Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot Epaper 05 12 2019

Sunday, May 12, 2019

Mother of four, Latoya Bascon poses with her five-year-old daughter. Bascon says her aim is to ensure that each of her children has a comfortable life, where they have access to all avenues of development-particularly education (Vishani Ragoobeer photo)

A mother's sacrifice Working for a brighter future for her children

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 12, 2019

Remembering ‘Super Mother’ Olive

Centenarian Super Mother Olive

By Francis Quamina Farrier THERE have literally been thousands of Guyanese “Super Mothers” over the many years, from before Slavery and Indentureship, and even before that era. During the centuries of Guyana’s pre-independence, there are no known recorded stories of specific Super Mothers, but since Guyana’s First Peoples travelled from the northern-most areas of North America, through Central America and into the Guianas and further south to Argentina, one has to assume that there had to have

been many Super Mothers who raised their children under dire conditions.

There must be thousands of unwritten stories of women who sacrificed so much for the protection and upbringing of their children when the Americas were still a frontier territory. No doubt there were some mothers with husbands who gave stellar care and support of their children, as well as single mothers who had to be both mother and father to their children.

The Super Mother featured in this Mother’s Day 2019 article, Mother Olive, was both wife and mother, and later a single parent throughout her life. Two of her children died as infants; all the others are still alive and are now in their mature years. Here now is the story of Mother Olive who was born in Queenstown, Georgetown in 1911. She later moved to South Cummingsburg where she spent most of her adult life.

As a pre-teen child, her mother died and her father remarried. Her stepmother treated her and her two siblings very badly, and so they were sent to Barbados to be cared for by a close relative in that Caribbean island. The three youngsters spent nine years in Barbados before returning to British Guiana. As a young girl, Olive was taught dress-making; which she excelled in. She was married in her mid-20s. Her husband, who was very involved with the upbringing of their children, died at age 48, leaving Mother Olive as a single parent to care for her eight children. It was a very challenging situation, but Mother Olive was not prepared to cave into

Super Mother Olive with her brood, back in the days of struggles

the pressures of putting food on the table and clothes on the backs for her brood, with most of them still being in their pre-teen years.

Her main means of income was her work as a seamstress and she was so good at dressmaking, that the orders were always coming in, not only for regular dresses but also wedding gowns. Nonetheless, the income

was way below what it took to keep her eight fatherless children properly fed and clothed.

The house she and her children called home, was their own property, so she did not have the challenge for rent to pay, just the annual rates and taxes.

Turn to page VIII ►►►

Chronicle Pepperpot May 12, 2019

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Market Mother’s reflect on Motherhood

By Vishani Ragobeer

AS Mother’s Day is observed worldwide today, many can attest to the fundamental role mothers play in shaping families and the wider society. At the Bourda market, in Georgetown, where the vendors are predominantly female, there are some mothers who stand out.

Debra Payne is one such woman. She sells all kinds of ‘bush medicines’ and products just outside of the market, and you couldn’t miss her boisterous persona even if you tried.

She’s been selling here for the past 30 years, and this is the sole means of employ-

each day is he children, and it helps that she just loves the haggling of the market life.

For Mother’s Day, she’s probably going to be plying her trade at the market but of course, her children would force her to at least spend some time relaxing.

“They would give me gifts and we cook and buy stuff and enjoy the day,” she said. Payne even joked that each year her children would attempt to surprise her, but each year without fail they would spoil the surprise by telling her beforehand.

Roxanne Edwards

NO SPECIAL PLANS Hidden away inside the market- at a stall known as ‘Bird’- is Roxanne Edwards,

Debra Payne

the household, this is the main source of income.

For her, the job isn’t challenging at all. “It’s something I like so I don’t see it as a problem,” she said.

For Mother’s Day, she doesn’t have any special plans either-- since her children are still young. What she does intend on doing, however, is coming to work and sew.

Granny Yvonne and two of her grandchildren

SECOND GENERATION Aside from the vendors in the markets, you would also find other mothers coming there to shop for the household.

ment that the single parent has been used to raise her 10 children, eight of whom are still alive.

“I am mother and father for all of my kids,” Payne said, while highlighting that in so doing she has been coping with the challenge of everyday living.

“It is about nine of us selling the same thing (bush medicine), and it’s not easy but at the end of the day you’re still able to provide a living for yourself,” she said.

Her motivation to keep going

also single parent. She works as a seamstress, seven days a week, from 07:00 hours to 17:00 hours.

“I have four children going to school- the smallest is aged four years and the eldest is 14,” she shared, while relating that she has been working as a seamstress for the past 15 years.

Edwards only became a single-parent two years ago, but this profession is what she used to support herself and her family over the years.

Now, as the breadwinner of

Yvonne (only name given) was rushing through the market with two of her four grandchildren. She had taken them to the market to do some shopping, but the mischievous little ones got a bit frisky and caused her to leave some of the items she bought at the market stall.

‘Granny’ joked, “They’re two little devils that have me walking all over the market… But they’re good though.”

Granny Yvonne shared that she usually takes care of the grandchildren during the week because she helps with taking them to school. It’s just like what she would’ve done for her own two sons where they were much younger.

“As, a mother sometimes it has its little ups and downs, but all-in-all it’s been good for me,” Yvonne said reflecting on her years as a mother, and now a grandmother.

For her, motherhood was a time for learning the best ways of taking care of her children, but now with

her grandchildren, she hasmore or less- gotten a hang

of it. Maybe it’s just keeping up with the high-ener-

gy little ones at her age is something new to her.

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 12, 2019

25 Influential Women Leaders Awards to showcase contributions of women

Lyndell Danzie-Black, co-creator of IWLA (All photos courtesy of Lyndell Danzie-Black)

By Gibron Rahim AWARDS are not merely symbolic tokens.

They may tell of the journey a person or a group of people undertook to accomplish amazing feats and change lives. Moreover, others can be encouraged to follow in the footsteps of those individuals who have the honour of receiving awards. It is in this same vein that the annual ‘25 Influential Women Leaders’ Awards (IWLA) will be held on May 16, 2019.

The first award of its kind in Guyana, IWLA is being organised by The Nico Consulting, Inc. (TNC) and Cerulean Incorporated and will recognise the successes of national, regional and city women leaders.

The Pepperpot Magazine spoke to one of the award’s founders Mrs. Lyndell Danzie-Black, Managing Director of Cerulean Inc., to gain some insights on the event. She noted that herself and founder and CEO of The Nico

Consulting, Inc. Ms. Michelle Nicholas are the co-creators of the IWLA. Danzie-Black related that Nicholas, who currently resides in the United States, is a native of Linden. She explained that she and Nicholas had a discussion some years ago about the work of women in Guyana. They observed that there were many women accomplishing great things in the country. “But we always seem to showcase the ones who are in Georgetown,” she said. “And so, it was very clear to us that there is a need for a platform that recognises the work of women.”

The decision to collaborate was aided by the fact that Nicholas was awarded at the 21st Annual “40 Under Forty” Achievement Awards in 2018. Danzie-Black explained that Nicholas was able to bring the knowledge she gained from being part of that award and harness it in creating IWLA. “She had the technical knowledge on how these awards work and me having very intricate information on

Michelle A. Nicholas, co-creator of IWLA

what’s going on in Guyana with women in various parts of the country.”

The 25 Influential Women Leaders’ Awards has a unique nomination process.

“We decided that we wanted to be part of a very transparent and accountable process,” Danzie-Black related. They began by first informing the general public about the award and inviting the public to nominate women within their communities who they felt needed to be recognised through an award.

Nominations were thus not limited to women from the corporate environment. The general public was given around six to seven weeks to make their nominations.

Danzie-Black revealed that 44 total nominations were received at the end of that process. “Once we received those 44, we pulled together a panel of judges that emanated from Guyana as well as internationally,” she explained. One of the judges, a former lecturer at the University of Guyana, lives in Norway. This panel of judges deliberated and eventually decided on which of the 44 would be the final 25 awardees.

The 25 IWLA awardees span a wide cross-section of Guyanese society. Danzie-Black expressed excitement and anticipation at the fact that the awardees come from varying backgrounds. She noted that the 25 awardees have already been announced on the IWLA Facebook page. “The 25 women already know themselves because we want them to get ready, we want them to celebrate,” she said. “We also want them to tell their families and friends to come to celebrate with them.” The awardees include women who are miners, activists and, in general, leaders in their own rights.

The awardees are a reflection of the changing roles of women, not just in Guyana, but globally. “One of the things we see very evidently is that women are now embracing men in partnership for development,” Danzie-Black observed. She noted that both she and Nicholas believe that men and women should be working together for development.

“In Guyana there is no exception,” she said.

“We notice as well that women now are

taking up key roles, they are taking up key developmental roles but not just within the grouping of women.”

While there is still a long way to go in terms of men and women being seen as equal, she opined that there is an appreciation of women. “Although we still fight with the issues of abuse, etc. we think that women are moving and having a voice, their voices are now being heard in a way that it probably was not in the past.”

Awards such as IWLA are important, according to Danzie-Black. She pointed out that we are often so focused on our goals that our busy lives do not permit us to take stock of those persons who impact our lives.

“Whether it be man, woman or child, you can see a woman somehow in the shadow pushing that person ahead,” Danzie-Black affirmed.

“There’s not one of our leaders who cannot say that they are where they are because of a woman in some form or fashion.” She remarked that the award will now shed light on those contributions that have been made for years but have gone unnoticed. “It also helps develop the confidence of women.”

The prestige attached to the award is secondary to its true purpose. Danzie-Black explained that the purpose was for it to take on a life of its own. To illustrate, she related that there was an outpouring of responses to the story of one of the awardees, a young miner and entrepreneur, on Facebook. “Women are really embracing it as something for them and that is where my gratification and that of Michelle lies, in that this is for women but other women are so excited,” she related. “It’s taken on its own persona, for want of a better word.”

The attendees at the 25 Influential Women Leaders Awards can expect an exciting evening of celebration of women.

Danzie-Black noted that the ambience will not only push the confidence level of the 25 awardees but will also boost the confidence of the other women in the audience. “As well as the men because we are also inviting men,” she said. She emphasised that men are not excluded and are encouraged to attend and be part of the event as well.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 12, 2019

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Mental Health Awareness Week kicks off Heal Guyana offering tips to promote better mental health HEAL Guyana Founder Sharon Lalljee-Richard feels that there needs to be a “major mindset shift” among Guyanese regarding mental health misconceptions.

As such, she is inviting the public to tune in to the organisation for guidance during ‘Mental Health Awareness Week.’

Tomorrow, May 13, marks the beginning of ‘Mental Health’ week and Heal Guyana, a registered non-governmental organisation launched in 2017, is inviting everyone to visit their social media pages which will feature material designed to promote better mental health.

“Citizens are being encouraged to visit Heal Guyana’s social media pages on Facebook and Instagram to receive daily, easy to follow guidance on how to begin taking better care of themselves so that they can cope with the normal stresses of life, work more productively and ultimately, be in a better position to make a contribution to their community,” Lalljee-Richard told the Pepperpot Magazine.

She pointed out how the stigma attached to mental health continues to cause further suffering to those who are struggling to recover from the illness. “There needs to be a major mindset shift among Guyanese who continue to hold the misconception that mental health applies only to those diagnosed with disorders or disabilities. Mental health is an essential

Founder of Heal Guyana Sharon Lalljee-Richard (at left) and Member Caitlin Vieira

part of our everyday health and it is clearly stated in the World Health Organization’s constitution that health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

Lalljee-Richard offered that a vast majority of factors tend to impact the state of people’s mental health. “These can span from challenges associated with stressful work conditions, anxiety over finances and living an unhealthy lifestyle, all the way to personal and prolonged exposure to gender and sex-

based discrimination, racism, violence, sexual abuse and a number of other human rights violations that many people from all walks of life are made to endure at some point during the course of their lives.”

Genetic factors also determine biological risks and no one is immune to the various levels of mental health impacts whether social, psychological or biological, she added.

Heal Guyana Member Caitlin Vieira, who is a trained psychologist specialising in addiction and suicide, offered that having good

A way of life

mental health does not mean that persons would not experience emotions like stress, sadness, anger and guilt. “These are necessary and essential emotions. It simply means that we have healthy ways of dealing with them and a strong overall level of resilience to them. In the same way that we would not let time pass on a physical illness before caring for ourselves or seeking professional help, we should regard our mental health with the same degree of urgency,” Vieira expressed.

