Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot Epaper 06 09 2019

Sunday, June 9, 2019 Rhonda Jonas is a teacher and avid believer in women’s empowerment. She has created a platform to empower young women in Berbice with the confidence to present solutions and strategies for various issues and to act as a support body for other women in need.

(Story on Page VIII)

A passion for women’s empowerment

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Chronicle Pepperpot June 9, 2019

City Mayor Ubraj Narine has big dreams

By Francis Quamina Farrier IN the American musical show, “South Pacific”, there is that song with the following lyrics, “ You must have a dream.

If you don’t have a dream, how you gonna have a dream come true?” In a very recent exclusive interview with His Worship, Mayor Ubraj Narine, JP, of Georgetown, he shared with me, some of his dreams for the improvement of Guyana’s capital city.

About three decades ago, Georgetown had descended from the glorious days of being known as “The Garden City of the Caribbean”, to the embarrassing title of, “The Garbage City”. A great city had fallen from grace, due to the falling standards of those who were its citizens. Garbage and filth were everywhere. Then came the 2015 General Elections and a new group of leaders almost immediately, commenced a dramatic CLEAN-UP Campaign. Some three years later, a new Mayor is at the helm, and he has many dreams for the continuing improvement of the city.

The first dream of the new Mayor is to have the deteriorating City Hall building repaired as soon a possible. That iconic wooden structure has been under my own journalistic radar for well over 15 years. During that period, I did quite a number of articles on television, online and in the print Media, about the sad state of the building. I interviewed the long-serving mayor, The Honourable Hamilton Green, about that issue, not only here in Guyana, but overseas as well. Other

The on-going confusion at the Stabroek Market Square will be a thing of the past.

(Photo by Francis Q. Farrier)

Mayor Ubraj Narine, JP (Photo by Francis Quamina Farrier)

journalists have also written about the deteriorating condition of City Hall. Thousands of Guyanese, both at home and in the Diaspora, have also expressed their concern. Some even admitted that looking at the building in its present horrible state, brought tears to their eyes. But all to no avail.

The dream of the present City Mayor regards the restoration of the City Hall building,

is to raise the necessary funds for that mammoth project from abroad as well as locally.

Approaches to international organisations and individuals visiting from abroad, as well as accessing funds here in Guyana, are all elements of the Mayor’s dream for a City Hall which citizens and visitors alike, can look at

by the Mayor, to vastly improve Guyana’s Capital City, to do the right thing and PAY UP their back taxes as soon as possible.

Another dream of Mayor Narine is to vastly change the Stabroek Market Square.

“I would like to see it transformed to the way Times Square is in Manhattan, New York City, where citizens can go and relax and feel free from fear,” he said. Minibuses and other vehicular traffic will no longer be allowed in the Stabroek Market Square. There will be peace and sanity in that location. Cleanliness and beauty will replace garbage and ugliness.

The Mayor also plans to have fines for litter-

One of the high percentage of pavement vendors who keep their environment clean.

(Photo by Francis Q, Farrier)

with pride.

“These plans are all in the pipeline,” said the Chief Citizen. Will the dream of the sitting Mayor of Georgetown regards the restoration of the crumbling City Hall begin to materialise within a year? Probably earlier?

The Mayor told me that he will even have boxes placed at certain venues for concerned citizens to make donations, no matter how small.

One of the big challenges for this relatively new Chief Citizen is to rake in a bulk of the $8.4 billion owing in taxes to the City Council. “The principal defaulters are business establishments,” the Mayor said. Soft-spoken, but with a quiet resolve, Mayor Ubraj Narine, gave me the impression that his dream for the City Hall will come true. Defaulting taxpayers will find it necessary, with the demand

ing increased from $50,000 to $100,000.

Another big dream of Mayor Narine is to have all the large trees growing in the Koker out-fall at the side of the John Fernandes Wharf, removed by August to allow a much greater volume of water to drain from the land and end all the flooding in that commercial downtown area of the city.

A smaller dream of the Mayor is to have a new Conversation Tree replanted at that historic location along the City’s northern public road. In all of his dreams for a much better Georgetown, Mayor Ubraj Narine is hopeful that all of the 200,500 citizens, and the tens of thousands more who visit Georgetown, from the rural and hinterland areas and from abroad, will dream with him for a Georgetown much more beautiful than it ever was.

Chronicle Pepperpot June 9, 2019

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Blazing the forensic science trail …Guyanese student Keiann Simon continues to shine

By Wendella Davidson OVERSEAS-BASED Guyanese student Keiann Simon continues to blaze the trail in her academic pursuits and is currently undertaking the 2019 National Science Foundation-Research Experiences at the University of Pennsylvania (UPENN).

Keiann, who recently graduated with an A.S. degree in Forensic Science, is one of three STEM students who were each awarded the scholarship. At UPENN, she will conduct undergraduate research on constricted migration of cancer cells before transferring to John Lay College of Criminal Justice in the fall.

She is the daughter of Chief Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan, who also holds the rank colonel and is the highest-ranking female in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

Keiann was inspired by her mother to explore her own interest in the judicial system, specifically forensic science; as such, she un-

Keiann on her graduation day

dertook an internship in the Forensic Lab of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) here, before enrolling at Queensborough in the fall of 2017 where she continued her passion for forensic studies. She plans one day to own a forensic science firm in Guyana.

Keiann has been selected

to become a scholar in the American Chemical Society’s Scholar Programme and was one of 120 scholars chosen from across the country. To qualify for such an award, students must have an outstanding academic standing and demonstrate a strong record of American Chemical Society research

Keiann in the laboratory with her tutors during a session

Mom, Chief Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan, proudly stands beside her daughter Keiann

and professional conference presentations. Last summer, she researched at Vanderbilt University as an REU (Research Experience for Undergraduate) student, it was noted in a Queensborough Community College (CUNY) release.

Bonita Montague, founder and president of the US-headquartered United Bridge Builders Mission (UBBM) which has a branch here and aims to provide support to persons affected

by HIV/AIDS, to empower women and youth, and to advocate against domestic violence, spoke glowingly of Keiann.

“Keiann, upon migrating to the U.S., has been volunteering at the organisation and I admire her tenacity which saw her quickly undertaking the role of secretary. She displayed competency at such a young age

as she manned the feeding programme that catered for between 500-800 persons every Saturday in the Brooklyn borough. Keiann has demonstrated the kind of application we would want to see in every Guyanese youth and we are very proud of her. She is indeed the right role model to her peers,” Montaque said, while adding that Keiann has, “from the beginning of her studies in the U.S., excelled in all of her classes.”

In an invited comment to the Pepperpot Magazine, an overjoyed mom, Ann McLennan, who was on hand to witness her daughter’s graduation ceremony, said, “ I am very proud of my daughter’s recent achievement of attaining an Associate Degree in Forensic Science from QCC,NY, and now she is one step closer to where she

eventually wants to be, and on her way to pursuing the Bachelor’s Degree in September 2019. Keiann has remained focused, steadfast and determined throughout her two years away from home, despite the challenges she faced along the way, and I am truly thankful to God that he has kept her. I will [sic] like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all those who supported her in whatever way. I understand how difficult it is living away from home, studying and balancing studies with domestic chores and missing home all at the same time, for I spent some time away from home while pursuing my studies overseas. I wish my daughter continued success in achieving all her academic dreams. There is no limit to what you can do.”

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Chronicle Pepperpot June 9, 2019

Voices GY’s ESL classes for refugees and asylum seekers changing lives

By Gibron Rahim

GUYANESE are a hospitable people. It is a point for pride for us that we make guests or visitors to our country feel right at home. This responsibility is even greater when these persons are fleeing persecution or difficult circumstances in their home countries. In that same spirit of hospitality, the aim of Voices GY’s English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for refugees and asylum seekers is to provide a valuable resource to a vulnerable group in our country.

Voices GY, originally Spanglish GY, was founded by Christian Vargas from Chile, Charlie Tokeley from the United Kingdom and Gordon Roberts from Guyana. A registered non-profit organisation (NGO), Voices GY has been in operation for over a year and has become known for its Spanglish Night events which offer participants the opportunity to practice their second language.

The name change from Spanglish GY to Voices GY was implemented to reflect the NGO’s expanded aims. Tokeley related to the Pepperpot Magazine that, while they had started off by hosting solely Spanish and English events, it was not long before they began receiving requests to involve other languages and cultures. “We figured that Spanglish was not representative of what we were trying to do,” he said. “It wasn’t just Spanish and English, we wanted to include Portuguese and Chinese Mandarin and Sign Language and Indigenous Languages.” Thus, Voices GY was chosen to be more representative.

Last year, at a Spanglish event, Voices GY started collecting donations. “We weren’t entirely sure what we were going to use it for,” Tokeley explained. “We wanted to do something charitable with it.” After learning about a group of asylum seekers in Georgetown who have difficulties communicating in English, the decision was made to embark on a programme to help these individuals.

This programme in Georgetown would be in addition to the programme Voices GY is undertaking to help Venezuelan refugees in Region One. “As we’re focused on languages

and cultures we figured that within our team we could find somebody who’s an English speaker and we could try and put together some sort of English Language course.”

The resulting ESL for refugees and asylum seekers course was taught by Ms. Eleanor Gibson, a volunteer. “She was a godsend,” Tokeley said. He related that they had been looking for a teacher but had been unable to find anyone with the availability and necessary work experience. Quite by chance Gibson, who is a personal friend of the Voices GY team, has three years of experience teaching ESL in various Spanish-speaking countries. She happily volunteered to help when she heard about the course. “She ended up becoming the teacher and she did a really fantastic job,” Tokeley said.

The initial course ran for 10 weeks with 16 persons graduating at the end of the class.

A graduation ceremony was held on Friday, May 24 for the group. The graduates were

given their final exam results and presented with certificates to commemorate their achievement. The event had an unmistakable celebratory air. One of the graduates, a Cuban

The students in an ESL class for refugees and asylum seekers (All photos courtesy of Voices GY)

Teacher Eleanor Gibson hugs one of the graduates of the ESL class

national, expressed his gratitude to Gibson, Vargas and Tokeley for the classes. He stressed the importance of the course to him

and his fellow graduates. Another graduate, a Pakistani national, echoed his sentiments.

There are quite a number of asylum seekers in Guyana, both registered and unregistered, as noted by Tokeley. Referring to the classes he said, “There’s a lot of people who need this assistance and so we are waiting on confirmation from a donor, another organisation, who are going to help us to finance two more terms of this class.” One class will be for absolute beginners and the other will be a continuation of the beginners’ course.

The continuation course will provide learners with more conversational practice and abilities.

Voices GY has been in regular contact with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) which has helped the organisation in reaching some of the refugees and asylum seekers. They are also grateful to the school where the classes were hosted for providing a learning space. Individuals and Voices GY volunteers have also been a major help in tasks such as printing and letter writing, according to Tokeley.

Vargas, the programme’s coordinator, noted that the course is a very special one. He related that there are a lot of challenges. First among them is that the asylum seekers are in a very vulnerable position. He also

noted that they come from a variety of backgrounds which is a challenge for the teacher.

“They come from different countries so it’s complex,” Vargas said. He explained that the refugees and asylum seekers are in a very difficult position in Guyana and are looking for new opportunities or skills that they can use to survive. He noted that a few sessions of the upcoming courses will be focused on social integration.

Another challenge facing the programme is that students sometimes leave to seek asylum elsewhere. Vargas related that the course is very dynamic in that sense. He noted that Voices GY is attempting to meet that challenge by changing the methodology of the course so that it will be easier for students to join the class at any point. “We are very happy with the results of this first course,” Vargas said. He noted that assessments of the course were done. That monitoring and evaluation will allow for improvements to be made.

All of the students who were part of the course passed. “We saw really, really visible improvement in their English,” Tokeley said, “especially with a few of the students, just really, really impressive improvements in the space of 10 weeks.” He noted that the learning curve is very steep at the beginner level when learning a new language. They were thus very impressed at the progress of the students.

The ESL classes for refugees and asylum seekers provide a much needed resource to a vulnerable group. Tokeley pointed out that they are really left behind in terms of all forms of assistance given to vulnerable migrant groups in Guyana. He related that the class that recently graduated was comprised of Cuban and Pakistani nationals who have received virtually no help at all from any source. “They still continue to be left behind and they’re not really able to communicate these problems because they don’t speak enough English,” he stated.

Additionally, the refugees and asylum seekers are not allowed to work and are thus very dependent on help. “They’re very much an invisible group without a real voice,” Tokeley said. The course, he said, gives them the opportunity to develop that voice. “I think it’s been a really gratifying course to be involved in because from the very first class we could really sense how grateful the students were,” he related. He noted that they might not stay in Guyana but many would like to eventually end up in an English-speaking country. “It’s helping them to have the means with which to improve their lives in the future and not get back into the dire situation into which they have been thrown.”

