Pepperpot E-Papaer 03-10-2021

Making ‘achar’ for a living 55-year-old Basmatttie Narine better known as “Janet” is a resident of Miss Phoebe Village, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice. For the past 35 years, she has made a living selling various types of achars and other local treats by her roadside stand. Her achars come in various flavours such as mango, tamarind, bling-bling (sourie) and she also sells pepper sauce with limes, pickle mango, gooseberry jam, chicken foot and plantain chips (Carl Croker photo).

Sunday October 03, 2021

II

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

Restoration of City Hall to commence soon

By Francis Quamina Farrier THERE was a quiet “Hurray!” around Georgetown and beyond by citizens last week, when it was announced that restoration works on the structurally deteriorating City Hall building will commence soon. The statement informed citizens that the restoration works will be completed in March 2023.

There has been an indignant out-cry by many citizens over the decades, as the building slowly deteriorated, and fears that it might collapse, causing injury and even death to those working in it, or going there to pay their rates and taxes. A few years ago, Fire Chief Marlon Gentle had classified the building as a fire hazard.

The announcement of complete repairs to City Hall

has been decades in coming, and many citizens thought that their beautiful City Hall building would one day collapse and be gone forever, and probably replaced with a rectangular concrete monstrosity.

On October 1, 2017, my article with the headline, “Is the iconic Georgetown City Hall destined to disappear?” was published right here in the Sunday Chronicle Pepperpot Magazine. The article

Inside the grand Council Chamber, First Citizen Mayor Ubraj Narine is about to call to order a statutory meeting of the council (Photo by Francis Q. Farrier)

made a case for urgent repairs to the building. Though happy at the recent news, the citizens of Georgetown are not ready to exhale just yet.

They want to see the actual commencement of works.

The sight of the workers with tools in hand and working diligently and carefully on the repairs will certainly bring a sense of hope to the citizens of Georgetown and others who love that castle-like building dearly.

That iconic, gothic wooden building would have totally collapsed years ago due to lack of maintenance, had it not been for the obvious high quality of the materials used in its construction, and of course, the high standard of the construction itself.

After decades of lack of maintenance, portions of the building have already fallen off over the years.

The City Hall building was designed by the Rev. Fr. Ignatius Scoles, SJ, a Catholic priest, in 1887. Construction of his masterful design was completed in 1889, at the cost of $54,826.62. The restoration cost will be $780 Million,which was supplied by local and central government and the European Union.

Apart from my 2017 arti-

cle, many citizens have been pleading to at least three mayors to have the job done, since the building looked as though it would have

Council Chamber. It must be noted that there were some minor repairs carried out in 2012 when the central government made a grant

In the foreground is one of the most beautiful bridges in Georgetown. And dominating the downtown skyline for well over a century is the iconic City Hall building (Photo by Francis Q. Farrier)

collapsed at any time. In fact, the concert hall on the middle floor was closed and no longer considered safe for use. In more recent years, the building was declared a fire hazard by the Fire Department. An order was given by then Fire Chief Marlon Gentle that there should be no mass gatherings within the building. However, statutory council meetings continue to be held in the

of $20 million. Of course, that was just a drop in the bucket and nowhere near the hundreds of millions needed to effect complete repairs to the building.

Now that the good news has been announced, citizens will be looking to see when the restoration works will actually commence.

They are all waiting to exhale.

III

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

An inside look at the Guyana Prison Service 38 years and counting

By Dillon Goring

THE Guyana Prison Service (GPS) is celebrating 38 years of service to the nation and as the institution observes this milestone, the Pepperpot Magazine spoke with Director (Ag) of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, who walked us through its evolution, as well as the ongoing rehabilitation works.

“From since my time in the Prison Service to now, it has evolved a far way in terms of the physical infra-

properly.”

According to the Director (Ag), the prison in Guyana back then was a penal system, but he noted that the institution is moving towards becoming a correctional facility.

The Director added that because of this goal, all prisoners are exposed to rehabilitation and training. “ The skill sets are now better off, the type of Officers coming into the system would be better in terms of their skill set also and the

prisoners, which indirectly contributes to its service to the public at large.

Rehabilitative programmes and challenges faced Elliot was careful to note that one of the challenges faced by the Prison Service is the absence of space. “ If you do not have the adequate classroom facility, there is where the challenge comes, in terms of training prisoners, so with the improvement plan that we are having now, we are catering

British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, examines one of the leather shoes. Also taking a closer look is Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Godfrey Bess.

From left: Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ms. Mae Toussaint Jr.; Director of Prison (ag), Mr. Nicklon Elliot; Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Robeson Benn and Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Godfrey Bess, take a closer look at one of the beds made by the prisoners at the exhibition.

structure. We are not there as yet, in terms of training activities for prisoners. Some prisoners back then were not exposed to training programmes. Now we are actually trying to engage all prisoners in training programmes,” Elliot told the Pepperpot Magazine. “The condition in which prisoners would have actually lived back then was not conjunctive. But now you see changes happening in terms of modernised infrastructure we have put up, so that you can be able to accommodate prisoners

capacity- building back then.

Not a whole lot of persons would have been attracted to the organisation because of the conditions of service,” Elliot said, reflecting on times past.

He noted that since the conditions of service are improving, more persons are being attracted, thus making working with the prison service an appealing career.

According to him as well, there have been a lot of changes over the past 38 years to improve the quality of service given to the

for adequate classroom facility at Lusignan. In next year’s budget, they are plans to build a school, a rehabilitative centre and a recreational centre, where all prisoners will be exposed to various training programmes. These include anger management, conflict resolution, carpentry, joinery, tailoring and a whole [gamut] of programmes, inclusive of agriculture,” the Prison Director told the Pepperpot Magazine.

The future of the Prison Service Elliot made mention of

Inmates preparing the farm beds at the Timehri Prison

the fact that persons who pass through the prison system will have a fair chance of being assessed and will also be properly classified by the Sentence Management Board and Unit at the location.

This, therefore means, according to him, that prisoners will be assigned to various training programmes based on their skills, classification and their skill sets, equipping them with a prom-

Construction ongoing at Lusignan Prison as part of expansion works

ising future upon release.

“You can be able to place them in adequate training areas and of course, you will see less conflicts arising out of carefully placing persons in different strategic places to live. Society will see products coming out of the prison… because they would have been equipped with the necessary tools and mindset and skills to gradually reintegrate into society,” the Director told the Pepperpot Magazine.

The Director was optimistic that prisoners coming out of prison would be prepared and equipped to reintegrate into society, ultimately creating a safer Guyana.

Additionally, the Director mentioned that prisoners coming out of prison would be able to effectively compete with the technological challenges faced in society, even as they are given an oppor-

tunity to make a significant contribution to society.

“Earlier in the year, we conducted a digital skills training programme for prisoners, particularly at New Amsterdam, where 30 persons were exposed (15 males and 15 females), on the programme’s completion, inhouse personnel were the beneficiaries of the Digital Skills Training Programme,” Elliot told the Pepperpot Magazine .

The Director revealed that prisoners who are released from prison are recipients of skills training, and usually make valuable contributions by utilising their skills to develop and build the country.

Elliot also gave the assurance that despite the challenges faced, through the new directives and measures SEE PAGE IV

IV

By Marissa Foster.

A N D R E Ramaldo was born in Skeldon to parents from two racial groups and ethnicities, his father who is from Aruca Region and is of indigenous descent and his mother is from Skeldon and an East Indian. He spent his childhood days in Line Path and attended Line Path C Nursery. It was at that level Andre was thrust into the public speaking world.

He represented his nursery school in the regional science fair to present his project “The Wind Turbine”. He later attended Crabwood Creek Primary, where he spent two years then moved closer to home and completed his primary education at Skeldon Primary. Andre had big ambitions, he wanted to attend one of Guyana’s prestigious schools but unfortunately, he couldn’t. He attended the local secondary school; Skeldon Line Path Secondary. There, he completed his secondary education and was very active in co and extracurricular activities. He was a debater; he represented the school in science fairs, served as head prefect and worked along with other batch mates to return graduation to the school. After CSEC, he pursued CAPE at New Amsterdam Secondary and GCE A Levels with the School of Nations. It is here where he discovered his love for the education process after taking the course Education Psychology.

In 2009, Andre commenced working as a teacher of English at Tagore Memorial Secondary School. After about two years, he decided it was time he pursued his childhood dream which was to become a lawyer so he can serve those who needed help the most. He tried to leave

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

but things were not going his way. One day a colleague sat him down and told him that he was “cut out” to be an educator. Her exact words were “the students need you”.

After much pondering, he decided to continue being an educator. Having studied literature in high school, Andre knew the value and wealth of experience about the life he received through this experience and wanted the same for the students of Tagore. With the support of the headteacher and his colleagues, English B became a major subject on the school’s curriculum and to date, students have been exposed to valuable experiences through their English B classes.

Over the years, Andre’s interest in education has evolved. He has 12 remarkable years of teaching English Language and Literature, however, his attention has shifted to the area of special and inclusive education. Having always had an ability to engage with children, Andre feels that children’s experiences in their formative years can steer the path of their childhood, teen and adult life. Especially interested in students who struggle with reading, Andre wants to help in a meaningful way by raising awareness of Dyslexia and other learning difficulties which he feels children encounter and suffer in silence.

This interest has led him to partner with some colleagues to form an organisation that will focus on helping vulnerable children and teenagers who, for whatever reason, are shunned and excluded from regular classroom life. As an advocate for inclusive education, Andre feels that the education system is still young in this regard and hopes to become a major influencer in inclusive education policy. His ultimate

Andre Ramaldo

goal is to be an education consultant in special and inclusive education. He envisions himself travelling his beloved country to find and empower educators who will be protagonists for a more inclusive education system.

The Pepperpot Magazine asked Ramaldo, what does it mean to you to be an educato of Guyana? He replied by saying, “I feel that educators have a major role in the holistic development of the pupils and students in their care. An educator is not simply someone who delivers an academic curriculum, they influence and inspire and motivate. They are the catalyst that will make their students rise and soar.” Further, as an indigenous educator, Andre feels he has a responsibility to ensure that the indigenous communities across Guyana have access to quality education and this he hopes to work towards as he advances in his career.

In 2020, Andre and three other teachers of The Bishop’s High School worked to create a virtual space to deliver the curriculum due to COVID-19.

He is particularly proud

of this accomplishment because it was an undertaking

An inside look at ....

FROM PAGE III

that have been put in place, the prison administration is working assiduously to ensure that life in and out of prison is comfortable and viable.

“Public safety remains part of our day-to-day activities, and of course we will ensure that prisoners are exposed to all the various types of training programmes, so

when they would have been released, they can be marketable and sustain their livelihoods,” Elliot told the Pepperpot Magazine.

