Sunday, January 17, 2021
Guyanese songbird, writer, producer and director, Courtney Noel (Carl Croker photo)
A musical stalwart Guyana’s Courtney Noel representing ‘The Golden Arrowhead’ internationally
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 17, 2021
Key takeaways from Washington, DC
The deadly attempted insurrection which occurred in Washington, DC, in the United States of America on January 6, 2021, will be a talking point for weeks and months to come. It will also be mentioned for years in the future. That unexpected event which tested the democracy in the USA was extremely shocking. For many Guyanese who are “America watchers,” it was not really unexpected though, bearing in mind the constant fiery rhetoric by the American president for many months - even years. There are continuous claims by President Donald Trump that the November 3, 2020, Presidential Election was stolen from him, and that he had won by a landslide. Without presenting any solid evidence for his claim, Trump has caused many rattled feelings among Americans - those who support the President’s claim and those who do not. For many Guyanese, it is alarming, bearing in mind the influential role which America played in Guyana’s May 2, 2020, General Elections. The word “Patriotism” which, though honourable in itself, is sometimes used for evil intentions and deeds, such as suppressing sections of a population or interfering in another country’s sovereign rights. Hollywood movies about patriotism Here now is a short list of some American movies with the most patriotic themes: “The Patriotic Man,” “Last Ounce of Courage,” “Saving Private Ryan,” “Glory,” “The Longest Day,” “Casablanca” and the most patriotic of them all, the vintage “Mr. Smith goes to Washington” starring one of my all-time favourite Hollywood actors, Academy Award Winner, James Stewart. That Hollywood movie was produced in 1939 during the era of America’s ‘innocence’, if you will. In the movie, when Mr. Smith arrives in Washington he addresses a group gathered in a hall where he beseeches them to live better lives; “Love thy neighbour...no matter his race, colour or creed.” he tells them with passion ringing through his voice (Great actor, that Jimmy Stewart). Two weeks ago, on January 6, 2021, it was a destructive mob that went to Washington, invading the Capital building, allegedly at the urging of the President of the United States. The invaders went in, smashing everything they could. Desecrating the building. “Domestic terrorists,” is what they have been called. The disgraceful and embarrassing scenes were transmitted on television screens all around a shocked world. All of that took place in America, and not Guyana or some other (so-called) third world country that traditionally look up to the United States! Think of that attack on the Capital of the USA as a movie
Farrier wearing a t-shirt with the image of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, jr.
Francis Quamina Farrier in front of the American Capital in Washington, DC which was over-run by a large mob of domestic terrorists on January 6, 2021 (Photo of 2019)
scripted by someone who desired to shame America to the rest of the world. The producers may entitle that movie, “Hooligans go to Washington” and starring Hogan Hooligan. Analysing such a movie script as an action-packed ‘movie’ from start to finish, one would conclude that the country in which the action is located, has no idea of what democracy is all about. It is inconceivable that any Hollywood screenwriter would have conjured up such an anti-patriotic plot against the Capital of the United States of America. If the Capital is to be over-run the way in which it actually happened, the screenwriter would have it done by green or purple aliens from another planet. Certainly not by those whose images were seen and who law enforcement agencies are now rounding up in all 50 States, to bring the perpetrators to justice. The soundtrack accompanying such a movie would most likely be that of a trumpet being played extremely loudly and constantly emanating sour notes. In 1974, I wrote the screenplay for that Guyana/Suriname produced movie “OPERATION MAKONAIMA” starring Marc Matthews and Malcolm Panday. As such I have some experience with that aspect of movie production. The imagination of Hollywood screenwriters has gone through the clouds, so to speak, with movies such as Star Trek, ET and Guardians of the Galaxy. But one wonders whether any one of them would have come up with a screenplay such as the recent attack on the Capitol building in Washington DC. Reports are that the Vice President was allegedly targeted for execution by hanging. Chants of, “Hang Mike Pence. Hang Mike Pence.” resonated through the Capital while the marauding terrorists were destroying everything they could. Some American lawmakers and television hosts have labelled the violent event as an insurrection. While some countries have post-election conflicts, no one expected that such terrible unrest could take place in America - the bastion of Democracy. Worse still, that the country’s president is allegedly the instigator! An immigrant to the USA from Europe, who became governor of California, is Hollywood action star, Arnold Schwarzenegger. He was on television last Sunday with an impassioned plea to his fellow Americans, to support President-elect Joe Biden. The former Hollywood action star denounced his fellow Republican, President Donald Trump, and referred to him as the worst American president in history. Schwarzenegger went on to relate his boyhood years in Austria, Europe and how the Nazis created fear and horror. Displaying the sword which was used by his character in the movie “Conan the Barbarian” Schwarzenegger emotionally talked about a sword being put in the fire then plunged in cold
water then pounded. He concluded with the expression that America, a country which he loves, will come back. Meanwhile, the December 7, 2020, General Elections in (so-called third world) Ghana in West Africa with 17 million voters, came off with hardly a hitch. The result was announced in less than two days and President Nana Akufo-Addo, who visited Guyana in June 2019, was sworn in for a second term. AMERICAN PEACE AND LOVE Tomorrow, January 18, 2021, is a Public Holiday in the United States. It is in honour for one of the greatest and most peaceful American Heroes; the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, jr. Let us try to imagine what that African-American Civil Rights Hero and Nobel Peace Prize Winner would think, regards what recently transpired in Washington, D.C. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King jr. who lead many peaceful Non-violent Civil Rights demonstrations, was on the receiving end of much violence during his relatively short life as he fought for civil rights for the disenfranchised and marginalized in America. The demonstrations which he organized and in which he participated as a brave leader, were always orderly and peaceful. With arms linked the Civil Rights demonstrators walked along singing “We Shall Overcome” until ‘law enforcement’ literally let loose the dogs of war, supported with tear gas, water hoses and other means of physical attacks. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, jr. never once responded with any violence, yet he had to endure so much violence on his person and those who marched with him for civil rights in America. At age 35, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, being one of the youngest persons to have received that prestigious honour. On Thursday, April 4, 1968, Dr. King was assassinated by a coward’s bullet. He was just age 39. In his commentary of January 9, 2021, in the Capital Gazette, Columnist Eugene Peterson noted, “I believe he (Dr. King) would challenge us to rise above our petty set of perceived grievances and forge ahead with a new sense of optimism and hope. He’d agree with President-elect Joe Biden that anything is possible in our great nation if we just work to make it happen.” Eugene Peterson stated. The spirit and message for a truly great America envisioned by The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, jr., and so many other great American Leaders, will always permeate within the American society. During August 2013, I travelled from Guyana to Washington, DC, for the Fiftieth Anniversary of Dr. King’s “I have a Dream” speech, and believe me, I felt his presence.
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 17, 2021
A musical stalwart- Courtney Noel -representing ‘The Golden Arrow Head’ internationally
By Naomi Parris Known for a masterpiece that is considered to be the anthem of one of Guyana’s biggest festivals, Mashramani, Courtney Noel, singer, songwriter, screenwriter, actor, producer and director is one of the many talented Guyanese artistes who have been striving to have his homeland recognised for its beauty. Growing up in a typical Guyanese home, Noel was surrounded by music and the arts which paved the way for his astounding career. With the sounds of his grandfather’s fiddle entwined with his grandmother harmonica, it is no surprise that he became the songbird of the family. “It really started with my grandparents not sure when but my grandfather played the fiddle and my grandmother played the harmonica, which is interesting because I’ve never seen many women playing the harmonica. My grandfather and grandmother were a major influence in my life,” Noel told the Pepperpot Magazine. However, what is surprising, Noel had initially found his true love in the theatre arts with his mind bent on being an ac-
tor one day representing his dear homeland on the big screens. “When I was pretty young I knew this is what I wanted to do, I was five and I knew this is what I wanted to do. I didn’t think of singing I thought more along the lines of acting, I love music and I love singing but acting is where I really saw myself and I love movies,” he said. Noel never thought of himself as being a singer, but after a small school concert in which he shone, he unlocked a new talent. This small but significant milestone gave a then eightyear-old Noel who attended the St. Margret’s Primary School the confidence boost he needed to pursue his career as an actor, singer and overall performer. Noel once again shone when he performed at his high school, Queen’s College, where he made to pursue his career as an all-rounder performer. A young and vibrant Noel then migrated to the New York, United States of America where he began his music career and sang alongside a few other artistes in a group which unfortunately was short-lived due to some disagreements, nevertheless, his career did not end there.
‘The golden era’ Holding the record for the most played song during Mashramani, Noel wrote one of Guyana’s most popular soca anthems which to this date has not lost its spunk. Having written the song some 20 years ago, Noel disclosed that it was a neardeath experience that inspire him to write and produce the song ‘The Golden Arrowhead’. Not wanting to share too many details, Noel stated that he was in the verge of drowning and in the moment of fighting for his life all he could see was the glorious parts of his home Guyana and nothing but red, white, green, black and gold. While not much of soca artiste, Noel wrote the song and to his surprise, it is still a song today that played during the time of festivities. However, despite the song being so popular it has never won an award or has never been recognised by the government of Guyana, he said. The true power of the song, however, is the patriotism and the love for one’s country which makes it so memorable even after all these years. This, Noel noted, is what
Guyanese songbird, writer, producer and director, Courtney Noel (Carl Croker photo)
makes the song so special. “I’ve had so many experiences, people have come up to me, once I was doing a show in New York and these cops they were Guyanese cops which I didn’t realise and they realised that it was my song and it was so emotional,” he said adding: “Over the years, for me the personal pride I feel I’m having touched so many lives and Guyanese lives you can’t pay for that.” In celebration of the songs 20th release, he noted that he is in the works of
making a remix, which he hopes to feature some of the new budding faces of Guyana’s music industry. On the big screens While many may know Noel for his musical talents what they do not know is that he has appeared on the big screen playing a small but significant role in ‘Da 5 Bloods’ alongside Chadwick Boseman. The film was also directed by the award-winning director Spike Lee. In the film he explained
he was given the chance to express and to represent his country with the use of creole dialogue. Aside from starring on the big screen, Noel is also a playwright, who has a few projects under his belt, in which he hopes to one day produce and direct. Noel who is set to celebrate many achievements in this year along with the celebration of his 60th birth anniversary plans to release a few new projects starting with a new song ‘All my love’ in the coming weeks.
