Guyana_Chronicle_Pepperpot_Epaper_12_06_2020

The people of Adventure Village

- Making the most of life

Secretary of the Adventure Village CDC, Theresa Fung-Ke-Fung (right) sits with a village resident under a shady tree after a day of chores. Fung-KeFung says that the CDC aims to empower the young people of the village so that they can become gainfully employed (Carl Croker photo)

Sunday, December 06, 2020

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 06, 2020

Women’s wellness with wonders

By Francis Quamina Farrier

ALL over the world in this Leap Year 2020, humans are much more alert and concerned about their health. That is so principally due to the current COVID-19 pandemic which plagues every country worldwide and which is taking many lives. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been monitoring and giving data and advice wherever needed as the pandemic rages on, principally in the United States of America, Brazil and the Western European countries, where tens of thousands have already died. New Zealand remains one of the most successful countries in keeping its citizens well in this year of the

ADA founder Allison David-Alexander (Photo

by Francis Q. Farrier)

COVID-19 pandemic. With a five-million population, its number of coronavirus deaths has remained at 25 for over six months.

Here in Guyana, there are those persons who are gifted and interested in help-

ing others with health issues to regain their full health.

Looking back half a century and longer, we can recall the many ‘unqualified’ individuals who practised medicine and health works very successfully. Take the

CARICOM Youth Ambassador Samantha Sheoprashad (Photo by Francis Q. Farrier)

popular midwives of the past who had no college or university degree in medicine, yet they delivered babies over not one generation, but two and even three, with total success. Most of them never had a single case of infant mortality. I have known midwives who, without an X-Ray, were able to recognise a baby in the womb which was not properly placed. With their bare hands, they turned the unborn baby and positioned it for normal vaginal birth.

Those who are old enough to remember would recall the celebrity Dispenser Gregory Howard Matthews, well-known as “Doc. Matthews” who ran a popular dispensary at 76 Public Road, Grove, East Bank Demerara. ‘Doc’ Matthews was so successful that he had patients who travelled from all around the country as well as from overseas seeking his service. So popular was this qualified “Sick-Nurse/ Dispenser” that a large bus of passengers from Georgetown would arrive and every passenger would disembark and head into his drug store to be attended by ‘Doc’ Matthews. As a young boy, I was a patient of ‘Doc’ on a few occasions. The medicines which he prescribed were rather limited -- Special (Vat) water, Liniment, ointment and a few others. But they sufficed. His patients revived and regained full health.

At this time in Guyana, there are health issues other than the coronavirus which are being addressed by health workers and administrators: Hypertension, Diabetes, HIV and Aids,

Malaria and several other maladies. In fact, such health

projects which will assist with the improving wellness of the Guyanese people.

COVID-19 is posing a big challenge for the Ministry of Health, mainly because there are those Guyanese who are very undisciplined and refuse to obey the COVID-19 protocols: wear a face mask, wash hands regularly and stay at least six feet away from others.

Beyond the Ministry of Health are those citizens who have the capability and willingness, like ‘Doc’ Matthews of old, to be supportive of the official health programmes. They

‘Doc’ Gregory Howard Matthews, 1898-1975; Guyanese Celebrity Nurse/Dispenser (Photo courtesy of Dr. Lear Matthews)

issues were there before the arrival of COVID-19. The present Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony, is a medical doctor, which augurs well for the Ministry of Health being well supervised in programmes and

are those who have been blessed with a natural talent and gift for the healing process. For example, there is the ADA Wellness Foundation -- a non-profit organisation founded by See Page IV

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 06, 2020

Inspiring the voices of indigenous women - Shulinab’s Goretti Lewis turns personal loss into advocacy against gender-based violence and for women’s rights

GORETTI Lewis was six years old when her mother, a Wapishan-Arawak woman, age 26, was brutally murdered by a spouse in Lethem, and miles away from the family’s Shulinab home, in the South Rupununi. Today, 36 years later, Goretti, now 42, stands

pununi leaders engaged with various partners and agencies including a meeting with Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

At first glance, perhaps before the start of a meeting, Goretti may appear quiet and reserved, a simple Wapishan-Makushi woman

Poverty, agro-processing and knowledge-building Reflecting on her childhood days in Shulinab, Goretti related that their maternal grandmother raised her and a younger brother after their

Goretti Lewis and other indigenous women leaders of the South Rupununi participating in a workshop.

a strong indigenous advocate against domestic and gender-based violence, an issue some may not perceive too sore in hinterland areas. However, according to Goretti, it is a major challenge, and she remains motivated in activism and in representing women’s rights, equality and empowerment alongside the development of indigenous communities.

A wife, a mother of five and a farmer, Goretti wears many official hats. She is the Secretary of the Shulinab Village Council; Assistant Secretary/Treasurer of the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC); Secretary of the Kanuku Mountain Community Representative Group (KMCRG) and head of the SRDC’s Wapishan Women Movement Arm. She also manages the community’s school feeding programme under the Ministry of Education. This past week, Lewis was in Georgetown with a group of other South Ru-

possibly attending to quell her curiosity, one may assume. When she takes the floor to speak, however, Goretti instantly becomes a powerhouse, presenting her cause with eloquence and the highest level of confidence.

In an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, Goretti explained how, due to financial hardships, she secured only a primary-level education though she longed to pursue secondary school.

A determination for self-empowerment led her participation in numerous workshops, training sessions, events, meetings and any other public forum that provided an avenue for exposure and knowledge building. Whether it was a forestry workshop, an agro-exhibition or a community meeting, Goretti used the opportunity to learn and make her voice heard to represent various women and community matters.

mom died. Although very young at the time, Goretti said she still remembers her mother. “She was beautiful and a quiet woman….Onto this day, I do not know why her husband killed her, but he stabbed her and then he killed himself,” Lewis indicated. Family members, she noted, were also traumatised and shocked since the couple appeared happy, and never exhibited signs that their union was abusive or troubled. Life was challenging after the death of her mother as Goretti’s grandmother struggled financially to sustain the young children. In her teenage years, Goretti learnt the art of fruit preservation from a family acquaintance who was skilled at producing dates and other processed products from banana, orange peels and carambola.

Goretti accompanied the woman on an agro-exhibition in Lethem and Brazil.

Later, she started her own ventures to make tarts and

sauces from vegetables and fruits. Having mastered the art of this process, she started teaching other women in her village. Throughout the time, Goretti led knowledge sharing on women issues and later a group formed which afforded her a stronger voice in the community.

By 21, she got married to Carl Lewis, a farmer, and the couple advanced their farming activities while growing a family of their own. The union produced five children over the past 22 years. The family lives two and a half miles outside of the village where they farm and rear pigs and sheep. Despite the distance, Goretti maintains her work in the village, to which she would ride, using either a bicycle or motorcycle, to meet and engage with people.

“I must praise my husband. He always supports me. He is a very good husband….when I am away on training or meetings he looks after the home and the kids until I get back…He takes me to meetings wherever I have to go and sometimes he

Goretti Lewis

even attends along with me,” Goretti conveyed.

Wi t h a s u p p o r t i v e spouse, the young Goretti maintained women’s advocacy and began representing the community at forums including District Toshao Council meetings.

She recalled her first visit to Georgetown during the 1990s for a training session on financial accountability,

an area in which she had no experience at the time and initially found it challenging to grasp main idea and concepts. The crowded and noisy bustle of the city was strange in comparison to the tranquil mountainous Rupununi region, to which Goretti was accustomed, and more so the food was See Page XI

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 06, 2020

True Guyanese talent,

Daryll Goodchild

By Jared Liddell THE Creative pool in Guyana is vast, with each person using his/her unique experiences and techniques to put out raw local content that could make waves both in the local arts and entertainment scene as well as the international markets. Performing arts, writing and poetry have been a big part in preserving history and bringing people a part of a magical ride.

Guyana’s very own writer and poet Daryll Goodchild has used his love for the art to give him a platform to share and help to actively invest in the country’s literary arts sector. He told the Pepperpot Magazine that his writing started as a form of keeping track of day from as early as nine years old. He stated that his love for reading helped his creative journal keeping to turn into story-writing and it continued evolving over the years.

He stated that since he started perusing writing, he has published five poems and 10 short stories, most of which are in his book, Crassin de Riva. Goodchild added that he has written a vast number of stories and poems too many for him to recall that he has not yet moved to have published.

Goodchild said that in

his writing he always tries to stay authentic not just to himself, but to the Guyanese culture on the whole.

He stated that one of his favourite published pieces is representative of his love for the authenticity of Guyanese culture.

“I like ‘Old Mr. Greaves’ for the other stories that the character has inspired for me. While just the one story is published with that title, the character has re-emerged and featured in at least another twp of my short stories that are not yet available to the public,” he explained.

“The character is my favourite because I find in him my most relatable and authentic Guyanese voice, that of a grandparent that can be a little strict, but cares with all his heart, and so passes on what knowledge he can, while he still can, in the distinct and only way he knows to do so.... In his idioms and sometimes self-crafted proverbs.”

He stated that since he started writing he has benefitted tremendously. He said that he uses writing as a form of therapy; as a way to sort through his thoughts and express his emotions.

Additionally, he said that the opportunity to entertain others in the way he has been entertained also gives him a feeling of achievement.

“It makes me more contemplative about the words

I use when I do speak, and also reminds me to learn from the stories of others.

Reading as just a reader is enjoyable, but reading as a writer adds excitement for me, and helps me to appreciate the efforts that go into published work,” said Goodchild.

He stated that his motivation for writing and the literary arts comes from various places stemming mostly from his love for reading and his appreciation for literature. He describes reading as more than a pastime growing up, stating that it helped shape the way he lives and operates daily.

“As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses reading the Bible, and other bible-based texts was how I accessed important moral and religious learning. It’s given me moral fibre, while showing me a standard for published work,” said Goodchild.

When asked what piece of advice he would give to other Guyanese creatives, Goodchild said, “Clearly understand why it is you do what you do, and do not expect an easy road. Have a plan and measure yourself against a ruler that you have designed, and you will never feel inferior, or unsuccessful or discouraged to the point of giving up.”

Recently, Goodchild’s work was recognised when he achieved the Edgar Mit-

Author and Poet, Daryll Goodchild

telholzer Prize for Open Short Story for his piece “Lucky Stars.”

The piece conveyed a message that illuminated the advantages of hard work and appreciation for more than material things. According

to Goodchild, the story discourages a solely materialistic view that might lead one to forms of moral compromise and personal ruin.

The author and poet has been working continuously to perfect his craft.

Most recently, Goodchild has entered the Commonwealth Writers short story writing prize, and has hosted an online writing retreat with other writers across Guyana.

Women’s wellness with ...

From Page II Social Entrepreneur Allison David-Alexander. She points out that “ADA is looking at the bright side of life, as the word ADA, a biblical name defines.”

She shares her own experience, saying that “After many years of chronic illness, not knowing exactly what was the complain, I finally found out that it was sinusitis, a nerve condition.” Her health organisation continues to bring wellness to those who turn to them for healing.

