Guyana Chronicle PepperPot E-paper 7-19-2020

Sunday, JULY 19, 2020

Teerani Ramdeen; founder and owner of Kamakshi NYC

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 19, 2020

By Francis Quamina Farrier

Singer/Songwriter Dave Martins, was honoured by the Guyana Cultural Association of New York in 2019 (Photo by Francis Q. Farrier)

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IKE millions all around the world, I have been in lockdown since mid-March.

As someone who loves and needs to be here, there and everywhere, gathering the news from the four corners of our beautiful Guyana, and to many corners of our wonderful world, I am surprised that I do not find myself in any way bored being at home 24/7 for the past four

Mosa Telford received an award for her journalism from the Guyana Cultural Association (GCA) of New York (Photo by Francis Quamina Farrier)

months. With the aid of so many modern technologies - the internet, smartphone and Zoom included - we are all able to make contact and receive information from all around the world in real-time.

For those of my age group - eighty-plus - we have seen tons of technical developments in our lifetime. Some of us become overwhelmed and bow out of active life and living.

Others like myself, struggle to keep up with the ever-developing technologies including the internet and the smartphone and the range of their devices.

Those of my age-group can recall when it took a day or two and sometimes three days to get a telephone link-up from Georgetown to a relative or friend in New York. One had to make a call to the telephone headquarters on Brickdam, Georgetown. The operator would then make the connection which took hours and sometimes even days to get you connected to your party abroad.

With the available modern technology of today, it takes just a few seconds to make a similar connection, with no need for the assistance of a third party. Within the past three months of lockdown, I have been part of several Zoom programmes and that really excites me. I usually do flashbacks marvelling at the way technology is keeping Guyanese at home readily connected with those in the diaspora in real-time. Catholics based across the Caribbean

and North America, see Holy Mass said not only in Georgetown but at Mahdia and elsewhere in the country. Chow Pow and Guyana Critic still reach their fans scattered all across ‘Region 11’ (Guyanese living in the diaspora).

Never have I ever thought that it would have become necessary for me to wear a mask and stay indoors to give myself the best chance to stay healthy and coronavirus-free.

However, I am not alone since that is something millions of others all around the world are also doing to remain healthy.

Indeed, we are all in this together.

We are now well into the second half of 2020, but without the benefit of 20-20 vision to even see what will likely happen tomorrow. In most countries, including Guyana, the economy is taking a severe beating. Many people are hurting financially and emotionally. However, the hope is that we will all come out of this unique experience, a stronger and much more united people. Guyana can’t continue as is and be happy and genuinely prosperous.

We need to remember or learn that it is smarter to “live and let live”. A society in which all are receiving their fair share of the economic pie is a society in which there is much less conflict, and much more happiness and prosperity.

I have to say that the COVID-19 and the resulting protocols - wearing a face mask, social distancing and washing hands regularly - are

in no way getting me down.

Unfortunately, that beast of a virus has gobbled up many lives; some of whom were folks I knew personally for many years - Jimmy Bacchus, Billy Braithwaite, Michael Gilkes, Pat Thompson, Gordon Case and others.

Quite a number of annual mid-year events such as Guyana’s Independence Anniversary have had to be cancelled, scaled-down or done virtually, because of the stringent COVID-19 protocols. Thank goodness there is the technology which makes it possible to communicate with others in and around countries even hundreds and thousands of miles apart.

The exciting week-long activities by the Guyana Police Force, for example, are not happening on the grand scale as usual. Citizens of Georgetown who live along the route where the annual Police Anniversary Route March is usually held will most certainly miss that grand event. The exuberating marching music by the Police Force Band headed by Superintendent Charmaine Stuart and the crisp marching by the ranks will surely be missed on this the 181st anniversary of the Force. COVID-19 is certainly turning almost every annual event upside down.

In New York City, the four annual events by the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc. (GCA) - The Awards Ceremony, the Kwe Kwe Night, the Literary Hang and the Family Fun Day - have for over 20 years been constant and have always attracted hundreds of fans. This year, they are all off the charts as it were- in the conventional way and will be done virtually.

Some of the Guyana Cultural Association (GCA) Honorees of past years include Dave Martins, Ron Robinson, Petamber Persaud, Marilyn Dewar, Bernadette Persaud, Merlene Ellis, Stephanie Bowry, Genevive Whyte-Nedd, Desmond Ali and Mosha Telford among dozens of other high achieving Guyanese, both in Guyana and in the diaspora. In Guyana, the popular ACDA Emancipation Fair held at the National Park in Georgetown, is also not likely to be held this year for the very first time since its commencement, compliments of COVID-19.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 19, 2020

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GAN members at the Caribbean Tech Entrepreneurship Programme

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By Jared Liddell

HE Guyana Animation Network (GAN) one of the country’s most active animation companies on July 2 celebrated its fourth anniversary. With the rise of animation in the Caribbean, more and more persons recognise the importance this skill can play in the preservation of cultural history.

The Pepperpot Magazine reached out to the Founder of GAN, Jubilante Cutting, who beamed with pride at the level of growth her organisation has had since its official launch.

According to Cutting, the organisation was birthed out of what she felt was a necessity. She stated that she noticed that there were no opportunities available for creatives so she started the organisation as a way of reaching persons that had creative ideas who wanted to receive community support or financial support or just

to know that someone was rooting for them.

“GAN actually provided the opportunity for me to see that we have a lot of persons - children, youth, adults whether professional or freelancers- who are creatively gifted in Guyana and the more we cultivate the creative skills is the more we will be able to see many digital solutions coming out from our own cultural and national experience,” Cutting explained.

She stated that since she had no background in the creative field she had no idea that four years down the line GAN would have been able to not just achieve success but have such a deep and lasting impact in the lives of many creatives that partnered with the organisation and that chose to become members.

GAN has pitched proposals on several regional and international platforms and has been able to secure several resources through different channels such as the Caribbean Entrepreneur-

ship Programme. GAN also pitched for the Global StartUp System as one of the only tech organisations. GAN in its fourth year has also pitched and has been awarded a grant to provide rapid response to COVID 19. This is one of the many highlights of GAN’s achievements for this year.

Cutting stated that several things are noteworthy about the organisation including its clear understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals “partnerships for goals” where it uses its many partnerships to provide opportunities and resources to its members. She explained that GAN currently has over 86 partners locally, regionally and internationally that actively help to provide services in Guyana.

She explained that this is especially evident in GAN’s 2020 summer camp where, through its partners, the organisation will be providing access to software that persons do not normally have access to for free. She stated

that it and goes to show that through GAN’s partnerships there is greater scope for Guyanese accessing technologies legitimately through GAN whereas otherwise these resources would have been limited, not accessible or never heard of.

President of GAN, Francine Leithc echoed the sentiments of the organisation’s founder stating that she joined the organisation soon after its launch and has had the opportunity to see GAN as well as its members grow.

“We wanted to show them how they can take their natural art skills to the next level through digitisation.

Jubilante recruited me as a freelancer, art was something I did in my free time as a hobby during my studies,” she said. “So I started as a volunteer, just trying to help Jubi bring her vision and the vision of the group to life, to find out whether there were creatives within our space that have an interest in taking their skills to the next level by capitalising on these op-

One of GAN’s workshops

portunities that are available Guyana from now.” regionally and internationalGAN boasts a memberly that we had no idea were ship of diverse young people available.” who have different skills and Leithc said that while be- are committed to ensuring ing president of the company that creatives take full adshe has seen the influence vantage of the opportunities GAN has had on individu- provided to them through als, highlighting that many GAN to ensure that they creatives are now becom- perfect their talent and craft ing more aware of their art to work successfully in the being able to exist in this modern world. The members digital world and the fea- advocate for persons to beture of where creative skills come participants where the can exist. Further, she high- experience for them is more lighted that GAN has seen of them gaining a skill or acparents of children pushing cess to an event or something and advising them to take as opposed to carrying the advantage of the benefits of load of an organisation. the organisation, as well as GAN is currently facilseveral adults reaching out itating registrations for its themselves to be a part of 2020 Summer Camp. Perthe services and access that sons can register for GAN’s is offered by GAN. summer camp and there S h e a d d e d t h a t t h e are resources especially group’s influence does not lie for persons with businesses only with individuals but also who have had to transition members of other sectors to providing online services within Guyana. “We have or to persons who recentinfluence certain partners in ly launched a business to Guyana namely CARICOM provide services to also take up the ambit of during the providing certain skills,” current she said. “Last year p a n the Secretariat had demic. its first workshop facilitated by GAN where 13 children from an underserved community were given the chance to get the skills. So we’re not only affecting the youths but were also affecting businesses to open their eyes and to see like these skills and opportunities are worth the investment to make into youths that may not have a direct impact on their business or the business community but they see it as equipping t h e f u Founder of the Guyana Animation ture Network Jubilante Cutting o f

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 19, 2020

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Another of Simon’s sculptures

Sculptor Lionel Aubrey Simon (Photo by Delano Williams)

One of Simon’s treasured pieces of Bob Marley

working at salons such as Blue Flame on America Street; Basic Beauty, North Road and Blue Lagoon on Albert Street, adding that this occupation saw him became very popular.