National pride and cooperation for our Essequibo
IT is undeniable that over the past few weeks, there has been a proliferation of national pride and cooperation reaffirming that Essequibo belongs to Guyana and this makes one optimistic that a truly united Guyana is not merely a dream. In December, just a few weeks ago, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that it has the jurisdiction to hear the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy case. This means that the World Court can now hear the arguments from both Guyana and Venezuela in the substantive matter regarding the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award which sets out the boundary between the two countries. Undoubtedly, this was a win for Guyana. But beyond the ruling, there it was -- the government, the opposition, and citizens all, standing together. There aren’t many issues or happenings that reveal such a common resolution among all citizens of this nation. Amid
the controversy, it is really inspiring to see us ‘hold one head.’ Now, after the ICJ’s ruling, there have been reports that Venezuela will establish a special committee for the defence of the Essequibo region of Guyana. The country has also since claimed for itself the seas and seabed adjacent to the coast, west of the Essequibo River. By decreeing that the seas adjacent to this territory belong to Venezuela, at least two fundamental principles of international law have been violated, according to President Irfaan Ali. The first violation, as outlined by the President, is that no state can unilaterally determine its international boundaries, whether land or maritime. The fixing of an international boundary under international law can only result from an agreement between neighbouring states, or a binding determination by an international court or arbitral tribunal.
The second violation of fundamental international law, referenced by President Ali, is based on the fact that under well-established rules of international law, there is a fundamental principle that says, “the land dominates the sea.” This means that sovereignty, and sovereign rights in the sea and seabed, emanate from title to the land that forms the coast to which those seas and seabed are adjacent. Even so, again, local stakeholders came out to reaffirm Guyana’s ownership of the land and seabed and committed to trusting the international judicial processes ongoing. I’m sure this is the same ‘energy’ we’ll keep as we move along with the proceedings. If there was ever an issue that made us look past our differences in political affiliations, the security and preservation of our border and national patrimony would be it. And, this is the ‘energy’ I’m sure we’ll be taking through
the ensuing judicial processes. With the ICJ ruling that it has jurisdiction, this ruling now paves the way for the World Court to hear the arguments in the substantive matter regarding the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award, which sets out the boundary between the two countries. And Guyana seeks to obtain, from the court, a final and binding judgement that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the location of the land boundary between then-British Guiana and Venezuela, remains valid and binding, and that Guyana’s Essequibo region belongs to Guyana, and not Venezuela. Just for context, Article IV of the Geneva Agreement makes provision for the involvement of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, who “shall choose
another means stipulated in Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations, and so on until the controversy has been resolved, or until all means of peaceful settlement there contemplated have been exhausted.” This provision is what paved the way for the “Good Officer” process, which was a framework that allowed for discussions on resolution of the controversy. In 2016, outgoing United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon agreed with his successor, António Guterres, to continue to use the Good Offices Process until the end of 2017 as a means of arriving at a settlement. After this process failed, in 2018, the UN Secretary-General referred the case to the ICJ.
Despite Venezuela refusing to provide arguments on the ICJ’s jurisdiction, subsequently rejecting the jurisdiction of the ICJ and claiming that the Secretary-General exceeded his authority under the Geneva Agreement in the first place, Guyana pushes ahead to obtain that final and binding judgement that Essequibo is ‘we own.’ Guyana remains confident that the international court will resolve the issue in its favour, and that this will also settle the issue of maritime rights in the adjacent sea and seabed. If you would like to discuss this column or any of my previous writings, please feel free to contact me via email: vish14ragobeer@gmail.com
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 17, 2021
Wellness therapist prefers a holistic treatment approach
RISHON Seegopaul, a health coach and wellness therapist, has always subscribed to an integrative medicine approach, meaning that she’d prefer to treat a person holistically than fix just one aspect of a problem. She found that she did not agree with the approach taken in conventional medical school and so opted to switch over to naturopathic medicine and complementary therapy. “Whatever the service being offered, we try to make it as holistic as possible, treating not only the body but also the mind and the spirit as well,” Seegopaul said during an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine recently. Now in the field of practice for 15 years, Seegopaul studied and trained in Malaysia – her mother is Malaysian and her father is Guyanese. “So I was fortunate to be able to go back to Malaysia and to study there. Since childhood, I have always seen the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of a person as entwined,” she said. Also a registered massage therapist, Seegopaul specialises in rehabilitation, an Usui Reiki Master and as a counsellor. “Work for me involves different types of therapeutic massage, mainly
looking at rehabilitation, restoring function and relieving pain. I also do dry needling, foot reflexology, fire, air and wet cupping, Usui Reiki and counselling,” she explained. As a health coach, on many days, she also works with patients who want to learn how to manage chronic illnesses through lifestyle changes and diet, which also includes emotional eating. Not included in the therapy side of things, she also offers non-surgical fat removal services, in the form of cryolypolysis, lipolaser and lipocavitation. “I have always subscribed to an integrative medicine approach – this is where conventional medicine is combined with complementary and alternative therapies that have been proven to be safe and to work. So it is essentially holistic treatment of the whole person – the physical, the mental, the emotional and the spiritual,” she explained. Speaking about the benefits of a therapeutic massage, she said its one important facet in integrative medicine. The obvious first benefits that therapeutic massage brings, she notes, are physical - helping to reduce pain, soreness and tension, improving circulation and increasing increase mobility.
Seegopaul does dry needling, foot reflexology, fire, air and wet cupping, among other things
“Massage has also been found to be helpful in treating issues like anxiety, insomnia and stress. Some people enjoy massage because touch produces feelings of caring, comfort, compassion and connection. There is actually a condi-
It’s important for someone to be treated by a trained therapist
tion that is called touch starvation – this is exactly as the name suggests, being starved for compassionate touch,” she said. Seegopaul, whose wellness centre, Moksha, is located in Campbelville, Georgetown, cautioned that while
massage therapy is not a replacement for regular doctor’s visits, in many cases, it can complement the treatment plan that a doctor has in place for the patient. She said it is also very important for a person to ensure that they are being
treated by a trained therapist. “The school that I studied at also gave me the opportunity to work while learning. Since coming back to Guyana, I have worked in my private practice, but also with numerous national sports teams.”
The benefits of massage therapy go beyond physical benefits
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 17, 2021
The novel Coronavirus and its impact on food security
By Dillon Goring The novel coronavirus has had a tremendous impact on food security worldwide, including Guyana. Many have resorted to becoming entrepreneurs, by planting their kitchen garden, rather than paying frequent visits to the country’s markets for produce, so that their families can eat healthier. Globally, food security faces several challenges across both production and consumption which research will be essential to solving. Many countries are facing the double burden of hunger and undernutrition alongside obesity, with one in three people across the
globe currently suffering from some form of malnutrition. Indeed, it is not unusual to find people with different forms of malnutrition living side-by-side in one country, in one community, or even in the same household, according to a report from a food security website www. foodsecurity.ac.uk The report also noted that the prevalence rates of obesity and non-communicable diseases are increasing in both developing and developed countries. Another report which deals Food Security and Agriculture (Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the German Development Institute indicated that noted that nearly 800 million people
will go hungry and do not have enough food to eat and live a healthy lifestyle. It also cited a lack of access to food are among the main causes of food insecurity worldwide. However, here in Guyana, the agency that manages food security is reporting that Guyana is fully prepared and ready with enough food to cushion the effects of the pandemic. During an interview with Pepperpot Magazine Director of the National Agricultural and Research Institute (NAREI) Dr. Odhu Homenauth noted that Guyana has an adequate supply of food to cushion the effect of the pandemic. “Well, we do import, See page XXI
Vendors in Guyana (Delano Williams photos)
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 17, 2021
Bush Lot Village
Rapidly taking the shape of a township By Michel Outridge This week the Pepperpot Magazine visited the West Coast Berbice Village of Bush Lot, a central point for businesses both large and small. This part of the countryside is rapidly developing into a township except for a bank and a police station. On the Public Road there are many stores, cell phone, electronics stores, supermarkets, hardware stores, rum shops, bars, boutiques, a booming roadside market and a lot of other micro to small businesses. This community is a peaceful, quiet place where people seem to get along just well and most of the residents are related and they are very neighbourly people. It is home to several doctors and other medical professionals, teachers, volunteers, councillors, engineers, office workers and it is an agriculture-based village, the home of rice and cash crops farming. In almost every yard or land space, there is a budding garden of fruits, plants, flowers and cash crops. This is a very green village, that is, the people depend heavily on farming to bring in an income to the home. There are some livestock and poultry farmers in this community, as well. Bush Lot Village is located between Golden Grove and Hopetown communities. The people of Bush Lot are friendly but reserved and do not really wish to talk
except if you are persistent. There are many government services in this village such as the health centre housing both Bush Lot and Experiment health centres, the Bush Lot Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools located on the same road, that
known, Dr. Love. Bush Lot is a very large community which is sectioned off into different parts starting from A to K and there are two new housing schemes, the cash crops area and the rice fields which is in another section.
