them. It was a long time before she was free to talk to him again, sitting alone with him at a table, in a corner.

“I can’t believe I’m seeing you again,” Chris said, happy beyond words, “Are you still married? Do you have children? What about your career, your dreams?”

The questions were tumbling over each other and Maria sipping a virgin Pina Colada looked at him and, smiling she said calmly, “Take a deep breath and relax. We have time to talk.”

All night they chatted with friends, danced and talked until they were the only two people left, a night neither wanted to end, because tomorrow they would be walking again, separate paths.

“What happened to your ambition to be a lawyer?” he asked her.

“There was a crisis in my family and I gave up my dreams to support them.”

“Always making sacrifices for others,” he said with a

wry smile, “And what about your life? What have you gained?”

“Not much,” she replied casually, as though it didn’t matter, “My children have become the richness of my life so I now dream for them, not me.”

He looked at her for a long moment, then taking her hand, he kissed it, deep admiration in his eyes, “You are indeed special. In my eyes there is no other like you.”

His words ignited a warmth that flowed through her body and she felt a touch of happiness that had been missing from her life, just sitting there talking with him.

“I’m so sorry we have to say good-bye again,” she said, a sad look in her eyes. “No,” he shook his head, “Not after twenty-five years, we can’t. We both have families we love but we will stay in touch because as friends we share something that is unique.”

“I like that,” she said, smiling again, having found again, that wonderful person she had given up with whom she shared so many common interests.

They said ‘good night’ until another time soon, he wearing a ring and she a pendant, emblems of a bond they share as Pisceans, the colour of Amethyst.

Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation

What is World Wildlife Day?

World Wildlife Day is celebrated annually on March 3 in support of animals and plants worldwide and to mark the anniversary of the Convention on the Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). The UN

is “Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation†and aims to encourage groups to work together in a concerted effort to create and sustain healthy ecosystems, wildlife populations, and biodiversity.

Why is World Wildlife Day Important?

ments, Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), local communities, and the private sector. Partnerships are key to addressing the challenges faced by wildlife and their habitats and achieving sustainable conservation. One important partnership is between governments and local communities. Local communities are often

General Assembly reaffirmed the natural value of wildlife and its various contributions including ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational, and aesthetic, to sustainable development and human wellbeing. Every year, World Wildlife Day has a different theme. In 2023, the theme

With increasing numbers of endangered and extinct species, educating people on how we can help conserve the planet to continue providing for future generations is essential.

Wildlife conservation is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a coordinated and collaborative effort from various stakeholders including govern -

the best stewards of the land and deeply understand the ecological and cultural values of the forests, savannah, and other ecosystems. By working together, governments and local communities can develop and implement conservation strategies that are effective and sustainable.

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Another important partnership is between NGOs and the private sector. NGOs have the expertise and resources to conduct research and conservation efforts, while the private sector has the financial resources and reach to significantly impact the ground. By working together, NGOs and the private sector can leverage their strengths to achieve conservation goals.

In addition, partnerships with the media can play an important role in raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and the efforts being made to protect it.

Wildlife and the LCDS 2030

By working to keep our forests intact, the LCDS 2030 both intentionally and unintentionally keep our wildlife safe, as many of our plants and animals call the forests their home.

How is World Wildlife Day celebrated?

Whilst our planet’s wildlife deserves constant attention, it’s great to celebrate World Wildlife Day with your children and in schools to have that opportunity to teach them about how plants and animals rely on our support and vice versa. This year, like every other year, the Environmental protection Agency (EPA) partners with the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission (GWCMC) and will be hosting a Wildlife Day Zoo Fair for the public at the Zoological Park on Sunday, March 5, 2023, from 13:00 h to 17:00 h. The Fair aims to bring more awareness to the general public on EPA’s role in wildlife conservation and management and showcase our partnerships within the sector emphasising the partnership with GWCMC.

On this World Wildlife Day, let us celebrate the partnerships that are working to protect wildlife and their habitats, and let us commit to forming new partnerships to continue the fight for conservation.

Happy World Wildlife Day!

Small rural living is simple and peaceful...

which was once a mud dam.

Perso pointed out that the cell phone signal was very poor and they had to buy an antenna and a booster (a box) to receive and make phone calls.

They have invested in a solar refrigerator and use solar power for a few bulbs,

and they use rainfall water for home use and would purchase drinking water.

The Persos have dug a pond in their backyard to water their crops and rear fish.

She reported that, when it rains, they are overwhelmed by mosquitoes, and there is a

great need for internet service and electricity because of the schoolchildren.

Perso added that there is no public transportation in their village. As such, her husband or son would have to take the children to two separate schools daily and bring them back the same way via

motorcycle.

She explained that hiring a taxi or canter truck is very expensive, and they simply cannot afford it.

Perso would do her bulk shopping in New Amsterdam since there are no shops nearby or in the village.

Deodat Perso, husband

of Rohini, told the Pepperpot Magazine that they enjoy a simple, farming life in the countryside and they live in relative peace despite being far away from a populated community but they don’t mind.