A`Welcome’ sign carved by Simon (Photos courtesy of Lionel Aubrey Simon)

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By Wendella Davidson

ELF-TAUGHT and full-time sculptor Lionel Aubrey Simon, is aiming to etch his name alongside the best known in the field in Guyana, such as the late Phillip Moore and Gary Thomas.

And while he is not yet at the peak where he would like to be, Simon said he is gradually getting there, while disclosing that he had already made a name for himself in Antigua, where he lived briefly.

His favourite pieces of craft to date are the bust of Antigua’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne; the legendary Bob Marley; Guyana’s national animal `The Jaguar’ and Mahatma Gandhi.

He, however, expressed his frustration that despite having returned home from Antigua upon advice, with the hope of obtaining a CARICOM-approved Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) that would make him more marketable overseas, has been given the royal run-around.

“To tell you the truth, I really feel let down by my own country. I felt more accepted as an artist in Antigua, but that piece of documentation would put me on a better footing.

I am not sure this CSME [Caribbean Single Market and Economy] thing is working for us Guyanese artists at all; we really need more recognition,” he lamented.

Simon, 51, told the Pepperpot Magazine that he was schooled at St Paul’s Primary School, Plasiance and Bladen Hall Multilateral, both located on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) and later at The Bishop’s High in the city, before he sought employment to help out in his large family which included 11 children.

According to him, his first job was that of a barber

LONG-TIME TALENT “While attending school I developed a love for drawing and got into trouble many times for creating sketches on the walls at home. I subsequently realised that I wanted to make a living as an artist, even though I did not formally attend an art school,” he added.

Simon said he began honing his skill as a sculptor in his early 20s after he left school and he started assisting at the workshop of a family friend, Andre Sealey, who did abstract wood art. “I used to sit and pay keen attention to Sealey as he diligently laboured away on various pieces that he craftily made. At the end of the day, instead of throwing away the discarded pieces of wood as I was instructed to do, I used to pile them neatly in a corner together and fetch them home,” he said. “It was on those same discarded pieces of wood that I started to practise and whenever I took the finished product back to the workshop everyone was amazed at the excellent work I did. The praise I got boosted my confidence which matured over the years as I sought to perfect my skill, first as an abstract artist, and later doing semi-abstract work and realistic and portrait sculptures.”

Simon said initially and because he financially could not have afforded, he simply used to labour with only a chisel until another friend, Rawle Pillay, presented him with a carving gouge.

Armed with the tool he really wanted to propel his work, Simon said he set about sculpting bigger items and found a Caucasian customer from Bel Air, who was very impressed by his pieces and used to purchase almost all of them. As a result of the creative and artistic masterpieces he produced over the years, Simon said he won several championships, both locally and abroad, he recalled.

The sculptor said he began entertaining the thought of attending the E.R. Burrowes School of Art, but needing to garner money to maintain himself, he shelved the idea.

Meanwhile, a friend who does sculpting and who markets

his handiwork on the avenue on Main Street, offered to assist Simon in selling his work.

NEW TERRITORY In 2018 Simon migrated to Antigua with the hope of marketing his work there during the tourist season. At first, and maybe because he was `fresh’ on the market, he said sales were somewhat slow, so he took a job at the Royal Antigua Hotel, working as a steel bender. He, however, continued to do sculpting in his spare time.

He also recalled that when the job folded up, he went to the Antigua Heritage Market where locally made art and craft items are sold at a small craft section attached to the main building market and occupied a shed. It was there the sculptor said that he crafted several memorable pieces, including a sculpture of the country’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

In addition to the prime minister expressing his appreciation for the gift, Simon said he felt further gratified when persons would pass by, stop to admire his work and also remark “GT you bad man,” meaning they were pleased with his work.

As a result of the creative and artistic masterpieces he produced over the years, Simon said he won several championships both locally and abroad, he recalled.

According to Simon, his return to Guyana was prompted by the fact that because he was not a regularised Antiguan, he needed the CVQ certification to allow him to better market his trade on the island. “It was as a result of the advice I received that I needed to return to Guyana to effect such documentation, that I came home but now I am utterly disappointed and bruised,” he said.

In the meantime, Simon, though feeling somewhat down-spirited, continues to craft pieces to keep himself afloat, but lamented that the Guyana market is somewhat slow, with not much scope for an artist.

Responding to a query of where he sees himself in the next five years, Simon stated that unless there is a realistic change in the atmosphere as it relates to the well-being of artists, he may have to migrate again to sustain himself.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 19, 2020

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One of the eyeshadow palettes that are offered from Kamakshi NYC (Pictures were sourced from Teerani Ramdeen)

Some of the products offered at Kamakshi NYC

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By Marissa V. Foster

E E R A N I Ramdeen, better known as “Nadia Jay”, is a Guyanese who currently resides in New York. Ramdeen is the proud business owner of a small “Indie” (independent) brand of cosmetic products, Kamakshi NYC. She is a college student who lives with her immigrant family in the United States and is a nursing student studying at Long Island University. She plans on achieving a Doctorate Degree in nursing. Teerani expressed that moving to the United States of America was quite a challenge.

At times, she felt very lost and found it difficult to adapt to a strange and new environment. Nonetheless, she has always found ways to excel and one of her strengths is challenging the “norms” and the “ordinary.” It is evident in the business she now owns.

Ramdeen’s main aim was to create a beauty business for the Indo-Caribbean community. When asked what the main aim behind her business is, she replied by saying: “We’re judged when we dye our hair a different colour; we’re judged when we aren’t light enough and the list goes on. I was

tired of seeing and hearing of those issues over and over, while everyone remained silent.” She continued by saying: “I was never the fairest person around and sometimes I was bullied because of my appearance. As such, I decided to create a universal makeup and skincare line that allows colours to show fiercely and vividly on all skin types-- dark and light alike.” Ramdeen even tied in her religion into her business through the name.

“Kamakshi” is a goddess and her name means “whose eyes awaken desire or she who has beautiful eyes.”

Her brand Kamakshi NYC was officially launched on June 21 this year. This young, driven entrepreneur expressed that although she does not live in Guyana anymore, she still wants to give back to her country through her business and its aim.

She wants to uplift Guyana, specifically women, in the Indo-Guyanese community and motivate them to look beyond physicality.

Her main challenge thus far has been to rise above selfdoubts and low self-confidence about the success of her business. Makeup brands and businesses are flourishing all across Guyana and the world at large.

Ramdeen is fully aware of this and stressed that it has been challenging to find

originality in an arena where there is so much competition. Many brands are also stealing the ideas of other brands, but she remains committed to her cause and finds inspiration through the very women she wants to uplift. She also stated that she is in a “non-compete” form agreement with other small businesses to avoid repetition of unique products for sale in the beauty community.

“It is a tough time because everyone has to deal with this pandemic. A lot of people inclusive of myself are creating small businesses because they would like to ‘put food on their tables.’ My business stands out from others because it has a lot of meaning to it,” said Teerani. She offers shipping to customers in Guyana directly from the post office and all of her beauty products can be ordered through her social media or official website www.kamakshinyc.com.

Teerani has lived through the struggles of being a “brown girl,” especially in a strange environment.

Her very business was built on that struggle and she hopes that Indo-Caribbean women and girls feel included in the beauty community and makeup industry through her brand.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 19, 2020

Let’s be more proactive in dealing with

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E cannot escape the fact that the novel coronavirus, COVID-19 is very real and very present in our society. It seems as though almost every day there are reports of new cases and we need to be more proactive in our treatment of this virus if we want to diminish the adverse effect it has on Guyana.

By the time this column is published, it will be just over four months since the first cases of COVID-19 were recorded in Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and many other Caribbean nations. It has been four months since we have been forced to adopt new measures of keeping ourselves and each other

safe, and four months since productivity has been on the decline.