Award-winning Youth Leader Samantha Sheoprashad is a woman who has dedicated many years working with youths in mental health, entrepreneurship and youth development. She is dedicated to improving the mental wellness of young people who need such assistance -- especially those who suffer depression or have attempted suicide. In her programmes she gives youths in need of help the

assistance to refocus their lives to a purpose for living.

Samantha creates impactful youth programmes which go a long way in redirecting those youths who are on the verge of giving up on life; those youths who consider suicide as an option.

These are issues which have been addressed by some of the younger playwrights in the country. Suicide has been played out in a number of newer plays during the past six years.

Unfortunately, none of the plots support what Samantha Sheoprashad and others like her are working on. In fact, in those plays in which there are acts of suicide, never in a single one of them which I have seen, is a call made to the Guyana Suicide Hot-Line.

In one of the plays which I saw, a depressed teenage female who was raped (part of the action in the play), later placed a gun to her head, pressed the trigger and shot herself dead. Then the curtain came down to end

the play.

For many years Guyana has been listed as the number one country in the world for suicides.

One would hope that playwrights would not add to the problem, by writing and staging plays which are void of presenting a solution to the suicide problem. It would be hoped that they would, in a way, partner with those who are working so hard to be part of the solution.

Such playwrights should include a scene in which someone who is considering taking their life, would instead call the suicide hotline and is guided to keep on living. If they based their plays on reality, then the reality of The Suicide Hotline ought to be included. We have a nation to continue building. We need to be healthy to continue that task. Guyanese need wellness in every aspect of our lives.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 06, 2020

Using ‘pandemic time’ wisely - Fashion designer to launch new wines, breads and other items

FASHION designer Carol Fraser has chosen to make the best of the new circumstances that came with the coronavirus pandemic and has dabbled with new business ideas that resulted in two that she had actually decided to pursue.

“I came up with a few COVID initiatives. Due to the pandemic, I had to take my work back on the table and see what’s relevant and what can work in this season,” she told the Pepperpot Magazine.

What she plans to launch soon are two new wines called the Alpha Roar Wine and the Omega Roar Wine.

The Alpha wine is a medium-dry wine that has ingredients catering to people with diabetes.

“Every day, more and more, you hear people dying from chronic diseases and a lot of people in the food business are not catering for people with a diet and who are diabetes cases,” Fraser expressed.

Some of the ingredients for the Alpha wine include gooseberries which are high in fibre and low in calories, rich in antioxidants and good for the heart. It also contains peanuts which Fraser said may help lower the risk of cardiovascular

Vitamin C and iron and has stringent properties which keep the skin acne-free, and improve the health of skin and eyes.

Fraser noted that this wine keeps the heart healthy, strengthens gums and teeth, and prevents infections.

“I am trying to move away from too much of sweet; Guyanese love their sweets. But I am trying to think healthy right now,” she expressed.

Fraser is also coming out with her new line of flavoured bread. “One of See Page XVIII

Carol focuses more attention on designing for men

disease, control blood sugar, and prevent the onset of diabetes.

This wine, according to her, will also contain bitter and cinnamon sticks which may lower the blood sugar

and which have good medicinal values.

The Omega wine, mainly catering for women, is made with Jamoon, which Fraser said can improve haemoglobin count. It is loaded with

Carol has been in the fashion industry for more than 30 years

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 06, 2020

Adventure Village, Soesdyke/Linden Highway (Carl Croker photos)

Adventure Village A hillside place for a quiet life

By Michel Outridge This week the Pepperpot Magazine visited the village of Adventure, on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway.

This hillside village is home to about 320 residents who are scattered on acres of vast land mass and some of these cottages are almost hidden from plain sight.

Adventure Village saw its first settlers about 30 years ago and they were people who relocated from the Rupununi and Mabaruma and some from the city.

The population consists mainly of people of mixed race and some Amerindians, who co-exist in relative peace and harmony.

The village runs way down to the creek which is about one and a half miles from the village and it is divided into two sections, uphill and downhill.

The downhill section is populated, while the uphill side has just about 10 houses of an extended family.

This community is home to Mora Spring Water, a bottled-water small business

Nekeita Hall and her baby

which employs locals. Other residents of this village are mostly farmers, loggers, truck drivers, craft makers, carpenters, teachers, forest rangers and a few smallbusiness owners.

This highway village, which is tucked away through a small one-vehicle trail that goes downhill and is steep at certain places, is made up of loam and sand.

Thick vegetation, trees and other greenery were cleared and houses were constructed to accommodate families, some of whom are

Mora Spring water from the village and sold by resident Nekeita Hall

new to the village while others have been there for some years.

In Adventure, there is no electricity, potable water supply or landline services.

The people depend on rainfall water for drinking and cooking and they use small solar panels to power light bulbs.

A few folks have generators which are used mostly at nights for a few hours.

This village is a picturesque place which embraces nature, that is, there is an abundance of trees, flowers and other plants that enhance the environment.

The people reside in cottage-style wooden houses that were neatly built with precision and purpose and there are a few small shops in the community.

More people are beginning to occupy the lands at Adventure and small wooden cottages are being constructed.

This village doesn’t have any facilities but the health centre and primary school at the neighbouring village of Silver Hill

Nekeita Hall’s dad’s pineapple farm

are utilised by the residents.

Most of the people do their shopping in Linden which is closer than the city and they would buy in bulk or when they have the resources.

Adventure is the community of pineapples and farmers have several acres of the cultivation which takes 14 to 18 months to bear.

This community also has an abundance of ginger grass and lemongrass growing all over the place as well, as fine-leaf thyme.

A Community Development Council (CDC) was established this year and the members are from within the village under the guidance of a Village Chairman.

Stay-at-home mother One of the settlers of Adventure Village is Nekeita Hall, a mother of three, who is originally from Tiger Bay, in the city.

She told the Pepperpot Magazine that she moved to Adventure Village five years ago and it is a good place to live.

Hall stated that her husband is a truck driver and she is a stay-at-home mom, who operates a small business, selling Mora Spring bottled drinking water, which is from the village.

The 39-year-old added that her father resides on the top flat of the house, while she occupies the lower flat

and she would assist him on his large-scale pine farm when the need arises.

“I got married and came here to live and I find it to be good, because there is plenty space unlike town and the air is fresh and we are comfortable here,” she said.

It was her mother who first moved to Adventure Village, but she has since migrated.

Hall has a solar system which powers the television and the fan.

“I am at home so I decided to sell water to contribute to the home and it is quite alright so far, because the people here would come and buy the water,” she said.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 06, 2020

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The people of Adventure Village

By Michel Outridge

COLLIS Forrester is a resident of Adventure Village, Soesdyke/Linden Highway, who is employed with Bosai Minerals Group (Guyana) and for him that small community is his oasis and home.

He is originally from Wales, West Bank Demerara and enjoys the quiet life as a farmer on a family farm of pineapples.

The father of two reported that he would go to Linden for business and shopping and had just got home when the team visited.

He has a well-constructed wooden cottage where he resides with his pregnant wife and two children.

“I love living here because you don’t have to study if you will get rob or anything like that,” he said.

His family farm extends way down to the Demerara River and he would assist when it is bearing season and other times he works at Bosai Minerals Group (Guyana).

The miner Meanwhile, Zebedee Milton, a miner, who is at home due to bad weather in the interior, said life at Adventure Village is fair.

The father of two added that he lives among an extended family of siblings, his elderly parents and others, whose houses are next door.

The 39-year-old stated that his wife is pregnant, so he wanted to be close to home b u t

Zebedee Milton

Collis Forrester (Carl Croker photos)

finding employment isn’t so easy.

Milton’s wife would harvest the cassava they have in the backyard to make cassareep and cassava bread which they would sell to bring in an income to the home.

He pointed out that coconuts are used in the home and to make other things they need.

The Adventure resident reported that with the chil-

dren at home, they need some educational activities to take up their time and it would be good if an ICT hub is established, since they have no facilities in the community.

The housewife Subrina Singh, who is relatively new to Adventure Village is settling in nicely See Page XIII

Subrina Singh and her children

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 06, 2020

Living on the highway is an investment

By Michel Outridge

WHEN Courtney Wolfe left his home village of Suddie, Essequibo Coast and relocated to Silver Hill, Soesdyke/Linden Highway to become a farmer 10 years ago, he knew he was up for a task.

Today, he has a small boutique and a stall from which he sells groceries, fresh produce from his farm, a chicken business and is the only place on the highway that sells ice cream and it can be considered a ‘pit stop’ for travellers.

Wolfe feels that hard work over the years led him to become self-employed and he is quite happy about that

achievement.

The 49-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that at first, he started to sell greens and fruits from a small roadside stand on the highway.

The greens and fruits were from his farm and the business grew over the years when he started to plant pumpkins, ground provisions and pineapples.

After investing his money to construct a chicken pen, he started a chicken business where he now has 2,000 meat birds.

And once fully grown it is plucked and sold to wholesale buyers and folk from the East Bank, East Coast, Linden and Kwakwani.

The only challenge with

the chicken business is having to shuttle feed from Bounty, because it is wholesome feed which helps the meat birds to grow.

“I still have to pluck chickens manually, but I am looking for a way to have an electric system in place to save time,” he said.

Wolfe explained that after some time had elapsed he took a loan and started the boutique business selling clothes and footwear among other haberdasheries.

It is a place where you can stop and get a pair of slippers or an ice-cold beverage or eddoes that melt in the pot.

This small business owner has a cultivation of squash,

Courtney Wolfe at his shop (Carl Croker photos)

corilla, pineapples, sweet peppers, wiri-wiri peppers, celery and coconuts on a 20acre plot of land.

The father of four related that he got the lease for the land for agricultural purposes and he is doing just that to earn, because having worked for many years in the interior as a miner, he has attained the ripe age where he wants to be closer to home.

Wolfe has set up a Lister engine system powered by his solar panels which power his freezers to get icecold beverages, keeps his ice cream cold and makes ice.

“I am familiar with engines, having worked in the hinterland as a miner I would have gained a lot of knowl-

edge; so I make from scratch a Lister engine system which is English-made and I would let it work for a few hours before taking it off and it keeps everything cold for a while,” he said.

Wolfe reported that the Lister engine which uses diesel, was set up two years ago and he would work it for four hours every day before switching it off.

As for water supply, he has seven of the 250-gallon tanks which store rainwater for drinking and cooking purposes.

In the dry season, there is a creek half a mile away from his home and he would walk to get there if the need arises.

Empty lemonade bottles used to pot plants

As for the environment, Wolfe keeps the open concept and with that in mind, he has created plant, pots with empty lemonade bottles as a way of beautifying the place.

He explained that they used to sell lemonade and the empty bottles were plenty so his wife came up with the idea and she created those bottle plant pots for the front yard.

Wolfe has done a good job of taking care of the environment by keeping it clean and has constructed wooden benches under shady trees and the place has a lot of plants, trees and flowers.

