Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot 08-22-2021

Making the most of life at Section ‘A’ Cotton Tree Village

Sabitrie Rangasammy of Section ‘A’ Cotton Tree Village, has been working with plants for 15 years and would invest her earnings in securing more to sell. Sabitrie started collecting plants as just a hobby, but over time, she had so many that she decided to use it as a source of income ( Carl Croker photo)

Sunday August 22, 2021

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 22, 2021

GEM Magazine is coming back!

With more focus on digital, web and social platforms

GEM Magazine, a well-loved lifestyle and entertainment magazine that managed to put a smile on many faces with its appealing local content and uplifting imagery, is coming back! Fans may have thought that the magazine was gone for good, but they are in for a treat come September 29.

The glossy GEM magazine was launched in 2004 for Guyanese at home and in the diaspora and its goal was to transcend race, politics, religion, class and hard news journalism.

“Our aim was an easy to read, laid back format with uplifting imagery and stories of people, places, events and businesses. Our mission was and still is to change the way people look at Guyana,” Founder and Publisher Simeon Corbin told Pepperpot Magazine recently.

Due to a steady decline in 2015 in ad and subscription revenues, among other factors, the operations of the magazine were affected, causing it to go dormant. “So in 2017/2018 we decided that it was a good time to take a step back to reimagine our future. It was the best decision we ever made, I must say! We got to clear our heads and preserve our sanity,” Corbin recalled.

At that time, he said they were receiving the “occasional query” about why they left and their plans for the future, but over the last year, there was a significant increase in inquiries about whether they were coming back, or if they were really done.

“I believe because of COVID, people started to reflect on the things that made them happy and it seems GEM was one of those things. Fans were also saying that since we took the break, the void we left had not been filled,” reflected Corbin.

So, after much contemplating, the team decided that now is the best time to re-enter the space which it had created some 17 years ago.

“We really enjoyed producing each edition and watching the smiles that we put on so many faces every two months. It was a great feeling to showcase a rarely seen side of our beautiful country. So September 29 is the date we are aiming for to get the show on the road. It will be an online event,” he shared.

This time around, there will be more emphasis on digital, web and social platforms.

Readers can expect the same high-quality production, with more stories from the diaspora and more engagement with the fan base when it comes to content suggestions for the magazine.

The print will be quarterly and available to read and purchase online, and according to Corbin, an excellent team is on board to take the magazine forward.

Simeon Corbin

A 2017 cove r of GEM Mag azine

“In the meantime, fans can go to gemguyana.com to sign-up for GEM Insider newsletter to get regular updates, take exclusive polls and receive invitations to signature events. Readers can also follow the magazine on all social media platforms,” Corbin noted.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 22, 2021

Guyana already has net-zero carbon emissions

EVEN with Exxon Mobil’s oil and gas productions, Guyana will still remain a net-zero global carbon emitter, and will continue to have a position as a strong advocate in the reduction of carbon emissions.

However, it is unfair of activists to call for a ceasing on further investments in oil and gas developments and for small developing countries like Guyana to refrain from advancing an industry that could benefit its people.

This was the position of Guyana’s Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, as he made remarks during an executive dialogue presentation on Tuesday at the Offshore Technology Conference, currently ongoing in Houston, Texas.

Dr. Jagdeo presented on “Guyana: An Emerging Oil Industry in the Context of Net Zero Emission” and defended Guyana’s right to develop its oil and gas industry, even as it remains an advocate of lower carbon emissions.

“People calling for us not to develop an industry in a small country like Guyana have to understand that we cannot remain locked into a cycle of low carbon emissions but low income. Our people have a legitimate expectation of prosperity too,” Dr. Jagdeo established.

Over the years, Guyana has been seen as a country championing the advocacy for low carbon emissions.

For some, the country’s de-

velopment of its nascent oil and gas sector conflicts with this position.

Dr. Jagdeo called it “totally unfair” for advocates to call for Guyana to refrain from developing its industry.

“Many say to get to decarbonised future net-zero by 2050 there should be no further investment in oil and gas asset. We believe it is totally unfair,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

He believes that the country can do both.

“We can continue to do that and continue to advocate globally for a decarbonised world. We support removing subsidy on exploration. We support a carbon pricing that’s critical to send signals to the industry to invest in renewable,” he said.

Referencing the EU aim to be a climate-neutral economy with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, Dr. Jagdeo noted that while many countries are striving to get there, Guyana has already achieved it.

“In Guyana’s case, we are already a net-zero emitter. Where the world is trying to get to by 2050, Guyana is already there as a net global emitter,” Dr. Jadgeo stated.

“We can grow this industry in a major way while maintaining our environmental credentials.

We can advocate for net global emissions to try to have a decarbonised world, all without conflicting with each other and then doing all of these things to create the conditions for the prosperity of our people.”

He noted that Guyana’s

Caption: Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

position as a net-zero emitter can still be expected to be maintained even as Guyana’s economy grows over the coming years and sees increased energy consumptions. This will be particularly due to Guyana’s investment in other sources of energy outside of fossil fuels.

“In future, we expect to increase capacity four-fold for our national installed capacity in terms of megawatt but because of new energy mix - gas, hydro, solar - we still will emit about the same carbon that we are emitting

today but with four times the national capacity,” Dr. Jagdeo explained.

Dr. Jagdeo further pointed out that with the global demand for fossil fuel not abating anytime soon if small nations pull out of the oil and gas industry, all that will do is leave a bigger market share for larger producers.

“If we freeze all oil and gas investment now, particularly in small countries like Guyana then effectively we are lobbying for a monopoly for existing producers,” Dr.

Jagdeo indicated.

“What activists are doing is they want to lock this investment in for the incumbents. Why should we not want to displace some of the higher-cost producers in the world? We want to share in that market too.”

Moreover, Dr. Jagdeo pointed out that Guyana has been doing more than its fair share in removing carbon emissions and contributing positively to reducing climate change through its forests.

“The forest in Guyana

has been making a huge contribution to fight against climate change. Estimated, our forest produces about US$54B ecosystem services to the world,” Jagdeo noted.

“We will continue to advocate globally for changes.

Pursue rigid, strong LCDS and we will develop the industry in a manner and put in place regulations for the industry to develop in a safe manner. Introduce cutting edge Low carbon strategy and ensure it brings benefit to our people.”

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 22, 2021

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 22, 2021

Herbal Nutrition is best for healthy living

By Dillon Goring RESEARCH shows that herbal medicine has its origins in ancient cultures and involves the medicinal use of plants to treat disease and enhance general health and wellbeing.

Some herbs have potent (powerful) ingredients and should be taken with the same level of caution as pharmaceutical medications.

In fact, many pharmaceutical medications are based on man-made versions of naturally occurring compounds found in plants.

Against this backdrop, local entrepreneur Nicole Blenman has catered to the nutritional needs of women and men through herbal solutions.

The Pepperpot Magazine sat down with the nutrition and herbal entrepreneur to garner a comprehensive perspective as it relates to how women should take care of their bodies nutritionally.

“A dietary change plays a very integral role… I have found that when a client may go to a doctor, the doctor wouldn’t give any medication for your condition, what they would do is give you a prognosis like losing weight… but often that is temporary,” she explained. “If you don’t keep on certain things, you aren’t achieving that goal. Therefore all you need to do is eat well and stick to your daily consumption and you will be fine. So dietary changes have worked for women.”

She explained to the Pepperpot Magazine that she has benefitted from dietary nutrition changes in her personal life.

In a planned workshop, she and others hope to deal with women in general, particularly those who have gone past menopause, women dealing with hot flashes, changes in their bodies, and women from as early as 15 years old to as late as 53 years.

The workshop will also address women who are dealing with hormone imbalance which contributes to irregular periods.

She explained that nutrition and herbs are important because of the fact people need to eat right.

“Once you are doing this, you get better results in your overall health and this is known. I would definitely advise people to go the healthy way now and do not wait until your health condition gets to a point where it has to be addressed urgently, it is no alternative, but primary medicine, and we should seek it, everyone should seek to eat well and use herbs,” Blenman told the Pepperpot Magazine.

Blenman noted that the genesis of her business deals with women’s wellness, aimed at urging women to eat healthier and teaching women to use organic feminine care products.

S h e made it clear that her business focuses primarily on her own brand of organic feminine products, including sanitary pads and much more.

“Women who use our products have noted that they experience a more comfortable menstruation minus menstrual cramps. It is state of the art sanitary napkin. We have other products on our line, all herbal and organic, such as a herbal wash and a whole line of products that [addresses] women’s feminine care,” Nicole related during her interview.

She noted that the way women handle their body and reproductive system is key.

Therefore eating is one aspect, but handling it from an external will perspective using herbs, intertwine to make women’s health a primary concern.

According to Blenman, back in 2019, she started the “Happy Flow Foundation”, which was aimed at helping women across the coun-

t r y who were not privileged enough to obtain sanitary products and educate women on the importance of taking care of their overall feminine care.

As it relates to men, Blenman indicated that her business aims at making men comfortable when they attend her sessions.

She added that monitoring your overall health by ensuring the body is detoxing and receiving the needed nutrients and rest and exercise is the overall wellness plan.

All the organs work together for the good of the body, they support each other.

Meanwhile, other co-founder of the Women ‘s Wellness Nicole Rowe added that a major element of proper body function is detoxication.

The pair added that herbs like Rosemary, ashwagandha, gingko is great for the healthy brain functions.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 22, 2021

Section ‘A’ Cotton Tree Village A good place to live

By Michel Outridge THIS week the Pepperpot Magazine visited the quiet, rural community of Cotton Tree, Section ‘A’, West Coast Berbice in Region Five (Demerara-Berbice) to highlight the way of life of the people and the village.

Cotton Tree is a very large village that extends from the foreshore to way down the backlands and it covers a vast amount of landmass which is used for large scale rice farming and cattle rearing by villagers.

The village is located between D’Edward and #3 Villages and it is the village just before the Berbice River Bridge and then there is the central hub, Rosignol and down the road is the Blairmont Sugar Estate and several villages along the way with Ithaca being the last.

It has three sections: A, B and C and it is a place where there are many amenities, including businesses, shops, supermarkets, gas stations, roadside stands, schools, a health centre, a ball field, a private school and the Cotton Tree Water Treatment Plant.

The approximate population of this section of the village is about 2,000, people of Indo-Guyanese descent. The people of the village include poultry farmers, rice farmers, cash crops farmers, cattle farmers, skilled employees, as well as stay-at-home moms and home-

makers who have flower and kitchen gardens.

Cotton Tree is also the home of many fishermen, who utilise the Three-Door Fishermen’s Coop Society, which overlooks the Berbice River Bridge. It has facilities for storing equipment and freshwater.

It is an agricultural-based village that has vast backlands where large scale rice cultivation takes place.The locals, who reside near the main drainage canal, use the sea dam for cash crops cultivation and have a lot of tomatoes.

Almost every household in this section of Cotton Tree is involved in farming and they have many crops in their yards and on the sea dam area.

