Poise, elegance and charm
First Lady, Her Excellency, Mrs. Arya Ali has it all
Sunday, January 31, 2021 First Lady of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Her Excellency, Mrs. Arya Ali (Saajid Husani photo)
II
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 31, 2021
Big Challenges for
‘Little Guyana’ in New York
By Francis Quamina Farrier
THE Richmond Hill area of Queens, New York, is populated with tens of thousands of Guyanese immigrants of Indian heritage, and is known as “Little Guyana.”
It grew out of Guyanese of Indian heritage who migrated and settled in that area of Queens, New York, over the past half-century. Residents include doctors, lawyers, business people and other professionals. As one travels along the pop-
Vishnu Mahadeo, Jenifer Rajkumar and Eric Adams
ular Liberty Avenue, one observes many billboards with the word “GUYANA” on them. Quite a number of signs also state “GUYANA GOLD.” There are many Guyanese-owned business establishments. Many of such establishments include the word “Guyana” in their identification. The “Golden Arrowhead” is also seen often along Liberty Avenue. My first visit to New York was in 1969. Since then, I have visited that city over 30 times. In the early years, there was not what is now known as “Little Guyana.” However, as that enclave in Richmond Hill, Queens grew and developed and prospered; some of my own friends were part of the population - Poet and Playwright, Rajkumarie Singh; Playwright and Novelist, Sheik Sadeek; Broadcaster, Ishri Singh; Dancer Gora Singh and his sister Pritha, who is a cultural organiser, all lived in Richmond Hill, Queens. There are others who are friends and associates of mine from Guyana whom I visited. After I became involved with local television news broadcasting, I interviewed many residents of “Little Guyana” on camera. Such endeavours became part of my professional activities. Video footage gathered in
A section of the popular Liberty Avenue in “Little Guyana” Richmond Hill, Queens, New York (Photo by Francis Quamina Farrier) that community were also edited for television back home in Guyana. There were the times when I got caught up in the activities of the people of “Little Guyana,” such as recording and playing Phagwah at the large Smokey Park. I have also gone to “Little Guyana” to cover Guyanese presidential and ministerial visits for airing on the VCT Evening News in Georgetown. Two such reports were visits by President Samuel Hinds and Presi-
fell to the pavement. The following day, I was at the spot where the murder took place when the victim’s father and other relatives turned up and placed flowers where she fell. In this my most recent report out of “Little Guyana” in New York, I am stating what the residents are doing as they face the rigours and constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I was shocked with the escalation of our COVID-19,” stated Community Organiser Vishnu Mahadeo, who migrated to
Seunarine who resides in Queens just outside “Little Guyana” is involved in many cultural activities and is an honoree of the Guyana Cultural Association of New York (GCA) (Photo by Francis Q. Farrier) dent Bharrat Jagdeo. One of the saddest reports which I made out of “Little Guyana” was the funeral of 23-year-old Gaitri Hardat who was shot dead on Atlantic Avenue in Queens by her then 31-year-old ex-boyfriend, who is also Guyanese. He was convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison for her gruesome murder which took place in broad daylight on a sidewalk on Atlantic Avenue. At the time of the deadly shooting, the victim was in conversation on her cellphone with her father. He heard the gunshots and his daughter’s last gasp as she
the USA in 1981. During his 40 years residing in Queens, New York, Vishnu Mahadeo has established the Richmond Hill Economic Development Council, a not-for-profit organisation to improve the business along Liberty Avenue, and also to improve the image of Richmond Hill. Vishnu Mahadeo also established a Senior Citizens Service in 2015. With the escalation of the coronavirus in the Richmond Hill “Little Guyana” area of New York, life has become much of a challenge. Similar as in Guyana, many of the residents of “Little Guyana” are
not obeying the protocols of COVID-19 - especially in terms of social distancing. There are reports of many crowded spaces, especially in bars and restaurants. Sadly, this behaviour is not exclusive to the “Little Guyana” area of New York, but also in Guyana itself. As January 2021 comes to an end, there are over 427,000 Americans who have died of COVID-19. There are now 157,000 affected and 5,600 dead of the COVID-19 in Queens, New York, in which “Little Guyana” is located. At this time, there is no reduction in the number of those infected of the virus in “Little Guyana.” It would be recalled that the first two coronavirus deaths in Guyana were persons who had just returned to their homeland from “Little Guyana” in New York. Recent reports are that the Pfizer vaccine will soon be made available for residents of New York, including “Little Guyana.” In more recent years, residents of “Little Guyana” have been extending their civic activities to the wider New York City and beyond. Following the murder of the African-American George Floyd by a white police officer who placed his knee on the neck of the victim until he died, members of the “Little Guyana” community mounted public demonstrations in support of the “BLACK LIVES MATTER” movement. With astute and patriotic leaders in “Little Guyana” such as Vishnu Mahadeo, relationships between the residents of “Little Guyana” and Guyanese-Americans of other locations, seem to be heading in the right direction.
III
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 31, 2021
Poise, elegance and charm
First Lady, Her Excellency, Mrs. Arya Ali has it all By Rehana Ahamad
W
HILE the performances of presidents are often rated on the basis of their political views, it is safe to say that over the years, Guyana has had a crop of well-intentioned First Ladies; from Her Excellency Doreen Chung, all the way to Her Excellency Sandra Granger, they have all advocated for Guyana’s social advancement in their own ways. The country’s newest First Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali, is no different. Within moments, one can see that the First Lady radiates poise, elegance, and the right amount of charm needed to hold such a distinguished ceremonial office. Added to her jovial personality is her intellect, which resonated during her exclusive interview with this
publication on Wednesday morning at State House in Georgetown. Mrs. Ali, who attended Sacred Heart Primary School then St. Joseph High School also completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Economics as well as a Post Graduate Diploma in Development Studies at the University of Guyana (UG). A believer in wholesome education, she is currently pursuing an International Master’s of Business Administration at the University of the West Indies (UWI). In addition to being an obvious fashion icon, the new First Lady seems to have garnered much public favour as she continues to pursue several unique projects, including the ‘Adopt an Orphanage Initiative’, the ‘National Beautification Project’, and her ‘InclusAbility Programme’ which seeks
Flashback to the pre-wedding photoshoot of the now President, His Excellency, Irfaan Ali and First Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali (Saajid Husani photo)
to provide critical linkages between companies in search of employees and suitably qualified persons with disabilities seeking employment. The public announcement of the First Lady’s efforts to make sanitary pads free has also garnered significant support from almost every Guyanese woman and girl. Although she appears to have been made for her role as a sophisticated public figure, Mrs. Ali, wife of Guyana’s Ninth Executive President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, hails from a humble upbringing. WEALTH, DEATH AND THE DREADED LATRINE During her pigtail-and-flouncy-dresses phase, then Arya Chandrabhan had everything a child could ever want – loads of trendy toys, a beautiful home with all amenities, and a warm family. Although sheltered, little Arya was able to immerse herself in some of the most wonderful activities that make for a fulfilling rural upbringing; she climbed countless fruit trees, played extensively in her father’s dusty lumberyard, and hitched many rides on the good ole’ neighbourhood donkey carts. “I had my friends that used to come over and we used to play in the lumberyard, in the sawdust, ride on the road with our bikes; of course, Barbie was a big thing, so there was also that dollhouse phase,” Mrs. Ali reflected. She described her early childhood days as being “perfect.” But soon enough, tragedy would strike and little Arya’s life would undergo drastic changes. Her parents were in the midst of a separation when her father Kishore died. At just nine years old, equipped with her belongings, a grieving heart, and her mother’s unwavering support, she was forced to cut
ties with most of the luxuries that once characterised her childhood. A saddened Arya moved into her mother’s very modest abode on the outskirts of Georgetown, where she had to quickly adapt to a new way of life. “Going to the yard toilet, and catching the bus was hard for me. The outside toilet traumatised me most,” Mrs. Ali recalled, as she sat in the warm, elegant décor of her new office at State House. The once naïve young girl often complained about having to adjust to her new lifestyle, but her mother would always console her with the saying, “after one time, is a next.” “I couldn’t understand what she was going through then. I needed to be more appreciative of what she did to get me where I am today,” the First Lady recognised. Reflecting on her journey, Mrs. Ali said that life with her mother, an average single parent working to make ends meet, has provided her with invaluable tools needed to navigate life’s daily struggles; the kind of struggles that have heightened her ability to empathise –- a quality that she continues to utilise in the execution of her duties as the First Lady of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana –- a title she never thought of wearing. “I wanted to become a typical mom, a typical wife; being able to travel like an average person; having a 9 – 5 job. Definitely nothing close to this,” Mrs. Ali said. Asked about her childhood aspirations, the First Lady joked that she once considered entering a beauty
First Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali may not be seasoned, but says she’s ready to serve! (Saajid Husani photo)
A more candid side of President Ali playing with his son Zayd
pageant, but was restricted due to the unmet height requirements. THE ROMANTIC PROPOSAL So with her pageantry desires being a bit out of reach, a well-qualified Arya
Chandrabhan secured a job with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) where she worked for several years, until she resigned to take up her new role as First Lady. In addition to rewarding experiences, Mrs. See Page XVIII
IV
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 31, 2021
Rupununi River beaches being monitored to aid increase in
‘river turtles’
By Telesha Ramnarine
EIGHT beaches on the Rupununi River, four of which now have formal protection, are being observed in an effort by the South Rupununi Conservation Society (SRCS) to increase the population of the Yellow-spotted River Turtle, which has seen a rapid decline over the years. Classified in the scientific community, unofficially, as endangered, the reptile could have been found abundantly in the Rupununi, with villagers even having a traditional “turtle feast” around Christmas time. Over the past five years, though, it seemed that enough turtles could not be caught to facilitate the custom. Back in 2015, the SRCS spoke to someone who frequents the river who had caught 92 turtles for Christmas that year, and it seems that the numbers were higher for each of the preceding years. “In the 1990s, they were catching about 250 to 300 turtles each December. One man may go out around that time and in one night might catch 20 turtles,” Programme Coordinator for the River Turtle Monitoring Project Neal Millar said. To increase the population of this species of turtle in the Rupununi, the SRCS has found it wiser to start the project by taking an interest
in the turtle eggs, which villagers also love to eat. “It’s a specific delicacy and apparently it tastes very nice, although I have never had it myself,” said Millar. And so as soon as the turtles lay their eggs, people will go on the sandbanks
is protected and monitored by the PAC,” Millar noted, adding, “We went down the river where there are common nesting beaches and we identified eight beaches, four of which will now be under formal protection and the other four will be unpro-
educate them on the project and “disarm them in a friendly manner.” T h i s first phase of the project will last until about April when the hatching season will start. The team plans to allow the turtles to
Yellow-spotted River Turtle
SRCS Rangers Tabitha Rebeiro and Hazelitha Bernadine taking notes on their daily monitoring trip and harvest them. The turtle tracks on the sand, along with the little mounds that the turtles make after laying their eggs, aid the villagers in finding them. The project was started in collaboration with the Sand Creek Village Council and has a team of eight rangers working on it, including assistants from the Protected Areas Commission (PAC). “The area we’re working on is actually part of the Kanuku Mountain area that
tected.” The four protected beaches are Wuarad Baara, Pokoridin Baara, Pokoridwao Baara and Boizowoi Pao Baara. A four-member team will go up and down the river every day to monitor the beaches and make records of how many nests they see; if there are any disturbances to the nests, etc. If anyone is seen disturbing the eggs on the four protected beaches, though, the team would try to
SRCS Rangers Derrick David and Keith Spencer looking for nests
make their way to the river undisturbed and will then count the number of shells left behind to be able to tell how many turtles were hatched. The information can then be compared with that provided by the second four-member team observing the four unprotected beaches. Depending on the success of the initial aspect of the project, the other phase will be implemented, which has to do with a harvesting ban. Signs will be put up to
clearly indicate where villagers are not authorized to disturb the turtles and their eggs. “No one from the village can go on the river and capture any of the turtles. If this project starts to be successful, our aim is to keep our monitors on the river the entire year to ensure that no one is harvesting the turtles,” Millar said. A project similar to this one was started in 2012 but due to heavy rainfall over an extended period, it had to be
Nest of turtle eggs (SCRS Photos) SRCS rangers travelling on the river
cancelled. So the SRCS is trying again this time with funding from the Sustainable Wildlife Management Programme Guyana. All the rangers are residents of Sand Creek Village apart from Asaph Wilson, who is a former resident of Sand Creek but now lives in Katoonarib Village. On Team One are Asaph Wilson, Keith Spencer, Hazelitha Bernadine, and Pearl Moses and on Team Two, Derrick David, Morano Barjoan, Tabitha Rebiero, and Fabekiel Thomas. The SRCS makes it a point to achieve gender balance on the teams, even as it has been difficult to recruit female rangers because of stigma and safety reasons. Because the organisation has built up a trustworthy record, though, more and more youths, including females, have been coming forward to work on the projects.