Union/Naarstigheid NDC Overseer, Myrtle Christian
is, Latchmansingh Street. There are also many shops in this village and a very huge masjid which is painted in white and green and on the opposite side there are two mandirs with very spacious yards. In Bush Lot, there are a few churches, the Environmental Health Building, and the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) building which houses the office and a few pharmacies including that of the well-
Bush Lot Village has electricity, potable water, landline, cell phones services of both network providers, cable televi-
sion and internet of private companies, good infrastructure, upgraded roads and streets and adequate public facilities. The Union/Naarstigheid NDC The Pepperpot Magazine visited the Union/Naarstigheid NDC where Overseer, Myrtle Christian was on hand to highlight the work of the NDC. She stated that the villages runs deep and is quite large and accommodates housing areas from letters A to F and cultivation acreage from G to K. Christian, a Councillor, is from Chesney, West Coast
Bush Lot Village (Delano Williams photos)
Berbice but has been around Bush Lot Village working for many years and she is familiar with the people. She pointed out that cricketer, Ramnaresh Sarwan’s wife is from Bush Lot and she is a pharmacist and other notable people from the village have made a name for themselves. Myrtle reported that the Union/Naarstigheid NDC render services to the community in terms of maintaining the drainage system, the cleaning of parapets, reserves, repairs to internal streets and roads and the removal of carcasses from the roadways. She disclosed that they also clean and clear trenches and canals in the village but at present, they do not provide waste disposal service since they have no landfill site to dump garbage. The Councillor added that residents utilise the paid services of Cevon’s Waste Disposal Services which collects garbage weekly. The NDC, she related has in its employ 18 Community Infrastructure Improvement Programme (CIIP) and they are contracted to weed and keep the parapets
clean as well as, cleaning the drains in the village. Myrtle stated that the NDC has 14 councillors and they are headed by the Chair Tiffany Mc Flarlane, a Hopetown resident. The Overseer related that they would also settle disputes among villagers and try to resolve any issues at the community level before involving the police and they have good relations with both the police and the community policing group members. Myrtle noted that Bush Lot Village has about 2,500 villagers of predominantly Indo-Guyanese descent but co-exists with their neighbours of other ethnicities. “Even though a site was identified to house a market in the village the vendors prefer to sell on the roadside which they have developed into a market,” she said. The village has a garbage disposal issue in which refuse is intentionally dumped into the drains causing a blockage and some villagers have erected concrete bridges to their entrances and have blocked the manholes. Myrtle reported that recently some of the internal streets have been upgraded and there are upgrading works ongoing within the village.
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 17, 2021
The active elders of Bush Lot Village By Michel Outridge Moulvi Sheer Mohamed is a registered marriage officer and a highly respected village elder and Imam of Bush Lot Village, West Coast Berbice. He is the current Imam for Bath Village Masjid, a few villages away and at 80 years old, he is still very much active and has a job at a gas station in Hopetown Village where he sits on the 05:00hrs to 07:00hrs shift. This senior citizen would get up at 04:00hrs every morning to prepare for his prayers before going to work and even does his own gardening at home where he has a garden in his back yard and the plot next to his place. He is cultivating some cash crops which he would sell in the village. Mohamed was the Imam for Bush Lot Masjid for 15 years and was also a rice farmer, who handed down the rice fields to his children after losing many crops he went out of rice farming. He went on to be a hire car driver for 12 years working from Bush Lot to Georgetown until he landed a job as a driver for a general manager of a private company for
seven years. Mohamed used to earn $2 from each passenger from Bush Lot to the city and recalled if he worked $20 he had a lot of money, back then. Mohamed reported that after the company left Guyana he went overseas for six months and upon his return home he was informed that the job as the driver with the private company was his again. He was elated and worked with that firm until their time in Guyana ended and he began his own business as a poultry farmer and began planting cash crops. The father of six revealed that he has been a resident of Bush Lot Village for 58 years and he is originally from Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara. Mohamed stated that in 1958, he relocated to Bush Lot Village because he wanted to send his children to school and he constructed a small house. He later went into large scale cattle rearing and rice farming in the 1960s at Abary Creek with his father-in-law and later took a loan from Mortgage Finance Bank and build a house which currently stands.
Mohamed related that now three-quarters of the men in the village are rice farmers and they would sell to the rice mill that is in the village. “I was chair for the CDC at Onverwagt and I did a lot of behind the scenes volunteer work for this village, back in 1995 I was the point person who was instrumental in overseeing the first road being built which was a mud dam,” he said. He pointed out that back then the village was a large jungle which has seen development over the years and through Basic Needs Trust Fund he was the person who dug the place to lay pipelines so the village could get potable water supply for the very first time. Mohamed is a son of the soil, a true pioneer of his village and a ‘go-to’ person when in need of anything even simple advice. This village elder was the
Moulvi Sheer Mohamed with his great-granddaughter, Saudia (Delano Williams photos)
weekly and wear many hats in the village being a marriage officer, a rural con-
The welder, Uncle Wally
Nazireen Ullah called ‘Uncle Wally’.
Nazireen Ullah in his welding workshop
hamed does a lot of charitable work at his masjid and in his village where he is highly regarded. Mohamed has 22 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, all of whom he is very fond of.
person who ensured the village benefitted from electricity many moons ago and he was a community leader who led by example and donated hampers to the less fortunate, a gesture he does up to date. He started a hamper distribution from monthly to
stable, a child care and protection agency officer and a counsellor. Even up to date, Mo-
Meanwhile, the Pepperpot Magazine met another respected elder of the village, a welder by profession but an all-rounder by nature and he is Nazireen Ullah called ‘Uncle Wally’. Ullah, 84, is a local of Bush Lot Village, West Coast Berbice and in 1944 he was living in a small cottage at the same plot on the Public Road, where he has a large wooden house. The father of four stated that in his younger days he used to rear a lot of cows and plant rice and also used to assist his father, a blacksmith, in his workshop. As he became advanced in age, he gave up cattle rearing and rice cultivation and began his own business from under his house a welding workshop, which is still operational to date. Ullah, a devout Muslim in the community, reported that after his father passed away in 1965 at age 66 years old, he has seven brothers and
three sisters, he knew he had to start his on his own. “I worked hard all my life even at my age I still operate this workshop doing all welding jobs alone and I am still accustomed to working all these years,” he said. The elder related that in his younger days he worked hard in the back dam minding cows and planting rice with his father and siblings. They had 600 acres of farmland which was used for rice cultivation and a ranch where they had a lot of cows but sold it over the years and went out of that business. Ullah told the Pepperpot Magazine that Bush Lot Village is a place where the people are close-knit and live like family and on the roadside where he resides is a business hub. He added that the place is quiet even though there are a lot of businesses and it is a safe place to be despite a few kitchen thieves. Ullah reported that of his siblings eight passed away and he has a brother, who resides overseas and is age 96 years old. “I will not stop working until my eyes close because that’s how our kind of people grew up in the black and white days, it was hard work that made us into responsible people and adults, who accomplished a lot in our time,” he said. Ullah is well-known among his peers and the villagers, as well.
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 17, 2021
Well-known personalities in Bush Lot Village
Rosita Kerut wear many hats and has equally many roles in her community and does a lot of volunteer work even beyond the call of duty as a councillor, the Chair of the Community Development Council (CDC), the Community Policing Group Secretary, leader of the women’s group, and a counsellor. Kerut, who is better known as ‘Rose’ reported that she is originally from
The CDC was formed three months ago so being a new organisation they have already distributed goodies to children and hampers to elders in the village for the festive season, last year. The CDC has 13 members drawn from within the village. Kerut added that they also promote culture, sports and skills training for both men, women and youths and ensure they have adequate
after other villages started the inter-faith service in their communities and they have good relations with other surrounding villages and their leaders. She reported that Bush Lot Village is an agriculture-based community of hard-working people, who are very giving and kind. It is home to many skilled people and professionals, who hold good jobs in offices and other agencies including
Rosita Kerut and her children (Delano Williams photos)
Lusignan, East Coast Demerara but relocated to Bush Lot Village, West Coast Berbice, years ago. Her role as CDC Chair is to ensure they assist the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) with unfinished works in the development of the community in terms of drainage and irrigation among other things.
recreational facilities for the village. She stated that as a councillor and someone who has a love for volunteer work led her to Bush Lot Village and she was instrumental in hosting the first inter-faith service in 2016 as a village when four residents were killed in a road accident. Kerut pointed out that
schools, hospitals, and pharmacies. Kerut disclosed that in Bush Lot Village there are 800 households and it is highly populated with both single parents and extended family setting. “This is a village where people still believe in their ancestors and folklore like if you walk late during a
certain time ‘jumbie’ will follow you home and you must turn your back when coming in the door and that kind of thing,” she said. She noted that people are respectful and they like in unity and peace and they mostly work with themselves as small business owners, rice and cash crops farmers. With her spouse being a policeman, she is also involved in community policing as the secretary of the group which is still active she is one of the women, who would go out and do night patrols with other villagers. She related that some internal streets are being upgraded presently and some street lights needs to be installed but apart from that the village has everything else except its own bank and a police station to become a township. As the Community Policing Group Secretary, she said they work closely with the police and their role is to promote harmony and peace among villagers. The mother of two stated that they also try to resolve conflicts at the community level among villagers and ensure the people feel safe.