Chronicle Pepperpot June 9, 2019

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The St. Francis Community Developers

One of the bedrooms at the guest house

Alex Foster in his library

The 30-person female dormitory

The Conference Centre at St. Francis Community Centre

By Michel Outridge

He added that they have 33 centres across Berbice and they work in Regions Five and Six, as well as, across the 10 administrative regions of Guyana with the social service providers that collaborate with the donor community, including Food for the Poor Guyana.

“My job as adviser with the Public Health Minister and Focal Point Coordinator for that Ministry allows me to interact with groups across the country and I am the Guyana representative for Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and Aids (PANCAP), the Regional Coordinating Mechanism for Guyana which allows me to sit on the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) for Global Funding

so I have the unique opportunity of travelling the 10 regions,” Foster said.

He stated that St. Francis Community Developers work with groups and their target groups include ordinary citizens and youths.

“They say we are Jack of all trades and master of quite a few so we have music classes on the weekends, and training on-going with a complete package and we also act as regional office for a lot of our coordinating partners for like Food for the Poor. We provide training facilities like the guest house, the dormitory, the coordination office, and space for most NGOs in this region,” Foster said.

Head of St. Francis Community Developers, Alex Foster is the backbone behind youth and community development in the Corentyne area.

He told the Pepperpot Magazine that his organisation is a non-profit one that assists the needy and the disadvantaged, as much as, possible and also works in collaboration with Food for the Poor and all the international donors’ agencies; the private sector; the government; and community grouping.

Foster, who is doing a lot of community work behind the scenes is working in collaboration with the other social service providers to enable them to grow out The newly constructed Agro-Processing Centre at St, Francis Community Developers of the state of dependency in becoming sustainable.

St. Francis Community Developers has been involved in community and youth development for the past 33 years and since 2000 they became fully self-sufficient, that is, free from donor funding to carry out their daily operations.

“As the Head of St. Francis Community Developers I am also the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the National Coordinating of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) for Guyana and using that platform to work with local NGOs to teach them of the things we have been able to master over the past 33 years so that their organisation can grow from strength to strength and be able to become like us,” Foster said.

He disclosed that they have trained more than 11,000 youths, as well as villagers in 26 different disciplines such as entrepreneurship, and life and skills training activities so they can be fully employed.

Foster stated that they have been successful in their training aspect as a result of full collaboration with Food for the Poor Guyana, USAID, the Commonwealth Youth Programme and other partners they worked with over the years.

“Growing up in a poor family with a single parent caused me to find a way to help mine and others, who are in a similar situation, so the motivation came out of an active grandmother, who was involved in the congregational church. And subsequently, I grew up in the Catholic Church where I was involved in a lot of outreach work. My motivation came from my church background and I never regret it,” he said.

During a tour of the facility, the Pepperpot Magazine saw a library at St. Francis Community Developers located at Rose Hall, Corentyne, Berbice, which was established since 1991; a fully air-conditioned and furnished with all modern amenities guest house; a newly constructed G$100M Agro Processing Centre; a storage bond; a 30-person female dormitory and a large dining hall; a boardroom among other well-kept facilities.

The centre also boasts a shade house and it is one of 16 within Region Six and they have 12 play schools with 600 children in attendance.

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Chronicle Pepperpot June 9, 2019

Retirement is the beginning of a new productive chapter WALTERINE Leonie Mc Leod, a retired Head Teacher, is now the proud owner of a private primary school. She launched Rhema Global Academy on September 10, 2018, at the age of 54. By the grace of God and keeping a dream alive for about 20 years, Walterine is now one of the many examples of baby boomers who are redefining retirement.

“I believe that every child can learn. Wanting to make a difference in the lives of children has stirred in me the desire to open my own school. It became more alive during my period as a Head Teacher when I got to make decisions that turn the lives of many of my students in a positive direction.

Children just want to know that you truly care about them and

that you are sincere about it,” said Walterine. She was born to Yvonne Smartt and Wolford Evans on February 1, 1964, at the Hackney Health Centre, Pomeroon River.

Young Walterine enjoyed going to school, something her caregivers prioritised. “I attended St Marks Primary School and after writing Common Entrance now known as the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) I was awarded a place at the newly constructed New Amsterdam Multilateral School. It was a beautiful experience. I had a real appreciation for school and my teachers.”

Walterine’s world changed on the last day of her secondary school life. In haste, she was forced to pack her

belongings and head to Mathew’s Ridge with her mother. She did not even get to say goodbye to her best friend, Candace Glasgow.

Walterine Mc Leod “I was taken to babysit my brother. I didn’t enjoy it and cried regularly. Growing up in Berbice my chores excited me. I just had to fetch water and sell the cakes and breads baked by my grandmother and also the ground provision she purchased to retail. It was different living in Matthews Ridge. I had to take care of the entire house. I didn’t know how to get it done so my mom was not pleased,” she said reflecting on that seemingly difficult time in her young life.

“My Dad - stepfather- understood what was going on and one day when he came back from a business trip from Mabaruma he enquired of me for my CXC certificate and my birth certificate and let me know that he is seeking to get me into the teaching profession, thus the birth of my teaching career in the public sector, which lasted for 36 years,” Walterine said.

In retrospect what started out in deep sorrow turned out to be a positive life-changing experience. Walterine was given the opportunity to serve in many schools both at the primary and secondary levels. Having realised the desire to stay in the profession, Walterine began qualifying herself in the field.

She holds a BEd. in Administration from the University of Guyana, Class 1 Grade 1 Trained Teacher Certificate, Certificate of Education Management and a Diploma in Business Education. And, like a true teacher who believes that learning is an ongoing process, she is pursuing a certificate in Educational Leadership for School Administrators at Kaieteur Falls University.

During her teaching career, Walterine was able to impact the lives of students who attended Arakaka Primary, Mathews Ridge Primary, Carmel Secondary, Richard Ishmael Secondary, Houston Secondary, and Tutorial High School.

Walterine said, “I believe teachers are like mini gods and we have the ability to create. As I will often say the state of a country reflects the state of its education system. Teachers get to fashion positive mindsets, industry and hope for the future or develop a complaining spirit. We have the ability to help students believe in themselves.”

HER OWN PATH Whilst Walterine was gainfully employed and doing what she loves, she always wanted to operate her own school. Often times, she would find herself looking for a suitable location to open a school even though she was teaching in the public sector. The urge to continue serving Guyana continued to grow even though retirement age was quickly approaching.

Retirement presented a new opportunity for Walterine.

She did not see it as a stumbling block but rather a stepping stone. She armed with the word of God and courage, Walterine walked in faith. Rhema Global Academy became a reality.

“It is established to encourage ordinary people to experience an extraordinary education. We are preparing the future leaders with a positive mindset… Persons who know how to think big. Persons need to understand that an educated person can achieve anything in this world he or she desires without infringing on the rights of others,” she added confidently.

Speaking about her accomplishment she said, Rhema Global Academy is focused on developing the whole child.

“We work hard and we play hard. Have a hobby, you can be a doctor and an excellent football player. Whatever is your career you must have an outlet to detox whenever you feel overwhelmed. We believe in keeping it positive and to value each other.”

Walterine believes that the best part of achieving your dream is to see it transform into what God has in store. When her school opened the student population was nine. Today, there are 21 students and the numbers are climbing.

“In order for Guyana to develop to her fullest potential, she needs visionary leaders... People who can see beauty in each other and who know that they were born for a purpose. Leadership is servitude, the greatest leader is the biggest server. We aspire to prepare thousands of minds capable of transforming Guyana and the world at large,” she said.

Chronicle Pepperpot June 9, 2019

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Chronicle Pepperpot June 9, 2019

A passion for women’s empowerment

By Marissa V. Foster A WOMAN of substance, a woman that is not afraid of being empowered and empowering others. Rhonda Jonas is a mother of three and a teacher by profession for 22 years. Jonas started her career at the age of 15 and taught at the Berbice High School (BHS). She then went on to pursue training at the Cyril Potter College of Education.

Jonas decided to explore Guyana and opted to teach the Saint Ignatius Secondary school all the way in Region Nine. She then moved back to her hometown and began teaching at Alba Marta and continued to further her studies, later achieving a Bach-

elor’s Degree in Education Administration.

Currently, she is a Graduate Senior Mistress at the New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary (N.A.M.S).

Jonas is also a past queen herself. A former “Miss Region Six” title holder, she also participated in Miss Multilateral Junior and Senior pageants and also participated in the Miss Black African Heritage Pageant. She is also part of the Mount Sinai AOG women’s ministry. Jonas is the founder and visionary behind the Miss Exquisitely Conscious Pageant. One may be wondering, why Women’s Empowerment through pageantry? Jonas explained, “Women are such fascinating human beings. Part of the fascination is

Rhonda Jonas, Orletta John (2018 winner) and Shanelly Kendall (pageant coordinator and designer) along with the 2019 Miss Exquisitely Conscious delegates.

learning by observing. The Miss Exquisitely Conscious Pageant is a platform where women can showcase various talents, awareness of various issues and strategies to deal with these issues, all in one package, and still be beautiful and confident.”

The pageant has been conceptualised for the past two years as a prestigious annual event, bringing together women of a wide range of communities and cultures from all over East Berbice. The pageant’s principal objective is “Fighting issues of women through glamour.” The mission of the pageant is to empower young ladies in Berbice with the confidence to present solutions and strategies for various issues and to act as a support body for other women in need. The pageant is designed to build relationships with other women who are working diligently to leave a positive impact in their communities; be the voice of the voiceless and project a positive image in society. It is open to young women between the ages of 18-25 of various cultural and ethnic backgrounds. One of many aspects that positively separate this pageant from others is the fact that the delegates can be married, single or divorced, with or without kids.

This is not so for many pageants available. It is a platform for ALL women.

The first year of the pageant addressed social issues in our society under the theme: “Fighting social issues through Glamour.”

Last year, the pageant focused on mental health under the theme: “Healthy Body, Healthy Mind.” This is the third year of the pageant and it will be executed under the Theme: Self Care= (Green Environment + Sustenance).

Jonas is a lover of the Sciences; Environmental to be exact. Apart from having a full-time career, family to take care of and also a love for travelling, exploring nature and environmental/drama pageantries; she also uses her platform and voice to facilitate other beneficial projects through the pageant.

She facilitates a radio programme along with the delegates of the pageant on 88.5 ROCK FM. The delegates and Jonas discuss topical environmental and social issues that plague Berbice and Guyana at large.

The pageant also facilitated a free HIV testing outreach in collaboration with Comforting Hearts. Jonas has beaming plans for the future. She plans to land a programme

Rhonda Jonas at the Miss Exquisitely Conscious Pageant 2018

on the local television stations in Berbice to further discuss topical issues. She also plans to form a girls group for young females in the New Amsterdam-Canje area to further improve her quest for women empowerment.

This teacher with a passion for women empowerment advises young people by saying, “Education is serious business. Treat education as a priority, your life, time and brains belong to you. Educate yourself. You can’t go wrong.” She also strongly advises single parents, especially mothers, by saying, “To all single parents, you are never single as long as God is with you. Believe in him and keep praying.”

The theme focuses on delegates bridging care of oneself the sustenance of the green environment of our country: with the hope of everyone coming on board.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to research various self-care issues, and exotic animals of our dear Guyana, which will form their platform for the pageant.

Persons desirous of learning more about the pageant and donating to this cause can make contact with Rhonda Jonas on (592) 660-8850 or visit ‘Ms. Exquisitely Conscious’ on Facebook.

Chronicle Pepperpot June 9, 2019

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‘Take time to invest in yourself’ Brooklyn-based Guyanese photographer advises youth

Photographer & Videographer Stefon Broomes

By Tracey Khan STEFON Broomes left his homeland Guyana and is working daily to live the American dream after moving to New York six years ago.

Now he is the owner of his own photography and videography business ‘Steffon B’ Photography based in Brooklyn and is making a name for himself in the ‘Big Apple’. Fortunately for him, he is not new to media, since he worked for many years while in Guyana at the National Communications Network (NCN) in the technical field.

Despite his determination and drive, the transition from the streets of Georgetown to the bright light streets has not been an easy one and Steffon has had to overcome many obstacles as he works his way to the top.

“It’s been rough. Anyone who has moved to New York

Stefon is a talented self-taught photographer

A nature shot from Stefon

will tell you, especially at the beginning, but for me, I never dabbled much in media until my fifth year here, so I guess at first I was trying to do whatever to get by.”

He almost lost his life two years ago after walking into the emergency room of a Brooklyn hospital and collapsing.

It was after recovering that he decided to follow his passion.