He added that they lack basic amenities and facilities

but would travel to get to certain places on their motorcycles, and life there is not easy and entails a lot of hard work.

The farmer would visit the New Amsterdam Market as often as needed to sell his produce to earn.

Home of the Persos at Welgelegen Village

What is Digital Dating Abuse?

WHEN people talk about abuse, it’s mostly about physical abuse or emotional abuse. I have seen a lot of advocacy on abuse and the many forms of abuse, but I’ve hardly seen people discuss digital dating abuse in Guyana. There are conversations and information about cyberbullying, but not specific to online dating abuse. Abuse comes in many forms.

Unfortunately, as the world progresses, so will the minds of abusers. I’ve always stressed that technology can be a blessing or a curse. With that in mind, while technology can help bridge gaps and be a great tool for many couples, it can also be used as a method of abuse. Digital Dating Abuse is when an abusive partner uses technology (a smartphone, social media, tracking apps, etc.) to threaten, manipulate, harass, or intimi-

date a dating partner. According to the Women’s Freedom Center, Digital Dating Abuse describes a form of verbal and/or emotional abuse, pressure to send nude or private pictures or videos, and the use of social networking sites such as Instagram to bully, harass, stalk, or intimidate a boyfriend/girlfriend.

This phenomenon is most prevalent among teenagers and young adults but is not limited to them. Anyone can easily be a victim. With access to the internet and online mediums, there is a misconception that boundaries shouldn’t be adhered to or that you’re easily accessible and available simply because you have a mobile device. Digital Dating Abuse can be when your partner sends you insulting and demeaning messages or comments. It can be when they try to control what you post or whom you communicate with on

social. It can be when they enter your account or phone without your permission or consent by stealing your password or pressuring you into giving it up. It can be in the form of your partner dictating what you should post, who your online friends can be, or what social media presence you should have.

If by chance you choose not to respond or engage in conversations with a partner or potential partner and they use threatening language towards you—you should immediately report it to the nearest police station. You shouldn’t have to send your live location or have anyone track you via GPS at all times if you don’t want to.

You have a right to personal space and boundaries—even digital ones. This is a new topic and area of abuse—while it may not be a textbook case. A spade should be called a spade and as such, abuse in many forms should be dealt with accordingly, including a digital scenario.

It’s okay to turn off your phone or stay away from online mediums if you don’t want to be there. No one should force you to stay online or to always be available on your phone if you don’t want to be, nor should they be upset.

Do not share your password or personal login information with anyone, not even a partner. It is called a password for a reason and it is there to provide you with security. Remember that you should not send any text, image, or video that you don’t feel comfortable sending. This includes graphic or explicit content with your partner.

I don’t think I need to remind you all of what happens if those nude pictures or sexact get into the wrong hands. Possessiveness, aggression, rage, and jealousy are all unhealthy reactions to one’s partner—even if that reaction

is a virtual or digital one.

Whether you’re in a long-distance, physical, or virtual relationship, you reserve the right to feel safe, secure, and comfortable in said relationship. A healthy

relationship allows you to be individualistic and yourself. You should be able to have a life with your friends and family outside of your romantic relationship. Your phone and online socials

should not make you accessible to anyone 24/7; the same goes for you in real life. You deserve the right to your personal space and privacy.

Better inclusion is always a good thing

OVER the past few weeks, some of my experiences were centred upon better inclusion of key groups of

people- like women and girls and the queer community. And increasingly, I cannot help but emphasise

that better inclusion is always good.

Several days ago, I received a booklet on gen -

der-sensitive language that could be used in my everyday writing. It offered suggestions on how language can be more inclusive. For

because it changes how we communicate. And I believe that gender-insensitive language is problematic, particularly when it influences

same booklet was also shared with someone I interact with almost daily. That individual quickly rejected the booklet, stating that it was being

example, instead of saying chairman, I can say chairperson or just chair; instead of saying firemen, firefighters can be used as a more inclusive term.

or reinforces biases against women and girls.

Let me add, however, that the booklet didn’t only provide a timely reminder of why my language should be

“forced” on him. From my little exposure to his outburst (I quickly removed myself from the space), I gathered that he did not read the booklet but thought its content

I agree with the suggestions because I believe language can help to reinforce stereotypes just as it can help to empower people. I believe using more inclusive language is a crucial step towards equality and eliminating gender bias simply

more inclusive and provided suggestions on how I can do so. It also helped me reflect on the spaces I exist in and how easily misunderstood bona fide efforts seeking to improve our interactions can be.

I say this because the

included points on being more sensitive to the queer community. His outburst appeared very homophobic very quickly. He retorted that he shouldn’t be forced to

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read this booklet (though he wasn’t being forced in the slightest way) because he “leaves people to do what they want”. And I couldn’t understand the outburst or how a simple booklet meant to foster more inclusive language irritated that individual.

The more I reflected on that incident, the more I thought about the spaces I dwell in and how easy it is for hatred, opposition, or misunderstanding, at the very least, to fester.