In honour of the GPS’s 38th Anniversary, the institution held a Thanksgiving Anniversary Church Service on September 26 under the theme, ‘Working towards improving the image of the Guyana Prison Service’ at the National

Cultural Centre Tarmac, Hadfield Street, Georgetown. The event, which was attended by Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn and British High Commissioner Jane Miller, also featured an exhibition of prisoners’ works created during their time spent in rehabilitative programmes while in prison.

by four young people who were determined to ensure that the students and their colleagues had access to an efficient system to teach and learn. Because of this system, every student at The Bishop’s High is accounted for. Also it is such a secure system, no outsiders can infiltrate and cause confusion which has been the case with other virtual spaces.

Through this initiative, they have increased access and provided the opportunity for students to be taught.

Andre shared some of his proudest achievements as an Indigenous and Educator of Guyana. He said, “I am proud of the work the Youth Ambassadors (YA) 2018 Alumi did earlier this year. As a mentor,

it was a privilege working with the YA to create and execute the career mentorship programme. It gave over 200 young Guyanese the opportunity to meet established professionals and learn from them. It also gave them the opportunity to learn from seven young leaders in Guyana in the area of leadership, effective communication, resume writing, financial management, networking and achieving educational goals. What is especially significant about this team effort is the fact that participants gained employment and internship opportunities. We hope to make this something regular because we believe in the empowerment of young people”.

Guyanese Educator and Education Advocate; Andre Ramaldo

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

Rupununi ranger using pandemic time to visit surrounding villages, learn traditional skills

CADET ranger with the South Rupununi Conservation Society (SRCS) Kim Spencer has been using the

recently to learn how to make Parkari (Kari), parch farine, bake cassava bread, among other traditional activities.

“In my time there, I was a witness to one of the most extraordinary sights. There was a huge storm, but in the midst of the dark clouds, the sun was setting and there were six simultaneous rainbows.

As if that wasn’t fascinating enough, as the storm rolled on, the thunder and lightning contrasted with the rainbows. I managed to capture on camera a picture of the lightning and a rainbow. It was unbelievable that we witnessed a storm, the rainbows, lightning and thunder during sunset,” she recalled.

Kim has also participated in the first-ever turtle festival in South Rupununi held in Sand Creek, where 200 turtles were released into the wild. “The day was full of many activities and I especially enjoyed a calabash of

Kim is an avid animal lover

Enjoying a calabash of some good, strong Kari

pandemic time to engage in activities that extend beyond her norm, and that improves her skills so far as her local heritage is concerned.

An avid animal lover, Kim gets to live her dream by travelling to the Rupununi and conducting surveys on animals and the environment.

Having grown up in a ranch farming environment, “Kimmy”, as she is fondly called, has centred her life on enjoying nature and even teaching others about it.

With the limitations brought on by the pandemic, she has been using her time

She’s also visited surrounding villages in the south, like Katoonarib to visit ‘Dwayne’ the tapir and her family.

Kim has also been able to pay a visit to Moco Moco, where she ventured to climb the steps to Black Rock and look at the view of the Kanuku Mountains and the savannah. “I also visited the Manari ranch where I helped the owner around the ranch and enjoyed the good life, and my next visit was to Wichabai where the SRCS headquarters are located,” she reflected in an interview with Pepperpot Magazine a few days ago.

The Kumu Falls provided the most therapeutic of experiences for Kim

Kim Spencer

some good, strong Kari.”

She has also visited the Kumu falls and had the most therapeutic of experiences there. “Added to that, in showing my dedication to the Red Siskin, I have taken a tattoo of the logo of SRCS. I’m really in love with my tattoo as it not only depicts my favourite bird but also represents something I have dedicated my life to the conservation of the South Rupununi wildlife.”

Born and raised in Katoonarib and Dadanawa Ranch, both Region Nine villages, Kim is now settled in Sand Creek Village. She learned essential skills and became trained and equipped

V

with a variety of environmental knowledge, such as

handling birds, navigating GPS, and using camera footage to collect and analyze data of the natural environment.

Kimmy, who is of the Wapichan indigenous tribe, also gets to work with Rupununi Trails, a tour operator based at Dadanawa Ranch in the South Rupununi, which has been operating over the past 40 years and has been the choice of wildlife photographers, scientists, birdwatchers, fishermen and nature lovers.

Kimmy’s work with the school children inspired her to enter the teaching profession. So having started her training at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), she was appointed to teach at the Sand Creek Secondary School in 2016.

Things did not work out for her at CPCE because of illness and other

personal reasons, so she opted to return home without graduating. “Working in the education sector didn’t stop me from doing my ranger work in the fields during the weekends and on holidays,” she said. So at the moment, she is a Mathematics and Environmental Education teacher. Recently, Kimmy also got her license as a tourist guide.

Kimmy also loves her home. Her village, Katoonarib, is located about 72 kilometres from Lethem, and has just about 200 people are living there. “I love the Rupununi because of its natural beauty, the people, the environment and everything about it. It’s open; it’s friendly; there’s nothing to be afraid of.

Being in nature is one of the greatest feelings. I can go to the creek without any cost and I don’t need to worry about electricity or bills or anything,” Kimmy expressed.

Witnessing a spectacular display in nature during her visit to Wichabai

VI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

Miss Phoebe Village A breezy, roadside place Miss Phoebe Village (Carl Croker photos)

By Michel Outridge THIS week the Pepperpot Magazine visited the countryside village of Miss Phoebe, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice to highlight the way of life of the locals and the village.

Miss Phoebe is one of eight constituencies within the Port Mourant district and it is located between Tain and Ankerville villages.

Miss Phoebe is a place with well-preserved colonial-style houses and is a village currently occupied by mostly people of East Indian descent, but lately a few Afro

Guyanese have moved in and are blending with the locals.

Miss Phoebe is a breezy roadside village even on a very hot day and has many internal one-vehicle streets and on the roadside there are a lot of butterflies.

The people are friendly and welcoming and have a lot to chat about.

The community has a lot of mandirs, a few churches and a masjid, but no schools

or other government facilities.

These services are accessed in nearby villages right in the Port Mourant district and there is a large Saturday Market as well.

The eight constituencies in Port Mourant are: Tain, Clifton, John’s, Portuguese Quarters, Compound, Free Yard and Bound Yard.

Miss Phoebe extends from the foreshore on the

Focus on the Village

north and way down to the backlands on the south and it is a mid-size village with many small shops, a large grocer and beverage depot/ shop, wash bays, tyre shops and other small roadside businesses.

The people live simply and work hard and they depend heavily on the nearby Albion/Port Mourant Sugar Estate, since most of the men are sugar workers and construction employees within the public and private sectors.

The population is just about 1500 with more than 360 houses. The architecture of this village is very intriguing, with a mix of large concrete houses and the old colonial-style wooden houses maintained over the years.

There are many farmers in this village and almost every yard space is used for planting cash crops, fruits

and flowers.

Some small-scale farmers are cultivating cantaloupe and broccoli in this community.

Most yards of private residences are well-kept, clean and much organised and this community is one of the cleanest.

Miss Phoebe has two large-size fields which were supposed to be converted into recreational playgrounds, but it is overgrown with bushes and there are no facilities there.

The village is home of the Guyana Human Development Multi-Purpose Centre, where skills training is offered for school drop-outs, single parents and others, who are willing to learn a trade to be empowered.

This village was flooded like most along the Corentyne corridor and some farm-

ers are still awaiting the cash grants to re-start planting as their only source of income.

Miss Phoebe Village has electricity, potable water supply, internet, landline and cable services, good roads and infrastructure.

This community is a safe place, but within recent times a gambling agency which has set up business in the community has the youths spellbound and they spend a lot of time and money there, a cause for concern by some.

There have been breakins by youths, who have been abusing alcohol and drugs and who are not employed.

Most people in this village are religious and they go to the mandirs in the community to worship and participate in services.

Miss Phoebe is a lovely place to raise a family and have a good life.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

The interesting places and people of Miss Phoebe

By Michel Outridge

needs an upgrade.

MICHAEL Ramaiah is a businessman and resident of Miss Phoebe Village, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice and he gives back to the community through the religious organisations and would assist in whatever way he can when he is asked to provide finance or groceries to the less fortunate.

The farmer and the vendor In this same village, there is the home of Phulmattie Fredericks and her husband Balram Fredericks, who was once a cane-cutter, but had to quit his job due to ill health.

They had been living in the village for the past 38 years and are caretakers of the property in which they

The Berbice Islamic School In this village, there is the Berbice Islamic School which is conveniently located on the Public Road, and it was established in 2004 for both Muslim and non- Muslim students.

According to teacher Farina Yassim, who has been at the school since 2013, the

VII

tional students and they have had some success stories as some students have excelled.

“When they come here after five years, they do well in exams and we ensure our curriculum is sufficient,” she said.

Yassim told the Pepperpot Magazine that presently they have online classes for the secondary students, while classes are held at the school

Teacher Farina Yassim

they lost 14 banks of celery and other cash crops and are now trying to re-plant after the soil is fully dried out and prepared.

They have two neighbours and they live a very quiet and simple life.

Balram has crops of broccoli, bora, celery, shallot, peppers, lettuce, boulanger, thick leaf calaloo and other

scale farmers in the village who are awaiting their cash grant to upkeep their livelihoods of farming.

After 29 years of service at the sugar estate, he was forced into early retirement when he got sick and is getting only $10,000 monthly, which is insufficient to offset household expenses including, bills.

Businessman, Michael Ramaiah

He is the owner of Michael and Sons Business Enterprise, a wholesale/retail beverage depot and shop at Well Street, Miss Phoebe Village.

He has seven staffers in his employ and is willing to provide jobs for the youths in the village, but added his concerns as regards the gambling shop in his village, which attracts the young men who would lose their earnings and imbibe heavily there.

Ramaiah reported that Miss Phoebe is otherwise a quiet, countryside place where everybody knows each other and they do not have a lot of issues, except his street

they reside. They used to rent the place, but had family issues and were asked to move.

When Balram suffered a heart condition and collapsed several times at work in the cane field, he was offered early retirement and was at home, so he decided to convert his yard into a garden.

He plants the fruits and vegetables and his wife would sell the produce at the Port Mourant Market on Saturdays to earn.

Phulmattie, also known as Pammy, is originally from Black Bush Polder but relocated to Miss Phoebe after marriage.

The mother of five stated that when they had the flood,

Balram Fredericks, the farmer in his garden

crops.

“Since January, I re-planted and is [sic] hoping for a good harvest because this is my living and we depend on it,” he said.

He is one of many small-

Phulmattie Fredericks

private school offers both primary and secondary education in their spacious classrooms.

“Our students are not forced to conform to the Muslim faith nor teachers and we respect religions and people here,” she said.