V
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 31, 2021
Kobe Smith and his journey to becoming a male advocate for equal rights By Marissa Foster AT just the age of 22, Kobe Smith is a human rights defender and has managed to achieve a whole lot for not only himself, but also for those whom he advocates on behalf of. He has also obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Guyana. This is the first step in fulfilling his dreams of becoming an Attorney-at-Law. “My mother, Tracey Haywood, who died in 2016 after losing her battle to cancer, is my biggest inspiration. She is the heart of my heart and the wind beneath my wings. Growing up, she always told me, ‘Kobe, is not where you came from, is where you end up.’ I wish she were alive today to see her son make his way in the world. She was not rich,” said, Kobe. He explained
challenge and question my work as a young man involved in human rights and gender equality. I have heard people say that I take up spaces meant for women,” said Kobe. “It is as if young men like me are not supposed to be allies in the struggle to end violence against women and so many other injustices, and ensure they have access to sexual and reproductive health services to lead promising lives.” Nonetheless, this has not deterred Kobe from his advocacy or humanitarian efforts as he was selected in 2017 as a Women Deliver Young Leader, out of a pool of 3,000 applicants from across the world. The award-winning Women Deliver Young Leaders Programme connects passionate young advocates around the world. In 2019, he was invited to speak at the Women Deliver
representative and trustee on the GRPA’s board of directors. Since 2013, Kobe has been integrally involved in outreach activities, advocacy campaigns and numerous sessions on Comprehensive Sexuality Education, which targeted more than 7,000 young persons across Guyana. Additionally, this young advocate is also the Director at the International Planned Parenthood Federation/ Western Hemisphere Region (IPPF/WHR) based in New York. Globally, he serves as a member of the London-based International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) Board of Trustees, which provides sexual and reproductive health services to 200 million people yearly in 164 countries. He was appointed by the IPPF Director-General as a Commissioner on the Independent Resource Allocation Commission, to review
Kobe Smith at the Women Deliver Conference 2019 in Vancouver, Canada
that his mother died in part because she did not have the financial resources to afford quality healthcare. As such, he makes it his duty to always think of his mother in a boardroom whenever the discussion of funding to support women, whose lives depend on health services. Today, he stands on the shoulders of his aunt, Joylyn. She has been his anchor and his main source of strength. Throughout the years, Kobe has dedicated his time and energy towards making Guyana a better place for all. For his dedication in volunteering by providing and promoting health education for adolescents in Guyana, he was awarded the National Youth Award in 2017. He was also awarded by the Heart to Art Foundation, as 2018 Youth Advocate of the Year. “I have always had people
Conference in Vancouver, Canada, where 8,000 participants gathered with more than 200,000 others joining remotely. World leaders, like Justin Trudeau, youth leaders, frontline change-makers and social entrepreneurs, activists, advocates, and academics came together to drive progress on gender equality through the lens of power. Kobe was also invited to speak at the Fifth International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP), which took place in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2018. It was co-hosted by the Gates Institute and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Rwanda. More than 4,000 people from 119 countries attended. He also holds the title of being President of Youth Advocacy Movement (YAM) of the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA). Before this role, he served as a youth
and offer recommendations to improve IPPF’s funding allocation system. On the level of local advocacy, in March 2017, he participated in a Hearing of the 161st Ordinary Period of Sessions at the Organisation of American States - IACHR, in Washington D.C. and called for the implementation of the National Policy for the Reintegration of Adolescent Mothers into the Formal School System. Kobe is also a member of the UNFPA - Youth Advisory Group. He is the Human Rights Coordinator at SASOD Guyana, where he leads advocacy, documents human rights violations, and provides access to paralegal and legal services for LGBTQ persons, vulnerable women and girls, marginalised youth, sex workers, persons living with HIV, and others. When he was asked about one of life’s biggest chal-
lenges that he has encountered, Kobe responded by saying, “As a male, you are not expected to hurt or cry. But sometimes I have low moments when I cry for my mother. I am grateful for the small group of people who lift me up daily. Anyone who is dealing with grief or declining mental health needs the support of friends and family. It is a battle not won alone.” Kobe stressed that there are people who questioned his sexuality because of his advocacy. “I speak differently. I talk passionately about a lot of issues like family planning; the use of contraceptives; the right of women to ac-
Guyanese human rights defender and advocate, Kobe Smith (Source: Kobe Smith)
cess safe abortions; and LGBTQ+rights,” said this young advocate. In Guyana, if you are a male and you support and defend the rights of vulnerable groups, including women, girls, and the LGBTQ+community, you are automatically assumed to be gay.” Nonethe-
less, he does not allow the things people say to affect his work, the scope of his ambition, nor his outlook on life. Hillary Clinton said, “Never stop believing that fighting for what is right is worth.” These are words Kobe lives by.
VI
Christianburg
By Michel Outridge
This week, the Pepperpot Magazine the riverside community of Christiansburg, Wismar in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) an idyllic village which was the very first established by three friends, one of whom had a logging business. This village originated as a logging settlement before Linden and its early settlers were three friends: Patterson, Spencer and Blount. Patterson settled and established Christiansburg, Wismar and he was the founder of the first sawmill in Christianburg which is under the National Trust but the very sawmill was dismantled and only the waterwheel remains as a historic landmark. Next to the waterwheel, the old Magistrate Court used to be which housed the home of Patterson and
his ancestors are buried in the compound. Christianburg is divided into three sections, A, B and C and has one of the oldest cemeteries known. The water wheel was built in 1985 by a Scottish engineer, John Danglish Patterson, who installed the very large iron wheel as a prime mover for his sawmilling equipment. Patterson’s hydro-powered sawmill is the only of its kind. The sawmill was dismantled but the water wheel remains as an example of how the timber industry was mechanised the rich natured resources of the area. Christiansburg is a ward of the municipality and was one of three wards, that is, Wismar, McKenzie before the municipality was formed but there as a local government in place and it was called Mackmarburg.
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 31, 2021
A picturesque village
The people are skilled professionals, teachers, nurses, miners, business people, small business operators, carpenters, masons, contractors and many others, who work in both the private and public sector. The population is very large and scattered across the three sections of Christianburg. It is a community which overlooks the Demerara River and it is a tranquil setting which brings out nature at its best with a lot of greenery. This place has a lot of trees, colourful plants, flowers in many bright colours and well-kept yards and houses. Over the years the place has seen some development in terms of all-weather roads and it seems that newer buildings have been constructed and the people are trying their hand at different
Christianburg, Wismar (Delano Williams photos)
things to make a living. There is a stillness of this village and it is the perfect place to live if you want to enjoy some quiet and to do so in a picturesque community. In this community, no one seems to be in a rush and they do about their daily routine civilly and it is a close-knit village where the people are very neighbourly. Christianburg, Wismar has a lot of landmark buildings including churches that have withstood the test of time and other historical sites which reminds the people of its history. It can very well become a tourist destination and it is very accessible overland and water and it is one of those places you go and want to sit a little bit longer by the river.
B y the river, there are benches and other chairs under shady trees where you can sit and have some quiet time to yourself anytime you wish. Meanwhile, Public Relations Consultant of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Leon Roberts, who gave developmental highlights within Christianburg said the primary school is under construction, replacing an old building that was once a church. He related that an entrance bridge linking Section B to Section C Christianburg was constructed but the bridge will be redone because of many issues which
are undermining the bridge and costly the RDC a lot annually to do revetment works. Roberts, who was speaking on behalf of the Regional Chairman, Deron Adams, who was engaged at the time stated that the Community Centre building which once housed the Magistrate’s Court is undergoing some rehab works. He explained that when the Christianburg Magistrate’s Court was burnt, all proceedings were shifted to the Community Centre building in which temporary holding cells were constructed to accommodate court cases. Roberts reported that Christianburg has produced a lot of sportsmen and women including footballers, the Hutson brothers, volleyball players and many more.