And it made me think:

why can’t we easily support people- whether women and girls or members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) community- disproportionately impacted by language, people’s prejudice and biases, and/ or inequalities?

Days later, I read a new report which focused on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI) inclusion in Guyana. That report was crafted after an analysis of Guyana’s laws and policies, and how inclusive they are, was conducted.

And, as no surprise to me, it was found that there are

significant gaps in legislation and policies vis-à-vis inclusion for the queer community.

In simpler terms, while overarching laws and policies seek to prevent discrimination against citizens, members of the queer community are not specifically catered for; and, as such, they have fewer protections under the law. A clear example of this is Guyana’s Prevention of Discrimination Act, which rejects discrimination on various grounds, but that law does not explicitly cater to the prevention of workplace discrimination on the grounds

of one’s sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.

I believe that a legal or more inclusive policy framework could, in a big way, stem to combat much of the discrimination faced by the queer community. At the very least, it would provide grounds for getting much-needed redress.

With this report identifying areas where Guyana’s laws and policies can

become more inclusive, an important consideration was the appetite to amend existing laws and policies and/or introduce new ones.

Certainly, I think we have become more open-minded and amendable concerning interrogating our gender biases and discrimination and also concerning respecting and supporting the queer community. Putting aside the need for empirical data to inform a position, my

recent experience leads me to believe that much more engagement (and not necessarily ‘calling out’ or ‘cancelling’) is necessary as we continue to move towards, hopefully, interrogating and unlearning problematic things.

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

A recap on the preview of my new collection

GOD knows how very special the preview on Sunday, February 12, at Tower Suites was for me. You would not believe how difficult it is to put my emotions into words. In all my years of travelling, this trip to the continent is by far my best trip that added value to my life in many ways. The outfits that were showcased in the preview were influenced by that journey.

A description of the event written on social media explained: “ [Sonia Noel] previewed that African-inspired collection last Sunday at the Tower Suites with a diverse audience in attendance. Over the past few years, the iconic Guyanese designer was not doing much fashion wise and the pandemic was not the reason. She revealed to her audience during her chat with Russel Lancaster that her interest in fashion was on

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A recap on the preview ...

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the decline and her trip to Africa reignited her passion for creating spectacular designs that enhance the inner you.

Sonia Noel also received an award for her contribution to the beauty and fashion industry not only in Guyana.”

Other comments about the event are below:

“It is an absolute joy to see the accomplishments of dear friends. I was truly blessed to share in the celebration of Sonia’s 25 years in fashion.” - Russel Lancaster remarked.

“Last Sunday, I was invited to a preview of Sonia Noel´s new collection at the Tower Suites.

Sonia made us travel through time with her mag-

nificent anecdotes, which depicted images from childhood to the present. We were captivated by her new African-inspired collection in which she imprinted her signature design on the beautiful fabric filled with elegance and sophistication. Sonia and I shared an intriguing moment of cultural exchange, so valuable for a foreign woman and artist like me. It

was magnificent! Thank you so much Sonia.” - Malena Mandiola, wife of the Argentinian Ambassador to Guyana.

My friend Rawle Dundass also sent me a wonderful message:

“It was an honour standing amongst the diverse assembly of persons that you attracted. The love, appreciation and genuineness were evident. It was great to see the way you interacted with your guests (more like family). It was inspiring being in that wholesome atmosphere. Thanks for including me in your world. You share so authentically. I feel like I’ve journeyed with you. It was a wonderful night.”

In my response to those who attended, I gave brief remarks highlighting how thankul I was: “This is a big blessing to be able to cele-

brate this part of my journey after 25 years. I had to learn how to trust the process and I am happy I did. During the pandemic, I realised that God was preparing me for the crisis that was coming. Thank you to all the people who attended and supported especially Keisha Phillips, Tower Suites, Starr Party Rentals, Banks DIH, and Ansa McAL. Nelsion Nurse, Zytec and Gileon James, Serojinee Mudlier, Micheal Sam and Tammy Trotman, Paul Bacchus, LaToya Barton, Lizze Daniels and Natasha David. I believe the best is yet to come and I feel ready!”

There was live music from the legend Herbie Marshall which created a relaxing and sophisticated atmosphere. The wonderful masterpieces from creative genius Derrick Boston and Alyce Cameron were on

display and wine tasting by Blue Lake Wines. Jane Miller, British High Commission and her Deputy Judy Kpogho, Sir Henry Muttoo ObE, Dr Raquel Thomas Caesar, Dr Paloma Mohamed, Dr Hilary Brown, Amanda Walton Desir, Dr Mallika Moot, Ron Robinson, Camo Williams Melena for Andrea Brian and fashionista Negla Brandis were some of the prominent people there. As we proceed through the year, we will host a Women in Business pop-up shop at Tower Suites from March 7 to 18 featuring several small businesses. Some of these businesses were with Expo from its inception, and others who are new to this arena. We are looking forward to your support as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life.

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densed milk, and canned evaporated milk dominated the market. Such kinds of milk were imported from various countries including Holland, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, and Belgium. Fresh cow’s milk could only be obtained in farming communities that reared cattle. It is believed that a good percentage of Georgetown residents had

never tasted fresh cow’s milk!