Section ‘A’ Cotton Tree has a Nursery and Primary School which sit opposite each other and then there are many concrete walkways in this community which leads to many houses in some back alleys and other parts of this large village.

The village has many bars too, including, the West End Bar which is located in a back street and leads to the Three-Door Fishermen’s Coop Society.

Cotton Tree Village comes under the purview of the Rosignol NDC and the Chairman is Chaitram Puran.

It is one of those places where people feel very safe enough to leave their doors unlocked

Section ‘A’ Cotton Tree Village, West Coast Berbice (Carl Croker photos)

Focus on the Village

and the people know each other and they are very cooperative and gets things done quickly through many self-help community initiatives.

The village has a lot of business people who have large hardware, grocery and supermarkets within the community.

The people of Section ‘A’ Cotton Tree are like-minded people who do many things to earn honestly. They are resilient farmers, who have suffered greatly, this year, due to the unprecedented rainfall that caused wideSEE PAGE VII scale flooding across the country.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 22, 2021

Section ‘A’ Cotton ...

FROM PAGE VI

Cotton Tree is home to attorney-at-law Surihya Sabsook, who operates out of her office in New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Section ‘A’ Cotton Tree Village is ‘green village’ that is, there is a lot of farming taking place there and the people have large flower plants which vary in type, colour and sizes and an equal amount of fruit trees in their yards and farms making them very self-sufficient.

The villagers also grow their own chickens, some have large scale poultry farms plucking the chickens and selling both wholesale and retail and then there is a lot of creole fowls (yard), ducks. They also rear a lot of cows, sheep and goats.

For the most part, the village is well-kept, but they have a garbage dumping problem where residents claim people bring their refuse from their homes and throw it in the main drainage canal aback Section ‘A’ Cotton Tree.

This canal runs through the village and it takes the wastewater out of the community via the three-door koker into the Atlantic Ocean.

The village has nice houses in all sizes and shapes and some very sprawling with unique colours and designs that is quite a sight, it stands out.

Section ‘A’ Cotton Tree Village, West Coast Berbice (Carl Croker photos)

Focus on the Village

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 22, 2021

The people of Section ‘A’ Cotton Tree are humble, hard workers

Tomato cultivation

Tomato harvest

Puran Ramoo

By Michel Outridge TESHRI Jeetnarine called “Kavita” is a mother of two and she is a cash crop farmer of Section ‘A’ Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice.

She had a harvest of tomatoes and sweet peppers, two of her main crops and had already sold it to wholesale buyers that day when the team visited.

The 41-year-old has her cultivation on the sea dam in her village and lives oppo-

site her farm which is very convenient for her to tend to the crops.

Jeetnarine has a nice, well-kept home and is quite contented with life so far, she explained that being a farmer is not easy because she has to cope with losses due to the changing weather pattern and it is also hard work.

“I have everything I need here and life is comfortable,” she said.

The Balkarrans

The Balkarrans

Further down the street, another resident, Nandkumarie Balkarran and her husband live with their disabled adult son.

The 76-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that they

Focus on the Village

have been there for the past 30 years and they live peacefully and with their pensions.

Her husband, Ramnarine Balkarran would assist her in and around the home.

The 68-year-old is disgusted with the garbage situation in his village and it was evident of the pile up and a pungent odour was emanating from one of the many heaps there, along the main drainage canal.

He stated that during the

night people would come and dump rubbish in the canal and on the parapet and it is a serious health problem for himself and family.

“We used to have a bed out on the verandah where our sick son would be for the fresh air but we had to take the bed inside because of the unpleasant smell,” he said.

The 47-year-old at birth seemed healthy and as he grew was delayed in learning and it was evident he could

not help himself.

He cannot walk on his own or do simple everyday things including eating and is being taken care of by his elderly parents, both pensioners, who depend on their monthly allowance to upkeep the home.

Balkarran added that when it rains the place would flood because the drains haven’t been cleaned in a long SEE PAGE XIII

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 22, 2021

Making the most of life at Section ‘A’ Cotton Tree Village IN some villages you find the locals to be endearing, down-to-earth, hardworking people, who know how to economise and make ends meet financially and this can be said for fisherman, Gandran Rangasammy and his wife, Sabitrie Rangasammy.

This couple have been married for many years and have five children, who are

ways by his side and is a very supportive woman who is also tending to grandchildren and has a thriving flower plant business.

Their entire front yard is littered with potted plants and blossoming flowers.She would graph plants and place them in pots to sell.

It started as a hobby, caring for plants. She started to buy them casually, then as

Fisherman, Gandran Rangasammy

Sabitrie Rangasammy with some of her many flower plants (Carl Croker photos)

The flourishing flower garden

grown and have their own families.

These days, the Rangasammys are earning by doing many things at their home to bring in an income.

Gandran is a fisherman, who has withstood the test of times, even after he was robbed at sea by pirates.

His wife, Sabitrie is al-

time progressed, she decided to start selling plants because she had so many and was running out of space to store them.

She also has a plot of land on the sea dam where she has some cash crops and the produce is sold at the nearby Rosignol Market.

That day when the team

visited, Sabitrie had just returned home on her bicycle after selling her produce at the market and had bought two pails of gasoline for her husband’s fishing boat.

The 48-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is also rearing some meat birds in her backyard and has some cash crops there too.

This is her ‘hustle’ and she

Focus on the Village

doesn’t mind the hard work instead of sitting all day doing absolutely nothing.

“To get honest money you have to work hard and do things right from home because jobs are not easily available so I am making the most of being self-employed,” she said.

Sabitrie has been into plants for 15 years and would invest her earning in securing more to sell and as word began to spread of her small business people have been showing up to make purchases because her prices are as low as $300 per flower plant.

She stated that she is

from Cotton Tree Village and when she got married they bought a plot of land and constructed a small house and as time went by, they saved up and built the very house they are in now.

Sabitrie described life in the village as good because there are things that can be done but one must have the right mindset before they can embark on having a small business that will eventually grow.

Meanwhile, Gandran told the Pepperpot Magazine that he started fishing as a boy, growing up he used to assist his father, who was a

fisherman and he decided to become one after harnessing the skills, over time.

Gandran started fishing when he was just nine years old, and he began going out to sea.

He had just returned from an overnight fishing expedition that morning and had a catch of five baskets of fish, which was sold to a wholesale buyer that was at the landing area at the Three- Door Fishermen’s Coop Society with a refrigerated canter truck.

Gandran had left home at SEE PAGE XI

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 22, 2021

Education and community enhancement, two vital aims in Cotton Tree Village

By Michel Outridge BEING a passionate educator, Dunita Butchey doesn’t mind commuting from her hometown of New Amsterdam to Section ‘A’ Cotton Tree Village, West Coast Berbice, for school.

She is head of the private school, Professional Teaching Academy and she took

es at all so our attendance fluctuates and only those who show up are counted in the register,” she said.

The teacher reported that she hasn’t seen or heard from some students in the secondary level for more than a year, and she tried to reach out to them to find out why they were not in attendance even after the

one to five and all attendees are fully prepared for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams.

The Professional Teaching Academy has a total of five qualified teachers and they are on a rotation basis due to the pandemic. They do not have all the students and pupils present at the same time but have different

Dunita Butchey (Carl Croker photos)

NDC Works Chairman, Samuel “Ping”

over the institution when the owner migrated after establishing the school back in 2008.

Butchey told the Pepperpot Magazine that the school started as a secondary school but later extended its services to offer primary and computer education.

“We have a lot of students but since the pandemic some haven’t been attending class-

school re-opened under strict COVID-19 guidelines.

She stated that they have all the protocols in place such as hand washing, a sink is in place with soap, wearing face masks in class is a must, social distancing is also in effect, and the desks and tables have been placed apart.

Butchey disclosed that the school offers secondary level education from Form

schedules for classes.

Butchey reported that they offer all business, science, computer classes for both children and adults and they have students/pupils coming from various villages.

nol Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Works Chairman is Samuel (only name) better known as ‘Ping”, who is 74 years old and has lived all his life in Section ‘A’ Cotton Tree Village, West Coast Berbice.

He explained that some streets in the village are walkways, made up of concrete, while some one-vehicle streets need upgrading.

“Some streets haven’t been repaired since 2014 and we are trying to allocate money to have it done with our resources because as you

can see, some are in a bad state,” he said.

Samuel pointed out that the village is a place with a lot of back alleys and some people do what they can to upkeep the surroundings but there is a garbage problem there, dumping indiscriminately.

“And what is most worrying is they are dumping refuse in the main drainage canal in the village and it is serious,’ he said.

As part of his duties he would oversee many projects and they have at the NDC

level been doing things to improve the community by building two connecting bridges linking parts of the village to another, for easy access.

As an elder in the village, he is well-known and wellliked among his peers and he is also tasked with household chores since his wife passed away in January this year.

The father of one reported that he comes from a family that rears sheep, goats and cows and he has a SEE PAGE XIV

The NDC Works Chairman The Cotton Tree/Rosig-

Teachers of Professional Teaching Academy

Focus on the Village

The Professional Teaching Academy

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 22, 2021

Ministering to the people

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Local pastor committed to her calling

By Michel Outridge PASTOR Yogwati Jairam is playing her part in society to inspire, counsel and deliver, spiritually to the people through her church, New Life Ministry at Section ‘A’ Cotton Tree Village, West Coast Berbice.

She has lived most of her adult life in the community and it was her dream to establish a church to minister to the people as she believes that it is her true calling.

Jairam is originally from Blairmont, a few villages away and has resided at Section ‘A’ Cotton Tree for the past 25 years.

The New Life Ministry was established nine years ago. It started from her house as a small church with just and handful of members and grew into a church with about 50 members and they have since been allocated a plot of land in the village where a flat concrete building houses the church.

The 42-year-old describes life in Section ‘A’ Cotton Tree Village as fulfilling because the people are very receptive and they have been able to establish both a men’s and a women’s group, a choir and youth arm of the church.

The mother of three told the pepperpot Magazine that her church started out having a small prayer service which blossomed into a weekend meeting service and has the attendance got bigger, she knew she had to get a place for a building for worship.

It was four and a half years having of having church service at her home and she got a breakthrough when a brother offered to donate a plot of land to the church and through self-help methods and donations the church building was con-

Pastor Yogwati Jairam and her family

structed.

Today, the New Life Ministry has weekday services as well as weekend services and the membership stands at 50 and often fluctuates due to the pandemic.

She explained that the women’s group, which

she heads, they have been instrumental in giving back to the community but their efforts have been hampered as a result of COVID-19.

Jairam added that they will distribute monthly hampers to widows and the needy and will have a

medical talk with the women of the community and a few other initiatives to

boost the rapport between the people and the church.

“I feel good inside, out at what I do and I have an open-door policy where the people can come to my home and church at any time and we can have a talk, give advice, counsel and guide people to better life choices,” she said.

Jairam disclosed that life is even better because her family- her husband, a fisherman, and her three children - are also part of the church.

Her 20-year-old daughter is the drummer in the choir while, and her 23-year-old son is the keyboard player.

Her eldest daughter was the worship leader but she migrated.