Recently, President David Granger acknowledged that the country is faced with a massive shortfall of revenues due to the pandemic. That, juxtaposed with the mounting expenditures needed to maintain the normal operations of the country, plus the added spending needed to contend with COVID-19, can only mean that Guyana is in a precarious financial space.

Without a national budget and a Parliament in place to approve funds for government spending, how then does the country aim to effectively mitigate the effects of this disease? The easy answer would be that the country cannot do so. It seems so much more

pragmatic to have a government in place that can pursue all avenues to support its citizens and work, as much as reasonably possible, to mitigate the effects of COVID-19.

Take Trinidad for example: I’ve been here since January and I had to comply with all measures the country has enforced to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and its resulting ramifications. Now today, as I sit on my bed typing this column, I have the freedom to jump in a maxi and go to the Trincity Mall and lime without feeling too concerned about COVID-19. Of course, safety measures (physical distancing, washing hands, wearing masks, etc) are still in place, and just like everywhere else in the world, the threat of COVID-19 has not been fully eliminated. The point is, however, T&T authorities were very stringent and pragmatic in their approach to the pandemic and the country has not recorded a new case in weeks. There is a sense of calm and security here, and it comes as no surprise that Oxford University ranked T&T as the most prepared country to roll back COVID-19 restrictions.

when hundreds of people congregate on the seawall with scant regard for physical-distancing protocols, it makes me question whether this should even be allowed. A few of my friends usually send me photos and videos whenever they travel around Georgetown to help cure the homesickness. And each time, without fail, I have to comment on the sheer numbers of people out and about and worse yet, the number of persons without masks. My friends usually say something like “Girl, that’s normal,” or “You ain see nothing yet.”

Over the past few weeks, I have seen videos of demonstrations which showed that persons were standing some distance apart and were wearing masks. On Monday last, however, I saw videos of the massive demonstrations staged in Georgetown and other parts of Guyana. These were done in light of the decisions and action taken as part of the continuing electoral process. Let me establish that each citizen, undoubtedly, has the right to protest and stage these demonstrations. That being estab-

On the other hand, I look at videos of Guyana and wonder if our country has a coronavirus-repellent or whether COVID-19 just upped and left Guyana. But then, I see the daily updates from the Ministry of Public Health and I am reminded that COVID-19 is still very real and very present in Guyana. In Guyana’s case, I believe that there is an egregious appendage that clouds our recognition of this pandemic that we have been spared from. That appendage has been the elections conundrum.

So with the appendage continuing to be the appendage that it is, I don’t think there is much leeway for greater fiscal interventions at this time. Frankly, I don’t think we have the capacity nor the capability for further fiscal interventions. Therefore, I believe that there must be a greater effort from citizens to combat COVID-19.

We are social beings. Humans are inherently social beings and we crave social interactions. Cognisant of this, governments everywhere, including our government, have allowed small social gatherings and have allowed persons to utilise public spaces. But

lished though, we are living in a pandemic and in a time where we have been forced to adapt to the ‘new normal’ we are presented with, and as such, these demonstrations must be guided by these circumstances.

And finally, of tremendous importance to me is that we show support to the small businesses that are trying their best to survive this pandemic. Four months of little to no productivity has damaging effects on small businesses and the small man or woman trying to hustle to provide for themselves and their families. All across social media, there is an abundance of persons marketing their products and services. “HELPGuyana.com” is a recently launched software solution which helps small farmers to market their produce virtually. The Chronicle’s Pepperpot last week featured a handful of local entrepreneurs tapping into various niche markets.

Innovation and entrepreneurship are often birthed out of crises, and well, this pandemic is a crisis like no other. So, as much as you possibly can, support that small business. It goes a long way.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 19, 2020

VII

Bora cultivation in the village

Focus on the Village

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By Michel Outridge

HIS week the Pepperpot Magazine visited the agricultural village of Cane Grove, which is located in Mahaica, East Coast Demerara.

This village can be found 15 miles from the main public road. Cane Grove, a relatively large village which is divided into six sections: Estate Yard, Manager’s Line, Granny Field, Saywah, Coconut Dam and Virginia.

From the look of it, it is safe to say one can never go hungry in this community, since it is regarded as the village of bora, beef and rice.

There are vast rice fields and residents rear livestock such as sheep, goats, cows and chickens and there are a lot of cashcrop farmers, who cultivate bora on a very large scale.

The village is densely populated with about 5,000 residents who are mostly rice, cattle and cash-crop farmers.

Some people leave the village for work, while others are self-employed and have jobs within the villages at several business entities.

The East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) has an office in this community where the channel is and they regulate the water-flow into canals.

Cane Grove has two nursery schools, two primary schools, a private school, a health centre, a post office, a police station, a craft centre, a Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) office, a rice mill, two masjids, three mandirs and three churches.

It is home to both Indo and Afro Guyanese who live in peace and harmony.

The village is somewhat self-reliant with its many shops, stores and other small businesses.

The people are very friendly and welcoming and it is a lovely community with small streets, many nooks and crannies, a black water canal and three playfields.

Residents utilise the Mahaica Market which is about three villages away and the people eat what they grow.

Cane Grove is home to the late Governor of the Bank of Guyana, Lawrence Williams and several sportsmen and women.

CANE GROVE NDC The Pepperpot Magazine visited the Neighbourhood Democratic Council

(NDC) office in Cane Grove and the Overseer, Hemwattie Persaud, said that the chair is Keshni Rooplall and they have a body of 12 councillors who make up the NDC. She related that the role of the NDC is to maintain roads, public buildings, infrastructure, and give permits for buildings within the community.

Persaud added that due to COVID-19, the NDC office operates from 08:00hrs to midday and they also oversee the payment of the Community Infrastructure Improvement Programme (CIIP). The CIIP has 12 employees from the village and they undertake small infrastructural works such as cleaning drains. The money is paid through the NDC, but comes from the Ministry of Communities, she said.

Persaud stated that the state of the roads-- which need repairs-- is noted, but funds are needed to do so.

“The NDC also takes complaints from among residents and tries to settle most disputes and do it in a proper manner, whereby both parties see it fit to have the matter at hand resolved,” she said.

Persaud reported that the work of the NDC is also to de-weed the village and ensure the place is kept clean.

“Being the secretary to the 12 councillors and chair, I am never off except for weekends, because there is so much to do but I like my job and it keeps me occupied because I am serving my community,” she said.

Persaud is also a resident of Cane Grove and has been there since Primary School days, a place she has grown to love over time.

“A lot of talented people come from this village and this is a really nice place to live, because the people live in harmony and we are truly our neighbour’s keeper here,” she said.

Persaud reported that the village has the A. Kayum Hakh and Sons Rice Mill, where rice farmers sell their rice, making it very convenient to do business without leaving the village.

The NDC overseer disclosed that there is only one access road to the village and sections of that road are in dire need of resurfacing.

Apart from that, Persaud reported that they have no real issues and they are contented people, who live simply and work hard.

Children of Cane Grove cooling off on a hot day

CIIP workers in Cane Grove

The NDC office at Cane Grove (Carl Croker photos)

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 19, 2020

Dr. Mohan Ronald

Focus on the Village

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By Michel Outridge

AY M O N D Aziz, a resident o f Vi r g i n i a , Cane Grove, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, is father to two children.

Years ago, Aziz migrated to Trinidad and Tobago to seek employment and after saving some money, he returned to Guyana. Now settled in Cane Grove once again, the 67-year-old says that he doesn’t ask for much except that he wishes to see his children, whom he has not seen since his son was

five years old and his daughter was a bit younger. They are now living in the United States with his wife who, Aziz claims, migrated without his knowledge while he was in Trinidad and Tobago.

Aziz, who was a medic in the army, retired after serving eight years because he fell from a truck while working and injured his back. As such, he has a pinched nerve and is walking with the aid of a cane.

When the Pepperpot Magazine met him he was on his way to get a massage from a fellow villager, a short distance away since he was

experiencing

intense pain.

Aziz disclosed that while growing up he attended the Cane Grove Anglican Church School and obtained his College of Preceptors (CP) certificate and moved on to the Government Technical Institute (GTI) where he was successful in mechanical engineering.

The elderly gentleman reported that he later joined the Nursing Council and become a trained male nurse and sometime after gained employment in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) as a medic.

He served in mostly interior locations in Guyana and it was during his tenure as a medic he fell off a truck and was injured.

Aziz also suffered a stroke which has left him walking with a limp and has to use a wooden cane for support.

The senior citizen lives alone and he is dependent on an aunt for his meals and his neighbours and the community would lend a helping hand from time to time.