At this shop you can get See Page XV

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 06, 2020

Eking out a living from a roadside stand

Rita Matthews and Stanley Fredericks

By Michel Outridge Rita Matthews and her husband, Stanley Fredericks have been living at Adventure Village, Soesdyke/ Linden Highway for the past 20 years.

This aged couple has a storybook romance which saw them together for more than 58 years.

The union produced three children, all grown up and living their best life elsewhere with their respective families too.

Mathews is 72 years old while, her husband is 84 years old, and together they manage a roadside stand at Adventure Village selling bread, pastries, cold beverages, salted nuts and coconut water.

The elders are caretakers of a house whose owners live elsewhere and they have made it their home for many years.

Matthews is originally from Mabaruma, Region One (Barima/Waini) and she ended up living in the village through a friend, who brought her there to settle.

That friend has since passed away.

She told the Pepperpot Magazine that they would buy bread and pastries from Dolly’s bread truck that traverse the highway supplying shops and other businesses with their products.

Matthews said the bread

and pastries are freshly baked because the truck would come every day.

She would fetch out her beverages and other things from their home, a short distance from the highway in a wheelbarrow and start vending under a stand with a shed from 08:00hrs up until 16:30 hrs. “We try to get in because it gets dark because Fredericks would assist me to take in the things to the house via a wheelbarrow and we would get settled in for bed sometime after dinner and a bit of relaxation and chores,” she said.

Fredericks in his younger days used to be a coal miner, he cut wood to make posts and did just about every other thing including farming to make a living.

Now in his ripe age, he is taking things easy and is still doing some gardening but for his house use. He has a cultivation in his yard of plantains, bananas, cassava, red beans and pineapples.

Fredericks has a small kitchen garden of fruits and vegetables as well.

Matthews would take care of the household chores and the cooking before they start selling at their small roadside stand while Fredericks would keep an eye on things during the day.

The elders describe life at Adventure as quiet, peaceful and fair since they are doing something to earn and they

lead a very simple life.

“The people of this village support our small business and for that we are grateful and some passers-by would also stop and buy and it is not a large business so we try,” she said.

On this side of the village, uphill, there is their house that sits on a small hill and is the only house there and downhill is the community playground.

The playground is utilised by youths to play cricket and football and it is also used by villagers for social events and heritage celebration annually.

There is also a trail that leads to the Demerara River but that section is uninhabited and it goes for about two miles into a forested area.

“This is a kind of place where you can sit in your hammock and watch the sun go down and there is a natural tranquillity to the air where you can breathe in deeply because it is not very populated and the place is clean and we are surrounded by trees,” Fredericks said.

Fredericks, however, plans to take his wife, Matthews to his home village of Lake Capoey because he would like to share the beauty of the village with her at least once.

This trip will take some planning and the couple will do it sometime when the time is right.

Stanley Fredericks wheelbarrowing items form their roadside stand to their house after selling (Carl Croker photos)

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 06, 2020

Adventure Village CDC fostering development and empowering young people

By Michel Outridge

CDC Secretary, Theresa Fung-Ke-Fung

Even though Adventure Village, Soesdyke/Linden Highway has been in existence for more than 35 years there was no organised structure in which the village was represented as such, no form of development materialised.

However, this year, residents came together for a common cause and formed the Community Development Council (CDC) in which Lorenzo Cornelius is the Chairman.

They have a 10-member committee of the CDC and they have since drafted a proposal in which they would like to have a two-

The people of Adventure Village

flat multi-purpose building to house a Resource Centre.

Cornelius stated that the Resource Centre will be used for an ICT hub, a room for sewing classes and for skills training.

A plot of land that has the ball field have since been identified for the construction of the building but it will have to be fenced for security purposes, he said.

The CDC Chairman reported that he moved to the village two years ago and saw the need to foster development within the community so the lives of the locals will be drastically improved.

Since the formation of the CDC, Adventure Village is registered and their proposal has since been submitted for approval so they can benefit from the basic infrastructure.

Cornelius added that the

village has about 320 residents, most of whom work outside the village, there are coal miners and farmers.

He disclosed that there are no schools, health centre or any other government facilities in the community as such, children have to leave the village to go to school either in Linden or the neighbouring village of Silver Hill.

“We don’t have access to the basic facilities, no electricity, potable water supply so it is quite a challenge to live out this far but we try,” he said.

Cornelius related that last month they organised a fun day at the ball field which was supported by the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission and they had tape ball and softball cricket matches with other teams.

He reported that the

youths did well and even won a few trophies and with that said he would like some assistance to promote and develop sports in the community so the young people can be engaged in meaningful activities.

Cornelius told the Pepperpot Magazine that they are looking to have the sports fun day every month to garner funds for the development of the village.

He added that the lands are leased and they are hoping they can receive titles to the land they occupy and for the village to be regularised since more people are moving in.

M e a n w h i l e , S e c re tary of the CDC, Theresa Fung-Ke-Fung told the Pepperpot Magazine that they have some community See Page XV

The children of Adventure Village at play at the ball field (Carl Croker photos)

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 06, 2020

Inspiring the voices of ...

From Page III

nothing like the delicacies, she enjoyed back home. She could not communicate with her family and felt isolated, but never daunted.

Women supporting women

As her leadership skills grew, she became a Community Service Officer (CSO) and a member of SRDC. She once contested for the post of Toshao but was unsuccessful. According to Goretti, issues of gender inequality and male dominance still permeate some indigenous communities where some of the men often prefer male leaders, making it difficult for women to acceded to high positions. It is a mindset, she believes, that must change to address problems like domestic and gender-based violence. She noted the challenges of other women leaders, including Toshaos, in getting men’s support for decisions and activities in the communities.

“When we meet for various meetings and workshops, we would talk about our experiences and the challenges we face like how sometimes men take advantage of women leadership….We discuss these

issues and how we can learn from each other. We also talk about where we want to go as women and how we can support each other,” Lewis stated. She revealed plans to contest for post of Toshao in her village in 2021, as she is confident “women will support women.”

Under the SRDC’s women’s movement, Goretti and two other women leaders received training to build the capacity of other women in South Rupununi communities on social issues and related laws towards addressing gender-based violence. The women will commence workshops on December 10. Alluding to alcohol and drug abuse as some contributing factors to violence against women in some indigenous areas, Goretti also expressed concerns over rape, teenage pregnancies, broken homes and child neglect. She noted a main area of focus is on awareness among young men to deter them from becoming abusive.

To Goretti, domestic violence is a scourge, one that bothers her deeply as she often shares the experience of her mother’s brutal killing to help sensitise others on the effects of violence and how to prevent it.

Goretti Lewis and other Wapishan women at a training session.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 06, 2020

Personal responsibility is paramount

IT is now the last month of an unparalleled year. In “normal” circumstances, this would be the month of festivities, goodwill, and the overly commodified season many of us have come to love or at least, tolerate.

This year, though, the COVID-19 pandemic demands that we recognise the importance of our personal responsibility, lest we make the pandemic worsen.

In March, the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, finally made its way to the Caribbean and Guyana. Since then, decision-makers have instituted several measures to help mitigate the spread of this virus with moderate to severe symptoms. And sometimes, I’ll admit, it doesn’t feel as though there are all these restrictions and measures in place to curb the spread of this virus. Instead, it feels as if we’re a COVID-free nation because there is scant regard for these safety measures.

Wearing a mask, practising physical distancing, and maintaining good hygiene are the steps each person can take to help protect themselves. They are simple steps but simple, perhaps,

doesn’t equate to easy to follow.

I’ve written about how strange it is to travel around Georgetown, along Regent Street for example, and not see everyone with their masks on. That is because in Trinidad

it was quite uncommon to see anyone anywhere in public without a mask (this has been made part of their legislation).

Since I’ve been back, as well, travelling in minibuses has caused me great anxiety. While I always wear my mask, most passengers and even drivers would not. Last week, though, the driver of one of the Linetop/BV buses I usually travel with stressed the importance of wearing masks.

On a Sunday as I was travelling to work, he told a passenger “Put on yuh mask, or yuh can’t travel in this bus.” Then, we stopped at Plaisance to pick up three women; one wore her mask properly, one wore her mask on her chin & the other did not have a mask on. He told them “No mask no entry.” This is the first time I’ve heard any driver/conductor do this and I was pleasantly surprised.

While many of his colleagues, whom I also travel with, are not keen on encouraging persons in this manner (lest they “lose” passengers), he made sure this was a priority. This really struck me and made me think even more about the role of personal responsibility in this pandemic to ensure that we keep not only ourselves and our loved ones safe, but also the people around us.

The COVID–19 Emergency Measures (No. 8), which were instituted for November, tell a story too. These measures, inter alia, stated that no person shall host, attend, or visit bars, clubs, or discotheques. Emphasis was placed on minimising social activities, since such activities could be conducive to the spread of the virus. Yet, there were numerous bars and generally, “hangout spots” which were open, operational, and apparently not bound by the gazetted orders. And curfew?

Was that a real thing?

The Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony acknowledged in a recent report that enforcement measures have not been as stringent, and would need to be strengthened to prevent persons from congregating in these spaces and prevent these spaces from being operational in the first place. While this pandemic has continued, these spaces have been open for business and persons have been frequenting them. Yes, there are gazetted measures in place and yes, there should be enforcement of these. But in the absence of those, it must really come down to personal responsibility. We have to be aware that going to these spaces and indulging not only endangers ourselves, but also any person we interact with afterwards.

COVID-19 can be spread that easily.

This past week, the new COVID–19 Emergency Measures (No. 9) were published in the Official Gazette. Before they were published, I knew that some new decision(s) would be made to either reopen the economy even further or to support the current restrictions in place. For me, I imagined that because December is usually such a festive month, maybe the curfew would be relaxed even further or maybe there would be a minuscule reopening of bars and entertainment spots.

But, that was not the case.

Relief was extended to the tourism sector which, because of the restrictions on travel and social activity, had been devastated by the pandemic. Importantly too, the curfew remained unchanged from 22:30 hrs to 04:00 hrs and social activities and gatherings were constrained to a large extent.

In fact, these measures also explicitly stated that bars, clubs, and discotheques were still prohibited from reopening and being used.

This is the last month of the year and I don’t see the pandemic or its restrictions ending anytime soon. Maybe at some point I too will be annoyed or frustrated with the measures put in place to help curb the spread of the virus. But for now, just like anyone else, the onus is on me to play my part and maintain my safety.

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

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 06, 2020

The people of Adventure ...

Christianni James

From Page VII in her newly constructed home.

She moved to the community 10 months ago from Region One, Mabaruma, with her five children and husband.

Singh explained that she was living in a small makeshift shack and recently she settled in her new house, a wooden cottage outfitted with a verandah.

Her husband is away in the interior working as an excavator operator and is expected home for Christmas.

Singh relies on her small business, a shop and has started a chicken business with 100 meat birds which she would pluck and sell to earn.

“Moving here we have more space, the place is nice and we are comfortable as is; we are trying to improve our lives by doing things to make a living,” she said.

