Pepperpot 01 14 2018

See inside:

Back to Basics

Keeping alive an age-old tradition of hand-crafted toys ► Page II

The journey back XIX home ► Page

Bridging drama and creative arts with business How Natasha ‘Janie Gyal’ Azeez is living her childhood dreams ► Page

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Photo by Jules Gibson

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Editor’s note It seems like we are grooving into the New Year nicely, at least based on the stories that we have captured thus far. This week’s Pepperpot focuses on personalities, and among them include some influential persons who have wasted no time in getting the year started right with the work they are doing. Our lead story

focuses on one woman who defied the odds and dove head first into the creative industry, and is now making a living for herself doing all things artistic- a feat that is not always possible in Guyana. We look at a single parent father who, after experiencing financial problems which led him to a life of begging, turned his

Chronicle Pepperpot January 14, 2018 skill of working with wood into a lucrative business making toys; a business that is now able to sustain a life for himself and three sons. We also look at how another woman used circumstances that, at first, were not ideal, and made a career for herself that she now loves. It is always good to start the New Year with stories of inspiration, and we hope that the stories in this week’s Pepperpot help to inspire, as always.

Back to Basics

Keeping alive an age-old tradition of hand-crafted toys By Ravena Gildharie

AS children, most of us, especially those from the ‘countryside,’ would recall making our own toys. Miniature cars were crafted from matchboxes and bottle corks while in riverine communities, the bearings of troolie palms made spinning tops popularly called “buck tops.” Awara and kuru seeds were used for a game of marbles or “gamm” while ‘corkwood’ guns were popular for “war break.” Modernity has since replaced such childhood joys as plastic and metal toys are sold at shops in every nook and cranny of Guyana. As adults, rarely do we see persons continuing those childhood practices of handmade toys, whether to teach their children or much less take the creativity to the next level for the enjoyment of others. BACK TO BASICS However, in the Anna Regina Housing Scheme on the Essequibo Coast, Richard Muchette, a 43-year-old amputee is using his carpentry skills to up his designs of the most elaborate wooden toy trucks and tractors with trailers. His creations include replicas of John Deere vehicles, painted in green and bearing the most intricate details of the brand, right down to the style and fashion of the fenders, which Muchette crafts with hard plastic melted from buckets and tubs. In blue, he carves the design of Ford, while in red it is the Massy Ferguson and New Holland in yellow. “I does usually line off the tractors and trucks in two rows flat on the ground in meh house and when people come with their children to buy, I does see how the children face light up and I does feel a lil bad about the price sometimes, but you know I does do this also to make a living because I lost my foot and can’t work,” Muchette, popularly known as Ricky, told the Pepperpot Magazine. He lost his right leg three years ago to diabetes and around the same time, he also became a single parent. His three sons are now teenagers, ages 18, 15 and 13; the youngest is still attending secondary school. MAKING A LIVING For the just-ended Christmas season, Ricky spe-

One of Richard Muchette’s hand-crafted trucks (Photos compliments of Facebook)

cifically crafted nine pieces, six of which have been sold. His pieces are sold at prices varying $6,000 to $9,000 each. When he started the activity nine months ago, he sold the toys at $6,000 apiece. However, as he advanced his creativity and skills, it required more materials and added production costs that forced him to increase the unit price. While this may seem exorbitant to Ricky, plastic toy vehicles bearing such sizes and designs often fetch prices ranging from $15,000 to as much as $100, 000. Ricky’s wooden creations are usually in two to three feet in length, with the body of the vehicle carved from a solid pole, most often of a hardwood variety. The wheels are carved from flat boards. Explaining the process, Ricky related going to the sawmill located nearby to select the ideal wooden materials. His eldest son would often tow Ricky on a bicycle to fetch the wood while the workers at the sawmill usually assist in having it planed and ready for Ricky to begin carving with his handsaw and a chisel. “My workshop is on my verandah,” he outlined,

as he described his day of activities, which includes preparing breakfast and lunch for himself and sons, and then tidying up the kitchen before he begins working at around 09:00 hrs each day. “It takes a lot of thinking power to come up with the ideas as I carve and it takes a lot of time and lots of patience too,” Ricky emphasised.

HOW LIFE SUDDENLY CHANGED As a child growing up at Somerset, another village on the Essequibo Coast, Ricky always enjoyed crafting toys of wood and mud. As an adult, he advanced his carpentry skills to earn a living and provide for his family but after he lost his leg, he faced several years of hardship and was even forced into begging. One day, less than a year ago, he started carving a truck for his youngest son and after people saw it, they realised Ricky has a great talent and started ordering similar toys for their kids. So he began a venture to help provide for his family. He has since sold almost 30 pieces, equating output to at least three pieces per month, which he said is enough to maintain his living. Similarly, like Ricky, a pensioner in Georgetown had taken to the streets his creations of toy cars and trucks made of discarded plastic bottles. He created quite a stir and many people including children quickly took a liking to his creativity and style.

Chronicle Pepperpot January 14, 2018

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Bridging drama and creative arts with business How Natasha ‘Janie Gyal’ Azeez is living her childhood dreams

By Ravena Gildharie

WHEN Guyana opened the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama (NSTAD) in 2013, Natasha Azeez was among the first batch of students who enrolled. A young mother, who worked in the media at the time, Azeez held a childhood passion for public speaking and had big dreams of pursuing a career in the creative industry. It was, therefore, no surprise that she outshone her peers, and grad-

Natasha and her daughter, Kelly

uated top of her class in the areas of Research, Designing and History of Theatre Arts. But how lucrative is a career path in such an industry, in a country like Guyana, one may ask? To Azeez, it’s the doorway to endless opportunities for individual and professional growth. Now at

age 29, she is not only a wellknown and talented actress and artist but a storyteller, designer, media personality and young entrepreneur who has successfully managed to merge her creative talents with a high degree of professionalism that ensures her economic and personal advancement. Owner of ‘Customised and Traditional Creations’, Azeez has earned a name for herself in the theatre world as the Guyanese folk character of ‘Janie Gyal’ alongside ‘Ole’ Man Pappie,’ played by famed Guyanese artist Michael Khan. In 2011, the pair started ‘Saturdays with Brer Anansi and Friends’ at the National Library and ‘Tales, Myths and Legends of Guyana’ at the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology in observance of Amerindian Heritage Month. They have since visited over 90 schools, geriatric homes, international events such as CARIFESTA (Suriname and Haiti), Inter Guianas Cultural Festival (Guyana and Suriname), Guyana Folk Festival (New York), and numerous national events not only sharing traditional stories but displaying traditional artifacts with the public. The response has generated much attention and childhood memories from Guyanese, locally and internationally. Additionally, Azeez has been a part of Merundoi for the past three years. “When you leave NSTAD, you’re a different person,” Azeez declares during an exclusive interview with the Pepperpot Magazine. She

Natasha Azeez on air during a local radio programme

added: “You see the world differently and that in itself boosts your morale, self-confidence and self-esteem.” The young woman, who grew up at Vriesland on the West Bank of Demerara began working at age 16, immediately after graduating from the Patentia Secondary School. She subsequently pursued studies at Global Technology and later secured a Diploma in digital photography and video editing at the Kuru Kuru Cooperative College. She is now pursuing a Degree in Public Communication at the University of Guyana.

Natasha Azeez and her mentor, Michael Khan

MEDIA PERSONALITY AND A CAREER IN DRAMA & ARTS “Growing up as a child, I always thought that I would be

Natasha Azeez and ‘Customised and Traditional Creations’ at a local showcase

a teacher. I used to teach Sunday School and even conduct Sunday and Wednesday night worship services…I used to sit on my back step with a large cup of tea, and listen to Fazil Azeez from 06:00 hrs on Voice of Guyana, or Merrano Issacs, Margaret Lawrence, Ron Robinson, Rocky Carew, Stan Gouveia, Narrissa Pearson, or Michella Abrahams,” Azeez recalled. She continued: “I would listen to these veteran broadcasters and wonder ‘ How can they speak so well?’ I would imitate them and go around my house correcting everyone who said an incorrect word. I recall mom would get annoyed and yell at me, but my father never seemed to mind…I recall neighbours and cousins calling me ‘English Duck’ because I was the odd one out who would always speak ‘properly’ and not creolese. Bottom line is, I somehow knew I wanted to always speak fluently, and [use] Standard English. I knew I wanted to be like the people on the radio reading the news and commercials.” Previously, Azeez worked as an accounts clerk, trainee reporter, television/radio producer and emcee before she launched her own business in 2014 based on skills acquired at NSTAD. She described how the design class helped her Turn to page VIII ►►►

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 14, 2018

FILES E S A C COURT Convicted murderers Dorsett & Somersett appealed ’89, latter freed IN 1989 convicted murderers Albert Dorsett and Malcolm Somersett who were sentenced to death for killing an aged couple in 1983, appealed against their convictions and sentences. The Appellate Court constituted by Chancellor Kenneth George, and Justices Cecil Kennard and Aubrey Bishop allowed the appeal by Dorsett who was set free, while the appeal by Somersett was dismissed. At the jury trial, one prosecution witness was recalled by State Counsel and gave evidence which related to the location where a box bearing the finger print of the appellant Dorsett had been found. The witness had made no mention of such when she first gave evidence and what she said in evidence was in variance in what she had said in a written statement to the police.

The prosecution failed to bring the variation between the witness’s statement and her oral evidence to the attention of the trial judge or of the defence. On Dorsett’s appeal the Appellate Court held, allowing the appeal, that the credibility of the witness had been called into question in relation to an important issue; the prosecution ought to have brought the existence of the inconsistent written statement to the attention of the court so that the witness’s credibility could be tested. Bernard De Santos for the appellants. D. Christian, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, for the State. Delivering his judgment Justice of Appeal Kennard said: James Anderson (age 81 years) and his wife Clara ( age 75 years) lived in a one-flat building on the southern side of the

Friendship Public Road on the East Coast of Demerara. In that building part of which was occupied by them as their dwelling quarters, they carried on a haberdashery business. They were last seen by their niece, Winifred Sharper. Winifred Sharper who had gone to the premises of the deceased at about 11.30 that evening remained there until 12.30 a.m. on the 10th of July, 1983. Before Winifred Sharper left she had assisted the elderly couple to check the takings from the day’s sale which (together with some jewellery, belonging to the deceased) were placed in a cannister, which in turn was placed in a chest of drawers in the bedroom, after which it was secured in that drawer by “lock and key,” the key then being placed by Winifred Sharper on top of the chest of drawers. When Winifred Sharper left at 12.30 a.m. on the 16thJuly, 1983 both deceased were “alive and kicking” so to speak.” Later that morning about 9 a. m. Winifred Sharper received certain information, as a result of which she returned to the premises of the deceased where she observed that both of the deceased appeared to be dead. Both of them were tied by their feet and around their necks. Winifred Sharper discovered that money and other articles had been removed from the premises, which was in a state of disorder. The obvious motive of the person or persons who had entered the premises, was (to put it at its lowest) to steal therefrom. It was also discovered that a window in the kitchen area had been wrenched and was open and thus it would seem that the person (or persons) who had entered and removed the articles from the premises had gained entry through the window which had been wrenched or prised open. During the course of the morning of the 16th July at about 9.30 a.m. Police Detective Cpl. Vernon Tappin, a finger-print expert, visited the premises of the deceased and there he found a finger-print on a box, which finger-print was later compared with finger prints taken from the appellants by Police Sgt. Ramcharitar on the 23rd July, 1983 and this turned out, so Tappin says, to be that of the appellant. On the 22nd July 1983 Dr. Mootoo who performed post-mortem examinations on the bodies of both deceased, found that the cause of death was asphyxiation due to the fracture of the thyroid bone - asphyxiation due to strangulation. The case against the appellant, Dorsett, rested mainly on the oral statement made by him to Police Const. Dale Ramsay, to which I referred earlier and which lacks details to justify a conviction based thereon, and the fact that his finger print was found on a box in the bedroom of the deceased persons’ home, if the evidence of Winifred Sharper is believed, together with that of Police Detective Cpl. Vernon Tappin, who was of the view, as I said earlier, that the finger-print that was found on the box was that of this appellant. Mr. De Santos submitted, among other things, that the trial judge ought to have withdrawn the case from the jury at the close of the State’s case, as there was not a prima facie case of murder established against this appellant. Without deciding this point, it would seem to me that the finding of the finger print on the box in the bedroom, if this evidence is ac-