“Hadn’t it been for the villagers and this community, I would go hungry most days but they support me and I am grateful for that,” he said.

Michael Aziz, the last names he knew they had and they migrated and are apparently living in Long Island, New York.

“It is my last wish to see my children and I don’t know if that is even possible now,” he said.

THE SAYWAH HEALTH CENTRE, CANE GROVE Meanwhile, the Pepperpot Magazine visited the Saywah Health Centre in Cane Grove and met a very friendly doctor, who is in charge.

Dr. Mohan Ronald said he is not a resident doctor, but commutes daily from

period.

As a frontline health worker, this doctor isn’t fearful but is going the extra mile to help others through the health centre.

“My real joy comes from helping people who are sick and needs [sic] that medical intervention to make them better once again,” he said.

The good doctor was Cuba-trained and began his career in 2016 where he started at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and went to the hinterland for a year.

“The village people are easy to talk to and they take my medical advice whenever I have individual talks with them and it shows they are willing to preserve their lives

Saywah Health Centre, Cane Grove

The patient’s waiting area

Aziz told the Pepperpot Magazine that whatever time he has left he would like to be reunited with his children, at least once.

When he was told he can search for them via Facebook, he was reduced to tears and after some time, several of the names he provided showed up but after all these years he could not recognise his children who are now grown.

Aziz said his daughter is Michelle Aziz and his son is

Supply Village to Cane Grove on the weekdays.

The Saywah Health Centre operates from 08:00hrs to 16:30hrs from Monday to Friday and has a staff of one registered nurse, one nursing assistant, one pharmacy assistant, one clinic attendant and one handyman.

Dr. Ronald reported that they have the largest clinic on Mondays for chronic disease and the patient-flow goes way into the afternoon

a bit longer by practising healthy habits,” he said.

The Saywah Health Centre, Cane Grove, serves villagers and patients from nearby villages as well.

Some services provided at the health centre are ante-natal, family planning, chronic disease clinic, child health clinic, out-patient treatment and care.

Dr. Ronald also does home visits to shut-ins and bedridden patients.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 19, 2020

IX

Focus on the Village

Cane Grove Village

‘Black Pudding Lady’ Barbara Hussein (Carl Croker photos)

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By Michel Outridge

A N E G ro v e Village, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara is home to people who various lives and have many skills.

Jane Clarke was once an athlete, a sprinter, in the 1950s. She competed in and won many tournaments and was on top of her game.

Both her children became athletes as well. Her son, Ageday Chavez, is a cricketer and track and field star.

Today, Clarke is 77 years old and revealed that fresh fruit juices and home-grown fruits and vegetables are part of her everyday diet.

The elderly woman told the Pepperpot Magazine that her secret to longevity is eating what they grow.

“I hardly ever buy anything outside of my home to eat, so that’s why I am strong and still going because you have to eat wholesome foods such as greens, provisions, fruits and exercise,” she said.

In addition to being an athlete, Clarke also became involved in craft production and is currently the craft teacher attached to the Cane Grove Craft Centre, a place for school drop-outs.

The senior citizen, who was a craft teacher at the Virginia Primary School, spent 24 years in that field where she amassed a wealth

Craft Centre teacher, Jane Clarke

of knowledge and experience.

ABOUT THE CENTRE The Cane Grove Craft Centre is located at Manager’s Line, but the building needs repairs and has room to be extended to accommodate more sewing machines.

On November 28, 2018, 21 youths graduated from the Board of Industrial (BIT) training programme in the form of garment construction and sewing.

Clarke reported that the Craft Centre has 16 sewing machines and they would get funds through the BIT, but presently due to COVID-19 all classes have been put on hold.

“The Craft Centre is a place for those who want to benefit from a lifeskill which will make them marketable for the world of work and they can earn and become independent,” she said.

The Black Pudding Lady Meanwhile, the Pepperpot Magazine also met Barbara Hussein, better known as the ‘Black Pudding Lady,’ who sells mostly based on orders during weekends in the village.

Before she started selling on the roadside, she used to ‘walk and sell’ black pudding in the village.

Hussein is a resident of Virginia Village, Cane Grove and learnt the trade by observing and helping her mother-in-law who was the first ‘black pudding lady’

in the village but she passed away and Hussein took over the small business.

“I used to help her in the kitchen, so that’s how I know how to make black pudding and it has a few basic ingredients as well, and some others to make it tasty,” she said.

According to Hussein, it’s all about the ingredients and the seasonings that make good black pudding and it goes with mango sour and pepper.

She would journey to the city abattoir to buy the cow’s runners (intestines) and blood and would prepare it for an all-time, old-fashioned black pudding which is a dish of boiled rice and seasoning stuffed into the intestines.

Hussein related that it depends on the orders she has, but she would usually make four pints of rice or more and it would all be sold out.

The mother of three stated that apart from her small black pudding business, which is on hold presently, she has a small grocery shop in her yard but that too, is closed as a result of the coronavirus.

“Nothing much is happening in terms of business right now because of the pandemic, and most shops are closed and people are not spending like before; so I have to wait until things get better to re-start business,” she said.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 19, 2020

The photo of Ramkissoon Ramsaroop, the late founder of Shivita Business College, on the wall of the school (Carl Croker photos)

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By Michel Outridge

ROM a bottom-house private school which was started by her late husband, the Shivita Business School is now evolving into a fully-equipped two-storey building as one woman strives to keep the dream of her late husband alive.

Eslyn Gossai’s husband, Ramkissoon Ramsaroop, who

is now deceased, is the founder of the school, so she is going to great lengths to ensure that the institution continues to expand.

The private school started with five students, from the bottom house of their residence in 1985 and today, the school has 100 students in its enrolment.

The mother of two related that her husband was a teacher and he had a very benevolent attitude whereby he wanted

to provide education for the less fortunate and to serve his community.

He established his school and when students could not pay their fees, he didn’t ask why and would let them continue their studies.

Shivita Business School is located in Cane Grove, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara and is presently under construction from a one-flat concrete building to a two-storey structure.

“My husband had this

dream of building a school for children to get an opportunity to study, but he died before that could happen, so I am continuing where he left off because my daughter is a product of the school and today she is the Director of Internal Audit at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC),” she said.

At one point, her son was also home-schooled and today he is a doctor attached to the GPHC.

Shivita Business College is a specialised school where business subjects are taught and they have a staff of four full-time teachers, including Gossai and two part-time teachers.

Magazine that she is passionate about teaching and wanted to follow in her late husband’s footsteps, because he invested a lot of time to make the school become what it is today.

The late founder of Shivita Business College, Ramkissoon Ramsaroop and his wife, Eslyn Gossai

The Shivita Business College under construction

The curriculum includes Principles of Business, Principles of Accounts, Office Administrative, Social Studies, Economics, Electronic Predation, English and Mathematics.

The classes are from Grades seven to 11 and annually the school is producing more top performers.

Gossai added that last year a student attained four distinctions and several Grade Ones.

She explained that the school is a secondary school and after the students have completed their studies, they go into the workforce or to the University of Guyana (UG) to pursue further studies.

“We cater for school dropouts and slow learners and we work with them even on a one-on-one basis, to ensure they realise their full potential because we want them to be successful,” she said.

Gossai told the Pepperpot

He passed away in 2016 and Gossai is trying to keep the door of the school open and to have it internet-ready in the future.

“I am giving back to the community and it is no big deal. When students come and they can’t pay I let them study regardless and I don’t treat the paying ones any different, since this is a friendly environment for all,” she said.

Gossai stated that some students are from the village while others are from outlying areas.

Gossai noted that she would regularly provide subsidies to students, because she wants to promote education and is fully aware of the challenges many students face.

“My husband worked hard to see this school through and I will not let it go down just like that, so I am doing all I can now to make it into the school he would have wanted had he been alive,” she said.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 19, 2020

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The Cane Grove Post Office

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By Michel Outridge

ARESH Samaroo is the postmaster for Cane Grove Post Office but he and his staff also promote sports in the community.

Samaroo is a senior member of the Cane Grove Sports Club, which has been in existence for two years; following a fade away, the club was resuscitated.

He related that the sports club has about 45 members from ages 19 to 27 years old and they have an active cricket team.

Younger cricketer, Hemraj Chanderpaul,

who hails from Strathoven, Mahaica, would liaise with their cricket club to encourage the others to participate.

Samaroo disclosed that all is not well with the Cane Grove Sports Club because they don’t have a building, plus there is no washroom or seating area.