She had so far authored several articles which were published on the Heal Guyana Platform addressing healthier ways of managing negative emotions, the psychological impacts of exposure to racism, how to deal with depression and other such useful mental health resources which can be accessed by visiting www.healguyana.org/platform.

The registered NGO which was initially launched on December 14, 2017 has also been working to strengthen ethnic relations between the two historically divided groups in Guyana and helping to empowering women who are faced with domestic violence situations to take the lifesaving steps they need to in order to leave their abusive partners and reclaim their own lives.

Other members of the Board of Directors are Egbert Alexander Carter and Rayann Hinckson.

Joycelyn Benjamin doing embroidery while selling newspapers

Selling newspapers for over 30 years to raise her children

By Vanessa Braithwaite BRAVING the heat of the scorching sun, missing those sweet, earl- morning sleeps even when it is raining - to sell newspapers day after day, month after month, year after year, has been the life of Joycelyn Benjamin for over 30 years.

She has not regretted choosing this very demanding career path, which includes no sick days, no holidays, no weekends off, because through this simple and honest means of earning, Benjamin was able to raise and educate her six children, who are all now responsible and educated adults.

Joycelyn Benjamin is one of the most popular and long-standing newspaper vendors in Mackenzie, Linden. She originally started her trade at Wismar Street, where she resides, on weekends as she had a full-time job at that time. She then realised that the extra income came in handy and employed her father to look over the newspaper business when she needed to work. After leaving her full-time

job at Banks DIH, she started the trade full time.

Her office is a bench in front of the popular Benjie’s Pharmacy on Republic Avenue, where she interacts with hundreds of people daily. She said on a regular news day, she would sell about 200 of the four dailies, but on a ‘hot news day,’, she would sell about 350 newspapers.

While the profit on each paper is very small, Joycelyn has devised a plan to allow her small earning to meet the demands of her family over the years. “I would throw boxhand and that is how I did it over the years to mind my children. My parents left a house for me and I was able to repair it and furnish it with everything I need to make me comfortable by selling papers and throwing box, so everything turned out fairly alright,” she said.

In describing a typical day in the life of a newspaper vendor, Joycelyn said that she would try to be out on the road by 07:15hrs to collect her papers from the carrier and to catch the early crop of customers, since more

papers are sold in the morning hours. With the advent of technology and most persons now being able to access the news on their electronic devices, Joycelyn said she does not believe that this has affected sales but, in fact, to her, sales have increased. She said that her main customers are the older and middle-aged people. “I believe people are more conscious of the news and they want to know what is going on more now than before, because access to information is easier,” she reasoned.

In addition to selling newspapers, the mother of six would supplement her income by selling cheese straw and plantain chips and would use her free time between sales to

knit, which is a long-time skill she acquired.

“Yes, I find things to do to occupy my time.

I would make my lil side dollar by doing my little embroidery. I don’t wait on one thing to get money,” she said.

Being a newspaper vendor for over 30 years, Joycelyn said that one benefit is that she was able to make lots of friends who would ‘give her a top-up’ once in a while when she least expects it. Joycelyn was recently awarded as a virtuous woman of Linden at a PNCR award ceremony, which was held under the patronage of Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Valerie Patterson- Yearwood.

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 12, 2019

Charles Roza School of Nursing celebrates 60 years

-Linden kicks off nursing week activities

CRSN Tutor Roxanne Niles-Alleyne

Charles Roza School of Nursing Staff celebrating the school’s 60th anniversary.

By Vanessa Braithwaite IT HAS been 60 years since the Charles Roza School of Nursing (CRSN) has been providing Guyana’s nursing workforce with competent, well trained and efficient nurses who have been serving at the various medical institutions countrywide.

Over the last 60 years, the school graduated thousands of registered nurses, nursing assistants and midwives who have been providing the needed services in the medical profession.

The Mackenzie Hospital Nursing School, located in the same compound with the old Mackenzie Hospital started operation on February 27, 1959. It was later renamed the Charles Roza School of Nursing in memory after its Founder. Since its establishment, intakes would have increased from eight to 115. Presently, the school has a student population of 197. This has resulted in management making the necessary expansions, advancements and modifications, to meet the growing demand of nursing students.

Initially, there were only two programmes, the Professional Nursing Programme and the Post Basic Midwifery programme. In 2006, the school added the Nursing Assistant Programme and the Rural Midwifery Programme.

Tutor at CRSN, Sister Roxanne Niles-Alleyne related that the Rural Midwifery programme which is completed in two years, provides training for residents of rural and hinterland communities, that may possess some form of medical qualification, such as a community health worker. In these areas, a medical facility may be miles away from the villages and these trained midwives often assist with home births. For the Professional Nursing Programme, the students are expected to past three main examinations which span throughout the semesters. NilesAlleyne related that the pass rate for that along with the other programmes is between

79 and 100 percent. She said that while the school is in Linden, it trains students from all across Guyana and the students from the other regions return to serve their communities while those in Linden are posted at either the Linden Hospital, the Upper Demerara Hospital or the Kwakwani Hospital.

“They are told that they will be serving their country and not just their community,” she said.

In the recent past, the CRSN has recorded several advancements and expansions to provide a more comfortable and conducive learning experience for students. The building was expanded to include more classrooms and a conference room, tutors were provided with laptops and classrooms have been provided with the necessary teaching tools needed for the technological era. In addition to the theoretical aspect of learning, students are also posted at day-care centres, nursery schools, hospitals and health care facilities to facilitate provide them with hands-on experience.

“The school continues to produce professionals of great credibility. Former students of the school would have moved on to be Doctors, Health Officers, Nurse educators, Pharmacists, and those who are pursuing their Masters and PhD in nursing. The school intends to strengthen nursing as a discipline in the field of health and maintain standards in keeping with current knowledge and trends in Nursing and Medicine,” Niles Alleyne said.

Presently, the school is also accommodating the Patient Care Assistant Programme which has an intake of 60. This programme is geared towards providing a means of entry into the medical field for Lindeners who may not have the basic qualifications required for either the assistant and professional nursing programme at CRSN. These trainee nurses, as well as those already in the profession, will join nurses around the world in celebrating National Nurses Week which will be held between May 5-10. In Linden, the week’s activities kicked off with a church service on Monday and a road march on Tuesday. Other activities include research presentation, workplace health education and dinner and award ceremony

The story of an amazing mother Chronicle Pepperpot May 12, 2019

By Shirley Thomas

TODAY the Pepperpot Magazine brings to you the story of an amazing mother of seven, who, after being widowed at age 44, demonstrated determination and resilience, braved the odds and emerged triumphantly.

Maureen Sealey is the Caretaker/Supervisor of the Ted Cross Convalescence Home, D’Urban Backlands and widow of the late Dansford Sealy. Her husband, who was a former employee of the Guyana National Newspapers Ltd. And who worked there for 30 years, succumbed to terminal illness some years ago.

He had been ill for several weeks, but still, the news of his passing on Christmas

Karen Sealey at her University of Guyana graduation.

Eve in 2004, came as a shock to those who knew him and whose lives he’d touched in diverse ways.

The death of Maureen’s husband came soon after their eldest son, Kevin, had graduated from the University of Guyana with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy.

And therefore Kevin knew full well that much would be expected of him, now that his father was no more. In fact, it was his father’s wish that all four of their children should pursue tertiary education and make their mother proud.

And so immediately after breaking the sad news of his death to them, Maureen called the children to their father’s bedside and tearfully urged them that with the passing of their father,

Kevon Sealey during her graduation from the University of the West Indies

it is expected that they bond together even stronger and be there for each other regardless. In the ensuing days, it was a rather painful experience, but they all drew strength from his and their mother’s admonitions.

GOING IT ALONE It was no easy task taking three children through the University of Guyana and one through the University of the West Indies, but she persevered. The needs were many, but her mantra continued to be:” My God shall supply all my needs, according to the fullness of His riches, glory by His Son Christ Jesus.”

She made sacrifices for her children. But with a strong faith in God and her determination to work for what she set herself to, she embarked on the onerous task. It was a bumpy road, but she demonstrated strength and resilience, matched with discipline. In fact, she drew further strength from her years of paramilitary experience as rank in the Guyana National Service (GNS) prior to joining the staff of the Guyana Red Cross.

During those years in the National Service, Maureen travelled widely, gained experience living in remote locations such as Kimbia, Papaya; Matthew’s Ridge; Tumatumari; Koreri; Itabu Quarry; Kwapau and was in the Second Intake of the Hope Estate. But with discipline and a love of country, she persevered and made a name for herself. She graduated from the GNS as a Sergeant.

‘WISE HEAD’ In fact, a Lindener,

and having gleaned much experience from her association with schoolmates such as Charles Corbin, now Commissioner of the Guyana Elections Commission; Robert Corbin; Aubrey Norton and others, she was a ’wise head’ and well equipped for the task ahead.

Shortly before her husband’s death, Maureen pursued a period of training in Child Care, offered by the University of Guyana’s Institute of Distance and Continuing Education from which she graduated with distinction. That attainment saw her taking up the position of Caregiver at the Red Cross Convalescence Home, eventually moving up to the position of Supervisor.

Maureen has been able to nobly execute the task of moulding and seeing her children develop into God-fearing and fine young

Maureen’s eldest son Kevin Sealy graduating from the University of Guyana

people of discipline and rectitude and having taken up responsible positions in their respective work settings.

They have all graduated from the University of Guyana in various disciplines including Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Accounting; Social Work; Management; Journalism among others and are determined not to stop until having reached the pillars.

Today, the children continue to show gratitude to their mother for her love, affection and wise counsel.

Likewise, she is equally proud and gratified that the best has come out of them.

Maureen, who has a natural love of children, is using her years at the Red Cross to show her innate love and concern for little children. In fact, she ministers to the needs of less fortunate little children.

Her exhortation to her children is that they look out for the needy and express love and kindness to them, for “ Jesus went about doing good… doing all the best things He could.”

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Maureen Sealey (left) with two of her daughters: Kim (standing in background) and Karen seated right.

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 12, 2019 ◄◄◄ From page II

One of the many Wedding Gowns made by Seamstress, Super Mother Olive, over the years.

Even that proved quite a challenge. But when Mother Olive was approached by those who knew her situation to sell the property, again she would have “none of that,” she told me, and added that she told those who approached her, “So when I sell my property, is where me and my children will live?” So, it was absolutely, NO DEAL. One of the distractions she received, was to give up some of the children for adoption, but yet again, she would have “ none of that”, as she said time and time again to her uninvited advisors. A staunch Catholic, Mother Olive was offered assistance - mainly food and clothing - by one of her priests, which she gladly accepted. Although a single mother of eight, she was still very attractive and not without having male attention; one or two even suggested a serious relationship. But Mother Olive would have “none of that”. She lived exclusively for her children, never considering having any male companion or a second marriage.

As her children grew older and entered the workforce, life became much easier for Mother Olive. Her eldest child, for example, gave his entire pay package unopened to his mother who would then return a stipend to him for his personal use. The rest of the money went to the running of the home. As more finances became available, Super Mother Olive developed a policy of always having food and drink available for visitors to her home, and she would ensure that every visitor left after having something from her kitchen, which she had prepared herself.

As the years went by, and some of her eight children migrated abroad, at their invitation and arrangement, Mother Olive made many visits to America and Canada. She enjoyed her golden years which were made very pleasant and happy for her by her eight grateful children who were fortunate to have such a God-fearing, strong and disciplined mother, who made so many sacrifices for them in their younger years. Super Mother Olive lived a long, productive and law-abiding life and passed on at age 105. On the occasion of her 105th Birthday, she was paid a visit by President David Granger at her South Cummingsburg home in Georgetown. No doubt you also know of other Super Mothers like Super Mother Olive. It is our pleasant duty to celebrate them all, whether they are still with us, or like Super Mother Olive, have transitioned to the Great Beyond.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 12, 2019

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Teachers and Mental Health position in children’s lives.

How can this process start?

What I am suggesting would need to be a fully funded, official program to train teachers (at no cost to them). I actually believe it should be a requirement and a prerequisite for going into the profession.

Until this day comes, teachers can take it upon themselves to make the difference they are in the position to. They can educate both themselves and colleagues on the common mental health disorders in children/adolescents as well as their warning and active signs and symptoms. They can be aware of the help available within the community in case a referral to a professional needs to be made.