By George Barclay

cepted, would establish that this appellant had entered the bedroom where the dead bodies of the Andersons were found and, if this is so, this would call for an explanation by the appellant for his presence in that bedroom as this is very incriminating evidence. In this case, as the appellant had given no explanation for his presence in the bedroom, the jury would have been entitled to draw an inference adverse to him. I would move for the allowing of the appeal and a setting aside of the conviction and sentence. SOMERSETT The statement of the appellant, Somersett to the police amounts to a confession of crime. In it , he admitted being present when violence was being inflicted by two other persons on the two deceased, following which he assisted the two others to remove articles from the premises which according to him : “We split up … I sell my portion to a woman in the vendor’s arcade. . . and I buy food with the money”. His position must therefore, be compared with that of the appellants Balkarran Singh ad Horton Blackman in Balkarran Singh v The State (unreported) who, in their respective written statements to the police, admitted being present when violence was used on the deceased (Beni Persaud ), after which they both entered the deceased’s home and removed articles therefrom (see also The State V Dhannie Ramsingh (1973) 20 WIR 138). In that case (i.e. Balkarran Singh v The State) the conviction and sentences of both Balkarran Singh and Horton Blackman for murder were affirmed on appeal by this court. Having regard to what is contained in the appellant Somersett’s written statement to the police, which the jury must have accepted as being true, I have no alternative but to dismiss his appeal and affirm his conviction and sentence. To those unacquainted with our process there may be some surprise that the appellant Dorsett has been freed by this Court, especially as the appellant Somersett in his written statement to the police had implicated him ( i.e. Dorsett), in that he (Somersett) stated that it was the appellant Dorsett and another person by the name of “Nancy” who had strangled the elderly couple. But in law, that unsworn statement of the appellant Somersett cannot be used as evidence against Dorsett (another accused). Concluding his judgment, Justice of Appeal Kennard added: The common law of Guyana handed over to us from the common law of England has been formulated through centuries of practise and human experience . The course of justice is best served by adherence to rules which have long been recognised and settled. It is because of these rules that the innocent turn to the judges for protection; the guilty have faith that it is because of judges that their guilt must be proved by evidence . Appeal of the appellant Dorsett allowed. Appeal of the appellant Somersett dismissed. Chancellor George, I agree with the conclusions arrived at by Kennard JA. Bishop JA.- I concur in the orders proposed by my brother Kennard JA.

Chronicle Pepperpot January 14, 2018

V

#SupportCreativity

By Subraj Singh

Writing Groups in Guyana WRITING groups have always been a source of education, training and criticism that writers have turned to in order to become better at their craft. Studying the craft of writing in an educational institution is a worthy and important mechanism in the promotion of writing and the training of young writers, but this should not mean that the value of a writing group existing outside of established institutions should not be recognised. In fact, it is possible that the informal writing group has been around for longer than formal, educational groups in institutions (such as those writing classes), and this is due to the very informal nature of writing groups – which, at its core, simply refers to a group of writers who meet and talk about, or do work relating to, writing. With this definition, we can understand how it would be safe to suggest that ancient Greek philosophers who met on hillsides to discuss matters of the world might be considered a writing group, or how the learned men and women who met in the old salons of Paris were definitely a writing group. People have always gathered to discuss their work, and writers have always needed other writers to talk about writing, even before the establishment of formal writing classes. I recently returned to the writing group system of learning and writing after a long hiatus and the interactions with my fellow writers in the short span of time that we have been meeting have helped me to really consider what the merits of writing groups are, and why it is essential for there to be several hubs of writers all across Guyana, and perhaps even within the diaspora. 1) SIMILAR PEOPLE, SIMILAR GOALS The writing group system introduces you to fellow writers and, more specifically, writers who experience the same problems you experience and who may have the same goals as you do. In this way, the art-making process becomes one where it becomes possible for writers to not exist in a solitary space where they have to function on their own. Being able to find a group of people who are similar to you in at least this one aspect of their lives is important because in a way it becomes almost therapeutic, knowing that you are not the only person existing in the world, struggling to live and write at the same time. Also, there is the fact that working with a team, even if it’s just having someone to give you feedback on your work or to encourage you to write, gives you confidence and a kind of assurance that all writers need to continue working in a society that still does not value art as much as it needs to. 2) NO EXPECTATIONS, NO PRESSURE There are often very minimal expectations from members themselves when it

(Photo compliments of washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com)

comes to writing groups, but this is not a bad thing. Some groups might have basic rules regarding the way works are critiqued or the mechanisms that are used to create new work, but generally there are no particularly strong expectations that writers are faced with within most informal writing groups. This means that there is no pressure that causes writers to buckle and ultimately fail at writing, nor is there no negative anticipation, of the kind that can sometimes come with expecting a grade for your work or having to impress someone in authority, that can cause one to write poorly. There are deadlines, sometimes, but there are really no other major penalties if a writer cannot show up or cannot meet a deadline. This is one of the most important ways in which the writing group system works: writers are free to engage, work, and critique with very little of the elements that lead to the kind of destabilising pressure that may come from work or school or the home, or any major institution that governs our daily lives. 3) WRITING GROUPS ENGENDER WRITING Writing with a group ensures that there is a significant support to keep one writing. There is always a team of people who contribute to creating a safe, productive space that engenders new and better work. Furthermore, several writers existing together in a writing group ensures that there are always a range of perspectives, styles and ideas, as well as a range of people to learn from. Therefore, not only is the presence of people who actively work at writing a motivating force that can lead to the creation of new writing, but writing groups also help writers to experiment and to try new forms and genres that they would not have tried before. For these reasons, writing groups are an

essential aspect of the literary community in Guyana. In an ideal society, there would be enough writing groups to benefit all of the people who are trying to be writers. This means writing groups in Berbice, Essequibo, Linden, in the diaspora, etc. In the new year, there has been one writing group that has already been set up and is currently active in Georgetown. For people in outlying areas who are interested in setting up writing groups within their own communities or would like information on how to go about setting up such a group, and other helpful tidbits (such as the use of writing prompts and exercises, what to look for when critiquing a work, how to network with other writers, etc.), feel free to contact me at subrajsingh92@gmail.com. This year, one of the missions is to ensure that by the end of 2018, there are active writing groups all across the country, with young writers who work together to help each other to build and maintain Guyana’s literary legacy.

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 14, 2018

DON’T LET THE ICT REVOLUTION PASS OVER US

INFORMATION Technology (IT) has moved with such rapidity in the modern world that it gives greater economic, technical, social and political advantage to those countries which are further advanced in such technology over those which are lesser advanced. But likewise, the rapid advance of such technology in any country has always disadvantaged large numbers of persons in the society

such as older people and poor and lower paid people since the IT Revolution would have passed over their heads. Every modern state has therefore tried to get into the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Revolution to retain its place in the world power structure and to address the plight of those citizens who have been left out of this mainstream development, thus inevitably falling into greater social and

economic distress and poverty. During the Industrial Revolution, the same trend occurred which led to the emergence of violent groups such as the Luddites and Saboteurs. At the beginning of the new millennium, the Guyanese State grasped the importance of being fully immersed in the ICT Revolution and began to try various methodologies to address this problem. Unfortunately, the mass of the population was only very slowly grasping the danger of being left behind and the State’s efforts, so far, have not been as impacting as expected. The most important of these methodologies was to give each family a free laptop computer and to mount countrywide training in their use. The obvious achievement of this “One laptop per family” programme was that it introduced the population to the computer and several thousand persons learnt the basics of manipulating the machine. It broke the mystique of the computer for both adults and children. At the same time, teaching of Information Technology in the Secondary Schools was introduced and the Caribbean Examinations Council offered it as one of the subjects for the CXC Examinations. These efforts of the “One laptop per family” programme and IT in the educational system did not bring about the immediate explosion which was hoped for but they had brought Guyana to the point of an immediate and successful take off into the heart of the ICT Revolution. In keeping with this move into the ICT Revolution, the Ministry of Public Telecommunications has outlined its first step for the New Year. The Ministry will utilise US $17M from the funds Norway had granted Guyana under REDD to give basic computer training to some 170 communities involving 89,000 persons. This programme will be conducted under the auspices of the Industry and Innovation Unit of the Ministry and be managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The basic training as outlined by Minister Catherine Hughes will include “being comfortable with the computer, internet access, how you create an email address, how you would communicate by email, maintain an email account, and then into the social media which could serve as a vehicle for entrepreneurs to market their products internationally and locally.”

In this process of training, there would be a second tier where the Ministry would be collaborating with the Private Sector to be able to equip participants with particular skills in office productivity, entry skills and coding and software development. The Ministry has announced that it has already commenced its citizens’ outreach and awareness activities. Minister Catherine Hughes must be commended for this initiative of again seriously getting Guyana back into the heart of the ICT Revolution which the “One Laptop Per Family” had launched. There are a few things which officials have to keep in mind to bring the minister’s vision to full realisation: Special provision and encouragement have to be given to the old and the poor and less privileged to bring them into the stream to take advantage of the training offered. In this regard, the methods used in other countries could be successfully employed. Places of training should be on the bus routes so that trainees could cheaply and regularly attend classes. When this is impossible, itinerant trainers could be used. “Computer libraries” should be established where computer training students could go and use the computer. The person who supervises such “computer libraries” should have some knowledge of computers so that he/she could assist the learners. If one has one’s own computer or has full access to one, the learner is able to assimilate what is taught much quicker since a few hours of classroom training per week would not suffice. Some scheme should be worked out where learners could buy subsidised computers. Also, computers should be assembled here and these would be much less expensive than brand-names products. One local company assembles on a small scale. Most important and a fundamental factor in the programme achieving full success is that the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company(GTT) must connect landlines to all trainees who need them. The Ministry at the highest level will have to intercede with GTT since the company is very reluctant to honour its obligation of providing a universal landline service. Without the landline, one could not have Internet. Every effort should be made to support this training programme and bring it to success.

Chronicle Pepperpot January 14, 2018

VII

Abnormal speech THE front of the tongue is especially plastic and can be controlled with great precision by the nervous system. For example, to pronounce vowels, the tongue, by assuming different positions within the mouth, creates a great variety of resonance chambers, all different from each other, like the shapes of different musical instruments. There are times when mothers attend the clinic with a child, the only intention being to find out if there is a problem in relation to their speech. Recently, for example, a woman brought her threeyear-old son. She complained that he could not speak because he has “tie tongue”. On examining the child, I discovered that indeed he had a short frenulum (the ligament that restrains the tongue from underneath). I explained to the mother that a short frenulum, although inhibits proper articulation, does not prevent anyone from speaking. The child, in fact, had a speech disorder. The ability to speak is a complex act. First, the brain issues a command to the lungs to initiate an airstream. Before this airstream can become speech, however, it must pass through, or by, the larynx (voice box), pharynx (throat), tongue, teeth, lips and nose. All these can modify the airstream in various ways. To pronounce consonants, the tongue collaborates with the other parts of the mouth to make partial or complete closures, either forcing the air through a narrow constriction (as in the pronunciation of the “th” sound in breath) or stopping its progress altogether (as with the “d” sound in breed). The existence of pathology (disease), either functional or organic, is the basic distinction between true speech disorders and those faulty speech habits which arise from a complex of environmental, cultural, local-regional, educational and so-

cio-economic factors. Another distinction, at the behavioural level, is whether the speech disorder is assessed as a handicap. Speech disorders, both functional and organic, at the handicap level, affect about 50,000 Guyanese or six per cent of the population. Approximately 40 per cent are due to hearing loss, 10

per cent due to neurological disease and the remaining 50 per cent due to a range of other causes. The highest incidence of speech disorders occurs developmentally among children and youth. Functional disorders in

articulation are the leading cause, stuttering is the second and hearing impairment with speech defect is the third. Now, voice disorders, or dysphonias, consist of two main types. There are those arising from speech habits, and psychogenic types arising from emotional disturbance. Both types represent either overactive muscular activity, creating harsh, grating speech, or underactive activity, creating subdued or sluggish speech. Speech impediments include the following three types, Cluttering (tachypnoea) is an erratic, jerky speech. Lisping, or immature speech (dyslalia), may relate to an abnormality of the external speech organs, for example, in tongue, teeth relationships. Stuttering or stammering (dysphemia), once considered a psychogenic disorder, is now known to be caused by neurological deficiencies present at birth or resulting from an injury. Finally, other functional disorders include those caused by sensory inadequacies in the family setting, such as the presence of deaf parents. Also seen are delayed maturation of motor or brain function, emotional trauma due to parental neglect or abuse as well as institutional deprivations of adverse socio-economic factors, which result in learning disabilities related to the development of speech. So, because the final instrument which produces speech is the mouth, the dentist should always be consulted as part of the treatment team.