VII
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 31, 2021
The friendly people of Christianburg
Elton Pique and his son on their way home in their paddle boat (Delano Williams photos)
By Michel Outridge In Roy Gonsalves’ opinion, Christianburg, Wismar is the best place to live out his last days since he has achieved the golden age of retirement. As a man of many means to earn, he is satisfied with waking up before sunrise and watching the sunset and he has a very good view of the Demerara River because his house overlooks it. Outside his yard, there are wooden benches where
rainy season, he did not plant anything. Gonsalves disclosed that he is also a livestock farmer, who has some black giant chickens, ducks and pigs. This effervescent elder in the community is originally from downriver, a small farming village called Gold Hill but relocated when his
The cradle made by Roy Gonsalves one can sit to look at the water and have some quiet moments of alone time. In and all-around his premises there are a variety of plants, trees and flowers which enhances the surrounding and in his yard, he has a small shop where he sells cold beverages. In the lower flat of his house, he has a joinery shop where he would make furniture on order and he was putting in the finishing touches on a wooden cradle he had made from scratch. The 59-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that he would also cultivate the empty plots of land next door with cash crops but due to the
mother left their hometown and settled in Christianburg, Wismar. “My mom left Gold Hill village in the 1980s and that’s how we ended up living here today because she wanted to relocate and that’s what she did, however, she passed away 10 years ago,” he said. The father of eight reported that life is very comfortable for him because his children are grown and he lives alone and he does things on his terms with no one to bother him. Even though Gonsalves had moved away to the city to live for some time he returned to Christianburg where he has been for the
past 20 years and, for him, there is no place like home. “I would enjoy the calmness of the River, the peace and tranquillity associated with the water and this place is semi-isolated so it is just right for me here because you can enjoy the niceness of civilisation plus the quietness of some alone time,” he said. Life in Dallawalla Village, Demerara River While speaking to Gonsalves, his friend, Elton Pique had dropped in to visit him, he resides in the riverine community of Dallawalla, Demerara River. The 61-year-old had come to Wismar to do some shopping to return home to do some construction work and after running errands he left with his son in his boat in which they paddled home. Pique told the Pepperpot Magazine that Dallawalla Village has 10 families of mixed race and they are all farmers. He stated that when they get a good harvest they would come out via boats to Linden and Wismar and sell their produce. Pique added that they do not have the basic infrastructure nor electricity, potable water and things like that but enjoy nature at its best. “Life in Dallawalla Village is like living in the jungle and you have to love animals and the wildlife to like the place but it is hard work of farming that puts food on the table but I prefer living here where there are no phones ringing or any
The view from Roy Gonsalves’ home
traffic or noise to disrupt the quietness and peace,” he said. Pique revealed that the hardest part of having a farm is to maintain it but he likes what he does and he is satisfied with a life of isolation, in that remote community. The father of 10 added that he doesn’t mind not having a cell phone because it is not necessary and he grew up without one and can very well cope without it now. He stated that he is a very old-fashioned kind of person and he is not tech-savvy and prefers the simpler things in life. Pique is a Bagotville,
West Bank Demerara native but grew up in Half Mile, Wismar and had a joiner shop with five employees. “One day while working I heard a voice and I knew it was not a physical person and that voice said to me ‘go and cut a farm’ and I thought I was hearing things but then when I realised what it was, I understood,” he said. Pique went in search of empty land to start a farm but did not succeed and it was after two years, a friend took him to Dallawalla Village, Demerara River where he cleared five acres of land and began farming. He began living the life
as a farmer in that remote village in 2000 after he abandoned his furniture shop and thinks it is his true calling in life. “I have no regrets because farming has become my first love and joinery my second and I am happy being who I am now,’ he said. Pique told the Pepperpot Magazine that he eats fresh, meats, organic fruits and vegetables from farm to table and that’s the kind of life he prefers. It takes 45 minutes from Christianburg, Wismar to Dallawalla Village, Demerara River via paddleboat.
VIII
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 31, 2021
Life is simple in Christianburg
By Michel Outridge By looking at Pamela Skeete-Talbot, one would not be able to guess her age because she is as spritely as a young lady but has attained the ripe age of 69 years old. People are attracted to her because of her bubbly personality and friendly demeanour and she is always up for a quick chat even if she is busy. The Christianburg, Wismar resident was making
her way out when the team met her. The mother of three stated that she is a resident of Wallaba Street, Christianburg, Wismar and it is her hometown, a place she lived all her life and she is accustomed to the quietness of the village which is beautiful. Skeete-Talbot told the Pepperpot Magazine that although Christianburg was the first village to be established it is often the last to benefit from anything including development.
She disclosed that the drains need cleaning, the roads need to be upgraded especially the one leading to the cemetery and all-round sprucing up is needed in the community. “The road by the river is eroding and needs to be looked at because the river is getting closer inland,” she said. Skeete-Talbot has retired and spends her time doing things that are worthwhile including household chores, cooking and going to the
Marlon McPherson manning the electric level while his employees are looking on market. She would only leave the comfort of her home when necessary and would go to church and loves dancing to date. “I like the outdoors because I like attending functions, getting dressed up to travel and general recreation excites me and I still dance and play the piano,” she said. Skeete-Talbot used to work at the museum, the Demerara Bauxite Company and was a librarian and today if her book-keeping and secretarial skills are needed she would take up the challenge since she is multi-talented. She likes to meet people and enjoys the finer things in life these days. The contractor of
Christianburg The Pepperpot Magazine also met Marlon McPherson, who resides at Section B, Christianburg but was overseeing some construction works to a house on Wallaba Street. The 45-year-old has some workers under his supervision as they were about to install a ceiling to a recently constructed house. McPherson pointed out that life in the village is quiet and the people are neighbourly and people do what they have to in a respectful manner. The contractor added that
Pamela Skeete-Talbot on her way to the market (Delano Williams photos)
the unemployment rate in the village is high and there are a lot of qualified people without jobs and some have left the village to seek employment elsewhere. McPherson stated that there are a lot of young people doing nothing and there is a need for job creation for them. “Even though you are working to make ends meet is tough because things are expensive here and getting a job is not easy,” he said. McPherson explained that even though the Christianburg Primary School is under construction all the workers are from the city and elsewhere, no villager was employed there and so it is. Meanwhile, some persons are trying with what they have at hand such as, being taxi drivers, boat operators, miners, farmers and people, who have jobs in Linden and Wismar. McPherson reported that he spend some years working as a contractor in the Caribbean and returned home seven years ago where he is doing the same work. “Our population is large, with about 7,000 people we need jobs to have a better life and standard of living here,” he said. He reported that his eldest son is a teacher in training while another is at St. Stanislaus High in the city and the youngest is still at nursery school in Christianburg. McPherson said to get a job in the village is a blessing because it is not easy to find a job. Delano Williams photos saved in a folder in Graphics as Christianburg, Linden.
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 31, 2021
Contented with life in Christianburg Residents remark on the calm and simplicity in the village
By Michel Outridge Christianburg, Wismar is a place full of downto-earth friendly people, who are eager to talk to visitors. And one of those persons is Dereck Klass, who was at the time picking some cherries to go make some fresh juice to go along with a meal. The 53-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that he is originally from Mahaica, East Coast Demerara but relocated with relatives a long time ago. Klass is a labourer attached to the Town Council of Linden and is being paid a weekly salary which he uses to buy things for himself and house. He lives alone and prefers to eat fresh fruits and vegetables but related that things are not cheap in Christianburg but rent and electricity are reasonable and jobs are hard to come by. Klass added that he had relatives in Christianburg but rathers living alone and he is contented with life as is. He was expected to be back at work after his lunch break and was going home for a quick meal.
The Haynes’ The team also met a mild-mannered elder of the village, Clifton Haynes and
Clifton Haynes and Natasha Haynes.
Home of the Haynes’.
Dereck Klass as he was picking cherries to make cherry juice to go with his lunch. (Delano Williams photos) garden of flowers and cash his wife, Natasha. This couple has a lovely crops in their backyard. Haynes reported that house that sits at the edge Christianburg is his place of birth and he grew up in a house next door and after he became an adult and got married he had his own house. He is, however, pleased his street has an all-weathof a corner and they have a er road which was once a shop in which is supported dam, that road leads to the by villagers. See Page XI This family keep a nice
IX
X
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 31, 2021
Professionalism is at its best at Christianburg Health Centre
By Michel Outridge Christianburg, Wismar Health Centre is managed by Public Health Visitor, Alicia Grant, who has confidently been managing the affairs of the facility for the past 10 years. She was a nurse then qualified as the Medex then after completing her Univer-
sity of Guyana (UG) degree in Public Health/Nursing she became the Public Health Visitor. Grant is a Wisroc resident but is familiar with the people of Christianburg, Wismar because of her connection to the community. She told the Pepperpot Magazine that the health centre was established since
in the 1970s but was relocated to its current location where a new building was constructed in 2015. Grant added that they provide primary health care to the people of the three sections of the village as well as outlying areas such as Blueberry Hill and the greater portion of Burnham Drive and all the alleys. The frontline health worker stated that they provide basic services such as ante-natal, pregnant mother’s clinic, immunisation, family planning, chronic diseases,
out-patient and dental services. Grant pointed out that if patients from out of the catchment area show up for medical care they do not refuse them like some health centres. The Christianburg Health Centre has 22 staffers and they operate five days per week from 08:30hrs to 16:30hrs. Most of the employees reside outside of Christianburg and they commute daily and seem to like their job, observing their professional conduct and mannerism. They have all guidelines in place and they practice it for COVID-19 and hand washing is a must before entry to the facility. A face mask is necessary for entry as well and they have a triage area set up just by the front entrance where the temperature of all visitors are tested before entry. She stated that they have to manage with the resources they get through the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).
Resident Doctor, Delanna Hicks with a patient Christianburg Health unlike some healthcare faCentre has a vaccination cilities. room with a cold storage “Primary health care alarea, a doctor’s room with lows you to interact with a resident doctor, records patients in an informal setting department, a dental section and it gives you the opportunity to educate and promote and a waiting area. The facility is clean and good health as well as preeverything seems to be intact See Page XI and it has a homey feeling
The triage area with nurses at the ready to serve you (Delano Williams photos)
The waiting area
XI
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 31, 2021
Professionalism is at its best ... From Page X
The list of services provided at Christianburg Health Centre
Public Health Visitor, Alicia Grant (centre) flanked by her colleagues vention of diseases at a grass root level where people can speak freely,” she said. Grant disclosed that last year it was challenging for them because of the pandemic parents were not bringing the children to be vaccinated as such, they had a tall task of going to homes to immu-
Contented with life... From Page IX Katapulie Creek and is well traversed. The 66-year-old added that life is relatively quiet in the village and even if people play music it is not too loud to disturb the peace and quiet. “This is a place where people go about their daily activities quietly and nothing bothers you unless you want it to,” he said. Haynes stated that whatever he grows he eats and is accustomed to fresh foods and really like living there. Even though the village
has been neglected, he related that if some infrastructural works take place the place will be upgraded and the drains will flow freely and the weeds will not overrun the environment. Meanwhile, his wife, Natasha Haynes, who resides overseas mostly said it is good to be back home because her husband is there. The mother of four stated that Christianburg is a lovely place to live but lacks development and she would like to see an ICT hub be installed for the children and youths in the community. Since the pandemic a lot
of children are not benefitting from online learning as such, they should be able to have access to the internet. She reported that Christianburg has a lot of landmark sites and it is a place of rich history, all of which needs to be preserved. The Haynes’ told the Pepperpot Magazine that they enjoy a simple, quiet life away from the city and it suits them just fine. This couple seems to be pleased with their life and would plant flowers in their garden daily to enhance their surrounding and protect the environment.
nise the babies and children. She noted that this year she hopes it is different because it was quite tiresome doing that house to house outreach to ensure all children were vaccinated to prevent diseases and outbreaks. Grant reported that they do outreaches to the riverine
communities in Berbice River often and they would go to Upper Demerara River, to Malai, Muritaro which is an hour and a half boat ride. She stated that they would also visit Gold Hill and Dalawalla but over time the population has dwindled.