Kerut told the Pepperpot Magazine that for the Bush Lot Women’s Group, they have 10 members and it was recently resuscitated and they have a lot to do as is. During last year, Kerut spearheaded a group of women who managed to sew 500 fabric face masks and it was distributed in the village, free of cost. “As the women’s group, we offer counselling services and support each other be it whatever the issue but we need a building to house a resource centre where all skills training can be done and it will also serve as a meeting place for many activities,” she said. Kerut reported that there is a need for skills training because a lot of women are at home and if they are empowered they can have small businesses right from their homes and earn. Photo Works Photo Studio Being the only photo studio in Bush Lot Village, West Coast Berbice, the owner, Gyan Totaram, is also a wellknown person in the community. He is renting the lower flat of a house which he has converted into a photo studio
and he does video and photography for all occasions including weddings, birthdays, funerals and all social events. The 48-year-old is from Good Faith, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara but has his business in Bush Lot for the past 22 years. The father of one said that in his younger days he was a videographer attached to CNS Channel Six for some time before he established his own business. “In Mahaicony, if I take one photo a week that is it so I decided to open my business here in Bush Lot being a hub for businesses and it paid off even if I get a few jobs,” he said. Totaram has good relations with the locals and they support him in his small business and with the advent of technology most people use their cell phone to take photos instead of using the studio like olden days. The studio will see business only if folk have to get passport size photos or photos for a visa. “This is a safe place, nothing is missing because people here are good to each other and we don’t have any burning issues so we look out for each other,” he said.
Gyan Totaram in his studio with a client
Photographer, Gyan Totaram
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 17, 2021
‘Dr Love’, the village doctor and pharmacist By Michel Outridge Even though the name may seem a bit odd, Loving Pharmacy is a place where people go to get pocket-friendly medications and immediate treatment for many illness at Bush Lot Village, West Coast Berbice by Dr. Vishwamintra Persaud, better known as ‘Dr Love’. He is well-known and has good relations with the people and even if someone cannot afford their medication he will provide it and it is easy to consult with him because of his friendly disposition. Dr Persaud is a local of
boutique which is operated by his wife. The house he resides in is the very one he grew up in but renovated it over the years after he worked briefly with Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation before he started his private practice. He had a shop on Bush Lot Public Road before building his pharmacy at his home in Sand Street which is also called Dr Love Street. “I wanted this pharmacy after realising the needs of the people for affordable over the counter drugs and got into the pharmaceutical business which is successful,” he said.
Dr Vishwamintra Persaud
Bush Lot Village and although he was overseas for many years he returned to Guyana in 2010 and started his own pharmacy, gym and
In the early days, Dr Persaud attended Latchmansingh Primary School where I graduated at the top of his class and then went to New Am-
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The Loving Pharmacy (Delano Williams photos)
sterdam Multilateral School. Here he also graduated at the top of his class in the Science at the age of 16 years. His parents and siblings were living in the USA at that time. “I lived alone at our home in Bush Lot from age 14 to 16. I taught as a high school teacher at Bush Lot High School in numerous subject areas. At 17, I migrated to the US and attended York College of the City University
Dr Vishwamintra Persaud called ‘Dr Love’, with a patient
of New York and obtained my Bachelor of Science in Biology,” he said. He was Valedictorian, with Summa Cum Laude and a cumulative GPA of 3.98. In addition, he had numerous academic scholarships and awards which included, but not limited to, the Thomas Jefferson Awards, Billy Aigins Scholarship Caribbean Students Association Award, Sigma Xi Club Award, York College Honour Society for the Liberal Arts, Senior Award for excellence in Biology, York College Student Government Scholarship and the Jonas Salk Scholarship of the City University of New York. Dr Persaud reported that also while an undergraduate at this University, he did biological research at The Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology and in 1987-88, was one of the pioneer students successfully performing PCR (Polymerase Chain reaction) and sequencing DNA. “I have publications in Biological Journals and attended many National Institutes of Health symposiums in Washington DC, while working for the Minority Biomedical Research Support Group at York College. I was featured in numerous newspapers in 1992 upon graduation from York College and just before
heading to Albert Einstein College of Medicine. My MCAT [Medical College Admissions Test] scores were equally impressive, with 95 percentile in the Biological Sciences and 97 percentile in the Physical Sciences and 93 percentile in the English written examinations,” he said. However, in 1996 he graduated from Albert Einstein with a Medical Doctor’s degree. He did his internship and residency at Beth Israel Medical Centre for three years, then did an elective honorary chief resident year which he completed in 2000. During this time, he passed his United States Medical Licensing Exams Steps I, II and III in Internal Medicine. He also became Board Certified in Internal Medicine. He worked for Beth Israel Medical Centre and New York Eye and Ear Hospital while opening his own private practice in Medicine. “In 2010 I returned to Guyana where I resumed living at my parent’s old home in Bush Lot Village, WCB and opened a supermarket and subsequently a Pharmacy. It is still operational. I was responsible for providing great care and advice to poor people in the Berbice area. My reputation and fame precede me in terms of my knowledge and kindness,” he said. On another note, there is
a softer side to Dr Persaud, who is a music lover. He also had a pilot Honda vehicle which he has outfitted with a state-of-the-art music system which made him the winner of many car and bike show competitions. Even his house has a surround sound music system which he enjoys with his daughter and wife. Dr Persaud came from humble beginnings so he understands the needs of people who cannot afford to buy medications and would lend a helping hand to all, who visit his pharmacy where he has a complement of efficient and courteous staff. He is the kind of person who loves simple things and would be contented watching the sunrise from his verandah in the morning before starting his day in the pharmacy which opens even on holidays and weekends. His dream is to build a basketball court in the empty plot near his house so the youths in the village can gather for games. Dr Persaud was a basketball player and weightlifter back in his days and his gym is open to all at a very reasonable cost and even free. It was his dream to return to his homeland to give back to the community and he is hoping to expand his healthcare business to an affordable place.
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 17, 2021
The child-Friendly Corner at the Bush Lot Health Centre (Delano Williams photos)
The Bush Lot Health Centre, a primary health care facility serving its purpose
By Michel Outridge
Acting Senior Health Visitor, Finella Hamilton-Squires runs a tight schedule at Bush Lot Health Centre which also accommodates a Dental Clinic and the Experiment Health Centre which was transformed into a COVID-19 isolation facility, last year. The facility is located deep within the village providing easy access and the road to the health centre is currently being upgraded. This public health facility offers a wide range of services free of cost to members of the public on Mondays to Fridays. Serious cases are referred to the regional hospital located at Fort Wellington but everyday services including, simple dressings can be done at the health centre. On the third Friday of every month, village outreaches are done at Little Abary, a riverine community that can be accessed via Onverwagt backlands by boat.
Staffers of the Bush Lot Health Centre The Bush Lot Health Centre has more than 20 staffers with those from Experiment Health Centre and they are the regional storage facility for the region’s vaccines, they have a cold storage room which is required for the potency of the vaccine to be maintained. Bush Lot Health Centre is a child-friendly facility which has a section for children called the Early Child Department Corner which is geared for the stimulation of children visiting the health centre. Dr. Renita Veersammy The Dental Department offers cleaning, filling and all dental works including, emergencies with an in-house dentist and four staffers. Bush Lot Health Centre is quite a busy place with more than 50 patients passing through to seek medical services per day especially on Fridays and Mondays, the busiest. In addition, to ante-natal, child and maternal health, vaccines, they also have the admission of newborn babies and they provide counselling services. Meanwhile, the Experiment Health Centre is headed by Dr Renita Veersammy, who has a staff under her supervision.
XI XXI
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT PEPPERPOT ― ― Sunday, Sunday, December January 17, 2021 CHRONICLE 20, 2020
THEAT MYSTERY SYSTEM OF CHRISTMAS ALL TIMES BE
A tale of the human ethos
TRUE TO THE SMALL VOICE WITHIN...