They can provide a safe environment, one where students feel comfortable talking about mental health issues. They can be culturally sensitive and ensure that the other students are as well. To the worried parents whose child/ children are being bullied, I suggest offering some kind of support to your local teacher as they also have an effect on your child’s bully.

OVER the next few weeks I’ll be talking about some important professions that I believe are not only taken for granted within our community but are also under-utilised in the mental health area. Sometimes we do not realise the roles that certain people can play, beyond their expected one and it is a real shortcoming for us all.

I’m going to start with an obvious oneteachers, who play an invaluable role in society. I always believed them to be the top of the professional food chain because, without them, there would literally be no other professions.

It is not an exaggeration to say that a good teacher can change a child’s life. Sorry, not just a child but any student under their care.

What can teachers do? It’s a simple question but one with many answers. There is the obvious academic enhancement of math, English, science and so on but teachers do so much more than just simplify the complex.

They shape the next generation by teaching discipline, responsibility, and respect.

A good teacher can be a role model who inspires their students to achieve goals, choose specific careers and even generally go down the right path in life. They teach practical, everyday skills that are needed to thrive in the adult world. Most importantly, they do this with the toughest audience – one that requires tremendous patience, understanding and forgiveness. Even more so, they do this with little financial reward; they really are unsung heroes.

Every child has some sort of unique skill or talent and the right teacher observes, listens, coaches and guides the student into revealing and enhancing these skills. All of this means that teachers increase our self-esteem and self-confidence. I still remember the great teachers of my school career and

attribute a lot of my success to them and I’m sure I’m not alone.

Teachers can bring enthusiasm into a classroom as I remember always getting better grades in the classes with my favourite teachers.

Not meaning to insult any parent but many teachers spend as much time with children as their parents do. This means that the teacher’s characteristics will be observed and most likely modelled. In some circumstances, many students only have teachers to look up to.

Believe me when I tell you that the future of our nation is in the hands of the teachers within our nation.

Now, being in such a unique position, as a trusted source of advice and leadership, why does society tend to neglect this advantageous and already existing relationship? Now I get that teachers already work very hard and therefore, I am in no way suggesting that they also work as counsellors or psychologists.

Teachers already work around the clock and their school day does not end when their students go home- physically or emotionally.

However, can you imagine the difference it would make if teachers underwent some official training to identify risk factors of mental illness in their students?

If a teacher was trained to identify risk factors, warning signs, triggers, active signs and symptoms as well as substance use, many social ills in Guyana would drastically decrease. These include substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, school drop -out, self- harm and suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

As a teacher, why would you want this training? As Benjamin Franklin said, “An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” I want you all to know that many of us understand and appreciate your unique

All of the above can make teachers able to identify problematic changes in behaviour.

There is a clear correlation between mental health issues and academic performance. This means that once again, a teacher is in a unique position to possibly spot warning signs before anyone else. What can the general public do?

Please remember that we have to take care of our teachers so they can in return, take care of us. Educating our teachers must be a priority, just behind acknowledging their grave importance.

Whoever has the job of paying attention to the needs of our teachers- and you all know who you are – I hope it continues to be a top priority, as the youth of Guyana are counting on (and need) teachers who are in a position to reach their greatest potential.

Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com Suicide Prevention Helpline numbers: 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 12, 2019

The ancestors said, ‘Know thyself’

If you do, it will prevent ‘eye-pass’ Part 3 THE lie is a potent weapon; it will reshape your image of reality in the mirror, as well as condition your mind to interpret what you see as not what it is. The lie depends upon us not to be bold enough to question the authenticity of the echo transmitted to our present, or pay interest to the scribes who have left us their opinions, biases, views as witnesses of events long gone, so we may interpret from the past, the present, and have a confident view to illuminating the future.

British Guiana, post-Emancipation. A colony, and like all colonies across time, is developed to serve the interests and principle needs of the colonisers. In the timeline of this article, slavery is emancipated, the peak of the society is composed of plantation owners and their merchant kinfolk, and the bottom, the citizen Creole population, the freed enslaved, poor whites and the Amerindians - the latter were not domiciled in the Townships. Then there were the contracted indentured workers viewed as temporary immigrant workers. Those from Africa quickly merged with the Creoles. The only group from that who were of visible contact were the Portuguese. They would soon be integrated into the Creole group. The Chinese were a gradual presence as were the East Indians. Most, however, were located on the estate plantations. All with not enough of a local economy to distribute its wealth to the content of its citizens and those inhabiting its space. In 1884-5 Von Bismarck held a conference in Berlin with other European countries on the invasion and colonisation of Africa; this would entail conflict, resistance, atrocities and mass murder. This was also the age of Charles Darwin, Karl Marx, Francis Galton, Herbert Spencer and the pseudo beliefs of Thomas Malthus father of scientific racism, which would help to justify the new Imperialism in Europe and against Africa with its tremendous wealth. Aspects or nuances of these new ideas would creep into British Guiana to interpret one human variation from the other anew, confounding myths and perceptions even more.

The realisation by the 1880s had dawned upon the Portuguese that though they were used by the plantocracy to disable the Creole business aims, and hopefully drive the Creole back to the plantation (which did fail, with the Afro-Creole rush towards the opening of the ‘Gold Bush’ in the 1880’s). The Portuguese had established themselves and was now disliked by both the disenfranchised Creole and the English merchants who thought that they had done too well. “The Portuguese who had previously borne the contempt of the planters, who never considered them as fellow-whites nor included them in the European social milieu, were now in a position of political equity.” Mary Noel Menezes, R.S.M THE

PORTUGUESE OF GUYANA: A STUDY OF CULTURE AND CONFLICT. This had occurred because of a phenomenon of shared grievances that led the Portuguese to forge an alliance with the Afro-Creole middle class, as presented by Kemani S. Nehusi [Francis Drakes] History Gazette August 1989: “ Portuguese entry in large numbers into the formal political process brought the highest level of cohesion achieved in the Guyanese middle class during the decades before 1900.”

However, movement in the interest of the working class had to wait for the intervention of grass root leadership like Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow from 1905 onwards.

The East Indians came from conditions, both cultural and economically separate from all the other groups. Judeo/Christian values echoed throughout both African and Europeans which includes the Portuguese, Africans and Amerindians had similar tribal beliefs with differences in some areas. But none equalled the expanses of the caste system. It dictates and impacts on the East Indian community, though many rejected those forms.

Some came as Muslim, others as the Madras, however perceptions of self and the other were primarily based on the writings of the sage Vamiki known as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata and the Laws of Manu, though diluted into freedoms, especially for women in the context of 19th ct B.G, influences persisted in the imagination. The 1900s onward were shaped by events at home and abroad still significant today, referred towards the

emphasis of a point, but hardly explored. As are the following events: “Joseph Luckhoo was the only East Indian to win a seat. He attended the same school as his brother and studied law in London. In 1912 he was called to the bar. He defeated a European planter, J.B. Laing, whose estate, Marionville in Wakenaam, was situated within the south-west Essequibo constituency. Of the five Indians who contested the elections Luckhoo alone was a member of the Peoples Association.

This was a quasi-political party, dominated

by African, Portuguese and coloured middle-class elements- Luckhoo’s success came primarily from his affiliation to this body which appealed specifically to the African electorate. He also obtained the Indian votes that were crucial to this doubtful seat” ... “ Governor Wilfred Collet (1919-22) also had a sanguine view of Luckhoo’s election. He argued that Luckhoo’s election with African votes proved that East Indians under the present system had considerable influence.

Moreover, the fact that an East Indian is elected by a Negro vote does not seem to be conductive of hatred between the two races, but the reverse” Tyrone Ramnarine Guyana Historical Journal Volume 11, 1990.

The confusion that followed was that Joseph Luckhoo, W. Hewley Wharton and Parbhu Sawh petitioned in 1919 the Crown of England to convert British Guyana to an East Indian state through the reopening of Indian indentureship, on the grounds that “No barrier of any kind is erected against Indians

in British Guiana-as is the case in Natal South Africa, etc. Here they enjoy equal rights and privileges in the truest sense of the words –on the principles of “Man and Brother.” It proceeds from the colony as a whole represented by its legislature and its various public bodies, municipal and otherwise.” The Luckhoo response to the goodwill of his Creole colleagues has never been understood. Why did he transform a collective agenda to an ethnic mode? Unlike the other Creole population then, that never looked back with longing to their old world the condition of the Indo-mind is explained by Clem Seecharan in India and the shaping of the Indo Guyanese Imagination 1820’s-1920’s: “This solid identity with “Mother India”, however, was accompanied by some negative repercussions for the political development of Indians in British Guiana. It prolonged a sense of ambivalence towards the colony, even among Creolised, Christian Indians. It delayed the emergence of a comprehensive, unmediated loyalty to British Guiana. A vacillating, frequently petty, leadership survived well into the 1940’s: they seemed to be perpetually looking over their shoulders for “Mother India’s” guidance and reassurance. Above all, it encouraged the Indo Guyanese to ignore the feelings of the Afro-Guyanese, and the political, economic and cultural space this group was also demanding.” This was however encouraged

by India.

Afro Guyanese response to this is briefly captured by a rare publication, a biography of Andrew Benjamin Brown of Den Amstel by his wife Mrs. Edith Brown. Mr Brown was a selected member of the Legislature who had proposed a compromise that for every 100 Indians brought in 50 Africans be so immigrated, he had done much of the structure for this, but it was defeated. The Indian Government did not sanction Immigration, but India, now an Independent Republic within the commonwealth, maintains contact with the Indians here through a Commissioner of India who resides in Trinidad. The main contention that Afro-Guyanese had at the time is captured in the following of Mr Brown’s meeting at the Rattray Memorial Congregational Church at Bagotville, WBD “ urging that the people meaning, of course, those of African descent, couldn’t get work and were already starving, and now Mr Brown, their representative was joining with the planters to bring in more labourers, which would make their condition worse.” They were against the process of the immigration of any more workers despite race on the grounds of the state of the colony, that was deplorable to their existence (so much for the good old days of the 1920s).

This concludes our brief History perspective of the post-emancipation era.

ocus F Chronicle Pepperpot May 12, 2019

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on the Village

The origins of Bare Root THIS week, we visited the East Coast Demerara community of Bare Root (located in Bachelor’s Adventure). Stories by Michel Outridge, photos by Samuel Maughn.

GIVING a background as to how the village was named, long-time resident of Bare Root, Don Sullivan, told the Pepperpot Magazine that based on his knowledge from the elders, Bare Root is a farming area and during the process of clearing the land to accommodate early settlers in the construction of houses, they encountered a lot of black sage.

As such, Sullivan said they used the dialect to say that this place is “bare root” in taking out a lot of black sage stumps; and so the name was attached to that village.

He pointed out that originally, the name of the village was “Cotton Piece,” because in the olden days, cotton used to be cultivated on the land, way back when it was just canefields and farmlands.

Sullivan said Bare Root is one of the villages that played a vital role in the emancipation from slavery, so there is a lot of history, but sadly most of the elders have passed on and he can only tell certain stories.

“I wasn’t born in this village, but [when] I came here there wasn’t any potable water, it had just one standpipe at the head of the village. So the early settlers here would have had to go and use that standpipe,” he said.

Sullivan added that back then Middle Road, Bare Root was a burnt brick dam which was later paved into a road.

He explained that the process started when a group of villagers banded together and approached the Basic Needs Trust Fund, seeking to get the place developed and that organisation was instrumental in paving Middle

One of the roads in the community that need repairing

Road, Bare Root.

Sullivan admitted that they then approached the previous administration in getting potable water supply and electricity and it came to fruition through then Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Priya Manickchand.

Like any other village along the East Coast corridor, he said living here can be challenging because there are a few ‘bad eggs’ in the village, and from time to time they have been missing livestock.

Work being done in the community

As for a police presence in the community, Sullivan stated that the cops do pass through and there are a few lawmen and women residing there thus, they have seen changes in that village.

FIGHTING THE STIGMA Sullivan stated that even though there is still a stigma attached to the community – claiming that they have been told that nothing good can come out of there – the residents have defied the odds and produced some

good people.

“With the stigma attached to Bare Root – during the crime wave in early 2000 -- I feel the village was infiltrated by outsiders and people were passing through doing unsavoury things; and even if you saw something back then you couldn’t say anything, because it was a dangerous time,” he said.

All in all, Sullivan said villagers, in general, are trying to become entrepreneurs in an effort to become self-reliant by establishing small businesses through farming or poultry rearing.

