Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot E-Paper 28-08-2022

No place like home in Moleson Creek

Sunday, August 28, 2022

This week the Pepperpot Magazine visited the village of Moleson Creek, Region Six to highlight the way of life of the locals. Many residents expressed their contentment with the quiet way of life, and stated that they wouldn’t trade it for anywhere else. In this photo, two residents spend time in the shade as they interact with the Pepperpot team (Delano Williams photo)

During the colonial years, there was the occasion when one of the August Train Excursions was so well attended that the coaches were packed to capacity. Some patrons decided to make

THE steamer excursions during the month of August, which were very popular back in the colonial days in British Guiana (now GUYANA), had their rival with the equally popular train excursions, which were primarily from Georgetown to Mahaica. Before we continue, it is apt to note that the original stretch of railway from Georgetown to Mahaica, which is a distance of 21 miles, was the very first railway to have been constructed on the continent of South America; a project which took 18 years to be completed. The official opening ceremony of this historic engineer ing project was on August 31, 1864 at which Governor Sir Francis Hincks, a Canadian, officiated. Hincks Street, in the commercial downtown area of Georgetown, is named to the honour and memory of that governor. That stretch of railway from Georgetown to Mahaica was also among the earliest railways in the world. It was built shortly after railways were constructed in England and railway construction soon devel opedAsglobally.partofmy research for this article, I interviewed a few younger Guyanese to find out how much they knew about the era of the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) East and West Coast Demerara Train Services. Not only was there a very high percentage of them who knew absolutely nothing excursions in ‘BG’

AUGUST TRAIN EXCURSIONS

That carefree abandonment of safety was a disaster waiting to happen; and it did. Somehow, the necessary switching of the line at one of the intersections was not done, and so the excursion train and another train which was approaching from the opposite direction were speeding directly towards each other on the same track. Some of the passengers who were on the roof of the excur sion train realised what was about to happen but, not taking it seriously, commenced a jolly chant, and swaying from side to side, “Two train gon jam-up together! Two train gon jam-up together!” Fortunately, seconds before the big bang occurred, the two engi neers who were manning the two locomotives re alised in time the possible disaster. Both took cor rective action and slammed on the brakes of the two soulsofinjuries.sustainedsidepassengerssomeNonetheless,head-onathustowhichlocomotives,screechedaslowerpace,resultinginmuchsoftercrash.ofthoseinthecarriagesminorManythoserecklesswhowere riding on the roof of the train fell to the ground and sustained injuries.The end of the major railways in Guyana in 1972

Teenage Francis Quamina Farrier on board an East Coast Demerara train going on an August train excursion

It was 50 years ago, in 1972, when the decision was made to end the two major coastal railway systems. The Georgetown to Rosignol and the Vreed-en-Hoop to Parika services were both terminated. Many Guyanese who were regular users of the system were extremely saddened and angry, even though they were told by the authorities that the services were operat ing at a financial loss and was a huge burden on the taxpayers whose dollars were used to subsidise the operations. Those two lengthy coastal railways were not the only ones in the country. The Bauxite Company at McKenzie used a railway network for transporting bauxite ore from the mines to the Bauxite Plant at McKenzie. There were also passenger train services between McKenzie and Ituni further south on the Upper De merara river. There was also the Wismar (on the Demerara River) to Rockstone (on the Essequibo River) train service. What is not generally known today is that back in the day, there was never any rainfall in the month of August. That is one of the reasons why there were so many out door activities, including various sports such as cricket matches, and also steamer and train excursions during August. Back then, there were the big May-June rains and the lesser pre-Christmas rains as well. That was a reliable source for storing clean water to fill the many wooden vats in almost every yard in the city, as well as many in the countryside. That water was used mainly for cooking and also for bathing. In more recent decades, rain falls just about any time in the year, and August is no longer regarded as a “dry month.” Another reason, of course is, gone are the days of passenger trains in our country. Elders can only reminisce and tell the stories of the times when the rain never fell in August in our country, and there were August train excursions to enjoy, even if it was on the outer roof of the train.

about those two train services in British Guiana, but many dis played some surprise to learn that the Georgetown to Mahaica train service was the very first on the continent of South Amer ica. The initial use of that train service was for transporting goods and other cargo. However, it later became very popular as a passenger service with first- and second-class sections.

August month train

II CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday, August 28, 2022

Retired locomotives of DEMBA at Linden, Upper Demerara river, Region 10, Guyana, at this open-air museum (Photo by Francis Qua mina Farrier)

provedtheingcomfortablethemselvesbyclimbontotheroofsofcarriages,whichtoberatherfoolhardy.

“We are trying to do life skills, and we have some professional people who have made commitments to do volunteer work with the youths because it’s more than just the sport; we need them to become good citi zens,” Deviera shared in an interview with Pepperpot Magazine recently. Now in his seventh year working with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Deviera also does additional work with youths through the Eon DeViera Goalkeeping Academy Inc., a Non-Gov ernmental Organisation that he started in 2018. Those attending the acad emy do not have to pay for coaching. Hence Deviera gets an opportunity to work with many at-risk youth who may have great talent but no one to encourage them to use and pursue it. Having started his career of working with youths in school in 1996, Deviera loves his job and knows all too well the difference that he can make in the children’s lives. It is something that he doesn’t take for granted, because he knows that once they build trust in him, he has to be there for them on a continuous basis. Doing so can be rough for him at times, especially as he is a father of three and has to find time for his own family. But he makes it work. “It’s difficult to find the balance. It’s something that consumes you a lot, but if you’re not committed to it, it wouldn’t do the youths any good because you need to follow up with them. Once they start looking up to you; if you don’t follow up and keep that contact with them, they can end up worse than they were before,” he shared. His love for the job, though, helps a great deal with overcoming the chal lenges that come with work ing with the youths. “There are so many challenges that if it’s not something that you love and are passionate about, you can’t survive in it. It has to be a passion. It isn’t always smooth sailing, es pecially working in football, because football has most of the underprivileged youths and with that comes [with] a lot of different behavioural traits,” he pointed out.

IIICHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 28, 2022

EVEN as national Goal keeper/Coach Eon Deviera has a keen interest in train ing youngsters to become sports professionals, he has also been paying increased attention to helping them with their personal devel opment. In trying to foster good citizens, Deviera has seen first hand how youth devel opment encompasses more than just training them in the area of sports. To this end, he has been making an effort to invite certain professionals to have talks with the youths.

Deviera wants to do more than just work with the 24 members of his academy. He has in mind doing outreaches to various parts of the coun try and allowing for speakers on various subjects, such as drugs and alcohol abuse, to be on hand to chat with the youths.“We want to move it to different communities and make the outreaches into a regular thing. The initiative is basically to help them to focus on things that are more important than the mere sports, which are keeping away from harmful substanc

A group from the Eon DeViera Goalkeeping Academy Inc

Football coach dedicated to his team

National Goal keeper Coach with the Guy ana FederationFootballEonDeviera Deviera’s academy donating balls to football players in the Rupununi

SEE PAGE XXVIII

Training and athletesdevelopmentpersonalforyoung

Change in Mentality

More recognition for theatre needed

“Theatre is one of the most powerful tools there is. You want to get the message out and across, do it theatrically. They will get the message much stronger. You can talk all day, they see it, the message is there, it is on television or on radio. It gets the message across, and that is what the government needs to recognise. They need to help promote the Arts and promote in a meaningful way, every aspect of it,” Robinson told the Pepperpot Magazine. According to Robinson, theatre has been very impactful over the years. For him, it has made a difference in the way he lived and continues to live his life, he shared, adding that he would be a hypocrite to say that he has learnt nothing from theatre.“Years ago, if I may, theatre was far more powerful, far more impacting because it was supported … neither was there a competition with social media, so it was a means of people getting that relief or a different aspect of every day living by going to see a play,” Robinson said. He explained that social media has had a negative effect on theatre, because many young people prefer to sit on their phones and pay rapt interest to events as they unfold on social media rather than looking at a good play. He

times, much of the enter tainment just appeals to people’s basic instincts and that most writers clamour to popularity and sales rather than to instill a positive mes sage. As such, he believes that people will have to be “weaned” back into appreciating good theatre. However, he is of the view small efforts have to be made initially until the audience starts coming back to the good plays.