“We make do with what we have, but these facilities are needed in the promotion of sports here in Cane Grove, Mahaica and we are working with the NDC to maintain the ground, the outfield and the general maintenance of the playground,” he said.

He related that their playground is at Coconut Dam and they usually have crick-

Postmaster Naresh Samaroo and postman Munishwar Sancharra (Carl Croker photos)

et matches with other teams and often when they invite others to the village, there is no seating accommodation.

But on another note, due to the pandemic, the East Coast Cricket Association has cancelled all matches until further notice.

Samaroo stated that the Cane Grove club plays mostly hardball cricket and they have won many matches but they are still growing.

“We would borrow weeding machines to weed the ground because we don’t have our own but the people of the community is cooperative as such, we get things done through self-help,” he said.

Samaroo noted that all players have their own gear and they would garner funds for the sports club through fund-raising activities.

The Treasurer Munishwar Sancharra told the Pepperpot Magazine that the sports club funds are rarely used and they would do barbeque and other activities to ensure they have money for the team.

Munishwar, a postman, reported that he also plays for the Cane Grove Sports Club and would like to see the development of sports in that village.

Teasha Houston, who is a postal employee as well, is captain of the female cricket team and she is also the winner of the Guyana Cup Softball teamThe .

THE HISTORY OF CANE GROVE The postmaster disclosed that Cane Grove was once a sugar estate with mostly Indo and Afro indentured slaves were used as workers.

He reported that they later moved from sugar to a rice plantation and today a large

Postman Munishwar Sancharra

number of residents still depend heavily on rice and cash crops as their main sources of incomes in the village.

Samaroo noted that they have small to large-scale rice farmers in Cane Grove and they all sell their rice to the A.Kayum Hakh and Sons Rice Mill which is in the community.

He said the village has about 5,000 residents and it is a nice place to raise a family and have a stable lifestyle.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 19, 2020

d n i M e t i r W ne e y a Th P e n i a y Jasm b

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MUST admit that while, at first, I was skeptical about the benefits of writing groups, I am now convinced that they are immensely valuable to our writing journey, particularly if you are just starting or working on a long-term project. Unfortunately, writing groups are a rare species in Guyana. I was privileged to be part of a small local group some years back and for the time it existed, it proved to be extremely useful, but our meetings fell off due to scheduling conflicts and the group itself became inactive. Otherwise, I’ve been able to attend one-off classes and musters while travelling abroad and the experience that I have had each time has confirmed that writing groups are an essential aspect of writing.

Thankfully, in this digital age, and in light of the current pandemic, meeting in groups is now almost unnecessary in person thanks to virtual options.

That means that while Guyana may not have any groups of its own, then you can feel free to explore online options. Many free writing groups are available if you invest some time in a thorough search.

So here are some benefits of writing groups that you should consider, and hopefully, they could convince you to explore this option to help upgrade your writing:

group gives you the chance to set that schedule aside and write! In fact, once you can take the time to make the meeting a part of your busy schedule, then you will inevitably be exposed to writing exercises that allow you to stretch those muscles during the meeting.

Writing groups create a safe, respectable space for you to share your work and receive useful feedback from fellow writers. If you have a problem or are experiencing a block or some other difficulty with your project, group members can also provide encouragement and guidance on how you can manoeuvre these difficulties.

Writing groups can bring you into contact with a variety of writers from all genres and professions. Making these connections can be extremely valuable to the future of your writing career.

You can also pick the brains of some professionals who know the business world of writing and can give you advice on how to earn money, get published or some other bits of wisdom.

Everyone in the group can gain mutual motivation and inspiration from other group members. There’s something about seeing the writing journey and listening to the works of other upcoming writers that just gets you inspired and keeps you going as you share your work.

Ensure that you utilise your meeting time by listening to other writers and asking questions about their work and their process.

Let’s face it,as artists, it’s hard to get people in your everyday life to share in your passion for your craft.

Sure, they will support you and read your work when you get published or achieve some big milestone, but artists need like-minded folk around them to truly help them in the day to day struggles of the art. For writers, writing groups can give you that sense of community and belonging. Everyone has the same interests and they are almost always willing to give you that support that they, too, are lacking in the outside world- just ensure that you reciprocate!

If you’re one of those to complain about a busy schedule that keeps you from writing, joining a writing

As with all group settings, there are some downfalls to writing groups and

those concerns are initially why I was skeptical about joining them earlier in my writing career. There can be clashes in personality among artists who are all very passionate about what they do.

Critique isn’t always given or received in the best way, and that can make tempers run high.

Then there could be writers who feel that they are more accomplished or experienced than others and instead of using that experience positively, they hang it over the heads of other members, creating unpleasantness among group members.

It is always important to choose your groups wisely.

Ensure that it has a clear structure and goals that can allow you to assess beforehand if it meets your personal writing goals. Structure will also ensure that persons can follow guidelines and that there are clearly outlined activities that prevent others from running away with the agenda in the meetings.

Make sure your group has a clear policy about behaviour and feedback. I once attended a writing group in New York where, at the beginning of every session, they reminded the attendees that every writer who gives feedback must start with positive comments on the work they are critiquing, before getting into structural recommendations. They also had a rule that no one person would be in charge all the time- every week they would nominate a session leader for the following session and that person was responsible for planning the meeting’s activities and schedules.

Above all, if you do decide to join a writing group, remember that you have the freedom of deciding not to stay if you feel uncomfortable. If you find that there is a problem, express your concerns openly and respectfully and see how it is received. If nothing changes then you have every freedom to leave and find a group that better serves your needs.

Interested in contributing to this column on writing? Email me at thewritemind592@gmail.com

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 19, 2020

Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel ... Inspiring lives through fashion

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O move to the next level we need to get started no matter what and persevere.

That is what I did with exercising and I am seeing results. I changed my diet and developed a simple exercise routine and I feel and look

fantastic.

It reminded me how powerful the human will is. Will power leads us to an unbelievable discipline and we all know that without discipline we cannot achieve anything no matter how talented we are.

During the four-night Women Across Borders virtual event, the stories shared confirm how powerful will power is.

We make choices every day that work for or against us.

The last evening for the virtual event I decided not the use the hour for makeup because I had to join a webinar that I knew would add value to me and I am elated that I made that choice because you will see the manifestation soon, God’s willing.

It was an easy decision for me because whether I am made up or not will not change the way of my content or the way I deliver it. I wore foundation and lipstick for the first time on July 7, (launch night of the virtual event) since March and it allowed my skin to breathe. Most of the time our thoughts are converted to our actions. The bible says “As a man thinketh in his heart so is he.” What are we downing in our minds? The mind is the centre of our soul and that is why it is so powerful.

If you think little you can achieve little and if you think big you can achieve big. Guyana Fashion Week was a thought; Guyana Model Search was a thought; Designers Portfolio was a thought; Women in Business Expo was a thought; writing a book and this column were also thoughts but I made them a reality with the guidance of God. There were times I felt the

fear but I did it anyway. A few days I woke and I felt exhausted. One side of the brain said it with the guidance of God. A few days I woke and I felt exhausted. One side of the brain said “you should go back to bed because it is early” the other said “no they are meaningful things to do.” I started thinking about things that motivate me and I felt my energy increasing and I plugged into my To-Do list and had one of the most productive days. Every time I am intentional I receive sterling results. The things we think about ourselves and meditating on the word on God assisted me with positive downloads. My perception has everything to do with my progressing. I have created a seven-day FREE “Healthy Thoughts Challenge and I am personally inviting you for us to help each other on

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this journey. Email me at (soniaenoel@gmail.com) if you are interested.

Scheduling sessions just to think is becoming more vital to our sanity. Our friends, environment is also vital to our mindset. I love interacting with nature and art. Talking about art, I am featuring the artwork from ArtIMAGe- creating Masterpieces in the photo accompanying this column- one of the most precious gifts I received in recent times. I encourage you to email them at artimage477@gmail.com to create an artistic piece for your wall.

Be mindful of the downloads to the human hard drive as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

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I

By Naomi Parris

T is hard to deny that people in Guyana and all over the world continue to have anxieties amidst the pandemic but

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 19, 2020

treating yourself to a little sweet treat may be the best way to keep tose anxieties at bay.

Offering a delicacy of cakes and pastries, the Baked Box GY is soothing the mind and taste buds with its wide

array of sweet treats.

Emerging just in the middle of the health crisis, 29-year-old Lisa Mclean owner and founder of the Baked Box GY revealed that the business was launched amidst the coronavirus out-

break, admitting that she took a big risk by deciding to invest in a startup at that time.