The shopkeeper Bernice Freso is also a resident of Adventure Village and has her own small business, a shop.

The 22-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that she wanted a job and got none and it was then the idea of a shop was birthed.

The mother of one depends on sales from the shop to support herself and her son.

She also has a kitchen garden which provides vegetables for the kitchen.

The Craft Maker Christianni James is the craft maker of the community and an elder in the village, who was among the first settlers.

The 64-year-old has recently renovated his house and is expected to re-start making hats, hand fans, baskets, sifters, and matapees from muckru he gets from the swampy area in the vil-

lage.

The senior citizen has a two-acre cassava crop which his wife utilises to make cassava bread and cassareep for sale.

He has been living at Adventure Village for the past 30 years; he used to reside in a small shack in front of the village, then when more people moved in, he relocated deep into the community.

He is originally from Annai and moved around the country a lot while he was employed in the aviation sector for many years.

The father of eight stated that his children are all grown, one of whom is a forest ranger with Iwokrama.

James is also employed with Iwokrama on a parttime basis and due to the pandemic he is at home taking care of the fowls, the dogs and the plants he has in his yard.

“Life isn’t easy, but you can’t give up, you have to try to make things better every day,” he said.

Bernice Freso

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 06, 2020

ANGEL BOY

AND THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS “Where did my grandmother’s house go?” he asked qui‘And so it’s the time of the year, etly, trying to keep a calm mind. of goodwill and cheer, It had been his home since he was a toddler until he beJingle bells and Christmas trees, came seven when his mother came and took him away. He had The magic and the splendor, never forgotten his grandmother’s tears that day and the last That’s the Christmas Season.’ words she had said with a quivering voice, ‘Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum On my drum?’

BEAUTIFUL songs of Christmas, the sparkling coloured lights and festive decors, a wonderous spectacle that’s simply magical in the Christmas season.

Aaron stood in front the Courts shopping plaza on Main Street and stared admiringly at the awesome light up of that section of the road. He was not a young boy anymore but even as the young adult he was now, the festivities of Christmas still enthralled him.

He breathed in the fresh, warm air, a luxury for him. No snow and cold, just the warmth of this tropical country where there is always music, laughter and food with a Caribbean flavour.

“It’s so good to be home,” he exuded more to himself than the many people walking around, and they answered cheerfully, “It sure is.”

He laughed, a feeling of joy in his heart, as he greeted strangers, sang a few lines of Christmas carols with a group nearby, then Courts Christmas Tree light-up (File photo) went back to his hotel.

Tomorrow he would visit his boyhood “God’s blessings be with you, my angel boy until I see home on the East Coast.

“It’s been a long time since I was home,” he mused as the you again.”

He had cried all the way to the airport and for months he taxi drove along the embankment road, the next day, passing the breathtakingly beautiful pink and white lilies in the water- was sad in his new home in America. He missed his grandmother, her loving care, kind voice and cozy, freshly scented ways that bordered the roadway.

He remembered the sweet water nuts he used to eat as a home. But his mother would not send him back to the year little boy when the big boys in the neighbourhood brought him passed on one after another. He had made a promise to himself that when he came of age and had earned enough money, he there sometimes to fish. would return home.

“Fun days those were,” he said to himself.

Today was that day, four days before Christmas, but there The car neared his destination in Cummings Lodge and he said to the driver, “Stop by the house with the huge genip was no house and no one. He shook his head in deep despair.

“Dear God,” he explained silently, “What happened here? tree.”

Aaron stepped out of the car, his heart rejoicing for he was I waited so long for this day.”

He pushed open the old gate that was hanging on one hinge home after sixteen long years. But the scene that greeted his eyes dampened his enthusiasm, as he stared at the empty land. and stood in the middle of the yard, looking around, an ache in The house wasn’t there, just a pile of old wooden material, and his heart, afraid to ask that one question about what happened some rusted zinc. The genip tree that had grown old was lean- to her. He sighed deeply, knowing he had to face the truth, and ing on the fence, holding onto life, and her prized fruit trees, after a long while he turned to go, to inquire from the neighthe sorrel, carambola and cherries that had once provided tasty bours about his grandmother when someone called out to him.

“Young man.” local drinks, were now dying from neglect.

He turned around and saw an old lady standing at the gate looking at him curiously.

“Are you looking for someone?” she asked.

“Yes, I’m looking for my grandmother.”

The old lady looked at him for a long moment, maybe reflecting on something because he spoke with a foreign accent, then she gasped, “Sweet Jesus, it’s little Aaron!”

She clapped her hands gleefully and announced loudly, “It’s Aaron!”

He remembered her then, one of grandma’s close friends and as other neighbours came out to greet him, expressing their amazement at how big he had grown, Aaron felt a little happy feeling rising in his heart, but not for long, for they had a sad story to tell him.

His grandmother had grieved for him so much, she had fallen ill but with the help of caring neighbours and prayers, she had recovered and continued her little food business just outside the yard, shaded by the genip tree.

But as she grew older, she became weaker and family members who visited her now and then, always wanted something, always taking things from the house. She became so ill that she had to be taken to a home because no family stepped up to take her in their home.

The house started to deteriorate and one night after heavy rains and high winds, the little house collapsed.

She had no house to go back to, no family to care for him, so the home for the elderly became her new home.

Bitter tears rolled down Aaron’s face at the story of her suffering, of leaving the only thing of value she had, her house, his boyhood home, that held so many precious memories.

“This is so bad,” he said, a fiery determination in his eyes to correct all of it, and though there was an ache in his heart, he felt a deep sense of relief that she was still alive.

“I am coming to get you, grandma,” he said.

As he headed back to the city, he questioned himself, “How did this happen?”

Often he had asked his mother about his grandmother, giving her little postcards to send and wanting to know how she was doing. He had been giving money to send for her from his savings and was always told she’s doing fine, she sends her love.

Aaron had joined the army at a young age and being deployed to different countries had made it difficult for him to make contact so he had trusted his mother to do so.

“Such heartless lies,” he said to himself, “How could you have done this, mother? Is it because she’s my father’s mother?”

The elderly home stood forlorn in an avenue where the See Page XXVI

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 06, 2020

Adventure Village CDC ...

From Page X

projects in stream and once approval has been given they will proceed.

She reported that they will fence the ball field and outfit the Resource Centre with solar panels and furnish it with computers for the ICT hub, sewing machines for skills training among other things. Fung-Ke-Fung stated that they are looking at equipping villagers with agricultural tools for farming and to empower the young people so they can become

gainfully employed since some youths have nothing to do, as is.

“We would like to erect two signboards which will say when you entering the village of Adventure and when you are leaving, to give the community some recognition because there is no signboard or nothing presently,” she said.

She disclosed that last year was the very first time they held their heritage celebrations at the ball field and

local cuisine was prepared and sold at the ceremony which bought the people together and it was a good experience.

Fung-Ke-Fung pointed out that the people of Adventure village have a lot of potential and it just needs some fine-tuning and a bit of assistance to have things going for them.

She reported that Adventure is the home of the best cassareep, cassava bread and craft.

The young ladies of Adventure Village

The small boutique at Courtney Wolfe’s place

Living on the...

From Page VIII

a phone card and sit for a bit to enjoy a cold beverage or just to look at the scenic view it offers.

Wolfe has no immediate neighbours and a lot of space to himself and his family.

The business is opened from 06:00hrs up until 21:00hrs in keeping with the curfew and does not promote rowdy behaviour or loud noises at his shop.

“It is time I enjoy life because look at my hands how it hard, I worked in the bush

and all over the place for 33 years and now I want to work with myself,” he said.

Wolfe enjoys good cellphone signals and it would appear as if he is very contented with his life on the highway.

Courtney Wolfe

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 06, 2020

HAVE YOURSELF AN ECO-FRIENDLY CHRISTMAS

THERE is growing excitement for millions of people around the world as December starts; it’s the beginning of the most wonderful time of the year after all –- the festive season.

Even as the COVID-19 pandemic hangs a dark cloud over us, many people are beginning to prepare for Christmas by shopping for gifts and the annual ‘bruk up’ house cleaning tradition. Even as we prepare for Christmas, let us not forget the environment in our preparations. Here are a few tips on how to have an eco-friendly Christmas: Take reusable bags Christmas shopping While the ban on single-use plastics has not yet been implemented, you can take the initiative to be eco-friendly this holiday season by taking your own bags while shopping.

Go a step further and be an advocate for the environment by encouraging your local grocer or your favourite supermarket to take steps to preserve the environment starting with encouraging customers to bring their own bags, providing re-usable bags with discounts for customers who use those bags, and charging customers for plastic bags provided.

Give gifts that will last In some households, Christmas Day involves the exchanging lots of presents between friends and family, some big, some small, and some extremely short-lived. When thinking about the gifts you’re going to buy for Christmas, consider what kind of presents may be more long-lasting than others, and thus reduce the risk of simply being discarded after a short while.

Thoughtful, long-lasting presents may include a photo album, a plant or something the recipient has specifically said they want and is likely to use time and time again.

Additionally, several local small businesses have emerged during the pandemic as persons sought to commercialise those hidden skills; why not support those local entrepreneurs and give gifts that will reduce your carbon footprint?

Make sure you use LED lights Lights are a significant aspect of Christmas celebrations, customarily used to decorate trees, the interior of homes and the exterior. Should you use lights as part of your Christmas decorations, it would be more eco-conscious to use LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs.

Let’s not forget, it’s easier on your pocket too!

“95 percent of the energy in LEDs is converted into light and only five percent is wasted as heat. This is compared to fluorescent lights which convert 95 percent to heat and only

five percent into light.”

Be eco-conscious with your wrapping paper Yes, it can be tempting when Christmas shopping to buy several rolls of sparkly, eye-catching wrapping paper to beautify all of your presents. However, it is not an essential part of the festivities, especially when you can be wrapping your gifts more sensibly. There are many great-looking alternatives to plastic wrapping paper, including paper, old calendars, cloth, and paper bags (without the wax coating).

Reduce your food waste Many of us reading this article might say “what food

waste?” However, if you do not finish all the food on your Christmas table, then it is important to think twice before chucking it in the bin, as both an environmental and a social issue.

Cook less meat and source ingredients consciously Perhaps a more controversial option for the meat lovers among us, it’s also worth considering reducing the amount of meat consumed during the festive period as we become increasingly aware of its impact on the earth when consumed in large quantities.

That doesn’t have to mean going cold turkey (get it?!); just be aware that there are many delicious veggie options out there –- perhaps you could try replacing just one meaty meal? This one may be a bit harder considering our love for pepperpot and garlic pork; just try one.

That said, it’s not just about the food we eat; where we get it from can also alter our impact on the planet. Opting for organic meat and veg is the best way to ensure that potentially harmful pesticides haven’t been used during the cultivation process. It’s also worth sourcing food locally if possible.

Shopping in a supermarket? Avoid plastic packaging where possible – loose veg is a great starting point.