The school has a prayer room and when it is time for prayers, non-Muslims are given remedial work to complete.

Yassim added that the Berbice Islamic School is a place where slow learners are elevated to become excep-

for the primary level.

They have an enrolment of more than 32 pupils in the primary level and a lot of students in the secondary level have dropped out due to the pandemic, but they had more than 130 before COVID-19.

The Berbice Islamic School is governed by a Board of Directors and has six teachers and they would type out and print all work materials to distribute free of charge to pupils and students who do not have internet access.

The Berbice Islamic School

Focus on the Village

The business place of Michael Ramaiah (Carl Croker photos)

VIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

Life in Miss Phoebe Village

By Michel Outridge VINOD Pooran and his mother, Devika Pooran, still reside in the house built by their foreparents, a wooden, colonial-style house which they have maintained and

garden, as well as a flower garden in their yard which is tended to daily.

Pooran said his uncle built the house and he struggled to do so working in the backlands and rice fields and as soon as the house was

The original house was built in 1975 and was a logietype house and over the years they restored it to the way it is now.

Pooran serves as village leader and he is a spiritual leader who holds a degree in

Devika Pooran

Vinod Pooran (Carl Croker photos)

restored over the years.

They live in a lovely house by the roadside at Miss Phoebe Village, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice and have a nice vegetable/fruits

completed, his papers came through and he migrated with his family and did not get to enjoy living in his newly constructed house he took years to complete.

Latchmie Jaggernauth

Physics from the University of Guyana (UG) and is a vegetarian, unmarried and is a staunch devotee of the Hare Krishna temple.

He explained that his mother is from Canje, but relocated eight years ago to Miss Phoebe Village and he followed her since she was living alone.

“Here we are happy, we live simple [sic] and plant our own foods and flowers and we make use of the fruits and vegetables,” he said.

Pooran is a member of the Hare Krishna Temple at Williamsburg, Corentyne, Berbice and at his home he would teach music and psychology via a blackboard.

“I follow the true spiritual teachings because I practise

what is preached and there are a lot of religious people, who go to church but are not spiritual,” he said.

Pooran reported that he does retrospection and is constantly upgrading himself spiritually by learning.

He disclosed that their motto is “Simple living, high

with the house, so they were asked to stay there and after his mom left the place 21 years ago she returned to it eight years now.

“I would volunteer my time and services to the community to make representation for the people at all levels and I am a part of the

Aunty Latchmie The 60-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is the mother of four. Her husband was a cane-cutter and he was killed in the cane fields 27 years ago in what was termed an accidental killing when a colleague, jok-

Focus on the Village

living” and they keep their place clean and tidy and grow their own foods and do not eat meat or dairy products.

Pooran added that his family did not want to part

Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) and the people look up to me to assist,” he said.

Meanwhile, his mother Devika Pooran is a cancer survivor, underwent five surgeries and had to quit her job as a vendor at the New Amsterdam Market when she was first diagnosed; it was early detection that saved her life.

Her husband died 25 years ago and she was tasked with bringing up four children single-handedly.

Today her children are all grown and married and she has four grandsons and enjoy the simpler things in life, such as making tamarind achar and drying bird peppers to make pepper sauce and does chores and cooks.

She is well-known and is a respected elder in her village and at age 70 she is in her golden years.

In the north side of the village, there is the home of Latchmie Jaggernauth, who was enjoying some country breeze after completing some chores.

ingly placed a cutlass at his neck, severing his main vein causing him to bleed to death.

She was at the time pregnant with her last child and was just 33 years old; she had to seek employment to raise the children.

She started selling snacks at the Tain Primary School over the years, but after the pandemic she was forced to quit when schools were closed two years ago.

Today, Jaggernauth has a wooden cottage that sits on a spacious yard at the end of the street and has one of the tidiest yards in the village.

A daughter and a grandchild reside with her and they are comfortable, but find it difficult to pay bills and buy groceries without a job.

“I applied for public assistance and to date I haven’t had any response, because things are hard without a job,” she said.

Near her home there is a playground which is overgrown and under-developed and is hoping that the place be fixed up so the children will have a place to play.

IX

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

Making ‘achar’ for a living

By Michel Outridge IT is probably one of the tastiest achars ever, the tamarind achar, which is home-made and is prepared

by Basmatttie Narine better known as Janet, who is a roadside vendor of all types of achars.

The 55-year-old sells at Miss Phoebe, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice roadside

years ago, when he could no longer do strenuous backdam work.

Narine stated that she began operating her small business on a full-time basis when her husband became too sick to assist in garnering income for the home.

She has been a resident of Miss Phoebe Village for the past 36 years and describes life there as fair, but it entails

Mangoes for achar

on a wooden stall, where she displays her home-made achars, which come in the flavours of mango, tamarind, bling-bling (sourie), pepper sauce and pepper sauce with limes, pickled mangoes, gooseberry jam, chicken foot and plantain chips.

She has been selling at the same spot for the past 35 years now. After marriage she relocated to Miss Phoebe Village where she started her marriage life and decided to establish a small business to earn as a mother of seven.

When her husband became ill with a heart condition as a cane-cutter he opted for early retirement three

easy, but I try to make ends meet financially because I have to work and some days I sit here all day without selling much,” she said.

Narine reported that four of her seven children are married and are living elsewhere, while two are still at home and they would assist in whatever way they can.

“I am a diabetic and also suffer from hypertension and some days I feel sick, but I would still come out here because I don’t want to work with people and try to sell because I would sit and try to relax a bit to preserve my health,” she said.

Narine explained that she would buy whatever fruits are in season by the bulk and take the time to prepare the fruits to make the achars, after which it is stored in glass bottles for sale after all the ingredients are added and it is cooled.

She added that some overseas buyers would make orders and the locals also support the business when they can.

Narine is one of the friendliest faces in the village and she is a soft-spoken lady

Home-made achars and pepper sauces on sale

Gooseberry jam anyone?

Ramdat Isar peeling mangoes to make achar

The Councillor

hard work and dedication as a small-business owner.

“Paying bills and meeting household expenses isn’t

who is a family-oriented individual who makes an honest dollar vending achars, jams, pickles and chips.

Basmattie Narine displaying her products (Carl Croker photos)

Meanwhile, the Pepperpot Magazine also met Councillor Ramdat Isar, 61, a pensioner, who has a small shop attached to his house in the village and is a father of two.

The village elder disclosed that he has been a resident of Miss Phoebe Village since 1994 and his ancestors were the first settlers in the village.

He noted that the people of the village depend on the Albion/Port Mourant Sugar Estate for a living and most residents are employed as sugar workers.

Isar stated that some men in the village are skilled and

construction workers and others have small businesses and are self-employed.

At the time, the elder had sourced some green mangoes which he had already peeled and were about to grate it to make mango achar for his wife to sell at the Rose Hall Market.

Isar noted that to make a comfortable life one has to do many jobs and he is also a farmer, who lost his crops to the flood this year and is in the process of re-planting some peppers, tomatoes, corilla, squash, pumpkins and cantaloupe.

He would plant crops and harvest and his wife is a vendor and she would sell the produce at the market to

bring in an income.

Isar told the Pepperpot Magazine that the people want development in terms of an upgraded drainage system in the village and there is the need for a proper playground in the community for recreational activities.

“The people want street lights as a security feature because within recent times there have been some break-ins or what we call them ‘kitchen thieves’ and there is a drug and alcohol abuse issue among the youths in the village, so that needs to be addressed too; then there is noise nuisance, the playing of loud music; other than that, we are good,” he said.

Focus on the Village

X

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

Empowering the people of Miss Pheobe The Guyana Human Development Multi-Purpose Centre

By Michel Outridge

nails, and make –up courses, manicure, pedicure, facials and basic mechanic.

She reported that the centre is led by Fr. Ramesh Va-

THE Guyana Human Development Multi-Purpose Centre (GHD-MPC) is lo-

for classes since the pandemic.

Amar stated that they have two full-time teachers and three volunteers and

GHD-MPC has a library which is opened to the public, free of charge and they have thousands of books, a craft section, sewing machines, washroom facilities and a

beatable with just $1,000 per course which lasts a month and we attached that small fee to hold the student responsible for attending classes because we want them to

and golden agers and single and divorced parents.

The facilities at GHDMPC are computer skills, reading room/library, guidance and counselling room,

Inside the GHD-MPC

The GHD-MPC building at Miss Phoebe Village (Carl Croker photos)

cated at Miss Phoebe Village, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice. It is a Catholic Religious Organisation by the name of “Society of Jesus” ( also known as the Jesuits worldwide) and it an entity committed to empowering school drop-outs, single parents and anyone, who is willing to learn a skill to become gainfully employed by establishing their own small businesses, to earn.

Angelita Amar is the Assistant Director and she related that the courses offered at the facility, are: computer classes, cake decoration, cooking, craft, sewing, hair,

The library

nan SJ as its present Director and has been in existence for the past 15 years and is opened from 08:30hrs to 17:30hrs on weekdays and they have different sessions

every six months they have a graduation of varying courses with about 25 to 30 students and those students can take up to four classes at the same time if they wish.

Students in the computer room

Focus on the Village

kitchen area that is fully equipped, a sickbay which will be converted into a section for First Aid Classes which will be introduced in the curriculum soon.

“Because of the pandemic, we have to re-structure classes so at any given time we do not have a crowd here and we practice all the safety protocols here and we ensure the place is clean and sanitised regularly too,” she said.

The Jesuits also distribute hampers to widows and the needy in the village and surrounding communities every month as their way of giving back to society. They also make sure the staff and students cultivate this habit of reaching out to persons in need in the community.

Director of GHD-MPC, Fr. Vanan SJ told the Pepperpot Magazine that the Jesuit Community offers counselling and has many outreaches and would also have sessions on alcohol abuse and suicide prevention from time to time.

He stated that the GHD-MPC was established in 2006 and since then, they have had many success stories with the hundreds of women and youths that pass through the facility. Teachers, nurses, retired headmasters, Police personnel are also some of our past students. The centre is open to the whole neighbourhood and area without any discrimination.

“The fee structure is un-

become empowered and successful in their career paths,” he said.

The GHD-MPC is geared towards contributing towards the transformation of Guyana in to a nation of reconcili-

mediation room and kitchen, food and snack preparations.

The facility is located at Lot 15 Miss Phoebe Public Road, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice and it is a wellkept, clean place with all

Assistant Director, Angelita Amar

ation, peace, harmony and human progress. The centre is primarily sponsored by the Jesuits in Guyana and offers programmes based on faith, morals, and pastoral care to youths, parents, teachers and students.

The GHD-MPC targets children ages five to 12, early teens from 13 to 15, late teens from 16 to 19, youth from 20 to 25, unmarried adults and singles, married couples with children, parents and adults in general, teachers and educators, workers and shop assistants, grandparents

the basic amnesties to foster learning it is also spacious and airy.