XII
Forgiveness and Happiness
LAST week I wrote a column on spoonfuls of happiness, which resulted in a lot of emails asking me how to deal with strong emotions that do not allow for full happiness. The one that was discussed the most was hatred and the grudges it brings. A few have asked me, “is there a point in forgiveness?” and “is forgiveness even truly possible?” When I attempted to challenge these thoughts and feelings, I was re-challenged when one reader shared his belief that forgiveness may cause unhappiness. He claimed, “if
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 31, 2021
someone does me something wrong and I forgive them and they do it again, I gonna be more unhappy with them and myself.” While I completely understand that point, I think it is beneficial for me to explain how forgiveness will result in happiness. First of all, forgiveness is a choice; it’s the choice to let go of anger and resentment towards a person or situation. I think the biggest misconception with forgiveness is that people think it is for the other person -- the one who has done wrong.
Actually, forgiveness is not for their benefit, but really for yours. Do you ever really think about what holding a grudge or being in conflict does to us, both mentally and physically? Getting worked up increases our blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol levels which increases the possibility of heart disease or diabetes. It encourages unhealthy coping skills such as drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes and other drugs. Holding a grudge brings bitterness to our past, present and future. Not to mention, it increases the possibility of anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. Hatred and resentment steal our joy. Think about when you go out and see the person (whoever it is) that you haven’t forgiven. At that moment, that person gets the better of you. They take away your attention, fun and peace of mind for the night. You may even go as far as mentally playing out scenarios of possible confrontation. Forgiveness releases you from that grip they have on you -- the one you hate to admit they have. A second misconception is, people believe forgiveness makes us weak -- that it means we are allowing people to take advantage over us. The truth is that only the strong forgive
-- it is one of the hardest things you’ll ever have to do. You do not have to let someone know that you have forgiven them for it to release you from its negative emotions. Keep in mind that forgiving and forgetting are not the same thing. You can remember what someone did and take caution, but there must be forgiveness for there to be personal peace. Forgiveness does not mean to continue to allow others to hurt us. It does not even mean that we think what they have done is okay. It is not minimising our hurt, nor is it accepting responsibility for something someone else did. Instead, forgiveness is freeing yourself from your past, allowing yourself to heal and rebuild. It is allowing for inner peace and freedom -- a word which I believe should be synonymous with forgiveness. It takes quite a bit of energy and commitment, but so does hatred and anger. Here are a few fun facts about forgiveness. Forgiveness allows us to be promoted from the victim to the hero of any situation. Forgiveness is actually not a natural instinct –- it takes work and only the minority actually, truly can. Learning to forgive is actually another way of learning to control your emotions and high emotional responses (something I believe every human being needs to work on). Forgives increases strength, optimism and empathy and compassion. It leads to high self-esteem, healthier relationships and overall enhanced quality of life. How can we begin to forgive? What can we do? Always keep in mind that when you are standing on a table, it is much easier to jump down to someone than to pull them up to you. If you’re holding on to resentment, and act on it, you are jumping down to their level. If you forgive, you begin to pull them up to higher ground. Try writing a letter to the person expressing how you feel, you do not have to give it to them. It just gives you an outlet to relieve the pain. Relinquish and accept your feelings. It is okay to be angry –- it is a completely healthy emotion. Sometimes how we deal with it may not be healthy but without anger, it is difficult for us to know See Page XIII
XIII
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 31, 2021
HUSH, MY BEAUTIFUL ONE MOTHER and father looked at her truly shocked and for once her father was at a loss for words. Her mother started to cry and her father, regaining his composure, told her. “I know you’ve been under great stress with your husband and in-laws but I can’t believe they could go to such an extreme.” “There are many things I have not told you because you hold on to traditional beliefs that a good wife does not leave her husband or home. She stays and takes the abuse and the suffering, hoping for a change that does not always come. Is it better you think father, that I leave in death?” He did not answer, the muscles on his face taunt, for the tradition he was taught to believe was right, would be wrong in today’s world, a fast-changing world. “I’m sorry if I was wrong,” he apologised, “for the pain and suffering I caused upon you because I upheld the rules and laws of our tradition.” “My in-laws,” she said, “have been reading the same pages. They disapprove of a divorce because they don’t want their son to be blamed for it so they have hatched a plan to poison me and make it look like a suicide.” “Oh god!” her mother exclaimed with an anguished
cry. Her father stood there, his face blank, not sure what to believe but he had strong faith in his daughter to know she wouldn’t make wild accusations. It was incredible though, how she found out the truth. The brave soul she was, Priya decided to return to her husband’s home and wait until the plan came into play to expose their evil intent to the world. “You know the danger Priya,” her mother appealed, “You should just walk away.” “No mother,” she said with determination, “It has to be done to send a clear message for too many women like me have been suffering silently.” She left her worried parents to keep her date with her friend from the child care agency and explaining in some detail, the single, working mother’s dilemma of not having anyone to take care of her children. “You do know without any official report we can’t question anyone based on just suspicion.” “I know, Sarah but let’s go to make sure the child is okay, have a friendly chat with the mother and maybe we can find something to justify a serious report.” The family was home and Priya breathed a deep sigh of relief when she saw
the little girl by the birdbath. The child looked at her and smiled and Priya, so happy to see she was alive, wanted to hug her but instead, she spoke to her in a friendly tone, “Hello, how are you?” “I’m okay,” the child said, sweetly and showed
her a baby bird, she had just picked up that had fallen from its nest. “It’s so little and cute,” Priya said, touching the baby bird gently. Her mother had come to the door to see who were the visitors, a poor woman with tiredness and worry etched on her face. Sarah spoke to her about her children’s welfare and what assistance she needs for the family. The woman did not answer for a long moment then she started to cry. “We can help you,” Priya said comfortingly. After she had calmed
Forgiveness and... From Page XII what our basic wants and needs are as individuals -for us to know what we like and do not like. Accepting and healthily expressing your anger is the beginning
stage of letting it go. If necessary, accept that the person who wronged you may never apologise. This is not your fault and should not get in the way of your forgiveness. Consider the individual’s
position and point of view. Was there a valid reason for their action? This requires a clear, calm mind and usually, an unbiased third party. Think of times when you were wrong and people granted you forgiveness.
PART FOUR: THE CONCLUSION
The little girl had come into the house and touched Priya’s hand, signalling she wanted to say something and she whispered, “He’s not nice to me. He’s bad but if I tell, mommy will get worried. I wish he was gone.” Priya looked at Sarah with deep relief, knowing now they had a case to remove the child from the uncle’s care beginning now. The mother was assured she would be assisted by a charitable organization with better comfort and care for the children and her brother would be prohibited from any interaction with them.
Priya, promising the child to visit often, thankful she would now be safe, returned home, tired from the day’s proceedings, wondering if tonight was meant to be her last night. Dev was home, a surprise, given his usual late hours, having a quiet conversation with his mother and aunt in the living room. Priya greeted them with a pleasant smile and went to the kitchen to prepare dinner. Dev came to the doorway and stood there looking at her for a little while, then he asked in a caring tone, “How was your day?” “Good,” she answered, looking at him to see how well he was masking the deception. He nodded and said, “I have to go out a bit, I’ll see you later.” A lump formed in her throat from the ache in her heart and she bit her lip from crying. Dinner with the family was a no show for her and she stayed in her room, working on a few business reports before making a cup of tea and taking a leisure bath. A hidden micro camera recorded all moments in the room and sitting down on her bed, after her bath, she lifted the cup to her lips but she didn’t drink the tea. The video recording showed her mother in law,
entering the room and slipping the poison in her tea. They would wait for it to take effect, she knew and by that time, her husband would come home but too late, as planned. A clever plan foiled by divine intervention. Priya sent a text to her parents, who had been sitting for hours in a parked vehicle, not far away, waiting for her message and at the sound of their voices at the door, she got up to leave the room, cancelling death’s invitation. Her father was saying, “I’ve come to take home, my daughter.” The astounded look in her in-laws’ faces as she came out of the room and put the teacup on the centre table was classic. Priya looked at them not with hate nor disdain but with a smile that said she won. “It’s not my time, nor is it your right to take my life. Tell your son ‘Goodbye’ for me.” She held up the video recording for her in-laws to see and a small jar with the poison tea. “Let me see how you and your son will live down this evil plan to kill me.” She walked out, holding her mother and father’s hands, a feeling of deep peace filling her heart - a beautiful one, no longer hushed.
How did it make you feel? Wasn’t it beneficial to you? Didn’t it make you a better person? Didn’t you deserve the second chance? One also has to have the power to forgive themselves which also frees burdens and encourages progress. If you are the one who needs forgiveness, do not be afraid to make amends; you
likely will not forgive yourself unless this happens. Whether it is yourself or someone else, accept that forgiveness is a process and definitely will not happen overnight. Louis B. Smedes said, “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” Thanking you for read-
ing. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@ gmail.com. If you would like personal counselling sessions, please contact me at +592 623 0433 Suicide Prevention Helpline numbers: 223-0001, 2230009, 623-4444, 600-7896 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always
down, Sarah asked cautiously, “Who takes care of the children when you are at work?” “Me lil brotha does help a lot wid de chirren, ah ain’t got nobody else.”