Have yourself a Merry Christmas/ Happy Holiday, remember to follow all guidelines for staying safe and slowing the spread of COVID-19, be responsible and respectful to each other and the environment.

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. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 06, 2020

PRE 50TH ANNIVERSARY GREETINGS TO YORUBA SINGERS- from all awee...

IT had to be a Wednesday night at a picnic at Kakado (not sure of the spelling) on Croal Street, in the 70s. The poster advertisement with the Yoruba Singers and Mischievous Guys was on every pivotal lantern post along the old South Georgetown area (old south Georgetown is originally from Hadfield Street to Ruimveldt, before South Ruimveldt was developed). The door man was Baba Gulling, so I didn’t have a problem, he whispered to me and my girlfriend that “Yoruba singers ent deh here yuh know.” I replied, “Deh ent come yet?” Baba smiled “Nawh is just M-Guys, Yoruba ent deh hayh tonight.” That was the game of the day, and almost every promoter did it: nail a poster on a GEC (now GPL) post with an act that was not going to be there. Mischievous Guys was the top band that captured the local grassroot interpretation of the early 70s Jamaican hit ‘Beat Down Babylon’ by Junior Byles.

The age of the tight shirt and the big, check fat pants, and the Ribbon Bow girls; Mischievous Guys had emerged out

of Curtis & the MGs, owned by Curtis Archer of Charles Town, managed by Desmond Fraser, Lionel Abel who wrote ‘Lonely man’ started with the MGs as a drummer, another band member Patto Gonsalves wrote ‘Honey Honey.’ But, Yoruba Singers were and are a different cup of tea. Most of our original ‘Folk songs’ were composed and emerged pre and post-Emancipation, many of them were Queh-Queh songs, and the Shanto music that Pork-Knockers sang. The identity of the composers are lost in time in that period.

Luckily Vesta Lowe began a preservation movement, with possibly the first Folk LP that halted the disappearance of our folk music, like folk music worldwide, much later Folk was arrested on wax with an entertainment swag by the legendary son of Charlestown ‘Bill Rogers’ in the sixties, following him was the tremendous talent of ‘Ram John Holder’ who crooned our folk music into the hearts of most Guyanese, continuing to shape the Guyanese ‘Identity’ but it was the Yoruba Singers who became the torchbearers in the post-republic era.

The band emerged out of the dynamic Afro-awareness (Man know thyself) ASRE movement founded by Elder Eusi Kwayana. The core of the band lived in Kitty at that time of the formative era of the band, so they were called the Kitty ASCREIANS. As a group, they travelled to other locations and played. It was the mystical Berti Green of Kitty Public Road, proprietor of the then-popular tailoring establishment Evergreen, who gave them the name Yoruba Singers, after that West African tribe that was believed to have travelled far and wide, even to the Americas before Columbus. The band did not only perform popular music but produced original songs with a folk air that became dance hall favourites.

One of their first was ‘The Masakuruman’ based on a folklore character, was written by William Bascom ‘Syrup’ in 1972. It was recorded at Gems Recording Studio that was located at the back of Gems Record Bar on Robb Street, Eze Rockcliffe the Band leader did the vocals. Robb and Wellington Streets were a hive of creative souls, hustlers, gamblers and streetfighters, top talents like Billy Moore whose Christmas song ‘Happy Holidays’ is still popular, names like the singer Billy Wade, Morris Fenty and Gordon Critchlow sign artists, and many others are the spirits of yesterday’s Robb and Wellington Street. Yoruba Singers produced five Albums as follows;

OJINGA’S OWN in 1973 in Suriname, FIGHTING FOR SURVIVAL 1981 – in Barbados, AWE LIKE DEM SONG DIS’ and SONGS WE LOVE TO DANCE, featuring popular cover tunes in 2010. The missing album is BACKAYARD HUSTLE that was never released.

In 1980, Eze received the ‘Medal of Service’ and travelled to the Magdalenenburg historic area up the Canje River home of the 1763 revolution to celebrate the anniversary of the Guyana National Service. Eze has profound See page XXVI

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 06, 2020

Support small businesses for Christmas

LAST week I recommended we consider giving someone a gift that will empower and add some value to his/her life. I also recommend we support small businesses for the holidays. Businesses have suffered during the pandemic -- especially small businesses. Let’s be intentional to support small businesses in this season and more so the one owned by women. We recently concluded the virtual Women in Business Expo and it was nice to see Mr Badal, owner of the Pegasus buy some beautiful creative plant pots from Debbie Argyle, who has exhibited every year in the expo. He also instructed the staff to have some business cards for her at the poolside so people making enquiries can contact her. She was elated that her creation is now at the Pegasus and the possibility of new business opportunities, because of where it is positioned. One of the things I noticed during the expo is the restoration of confidence and hope which was diminishing over the months. Most of the businesses there have suitable products and services for the holidays and beyond. I believe we all can select a couple of small businesses to support.

Not only buying is supporting, but referral and sharing the info on social media can also help. This exercise can make a difference to many people’s livelihoods in December and beyond. Some people may be saying I am not sure where to locate them because many operate from home to avoid the high overhead costs.

I must thank the media for highlighting these small businesses during the expo. I invite you to visit the Women’s Association for Sustainable Development and the Sonia Noel Foundation pages for pics and videos of their businesses.

Today I will assist you with some contact info for the businesses that were at the expo.

Samantha Henry owns Rejuvenate Spa and I utilise her excellent services. Her contact info is Samatha_grant2000@ yahoo.com 608-291.

Liana Adams of Greendreams provides all your garden’s requirements Greendreams107@gmail.com 670-3745 Diana Trotman is the founder of Enchanted Gardens and specialises in head band and other kid’s accessories.

My grand-daughter sports some of the headbands enchantedgardens2016@gmail.com 684-1939 Carol Nurse produces the Angel Garlic Spread and it is the best garlic spread in town: Carol_nurse@yahoo.com 678-5896 Nakeysha Niles is the co-owner of Nature’s Fix Inc.

They have all the healthy stuff to clean your system. We all are more health-conscious, so we need to check her products Natureluv592@gmail.com 672-0270 Beckeys’s Blessings has the best in fruit-flavoured peppers, dips and pineapple achar. Email: beckeysblessings1@gmail.com Phillipa Morrish is the founder of Etiquette Training International.

Her specialty is social and business etiquette.

Tonnette Leacock is founder of TLC Extraordinary Product and also provides entertainment and DJ services tonnetteleacock@gmail.com 6633820 Nadira Budhram launched a homebased online store (GIGI ). The most affordable prices in brandname bags, watches and perfumes ndbudham@ gmail.com 619-5260 Debbie Argyle manages Magnificent Favours scented candles and organic soaps. The products are made by a group of women in Mahaica Debbie53argyle@hotmail.com 693-1556 Amare Investment specialises in detergents and cleaning products Amareinvestments44@gmail.com 601-0648 Alicia & Jean Daniels are founders of A & J Creative Designs Plus. You can order your Christmas cakes and plaques with personalised poems and messages. Aliciadaniels592@ gmail.com695-0892 and 626-6142 Alexandra Willabus is the founder of Eccentric Creations.

She creates unique costume jewellery. She created very unique wreaths for the holidays Alexis2willabus@gmail. com 614 6855 Bibi Khan is the founder Lisa’s Beauty Shoppe and provides a wide range of beauty care and cosmetics. She provides an efficient makeup service that I often utilise bramlallkhan@gmail.com 699-4610 Melessa Payne is also a great makeup artist and teaches also Tashamona592@icloud.com 619-3516 Anandy Gittens is a young businesswoman from Linden who is the founder of Dynamic Designs & Home Furnishings and Dynastic Pizzeria anandygittens@

gmail.com 627-0983 Natasha David of David’s Creations provides craft and jewellery. She also specialises in the making of masks.

Natashadavid823@gmail.com 681-0637 DASH Boutique carries a classy line of men and female clothing and accessories allinatasha@yahoo.com 627-8340 Alianne Glen is the founder Alianne’s Creations. They cater for party decor needs alianneglen@gmail.com 592-682-7655 CJ Peppers, Pickles & Green Seasoning. Various types of pickles including, onions, garlic,pineapples, Carilla, mangoes, cucumbers etc. email cjpeppersandseasoning@ gmail.com 6644851 My clothing brand, books and courses were also represented at the expo and my number is 684 8129 and email soniaenoel@gmail.com Amrita Rivas Pierre, co-founder of AT investment.

They provide Visa application services amri_rivas@yahoo. com. 64115195 If you are interested in participating in Women In Business 2021 email womeninexpo2020@gmail.com Let’s make December a month where we care and give more that any other month as we continue the celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

Using ‘pandemic time’...

From Page V them will be high in spices.

No sugar, no shortening, no butter. The shelf life for that is very high. The cornbread has different things with it. I’ll also be making the honey spread to go with them and the ginger spread with garlic

for the other bread,” she informed.

For the holiday season, Fraser will also be doing cushions and masks. “I will be designing little canisters to store your masks in, in case you want to give someone a gift. They can put it on their desks and we can even personalise it.”

She has been working hard over the years on her ‘Roar’ brand which she says she has a passion for. “I really feel it can be a big brand coming out of Guyana. I am not only branding food and clothes, but home furnishing, bottles, items for athletes, etc.”

Fraser feels that the pan-

demic creates a good opportunity for persons to work on their own brands. “With all that is happening right now, Guyana has the ability to bring out its own brands.

It’s time we celebrate our own,” she said.

Fraser, who is one of the featured designers for the Caribbean Style and and

Culture Awards (a Guyanese-owned event hosted out of Washington, DC), said when it comes to her designing, she focuses most of her attention on creating items for males as she feels that emphasis is mostly being placed on clothing for women.

An honours student of

the Burrowes School of Art, she has continued to blaze the trails of advocacy, cooperative movement, and education and designs within the Fashion and Arts Industry.

Fraser also aims to mentor and motivate young designers to use their talents in productive ways.

CHRONICLEPEPPERPOT PEPPERPOT――Sunday, Sunday,December October 4,06,2020 CHRONICLE 2020

XIX XXV

The importance of influences

I

Hello Everyone,

ple can get physical if they find out they have been hope this week has betrayed treated you well.

- End of a the marriage/ LATELY, I’ve been thinking a lot about peoplerein my life andIhow they have specifically influenced me.

I recently re- lationship thought about who brings out the best in me and who ceived a request - Broken relationships brings out the worst.

Solely not to put the blame just on myself others, to discuss adultery with children andorother fam-I asked myself how much are we really influenced by others?

How do and we influence important are those its effectsothers? on ilyHow members relationships? The answer to all is very much. mental - Financial stress or conThewell-being. people around us can influence (not create trol)Aour thoughts, woman hademotions, written and behaviours.

- Medical consequences I believe that the company we keep says a lot about aboutbirds her husband’s infidelias acquiring sexually us; of a feather and all.such I don’t think we anecessarily do it on purpose, we just tend to surround ourselves ty and the anguish it brought transmitted disease (STD) with what we want and like – this can be both conher. I think is an importantOn occasions, scious anditunconscious. we can choose.