VIII ◄◄◄ From page III

to develop ideas, product development and concepts for marketing. Her business involves the creations of customised items for any occasion; birthdays, anniversaries, launches and interior and exterior designs. From candles, floral décor and centerpieces to wooden creations and other artistic paraphernalia, Azeez markets her products on social media and at various events and expositions. She participated in Business Expo 2015 and Sonia Noel’s ‘Women in Business’ Expo 2016. THE ENTREPRENEUR “I believe that what we offer is unique and different from others being that al-

most everything is done by hand and from scratch. Consumers are returning to traditional gift items and some are appreciating more handmade items, which seems to be more appreciated and different. A lot of time, energies, care and love [are] put into every piece of work and clients who have experienced our work were awestruck that their piece was made by a Guyanese young woman,” Azeez related. “Even though sometimes, I don’t play by the rules, I like to think out of the box, but it was and is the foundation and will always be apart. The business and marketing aspect of NSTAD has helped immensely in the marketing of my products and with the expanding use of social media as a form of

Chronicle Pepperpot January 14, 2018

marketing, one can’t go wrong, just have to know how to use it,” she stated. Looking ahead, Azeez hopes to expand her venture, especially through online marketing. One of the challenges, she observed is that customers, while they like the items, are often reluctant to pay the prices under the impression that it’s “locally-made.” “It brings me back to an appreciation for Guyanese talent and time,” Azeez highlights, adding, “If Guyanese talents can be seen as great to the world, why can it not be seen as great work at home?” She noted too that while there are many expositions to showcase local products, the entrepreneurs are often burdened by hefty entry fees and not enough sales to compensate for expenses. “People take your business cards, yes, and sometimes you see them on the ground. Monies are spent on everything from business cards, to flyers to travelling, to your products. You make the time in hope that

your products are consumed. However, as an entrepreneur one cannot continuously pay the enormous entrance fees, spend days and nights, and sell one or two items at every exposition,” Azeez outlined. Despite this, she reported that her venture has exceeded its business plan over the last six years and is hoping to advance exposure. She is hoping to explore the design of Mashramani floats and more wooden creations, sculptures and crochet items in the future. Her advice to other young people: “Do what you love and learn a skill. It may seem insignificant now, but who knows you may be able to earn a dollar off of it. And never think to yourself that it seems too far-fetched. There is no limit to your strength and imagination, and if you can have a little faith and believe in what you’re doing, you will exceed and succeed.”

Chronicle Pepperpot January 14, 2018

wait for another big holiday to see them again. For those who miss their family and have the means to, keep up with social media and the latest technologies. I’m aware that it is not as good as personal interaction but with the technology and apps. available these days, it’s actually quite hard to miss someone. For those of you who are studying or working abroadtake it from me- home will always be here. It will not drastically change or forget about you. Missing things and people while looking forward to seeing them has a positive impact

Back at it!

BY now we have all resumed our ‘normal’ life- back to work, school, gym, healthy eating, no drinking etc. - at least I hope so! It is really hard to adjust back to our regular routines after holidays, especially Christmas. It was a long break with so much going on. Some of us even travelled out of Guyana for the holidays. Despite today’s relatively various and rapid means of travel, it still puts lots of stress on our minds and bodies. This increases when we have to get used to time, climate change, different means of travel etc. There are a few things that we have to deal with now that the holidays have come to an end. I would like to speak about them in the hopes of making the transition easier for as many as possible. The first is loneliness. Most of us do an unusual amount of socialising during the Christmas season which makes us feel noticed and loved, whether we realise it at the time or not. Some people find this adjustment hard as others are back to their busy, personal and private life. Another thing is going back to or starting a healthier lifestyle. Those who read my column often know that I always preach eating right and exercising often. This is not at all for vanity or weight reasons but rather (whether I practice it often myself or not) I genuinely believe in the term ‘healthy body, healthy mind’. I believe when we look and feel our best, we turn that confidence inwards, build better self-esteem and are automatically better equipped to deal with daily life’s stressors. The comings and goings of our families during the season also results in sadness and in extreme cases, separation anxiety. So many of us had family come in or that we visited, whom we are still missing today. Separation anxiety is a psychological disorder where an individual feels excessive anxiety or sadness when leaving a home environment or loved ones, where there is a strong attachment. It can be both long or short term, sometimes requiring medication and other times, disappearing with distraction or regular communication with the ones missed. Deeply missing loved ones after the holidays is normal. I have experienced this as an international student. For a few weeks, after I left Guyana and returned to wherever I was at the time, I knew both my family and I suffered this. I felt this way about my family, friends, roti and green mango. Seriously- I’m not downplaying the seriousness of this feeling, I honestly felt that way over all of the above- things I was used to daily and that comforted me. So, how do we adjust back to normal life quickly and easily? In a way that promotes good mental health? Easy! First and foremost, do not continue drinking as so many do. Yet again, start a healthier lifestyle- this is different for everyone and you will know what physical activity works best for you. Incorporate some of the new things you learnt over the holidays into your regular routine life. For example, if you really loved a certain meal, look to cook it; if you met someone nice, stay in touch; if you visited somewhere nice, keep a trinket or reminder nearby. This keeps the excitement as well as provides new learning and social opportunities. Make a list of things to look forward to. January is always a slow month which causes people to be bored and feel a little down- make a list if it helps. Is there a birthday coming up? Anniversary? Office party? Wedding? Etc. This will produce new excitement that may have disappeared along with the holiday season. Continue to make plans with your friends and family. Yes, people are busy again but it doesn’t mean you have to

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on the relationship. In the meantime, do new activities- there is so much more available to you which will encourage growth and development. Enjoy the independence which is caused by this alone time and distance. Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com Or come in to see me at: Georgetown Public Hospital: Psychiatric Department: Monday- Friday – 08:0hrs-12:00hrs Woodlands Hospital: Outpatient Department Drug and Alcohol group meetings - Mondays 16:15hrs Good mental health group meetings- Wednesdays 16:15hrs Suicide Prevention Helpline numbers: 223-0001, 2230009, 623-4444, 600-7896 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always

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Converting agricultural waste to energy Part four‌

Animal manure can replace 518,766 barrels of LPG ANIMAL wastes such as cow dung, poultry and pig manure are a valuable source of nutrients and renewable energy but in Guyana, most of the waste is left to decompose in the open which pose a significant environmental hazard. By using an anaerobic digester, farm manure can be converted to biogas which can be a source of energy. Biogas refers t o the mixture of different gases by the breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen. The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI)’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Oudho Homenauth along with Dr. Clairmont Clementson recently conducted an investigation of Bioenergy utilisation in Guyana, including environmental and economic impacts. The report has found that on an average, one animal can produce 23,200 British thermal unit per day, and according to the Bureau of Statistic 2006 report, there are approximately 220,000 to 250,000 heads of cattle being reared in Guyana. As such, Guyana has the capacity to replace 518,766 barrels of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) annually from animal manure. But while this would be significant for the country, there are mixed views on the use of manure to produce biogas. There are assumptions by farmers that there

would be a hygienic issue with using the gas from digested cow manure for cooking. Additionally, an interview conducted with cattle farmers revealed that they utilise a semi-intensive and an extensive farming system, and as such there was no accumulation of cow manure to the extent that it became a solid waste issue since the animals are mostly free to roam in pastures. It was noted that a few decades ago biogas digesters were common among livestock farms in Guyana, however, there has been a shift from this activity since it was labour intensive with the existing farm layout, the construction of the facility was expensive and the storage of the gas proved to be challenging. For some time now, the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) has been encouraging farmers to utilise their pen manure for alternative purposes. Bio-digestion is among the sustainable systems farmers are encouraged to adapt to manage waste. However, farmers are not willing to adopt this technology because of the investment cost required for the installation of the digester and redesign of their farms to make it less labour intensive. Local examples of bio-digester utilisation are at the Guyana School of Agriculture and

the Flavour Shore Farmers’ Cooperative. Farmers can increase their profits if biogas

production and utilisation can be incorporated into their operation.

folklore DREAM CASH XIV

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By Neil Primus

MARIE lived alone in her one-room cottage. She was 58, widowed with three adult children living overseas. None of them kept in contact with her because of her nagging ways. She had chased them away one by one. She was a 'Dougla' mixture of East Indian and Negro.

She was not an attractive woman and had stopped making a fuss about her appearance since the death of her husband. Marie loved to gossip. She knew about everybody. She even knew things they didn’t know about themselves. She

spoke ill of everyone. Even her children came in for her harsh criticism. She called them ingrates and boasted that she had refused to reply to their many communications. The truth was that it was the entire opposite. She was not qualified and did laundry services for people. She managed to live on this income because her work was excellent and people were always pleased. Her home and standard of living had crept steadily below the poverty line. She would never know what it was to be rich. This was the way she had lived for the past decade. There seemed to be no way out of it. It seemed as if she was destined for poverty. All she could do was dream about getting rich someday. Then something occurred that changed her life forever. One night she went to bed tired after a full day’s work. She had an unusual dream. She saw a woman in white clothes calling to her and asking her to come closer. As soon as she drew nearer the woman disappeared and the dream ended. This dream reoccurred every night for a week and each night she got closer and closer before the dream ended. On this particular night, the strange woman spoke to her. “Marie, if you want me to help you, come visit me here.” The woman turned and pointed and Marie found herself inside the cemetery. The woman was sitting on a small tomb and beckoning to her. As she approached the woman opened the tomb and Marie eyes nearly popped out. Inside the tomb was a small treasure. Marie reached for the tomb and the dream ended. The next day the dream played over and over in her mind. She could not concentrate on work so she decided to go for a walk. Somehow her meandering route took her to the burial ground. She had taken along her shopping bag so that she could do some buying on her way back home. As she walked below the palm trees she could not help staring at the many tombs. Odd enough her path seemed to lead her into a thickly vegetated area that resembled a mini forest. With her heart racing, she looked around her and discovered that it was familiar to her. She had seen it in her dream. To her amazement, she saw the tomb from her dream. She hurried toward it half expecting the woman to appear and speak to her. All she found was a cold concrete tomb with plenty of vegetation around it. As she turned to leave her foot got caught in an old bag strap and she fell. Getting up, she dusted herself off angrily grumbling about wasting her time. Her eyes caught something on the ground near her feet. It was a half-buried old bag. She had tripped on it and pulled it from its place of burial. What was most interesting was the contents of the bag. Sticking out of the partly opened bag was wads of cash: US, Sterling, Canadian and good old macaw. She bent and pulled energetically at the strap. It came loose. The bag was filled with money. She stuffed the old bag into her shopping bag and sped home. The next three months marked a complete turnaround in her fortunes. She had the house repaired, bought a fridge, washing machine and a microwave. Marie bought clothes and other stuff out of pure excitement. She had completely Turn to page XVI ►►►

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‘DIS LIFE NA FO ME’ By: Abdool A. Aziz

THE NEW YEAR ODYSSEY AT age 35, he had it all, a Posh residence in Nandy Park, two cars, a wonderful family and an executive job. But the call of North America agitated him. He decided to visit this Land of Opportunity.