‘Influencers’ should be more truthful to their followers about their paths to success

IF you have amassed a large following on social media and even in real life, I am pleading with you all to please be honest and truthful with yourself and your followers when opportunities were handed to you. I have no clue why so many “influencers” are obsessed over the “started from the bottom, now we’re here” narrative. Stop spinning false narratives and giving false hope to people who may be following you or to people who may look up to you as an example of how they can become what they aspire to be. I know my privileges, and I’ve always been open and honest about them when needed. I personally know it, and I am aware and vocal about it. I wish others could do the same. Many followers, especially a vulnerable audience, will look up to you for various reasons. Many of them listen to or view your content so that they can emulate what you do. I know that, at the end of the day you aren’t responsible for what people do with the information you put out there. How ever, morally, I do believe that every influencer and influential figure should be able to share stories and information when giving advice, truthfully. Many people online love to share or repost “inspirational” think pieces but they refuse to be held accountable for their opinions or the narratives they spin. If you got into a programme via “links, “ don’t share the same opportunity with others without mentioning how you got it to begin with. If you’re encouraging people to break generational financial curses by being an entrepreneur, be sure to share that you had the help of a trust fund to start the said business, to begin with. If you spent money buying Insta gram likes and followers, don’t share tips on organically growing a page. We’re now in the era of influencers, and I’ve noticed how vul nerable certain audiences (especially younger ones) can be. It’s a shame many influencers exploit said vulnerability to their advantage. If your close connections or privileges afforded you opportunities to get a schol arship, a job, a title or any other oppor tunity, then so be it. If you were handed an opportunity that you worked for, then good for you as well. I’m not mad at you. Why would I be? I am, however, livid at people who come on here spinning narra tives of “self-proclaimed success”, trying to influence people on how they can do the same when it really isn’t the case. If you really want to help them, you can share those very “links” with them and/or ad vocate for fairness amongst every citizen of this land. If we’re all being honest with ourselves, then we will acknowledge by now that nepotism is no stranger to our land, and for some, that is okay but do not lie about it. Say it as it is, or don’t say anything at all.

SINCE its inception, theatre has been a recipe for easing tensions in the mind of people who have been frustrated and want to have a good laugh while providing adjust ments for the better as they become enthralled in the performances. These were the viewpoints expressed by veteran theatre personality Ron Robinson during an interview with the Pep perpotRobinson,Magazine.awell-known Guyanese theatre performer and playwright who has been featured in and written many wellknown plays, spoke about what he hopes to see in the near future where theatre is concerned.

goodthatatre.dayswayhashowever,acknowledged,thatsocialmediapositives,asitisthepeopleadvertisethese-evenpeopleintheHowever,heopinedthebadoutweighsthetremendously.Whereistheatregoing?Robinsonsaidthatinmodern

“I want to see a professional theatre started in Guy ana, where a professional theatre is built. The Cultural Centre is huge, but it is so large. There are other large theatres in the world, but they are designed acoustically, so that audience at the back will hear just as good as the audience in front. They are built so that sets can be changed quickly,” Robinson told the Pepperpot Maga zine.Robinson’s dream is to have that professional theatre built and have professionals come and train Guyanese for three months. Additionally, there must be more resources, including financing, poured into theatrical performances to ensure their upkeep. This must be inclusive of actors being paid hand somely, training for directors, actors, ushers and sound engineers, while at the same time maintaining a professional approach to theatrical performances coun trywide. These improvements, he believes, would lead to a revival of large audiences who will be eager to witness good, educational and informative plays filled with positive and inspirational messages.

Local thespian calls for development of the art

Ron Robinson, veteran actor and playwright

IV CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday, August 28, 2022

The workshop, held in the compound of Theatre Guild in Kingston, teaches children, ages 9 to 16, the basics of costume and stage management, playwriting, directing, and acting. It also helps them master the arts of listening, breathing, and stage geography.Theworkshop, with As sistant Directors Sherwin Adams and Jennifer Kendall, will culminate in Emerge 9, a grand stage show featuring the children on September 3. During their time in the workshop, they would have been responsible for writing their own play and coming up with ideas for the final show. With decades of expe rience in the entertainment industry, Dowding uses the time to pass on her knowl edge and skills to the youths. “She’s always telling you to try and get better and not to give up,” 10-year-old Kinaya Mc Pherson said about Dowding. “It’s my first time here, and I find it enjoyable. I think it’s fun; great lessons. The classes help me build my courage. I’m proud of the fact that I can project, act and di rect,” Mc Pherson

tellsaactors.itemstheresponsibleAsattendingMargaret’sVanbuckley,Eight-year-oldexpressed.KeimaniapupilofSt.Primary,lovesthedramaclasses.thepropsmanager,heisforlookingafterstageandprovidingthethatareneededbythe“Everytimewemakemistake,Ms.Dowdingushowtocorrectit,”he shared. He especially loves that the workshop allows him to make new friends. It is Quade Barrett’s third year participating in the workshop. “It helps me in projecting, in confidence and other ways. If we say a part wrong or don’t project, Ms. Dowding will tell us what to do,” he Meanwhile,shared.

Children’s Drama Workshop

Entertainer Simone Dowding

Simone Dowding with assistant directors and participants of this year’s drama workshop

“WHEN I am home, they say you’re too loud and need to quiet down, but here, they say be as loud as you can; the entire audience must hear you. It feels like home, like one big happy family.” These were some of the sentiments expressed by 13-year-old Sarah Reid, who was sharing how she felt about the children’s dra ma workshop that she was a part of for the past few weeks that was held by Purple Arts Pro ductions.Astudent of Saint drenwithhering,Simonementofstandingganisedworkshop,lovedCollege,Stanislausshethattheorbylongmembertheentertainindustry,Dowdallowedfortointeractotherchilandtobethe outgoing person that she loves to be. “I like acting and direct ing. Directing is really fun because you get to take con trol. You get to share your ideas with people and inspire them,” the aspiring corporate lawyer shared with Pepperpot Magazine on the sidelines of a practice session for an upcoming show that will be the culmination of the becometovoiceandoneseenhasexpressed.forneedthemyouvinceyoutolawyer,debating.workshop.drama“IreallylikeTobeayouhavespeakloud;havetoconpeoplethatcanhelpandyouthevoiceit,”SarahShepersonallyhowsomewhowasshyhadaweakwasableopenupandmore outgoing.Under her company, Dowding conducts the work shop annually when schools close for the July-August vacation period. She couldn’t be happier that she was able to work with the children once again after pausing for a while due to the pandemic. These workshops also fit the description of the type of developmental activities that theatre veteran Ron Robinson expressed his hope to see more of in a recent interview with the Pepperpot Magazine.

Hillon La Cruz is a student at the Uni versity of Guyana who is majoring in Communications. She is doing her internship with Purple Arts Productions, learning the basics of theatre arts.La Cruz said the partici pants had to create scenarios to get ideas for a play and that it was very interesting to see how they came together, formed a group and produced somethingObservinggood.Dowding at work, La Cruz said: “She’s really good with the kids and tries to keep it family-friend ly. She pays attention to what roles she’s giving them; what words they’re using. She’s very patient and hands-on with them.” La Cruz will be the MC for the show next week and is one of the assisting di rectors for one of the three plays on that day.

VCHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 28, 2022

Keimani Vanbuckley KinayaPhersonMc UG student Hillon La Cruz

sharing her knowledge and skills in

Practicing a scene for Emerge 9 that will be on next week

VI CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday, August 28, 2022

People, places and things in Moleson Creek Village (Delano Williams photos) Goats grazing in the village

SEE PAGE XXV

A visit to Moleson Creek

The village name signage on the road

LAST week the Pepperpot Magazine visited the com munity of Moleson Creek, Berbice, Region Six thehighlightBerbice-Corentyne),(Easttothewayoflifeoflocals.

The journey was overland and started very early in the morning to get to the village, tucked away down a long, ‘crush and run’ road. That road is about one and a half miles away from the main access road and about 10 minutes’ drive from the Guyana/Suriname Ferry Stelling.Moleson Creek is the last village on that corridor and bordered by the Corentyne River and Crabwood Creek Village.Itis home to dozens of people who have lived all their lives there and have no desire to relocate but wel come any form of develop ment.