DDL’s desire to resuscitate fresh milk production and sale is a much-needed and timely action. Through its subsidiary, TOPCO, the company has agreed with an Israeli company, LR Group, to rebuild a Guyana Dairy Industry. Negotiations with LR had begun in 2021, but owing to the aftermath of COVID and other circumstances, it is only now that substantive movement has

started.

The Guyana side is led by Mr. Komal Samaroo, Chairman and CEO of DDL, which is known to be one of Guyana’s most thorough businessmen. He does full research and investigation into any venture his company enters and DDL and LR have collaborated on a feasibility study that explored such areas as land selection, market research, financial and technical analysis, and the examination

of the protocols related to international standards for fresh milk production.

In keeping with the same trend, Mr. Samaroo and his team visited Israel and were able to observe dairy farms and related operations, such as drip irrigation technology which could be employed to produce fodder for the cows in all seasons. LR, in a similar manner, has visited the International Food Security Conference and Expo held last year, embarked on several field visits and discussions with relevant agencies including Lands and Surveys Commission, Livestock Development Authority, NAREI, and CARICOM, and was also accorded an audience

with His Excellency, the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali.

The Project, a state-ofthe-art dairy farm, will be at Moblissa and will cost US$16 million. Agreements have been reached on the final design of the farm, the expenditure of financial resources, procurement of the first batch of animals, as well as the equipment, the shareholding structure of the company Demerara Dairy Inc., and the research that would facilitate the manufacture of value-added products.

The Project will bring many advantages to the country: It will once again provide the population with wholesome fresh milk at an affordable price; it

will in time make available by-products such as ghee, butter, cheese, and yoghurt; would allow for important import substitution; would strengthen the food security of Guyana and the Caribbean; and it would be able to share in the US$6 billion CARICOM food import market. This Dairy Farm Project is not only in the interest of DDL and its subsidiary DDI and the Consumers but also in the interest of the nation as a whole and we look forward to the State’s assistance to it so it could quickly grow and contribute to national development.

It’s President Forbes Burnham’s 100th birth anniversary

LAST Monday, February 20, 2023, was the 100th birth anniversary of the late President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham. For Guyanese historians, or those interested in the history of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, it was a date of note. Professional historians tend not to become emotionally involved with the subject, be it an individual, group, or nation. They try as best as possible to be unbiased and to present the facts as best as they know. In this article, I am making every effort to report what I present, ‘straight up’, which is a term I sort of like since I believe that it is interpreted as being fair.

President Forbes Burnham was rather strong of character, and he did many things which pleased some of the people some of the time, but never was he able to do anything which pleased all of the Guyanese people all of the time, which is understandable.

Guyana is not a homogenous country, and with six races - some say seven, which includes the mixed races - it was no easy task for any political leader. Burnham promoted the “Egalitarian Society” which did not sit well with those who felt that there must be an “Upper Class,” a “Middle Class,” and a “Lower Class.” That is certainly no laughing matter, even though there is that calypso which tells the story that, “The Upper Class laugh, ‘Ho, ho, ho!’ The Middle Class laugh, ‘He, he, he!’” However, with the Lower Class, the calypsonian states that the laughter was very much letting it all hang out, so to speak; for it was “Waaaaaah! Oh laaaad, meh belly!” In any of these situations, President Burnham would be as comfortable as ever.

He was a “Man of the People” which, incidentally, was the title of a film documentary. That documentary was, to a greater degree than not, almost void of politics. One scene showed him taking a plunge off the springboard into the Luckhoo swimming pool. Actually, that plunge was more of what is known as a “belly-buss.” At the time, President Burnham was the ‘star’ in that film documentary. He might have been well over 200 pounds in weight, and so that ‘belly-buss’ splashed water high and far, and I am relating the incident from first-hand and wet experience.

He was born and raised in Kitty, which, 100 years ago, was very much a village with a village culture; everyone looked out for each other. Every adult had authority over every child and brought that responsibility to bear in a positive way. Forbes Burnham, a brilliant scholar and very handsome, was a ‘star boy’ in Kitty at that time.

Some years ago, I was interviewing a retired school teacher, who was one of Burnham’s teachers in his primary school days, and she told me of a rather strange situation between Burnham’s father, who was the headmaster of one of the two schools in Kitty, and Mr. F. Pollard, who was the headmaster of the other school. The professional rivalry between the two headmasters was so deep and fierce that teachers of the two schools were not permitted to interact with each other.

It was “Social Distancing” long before COVID-19. Young Forbes Burnham grew up in a home where he was the only boy and was treated “like a prince,” according to his teacher. “He was a brilliant student,” she told me. Even at a very young age, Forbes Burnham displayed the sparkle of leadership. For some, his leadership was welcomed, and he was adored. For others, he was looked upon as a despised dictator. For a third group of his fellow Guyanese, “He got some bad ways, but he making Guyanese proud to be Guyanese.”