Additionally, he said that most young people are trying to make something of themselves, pointing out that a young man within the village has started a block-making business.

To top it off, some young people in the community manage two day-care facilities, so mothers can leave their children to be cared for in their absence.

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT Although there are no special needs nor skills training programmes in Bare Root, youths have been invited to participate in skills training in Victoria, also on the East Coast of Demerara.

He said all eligible youths will undergo training in electrical installation and Information Technology.

Sullivan noted that they have about 800 youths in different age groups, some employed and others still finding their way, but they have roughly about 4,000 Bare Rooters who are engaged in small -scale farming, livestock and poultry rearing.

NEEDS Being the secretary for the Bare Root Developmental Community Council, Don Sullivan said they are always looking for ways to develop the community.

He explained that the community group which has 13 members, all villagers, are tasked with infrastructural and general development in the village headed by Chairman Brian Calder.

He noted that they are in dire need of infrastructural works since the roads are in a deplorable state.

Sullivan said Grant Road, which is practically a mud dam named after our international singer Eddy Grant, who was once a resident, should be a well-paved road which is maintained.

“I am not speaking politics, but I want to be fair because when you look at Shiv Chanderpaul Road, with Shiv being a world-over cricketer, that road which was named in his honour is well maintained,” Sullivan said.

He has since registered his disappointment, adding that Grant Road should have been in a better state.

Nevertheless, as they have done all these years, he is sure that the residents will continue to work to bring a good name to their community.

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Fishing - a viable hobby in Bare Root Villagers were also informed that within two months they will receive certificates of land titles, which will legitimise their land ownership and they were pleased.

Being a countryman, he has seen many changes with the youths in the village, whom he said are doing something to make a living.

He said one of his daughters sells fish cakes and egg balls among other things in the village at her corner-stand, which supports her family.

“I am the father of five children, I got my first child when I was in the army and stationed in Lethem. I met a lovely Amerindian woman and that union produced my first born and then when I was stationed in Berbice, I met another Amerindian lady and she got a daughter for me. I spend 15 years in the army as a mechanic, then I quit and went into mining,” Josiah said.

He told the Pepperpot Magazine that he does not idle and when at home he is active in

Steve Josiah throwing his cast net

WHEN Steve Josiah leaves his home to go fishing, he does not have any intention of returning home empty-handed. Armed with a five-gallon plastic bucket and his cast net, he leaps onto his bicycle and starts his day of fishing as a pastime.

He is a resident of Bare Root, East Coast Demerara, and when the Pepperpot Magazine visited the area by noon on that day, he had his catch of patwa, tilapia and hassar, which he planned to use to make curry to go along with some cooked brown rice.

A man in his mid-50s, Josiah said that he has been a resident for the past 15 years and when he is at home, he finds things to do with his spare time such as fishing and gardening.

A miner by profession, Josiah has been home for some time due to adverse weather conditions in the hinterland and was quite pleased with himself for getting a handsome catch.

Casting his net in the trench along Grant Road, he caught a few sizable patwas and was optimistic he would get more as he moved along the trenches in the village.

“I does catch me lil fish and thing because

HAVING been given the nickname “Sir Don,” Don Sullivan has lived up to the expectations of the children in the village of Bare Root, East Coast Demerara; he continues to play a vital role in the education of students by providing after-school lessons at his home.

This son of the soil, who is in his late 50s, told the Pepperpot Magazine that in the year 2000 he became a resident of Bare Root (Bachelor’s Adventure), a village sandwiched between Dazzell Housing Scheme and Enterprise, on the East Coast of Demerara.

“I am trying with the academic part – I started because when I came here in 2000, the pass rate of students who wrote the common entrance exam was low and I wanted to change that simply because I was concerned.

So I started to work with my son- who was seven years old then - to ensure he passed his exams and when he wrote it he got President’s College,” Sullivan said.

He related that because of his son’s success, he started to teach extra lessons to all common entrance subjects at his home and

Josiah with his catch along Grant Road, Bare Root, East Coast Demerara, on a typical fishing day

trench fish very good you know, and it is a way to pass time rather than doing nothing; it has become one of my hobbies,” Josiah said.

He described life in Bare Root as ‘normal,’ once you find something to do. He observed that he is pleased with the clearing of canals and trenches in the community.

Josiah stated that over a week now he has noticed a hymac clearing the clogged and weed-infested drains, canals and trenches in Bare Root and that is something of progress which will alleviate flooding.

The big man added that a bobcat was aback the village also clearing the canals along Grant Road.

“Me does be in the interior a lot, so this is the longest time I am out here and I does make do and I like to fish and talk with my neighbours, because you got to talk about things happening around you,” Josiah said.

He is, however, concerned about the state of the roads in the village which needs urgent attention; he is of the hope that the current administration will deliver, because they visited that village earlier this year and held a meeting with residents.

Bare Root

his kitchen garden where he reaps boulanger, tomatoes and other vegetables, which he would consume.

“Me don’t punish, look yesterday me cook lil calaloo fry up with lil dhal and thing and it was lovely and me alright you know.

Plenty youth men also farming in this village and they does sell their produce within the community,” he said.

Josiah related that almost every household plant and eat whatever is in season from their vegetable gardens, and they also rear pigs, goats, sheep, cows, ducks and chickens; so they don’t have to go out the village for meat and milk.

He stated that he doesn’t count time when it comes to fishing, because he enjoys doing it and at the same time it gives him a chance to talk to his fellow villagers.

Although he wasn’t sure how big his catch would be, he was nevertheless quite happy to be outdoors.

A community of resilience

so far, he has no regrets.

“A lady in the village keep asking me to teach her child, and so I started the after-school lessons at my house, because back then I was into construction work and with my [skill] in carpentry, I had some difficulty in finding every-day work, so I started to work out from my home with a reasonable fee attached,” Sullivan said.

Today, Sir Don has a class of students numbering more than 20 from right in the village and it is going wellp; so much so that he sells confectionery at his home as snacks for the pupils who visit for lessons, especially during weekdays.

Sullivan told the Pepperpot Magazine that the village has produced some good people and that the children are excelling at exams.

He stated that his twin girls did well and one of the two is at the stage of completing her second year of Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) at Queen’s College and his son is an architect in the Guyana Defence Force. He added that a lot of the youths he taught are students of the Govern-

ment Technical Institute (GTI), University of Guyana (UG) and other tertiary institutions.

BARE ROOTERS ARE RESOURCEFUL Sullivan stated that even though the village is neglected, parents are making every effort to send their children to school with whatever they can afford, and that in itself speaks volumes.

“We have seen development in this village, because from the time I came here in 2000 the place was in a terrible state p; but over the years with the minimum resources, parents are making the effort to make a difference in the lives of their children and we are seeing the results … we can boast of our children getting into top secondary schools,” he said.

“The children generally seem to like Mathematics and we might very well produce a Finance Minister, but we need a nursery school in this village, because all the children have to go out the community to attend schools in neighbouring villages and in the city,” Sullivan said.

Don Sullivan better known as “Sir Don”

In addition, he said a playground is also essential for youths to be engaged in sporting activities, since there is none in the village.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 12, 2019

XIII

A mentor for her community Negla Garraway

SIXTY-NINE-YEAR-OLD Negla Garraway refuses to just sit by idly and watch the world go by, as such, she is doing her bit in her community.

The owner of a thriving corner shop at the head of Bare Root Village, East Coast Demerara, Garraway sees her small business where she retails the vegetables home-grown by villagers as a service to the village.

“In order to live and let live, we must support each other and it’s like ‘hand wash hand, make hand clean’ and I am selling the vegetables provided by my fellow residents, because it is necessary to make a contribution in everybody’s lives,” she said.

Garraway related that the village people are cooperative, adding that individually and collectively they are all trying to make the most of their lives.

“At 69, I am not just going to sit and wait my time out. My little shop serves as the one-stop shop for villagers and I am pleased I can provide this service to this community, because I have the time and I choose to spend it this way,” she said.

This elderly woman can be described as the ‘village mentor,’ because she always lends a listening ear and wise word to anyone who needs a pep talk or chat.

Garraway’s shop, which sits at the four-corner of the Bare Root village, has

Negla Garraway’s shop at the entrance of Middle Street, Bare Root, East Coast Demerara

Hope London at her mother’s sewing shop at Middle Road, Bare Root, East Coast Demerara

every little thing that is required in our everyday life from salted-fish to ginger to ground provisions, as well as fruits and vegetables among other things.

“I born and grew up in this community and I will grow old here. I am an ex-soldier.

I get big now and I decide to relax and do my own thing. I opened a greens shop and I am getting full support from the community. It was established one and a half years ago,” Garraway said.

Her shop opens daily and closes late into the night to cater to working people and at times, Garraway has her son in the shop who assists her in opening and closing the doors.

Garraway’s home is a stone’s throw away and it is convenient for her to spend most days at her shop. Just next door, her daughter and granddaughter both own businesses of their own as well.

When asked about what’s her concern

about Bare Root, she did not hesitate to express herself to the Pepperpot Magazine.

“My concern about this community is that we don’t have farmlands, so residents cannot go into large-scale farming and as you can see, almost every household plants. We made representations to both the previous and current governments and they said they will look into it. No community is viable without farmlands and these lands here were given to us by our foreparents/ancestors and we need to cultivate crops to sustain ourselves,” Garraway said.

She added that lands are needed for farming, because a lot of villagers would like to do large- scale farming and cannot do it presently, owing it to a lack of space.

Garraway said, “You cannot inconvenience other people by rearing hundreds of chickens or pigs in your yard. It is not healthy and will not work, so efforts of entrepreneurship are being stymied in Bare Root and that

Garraway showing off freshly picked organic lettuce from her granddaughter’s kitchen garden

has to change. We need our farmlands to survive because our livelihood depends on it.”

This able-bodied citizen pointed out that more emphasis should also be placed on youths, with regards to recreation, since they have no place for games.

She is of the view that a sizeable plot of land can be allocated from farther into the backlands or from the rear of the village.

Garraway opined too that an ICT hub is also essential in the community and can enhance the lives of youths; she is thinking more along the line of a mobile unit where young people can go and be informed.

Fish and Chips for Bare Rooters Garraway’s granddaughter Hope London, is poised to open her spanking new fish and chips soon at her small shop just next to her mother’s sewing shop, at the head of the village.

The 21-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is realising her dream of having

her own business.

Although small, this fish and chips outlet will be opened from 17:00hrs to 21:00hrs and will provide an income to support her six-month-old baby.

“I have been envisioning this for a long time and it’s going to happen for me with the support of my parents and siblings. I will be successful because I don’t want to depend on anyone financially,” London said.

London stated that her sister has since pledged her support to help out in the shop, because at this juncture, she is unable to employ staff, just starting out.

During the day, this young lady assists her mother, who is the village seamstress with alterations of clothes and can sew as well.

“I know my business will flourish, because Bare Root is a close-knit community where people cooperate to make things happen,” London said.

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 12, 2019

XV

Common questions patients ask

SOMETIMES patients only want to ask their dentist a question because of a problem they currently encounter. Logically, why should they visit the dentist, pay consultation fees and wait, occasionally for up an hour just for simple information which they can utilise to decide a course of action or have an idea of the dentist’s diagnosis and treatment plan ahead of their scheduled date? Hence, this column today seeks to answer some common questions posed by patients.

ATYPICAL TOOTHACHES I feel pain on some of my teeth. I had checked it out with my dentist and I am still having the mild pain and am irritated by it. I want to extract those teeth. Why is my dentist refusing to do it?

A less common condition is the atypical toothache. The pain is chronic and usually, there is no obvious cause for it. Extracting the teeth usually does not solve the problem as the pain tends to stay because the complexity of the problem can even include psychological implications. Symptoms generally consist of a distressing continual pain condition from a tooth or teeth which stays longer than four months while the tooth/teeth and surrounding gum and bone looks normal.

FACIAL NERVE PAIN I suffer from spontaneous sharp, electric-like pain on my face. This can be a number of times a day, of very short duration. So far the condition has not improved and can even happen when I wash my face or mouth.

Is this common?

This could be an uncommon condition of the nerves which tends to affect the older age groups. The most common disease in this group is called Trigeminal Neuralgia. The features are sudden pain of varying intensity on the face or jaw which is triggered by jaw movements or touch and is of short duration.