“It is indeed a wonderful feeling when you have the support of your own family in the church and things really fall into place when you are among God-fearing people that are closest to you,” she said.

Jairam told the Pepperpot Magazine that there is so much she would like to do for the community but their movements are limited due to the pandemic and they would host church services with just a few members at present.

She added that as time progresses, the church will spearhead many initiatives to serve and give back to the community.

“Realising your true calling is such a blessing and I can’t help but feel the need to help others to have this good life that I am having right now,” she said.

Focus on the Village

Making the most of life...

FROM PAGE IX 02:00hrs. He is the captain of the boat and has a crew member. Together, they would go many miles within our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to fish via seine.

He disclosed that he doesn’t do any daylight fishing because that is not a good

time to fish and at nights to early morning it makes a better catch.

“Well fishing right now is blows because it has seasons and right now we have to go very far to fish and that it is costly because gas prices have increased and I am operating at a loss,” he said.

The fisherman explained

that fishing is very risky because of pirates and five years ago he was robbed and beaten by a group of men after he had bought a brand new outboard engine for his fishing boat.

He had gone out to sea as usual and suddenly a boat with some men brandishing guns came upon him and

he had to hand over his $1 million engine and was left adrift but he was eventually rescued.

Gandran told the Pepperpot Magazine that on the other hand they have to compete with fishing trawlers for space and at times they would cut 200 to 300 pounds of seine and gone.

“And if we try to put up resistance these men would show us guns and cutlasses and there is nothing we can do to seek compensation.

You have to get the license number of the trawlers and head to the city to sort that out which takes time and money,” he said.

The Cotton Tree fisher-

man reported that coupled with many expenses he has to pay money at the ThreeDoor Fishermen’s Coop Society to store his engine, seine and other things plus a landing fee and watchman fee/membership fee too which is often overwhelming.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT PEPPERPOT ― ― Sunday, Sunday, August August 8, 22,2021 2021 CHRONICLE

PART II A HAND TO HOLD LIKE PEBBLES IN A STREAM

For tiredness lies On my lids My body like a Broken goblet The Earth can feel No“Y--yes,” more myRachel feet answered a little nervously.

“So I must come home, was dear about Lord,”towas hoarse plea “No than-,” Shauna saythewhen Nandani from the lips oldand woman, lyingan in admiring a recliner smile, on the patio. pinched heroftothe stop said with “Thank The middle-aged nurse aid sitting close by reading the you.” newspaper inquired of the oldstranger woman,said with a casual smile “Great,” the attractive “What is it,touch Sharda?” and just that of charm, “You ladies have an enjoyable She did not answer, looking up at the clear blue sky, time.” her eyes so back dim, her hearing couldsignalling see the He not went to his tablestill withfine. hisShe friends, lovely flowers bloom and hear the sweet songs of the birds to the waiter, and Nandani exclaimed, “Wow, where didinhe hercome garden, but her love and passion for nature were slowly from?” fading“Iaway. don’t know,” Rachel gushed, “But he seems to have it How does one continue to embrace life when the body all, in looks, body, and charm.” has become aged and feeble, memory sometimes floating into They both looked at Shauna who hadn’t said anything, nothingness, you one. need a young, strong hand to hold and always the when cautious there “Say was none? something, girl,” Rachel urged her, “I’m sure you “How didhot.” this happen?” she asked herself, tears misting think he’s in her“Oh eyes,yeah,” “Whyshe did responded, this happen?”

“He’s undeniably attractive, Thea loneliness a deep ache in her heart, craving for like Bollywoodwas hunk.” the children loved and missed so much just to“Or hearistheir “Is thatshe you talking?”

Nandani laughed, it the voices.

But they were gone, now matured adults pursuing cocktail?” careers and sharing their lives with new loves and interests.

“I don’t know,” Shauna said, “I’m feeling kinda lightThe mother now lived alone in the home where they had headed.” shared a beautiful family life. She had moulded and guided Rachel laughed, playfully nudging her friend, “Girl, you need to get out more,” and lifting her glass, she said, “Here’s a cheer to a truly great night.”

The good looking stranger glanced their way a few times, and Nandani said, “I think he’s interested in one of us.”

“Well since you’re always going crazy over the hot Indian movie stars,” Rachel said to her, “There is one for you.”

“What makes you think it’s me?”

“Well, maybe because he’s Indian-American, and you’re Indo-Guyanese, I think it’s a perfect match.”

“I’ll cheer to that,” Shauna said, lifting her glass.

“That would be wonderful,” Nandani expressed, “If he is actually looking at me.”

She looked at Shauna and said, “He’s looking at you, Shauna.”

“What?!” Shauna exclaimed, spilling a little of her drink.

She turned to look at him, sure Nandani was mistaken, but she was not because he smiled and raised his glass to her. Shauna looked away and expressed doubtfully, “No, that can’t be, I’m just a simple girl, not a fashion diva.”

“But you’re beautiful, in a simple way,” Nandani stated.

“Yes, but a struggling single mother with twin babies,” Shauna reminded her, “I am not such a lucky girl.”

“Seems as though your luck has changed,” Rachel said to her.

A short while later, he came over to talk to them, “Are

you ladies okay?”

Rachel “Welifestyles are about made to leave, and them them,“Great,” her hard workanswered, and rich thanks laying for everything.” sacrifices a foundation forget where they came from, Hesuccesses nodded with and looking for the they an hadapproving and forsmile, the aged mother,at achieved But there was no time.

Shauna,inhetheir said,lives.

“Good night.” after reaching A lone tear trickled The look great in his heights eyes that told her in simple words,down ‘I like herand wrinkled face, a face still in you,’ the business theirin her, touched world, something for a fleeting moment, mind her age she was at a loss for words, beautiful then she never said quietly, “Good night.”

Shauna awoke late the next morning, with a headache that eased after a long, cool shower and a tall glass of water. Her mother had taken the boys to church, so she got a much-needed chance to rest and reenergize after the ladies’ night out.

“What a night!” she sighed, lying down on the sofa and closing her eyes.

A moment later she opened her eyes and sat up a little abruptly, remembering the attractive stranger from last night.

“I wonder who he is,” she questioned silently.

He hadn’t introduced himself, but he was a foreigner and seemed well-to-do with a refined personality.

“Why would he be interested in me?” she questioned again.

She just couldn’t wrap her mind around the thought that his interest was real, “Maybe it’s just a normal attraction and nothing else.” and she lifted a trembling hand to wipe it. A hand that was once strong, that held her children’s small ones every step of the way.

A wry smile crossed her face and a faraway look shone in her eyes as her thoughts took her back to a time when she was a young woman. She was so full of life, like a butterfly with amazing colours and a simple, little home filled with love, then her father gave her hand in marriage to a rice farmer’s son; a new life as a bride and later, a young mother. Paths she had walked Her thoughts were interpaved with love, compassion, rupted bypain, little episodes feet running tears and of up life the written stairs and squeals of, her on the leaves “Mommy, mommy!” of time.

She one opened door Then day, the fourteen and hugged her sons they years later, when she as could have no more of arms. her threwborne themselves in her husband’s and “ Yo uarrogance miss m e abuthat sive behaviour towards her, much?” she laughed.

“Yes!” they said in unison, kissing her on both cheeks.

As walked they settled withtotheir toys,care sheand said children provide she had awaydown fromto play ‘thanks’ to her home mother, who had been such aforgreat companionship they help hard-to her matrimonial with herfour sincechildren the boysinto werethe born.ly found any time in their her how was your night?”daily her mother asked. schedules to spend with throes“So of an unknown world.

“It had was fun,” Shauna withmother. a pleased smile, “I havShe worked longsaidtheir en’t had such timea in a long while.”

That night as she laid in hours every daya good to build “That’s good, neededbed, that she littlelooked break.” at the paintnice little home withyou comfort After her mother took her leave, Shauna spent the rest of the day with her sons, playing board games, guiding them in colouring their pictures, and watched a cartoon movie.

Not often she was afforded enough time to spend with time, because of her job. She often wondered what life would be like for them as they grew older without a father figure. The idea of someone else playing that role in their lives was not appealing to her, added to the fact was her ex-husband’s betrayal that had destroyed her trust.

“Will I be able to love again?”

for them and today, instead ing on the wall facing her and of holding her hand, like a smile touched her lips, lessshe had held theirs, they ening the pain in her heart. turned their backs, leaving It was the picture of three children, her father working her alone.

A choked sob escaped in the garden and her mother her lips and once again she standing not far off with a whispered, “It’s time for me bucket of fresh vegetables to come home, dear Lord, on her arm, smiling warmly as she watched her children. there’s nothing left here.”

A portrait that captured The nurse aid got up and took her hand, urging her a simple life and a beautiful gently, “Come on, Sharda, family.

“You have left so long it’s time for your meal and ago, mother,” she said in a medication.”

She sighed and looking weak voice, “I can’t rememup at the nurse. She inquired, ber much for now I have grown too old.” puzzled, “Who are you?”

The brother and sister “I’m Jeanette,” the woman answered patiently, as she playing with her had also A question no answer for, atnames least now not yet. left, their written assisted her to hershe feet,had “Your thewhilst day shift and, tombstones she, the nurse The aid.”week began with heronworking on“Oh,” Saturday, coming off in the afternoon, shealone. hurried waited still she exclaimed soft-dutyyoungest, becauselapse she had promised toytake “ Wthe h i sboys per m n a mthem e, ly,home a momentary in her for ice cream. They were so mother,” thrilled, clapping hands she said,their “And I memory. and happily had as sheshall come, so we can be Thelaughing kind woman SEE PAGE XIII dressed been withthem. her for the past SEE PAGE XXIX three years, financed by the

XIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 22, 2021

Nandkumarie Balkarran

Cash crops farmer, Teshri Jeetnarine (Carl Croker photos)

The people of Section ‘A’ Cotton Tree...

FROM PAGE VIII time.

Puran Ramoo A few houses down in the back street is the home of businessman, Puran Ramoo, who has a car rental and fishing business.

The father of three related that the street is very narrow, a one-vehicle road which needs upgrading and for two and half years a canter truck is parked but recently it was set alight and the owner never showed up to have it removed.

LIKE PEBBLES IN A ....

FROM PAGE XII

“Are you taking the bus?” Alvin asked.

“No, we’ll take a taxi today.”

“You need your own car, mommy,” Alex said.

“Oh yes, mommy knows that. One day maybe.”

The food court at Giftland Mall was filled, but the ice cream line, thankfully was not long. After the ice cream, they went for a walk through the mall and as she stopped to look at the fabulous dresses on display in the store window of Classy Styles, a voice greeted her, “Hey there.”

Shauna froze, for she recognized the smooth voice with the foreign accent.

“Oh my gosh, it’s him,” she said to herself.

She turned around slowly and managed to smile a little, “Hi.” “Nice seeing you again,” he said.

He was standing there casually with a warm smile and she inhaled slowly, saying to herself, “Gosh, this is real, stay calm.”

She didn’t know what to say and it was at that moment he introduced himself.