The story is told of how a Guyanese cultural group, which had gone to Trinidad to represent the country,

Flashback: Farrier presents a copy of his first published play to President Forbes Burnham. The design of the book cover was done by graphic artist and designer Bernard Ramsay.

became stranded in the Calypso Island due to a strike by the airline on which they were booked. President Burnham sent a plane which was at his disposal to fly the group back home. Word of that spread all around Trinidad, and Burnham’s image as a president for his people soared higher in that country.

The history of Linden Forbes Sampson will be written differently by those who knew and experienced his leadership from their own perspective and experiences. It is known that many mourned when he died, as well as many celebrated his passing. That’s Life. That’s death. That’s history. Maybe history repeated itself on the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary.

Lighttown Cooperative Society ...

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adapt to this kind of life where I had to use trench water for bathing and doing chores, since there is no running water here, but after years of living here, I have grown accustomed to this way of life,” she said.

In this day and age, she believes they should benefit from

electricity and potable water because they have a lot of children and the population is growing.

During the opposition’s time in office, transmission lines were installed, but there is no connectivity to get electricity.

Rahaman explained that when they pluck the chickens, they have to sell them off because they cannot store them since ice is sourced outside of the community, and they would often sell live chickens to buyers in bulk.

“Living here you have to endure a lot of hardships and the people crave development, at least for the basic facilities such as electricity to improve their lives and we would be grateful for such,” she said.

Rahaman’s house is aback Audrey’s Shop, the only shop in the village and it serves as a meeting place for locals and has a large tree for shade and a racket chair for added comfort.

Other people in the village

Shailla Dhandi, the housewife

Shailla Dhandi, 38, is a mother of four and a stay-at-home wife who was doing some chores that day when the team visited the village of Lighttown, East Bank Berbice.

She reported that the village is usually quiet, except when the children are at home, they would run around and play.

Dhandi added that they would like to have electricity, potable water and interest for enhanced life and for the children to be able to benefit from modern facilities.

She disclosed that her husband is one of the security guards at Lighttown Primary School and is the sole breadwinner of the home.

Colwin Chisholm, the mechanic

Bountiful star apple in JagessarSeeram’s yard

Shailla Dhandi.

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Colwin Chisholm is also a native of Lighttown Village and is a mechanic who works in New Amsterdam.

The 29-year-old said that things are a bit tough in that part of the country because of the cost of living and jobs are

not readily available.

That day he was ready to go to a funeral service outside the village and was awaiting transportation.

Jagessar Seeram, the elder Jagessar Seeram is also a local of Lighttown Village and a farmer who is not at his best, health-wise.

The 73-year-old is assisted by one of his three children. His wife passed away in 1993.

He resides opposite the Lighttown Primary School and he is a citrus and ground provision farmer, who had a cutlass mishap which cost him the full use of his left hand.

“I get sick now with pains in the knee, plus one hand not good, so my son took full control of the farm and he does most of the work these days,” he said.

Home of Shailla Dhandi

Colwin Chisholm

From a gas station attendant...

FROM PAGE II

overcome and persevere,” Pellew-Berkeley continued. “There were many obstacles but I was determined to overcome them. Intent on succeeding and having a seat at the decision-making table, I worked twice as hard as my peers to survive and be heard. I reached outside of my police service to develop the leadership competencies required for success. This included acquiring my Masters Degree in Leadership from the University of Guelph and acquiring external mentors who opened pathways to information

and opportunities amongst others.”

Growing up Ingrid is the youngest of 11 children. She was born in 1960 in Georgetown, Guyana. She pointed out that her mother Walterine Pellew, was a homemaker and father, Cardwell Pellew, was a police officer. “My father passed away in Guyana in 1966 when I was six years old, leaving my mother with nine children; one sister predeceased my birth and one brother passed away when I was about two years old.

“As a child, I recall the struggles and determination

of my mother, following my father’s death, to maintain a healthy, happy, financially stable family union. Apprenticed at an early age to a seamstress, my mom utilised her sewing and hairdressing skills to support her family. Testament to her abilities, the local villagers sought her out to design and sew their clothing and to style their hair. Characteristics of her true grit were her perseverance, resiliency, attention to detail and her empathy.

“In 1968, my eldest sister was gainfully employed with Guyana’s Ministry of Agriculture as Secretary to the Permanent Secretary.

She immigrated to Canada, creating the pathway for my mom and members of my family to immigrate to Canada.

“Sponsored by my eldest sister in 1972, my mom immigrated to Canada leaving me in the care of a maternal aunt. She then travelled to the USA where she was a domestic worker. In 1973, she returned to Canada and began the sponsorship process for her two dependent children and me.”

In 1974, accompanied by two siblings, Ingrid migrated to Canada, where, apart from attending school, she worked part-time at a gas station and after gaining full-time employment, commenced her post-secondary studies through Continuing Education (night school) at Seneca College where, in 1984, she obtained an Honours Diploma in Social Sciences.