This can recur several times a day and can be very severe or throbbing but often comes and goes. The definite cause of neuralgia has never been proven although it is commonly taken to be due to nerve instability. Medication is the treatment of choice. However, imaging of the head may be recommended to rule out any brain lesion.

GUM INFECTIONS

I have very severe pain, ulcers and bleeding gums for the past 3 days. My whole mouth is sore and I cannot eat properly. My spouse tells me I have bad breath. What could I be suffering from?

The condition you described is termed Acute Necrotising Gingivitis. The general symptoms involve ulcers on tips of gum between the teeth and along the gum line.

The gums also bleed with sudden onset, pain, increased saliva foul odour and a metallic taste. Repeated infections lead to bone loss or periodontitis, with additional features including enlarged gum margins, triangular gaps between the teeth. The teeth sometimes appear longer. Factors which increase the likelihood of this infection are, poor oral hygiene, smoking, systemic diseases e.g.

Diabetes, and stress. Treatment consists of proper tooth brushing and mouth rinsing, professional cleaning of gum areas, antibiotics, oxidising antiseptics and gum surgery.

I have pain and gum swelling near my tooth for the past few months. It lasts for a few days and then disappears. Why is this so?

What you have is gum abscess, commonly referred to as “gum boil”. Most gum diseases are without symptoms. However, acute periodontal abscesses can feature pain predominantly. In these cases, we observe localised gum swelling, red and tender to touch and this appears suddenly. Then the tooth shakes and can be tender on biting. There is soreness at the site resulting in throbbing pain, pus discharging from the gums, and loss of supporting bone (Detectable from X-Rays).

IMPACTED WISDOM TOOTH My last tooth in my lower jaw is causing some discomfort. I can only see part of the food and food gets trapped in the overlying gum. Occasionally, the overlying gum swells a little and the sides of my neck appear swollen too. Do I need to remove this tooth?

Wisdom teeth appear during early adulthood and in some, the jaw size does not allow its proper eruption. This leads to impaction against the tooth in front of it.

Surgical removal of wisdom teeth is a common procedure. The symptoms of when an impacted becomes infected are: 1.

Pain on lower jaw usually found around last molar teeth

2. Pain can be acute and mouth opening may be limited 3. Possible swelling 4. Lymph nodes in the neck may swell 5. Touching the region around the molar can be painful.

This occurs because food is trapped in the area, there is an infection of overlying gum, triangular gaps form between the teeth and decay of the offending wisdom tooth as well as the adjacent one. Treatment consists of: 1.

Cleansing off the gum area with gargle or mouthwash 2. Antibiotic may be required for serious infection 3. Extraction or trimming of the opposing tooth to reduce biting on the swollen gum 4.

Surgical removal of the upper wisdom tooth

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FILES E S A C COURT Rape appellant freed – Identification unreasonable

By George Barclay

Voice identification became ‘features’ identification A WOMAN who was raped and robbed by three (3) men in 1965 told investigators that she had identified the appellant by the side of his face and his voice.

At the jury trial, she added, “I recognised the appellant Wilkie by his voice, his rising cheekbone, straight nose, large ears and a cut on the nose bridge between eyes”.

However, under cross-examination she admitted, “ I did not give such a detailed description either to the police or to the magistrate at the Preliminary Inquiry.”

As a consequence, on appeal, the Guyana Court of Appeal allowed the appeal and quashed the conviction and sentence. Wilkie was freed.

The facts of the case disclosed that the woman was sleeping in a room with her four children whilst her husband was out at work.

About 5 a.m., three masked men entered the home, covered her face and proceeded to rob and rape her.

The next day, whilst the victim was sitting on her neighbour’s step, she saw a man who came up close to her and asked her to allow him to pass. She said she recognised his voice and she went to the gate, looked at him and recognised him by his high cheekbone.

Later, as a result of a report, the appellant was arrested and taken to the station where the victim subsequently confirmed that he was one of her assailants.

At the trial in the High Court she said that she recognised the appellant by his rising cheekbones, straight nose, large ears and a cut on his nose-bridge between his eyes, but she admitted in cross-examination that she had not given such a detailed description either to the Magistrate or to the police, but had told the Magistrate that she had only seen the side of his face.

The Guyana Court of Appeal constituted

by Chancellor Kenneth Stoby, Justices Luckhoo and Cummings at a trial in May, 1967, held that the verdict of the jury was unreasonable because (i) it was clear that identification of the appellant was really by voice since she did not see his face as it was covered and she only saw the side of the face when the men were leaving ; (ii) although there may be circumstances in which it may be proper to convict by the mere identification of a voice, this was not such a case, and (iii) it was the duty of the trial Judge to have stressed to the jury (which he had not done) that what was originally a “voice” identification became, at the trial, a “features” identification .

THE APPEAL WAS ALLOWED. Mr. C. A. Massiah represented the appellant, while Mr. C.A. G. Pompey, then Senior Crown Counsel appeared for the respondent.

Delivering the judgment, Chancellor Stoby disclosed that on the 14th September 1965, a woman was asleep in her room with her four children; her husband was at work.

About 5 o’ clock in the morning three men entered her room and committed the heinous crime: they robbed her and raped her. The appellant was convicted as being one of the three men concerned. He appealed.

At his trial the main issue was identification. There was no doubt of the house being broken and entered, of the robbery and of the rape. The appellant was identified in this way: The day after the robbery the victim was sitting on the steps of the next door house. A man came close to her and asked to be permitted to pass. She said she

recognised his voice, went to the gate, had a look at him, and recognised him by the high cheekbone. A report was made to the police, the appellant was arrested, locked up, and the woman was sent to give a statement. On arrival at the station, she confirmed he was one of the men.

The judge told the jury that the question of identification was most important. The jury, as I have said, convicted.

Continuing, Chancellor Stoby noted that several grounds of appeal have been argued, but in view of the decision to which the court has come it is only necessary to deal with the main ground, and that is, that the verdict of the jury was unreasonable.

The principle on which the court proceeds in a matter of this kind where a ground of appeal is that the verdict is unreasonable is well-known and has been set out in a number of cases.

After analysing a number of cases Chancellor Stoby added, if one analyses very briefly the evidence of identification, in this case, this is what took place; The man who entered the victim’s house had his face covered; the woman’s face was covered after the three men entered.

In the Magistrate’s Court, she told the magistrate that she only saw the side of the face of the man who she alleged was the appellant.

In the High Court when giving evidence she said that she recognised the appellant because of his rising cheekbones a, straight nose, large ears, and a cut on his nose bridge between the eyes.

In cross-examination when it was pointed out to her that she had not said that in the Magistrate’s Court, and indeed had not given that description to the police, she repeated that she recognised him because of his high cheekbones, the cut on his face, his large ears, and so on. She admitted that she did not give that description to the police and she admitted that she did not give those details in the Magistrate’s Court.

Accordingly to the Chancellor, obviously then, there are certain disturbing circumstances about the identification. It is quite evident that the identification was really by voice; that she came to the conclusion that the appellant was one of the three men who had raped her because of his voice.

Since she did not see his face, since her face was covered and since the only time she had an opportunity of seeing the side of his face was when the men were leaving, it is quite clear to us that what aroused her suspicion was the tone of his voice, Chancellor Stoby declared, as he allowed the appeal and set aside the conviction and sentence. Justices Luckhoo and Cummings concurred.

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PROFESSOR GRIFFITH CONTINUES HIS LABOURS FOR REBIRTH OF A GREATER UG EDUCATION at all levels is one of the great concerns of the Consumer Community as well as of the nation as a whole. Every August/September, thousands of parents frantically and even pathetically try to have their children placed in what are considered the better public schools.

This is because of the well-founded presumption that not all schools are of the same standard. This situation contrasted with admissions to the University of Guyana (UG). For many years, despite the very low fees, there was no overt rush to seek admission to UG. Parents tried to have their children admitted to foreign universities, either by their trying for scholarships or asking the support of relatives in the Diaspora.

Within the last three years, however, since Professor Ivelaw Griffith assumed the post of Vice Chancellor, the image of the UG began to rapidly change. Parents and students alike began to feel that UG was growing into a university with high standards whose degrees would be accepted and recognised throughout the Caribbean and further afield. This remarkable transformation did not happen by chance.

When Professor Griffith took up the post of Vice Chancellor, he, as the modern idiom goes, hit the road running. He immediately set out to reorganise the University and to work on raising both academic and physical standards. The task facing Professor Griffith was indeed herculean and the labours facing him were no less daunting than those which faced Hercules. Others in the past, faced with the insurmountable mountain of problems, decided that the immediate challenge was to keep the University afloat, and could not even contemplate upon embarking on the revolutionary changes which UG required.

Professor Griffith’s presence electrified UG and the Guyanese public again became actively aware of their University. This immediate impact was not surprising: Professor Griffith was among the early graduates of UG; he emigrated to the United States to further his studies as so many others did; gained his Doctorate and became a full-time academic, achieving the highest levels in Academia. He did not spend his time in only teaching but went into university building and administration so that when he returned to Guyana he was well equipped to be Vice-Chancellor of UG. Professor Griffith returned to Guyana because he felt the national call of his motherland and also because he felt the great need to give back to his Alma Mater but he did so at a great personal sacrifice, both financial and familial. For this, many Guyanese are grateful.

In the 36 months he has been leading the University, he conceived and began to effectuate “Project Renaissance”.

Project Renaissance should not be mistaken for a 5-year or 10year Development Plan; it is a Project of continuous creativity and pragmatic action and in the 36 months, the achievements have been numerous and revolutionary. In no other period of University’s history has so much been achieved in so short a time. In a society where every aspect of life seems to politicized, Guyanese have been yearning for a platform where they could all stand together in unity and this rebirth of the University has given them such a platform on which they all stand with pride.

It is impossible to detail the achievements of the last 36 months in a short article since each of them has reverberations and productive developments which go way into the future.

We will therefore at random choose two or three, but before we do so, we would like to remind readers of a memorable statement he made when he assumed the Vice-Chancellorship.

Professor Griffith said that he would expect no attempt would be made to inject political involvement in the University since that would not leave him space to do his job properly. In a politicized society, that was indeed a courageous and refreshing statement to make and he has succeeded in preserving the independence and professionalism of the University.

In the Distinguished Lecture series honouring Prof Clive Thomas, Prof Noel Menezes and Dr Ulric Trotz and the Turkeyen and Tain Talks, the University was brought to the people and the public was invited to participate and many students from the secondary schools and ordinary folk had their first exposure to the university. These lectures and

discussions were available on the internet, television and radio. The University had moved away from the ivory tower to become a people’s university.

Research, for one reason or other, had been neglected at the University and very few of the academic staff and none of the students did any. Professor Griffith understands that Research is the life-blood of any university and he has begun to build this necessary culture not only among the academic

staff but much more so among the undergraduates. Stimulating and focusing on research among undergraduates is an important innovation. Student research conferences were held at Turkeyen and Tain, and Professor Griffith, using his contacts, was able to arrange the sponsoring of undergraduates to present their researches at universities in the USA (Georgia and Florida), Germany, Aruba and Jamaica.

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 12, 2019

XIX

Celebrating Caribbean Mothers ONCE a year, on one Sunday, persons worldwide join hands to celebrate and revere mothers in a grandiose way. And today’s that day- Mother’s Day. Motherhood involves those acts of caring and nurturing for one’s children and providing guidance to help them develop and navigate a sometimes complicated world.

In carrying out these functions, mothers have their work cut out for them -- more so as Caribbean women. The plantation life out of which the population has grown, shaped the way much (if not our entire) society, functions.

In 1949, G.P. Murdok (1949) posited that the ideal family structure was the nuclear family. This family type has the mother and the father, along with the children in the household and more often than not, the father is seen as the head of the household. This family structure has been seen as ideal, since it was said to be able to fulfil the functions of reproduction, satisfaction, economic cooperation, and socialisation -- all necessary for the group (the family) to remain functional in society.

Interestingly, Murdok based his claims on consideration of the developed world and did not take into consideration the intricacies that have arisen out of varying experiences- i.e., the plantation system in our case.

The first thing that should be understood is that, in the Caribbean, the role of the father in the family has been more marginal.

That isn’t to diminish the role of

fathers in any way, but just to acknowledge that because of plantation experiences, male absenteeism has been something that emerged. And what this has done is prompt the women to function in their traditional roles (caregivers and nurturers) and non-traditional roles (breadwinners).