“I’m Naren, a businessman from Long Island, New York, visiting the home country after a long time.”

“That’s great,” she said, “I’m Shauna, a nurse.”

“A caregiver? That’s interesting,” he said with an appreciative smile, and looking at the two little children, he asked, “Who are these little dudes?”

“My sons.”

The reaction she had expected didn’t happen because the appreciative smile on his face did not change.

To be continued…

The 39-year-old stated that because of his car rental business customers need to have access to his residence and with that truck stationery there it is difficult to do so.

He is also the owner of two fishing boats and have in total 10 employees, who mostly work on the boats.

Ramoo reported that Section ‘A’ Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice is a good neighbourhood but they have a refuse issue and the infrastructure need some attention such as drainage and roads.

He added that the place is relatively quiet and peaceful and the people are very neighbourly.

“This road was upgraded three months ago but look at it,

falling apart as you can see so often I would try and fix it to cover huge potholes because getting in and out with vehicles is stress,” he said.

On another note, Ramoo is the Treasurer attached to the Three-Door Koker Fishermen’s Coop Society, a stone’s throw away from his house.

He explained that the facility was commissioned in 2015 by the then President Donald Ramotar and it is owned by the government and they pay a monthly rental for the storage facilities for fisherfolk.

He stated that all fishermen have to pay the watchman fee of $1,200 per boat and a $500 subscription fee for membership, $100 for fresh water and no landing fee/entrance fee which is fair.

We have bills to pay so we have to garner funds to do so because it is a service we provide and we do issue receipts so there is adequate transparency in transactions,” he said.

Ramoo pointed out that they have security cameras, as well, and they have a membership of 35 fishermen.

He stated that they have a chairman, a clerk, a treasurer and five committee members as the managing body of the Three-Door Fishermen’s Coop Society.

XIV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 22, 2021

Education and community enhancement, two vital...

FROM PAGE X

Some of the many walkways and connecting bridges in the village

garden of cash crops.

Samuel stated that the NDC recently cleaned and de-weeded the Cotton Tree Cemetery and they are expected to do a similar exercise at D’Edward Cemetery.

He disclosed that the NDC undertake a road project in the village where crush and run was used to paved potholed roads and streets.

Samuel reported that only the critical roads and streets were upgraded and the others will be done eventually since they are awaiting the budget.

XIII XV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday,February August 22, CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ―― Sunday, 28,2021 2021

The elusive of AND ON THE AWARENESS OF world THE AESTHETIC THE ‘BEING’ OF OUR YOUNG NATION Part II

intellectual property rights from a practical perspective EARLIER this month, I it as much to provide as ran into a young writer much clarity as possible. who I had a conversation In 1998 I travelled to the with on intellectual prop- USA to follow up on some erty rights (IPR) owner- engagements I had made ship some time ago. I did quickly explain an ordeal I had experienced and its relevance to his interest. He had urged me to share the experiand I had INence concluding this agreed discussion, which is intended to raise questions the reader but didwithin not because of and inspire responsible actions among those thatdemands. acquire decision making positions or are time and other already there, we cannot I am not a Lawyer in thearrive at a sensible without considerations in retrospect. field, but I do have prac-So in a brief flashback, we must recognise, what we have tical experience, thus,lost I to our physical memory reference archive, and use this as inspiration, to be able to raise do wish to share the fola natural alarm, a connection to the aesthetic sensitivity lowing,usbeginning from alerting to the fact that we need to have a historical that writer’s concern memory in respect to ouratsurroundings, as buildings, landthe time, in the area scapes and that architecture are inherent of memories in both of conscious copyright ownership, the and subconscious awareness. We have to become otherbe than people there must clarity of who occupy a geographic space onits this planet, relate to what is the necessary thinking nature.

Asand to whether that us to address from the now onward what it iswill an enable IPR product or a is work significant to the telling our stories, especially stories imfor hire, writer portant to our timelines. When we became independent, was employed with an the euphoria of self-governed nationhood intoxicated us, as a member it institution had its grounds for intoxication alongside sober examof staffWeand pro- the observation that all around ination. didhad not make ceeded from a meeting us within the borders of countries we still held controlled with a department admiration for, had head retained the edifices of past times.

Our coloniser never dismantled Hadrian’s andown other staff, toEngland conWall.

In more ways than struct a narrative onone, from previous colonisers and also local leaders, they kept the memory thefrom topicdespised of the discusforsion, reflection, in our view Caribbean, Christophe’s spectacular the writer’s fortress of defence in Haiti will remain, regardless of his is, that it was executed history. Europe with the obvious white supremacy that through independent emerged with colonisation did not destroy the sculptures andKnights, thus artworks and literature that of enthusiasm, Afro-European the writer assumed spoke of, or alluded that to the African presence in a much the end product should they didn’t in-depth celebrate older Europe, of course, be viewed as indepenthem either, and also hid their identities with new portraits and in movies. dent and an IPR entity.

Where wecomplex. erred in Guyana was not to use the structures This was I that became available with the decline of trademark services explained that A the like the Trains, build museums dedicated to that part of our writer was atomember historical memory. Why preserve the physical imagery of the of staff and B, it can past? Simple, our ancestors lived it, for the historian, the crebe mind, construed that the journalist, the physical location ative the investigative is inspiration important. Theemerged development of museums was a continuous fromofthe peeve the discussion, late Dr. Dennis Williams, who had identified what might have Five Museums to be been built, he insisted that a marine museum would been a would must. I can now imagine a display of the morehave practical ship’s Lady Northcourt with its cook, the portrait havekitchen been toonnegotiate of some indifference ‘keep away from John’s kitchen, and special‘John’, leverage why?’ caption should read before this rude faced ship’s cook withA the institution made of papier máché –“whose kitchen lay beneath a toilet, before proceeding, I from which water dripped continuously, or so we were made advised the writer to See Pagewith XIX colleagues in busidiscuss it with a Lawyer, as well as consult the in- ness. One of the items I ternet. Then I proceeded had developed was ‘Drums to explain the experience I of Freedom, the saga of had that the writer insisted the Haitian Revolution’ for the second time to tell designed for a strip preit publicly. I will condense sentation. I had executed

about ten pages of three strips each. It didn’t work out, because talk is cheap, and the incumbent work committed to was ‘The

until 2011, the publisher contacted me and was eager to do an agreement to produce the ‘Drums of Freedom’. I would receive

Ghosts of Port Royal’ designed to accommodate Jamaican comedian Oliver whom I had met. That work I had copyrighted; after much bickering things fell apart

an advance towards production, after three years of production, I copyrighted the work on completion.

I didn’t inform the would be publisher, because I had

presented a contract which he never signed. A contract was sent by an American Lawyer, accompanied by a letter of enquiry as to whether it was the would-be publisher’s idea, as the lawyer was informed and I had executed the work for hire. Thus the copyright should be in his name , so kindly sign.

I responded, explaining what I had done over the years, work that I’ve copyrighted, and the history of the then process, stating that I had conceived of it, executed its artwork and text, before proposing it. The Lawyer apologised and promptly copyrighted the work, a second time in my name. But it wasn’t over at that point. I had to order the publication pulled off of Amazon because of the inferior management of the production.

Instead of scaling, the pages were skewed, the artwork was oblong, the book was copy printed no doubt at staples. In the end, I still own the copyright though tremendously disappointed.

One of the questions that also came up during the discourse with the writer was if I own the title of Brer Anancy, asked against my published Graphic work of the Akan Folk character or godling.

It was a honest question, so I responded, explaining that I cannot own Brer Anancy. Anyone can produce stories and call them Anancy or Brer Anancy stories. Anancy is both tangible and intangible cultural heritage in public domain as far as I know, very much as any mythical character, in the case of

Vlad Dracula. This was a real, brutal person to which Bram Stoker developed an incredible fictional alter ego, based on existing folk lore, to which his countrymen (Dracula’s) after the fall of the Iron Curtain lobbied against the film Industry to halt production on the ‘Dracula’ character, but could not halt the use of the Vampire genre.

What I own is the character imagery that I developed, the storyline that I created and the character/s design construct of the storyline, even the font design of ‘The Adventures of Brer Anancy’ those based on my copyright status grants me a legal prerogative. I use the Library of congress for copyright registration. Guyana is the only country in CARICOM that does not facilitate this ‘Human Right.’ But with social media platforms, a viable trust by choice, the North American Copyright status becomes most relevant. Due to lobbying for IPR legislation in Guyana, I have had practical exposure and experience in IPR and other registration forms like the ISBN that can be sourced at the CARICOM secretariat, which I have also used.

In closing, ignorance is not an excuse. I lobbied over two decades for an annual subvention for creative citizens to put themselves in order, which includes the expenses of copyright, etcetera. The publishing incident I experienced can happen to anyone. The reaction to ownership of tangible Intellectual property is as vicious as any. Before I began this article, I had begun compiling the documents of that publishing engagement. I figure that its process will be useful to our creative minds in the future, and the future is here.

XVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 28, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 22, 2021

Dance and Mental Health

o not always know what I’m looking losing your phone would be on a scale of 1-10. 98 percent y phone is such a normal part of my said 10 and 2 percent said 9. They all claimed that it would email benefits havethe been numvastly the happiness and positivity in older participants – ages my AFTER handreceiving that Iancannot count ever lose. from a young girl about acknowledged. However, that we be feel. the worst material possession that they could 65-91. Results of a dance her love of dance, and how its positive mental and even There has been research within this group, heditfor it, while it was actually in my They continued to say that feelings of anxiety, class irritation and got her through some social benefits are often that focused on the ‘dancer’s especially Zumba, resulted tough times, I thought it the overlooked. shows that the o when I get up in morning andhigh’ which improved moods overwhelming sadness would be felt if they wereincognitive to lose theirand best to share the mental Dancing is enlightening; positive benefits of dance skills as well as going to sleep is check phone. health benefits of dance. it heals my and can allow the Ilast a prolonged of increased strength and phoneperiod today.

Whether you consider broken to become whole. time after the activity. Dancagility. healthy and something must be done. it a hobby or job, dance is Due to the physical activ- ing has actually a preItbeenseems harmless, right? Caring so much about aalso Actually, dance has art and can be an expres- ity alone, dancing increas- scription for mild anxiety been used as part of holistic and women moreand depression. phone?

Well, this week I’ve been really paying attention sionfound of love andthat emotion. es energywere and enhances Yes, meantreatment for conditions If you think about it, many the mood while decreasing ing a doctor or psycholosuch as Parkinson’s d tosentiments their phones simply because men to the toimportance that I and others around chronic me give todisease, a aucan be commu- stress, body tension and the gist recommended aid in pain, dementia, throughapps. dance andAlso, possible onset ofpeople mental developing or maintaining tism, and mood disorders. ocialnicated media older phone, them. it wouldn’t be that difficult health illnesses such as anx- good mental health. rather than what’s actually going on around It has been shown that confor audiences to decipher iety and depression.

Most The vulnerability that sistent dancing improves e addicted.