Life ahead

“Retirement provides me the opportunity to continue my volunteer work to end systemic racism and to advance social and equitable futures for members of the Black, marginalised and underrepresented communities. Annually, I sponsor scholarships for two students graduating Grade 12 who identify as Black or members of Caribbean heritage. Reaching beyond and working with local organisations, I see this as my legacy an extension from my service with the Peel Regional Police.”

Ingrid is currently employed with the Law Society of Ontario as a lay adjudicator. She also sits on the executive for the Association of Black Law Enforcers, and the board of Peel Family Mediation Services and is

a member of the Guyana Ex-Police Association of Canada (GEPAC) and the Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo.

Ingrid has also been recently nominated and selected as a 2023 inductee into the Waterloo Region Hall of Fame. The formal programme will be held on Sunday, April 30.

“Today, I stress that I became the person I am because of the foundation I received in Guyana. It provided me with the strength to overcome many obstacles and to stay the course to achieve my goals. I have never shied away from acknowledging my Guyanese heritage and sharing what I know and recall of my early years,” she said.

Ingrid is married and is the mother of two children and three grandchildren.

Farming is in the bloodline...

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David stated that his fore parents worked as slaves at Highburg Plantation where sugar cane was cultivated and after they were freed, they pooled their monies and boughtLighttown Village.

He reported that the community has about 100 residents and 40 houses, and most people are farmers.

The farmer told the Pepperpot Magazine that he began farming at as a boy when he was still in school, and after completing high school, he went full-time into farming.

“I feel good because I can set a seed, care for it until it has grown and then reap the fruits of my labour and for me that is very rewarding to grow food then take it to the market,” he said.

Hestel David with her chi-chira (Delano Williams photos)

The post-COVID world… A world of old suspicions and rare normalcy

THE onslaught of COVID-19 and the tensions surrounding whether this virus was manmade with intent, and complicity in some cases, to destroy populations has left suspicions that too often arise in conversations. These conversations are often intrusive and overpowering, with arguments that can only be alit because too many suspicions and not clarified notions still exist.

It’s a dilemma that can only be subdued by creating a balanced discourse within the enveloped spaces of reasoning, from country to country, that can permit soothing comprehension. A lethal pandemic with severe fatal and social casualties has created a veritable no-man’s-land, where the preservation of populations and groups has become incensed towards continued survival provoked by suspicion.

No seer, popular voice, politician, religious or political leader can individually propose a comforting mood without first understanding what COVID-19 has resurrected in the survival consciousness of peoples encompassed in plural societies across the planet. Plurality in this case is not only restricted to ethnicities alone, but diverse economic, religious, cultural and philosophical groundings.

At the height of the ‘COVID’ reality came the discourses of the elimination of specific human populations. Vaccines were launched from diverse origins, and many people did die from ‘COVID’ and vaccines. I lost four friends as a consequence, one of whom I stood behind in a line at the Bank we both used and did not even recognise him. His muscle tone had so disappeared, that his arms looked like a pair of hanging tubes. He didn’t last a week thereafter.

Accusations were thrown from one world power to the other, insinuating a mode of chemical and biological warfare with intent towards economic destabilisation (this has a long factual history). However, the economics of our world today has changed, here and everywhere.

A musician recently told me that his community is not as eager as before to do too many late-night gigs. Our historic memory over the last 300 years, whether we are aware of the process or not, is fraught with ingrained references of mass repression, horrific exterminations, and marginalisation of peoples across the human world, and with dual heritage.

DISTORTED DREAMS

The experience of the ‘COVID’ crisis has reversed our optimism, whether we recognise its impact or not. For those of us who were ill and survived without being hospitalised, it has changed our dreams and replaced them with distortions. One former serviceman told me there was a constant scent he experienced that he likened to the smell of death long after he had become well again.

I doubt that there is a public document on interviews with pandemic survivors available anywhere, as the authorities may conclude that people need to find resolve towards current existence through self-healing. What are the insecurities regarding trust in systems, the names associated with conspiracies of population reduction, and what sections are names known? War produces traumas, but effective, convincing conspiracy projections are in a category all by themselves. The term ‘What if?’ does not easily dissolve, and can be easily metamorphosed into diverse situations.

What is the significant reality is that ‘COVID’ did arouse our cultural relevance to the things of hygiene our elders had taught us decades ago. Even today, there is a lack of the protocols of the ‘hygiene code’ applied through that some citi-

A world of old suspicions and ...

zens still wearing their masks.

I usually walk with an extra mask that was put there by my wife in case the one I’m wearing has to be discarded. Recently, I once was on a bus when a lady started coughing in the seating section before mine. The young lady immediately behind her and next to me, reached into her bag but unfortunately got lost in the maze in the process. I assumed the cause of the coughing was uncontrollable, so, without asking, I took out the new mask and offered it to the young lady next to me. She nodded her head in acceptance, and quickly put it on. The cough may not have been as a result of some infectious disease, but the awareness and men were alive. I’m sure that young woman will always carry a mask in her bag after that.

‘COVID’ and the cycle of distrust that has affected us remain. We in Guyana always assume that things will fall into place; that we don’t need to interfere, as some magic will fix it. But it doesn’t. Everything needs a conversation, through subtle, subliminal, or open means. We hold the magic wand, because the sorcerer was never there.