The community benefit ted from a ‘crush and run’ road, which replaced a mud dam, thus significantly en hancing the locals’ lives in terms of accessibility. The village has no elec tricity, and certain sections of the community don’t have access to potable water sup ply. Most residents store rainwater for consumption since the water from the pipes is not good enough to drink. Moleson Creek is a very large agricultural village with a large land mass, most of which is set in the back lands and over time, many people left the village. The people of Moleson Creek Village are mostly farmers of cash crops, rice, ground provisions, citrus, cattle and poultry. Some men in the village work as labourers on farms owned by their fellow vil lagers and the omen would also work on farms, others sell produce at markets and some homemakers handle the home’s domestic aspect. The locals of Moleson Creek are humble, everyday people whose lives revolve around hard work as farm ers. They toil daily in the farmlands that are located in the village and access them via boats or the mud dam on tractors or horseback. Due to the rainfall con ditions, access to the farms is limited via boats equipped with outboard engines or paddles.Farmers have to journey for miles in a small canal to get to their farms and most of them provide employment for the men in the village when extra help is needed during the harvesting of crops. There are many largescale farmers in this village as well as some who reside elsewhere but have their farms in Moleson Creek. There are about 25 houses

Rita Budwah, the mother of 10 Meanwhile, a few doors down the road is the home of Rita Budwah, a mother of 10, who was relaxing in a hammock under her house. The 45-year-old is a housewife who is tending to the children, the youngest being two years old and some of the others are school-aged. Budwah told the Pep perpot Magazine that her husband is holding down a job as a watchman at a farm in the village and he is often away from home. She added that she is originally from #72 Vil lage, Corentyne, Berbice but moved to Moleson Creek Village 25 years ago when she tied the knot. Budwah related that two of her grown children have since got married and left home while seven younger ones are there with her. She pointed out that the quiet country life suits her and the people of the village are kind and generous to them.That day, Budwah had already made a pot of rice and chicken curry and the children had eaten and they

The people of Moleson Creek

By Michel PRECELLEOutridgeJAMES, a young mother, left her home village of Port Kaituma, North West District (NWD) Region One (Barima-Waini), four years ago, seeking a better standard of life and relocated with her husband at Moleson Creek, Berbice. The 20-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that she relocated after marriage, but she did not regret it because she has a better life there. Leaving family members behind is always difficult to walk away from, but this year, she plans to visit Port Kaituma for the Christmas holidays to see her parents, humble farmers and two siblings.Themother of two stated that she has a daughter and a four-month-old baby boy and since she relocated, life has changed for the better because her husband has a steady job and he is provid ing for them. “I can safely say that since I came here, I get to like the place and the qui etness. The people are very nice and like you can see, all the neighbours’ children would visit me every day,” she Thatsaid. day when the team visited, James had already prepared a meal of chicken fried rice for the entire day, and she was taking care of her baby while, chatting with the other children at her home.

VIICHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 28, 2022

Precelle James and her children (Delano Williams photos)

Rita Budwah and her pet

Farmer Suresh Persaud and a relative in the village Jack at his favourite spot were all relaxing in ham mocks under the house. This family has a pet monkey named Jack, who is always on a bean under the house looking out. Suresh Persaud, the farmer Just next door is the home of Suresh Persaud, a cash crop farmer, who was waiting on the tide to get to the back land area to access his farm.Hehas been living in Moleson Creek Village for the past 35 years when the place had nothing except bush and Persaudmud.is originally from Morashee, Essequibo River and relocated with his mother to Berbice after their father died. He has two brothers in the same village and another on the Corentyne, while his four sisters reside abroad. Persaud told the Pepper pot Magazine that he would sell his produce to wholesal ers, and his wife would also sell the produce at Skeldon Market. He is the father of three with two unmarried sons, who assist him on the farm.

Persaud explained that even though farming isn’t always profitable, being self-employed is a blessing.

“The life of a farmer is nothing glamourous, and it entails a lot of hard work to achieve a good crop, but despite the challenges we face with flooding and other factors, we are holding on. We cannot give up because it is our way of life,” he said.

The 38-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that he used to plant pumpkins, plan tains and cash crops, but now there aren’t any crops on his farm due to the weather and the scarcity of cash.

Ghazie Munair Ibrahim, the cash-crop farmer Ghazie Munair Ibrahim is also a farmer and resident of Moleson Creek and he is one of the small-scale farm ers who has not yet received the government’s cash-grant relief which was approved for distribution following flooding earlier this year.

Farmer, Ghazie Munair Ibrahim

The CDC Chairman re ported that they also need to access their farms in a better way via the dam, but with the present rainy conditions, they have to use boats to get there. He has since made rec ommendations on behalf of the farmers to have an exca vator visit to do some land preparation and also to boost the current drainage system they have in place.

He reported that construc tion of a road started last year December and so far they have a ‘crush-and-run’ road which will be made into an all-weatherPersaudone.told the Pep perpot Magazine that as a farmer, they need an upgrade in the drainage and irrigation network in the village to reduce flooding in the farm lands. He noted that they were hard hit by several floods. The most severe was in May/ June and the water stayed on the land for a while, resulting in a loss of income and crops.

Home of CDC Chairman, Royanand Persaud (Delano Williams photos)

“Life here is in slow-mo tion and it is a humble way of life since we do not have any facilities like the developing villages and due to the loca tion, we really don’t have a lot at the back here,” he said.

The father of nine added that his loss amounted to $5 million, and to date, he cannot recover to re-start farming, which is his only source of income.

Persaud said the quality of the potable water in the village should be improved, because presently, the water coming from the taps are brown, and they cannot be used for drinking or cooking. Like most locals, he would make his way to the farm from early in the morn ing and work until noon, after which he would return home to tend to household chores, which include cooking.

Farming is a way of life in

Home of Ghazie Munair Ibrahim

Moleson Creek Village

By Michel Morashee,communityVillage.farmersismanmentCOMMUNITYOutridgeDevelopCouncil(CDC)ChairRoyanandPersaudoneofthelarge-scaleinMolesonCreekHemovedtotheasaboyfromEssequiboRiver.

VIII CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday, August 28, 2022

Persaud uses 15 acres just for citrus and five for pump kins and ground provisions and employs five to eight men from the village. He explained that he is originally from Morashee, Essequibo River, and after his father passed away his mother sold off the property and lands and they relocated to Berbice.Persaud added that he was still a boy when that happened and they lived with his mother and siblings at Crabwood Creek, her home village.Ashe matured, he moved away and acquired a plot of land at Moleson Creek and began his own life of farming as his father did and is lead ing a simple life. Persaud is the father of three and would sell his pro duce to wholesale buyers, who would visit the village via canter trucks. The 54-year-old stated that the community is slowly developing, and he hopes that they will soon benefit from electricity which is a basic necessity.

Ibrahim reported that he has to prepare the land for farming and he doesn’t have access to the equip ment needed for that pur pose and presently, he is not working and is unsure of his next move, but is hoping that things will improve.

The farmer has 100 acres of farmlands in the village, but due to the rainy condi tions and other issues, he is utilising only 20 acres.

SEE PAGE XXIV

By Michel Outridge

IXCHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 28, 2022

“There are some issues in this village as it relates to farming. The drainage and irrigation is in dire need of upgrading and as a small farmer, I have no voice here to air my concerns because a lot of bullying is taking place here. The big farmers would do whatever they want, like break up the access dam to ensure their rice fields have enough water for their crops and we cannot access our Abdul Karim Hahim better known as Baksh (Delanophotos)Williams

The empty fish pond in Abdul Karim Hahim’s yard, which was once flour ishing with hassar fish Home of Toolsie Kumar

Home of the village elder

The elder stated that Moleson Creek Village al lows one to live in a very spacious environment be cause it is a natural paradise, ideal for farming with its vast back Hahimlands.used to rear has sar in his fish pond in his yard, but he suffered a loss due to the flooding earlier this year and decided not to continue.Hewould get freshcaught fish from his son, who would go fishing in the back dam when he has the

Making the most of resources at Moleson Creek

ABDUL Karim Hahim, better known as Baksh, is well-known in Moleson Creek Village, Berbice as an elder in the community and a devoted Muslim. He is well-respected and among the first settlers. The 74-year-old is still able-bodied and does all the cooking and household chores in and around the house.That day when the team visited, he was cleaning the yard having finished prepar ing a meal of fried bora with fried fish and rice. Hahim added that he lives with his wife, but due to ill health, she is away and one of his sons is with him, but he would stay at the house they have at the back dam to oversee their farm. The father of five is a farmer and has been living in Moleson Creek for the past 56 years, even though he is originally from #78 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. Hahim related that after he got married, he moved away from #78 Village and relocated to Moleson Creek to start his own family. “I came here because I wanted to achieve my own things and my parents had this place, so I started to work on my life, and here I am,” he Hahimsaid.is from a family of farmers, and his parents were also farmers, so he grew up making a living farming.Presently, due to the rainy season, he only has corilla and pumpkins on his farm since a lot of his crops perished due to the floods. Despite the ‘ups and downs’ of farming, Hahim told the Pepperpot Magazine that he is steadfast in the field and will continue in that line of work. He explained that the weather has a vital role to play in harvesting good crops, but these days it has been a while since he did that.Hahim disclosed that Moleson Creek is a very safe place to reside because there are no thieves except for a few ‘bad eggs’ among the young people who break into houses and pilfer.

time and would ensure it is part of a Hahimmeal.has many pets including dogs, a macaw by the name of Ruby and many cats he considers his companions that keep him occupied because they like having several meals daily.

Persaud disclosed that due to the village being a farfetched one, transportation in and out is costly and it is only via taxi, which adds up significantly.

“This place is very dark in the night because we do not have electricity and we were forced to buy at least solar panel to have lights,” she said.