- Pregnancy (themselves If you would like to have a healthy, fun day- eat well topicgototodiscuss, as etc., it is you so are or the outside person) and the gym going to call your most strong-willed friend.

If you want to have a lot of fun prominent throughout our and probably make bad decisions, you are going to call society.wildest I myself know very Now, what does your friend.

However, sometimes these choices aren’t few relationships that are cheating doastoobvious the and conscious as we would like them to be. Some people monogamouswhich meansknowing. Somevictim? affect us without us even people allow us to be kinder, while others encourage our darker sides to to be married to or to be in a It causes extreme hurt, come out.

We relationship all want to feel are in full control sexual withasjustthough lowweself-esteem and self-of every aspect of our lives but the truth is, our influences may one partner. doubt.likeIt toruins the From trust for have more control than we would admit. the timeWe’re we are born, our personalities are developed based on going to talk about not only the current, but also and around who raises us and who we surround ourselves being–unfaithful in siblings, general friends for future This with our parents, etc.relationships.

A good influence will have a positive attitude toward your growth. They see as only married people can is called projecting, when your potential and help you grow it. They will encourage and motivate you. Most importantly, they will you commit adultery, but you the victims are support more often when you have setbacks. do Inotbelieve have to marriedare the thanmajor not afraid, insecure thatbefriends influences in our lives as these are the people we choose the most.

Not in order to be devastated by and untrusting in their new many can choose their family or co-workers. Half of the that betrayal. relationships.

Thismost canofleadus world doesn’t even choose their spouses, but choose our friends. Friends, both past and present, have For the religious, adul- to high anxiety, depression tery is a sin; the word from and even suicide. its Latin heritage ‘adulterCheating will also affect are’ means to corrupt. It is the children if the family is one of the major causes of split apart. Typically, trust breakups/divorce world- issues are also passed on to wide. However, its effects them, affecting both their fuon both individuals are ture friendships and intimate widespread. relationships.

Unfaithfulness/cheatI know many people who ing causes many problems have never been cheated on with both the cheater and (to their knowledge), but are the victim, ranging from terrified of it because one of

or not; there are people who cheat and people who do not. It’s simply a personal There shapedchoice. us into who we will are. I actually only went to London to continue my education always be other problems tosimply because a friend told me she was doing so and suggested that I look into it as well. ‘blame’ the cheating on, but That changed my whole path in life. One person did that. despite temptation, we as One thing I hope you all know by now is that we cannot control other people’s thoughts or actions. This means it’s humans have the capability up to you to ensure that you make the best decisions possitoblechoose whether we hurt else around you. Although we – for you and everyone do not have full or control someone deeply not. over our influences, we have full control over who and how we influence.

The maineffort reasonto always It takes have control, but not much to have or be influenced.

This cited to me is a lackmakes of at- our ability to influence others much more important than our ability to control. We influtention.

The by partner felt what we do or say around them ence people who has we are, -- without even trying and that is a super power. The most ignored bything theirissignificant important to pay attention to whether our influence is good or bad. other which has lowered I believe that someone is always watching us and will their self-esteem andwhat self-we do. I believe that attitudes be likely to mimic and behaviours are passed worth.

Therefore, they seek on -- good or bad. I believe that if I let a driver enter my lane in front of me that he attention would beelsewhere. more likely to let someone else enter shortly after. Even our mood can influence others. We tend to aretoward many the ways pullThere people direction that we are internally heading.

It takes one with to give attention to your exceptional resilience skills to pull someone in their internal direction without being spouse.

Some examples affected themselves. are Itconstant communicais difficult advice to tell people to be around only tion of the problem—not positive influences as it is a bit unrealistic. Some people are simply toxic with their constant complaining or gossiping, talking, ignoring and usholdnegativity or putting down. Even worse, sometimes we don’t have control as to whether they are around us. Howing a grudge solves nothing. ever, we can do our best to stay positive or keep distance.

Other being Doexamples you feel asare if you don’t have many good influences around?

The simplest solution would be to become one physically and mentally yourself. present and affectionate, A positive attitude goes a long way to influence those around you. People are often turned off by negativity, compassionate, patient, empathetic and sexually active. Human beings long for these types of connections.

Basically, cheating is an external reaction to an internal problem. Participating in the above examples are internal solutions.

What happens after you have found out?

Well, there is a big deci-

anger and unpleasantness. People want others around them to be pleasant. Lead by example. I feel most people like the saying “do what I say and not as I do” which is just noise. Leading by example shows others that it can be done. Show others how to be positive and kind -- these are contagious.

Be happy and supportive for and to others that are also setting good examples. There is enough greatness to be shared in the world.

Respond healthily rather than react. When we hear something we don’t like, a typical response is an aggressive one. Being a good influence means to keep composed and be objective. Defend yourself with knowledge rather than aggression. Handle yourself with respect.

Have manners – that also goes a long way Keep in mind that we are all human and all make mistakes –- which is okay. If you still want to be a good influence after making a mistake, simply admit them, accept them, make an apology, seek forgiveness and then learn from the mistake.

Being a positive influence and force does not mean that you yourself do not experience sadness, anger, loneliness etc., it just simply means you adopt healthier ways of dealing with such problems-- ways that can be passed down to anyone.

Studies done by sociologists have shown that the typical individual will influence an average of 10,000 people in their lifetimes. What kind of influence are you?

Thank you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com. If you’d like personal counselling sessions with me, please call or whatsapp +592 623 0433 Suicide Prevention Helpline numbers: 223-0001, 2230009, 623-4444, 600-7896 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always

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GUYANA AND SURINAME TOWARD RECOGNISING

COMMON IDENTITY

The official contacts between the governments of Suriname and Guyana have been featuring in the news over the last several weeks. These contacts, neglected over the years, have been long overdue.

Adventitiously, and almost simultaneously, Guyana and Suriname have had new Presidents who are perceived by the people of both countries as not belonging to “old guard politicians” and will bring fresh minds to the tasks of governance and Guyana-Suriname relations.

Accordingly, and quite unexpectedly, when President Chandrikapersad Santokhi visited Guyana for the Presidential inauguration of Dr Irfaan Ali, substantial talks between the Presidents on the strengthening of Guyana-Surin a m e re l a t i o n s occurred. This occurrence was unique since serious Diplomatic business is rarely discussed at Presidential inaugurations.

Guyana and Suriname had been one country longer than they had been two.

Guyana became separated from Suriname in 1815 when the Dutch ceded it to the British. Now, being ruled by different colonial powers, the myth was cultivated and projected that they were different countries. In fact, Guyana and Suriname have remained much the same country.

The thought process of the people, the population, the culture and the food are much the same. The lingua franca of Suriname, Sranam Tongo once known as ‘Talkie-talkie’, is an English creole and Guyanese are able to learn and speak fluently after living in Suriname for six months.

Further, since English and Dutch are cognate languages and the Suriname Education System prescribes English as a compulsory language, most Surinamese speak or

tyne River and a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Foreign Minister of Guyana, Hon Hugh Todd and Suriname’s experienced and brilliant Foreign Minister Hon Dr Albert Ramdin. Both Presidents Ali and Santokhi were sanguine as to the benefits the bridge will bring to their countries.

President Ali remarked that the bridge will be a permanent physical link between the people of Suriname and Guyana and there would accrue enormous benefits in Tourism, Transportation and Trade. In his own words: “The proposed road alignment will create within its vicinity possibilities of Free Trade zones and enhanced land values, and will not only reduce the cost English-speaking Caribbean of doing business but imislands than to Suriname; prove the ease of doing businow the mist of that illusion ness”. President Santokhi is beginning to dissipate. was equally sanguine: “The The recent commitment bridge over the Corentyne of Guyana and Suriname River is not only important to have closer diplomat- to facilitate the movement ic and cultural relations is of persons, trade, goods and leading to the discovery of cross-border cooperation but their common identity and it also symbolizes the progidentical interests. Cultural ress to a new era where there cooperation would in due is wellbeing and prosperity course be stressed and there of the people, Democracy are many cultural facets and Rule of Law”. which Guyana could learn Though the construction from Suriname such as its of the bridge is the immelanguage policy and its suc- diate flagship project, other cessful pluralist policies. areas of cooperation and Guyana and Suriname development will continue have established several simultaneously such as, for institutions to quicken and example, the Oil Industry further closer cooperation where there will be coopsuch as the Strategic and Co- eration rather than compeoperation Platform and the tition to the benefit of both Guyana-Suriname Business countries.

Facilitation Unit to manage The present close and and facilitate collaboration enthusiastic cooperation between the private sector a n d g o o d w i l l b e t w e e n bodies and the Joint Guy- Guyana and Suriname ana-Suriname Commission remove the veil concealing to work towards solving the their common identity and New River Border problem. stands out as among the The immediate project most important foreign on which both countries are policy achievements since focusing is the construction Independence. of a bridge across the Corenunderstand English. All the Guyana archival records to the end of the 18th century are in Dutch and Guyana continued to use the Civil Law, the same Law as Suriname, until 1914. Indeed, the Land Law of Guyana is still largely Roman-Dutch.

The land surveys done by Dutch surveyors are still in use and most of the official names of the estates and villages along coastal and riverine areas Guyana are Dutch. From Colonial times, Guyanese had been schooled in the illusion that Guyana was closer to the

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Teaching in a Pandemic is…

By Joshanna Hopkinson

Note from Jasmaine Payne: The wonderful thing about having a column is that you can use this space as a medium to write about myriad content. When I first set out to start this column, it was to encourage writers to continue to write and to provide tips on how they can do so in an environment that provides limited resources to hone their craft. Lately, I have been receiving submissions from writers wishing to showcase their talent and I realised that this column could also serve that purpose. So from time to time, The Write Mind will serve as a space where you can read the work of otherwise unpublished writers in Guyana. Here is the first from Joshanna Hopkinson.

Joshanna is a young Guyanese professional who enjoys reading historical fiction and literature that explores the rich and vast culture of the Caribbean. She currently manages her own short story blog, where she publishes flash fiction in a variety of genres. She aspires to eventually publish an anthology of short stories.

--“CHALLENGING.” That’s how Demansea Benjamin-London would describe her experiences as a teacher in the pandemic. Demansea has been a teacher for the past 11 years, the last seven of which were spent at the Rosignol Secondary School. “I moved here because of marriage,” she says, as her eyes flit between the screen and her young children playing in front of her.

Like many other teachers across Guyana, she has been forced into distance teaching because of the government-mandated school closure since March 16, 2020. It’s the reality of living in a world with COVID-19, the highly contagious respiratory illness that has caused a global lockdown.

When the first case of the virus was discovered in Guyana, Demansea, like many other young parents was scared -very scared. “I really prayed a lot,” she says. She started taking extra precautions

to ensure her family’s safety by putting diluted bleach and alcohol at her gate and increasing her washing cycle from two to four times a week. Fruits that come from the market are now washed in warm water and bleach. She’s become almost religious about eating her vitamins and eating healthy in general. “It’s kind of traumatic to think about where [my life] was [then] to where it is today,” Demansea admits.