“I was having a cough for a few weeks and paid it no mind; and so I was at the hospital and while waiting, my heart just failed …I was there at the ICU for more than a week and I just gave me time to re-evaluate my life and what do I want to do for me and the only thing that kept pushing me was becoming a media expert.”

It was a passion that was being encouraged by his friends and family for many years, but he disregarded it. It took a life-threatening situation for him to come to this realisation.

He saw this as an investment in his self and is now working to be established more in this field, with the many opportunities that are present in the concrete jungle.

He is also part of Freedom Family Entertainment and is always looking at ways to invest and build himself and those around them.

His goal is to build a studio for creatives to work in New York.

“I want to branch off into full film more…I just want to have the whole works, like I have worked at NCN most of the formidable[sic] years of my life and I want that for myself, a place where creatives can come and work and do whatever they like -- whether it be fellow photographers make-up artistes, I want to have a full studio that I will be able to provide a service for the people I know, for the people of New York and later on for the people of Guyana.”

His advice to young people who are working to make their dreams a reality in any part of the world is, “Take time to invest in yourself and realise what you want to do and what makes you happy and that can also sustain you and once you figure that out then the world is yours.”

Stefon can be contacted on Facebook or Instagram @ stefonbphotography for photography and videography shoots for any occasion.

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Chronicle Pepperpot June 9, 2019

Man alone, shadows whisper the fears of loneliness...too late many times WHETHER from the courts, or from media, the reality of domestic upheavals - too many fatal- echoes in the public spaces with hurried opinions and castigations, birthing crusades here and there not without justification. Seldom is there, however, the cry for answers, clarifications and then comprehension, but most of all to pause the visits of Old Basil with premature death and injury. I’ve explored this topic before because seldom are articles and studies done that involve the male realm. Men- heterosexual menare not a favourite topic to be addressed in-depth, that even extract a significant official response, in recognition from the evidence, that there is something wrong in that gender sphere. One particular article by Psychologist Dianna Khan GNNL May 7, 2018, referred to substance abuse, lack of essential living skills among causes that prevent young men from becoming re-integrated into society. The aspect of the male drama of this article revolves around another custom practice with frightening connotations.

Some months ago I stopped by Demico to chat with a friend who sold precious minerals, and feel relieved that he had visited family overseas and had returned in a less sombre mood. That day we did not discuss the usual grouse which mainly came from me about men living alone.

Some months later, I passed and he was not there on his usual stool shaking his kiddy, so I assumed that he had travelled again to Guyana’s off limit Region 10 (North America). I don’t know why I decided to make sure, so in passing, I checked out another

friend Carto (Boxer) across to Stabroek Market main entrance to verify this annoying hunch. My hunch turned out to be grim anticipation of real fears. Carto informed me that the brother was found dead a few days after, waiting on overseas relatives to come home and was to be buried soon.

This is a real occurrence of quiet realities that have happened too many times before, but remain outside of the public discourse: living alone bachelors found dead two to three days after.

No man in the onset of his life would imagine himself in the condition of a self-imposed bachelor in the afternoon of his life. This is a process that evolves from experiences and errors made, with enough guilt to be thrown either side, because as children we are taught values at home that are competed with by the prevailing influences of our social and peer environment.

Our inner strength and intuitive qualities do play a subdued part but we all have an alter ego and in the all will violate in the process of learning and will execute acts in the imposed codes of our cultural niche.

For instance, a man falls in deep infatuation with a female. He constructs a parameter likened to that of a Stalag with invisible barbed wire and watchtowers, with himself as commandant, the ultimate ego in charge, he fails to explore his infatuation and enquire where this other human being’s interests lie, what are the influences the person finds normal, who are her custodian influences, the male God complex kicks in, without realising that even God kicked aspects of his rebellious nature out of his domain, and nuked Sodom and Gomorrah

for their perverse transgressions.

Too late he realises that two opposing interests are entangled. His commandant position was never recognised. The details of how it plays out are not important, what is, is the deflated ego and how the events are debriefed, the blame game follows.

There are stereotypical gender-based terms that are commonly used: “Ah done wid woman all ah dem is w.....” and “ Yuh can’t trust man ah done wid dem”. Similar sentiments are uttered in every human culture, broken expectations are exploited by crooked religious conmen as was exposed in Guyana not too long ago.

In some cases, honest councillors expand the self-awareness of not to feel exclusive in their pain, whether born from conceit or mismatched. This, however, is more applicable to females. Men retreat into ‘The warrior’s solitude’ because to be subdued into accepting a view not collaborative with one’s own, is unmanly, stupid and counterproductive, but real. A woman who benefitted from a friend’s kindness met me in the lotto line and hinted she wanted to talk. We bought our tickets and stepped aside. She told me that he was so good to her that she wanted to engage him sensually, but he admitted that he could not. They were still together because she liked him and had children and had a life, and they agreed that the companionship was worth the togetherness. I told her that I read in a book that the condition could be mental as well as nutritional. She agreed and said they were looking for a way out of the small but HUGE hindrance in their relationship. In pop music I can recall an old

tune by Tony Bennett that pays reference to the ghost of a past relationship haunting the present, it’s called ‘Cold Cold Heart’ Why do men resort to living alone, and suffer and die alone? We are brought up and indoctrinated with a tremendous burden of expectations heaped upon our mental shoulders, difficult to meet today.

The world has drifted from semi-skilled labour based employment in less than 40 forty years from Independence. Earning capacity has shifted away from labour based jobs. On the present stage, a home and its environs require an enormous budget to facilitate A- our in-house student population with computers and all that goes with it.

B- The home is expected to have a washing machine, fridge, flat screen TV, gas stove, and the least. If a man has seven or eight children he needs two or three lifetimes to educate them all. Possibly elements referred to in this article also I have learnt from women the reality of a percentage of men forcing themselves to be heterosexual when they are not, but too confused to face the castigation of a lifetime of grow mates rather than conform to this different nature.

The issue of men dying alone is prevalent; I have known over five such cases over the past seven years, heard of many others all the scenarios indicated are speculative because no admissions are recorded, as no social initiative to my knowledge have recognised the problem. Also factual is that an attack of any medical condition, hypertension, urinal infection, gas attack without immediate support can render helplessness, and then what?

ocus F Chronicle Pepperpot June 9, 2019

XI

on the Village

A transformed Port Mourant Hospital

THIS week, our team took a long drive up to Berbice once again, this time focusing on the communities of Fyrish and Port Mourant. Stories by Michel Outridge and Shirley Thomas. Photos by Samuel Maughn.

HEALTH care has been significantly boosted with the upgraded services and the renovated Port Mourant Hospital and the nearby health centre, which is one of the first to provide a digital (paperless) service along the Corentyne, Berbice corridor.

TRANSFORMED FROM DILAPIDATED TO RENOVATED “Two years ago, nobody wanted to come here, they said ‘if you want to die to go Port Mourant Hospital,’ but look at the transformation today: we have an influx of patients from Upper Corentyne, to as far as West Coast Berbice, because our services here are good [and are] provided by ably qualified medical staffers,” Focal Point Coordinator of the Ministry of Public Health, Alex Foster, said during a tour of the facility.

On June 4, 2019, many patients queued up waiting their turn to see the doctor and to utilise the various departments, including the operational Ophthalmology Hospital housed in the compound of the Port Mourant

The National Ophthalmology Hospital, Port Mourant (Samuel Maughn photos)

The Acting Doctor-in-Charge Ghansham Sookdeo.

ovated and patients are being warded in a different section of the health facility.

Foster told the Pepperpot Magazine that they provide a 24-hour service and they have

The Male Ward.

Hospital.

Among the medical professionals that patients flock to see is Dr Rafeek Rahaman, who is the Haematology Consultant at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and is a general physician at the Port Mourant Hospital.

Today, the Port Mourant Hospital can boast about seeing more than 200 patients as a result of the upgraded facility and added services.

This undertaking was made possible through the kind compliments of several business people of Berbice, who through their donations created a public/private sector partnership.

Presently, the male ward is being ren-

patients lined up all day and some of these changes came about, because of his persistence and hard work by the staff.

He related that they have merged the Ophthalmology Hospital Pharmacy and the Port Mourant Hospital Pharmacy into one, but with sections manned by two pharmacists to provide timely delivery of service to patients.

THE WARDS The waiting area has been upgraded with air-conditioning, water dispenser, and a television in an effort to make patients comfortable.

A filtration system was installed for the water supply at the Ophthalmology Hospital

theatre, because prior to that they had to source water from Albion.

Almost every section of the Port Mourant Hospital has been renovated and it includes the Paediatric Ward, which is fully air-conditioned as well, with a refrigerator, a microwave and all modern amenities such as furniture.

There, a father was by his sick son’s bedside to ensure the boy was happy.

Meanwhile, at the Female Ward which was being manned by a sit-in nurse, a diabetic patient, Elizabeth Brusche told the Pepperpot Magazine that she was suffering from shortness of breath and was admitted.

The patient was, however, pleased with the level of service and is being kept for observation and treatment, adding that it was her first time there.

At the Male Ward, which is outfitted with modern beds among other things, this reporter encountered a young patient who had ingested a poisonous substance but survived.

Foster stated that he is the 12th such patient within the space of 10 days-- most of whom are very young people from Skeldon and other neighbouring villages.

OTHER UPGRADES Foster added that additionally, all the washrooms have been upgraded and fixed with new doors and flooring.

The Maternity Ward is a cosy place that is fully air-conditioned with a sitting area with rocking chairs among other furniture. It has all the equipment to make deliveries safe.

The section has a delivery room, incubation area, sterilisation room, the ward, nursery and a washroom block.

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XII ◄◄◄ From page XI

Foster told the Pepperpot Magazine that the enhanced maternity unit at the Port Mourant Hospital is to encourage expectant mothers to deliver their babies there, instead of going to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Acting doctor-in-charge of the Port Mourant Hospital, Ghansham Sookdeo, disclosed that some of the new services provided at the institution are x-ray, ultrasound and visual imaging with acetic acid (VIA) for vaginal screening for cervical cancer.

He related that they have successfully completed 258 surgeries with the New Horizon team of 21 persons and screened 213 patients.

Dr. Sookdeo stated that VIA screening is one of the newer services they have and it is for women above child-bearing age.

Dr Rafeek Rahaman with a patient at the Port Mourant Hospital

Chronicle Pepperpot June 9, 2019

He noted that they see more than 100 patients on a daily basis and at the Ophthalmology Hospital, they see about 200 per day and there is an influx of patients from Upper Corentyne and as far as West Coast Berbice.

“People prefer to visit the Port Mourant Hospital because of the services provided; and although we have some shortcomings, we have been working hard and thanks to the staff, collectively we have transformed this hospital into a health facility where people come to address their health issues,” Dr. Sookdeo said.

THE PREVALENCE OF SUICIDE Speaking on the issue of the prevalence of suicide in the region, Dr. Sookdeo added that Bushlot is said to be the ‘suicide capital’ and it is a serious cause for concern, since most of the patients are young people.

“Within weeks we have seen an upsurge in suicide cases and it is at an alarming rate, because within a period of 10 days we had a dozen patients and some even took self-discharge. We need to sensitise the public through radio/television talks, or by outreaches we can make a difference, since it seems mental health is an issue. We have teens as young as 14 years old attempting to take their own life and others in their early and late 20s from Bushlot and Skeldon areas among others,” Dr. Sookdeo said.

The Dental Department under the stewardship of Dr. Ameila Valentina Nandkumar is operational and was also upgraded.

These departments such as dental and x-ray were established to reduce the referrals to New Amsterdam Hospital.

THE OPHTHALMOLOGY HOSPITAL This specialised hospital is headed by Dr. Jorge Hernandez, who told the Pepperpot

Senior staffers of the Port Mourant Hospital.

Magazine that they have had 892 eye surgeries and are going out in the communities as well to screen patients.

The New Horizon team is also on board and they performed 256 eye surgeries and that section is fully air-conditioned with the other equipment and amenities.

They have also upgraded the lab and all cataract surgeries are done at the Ophthalmology Hospital; and all other eye related services are provided by the Cuban brigade.

The New Horizon team brought their own equipment and the Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, is seeking to secure similar equipment for the Port Mourant Hospital.

However, a team from Sai Baba is expected in the country by year-end to perform about 500 specialised eye surgeries, because there is a list of 3,000 patients waiting for that service.

NEED FOR A BLOOD BANK

According to Foster, the Port Mourant Hospital is working at full capacity, but they need a blood bank to store blood needed for major surgeries and they have no choice but to refer patients to Georgetown Hospital, since there is only one blood bank in the country.

He added that patients who need more than one unit of blood will be referred to the GPHC, since they store only a limited amount of blood for emergencies.