Selina Persaud and her baby (Delano Williams photos)

Wazim Persaud and the excava tor he operates for work

By Michel Outridge FOR Selina Persaud, a simple life, even if it is con sidered mundane and away from a large population, is ideal because it is what she is accustomed to. The 29-year-old has lived all her life in Moleson Creek Village, which is lo cated on a side street, way past the Guyana/Suriname Ferry Stelling, which is kind of hidden out of plain sight.

husband is a labourer on rice farms, and he, along with other men in the community, do day jobs in aThegroup.resident of Moleson Creek added that in the new school term in September, her eldest son will be at tending the Crabwood Creek Nursery School and she would have to ensure that he gets on the school bus from the main public road. With the absence of electricity, Persaud report ed that they would use the store-bought small solar panels, which power the light bulbs and charge their cell-Shephones.noted that rainfall water is used for consump tion and household chores, and the locals have their own kitchen gardens and rear a few creole chickens and ducks for home use.

SEE PAGE XI

Being there all her life, she pointed out that they are not usually afraid because all of the people residing there are no strangers, and they have no real crimes being committedPersaudthere.related that the people are neighbourly and they do not have neighbours close by since the houses are

Persaud added that the village was once thickly populated, but due to the deplorable state of the mud dam and schooling for the children, a lot of people opt ed to move away from the community.Themother of two stat ed that a handful of people stayed behind and endured the hardships, but now they have seen the construction of a ‘crush and run’ road, which is a plus for them in terms of easierPersaudaccess.told the Pepper pot Magazine that her father left home when they were children and her mother brought them up as a single parent. She related that she is married and has two sons, including a three-month-old baby and she is a stay-athome mother who tends to the children and the house hold chores, while her hus band goes out of the village for Persaud’swork.

When the Pepperpot Magazine visited, Persaud was sweeping the bottom house she had dabbed with cow manure which was freshly done a few days ago. She keeps the immediate surroundings clean and tidy and had already woken up at the crack of dawn to prepare meals for the entire day, that is roti and rice with a stew or curry.

X CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday, August 28, 2022

Home is where the heart is for these siblings at Moleson Creek

Home is

scattered on both sides of the ‘crush and run’ road, which was newly built.

Persaud explained that he resides with his mother, Az ima Khan, who is a charwoman at the Guyana/Suriname Ferry Stelling, and he takes her to and from work daily via his “Asmotorcycle.aman,Icannot let my mother walk for 20 minutes to work and back, so it is my duty to get her there and it is of course, no trouble for me at all,” he said.

The home of Wazim Persaud

Selina Persaud’s residence

Persaud, a mild-mannered man, has been performing his duties as a son to the home and as the only man in the home, he would go out and catch fish when there is time.

FROM PAGE X

Meanwhile, Wazim Persaud, her brother, lives on the front lot with their mother and he is an unmarried exca vatorTheoperator.22-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that he would clear and dig trenches, and canals and prepare land for private contractors, and it is a job that pays better than other driving ones. He used to be a tractor driver and then upgraded his skills because he wanted to earn more to have a better standard of life.

XICHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 28, 2022

The resident also assists with the yard work, since his mother does all the cooking for them. where the heart is...

Wazim Persaud, the excavator operator

This article is part of a script -IPR AND THE INDIVIDUAL

XII CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday, August 28, 2022

THE EGO, THE CROWD

SUPPOSE we step back, use the imagination, and see the “Ego, the Crowd and the Individual” as “The Com panions”- intelligent characters that are part of a single living organism or energy field attached to us. Because we humans are born with the faculty of awareness, we desire to go further, and we recognise that to understand the dispositions of this particular group of “companions” will help through learning from them, about them, and most of all, how they want “awareness” to see them. The fact is that we are already in dialogue with them, because we have begun that journey with these compan ions as babies when we recognised ourselves in the mirror, made faces at the reflection and began our innocent journey of higher- more conceited awareness, also awakening into awareness the cautioning balancing inner voice of ‘Princi ples’ primitive, but assertive enough to say no with a gesture to what baby doesn’t like. Our self-awareness has always debated one or the other of these companions that with time, we come to understand that they each have an agenda, and can easily take you onto extremes if you surrender and fol low heedlessly after deserting the balance of principles and its assuring tenets of trust. One of the unique gifts that come with self-awareness is the ability to question or reason on everything, most times privately, to feel the vibe and explore the vibe. But the com panions have been around longer. They probably were the first to witness the cosmic cooling that was the cradle for all that is said to have been brought together as being- ‘Created’ or as argued Recently,‘Evolved.’Ilistened attentively as a Stabroek market Water Street vender argued with others on the guilt of the responsibility of parents for the directions that children take. In fact, I paused for the moment as he asked his companions- “ Ninety percent of parents does try fuh give deh children de best deh could afford, and instead deh turn out to be drug dealer, junkie, whore and dishonest wid-out conscience, sometimes, even against deh own parents, is wuh mek duh happen?” Some of us have indeed witnessed some of those actions, beginning with our families and rel atives. On more than one occasion, I can credit dominance by one or the other of the companions to painful domestic or public actions. Therefore, our very awareness is the best record to define the Companions. Now here I go, to use the human gift of symbolic language to create a mythical realm governed by the unique trinity of our discussion, beginning with the ego to enter this space of admiration and praise. All else are adoring subjects, an act of disagreement is a violation. Before the ‘inflated throne’ of the Egotist, a ques tioning expression, a restrained applause, signals an enemy, rather than an engagement of ideas or opinions, even if you are unjustly dismissed, you ought to know your place. But then, there are many frailties concealed beneath the crown of the egotist’ we all have an ego. We must have, to pursue goals and envision success at the end of hard work. It is the balance of this inner self with ‘principles’ that is important. Next comes The Crowd. You live in a social environment that has laws that say believe in this or that. To belong; to be at one with the Street, the Village or the Nation, that implies who are sacred without saying it, who is above the rules and beyond without anyone’s agreement, and you live in it, and again must seek balance. For the rules of the crowd didn’t just happen, it has roots, and origins of the roots, based on past experiences, and present recurring similarities. But it is not all that there is, a quiet voice whispers a path forward; there, is the Individual seeping into the pool of the Crowd to offer an interpretation to not deny anything of what is, but to understand and undo probable lapses of self-responsibility, towards readjusting and correcting the origin of the roots, with a new and great task that requires an understanding of how the ‘Origins’ were formed, that created the roots of the doctrines of the Crowd.

The individual of change must ascend from the Crowd to empathise with the balance of the failings and the positive attributes of the ‘Crowd’ for within the Crowd there is the ‘Egotist’, and the deceiving ‘Individual.’ But the balanced Individual that steps onto the stage must understand “By your works shall a man be known” . Therefore, as we mould those who desire to learn, they must understand ‘The Com panions’ , especially in our world of social media influences, and the spellbinding idols that seek to replace the balance between extremes with a logic that was frowned upon, only yesterday; but is described today, as “ Duh’s how it going now” but the essence of change however lies, with the age old reality, saving grace and creed of ‘Principles’ that be long to the quiet voice that whispers, understand and redeem.

XIIICHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 28, 2022

THE messages, gifts and calls were many and I am grate ful. Thank you for making an effort to contribute to this significant day. I envision a calm, relaxing, meaningful birthday and that is what I got. The gift I treasured the most are the calls and messages from persons who were part of my personal development programmes and whose lives have been transformed. THAT IS PRICELESS! When creating these programmes, I asked God for direc tion because I did not want it to be just another programme because there are many others there. I needed the content to touch the heart and penetrate the mind in a positive way. We started another class this weekend and I can already feel the intentionality of the participants. I recently met a young lady who did the programme five years ago. She hugged me tight and told me she calls my name so often because she owes me her success. I told her that God deserves the glory because I am the vessel. Leslie Balgobin was going through some challenges and had lost her job. During the session, I told her it might be a signal to go in another direction. I asked her what was it that she loved doing and she said cleaning. She then explained that she loved it and was very good at it. I saw the passion in her eyes and suggested starting a cleaning business. She did, and she received a complimentary space in the Wom en in Business Expo. She now has 12 staff and contracts with many businesses. These kinds of results can make a significant contribution to our so ciety.Imust thank Nick Boyer, CEO of Nation al Hardware, for rec ognising the positive impact and deciding to sponsor five women entrepreneurs to be part of this programme. I matched him and spon sored five ladies. Giv ing some the Gift of Confidence is a gift that will last a life time. We created two posters for some live sessions as part of confidence-buildingthe exercise and it inspired so many who viewed them as they shared their stories. I am sharing some more testimonials from the last programme.