OF course, it’s a commercial period that from my perspective, husbands should keep the attention of their wives at home RECENTLY a conversarather than walking downtion came up from about two town. I think experiblood brothers I knew, ence that there are many who hadembodied proposedina what couspirits ple of decades ago,spirit in my is defined as the of presence of alike group five Christmas, the of muses ofthey us, have aboutdifferent the positive catelife-changing options of the gories of inspiration one narcotics trade.beyond I had told is ‘Shopping the them then, that this country boundaries of necessity’ was too poor and the auand that inspiration tarthorities too self-absorbed, getsplenty women. Mostwould men that of people have a list that includes the suffer, especially the young, stress-related bills, the last because we do not know record I read,that mentioned the dangers drugs that men die more present. They ignoredfrom me, stress-related than the two othersillnesses there back women; because then chidedthat’s me about being we’reand born with thisthat list ‘soft’ explained of not-to-dos that define “Yuh just need to mek yuh ‘manhood’: don’ton.” whine, heights and move In conversations suchcry, as this, complain, beg, and variables are hardly realise that there considare no ered, or ifMamas’ so, are mentioned ‘Sugar only ‘Sugagainst the must-be-tough ar Daddies’ don’t become position; and stress so other one, or the willdays defollowed, stroy you.the two brothers wereThis gunned and the is adown, phenomenon other two I haven’t seen of Christmas not onlyfor in years. I canbut only hope the Guyana, from larger best for both for them. My father, with whom I didn’t grow up, but spent some time with him after my godparents had passed, often told me, “Don’t wake up and find the enemy in the mirror.” I shook my head in agreement but never did understand until one day I raised the courage to ask him what ‘is the enemy in the mirror’? he laughed and replied, “ah know yuh didn’t understand, ah was hoping yuh had the honesty and courage to ask meh.” He interpreted it for me in this way, “If something nice present itself to yuh, but yuh got to do something bad to get it, but yuh feel that if nobody ent know, is alright, then yuh wrong, because you know, yuh never see people holler pon people just because they eyes mek four, well is the guilt in wondering- ’if deh know’ torment from within ent good at all, it tear yuh apart, yuh got fuh shout loudest what ent de truth, but what yuh want to believe is the truth.” My
economies that I’ve lived in for a while, where the enthusiasm of the season compels an intoxication of shopping. They, however, have a consumer privilege to take back items, rebalancing the budget into reality, that provides a favourable sober-up reprieve. From the beginning of time, human governance has instilled in populations the longing for redemption; thus, more so the longing for divine intervention. Somehow this has accounted for the remarkable presence of shepherd Elders across cultures. I inherited a book published in 1913 on comparative religions by Rev. Charles H. Vail titled ‘The World Saviors.’ It took me some years to explore its father was and a kind of philosnarratives in-depth conopher as the weresimilarity many of the tent on of men of his day, they souls were unusual revolutionary students the cultural inherthat haveofemerged across all itance of proverbs, sayings human variations, Prophets, and wordless expressions Messiahs, Avatars etc. It and short sayings thatcynical directoccurred to me that ed approval or disapproval as I am, that it is doubtful without a long litany, they that there was a global exalso subscribed or inherited change of this idea, since subscriptions to interesting people hardly travelled over magazines, Readers Digest., Parade, Popular Mechanics, Life and Man’s Action, the latter my secret entertainment exploring favourite for a time, outside of my comics, but even he erred, in companionship choice, but that’s family business. There’s nothing indeed ‘new under the sun’; there have always been weak souls and callous opportunists. When we use the term free choice, we must always remember that that as a unique species we stand on a platform of choices, not compelled by instinctive survival commands, thus we are faced with intelligent, positive and negative choices and the subsequent grades of consequences. Every opposition taken will be infiltrated by selfish opportunism; this is common in most family situations, the sister or brother that wants all, or the scenario of the old man or woman who signs over the real estate of his inherited or life’s work too early, to his trained
100 miles to go anywhere, except by sea routes, here and there, for example, the entire Biblical geography is located on the African continent. The remarkable thing is that in this very book and others after, there was a common denominator, of common birth timing, based on a specific astronomical uniformity for all these saviours. However, the essence of the birth of Jesus who would become the ‘Christ’ is rooted in our human culture of the sacred, that echoes the relevance of religion and the constant quest of change when the illumination dims, and the business of man-contrived gods usurp the higher responsibility expounded at the birth of the well daughter or son, then manifestation. comes the psychopathic Christmas also enve-In law, seductive, compelling lopes the old harvest fesand devious, next Momtheor tival custom through Pa are in the thereofto cleansing andPalms, preparing grieve to death, the home, whetherbecause owned the or law is considered the law, rented, acknowledging thatand a variables were not taken into house is not a home, a home consideration. is an environment within the In the late 1970s, I visited walls, of souls with shared a friend who was incarcerempathy and compassion. ated for murder, his and his colleagues were to be a popular case, he had asked me to come to get over the idea to his children’s mother that he would be in prison for a long time, that she had to get on with her life, he had already told her that, but I was the reinforcements. The ‘thing’ with the visit was he kept repeating,’ “Brethren I had a bad feeling about this ting, dem man convince meh, bro something, a voice keep telling me nah fuh guh pon it.” The eeriness about the conversation hit me much later, when he and all, except two of the charged were hung, in a case that divided the upper East Coast. What was this voice that was so compelling that he had kept repeating its existence to me? I have read about and discussed this question over the years; there are no clear definitions except two –A. Science from studies from various disciplines of the functions of the human mind, attribute the im-
In another age, we cleansed and treated tribal farmlands and waterways, shared food and gifts for those less productive, with Christmas we are still cued to the profound symbolism that has sustained us through the ages. The Christ season sum-
mons the otherwise deeper contained aspects of our nature: we think of gifts to persons who have affected us positively, to our families-- meaning spouse and offspring -- and others; despite social media, we are still inspired by beau-
tiful and relevant funny cards. We must also think of those out of employment, for those relatives and friends, we apply an old family custom; we do that sub-ration ‘thing.’ And
pact of religion/culture on genes, which can be interpreted to determine the development of empathy or lack of it, which influences consciousness and perhaps generate warning signs with the former directed from the levels of the inherited sense of right
and wrong, as my diseased friend had and ignored. B. With in-depth evidence [all evidence is subject to new findings, especially of the functions of the human brain] however, in closing, not all humans are subject to the inner voice, the realisation of ‘The Psychopath’
has thrown a new definition on the human reality “They Lie and manipulate, yet feel no compunction or regrets” why they don’t care, because they can’t -Scientific American Mind magazine Sept/Oct. 2010. And they are among us, at various levels.
- So to be chartered sensibly through the enchanted jungle of the ever-changing times
See Page XXII
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 17, 2021
ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION
THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was legally established in 1996, with the responsibility to take the necessary measures to manage, conserve, protect, and improve the environment. This entails that the EPA takes action to prevent and control pollution, assess the impact of economic development on the environment, and ensure the sustainable use of Guyana’s natural resources. One of the main components of the agency’s work is overseeing the Environmental Authorisation (EA) process. In fact, an EA is required by law for any activity that may have a significant impact on the environment, seeking to have these done in the most sustainable way possible. It requires that developers identify the major impacts of a proposed project and determine the best measures or alternatives that can be put in place to prevent or mitigate negative impacts. An Environmental Authorisation (EA) may include a prescribed process licence, an Environmental Permit, a Construction Permit or an Operating Permit granted by the EPA. Below is a list of projects which require Environmental Authorisation (insert image) General documents required when applying for Environmental Authorisation * Completed application form (this can be downloaded from the EPA’s website or uplifted at the offices); * Proof of identification (National ID or passport); * Proof of land ownership (lease, tenant agreement, transport etc. and does not apply to state agencies); * Business Registration licence; * Any other permits, licences or approvals required by other government agencies; * Project Summary/Description including a map of the surrounding area; * Site layout; and * Application fee Kindly note that this list is not exhaustive. An Environmental Authorisation has many long-term advantages, even for the investor/
developer; you will be guided before the impacts occur, which also enables the agency to fulfil its mandate of preventing pollution. Having an EA helps to save time and money, as it reduces conflicts that may arise not only between developers and authorities; it also prevents conflicts between the investors and residents. Types of Environmental Authorisations The EPA issues four types of Environmental Authorisations: 1. No Objection Letters – granted to developments that do not have significant environmental impacts; 2. Construction Permits – issued to projects that are on the EPA’s list of projects requiring an environmental permit, and projects that may not be on the list but can have significant environmental effects during construction, operation, and closure; 3. Environmental Permits – issued to developments new or existing for which environmental impacts would only take place during the construction phase, e.g. infrastructure projects such as roads and bridges; and 4. Operation Permits (for existing developments only) – required for businesses already in operation that wish to change the process/technology which can affect the environment. The Environmental Authorisation includes conditions (permit conditions) for environmental management which the developer/operator are obliged to comply with. Those outlined in the document are deemed necessary to protect human health and the environment, and each permit contains these. If you already own a business or are thinking about starting one, ensure you call or come into the EPA to start the process. Remember to protect and respect each other and the environment. Look out for our column next week as we continue to share information on Environmental Authorisations. You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications Department, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 17, 2021
Give yourself permission to tell your story LAST week I mentioned two things at the end of my column: the importance of health was one. Sometimes we put off going for annual check-ups. Even if we feel great it is still important to go. I am aware that the wait may be long even at the private hospital, but it is worth the wait. I find the pap smear process very uncomfortable, but that does not deter me from doing it because I need to know what is going on inside my body. I was waiting to see Dr. Gobin who has been my doctor since my teenage years and he is one of the best doctors, in my opinion. Another doctor friend of mine was passing by the waiting room and greeted me then congratulated me on the books I published. Then he asked, “what are you doing here?” and I told him to wait on the results of my annual check-up. His reply was very encouraging: “I am sure it will be excellent because of your lifestyle.” Your mindset, your activities and the positive things you do every day make a difference. His prediction was on point. I am happy to report that I recently concluded my annual check-up and the reports are very positive. I did not expect it to be otherwise, although the unexpected happens. I cannot serve well if my mind, body and soul are incongruous. This is the first time I have a constant, simple exercise routine on my patio. I drink eight or more glasses of water and eat healthy most of the time. I schedule time for my spiritual growth because without God’s grace and guidance I will not have the right results. I worry less every day and show gratitude. I invest precious time with my family and a few friends. I read, write and listen to my mentors every day. I dedicate time to relax and reflect and recharge. I intentionally love and laugh no matter what! I also mentioned the Virtual Writers’ Retreat. The