A visit to Experiment and ...

FROM PAGE VIII

Ramdatt, his wife, their four sons and their sons’ wives and children.

Even though they don’t have the basic necessities such as potable water supply, electricity, internet and landline phone, they are quite happy being away from a thickly populated village.

This extended family has adopted a simple way of life and they depend on rainfall water for use and they use solar power for lights.

Juliansburg is bordered by Macaw and Plegt Anker villages and a series of small communities with a handful of houses and locals who have lived their entire lives there.

This is also a farming family who grows crops and then sellsthem to earn, but at times, the sun dries up their harvest and there are little to no crops left to sell.

Ramdatt told the Pepperpot Magazine that for some time, he did not enjoy a bountiful harvest from his farm and would employ four persons to work with him when he gets a good crop.

His main crops include ground provisions and cash crops.

In this section of the road, there is no asphalt; it is

a rough patch that is difficult to navigate and the locals are asking for the road to be upgraded, which will significantly enhance their lives.

They also need electricity, potable water supply and internet service.

Ramdatt stated that Juliansburg is about 18 miles from New Amsterdam and they don’t have a public transportation system like other villages. Taking a taxi or a canter truck to transport their produce to the market is very costly.

They have a small solar network to power light bulbs and rainwater is used for household consumption.

The cell phone signals are poor and often there is no connectivity and at times if they want to make an urgent call they have to climb a tree to do so.

Ramdatt said he inherited the land from his parents, who passed away 15 years ago and his parents got the land from their fore parents, so they occupy ancestral lands.

When the team visited, Ramdatt was preparing their mandir for a religious service next month.

He was engrossed in repainting and repairing the wooden building which his family owns.

Sylvan Rai displaying his cow’s brand (Delano Williams photos

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

OLIVER GOLDSMITH (1730- 1774) The Deserted Village

STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student,

Welcome dear friend. Let us look at discussion. This learning device takes many forms. But basically, it is

February 26, 2023

where participants speak together in an attempt, through co-operative exchange and pooling of ideas, to solve a problem or move toward its solution by a better understanding of it. It has some characteristics of conversation, but more definitely planned; formal and carefully directed. It has strict rules of engagement. Discussion begins with a question rather than a statement. Be wise.

Love you.

IMPROVING PUNCTUATION

Accurate use of the full stop

Students should be aware that there are trends in written punctuation use today: different publishing places stick to chosen punctuation codes which vary according to grammatical fashions. Written words are somewhat subjected toward lighter punctuation than was practiced only a few years ago. All that aside, you need to follow your teacher’s guidelines to excel at the written English language examinations. We now observe the most often uses of the full stop.

The full stop is used:

1. To mark the end of different kinds and uses of sentence, unless the sentence is a question or exclamation.

Examples:

(i) Declarative sentence: - These statesmen do not belong to an age, but for all time.

(ii) Imperative sentence: - Stay at home. Listen to your instructors carefully.

(iii) A simple request that is placed in question form for courtesy: - Will the meeting please come to order.

(iv) After an indirect question: - I now wonder what the dying man was saying.

2. To mark shortened forms of words. Its use as an abbreviation marker varies, for some writers use the full stop to mark every shortened form.

The following advice represents sound practice.

(i) Use a full stop to mark the shortened form of a word unless the shortened form ends with the same letter as the full word.

Examples: Nov. – November; Dr. – Doctor. But, strictly speaking, Nov. is an abbreviation, but Dr. is a contraction – the middle of the word has been left out: D(octo)r.

(ii) Abbreviations: - Very common ones do not need full stops.

Examples: NCN, GDF, BBC.

(iii) Acronyms: - (names formed from the initial letters of the separate words making up the name ) never have full stops.

Examples: UNESCO, NATO

3. Omissions are marked by three full stops. These are called ellipsis marks (omission of words).

Example: The delay … is having serious concerns.

IMPROVING READING

Looking at a descriptive account by a commentator

Here is a description of the Moon Explorers band as given by a radio commentator:

The Passage: - On stage now is the Moon Explorers band. This band consists of about four hundred masqueraders. At the front of the stage are two bearers dressed in silver space suits and large round helmets made of metal foil. Behind them are a number of astronauts also dressed in space suits and carrying brilliant red space weapons which look like laser guns. Coming on now at the far end of the stage is a character who seems to be the Man in the Moon. He stands head and shoulders above the rest of the band, with long flowing hair and he’s wearing long white robes and a magnificent head-dress studded with stars. Finally, at the end of the stage there is an enormous replica of the lunar module which brought the American astronauts to the moon. It seems the spacemen are having a problem with their lunar module. One of the wheels seems to have broken off and the whole contraption is falling over. Well, they seem to have gotten it under control now and are lifting it off the stage, much to the amusement of the crowd.

Something to Do

1. What words and phrases help you to see the carnival band?

2. What words and phrases tell you that the commentator is describing things as they happen?

3. Give words that can replace these in the passage: - seems, depicting, magnificent, studded, enormous.

4. What is the name of our carnival around this time in Guyana? Write twelve words that you may want to use as a radio or television commentator describing one of its bands moving along the streets of Georgetown. Identify the band by name.