The staff are cooperative and friendly and it is the place to be if you are interested in being empowered and establishing your own small business to earn.

The GHD-MPC supports students until they graduate and even assist in placing them in suitable jobs and has all decorations, arts and craft on display in the building as a show-piece of the talent they have.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

XI

XII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

Holistic Mind Tips, tools and resources for your mental wellness

By Anju Vivekanandaraj

Looking at ‘Shame’ through the lens of compassion

OF all the different human emotions, shame is a simple and innocent emotion that comes from our desire to belong and to be loved. Self-criticism, self-judgement, thoughts of unworthiness or belief that we are undeserving and unlovable make shame one of the most distressing and painful emotions.

“I’m not doing good enough” “I’ll never be enough for

my partner” “I will never get this right because I’m a loser” “I’m unworthy of her love” “These are some of the stories that our minds tell us when we feel shame” When shame is actively working in our minds, it can cause us to withdraw, hide, and isolate from others, contributing heavily to desperate loneliness. If we look a little deeper, oftentimes

underneath that feeling of shame are a lot of other difficult emotions such as anger, fear and sadness. And the shame can make it harder for us to deal with other emotions until it’s been properly addressed or dealt with.

What makes shame so harmful?

In contrast to guilt, which is about our behaviour or about something we have done, shame is about our-

selves or who we think we are. Shame makes us believe that we are flawed and also that other people see us as flawed too. People feeling shame believe that they’re so defective and deserve whatever bad things have befallen them.

Studies have shown shame to be linked with depression, addiction, violence and other self-destructive behaviours.

Although shame is a temporary feeling, it can force us to think of past and present experiences, reliving them leading to pain. It can also make us feel empty and think that we have nothing worthy to contribute, thus tapping into our negative states.

We act out based on secondary emotions of shame, such as anger and frustration, which further leads to shame and the cycle is repeated. Most importantly, the shame diminishes our value by convincing us that we are worthless and that we deserve less in life

The truth is, you deserve to feel your worthiness and goodness. You deserve to know you are enough and lovable as you are and you deserve to be kind to yourself, just as you would be to

or show some kindness and empathy?

Just like you would give empathy or kindness to another person, showing kindness towards oneself is called self-compassion. The

anyone in your life.

next time you find yourself feeling ashamed and have the urge to be harsh on yourself and others, treat yourself to a kind dose of self-compassion by doing the following five-minute practice: 1. Think of a situation SEE PAGE XIII

Self-compassion, an antidote to shame Take a moment to reflect on ‘What will you do if you come across a friend or family member experiencing the feeling of shame and unworthiness?’ Would you be harsh towards them

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

Looking at ‘Shame’ ...

FROM PAGE XII in your life that is causing you the feeling of shame and unworthiness. It can be related to a health problem, relationship issues, work or other struggles.

2. Visualise the situation clearly in your mind. What is the place? Who is there with you? What’s happening?

What is that you and others are doing?

3. As you visualise, notice the thoughts that come to your mind, the feelings and what happens in your body (bodily sensations) 4. Now try saying to yourself, “this [is] a moment of suffering”as you notice the discomfort or the sensations in your body 5. Now try saying to yourself: “Suffering is a part of life” or “I’m not alone.

Everyone experiences suf-

fering and this is how it feels when people struggle in this way” 6. Offer the gesture of tender touch: Place the hand over your heart with a tender touch and direct some kindness inwardly towards yourself by saying a few words of kindness such as, “May I be kind to myself,” “May I give myself what I need,” “May I be strong,” “May I forgive myself’” or “May I learn to accept myself as I am” 7. If there are any particular words or phrases of kindness that you would like to hear right now in this difficult situation, try saying that.

8. Take a few moments to embrace the feeling of warmth and kindness To tackle the shame, we need to believe that the stories our minds have internalised from our past experiences aren’t true, so we can let go of them. When

the emotional wounds underlying the shame heal, we begin to change the narrative our minds tell us. And with self-compassion, we have the emotional resource to own our life story and to live with wholeheartedness.

Thank you for reading!

Kindly send in your feedback, questions or any topic that you would like to address to innerpeacegy@ gmail.com. If you would like personal counselling or therapy sessions (online and in-person), please call me at 613-9255 “If you put shame in a Petri dish, it needs three things to grow exponentially: secrecy, silence, and judgment. If you put the same amount of shame in a Petri dish and douse it with empathy, it can’t survive.”

— BRENÉ BROWN

XIII

XIV

A HAND TO HOLD

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

THE GIRL SHE ONCE WAS

For tiredness lies On my lids My body like a Broken goblet The Earth can feel No more my feet “So I must come home, dear Lord,” was the hoarse plea from the lips of the old woman, lying in a recliner on the patio.

The middle-aged nurse aid sitting close by reading the newspaper inquired of the old woman, “What is it, Sharda?”

She did not answer, looking up at the clear blue sky, her eyes not so dim, her hearing still fine. She could see the lovely flowers bloom and hear the sweet songs of the birds in her garden, but her love and passion for nature were slowly fading away.

How does one continue to embrace life when the body has become aged and feeble, memory sometimes floating into nothingness, when you need a young, strong hand to hold and there was none?

“How did this happen?” she asked herself, tears misting in her eyes, “Why did this happen?”

The loneliness was a deep ache in her heart, craving for the children she loved and missed so much just to hear their voices. But they were gone, now matured adults pursuing careers and sharing their lives with new loves and interests.

The mother now lived alone in the home where they had shared a beautiful family life. She had moulded and guided

them, her hard work and sacrifices laying a foundation for the successes they had achieved in their lives. But after reaching great heights in the business world, their

rich lifestyles made them forget where they came from, and for the aged mother, there was no time.

A lone tear trickled down her wrinkled face, a face still beautiful never mind her age

and she lifted a trembling hand to wipe it. A hand that was once strong, that held her children’s small ones every step of the way.

A wry smile crossed her face and a faraway look shone in her eyes as her thoughts took her back to a time when she was a young woman. She was so full of life, like a butterfly with amazing colours and a simple, little home filled with love, then her father gave her hand in marriage to a rice farmer’s son; a new life as a bride and later, a young mother. Paths she had walked paved with love, compassion, tears and pain, episodes of her life written on the leaves of time.

Then one day, fourteen years later, when she could have borne no more of her husband’s arrogance and abusive behaviour towards her,

WHEN there was innocence, happy times and the embrace of her family; a poor country-girl walking to school she had walked away from children to provide care and with her friends, picking wildflowers by the wayside and her matrimonial home with companionship for they hardplaying games on the streets in the afternoons. her four children into the ly found any time in their The wonderful memories of childhood days that were throes of an unknown world. daily schedules to spend with her precious gems.

She had worked long their mother.

Life for with than Thatfewer nightcomforts as she laid in her hours every dayher to was buildsimple a neighbourhood friends and as she grew up, she did nice little home with comfort bed, she looked at the paint- not nurture any dreams for as a poor girl she was not sure what the future held.

“Would the one I marry Make me happy Or would there be tears?”

Questions answered as she became a young woman as fate took her down different paths, rough and thorny.

She had been right not to dream for the tears were more than the happiness.

Now she laid in a cold, dark room, the world no more her home.

“I see no colours For over my eyes Lies a dark veil Hands I can hold no more Where am I?” Yesterday was just another day, listening to melodious songs on the radio, chatting with her close neighbours and walking down the street to the main road for a car to go into town.

Now today…

The sound of crying and voices expressing shock hit her like a cold blast and she opened her eyes, gasping, “Why is there crying?”

The voices were coming from beyond the door, voices she recognised and she sat up to call her sons to tell them ingnoonsound the wall facing herher andlips. for them and today, she wanted to goinstead home, but came from a smile touched lips, lessof holding her hand,closed like and The door stayed she bent her her head, not wantening in hertoheart. she ing had toheld they see theirs, what was around her,the notpain wanting believe turned their backs, leaving It was the picture of three something was wrong. her “My fatherchildren working are her alone.

“I want to go home,”children, she cried, Awaiting chokedforsob escaped in the garden and her mother me.” standing farstanding off withthere, a her lips The and door once opened again she and she saw hernot sons bucket of fresh vegetables whispered, “It’s time for me young men, deep sadness on their faces. She reached out arm,was smiling warmly to come home, dear Lord, her hand to touch them, toon askherwhat wrong, but they as she watched her children. there’s nothing left here.” were not looking at her standing there. They were lookportrait captured The got uplying and on theAslab, ing nurse at theaid woman their that mother.

She had a simple life and a beautiful tookbeen her pronounced hand, urging her dead by a doctor at the hospital after she family. gently, “Comeonon, collapsed theSharda, road.

“You so long it’s timeShe for turned your meal andand shook to look herhave headleft slowly, unable ago, mother,” she said in from a medication.” to believe the lifeless body lying there was her, gone weak voice, “I can’t rememShe sighed and looking the world. much I have up at theHer nurse.

Shewere inquired, sons saying,ber “How dofor we now go back home grown too old.” puzzled, “Who are you?” without you? Why have you left us?” and sister “I’m“I Jeanette,” the womdidn’t want to,” she saidThe in a brother soundless voice, holdplaying with her had alsofeel an answered patiently, as she ing their hands but they couldn’t hear her voice nor left, theirgrief. names now writtenstay assisted to her her her touch andfeet, they“Your left with deep She couldn’t tombstones whilst she, the nursethere aid.”alone, she wanted to on go back home to see the family “Oh,” she exclaimed soft- youngest, waited still alone. and close friends she was leaving forever.

“Whisper my name, ly, a momentary lapse in her She left the cold, dark room for home and the burden mother,” she said, “And I memory. of death seemed to dissipate as she stood unseen among The kind woman had shall come, so we can be the mourners listening to their sentiments, the shock and been with her for the past SEE PAGE XXIX Not everything threeregrets. years, financed by the said was good, for her life had been like torn fabrics of a loveless girl. The suffering and pain she had borne were the hallmark of her existence that caused her to deviate into the wrong path. She had been a simple, reputable woman and she could have SEE PAGE XVII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

Health stuff and Guyanese moods and attitudes MOST likely it’s not just “we” Guyanese who dismiss things we should take seriously. COVID-19 under Trump was a tremendous example, but closer to home is my concern.

Any writer of adventure and fiction must fix their stories on accepted facts and scientific possibili-

also is on the rise, so is the foolishness we smoke. One of the realities that have to be considered is that there are laws and adherence to those laws. Diseases don’t just emerge out of mysticism, they emerge out of human failures to follow hygienic rules if they are aware or by circumstances

many instances forced to drink infected water on the ship and also on the plantation estates, again, to save money.