“ The Confidence Becomes You programme was truly a life-changing experience for me. I was able to discover new inner strengths, higher self-esteem and a different perspective on life. I’ve already begun to see a major shift and positive results. I love it. I’ve learnt that confidence is a mindset. It doesn’t just happen. You have to activate it. No one can do it for you. Confidence will put you in rooms and situations you never thought were possible, all because your mindset, attitude and belief have changed. The programme has ended, but my journey continues, and I must say I’m in love with the woman I’m becoming as I implement all that I’ve learnt throughout the course into my daily routines.” Crystal Wray. I read these comments, and they remind me of me at some point in my life and it drives me to do more. On my vision board has the number of people I desire to help this year and my intention is to exceed that number. I encour age you to join me on this mission (WhatsApp 6848128) and take the initiative like Mr Boyer, and I will match your number as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

My gratefulness continues

This reality was created and reinforced by Dr Sonia No el’s programme called Healthy Thoughts Challenge. It has equipped me to transform my energy into a reflexive attitude that pushes me to be more optimistic, hopeful and successful. These days, I’m more at peace. I’m more selective on what challenges to dwell on. Moreover, I’m able to set and achieve my goals without fear or the thought of disappoint ment.My biggest takeaway was realising that my mind be lieves all the information I feed it, and I have learned to make my mind my best friend cause healthy thoughts breed a positive mindset and a positive mindset sums up to a healthy lifestyle.” Oreena Haynes “This programme has cer tainly met way more than what I had expected to begin with and the challenges really allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and my writing skills are improving each day. I’m loving every part of the newFromme. the begin ning, after reading the modules, lis tening to the moti vational opentalks,andvisualisingspeeches,myselfpositiveself-theybegantoanewdoorto really reflect upon where I was in life and where I wanted to be.The moment I began to really feel and see changes was that day we were asked to look in the mirror and share what our im age was saying to the world. Never have I ever looked at myself in such a way. I felt a great deal of self-love and acceptance. Every day I was growing and making changes, but what was even more satisfying and rewarding was that day I was able to connect with someone who I knew nothing about but was able to share part of my journey and, with words that inspired her,I made her day and my hope that it also changes her perspective of life. I am happy that I made new friends along my journey in this amazing group who are all growing with me, and be cause I know I’m not alone, I feel safe to share my journey with you guys in this group. Ms Sonia is such a blessing and amazing coach who sees the best in us all who constantly reminds us of our worth and wants the best for us. Her contribution to empowering and inspiring so many, it is difficult to put a number to her worth and it would definitely be an infinite number. Because I have a number to work with from 1 to 10 she is definitely a 10. My next step in this journey is to continue to invest in myself. Believe and apply what I’m learning to my daily life. Today I can vividly see the path I’m on and so desired for a long time and I will continue to be my true self and inspire others in any way I can.” Sherica Ambrose

“Joining the Confidence Becomes You group has changed my whole life tremendously. I have made steps in my life that I thought I wouldn’t have taken. Being in this group, I felt confident in myself self. In the past, I had doubted myself telling myself I couldn’t do it. But TODAY, I can stand on my own and say I CAN do it. It’s better to try rather than to give up. It’s not just a group it’s a family tree. I can call it because at the end of the day, we are a family helping one another.” Nadira Samaroo “The power of positivity began when I realised that no matter what, negative thoughts will always be present, but it’s how I deal with same defines the path to my success or failure.

I CAME into this world one late night, on a grassy parapet in the glow of a street lamp, but disaster befell me the moment I got up to walk. I wobbled, lost my balance and fell into the deep drain. My mother nudged at me to help me out, but I couldn’t get out. I struggled until I grew tired. No one was passing at that hour who could have stopped to help and my worried mother was pacing around restlessly. By the time I saw the first light of day, I had become cold, not feeling my legs and soon af ter, help found me. A lady in a red dress from a red house bordered by flowering plants opposite where I was lying unlocked her gate and saw my frantic mother. She came closer and saw me struggling in the drain and I heard her say, “Oh my God, this baby is in trouble!” She looked around for help, but still there was no one and she hurried back into her house, coming out again quickly holding some thing to her ear and talking to someone. The next mo ment, two young boys came running from around the corner, followed by their father who lifted me carefully out of the drain. I was wet and trembling but now safe, and my relieved mother walked to the playfield nearby as I followed with shaky legs. But in crossing the narrow bridge, my disastrous welcome to the world continued as I fell into that drain. My rescuers rushed to take me out again and they waited for a short while to make sure my mother and I were safely in the playfield. I tried suckling as she grazed on the thick, green grass, but couldn’t get much milk, so I sat down to rest. Later that morning, an other kind lady and her little daughter from nearby came to see me and pet me. I was new to this world and felt comfort able in that wide grassy field with caring people around, but there were no others of my kind. Maybe they were somewhere else, so when my mother started to walk out of the field, I followed her and fell in the drain again. The nice lady from the red house and her daughter came to my rescue, getting a construction worker working close by to haul me “What’sout.happening to this, poor fella?” I heard her ask. They put me in a little shady area, dried my coat and gave me water to drink, whilst molasses water was given to my mother and they secured the gate this time before leav ing. No more falling down in the drain that had shaken me and somehow, I hadn’t the strength to suckle enough milk from my mother’s breast, but I found comfort from that wide field, green grass, blue skies and a cool wind. I wondered though, because I hadn’t seen any other horses or ponies, “Where is home? Does mama have a Shehome?”seemed sad and tired, her white coat not glistening. I got up to go to her but my weak legs won’t carry me and I sat down. The first day I came into this world passed and that night it rained. There was no shelter but my mother stood over me, sheltering me with her body. The sun shone the next morning and most of the field was wet, but I found a few dry spots. I wanted to run and frolick but my legs were still weak, so I laid down and rolled from side to side. My mother had walked a little way off as she grazed and I got up slowly, steadily walking towards her. Then I collapsed. Something was very wrong with me. She saw when I fell, came and stood over me worried, looking around for someone. Sometime later, the lady from the red house came over with molasses water for my mother and was shocked to see my condition. “How did this happen?” she asked herself, “He seemed fine this morning.” She signalled her daugh ter, a little frantically, to come over to the field. The other kind lady came over too and together, they moved me to dry ground and wiped my wet body. I heard them calling

XIV CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday, August 28, 2022 SEE PAGE XXIII

I AM DUSKY

Key characteristics of facilitators should be recovery, flexibili ty, positivity, and the ability to hold the attention of a room, filling it with support and*hope.Weekly or monthly (depending on how often you meet) topics are vital to choose. These largely depend on the focus of the group, but common topics include coping, healing, gratitude, forgiveness etc. The structure of a typical meeting.-The facilitator wel comes everyone and thanks them for their bravery and courage to attend. - The facilitator reminds everyone that confidentiality is one of the biggest benefits of the group. - The topic for the week is announced.-Anyone who wants to take a turn to discuss any thing concerning the topic can -speak.Thefacilitator or mem bers can read pieces of liter ature that they find benefi cial about the topic. - No one is ever inter rupted as they are speaking. - The topic for the next week is decided. - The serenity prayer, one often used in recovery, can be said if members de cide which is “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.”

* Who can participate? Is it open or closed? When meetings are closed, it means only survivors can attend; if they are open, they are allowed to bring friends or family members for addi tional support. What acces sible location will you use that will allow for members to feel safe and comfort able? What days and how often will you meet? * Who will be the group facilitator? This can be a member of the health com munity such as a psychol ogist or social worker, or it can be a survivor themself who has been through reha bilitation and wants to make a difference. The facilitator can also change weekly.

Boundaries to set for a meeting.While God is mentioned in the serenity prayer, these are not religious groups. The God, in this sense, is more like a higher power which can be anything one chooses- people in their lives to trees which they haveTheseplanted.meetings are not places to convert people into your belief systems. Set boundaries for members to understand cultural dif ferences. Set boundaries on time, so members know to come on time. Set boundar ies for personal and physical space – ask before you hug or touch any member. Re spect others’ emotions and opinions; just because you may have experienced the same trauma does not mean you may have the same feel ings or beliefs towards it, as everyone copes differently.

I RECENTLY did an in terview during which I was asked about support-group options in Guyana. Unfor tunately, other than groups for substance abusers and their family members, I do not think any others exist. Some, such as Alcohol ics Anonymous (AA), re quire you to register with their head office to ensure that their specific guide lines are followed. However, I’m going to talk about the more basic types of support groups- ones you can start in your own backyard, liter ally. I’m going to talk about the benefits and the typical structure of a support group, so more Guyanese can ob tain the help and support they may Supportneed.groups are made up of individuals who share a common struggle or trau ma. They exist for aware ness, and emotional support, to provide hope and to offer practical help to other sur vivors.To organise a support group, you must first identi fy a few key factors.