AIRPORT HUMILIATION The plane docked, all were excited to depart. Then the order “Please remain seated and have your passport ready.” The officials checked each document, no forged one, didn’t the airline and immigration check these documents prior to departure? Why again? Shame then the tedious long trip to the immigration centre and the man in blue got his canine friend sniffing at you. The dog jumped up at him. “Come with me sir!” all looked in wonder. He was stripped naked

and searched. Nothing found, but in his carry – on, he had half – eaten bake and salt fish served on the plane. That odor attracted the dog. He told the immigration officer when asked “No sir I have nothing to declare” “No rum, no pepper, sure achar?” “No sir!” He was sent to customs after a long wait he was cleared to go. They couldn’t believe he had at least no rum. A DREAM WORLD He marveled at the galaxy of lights. The concrete monoliths, the traffic and criss-crossing highways amazing! But as he stepped out the taxi, a cold wind caught him. He shivered. “Put on your jacket sir” advised the driver. He had none. He ran into the hotel. The driver laughed. “Wait until its winter” He took a view of the empire state building. Stupendous – man’s ingenuity. As he fixed his eyes on the fairy land he began to think of living this metropolis. Just then a waft of cold breeze swiped his face, though it was summer. He quickly scurried to the room and ‘hit the sack’. NEW YORK – ALIVE They say New York is the city that doesn’t sleep but during the day the people hustle about in such a rush. And the congested traffic and the cacophony of blaring horns. Sure it a hive of activity but lonely. And everyone seems to wear a face of gloom. Especially those who running for the buses and sub-way trains. And three – quarters of those commuters are going to work in field, factory, homes and offices. He moved around Manhattan like he was in a stranger land. Bright and busy, but he felt detached. A City of Humanoids. No inter – action. No friendliness. A TRIP BY TRANSIT

He went below the street, the underground, and he boarded a train. He sat on a row of seat. The white woman rather stand than sit beside him. First taste of discrimination. On the return trip he went and sat beside a white guy. This fellow in disgust got up and remain standing. He later learned that brown – skinned people were labeled ‘Paki’ (Garbage). One time a prostitute refused his money because of her racial hatred. ‘LITTLE GUYANA’ – THE QUEEN LAND The flat shabby houses, the limited yard space,

the Guyanese mentality and the dungeon (basement) fowl air, damp and dark. The kind of life; sleeping, working, shop, more work than play. No family time, husband in, wife out. That’s existence not living. Everything good about life is found back home. Fresh air, open space, social cohesion, relaxed moment and worry – free. He will not waste away in the white-man country. The ‘Green – Back’ will not be his master. Guyana, the paradise, home sweet home.

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forgotten about how she had come by the money. Soon the cash ran out. Then she had another dream. It was the same woman and she was calling for Marie to visit her. When Marie approached the stranger led her to the cemetery. She opened the same tomb and beckoned to Marie to enter. At that moment she woke up. The dream came night after night but Marie would not enter the tomb. Then the strange woman spoke. “Why you not coming in me house?” “I not coming because yo ain’t got money fo give me,” Marie replied. “Must come back tomorrow night,” was all she told Marie as she disappeared. Next night Marie couldn’t wait to go to

bed. The excitement of her dream had kept her on edge. She just wanted to discover where her new treasure lay. Her thoughts were only on going to sleep that night. Marie retired to bed rather early that night. She forced herself to sleep and eventually did. She dreamt that the woman was calling her. Quickly and eagerly she followed the stranger. At the tomb, the woman opened it and disclosed more treasure. It was a much larger bounty than the first one. Marie rubbed her hands together in glee. “You have to do something for me,” the woman told her. “Anything,” Marie replied. “Wen yo daughter come bring she fo me.” Marie agreed readily knowing that she

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had no contact with her child. Next day she re-visited the tomb and found a large briefcase buried near to where she had found the haversack. She rushed home with her loot. Five months of big living and spending passed and soon the money ran out again. Marie felt miserable. One very hot afternoon there was a knock on her door. She hurried to open it because she needed laundry jobs now: something she had been neglecting lately. When she opened the door her mouth fell open. Her youngest daughter stood there smiling at her. The next week went by at light speed. Then her daughter returned to the US. That night she had another dream. The same woman was calling her only this time her tone was different. There was anger and a certain chill to it. “You don’t keep yo promise.” In her joy on seeing her daughter Marie had completely forgotten about the promise she had made.” “Yo didn’t bring yo daughter fo me!” “I forget. Next time.”

“No next time!” The woman’s eyes were flashing in anger and Marie began to get frightened. The stranger’s pretty face had been transformed into a mask of fury. “Yo tek me money an yo didn’t keep yo promise.” “Sorry.” “I gon mek you sorry.” Marie awoke with a start. Next night the woman came again. This time she was smiling in a familiar way. Money time. Marie followed her to the tomb and entered. There was more money than she had ever seen. She would be rich forever. Marie rolled around in her bounty and then got ready to fetch it home. She had one major problem. The tomb would not open. Marie began to cry. The woman appeared. “Don’t waste yo tears. You’re trapped here forever. It’s your turn to guard de loot.” Next day Marie was found dead in bed. She died in her sleep.

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Redeeming soles, dignity and volunteerism NOW this is a story all about how- my life got flipped, turned upside down. And I’d like to take a minute, just to sit right here and tell you all about how I became one of the ‘Youths of the Year’. Props to you if you got the Fresh Prince reference, but today we’re not talking about the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, we’re talking about volunteerism. Personally, volunteerism has indeed turned my life upside down but in a good way. For the past few years, I’ve aligned myself with volunteering simply because it gave me something fulfilling to do. More recently though, volunteering has allowed me to view things around me through a very different set of lenses. I can’t exactly explain what these lenses are, but I can tell you about some of my memorable experiences and hopefully, you’d see the merits of volunteering. I visited Seattle recently, as part of a Cul-

tural and Leadership Exchange Programme I was selected for. During my time here, I volunteered at two Not for Profits; the first was Redeeming Soles, an organisation that seeks to provide footwear for those in need and the other was the ACRS Food Bank, which distributes food to mainly Asian and Pacific islanders also in need. From my time spent at Redeeming Soles (I hope you can appreciate how witty this name is) I garnered that volunteering isn’t just about providing a service to someone, it’s also about showing compassion and respect to them, regardless of their circumstances. I also learned also that human dignity is very delicate. There were dozens upon dozens of pairs of shoes to fix up. Some muddy, some raggedy and some without soles (no pun intended). Now, the act of giving someone a pair of shoes of itself would be enough count as a good act, right? Wrong.

Every single pair of shoes was sorted into usable and unusable piles. I don’t really know where the unusable pile ends up, but I do hope it finds some purpose. But if it was usable, it would be sent for cleaning. Again, just being usable is not enough. Now when it’s time for cleaning, the idea is to make each shoe appear brand-new, fresh from the store (though, I must mention that some actually were). There were about five different shapes of brushes, tons of stripped t-shirts used as rags, and water. No detergent was used in the process, just “elbow-grease” because that makes the cleaning more meaningful (and it takes longer, but no complaints). The thing is, whoever receives a pair of shoes would have some footwear to protect their feet regardless of whether it’s clean or not. The idea of doing all of this, however, is so that you maintain the sense of dignity of the person at the receiving end. You see, not because they need a pair of shoes means that

they should be given knick-knacks. From cleaning a few pairs of shoes that day I was able to understand an important concept of human behaviour (dignity) and learn how to show compassion in small ways. And for me, that’s a priceless lesson. I’ll save my talk about ACRS for another day (maybe next week) because that’s a whole other overwhelming experience. Oh, and I have left that ‘Youth of the Year’ statement unattended to thus far but I didn’t want this column to seem as though I was boasting about the title. I was just named one of the Youths of the Year because of my work in advocacy and volunteerism. I can’t describe volunteering in any other way but fulfilling and all I can tell you (besides all that I already have) is that if you have the opportunity, you should try doing something for someone else. Alkaline said it best: “Any time me get in me affi leff ah impact.”

An inspirational mentor for Guyanese youth

Jacqueline Cummings

“WHATEVER you face in life- whether good or bad- use it as a learning experience to help yourself and other peers.” This is one of the mantras that guide the profession and daily life of Youth Life Coach, Jacqueline Cummings. As the second of 11 siblings (two boys and nine girls) growing up in the ancient county- Berbice, Cummings always held a vested interest in youth development and tackling social issues. “At the age of 17, I started mixing with youths in the community,” she said and explained that because of this, she realised that there were many social issues within the Black Bush Polder/ Mibicuri community. Moreover, her involvement in church

while growing up helped to shape her into an outgoing young woman. “I just liked working with young people,” she said, and nearly two decades later, she continues this work and has jumped on board every single youth-focused project in her community. The ancient county has seen many cases of suicide over the years, and Jacqueline had always felt a strong connection to mental health and suicide issues. “I’m passionate about many social issues, but suicide and mental health per se are the main focuses,” Cummings noted. In fact, she related that she lost a friend early on in her career. Since then, she has strived to raise awareness in these areas and align herself with work in the area. Understandably, she became a general counsellor (among other social work jobs and a subsis-

tence farmer). Recently though, she has added the title “Youth Life Coach” to her portfolio. Being a coach attached to the local not-for-profit `Specialists in Sustained Youth Development and Research’ (SSYDR), Jacqueline has managed to find the nexus between youth and family development. In this capacity, she works with an individual who would have received an alternative sentence to juvenile detention. The idea is to guide the young person toward achieving socially acceptable goals through acceptable means, as against resorting to criminal or deviant behaviour. Jacqueline also focuses on family development as part of her work. She uses another mantra to guide her work with these youths. “No matter how bad the circumstances, there’s always tomorrow- learn from the experience and use it,”

Jacqueline Cummings, Youth Life Coach

Jacqueline related and noted that she would also encourage the young people to, in turn be coaches or mentors in society. But social work in her community, she said, is not without its challenges. One major hindrance is the lack of support for youths in the area from the government and other stakeholders. She stressed that without the support (in cash or kind), engaging in this work becomes challenging. Nevertheless, she was selected as the adult mentor to accompany six Guyanese teenagers during a cross-cultural and leadership exchange in the United States in August 2017. Since returning in that same month, she has been working alongside the group on their follow-on project. For Jacqueline, youth are the future and she knows that she has a role to play in preparing them for it.