Foster is of the hope that the blood bank will be de-centralised.

Port Mourant Hospital Administrator, Bibi Shaneeza Nabi, told the Pepperpot Magazine that about two years ago people used to be terribly disappointed when visiting the facility, but today they have seen a marked improvement.

She stated that they have been upgrading because the hospital was low in admissions, as such, they have improved their services, including in-patient services.

Cattle rearing for a living …the ups and downs of the profession

ALBERT Fernandes, of Port Mourant, Corentyne, East Berbice, has been in the cattle-rearing business for the last 15 years, and his only regret, he says, is that he had not ventured into it much earlier.

“But what is of concern to me, and proves rather disheartening, is the way people stealing our cows. They might wait until you take the animals out to graze and leave them in the pasture in the morning and before afternoon they done pick up two, three and gone with them,” he explained. Alternately, he said, the raiders would wait until the place is dark, then sneak up to the ranch and slip out one or two, and that is from the ranch just outside his house, Fernandez told the Pepperpot Magazine.

He recalled, “I began living here in Port Mourant ever since 1959 and started rearing cows about 15 years ago, and despite little difficulties in bringing them up, it’s always a joy to watch them grow from calf stage to mature and full grown cows,” he said. “But then again, it’s always sad, when, after you become attached to them, you have to watch them go off to a different owner, because as you know, the next move will be slaughtering and the butcher always looks for the biggest cows.”

He said that usually, the pick of the crop would be a bull about two and a half to three years, and that would bring in “quite a penny”, so there is always demand. Through cattle-rearing, he said, he has been able to

them back home to spend the night; Bertie says that the farmer has to be more responsible than this and should have concern for the animals’ safety, likewise the neighbours’ property.

(File photo)

see himself and family through. He has two sons and two daughters in whom he invested, ensuring that they got a good education.

Through the years, the boys have helped him tend the herd.

“Today they are all mature and working separate jobs. The eldest boy works with a rice- milling company on the Corentyne; the second is a constable working at the New Amsterdam Market and the two girls are self-employed.

Bertie, as he is familiarly called, recalls that he started the business with a few cows,

but was so committed to the drive, he knew it wouldn’t be long before he would have quite a pedigree. Fortunately for him, he has never been hit by any diseases of the animals such as the dreaded “Foot and Mouth Disease.”

“But what is of concern to me, and proves rather disheartening, is the way de people stealing cows,” he insisted.

Noting that cattle rearing is not just about getting a few heads of cattle and releasing them outside to graze in the mornings -- with no regard for whose crops or gardens they destroy throughout the day-- then bringing

THE WAY OF THE CATTLE-REARER There are many facets to a farm business that cattle farmers need to observe and manage, foremost being, financial, health of the herd, environmental, marketing, risk management (keeping the animals free from diseases), and likewise, the occupational health and safety of the farmer himself.

What sometimes proves a challenge to him, is when there is intense sunshine and the trenches are low in water. In that case he would have to venture a longer distance away in order for them to get adequate water to drink.

Asked whether he was engaged in milking and selling cows’ milk, he said that initially, out of optimism and anxiety, he began doing so; but after a time became disenchanted, since the sales were not sustained.

“People would ask you to get so much milk for them. You keep the milk and they don’t show up to collect it. When you see them again, it’s some excuse and that’s not good for business,” he said poignantly.

Even though he has been selling off cows at a reasonably fast rate, Fernandes now has a herd of 70-80 sprightly cows and still counting.

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XIII

Poultry farm in midst of residential community causes residents concern

The poultry farm in the midst of the Fyrish Long Road community, about which residents are peeved (Samuel Maughn photo)

RESIDENTS of Fyrish Road, Long Dam, East Corentyne, Berbice, say they are concerned that they now face a state of ‘near emergency,’ ever since a recent property owner converted their residential community into a virtual poultry farm. They are calling for immediate public health intervention.

The owner, who began rearing chickens on a mega scale about six months ago with three sizeable pens, has now more than doubled that amount and more so, has built a huge two-storey pen, bringing the farm closer to them than ever before.

Making their concerns known, residents told the Pepperpot Magazine: “Since this man

opened up the chicken farm we can ‘t take the stench that’s circulating in the community.

We can hardly breathe, because the stench is so aggravating. When we attempt to shut up the windows to keep out the stench, what we find is that we are trapped with what is already inside and it’s not going out. The smell is in our hair; trapped in our clothes, our window curtains and upholstery, so right now we fear that at this rate we will soon become sick. The entire atmosphere around here is polluted and it’s affecting men, women, youths and babies alike.

But despite their pleadings, the residents say, these continue to fall on deaf ears and according to them, they are getting no satisfac-

Fyrish Village of East Indian ancestry, but over the years, some residents have opted for a better life and thus, migrated; those who remain are simple people.

The ones who are in the community were born and raised right there and they hardly ever leave the village.

Fyrish resident Latchman Subryan

LATCHMAN Subryan got married 28 years ago and moved from her hometown of Anna Regina, Essequibo and journeyed to her husband’s house in the community of Fyrish, Corentyne, Berbice and there she remained until today.

This mother of three said she is a housewife and over the years, she has never felt the need to return to her place of birth, because she has adjusted to the peaceful country life at Fyrish Village.

Subryan added that the place is very quiet and at times it is too quiet, since there isn’t much going on in those parts; she added that every resident is familiar with each other and it is a close-knit community where people hardly ever marry out of.

She is married to the village Pandit Takechand Mangal, who is based at the Blairmont Mandir and is described as the village leader.

This housewife old the Pepperpot Magazine that Fyrish is a community of people

A VILLAGE OF FISHERMEN AND CANE-CUTTERS Subryan added that life there is ‘hard,’ because it is the village of fisherfolk and cane-cutters and when they cannot work, they are unable to provide for their families.

“I pass my day by doing chores such as cooking, cleaning and taking care of the house and that’s on repeat for the next day and I hardly have time to get bored, because I always finding something to do around the house and I don’t see myself looking for a job,” she said.

Subryan disclosed that one of her children lives overseas, while another is a local teacher and the youngest has completed his secondary education.

She added that the community needs ‘something’ to brighten the lives of the young people in the village, because there is nothing for them to do other than being fishermen and cane-cutters.The resident has also rallied for better roads and street lights to be installed in their village, since it is void of these basic amenities.

“We don’t have petty thieves here, because the fishermen work all hours of the night and they would be up, securing the place,” she said.

The village has a ballfield where mostly

tion. This has prompted them to vow to take the report further. “In fact, we want to know who could have been so irresponsible to give approval for the businessman to conduct such business in the midst of a residential community; It’s not affecting two or three nearby houses, but the entire area,” they reasoned.

The people of Fyrish Long Road are incensed that the businessman is rearing not hundreds, but thousands of chickens which he disposes of on a commercial basis.

Meanwhile, residents are also concerned about the effect this disregard for them is having on other residents within the community.

Previously, they say, young men and boys from the neighbourhood would play cricket

and ball games out in the open spaces, but now all the space is taken up and they have nowhere to play, so some of them are seen sitting on rails smoking which is bad for their health. The community is bemoaning this kind of behaviour, calling it counterproductive.

In addition, the new trend adopted is that a tractor would drive into the area filled with garbage, which is dumped into a trench in the area. Reports are that other persons from outside the area are now doing likewise, hence the community is in crisis.

The residents of Fyrish Long Road are appealing for immediate intervention into this state of affairs.

A day in the life...

Fyrish Village, Corentyne, Berbice

cricket is played during friendly matches, but apart from this recreational activity, there is no other.

“The thing most concerned about is the fate of some children in this village as young as nine years old; they have to leave school because of poverty and forced to work as adults to support younger siblings,” Subryan said.

Kowsilla Subryan told the Pepperpot Magazine that poverty is real in the village, because children as young as 10 years old are ‘hustling’ out at the seawalls with donkey-drawn carts fetching things for the fish-

ermen to support their parents.

The 69-year-old stated that it is sad what the children have to go through at such a young age; they are unable to fully enjoy their childhood and cannot benefit from schooling.

“If you are around here at 4pm time you will see them going home from a day’s work and these children don’t have a choice, they have to work because they are poor,” she said.

Some villagers are engaged in large-scale poultry rearing and pigs are also reared and the meats sold in the village at the depot.

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XIV ◄◄◄ From page XIII

CULTURE MATTERS The senior citizen said that the young people of today are different and they do not know of their own culture and history; and if you ask some of them about a ‘masala brick,’ or if they can grind coconut to make ‘choka,’ they do not know what that is.

“All some of them do is bury their heads in their cellphones all the time and there is no real conversation in the home and that is how it is these days,” the elderly woman said.

Meanwhile, farther in the village, the Pepperpot Magazine met the Chinapen family, who operates a ‘rum shop’ and has lived in the community for many years.

Lilawattie Chinapen better known as “Patsy,” said that at Fyrish Long Dam life is what you make it, because the village is depressed in terms of jobs for the young people, who are stagnant with no development in their lives.

She related that income is garnered through fishing and cane-cutting, other than that one has to go out of the village to seek employment.

“This shop only does get customers on weekends, because the men are involved in fishing and they are at sea a lot and I can’t prepare ‘cutters,’ because they don’t want fish or chicken, so they prefer to buy a pack of chips or something and have a ‘drink’,” she said.

During the week, Chinapen added that there is no business and the shop is often empty and it is the real facts of how things are in that village.

The 53-year-old reported that with the little sales at her shop, she has to pay a water bill of $80,000 per month and that is unfair, since the quality of potable water supply is not as it should be.

“The water we get here is either muddy or milky in colour and something needs to be done for us to get a better supply,” Chinapen said.

Chronicle Pepperpot June 9, 2019

Fish-vending A decades-old profession in Fyrish

(File photo)

DOWLATRAM and Kumarie Persaud of Fyrish village, Corentyne, Berbice, have been engaged in the business of vending fish for the last 20 years and find so much satisfaction, they would not trade it for anything.

“My husband works at sea, so he would go out and bring in the catch, but he get so old now that he would only go out and spend about three days or so, then he would come back home. The boats come in at Albion seashore and our grandsons would go out and bring it from the wharf top and take it to house with a donkey cart,” Kumarie told the Sunday Pepperpot Magazine.

But that’s not where her work ends, in fact, it’s just but the beginning. “Then when the fish reach home, I would take over and ice it down and carry it [the catch] to market to sell,” Kumarie related, adding that all this is done within one day.

But tedious as that part may sound, it turns out it might very well be the easiest. “Well, now come time fuh sell and that is not always what you expect. Sometimes market does good and sometimes bad. But unlike the majority of vendors selling in the market place, who would see the glass as being half empty, rather than half full, or just look at the negative side, she asserts: “Some days it big and some days it very small, but whoever hear dat fisherman does ketch fish every day?” When sales not bright she has to take the fish back home and hope for the next day’s sales.

Asked on what days are sales at its peak, she replied, Mondays and Saturdays. That is because Friday is a pay day, likewise Saturday. Those who get paid on Friday would shop on Saturday, and those who get paid on Saturday might prefer to shop on Mondays and so those two days will always be brighter.

The fisherwoman recalls that there are days when some people would really want the fish but not have enough money. But winsome and compassionate, she said she would often let them have it for what they can afford, rather than take it all back home.

BANGA MARY AND BUTTER FISH What seems most in demand is ‘Banga Mary/Butter Fish’, which is less expensive and which the greater amount of people buy, and naturally for which they have developed a taste. She observed too, that with Guyanese becoming more health conscious, more people (especially over-50) are now eating fish and focusing less on beef, chicken and red meats.

Meanwhile, on a personal basis, the family has become so health-conscious that in addition to the heightened use of fish in the home, they have a flourishing kitchen garden from which they get fresh ground provisions, fruits, as well as green and leafy vegetables to boost their health.

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XVI

Chronicle Pepperpot June 9, 2019

FILES E S A C T R U O C Husband obtained ‘decree nisi’ by trick on wife

By George Barclay

…wife loses action to set aside ‘decree nisi’ IN 1968, husband Alexander Daniels, by means of a trick on his wife obtained a decree nisi in an undefended divorce suit.

By this trick, the wife Babara Daniels did not defend or attend the divorce proceedings and continued cohabitation until October 18, when she learnt that the court had granted her husband a decree Nisi for the dissolution of their marriage.

Accordingly, she instituted a summons to set aside the decree nisi.

But High Court judge Justice Victor Crane who heard the application dismissed the action on the ground that the applicant had taken the wrong course and ought to have taken her information to the attorney general for action.