The whole point of at tending and sharing in a sup port group is to release your feelings into a group of peo ple who not only may under stand the circumstance, but may also provide empathy, respect and unconditional compassion in a non-judg mental area. It is okay to leave a meeting if you feel as if your boundaries are not being respected.Howcan you keep a support group going? It is important for members to share respon sibility – to take turns being a facilitator, suggest healthy topics to discuss, and aid in whatever else is needed. Be sure everyone in the group has a chance to express their stories and feelings; ensure there is no bullying within the group. Let every member cele brate their little victories. Sometimes, it’s hard for survivors just to get out of bed, so if they are excited to share and celebrate a little victory, allow it. This also allows for members to keep the progress of them selves and others. Guest speakers can also be asked to come; these can be any one who has advanced knowledge of the specific trauma or resilience skills. Sometimes you may have difficult group mem bers, but there are healthy ways to deal with them. A difficult member may be someone who often shows up late, stays on their phone, interrupts people, laughs at others’ emotions etc. It is important that the current facilitator has a con versation with that diffi cult member, reinforcing the reason for the support group and kindly and spe cifically pointing out the behaviours the group wishes to change, depending on the behaviour. It may be asked to be stopped completely,

* What is the focus of the group, and who is it tailored to? For example, survivors of sexual assault? Domestic violence? Bully ing, etc. It can be any focus you would like.

How to form a support group or alternatives supported by the group can be suggested. Allowing individuals to become aware of your group is also largely depen dent on the group’s focus and its members’ desires. Some like to promote aware ness through media, men tal health professionals or social media. While other groups like to keep it at just word of mouth and invite only known survivors- both are okay and still beneficial. If you are thinking about starting a support group, I’d like to state the benefits of a support group clearly. It’s a space that will allow you the realisation that you are not alone, that there are people who have recovered after a similar experience to yours and others full of hope to recover. It aids in communi cation all around, which can help you to better share your emotions with other loved ones and will ultimately de crease feelings of isolation andIhelplessness.hopemanyof you de cide to create one. Thanks for reading and please continue to send topic suggestions to caitl invieira@gmail.com

XVCHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 28, 2022

The Legislature has voted the sum of $2.billion to cover the cost of the census exercise, which lasts three months. This will entail the recruitment of over 3,000 enumer ators, recruitment of teachers to train them, the estab lishment of a large number of regional offices, finalising data collection tools such as printing of forms, equipping enumerators with briefcases and other accoutrements, etc. Just as important, a public awareness and education campaign has to be carried to assure the public that the census data would be of social and economic benefit to themselves and that all personal data collected will never be disclosed to anyone but would be subsumed or aggre gated in the general body of data. Further, householders have to be assured that there is no risk in admitting strange persons (enumerators) to their homes. This census is probably the most important for the last century since the last census was taken in 2012 before Guy ana became an oil-producing country. As an oil-producing country, Guyana has embarked upon a revolutionary course of transforming itself from an underdeveloped country into one which offers its citizens all the amenities and security that the best of the developed countries could offer. Accurate 2022 census data would help to quicken this process.

SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 has been declared “Census Day” in Guyana. Census Day is declared every 10 years and is among the most important events this year and in the decade to come. From ancient times, in all the great civili sations, censuses were held. A census in the ancient world with which most people are acquainted is that ordered by Emperor Augustus just before the beginning of the Chris tian era. Everyone had to return to his/her native city to be counted. When Jesus’ parents returned to Bethlehem, they could find no lodgings and had to stay in a farm an imal enclosure where Jesus was born.

The Population and Housing Census 2022 has been de scribed as “a complete count of the population” which was last done 10 years ago. The Census will provide detailed data on population size, age structure, educational attainment, la bour force, housing and other socio-economic characteristics such as economic activities, access to social services, maternal health, food security, agricultural activity and so on.

Preparation for all censuses is costly, but in the world up to the end of the beginning of the 20th century, they were always regarded with dislike or even hostility by the popula tion since they were used as an instrument of taxation or to make demands on the population in other ways. Today they are equally costly, but they are now used to provide a greater spread of social services and assistance to the population and so are more acceptable.

ACHIEVING SUCCESSFUL CENSUS 2022 LINKED WITH EXPENDING OIL REVENUES CREATIVELY

Achieving a successful and accurate census is in the interest of consumers and the public at large, and we en dorse the appeal of the Bureau of Statistics:- “All persons in Guyana are being encouraged to fully participate in the 2022 census by providing accurate information and co-operating with the enumerators/census takers, who are scheduled to visit every household and building in Guyana.”

XVI CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday, August 28, 2022

The Bureau of Statistics further elucidated the raison d’etre of the collection of this census data: “The census, Guy ana’s largest data collection exercise, is more than just a head count as it plays a crucial role in evaluating the above-men tioned changes and data collected during the 2022 census will contribute significantly towards chartering the course of national development over the next 10 years. The data is extremely valuable to users at all levels including government, the private sector, non-government organisations (NGOs), students, researchers and international agencies”.

XVIICHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 28, 2022

XVIII CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday, August 28, 2022

WELCOME back, read ers. Last week we shared guidelines for operators in the forestry sector, focus ing on waste management and other levels.localinvolvingpecttakeconsiderations.environmentalToday,wealookatanotherasofforestryoperationsagenciesattheandinternational Forests cover approxi mately 75 per cent of Guy ana, with four-fifths (4/5) of this vegetation classified as State Forests. Forests are a source of support and sustenance for the people of Guyana, primarily rural and forest communities and Amerindians. They serve multiple land-use functions, provide socio-cultural ser vices and are an integral part of Amerindian and local community culture. It is also an essential natural resource contributing to Guyana’s economy, assisting its social and economic growth and development.Guyanahas adopted and developed several initiatives over the years to strengthen forest governance and its forest sector, such as the cre ation of the Low Carbon De velopment Strategy (LCDS) and using its forests to forge a green economy based on low levels of deforestation, reduced carbon emissions and climate resilience. In addition to the LCDS, Guy ana has also developed a Timber Legality Assurance System, which will see compliance with a Volun tary Partnership Agreement (VPA) established with the EU Forest Law Enforce ment Governance and Trade (EU-FLEGT), additionally strengthening compliance with local legislation.

*

XIXCHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 28, 2022

*AgencyGuyana

The full

on the website at euflegt.gov.gy/gtlas/guyhttps:// ENDURING GOOD FOREST GOVERNANCE AND TRADE FLEGT AND THE GUYANA TIMBER LEGALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM SEE PAGE XXII

be

To issue FLEGT Li censes, Guyana must en sure that it has a system that works in accordance with the national laws so that only legally pro duced timber is exported to the EU and the world. The FLEGT Secretari at of the Guyana Forestry Commission is the offi cial Licensing Authori ty for FLEGT Licenses. The Guyana Timber Le gality Assurance System (GTLAS) is at the heart of FLEGT and the VPA. GTLAS is a verification system that distinguish es between illegal and il legally produced timber products. Therefore, com pliance checks and supply chain controls (from har vesting to the local market or global destination mar ket, including the EU) are central to ensuring that timber products are legal. GTLAS will also verify the legality of imported timber products. Primary agencies in the GTLAS Environmental Protec tion Forestry Com mission*Guyana Revenue Au thority*National Insurance Scheme list can found

XX CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday, August 28, 2022

XXICHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 28, 2022

With monkeypox in Guyana, let’s learn from COVID-19

EARLY last week, Guyana confirmed its first case of monkeypox. A 57-year-old man who resides in Region Four (Demerara- Mahaica) tested positive for the monkeypox virus and has since been isolated to stop the virus’s spread. Now that monkeypox is here in Guyana, I think it’s worth reflecting on how we grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic (which is, for the record, not over) and how we can try to do better, collectively, this time around. The responsiveness of our health system, I think, is a good place to start. Weeks before this first case was detect ed, there were reports of Guyanese being sent abroad for training on testing and treating monkeypox. And so what we learnt last week was that health professionals could readily test a sample from ‘patient zero’ and confirm that he was indeed infected with monkeypox. This in-country testing capacity is necessary to high light because Guyana was at pains attempting to test for and confirm the presence of variants (or strains) of SarsCoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. It took us months, in 2021, to know for sure that there were any of the more infectious or more transmissible strains of the virus cir culating here in Guyana. The reason was that only a small number of mostly random samples were sent to Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) for testing. Could an earlier confirmation of the presence of variants make a difference in our health response? We may never know, but I think now, that the debate would be purely academic. What’s more important is that we have the necessary in-country testing capacity to respond more readily. Without this, we might’ve found ourselves waiting weeks before we could confirm that patient zero was indeed infected with monkeypox- by which time, the possibility exists that he could have spread that virus to severalAsideothers.from this testing capacity, it is also worth acknowledging that a section of the National Infectious Diseases hospital (the Ocean View facility at Liliendaal, Georgetown) was easily converted into an isolation space for monkeypox patients. In my opinion, this institutional capacity is a good lesson learnt from the pandemic. Despite the aforementioned ‘wins’, as someone im mersed in reporting on the local health sector, I believe that several lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic can be applied to our response to the presence of monkey pox in ForGuyana.me,naturally, a major focus should be ensuring that there is appropriate risk communication in place. I spent countless hours speaking on COVID-19 panel discussions and podcasts, and in focus groups for poli cy-making purposes just pleading with local authorities to work alongside reporters, producers, and those credible faces in mass communication spheres to engage people on the new and rapidly changing health sector. What was obvious to me was that there mustn’t be a monopoly on information, or the dissemination of information, when it comes to crises like these. Because COVID-19 and monkeypox are new diseases, it is natural for people to have fears and concerns. Unless there are opportunities for people to engage trustworthy, credible sources on those fears and concerns, they may be vulnerable to rampant misinformation or, worse, disinformation. The second important lesson from the COVID-19 pandemic, for me, is the consideration of individual versus collective responsibility. Surely, we all have the respon sibility of doing what we must to protect ourselves. Still, there is also a collective responsibility that befalls