I believe this is because Our phones -- whether we are speaking to other people, the mood of the dancer. of us are familiar with the may accompany dance is heart health, overall muscle someone dance feeling that comes with even thought to decrease indiuseCouldn’t smartphones (My father actually and enhances balusing social media or playing games -- can strength be addictive in a way that displays hap- a few minutes on the dance viduals’ fear of situations ance and coordination. Some piness, sadness or even an- floor. Yea, that happy and that would research even shows that as usually they bring alter our moods, beliefs and trigger enjoyable ger? It could help to release uplifting one. forth anxiety- such as public dance can alleviate physical y colleagues how these emotions as and a form friends Well did you know bad that speaking or general socialpain, such as headaches and unenjoyable feelings. Apart from obviously being my and of self-expression; maybe there is actually a scientific ising. When done in groups, backaches. Other studies of feelings we didn’t even explanation for that feeling? it can promote socialisation, main source of communication, my phone is even myshow newspathat dancing reknow we had.

Dancing releases feel-good team-work and unity. Dancsults in slower ageing of the watch, Dancing is often consid- chemicals such as serotonin ing canper, also be viewed as a alarm, map, recorder, day planner, brain. calendar, Basically, it favours ered a recreational activity and dopamine in the brain, universal language which neural synapses, slowing camera, music player, calculator, a weapon the (sometimes) or a job. Many also use it which are the chemicals that both communicates and conloss of volume in the for exercise as its physical are generally responsible for nects – both with others and hippocampus that happens and my friend when I’m bored or lonely- basically evnaturally as a part of ageing.

Although dancing erything. However, it is also my constant interrupter anditself ourselves. Through this, it in Sweden studied 100 should not replace help or treatment from a mental who strugdistractor. I (I imagine muchteenage likegirls most of you out there) works to increase self-eshealth professional, it is an self-confidence and gled with depression and added benefit and just one have a deep teem, desire to know everything that is going on. anxiety. Half of the girls overall well-being.

Dance enhances creativ- attended weekly dance of the many ways to practice good mental health and I believe thatity,isespecially human nature.

But when does it become classes, while the other when choreowellbeing. your own dance. half didn’t. The results too much? graphing It’s a healthy coping Professors of Dance Psy- indicated that the girls who chology (yes, that’s a thing), took the dance classes im- mechanism. It’s easy and Well, I believe it’s too much when it has a name. ‘Nohave found that dancing proved their mental health free to do. Try it today! a boost in fear of being brain find new and mophobia’ is helps the theterm coined to reported describe the Thanking you for readways of thinking and creates their mood. These positive ing. Please keep sending effects lasted up to eight new neural circuits.

Not only without a mobile phone. Seriously, what have we come to? does it enhance mood but months after the dance any topics you’d like to talk about caitlinvieira@ This means cognitive skills as classes It becomes ancertain addiction when theended. object begins to tocontrol gmail.com well, such as visual recogni- that not only is dancing Suicide Prevention your life and interferes with daily but activities, work, andHelpitself effective it can tion, decision-making, long- your term memory, and spatial also lead to newly devel- line numbers: 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600relationships. recognition.

I read somewhere “Thesusbiggest obstacle oped that and possibly 7896 There have been many tained new healthy habits to productivity is which connectivity,” butskills. overuse can affect a No Say Yes to Life and Another studies have ex- and coping to Drugs!

Always the direct posi- in the United States relot more thanamined our The is, overuse of our the truth effects of dance tive effectproductivity. of dancing. One viewed phones can harm us psychologically, socially and physically.

With regard to affecting our social skills, how many of us miss out on a joke or good conversation as we were on our phones? How many times have we annoyed our good friend or family member because we were posting on social media how much fun we are having with them? It truly affects our

21

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 22, 2021

XVII

Greater public education, engagement needed to promote COVID-19 vaccination XXVII XX CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 28, 2021

Aye or no for A year of parliamentary decorum?

COVID-19

THE month of August was ushered in with updated COVID-19 Emergency Measures as has become the norm for the past 15 months or so. This time around, however, these guidelines introduced sweeping changes which were, expectedly, accompanied by some opposition.

First of all, for film fanatics like myself, approval was finally granted for the reopening of cinemas. At first, the restrictions on concessions (selling snacks and drinks) resulted in our local cinemas stating that it was not economically viable for them to reopen. But, they later changed their minds (yay!).

DURING this past week’s edition of ‘In the National ON March 11Parliamentarians last year, COVID-19 became a stark realAssembly,’ debated the 2021 National ityBudget, in Guyana.

Though it had already begun spreading which was presented earlier in the month by Seacross the globeinathe fewOffice months before, this novel nior Minister of the President with coronaresponsivirus became a great concern for Guyana and of bility for finance, Dr. Ashni Singh. The debate,many however, the Caribbean countries only during March.

From the spotlighted a lack of decorum in the Parliament. very It beginning, Guyana was and exposed to thefor stark is both understandable acceptable the reality different because the first person the local health authorities dis--sides of the house -- the government and opposition sides covered infected, died. to have was opposing views on the budget. After all, the national Guyana’s story ofthe thegovernment’s pandemic, at least in the beginning, budget illustrates vision, priority areas, isand a truly unique one.

Certainly, the country was not as pregeneral policy direction, since it points towards what pared as it programmes should have been to conduct testing, dointends contactto policies, and plans the government use Guyana’s money to fund.

It would be strange for each member to agree on every single thing, since various individuals have different priorities and views and perhaps different sides of the house have different plans, projects, or policies that would guide Guyana’s developments; and, that is completely fine.

But, that’s notneither even the most interesting perhapsacceptable, conIt is understandable norand remotely troversial part of the measures. however, fornew elected officials, sworn in as Members of Parliament (MPs), to openly hurland insults each other and Vaccination became a strong focus, (sortatof) guided racist, sexist, homophobic is not acceptable how wemake engage in our daily activities.remarks.

As per Itthe gazetted forunless this level disrespect to be entertained in thehave National measures, youofare vaccinated (that is, you must Assembly. at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine) you can no longer Theanormalisation of racist,orsexist, and and homophobic just walk into government agency ministry access rein our socialtospaces be a conversation services.marks Instead, youcommon, are required make might an appointment. anotherthe day,Guyana but for crying out loud, this is(GRA), our National Thisfor includes Revenue Authority Assembly! Or, our Parliament, as it is more commonly called. It is not touting at the bus park!

Imagine the astonishment one would experience, years from now, if they were to revisit the hansards. Instead of only well-articulated, thorough analyses of the $383.1 billion budget that was presented for the year 2021, there would be remarks signalling homophobia or thinly veiled insults of an MP’s reproductive capabilities.

To be fair, however, there were a few salient presentations. On the first day of the debate, it is a point of pride that two women -- MPs Susan Rodrigues and Amanza Walton-Desir who are also new Parliamentarians -- made good presentations that one would expect at this forum.

Though this absence of decorum from many of the MPs,is perhaps, not a new occurrence in the local context, it begs us to ask ourselves: what valuable contributions are our elected officials making at this forum? the Georgetown Publichope Hospital, andleaders all of elected the government One would that the by the people offices. of Guyana, whether in government or opposition, would Already, people have been turned away, and based on the maintain a certain level of decorum in the house.

In disevident charging pushbacktheir plastered across social media and fueling duties towards the people of the nation, at the some small it was clear that thatthey somewould people are not veryprotests, least, it is expected engage in in critical agreement.

On the hand, The though, wedebate have seen a surge analyses of other the budget. budget should attempt to in the number of deficiencies people getting vaccinated. or indicate what other pinpoint in allocations, Thisareas requirement alsoshould led tobe considerations of priority focused on. over people’s employment.

Unvaccinated asked to present This is how you employees operate in were a democracy, where transparency and accountability are underpinning tenets. This is how you respect the sanctity of Parliament. And above all else, is this how you adequately represent the people of the nation you committed to serve? Parliamentary affairs -- every single aspect-- should be geared towards enhancing the development of the nation and its citizenry.

Admittedly, clever innuendos and witty remarks have long been part of parliamentary presentations, not only in Guyana, but around the world. The addition of clever satire has its usefulness in communication, no doubt. Much of what we saw last week, however, appeared to be a common bottom house or rumshop debacle, replete with “props” and all, that left much to be desired.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 7, 2021

tracing, and patients to getsoahead the pandemic.

But, standing the need forrepresenting the face masks, so cluster spreading training of treat Parliamentarians that aof semblance of decorum Are theyof adequately us three and our best negative PCR COVID-19 every days ainterests week, that was not unusual; all countries across the globe had to a was very possible.

We owe test our gratitude to all thetofrontline at all times? could be maintained in the National Assembly. It is envi- depending on where they work and what the institutional adapt quickly and contend with the pandemic. What was workers who were trying to keep the nation safe then, and sioned that such training sessions would also help to guide are. to do so even now. unique about Guyana was its unfolding elections quagmire. guidelines who continue the officials on proper parliamentary procedures.

I hope we can doitbetter.

Just for context, costsoccurrences, about GY$20,000 about It is not unreasonable to assume--because there is no Aside from the political however, itor is wellBut also, these events should force us to reconsider what US$100 to get one of these tests done privately. The public real empirical evidence--that the protracted elections’ peknown that the pandemic also impacted every other sector. we expect accept from our encompassed--distracted elected officials -- all of testsIf you would the like tostymied, discuss this column or anyand of done through National Public Health Reference riod-and alland of the shenanigans Business productivity was schools were closed them-- while their responsibilities towards mytourism previous writings, please feelhit free to contact me via would not bethe made available for these purposes.

Guyanese fromthey thisdischarge pandemic.

While the pandemic ragedus. Laboratorythe sector took hardest with the closure of they the articulating collective values they make vish14ragobeer@gmail.com In Guyana, had sometoprotests in RegionThe 10 closure (Upper onAre during first few our months, and we werewhen embroiled in borders and email: thewe constraints leisure activities. racist, sexist, homophobic, and not other derogatoryfor statements? our post-elections drama, it was uncommon there to Demeraraof schoolsBerbice) eventually prompted a shift to virtual after the unvaccinated staff oflearning— the Linden be large gatherings and we had not yet developed an under- Hospital ‘Zoom school’—which has been fraught withwere challenges Complex and unvaccinated citizens denied due to inherent inequalities and disparities. entry.

Social services, too, have been constrained, which Following those protests, however, Health Minister Dr. has Anthony been particularly worrisome since theperiod pandemic Frank granted a two-week compliance before has disproportionately impacted the vulnerable groups in our society. With the slowdown in business directly SEE PAGE XXV contributing to a reduction or loss of income, social safety nets were necessary to support persons. Moreover, it has been found that the pandemic— perhaps due to the ‘stay-at-home’ focus— has contributed to a rise in abuse and domestic violence. These present even greater concerns over the construction of social services. As time and the pandemic progressed, however, efforts would be made to ensure that these disproportionate effects were mitigated, on all fronts.

To a large extent, nevertheless, we’re still navigating the complexities of this pandemic and trying to manage ourselves better. Now, however, we’re also contending with the emergence of newer, modified forms of the virus -- the variants, or strains as they are commonly called. The scientific and medical communities expected these variants would arrive at some point or the other, since viruses do mutate.