She noted that she wanted the business to be an online venture where persons would place their orders via a social media platform and uplift

Twenty-nine-year-old Lisa McLean, owner and founder of ‘The Baked Box

their treats at various pickup location or have them delivered.

Admitting that it was no easy task to fulfill her business venture, McLean stated that she was filled with doubt and questioned herself whether it would be the right time to open a business- especially a food business - amid a health crisis while questioning whether such a business would thrive during such stressful time.

She noted that the Baked Box hit its name to recognition with a twist on the traditional Easter Cross buns in April.

“We decided to put a spin on it and

ted that this standard is one of the main reasons why the business has received a tremendous amount of gold stars and great reviews.

Food connects everyone Guyana is a country of many people, which means a blend of different foods and cultures, as such McLean related that food is more than just about consumption and survival, it is also about unity.

Cooking, baking and any other culinary art are great activities to bring people together especially in these nerve-racking times.

McLean said, “ I believe that food con-

A few of the treats offered at the Baked Box

make it something more b r a n d - w o rthy, in terms of quality, presentation and packaging,” she said.

Mclean disclosed that while the quality of the different products the baked box has to offer is a priority, it is more than just about the consumption of the product since the packaging and presentation of the item play a major role in the baked box franchise.

A self-proclaimed ‘foodie’, the entrepreneur noted that she appreciates the presentation of food and pastries so she makes sure that the quality and presentation of her treats are top-notch so that her customers are not just satisfied with a full stomach but also pleased with the presentation. To date, she admit-

nects everyone regardless of all the societal constructs that might divide us; whether it’s the past, race, social standing or anything along those lines, the most common thing that we all share together is food.”

Mclean who recently returned from the United States disclosed that she has always had a knack for business and marketing as well as baking hence she merged the three to start her business in her homeland, and it is now booming as her customer base is growing larger by the day.

If you wish to order a treat from the Baked Box GY, you can place your order via their Instagram page @the_baked_box_ gy.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 19, 2020

XV

THE REALITIES OF MARGINALISATION

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EARS ago I responded to Dr. Prem Nisir on the question of marginalisation; I sent the letter to the media who never published it. I was told that there were loads of letters (which was true) and they would get to it, but it was never published.

This article improves on that letter to articulate both reality and misconceptions.

Marginalisation in the normal context is interpreted by several existing case studies that cannot be refuted. The Hindu caste system as defined by V.T Rajshekar in his book on the untouchables “The six cardinal principles of the philosophy of the Brahmins are: Graded inequality among the different classes; Complete disarmament of the Shudras and the untouchables; Complete prohibition of the education of the Shudras and the Untouchables; Ban on the Shudras and Untouchables occupying high places of power and authority; Ban on the Shudras and the Untouchables acquiring property; Complete subjugation and suppression of women.”

Next, we turn to the Gaelic (French) and Anglo Saxon (English) invasions of the Celtic (Irish and Scots) Isles (England) whose rights were reduced in a historical context to not use their language, their instruments and music, their names, their right to property, and for the Kilt wearing Scottish clans, their kilts - National Geographic March 2006.

The latter sounds familiar, as during the Atlantic Slave Trade similar impositions were imposed upon our African ancestors, with an even stronger group of bias beginning with the complex European memory of the Moorish conquests and occupations of Southern Europe for 800 years and the defeat of repeated Crusades, thus, justifying the heathen ‘Demimoor’ reserved for non-Muslim Africans was a self-esteem building Christian act (though Christianity was practised in Africa before Europe adopted it). Thus, came the Euro-realisation that the salvation of Europe through Christianity was through an African-Hebrew script, which we today call ‘The King James Bible’ so there had to be a justification for slavery and separation

from the African world of the Bible and the African in slavery, so the myth of ‘Noah’s curse’ was manufactured, and the Europeanisation of the Bible completed.

In Guyana, marginalisation has manifested with some difference. Whether it was colonial spite or just economic expediency, we are yet to verify. Post emancipation saw the eclipse of the self-created freed African business sector by the planter/merchant class (the plantocracy) and the African entrepreneurial space allotted to the Portuguese, who were dying in rapid numbers on the plantation and felt honoured as Europeans to be included in the local creole white family. The real reason, however, lay in driving the African back into the fold of the plantations; it didn’t work and eventually, the Portuguese soon recognised that they too felt the marginalisation from the Nordic European group.

Cultural and philosophical opposing extremes arrived in Guyana within the reality of the core values that enveloped emancipation, and those that were imported with indentureship. Values and belief systems, how the group worldview was interpreted with different understandings of the sacred and the profane, this contrast is what constitutes the pretext of a shared governance platform because its innate prejudices surface in conflict with holistic realities.

In Stabroek News, July 5, 2020, one of that newspaper’s more popular writers, Mike Persaud declared that “Rationale for shared governance no longer exists”. His argument was based on an opposition platform and the probability of wider voter choice and not the concept of meritocracy and the ‘partition creeds’. I wrote about on Sunday 28, June 2020, in the Sunday Chronicle.

Mike’s letter was a simplification of what shared governance and the intent to restrict the complex labyrinth of marginalisation really entails. To extract a political candidate whose formative and adult environment was never exposed to miners, pork-knockers, suppliers into those landings and townships or lived in that vicinity and have no family links to that world, and then place him or her in charge of GGMC will lead to the kind of cluelessness that will be subject to manipulation by some clever vizier and eventual mismanagement. This applies

to every government organ and productive programme, including understanding niche small business support like the Arts and other IPR related productive areas.

It has gone beyond argument that marginalisation does not always stem from nefarious intent, but is also a product of immensely square plugs that cannot fit into round, oval or oblong required situations. The Shared Governance proposal that ACDA and other groups evolved with, also take into

consideration stakeholder involvement in areas that do not have fixed study templates that a Permanent Secretary or Minister can in two nights evolve with a preliminary awareness rather than an understanding of the subject, and can then make mistakes, frustrate, delay and Marginalise, until if ever an understanding is arrived at. That Shared Governance is a mandate of compulsory collaboration and construct of methodologies from industry practitioners towards a clear

exchange on sound all-round principles. That the ‘Shared Governance’ is necessary in a changing world to help eliminate “Marginalisation” that flourishes through ignorance have become obvious, and through numerous case studies that can be cited, pronounces on a fact of practised dysfunctional-ism, especially effective against medium and small businesses.

If you take a long time loyal party member who is an impressive rabble-rouser, and

place that person in charge of your Foreign Service or Public Service then the failures of those services and all that extends from it cannot be blamed on that person, because it’s your act of marginalising that individual, who is out of his/her league, and the damage caused through guessing and acts committed through feelings rather than the confidence of institutional knowledge, is all on you, and the nation is thus, through the domino effect- Marginalised.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 19, 2020

KEEPING AN EYE ON SINGLE-USE PLASTICS

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HE year 2021 has been designated for the systematic banning of single-use plastics (SUPs) in Guyana. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is leading

implementation of the ban on single-use plastics. Preparations for the ban have commenced since 2018 and the EPA has been making deliberate efforts to ensure the process is participatory and stakeholders are adequately engaged. Given Guyana’s commitment to addressing

the issue of plastic pollution and the Agency’s role in providing a safe and healthy environment for all, the agency has amplified its media presence and transitioned to conducting virtual consultations, given the COVID-19 pandemic and guidelines for social and physical distancing.

the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED); the Small Business Bureau; international NGOs, international funding agencies, research institutions; and entrepreneurs engaged in importing or manufacturing alternatives to SUPs. The agency has also conducted several virtual ses-

Prior to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, the EPA has conducted a series of consultations with the public and several business stakeholders including supermarkets, non-government organisations, as well as, importers and distributors of single-use plastics or biodegradable alternatives to single-use plastics. The virtual consultations like the physical ones also aimed to educate the public on the impending ban on single-use plastics the ban, discuss the potential impacts the ban may have on different sectors, along with opportunities for businesses to make recommendations to remedy any possible social and economic gaps, which may arise as a result of the ban.

Some major concerns the agency received thus far were centred on the availability of alternatives for the proposed items to be banned, increased education and awareness campaigns targeting the business community and fiscal incentives to support the local development of alternatives.