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A cozy retreat An exterior view of the café at night

By Gibron Rahim

with good reason. Mahase explained that she has not pushed to publicise the café because she wanted to test the market and ascertain what customers wanted. That, she related, was a better option than her solely fixing the menu options based on her own perceptions of customers’ preferences. After having tested the waters, she is now in a better position to create a menu that indeed carries her own influence but is also influenced by the response from customers. Mahase noted that one of her key menu considerations is Guyanese culture and the resulting demand of the Guyanese public. “My concept behind the menu is incorporating a lot of local ingredients and using what we have to create similar, but a little different,” she said. It is very important to

COZY, comforting and coffee are likely the three Cs that come to mind when we think of cafes. Indeed, the term “café” means coffee in several languages. More than great coffee though, cafes are comfortable places to get work done, relax or when in a rush, grab a quick bite and a beverage and go. In Guyana, this concept of the café can be integrated with local cuisine and ingredients. This is one of the ideas behind Café Bellvana. Café Bellvana, located at 64 Middle and Main Streets, is a new addition to Georgetown’s culinary fare. The Pepperpot Magazine was able to speak to the café’s owner, Nirvana Mahase, and she took the time to explain the concepts behind the café. One of the main ideas she said is “fast casual”. She explained that fast casual refers to offering prompt service in a more relaxed atmosphere as Café Bellvana does not have a particular dress code required of customers. The idea of the café was not one that just occurred to Mahase overnight. She explained “It’s something I envisioned doing for quite a number of years now and it has been in planning for a while.” She noted that she had always wanted to test out the food market. She said that though she knew it would be challenging, her heart has always been somehow Inside Café Bellvana (All photos associated with food. courtesy of Nirvana Mahase) “It’s something I have a passion for,” she said. Food is one of the things her that these local ingredients be used to create similar tastthat she knows and excels at. ing fare offered in a different way. Offering an example, she When it came to choosing a location for her café, Ma- noted that Bellvana’s breakfast menu offers eggs and fried hase explored multiple possibilities and eventually decided green plantains – a quintessential Guyanese meal. However, on the café’s current location. The site on Middle Street is she explained that there are few places that offer the meal in ideal for numerous reasons. She explained that Bellvana’s the same ambience that Café Bellvana offers. Mahase also location offers a happy medium between busy and not so noted that there are more local offerings that she is looking busy. It is also conveniently accessible to customers, espe- to include on a menu she is currently working on. cially those who work nearby. These were all factors that Its menu is just one of the ways that Bellvana is distininfluenced Mahase’s choice of that particular locale. “It’s guishing itself. Mahase noted that she did not wish to prescentral to what we’re looking to do,” she said. ent a particular identity for Bellvana in an effort to present Café Bellvana’s menu is not currently a fixed one and it as being completely different from other endeavours of

its kind. However, there are certain aspects of the café that she highlighted. She noted that the goal is to have the food offered at Café Bellvana follow the concept “grab and go”. They have quietly tested the market with a few of the offerings. Giving an example of how it will work, she said, “We want to be different where you can pick up grab-and-go items for breakfast.” She is keenly aware that all of us do not have the time to wait for food to be prepared. Mahase explained that she is looking to distinguish Bellvana in terms of its menu as well. While there is the grab and go option, Café Bellvana is also for those customers who would like to sit and stay a while. Mahase noted that the café has a very relaxing and homey atmosphere. “I’ve worked very hard to create that calming, homey atmosphere,” she said. It is her aim that customers walk in and feel comfortable and at home. The colours, textures, sounds and more have all been all been chosen and incorporated to create this ambience. “It’s about taking a break away from the normal routine but you still want to feel comfortable,” she explained. Whether customers need to focus and work or to relax and clear their heads, the environment of Bellvana was created with all that in mind. It can be difficult to create a business and keep it relevant. Mahase pointed out that smaller cafes outside of Guyana have traditionally offered just coffee and pastries. From travelling though, she has noted that many cafes have also evolved into a fusion of café and restaurant. That, she explained, is how she is planning to keep Café Bellvana relevant. Café Bellvana must be experienced to be understood. Mahase noted that coffee is a definite draw. “We have excellent coffee,” she said. She noted that they have sourced their coffee and have worked with their roasters to get their coffee to a roast that Guyanese love and have responded well to. The coffee has received good reviews from customers she said. Breakfast and lunch are also available as are pastries. “Give us a try, come in, and see for yourself what we offer.”

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The journey back home Falling in love with Guyana again after 20 years

By Michel Outridge

hospitality and the generosity of our people and noted that the country possesses so many positives that need to be known since we do not promote our country to the fullest. She pointed out that her father did his part for Guyana and she also wants to do her part in promoting the country’s eco-tourism. Christine told the Pepperpot Magazine that the trip isn’t enough for her and by this weekend she will journey back to France but cannot stop talking about the trip.

MAYBE it was a coincidence that she was here in Guyana on the same day, January 10, when she migrated to France 20 years ago, but fate would have it that she returned to her homeland in the company of 19 other family members for an eight-day vacation for Christmas. The trip was a gift from her father-in-law after her three children made a request of seeing Guyana, a place they have been hearing about all their life but never saw. Their wish came through on Christmas Day and after one year of planning the 20-member family came to Guyana to experience their beautiful country where they went to several places in the interior. THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME Christine Sureau-Critchlow is the daughter of the late trade unionist Stanton Critchlow. Christine’s husband, Christophe Sureau, a native of France, is also no stranger to Guyana and is the Managing Director of the Heart of Palm business here which he established 20 years ago. Christine said that 15 of the 20 family members that came to Guyana did so for the very first time and they were all in awe of the rich flora, fauna, scenery and wildlife of this country. She describes their experience as “incredible” especially their visit to the Iwokrama Eco Lodge, a place she never got the opportunity to visit when she used to reside here. “The experience for me was awesome even though I am Guyanese I am on a mission to promote Guyana in France and have been doing so at trade shows where our local products are highlighted,” Christine said. She related that she did not believe we had jaguars here until she saw one in real life and they had the opportunity to take a few photos as well, and for her, it was “picture perfect” because growing up, she heard stories but now knows that they are for real. Christine, a mother of three, told the Pepperpot Magazine that they also climbed Turtle Mountain as a family and it was very nice and she cannot describe how happy she is that her family was a part of the trip. She stated that two years ago they had a family trip to Africa and it was lovely but the visit here would surely stay with her, and her heart is in Guyana because she has a genuine love for her country of birth. Christine added that the trip had a big impact on her family so much so that her daughter who is studying Environmental

EXPORT Christine said she is trying to source large-scale supplies of our local pineapples, ginger, coffee, lime, coconut and cocoa for export to France noting that we have the best fruits and rums in the world. She would like to see more of our local products on the market in France and efforts are being made to source about 10,000 pineapples for export daily from our local farmers as such, she is seeking the assistance of the government in this regard. Christine and her husband, Christophe would attend various trade shows promoting Guyana and its products at their own expense and is pleading with families living abroad to return home to experience Guyana. “We often do not hear the good things about Guyana since the few bad overshadows the good but we should desist from bad-talking our country and come back to see for themselves what Guyana has to offer,” Christine said. Christine said she is also hoping to utilise local fruits such as guava, to make tarts and jams and coming from Guyana she is fully aware of the things we can make with the various fruits we have here locally. The lovely Christine Sureau-Critchlow

Engineering wishes to return to Guyana for work on completion of her studies as she believes that she has found her true calling here. All 20 family members have returned to France to raise funds to have some of our Indigenous people journey to that country in 2020 for the Eco-Tourism Convention to be held in France. She noted her folks were quite taken with our culture and people and would like to return to Guyana sometime since it was as if they did not get enough. Christine said her family was pleased with the Guyanese

Christine Sureau-Critchlow (right) and her husband and three children

FAMILY She said that her eldest daughter is 20, the second daughter is 15, her son is 14 and they are in love with Guyanese culture. In France they cook and eat local Guyanese foods and she sometimes still eats her food with her hands and is in the habit of sharing food like Guyanese do here. Christine’s husband is mostly in Guyana manning his heart of palm business and would often spend 10 days to two weeks when he goes to Drum Hill, Pomeroon and Berbice where the factories are located. She pointed out that heart of palm is in high demand in France as are other Guyanese products and they need the assistance of the government to make it happen. The group which arrived in Guyana on Christmas Day, left on January 3, 2018 armed with many photos and memories that will last a lifetime.

The Sureau family at Kaieteur Falls during their visit here

Linden From apartheid to a turning tide XX

By Francis Quamina Farrier

THERE are those times when one can stand long enough on the bank of a river and see the tide turn. In life, those who have been around for a long enough time would have seen the Tides of Life rise and fall and rise again, many times. In this feature, I am actually placing the focus on Linden town, as the three communities of Mackenzie, Wismar and Christianburg, moved from Apartheid in the pre-1960s colonial British Guiana, to small businesses in Linden of the Republic of Guyana, in the Region 10 mining town on the Upper Demerara River. In Guyana, as in similar ‘Third World Countries’, there is always a myriad of very small businesses which add to the economy of the country. On two of my four visits to Linden in 2017, I interacted with one cute little enterprise in that rapidly developing municipality. It is already known that I spent a period of my pre-teen years at Christianburg, and was a student at the Christianburg Scots School back in 1945. I was there when the Second World War ended, and have clear memories of the jollification of the people when they heard that Germany was defeated. Some Guyanese fought in that War defending King and Country - the British Empire - of which British Guiana was the only British Territory in South America. At that time, a mining company from that vast sister Commonwealth country of Canada, was already extracting millions of dollars of our Bauxite, and apartheid was well established at Mackenzie; there were sections of that community where non-whites were prohibited from going. Over the decades, I have travelled from Georgetown to Linden many times and by various means. My very first plane flight, which was by a Grumman Goose amphibious plane, was from Ruimveldt (the western end of Ramp Road) to Mackenzie. I’ve done that Georgetown journey 65 miles up the Demerara River also by launch, by steamer - the M.V. RH CARR - and by speedboat. In the pre-Soesdyke/Linden Highway era, I also did the journey by land Rover and by

Mr Blue Man displays the artwork and graphics of his upcoming project to promote Linden to the rest of Guyana and the world. (Photograph by Francis Quamina Farrier)

foot. YES, you read that correctly - by FOOT. I did a solo three-day walk from Georgetown to Mackenzie in 1964. That is listed among my life’s Great Outdoor Adventures. As such, I have an affinity with what is now known as LINDEN; which is the umbrella name for the three communities of Mackenzie, Wismar and Christianburg. Every year I visit Linden at least three times and observe the on-going developments of that Bauxite Town, as it is often referred. During last year, 2017, my visits numbered four, and the most interesting one was my return to be at the Wisburg Secondary School for its 10th Anniversary. It was something which I had planned 10 years previously, when I was at a special event for the official launch of the school. Actually, the school was there some years before, but on November 18, 2007, there was a big event at which Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Minister of Education Sheik Baksh, Regional Chair-

Self-employed Mr Blue Man with his two-wheel mobile cake shop at Linden, Tuesday, November 28, 2017. (Photograph by Francis Quamina Farrier)

man Mortimer Mingo and British High Commissioner, Fraser Wheeler, were among the many in attendance. Going back to the pre-Linden days of the Canadian owned and operated Bauxite Company, when apartheid was practiced there, I have a reasonably good knowledge of Linden and the many industrial turmoils which were played out there. There were many stressful relationships, especially when race issues were a factor. There was the incident when a local handyman accidentally fell into the Watooka House swimming pool which was exclusive to the whites. The pool had to be emptied and thoroughly cleaned, before being refilled for use by the Canadians. There was another incident worthy of mention; the Canadian Management and a team of Guyanese Union Leaders were seated around a table trying to iron out an industrial issue. One of the Canadians who had his legs crossed, in changing from one leg to the other, one of his feet came into contact with the leg of one of the Guyanese. That was interrupted as a “kick”, and all hell broke loose. In more recent years, there has been high drama at Linden; this time between Guyanese and Guyanese. In July 2012, Police opened fire on a group of demonstrators on the Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge, killing four and injuring many more. That was not the first time that there was such real-life drama on that bridge. The first was the closing down of the bridge by social activists in June 2008. That came about when a large group of workers were marching across the bridge from Christianburg and Wismar to Mackenzie to hold a Public Meeting. While yet on the bridge, a commercial vehicle from Georgetown proceeded to drive through the demonstrators, and as some of them told me when I visited the bridge, “The driver was putting the safety and very lives of the marchers at risk.” So the vehicle was made to stop by some of the braver marchers. A decision was then made to occupy the bridge. That was not the original plan, I was told. However, let’s go back three decades before that and briefly review the hard work of a small business operated by my Aunt Dolly.