More particularly, the wife stated that

a few days before June 12, 1967, the date when the citation and petition were served, he had persuaded her to resume cohabitation and after the petition had been served, he instructed her to inform her lawyer that they had resolved their differences. She did so and about July 9, 1967, the conjugal state was resumed and sexual relations recommenced. It was not until October 18, that she learnt that decree nisi had been pronounced and she accordingly took out a summons to set it aside.

Justice Crane held (i) there is no distinction between the application to set aside a decree nisi and one calling upon a petitioner to show cause why the decree should not be made absolute. (ii) under section 12 (1) of the Matrimonial Causes Ordinance, Chapter 166, the

respondent was not a person entitled to apply to show cause, and, therefore, she could not apply to have the decree set aside; (iii) her proper course was to give the information at her disposal to the attorney general as the Queen’s Proctor, for him to take such action as he considered appropriate.

The summons to set aside the decree nisi was dismissed.

Senior Counsel Mr Rex H Mc Kay appeared for the appellant, while Mr. Bernard De Santos, S.C., represented the respondent.

Delivering his judgment, Justice Crane said that on October 2, 1967, the husband obtained a decree nisi of dissolution against the wife in an undefended suit. The wife, though duly served with the citation and petition, did not appear to defend.

According to the judge, “This is the wife’s application by way of summons for the following orders: that the decree nisi be set aside; that she be at liberty to file an entry of appearance and an answer to the petition; that she be granted her costs and such further or other relief as may be just.

“The main ground on which her application rests as revealed in her affidavit in support is that there was condonation, following on which there was a resumption of cohabitation. This was brought about, she says, by a ruse on her husband’s part in the following manner: she had been persuaded by him a few days before June 21, 1967, the date the citation and petition were served on her, to resume cohabitation with him at 147 Garnett Street, Kitty, and instructed by him to inform her lawyer not to proceed any further and to discontinue proceedings as

differences between them had been resolved.

Accordingly, on or about July 9, 1967, the conjugal state was resumed and sexual relations recommenced. This state of affairs continued until October 18, 1967, when she left him having ‘heard that a decree nisi had been pronounced against her on October 2, 1967, in proceedings which he had led her to believe were abandoned. She is now desirous of entering an appearance and filing an answer and, in the circumstances, prays that the decree nisi be set aside.

“The husband strongly denies there was a resumption of cohabitation as alleged, or that he ever instructed his wife not to proceed further in defence of the petition, although he admits his wife did return to the matrimonial home; he however insists that she performed no matrimonial chores nor slept in the same room with him when she returned. He brands the allegations contained in the affidavit in support false and malicious and designed to embarrass and cause him unnecessary expense. In paras. 8 and 9 of the affidavit in reply, he avers that this summons is misconceived both as to jurisdiction and for reasons of non-compliance with procedural requirements of Chapter 166 and the related rules, Justice Crane declared.

He added, having given this matter some thought, I must perforce agree that the objections raised by the husband are weighty and must prevail; and that I have no jurisdiction to entertain this application.` Justice Crane agreeing with the objection of counsel for the petitioner that the correct procedure had not been observed, added, “What clearly ought to have been done by the applicant in this matter was for her to have given the information of what she has sworn to in her affidavit to the attorney general; he is the Queen’s Proctor in matrimonial cases, and it should have been left to him to take such proceedings under section 12 (4) of the Matrimonial Causes Ordinance, Chapter 166 as he thought fit, bearing in mind, as the extract from Halsbury’s Laws of England shows, that the real object of the interim period of six weeks is for the attorney general to make enquiries into the petitioner’s case.

Justice Crane declared that for the above reasons. ” I must rule that it is now too late for the wife to enter an appearance and file an answer. These proceedings are misconceived and the orders sought are consequently refused. Simmons dismissed.

Chronicle Pepperpot June 9, 2019

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Emergency treatment for a toothache while), and then plug it completely with sugarless chewing gum.

It must be emphasised that these are only some tempo-

STATISTICAL information coming from the public dental service reveals that most persons visit the dentist because of toothache. They naturally expect that the offending tooth will be extracted. But just because you have a bad toothache does not mean that the tooth will have to be extracted. Root canal therapy can save an abscessed tooth or one with a damaged pulp ( packet of nerves and blood vessels in the core) and should be the preferred procedure over extraction, obviously if the patient can afford it.

Incidentally, we need to remember even if a pain appearing anywhere in the mouth should go away by itself, it should not be ignored. Some times it could point to a serious condition.

For example, heart problems may first manifest itself as pain in the lower jaw and teeth.

You may justifiably ask, “if I suddenly get a toothache what can I do about it other than going immediately to see a dentist (which is almost always unlikely)?� you may want to try any one of these as a temporary measure for alleviation.

First, take a double dose of the analgesic you normally would take for an ordinary headache. I usually recommend for immediate relief 600mgs of Ibuprofen (Motrin).

Second, a tiny cotton ball soaked in clove oil and placed in the cavity invariably mitigates the pain right away. If you cannot get clove oil, pulverise a few cloves in a drop of olive oil and use that instead.

Third, apply a cold compress to the affected areas especially if the corresponding cheek had recently begun to swell.

Cold is the only physical agent known which is capable of subduing inflammation, of which the symptoms include pain and swelling. Occasionally, it may help if cold water is held in the mouth. But one should be careful when using cold or heat with aching teeth.

Fourth, an increase in blood pressure can cause toothache.

Clearly, the pulp chamber cannot distend to accommodate the changes in pressure because it is located in the centre of the tooth. The augmented pressure, therefore, compresses the nerves which results in the pain. Elevation of the head can decrease the pressure. This method may be found to be useful when the toothache attacks during the hours of slumber.

However, even if relief is achieved, the pain wakes you up at the night; it is serious for the tooth.

Fifth, tooth pain after eating sweet means the acid produced from the converted sugar is acting on the exposed nerve endings in the cavity.

The way to resist this is to neutralise the acid. A home remedy is rinsing the mouth in the morning with a solution of baking soda. Baking powder has some sodium bicarbonate in it and this can also be utilised.

The sixth and final recommendation to achieve emergency relief from a toothache is to clean out the cavity (the direct application of alcohol in the cavity usually numbs it for a short

rary measures to get relief from a toothache. In every case of tooth pain, professional assistance should be sought for a permanent cure.

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Chronicle Pepperpot June 9, 2019

Chronicle Pepperpot June 9, 2019

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Road safety in light of the Agricola Accident THIS past weekend, news of the horrific death of seven-year-old Ciara Benjamin, at Agricola on the East Bank Demerara Highway, grappled many of us.

The young girl was at the highway’s median waiting to cross when, due to a series of unfortunate events, a truck collided with her and pinned her to the median. She subsequently lost her life.

This is a tragic event I’d much rather forget, more so since I was at the scene of the incident. But I personally believe that Ciara’s death is one which should force each and every one of us to be more conscious of road safety.

For context, according to statistics published by the Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO), deaths from traffic accidents constitute one of the top 10 causes of fatalities in Guyana. Furthermore, it has been identified as the number one cause of death among persons between the ages of five and 14 and the number two cause of death among persons aged 15 to 24.

I would hate to think that it is only at times there are these horrific accidents that we remember to be wary of road safety rules and tips. Being more conscious of these rules ought to help us reduce the number of accidents we see.

Drivers should always be wary of their surroundings when driving. And importantly, they should remember that they should not drive if they are under the influence of alcohol. Occupants of vehicles have a duty to call out drivers for speeding, playing loud music and if they b e l i e v e that they are driving under the influence.

Passengers also ought to obey the law by using seat belts. And pedestrians should remain vigilant and be careful while on the road, especially when vehicular traffic is heavy.

I mean, come on, aren’t these just simple things that we know? Why aren’t we paying more attention to these?

There’s also the concept of negligence. Some reports say that Ciara was crossing the road with her aunt, who was also hit, but luckily escaped unharmed.

Other reports allege that the aunt was on her cellphone, while she and Ciara were about to cross the road, and perhaps due to a momentary lapse of judgement, the

unfortunate incident occurred and cost the child her life.

Negligence on the roadway is a serious thing. Few things are well-known: Stop, look, then cross; look left, look right, then look left again before crossing, and always pay attention to others on the roadways.

And use pedestrian crossings! It really irks me when persons choose to cross the roads right next to a pedestrian crossing when it is literally right there.

But negligence doesn’t just stem from pedestrians alone. Drivers, too, fail to observe simple traffic rules and do not always take caution into account. It is not uncommon to see a driver ‘jumping’ a

traffic light or ‘boring’ a traffic line. How many more lives need to be lost before we stop this lawlessness?

I’ll concede, however, that even if all rules are followed and utmost caution is exercised, accidents do occur. But these are incidents that we can try, as much as reasonably possible, to reduce.

I also think that overpasses are structures that haven’t gotten as much appreciation, as well. I know of four of these structures erected at Houston, Eccles, Peter’s Hall, and Providence- all on the busy East Bank Demerara Highway.

If I’m being candid, I, personally, have not been the most appreciative person of the overpasses. Whenever I’d have to use them, I wouldn’t be too fond of having to climb up all those stairs and then come down again.

But what I do appreciate is that these overpasses provide a safe alternative to crossing the ever-busy Highway (also, I heard that there’s free Wifi on some of them? What a blessing!).

Considering what has happened to Ciara, I think that we could all appreciate the overpasses without minding the little extra effort it takes to use them. I’d like to see that these are constructed in more places, and maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to have those elevators built with them operational.

As simple and easy as it sounds, road safety is something that we all need to pay more attention to. These rules, norms and even the facilities are in place to maintain a semblance of order in society. Every life lost, young or old is honestly one too much.

A girl with a passion for the arts THEY say when you are young your creative side is at its peak but, for some people, that creativity lives on and becomes a skill and even a lucrative career.

Nalini Jainarain is one of those persons who never lost her creative side. She considers herself to be a self-taught artist who chooses to experiment with spray paint art, the art of Mehendi and watercolour painting.

“This is my passion…I am very passionate about my work and art and I hope one day to become a successful artist,” said Jainarain.

She feels that art gives a sense of calm to a

restless mind; an outlet to escape to a world that you can create.

“I am a perfectionist at heart and I am not afraid to improve my skills through diligent and consistent practice,” said the artist. Aside from her passion, she is a certified cosmetologist who loves her job and believes that there is no greater honour than to make a woman feel beautiful.

It is amazing how a little self-care can change a woman’s perspective, put her in a different mindset and boost her confidence.

“To the persons reading this that have ever wanted to do something but never took the leap

of faith to go after it for whatever reason, always remember that the things we want for ourselves would not come if we do not get up and go after them,” said Jainarain.

Her advice to people is to be perfectly imperfect in their own unique way because if you do not go after your dreams no one will do it for you.

Jainarain was born on September 19, 1989. She loves life and adventure, and above everything else, she is a kind, gentle and a very supportive friend who is logical, practical and systematic in her approach to life.

Nalini Jainarain

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Chronicle Pepperpot June 9, 2019

Guyana welcomes President of the Republic of Ghana THE Government of Guyana is eagerly awaiting the State visit of the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The President will arrive in Guyana on June 10, and will spend his time deepening and strengthening the cordial relationship Guyana has shared with Ghana for the past 40 years. President Akufo-Addo, will leave the jurisdiction on June 12.

GEOGRAPHICAL BREAKDOWN The Republic of Ghana, which is located on the western coast of Africa, almost directly across the Atlantic Ocean from Guyana, gained its Independence on March 6, 1957, after obtaining freedom from the United Kingdom. Ghana became a Republic on July 1, 1960.

Similar to Guyana, Ghana possesses a number of natural resources such as petroleum, gold, silver, timber and bauxite, as well as tropical forests and savannahs.

In the political arena, the Government of Ghana acknowledges the looming threat of climate change and is party to international agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol as well as other treatises on biodiversity, desertification and the protection of endangered species.

Ghanaians make up a poly-ethnic, multi-religious society. As of 2016, the west-African nation boasted a staggering population of over 28 million people, most of whom reside in and around the country’s capital, Accra, located on the western coast, making it the 49th most populated country in the world.

The Non-Aligned Monument located on the Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown. (This photograph is courtesy of the National Trust of Guyana).

DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS Although Guyana officially established diplomatic relations with Ghana on May

These youngsters are celebrating Emancipation Day 2018

14, 1979, Guyana’s Independence movement was greatly influenced by Pan-Africanist and first President of Ghana, Mr. Kwame Nkrumah. During the celebration of Ghana’s Independence in March 1957, Guyana’s political leaders, Dr. Cheddi Jagan and Mr. Forbes Burnham travelled to Ghana to attend the festivities. Throughout their years of leadership, both Presidents Jagan and Burnham maintained good relations with Ghana.

Guyana has long shared common interests with those of the Republic of Ghana.