XIV
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 31, 2021
XV XXI
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 31, 2021 CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 20, 2020
RASVILLE 2021 A tale of the human ethos
THE MYSTERY SYSTEM OF CHRISTMAS - URBAN DEVELOPMENT OF NECESSITY
OF course, it’s a commercial period that from my IMAGERY of Georgeperspective, husbands town that decorates coffee should keepare the restrictattention table books of totheir home ed Mainwives Street,atWater Street ratherand thancertain walkingareas downoftown. Robbstown, but never I think from experithe overcrowded areas of ence that there are many Werk-en-rust, Charlesspirits embodied in what town, Albouystown, Laof is defined as the spirit Penitence old Christmas,and like even the muses Tiger Bay; nor the early they have different catevillages where infant morgories of inspiration one tality, disease and poverty is ‘Shopping beyond the were rampantofare showboundaries necessity’ cased, for obvious reasons, and that inspiration tarthat they belonged to the gets women. Most men category of ‘dutty linen’ havewould a list that the and notincludes serve as stress-related bills, the last good postcard materirecord I read, mentioned al. Housing was a slow that men die more from process pre and post-instress-related illnesses than dependence, the ‘Nigger women; Yards’ werethat’s thrownbecause across we’re born from with Kingsthis list Georgetown of not-to-dos that define ton to La Penitence with ‘manhood’: about a third don’t of citywhine, folk complain, cry,and and living in thesebeg, ‘Yards’ contributing a severerealise that to there are no ly‘Sugar negative social evoluMamas’ only ‘Sugtion. Betweendon’t the 50s and ar Daddies’ become 60s, andstress post-indeone, pre or the will dependence stroy you.housing in the former RuiThisplantation is a phenomenon mveldt area commenced. of Christmas not only in Laing Avenue, East-West Guyana, but from larger Ruimveldt, East-West La Penitence, Festival City, South Ruimveldt and Roxanne Burnham Gardens were realities, the latter in the 70s, some with levels of self-help contributed. But because housing was tailored to address overcrowding a further housing extension within the next 10 to 15 years would have been necessary to deal with an emerging generation of young adults, because this level of expediency housing could hardly be considered as ‘family development,’ space-oriented housing,’ except for South Ruimveldt and the estate scheme in West Ruimveldt, most were range houses. That extension housing never came, because between 1973 and 1979, the politically generated ‘Oil Crisis’ was launched on the world (Saddam Hussein was blamed for this), even affecting the leading economies and crippling small
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 narratives and in-depth content on the similarity of unusual revolutionary souls that have emerged across all human variations, Prophets, Messiahs, Avatars etc. It occurred to me that cynical as I am, that it is doubtful ones like our that there wasGuyana. a global exIn the was change of late this 70s, idea, itsince obvious that overcrowding people hardly travelled over anxieties between siblings and couples were leading to conflicts, even murder. A group in West Ruimveldt brethren who were mainly Rastafarians decided to move onto the virtual rainforest west of Roxanne Burnham Gardens to create a stable community. I knew of this, I was encouraged to participate in this squatting exercise, but declined because I had ventured on exploring and developing my artistic skills, creating illustrated storytelling (comic books), so I needed electricity and stability, do or die, I had to rent, it was a necessary adventure, but one I couldn’t undertake at the time. Thus, the process went ahead and after the initial clearing for the first dwellings was done, the community of Rasville was launched on the 11th of June, 1981. The founders of Rasville were Roland Benjamin exGDF medic, Neville Wiltshire aka Natty, Greenidge
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 manifestation. Christmas also envelopes the old harvest festival custom through the cleansing and preparing of the home, whether owned or rented, acknowledging that a house is not a home, a home Footballer)Pele, is(National an environment within the Christopher George, Polo walls, of souls with Ras shared aka-Beardand Man, the late Raul empathy compassion. Benjamin, Tony Favourite; former policeman, Keron Tanner, Monzun. Many other residents, as well as trials, would follow. This year 2021 is the 40th anniversary of the community. The principal goal of the community was to cultivate and maintain the difficult supply of organic produce to the well-populated communities around, maintain canals and a high level of community ethics. The initial flow of residents was from the intended areas that abound. I cannot narrate the chronicles of Rasville without telling the story of the tragic experience of kin-folk which I’ve penned before in detail. My little cousin and the father of her children Michael Jules moved out of a crowded West Ruimveldt range apartment- Michael aka ‘Porridge man’ a ganja seller. He was murdered and robbed, my little cousin’s bracelets were taken off her arms by the late Leon Fraser and Cosbert, because he re-
In another age, we cleansed andfused treated tribal farmlands to pay them a tariff andthat waterways, shared food would enable him to andsell giftsmarijuana. for thoseThese, less proof ductive, with Christmas course, were members we of poare the still ‘Black cued to Clothes the profound lice.’ This a matter symbolism thatwas has sustained I took to then comus through thethe ages. missioner to sumthen The Christ and season President Hoyte, who paid attention. Roland Benjamin and Christopher George began the land-scouting for lucrative soil and eventually found it next door. Upon clearing the northern side of the canal behind Rasville, they recognised the potential of the dam, and there they began to cultivate and clear further and sustain the canal. My anniversary visit to Rasville last week was an experience reaching there. I did an article in 2017-18 about communities that were paveless, where cars drove pedestrians into the slippery putta-put-ta, and there it
mons the otherwise deeper contained aspects of had our was, the “Back Road” nature: we think of driven gifts to its pavement. I’ve personsthe who have affected down “Back Road” us positively, to never our famimany times but noticed Well, thisspouse time I was lies--it.meaning and paying attention, could offspring -- andnor others; Idespite help butsocial notice media, what I can we only referinspired to as the are still by ‘GWI beauhousing scheme.’ Luckily, I didn’t tell the youth driving the bus to “STOP BY THE WELL” because the old well was gone. My visit was prompted by a reminder from Roland ‘Lepke’ Benjamin (who apart from being a dedicated farmer, is a herbalist and masseur) whom I saw downtown, of the anniversary of Rasville. The population of the area back in beginnings were not confined to the initially anticipated scheme population. Through unfortunate circumstances, Roland was out of that jurisdiction for some time, on his return to his surprise the population had grown by completely unknown settlers, though this could not be avoided,
tiful and relevant funny cards. Weexpected, must alsoitthink and was had of those outwhat of employfar exceeded was anment, for But thosethough relatives ticipated. his and friends, we itself applywas an small core group affected by migration, Benji old family custom; we do and continued onAnd the that Chris sub-ration ‘thing.’ fundamental objective to See Page XXII organic produce a unique community farm. I saw the farm and was completely impressed, over the years a mainly two-man team had developed an impressive farm with solid varieties, our culture is not subject to whining and complaining, but to take this dream of awakened men onto the next level, they would need some external input. I had to remind them on the eve of ‘Black History Month” that our ancestors had provided for over 250 years of free labour and then low wages, a subvention to the creation of the then colony, now the nation of Guyana. These brethren have fulfilled the initial dream of Rasville, and have begun to write the second chapter.
XVI
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 31, 2021
Wetlands and Water
IF you live on the coast or in certain hinterland regions, then you most likely live in or near wetlands. According to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, “Wetlands are areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres.” Inland wetlands include ponds, lakes, fens, rivers, floodplains, marshes, and swamps. Coastal wetlands include saltwater marshes, mangroves, lagoons, estuaries, and coral reefs. There are also man-made wetlands such as fishponds, rice paddies, and saltpans. Wetlands can be thought of as giant sponges. They absorb water from many different sources during wet periods, and they release it slowly into the surrounding areas during dry periods. In this way, wetlands can
help to reduce flooding, ease the impact of drought and recharge groundwater supplies. On February 02, Guyana will join the rest of the world in observing World Wetlands Day, a day to reflect on the importance of wetlands and to highlight issues affecting these critical ecosystems. In fact, 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of the historic signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. This year’s theme ‘Wetlands and Water’ shines a spotlight on wetlands as a source of freshwater and encourages actions to restore them and stop their loss. We are facing a growing freshwater crisis that threatens people and our planet. In fact, there is growing global tension surrounding the use of freshwater. We use more freshwater than nature can replenish, and we are destroying the ecosystem that water and all life depend on most- wetlands. The theme this year highlights the contribution of wetlands to the quantity and quality of fresh-
water on our planet. One of the most important benefits that wetlands provide is their capacity to maintain and improve water quality. When healthy, wetlands have a rich, natural diversity of plants and animals. These can act as filtering systems, removing sediment, nutrients and pollutants from water. The capacity of wetlands to maintain and improve water quality is under threat because human activity and extreme weather conditions have had a significant impact on water flows, nutrient balance and biodiversity.
rivers, pumping water and constructing farm dams or banks that change drainage patterns. Why do we need healthy wetlands? In addition to improving and maintaining water quality, wetlands provide other numerous benefits to humans and other living beings:
* Erosion, resulting in increased sediment that blocks out light to aquatic plants and smothers aquatic animals; * Introduction and mobilisation of contaminants such as herbicides, insecticides and fungicides; * An oversupply of nutrients, resulting in rapid and unpredictable growth of
Wetland protection in Guyana
Changing water flows The water regime is how rivers and wetlands change in response to rainfall and groundwater flow. It includes how much water is present, as well as its duration and location it is located. There are many ways that a water regime can be affected, particularly by humans. These include damming
The Rupununi wetlands play a very important role in the lives of more than 5000 indigenous people of Guyana. The rivers and waterways found in the wetlands act as a source of drinking water and a main transportation route for the people living in the Rupununi. The vegetation found in the wetlands is used by our indigenous tribes to make craft, traditional medicine, houses and sometimes food.
* When healthy, their soils and vegetation can capture, process and store nutrients and/or contaminants, and if the natural rhythms and flows of the wetland are undisturbed, the release of potential stressors such as sediments, nutrients, acids and/or metals from the soil can be prevented; * Healthy wetlands can assist in removing harmful bacteria, and wetlands can also be important in the management of urban storm water and effluent by improving the removal of nutrients, suspended material and pathogens from water prior to its return to the environment; * Healthy wetland ecosystems such as mangroves and sea grass beds provide not only a habitat for wildlife; they provide shelter for junior fishes, allowing local fishing to thrive, and provide sources of income generation of local communities; * Further, in Guyana and other parts of the world, intact mangrove ecosystems, have been proven to provide protection against natural hazards such as tsunamis and high tides. * Additionally, carbon and greenhouse gases are stored in sinks in wetlands instead of being released into the atmosphere. Threats to wetlands Wetlands are threatened by earthworks, drainage, water extraction, climate change, poor agricultural practices, feral animals such as wild pigs, invasive plants and uncontrolled fires. Impacts of these activities and encroachments include:
plants and algae, blocking out light and, in the case of blue-green algal blooms, producing toxins that affect wildlife, stock and humans; * Rising water tables as a result of a loss of vegetation; * Increased soil salinity as the salts naturally found in soils move closer to the surface where than can hinder vegetation growth; and * Release of acids and metals into the soil, which then affects water quality. This may result in fish disease, the dominance of acid-tolerant species, contamination of groundwater, reduction in agricultural productivity and damage to infrastructure through corrosion. Wetlands in Guyana In Guyana, the North Rupununi wetland is the largest in the country, covering 22,000 hectares of flooded savannah and forest. The North Rupununi wetland is dominated by the Rupununi, Rewa and Essequibo Rivers and includes over 750 lakes, ponds and water inlets. More than 400 species of fish, the highest diversity of fishes in the world for areas of similar size, is found in the Rupununi wetlands. This area is also home to some of the world’s endangered giants – the Arapaima(largest freshwater fish), the giant river otter ( largest of the 13 otter species), the black caiman (world’s largest of subfamily Alligatorinae), giant river turtles, the harpy eagle ( largest bird of prey), the jaguar (largest cat in South America) and hundreds of other plants and animals.