The variants that have emerged so far — the United Kingdom(UK), Brazil, and South African variants — all have the ability to infect more persons. If we’re not careful, their increased transmissibility could lead to a sharp rise in our cases, additional deaths, and an overwhelmed healthcare system. Guyana has not been able to identify whether we do any of these variants without our borders. We have been sending a few COVID-19 samples to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for testing, but those few samples were not variants. That is not enough to rule out the possibility that we have variants.

On the other hand, we’ve been able to secure a number of the COVID-19 vaccines and we have been vaccinating our frontline healthcare workers. Soon, other frontline workers, the elderly, and persons with comorbidities (underlying and undetected health conditions, such as diabetes) will be vaccinated too. The importance of vaccines is that they allow the body to create an immune response to the virus, thereby fighting off infection. And Guyana, incredibly, has been able to secure several vaccines in a short period amid global concerns of vaccine nationalism, where larger, wealthier countries are hoarding these vaccines for themselves.

But, even so, vaccines are not necessarily the ‘magic bullet’ for the population and there are, understandably, many concerns. Due to the perceived short period during which the vaccines were developed and granted emergency-use authorisation, concerns about the long-term benefits and impact of the vaccines linger. Additionally, the efficacy of the vaccines on the variants is still evolving. In Guyana, these concerns may contribute to the vaccine-acceptance rates unless greater efforts are made (or continued) to promote greater education, communication, and trust.

Despite this, we are still unsure when this pandemic may

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 22, 2021

AIR QUALITY

A I R is the “ocean’’ we breathe as it supplies us with oxygen which is essential for life. However, human activities release substances into the air, some of which cause pollution and problems for humans, plants, animals, and the environment.

Air Pollution When people think about air pollution, they usually

think about smog, acid rain, CFCs, and other forms of outdoor air pollution but, air pollution also exists inside homes and other en-

closed spaces. Every year, the health of millions of people is affected by chemical substances present in the air within buildings and in the

open air. The World Health Organization estimates that 4.2 million people die every SEE PAGE XIX

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 22, 2021

AIR...

FROM PAGE XVIII

year from air pollution. The combined effects of ambient (outdoor) and household air pollution cause about seven million premature deaths every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections. It is therefore important to consider both indoor and outdoor air pollution.

Outdoor Pollution One type of air pollution is the release of particles (particulate matter) into the air from burning fuel for energy. The particles are tiny pieces of matter measuring about .0001 inches, e.g. diesel smoke. This type of pollution is sometimes referred to as “black carbon” pollution.

In addition, the exhaust from burning fuels in automobiles, homes and industries is also a major source of air pollution. Some researchers believe that even burning wood and charcoal in fireplaces and barbeques can release significant quantities of soot into the air.

Another type of air pollution is the release of noxious gases, such as sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and chemical vapors. These further react with other substances in the atmosphere, forming smog and acid rain.

Indoor Pollution Air pollution also occurs inside our homes, offices, and schools. Some of these pollutants can be created by indoor activities such as smoking, the use of certain aerosols and disinfectants and even cooking. We spend about 80-90% of our time inside buildings, so exposure to harmful indoor pollutants can be serious.

Global Warming The increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases due to human activities has resulted in Global Warming. This, scientists believed, has come from the buildup of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases are produced when fossil fuels are burnt. Plants play a crucial role in purifying the air by converting carbon dioxide to oxygen and by removing pollutants from the air.

However, the release of carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the air from human activities is much greater than the world’s plants can process. The situation is made worse since many of the earth’s forests are being removed and plant life is being damaged by acid rain. Thus, the amount of greenhouse gases and other pollutants continue to increase. This buildup of greenhouse gases acts like a blanket and traps heat close to the earth’s surface, hence the increase in the earth’s temperature.

Ensure Good Air Quality Air quality is a tangible issue for many people, including business professionals and private citizens, yet air quality is difficult to touch, see, taste or smell. It is very important to ensure good air quality since ground-level ozone and particulate matter can trigger health and environmental problems such as asthma attacks and other respiratory problems and even crop damage.

Simple things such as ensuring proper ventilation, using energy-efficient appliances, allocating proper storage facilities for hazardous products, wise choice and use of cleaners and pesticides, minimizing or avoiding emissions from candles, cigarettes, barbecues, opening windows and planting trees can go a long way in helping to ensure good air quality.

As the lead environmental regulator, the Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for ensuring clean air for all Guyanese through education, monitoring, and enforcement. The Technical Services Programme Area ensures the enforcement of the Environmental Protection Act, and the Air Quality Regulations 2000 – * Determining and establishing the allowable level of atmospheric pollutants that can be emitted;

* Setting limits for contaminants * Setting compliance schedule dates and times for existing facilities to comply with the required standards * Establish the desirable national ambient air quality standards to maintain a healthy air quality for humans and the environment.

A copy of the Air Quality Regulations can be downloaded at https://www.epaguyana.org/epa/regulations2/ category/7-regulations

Sources * https://www.who.int/health-topics/air-pollution#tab=tab_1 * Environmental Protection (Air Quality) Regulations 2000 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.

sharing their journeys XX

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 22, 2021

seven amazing women from the Women Anthologies. t of Watch Radio NY requested an interasked him if it was okay for me to invite oin me. I am sharing some excerpts from

van Phillips -- born in St Lucia, living in

owards being a Midwife of Purpose came being broken, displaced, and ugh this journey, I experienced a divorce, e and got displaced education administrator’s position. Coupled were two major eclipses y life. An eclipse happens when you can calling becomes greater than your current hrough this process, you can transcend to a hinking where you can connect with your ourself as one with nature. lett – born in Guyana and living in NY gan to have the real experience of dreammy dream world alive. I was immediately nterview with the agency where they tested using Microsoft Office and typing speed.

My new Awesome celebration that I desired

OVER the past two weeks, we were discussing love and compassion. Last Sunday, I experienced love and compassion. I invited a small group of friends and colleagues to celebrate with me and it was indeed

One week later I completed my assignment with CTO and was now ready to move on to my next career move.

I called Monique to let her know I was available as we agreed and she was so happy to have me start my first temporary assignment with Deutsche Bank. My first

awesome.

The people, the food, the music, the energy, the decor, and the venue were in sync. I have replayed that evening so many times and I can assure you it has carved a permanent place in my

memory bank. Clemencio Goddette from Avis Lorrain Décor created an amazing ambience. The legend Herbie Marshall welcomed the guest with his classy jazz and blues. The first guest that arrived and was on I knew that I would be in When I was six years assignment lasted two weeks, covering someone’s vacation. old I started school in Mesa, big trouble if I told my dad Due to my work ethic and Arizona, so I began staying what had happened. It was a secret: the desire to go the extra mile, with my mom kind that could get me and her husband routineI landed another assignment in the same department for ly. It was like going from into big trouble. I didn’t six months, then another for heaven to hell. It was a horror know how much trouble, but three months, which finally story that’s yet to be writ- I wasn’t willing to take a chance. “Shhhh... led to my permanent posi- ten. While at grandma’s I tion, allowing me to live a was filled with the love of Don’t tell anyone.”

Maybe it’s the trauma of a grandma and Jesus daily. dream.

Dr. Safeeya Mohamed – On the other hand, at my my experience, but for some mother’s house, I was filled reason I still cannot rememTrinidad We received the updates with Rock ‘N Roll, drugs ber how often it happened, when that the accident was horrific and inappropriate, wild sex and that the victim was stuck parties. Ultimately, from it started, or even when it such an environment you can ended in the car.

The vehicle had to be cut imagine the kinds of abuse Penny Phakahi –South open to get to the victim. It that mom’s house provided. never occurred to me that When I was 11 years old, Africa I have had my share of grandma Shirley died and my my brother could be remotely in- stepdad left. My mom had turmoil and I strongly believe volved. The next thing I an emotional breakdown, so that it is these stints of turremember, I was looking at I ran away! I couldn’t take moil that brought me this far in my life. I was any more. the body of my brother Andrea Edwards – born and perhaps is still in my covered in blood in a hearse. The strident, agonis- in Guyana, living in Florida refinery process.

As a young girl, I grew As I sat in the back of ing scream of my mother in my dad’s Nissan Bluebird, I up with one main ambition, the A&E that early morning has not peered through the windows wanting to get away, far away from the system of escaped my mind almost 17 at the images on thinking or the box that the fence of the Guyyears later as she howled ana Botanical Gardens and we often find ourselves in. “my son died, my son died, nobody’s help- Zoological Park. The radio Apart from understanding myself I always dared to ing us!” But nobody could, blasted the popular her apurpose. I will continue when gone’ and I was be different, which calypsoRamnauth song “1985” by she’s as his spirit departed attime the was Komal jokingly promised them and in aa matter of minutes, constant struggle whenthis sur- movie at a later date then-popular calypsonian. point of that I will not leave so but II can sum it up to five and have colleagues rounded by myforsituations.

I would just celebrated impact. Up to this my day,friends I have replayed grew up under a strict ordinary tens got me to an my sixthand we were long, lol.

I ponder where the strength started arriving this evening on the family big gi-withextraordinary 50 and I am Christian my birthday, oblivious came from to navigatehappy that to see each quite other. grandfather and step to theinconcept time,ant butscene night. grateful. I believe the best in the theatre of granny, Many were awe ofofthe as my mother lost her mom that some song would my mind numerous times is yet to come God’s willvenue and called not it allow me gem. to forget Shanon Paar – Arizona ing. I have built my faith, I thought a hidden We had a in the last week.

SEE PAGE XXV it was double treatthat when the1985.

Eon about that young girl from patience, determination, John ( who many know as Bartica that thought it and faith muscles over the the singing chef) joined the was possible as I view this years after many visits to movie. She was shy and the gym of adversity. legend.

I have developed a reThe selection of music introverted and knew she was fantastic although they had to navigate the rough lentless drive to contribute never played together and waters trying to find out more to humanity and I will actually don’t even know why she was created. Along certainly credit my motheach other. They are true the journey, she discovered er for any care love and musicians! I started danc- how passionate she was compassion that I possess. I ing when Herbie started about fashion and love for SEE PAGE XXI playing ‘Ain’t no sunshine humanity and discovered

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 22, 2021

My new Awesome ... is taking me.

He is indeed AWESOME !

I must acknowledge the gifts phone calls and to all the persons who celebrated with me online from near and far. Your messages were so profound that they made me even more intentional

FROM PAGE XX value people so much and even those that are not close to me. I was reminded that evening of how much people love me and appreciate me.

You may be surprised to learn that I can tell where everyone was standing or sitting or who they were interacting with. We would have shared some precious moments for them to be there at that time for such an occasion. Thank you to Dianne Inniss and Terry Gonzalez Cesar for the delicious meals. Paul Bacchus those chocolate éclairs were amazing.

Sarafina Edghill those chicken puffs are among the best I have had like the cheese straw from Sister Bev. Lisa Insanally I think it was a bad idea to bring that ice cream cake because I had too much lol.