Mental ill health, Tuberculosis and Leprosy became common mostly in the ‘Towns because of lack of sewage management, clustered housing and in-

ties; whether biological, historical or on physics, poetic licence is taken into consideration. A recent social media article on Guyanese infected by Leprosy surprised me. This is supposed to be something of the past in Guyana. But I could have said the same for Tuberculosis, but that

are allowed to.

During the post-slavery period, the first villagers suffered infant and adult mortality due to Cholera, because their paid taxes were used to finance indentureship instead of drainage works. The indentured suffered from Cholera on the ships because they were in

adequate nutrition, dependency on bushmeat, due to unemployment ‘blues’ and unreasonable wages when employed, 1850s- 1900s onwards. Thus, there were fixed centres of isolation for mental health “madhouse,” a Leprosy Asylum on the SEE PAGE XXIII

XV

XVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

How to get through a Miscarriage

o not always know what I’m looking losing your phone would be on a scale of 1-10. 98 percent y phone is such a normal part of my said 10theand percent said allif you claimed that it would There 9. are They anonymous prefer. is completely your choice.

TODAY I would like to can also happen later during overlooked during preg- 2 mother/parent. various reasons why a womI think it requires mendiscuss athat topic that many thecount pregnancy termtypi- nancy. This is rarely true. my hand I cannot the numbe the worst material possession thatis emotional they discould an would miscarry, which As there tioningever that menlose. also do feel find uncomfortable and cally called a stillbirth. My Most miscarriages occur include chronic conditions tress, there may also be physthis loss.

However, I have taboo, despite how comresearch showed that the risk because the foetus just isn’t hed for it, while it was actually in my They continued say thatdiabefeelings ofasanxiety, such to as uncontrolled ical as well relationship irritation counselled manyand couples mon it actually is. Many of miscarriage is 12 percent developing normally. tes, hormonal abnormalities, distress. You will feel a wide through a miscarriage where o when I getknow uphow in the morning and people don’t to 15 percent for women in Unfortunately, while overwhelming sadness would be felt if they were to lose their uterine or cervical abnor- range of emotions which the expecting mother and to reach out or respond their 20s and rises to about a miscarriage is a relatively malities, infection, or age. are not limited to sadness, father’s relationship seemed going to sleep myfor phone. to someone who has is beencheck 25 percent women over I common experience — it phone today.

However, most of the time, hopelessness, anger, guilt, as though it was deteriorating through this trauma – and age 40. doesn’t make the situation healthy and something must be done. the fertilised egg has right? an ab- jealousy of other parents as the woman felt her partner sometimes, that’s okay.

Having a miscarriage any easier. ItIt is impossible seems harmless, Caring soandmuch about a normal number of chromo- intense feelings of loneliness didn’t care or understand her However, knowledge helps does not necessarily mean for anyone to understand the andanyfound women were more somes/ genes, and this is been (especiallyreally if there arepaying a lot grief. While expectant fathers situation that and often this week I’ve attention that you have a fertility prob- pain ofphone? someone whoWell, has very random.

Unfortunately, of parents in your social cirabsolutely do feel this loss, take away discomfort. lem. Most women (87 per- been through an event that d to does their phones because men traumatic. this meansthat that there was cle).

Please take my advice the bond between a pregnant to For the importance I and others around me give to a A miscarriage is the simply loss cent) who have miscarriagcouples who nothing done to have caused – allow yourself to feel and woman and the baby growof a pregnancy where the es have subsequent normal have recently been through cialembryo media apps. Also, older people it,than and nothing can be done express these emotions.on around ing inside her is unique. A what’s actually going them. or foetus does not pregnancies and births. A this, it phone, is important torather know to prevent it.

Normal activThe only thing I would woman can begin bonding develop enoughItobelieve survive. miscarriage a somewhat that 98 percent of the time, e addicted. this isis because Ourisphones we are speaking toto other itieswhether such as work, exercise, say you are not allowed from the people, moment she has It typically happens within loaded term — possibly sug- a miscarriage not caused -sex or minor injuries do not feel, is self-blame. It’s hard a positive pregnancy test. first three months, but gesting that something was by any action taken by the usethesmartphones (My father actually using social media or playingnot togames can be addictive cause a miscarriage. feel as if you-did someBonding for the father typiNow, since a miscar- thing wrong when you lose a cally does start later – after as they alterriage our moods, trigger is a trauma, it typicallybeliefs pregnancy.and However, guilt they enjoyable start to see the physical brings forward the five stagis a completely unhelpful symptoms or some men until y colleagues and friends how bad and unenjoyable feelings.

Apart from obviously being es of griefdenial, anger, emotion when there is noth- the baby is born.my You can help your relationship to main source of communication, my phone is survive my bynewspabeing understanding, respectful and sensitive per, watch, alarm, map, recorder, day planner, calendar, to each other’s needs and keeping the lines of camera, music player, calculator, a weapon feelings, (sometimes) communication open about the situation- onceevyou are and my friend when I’m bored or lonely- basically both comfortable doing that, and accept each other’s erything. However, it is also my constant interrupter andcoping mechanisms as they may be quite different. distractor. I (I imagine much like most of you out there) If you have suffered a have a deep desire to know everything that miscarriage is going on.trying and are to conceive again or already I believe that is human nature. But when does it become pregnant, unfortunately there bargaining, depression, and ing you could have done to is nothing absolute that you too much? acceptance. Regarding grief, change the outcome of your can do to ensure there is no there is no right or wrong pregnancy. When something miscarriage but like anything Well, I believe it’s too when it stretch has aelse,name. way to experience it. Theremuch is goes wrong, we all there are ‘Noactions you also no appropriate timeline to find someone, something can take to make the possibilmophobia’ is that themustterm coined describe the fear of being be followed - you toto blame.

With miscarriagity less likely.

This includes will simply recover when es, there’s rarely anyone or seeking regular prenatal care, without a mobile phone. Seriously, what have we come to? you do. However, there are thing to blame, and it leaves taking the appropriate vitathat can be done that us the feeling object empty. So, accepmins, to avoiding known misIt becomes anthings addiction when begins control would help through this dif- tance of the normalcy of this carriage risk factors — such ficult process. tragic event is key.activities, as smoking, drinking alcohol your life and interferes with your daily work, and The first to realise is that Also, do what makes and illicit drug use. Rememnot alone – finding you feel good -“The despite what ber than obstacle you CAN have a relationships. you I are read somewhere that biggest and accepting healthy sup- others think. Many people successful pregnancy after port is is crucial during this have sobut unwarranted opin- acan miscarriage.

Most women to productivity connectivity,” overuse affect a time. This can be friends, ions and criticisms when who have miscarriages have someone whom they have never been through subsequent of normal lot more than family, our orproductivity.

The truth is, overuse ourpregyou know has also experi- such trauma. Many believe nancies and births. Having phones can harm psychologically, socially physically. enced us a miscarriage.

This that such grief shouldn’t beand a miscarriage does not neccan and should also include experienced if the miscar- essarily mean you have a With regard to affecting social how many of us professional help fromour a riage occurredskills, early during fertility problem. counsellor, social worker, the pregnancy (even though My final piece of advice miss out on a psychologist, joke orreligious goodlead-conversation as we were onisour most do), but that woman or for either parent to respect er, or anyone who makes you couple may have been plan- your own needs and limitaphones? How feel many times we annoyed ourtions good comfortable.

Therehave are ning a pregnancy for years or as you friend work through also online support groups just felt a great rush of love your grief and begin to heal. or family member because we and were posting social that are free and include peoexcitement and that on is Don’t rush it,media acceptance will ple from all over the world. difficult to just simply forget come. how much funYouwe are having with them? It truly Thank affects our can literally google and move on from. you everyone “online support groups for miscarriages” and thousands of options will pop up. This way, you can also remain

If you’d like to name your baby, plant a tree for them, have a funeral, talk about it or not talk about it- it

for reading. Please include sending topics to caitlinvieira@gmail.com

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

THE GIRL SHE ONCE ...

FROM PAGE XIV stayed that way after separating from her abusive first husband, but the death of her second a few years later, and failure of a third relationship caused her to

lose all hope. Her carefree life with drinks and friends, to society, was of a woman who had reached her breaking point.

The mother she was though, she did not leave her children behind, the

love they shared and the bond stayed strong, though things had changed in their lives.

Society had criticised her lifestyle and judged her harshly, she knew, but to her it didn’t matter for no

XVII

one knew her pains nor held her hand in the times of need, the poor girl she had been.

Never a rainbow in her life, just grey, shifting clouds.

The day of the funeral she wanted to comfort her sons and daughters, but all she could do as a departed soul was to give them strength to deal with the unexpected tragedy in their lives, for she had left with them something priceless -- a mother’s love.

It would soon be the time for her soul to ascend, she knew, so she walked farther down the street to her birth home one last time and as she neared the corner, she stopped by the culvert where many years ago a little girl used to sit and watch the sunset.

That little girl was her.

She sat down but she could not see the brilliance of the sunset, yet it gave her a form of comfort, just sitting there. Time rolled back the years, so she could see the girl she once was, playing and laughing, going to church, wearing her pretty Sunday dress and holding her mother’s hand. Such pure happiness slowly lost its glow when she got married at 16, a change that pushed her further and further away from a beautiful life. Memories would now linger of the good and bad of her life as a woman, and she wondered if the angel of darkness or the angel of light would come for her.

At the corner of the street, she saw the little girl standing with a bunch of wildflowers in her hand, a girl in whose life there was never roses and she smiled as a bright light from above descended.