The Guyana Mangrove Restoration Project was executed during 2010-2013 under the National Agricultural Research & Extension Institute. Following the completion of the Project phase and given the importance of mangroves to Guyana’s coastal defences, mangrove restoration and management was integrated into NAREI in 2014. You too can do your part to protect wetlands in Guyana. Tune into radio and television to hear about our celebration of wetlands. Guyana Today 6:45h Wednesday, 27 January 104.1 Lite FM 10:00h Wednesday, 27 January Radio Bartica 17:15h Wednesday, 27 January 102.5 FM 10:00h Thursday, 28 January 89.5 FM 12:00h Thursday, 28 January Radio Mabaruma 17:00h Thursday, 28 January Radio Lethem 17:00h Friday, 29 January Visit our social media platforms to enter our quiz competition and tune into our panel discussion. Happy Wetlands Day! 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.
CHRONICLE― PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 31, 2021 CLE PEPPERPOT Sunday, December 27, 2020 CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 27, 2020
There was The Renaissance after the ‘Black Death’, what will come after the COVID-19 pandemic?
Stop trying to fix your body, it was never broken FOR as long as I canwas recall, always tried to be The Renaissance the I’ve impassioned rebirth of honest, eurobutpean yet still informative with my discussion in the contents societies after the Middle Ages. It is considered to of be thisone column. So, if we’re to exciting be honest, things either the most, if not the most periods of eurowent south or north this pandemic. eitherand lost pean history. Manyduring philosophers, authors, We scientist something gained something, bettertoday or forthrived worse. thinkers or who we hold with highfor regards Theduring same this canera. be said for one’s weight and body The Renaissance opened upoverall a new way structure. I’venew gained weight duringalongside this pandemic. of thinking, cultural identities feelings My of body has changed drastically that iswas so influenced because of boldness and curiosity. This, and of course, to the 14th-century pandemic. pantheheavily drasticdue change of routines. I think it’s safe This to say that demic originated from and made its way to europe it has started to affect meAsia in other aspects of my life. I’ve The disease was first carried by alsothrough noticedmerchant that I’mships. not the only one with bodily changes fleas on black rats but was then transmitted to human during the pandemic, as there are numerous articles and fleas which in return caused a pneumonic plague (which blog posts about it. was Theis“Black Death” as known reduced Ourairborne). body image the perception ofit’s aesthetics or sexual the world’s population from 450 million to 350 million. attractiveness that we or others may have/hold about our I shared that little insight on the Black Death because I bodies. One’s body image can be either negative or positive. wanted you to understand the negative impact and dark era Negative body can that consist terrible things we say the world wasimage in during time.ofInthe a time when technologto ourselves about how we look, how we try to change our ical advances were practically nonexistent and the society appearance and undermine our values and worth as a person was theological-metaphysical in “rationality”—there was based physicality. Positive body on That the other stillon Theour Renaissance. There light after theimage darkness. era hand is when a person is happyand with she/heoflooks. metamorphosed like Phoenix wasthe theway beginning the Sadly there Ages are more negative positive civibody end enough, for the Middle and the birth ofthan modern-day images in society. Body images developpandemic within usthefrom lization. Can we overcome the ongoing samean way theand Europeans didbody in theimage 14th century? there be a early age a negative is causedWill gradually over Renaissance afterwhen the COVID-19 pandemic? I can’tto say for time. This happens a person gets accustomed others sure because I am merely writer, not a fortune-teller. negatively speaking about atheir physical appearance.What Vice I dowith know for sure is thatimage. if we take heed to the history of versa, a positive body plagues, diseases,with pandemics andthe even war; we can see theof I have struggled accepting way I look for many parallels for ourselves of what not to and what to do. my early teenage years. I think the problem with most teenagDante, Da or Vinci, and William ers is that theyLeonardo try to rush evenMichelangelo hide from puberty. During Shakespeare are all famous and noteworthy Europeans puberty, our bodies undergo many changes, so I think it is best from this era. Their work is still alive and relevant in the to leave it up to mother nature tobelieve build up your beautiful 21st century. Some scholars that without The body. ReI remembered crying of any mirror I naissance, the world andsothemuch very in rootfront of how our society looked at. What made experience for me the functions would havethis been completelyworse different. We was would unnecessary and distasteful comments high have probably been a theocracy, withstudents many offrom our my “ratioschool made about to myreligious appearance. Fromand then to now, I have nality” equating thoughts work instead of figured outI’d that there’s a key it all; dopandemic, you know science. like to think that that aftersolves the COVID-19 what is? A word that istoeasily said but always done— weitbecome motivated live boldly andnot impassioned with positivity Even like never Many tasted during theby acceptance. if youbefore. want to change thedeath way you look Black Death theyhealthy, were eager to live after the 14th-cenexercising or byand eating tury it is pandemic, important not thatjust yousurvive. still accept you for you. I wrote pieceorwith thenegatively hope of allowing Every timethis I feel think about my my fellow body I Guyanese still be during theseI am, difficult would say, “I to accept themotivated fact that this is who this days. is who Wemeant can overcome this andisI am hopeful that I was to be. My body beautiful and allwe of can my creflaws a new of rebirth thinkers, areate even moreera beautiful.” Tryofit,new I promise youphilosophers, that it helps! artists, writers, scientist and innovators. We can turn the I believe it is up to us if we want other people and their negatives of this era into something phenomenal for the negative influences to affect us. If you have a positive body next. As I researched and read about the Black Death, image, if you or accept you see everysaved time the you “isolation” as we the call person it; quarantine is what look in the mirror, thenalongside I think the next timemask-wearyou see an world back then. That sanitization, Instagram modelCOVID-19 on the explore there will wouldn’t ing and other safetypage, guidelines be ablebe a piece of doubt your mind. If there a friend, partner to help us stopinthe spread of this virusisuntil vaccination or even family member who speaks negatively about your is accessible to everyone worldwide. As we welcome the body? snip*keep andThe cutRenaissance them off. We must The surround New*snip, Year; 2021, in mind. year ourselves withhave people accept us periods for whoofwe are, 2020 might onewho of the darkest our eraand butif there’s always light after darkness. there are any criticisms to be made about our bodies from them, it should be constructive. Go easy on yourselves. Internalise positivity with your body image and then try to inspire others around you as well. COVID-19 has already been difficult on us all as it is. There is no need to fix a body that was never broken, to begin with.
XVII
XVIII
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 31, 2021
Poise, elegance and charm... Ali’s stint at GRA would earn her a good friend who would eventually introduce her to the love of her life, ‘Irfaan’, a man who would eventually become Guyana’s ninth Executive President. Mrs. Ali said that it took several meetings for the now President to “muster up the courage” to ask her out. She was just about 25 years old at the time. “And of course, I had to ask my mom to go out; at first I was kind of ‘iffy’ about it, because he was a Minister (of Housing and Water) at the time… honestly, my mother was ‘iffy’ about it too. I told him I needed my mom’s permission and so to go out and he took it upon himself to call her directly,” the blushing First Lady related. She said that even though her mother had become convinced, her strict 22:00hrs curfew remained well intact and was fully adhered to. Mrs. Ali recalled her first date with the now President being a cozy dinner that resulted in her being smitten. “We sat there and we talked and talked and talked…and
the place wasn’t crowded, so we got to know each other a lot…we had so much in common,” the First Lady said candidly. During the 12 months that would follow, Mrs. Ali would fall in love with the man behind the ministerial portfolio and the public image. “He was so determined and courageous… What I like most, though, even now, is that there is always something new to learn from him. Added to that, he is very, very, very kind…his generosity is enormous; even now, I see how much of a people’s person he is.” Asked to serve up some details of the marriage proposal, the First Lady recalled things being done in grand style romantic and spontaneous. “It was my 26th birthday, so we were at Sandals Resort in Barbados,” the First Lady recalled. She explained that as soon as they exited the plane, a rather conspicuous camera crew began following them; she was not particularly thrilled. “I had just come off of work, and then the travel, and I was
From Page III
so exhausted. I realised something was happening though; I thought of it,” a smiling Mrs. Ali recalled. The birthday celebration would take the form of a romantic candlelight dinner on the beach, followed by a pleasant stroll around the fascinating resort. “The dinner finished, we had our walk; nothing happened; nothing that I expected or anticipated happened; mind you, the camera crew was still following us from since the airport.” The inaction would throw Arya Chandrabhan off, at least until the following day. “He booked us one of the fine-dining restaurants…prior to going into the restaurant, the crew was telling us that they wanted us to do a mini photo-shoot, so I said, okay, fine. They took us to all these spots that they would have identified for us to take photos,” Mrs. Ali said. She remembered stopping at a rather picturesque fountain and being asked to do a particular pose. “The cameraman was telling me to watch the fountain, and when I turned around, he’s going to capture the moment. So I did,” a jovial Mrs. Ali recalled. Hoping to lock eyes with her beloved, Mrs. Ali’s eyes descended, only to find President Ali on his knees, with a ring in his hand, asking her to be his wife. Startled by the proposal, Mrs. Ali recalls responding awkwardly to the question. “I was like, ‘what are you doing!? You need to get up!’ I was aware that there was a weird look on my face,” she said. After a couple of seconds to gather her thoughts, Arya Chandrabhan committed to becoming Mrs. Arya Ali. She would later learn of her future husband’s presidential aspirations. Slightly reserved about the idea of her husband being President, the couple tied the knot the following year, during an intimate Nikkah (Muslim wedding) ceremony. “If he had it his way, it would have been six months,” the flushed young lady related. The union would go on to produce a dashing youngster in the form of Master Zayd. WEDDING PLANS AND PRESIDENTIAL ASPIRATIONS As a heated campaign for the 2020 General and Regional Elections got underway, Mrs. Ali had become pregnant with the couple’s second child. During an interview with the Newsroom, the First Lady opened up about the death of her unborn child, and being forced to face her maternal tragedies alone and away from home. She had gone overseas to seek treatment, while her husband and son remained behind. When the coronavirus hit, the borders were sealed, and the then First Lady-in-waiting was stranded overseas. “It was a hard time, I left the country two days just before the borders closed and I was stuck for three months overseas and there was no Irfaan, there was no Zayd; my mom wasn’t even at my side when I really needed them. That was a hard time for me,” the First Lady recalled during her heartening interview. Even as she mourned the loss of a child, coupled with the emergence of the pandemic and the violence that ensued during the six-month-long elections, Mrs. Arya Ali stood beside her husband, willing and ready to serve Guyana. With the help of a solid support system, Mrs. Ali continues to overcome, bit by bit, the darkness that had engulfed her world in 2020. Asked about her preparedness for the new role, Mrs. Ali admitted that she was somewhat clueless about her functions and much of what was required of her. Fortunately, Arya Chandrabhan was just as stylish as Mrs. Arya Ali, so her transition to office did not require any ‘Princess Diary’-type transformations. She very much looked the part, but there was no one to provide a smidgen of guidance. “My first day, I was clueless. I wished there was somebody who could’ve held my hand and say as a First Lady, this is what you could do, or this is what you can’t do….somebody to brief me on posture, smile, etc.” The new First Lady said she would have appreciated it deeply, had any of the previous First Ladies reached out to provide any form of guidance. “I wish that was a custom. I had to come and find my way around; I had to pave the road myself,” she said. Although clueless on her first day on the job, the First Lady, accessorised with her charm, met with the staff at the Office of the First Lady, after which she immediately acted on finalising her projects. THINK TANK OF FORMER FIRST LADIES As she continues to carve her own path, Mrs. Ali said