On the female side, women face the task of fewer job opportunities due to their constriction to certain jobs (largely in providing services and clerical and secretarial work); unequal pay and the unequal distribution of power, which gives rise to much violence in the household. Generally, also, women have traditionally learned that they must revere and be subservient to their husbands. There are certain prejudices they have had to accept as the gospel.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)’s Situation Analysis on Women and Children in Guyana (2016), noted: “A mix of social norms and social and cultural practices have been identified as the main factors that influence violence against women.”

The study leaned on sociological perspectives to further break this down and advanced that gender-based violence is caused at the individual level -- which is largely driven by gender inequality; childhood experiences and toxic masculinity, and at the social level -- which is shaped by the country’s history and how tenets of religion and culture shape morals, practices and attitudes. There are pathological studies, conducted by Frank Fraziers on the lower-class African family, that highlight another dimension that the

matrifocal family structure has to contend with is poverty.

I read recently that when a woman has been taught her entire life that she must be this way, she is likely to accept that role. While this behaviour can be easily passed to the children through socialisation in the family, a thing for mothers is that they always strive to ensure that their children lead better lives than them.

I might be far from a position of experience, but what I can say is that I think that the role of a mother is much more than taking care of the household, and teaching children how to take care of themselves. Being a mother means you are inherently a role model for your children and maybe even to the people around.

Even in the face of lower access to jobs, the pervasiveness of limited education and poverty, Caribbean mothers have always striven to ensure their children would have a better life than them. And in my opinion, this just spotlights how critical mothers are to the development of human capital.

Every year, even if it is just for one day of the year, we will read about the mothers working to make ends meet, while being the best role models for their children. But I think what is important too, is that we recognise what hoops our mothers in the Caribbean have to jump through and make things work. In our context, particularly, I cannot emphasise just how important the role of the mother is.

A mother's sacrifice Working for a brighter future for her children FOR the past 10 years or so, Latoya Bascon has been making a living by selling soft drinks and water at her small stand on Regent Street-- as part of her efforts to foster a comfortable life for her four children.

“My sister used to do this business but she migrated, so I just decide to pick up the business and do it myself,” Bascon shared.

That was 10 years ago, when she set up shop opposite the Keishar’s building and she never left since then. And it is this business that she has used to raise her four children who are aged: 20, 17, 9 and 5 years old.

For her, as a mother, her aim is to ensure that each of her children has a comfortable life, where they

have access to all avenues of development (particularly education) so that they could better themselves.

And she has been trying to do this by selling the beverages, and sometimes snacks.

But over the years, her field of work has become inundated- more so with the rise of young hustlers who ‘walk and sell’ beverages.

According to her, however, competition isn’t a problem.

In fact, she stated: “I have my customers that come every day and now and then you might have somebody passing by you gon buy something.”

Furthermore, she related, “I cope very well because I know how to budget and balance myself.”

When the Pepperpot spoke to

Bascon, her youngest child-- her five-year-old daughter-- was at her knee. The two were talking about Mother’s Day, which is being observed today.

“They (her children) would make her cards and crafts,” she said fondly but shared that Mother’s Day is just another “quiet, normal day” for her. And she shared that she had no plans, as usual, to do anything fancy.

Luckily, however, she shared that she doesn’t ply her trade on Sundays, so that means that she has the day home to relax. If she’s in the mood, Bascon noted that she might cook up a storm but aside from that, it’s just another day to relax-- and then prepare for work again early Monday morning.

Latoya Bascon and her youngest daughter

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Chronicle Pepperpot May 12, 2019

Preparing for the impending ban on single-use plastics: Part 1

Journey to CARIFTA 2021 SPORTS participation and competition is an important contributor to a nation’s culture, identity, and national pride.

Athletes have been known to bring great recognition to the countries for which they compete. In the 2019 Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) Games, held in the Cayman Islands, Guyana won a record 10 medals, four gold, two silver, and four bronze. Now, we’re gearing up to host CARIFTA right here in 2021.

In this edition of Government in Action, the athletes of the Guyana CARIFTA 2019 team share their inspiration, preparation, competition experience, and aspirations as Guyana races toward CARIFTA 2021.

going to CARIFTA.” Princess Browne, Bronze medalist Triple Jump: “It started off with hard training. Obviously, my aim at first was to qualify before going. So, I trained extremely hard to qualify and when I got to CARIFTA my main focus was to get a gold medal… This was actually my second time at CARIFTA so, I already

OUR CHAMPIONS Ms. Sheama Tyrell, 3000m: “I started running for school and my coach saw me.

He liked how I run and said it’s great. He put me into athletics. I began training. I eased up a while due to injury and [started] again… It was very hard because I was on injury [during trials]. I fell out in the second

and I got it. Well, I was going for the record this year, but unfortunately, I did not [break it]. So, next year at the CARIFTA games, I would like to go for it.”

Princess Browne, Bronze medalist Triple Jump: “Guyana is getting better and better at sports so, I think [sport is] very important… In the future, I would like to see more Guyanese making CARIFTA because, for the past years, we’ve been carrying… larger [teams]… This year we carried 21 athletes.

So, next year, I’m looking forward [to] at least 30 [team members] and [we’ll] keep increasing the number. I think that sports can carry someone very far because it’s a lot of exposure… and you can get money too, so, that’s the nice part about it.”

Ms. Sheama Tyrell, 3000m: “Sports is very important. I see sports to young people as a way to get them off the streets. Instead of idling around, get them active. To me, it brings a lot… not only fame, but it brings

Anisha Gibbons, Gold medallist, Javelin

Princess Browne, Bronze medallist, Triple Jump

trial. [In the] First trial I came very close.

I didn’t even make it on the last trial until afterwards [when] they [decided] to put me on the team… [Placing fifth at CARIFTA] is a really great achievement, [this] being my first year. I expected better, but hopefully next year. It was a really, really great experience.”

Cordell Charles, 1500m, 3000m: “Simply watching, on TV, Usain Bolt, Mo Farah and these… top athletes, seeing them winning gold medals and being on top… My first [race] was at school sports… and [goes] up to CARIFTA… Going [into] the first year, I was a little nervous. I was a little scared seeing these big guys [but] it was a good experience

had the experience, but it was very challenging because the countries came… harder than last year, but everybody went out and did their best.”

Jahaziah Copeland, Shotput and discus: “[I’ve taken] part in sports ever since I was 11 and in 2015, I dropped all my other sports and I settled down the throwing after I was recognised by a coach at the Inter-school Championship… It was different. It has to be different because it’s a higher level of competition. I enjoyed every bit of it and I’m glad I got the experience and I know what it’s like when it comes the next time.”

Deshana Skeet, 400m: “It’s my second time… The training was really hard and it was really exciting. Things were really complicated, but I can say I enjoyed the trip… It’s terribly different. The atmosphere, everything is different, the food, everything. It’s just a whole new environment and a whole new beginning. You just had to go out there and do what you were told to do.”

Highlighting the importance of athletics in Guyana, the CARIFTA team members said that the sport is an excellent outlet for youth and an honest means through which young people can achieve their career goals.

Anisha Gibbons, Gold medalist, Javelin: “It was my first time at CARIFTA games and I trained very hard. The year before when they had the CARIFTA trials, I tried and I did not qualify. So, I came again and worked harder

Adriel Austin, Bronze medallist, 800m

recognition. They can further educational studies through sports. So, I see it as a great investment in Guyana.

Cordell Charles, 1500m, 3000m: “I feel very proud. Everyone [went] out and [did] their best. You know, it was a little tough… at the competition [but] everyone went out and did their best and [made] Guyana proud… We have [a] few gold, silver, and bronze [medals] and we’re proud of Guyana as ambassadors.”

Shaquka Tyrell, Bronze medalist, 1500m: “I feel proud of myself because… [a] couple years [ago] I didn’t know… where [I] would have been. Thanks to God and my coach and my family. Stay Focused. Remember it’s not only about the athletics. You must have education to help you go forward. I encourage

Director of Sport, Mr. Christopher Jones.

[young people] to stay in school and pick up a sport. It is really good.”

The athletes, who are proud to represent Guyana internationally, said that the active support of their fellow citizens can help improve their athletic performance.

Adriel Austin, Bronze medalist, 800m: “I would like to… tell them to come out and support us because we could really use it to… boost our energy so we can run even faster and bring home more gold.”

Ms. Sheama Tyrell, 3000m: “I think if people came out and supported, more athletes would get that kind of encouragement…

When I heard cheering at CARIFTA I felt that extra energy. So, if support is there, people will perform. I feel great because it’s a lot for me. It’s a push for me. If I can represent Guyana so well, I can do it again and do even better. So, I see it as a great investment.”

Anisha Gibbons, Gold medalist, Javelin: “Every single athlete that went to CARIFTA games has done well and we need more Guyanese to come and support us. Without support we can’t do well.”

Cordell Charles, 1500m, 3000m: “We need to encourage these athletes. I’m only 16 and [I’ve already been flown out] two times to CARIFTA… It’s a good experience to encourage the youth to come out and run.

You have football. You have cricket. Come out and go into a sport. Sports, it frees your mind. It makes you feel happy. It takes you out of violence and everything.” Looking to the future, the team expressed their career aspirations, some with Olympic games in mind.

Keliza Smith 400m, long jump: “For the future, I just want to make sure I have my education first. Books first and then sports…

It’s very important because you [can] go far with it. You could [get] a scholarship to different colleges and that’s what I want.”

Jahaziah Copeland, Shotput and discus: “More training. All I have in mind is with God on my side, all I wish is to better, [to]

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XXI

President of the Guyana Athletics Association, Mr. Audrey Hutson.

on internationally… Once West Indies cricket is playing, you’ll see kids set up in the street and playing cricket and football, the same Adriel competes during the National Youth and Junior Championships, held last weekend, at the thing. So, unless we can develop the culture National Track and Field Centre, Leonora, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three). of athletics and track and field in Guyana, further my distance in both my throws. And 2019 in 2018. So, there [are] really no surpris- tioned at CARIFTA that Guyana is showing we will always be playing second and third everybody is saying I look like an Olympian. es in this team,” he said. great signs of improvements at track and field. best to the rest of the world. So, the athletics Well, hopefully, I get there someday.”

Assistant coach Mr. Raymond Daw said In 2021, Guyana will be hosting CARIFTA association of Guyana has embarked on a that Guyana’s improving athletic performance games for the first time and… if all goes developmental plan of bringing awareness THE ROAD TO CARIFTA 2021 will help the team make a mark at CARIFTA well, our athletes will be performing well at to the sport and creating that cultural change During this year’s CARIFTA games, 2021.

CARIFTA in 2021,” he said. through exposing our athletes to interGuyana gained recognition for being one national competition and also, whenever of the fastest rising track and field teams in they go out there and do well, or even if the Caribbean. Head Coach of this year’s they don’t do well, we let the public know CARIFTA team, Mr. Julian Edmonds said of track and field,” he said. that Guyanese athletes are ranking among CARIFTA 2021, he said, provides the the top 20 in the world. perfect opportunity to bring awareness to “Over the years and for the last six Guyanese athletics and has already gotten to seven years, if you check, we’ve been the attention of former athletes in the diasmore recognised on the international seas. pora. “That is going to be big. This is basiI’m a coach that checks the International cally the Olympics of the Caribbean and if [Sports] Federation rankings and… at a you ever have a chance to look at footage period of time, Guyanese are ranking the of CARIFTA games, you can understand, top 20 in the world. This is from local not just the level of performance, but the athletes… to some athletes that we’ve got [number] of fans. We’ve gotten calls from in college. They’re, at some time or the people, old athletes, in the diaspora sayother… ranked in the top 20 in the world ing, “Hey, I’m booking my tickets early. and it’s not one or two. [There are] multiI’ve got to be there because this is a dream ple. So, athletics is definitely on the [rise] true,” he said. in Guyana,” he said.