SEE PAGE XXIII

XXII CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday, August 28, 2022

Benefits of GTLAS and FLEGT

The EUTR requires that operators exercise due diligence when placing timber or timber products on the market. EUTR defines operators as any natural or legal person that places timber or timber products on the EU market.

Other documents that may be requested for issuance of a permit include:

Can enter the EU market

* No objection from local government authority (Neigh bourhood Democratic Council or Town Council);

...GOODENDURINGFOREST FROM PAGE XIX

Improves business efficiency Therefore, if you are an operator, you can place FLEGT licensed products on the EU market, saving relevant time and work and improving the efficiency of your business.

* Processing fee

* Any other permits or approvals from relevant govern ment entities. You can share your ideas and questions by sending let ters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communi cations, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@ gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

FLEGT licensed timber and timber products meet the due diligence requirements of the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR).

Requirements for EPA Authorisation

* Central Housing and Planning Authority approval; and

* Completed application form

Contributes to a better Guyana and sector Guyana will have a robust, audited system for tracking timber and verifying its legality throughout the supply chain – GTLAS. Guyana has also committed to making information about its forest sector publicly available, improving transpar ency. FLEGT Licensing Schemes also promote legal trade, a fair market, and a multi-stakeholder process to improve forest governance and contribute to social and environmental goals.

* Detailed Project Summary

* Business Registration or Certificate of Incorporation

ana-timber-legality-assurance-system/.

I AM ...

FROM PAGEPAGEFROMXXIXIV

With monkeypox in Guyana, let’s learn ...

Those words gave me the comfort that there are people who care and are kind to animals, so my mother was in good hands. The lady went back home, brought some molasses water for her and spoke to a couple of men to bury my body in the playfield. Her daughter came to give her support and then, because no one else was there, she sat talking to my mother, trying to comfort her as my resting place was being prepared. But when it was ready, my mother would not allow the strange men near to me. The kind lady had to coax my mother out of the friend so the barricade could go on to keep her out. The moment they picked my body up, she became agitated, neighing distraughtly, trying to get back into the field. I watched on, so sorry I couldn’t comfort her, for I had to cross the rainbow bridge now. “I will wait for you there, mama,” I said, “We will meet again one day and then you’ll be happy.” us all. And frankly, it is selfish to think that one’s aversion to guidelines and best advice will not impact others. With COVID-19, people who were opposed to wearing masks and practising other safety measures may have contributed to the continued spread of the virus. With monkeypox being a disease spread through close contact, we must be wary of the spaces we are in and what role we might be playing in spreading the harmful virus. Finally, before I end this column, I believe that monkey pox may result in some degree of stigma- simply because of the visible symptoms associated with it (the scars, swollen lymph nodes, and rashes). With COVID-19, in the earlier months of the pandemic, it was almost taboo to tell others that you were infected- even if that meant that they would be encouraged to get tested and know their status. I interviewed numerous workers and ordinary citizens who spoke about losing sales and job opportunities because of the infection. I hope that, with monkeypox, we realise that this is a new dis ease that does not seem as life-threatening as COVID-19. So while we take all necessary precautions to protect ourselves, we should not scorn those people who might not have been able to protect themselves well enough. These are interesting times, from a public health perspec tive, because we are now grappling with two major crises/ concerns. I hope, however, that the lessons learnt over the past two and a half years help to inform our actions geared at grappling with monkeypox. If you would like to connect with me to discuss this column or any of my previous works, feel free to email me at vish14ragobeer@gmail.com

It was getting close to dusk and the caring voices that had been close for two days seemed to be drifting away. The good man and kind lady from early that first morning made a make shift shelter over me just in case it rained during the night. They left at dusk with the hope I make it to the morning. It didn’t rain that night and I lay there in the quietness, lights all around, my mother never leaving my side. But creeping darkness came closer and closer and just as I came into the world on a quiet night, I left. The last thing I knew was my mother nudging me. Morning came and I lay there, my body cold but free I was to run and frolic around the field. I spoke to my mother, whose sadness had deepened and said to her, “Don’t be sad; I’m free to live.”She couldn’t hear me nor see me, for I would now go to another world, across the rainbow bridge where many of my kind lived. No more hunger, no more suffering, free from cruel hands and unkind words. I looked at my mother, who had lost her baby and I felt sorry to have to leave her. The lady from the red house came to check on me just after the sun rose. She touched my body and said with a sad look on her face, “Gosh, he didn’t make it.”

different animal doctors on the phone but could get no one until late afternoon. They tried feeding me milk from a baby feeding bottle whilst my mother stood close by, allowing them as they tried to save me but the milk wouldn’t pass down my throat and the doctor, who came late, said I had no suckling power, and without my mother’s milk I may not survive.

XXIIICHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 28, 2022

The elder stated that the initiative was a good one to assist farmers, who incurred a lot of losses during the floods.

Making the most... Farmer, Tool sie Kumar FROM PAGE IX

The 44-year-old reported that he has 30 acres of farmlands in Moleson Creek and is only utilising a few acres for farming due to the difficulties encountered as a direct result of flooding, drainage and land preparation.

“Well we did not get back everything we lost, but at least we have something in our hands to re-start our farms,” he said. Hahim doesn’t miss a prayer service at the Masjid in the village, which was a gift from the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), and it has about 20 members who frequent the mosque several times per day.

The father of three added that their lives have been enhanced and he was of the hope they will also benefit from electricity, internet and other basic amenities in the near future.

At the time of the visit, he only had plantains, and he was hoping he could replant soon since it was the only source of income.

Toolsie Kumar, the farmer

XXIV CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday, August 28, 2022 farms via the dam,” he pointed out. Hahim was, however, pleased that he benefitted from the government’s cash grant relief for farmers after the first flood this year, and he was of the view that more can be done to ease the burdens of farmers.

Like almost every man in the village, Toolsie Kumar is a resident of Moleson Creek Village and is a farmer who is pleased that they have a road instead of the dam they had previously.Hetold the Pepperpot Magazine that they experienced a lot of punishment getting in and back to their houses via the mud dam, and today, they are very happy vehicles can drive in.

FROM PAGE VI in Moleson Creek Village with just about 200 residents, includ ing many children. This village has only one small shop and no public trans portation system. The residents would use taxis at $1,000 per trip, and a handful of them have

The people of Moleson Creek told the Pepperpot Magazine that the new road, the con struction of which started in December last year, adds much value to their lives and their houses are more accessible now than before. This community is set in nature with many trees and one of the most noticeable ones is the “whitey” tree which is found all over the village, and during the visit,the whitey fruit was in Theseason.people enjoy a quiet, tranquil life away from a crowded setting and they have a lot of space to grow fruit trees, flowers and other plants.

The Guyana/Surina me Ferry Stelling at Moleson Creek.

XXVCHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 28, 2022

The village has existed for many years, but development has been slow. However, recent ly they have seen the construction of a makeshift road which will eventually be asphalted. Before this road was built, the locals told of many sufferings getting in and out to buy groceries, which was done via horseback, on tractors and on foot.

their own motorcycles, bicycles and vehicles.

Residents of Moleson Creek have many pets, including dogs, parrots, macaws, monkeys and almost everybody rears their own chickens for home use.

A visit to Moleson...

Moleson Creek is one of those places where there is absolute quietness, and that silence is only shattered momentarily by the whistling of birds and the sounds of other animals that reside in the forested area nearby.

The residents are very pleased about the recent development and are optimistic they will also benefit from other developments, such as an upgrade of the drainage and irrigation.