See Page XXII
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 31, 2021
RENEWED INTEREST IN ANIMAL WELFARE IT was recently reported in the media that two animal welfare groups -- ‘Paws for a Cause’ and ‘Animal Rescue, Adoption and Protection Society’-- had met First Lady Arya Ali who accorded her patronage to them and pledged her active and material support. These organisations have the basic aims of improving the welfare of animals, preventing cruelty to animals and controlling the stray-animal population, especially in Georgetown and New Amsterdam. The stray-animal pop-
ulation in Georgetown has been principally caused by the heavy emigration of families who have had to reluctantly abandon their pets, animals being lost and unable to find their way home and the procreation of pups and kittens who grow up on the streets. It is hoped that the renewed animal-welfare efforts will humanely help to solve the problem of strays, in contrast to the present method which is to catch the animals and put them to sleep. The process of effectuating these basic aims involve several activities which include finding homes for the animals; temporarily keeping them at the homes of volunteers until they would have been adopted; picking up strays, feeding them and spraying them and then releasing them. Two other more important and greater projects must be attained -- educating primary school children as to the necessity and methodology of animal welfare and the building of animal shelters. Animal welfare could be taught in the Biology classes or could very easily fit into Ecological and Environmental studies, since the basic assumption of these studies is that “All life is one.” In other words, all living beings are related and interdependent, whether they are trees, mammals, reptiles and other life forms. If therefore any species is diminished or exterminated, human life is affected although not immediately recognisable. Protection and preservation of animals, both domestic as well as in the wild, are therefore in the interest of human beings. Caring for and protecting pets is a civilising force in society. It diminishes violent crime and makes human relationships easier and more humane. In the 19th century when literacy became almost universal in the West, the school readers inculcated love and respect for animals as, for example, the Royal Readers used in Britain and the
British Empire. In the older civilisations such as the Buddhist, the idea that all life is one is incontrovertible and pets and other animals are treated with great respect and empathy. This, for example, is manifested in the famous Metta Sutra, where Man is enjoined to show loving-kindness to all sentient beings. Building shelters for pets, whether they are birds, turtles, monkeys, rabbits, dogs and cats would be a great improvement. The first one will be built at Paradise village on the East Coast of Demerara as a Paws for a Cause project. The Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) had long provided shelter and care for animals, but
XIX
their facilities are overcrowded. The Paradise shelter will have full veterinary services, facilities for children to visit and easier adoption process. At present, Paws for a Cause and Animal Rescue, Adoption and Protection Society use Social Media to educate and arrange for adoptions. Efforts are also being made to limit or control the use of squibs and fireworks, since their explosions cause severe suffering to animals. Guyana is now entering into a new era of economic and social development and this renewed interest in animal welfare is seen by many as part of this development.
XX
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 31, 2021
Scarring Beetle Introduction BANANA (Musa spp.), one of the most important fruit crops, is mainly grown in the tropical and subtropical regions. Plantain, which belongs to the same family of Banana is of great economic importance and Iron-rich food source in Guyana. During recent years banana plantations in some parts of tropical America have suffered severely from attacks from the Banana Scarring Beetle, Colaspis hyperchlora, Lefevre (1878). This species has been found in Colombia (type locality), British Guiana, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, British Honduras and Mexico. More than 200 species of insect and non-insect pests attack Bananas (Simmonds, 1966 and Singh, 1970). In Guyana, it is estimated to date that area affected by this beetle is approximately 12.14 hectares. Biology of Pest Adults can produce between four to 40 eggs in batches. These are laid in the soil close to the plant roots, which have an incubation period of six to nine days. The larvae stay in the soil feeding on plant roots and decaying materials. The larvae take approximately 20—22 days to develop., after which the pupa develops in the soil and takes about seven to 10 days. The immature stages survive best in damp conditions and therefore, the pest population strives best in rainy seasons. The adults can survive from nine to 12 days and can be found hidden in sheltered areas of the plants. This beetle which operates in the night, and displays characteristics which are solitary, feeds on fruits which causes irreversible damage in the form of scars, making them unmarketable. Experts have revealed that damage by the beetle affects not just the exocarp (skin), has shown that the damage does affect the quality of the mesocarp. Nature of Damage The beetles feed on the young leaves and skin of young fruits, making scars and spots on the skin which deform it, and creates scars which are presented in an oval-shaped form and the fruit, making them unmarketable. This insect sometimes lives in the heart of the pseudostem within the roll of the central leaf. The beetles are mostly found during the rainy season. The adult beetle feeds on various weeds as well as on young, unfurled banana leaves, stems, and roots. The larvae feed on the young roots and tunnel on the older roots to eat the tissues. Management MONITORING Continuous monitoring must be done to understand the pest’s status. In doing so caution must be taken because damage caused by this beetle can be easily confused with that caused by the fruit-scarring bee Melipona (Trigona) Amalthea. Cultural Methods of Control Cultural methods of control, such as good drainage and clean cultivation and removal of trash, promote the exposure of immatures to desiccation. Elimination of flowers after the fruits are formed and removal of alternative host plants are highly recommended Chemical Control In accordance with the findings of DGSV-CNRF (2016) and what is available in Guyana, chemical control should consist mainly of enclosing the bunch inside an insecticide-treated bag. This practice, once widespread, is still recommended in South America. Bagging must be done before the flower starts to open. Alternatively, insecticides such as Carbaryl at 0.1% ai
XXI
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 31, 2021
Knowing about oral care WANT a perfect smile? Try this quiz and see if you know enough about oral care; get what you desire. (1). The firmer the bristles on your toothbrush are, the cleaner your teeth will be. a. True b. False Answer: b. False. The best bristles for brushing are soft ones. In fact, stiff bristles can do more harm than good, since they’re more likely to injure gums and wear away your enamel (your teeth’s protective coating). Dental plaque is just as soft as jelly, so why want to use a stiff-bristled brush to remove it? (2). The most important time to brush is in the morning. a. True b. False Answer: b. False. At night, when we don’t swallow as often, our saliva is less able to wash away plaque that might be doing its dastardly work on or between our teeth. That’s why you don’t want to go to sleep with any plaque buildup sitting on your teeth. So, the best time to brush is just before going to bed at night. (3). You should change your toothbrush at least once a month. a. True b. False Answer: b. False. You should invest in a new toothbrush whenever the bristles start to curve outwards. Scraggly bristles can’t get hardto-reach places, so they leave behind cavity-causing food and germs. Therefore, the time to change your toothbrush depends on the condition of the bristles and not the period of usage. (4). The proper motion to use when brushing your teeth is: a. up and down b. back and forth c. a circular motion d. all of the above Answer: c. A circular motion. Brushing in a circular motion is the best way to clean teeth and the least damaging. Other methods can cause wear
and tear on gums, possibly causing them to bleed and recede. Brushing in a circular motion sweeps plaque in hard-to-reach places away from the teeth, while brushing back and forth, or up and down, doesn’t remove hidden plaque adequately. (5). A dirty tongue can cause bad breath. a. True b. False Answer: a. True. A major cause of bad breath is bacteria on your tongue. The best tool for removing these stale smells is a tongue scraper, but brushing your tongue with a toothbrush and toothpaste will do the trick.
(6). You should always floss before you brush. a. True b. False c. It doesn’t matter. Answer: c. It doesn’t matter. Believe it or not, it doesn’t matter when you floss – as long as you do it once a day. It takes plaque 24 hours to form on your teeth. Flossing reaches the areas between your teeth that your toothbrush misses.
(7) All the over-the-counter whitening toothpastes readily work. a. True b. False Answer: b. False. Whitening toothpastes are not bleaches, so they won’t turn your teeth white. But they do contain some ingredients that can lighten teeth a little by attacking surface stains.
XXII
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 31, 2021
Poise, elegance and charm...
she plans to learn from the work of the former First Ladies. Just as President Ali moved to establish a ‘Think Tank’ of former Presidents, Mrs. Ali is hopeful that a similar initiative could materialise for the First Ladies of Guyana, despite the political divisions. “I would love to hear what they have to say and how they can contribute to the development of our country, so definitely, but it will take a lot of understanding to get that off the ground,” Mrs. Ali noted. She is also hopeful that a pleasant system could be put in place to ensure the smooth transition of First Ladies, especially since it is a ceremonial office with social responsibilities that should not be impacted by politics. “When I leave office, I plan to reach out to the next First Lady to provide tips and help her to assume her new role, because I very much wished I had someone to do that for me,” Mrs. Ali asserted.