thoughts of executing the second Virtual Writers Retreat with my team is delightful, because I know more people will be writing on publishing their books. One of the participants shared the story of her journey to medical school and how she feels about the first doctor in the family. One of the contributors who is a nurse called me after the call and told me she always wanted to be the first doctor in her family and will now be pursuing that dream. A young lady read Claudia Vidal’s chapter in Women Across Borders –Soaring to Greater Heights and delivered her resignation to her boss the next day because she realised her work environment was toxic. Every life has a story and our stories are to inspire others. We have had many testimonials from the previous retreat, but I will share the one from our youngest participant (14 years) who is from Cameroon. “My first impression before starting the virtual writers retreat, I felt that I would be ignored given my age and no
experience; I knew I was going to be shy, stiff, staring at each one in the retreat, total strangers. But when we started the first session of the retreat and then Sonia and Claudia welcomed me, I felt at ease, my fears gone, I felt I was in good company, in the right place with the right people. They listened to me and shared so many ideas. By the second session my negative thoughts were gone. I learnt so much, which I can use to write my book, like how to start a story and other parts of telling a story. I also appreciated the other participants for their patience to listen to my views; they helped me express myself when I had difficulties understanding the discussion. I appreciate the sharing of ideas. By the end of the retreat, I knew I had new friends with a common goal. Thank you Sonia and Claudia for your mentoring and with the rest of the group, thank you all for helping me grow. My vision beyond the vision is seeing my book inspiring other young persons. Through this virtual retreat, you helped to sow the seed.” Emily King Give yourself permission to tell your story! I encourage you to join us if you believe you are desirous of creating your compelling story as we continue to celebrate the beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY. for more info email info@createcompellingstories.com
Quick resolution of controversy in interest of both Venezuela and Guyana
PRESIDENT Maduro of Venezuela at the end of the first week of January 2021 issued a decree claiming the continental shelf and the seas adjacent to and west of the Essequibo River. Such a claim has been going on
since Guyana was granted its independence. Since then, the scenario had changed and the 1899 Arbitral Award which had settled the boundaries between the two states is now being brought before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), so that the court could adjudicate on the validity of the award. Venezuela, however, seems to wish to continue the controversy and to institutionalise it and is issuing threats to Guyana to force it to conform to its demands. The President of Guyana, Dr Irfaan Ali, had promptly rejected the Venezuelan threats and claim, pointing out that it was contrary to International Law on two bases. The first was that no state could unilaterally arrogate unto itself the authority of unilaterally fixing its boundaries with another state and to attempt to do so would be illogical and is null and void. The second basis is that the seas adjacent to the Essequibo Coast are part of Guyana’s sovereign territory as per the 1899 award, which is yet to be adjudicated on by the ICJ. Venezuela’s claim on this part of Guyana’s territory is, therefore, a nullity and infringes international law. Venezuela has so far declared that it would not be participating in the hearing at the ICJ, though that would
not prevent the court from adjudicating in the matter. It is hoped, however, that Venezuela would participate. When the arbitral award was made, Venezuela celebrated it as a victory and there were joyous celebrations in Caracas and postage stamps were even issued to mark the event. Then the boundary was demarcated by a joint team of Venezuelan and British surveyors in 1905 and was universally and internationally recognised. Then just as Guyana was about to be granted its independence, in 1962, Venezuela claimed that the arbitral award was unfair and a nullity and that Essequibo and about two-thirds of Guyana’s territory belonged to them. Such a claim is as outlandish as if the Russians who had sold Alaska or the French who had sold Louisiana to the United States were to claim that these sales were invalid, because there was some alleged impropriety in the sale See Page XX
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 17, 2021
‘Spoonful Theory’ S
INCE the new year began, most of my clients have said that their most important resolution was to be happier. A noble goal but too broad to be successful. They have also asked me how to be happier. It’s a very difficult question to answer as happiness is relative and individualistic. This means that what makes one person happy is not guaranteed to make another the same. I’ve spoken about this many times before but since I’m still being asked, I think it requires another discussion. The issue is that people have a belief and an expectation that happiness is a constant state of being. Yes, happiness is a state of contentment or a state of well-being but in no definition are the words “always” or “constant” found. The whole topic is disheartening simply because of how many people want this consistent happiness, how much they expect it and subsequently, how disappointed they are when it isn’t a constant feeling. My recent enquiries of happiness have encouraged me to share a story; one that I hope will impact you all the way it has me. It is a story that I have dubbed the ‘Spoonful of Happiness Theory.’ About a year ago, I was catching up with an old friend. Thankfully, we bypassed the small talk almost instantly and spoke deeply of hope, love, happiness and dreams. Amid our talk, he told me a story that I still think about every day; one that I am extremely grateful for. I am even more thankful that I have this platform to widely share it with my Guyanese community. He told me a story about a male employee of his – one whom he loves to see and speak to because of this consistent smile and high spirits. My friend has a lot more wealth in comparison, but always admired his employee’s wealth of wisdom. Every day, when my friend asked how he was doing, the employee always responded with “good boss, I had my spoonful.” He always let that go, thinking he was talking about food or something fully practical. One day, his unexplained curiosity kicked in. When the employee said he had his spoonful, he asked what he specifically meant by that. This wise worker went on to explain that ‘spoonful’ meant ‘spoonful of happiness.’ He explained that he doesn’t have what it takes to make someone traditionally happy and even more so, no one can feel happy all day, every day but they can find genuine joy in something small and make that feeling last and spread throughout the day. This means that he looks for small things that give him joy and calls it his “spoonful of happiness” so he had something to be thankful and happy for that day. I was blown away by his insight and believe that he found the true key to happiness. Since then, I have been finding my spoonful every day. For example, yesterday I received a gift from a client. She saw that I have a (horrible) habit of touching my face often so she gave me a bottle of hand sanitiser. This personalised gesture made me feel appreciated and cared for. A few negative things happened later that day but I thought back of how the gesture made me feel and I was able to mentally go back to that place and appreciate the warmth it brought. Many of us wish that we can find joy in the simple things -- and this is exactly the way to do it. I urge everyone to try this daily as the benefits of practising this will be endless. The best part is that since happiness is relative and is completely open to interpretation, your spoonful can be absolutely anything. There are universal factors that promote happiness which include, but are not limited to kindness, self-esteem and self-confidence, gratitude, forgiveness, humility, strong selflove, as well as a good and healthy support circle. This means you can base your spoonful around any of the above. Practising spoonful of happiness will decrease stress, anxiety, sadness, anger and therefore the possibility of developing any form of mental illness and suicidal thoughts. It will instead increase kindness, positivity, motivation, self-esteem and self-confidence. This means you will automatically be more likely to sleep and eat well, exercise, decrease substance use and practise healthier socialisation. Most importantly, it means you will wake up realising that you have something good to look forward to every day. My research shows that genetics do play a part in overall happiness, some studies show as much as 40%. However, I do strongly believe that one can still pursue happiness, no matter this situation. View happiness as a commitment, a new lifestyle; A habit based on relentless pursuit and determination. You want to start small? Find a spoonful every day. Thank you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com. If you’d like a private counselling session, please contact +592 623 0433 Suicide Prevention Helpline numbers: 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 17, 2021
HUSH, MY BEAUTIFUL ONE PART TWO: THE CONTINUATION
SHE walked slowly up the pathway, turning once to look at the petrified driver, before disappearing. The house was silent, the curtains, half-drawn, for death had walked through those doors six days ago, the guest of a murderer. She went to the bedroom she shared with her husband wondering if there were any changes but it was just the same way, the bed not slept in. “He won’t change anything now,” she said with conviction, “He will wait until the story fades away and I have become just a memory.” The pain of her untimely death was not as deep as the betrayal of someone who had been such a close part of her life. “I gave you my unconditional love, Dev,” she said, softly, with an aching heart. “How could you open the door for hate to separate us?” She turned and walked out of the bedroom, her spiritual form, feeling laden, such her grief. A new life had begun for her there, as a young, innocent bride and ended there because of her obedience to family and traditional rules. “It’s what made me so weak,” she rued, “I should have been stronger and more assertive in channelling my life.” Her life had been defined by love, compassion and kindness, three priceless words but now, it was lost in the unfeeling force of darkness for her heart had stopped beating. No blue skies and sunshine, but a raging storm of howling winds and crashing waves, spawned by the anger within her. “Talk to me now, my love, tell me how much you hate me.” He was in the study with his mother and father, a close-knit family who had started to make her feel like a stranger in their home. Now she was gone in death, they were relaxed and happy that the family’s name would not be disgraced by being dragged through the mud of divorce proceedings. “It was so simple,” the mother was saying, “No one suspected anything.”
“How did you come up with such a clever plan?” Dev questioned, no sadness on his face. “I overheard her telling a friend she left like killing herself,” the mother revealed, “Because of the stress you were putting her through, so putting the poison in the tea made it look like a suicide.” Dev said nothing for a while and Priya watched him as he battled with his emotions. “If you truly loved me,” she whispered, “You would speak at least one word for me.” He turned and looked at the doorway, not seeing her but the muscles in his face taunt and he said to his mother and father, “I don’t feel too happy about this, I hope it goes away soon so I can get on with my life.” “It will, son.” The mother assured him, “I did this for you.” He left the room, his words crushed her and she closed her eyes at the shocking impact. “Such heartless minds,” she cried, “I had a family who loves me and who now misses me, inconsolable in their grief. Where was your right to take my life?” She opened her eyes and followed her husband, the raging storm within her, just one heartbeat away from being unleashed. He was getting ready to go out and she called his name, “Dev.” He froze for a moment, then slowly looked up and saw her reflection in the mirror. The shock of seeing her ghost and the fear of the cold fury in her eyes practically paralyzed him. “Give me the power, Dear Lord, to deal with this evil,” she prayed. She inhaled deeply and screamed, the shrill sound cracking the mirror on the dresser.