Her daily routine before the pandemic wasn’t particularly exciting. It’s a typical of any Guyanese working parent: “I would press in the evenings then get up around 04:30hrs to do devotion. Then I would start preparing lunch and breakfast. Get the children up around 06:00hrs, do devotion with them; ensure they eat breakfast, take their baths. Take my bath, [then get everyone off to school].” Now, “the children get up when they get up” and they all stay inside. There’s no more leaving the house or being in a different environment with the opportunity to interact with different people. “I miss socialising with adults. Speaking to colleagues. Being stuck on the inside, there is no break, ” she says.

She misses her students too. At Rosignol Secondary, she’s the Bible Club Leader, the choir director and the school welfare liaison officer. She also hosts a mini-counselling corner for students seeking a listening ear. It’s a lot to do, in addition to the four subjects she teaches, but she enjoys all of it. Her face lights up as she describes her students leading Bible Club or hosting the audition season for the choir.

Now in the pandemic, these activities are on hold. Students have sent messages, indicating their disappointment about not being able to sing in the choir or fellowship together in Bible Club sessions or just come to her for a lunchtime chit-chat. “It’s worrisome [for me] that I’m not able to do what I really love doing with my students,” she says. Her previously smiling face is now clouded over. “I was actually getting over this,” she continues.

It’s even more difficult for her first form students transitioning into new schools with new teachers and new classmates that they can only interact with through their phone and computer screens.

“They’re doing the work but whether they understand what’s being done [is difficult to tell],” she explains. Many of them are anxious that they may not be able to manage the grade seven curriculum. But she always tries to reassure them that “it’s okay.” It’s a pandemic and the last thing she believes teachers should be doing is putting undue stress on their students. When she gives them exercises, she encourages them to use the full length of time up to the due date, to complete them.

“We don’t know the living conditions of some of these children, why should I be heartless and say I need this work at this time,,” she says. interjection As the teacher, it’s even more difficult for her to connect to these new students

she’s never seen before. “[I’m] unable to see their posture to know how to deal with them. [I] can look at someone and depending on their posture or facial expression, know what to say, how to say it or even when to say it and that’s what I’m unable to do-connect with the students.” It’s a difficulty her colleagues lament as well. “Some are distraught that they are unable to communicate with their students the way they should… I know of some colleagues who would be in school up to four or five with their students in school doing work. Those are the ones that [sic] are very much feeling that they can’t meet with their students,” she says. They’re also the ones who were eager for school to reopen so they could reconnect and continue the long and arduous work of education.

Demansea, though passionate about teaching, was not as enthusiastic. When she heard the directive that schools would reopen, her nos were emphatic and consistent. “Some person was saying ‘Demansea like ya record stick, whappen?’,” she recalls with laughter. It’s a dangerous time and currently, the numbers in Guyana are a cause for major concern. But she treks out to Rosignol Secondary School on Mondays and Fridays anyway. Grades 10-12 teachers require assistance to manage their socially distanced classes, so Grades Seven to Nine teachers are called in to assist by supervising the classrooms where the main instructor is absent.

Her children are still at home and their work on Mondays and Fridays still come to her phone. “My mother-in-law will try to assist me in whatever way possible, but I still have to come back home to do it all over again,” she explains. Her son attends Rosignol Primary School and her daughter attends Liberty Hall Nursery. They are babies that have to be stewarded to ensure that they complete their exercises and do their work, but their teachers don’t host virtual classroom sessions so Demansea has to step in to ensure that they’re not lagging. “It’s challenging,” the teacher admits.

But it’s a challenge she encourages her colleagues to do their best in. “Try your best to be as good as you can be.

Some teachers are not trying at all and it hurts. I have my two children and I am working with them, but how many parents are able and equipped to do so.” Her words are urgent, but kind, “Try your best to do what you’re doing to the satisfaction of your heart.”

For the students of Guyana, her emphasis is different: “Be safe... All the necessary precautions you can take, take [them]. Death knows and respects no one. Be safe.”

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Guyanese Entrepreneur launches Book to aid in the development of small businesses in Guyana

By Dillon Goring

Lady Wendy South author of “The Seven Missteps of Entrepreneurs”

“We are here to empower small businesses,” Lady Wendy South declared as she launched a book titled “The Seven Missteps of Entrepreneurs” recently to assist small businesses and small business owners across the country.

South, who began her career as a chemical engineering technologist, later ventured out as a part-time entrepreneur.

At a simple ceremony, South emphasised the point that one must be fully prepared when venturing into business.

“A lack of experience is usually one of the primary reasons why people go into business, and because they can be their own boss. I don’t have to get up early, which is all a myth,” she told the small gathering.

She further noted that as a business owner, you have to listen to your customers, thus you will be able to gather information regarding the development of your business.

Market Research is very crucial to the development of business and the maintenance of one’s business, she noted.

“Entrepreneurship can start anywhere, but in order to see development, a procedure and roadmap must be followed,” the businesswoman told the gathering.

Highlighting some flaws in developing a small business, South noted that she plans to take her message of the missteps in entrepreneurship across the country and communities.

She opined that Small businesses must strive on proper accounting systems if they are going to function effectively and lasts for a long time.

South made the point that small businesses povide the impetus for the nation’s development and as such small business entrepreneurs must get it right when it comes to business ventures and enterprises.

“They need to get it right, they need to get more organized since businesses are the driving force of many because as they grow they create employment, they increase human resources and it would be good for the Government too because the entrepreneurs would be able to pay their taxes and it creates a healthy community. If people have work, they would be able to spend and the community would grow if businesses are done properly,” South told Pepperpot Magazine.

She continues to mentor businesses across the country, to help struggling entrepreneurs who have issues with accountability thus ensuring that their businesses are up to standard.

South concluded that small businesses are the driving force of many economies around the world and if we as entrepreneurs get it right, they can be a force to be reckoned with across the Caribbean.

She maintained that if businesses and practices are done right, including accounting practices and procedures and employment procedures, there can also be healthy and productive communities.

South is also a strong promoter of cultural heritage, as demonstrated in her involvement in the community.

As the founder of the Cultural Mosaic Festival and Guyanese Pavillion in Metro International Caravan in Toronto, she was awarded a Merit for excellence in community work in the city of Toronto.

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Who can bleed for a week and not die?

Menstruation and society SOME time ago I stumbled upon a meme online that read, “Condoms should be sold and sanitary pads should be shared for free, sex is a choice while a woman’s period is not.” I was bemused by those words because I realised that a woman’s period is actually a marketing strategy for many brands. In fact, studies have shown that some brands actually make medications with the same ingredients of a regular painkiller and label it as “period painkillers.” They tend to retail the ones “for menstruation” at a more expensive price compared to the regular medications.

Pad commercials showcase the “many gallons” of liquid a pad can absorb, but yet still an average woman uses 10,000 to 15,000 sanitary pads in her lifetime. You can do the math to come up with the excessive amount of dollars women have to spend.

Why is it that in high school my friends and I came up with nicknames and phrases for our periods (red car, time of the month, Pee-pee)? Or every month a woman is so paranoid that she asks her friends to check for red spots on her light-co-

loured pants or skirts? Last week’s column was focused mainly on what the menstrual cycle is, while this week’s piece shines a light on the social perception of periods.

One can only imagine how awful it must be to be homeless or financially unstable and also have your period every month. Homeless and less-fortunate women would use reusable rags and cloths. Next time you see a desolate female, make sure you share some of your new sanitary pads with her. With the exception of pads, there are also menstrual cups, tampons, period underpants and slowly emerging, there are now bio-degradable sanitary pads because 90 percent of traditional pads are made with plastic.

For centuries, women have always been controlled by the social oppression of the idea that periods are disgusting and should not be talked about. Track your periods by the means of modern period-tracking apps, talk to both female and male colleagues; educate them more on this topic, speak up and against someone who discriminates against women and periods. Menstruation and sex are complementary.

Climate-Smart Agriculture

Climate-Smart Agriculture is paramount to the work of NAREI, especially since most of Guyana’s agricultural production occurs on the coastland, which is susceptible to flooding. Research conducted by the institute and transfer of technology to farmers is assisting Guyana to meet its obligations to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)’s “Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture” (KJWA).

The KJWA Roadmap recognised the climate-change challenges –- both adaptation and mitigation –- faced by the agricultural sector and the need for bold, urgent and transformative action to meet these challenges. It also recognised that such action must be led by countries, farmers, researchers, investors and the private sector; and for effective transformation to occur, agriculture must be seen in a broad sense as including policies, services and institutions.

The thematic area being highlighted this week is: methods and approaches for assessing adaptation, adaptation co-benefits and resilience. This week NAREI in Focus will look at Climate Smart Agriculture, which includes hydroponics and shade-house vegetable cultivation, and the use of solar dryers.

Hydroponics: Globally, agricultural production accounts for 70 percent of freshwater consumption.

This water is often supplied through pumps requiring the use of fossil fuels and its consequent GHG emissions.

Crop cultivation using a hy-

droponics system consumes 20 times less water compared to traditional soil-based agriculture and militates against emissions. Other advantages of hydroponic systems over soil-based agricultural systems include the judicious use and recycling of nutrients.

Applied nutrients are not leached to the environment to contribute to GHG emissions. Also, the absence of weeds and soil-borne pest and diseases eliminated the use of agrochemicals and their contributions to GHG emissions. Properly implemented, hydroponics gives more produce in less time than soil-based agricultural systems. There is an operational hydroponic facility at NAREI producing pak-choi, lettuce and tomatoes.

Protected Agriculture: The advent of climate change with its unseasonal wet and dry periods has resulted in increased uncertainty of successful crop production using open-field agriculture.

One innovation to adapt to this uncertainty is the use of shade-house cultivations.

Shade houses protect plants from insect pests and extremes of weather such as heavy rains, strong winds, extreme heat, and drought owing to climate change.

Pesticide use is significantly reduced and its consequent GHG emissions; production cost is lowered, produce is

healthier, and production is all year around allowing farmers to take advantage of market seasonality and higher prices. To militate against crop loss owing to flooding from excessive precipitation, stilted grow boxes and raised beds are used for cultivation. There are several active shade houses at NAREI engaged in the production of vegetable crops.

Solar Dryers: Thee solar dryers are operational at NAREI, Mon Repos.

These dryers are accessible to the public and are used by farmers to dry vegetable produce. The intent is to encourage farmers and agri-based producers to use renewable energy in their processing operations. The solar dryer ensures that vegetable crops, grains and fruits are protected, dry faster and uniformly, and produces a consistent-quality product. In case of excess unsold agricultural produce owing to market glut, solar dryers can be used to prevent spoilage of fruits and vegetables.

These dryers are suitable for hinterland and remote communities where food preservation is paramount.