Chronicle Pepperpot January 14, 2018

My Aunt Dolly was a robust lady - both physically and mentally - who did trading both on the ferry boat, the M.V. RH CARR, which was operated by Sprostons - the fore-runner of GNIC. She did good business both on the steamer while on its way from Georgetown, as well as at Wismar. From her hard work as a self-employed person over the years, she became relatively well-off, owning property at Agricola. Let me also mention an ugly feature of that steamer, the M.V. RH CARR; it was painted all white. In the earlier colonial years, the company discriminated against the locals and operated an apartheid system on the steamer; only whites could travel upstairs in First Class - the locals were accommodated only on the Second Class deck. One such passenger who experienced that indignity was a young barrister-at-law who was travelling from Georgetown to Christianburg to represent a client at the courthouse there; he was Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham. We’ll now fast forward to Linden town of 2017. I’ll now tell you about Mr Blue Man, a self-employed resident of Linden. I first met Mr Blue Man on Saturday, July 15, 2017. I was walking along Republic Avenue at Linden and Mr Blue Man was riding his two-wheel mini cake shop. As he went by he hailed me out asking whether I wanted anything to buy from him. As I approached this mobile small business, I got a whiff of cassava pone. I bought one. It was delicious. I next met Mr Blue Man when on another visit

This unique three-wheel mobile cake shop is operated around Linden by another enterprising self-employed citizen. (Photo by Francis Quamina Farrier)

to Linden on Tuesday, November 28, 2017. It was near the Mackenzie Municipal Market. That time I hailed him out. I bought two pones on that occasion. However, Mr Blue Man engaged me in a conversation informing me of an upcoming project of his. As I looked closely into the face of Mr Blue Man, I could observe his pride of being his own boss. Of setting his own goals for a better life for himself and his family. Of earning “The Good Life” by dint of hard, honest work and without asking anyone for a job. While he was showing me the prototype of his upcoming project, I couldn’t help noticing how clean his fingernails were. Like my Aunt Dolly of the apartheid era at Mackenzie, when the Canadians lived in exclusive communities in south Mackenzie at Watooka and Richmond Hill where all non-Canadians could not venture, except the maids and cooks and gardeners, Mr Blue Man is now living and working in a Linden wide and free. A Linden which has a young male mayor in the person of Carwyn Holland who became the town’s Chief Citizen in April 2016, as the 10th mayor. He did not seek re-election recently and is passing the baton to a young female in the person of Waneka Arrindell, the Deputy Mayor, who will become the 11th Mayor of Linden town. I have to admit that as 2018 continues to unfold, I am very excited about the future of the new Mayor, the future of Linden, and certainly, the future of Mr Blue Man, as the tide keeps ebbing and flowing in the Demerara River at Linden Town in Region 10. Remember, “No Man is an Island” - we are all interconnected one way or the other.

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Part 1

Public Participation and Environmental Protection

THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the main regulatory body responsible for taking the necessary steps to ensure sustainable management and protection of the environment. But did you know

as members of the public and citizens of this country, you have an important role as well to play in the protection and management of our environment? Yes, you do! While the things you do daily such as buying local, disposing of your

waste properly and taking your reusable bags to the market are important, there are other ways your help is needed. As you look around, you would notice that a lot of developmental projects are taking place. Did you know that you

have a say in developmental projects? You do, particularly those which would require environmental assessment due to the possible impacts it might have on the environment and human health. This week’s article will highlight one of the many ways members of the public can participate in the deciTurn to page XXIX ►►►

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ARROWPOINT –The Ultimate Eco Adventure I MENTIONED several times that I plan to be more intentional in 2018. I decided for the first weekend I needed to be in a place to get my mind, body and soul in alignment for a year of explosive growth. Arrow Point Eco Resort and Adventure Tours was a perfect choice. I have not experienced total relaxation like this in a while. On one of the days, I read `ABUNDANT NOW’ by Lisa Nichols in the hammock and enjoyed the breeze and went into a trance-like sleep. The calm atmosphere motivated me to complete my chapter for an upcoming anthology and continue writing for my next book, `Beyond the Runway’. This was my third visit to this eco-paradise located on the left bank of the Kamini Creek in the Santa Aratak Mission. This mission started about 150 years ago by the Anglican Church and the inhabitants are predominately Arawak, which was the tribe my grandma came from and I think my foster dad too. To think of it this idea was birthed out of a thought to have a place to get together with family and friends. “One day I was flying over the area and saw this strip of land that totally fascinated me. We were living in the city and I wanted my sons to grow and experience the rough part of life so I explored this beautiful Amerindian reservation and that is how Arrow Point was born.” What started as an out of town retreat for friends and family over 20 years ago eventually was converted to a commercial entity. Maintaining the Indigenous theme is one of the interesting features at Arrow Point. The palm roofs are visible on the main house and some of the cabins. The cabins are all self-contained, clean and comfortable. Bird watching, kayaking, swimming, beach volleyball, jungle walking and jungle riding are some of the options you have. The water is not very deep which caters to children because lots of families visit for the day trips. It was great to see Mr Seepersaud Maraj and family, who is a local

legend in gold jewellery creation, enjoying the resort. They mentioned that it was their third visit so they are as captivated as many other visitors including myself. Dinner around the bonfire is something special to look forward to, especially when the moon is out. While travelling up the picturesque creek, Captain Gouveia told his boat captain, Derek, to stop at Chinatown and I was taken aback. I said “Gerry you are serious about a Chinatown here” and he was. He explained that during a revolt in China over 150 years ago, Sir James Hope facilitated the evacuation of many affluent Chinese to Guyana but approximately 80 settled in this area and the numbers increased over the years. They resided in that area for years operating steam engines to produce charcoal and they also cultivated the land. The settlement was called Hope Town after Sir James Hope. Wo Tai Kam was the leader of the group and the people were loyal to him. From what I was told, many Chinese families in Guyana and Trinidad can trace back their ancestry to Hopetown. Debbie Gouveia, who is the wife of Gerry Gouveia, can attest this about her own family. There is a massive gravesite there presently. I learnt some history that day. I also learnt that Roraima Group of Companies takes their corporate social responsibility seriously because they contribute to the well-being of the neighbouring Amerindian villages.= I must mention that I have not had any meals there that were not delicious and my compliments go to Sharon who navigates that kitchen with ease. Visitors can watch their meals being prepared in a homelike setting. I met some British people and an American who were immersed in the beautiful nature that we take for granted in our rich, beautiful homeland Guyana. I must thank Elwin who is one of the hospitable staff for teaching me to operate an outboard engine and I have pics to prove it lol. Make a pledge to visit somewhere in Guyana you have not

Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel

... Inspiring lives through fashion visited before the end of 2018 Share with us an experience you had visiting some part of Guyana in the outlining areas by emailing us at beyondtherunway1@gmail.com and visit of FB page BEYOND THE RUNWAY as we continue this beautiful journey call life BEYOND THE RUNWAY

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Who or what defines you? – Finding inner meaning from our jobs and our careers By M Margaret Burke I AM not a writer but I love writing; I love to write features for the newspapers; stories for children and adults; do extensive research and come up with good sound information, which may make for an interesting ‘piece’, of which I hope will change the life or outlook of some person(s). The fact is that I really love to write; it gives me satisfaction – job satisfaction! But, should I be defined as a writer? Part of my job is to write, to research and be creative, to report the truth, to be sound, forthright, but responsible- to do the things a writer/journalist should do. Yet, if I allow myself to be defined by this love and habit of writing – being a writer, then I might be setting myself up, deceiving myself. This is not all that I do. But I do writing as a vocation—I am a writer with every available time that I have – even when relaxing among friends and family I at least make notes on what I would write on later. Talking gives me ideas; listening gives me inspiration. When relaxing I also feel stirred

to write. Yes, I am a writer and I can be a writer from Sunday to Saturday. But how does this define me if I am doing different jobs, but still write? On the other hand, if I decide to do a different job and NOT write anymore, what would be my definition then? MEANING – The Concise Oxford English Dictionary offers the meanings for the word ‘define’ as “State or describe exactly nature; scope or meaning; give the meaning of (a word or phrase; make out the limit of.” In other words, to define a person by what they do is to “State or describe exactly the nature (of the person); the “scope or meaning” of him or her. What may very well be true is what Gary Sinderbrand, CEO at Betterpath, USA said: “To the contrary, 100 percent of who I am is what defines how I approach my job. My core beliefs allow me to consider possibilities and ‘impossibilities. Like the chronic disease patients that my job serves, fixing seemingly unsolvable issues can only happen if you truly believe you can

achieve your goals, even if you do not know the ‘how.’ The commitment and faith that you will find a way personifies the collective belief of my team.” In other words, my job does not define who I am; I am defined by my approach to my job-my faith and commitment to what I do. The fact is that your job – my job- plays a principal role in lives every day. However, while our jobs not only consume at least one-third of our day—40 hours or more of our week—and while it also almost play an exclusive role in defining who we are; it does

not, except we disagree with Sinderbrand. SUGAR WORKER OR DOCTOR Once out of school or school age, society sometimes judges us on the work we do or not do; if we are able to pay bills or not. The type of the work others engage in is the first thing we want to know about them, and more often than not we judge them based on their job titles. In other words, society attempts to define us by the work we do and so we are Turn to page XXIV ►►►

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respected accordingly. However, studies have shown that while there are hundreds of thousands of jobs in the world, as well as career-paths to choose from, what is of utmost importance is the approach that people take toward their jobs that would ensure success or the lack of it; that while one could be called a doctor, writer, carpenter, engineer, or even a sugar worker, what truly defines the person is their attitude toward their job. LIKE A FAMILY It is always difficult to be separated from the people closest to us – our immediate family and yet through marriage or divorce, migration, or otherwise, we sometimes find ourselves having no choice than to be separated. Then inevitably, there is a plan ‘B’. The same it is with a job, for it is only one tool for a successful life. We have to be something to earn a living, but our work should never define who we are or in even that there is a lack of it, especially where there may be a permanent change, devastation can set in. In every sphere of life change is an inevitable likelihood. Things do not always remain the same way, especially in the

employment industry, where there are challenges of an increasingly global labour market, which is constantly altering the kinds of jobs that are being made available. INTERNATIONAL MONETARY ORGANISATIONS The fact is that in quite a lot of cases, ‘who pays the piper calls the tune’, and sometimes if decision-makers would always dance to the ‘tune’ then they would dance themselves out of office…it is no easy game. Then there is the obviously changing face of economic-employment times, again because of a multiplicity of (global) events, which has chain reactions around the world, change is inevitable—it is a must, whether we like it or not. Therefore we all have to be prepared, more so if we are involved in the world of work. And sometimes even when we are comfortably in our homes, not being engaged in any type of work, change will still affect us. SET CAREERS Doctors, as well as nurses, lawyers, writers or journalists, accountants, are some of the jobs which seem to be set-ca-

Chronicle Pepperpot January 14, 2018 reers – well-trained occupations. However, if for example, one were to ask a doctor the reason for pursuing such a career, he/she would never say, So that I may be known as a doctor, he /she may more say that it is because of the desire to help bring comfort and healing to sick people…that it is for the purpose of making a difference in the lives of others. This, therefore, talks to the attitude; the very ‘heart-warming’ approach to the job – in many cases striving to be the best in the field; wanting to be popular as a ‘good doctor’ and that may be the definition. When all is said and done, a job is a means to an end – to generate earnings and regardless of who you are this is a necessity. Ensuring that there is a consistent source of income that pays your bills is very important and that is a motivating force to have a job…to work. Therefore, how could what you do to earn a living truly capture who you are as a person? Yes, your desire in many cases is to be who you are as a worker – you want to be that writer; that teacher; that lawyer and so on. But do you want that (alone) to define you – your personality, what you represent from day to day? It can never be enough. (mercilinburke2017@gmail.com)

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– Tips for achieving and maintaining a natural ‘fete-ready’ glow By Clinton Duncan

sugar works magic to exfoliate! 2. SUN AND SKIN - Do: Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 (at least) that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Since a lifetime of sun exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems, you have to protect your skin from the sun. Make sure the label reads ‘noncomedogenic’ or ‘no acnegenic’ so that the product does not tend to block pores and DON’T skip the sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy (no excuses). 3. YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT - Keep a note of what you put on your plate. Eat fresh fruits, greens, sufficient protein and vitamins. A diet rich in vitamin C and low in

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Photos by Clinton Duncan

“TO a true artist, only that face is beautiful which, quite apart from its exterior, shines with the truth within the soul” – Mahatma Gandhi. With only a few weeks away from Mashramani, and some limited months away from the Inaugural “Guyana Carnival” I get many requests from clients asking “How can I achieve a flawless makeup look for the road march?” and my answer is always this, “Flawless makeup begins with flawless skin” … so this week I’m going to share some of my go-to tips to achieve envious skin and protect yourself from the harsh sun on “fete day”.