“No please!” he pleaded. “This is just the beginning.” She warned him, and closed the door, locking him in so she could continue her mission against her evil in-laws. The mother and father were watching the news in their own private comforts when a sudden wind blew through the window, howling, knocking over, the T.V stand and books flew off the bookstands like crazy. “Why is this happening?” the mother cried, fear gripping her. The wind died, just as suddenly as it came and coldness filled the room. Priya stood at the doorway, an illusion of herself and said: “Because I’m here.” Shock and fear, twin demons of the night in dramatic encounters leaving her in-laws gasping in terror. “Murderers!” she screamed, the piercing sound bouncing off the walls and they fell to the floor, writhing in agony. She looked at them, disdain in her voice, “Forever in your lives, you will remember this night. You will live and suffer for what you did to me.” She left the house, her mission completed and at the cemetery, she sat with the little girl, her soul, now calm. A hint of a smile played on her lips as a golden light shone in the distance and she held Anne’s hand. “Are you ready now?” The child nodded, smiling, just a little, “My mom is feeling better, she will be going home, today.” She pointed out to the village, over the trench, a little way, “We live in a little unpainted house, that has a birdbath in the yard.” The light came closer, it’s soft gleam, touching them and Priya opened her eyes with a gasp. She laid there in a daze for a long moment, not sure where she was until her mind cleared and she sat up, looking around slowly. The sun was streaming through the window, she was in her bedroom, her husband not on the bed besides her and the empty teacup on the bedside table. She got up slowly and looked at herself in the mirror, almost afraid of the reflection she would see, but she looked the same as a living person. She sat down on the bed, her heart racing, not quite comprehending what this was about, for it seemed so real. Yet she was not dead. It was a bad nightmare. Such a dream though could disturb anyone’s mind and for Priya it did. The haunting questions were, “Are my husband and in-laws planning to kill me? Was I given a warning of what is to come? And the little girl, how does she fit into this picture?” To be continued…
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was The TheThere inimical impact Renaissance ofafter gender roles on the ‘Black Caribbean societies Death’, what will come after the COVID-19 pandemic?
GENDER polarisation is nature. Schools also have an Taking all of these faca sociological concept or important role to play in the tors into consideration In term that is used to de- divide of the genders. Ca- what ways then--Does such fine how masculinity and ribbean schools oftentimes gender polarisation lead to femininity are distinctive encourage the divide of gen- gender inequality for Caand opposite to each other. ders through “gender appro- ribbean women and men? Before understanding what priate” subjects and streams/ For starters, the women are gender polarisation is and classes. The textbooks that forced to stay home/indoors the divisive nature it has are used in schools also and men are asked to assume on women and men in the have an impact on this topic. the role of provider. There is The Renaissance was the impassioned rebirth of euroCaribbean, we must first Clearly, the books that are also a high unemployment pean Ages. It israte considered understand whatsocieties gender is.after usedthe by Middle the school system amongst to women and beWell, oneGender the most, not athe most exciting of euroWhat is it? is if have majority of male periods many are solely dependent actually apean socialhistory. constructMany characters and/or patriarchal men for money. philosophers, authors,onscientist and This reand it refers to the who socialwelanguage. in the feminization of thinkers hold with high regards sults today thrived roles andduring behaviours in the public opened sphere poverty (women thisthat era. TheAlso, Renaissance up a new waybeing poor are “appropriate” for men is the employment barriers because of their gender). of thinking, new that cultural identities alongside feelings of and women. It should not both genders are faced Women are also given unreboldness This, course, was influenced be confused for sex, and whichcuriosity. with. Women areof sometimes alistic rules and restrictions heavilyscientific due to the 14th-century pandemic. This panis the assigned forced to restrict themselves to follow, all throughout term thatdemic refers tooriginated an indi- to lower-paid or unskilled their to life. From how and from Asia and made its way europe vidual’s genes. j oships. b s i n The the C a r i b b e was a n . first why carried to have sex, through merchant disease by to how to Most of the gender roles Whereby, men are expected dress, from what fleas on black rats but was then transmitted to humancareer field we learn and adapt to are to rise above and beyond in to choose. fleas whichAfter in return caused a pneumonic plague through our family. corporate and administrative While(which women may face was airborne). The “Black Death” as it’s known reduced all, most of what we know positions. Certain jobs are the majority of the downthedoworld’s from“too 450feminine” million toside 350tomillion. and what we is becausepopulation of also deemed the polarisation of this main social institution. or “too masculine” well. Death the genders; men I shared that little insight on theasBlack because I also are The same wanted can be said for the Thus, this creates a divide faced with their own you to understand the negative impact and dark era issues. street/yard divide in the Ca- between the categorisation Men are asked to act/bethe world was in during that time. In a time when technologribbean amongst males and of genders to specific jobs. have “strong” and “macho”. ical can advances practically nonexistent thewords society females. This be tracedwere There is also the division and These are synonywas theological-metaphysical “rationality”—there was back to childhood, in house- of genders in in religion. In mous with “masculinity” holds. Girls to manyThere stillare Thetaught Renaissance. light afterinthe That eraare forced religious groups thedarkness. in society. Men stay indoors and play inside like Caribbean, men arewas seenthe as beginning to also beof thethe sole breadmetamorphosed Phoenix and while boys arefor taught that leaders are given winners/providers end the Middle Ageswhile and men the birth of modern-day civi- of their they can play in the streets/ “acting” or “assisting” roles homes, even if they do not lization. Can we overcome the ongoing pandemic the same outside. These gender roles compared to the men. want to assume such a role way the Europeans did 14th(private century? to Will there are then enforced throughout In in thethe homes begin with.be a Renaissance the COVID-19 pandemic? I can’t say for of genlife in different scenarios after for sphere), there is also alarmThe polarisation both genders. translates ratesaof domestic der truly has a devastating sureThis because I am ing merely writer, not aviofortune-teller. What into the idea of men working against women from toimpact on the inequality of I do know for surelence is that if we take heed the history of outside ofplagues, the homes and men. Caribbean women also women and men. From job diseases, pandemics and even war; we can see the women staying home to take do not have the authority segregation to discriminaparallels of what notand to and tounequal do. care of the children. for ourselves to request when howwhat tion, employment Dante, Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo and Williamand even The public divide of the they would like to have sex. opportunities are Most all famous noteworthy genders isShakespeare quite noticeable of theseand women are the Europeans unequal household and distinctive in the Caribfinancially dependent there from this era. Their work is still alive on and roles-relevant in is thea great dibean. This21st is evident in the the men (because of genvide amongst women and century. Some scholars believe that without The Retype of Caribbean dancehall/ der roles) and as such, they men in our region. Until naissance, the world and the very root of how our society reggae and soca music that ought to abide by the rules/ Guyana and ultimately the functions would have been of completely different. We would is produced by the region. restrictions the head of the Caribbean face the soundhave probably been a theocracy, with many of our The explicit lyrics encour- household (the man). Even ing truth “ratioon the great imnality” equating insteadroles of have on age gender roles/norms. It to in religious matrifocal thoughts Caribbean and so- work pact gender spins the narrative women women seen as everypandemic, aspect of our lives, science.ofI’d like tocieties, think that afterarethe COVID-19 staying home/indoors and guiders, of assuming only then will we become motivated to instead live boldly and impassioned withwe be able men being the head of the a role of dominance. Even- to move forward without positivity like never before. Many tasted death during the households/relationships. It tually, their children (sons), continuously hurting our Blackwomen Deathand and they were to live the 14th-ceneven demeans brothers or eager boyfriends willafter women. tury just survive. praises men forpandemic, their sexual notassume dominance.
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Quick resolution of controversy in interest... See Page XIII
arrangements! At the time of the Venezuelan claim the Cold War was raging and opinion in Georgetown was that this claim was based on very flimsy grounds of a very junior lawyer in the Arbitration accusing his senior colleagues who were regarded as the best lawyers in the world at that time of impropriety. That junior lawyer, Mallet-Prevost, was alleged to have left his accusations in a posthumous letter. It was believed that Cold War interest felt that the Venezuelan claim would delay the granting of Independence to Guyana and so thwart the Marxist Cheddi Jagan from becoming Prime Minister and creating another Cuba. Britain, however, was determined to withdraw from Guyana and in 1966 was able to strike an agreement - The Geneva Agreement- with Venezuela, whereby a Mixed Commission was established to resolve the controversy. Britain then gracefully granted independence to Guyana. The Mixed Commission expired in 1970 without coming to any agreement and it was succeeded by the 12-year Protocol of Port-of -Spain, which Venezuela ended in 1982. In 1990 the parties sought the good offices of the Secretary-General of the United Nations. In 2016 the Secretary-General indicated that since progress was absent towards a solution, he would transfer the matter to the ICJ as he was permitted to do by the agreement. He would only refrain from so doing if the parties jointly requested him. On January 3, 2018, he transferred the issue to the ICJ and in March Guyana filed its application to the ICJ concerning the controversy. Venezuela claimed that the court had no jurisdiction but in December 2020 the Court, by an overwhelming majority affirmed that it had. Unfortunately for Venezuela and Guyana, the 1962 flimsy claim based on Mallet-Prevost’s posthumous letter, took on a life of its own and it was promoted by some politicians among the populace who began to be convinced of its veracity. A Frankenstein’s monster had been created and the controversy is now a bane on Venezuelan political life. The ICJ, however it decides, would free Venezuelan political life of that bane and prevent it from falling into gaucheries. Guyana and Venezuela would then enter an era of close fraternal and productive cooperation, resulting in the cultural and economic enrichment of both countries.