Thank you to Sean Duncan for capturing more Invaluable life experiences after 20 years. He took this pic with me and my firstborn Mariska.

Thank you also to Starr Party Rentals and Lennox Cush for always supporting A big thank you to Steve Marshall for providing this exotic venue. He loves music so much that he kept playing even when the event was over. I requested ‘My God is awesome because it is one of my favourite songs and I believe 50 is my new awesome season.

That was one of the most intense moments of the evening because it caused me to reflect on the amazing things that God has done in my life and where I think he

about my future. My buddy Raquel could not make it because of circumstances beyond her control but technology allowed her to view a bit of it via whatsapp. We share some special moments at my photo shoot the week before The activities for this

XXI month will be in my memory bank and heart forever.

I am inviting you to join me and the young entrepreneurs today to celebrate with us as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

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Greater public education, engagement needed to...

FROM PAGE XVII the measures take effect. It is expected that during this time, more and more people would get vaccinated (and, again, we have seen this actually happening).

If you know me, you would know that I am a fervent advocate for vaccination. Vaccination saves lives and they have been saving lives for a very long time (think about all those vaccines you get as a child). These vaccines are no different, and research has shown that they decrease hospitalisations and deaths.

Just to be clear, as I have written before, I am not saying that the vaccines are some magic “jab” that will prevent individuals from becoming infected and repelling the ‘COVID’ outright. I am saying that they are proven to be able to stop people from ending up in the COVID hospital, fighting for dear life on a ventilator and a tube down one’s throat.

I know the value of vaccinations and I try to encourage others to get vaccinated. But, I believe that we need greater public education to help others to understand the value of these COVID-19 vaccines.

No doubt, Guyana has tried to engage in public education.

For me, however, I believe that a greater emphasis has to be placed on engaging people on their concerns and fears. It’s one thing to present good, credible information (and sometimes highly scientific information at that) to people from reputable sources but it is an entirely different thing to hear their concerns or hear the misconceptions they have adopted and help them to think deeper.

Public education, especially to promote COVID-19 vaccination, needs to involve bridging the gap between the technical, scientific knowledge from reputable sources like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the average individual who might not even know what a virus is.

While we move towards encouraging people to get vaccinated and placing some restrictions on the unvaccinated people in our country, I believe that we also have to ensure that people can take ownership of the decisions being made to protect themselves and their families. That, for me, is how you encourage people to comply with measures instituted in their best interest.

If you would like to connect with me to discuss COVID-19, this column, or any of my previous works, feel free to email me at vish14ragobeer@gmail.com. You can also check out my COVID-19 podcast on Spotify or Google Podcasts by searching for “POD-19”.

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Steering clear of emotional triggers is not a sign of weakness I’VE recently noticed that many persons are calling out others on social media for being “too sensitive” about certain situations and ideologies. Some persons make fun of others when they speak up or against something that offends them. Some people also believe that certain things should be shrugged off. They believe you should be able to ignore certain actions or situations that rubs you the wrong way. I agree but to an extent. I do not believe that everything in life deserves a response. Sometimes, it’s better to simply let things go. However, I can say that and also say that everyone should have a right to speak up and against things they do not stand by.

The idea of this generation being too “sensitive” is far-fetched. Credible information is more easily accessible in this day and age. People can access all forms and types of information through a quick Google search. As such, they become more aware and gain their

own perspectives on life and what matters most to them. With that said, there are bullies, egoistical maniacs and overly opinionated people who seek to ridicule and degrade others without thinking twice. The more I’ve read and gained insight on an array of topical issues, the more I’ve realised that certain behavioural traits and mentality should not be tolerated in my environment. As such, while being critically aware of my own flaws; I still speak up and against people who try to disrupt my sanity. I also try my very best to stay from people and things that triggers a negative emotional response.

I feel liberated after allowing myself to have a voice on what I can and cannot tolerate.

I’ve had people “turn their nose up” on me because I told them I will not tolerate their tone of voice when speaking to me. Some people get offended when I mute or block them on social media because I refuse to be exposed to the negative content they share. Given these facts, I was labelled; “weak” or “sensitive” and was told that I will crumble under high-pressure situations. Do not let anyone label you with this stigma because you want to stand your ground. If being weak means being consciously aware of triggers and unhealthy environments—then by all means, call me weak.

If you agree with me, then I urge you to continue what you’re doing. Continue to learn more about what triggers your mental health and stay away from them. If you’re someone who disagrees with the notion of persons speaking up and against what triggers them, then I urge you to educate yourself more on why it’s important for persons to have a voice and say whenever someone or something triggers them.

It’s important to understand that to have these conversations. It’s important that we encourage and foster safe spaces and mental health-friendly environments. We are the generation that is trying to centuries of toxic generational cycles. Standing your ground, away from triggers, is one of many cycles we’re yet to break.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 22, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ―― Sunday, CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday,February January 28, 10, 2021 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 22, 2021

EAWALLS EVER!

THE GUYANA/ A CREATIVE ERA BETWEEN TROVERSY SOON GUYANA FORE THE AND ICJ ITS DIASPORA BEGINS

and discussions where factual bases invariably become blurred.

In thisisoffering, we will depart this with normseashells and try to se today rather muddy was oncefrom covered and AFTER World War II, the European Empires, particquestions have been asking theup elyanswer there would be many children exploring and since picking ularly thetwo British andalways French,that went through a period of seashells rapid of decolonisation leading to the emergence of a theoftwo Guyanese fishing boats inthey Guyana’s terriasseizure different colours; sometimes may find large large number of new states. These new states, all forixtorial mer colonies, wereby in aacondition of social and economic conch shells. waters Venezuelan navy ship. The first question underdevelopment and their leaderships regarded the ed metropolitan The countries foreshore ormodel continental shelf gradually rises and falls as the they must emulate to give their citizens a better life. rst every 20 years and today, the foreshore land between Camp Before World War II, many persons, mostly from the ce eliteStreet and the Pegasus Hotelsocieties, has almost risen to the height of and educated groups in these colonial had to the and metropolitan colonialist n- emigrated the wall coconut treesmother andcountries. other vegetation grow on it.

After World War II, large numbers of poorer, less educated

or om til nhe ls. ce he he ng ed ch

people from these same societies began to migrate, joining their compatriots in the colonial mother countries and forming identifiable groups. When Independence came, the new states began affirming their connection with these groups by describing them as their ‘diasporas’. These diasporas had bettered themselves economically and had accumulated fair amounts of wealth so they could easily send their relatives remittances. As a group they had also acquired valuable technical and technological skills.

The newly independent states did not have investment capital or technological skills nor were they able to attract enough of such in helping them to achieve their aspirations of developing their countries. The one opening that was left to them was to tap their diasporas and persuade them to invest in or remigrate to their home countries. Thus most

of these states began engaging their diasporas who were all receptive.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Guyana began its engagement with its diaspora which numbered more than the resident population of Guyana by using various re-migrant schemes.

These schemes all foundered because no proper planning was done in formulating them and because their management was poor. When the new Government assumed office towards the end of 2019, the engagement with the diaspora was resuscitated. With adequate planning, they established a Diaspora Unit within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and appointed Ms Rosalinda Rasul to head the Unit. Ms Rasul is known to be a capable young woman who would bring the necessary enthusiasm and work ethic to her post. In addition, she had studied the experiences of those countries which have successful diaspora engagements. As expected, the Unit kicked off with an impacting event.

On Saturday, 22nd May, a high powered virtual International Conference was arranged with the Guyana top brass interfacing with several hundred members of the diaspora representing various interests. All important sectors were covered - remigration, security, trade and investment prospects, oil and gas industry, agriculture and youth development, sports, education and culture. On the Guyana side, were the main members of the Cabinet - His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Aii, Vice President Dr Bharat Jagdeo, Senior Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn, Minister of Housing and Water, Colin Croal, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ms Oneige Waldron and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd. The key SEE PAGE XXXIII

Likewise, the sea has reclaimed the land along the Kitty Seawall where houses once stood. Indeed, a substantial building is still standing close to the wall near the Kitty Pump Station, but the sea is under it. Old fishermen who set their nets on the foreshore sea could vividly describe the cyclical rise and fall of the beach.

The Seawalls provided a favourite place for health enthusiasts. Many would go there to practise deep breathing of the clean and fresh sea breezes. Others would be cycling or even training for cycle races. Probably the most notable were the ones who went for physical culture. Many of this group would go to the Seawalls by either jogging to get there or by cycle and they would arrive there at 5 o’clock, long before

XXIX

the sun had risen. is, why is the Venezuelan public sowere convinced they On moonlit nights the Seawalls always athat crowded have a valid claim two-thirds of with Guyana’s territory and promenade.

Many to went to socialise friends, but all went why theirthe politicians bellicose aggressive about to enjoy beauty ofarethesomoon risingand from the sea and the this claim? moonlight And the second is, why did there President blue-green whichquestion was brighter, since were Maduro Venezuela this time seizethe thevarious boats no road of lights to dilutechoose it. Others wouldtoenjoy when he would the Guyanese phasesheofknew the New Moon alienate with the background of population purple skies and cause embellished the international community to condemn or with thousands of stars which appear disapprove brighter of his action, Venezuela intersince leaving there were no cityisolated lights. Others nationally on the issue. would go to the Seawalls in the late afternoons to The answer to the sunsets first question began during theinto Cold admire gradually transforming the light ofof dusk.

War: At theblue beginning the 1960s Britain had decided to joysthe of colony the Seawalls were the withdraw fromAnother Guyana of andthe grant independence, earlylikely evening concerts givenof bythe the newly Militia but it was very thatSunday the Prime Minister the Police at the Bandstand which independentBand stateand would be DrBand Cheddi Jagan, an avowed attracted of people.

Their repertoire conMarxist. U.S. Cold hundreds War interests tried to persuade Britain sisted ofindependence, light classical music Strauss’ and to delay Guyana’s but allsuch that as Britain could ballet Delibes’ pizzicato promise wasother that waltzes, she would handmusic over such power to a non-ComandMinister.

Sylvia, atAmerican least one English patriotic such munist Prime Intelligence feltsong that this “This royal throne of Kings” and British offerasneeded further insurance andand so Guyanese they devised Caribbean songs.

The concerts arranged a plan whereby theirfolk client Venezuela wouldwere threaten to for early evening so that children could attend; many Guyanese in later life have admitted that their first exposure to classical music was from these Bandstand concerts.

On Easter Monday thousands of kite-flyers turned out from five o’clock in the morning. Kites were all hand-made and were in a variety of shapes such as boxes, birds and snakes, but the predominant shape was the Guyanese octagon and in a variety of colours. Singing engines, a kite which made a loud droning sound, was one of the most popular.

Kite-flying was always combined with picnicking. The Easter kite-flying today is a pale reminiscence of the heyday.