In 1970, Guyana joined Ghana and several other developing nations as a Member State of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

NAM was officially established in 1961 by President Nkrumah, and the presidents of Yugoslavia, India, Indonesia, and Egypt to govern relations between developing and developed nations.

Upon the opening of the 1972 NAM conference, which was held in Guyana for the first time, President Arthur Chung, unveiled the Non-Aligned Monument, to honour the founding fathers of NAM. The monument, located on the Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown features a bust of each founding father of NAM, each of which were sculpted in the home-country of each of the founding fathers.

Chronicle Pepperpot June 9, 2019 blueprint for the future of Guyana-Ghana relations.

Professor Busia also extended an invitation to all Guyana’s citizens to participate in Ghana’s “Year of Return, Ghana 2019,” a birth-right journey back to Ghana to mark 400 years since the first arrival of enslaved Africans in Jamestown, Virginia.

President David Granger and President of Ghana Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo

The movement, now considered the largest political forum after the United Nations, boasts a membership of 120 States with an additional 17 observing countries and 10 observing intentional organisations.

Guyana has welcomed previous delegations from Ghana, including Flight Lieutenant, Mr. Jerry John Rawlings, then Head of State and Chairman of the Provisional National Defence Council of Ghana, from July 30-31, 1984. Ongoing cooperation between Guyana and Ghana include a 2012 visit to learn about Guyana’s Chainsaw Milling Project and Guyana’s methods of tackling the issue of illegal chainsaw logging. In 2018 a Bilateral Air Services Agreement was signed between then Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Ms. Annette Ferguson and Ghana’s Minister of Aviation, Mr. Joseph Kofi Adda.

Guyana and Ghana continue to invest in their long-standing diplomatic relationship through the office of the High Commissioner. Last month, Guyana received a delegation from Ghana headed by the

Deputy Minister of Energy of Ghana, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam. The delegation came to advance bilateral cooperation between Guyana and Ghana and, with that intent, met with Prime Minister, Mr. Moses Nagamootoo and other Government officials as well as representatives from the Department of Energy, the Guyana Office for Investment (GoInvest), Guyana Association of Bankers, the Forest Products Association of Guyana and the Private Sector Commission.

On May 29, President David Granger accredited the new Ghanaian High Commissioner to Guyana, Professor Abene Pokua Adompim Busia.

During the ceremony, President Granger noted that the 40th year of diplomatic relations provides the ideal opportunity to deepen and strengthen ties between the two countries, making President Akufo-Addo’s State visit a most timely and relevant one. Professor Busia recalled the cultural and political similarities of the countries’ past and outlined trade missions, business ventures, and educational exchanges as a

HISTORIC CONTRIBUTIONS President Granger and many Guyanese historians have documented the contributions of Africans in Guyana, highlighting specifically the contributions of the Maroon people. This African people group, who came to Guyana through the Atlantic slave trade, originated from the West African, Asante people group who lived in modern-day Ghana.

Mr. Alvin O. Thompson, Senior Lecturer in the Department of History at the University of the West Indies, in his monograph ‘Maroons of Guyana’ explained that the Maroons were responsible for many plantation disturbances throughout the Caribbean, particularly in Jamaica and

XXI Suriname. While the Maroons did not have a particularly deadly reputation in Guyana, they became a force to be reckoned with during the 1763 -64 and 1823 slave revolts in Berbice and Demerara respectively. The revolters deserted the plantations in such large numbers that their absence brought significant financial, manpower, and working hour losses to their white owners.

The Maroons would go on to create their own villages and communities throughout the country, some thriving in areas of uncultivated lands inaccessible to Dutch colonizers. This people group and their communities, Mr. Thompson said, would become symbols of the black resistance to slavery as they were seen by the colonizers as more than a nuisance, but a serious threat.

CULTURAL INFLUENCE As the diplomatic relationship between Guyana and Ghana continues to flourish, so does Ghana’s cultural stamp on the Guyana.

Earlier this year, on March 3rd, Guyana celebrated its ninth annual Ghana Day, organ-

President David Granger, First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, and Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton enjoy an Emancipation programme.

ised by the Ghana Day Organisation. The Ghana Day festivities this year, focused on the resuscitation of African culture among African-Guyanese. The cultural day usually features a parade and pageant of traditional Ghanaian clothing and a fair of African food, clothing, accessories, and art.

The Maafa observation hosted by the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) in October 2016.

Guyana also hosts an annual day of remembrance for our African ancestors who faced and perished during the cruellest of circumstances, the Atlantic slave trade or Maafa, which means African Holocaust.

Last October, the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) hosted a ceremony on the Seawall bandstand to honour those who were mistreated and those who perished and were forgotten in passage to the New World. This rite allows observants to reflect on the significant contributions of Africans in Guyana.

Representatives and organisations of the African diaspora are active participants in Guyana’s cultural celebrations, namely the Department of Social Cohesion’s Harmony Village, which usually hosts a number of clothing and artistic displays, and Emancipation Day celebrations, which include ceremonial libations.

The Government and people of Guyana welcome President Akufo-Addo to this great nation. We are honoured to have you. May this State visit be a most encouraging and ambitious indicator of the next 40 years of relations between our two countries. Welcome!

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Soil-borne Diseases This week NAREI in Focus will be looking at soil-borne diseases. All gardens have a range of permanent soilborne disease organisms which are usually contained in a balanced environment where organisms, soil conditions, and hosts interact in a complex system. Garden plants only show symptoms of disease when this

balance is disrupted, and pathogen organisms become dominant.

Gardeners can overcome disease by improving plant conditions, creating a hostile environment for the disease and by stimulating the growth of beneficial soil organisms.

Pre-emergence damping-off is where young seedlings decay in the soil before they appear above the soil surface.

This occurs when conditions for seed germination are poor, such as cold, hot or very wet soil, poorly-drained soil, compacted soil or in the presence of undecayed organic matter.

TYPES OF SOIL-BORNE DISEASES Soil-borne diseases in the garden include pre and post-emergence damping-off, like Fusarium, Pythium and Rhizoctonia species, root rot, including Phytophthora, vascular wilts caused by fungi including Verticillium and nematodes.

Post-emergence damping-off is where stems and roots of tender seedlings are attacked at the soil line and the seedlings fall over. High salt concentrations in the soil also cause damping-off.

Root rots can affect plants beyond the seedling stage when the fungi invade internal root tissue, interfering with the supply of water and nutrients. Aboveground symptoms include loss of vigour, leaf yellowing, leaf drop, wilting starting at the growing tip, twig dieback, and sudden death.

Vascular wilts are characterised by plant wilting and discolouration of the vascular system at stems or trunks and branches.

Nematodes are microscopic, unsegmented worms.

They include pest nematodes like the root-knot nematode which invades the roots and causes them to form gall-like lesions that restrict water and nutrient uptake which causes wilting.

TO PREVENT DISEASE SPREAD To prevent disease spread plant material, including cuttings, transplants, and seeds, should come from reliable sources. Research the disease history of gardens before transplanting plants from them.

Sterilise second-hand tools including pots, trellises and support material before using or reusing them in your garden. Use sodium hypochlorite at 1.2 % of available chlorine to disinfect materials.

Dispose of diseased plant material by burning or composting. Do not use the material for mulching until it is well broken down.

PLANT STRESSES High temperatures, low soil moisture or continued flooding predispose plants to disease.

To reduce plant stress transplant during cool, moist weather when continued mild conditions are forecast.

Shade and mulch soil using medium to coarse grades bark mulches, which allow rain or irrigation water to penetrate the soil. Grow transplants in well-drained soil and protect them from drying winds. Products like antitranspirants, which are sprayed onto the leaves, can help reduce moisture loss from young seedlings. Do not fertilise plants in hot, dry weather.

Seedlings should be transplanted into their permanent positions when they are sufficiently hardened but still young. Plants are generally more susceptible to transplanting injury as they age. Soil organisms will use these injuries to invade the plant.

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WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY FOCUSES ON AIR POLLUTION CONSUMER Associations and Consumer Advocates worldwide are deeply interested in protecting the Environment since with a clean and healthy Environment, the quality and even the longevity of human life is bettered. On June 5 each year, World Environment Day is commemorated worldwide in over 100 countries including Guyana when one aspect of the Environment is focused on. This year’s focus is on Air Pollution. In addressing Air Pollution, individuals, governments, communities and industries are urged to come together and work towards achieving renewable energy since the widespread use of fossil fuels is the major pollutant. Together with this, is the working towards Green Technologies which is also linked to stabilising and reversing Climate Change which is threatening to destroy life on the planet as we know it, Renewable energy and green technologies and a green economy would certainly improve air quality in the cities and wherever there are large congregations of human beings.

In Guyana, though we are not affected

by Air Pollution in the acute ways other

parts of the world are, and especially the large cities, we still have some pollution and it is useful in protecting our future to have knowledge of the experiences of other countries. In Beijing, the capital of China and parts of London, for example, because of the air pollution largely caused by the burning of fossil fuels, people have had to be hospitalised from breathing air full of particles and smog-inducing ozone. This polluted air destroys the lungs and impairs health.

The facts given by the World Health Organization (WHO) of the effects of Air Pollution are very disturbing. The WHO estimates that seven million people die each year from breathing polluted air. Air Pollution not only threatens human health and life, but it has also far-ranging economic effects. For example, the welfare costs due to Air Pollution and its effects on reducing economic productivity levels is $5 trillion.

It also reduces crop yields causing further economic loss; it is estimated that it will reduce staple crop yields by 26 percent by 2030. Indeed, it is estimated that 92 percent of the world’s people do not breathe clean air. This figure implies that not every coun-

try or region has the same level of air pollution and Guyana is among the fortunate ones of having less air pollution than others.

China has been chosen to host the World Environment Day celebrations this year.

China is a very welcome choice since China is known to host such events with style and capability better than most countries and also because China is one of the countries which suffers most from air pollution.

China has been going through a very rapid Industrial Revolution and has been using coal and fossil fuel as power and these are among the major sources of air pollution.

The term “Environment” in its widest sense would mean the entire human environment which would include the land mass and the seas but also the flora and fauna. Various international bodies have responsibility for various aspects of the Environment as for example, the World Wildlife Fund which is concerned with fauna. Though the activities of these organisations may overlap, there is never any conflict among them.

Though Guyana is not acutely affected

by Air Pollution, the government since 2000 had put into place Regulations pre-

scribing a regime of protection against Air Pollution which reads: “Any person who emits air contaminants shall register with the Environmental Protection Agency and a person who emits any air contaminant in the construction, installation, operation, modification or extension of any facility relating to (a) industry (b) commerce (c) agriculture or (d) any institution, shall apply to the Environmental Agency for an Environmental Authorisation”. In other words, any activities or entities which may emit any polluted air would have to be inspected and licensed by the Environmental Agency.

The Environmental Agency not only has the responsibility for effectuating the Regulations, “it has the responsibility to take the necessary measures to manage, conserve, protect and improve the environment. This entails that the Agency takes action to prevent and control pollution; assess the impact of economic development on the environment; and ensures sustainable use of Guyana’s natural resources”. This article was done with the consultation of the Environmental Protection Agency.

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Chronicle Pepperpot June 9, 2019

The negative power of hate LAST week I spoke about loving your body and the responses have resulted in today’s hot topic.

Many of us also give and receive hate,

towards ourselves yes, but definitely more so towards others. Honestly, I’ve never truly understood hate in all its power, mainly because I’m not fully capable of it. Of course,

I’m human so I’ve hated but I don’t think it’s ever lasted a long period of time, and I thank whatever higher power there is for that. I’ve hated someone with all my being one day and completely shook it the next. I attribute it to empathy and no offence to anyone but I feel those who consistently hate are simply not likely to empathise or be compassionate, which is such a shame as feeling these allows for the understanding that everyone is human and makes mistakes. On the other hand, people do what’s right for them and sometimes it may not be right for you but that’s life, isn’t it?

I’ve had (and still have) many people who’ve hated me for years over the silliest things. Honestly, if I was to take the cruel route, I would say that it makes me feel powerful to be able to elicit such strong emotions by just being me. However, truth is, I feel nothing but sadness for them, that they experience something so overwhelming, which affects me in absolutely no way but instead, drains their resources that could be efficiently used elsewhere.

Responding to hate with kindness and indifference may seem like the weak thing to do but believe me, it creates an inner peace that the giver of hate will never have.

A prison doesn’t necessarily have to be a physical place as allowing that hate within you forms a mental prison and believe me, you’re the only inmate.

The word on its own carries such immense power, let alone the actions that come along with it. Hate for another person dims your light and poisons your spirit. It affects all relationships around you, whether you’re aware of it or not.

We all know it- hating is exhausting so why do we do it? More importantly, how can we stop?