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 17, 2021
The novel Coronavirus and its...
From page V
we import a number of items such as wheat flour, onions, potatoes and garlic, etc, but my estimate, I would say that we satisfy 70 percent of our demand,” the director told Pepperpot Magazine. Guyana Chronicle recently published an article titled “Home Garden, a safety net and nightmare in 2020”, dated December 31, 2020 and noted that the emergence of the novel coronavirus in December 2019 brought hunger to the doorsteps of millions globally and in Guyana, scores of persons, particularly entrepreneurs, have suffered losses of income, with many pursuing the creation of kitchen gardens as a cushion to ensure food security. Even though home-gardening has proved to be a safety net for many families, it has also been a nightmare for some others, especially those who were attempting gardening for the first time. In this article, Agronomist Aditya Persaud noted many persons have invest-
ed significantly in preparing home gardens that only reaped frustrations instead of fruits in an attempt to secure food security. It was further noted that when the pandemic first hit the shores of Guyana, many Guyanese feared a shortage of food due to what was reflected internationally. According to Dr Homenauth, in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle dated May 9, 2020, while there is evidence to prove that the nation’s food is secured at a time when the local economy has been hit by external and internal shocks caused by the Covid pandemic. The National Agricultural and Research Institute (NARI) has been the institution that has been monitoring the local production of fruits and vegetables and has indicated an increase in production of over 179,000 tonnes, as compared to 170,000 tonnes in the first quarter of 2019, according to the NARI Director.
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January 17, 2021 STUDY SUCCESS
THOUGH
FOR TODAY 1) When one T d o ness closes, an or of happibut often we looother opens; at the closed do k so long do not see the o or that we e that has been openednfo r us. 2) Life is either a d ar ing adventure or oth ing at all. HELEN KELLn ER (1880-1968)
Dear Student, Welcome, dear friend. Note well that successful studying, like achieving successful friendships, calls for a series of good long-term adjustments to the pattern of your daily habits. Successful studying is not kith and kin to sporadic bursts of good behaviour. Try looking beyond the pass grade
you never-the-less might achieve, and note how overwhelming it is not to perform creditably at your place of work or at higher study. Be smart. Work toward a solid foundation; it takes you places. Love you. THE PASSAGE Reading for interpretation and other purposes Now, I don’t want to say this hare was big – that would be an understatement. He was huge, gigantic, elephantine. My little brother, Johnny, and I stared at that animal, and we were practically speechless. “Nothing to say?” Billy Blackette asked smugly. Finally, I found my voice: “I have something to say, Billy Blackette. That animal is from another part of the planet.” My friend laughed heartily. “Clementine – you are a caution! But this hare isn’t from another planet. He’s hybrid.” “What’s a hybrid?” Johnny asked. “HyBRID, Johnny. It means this old hare had an unusual mammy and daddy and so he turned out even more unusual himself. Would you like to hold him, Clementine?” “Hold him.” I took a step back. “I’d like to hold him, Billy Blackette!” Johnny exclaimed. “Can I, Please?” Before I could protest, the ‘horrendous hybrid’ was sitting in my brother’s arms and they both looked as pleased as punch. Meanwhile, I was starting to feel left out. My sensitive pal noticed. “Clementine, he needs a really good name. Think you can think one up?” “Well,” I said slowly, “I guess so. Of course, I’ll have to get to know him better first. So, the name will be appropriate.” “Of course,” Billy Blackette agreed solemnly. “Now why don’t you start by taking him from Johnny and holding him a little yourself?” Very tentatively, I lifted him out of my brother’s arms. But I was nervous and made the hare nervous. He dug his formidable claws into my arms. At that point, I just about tossed him into the air, but Billy Blackette
got him. “Well, he is kind of heavy,” Billy Blackette offered generously. “Never mind that,” I said. “He’s the original SCARE HARE!” And that has been his name ever since. Some Simple but Interesting Questions 1. Is a hare a mammal? Tell what informs you of this in the passage. 2. What is the meaning of each of the following words and phrases? a) greatest understatement b) gigantic c) smugly d) solemnity e) just about tossed f) kind of heavy 3. Who is the ‘I’ narrator in the story? 4. What is the author’s purpose in the story? Reminder: The author’s purpose is the reason an author has for writing a story or article. Sometimes an author has more than one purpose. He may wish to inform, entertain, persuade, or teach a lesson. What purpose for writing have you mastered so far? IMPROVING WRITING Gathering items for a story NOTES: Gathering story items is a must if you want to shine in your description and short story writings. Get a nice notebook and call it by any name you want just to inspire yourself to reach out for it at any need, which mean that it must be small enough to be carried around on your person. Read stories, novels, and descriptions that tickle the writer in you. Even single words and phrases can cause you to reach for that book that is beginning to make meaning in your life. Then, you need to have reading partners who are willing to exchange notes. Partners who love similar things in life often end up becoming great friends. Recreating what you have written some time back will also help you write improved essays. Here is today’s excerpt. “Ah come to see de shepherd,” Dinah replied. Instinctively she took a dislike to the woman she faced. The tails of her eyes went too far round the side of her face, her lips were clamped together too firmly. She seemed a woman who was
used to giving orders and getting them obeyed. “You can’t see ‘im now. Service jus’ going start. If you wan’ you can stay an’ wait in de service an’ you see ‘im afterwards.” She began to turn away, as if it did not matter what Dinah answered, only pausing another moment to add, “It would do you good.”…. The drum stopped beating. A moment of silence. Then suddenly it started again, this time louder and the rhythm now set to a quick, fixed pattern. Suddenly, through the front door, a figure appeared. He was tall and almost jet black, with clearly defined features, eyes wide apart, gleaming and condescending, a carefully shaven moustache, neatly pressed, dark navy-blue suit, a stiff shirt and a long wooden staff with a brass handle and in his left hand was a large black Bible. His majestic purple and white turban stood at least fourteen inches above his head….. In a few minutes the service was in full swing. Everyone was singing heartily and adding their “Alleluias” and Yes, Lords.” Already one or two of the more devout were beginning to feel the spirit coming down on them ….. It was not just the milk and honey, not just the voice of God they heard, nor even the happiness of Jesus by their sides. It was the ‘awayness.’ ..… Oh Wandering Sheep. …. Sweet, sweet release. (Orlando Patterson’s “The Children of Sisyphus”) Let’s Try Using the Passage 1. Write to tell a friend about whatever ideas you have gathered from the passage. 2. If you have personal experience or have been reading some other text related to any aspect of the passage, talk about it to your study partners. What do you think people benefit from such services? What does the passage say they they seek? 3. Give your response to the characters of Dinah and the turban-wearing character. The group can mime, paint, draw, or model one or the other just so you can keep the character in mind to use it in your descriptive writing or short story.
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 17, 2021
Oral health and medical problems
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HE health and life expectancy in Guyana have been improving over the years. More people are surviving with chronic illness, many are on longterm medication and there are proportionally many more old people today than a few decades ago. But despite this, oral health care has not always been forthcoming for the patient with medical problems, and oral diseases are not always recognised. Indeed it is quite common that patients who visit the dentist also suffer from medical conditions for which due consideration must be given, but which is not usually the case. No patient should suffer any deterioration of health as a consequence of dental treatment. It is therefore essential, within the practical limitations of the dental practice, the presence and significance of medical problems likely to affect oral care. The prevalence of medical disorders that might affect dental treatment is higher in certain groups, particularly the elderly, the handicapped and the hospitalised. However, the presence of certain basic ailments should be investigated routinely. Anaemia is the first to be considered. In this state, the haemoglobin (red pigment) of the blood is lacking. The haemoglobin, which is responsible for taking oxygen to the cells of the body, is measured in grams and the normal adult generally has ten to fifteen. One pint of blood contains just over one gram of haemoglobin. Whenever there is anaemia, the main danger exists if general anaesthesia is given. Symptoms include debility, weakness, pallor, breathlessness and swelling of the ankles. Prolonged bleeding after a dental extraction is usually of a local cause but it is also one of the common signs of a bleeding disorder. The condition is usually caused by disorders of platelets (a type of blood cell), or of the clotting mechanism (such as haemophilia or patients on anticoagulants for stroke). Platelet defects give rise to purpura, characterised by superficial (capillary) bleeding in the skin or mucosa which is observed as one or more reddish spots. Coagulation disorders cause severe bleeding deep in the tissues and extensive haematoma formation after slight injury. Bleeding after surgery or trauma can also be prolonged and severe as to be a potential killer. A bleeding disorder in a close relative is strongly suggestive of a blood-clotting defect. When occurring congenitally, most become apparent in childhood. However, some haemophiliacs escape recognition until adult life if they manage to avoid injury. Patients who have had dental extractions without trouble are most unlikely to have severe congenital bleeding disorders. Many diseases can result in prolonged bleeding after an extraction. Among the main ones, are high blood pressure, liver disease including cirrhosis, severe anaemia, malnutrition and HIV infection. A patient must never forget to tell the dentist if he or she has a bleeding problem since their well-being may be endangered by failing to disclose any disorder. Cardiovascular diseases, particularly high blood pres-
sure and ischaemic heart disease are the most common causes of death in many countries. There are millions of ambulant dental patients who have heart disease, treated or untreated. Drugs, procedures or just anxiety can aggravate heart disease or possibly even provoke cardiac arrest whereby the patient dies instantly. So even when one is under medication from one’s doctor for any condition, even a simple cold, and the dentist should be informed so that contraindicated drug therapy or procedures can be avoided.
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