As mentioned above, the political tensions and criminality kept people away from the Seawalls in the 1960s. By the invade Guyana if theremore wasstable any possibility of a Marxist 1990s life had become and people again began to government being installed in Guyana. frequent the Seawalls, but the ambience had changed. There Theup1899 Award hadofsettled the boundaries of grew stallsArbitral lining the parapet the Public Road from the Guyana and Station Venezuela these selling boundaries were fully Kitty Pump to theand Pegasus, refreshments and accepted by both parties and the International communiall of these stalls were well-lit. The character of the Seawalls ty. of the junior lawyers representing Venezuela hadOne changed from a peaceful promenade to a lively fair. at the arbitration, MalletPrevost, left ais letter was not Now that the tourism industry beingthat revived, the toSeawalls have been opened until after his death.

In that letter, still offer an attractive attraction.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 22, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 22, 2021

Caring an infant’s teeth

PARENTS have the responsibility of beginning the process of oral health care for their children, which starts when the child is about four months old. This initial orientation is the most important and will be especially effective if sustained over the first ten years of the child’s life.

Here are some Dos And Don’ts.

1. Try to rub the gums with gauze or a damp face cloth even before the teeth start to erupt. This will get your baby to understand from an early age that like bathing and hair washing, mouth washing is a part of the routine. It will also desensitise the gums slightly and may ease the irritation of tooth eruption somewhat.

2. Don’t dip the pacifier (comforter) in syrup or honey or other sweet substance because sweetness in the baby’s mouth for prolonged periods is guaranteed to cause tooth decay. Furthermore, it will only encourage a “sweet tooth”

which facilitates future obesity.

3. Don’t put extra sugar in the drinks that your baby takes in the bottle. The child does not need extra sugar.

There is enough energy for him/her in the normal foodstuffs taken in.

4. Fruit juices contain acids. Some of them – especially citrus fruit - are very high in acid content. This acid does the same job as the acid produced by the plaque. It demineralises the enamel. Therefore avoid fruit juice in the bottle or at least dilute it with water ( about 50/50).

SEE PAGE XXXII

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Caring an infant’s ...

FROM PAGE XXXI 5. Avoid carbonated (soft) drinks until the age of about three years. Never put these drinks in a bottle.

6. Try not to let your baby sleep with a bottle. This may lead to bottle mouth. If it is essential, make sure that the bottle contains only water.

7. Use an “orthodontic pacifier” to ensure that in the event of continued use, the pacifier does not lead to an enormous open space between the front teeth (open-bite).

Remember, the sucking of a pacifier is normal up to age three years.

8. Do not give sweets or chocolates to an infant until at least 18 months of age. They don’t know that they are “missing” something nice and all it does is promote poor diet habits. Resist relatives doing this even though it makes you unpopular with them.

9. Kissing a baby on the lips is one way that the bacterium streptococcus mutans (which causes tooth decay) is introduced into the mouth. Try to limit non-family members to kissing on the cheek only.

10. Cleaning your children’s teeth is essential. Many of the baby teeth have to last your child until he or she is almost 12 years old, so the idea of “they fall out anyway” is just not acceptable.

Baby teeth are essential for maintaining the space for correct positioning of the permanent ones that will follow, so if your child loses teeth too early, you may be looking a huge orthodontist bills later that might have avoided. Also when children are young it is difficult for a dentist to adequately restore cavities, so it may be required to do dental work under general anaesthetic.

This should be avoided if possible and can be just by maintaining strict oral hygiene measures right from the beginning.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 22, 2021

A CREATIVE ERA ...

FROM PAGE XXIX

agencies represented were the Guyana Revenue Authority, the Guyana Tourism Authority, the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest); the Private Sector Commission and the main Diplomatic Missions.

The Conference was helpful, informative, lively and successful and leaves the Diaspora Unit with the task of working out its further detailed strategy and plan of action to immediately satisfy a number of requests and further engaging diaspora members. One of the memorable things about the Conference was that it was the first time we have had a virtual event of such sweep and size and the Unit was able to surmount the technological challenges.

There are a few issues we would mention which we think would enrichen the work of the Unit: (i) The Unit and the Ministry as a whole should mount continuous programmes of helping members of the diaspora who visit or remigrate to adjust to the realities of Guyana of the 21st century rather than to be guided by nostalgic memories which would very often mislead and disappoint. Such disappointment could sometimes kill the desire to have any further engagement with the country. (ii) So far, the tone of our engagement has been ‘ how much the diaspora could do for their homeland’; this has to

be balanced with ‘how much could Guyana do for its Diaspora’. What Guyana could do for its diaspora would include such matters reviewing the Citizenship Laws to make them more accomodating and friendly to diaspora Guyanese and their offspring; helping them, if they so desire, to successfully navigate their new country with such matters as the use of the Financial Systems such as the Stock Exchange or certain aspects of the Law; and offering Guyanese citizens full protection along Israeli lines. (iii) Many Guyanese in the Diaspora would wish to work in the oil and gas Industry which means working with onshore providers such as Schlumberger or Baker Hughes.

Job offerings are usually done online and the Unit may disseminate such information to the Diaspora contacts. Sometimes, a Guyanese applicant may satisfy most of the job requirements and could acquire those he does not have with a few weeks of training. Such persons should be allowed to apply. The Local Content Legislation, which is now being finalised could address this and the Unit should bring this to the attention of the Attorney General’s chambers.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 22, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 22, 2021

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 22, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 22, 2021

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 22, 2021

THOUGHT FOR TODAY All happy famili es resemble on e another, but ea ch unhappy fam ily is unhappy in its own way.

LEO TOLSTOY (1828-1910) Ann a Karenina (18757), pt.1. Tr. Mau de

August 22, 2021 STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Welcome, dear friend.

When you make notes, review them regularly and try to gain a better understanding of what you have written. Be active while reading them over by either explain-

ing the contents to yourself or recording them as you walk around the room. Create sample questions for essay examinations and answer them from your notes.

You may only then realise that they are not substantial enough for that purpose. Be wise. Put purpose into your note-making.

Love you.

IMPROVING WRITING Begin to polish your writing Last week we looked at the boring, repetitious and incorrect use of the word and which is a common writing fault you should learn to avoid. A message consisting of sentence after sentence containing two or more clauses joined by and is monotonous and boring.

Expert writers avoid boring expressions. They always seek ways to add sparkle to their writing and so should you.

There is no one way to vary sentence structure. The goal is to use structures that are appropriate.

Beware of the common writing fault using and so to introduce a clause, specially to introduce a reason-giving clause. Using and so that way is using the expression as a conjunction; yet and so does not appear in any list of conjunctions.

There are other expressions that would be just right for reason-giving. Transitional words like hence, therefore, consequently, and accordingly may properly be used for this purpose: Now study the following illustrations and revisions: Poor: When we tested the gadget, the customer response was tremendous, and so we began manufacturing it.

Better: When we tested the gadget, the customer response was tremendous;

therefore, we began manufacturing it.

Poor: Your company’s proposals were accepted, and so we signed a contract with you.

Better: Your company’s proposals were acceptable; consequently, we signed a contract with you.

Poor: Tom’s payment record has not been great, and so we cannot extend additional credit to him.

Better: Tom’s payment record has not been great; therefore, we cannot extend additional credit to him.

NOTE: Written without the and, however, so is an acceptable conjunction.

Like any other conjunction, it must not be overused.

Look at the following sentence that illustrates the so usage; but therefore or consequently would be just as effective.

Hard work is always necessary for success at this level of examination; so, prepare yourself for a major effort.

Something to Do A.. Look back at last w e e k ’s I M P R O V I N G WRITING input to see the discourse, and then rewrite the following sentences, avoiding the and pitfalls.

1. Our warehouse will be closed for summer vacation, and no orders will be shipped between July 5 and July 20.

2. These laptops are just what we need, and we want to order seven as soon as possible.

3. Experts forecast an increase in customer spending this Christmas, and our company will continue to open five new hinterland branch stores.

4. We showed your suggestion for the library improvement to Mr. Jackman, and he liked it very much.

B.. Use transitional ex-

pressions to show a closer relationship between the following pairs of ideas.

1. We are making too many class-attendance errors. We must check registers twice from now on.

2. You are invited to suggest one library improvement. The deadline is tomorrow at 16:30.

3. Experienced people are scarce in this region.

Ms. Mansfield will have to start a training programme soon.

4. The collection service is very broad-based.

It seems to be much more efficient than our present service.

READING: Context clues Hurricane Charley, a category four storm with winds up to 145 miles per hour, moved in from the Gulf of Mexico and struck southwest Florida on August 13, 2004.

Before it hit, newscasters warned residents that the formidable storm was approaching. People who lived in certain areas had to evacuate to be safe. The hurricane made landfall at Fort Myers, a southwest Florida city, and then tracked across the state. Then, the hurricane moved out into the Atlantic and northward along the east coast.

1. What does “formidable” mean?

A) forthcoming B) disturbing C) powerful D) tropical 2. All the context clues help you determine the meaning of “formidable” EXCEPT A) residents had to evacuate to be safe B) 145 mph winds C) the direction of the storm was northeast D) newscasters issuing a warning to residents

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 22, 2021

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OnlyFans to ban sexually explicit content THE subscription site OnlyFans, known for its adult content, has announced it will block sexually explicit photos and videos from 1 October.

People will still be able to post nude content on the site.

But this will need to be consistent with OnlyFans’ policies.

The announcement comes after BBC News had approached the company for a response to leaked documents concerning accounts which posted illegal content.

OnlyFans said the change had come after pressure from banking partners.

The site has grown during the pandemic and says it has 130 million users.

“In order to ensure the long-term sustainability of our platform, and continue to host an inclusive community of creators and fans, we must evolve our content guidelines,” OnlyFans said in a statement.

The children selling explicit videos on OnlyFans

Under the skin of OnlyFans Model Demi Rose: ‘I’m finally taking control’ The London-based social media site enables its creators to post nude videos and photos and charge subscribers for tips or a monthly fee.

Creators can post a range of content from cooking to fitness videos, but it is best known for pornography.

In return for hosting the material, OnlyFans takes a 20% share of all payments.

The documents - described as “compliance manuals” show that although illegal content itself is removed, OnlyFans lets moderators give creators multiple warnings before closing accounts.

Moderation specialists and child protection experts say this shows OnlyFans has some “tolerance” for accounts posting illegal content.

In response to the BBC’s investigation, OnlyFans said the documents are not manuals or “official guidance”, it does not tolerate violations of its terms of service, and its systems and age verification go far beyond “all relevant global safety standards and regulations”.

The site, founded in 2016 by Essex businessman Tim Stokely, has come under fire in the past after a BBC News

investigation found under-18s had used fake identification to set up accounts on the site. In June, BBC News found that under-18s sold explicit videos on the site, despite it being illegal for people to share indecent images of children.

After the BBC investigation, the children’s commissioner for England said OnlyFans needed to do more to stop underage users. In response to the investigation, OnlyFans said it had

closed the accounts flagged and refunded all active subscriptions.

In July, the company’s first monthly transparency report said that it deactivated 15 OnlyFans accounts after finding indecent images of children on those accounts.(BBCNEWS. COM)

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 22, 2021