The little girl smiled too and took her hand.

sharing their journeys XVIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

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

Evan Phillips -- born in St Lucia, living in

towards being a Midwife of Purpose came f being broken, displaced, and ough this journey, I experienced a divorce, te and got displaced education administrator’s position. Coupled were two major eclipses One week later I completed my life. An eclipse happens when you can my assignment with CTO calling becomes greater than your current and was now ready to move hrough this process, you can transcend to a on to my next career move. thinking where you can connect with your I called Monique to let her ourself as one with nature. know I was available as we blett – born in Guyana and living in NY agreed and she was so hapegan to have the real experience of dreampy to have me start my first my dream world alive. I was immediately WEwith have just concludIt was nice to see assignment Broad- Amerindian culture. I had temporary with interview the agency where they tested ed September which is way Hotel in Charlestown a few glasses of fly from Deutsche Bank. My first n using Microsoft Office and typing speed. also Amerindian Heritage offering Amerindian cui- Calvin Roberts who was of Month. I think so much sine at their restaurant the EXPO exhibitors and more can be done to high- in September on Sunday. his Fly was a hit and you light the arts and other They introduced fish Tuma can drink it anytime of the aspects of things indige- made from the Tambaqui year. It is a great gift to give nous peoples especially Fish. Also, chicken, beef some like Terry Caesar’s their cuisine. It would be and deer tuma that were pepper sauce. great if local restaurants served with crispy fresh The first time I tasted this made an effort to include cassava bread or farine. unique pepper that he made I some of the dishes on the Patrons had the option of knew it will always be in my menu, even if not all year, Piwari, an alcoholic drink kitchen. The lemon carsreep I knew that I would be in When I was six years assignment lasted two weeks, at least for that month. I made by fermenting burnt pepper sauce is asomeone’s product vacation. old I started school in Mesa, big trouble if I told my dad covering had tuma (my favourite) at cassava with grated sweet that was made bymy his work grand-ethic and Arizona, so I began staying what had happened. It was a Due to the media brunch I host- potatoes or Fly, a similar mother since he to wasgoa the child. secret: the desire extra mile, with my mom ed and many had it for drink made from potato. “As far asI my memories kind that could get me and her husband routinelanded anothercan assignment the first time and loved it. The décor also reflected the take me back, it was justdepartment a diin the same for ly. It was like going from into big trouble. I didn’t six months, then another for heaven to hell. It was a horror know how much trouble, but three months, which finally story that’s yet to be writ- I wasn’t willing to take a chance. “Shhhh... led to my permanent posi- ten. While at grandma’s I tion, allowing me to live a was filled with the love of Don’t tell anyone.”

Maybe it’s the a grandma and Jesus daily. dream. vine combination of flavours. has impacted my life in trauma a whoofare contributing to their Dr. Safeeya Mohamed – On the other hand, at my my experience, but for some Suddenly, after I became 50 major way and even my bio- communities in their own mother’s house, I was filled reason I still cannot rememTrinidad years, that flavour came back logical dad could not hold a quiet way because of uncle We received the updates with Rock ‘N Roll, drugs ber how to me. I then started making candle to him. He was born Allan. I had the opportunity often it happened, when that the accident was horrific and inappropriate, wild sex it for our home and it was in Region Eight and on my to give Benita Roberts (in it and that the victim was stuck parties. Ultimately, from it started, or even when a hit that rocked my wife. recent visit, I found myself collage with uncle Allan) co such an environment you can ended in the car.

She was overwhelmed,”he thinking about his life as a co-ordinator of the Makushi The vehicle had to be cut imagine the kinds of abuse explained. Terry then started young boy in Kurupukari, Research Unit in the North Penny Phakahi –South open to get to the victim. It that mom’s house provided. making it as a gift to give to while looking at the school Rupunini, her award last never occurred to me that When I was 11 years old, Africa friends grandma during Christmas. kids Hehad wasmy shy share month.

I have of Shirley died and myon the day. my brother The friends were amazed at but displayed so much bravaI have so much admiracould be remotely in- stepdad left. My mom had turmoil and I strongly believe the taste and they eventually do in many rivers, especially tion volved. The next thing I an emotional breakdown, so that it is these stints of tur-and respect for people encouraged to bottle it the Mazaruni River from the moil that brought me who may not have a lot of away!

I couldn’t take remember, I was looking at I ranhim a business and stories I heard. things but make this far in my life. material I was anyit more. the body of my brother and make he took their advice and it For those of you who an effort to change lives Andrea Edwards – born and perhaps is still in my covered in blood in a has been a hit with everyone know anything about rivers positively.

I am aware we hearse. The strident, agonis- in Guyana, living in Florida refinery process. whointasted As it. You in Guyana, you’d know that As a young girl, I have grew more Allan Johns and I satcan in also the back of ing scream of my mother taste if my youdad’s call him - his thoseI who traverse themambition, Benita Roberts and we will up with one main Nissan Bluebird, the A&E that number 682 1637to request require apt command, verbe far finding them to show our early morning has not peered through the windows wanting to get away, a bottle. satility and sturdy appreciation. I challenge you awaya from thehand. system of escaped my mind almost 17 at the images on I enjoyed last of Sunyou whoorknow locate someone in your the boxtothat themy fence the For Guy-those ofthinking years later as she howled day morning in September, the might of our Mazaruni community who has never ana Botanical Gardens and we often find ourselves in. “my son died, my sure that been recognised and show Apart be from understanding Zoologicalwith Park.my The River, radio you’d son died, nobody’s having help- breakfast mom who is anthe exceptional the above is true, times dared one to some appreciation in your myself I always blasted popular ing us!” But nobody could, woman.

We enjoyed my hundred.

There was an unownaspecial way. You can be different, which was calypso song “1985” by as his spirit departed at the favouritea indigenous cuisine spoken beauty the might constantto struggle whenalso sur-recommend someone then-popular calypsonian. point of possessed

by Allan John, to our rounded by my situations.

I committee by emailwouldand havecassava just celebrated impact. Up to thiswhich day, isI Tuma bread.

She was sharing a few but almost in equal part was ing livingwithintention11@ grew up under a strict I ponder where the strength my sixth she had quite duringoblivious the ability Christian to movefamily with with gmail.com. my birthday, came from to navigateconversations that the weektodiscussing my of fos-time,such Those We are in a new month grandfather andwere step granny, the concept but humility. night. ter dad whom I call Uncle the loudest traits aboutlost hisher and we all can make an effort as my mother mom that song would not allow Allan.

Many people were reliving and have now become for positive.

I will leave you Shanon Paar – Arizona me to forget SEE PAGE XXV membering the thatcontributions it was 1985. the force of the legacy he has with a quote from one of my he made to their lives. He left behind. He did so much, favourite mentors as we conhas passed over a year ago not expecting anything and tinue this beautiful journey but memories don’t leave with no fanfare. The way he called life BEYOND THE like people and it helps when lived reminds me of what we RUNWAY. the memories are good. He need to do while we have the “We should not pursue was the most selfless and chance. Idowu Koyenikan money. We should pursue compassionate person I have “Even though our time in a vision, we should pursue met through my 50 years. I this life is temporary, if we purpose; for ourselves, for still send a little thank you live well enough, our lega- our country, and for our note to God for placing him cy will last forever.” I was communities.” – Myles in our lives for 37 years. He inspired to honour people Munroe

Our life, our legacy!

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

XIX

XX

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

XXI

XXII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

XXIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

Health stuff and Guyanese...

FROM PAGE XV

grounds of an Old Fort, and a Tuberculosis Hospital. These institutions were complemented by an extensive prison facility – spanning Georgetown to Mazaruni, and unhygienic sugar estate logies for imported labour. Thus, the tapestry of the good old days.

Now the ball is in our court, no governor to blame. Who is to inform ‘those who don’t know, what they don’t know?’

For example, since I was a boy, there was the myth that ‘wild meat’ is much healthier than yard fowl chickens, ‘white fowls’ etc. This thinking is contrary to what the studies of Zoological studies have discovered. For example, Yacee (Armadillo) is an animal on the extreme wildlife menu; this animal however is the only mammal that carries Leprosy, but it shows no symptoms. But humans who handle Armadillos, eat its meat, can contract Leprosy, this infection is categorised as a Zoonotic disease, transferred from animals to humans; see University of Florida. Tuberculosis is active in cows and if not examined by vets, can transmit Tuberculosis to handlers and to the public through contaminated food products, namely milk and cheese.

We can only pray that these products go through a strict

regimen of scrutiny overseas before they’re imported to our shores. The old people back in the day, when buying cow’s milk from vendors, always insisted that such milk be scalded before any usage. We cannot remember why many of those rules were fixed in place, except to muse that they were possibly guided then. Now to my brethren in the “scheme” areas of South Georgetown, I hear from the horse’s mouth that there is an acquired taste for Alligators, “how tings change bway, sometimes not always fuh de best, but this different, fuh real.” Well, Alligators (Caiman) can be infected with Salmonella.

This seems to be common in a variety of reptiles, including iguanas. Salmonella can result in blood poisoning and can be fatal. Alligators have been identified in some studies of transmitting the West Nile virus. It doesn’t kill them. We must understand that most animals are (evolved or created) a few hundred thousand years ahead of us, bushmen have a saying “Watch wuh Monkey eat, then you eat” Arnold-(Pigs) can walk around with tapeworms in his body and no evidence of illness, not the same for ‘Johnny come lately’ humans, like Armadillos and Leprosy, de Yacee (Ar-

madillos) shows no body effects of this disease, not so with us. Exotic bush meat has to be paid attention to since some stuff can be dangerous, contributing to unusual, underlying illnesses that we may ascribe to “Somebody poison meh’ or “Deh wuk pon meh.” I’m not sure this is whose job, but it’s an angle that has to be explored, and the conversation has to begin beyond this article. We have got to review this ‘Bush meat’ culture that we are all accustomed to.

In closing, somewhere along the way, the ‘building laws’ for Georgetown seem to have been quietly changed.

The owners of original Georgetown-type houses are crying out as concrete structures have surrounded their homes, stifling and strangling them in this obvious global-warming heat increase. Many of these concrete ‘Forts’ house foreigners, but guess what, nobody has changed the old school sewage system, blocked alleyways are still not addressed. This requires an independent article of its own, even as we must remember that many health issues in the 19th century emerged out of crowded and stagnated housing concerns.

XXIV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

Aspiring fashion designer launches her career

By Dillon Goring IT was Donna Karan who said, “Design is a constant challenge to balance comfort with luxe, the practical with the desirable.”

This is the dream of 22-year-old Kellisa Ally-Clarke, who hails from Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara and whose passion is to one day establish her own clothing brand The Pepperpot Magazine recently sat down with Clarke, who related how she started her business.

“I started my small business in 2019 after I began studying Garment Construction at the Carnegie School of Home Economics. I was

actually inspired by just watching anyone who was able to sew and make items for themselves, because I always wanted to be able to make things for myself.

I then decided to use my skill and take a chance,” she explained. “I invested every dollar I had into creating bags which can be used for storing cosmetics or personal items. In the beginning, I faced a few challenges, but I kept on going and investing while looking for more product ideas that were on-demand or trending, and so my product list expanded. Today, my business has much [sic] more products to offer and I do see K. ALLY DESIGNS stepping into the fashion

Twenty-two-yearold Kellisa Ally-Clarke and samples of her work

world in the future. I do not have a physical location as yet, but I do offer pick up (at a public place) or delivery (with a fee attached). I thank God for my skills and the persons around me who have always encouraged and helped me in the beginning and even now, especially my husband. Thanks to my customers and everyone who would’ve[sic] supported me in any way possible.”

Clarke related during her interview that she exercises her creativity to provide handmade products such as bonnets, cosmetic bags, satin pillowcases, hair scrunchies, headbands, satin Scarfs, turban towels, robes and more for her clients and customers.

She added that at K. Ally designs, they strive to provide local, quality handmade products at a reasonable cost to satisfy our customers’ needs.