XXVI CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday, August 28, 2022

XXVIICHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 28, 2022

XXVIII CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday, August 28, 2022 es, etc. If we don’t try to have that change in mental ity, we will lose most of the athletes.”Once an area has been identified, the academy will link with people in that community to help with bringing out the children. Deviera is hoping to have this rolled out by September. “We want to start with atrisk communities, so we will be starting in Georgetown with Albouystown, Tiger Bay and suchlike areas, and then we will move out of Georgetown.”Healsohas in mind do ing specific training pro grammes for female goal keepers countrywide. “We want to also work with pos sible coaches in the areas so that they would be able to continue the work in the community.”Justrecently, Deviera was able to work along with Youth Challenge Guyana, where a trip was made to Baramita, Region One, as part of the Spotlight Initia tive, targeting drug and alco hol abuse and gender-based violence. The academy has also been involved in other no table work recently.

... An

Region

Training and personal outreach to Baramita, One

A training session at the academy FROM PAGE III

XXIXCHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 28, 2022

XXX CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday, August 28, 2022

XXXICHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 28, 2022

XXXII CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday, August 28, 2022

XXXIIICHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 28, 2022

XXXIV CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday, August 28, 2022

XXXVCHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 28, 2022

XXXVI CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday, August 28, 2022

XXXVIICHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 28, 2022

2. Learn how each word is pronounced. Consult a dictionary to be sure. Note the phonetic spelling, which indicates the correct sounds, together with the stress marks that tell you which syllables are to be accented. 3. Determine the part of speech of each word. 4. Study how the word is used in a sentence.

5. Sift through the many possibilities of the word uses using the dictionary. 6. Make it a habit of entering in your personal notebook any new group of words that are often con fused. Include their defini tions. Enter sentences using them. Underscore the letters that are the keys to the dif ferences in meaning of the words in a group. For exam ple, accept, except, expect.

a) Using the comma with two or more adjectives:When you use two or more adjectives and each modifies the same noun, use a comma to separate the adjectives.Thesmall, sturdy, inex pensive dining table is ideal for the children’s fruit stall. (Each adjective modifies the noun ‘table’ that is small and sturdy and inexpensive.) Please note that the com mas are used between ad jectives; no comma is used between the last adjective, ‘inexpensive’, and the noun, ‘table’.The “New Eatery” es tablishment needs a trust worthy, reliable assistant to help manage its office. (An assistant who is trustworthy andToreliable.)testwhether the ad jectives do indeed modify the same noun, substitute the word ‘and’ between the adjectives.Thesmall and sturdy and inexpensive dining table is ideal for the children’s fruit stall.b) Using the comma to indicate omissions and to separateWritersrepetitions:-sometimes omit words for the sake of brevi ty. This is fine as long as the meaning is still clear. Read the following sentences and note how the commas tell the reader where the under stood words belong. Michael Bowman was assigned to the Stephens’ branch club; Henry Dodson, the Kings’ branch club; and Jennifer Stowe, the Johnson and Johnson’s branch club. (Each comma substitutes for the words ‘was assigned to’.)Each comma also serves to separate words or phrases that are deliberately repeated for Lastemphasis.week we received many, many letters of invi tation to witness marriages within our extended family. When he discussed his furniture project, Anthony was obviously enthusiastic, veryc)enthusiastic.Usingthe comma in directWhenaddress:-wespeak directly to someone, we often use the person’s name as we address him or her. Such use is called direct address. Commas are used to sepa rate names in direct address in the examples that follow. Mrs. Suggared, will you be able to meet with us on Monday, September 4? I am very happy, Henry, that you have been named assistant vice president. Something to Do Punctuate the following sentences.

2. All of us appreciate your helping us Mr. Ainsworth, and we look forward to your next visit.

XXXVIII CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday, August 28, 2022 August 28, 2022 THOUGHT FOR TODAY Though the mills of God grindslowly, yet they grind exceedingFRIEDRICHsmall.VON LOGAU(1604-1655) Sinngedichte (1653),III.ii.24 (tr. H.W. Longfellow) STUDY SUCCESS Dear WelcomeStudent,dear friend. Success comes with know ing your reading purpose and using your study time efficiently. One purpose is to locate specifics. Here you hunt by skipping and skimming to prevent lengthy reading and boredom. An other is to absorb informa tion. In this you actively participate as you read for meaning and to remember what you read. Yet another is reading for copying and checking. Here you care fully concentrate and attend to meaning to detect errors and do correction. Be wise.

4. If you wish, we will be glad to help you Jackie with your complicated gardening project.

1. By 2024 we plan to have a nationwide total of 48 culture clubs; by 2026 55 clubs; and by 2030 61 clubs.

7. The Ms. Randy’s patient positive attitude makes her very popular among her staff members.

6. The Planters Credit Union provides a safe convenient method to save money through payroll deduction.

nery.GRAMMARThecomma–

Something to Do Find the meaning of the following combinations of words commonly confused. Study their spelling careful ly. Be sure to look up the pronunciation of any word that is Accede,unfamiliar.exceed; all ready, already; advice, advise; altar, alter; bare, bear; capital, capitol; chews, choose, chose; cite, site, sight; com mence, comments; dye, die; formally, formerly; precede, proceed; prece dence, precedents; reality, realty; stationary, statio

1. Examine carefully how each word is spelled, noting whether the same letters occur but in different order, whether a letter is doubled in one word but not in another, and so on.

Love TighteningWRITINGIMPROVINGyou.your word skillsThere are groups of words that are often con fused because they either sound or look exactly alike and confuse even the best of students at times. You will easily distinguish between such kinds of words if you do the following:

other uses Here are three uses of the comma that you must know also if you must write clear, correct messages always. We will address the follow ing a)uses:Using the comma with two or more adjectives; b) Using the comma to indicate omissions and to separate repetitions; and c) Using the comma in direct address.

3. Needless to say, Krissy was very very happy to hear that she had been selected to represent her co-ushers.

5. Kingsley handles all customers whose last names begin with A through K; Gina L through Q; and Adam R through Z.

A survey done recently in the USA reported that for dentists, the ideal patient was between ages 25-55 years old female, well educated and at the upper end of the social scale. This aspect further proved the physical appearance dimension in relation to treatment. Also, almost half the dentists surveyed had lost patients due to poor interpersonal relationships. On the other hand, patients believe that critical factors of good dentist in clude his personality, ability to reduce fear and anxiety, as well as his technical ability.

SUCCESSFUL treatment in the healing arts is not at tributed exclusively to the administration of an appro priate remedy. Once there is person-to-person interac tion, a certain degree of understanding must prevail. In the case of the dentist-patient relationship, the concept of success after treatment should be balanced when both parties have systematically analysed the result. Any discussion of the dentist-patient relationship must begin with one singular but critical observation. There is an unfortunate tendency in the dental literature to assume that there is only one kind of dentist-patient relationship. Such a conceptualisation has limited the kinds of research carried out and compromised or limited the relevance of the findings which have been reported. The fact that there are three types of relationships which vary according to the relative amounts of responsibility required of the dentist and patient. The importance of being aware of these explains the doubts about whether there is any guarantee of dental work done by the dentist. In one model, the dentist assumes complete responsibil ity for caring for the patient. In its most extreme form, the patient is incapable of the reacting, that is, he or she is un conscious or in a coma, etc. the second type of relationship is that of the guidance cooperation model, the dentist gives advice, direction or instructions and the patient is expected to carry them out. This type of relationship is probably the most traditional and most familiar one. The third type of relationship is that of mutual participation. In this model, both dentist and patient share equally. The patient is expect ed to take responsibility of his welfare and to promote his own health. Only here can he engage in preventative and health promoting behaviors or in adherence to prescribed regimens for controlling chronic disease. Studies done have described the “good patient” as obedient, conforming and willing to assume the role of the patient. According to researcher E.F. Borgotta, the degree to which the patient poses little risk of threat to the professional; and the extent to which he readily conforms, defines the patient in positive terms. In addition, individuals characterised as “good patients” are described as agreeable, likeable, warm and attractive according to T.A.Wills writ ing in the psychological bulletin (1999). The psychiatric and social work literature have demon strated that the professional’s first impression of the patient in terms of the dimensions discussed above significantly affects the outcome of treatment. Patients who are cooper ative and behave well tend to get the better of the dentist. In fact, studies show that the professional image of the patient on the first visit is significantly related to treatment outcome.Findings of Horning and Massagli (2001) indicate that as professionals become more specialised, there appears to be an increased emphasis on the negative characteristics of the patient and the tendency to label them as the negative persons who exaggerate small ailments and who are head strong. It is conceivable that patients who challenge pro fessionals’ integrity tend to receive labels which place them outside of the professional’s area of expertise or which define them as untreatable.

The ideal patient

XXXIXCHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 28, 2022

XL CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday, August 28, 2022