From the beginning of time, women have been giving birth as well as experiencing menstruation. Never be ashamed, it is a gift to be a woman and to birth life; our female ancestors before us struggled, they had no idea what a pad was, what sex education is or was always taught to be quiet about the passing of blood through their thighs, so stop hiding your pads and tampon boxes on the way to the bathroom, or when you’re shopping at the grocery store. I’ll end this by sharing a poem that seeks to celebrate the humanity of women: ‘Menstruation is the only blood that is tied to creation but you prefer the kind that is tied to death because the red dripping from a man’s head is strength but the red dripping between a woman’s thighs is filth even though that is the only kind that brings life.’

-Danica Gim

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ANGEL BOY...

From page XIV Christmas spirit seemed to have flown pass. As he walked in, the look on his face was a reflection of sadness and anger for all the years of her love, kindness and selfless sacrifices had come to this sad and lonely life.

Someone was singing a soulful tune on the old, worn piano in a dimly lit sitting area and Aaron saw her sitting in a corner, a Bible in her hand.

“Grandma…” he called to her softly.

The Bible fell from her hand as she looked up at the young man standing before her but she did not recognize him. Aaron picked up the faded picture of a little boy that had fallen from between the pages and knelt in front of her. A sparkle shone in her eyes as recognition dawned, and holding his face with trembling hands, she whispered weakly, “Aaron, my angel boy.”

He nodded, too overcome with emotions to speak and she embraced him, crying, “What took you so long?”

She wiped his tears gently, saying, “It’s okay, my child, God was watching over me for he knew you would come back one day.”

“I will thank God for the rest of my life,” Aaron said, “And now that I am here, life will be like it was.”

“Our home is gone,” she said with a distressed look.

“Don’t worry,” Aaron comforted her, “I will build you a new house but for now we will celebrate Christmas.”

The piano struck a more cheerful note and true to his word, in just a couple of days, Aaron had transformed the elderly home from a place with better conveniences, lights, décor and a festive atmosphere, for these were also people without homes, who needed that little extra care.

The old neighbourhood and the church, he also brought Christmas cheer to, celebrating the reunion of grandmother and grandson – the magic of Christmas. 2

PRE 50TH ANNIVERSARY ...

From page XVII

memories of that experience, he explained that those locations were very spiritual, those recollections still live with him. In 1984 in New York the band recorded ‘BRIGHT LIGHTS’ but as the business goes only a 45 was released, the theme song on one side and Awe Music on the other, unusual back then in the wax industry where the main tune was accompanied with what was called the ‘version,’ an instrumental rendition of the vocalised song. One of the most popular Yoruba Singers dance hall favourites was the sultry song ‘Danger Water’ sung by Abiola Caesar.

She joined the band in 1972 and rocketed to incredible popularity, but the rush was too much for her other half; it was short-lived as she was lost in a fatal romantic tragedy in 1975. In 1982 the band made their first tour to North America, the U.S.A and Canada. They were booked for the Mother’s Day concert in 1983 in Madison Square Garden with he Mighty Sparrow, Kitchener and Arrow, and were booked for the next year for the same event.

The incredible temerity of the creative force of the Yoruba Singers is the folk roots of Eze Rockliffe, its founder, who credits it to Mahaicony, his birthplace. And the team that embodied what I refer to as the movement of the Yoruba Singers, an experience my generation evolved with when it came to homegrown entertainment and inspiration, that had enveloped and defined the ‘creative self’ of a generation across the arts. I must reflect on that cadre of local musicians from Sid and the Slickers to Rudy and the Roosters, Mischievous Guys, Sound Dimension, the Telstars and the Jazz groups from the late 60s, 70s from school short pants to drain pipes. The atmosphere that these musicians produced internalised the creative perspectives for all the national systemic failures, we still do and continue

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THOUGHT FOR TO

DAY

How sharper th an a serpent’s tooth it is To have a thankl WILLIAM SHAK ess child!

SPEARE (1564-1616) KE in g Lear (1605), Act 1, Sce ne 4

November 29, 2020 STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Welcome, dear friend.

There comes a time in study when you are suddenly shocked about your poor understanding of certain concepts. Do not

despair at this disturbing reality. The ever-helpful discussion technique used within your study group of partners can readily improve your misconceptions. Also, use knowledgeable persons who understand your examination level like your teachers. Know that success comes with purpose, application, and workable learning styles. Study adjustments help you avoid stress and anxiety. Be smart.

Love you.

WRITING IMPROVEMENT Working with words 1. Word Meaning (i) Complete the following sentences by using the correct word from these given items: occasional pent-up unnatural poised respective. a) The boxers approached from their …….. corners. b) An …….. rest was all that he needed despite the slight steepness of the path. c) She could not contain her …….. feelings any longer and gave a loud cheer. d) The beast stood …….., ready to spring. e) Using his left hand felt …….. until he got used to it.

2. Word Difference Tell the difference between each pair of words. a gash and a cut a retort and an answer a carcass and a body a specimen and a sample a squad and a crowd a spectator and a watcher clamber and climb encounter and meet It is always good to look closely at shades of Difference. Even words which have similar meaning can give us trouble if we are not careful about our use of them. The following poem points out this dilemma. Discuss shades of word difference with your study partners to further enhance your word choice is speech and writing. Read carefully.

SEMANTICS Call a woman a kitten, but never a cat; Yo u c a n c a l l h e r a mouse, cannot call her a rat; Call a woman a kitten, but never a hen; Or you surely will not be her caller again.

You can call her a duck, cannot call her a goose; You can call her a deer, but never a moose; You can call her a lamb, but never a sheep; Economic she lives, but you cannot call her cheap.

You can say she’s a vision, can’t call her a sight; And no woman is skinny; she’s slender and slight.

If she should burn you up, say she sets you afire, And you’ll always be welcome, you tricky old liar.

(John E. Donovan) 3. Word Meaning (ii) Which of the words that follow each of the following sentences is nearest in meaning to the word in capitals?

1. We PARTITIONED the organisation to give each worker some time to mull over the incident.

(A) restored (B) examined (C) divided (D) scattered 2. We developed a CALCULATING plan for expanding our share of the rice milling factory.

(A) secret (B) reckless (C) unusual (D) deliberate 3. They RATTLED on for about a full half-hour without care for their audience.

(A) talked (B) battled (C) laughed (D) sounded 4. I remained IMPASSIVE as the neighbour enumerated how ugly the incident was.

(A) distressed (B) composed (C) intense (D) defiant READING Improving Writing Apart from his mother and his birds I had discovered Kralefsky had one great interest in life, and that was an entirely imaginary world he had evoked in his mind, a world in which rich and

strange adventures were always happening, adventures in which there were only two major characters: himself (as hero) and a member of the opposite sex who was generally known as a Lady. Finding that I appear to believe his anecdotes he related to me, he got bolder and bolder, and day by day allowed me to enter a little further into his private paradise. It all started one morning when we were having a break for coffee and biscuits. The conversation somehow got on to dogs, and I confessed to an overwhelming desire to possess a bulldog – creatures that I found quite irresistibly ugly.

“By Jove, yes! Bulldogs!” said Kralefsky.

“Fine beasts, trustworthy and brave. One cannot say the same for bullterriers, unfortunately.”

He sipped his coffee and glanced at me shyly; I sensed that I was expected to draw him out, so I asked why he thought bullterriers particularly untrustworthy.

“Treacherous!” he explained, wiping his mouth.

“Most treacherous.”

He leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and placed the tips of his fingers together, as if praying.

“I recall that once – many years ago when I was in England – I was instrumental in saving a lady’s life…..” He opened his eyes and peered at me; seeing that I was all attention, he closed them again and continued: “It was a fine morning in spring,……

(Gerard Durrell’s “My Family and Other Animals”) Something to Do 1. Read the passage until it is saying something to you and your study partners.

Tell the tale that the author has written for his audience.

2. Examine how the points are expressed: a) details, b) clarity of expression, and c) how topics are linked. Also look at word usage and economy of words or word control.

3. Find one of your own short stories and compare / contrast it against the passage on areas looked at in instruction 2. This exercise is very helpful for aspiring writers.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 06, 2020

Some questions people ask the dentist Every so often patients ask me the same question often. Here are a few.

Is it okay for my child to suck his thumb?

THERE should be no problem, as long as your child does not suck his/her thumb too long. Signs that this may be a problem include front teeth that no longer meet. Usually, a child should stop sucking a thumb by the time they go to school, which is around three years old.

My dentist keeps telling me I need to replace missing teeth. If I am not in pain, why should I spend the money to replace teeth I don’t need?

Let me answer that question in this way. Suppose you were going to buy a car and the dealer shows you two, one being $200,000 less. The only difference between the two cars is that the dealer took one tooth out of one of the car gears. Which car would you buy?

Suppose you decided to buy the $200,000. cheaper model. Would you expect the cars to last the same period? Most probably not! You would probably find that just one missing tooth could cause multiple other problems with your car. The same can be true of your mouth.

There are three components which comprise and determine how your mouth functions. These are the teeth, jaw joints and muscles of mastication. Potential and actual damage may occur if removal of one tooth allows the remainder of the teeth to alter their position. This affects not only the teeth, but it may also affect the muscles, causing head or facial pain, and jaw joint dysfunction. Uncontrollable shifting of the bite can be a very serious consequence. Many people suffer from temporomandibular joint dysfunction because of the loss of just one tooth and the bite shifting. This can result in some headaches, neck pain, facial or ear-ache, or referred pain to associated areas.

What is a root canal and why would I need one?

Inside the tooth is a small chamber, which contains some minor blood vessels, and small nerves. If this tissue dies or becomes infected, it is usually very tender to the touch.

The infected tissue must be removed and replaced with a substance, which will not become re-infected. After the root canal is completed, the tooth is crowned for long term stability and function.

This is a relatively painless procedure and a very reliable one as well. This enables the professional to assist the patient in maintaining his/her definition because the tooth would otherwise have to be removed.

Our son fell and chipped his tooth. My husband says to forget it, as it is just a baby tooth. When should I take my child to the dentist?

If a baby tooth is injured it needs to be examined. The baby tooth is subject to decay just like adult teeth and they hold the space for the permanent teeth that will follow.

Premature loss can cause problems that are expensive to correct. Usually, take your child to the dentist around 2 to 3 years of age.

Sometimes I get a “clicking or popping noise” or just general soreness in my jaw. Is this a problem, and what can I do about it?

Clicking usually occurs when the cartilage is dislocated from its proper position. Without intervention, this process usually becomes worse and deteriorates. Treatments often consist of wearing a diagnostic appliance that keeps the jaw from becoming dislocated. If the repositioning with the appliance maintains a stable relationship, permanent corrections can be provided.

I don’t like my smile. Is there anything I can do?

Your smile is like a picture window through which people can see you. If you are uncomfortable with your smile, there are certainly things that can be done. Replacement of stained, broken, repaired or missing teeth is possible with porcelain crowns. Removable appliances such as partials or dentures also improve esthetics. Orthodontic corrections are an excellent way to align teeth so they look and function better.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 06, 2020