First, ask yourself- do I have hate in my life? Which one is it? There are two forms of hate: the kind that’s turned outward (explosion), and the kind that’s turned inward (implosion), with both creating equally damaging behaviours.

At the centre of all hate is blame, when we feel responsible (implosion) or we fault others (explosion) for a disheartening situation. Neither is the right or beneficial thing to feel.

This will be hard to hear but even when it seems like it, other people are not responsible for us. They may be responsible for an event that happened but they are definitely not responsible for how you feel about it and how you’ve chosen to deal with it. This may make you feel like a forever victim but the fact that no one but you is responsible for your feelings or behaviours should actually make you feel quite invincible. How people feel about you in no way affects who you are and just the same, you can’t think someone into being something or someone else. Instead, you can control the feelings that can lead to hatred.

I read somewhere that HATE can also stand for Healing Aggressive Thoughts Emotionally.

You can stop and take a breath to diffuse your hatred and challenge your hateful thoughts, replacing them with more calming and rational ones.

Mind your words – to yourself and others; “Be careful of what you say because you are listening”. It is very possible to constantly reinforce your own hate, even when you, yourself want to let it go. Feeding these negative thoughts with harsher words will just feed your hatred and increase your anger.

Be more open-minded and understanding; accepting other’s beliefs does not necessarily mean you have to change yours, does it?

Embrace forgiveness as there is no hate without self-sabotage. ??If you are the object of unnecessary hate, unfortunately, there is nothing you can do as the giver of hate is the only person who can make that change. It may be upsetting, disheartening or even frightening but all you can do is remain calm and thank your lucky stars that you do not reciprocate those overwhelming feelings. You absolutely do not have to hate back.

Remember this important fact – what people hate most about others are the things they either fear or truly want within themselves. Hate is truly an attempt to distract oneself from feeling helpless, powerless and shame. It is the only way they can regain some kind of power over a situation that did not go their way. It means they lack self and general compassion. If they keep hate in their heart, much of that is dedicated inward as it is only when we show ourselves love and compassion can we demonstrate it outwardly.

Remember that you have to actively hate someone whereas not hating or even not caring requires no action. Hate has a future and no hate or no care leaves things in the past.

If you are a giver of unnecessary hate and want to let this hate go, you are not alone or weak. I know people who have been professionally trained to show respect and empathy who still cannot manage to do it. However, it is very possible to do. You can accept your hate and take some responsibility for what you are feeling; the only requirement is the want and will to do so. Remember that forgiveness does not require an apology and a war requires two active sides.

I’ll leave you with a famous short story.

“A grandfather talking to his young grandson tells the boy he has two wolves inside of him, struggling with each other.

The first is the wolf of peace, love and kindness. The other is the wolf of fear, greed and hatred. “Which wolf will win, grandfather?” asks the young boy. “Whichever one you feed” is the reply.”

Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always! Suicide Prevention Helpline – 2230001, 223-0009, 623-4444 or 600-7896. Do not be afraid to reach out!

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‘Let it FRO!’ Natural hair and you (pt.1)

really is, I definitely do not want to end the conversation here so keep a look out for next week’s piece as I share more with you all. Before I leave, Tanaycia Luyken, a makeup artist from Berbice, shared her views on this topic: “Well let me first say that no one, I repeat, no one wanted me to cut my hair. I would always hear “going natural is not for everybody” or “ if yuh cut ya hair it won’t grow back”. My hair texture is what some would not classify as “good hair” rather they would see it as“

IF you follow me on social media, you’d know that I wrote a short piece on my experience with my hair thus far and I believe I should use this platform again.

Believe it or not, there are some people who perhaps do not know what their natural hair looks like. But what is this ‘natural hair’ that we speak of? For those who aren’t of mixed of African descent, you might be a bit lost already but it’s quite self-explanatory. Natural hair speaks about the texture of one’s hair.

If it is untouched by any chemicals (relaxers, perms, etc.) then we can consider it to be natural, changing the colour of the hair does not count. Women and as surprisingly as it may sound, males too (I know a few), change the texture of their hair for tons of different reasons. First of all, to say the prices of natural hair products are lofty is an understatement; one can only hope Cantu product prices drop soon. The reasons may be even more complexed as to social pressures, traditions of changing hair textures in family, not liking how one’s natural hair looks, etc.

One may choose to go natural by the doing ‘the big chop’, which is basically cutting off your hair and allowing it to grow into its natural curl patterns. Some may also choose to use protective hairstyles such as braids and wigs, although research has shown that this is not the most effective way unless the hair is treated with the necessary oil products and given space to ‘breathe’. Now, I know what you’re thinking, why is Marissa talking about natural hair when her hair is not as curly? Or so you think. On a personal

note, I myself can relate to the struggle of having people ‘not understand’ your hair and its texture.

Fifteen-year-old, Teija Edwards shared her transitioning story: “Well, my transition started back in 2016 when I was now entering Third form. I had relaxed hair for almost four years and to the normal person my hair seemed thick and healthy but it really wasn’t and I was getting tired of having to spend hours in the salon to get my hair done so I told my mother I wanted to go back natural and she gave me the go ahead. In October of that same year, I did my ‘big chop’ and I started going to school with what I called my ‘mini-fro’ so much so that I was given the nickname of J. Cole. It wasn’t an easy ride, my principal didn’t understand my hair and what it was going through so she always told me to find a way to keep it down even though at that time it was not possible and my vice principal was even worse. A black woman herself, I expected her to respect and understand the transition I was going through but that was not the case, so throughout my entire Third form I had to deal with the school system and their bias towards black students and their hair but luckily my hair grows really fast so by the time it was time for me to go into Fourth form I was able to “tame” my hair.”

Sadly enough, Teija’s story is relatable to many Guyanese girls who plan to transition in Secondary School. The ‘Natural Hair Movement’ is one that’s growing rapidly, as more and more women choose to rock their curls and put down the relaxer kits. This column was to give you a brief insight on what Natural Hair

nappy” or “untamed” nevertheless I put a brave face on and secretly did the “big chop” and at first I was a bit nervous but after telling myself to own it I became so confident and proud of my roots, so much that everyone around me thought my hair didn’t matter to me! For the three years I’ve been natural, I’ve found what works best for my 4c hair through trial and error and I’ve grown to love my THICK KINKY coils and would definitely like to encourage others to let that fro grow!”

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Chronicle Pepperpot June 9, 2019

#SupportCreativity

On Playwrights (II) DESPITE the important place that playwrights occupy in world literature (William Shakespeare, Arthur Miller, Samuel Beckett, Tennessee Williams, Harold Pinter, Oscar Wilde, Henrik Ibsen, Derek Walcott, Wole Soyinka, Lorraine Hansbury, are all noteworthy playwrights), there undoubtedly remains some sort of stigma attached to being a playwright – as if the writing of plays exists on a level

of writing that is below the writing of poems and prose.

Why does playwriting not get the respect it deserves? I think a part of it has to do with theatre itself being built on so many different genres and artistic styles. So while the novelist or the poet can write and immediately send their work out into the world, the playwright has to write, then wait as his/her work goes through several stages where other art forms

come together to shape the playwright’s words on the stage. So, in a way, what is seen on stage might be regarded as only one aspect of the whole artistic endeavour that is theatre. This ‘being a part of’ rather than ‘being the whole’ work of art might be that which confuses people into believing that the written text of a play is not a form of art in its own right.

However, what those people are missing is the knowledge of playwriting contributing

By Subraj Singh to part of the whole work of art, playwriting being a work of art itself, and playwriting probably being a more complex form of writing than either poetry or prose.

It is true that the text is only a part of the various disciplines that come together to create a stage play. However, it is possible to contend that the text of the play itself is the most important, as, without the text, there is no story – no lines for the actors to read, no stage directions, no notes regarding music or costume. However, once the base is established, the text gives life to the physical play by taking on actors who come with the discipline of acting firmly entrenched within themselves, a director who comes with the artistic skill of directing, musicians, costume designers, set designers, choreographers and many others come to the production, to bring the text to life, to make it come alive on the stage, bringing with them their entire arsenal of artistic skills so that at the end of the day, when the play booms to life on opening night, it can be quite easy to forget that beneath an actress’ sterling performance, beneath the glamorous costumes, beneath the soaring music and the giant sets, there is a small book of words – the text – the play that gave life to everything else that stands upon it, and in this way, it becomes easy to see why the playwright is often relegated when surrounded by actors, directors, dancers and so on.

The skills of many people in a theatrical production take on visual, physical, or tangi-

Derek Walcott, Caribbean Playwright – Image source: Wikipedia

ble forms. It is only the playwright’s work that remains intangible while giving form to all of these other areas of artistry.

Regarding the text of the play as a work of art by itself – this categorisation should be obvious. The written word regarding all of the elements that constitute works of fiction (characters, literary techniques and devices, wordplay, etc.) are utilised by playwrights in a number of unique and interesting ways. Derek Walcott’s plays contain the language and imagery of the Caribbean, while Shakespeare’s employs the poetic strategies that he is most famous for.

There is no doubt that plays function as literature and, therefore, can be regarded as works of art that tell stories, educate, and represent and pass on traditions and cultural norms and forms.

There is one important

element that needs to be observed when talking about playwrights in comparison to other professions in the arts, particularly other writers, and this is the fact that playwrights often have to go beyond the expectations that the world has for writers.

We are not only expected to tell a good story and to ensure that our work contains enough literary heft, but we also have to contend with the fact that our work might never reach an audience if it is not staged. Playwrights have to write knowing that their work is designed for performance, for an actor to present to the world – and this brings with it certain limitations and certain difficulties that a poet or a writer of prose would never have to contend with. Playwrights often have to deal with stage directions, while incorporating set designs, musical interludes (sometimes with lyrics and music), as well as carefully tracking the entrance and exits of characters, as well as the placement of props and set pieces within the play. It is overwhelming, laborious work, as all writing is – and yet, it can definitely be regarded as being more overwhelming and laborious than probably any other kind of writing.

Despite all of this, playwrights are still often seen as inferior to actors and directors, inferior to poets, inferior to short story writers, and so on. This notion is unfounded and perpetuates a harmful untruth of the role, the work, and the contribution of playwrights.

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

NEW CREATIONS

I DID mention in my previous article what a challenging two months my family endured. One of the bible verses that got us through is: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6. I am convinced that there is purpose in pain. Pressure sometimes gives us the power to fulfil purpose. My valley experiences have elevated my faith and propelled me to the mountain top many times.

During the time I was caring for my brother I created a new concept. My studio is down the hall from his room, so sometimes I go there to think and pray. One day I picked up a piece of fabric and a concept I have never done was downloaded; I shared it with my siblings and they approved.

This concept does not have my signature latticing, but is even more versatile than the outfits with the latticing. It can be worn four ways as a top and converted into a scarf, headband and beach wrap.

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Chronicle Pepperpot June 9, 2019

GENDER AND OCEANSWORLD OCEANS DAY 2019

GENDER AND OCEANS FOR centuries, women have been the gatekeepers and guardians of the environment. However, time and time again, in key policy decisions, the voices of women are neglected or ignored. Recognising the role that women play in managing natural resources, this year’s World Oceans Day is celebrated under the theme of “Gender and the Ocean.” The voices of women are essential as we begin to think of critical solutions to solve the current realities of the ocean. Women are a resource in offering profound traditional and contemporary knowledge. This year, World Oceans Day provides an opportunity to explore the gender dimension of humankind’s relationship with the ocean. On June 8th, we celebrate the importance of our oceans and the role they play in sustaining a healthy planet.

Sustainable Goal 5: Achieve gender equity and empower all women and girls The importance of gender equality- particularly for the effective conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources - is increasingly being recognised. Bringing it closer to home, at the Environmental Protection Agency, the water quality unit is operated by a group of female officers. Senior Environmental Officer, Michel Swanston noted that “women have an important role in managing our water resources. For instance, with fresh water, women are the ones in the home who are in charge of ensuring the household has sufficient clean water.”

The Environmental Protection Agency has been instrumental in involving women in protecting the environment through training workshops, seminars and other forms of outreach. The topics include: climate change, waste management, energy and water-wise practices and biodiversity

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Chronicle Pepperpot June 9, 2019 ◄◄◄ From page XXVIII

I did a photo shoot with Eclipse Studio with my new collection and that new invention fascinated Cleaveland the photographer. Joanne, Raisa, Jessica and Carolyn totally enjoyed the experience wearing the new creations for the new masterpieces. I pride myself in designing clothing that covers nudity or beautifies the exterior; my designs provide an experience of inner beauty and peace according to feedback from the models and they are also my clients.