Mr. Hutson praised the Department of Coach Edmonds added that despite the Social Cohesion and the National Sports competitive environment of the CARIFTA Commission for seeing the potential for games, he is not surprised by his team’s athletics in Guyana and investing in the excellent performance. nation’s teams. Director of Sports, Mr. “CARIFTA is always tough. Every one Spectators at the Leonora track Christopher Jones says that the increasing of the countries brought their ‘A-game’. It success of Guyana’s athletes is a welcome was fatiguing but… at the end of it all, we return on the Commission’s investment. did the best that we could’ve done and, for“Sports [are] important to Guyana beHead of the Athletics Association of Guy“Essentially, I would say that we are tunately for us it was the best performance in cause it helps… bring us together…. It helps ana (AAG), Mr. Aubrey Hutson, said that the in a very good place [compared to] where the history of the games that we’ve been com- the young athletes to develop… It can help organisation is continuously looking for ways we started… in terms of providing funding peting in since the 70s…[I’m] overjoyed... them to get scholarships. Once they have the to promote Guyana’s sports culture. and support for the various associations, Most of these kids I’ve known for a number balance, they have a far way to go… We are “Sport is culture. Culturally, you’ll see federations, and clubs/ individual athletes. of years… We start planning for CARIFTA growing as an athletic nation. It was men- people doing things as a result of things going It was lacking. We were able to open, so to speak, and be more accommodating to many of the associations… If you look back in 2017 and 2018 you would recognise, almost on a monthly or fortnightly basis you open the newspaper and you see “Guyana won,” “Guyana athlete,” or “Guyana team” bringing home gold, bringing home silver, regionally and internationally… We credit ourselves that this is as a direct result of the support that has been made available to the association or federation… in cash and kind afforded us to… [achieve] what we have been… Looking forward in the future, as a result of the investment that was made, we look…to see Guyana medaling at the Olympics… Of course, [we will be] preparing our athletes and lending the support so that we ensure that they put their best foot forward. The Sports Commission and the Government as a whole will continue to lend support to them,” he said.

Guyana is racing toward CARIFTA 2021 and the recognition of our true athletic ability throughout the Caribbean.

The National Sports Commission and the Athletics Association of Guyana is eager to make all Guyanese proud through this A competitor, mid-javelin throw. avenue.

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Soil Types

TWO weeks ago NAREI in Focus began a series on soil management for the benefit of our farmers. This is owing to the importance of soil for the harvesting of healthy high yielding

Chronicle Pepperpot May 12, 2019

crops. Prior to cultivation, the soil must be tested to ascertain the specific soil type and whether liming is required as well as the types and amounts of fertilizers to apply.

Land preparation to plant cassava on sandy soil

The size of the particles that make up soil determines its texture. Vegetables are cultivated on sandy, sandy loam, clay and pegassy soils in Guyana. Each soil type has special characteristics and nutrients that are beneficial to plants. This week focus is being placed on the various soil type.

SANDY SOIL Sandy soils have a light texture and loose structure, which cause them to drain quickly and not hold water well. This can lead to low fertility, but with the addition of some compost, manure or leaf mold, sandy soil can grow a satisfactory garden. This soil type dries quickly and is easy to work.

SOIL TEXTURE Sand particles are large and surrounded by air pockets, which provides plenty of open spaces for water to move through. When you pour water onto sandy soil, the water doesn’t pool on the surface, but soaks right in. This is a real advantage in damp weather, but can be a problem during a dry spell. Water drains so quickly through sandy soil that it washes away most of the nutrients. Adding organic matter, such as compost, manure, leaf mold or some clay soil, before planting can help increase water retention.

SOIL STRUCTURE The way soil holds together is determined by its structure. Sandy soil has a loose structure with large

pore spaces, which allows for easy movement of roots through the soil. But sandy soil doesn’t hold together well and needs to be amended with organic matter to give it better structure. The ideal garden soil, often described as having “a crumblike structure,” is created from a combination of large sand particles, smaller loam or clay particles and organic matter for fertility.

SOIL PH The optimal soil pH level for most vegetables and flowers is between 6 and 6.5, with a pH of 7.0 being neutral. Test the pH of your soil using a test kit, which you can buy at garden centers or home improvement stores. An advantage of sandy soil is that the pH level is more easily changed than in heavier soils, such as clay.

ADVANTAGES OF SANDY SOIL Sandy soil has its good points. It is easy to dig and can be worked earlier in the spring than other soil types. It is not as susceptible to frost heave as clay soils. This is a condition where the soil is lifted up when the water inside the soil freezes, and it can push plants out of the ground.

With the addition of some organic matter, the light texture and open structure of sandy soil is good for growing many varieties of vegetables and flowers, and is well suited to annual root crops, especially potatoes.

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#SupportCreativity

By Subraj Singh

Reflecting on the Commonwealth Writers Workshop people I have known from before, like Burt Award winner, Imam Baksh, Commonwealth Short Story shortlisted writer, Kevin Garbaran, Walter Rodney Writing Award winner, Gabrielle Mohamed, and the Guyana Golden Jubilee Award winner, Cindya Khellawan, in attendance and those of them who performed were tremendously impressive. However, the writers I had not previously known also gave impeccable

“Kevin Garbaran, shortlisted for the 2019 Commonwealth Short Story Prize, was one of the attendees, and a reader, at the Commonwealth Writers Workshop that was held at Moray House”

TO coincide with the launch of “We Mark Your Memory: Writings from the Descendants of Indenture,” Commonwealth Writers hosted a one-day workshop at Moray House on Wednesday, 8th May. I was in attendance, and I was glad to have secured my spot in the workshops because it turned out to be a fun and surprisingly gratifying experience. On the flipside, I was also kind of sad because I realised that even with three categories being catered to (Fiction, Poetry, and Non-fiction, with about six participants in each group), there was still a large number of extremely talented Guyanese writers who would not be able to benefit from the workshop.

This sadness was compounded by the fact that the Department of Culture does not offer writing workshops for many people and so, there are many young writers who are left to fend for themselves in the storm that is the literary world – a place that I still have to find my footing in. Knowing that workshops can help with the navigation, I knew I had to attend the session.

Emma D’Costa and Janet Steel from Commonwealth Writers hosted the Fiction group, while spoken-word poet, Mr. Gee led the Poetry group, and Anita Sethi, journalist and writer, worked with the Non-fiction group. With the other writers of Fiction, we covered everything from the structure of the short story, creating characters, beginning and ending the story, as well as varied reflections on, and references to, the writing life, books, movies, and authors that connected us all in some way. In the afternoon segment of the workshop, everyone was led through the process of reading one’s work in a public setting – basically using various theatre-based techniques that ask the reader to pay attention to breathing, stance, pauses and emphasis, as well as working along with an audience for a good reading, rather than inadvertently opposing the people you are reading your work to.

The day ended quickly and before I knew it, we had entered the evening when the public readings were to take place. Not many people besides the writers were there – which is to be expected in Guyana, I suppose. However, this particular reading turned out to be one of the best readings I have ever been to in Guyana, simply because the quality of the readings were of such a high standard while coming from new and exciting voices – writers that are not as yet as well known as others in Guyana. It was a fascinating moment to be a part of because this event highlighted for me the potential of Guyana’s future in writing. There were old friends,

performances and I came away thinking about the beauty of their words and the skill of their writing. Elizabeth Alleyne and Nikita Blair are the ones who immediately come to mind, but there were a number of other standouts who give me hope for Guyanese literature.

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Reflections on Mother’s Day

Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel ... Inspiring lives through fashion A SUPER-BLESSED Mother’s Day to all mothers, including the foster moms. I was hoping to celebrate this year with my new book Motherhood--The Mountains and the Valleys. Sometimes we plan and God has other plans along the journey. This book will not only feature my experiences as a mother, but also my mom, daughter Marisca and sister Nicola. We have different circumstances with similar stories and can learn from each other. Maybe He wanted me to contribute only to the Love Mama anthology compiled by Monica Reed. It was an honour to contribute the foreword of this book that became #1 Bestseller on Amazon, not only in the U.S., but in other parts of the world. Please allow me to share with you on this precious day: “My mother is a strong woman. Her strength comes from being tested by life’s unpredictability. It comes from soldiering on for her children, even when she might rather have given up. I know it hasn’t always come easily, but I also know it’s her greatest gift” Matt Lauer When I read this Matt Lauer quote, it reminded me of my own mom, Claudia Noel John. I thank God constantly for her not only giving birth to me, but for moulding me into the woman I have become. Under very difficult circumstances, she kept the family together. My mom has a lot to be thankful for, being the product of my Grandma Winnie, who deposited great moral values into the lives of her six children.

It is with great pleasure that I make this contribution to the Love Mama Anthology, because I firmly believe in the strategic roles which mothers play in the shaping of families and in the building of communities.

The stories of these women are downright inspiring. I was touched in varying ways as I could relate to some elements of their journeys. As a mother, we want to be brave but often experience tragedies through our mothering, so much so that we begin to doubt ourselves. Sometimes our valley moments could outnumber the mountain top periods, but we still celebrate life, for it is in traversing these ups and downs that we experience real transformation. As mothers and

grandmothers, we must develop courage, determination and incredible faith in order to succeed and go beyond merely surviving. As mothers, we should always aspire to leave a legacy. And that reminds me of one of my favourite habits from the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and that is, to begin with the end in mind. We constantly have to ask ourselves “What legacy do we want to pass on?” Cognisant of the time allotted to us, we must leave a trace that we existed meaningfully! We owe it not just to our children, but to society at large, to make purposeful contributions.

We should value all the moments of our journeys. For even the ephemeral moments can turn out to be the most precious ones 15 years down the line. I must commend Monica Reid for this great initiative. It indeed serves as a

◄◄◄ From page XVII

This programme of research is complemented by the establishment of a University of Guyana publishing press in cooperation with one of the international publishers. The UG publishing press would allow for research work to be published and would place Guyana into the international research arena.

The Renaissance Project has been engaging the very large Guyanese Diaspora and the second Guyanese Diaspora Conference will take place in July. Prominent Guyanese scholars settled abroad will be invited to make presentations. These engagements with the Diaspora has begun to be a source of funding for the University and opens the way for Diaspora support to other national efforts.

We will revisit the Renaissance Project giving more details of its achievements and some of the programs in the pipeline. Professor Ivelaw Griffith’s achievements in his first 36 months have been phenomenal and both the local and foreign academic community and the Guyanese public as a whole look forward to him continuing to build the University into the world-class international institution for which he has been so creatively laying the foundations.

life-changing asset within the current uncertain times before us; I admire her passion for adding value to herself as well as to others.

Let’s intentionally commit, contribute and celebrate as we undergo the challenging realities of our life, but also to appreciate the evolution we encounter through this beautiful journey called life.”

Whatever you do today, make it memorable as, remember what the bible says, “honour your mother and father that your life will be long on the earth.” The scripter did not stipulate if they are good parents so no matter what, you need to. I am going to church with mom and will relax for the rest of the day celebrating Life Beyond The Runway. ◄◄◄ From page XXIII

The discussions with various writers and attendees that took place at the end of the reading was also an important opportunity to connect with other writers and share information, jokes, or words of comfort for living the life of a writer.

I met one woman who says she enjoys reading my weekly columns and a man who said that he did not understand a word of the reading I gave at Moray House. There truly was something for everyone. I talked with a group of writers about mental illness and we discussed much, from the prevalence opium dens in 19th – 20th Century Guyana, to the significant number of writers of East Indian descent who are finally emerging from hibernation that seemed to have lasted for years. Of course, the subject of the lack of representation – of local writers – in “We Mark Our Memories” came up, but our presence in world literature can only be remedied with the rise of local writers that can only happen if the Guyanese people come to appreciate the art of writing.

Overall, the workshop was a welcome reprieve from the dearth of writing opportunities in Guyana, but there is no running away from the fact that now that the workshop is finished, there will be nothing else coming our way for a while.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 12, 2019 by communication. That leads me to my next point, which is effective communication to people around you. Let persons be aware of your thoughts and emotions as it relates to their behaviour towards you. Also, a simple apology can save us so much of time and energy.

J. Donald Walters said, “You will find peace not by trying to escape your problems, but by confronting them courageously. You will find peace not in denial, but in victory.” It is important to note that everyone has his/ her ways and means of finding self-peace. If you ask me, I would say ‘peace of mind’ should be more of a lifestyle.

We should continually practise what gives us our peace.

Whether if it consists of writing, meditating, praying to a God, jogging at sunset; just do you. I have come across a meme on social media that read, “Someone once said,

Masterpieces trying to master peace

SEPTEMBER 21, 2019, will be observed as World Peace Day, but that does not mean we should observe this virtue for one day only. We may all have our individual understanding of what peace is, but to have peace means to be free from disturbance -- tranquility. Ironically, when we speak about peace, the topic of war arises as well. On a global platform, war has been a way to ‘solve’ one’s issues with another country for centuries and sadly, but not surprisingly, it is still being done today. It is done at the expense of innocent civilians, the money of taxpayers, a green and clean environment, and most importantly, at the expense of world peace. As I was reading to write on this topic, I realised it is not entire countries and nations that actually ‘go to war’; leaders of countries go to war.