5. In what ways does a carnival band differ from a church procession, do you think? Name a church procession and go on to suggest some terms you could use to describe it as it moves along the main street of a village.

The Poem

Reading and analysing a poem

The beauty of manhole covers - what of that?

Like medals struck by a great savage khan, Like Mayan calendar stones, unliftable, indecipherable, Not like old electrum, chased and scored, Mottoed and sculptured to a turn, But notched and whelked and pocketed and smashed, With the great company names:

Gentle Bethlehem, smiling United States. This rustproof artifact of my street, Long after roads are melted away, will lie Sidewise in the grave of the iron-old world, Bitten at the edges, Strong with its cryptic American, Its dated beauty.

(Karl Shapiro’s ‘Manhole Covers’)

Something to Do

Give an accurate paraphrase of the whole poem, ‘Manhole Covers’.

And still they gaz’d, and still the wonder grew, That one small head could carry all he knew.

Appropriate oral care

UNFORTUNATELY, the public has been grievously misinformed about brushing, flossing, and using some advertised products; they all still fall short of what’s required for genuinely effective oral (systemic) health maintenance by far, even though together they make up the current standard for oral care.

What makes home-care efforts so vexing for the dentist and so frustrating for his/her patients who find out their efforts aren’t working is that many people think that state-of-the-art home care is basically just brushing well two or three times a day and flossing at least once a day. Most people now know to brush and floss after every meal, three times a day, and to floss thoroughly at least once a day, probably because this message had been drummed into their heads over the years in toothpaste or mouthwash advertisements that induce them to buy and use certain products.

Let’s begin with the shortcomings of brushing. One has to obey the Rule of Thoroughness. This Rule states that the total time spent cleaning the mouth every 24 hours must equal the number of natural teeth in minutes. For example, if a person has 20 teeth, they should spend at least 20 minutes everyday brushing, flossing, etc.

Compounding the frequently ineffectual home-care regimen is the notion that flossing somehow cleans under the gums. It does, but only so far as the soft tissue on the tongue side and cheek of the tooth will let it. The depth below this level is where most of the disease occurs (gingivitis excepted). While flossing has definite benefits for many who perform this important task, it has been said that only 2 percent of the population flosses every day. Even doubling that to 4 percent still leaves 96 percent of the public not flossing even once a day. And those who do floss can’t clean the bacterial stew out from under the gums. Although flossing does move the plaque and food debris that builds up between the teeth and does dislodge some of it so it can be cleansed out of the mouth, the balance of the debris is forced into the sulcus (crevice between tooth and gum).

The pitfalls of home care can be made even worse if you use toothpaste or mouthwash containing ingredients that carry warnings “seek professional help or contact a poison control center immediately,” and are known to cause harm. And these products are supposed to help us get healthy? My professional advice is to stay away from them. Products containing ingredients that can kill people, induce oral cancer, cause allergic reactions, burning, itching, redness, and soft tissue sloughing, and degrade tooth-coloured fillings and cosmetic dental bonding agents are not improving the health of the user. People with gum disease already have enough problems without adding toxic products to their oral health programme. Oral health can best be accomplished by exclusively using healthy products and techniques. I would like to make it clear, just for the record, that I am all for brushing and flossing. Both of these activities are fundamental oral health procedures, and both offer benefits if they are done frequently. Brushing and flossing have to be done often enough to keep plaque and other debris removed by these activities at sufficiently minimal levels to ensure that the gum tissue remains healthy. I especially want a patient’s brushing and flossing efforts to be effective and non-injurious, but unfortunately, I often see just the opposite. It is extremely common for dentists to see toothbrush abrasion from improper brushing or the effects of the wrong kind of brush.

As I said in previous articles, hard and medium brushes should only be used for cleaning small motor parts and boots, not teeth. As far as flossing is concerned, gingival clefts (cuts) are also inflammatory injury to the gums, allowing microorganisms into the body but also causes gum and bone recession, even occasional tooth loss. (For some reason, I’ve seen moderate to severe flossing damage almost exclusively in women, some requiring surgery to repair the damage!) These are very poor rewards for such vigorous efforts intended only to improve health. Brushing and flossing can both be performed effectively and without injury.

The public’s perception of periodontal (gum) disease and its consequences is, unfortunately, still not yet in tune with the health consequences associated with what is, in fact, a system-

ic infection. Until those perceptions change on a widespread basis in the medical and dental professions and the public domain, we will continue to lose the battle. However, perceptions and concepts can occasionally change almost overnight.

I am encouraged that the public and the health professions may soon start viewing periodontal disease and its potentially lethal toll in a new light. Only then will any

meaningful improvement occur. I don’t know if a person’s cause of death will ever be listed as gum disease, since it was perhaps a heart attack or stroke that will ultimately be the cause of death. Still, I do know that it would certainly help elevate the public’s awareness of how serious this health problem is.