Clarke contends that her products are geared for young women and working women.

Clarke told the Pepperpot Magazine that she received her inspiration from watching her family members excelling in their area of craft.

“Actually, my grandfather was a tailor, my father took that up and growing up, I would watch my father sew, cut and do all of these things and I said, you know one day SEE PAGE XXVII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

XXV

Meaningful action following the UN General Assembly, please!

OVER the past two weeks, I paid keen attention to the United Nations General Assembly and the engagements associated with it. No doubt, much of what was said was awe-inspiring and thought-provoking, but I am hopeful that these engagements would yield meaningful action in the months ahead.

There, leaders of developing nations lamented the gamut of challenges they face: historical exploitation that contributed to their present-day underdevelopment, their geographic size (smallness), and their vulnerability to exogenous shocks (such as the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters).

As expected, they do not only use their platform at the UN-when the world is paying attention-to lament the disproportionate impact of these challenges, but also to call for action to tackle entrenched or enduring challenges.

And, I hope that with the world listening, some meaningful action can be taken by our world leaders- especially those in the larger developed countries that have profited from exploitation of the smaller countries (recall enslavement for example) and that continue to contribute to the world’s detriment (considering their substantial use of fossil fuels contributing to climate change, for example).

There are some key issues on which I think our world leaders should be focusing. The first is the equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and the recognition and acceptance of all vaccines that have gone through the necessary clinical trials (yes, including the Russian-made Sputnik V). The unequal distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines, I believe, is well-known. The countries with the larger economies have reportedly stockpiled vaccines, some enough to vaccinate their entire populations at least twice. In contrast, numerous developing nations are struggling to roll out a substantial vaccination campaign and protect their populations. Not only is this disappointing, but it is a moral failure, honestly. It is simply not right for people to be denied life-saving vaccines while others have it as a surplus.

Tangentially, on vaccination, if vaccines are indeed equitably distributed and international travel, I think we should be wary of stymying vaccination uptake by placing restrictions on the types of vaccines recognised. I agree that countries should institute vaccination requirements for travellers to protect their populations, but I do not agree with the recognition of some types of vaccines and not others.

Guyana’s vaccination rollout, for example, heavily encompasses the Sputnik V vaccine. And, clinical trials show that this vaccine is highly efficacious. The United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom (UK) are asking that travellers be fully vaccinated, but those travellers fully vaccinated with the Sputnik V would not be recognised. Now, if I am someone who is not yet vaccinated or only partially vaccinated, why would I want to get one of the very abundant Sputnik vaccines? Such measures, I believe, contribute to vaccine hesitancy.

The second issue is climate change. Because of the sheer existential threat climate change poses to all countries and people of the world, it really should be a given that efforts SEE PAGE XXVII

XXVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

How safe is dentistry?

IF one should decide that they want to embark on a dentistry career, they need to be advised by a seasoned professional. One of my students at the Dr. Cheddi Jagan Dental Centre remarked that part of the reason he chose a career in dentistry was that it was not risky. It is not surprising that most people do not consider the dental profession to be a dangerous one. But the fact of the matter is that the practice of dentistry is not without its share of occupational hazards. Perhaps patients would empathise more with their dentists by exhibiting greater understanding and cooperation if they were aware that the dentist’s personal well-being might be compromised in the process of treating them.

Long hours of tedious work under sub-optimal ergonomic conditions and frequent encounters with apprehensive patients are stress factors, which may predispose to musculoskeletal and circulatory diseases (especially high blood pressure).

Micro aerosols may lead to eye and respiratory infections.

Accidental cuts or abrasions carry the risk of serious viral infections, including COVID-19 and AIDS. Recent studies in the United States indicate the highest incidence of viral hepatitis in any single group among dentists.

Although the dangers a dentist faces are numerous, the most common hazard is the consequence of being in close contact with a series of biomaterials, drugs, and other chemicals necessary to run a dental clinic.

Dermatoses following contact with chemically active substances are usually referred to as either irritative or allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). The irritative type may be acute toxic nature, causing direct and immediate poisoning of skin cells. A more common reaction pattern in the dental setting is the cumulative insult dermatitis, caused by repeated contact with a chemical agent at subtoxic concentrations.

A document published by the Medical Faculty of Paris in France, which researched occupational hazards of dentists for 40 years, revealed the eczema of the hands is frequently seen.

It was noted that the causative agents were formalin, iodine, mercury, eugenol, novocaine, soaps, phenol, hydroquinone, tricresol and phosphoric acid.

It was shown that even with the use of latex rubber gloves that there was evidence that sweat mixed with the powder lubricant in the gloves might cause skin disorders. In addition, many dental materials, including the new synthetic resin-based products, are capable of penetrating the rubber gloves usually worn by dentists. Formalin reactions have reappeared as an occasional dermal reaction to formal dehydrated, “wet-strength-quality” paper facemasks used by dental and medical personnel.

Disinfectants and clinical detergents represent an important array of substances that can cause dermatoses for dental personnel. Ironically, excessive hand washing can aggravate skin lesions caused by the spray type local anaesthetic (pantocaine). This is one of the reasons why this product has since been taken off the market.

Finally, while questionnaires filled out by German dentists suggest that a large part of the occupation-related dermatoses and other such complaints are relatively bearable, the same survey indicates that the perpetual threat of contracting AIDS and hepatitis makes the dental profession as dangerous as any.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

Meaningful action following ...

FROM PAGE XXV

towards mitigating climate change are at the forefront of all of our minds. And, it was more than expected that climate change would take centre stage at the General Assembly. Scientists have shown that nations must work towards keeping global temperatures well below 2 degrees Celsius, ideally at about 1.5 degrees Celsius. Otherwise, rising temperatures would contribute to global warming, which leads to other implications such as natural disasters, forced migration, and health issues.

It is widely accepted that such issues have a disproportionate impact on developing countries such as small island states and those with low-lying coasts (like Guyana). Yet, many countries, especially the larger economies of the world, have been unable to lower their carbon emissions and continue to contribute to a worsening climate, making our planet more and more uninhabitable.

Finally, I believe that descendants of formerly enslaved people and the indigenous people should benefit from reparatory justice to help them surmount historical wrongs, including forced migration, exploitation of human beings and genocide.

Caribbean countries are debt-ridden and that is because of the economic structures they inherited (during colonisation which followed emancipation). Importantly, too, enslavement was a long period of treating Africans as though they were less than humans and not deserving human beings and as such, we see systems of white supremacy and black prejudice plaguing our societies until today. And, I submit that reparatory justice, which relates to the action of making amends for a wrong done by providing payment or other assistance to those who have been wronged, can help us develop sustainably.

I am not a naive optimist, nor am I a far-gone cynic, but the outcomes of this General Assembly and string of diplomatic engagements will have a significant impact on my world outlook and faith in our global systems. I hope-for myself, my loved ones, countryfolk, and for people everywhere-that this year’s UN General Assembly leads to meaningful global action.

If you would like to connect with me to discuss this column or any of my previous works, feel free to email me at vish14ragobeer@gmail.com

Aspiring fashion designer ....

FROM PAGE XXIV

[I could do this] because it is so fascinating. Just from a piece of cloth you can make a whole outfit. As I learnt my passion for it grew, because it covers a wide range of things, I can now teach people as old as 63,” Clarke said.

The local aspiring fashion entrepreneur is of the view that there were times of discouragement and disillusionment in any business venture.

Therefore, to cushion the negative feeling and stigma, shehas resorted to social media as an alternative, thus finding the needs of young people.

Future plans “I want to make full garments for models and having my own brand line,” Clarke told the Pepperpot Magazine.

The response from Clarke’s customers and clients has been good.

She made mention of the fact that she has plans of getting her own school and her own product line.

In a recent article published by the Guyana Chronicle dated April 16, 2021, Fashion designer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Sonia Noel launched an entrepreneurial project in Region Eight.

The project was geared at enabling young ladies and girls, much like Clarke, to build confidence in themselves.

These areas include: make a date and set a small, achievable goal; commit to the task, take baby steps, hold yourself accountable, motivate yourself and engage in positive self-talk, don’t compare yourself to others, don’t strive for perfection, don’t beat yourself up when you make a mistake, focus on the things you can change, do things that you enjoy, and celebrate small achievements.

XXVII

XXVIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

People don’t owe you 100 percent of themselves AS the world evolves, people become busier than ever trying to live and keep up with the demands of capitalism and everything in between. In fact, many Guyanese can no longer afford to work just one job. Many of us are burnt out because we’re constantly working, trying to stay financially and socially afloat. With that said, the more we work, the less time we have to do things for ourselves.

In those small windows of free time, that is when people actually have the ability and capacity to do what they’d like to do. They may want to catch up on some Netflix shows that they were missing out on. They might want to visit their favourite clothing store to shop. They might want to even learn a new skill or two. In those moments of spending time with one’s self, some people may find that as an offensive or selfish act. This usually happens to codependent persons and/or people who do not understand personal space and boundaries.

You simply cannot give people what you do not have. If you lack the mental capacity and ability to tend to someone’s needs, conversations or queries—then don’t. Your physical availability does not equate to your mental availability. It is not humanly possible to constantly give your time away to others when you need that very time for yourself. You may need that time to heal, unpack and rejuvenate your mind. I can speak about this from personal encounters. I’m not saying you should turn away your friends and family every single time situations are difficult, or when they need your help. Rather, if you feel as if your cup is empty, find some time to refill it before giving anything else to others.

Personally, I’ve had to unlearn this type of mindset. I’ve had to learn that I can’t always be on the lookout for others, even if they won’t look out for me and my needs. I’ve had to learn that it’s better than to step back and maintain your sanity to fight another day instead of indulging in situations that drain you even more. Most importantly, I’ve had to learn that I should not feel guilty for choosing myself. It was quite the challenge to enjoy my leisure time without feeling guilty about it. I felt guilty because I chose that time to spend with myself; for myself, instead of using it to help or be with someone close to me. Accepting that guilt as your own only does more harm than good.

Yes, we’re social beings, but some of us were simply “wired” differently; we can only be social to an extent. If you’re friends with someone like me (someone who needs time away and alone to rebuild their mental health), please remember that their “alone time” should not always be taken personally. I’m not saying to allow your friend to be completely isolated, just give them time to gather their thoughts or to enjoy their free time—however they see fit. It doesn’t mean that they care less for you. If you have a problem with your friends needing “alone” time, then you should communicate that to them. However, please remember not to ask for things from people that they cannot give and we should not be upset about that either. Their lives might be busy and hectic as it is already with all of the demands of life. People can’t give you 100 percent of themselves. That is impossible. They owe themselves a few percentages, or even more—to maintain their sanity.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

XXIX

XXX

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

XXXI

XXXII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

XXXIII

XXXIV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

XXXV

XXXVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

XXXVII

XXXVIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

THOUGHT FOR TODAY Because I liked yo u better Than suits a man to say, It irked you, and I promised To throw the thou ght away.