1. THE GOLDEN RULE - Do: Make sure you always (and we mean always) remove your makeup before hitting the sheets. The skin needs to breathe overnight. And makeup prevents that, as leaving it on overnight clogs the pores which may cause blemishes and/or blackheads. Don’t possess a makeup remover? Just put some olive oil on a cotton pad and gently massage the oil onto your face to get rid of the makeup and dirt. Don’t: Forget that exfoliation is indispensable. At least once or twice a week, exfoliate your skin to remove the layers of dead skin, sure to leave you with a healthier glow and brighter skin. And # protip, one teaspoon of aloe vera mixed with one teaspoon of Guyana famous brown

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A teaching experience Alicia Jabbar, teacher, mentor, friend By Gibron Rahim THERE is more to the career of teaching than standing in front of a blackboard. Those of us who have been fortunate to pass through the hands of truly gifted teachers know this fact all too well. Teachers can act as mentors, friends and parents. Educators who truly care deserve our eternal gratitude. Alicia Jabbar is among these teachers. Alicia did not fall in love with the profession right away. She had not thought of taking up teaching as a profession originally she told the Pepperpot Magazine. About a year or two after completing her secondary education at the Anna Regina Secondary School, she decided to join the profession, initially as a way to earn a living. “At 19, I just sent in an application,”

she said. “I got through and I started to teach.” She started off at Charity Secondary where she taught Home Economics.. GROW TO LOVE In time, Alicia realised that she fell in love with her job and the responsibilities it entailed. “The children really motivate you to love it even more,” she further explained. In 2010, after a school year as a teacher at Charity Secondary, Alicia began her studies at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) on the Essequibo Coast to better equip herself as an educator. She completed her training there in 2012. In 2014, she again decided to upgrade her qualifications by attending the University of Guyana. She completed her Bachelor of Education in English at the institution and graduated in 2016.

There might appear to be a discrepancy between Alicia’s start as a Home Economics teacher and her current appointment as an English teacher. Explaining the circumstances that led to the change, she related that she had been in the Home Economics stream while in secondary school and it was in that area that she had been appointed to teach at Charity Secondary. When she started her training at CPCE however, English was one of the only two Alicia Jabbar, Career Day at subject area specialisations Plaisance Secondary (Photo that were available to her. Specialisations in more vocourtesy of Alicia Jabbar) cational subject areas, such as Home Economics and Agricultural Science, were not being offered since there were not enough teachers interested in pursuing them. TEACHING ENGLISH Alicia was undaunted by the choice and change in subject area. Given the choice between English and Social Studies, English was her clear choice, not least because she herself is partial to story and poetry writing. That interest was aided by the English teachers she was fortunate to have been taught by while in secondary school, chief among those she mentioned was Miss Deoranie Ramdeen. Alicia explained that she enjoyed classes with her above all her English classes at Anna Regina Secondary. She related that Ramdeen’s calm and simple demeanour and way of teaching had made her learning experience a comfortable one. She also credited teachers Miss Dianne Henry and Miss Trevani as having made her education in English richer. Her journey in the teaching profession so far has not been without challenges. Perhaps one of the most difficult was leaving behind her child. She was among the first group of teachers to be part of the initiative to transition CPCE Associate Degree teachers to Bachelor Degrees at the University of Guyana. Pursuing her degree required her to leave her daughter at home while she came to Georgetown to study. It was very difficult for her, on an emotional level, to leave her child behind during her period of study. That was her greatest challenge since she related that she had not found her new environment especially challenging to adjust to. Neither was it difficult to adjust to teaching at Freeburg Secondary School, the school she was attached to. OTHER CHALLENGES Another challenge has been strategising to get her students to focus on academics since they are more athletically inclined. Though it was frustrating for her in the beginning, she has been able to adjust her teaching accordingly. “Over the years, [I’ve learnt] to try for improvement,” she said. That she said is her main goal – to motivate her students so that they improve. “I think as a teacher that should be the most important thing,” Alicia noted. She has learnt that a teacher plays multiple roles in a child’s life besides teaching. Sadly, she noted that not every child can be reached despite an educator’s best efforts. They may leave the system she said without any change and without a teacher having gotten through to them. It is a sad truth that she has had to learn to accept. May 15 will mark eight years since Alicia began teaching. She is presently teaching at Plaisance Secondary School where she holds the position of Trained Graduate Mistress. She had some advice for anyone who may be interested in entering the teaching profession. Much like she did in the beginning, some who pursue the profession may look at teaching solely as a way to earn an income. Alicia advised though that teaching is a career that requires dedication. “If you really want to teach, if it’s something that you truly want to do, go for it,” she said. Alicia has spoken to numerous teachers and from those conversations and her own experience she has gleaned that the profession requires passion. “You will only be good at something if you really like it,” she made clear. “These are children we’re talking about and we cannot play with their futures.” She has also discovered that it is not just her students that learn. “You meet all sorts of children from all sorts of backgrounds and it’s very interesting because you yourself learn new things every single day.”

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CERVICALSave CANCER AWARENESS a Life By Marinella Glasgow

JANUARY is being observed as Cervical Cancer Month with the Cancer Institute waiving the fees for pap smears and offering free screening to women who are above the reproductive age throughout the month. However, many persons take it for granted because of the lack of knowledge with regard to this lethal disease. Guyana is the top country in South America that experiences high mortality rates because of cervical cancer. According to the South American Council of Health, the annual mortality rate per 100,000 people from cervical cancer in Guyana has increased by 4.0% since 1990, an average of 0.2% a year. Some factors that contribute to Cervical Cancer are unsafe sex and tobacco. The United Nations Children’s Fund through research revealed that females who engage in early sexual activities are at high risk to contract this disease in later years because of the underdevelopment of their bodies at that period. Despite the statistics, it is important that we know how to prevent and treat cervical cancer. Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells on the cervix grow out of control. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Cervical cancer can often be successfully treated when it’s found early. It is usually found at a very early stage through a Pap test. DIAGNOSIS Cervical cancer is caused by a virus called Human Pap-

illomavirus (HPV). HPV is contracted by having sexual contact with someone who has it. There are many types of the HPV virus. It is important to note that not all types of HPV cause cervical cancer. Some types of HPV cause genital warts. Most females have been infected with HPV at some time. An infection may go away on its own. But sometimes it can cause genital warts or lead to cervical cancer. That’s why it’s important for women to have regular Pap tests. A Pap test can find changes in cervical cells before they turn into cancer. SYMPTOMS Abnormal cervical cell changes rarely cause symptoms. Symptoms of cervical cancer may include: • Bleeding from the vagina that is not normal, such as bleeding between menstrual periods, after sex, or after menopause. • Pain in the lower belly or pelvis. • Pain during sex. • Vaginal discharge that isn’t normal. HOW IS CERVICAL CANCER DIAGNOSED? • As part of a pelvic exam, a Pap test is necessary. During a Pap test, the doctor scrapes a small sample of cells from the surface of the cervix to look for cell changes. If a Pap test shows abnormal cell changes, the doctor may do other tests to look for precancerous or cancer cells on the cervix. • The doctor may also do a Pap test and take a sample of tissue (biopsy) if there are symptoms of cervical cancer, such as bleeding after sex. TREATMENT FOR CERVICAL CANCER The treatment for most stages of cervical cancer includes:

• Surgery, such as a hysterectomy( removal of the uterus) • Removal of pelvic lymph nodes with or without removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes. • Chemotherapy. • Radiation therapy. One or more treatments may be needed if the cancer has excessively grown. Thus, the doctor will use a combination of treatments.

PREVENTION OF CERVICAL CANCER The Pap test is the best way to find cervical cell changes that can lead to cervical cancer. Regular Pap tests almost always show these cell changes before they turn into cancer. If you are age 26 or younger, you can get the HPV vac-

cine, which protects against types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer. The Ministry of Public Health in collaboration with other N-on-Profit Organisations such as the SAR are giving free pap smears and cancer screening. The virus that causes cervical cancer is spread through sexual contact. The best way to avoid getting a sexually transmitted infection is to not have sex. If you do have sex, practice safer sex, such as using condoms and limiting the number of sex partners you have. Let us be vigilant as we commemorate Cancer Awareness Month. Contact the Ministry of Public Health on Brickdam or The Cancer Institute to acquire more information on the locations that offer Pap Tests. Let’s Save a Life!

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Chronicle Pepperpot January 14, 2018

Apple health data used in murder trial Health data has provided crucial evidence at a trial in Germany, in which a refugee is accused of rape and

murder. Apple's Health App accurately records steps and has been

pre-installed on the iPhone 6S and newer models. Data suggesting the suspect was climbing stairs could correlate to him dragging his victim down a riverbank and climbing back up, police said. The accused - Hussein K - has admitted his guilt but disputed some details. The 19-year-old medical student Maria Ladenburger was murdered in October 2016 and the trial - at the district court in Freiburg - started in September. Ms Ladenburger was raped and drowned in the River

Dresiam. The suspect - identified by a hair found at the scene of the crime - refused to provide police with the PIN code to his phone so investigating officers turned to an unnamed cyber-forensics firm in Munich, which broke into the device. The health data app on iPhones records activity - including how many steps are taken, nutrition and sleep patterns as well as various body measurements such as heart rate. As well as locating Hussein's movements, the phone also suggested periods of more strenuous activity, including two peaks, which the app put down to him "climbing stairs". An investigator of similar build to the suspect went to the area where the body was found and recreated how the police believe he disposed of the body. The police officer's movement data on the same app showed him also "climbing stairs". "For the first time, we correlated health and geo-data," chief of police Peter Egetemaier told the court, according to German paper Die Welt. Complicating the trial are attempts to pin down Hussein's real age. He initially claimed that he was 17 but his father, tracked down to Iran, has disputed this. Age will play a part in sentencing. The maximum for someone under 18 is 10 years, whereas the adult sentence for such a crime could be up to 30 years.

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fats and sugar promotes radiant skin. Consider a low-sugar diet, which can keep insulin levels down, allowing cells to maintain a healthy balance. 4. SWEAT IT OUT! - Do: Exercise regularly. Running, jogging and yoga will give your body the necessary blood circulation, and also accelerate the cleansing process of your entire body. You will notice a glow on your face after working out. Racing against time? Just take a brisk walk around the block. Don’t: Skip skincare before and after a workout. Apply a toner to help minimise oil production before heading out. Exfoliate after, and then apply shea butter or olive oil to moisturise the skin. 5. BEAUTY SLEEP - Do: Try to sleep at least eight hours every night. If you don’t get enough shut-eye, your skin gets tired just like you - it sags and you get bags. So don’t risk it. You can also apply honey on your face twice or thrice a week to naturally soothe and heal your skin. 6. H2O TO THE RESCUE - Do: Hydrate yourself. Drink lots of water daily, at least eight glasses if not more. Also, eats fruits and vegetables that have a high water content such as watermelon, cucumber, orange, strawberry, grapefruit and cantaloupe. Ayurvedic physician, Vasant Lad recommends to “drink water from a blue coloured bottle”, since it has a cooling effect. 7. GOODBYE ACNE - Don’t: Pop pimples because it can lead to more swelling, redness, and even scarring. Feel a pimple is on its way? Just clean the area with rose water, and place a chilled green tea bag for 10 minutes. Also, if you wear glasses or sunglasses, make sure you clean them frequently to keep oil from clogging the pores around your eyes and nose. Now you’re almost ready, you’re dressed to perfection, yet you need something to complete the look. Your smile! While we spend so much time and energy on honing our bodies and looks, we forget to express our inner joy and happiness. “Keeping a smile on your face will help maintain the tone of your facial muscles and skin. People may say you look 10 years younger than you are!”, adds the Ayurvedic physician, Vasant Lad. ◄◄◄ From page XXI