The EPA is grateful for the positive response received to continue engagements virtually and has over the past three months met with some critical stakeholders representing: the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA); the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA); hotels, resorts, restaurant and bars; the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI); commercial banks;

sions and challenges targeting our over 10, 000 social media followers, in addition to our other media programmes, and publication of awareness materials. We have partnered with the two (2) telephone companies to send blast text messages to over four hundred thousand (409,000) subscribers. Approximately 4000 posters have been printed to be distributed to the business community, along with other materials such as a ‘Frequently asked questions booklet’ which will be available soon. The results of the public engagements are being analysed and will be shared with members of the public. The Agency is not oblivious to the COVID 19 pandemic and the period for implementation of the ban will consider the economic recovery period. It will also be informed by the results of the consultations conducted.

Please share your views by taking part in the public survey being circulated on our social media pages. #592SaysNoToSUP You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications Department, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail. com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 19, 2020

I

RECEIVED an anonymous email asking me to talk about mindfulness today. It’s a good suggestion as it will be a very new subject to many of you. I’ve studied (as well as practised) mindfulness in detail as it is a very common practice in addiction recovery all around the world.

However, as you will read, it has many other benefits for many other illnesses-- both mental and physical.

Mindfulness itself is the ability to be fully present in the current situation. This means being fully aware of who we are, what we are doing, what we are feeling and so on. This also means that we accept all that we are aware of. It focuses on four important elements-body awareness, self-awareness, regulation of emotion and regulation of attention.

It is a way to prevent us from overthinking and therefore ‘over-feeling’ and over-reacting. It is about accepting who we are--flaws and all--with understanding and empathy and without judgement.

Mindfulness is mainly practised in the form of mindful meditation which absolutely anyone can do- regardless of age, gender or religion. Read further for an example of how to do it!

FIRST, WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MINDFULNESS AND MINDFUL MEDITATION? Instead of being in denial, disliking ourselves because of certain qualities, disliking situations because of the stress it may cause, being mindful allows us to accept (without judgement) all of this. When we are mindful, we pay attention (without distraction) to everything in our lives and have the peace of mind to figure out what needs to be done. The meditation itself has proven to show many benefits as well.

It is not about wanting to be different or even necessarily improve; it’s about accepting things as they are and the best way to work with them.

As mentioned, mindfulness has been shown to alleviate both mental and physical pain.

Mentally, mindfulness reduces stress and anxiety while increasing acceptance, patience and levels of concentration. It lifts our mood and level of life satisfaction. It increases self-esteem and self-confidence. It has fundamentally helped those suffering from depression, eating disorders, substance abuse and addiction, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and many more.

It also allows us to have a better relationship with those around us, as our attention and listening skills are heightened.

It increases self-disciple which (added to the above) makes us less violent during conflict. It allows us to relate to ourselves (and others) with kindness, empathy and compassion. Overall, it has decreased chances of depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

Physically, mindfulness has been known to increase overall immune functioning. It helps with chronic pain, lower blood pressure and respiratory rates. It has done wonders for people who suffer from asthma specifically. It improves our overall eating and sleeping patterns. It helps us to relax and breathe better. The lower levels of anger and frustration allow us to better thrive in our responsibilities such as school, work or home-making. It prevents burn-out/ exhaustion, sick days as well as low productivity and efficiency. For those going through alcohol/ drug withdrawal, mindfulness mediation has been known to cut cravings and prevent relapse in over 50 per cent of cases.

HOW TO PRACTISE MINDFULNESS MEDITATION? Set aside some uninterrupted time. Turn off/ silence all electronic devices. The purpose of this exercise is to pay attention to the present moment; to quiet the mind while creating inner peace. For beginners, I wouldn’t recommend any longer than 10 minutes. However, as you get more practice, you can do this for as long as you want/ need.

We focus on three things when practising mindfulness – body, breath and thoughts.

The body means not only our physical self but the environment we choose and how we fit into it. What are you around?

What are you looking at? How are you sitting? How are your legs placed? Etc. When you have taken in your direct environment, it is time to focus on just your breathing. After this is calm and understood, our attention goes solely to our thoughts of our current situations and feelings.

- Sit (anywhere) upright but make sure you are comfortable.

The best way to sit is the picture above.

- Your eyes can be opened or closed- depends on your level of concentration.

- Start by focusing only on your breath. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Is it calm?

- Pay attention to your breath for a few minutes. If you feel your mind wandering- that’s okay. When you’ve noticed that it has happened, gently bring your mind back to your breathing.

After a few minutes of this: - Observe the present moment as is. How are you feeling? What is currently happening in your life that may be bothering you?

Your thinking process here should be something like this.

How am I feeling? I am feeling sad and angry because I got fired today.

- Ignore all judgement that comes along with your feelings.

Do not let your mind wander into anything that will promote a negative self-image.

- Our minds naturally tend to wander. In silence, it’s common to think about past events, possible future ones, our dreams and goals etc. See that this is happening and return to the

present moment. (this will happen quite a few times in the beginning) - Simply think about what has happened and accept it.

Think about the solutions to that problem- not the problem itself.

Forgive yourself for whatever wrong you think you’ve done.

Do this as often as you think you need to. Remember the main goal and try your best to reap its proven benefits. You can do this alone or with a partner or friend.

Thanking you for reading.

Please keep sending any top-

ics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail. c o m O r WhatsApp +592 623 0433 to book a private counselling session with me

Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always

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OME time ago, this column had carried the position of the Guyana Consumers Association (GCA) on the use and protection of the country’s prospective oil revenues. Over the last several months, the country and the information media were com-

OIL REVENUES INVESTED IN SOCIAL SPENDING AND INDUSTRIES GENERATING WEALTH AND JOBS

pletely distracted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the weird political entanglements which had enmeshed the country and foreigners wrote and spoke more about Guyana as an oil country than Guyanese themselves. The GCA felt it was timely to place oil again into the consciousness of Guyanese

people.

We should begin by reminding that there are several templates of how to treat oil revenues as, for example, the Norway model or the Sovereign Wealth Fund. The Sovereign Wealth Fund seems to have caught the attention of the financial authorities of the state. Very few persons are however informed about how the Fund would operate and the population must be fully and constantly informed as to how any model that is adopted operates. Below, we give a short synopsis of the way we think the oil revenues should be deployed. Our allotted space is too limited to encapsulate our full position: (1) The population of Guyana do not wish any political party to control the oil revenues. We are therefore suggesting the establishment of an oil corporation which would be as independent as possible. Its directorate would consist of representatives of the parliamentary political parties, the Private Sector, Labour, representative of NGOs and any distinguished Guyanese representative who may be employed in the oil industry abroad.

(2) The staff of the corporation should be world-class and should be recruited not only from Guyana and the Caribbean, but internationally. Our international friends such as India or China or even Russia could be invited to give some “technical” advice. It may be important to have a competent Guyanese understudy with every important post.

(3) One-third of the oil revenues should be allocated to be spent on the immediate well-being of the population on such things as increases in pensions and salaries; health and education; tending the old and disabled and so on. The salaries of the Public Service should be increased to the extent that the service could attract entrants of the highest calibre who will be making a career in the Service. Such a Public Service would be free of political pressures and undue influence and would resemble that of colonial Guiana.

(4) The other two-thirds of the oil revenues should be committed to investment in wealth-generating industries. Such industries would ensure Guyana’s place in the First World since the economy would be strong and resilient and providing full employment. Such industrial development would be accompanied by quick infrastructural development.

The present agricultural, mining and forest industries should be addressed immediately, sugar and rice, with adequate financial investment and creative management, could bounce back into the economic backbone of the country. So would other subsidiary crops such as fish-farming and fishing, fruit and flower-farming as well as ground provisions and bananas and honey. With adequate investment and creative management, Guyana would be very competitive in the world market and could take immediate advantage of the $6 billion Caribbean market. In time, other new industries would be ventured into, some of these related to the oil industry. The infrastructural development would not only be confined to roads, bridges and a railway running into the interior but would include the production of hydropower, solar power and wind power.

(5) To accommodate the financing of the modernisation of the present industries and the establishment of new ones and in particular to assist small businesses and entrepreneurs, a development bank should be established.

(6) As Guyana enters into the new era of social and economic change, the environment must be carefully monitored.

In addition to the present Environmental issues which are being addressed, Oil has to be considered in its own right.

Such would involve oil spills, on-shore operations of the Industry and the preservation of fish and shrimp stocks and other marine life.

(7) Immigration and settlement have always been a concomitant problem of every oil-producing country and each has addressed it differently. The immigration and citizenship laws of the country should be immediately revised to include such elements as every prospective immigrant should be able to speak and write English, should have some knowledge of the history of Guyana, should be bringing some skills or capital investment needed in the country. As in early America, the ancestral countries of the Guyanese population should be granted a quota according to their present percentages of the population.