ENTITLEMENT AND THE FIRST SON Nonetheless, just as she is passionate about her portfolio and the projects being undertaken, the First Lady is also committed to being a good wife, and more importantly, an exceptional mother. At present, her biggest fear is her son growing up to be entitled. “Let’s just say that this goes on for the next 10 years, this life is all he’s going to know…somebody opening a door; he’s going to know somebody making up his bed after him…that was one of my biggest worries,” the young mother confessed. She said that both herself and the President have made a conscious commitment to raise their son to be a humble and respectful young man, regardless of him being in or out of the public’s eye. “He would need to know these things. Not just because you’re the First Son means that you are better than anybody,
From Page III & XVIII
because you are not. His dad is completely humble, so if he is to divert from something other than being humble, it would probably drive me up a wall,” Mrs. Ali told the Pepperpot Magazine. Asked about life now, the First Lady lamented not being able to do any physical shopping, but she said that herself and the President have so far done well in ensuring that their Sundays are strictly for family time. “We would wake up late, have breakfast, play with Zayd and just spend a nice day together.” In wrapping up a pleasant interview with this newspaper, the First Lady, being a good sport, agreed to answer a few rapid- fire questions. Pepperpot (PP): Describe yourself in three words First Lady (FL): Sensitive, generous, adamant. PP: What is one klutz-like trait that you have? FL: Being a little too giggly when I’m supposed to be serious. PP: What is a piece of advice you wish you could give to your younger self? FL: Live in the moment and appreciate things as they come, because “after one time, is a next”. PP: What’s your favourite food? FL: Chicken curry and rice PP: Do you eat with your hand? FL: Yes! PP: Three things you do for fun FL: Shopping is therapy; then being in the pool and playing with baby [Zayd] PP: Three things you do to relax FL: Sleep, watch Netflix, lay in the couch on my phone PP: What’s your favourite TV show? FL: Money Heist and Dynasty PP: What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you? FL: Almost slipping down the stairs at State House, twice, while people were watching! PP: What are five must-haves in your closet? FL: A black dress, a good pair of black shoes, a really good white shirt, a really good-fitting pair of jeans, and a nice red dress. PP: What does your playlist sound like? FL: Riddled with Soca. I love Soca. My favourite artiste is Machel; for locals, I also like Drewthoven. PP: What are three important things you plan to teach Guyana’s First Son? FL: Good mannerisms, humility, and responsibility. PP: Who do you admire? FL: Michelle Obama; I think she’s phenomenal in every aspect. Also I always really liked Yvonne Hinds; I liked her style, her grace; I feel as though she is very soft and was fitting to be First Lady. PP: What is a principle you live by? FL: Nothing is really constant; after one time, is a next! PP: Who is your celebrity crush? FL: Justin Timberlake PP: Do you and the President do any of your own chores? FL: Chores and the President? My goodness! That just doesn’t go hand in hand, but he is a really good cook and makes a tasty cook-up rice. PP: What are three pieces of advice you would give to young women and girls? FL: 1. Always be yourself. 2. No matter what your dreams are, keep pushing. 3. Bad days never last forever, because ‘after one time, is a next.’
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 31, 2021
XXIII
XXIV
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 31, 2021
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 31, 2021
XXV
XXVI
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 31, 2021
January 31, 2021 STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student,
THOUGH
Was it for thisTI FOR TODAY And sobbed anuttered prayers, d cu ed and kicked the stairs rs, That now, domes ti c as a plate, I should retire at half-past eight? EDNA ST. VIN C NT MILLAY (1892-1950) GEro wing-up
Welcome, dear friend. In summary, efficient study makes mileage of short breaks for needed relaxation or bursts of study. Use them to refresh learning by writing brief outline notes on a revision card; reorganising notes on a topic; making notes selectively to jerk the memory into ready action;
writing out an outline answer to an important question; improving existing notes on a topic; or drawing and labeling a diagram. Regard shorter periods of study seriously. They are valuable. Be smart. Love you. KNOWING MORE ABOUT EXPOSITORY WRITING Pitting expository against descriptive and narrative It is time that certain important elements are pointed out to you about three of your writing presentations. We place expository against descriptive and narrative. The main aim of expository writing is to inform and explain, and to appeal to the reader’s understanding first. It may also include elements of narration, description or definition, and argumentation. But the aim of descriptive and narrative writing is not to explain at all. It is to evoke reality by calling up an image of what has been seen, heard, felt, or enacted. Description and narration are therefore rightly called imaginative or creative. As literary forms, they must be distinguished from the matter-of-fact description and narration that may be found in catalogues, textbooks, encyclopedias, scientific books/journals, directions, guides, advertisements, court records, biographies, and the like. The writer of exposition tries to convey information, versus the story line of narrative writing. Here is one example of an expository paragraph. It is based on research and science. Sigmund Freud, an Austrian neurologist, founder of Psychoanalysis, gives an explanation about dreams in 1899/1900 in one of his voluminous writings. We revert in our dreams to the modes of thought characteristic of early childhood. Our thinking becomes concrete, pictorial and non-logical, and expresses ideas and wishes we are no longer conscious of. Dreams are absurd and unaccountable because our conscious mind, not willing to acknowledge our subcon-
scious ideas, disguises them. Here is an example of a narrative with down-to-earth action where description and narration are closely allied: Bonita dashed to the local fashion store to grab the balanced parcel for her mother’s church wear, next day Sunday. As she exited the car, she noticed the manager and the chief guard walk out of the store, lugging a bag of heavy padlocks. Above their heads flashed the bright red electric sign spelling ‘Closed.’ She was much too late. In a narrative the descriptive element may account to no more than phrases and sentences interspersed here and there to bring out character, setting, or emotion, as in the following passage from a novel by William Faulkner’s “Light in August.” The boy’s diction was slow now, recapitulant, each word as though chosen simply and carefully and spoken slowly and clearly for the ear of a foreigner: “Listen Cap’m. When I turn off here, it’s just a short cut … a short cutoff to a better road. I am going to take the cutoff. When I come to the short cut … to the better road … so we can get there quicker. See?” “All right,” Christmas said. The car bounced and rushed on, swaying on the curves and up the hills and fleeing down again as if the earth had dropped from under them. Mail boxes on posts beside the road rushed into the lights and flicked past. Now and then they passed a dark house. THE PASSAGE Similar or different? Students are sometimes asked to say whether two statements are similar in meaning to test comprehension. By this, they demonstrate the intentional, active, interactive process that occurs during and after reading a particular piece of writing. 1. a) The fact that an aeroplane is up in the air and cannot stop if anything goes wrong, makes it perhaps a matter of life or death that its performance is absolutely dependable. 1. b) An aircraft has to operate as perfectly as possible because people might die if anything went wrong
while it was in flight. 2. a) Given a certain power of engine, and consequently a certain fuel consumption, there is a practical limit to the total weight of aircraft that can be made to fly. 2. b) The total possible weight of an aircraft depends on the power of the engine and the amount of fuel it requires. 3. a) Two kinds of ground strength tests are carried out. 3. b) Two tests are made on the strength of the ground. 4. a) Relatively small loads are applied thousands of times. Each may be well under what the structure could stand as a single load, but many repetitions can result in collapse. 4. b) Repeating the loading many times may cause a part to break up even though each single load is within limits of safety. 5. a) Making the working parts reliable is as difficult as making the structure strong enough. 5. b) Making the structure strong enough is no less difficult than making the working parts dependable. 6. a) The flying controls, the electrical equipment, the fire precautions, etc. must not only be light weight, but must work both at high altitudes where the temperature may be below freezing point and in the hot air of an airfield in the tropics. 6. b) It is not an essential for the controls, the equipment, the safety measures to be light-weight, but they must work efficiently within a wide range of temperatures. IMPROVING WRITING Vocabulary builder An antonym is a word that is opposite in meaning to another word. For the first word in each numbered item, find the answer choice that is its antonym. Explain your answers to your study group. 1. anonymous: (a) mysterious (b) named (c) informed 2. profusely: (a) insufficiently (b) busily (c) freely 3. awkward: (a) tricky (b) expert (c) clumsy 4. authenticate: (a) verify (b) invalidate (c) confirm
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 31, 2021
Being mindful of the rest your mind, body needs
THIS past week I sat down for three hours (from 20:00hrs to 23:00hrs ) trying to write a piece. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts that I couldn’t categorise and string together in any coherent way. The Outfield’s ‘Your Love’ was emanating from some corner of my brain, and the flurry of thoughts was reverberating in a painfully discordant manner. I felt overwhelmed. I had my first Leadership class- LEAD 2001: Personal Leadership- for the new semester a few days before. As most introductory classes go, there were greetings and formalities with the course’s lecturer, a brief run-through of the course outline, and just a tad bit of course content, enough to dip our toes into the course. There was one concept that struck me, however. It was my lecturer’s focus on “mindfulness.” The term brought back fond memories of being on campus with my friend who would remind me about the weekly ‘Mindful Mondays’ held on Monday evenings in a Lecture Building. It was a space where my university’s Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) would allow students to meditate and relax for an hour. And despite my friend’s many reminders, I only ever went once -- the last session before the semester ended in 2019. Before that Mindful Monday session, I was similarly overwhelmed. I was at the end of my first semester at university abroad and cognisant that I would soon be returning to Guyana, diving headfirst into work and some of life’s other responsibilities. I distinctly remember the anxiety creeping in. Nevertheless, I attended the session and I wouldn’t have imagined how much of a transcendent experience it would be, giving my mind and body the chance to relax for the hour. We engaged in a few breathing and visualisation exercises for the hour, which, I will hasten to add, felt as though it was less than 10 minutes. Each activity, it seemed, was tailored to make us acutely aware of how the elements around us affected our sensory organs -- the sounds, the feelings, and the (imagined) sights and tastes. There was one specific exercise that required each of us to clear our mind and count until we found our mind drifting to another thought that was previously occupying our minds. And, I remember not being able to count further than 11 without being distracted by one of those overwhelming thoughts. But I persevered because this sort of release was one I had never allowed myself to engage in. The months that followed included work, school, elections, and an enduring pandemic and I realised, only recently, that I haven’t given myself the chance to engage in any sort of mindful or relaxing activity. The realisation hit me when I was in my Leadership class, discussing mindfulness with my lecturer, while my laptop’s screen was split in half, allowing me to type an article at the same time. I was also trying to keep a colleague’s company at the same time. That wasn’t a strange occurrence. I realised then and there that I had been keeping myself constantly busy or at least constantly distracted. From planning meetings on the drive home, or reading a handout while walking, I have been perpetually multitasking. Becoming overwhelmed couldn’t come as a surprise to me, therefore. Fortunately or unfortunately, my lecturer asked us to take a short mindfulness quiz developed by the La Salle University in Philadelphia. And, my rating suggested that I am “... less likely to practise mindfulness” and I have a tendency to be “preoccupied” and to “ruminate.” If it’ll be of some merit, suggested exercises to cultivate mindfulness include: Walking Meditation -- turning your attention to the sensations of walking, from the balancing of your body to the sound of your steps, to cultivate a calmer mind, and, Savoring Walk -- taking a different walk, this time being mindful of all the sights, sounds, and smells around you—and discover a newfound appreciation for your surroundings. I’ll be honest and say that I’m not entirely sure how to navigate all of this. But, for what it’s worth, as much as reasonably possible, I’d encourage any and everyone to take the time to allow your mind and body to rest. Whether it’s in
practising mindfulness or just doing things that are enjoyable (reading, watching a TV show, running, or painting- to name a few), there has to be more to life and living than merely going through the monotony of the rigours of ‘what needs to be done.’ 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
XXVII
XXVIII
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 31, 2021