sion-making process to ensure that projects are implemented in a way that will not cause considerable damage to the environment. Let’s examine one of the many ways the public can be involved. READ PUBLIC NOTICES Once someone applies to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for an Environmental Authorisation and it is decided whether or not the person needs to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), the project is published in the newspapers. This allows members of the public to be aware of the project. A summary of the project will also be found on the Agency’s website. The public has the opportunity to share concerns, comments, recommendations etc. before the project commences. It’s therefore important that you pay attention to public notices and be in the know! ATTEND PUBLIC SCOPING MEETINGS What is a Public Scoping Meeting? As part of the name suggests it is a meeting that specifically targets members of the public. When a developer/project proponent applies to the EPA for Environmental Authorisation to execute a proposed project and the EPA determines that an EIA is required, as part of this process, such a meeting is necessary. This meeting provides the opportunity for residents of communities surrounding the proposed project site to provide their valuable suggestions, recommendations and concerns about the project idea. At a scoping meeting, the Developer and officials from the EPA are there to hear your thoughts about possible environmental impacts that should be included in the Terms of Reference to guide the EIA. Join us next week where we will examine public scoping meetings further, including who organises these, what to expect etc. Upcoming public scoping meetings Project Venue Time Date Toolsie Persaud Timbers Traders Inc. (TPTTI) Itabali Community Centre 11:00h January 14, 2018 Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd. EEPGL, Phase 2 Development Hopetown Multipurpose Cooperative Society Hall/ Boardroom 10:00h January 17, 2018 Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd. EEPGL, Phase 2 Development No. 66 Inshore Fishport Complex 08:00h January 18, 2018 You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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English THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Some folks rail against other folks, because other folks have what some folks would be glad for. HENRY FIELDING (1707-1754) Joseph Andrews bk. iv, ch.6 STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, When you were studying the sentence, you learned its word order should be natural, and the relation of its parts clear, and that the same principle holds for the structure of the paragraph. One paragraph may be linked to another, and one sentence within a paragraph may be linked to another. Think about pronouns, transitional words and phrases, demonstrative adjectives, and adverbs, and how you can make them help in the continuity of thought. Be wise. Love you THE PASSAGE Quick Comprehension One night, about two years ago, the eels in the pond on our farm squirmed across the fields like snakes to the stream that led to the river. When they reached the North Sea, they met millions more eels, who had left their ponds and rivers in northern lands. Like a vast army, they all swam out together in the Atlantic to the deep sea beyond Iceland near the North Pole. They laid their eggs there, and then died. The warmth of the sea hatched their eggs. The little eels then swam about on the surface, changing in shape until they became little elvers. They turned their heads towards Europe, and after swimming thousands of miles they have found their way back to the river down which their mothers travelled that night two years ago. Some will actually find the very pond their mothers lived in. Isn’t that a miracle? SOMETHING TO DO Answer the questions based on this simple but informative passage. 1. What are the young eels called? 2. Pond; sea; river: Which came second in the story?

3. Find out about any other creatures that travel to the sea to lay their eggs. Name them. 4. Find out about some creature you like and then write very simply about its life. GRAMMAR Using nouns and pronouns correctly ► Use the nominative case for (1) subjects and (2) predicate nominatives. He went biking. The one to blame is I. (There is growing acceptance of me in informal expression – an example of “levels of usage.”) This is he. ► Use the objective for objects. Gregory asked me for my candid opinion. (direct object) They gave me two yellow umbrellas. (indirect object) Give this lucky number to them. (object of a preposition) ► Most errors occur when a pronoun is a part of a compound. To help decide which form to use, eliminate the other member of the compound. David chose Jonathan and (I, me). David chose (I, me). [Now the choice is easy: “David chose me.”] David chose Jonathan and me. ► Keep an appositive pronoun in the same case as the word with which it is in apposition. We three – Jerry, he, and I – went. (apposition with subject) They took us, Annie and me. (apposition with direct object) ► Use who and whoever as subjects or predicate nominatives; whom and whomever as objects. The insertion of such expressions as “do you think” does not affect the rule. Who is coming? (subject of is coming) Who do you think is coming? (subject of is coming) Whom did you send? (object of did send: You did send whom?) Whom did you say you sent? (object of sent: You did say you sent whom?) [Who is frequently used in informal expression, especially if the object begins the sentence. This use is another example of “levels of usage.”] Give this to whoever wins first. (subject of wins; the object of the preposition to is “whoever wins first.”) Decorate whomever you like. (object of like) ► When a form of the infinitive to be links two pronouns, use the same case for both pronouns. I should like to be she. (nominative) He took me to be her. (objective) ► Use we in combination with nominative nouns and us in combination with objective nouns. (Such nouns are in apposition with the pronouns.) We boys worked. (subject) Do not forget us seven girls. (direct object) The trainers are we teachers. (predicate nominative) ► Use possessive case before a gerund you wish to show ownership. His (not Him) surviving is news. Do not mind my dancing. SOMETHING TO DO A… List the correct pronouns for the following sentences, and then write out each sentence. Read each sentence to hear the correct sound. In each instance give the reason for your choice of pronoun. 1. Bobby and (he, him) have been rooming four years now. 2. Henry depends on (I, me) more than Kathleen. Kathleen depends less on (I, me) than Henry. 3. Dismiss (whoever, whomever) has been found cheating. 4. Help Sherry and (I, me) sort the findings. B… Correct any pronoun errors in the following sentences. In each instance give the reason for your correction. 1. The boy who they say fired the first shot was captured yesterday. 2. They decorated the officer who his ‘squaddies’ call “bullet-proof chest.” 3. This is him speaking. He is speaking to she. 4. Do you want Quentin and I to come for you? 5. They came for you and I and him. 6. Someone started to trouble I and Jackie troubled him back. 7. This is he hiding behind the board, Sir Davis.

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Bollywood news

Salman Khan wishes luck to Zareen Khan for '1921'

Superstar Salman Khan has wished good luck to actress Zareen Khan for her latest film '1921'. "All the best Zareen Khan for '1921'. You are looking very pretty, but the trailer is scary," Salman tweeted on Friday, urging his Twitter followers to watch the Vikram Bhatt directorial.

Superstar Salman Khan has wished good luck to actress Zareen Khan for her latest film ‘1921’. “All the best Zareen Khan for ‘1921’. You are looking very pretty, but the trailer is scary,” Salman tweeted on Friday, urging his Twitter followers to watch the Vikram Bhatt directorial.

Sanjay Dutt celebrates 'Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster 3' wrap with a bash Its a wrap for Sanjay Dutt's 'Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster 3'. After winding up the last day of the film's shoot, Sanjay hosted a party at his Pali Hill home for the makers of the film -Raju Chadha and Rahul Mittra, that reportedly went on until the wee hours of the morning. Directed by National award-winning director Tigmanshu Dhulia, the third part of the franchise also stars Chitrangda Singh, Jimmy Sheirgill, Mahie Gill and Kabir Bedi.

The film that was recently announced, wrapped up their schedule rather quickly. It had been reported that leading star Sanjay refused to call off the shoots despite falling ill. The film's producer was all praises for Dutt for his dedication and doing his bit to prevent shoot delays. Meanwhile, the actor has already begun work on his next film 'Torbaaz', that revolved around child suicide bombers and also stars Nargis Fakhri.

SRK to Aamir Khan: Doting dads of Bollywood

Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan’s little man Taimur has both his parents wrapped around his little fingers. The Chota Nawab is not only wowing the nation with his adorable pictures but is amusing his parents too with his super cute acts. Revealing about the time when Taimur looked like a drunken baby, Saif reportedly said that watching him walking for the first time was like watching a drunken baby. It was not only hysterical but super cute and that it is a wonderful part of their lives. The actor had also recently said in an interview that he is open to working with Taimur in an endorsement deal, provided that he is paid lots for it. That Arjun Rampal is a doting dad to his two daughters is a known fact. However, it is not too often that we have seen the actor share breathtaking images of his darling daughters on

his social media handles. However, Thursday was a different day. Arjun took to his Instagram handle and shared a sunkissed picture of his daughter Myra. The star captured the simple yet beautiful image of his girl, lounging on a chair as she posed for the camera. He captioned the image, “Strike a pose. Definitely, do if u can like that #mymyra.” She’s quite a natural, wouldn’t you say so? Saif Ali Khan has always been clear about son Taimur Ali Khan’s public appearances and the paparazzi’s fascination with the little one ever since he was born. The actor who is now back with his new film ‘Kaalakaandi’ is not known for mincing any words and when asked about if he would like to sign an endorsement deal with Taimur, the actor smilingly said that he is open to the idea on the condition that they are paid really well.

Entertainment

Gal Gadot delivers inspiring speech on gender equality at Critics' Choice Award As 'Wonder Woman' Gal Gadot received the #SeeHer trophy at the Critics' Choice Award, the actor kept alive the 'Time's Up' spirit and called for gender equality. #SeeHer award aims to recognise the importance of accurately portraying women across the entertainment landscape. Gadot began her acceptance speech by pointing out that the top three films of

2017 ‘The Last Jedi’, ‘Wonder Woman’, and ‘Beauty and the Beast’ were all led by women. “Although this is progress, there is still a long way to go,” she said. ‘‘We’ve been witnessing a movement in our industry and society and I want to share this award with all the women and men who stand for what’s right,” the actor added

as she focused on the shift in the industry as a result of the #MeToo movement. She said that she “will never be si-

lenced. We will continue to band together to make strides uniting for equality.” Alongside Gadot’s award, ‘Wonder Woman’ received three Critics’ Choice nominations, for costume design, visual effects, and best action movie. Gadot will team up with Jenkins again for ‘Wonder Woman 2’, set for release on November 1, 2019.

Minnie Mouse to get her own star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Split Peas Cookup Ingredients 3 cups parboiled rice 1cup uncooked split peas 8 pieces pigtail (soaked for approx. 1 hr) (Optional) 2lbs Beef (Cubed) (Also Optional, omit all meat if you are Vegan) 1 large onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, peeled and halved Fresh seasoning – chive, thyme, shadon beni, chopped finely Large pinch of black pepper 1 oz butter Instructions Wash rice and set aside. Wash peas and put to cook in water over meduim high heat with pig tail and garlic until peas can be crushed but not too soft. Brown Beef Add chopped onion, chives, thyme etc. which has been cut up finely and also black pepper. After approx. 5-10 minutes add rice and butter, turn down heat, cover pot. When water has been absorbed (say 5 minutes) stir and add a little water covering tightly. Turn heat to low and let rice simmer until cooked approx. 15 minutes. You may add a little water the 2nd time if required. Fluff the rice with a fork and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve.

Minnie Mouse will be honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on her 90th anniversary. Reportedly, the polka-dot bow wearing mouse will be joining creator Walt Disney, long-time paramour Mickey Mouse and other beloved Disney icons like Donald Duck, Tinker Bell, Winnie the Pooh, Snow White, and Kermit the Frog. Minnie will receive the star on January 22 at 6834 Hollywood Boulevard in front of Disney’s El Capitan Theatre, dedicated in the category of Motion Pictures. The studio’s CEO Bob Iger and pop star Katy Perry will be present for the unveiling. “Minnie Mouse is a woman of the ages and her iconic status makes her a great addition to our Walk of Fame. Generations of fans of all ages have been looking forward to her seeing her bright new star,” said Ana Martinez, Producer of the Walk of Fame ceremonies. Minnie Mouse made her debut with

Disney’s iconic ‘Steamboat Willie’ cartoon. Mickey received his star in 1978 in celebration of his 50th anniversary.

Angelina Jolie dating Cambodian rapper-filmmaker PraCh Ly Actress Angelina Jolie is reportedly dating Cambodian lyricist and filmmaker PraCh Ly, nearly a year and a half after announcing her separation from her husband of two years, actor Brad Pitt. According to report, a source was quoted saying “They’re a perfect match. Their connection is becoming stronger by the day. It’s just what Angie needs. Angie hasn’t let anyone new into her life in a long time, but when she falls, she falls hard”.

The couple was introduced to each other by their mutual friend Loung Ung, when the ‘Maleficent’ star was in Cambodia to film ‘First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers’, based on Loung’s novel. Ly has also been reportedly spending time with Jolie’s children at her Los Feliz estate, apart from touring temples and markets in the Cambodia town section of Long Beach.