One of the main objectives of the immigration policy is to build an integrated society from the inception and to preserve and have a continuum of the culture and way of life of the Guyanese people and them prevent them being overwhelmed by the new immigrants.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 19, 2020

A

N impressive 18 per cent of farmers in Guyana currently cultivate exotic crops by way of hydroponics, with the most dominant crops being numerous varieties of Arugula, Kale and Swiss chard. These along with lettuce are great crops for hydroponics since they do not favour sunlight. The majority of farmers practising hydroponic farming are located in Region Four in the low coastal plain region. Given that the capital city is located in this region and therefore some farmers have limited access to land availability, the strategic use of hydroponic farming is an ingenious way to cultivate exotics when available space is a factor.

The hydroponic farming technique is the process used to grow plants in water. This technology allows the roots to absorb nutrients dissolved in water that satisfies the development requirements of plants. Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Dr. Oudho Homenauth, says this type of farming has several benefits and is something farmers have been utilising significantly for the last five years, especially along Guyana’s coast.

“The utilisation of this type of technology could make farming a thought-proven and financially viable venture. In fact, this type of technological advancement in the agricultural sector has helped farmers to increase productivity over the years, especially in areas that are susceptible to flooding,” Dr. Homnauth said.

Hydroponics has become one of the most cost-effective means of cultivating cash crops since it provides a liquid medium for plant-

ing. Among advantages, in the wake of unpredictable weather and climate conditions, the use of this farming method should be embraced among exotic farmers since it can decrease crop losses.

When asked about the trend with this type of method, Dr. Homenauth said that among the trend, the recycling method was the most commonly utilised. This method is referred to as a Nutrient Film Technique (NFT). It involves the continuous flow of nutrient solution through a system powered by a submerged pump.

During this type of farming, the facility is housed in a 50ft by 24ft wooden structure with a concrete-filled base. Additionally, a shade net is placed around the structure which helps to deter the presence of insect pests.

“In addition to this, a mixture of technique was also used by exotic farmers which includes deep-water culture and traditional rice paddy husks and shells which are used as a growing medium as an alternative to soil” Dr. Homenauth noted.

ADVANTAGES OF HYDROPONIC FARMING The advantages of hydroponics farming are numerous. Among the many, the technique allows farmers to:* Grow crops anywhere and with limited space * Use 20 times less water than soil-based gardening * The promotion of a sterile environment, which means no pesticides * Use 20 per cent less space for growing * The system water can be reused allowing for water conservation * The facilitation of higher plant density * No weeding is needed and minimal labour required

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UCCESSFUL treatment in the healing arts is not attributed exclusively to the administration of an appropriate remedy. Once there is person-to-person interaction, 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 responsibility for caring for the patient. In its most extreme form, the patient is incapable of the reacting, that is, he or she is unconscious

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 expected 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 writing in the psychological bulletin (1999).

The psychiatric and social work literature have demonstrated 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 cooperative 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 professionals’ integrity tend to receive labels which place them outside of the professional’s area of expertise or which define them as untreatable.

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 include his personality, ability to reduce fear and anxiety, as well as his technical ability.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 19, 2020

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JULY - 19 - 2020

English STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student,

Y

our real understanding will now kick in on what effective revision is. Efficient revision replaces shallow learning with in-depth, bewilderment with confidence, and rubbishes the myth of only a few fortunate people have photographic memories. It also erases the common, useless feeling of guilt. However fortified you are, there are still some top-up days left to substantiate your position. Be wise.

Love you.

MAKING SENSE of the PASSAGE (Comprehension) Items 1-4 Read the following extract carefully, and then answer items 1-4 on the basis of what is compared and contrasted.

At Camp Earth Last Summer, I made two close friends. All of us enjoy acting, and we met working on the camp play.

Other than acting, Doug and Jamal have different interests. Jamal, who is thirteen, is athletic and musical. Jamal hopes to be on a U.S. Olympic team someday.

Doug, on the other hand, has no tremendous interest in sport. His idea of fun is participating on the school’s debating team and working on humanitarian projects.

Although they are different, I cherish my friendship with each.

1. What is one similarity between Jamal, Doug, and the author?

A. They share a love of team sport.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: There is a pleasure sure In being mad, which none but madmen know!

JOHN DRYDEN (1631-1700) The Spanish Friar, 1.i

B. They have been friends for a long time.

C. They share an interest in acting.

D. They hope to become writers.

2. A difference between Jamal and Doug is A. Jamal loves sport; Doug does not.

B. Doug is the narrator’s friend, but Jamal is not.

C. Doug is a talented actor, while Jamal gives weak performances.

D. Jamal has applied for the Summer Olympics, though Doug has not.

3. According to the passage, A. the narrator does not have much in common with either of the boys.

B. the narrator has qualities in common with the boys.

C. the narrator has much in common with Jamal.

D. the narrator has nothing in common with Doug.

4. Which boys are most similar?

A. Doug and Jamal B. Doug and narrator C. Jamal and narrator D. not enough information Items 5-10 Read the following extract carefully, and then answer items 5-10 on the basis of what is stated or implied.

They told a tale of woe which was then altogether beyond my feeble comprehension; they were tones loud, long and deep; they breathed the prayer and complain of souls boiling over with the bitterest anguish. Every tone was a testimony against slavery, and a prayer to God for deliverance from chains. The hearing of those wild notes always depressed my spirit; and filled me with ineffable sadness. I have frequently found myself in tears while hearing them. The mere recurrence to those songs, even now, afflicts me; and while I am writing these lines, an expression of feeling has already found its way down my cheeks.

5. This passage is probably taken from a(n) A. magazine C. newspaper B. autobiography D. short story 6. Which of the following best describes the main idea of the passage?

A. The narrator does not understand the meaning of the slave songs.

B. The narrator has deep emotional attachment to the slave songs.

C. The narrator misses singing the songs that he sang as a child.

D. The narrator is unmoved by the slave songs but tries to understand them.

7. The author’s claims that the songs “breathed the prayer and complain of souls” cannot be called a fact because A. it is an expression of his feelings.

B. it can be proved.

C. songs cannot be facts.

D. the narrator never heard the songs.

8. The statement “every tone was a testimony against slavery” suggests that A. the slaves testified against slavery in court.

B. the songs were more of amusement than anything else.

C. the songs reflected a strong opposition to the institution of slavery.

D. the songs frequently made people act out against slavery.

9. In the phrase “ineffable sadness,” ineffable means A. slight.

C. powerful.

B. unbelievable. D. indescribable.

10. Beginning the selection with a rhetorical question would A. require the author to include dialogue.

B. introduce a new character to the reader.

C. set up the expectation that the author will discuss the question.

D. confuse the reader.

About the Examination English A – Paper 1 (which has a Section 1 and a Section 2) requires a lot of reading. Section 1 has 25 questions; Section 2 has 35 questions. Each goes for one mark.

Section 1 requires the ability to understand meaning conveyed through word choice, grammar, syntax, sentence structure, punctuation and paragraph. There might be questions on some of these: synonyms, antonyms, sentence completion, usage, error recognition, construction shift, and equivalent sentences.

Section 2 consists of three or four passages. Marks will be awarded for the ability to: a) obtain information accurately, b) grasp insights from reading literature; and c) recognize and evaluate opinions expressed in various forms.

There are questions on these: Poetry comprehension; and Comprehension (Persuasive, Narrative, Expository).

1. Expect one expository extract (e.g. Encyclopaedia reports, instructions, newspaper articles, texts of speeches, transcript of conversations).

2. Expect one argumentative extract (e.g. Advertisement, speech or a letter to the editor.)

3. Expect one visual extract (e.g. table, chart, form, diagram, map, cartoon, advertisement.)

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 19, 2020

Ingredients » 3 cups all-purpose flour » 1 tbsp baking powder » 1/3 cup sugar » Pinch of salt » ¼ tsp cinnamon » 4 tbsp margarine » 1 cup coconut milk

Instructions Δ Mix flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and cinnamon together in a bowl. Δ With a fork, or using your hand (quick method) rub margarine into flour mixture. Δ Add coconut milk to make a firm dough, but not stiff. Δ Dough should be easy to roll. Δ Let dough sit, covered for at least an hour. Roll dough to about 1/4 inch in thickness and cut with a biscuit cutter. Δ Heat about three inches of oil on a medium fire. When oil is hot, fry dough until golden brown, flipping once. Δ Best when served hot. *Make sure the oil is hot. This makes the dough to puff almost instantly when it hits the hot oil and form a pocket in the middle.

jehancancook.com

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 19, 2020