In other words, human beings elected or given authority, who also have uncontrollable anger issues, with a liking for morbid solutions to problems sees it fit to declare war on another. Now, not to stray from the point that I am trying to make, which is, peace starts with oneself.

If there is not peace of mind within us, we will automatically express our negative emotions to others, whether we intend to or not.

If peace is somehow supposed to solve conflicts, then why is it so hard to master? Perhaps, it stems from the idea that peace is not fun or ‘spicy.’ Our weird but innate nature somehow receives adrenaline from certain activities. For example, back in my high school as in many other schools in Guyana, there were physical fights once in a while amongst students. Instead of trying to encourage or even physically remove those involved in the fight, many students chose not to. In fact, there are students who are deemed ‘instigators’ of fights. Somehow, in the minds of those students, it is ‘fun’ to see two other students physically harm each other over issues that could’ve been solved in a matter of seconds, just

XXV ‘a lot of people struggle with sleep at night because sleep requires peace. I felt that’.” Indeed, we cannot focus or complete common tasks if we cannot find peace within ourselves, and yes, that includes sleeping as well. We ought to remember that our actions do impact others around us. If seven billion persons on our planet choose to deny self-peace and allow anger to control them, then there will be the tyrant of the universe- if it isn’t already. For me, there is no other thing that is more beautiful than happiness- the foundation of peace. While I believe world peace is far from reality, it starts with one person at a time. While no one is perfect and we may all have flaws, peace is something we all deserve as human beings. After all, we are all masterpieces trying to master peace.

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Upper Demerara Hospital seeing massive transformation The stocked pharmacy

By Vanessa Braithwaite IN AN effort to provide the needed medical services of a district hospital to residents residing on the Wismar shore of Linden, as well as the remove the stigma attached as a hospital for tuberculosis and HIV patients, the Upper Demerara Hospital (UDH), has recently made a significant transformation to do so. This includes massive renovations, improvement of the aesthetics of the compound, increase in services available and the re-introduction of several units.

Superintendent of the UDH, Dr Steve Marks said that millions of dollars have been expended to transform the UDH and since then, he has seen an increase in patients visiting the hospital to benefit from these various services and to utilise the various units that have been improved. “It is a fully functioning district hospital, it has the infrastructure, it has the staff and it has the doctors so we are putting the units in place and that is what I am trying to do, put back all the units here,” he said.

One of the major improvements at the hospital is the reopening of a modern maternity ward and nursery to provide effective post care for mothers and babies. “The maternity ward was closed down for almost a year and a half, it is up and running, fully air-conditioned, so we want people to come and utilise the maternity ward; we want people to come and have their delivery, we want people to come and have their antenatal care, there are maternity nurses manning the units, we are doing deliveries,” he said. The nursery is furnished with all the necessary equipment including warmer, suction and incubators. The UDH also has a relatively new antennal clinic which provides care for high risk and teenage mothers.

In addition to the maternity ward, the UDH now has an improved casualty ward for men and a female ward. There are several clinics which operate from Monday to Friday.

These include antennal, obstetrics, gynaecology, medical and orthopaedic clinics. The district hospital also has an increased quota of doctors, nurses and other staff to facilitate the expected increase in demand for patient care. Doctors are available at the emergency unit on a 24hr basis. The pharmacy is fully stocked with basic medication and the UDH has started to receive its own supply from the Material’s Management Unit (MMU). “We would have implemented a satellite pharmacy so after hours, children and patients can have some basic medication given my doctors and nurses at the emergency room because we don’t have a staff to run a pharmacy during the after hours,” Marks related.

In addition to what has already been done over the last few months, the hospital is currently constructing a paediatric ward. Soon, a mini-operating theatre is expected to be commissioned as well as a psychiatry clinic.

Marks reiterated that the residents of Wismar now have a modernised and improved medical facility in their hand reach and therefore do not have to travel all the way to Mackenzie to enjoy these services.

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Preparing for the Impending Ban on Single-Use Plastics- Part Two free of single-use plastics.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Sources • https://packagingeurope.com/are-alternatives-tosingle-use-plastics-the-answer/ • https://www.aquarium.co.za/blog/entry/our-favourite-alternatives-to-disposable-plastic-items A LIFE without plastics seems impossible, since plastics are the main component in almost every single everyday item, from our computers and mobile phones to food containers and other packaging.

Single-use plastics, however, generally have a functional life of less than a week, and are not designed to be repaired or refurbished. Single-use plastics include packaging, bags, bottles, straws, containers, cups, cutlery, and other items.

Bioplastics are not exempt from the single-use plastic designation as in general, biodegradation occurs only under specific conditions e.g., certain temperatures, and the presence of micro-organisms.

EXPERIENCE IS THE BEST TEACHER Our previous article noted that the ban on single-use plastics will come into force from 2021. As Guyana prepares for this momentous intervention regarding the waste-management dilemma, lessons from previous waste-management experiences come to mind. In enacting the Styrofoam Ban 2015 Regulations, it was noted that while the majority of consumers and businesses alike were willing to comply, the lack of alternatives and more so locally sourced ones posed a challenge. It is anticipated that similar challenges can be faced in enacting the ban on single-use plastics which has wider- reaching implications. Therefore, the agency is taking a proactive approach to ensure all stakeholders are adequately informed and the alternatives are appropriate, economical and easily accessible. Many alternatives to plastics exist, from cloth to paper, seaweed, and other natural fibres such as bagasse. We need business and other budding entrepreneurs or even someone who may have brilliant ideas, to start exploring alternatives to single-use plastics, especially using local products.

WHAT CAN YOU GIVE UP? • Plastic shopping bags and packaging – here you have the opportunity to select the perfect specimen, but you can skip the nasty plastic packaging and use your own sustainable tote bags. Alternatively, you can easily make your own totes from any light fabric (e.g. an old t-shirt) or simply pack your produce in an old cardboard box. Pack your empty produce bags and a few reusable shopping bags together in a single reusable bag -- you’ll always be ready for your next shopping trip!

• Water bottles: sometimes buying a bottle is just unavoidable. If you do, try to only buy clear PET bottles as they are the most readily recyclable.

• Take-out containers: every second 140 000 items of food packaging are disposed of.

• Plastic cups, plates, forks & spoons – there are a variety of options currently available locally.

• Drinking straws: there are now a variety of reusable options, with glass, stainless steel, bamboo and reed straws being the most popular.

• Clothes hangers: these are uniform in look and won’t break or bend under the pressure of heavy clothes; these items can also be made locally with lesser -used species of wood.

We hope that you will start to think differently about single-use plastics and how you can gradually eliminate them from your lives. Do continue to follow our series of articles on single-use plastics to learn about what is happening locally, as well as globally.

Choose to celebrate your mothers in a sophisticated way by choosing reusable over disposable. Make it a celebration

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English

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STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, You need to try some relaxation techniques more so during this time of examinations.

Try to relax your head and neck with this one. Allow your head to drop forward. Try not to pull it down; you should

feel muscles at back of your neck being stretched by the weight of your head. Repeat this a few times, allowing your head to drop backward, and then to the left and right. Be wise.

Love you.

FIRST PASSAGE

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It is the opinion of my grandmother, God bless her, that all men should labour, and at the table, a moment ago, she said to me: You must learn to do some His honour rooted in dishonour stood, good work, the making of some And faith unfaithful kept him falsely item useful to man, something out of clay, or out of wood, or metal, true. ALFRED, LORD TENNYSON or cloth. It is not proper for a young man to be ignorant of an (1809-1892) Lancelot and Elaine, 1.871. honourable craft. Is there anything you can make? Can you make a 1) Is the subject one that the writer seems simple table, a chair, a plain dish, a rug, a personally to know something about? coffee pot? Is there anything you can do?

2) Is the author’s purpose clear to you?

And my grandmother looked at me 3) Is the writing sincere; does it seem to with anger. reflect the true feeling or belief of the writer, I know, she said, you are supposed to be or does he use known phrases and ideas? a writer, and I suppose you are. You certainly 4) Is the theme well planned? Is the sesmoke enough cigarettes to be anything, and quence of ideas or events clear and logical? the whole house full of smoke, but you must Does it have unity, coherence, and emphasis? learn to make solid things, things that can be 5) Does the writer show keen observation? seen and touched….

Does it arouse your interest?

(William Saroyan’s “The Shepherd’s 6) Are specific, colourful, forceful words Daughter”) and phrases used? Do they arouse vivid Now attend to the questions below. images? a) Give the meaning of the following 7) Is there variety to the kinds of sentences terms as clearly as you can express yourself: used? opinion, labour, good work, honourable craft, writer, suppose.

GRAMMAR b) What is classified as “some item useful Making verbs agree with their subjects to man” in the grandmother’s estimation?

Choose the correct verb for each sentence Can you shed some light upon this estima- that follows. Read the sentences correctly tion? aloud. Your study partner and you must agree c) Do you think that there is a close rela- on why you chose each verb. tion between “the whole house full of smoke” 1. Sam and Sandra (is, are) absent from and the grandmother’s constant lectures? batting practice. (Was, Were) either here Show reason(s). yesterday?

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

SECOND PASSAGE I awoke to the hum and the hunk of traffic beneath my window. I dressed and ate as I had every morning for the last year. Stumbling down the dark stairs I swung the door open to greet another day. The soft morning sunshine caused me to blink as I walked down the busy street toward the towering black “EL” station. Dodging a pigeon, I climbed up the stairs carpeted with cigarette butts and broken whisky bottles. Immediately I ducked outside to escape the screams of angry children and the booming of the loudspeaker. I stood there with people brushing past me and trains whizzing by. Finally, my train came snaking down the track and with a screeching of brakes, it halted before me. It yawned and I stepped aboard.

I swayed back into the car and threw myself into a dusty green seat. Suddenly a bell rang, and off we jerked. I sat there watching the back porches and trash littered lots whiz by. Even the sun didn’t seem to reach these forbidden places. Often it halted at stations and swallowed more people. Soon we burrowed underground into musty blackness.

Lights flashed on and handholds swayed in rhythm. The roar of the train drowned all the other noises. Suddenly the train squealed and scraped to a stop and vomited its load. I rushed off the train but halted in my tracks to gaze down at the poor beggar. How ugly and cruel the city seemed. I forlornly scaled the stairs and stepped into the light air. Beautiful skyscrapers iceberged heavenward, illuminated by bright sunshine. I then realized that there is real beauty in a big city.

Evaluate the above passage by responding to the questions that follow.

2. The Scissors (is, are) lying on the side table beside the cell phone.

3. Each of the thirty-six workers (own, owns) two laptop computers.

4. Jennifer, as well as her three cousins, (has, have) an album of favourite family achievements.

5. (Don’t, Doesn’t) Kelly live two doors from John Jones’ house?

6. (Was, Were) you at the prayer meeting last evening?

7. The Under-Twelve Debating Club (has, have) won another prize this season.

8. One of the participants (has, have) been awarded a course of voice-training at a friendly Institution.

9. They (was, were) an hour late for the Gibson’s Family concert. Time (don’t, doesn’t) mean much to the younger family members these days.

10. This (don’t, doesn’t) seem right.

Twenty-seven thousand dollars (are, is) too much for a child’s bonnet!

11. There (is, are) never the thought of too many faithful followers in this movement!

12. A small number of the patriots’ sons (was, were) presented with arable lands.

13. Cheryl Layne is one of those people who (is, are) naturally gifted in paper craft.

She (profit, profits) from the skill.

14. China Gibson is the only one of the foundry workers who (come, comes) early to work.

15. Oxford, not his sisters, (work, works) after college hours.

16. Her first choice (is, are) those fresh flowers for her Mother’s Day gift.

17. Neither the dancers nor the instructors (expect, expects) a small attendance.

Chronicle Pepperpot May 12, 2019

Egg Flip

INGREDIENTS 3 eggs 1pt milk 4 level tbsp white sugar 1 wine glass rum or brandy nutmeg INSTRUCTIONS Heat the milk and sugar Beat eggs lightly Add hot milk and rum or brandy to flavour.

Blend thoroughly Serve in tall glasses with a sprinkle of grated nutmeg on the top Makes 4-6 glasses

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