“Sonia Noel’s new collection is a dazzling array of fluid chic. The clothes celebrate the essence of the female urging the wearer to confidently move her body with assurance; she looks stylish. This is not a collection for a specific age or shape, it is a collection for all women, regardless. The fabric floats around the form and the pieces have a multitude of ways to wear them: Feeling sexy. Wear it this way. Feeling bold. Twist it around and voila here is a new look all from the same piece. With this collection, you wear it your way.

The colours are sensational; it’s timelessly fashionable and when you wear a Sonia Noel piece you, will turn heads, because you look beautiful.” Jessica Hadfield “Sonia Noel’s designs are stylish and beautiful, infused with that Caribbean flare[sic]. I usually rock her pieces when I travel Internationally; it offers a sneak peek of our rich and diverse culture.” Caroline Ceasar Murray.

“This is not the first time wearing Sonia Noel’s design, but this collection has really stood on its own. It just has a different energy to them. The colours are so uplifting and release an energy of positive emotions. Being a part of the shoot was a smooth rhythm of I’m beautiful, sexy, expensive, valuable, desired and most of all woman of confidence’’ and the world stopped to admire me. It was my America’s Next Top Model moment, lol.” Joanne Ford.

Lots of people message me with the question if I am still designing, because many persons are noticing that my personal and professional development journey, along with writing books, have been taking priority lately. I am finding a way to marry the two, because they both are contributing to me fulfilling my purpose. I will continue to pay tribute to my brother Sherwin Noel through this new creation and I know he will be smiling still feeling the love from his big sis. Check out the Sonia Noel Designs page on FB for pictures of the new outfits and feel free to send me your feedback. The collection will be shown at the July High Tea at Pegasus. We all possess special gifts and talents and ARE unique which reminds of a quote someone sent me.

“The razor blade is sharp but can’t cut a tree; the axe is strong but can’t cut the hair. Everyone is important according to his/her own unique purpose … Never look down on anyone unless you are admiring their shoes ….”

Let’s appreciate our uniqueness and the people who inspire our lives, as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY. ◄◄◄ From page XXIX

Approximately three-quarters of our planet is covered in water, to the point where is it called “The Blue Planet”.

The oceans provide food, generate oxygen, and regulate our climate. Healthy oceans are critical to our survival as a planet, and particularly those who live along coastlines.

World Oceans Day allows us to: • Change perspective – Encourage individuals to think about what the ocean means to them and what it has to offer all of us with hopes of conserving it for present and the future generations.

• Learn – Discover the wealth of diverse and beautiful ocean creatures and habitats, how our daily actions affect them, and how we are all interconnected.

• Change our ways – We are all linked to, and through, the ocean! By taking care of your backyard and helping in your community, you are acting as a caretaker of our ocean. Making small modifications to your everyday habits will make a difference, and involving your family, friends, and community will benefit our blue planet even more!

• Celebrate – Whether you live inland or on the coast, we are all connected to the ocean. Take the time to think about how the ocean affects you, and how you affect the ocean, and then organise or participate in activities that celebrate our ocean.

TOGETHER WE CAN PROTECT AND RESTORE OUR OCEANS. 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.

Chronicle Pepperpot June 9, 2019

Scientists create an AI-powered computer system that can tell if a baby is hungry, tired or in pain by listening to their cries

A computer programme, powered by artificial intelligence, is capable of identifying and differentiating between babies’ cries to tell parents what their children want.

The system, developed by researchers from the IEEE and the Chinese Association of Automation, can detect whether the cry is because of hunger, fatigue. illness or if it is in pain.

While each baby’s cry is unique, they share some common features when they result from the same reasons.

The team used an algorithm based on automatic speech recognition to detect and recognise the features of infant cries.

These sound signals were identified using ‘compressed sensing’, a process that reconstructs a sound based on sparse data, especially useful for noisy environments.

The researchers designed a cry language recognition algorithm which can distinguish the meanings of both normal and abnormal cry signals in a noisy environment.

The algorithm is picks up the signals of the individual crier, and then stores that information and what the cry meant.

This means that it can be used in a broader sense in practical scenarios as a way to recognise and classify various cry features and better understand why babies are crying and how urgent the cries are.

‘Like a special language, there is lots of health-related information in various cry sounds,’ said Lichuan Liu, corresponding author and Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering and the Director of Digital Signal Processing Laboratory.

‘The differences between sound signals actually carry the information. These differences are represented by different features of the cry signals.

‘To recognise and leverage the information, we have to extract the features and then obtain the information in it.’

The team hope that the findings could be applicable to other medical care circumstances in which decision making relies heavily on experience. ‘The ultimate goals are healthier babies and less pressure on parents and care givers,’ said Dr Liu. ‘We are looking into collaborations with hospitals and medical research centers, to obtain more data and requirement scenario input, and hopefully we could have some products for clinical practice.’ The research was published in the journal of Automatica Sinica (JAS).

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First unofficial Note 10 renders show off Samsung’s refreshed aesthetic

CONSIDERING Samsung usually reveals its Galaxy Note devices in the fall or late summer, it was about time we started to see some proper leaks of the upcoming Note 10. But while I was expecting essentially a Galaxy S10 with a bigger screen and a stylus, the first renders of the Note 10 and Note 10 Pro (Samsung is supposedly releasing two Notes this time) appear to suggest a new design language altogether.

The renders come courtesy of Pricebaba and reliable leaker @OnLeaks. To be clear, these don’t appear to be official renders, but rather designs based on known dimensions and features that should closely replicate the final product, as has been the case with previous OnLeaks releases.

The new look isn’t completely revolutionary – the phones are still glass sandwiches – but they’re a departure for Samsung’s Galaxy devices. Most notably, Samsung is dropping the rounded quadrangle camera enclosure it’s used since its very first Android phones. It’s an all-around sleeker look, albeit perhaps a little more generic.

The render also corroborates some of the rumors we’ve heard before: the phones will supposedly omit the headphone jack – a puzzling choice for devices aimed at power-users – and the Bixby button. Thankfully, Samsung seems to have abandoned its plan to replace the physical power and volume buttons with haptic feedback and sensors. That would be awful.

The Pro version is sporting four cameras – ultrawide, wide, tele and depth – and an in-display fingerprint sensor under the 6.75-inch panel. The smaller device opts for a 6.3inch screen and loses the depth AKA time-of-flight sensor. On both devices, the front-facing camera is placed at the center, rather than the side as on the S10 family. Curiously, the Note 10 siblings only have one selfie camera, seemingly omitting the depth sensor on the S10 Plus.

Other expected specs, at least for the Pro, include a Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 920, up to 12GB of RAM, a 4,500 mAh battery, and 45W fast charging. That last bit is particularly notable as Samsung has stuck to a now-pedestrian 15W for years, taking almost two hours for a full charge on the Note 9. For comparison, the OnePlus 7 Pro’s 30W charger goes from zero to 50 percent in 20 minutes with its 30W charger.

It’s not an entirely remarkable redesign, but I appreciate the change of pace, especially the ability to choose a ‘small’ version of the Note 10. We’ll surely find out more as leaks make their way to the internet throughout the summer.

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English

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STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, We understand the ongoing debate in your homes about whether you necessarily must study in a private and quiet environment.

Press for a decision and a maintenance of that decision. Be aware that the take here

is primarily care, respect and expectation for upward mobility in your life and home.

Your active preparation for any examination includes family support whether it be to provide quietude or a tolerant background of music or sound. Know what helps you study well. Be wise.

Love you.

ing

GOOD WRITING Improving your narrative writ-

Chronicle Pepperpot June 9, 2019

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Four be the things I’d been better Narrative writing gets improved when the writer deliberatewithout:Love, curiosity, freckles, and ly takes time to master techniques doubt. DOROTHY PARKER in his or her writing. What are (1893-1967) Inventory some of the ways in which writing can be developed? Look at the following deliberate choices: are) glad to receive cash gifts.

- maintenance of a narrator’s point of 13. Give Madam Simone the prize. She view, is the only one of the workers who (come, - devices that allow readers to visualise comes) early to work. locations, actions, persons and other story 14. Alexander, not his sisters, (work, aspects, and works) during the long August holidays.

- story construction that represents what 15. The school’s first choice of cheer was first vibrantly created in your mind’s eye. leaders (is, are) slim, tall students.

These may include any of the following 16. Neither the puppies nor their mother ? arresting details you planned to include, (expect, expects) to be fed twice daily. and 17. The family friend’s whereabouts (are, ? your kind of energetic verbs, adjectives, is) a secret. Even the immediate family memnouns. bers (haven’t, hasn’t) been told by authorities.

Your writing still may not be well enough 18. (Have, Has) anyone in your swim if you have not developed other writing de- practice class lost a new blue towel? vices.

19. Some of my family members usually a) The skill of prediction: Prediction al- (helps, help) me complete my difficult aslows readers to have informed guesses about signments. what will happen in your stories. It provides 20. Saltfish and bakes (make, makes) a clues that keep readers’ interest high, wonder- good breakfast. ing about future events.

21. Four-sevenths of our mango trees (are, b) Flashback: Flashback is designed when is) blooming this time around. you write about a scene which relates an 22. Long boots (is, are) my favourite event that happened in the past; maybe you Christmas gift to children. want to hint at something important about a SECOND: Examine the agreement of character’s past. subject and verb in the following examples.

Most of all, an important aspect of im1. A big bundle of boras was sold cheap proving story writing is to have a well-struc- in the market last week. tured plot. Plot is your sequencing of related 2. Vanessa, as well as her children, is here. events in your story. Any story you produce 3. More of this domestic violence issue should show that you have paid attention to needs airing. the following: exposition, conflict, rising 4. Most of my superiors have already left action, climax, falling action, and resolution. the nursing profession for greener pastures.

5. All of it is yours. All of these are mine.

STUDY SUCCESS 6. Most of this debate has been political.

Subject and verb agreement 7. Most of these accusations have been FIRST: This exercise is to help improve politically motivated. your dexterity in correctly pairing the subject 8. Part of my granddaughter’s poem is and verb in the various sentence structures missing. below. Go back to your choices and explain them to at least two study partners.

ADJECTIVES 1. Timothy and Terrence (is, are) properly Improve on your power of description by attired today. (Was, Were) either correctly carefully choosing your adjectives. Rememdressed yesterday? ber that clear, precise adjectives improve 2. The tweezers (is, are) not hard to description. squeeze.

1) In the following three sentences note 3. Sixty-five percent of the homes (have, how adjectives like craggy, muggy, creepy, has) no study rooms at their children’s dis- soothing, alluring, wrinkly, and smudgy, help posal. create precise word pictures.

4. Gregory, as well as his stepsisters, (has, You and two study partners can create have) to study in his mother’s garage. others to extend this exercise.

5. (Don’t, Doesn’t) Lionel go next door to a) The craggy mountain looked treacherdo his assignments? ous to the young hikers’ untrained eyes.

6. (Was, Were) you at deliverance service b) One hiker said it resembled the face of yesterday? a creepy old man back in the village.

7. One of our new members (has, have) c) What is wrong with you? Don’t you been chosen to join the choir. expect holding the towels with filthy fingers 8. The people across the street (was, were) will make them smudgy? Don’t you expect an hour late for the service. Time (don’t, this airless storeroom to be muggy after all doesn’t) mean much to them. this time?

9. It (seems, seem) all right. Twenty 2) Revise the following sentences by addthousand dollars (are, is) not too much for ing at least one vivid adjective to each. that church outfit.

1. Fire rose from the cane fields.

10. There (is, are) never too many workers 2. The group of youngsters laughed. in the cane fields!

3. The main road that runs through Re11. Each of the seven children (was, were) gency Park. left a share of the house in their mother’s will.

4. Noise filled the wedding hall.

12. Helen is one of those siblings who (is, 5. Some points are in paragraph one.

Chronicle Pepperpot June 9, 2019

Cheese Souffle

INGREDIENTS 8 oz cheese, grated 3/4 pt milk 1/2 tsp salt 1 1/2 tsp dry mustard 1 tsp grated onion 5 eggs, separated 2 tbsp flour 1/4 tsp cream of tartar METHOD Grease a 2 quart souffle dish well and place a band of aluminum foil around the outside, extending 2 inches above it.

Heat milk in a double saucepan to just below boiling point (about 2 minutes).

Add cheese, salt,mustard and onion and stir until cheese melts (about 1-2 minutes longer).

Beat egg yolks and blend in flour. Add small amount of hot cheese sauce to egg yolks.

Mix well.

Slowly return egg yolk mixture to cheese sauce.

Cook over water until sauce thickens, stirring constantly.

Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until whites are stiff.

Gently fold cheese mixture into egg whites.

Pour into prepared dish.

Place in a pan of hot water and bake in a moderate oven, 350 degrees, for about 50 minutes.

Remove foil and bake 10 minutes longer until golden brown.

Serve at once.

Serves 6

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