A.E. HOUSMAN (1859-1936) More Poems (193 6)

October 03, 2021 STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Welcome, dear friend.

Whenever you are revising compositions, think of the term ‘process.’ This course of action includes careful and purposeful reading and making changes for im-

provement in content, organisation, sentence and paragraph structures, and word choice. Changes mean “add, delete and move around; and also, substitution of words, phrases, sentences or paragraphs.” This process also involves clarifying writing purpose, improving reader interest, and more. Always read your compositions aloud to hear the problems therein. Be wise.

Love you.

GRAMMMAR Conjunction pitfall The following FOUR conjunction pitfalls should be avoided. Pay careful attention so you will not only be helped to use conjunctions correctly but also improve the quality and style of your writing 1. Use but, not and, to join and contrast two elements: I immediately called Maisie, but she was not at her fruit stand.

Jennifer had an ample supply of cap covers for nurses, but I think that she sold most of them earlier today.

2. Say “the reason is that,” not “the reason is because.” Say “read in the paper that,” not “read in the paper where.” Say “pretend that,” not “pretend like.”

The reason the probation officer called is that she needs to know how many children are in our care.

Yesterday I read in the brochure, delivered at my gate, that the new school in our vicinity caters to physically challenged young children.

Because she works so well under tension, our boss pretends that every job is a rush job.

3. There is no such conjunction as being that. Instead, use since, because, or as.

Because Mrs. Batson was in our village, we did not mail the invitation to her.

(Not being that Mrs. Batson . . . .)

We accomplished a lot today, since the Regent Street traffic was not busy.

(Not being that the Regent Street traffic . . . .)

4. Like is a verb or a preposition, not a conjunction. Yet you will often hear people say “Like I was

telling Simon Peterson . . . .” Use as, as though, or as if when a conjunction is needed, not like.

We like the colours of the new national uniform for girls. (Here like is a verb.)

Frankie needs an African bronze necklace like mine to wear at the women’s club annual celebration.

(The preposition like is always followed by a noun or a pronoun.)

This morning Gregory looks as if he is fully recovered from his recent illness.

Holly said that it does not look as though our new gardening methods will be approved.

Something to Do Make any corrections needed in the following sentences.

1. Kathy often appears like she has more troubles at work than she can handle.

2. The reason Orville requested a transfer to the East Coast office is because he and his mother prefer the country atmosphere.

3. If it does not look like you will be able to join the women’s health forum tonight, will you please ask your secretary to substitute for you?

4. No essential worker can take vacation during the month of October, being that October is our month of four celebrations.

5. Recently, I read in a local magazine advertisement where Elizabeth Playtime products is planning to enter the computer game market.

THE PASSAGE The future development of any action depends on harnessing the creative and productive potential of kits youth. This can only happen if we empower young people. Any society with a high percentage of disillusioned youth is steering towards serious long-term social problems. It is therefore imperative that those who have the primary task of managing and governing our societies should not wait for a catastrophic collapse before embarking on any programme of policies that can impact young people positively. It is no longer frontpage news that young people from so-called socially and

economically challenged backgrounds are involved in criminal activities.

The evidence is clear: the impact of crime on the development of Caribbean economies is significant.

According to the Caribbean Human Development Report 2012, crime has become one of the main challenges that threatens the economies and the quality of life in Caribbean countries.

Something to Do 1. Give the meaning of each word or phrase listed: “harnessing,” “creative and productive potential,” “disillusioned youth,” “catastrophic collapse,” “quality of life.”

2. Write what the first paragraph is saying to you.

3. Give a summary of the passage, so far given, in not more than 32 words.

GRAMMAR (keys from last week) Correct errors in sentences by adding quotation marks, and then explaining the reason to a study partner.

1. All folders that are marked “Last Will and Testament” should be placed in the top drawer of the new cabined in the back office. (Quotation marks give special significance to an expression introduced by the term ‘marked.’) 2. The words facilitate and expedite are synonyms; both mean “to make easier or simplify.”

(Quotation marks are used to enclose definitions of words or phrases.)

3. “If you wish,” Ms. Nors said, “your daughter may pay the total in 15 monthly installments.”

(Quotation marks identify the exact words someone said or wrote.)

4. His exact words were, “We can no longer afford to offer tea and biscuits to our clients.”

(Quotation marks identify the exact words someone said or wrote.)

5. As Mr. Gross said, “We have the best coconut oil; we must now convince our sales staff.” (Quotation marks identify the exact words someone said or wrote.)

6. “We must raise our pay scales,” Mr. Sammy said, “if we are to compete effectively in the market.”

(Quotation marks identify the exact words someone said or wrote.)

XX XIV CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

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

THE SEAWALLS FOREVER! IN STRENGTH

REVISITING THE GUYANA/ RACISMCONTROVERSY IS PASSING AWAY, VENEZUELA SOON TO DEMOCRACY COME BEFORE ICJ AND ISTHE GROWING

XXXIX

THE Guyana/Venezuela controversy will again shortly and discussions where factual bases invariably become ome up before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). blurred. n Guyana, most oflie thedeep writings the controversy have In thisisoffering, we will depart this with normseashells and try to THE Seawalls in theon consciousness of Guyanese today rather muddy was oncefrom covered and beenpeople, of a historical and factual nature and this a good questions have been asking theup the sun had risen. but especially Georgetowners.

Yet itis has rarelyanswer theretwo would alwaysthat be many children exploring and since picking is, why is the Venezuelan public sowere convinced they Onwould moonlit nights the Seawalls always athat crowded hing, thehistory, Guyanese are encouraged of theinto Guyanese fishing inthey Guyana’s terribeen noticed by the various newspublic media and the last time have it wasseizure seashells oftwo different colours; sometimes may find large Guyana INsince human forms ofnot government changed being committed to boats establishing democratic soon resemble any Western Democracy. have a valid claim to two-thirds of Guyana’s territory and promenade.

Many went toofsocialise all went beentheir used attention -asmonarchies, benevolent despotisms, mentioned an item into of national concern was fivedictaor sixtorial conch shells. o move the realms of arguments waters by in a Venezuelan ship. The for firstthequestion governments the whole ofnavy the Americas simple The anachronistic survivors the past with who friends, still cry but ‘Race!’ why their politicians are so bellicose and aggressive about to enjoy the beauty of the moon rising from the sea and torships of many kinds and many names and so on.

The years ago when the Ocean overtopped the wall and flooded reason Thethat foreshore or continental shelfwould gradually risesaffiliatand falls and who have harebrained proposals that the main political the democratic governments be more this claim?

And second is, why did President form of government which has been found to be the most blue-green which was and brighter, since there ed to themselves and would be easier to relate to.

No one parties shouldmoonlight formthe their own question cabal split the spoils ofwere the yards parallel to the Public Road. This was the first every 20 years and today, the foreshore land between Camp efficacious and the one which ordinary folk like the best Maduro of Venezuela choose this time to seize the boats no road lights to dilute it.

Others would enjoy the various could now profit from racism and racial discord or chaos country above the heads of the electorate are becoming time in living memory that there was such an occurrence Street and the Pegasus Hotel has almost risen to the height of is democracy.

Democracy first grew up in the cities of when he knew he would alienate the Guyanese population The 21st century has therefore ushered in the birth of a irrelevant and are imperceptibly fading away, allowing the phases of the New Moon with the background of purple skies and it led to great panic. The authorities hurriedly con- the wall and coconut trees and other vegetation grow on it.

Ancient Greece and was linked with the creation of the new Guyana: Racism is fast passing away and democracy gradual emergence of a younger and more creative group.

and cause the international community to condemn or embellished with thousands of stars which appear structed barrier of standing concrete brilliant aGreek culture, which was seminal to western is taking deeper roots and becoming stronger. Politics in disapprove brighter of his action, Venezuela intersince leaving there were no cityisolated lights. Others slabs on the Walls to counter such overtopcivilisation. The democratic form of government has nationally on the issue. would go to the Seawalls in the late afternoons to ping.

In itself the last few weeks, the Seawalls won for worldwide acceptance and its promotion The answer to the sunsets first question began during theinto Cold admire gradually transforming the have again featured in the news, but in a by the United Nations is testimony to this. Every year blue light of dusk.

War: At the beginning of the 1960s Britain had decided to happier vein. on September 15, the Day of Democracy is celebrated joysthe of colony the Seawalls were the withdraw fromAnother Guyana of andthe grant independence, worldwide under thetoauspices of theRiver, UN and its theme From Camp Street the Demerara thiswall yearhad is, “Strengthening democratic resilience in the earlylikely evening concerts givenof bythe the newly Militia but it was very thatSunday the Prime Minister the become disfigured by an accuface of future crises.” garbage and no one the Police at the Bandstand which independentBand stateand would be DrBand Cheddi Jagan, an avowed mulation of unsightly The main characteristics democracy attracted of people.

Their repertoire conMarxist. U.S. Cold hundreds War interests tried to persuade Britain assumed the responsibility ofofcleaning it. Aare that it protects human rights; the rights of minorities of every kind sisted ofindependence, light classical music Strauss’ and to delay Guyana’s but allsuch that as Britain could homeless man, Carl Melville, who sometimes are protected; religious freedom is guaranteed, and there other waltzes, ballet music such Delibes’ pizzicato slept there was noticed by Dwayne Hackett promise was that she would hand over power to a non-Comis steady and sustained social and economic development. andMinister.

Sylvia, atAmerican least one English patriotic such trying to clean theforgarbage and immediately munist Prime Intelligence feltsong that this It always strives International peace and harmony. The as “This royal throne of Kings” and Guyanese and volunteered to help him.

Hackett placed the British offer needed further insurance and so they devised main elements of democracy- respect for human rights and Caribbean folk songs.

The concerts were arranged incident on social media and immediately a plan whereby their client Venezuela would threaten to fundamental freedoms; freedom of association; freedom of for early evening so that children could attend; expression and opinion; accesstheir to power and its exercise in numbers of persons volunteered services. many Guyanese in later life have admitted that their accordance with Ali rulewas of law; of periodic free and First Lady Arya one holding of the first to fair elections by universal by secret ballot as first exposure to classical music was from these volunteer and the Ministry suffrage of Publicand Works, theDirector expression of theWaste will of the people; a pluralistic sysBandstand concerts. the of Solid Department of the tem of political parties and On Easter Monday thousands of kite-flyers Georgetown City Council and organisations; the Fire Servicethe separation of powers - the Judiciary, Legislature and Executive; the turned out from five o’clock in the morning. Kites became involved with her.

The Fire Service independence of the Judiciary; transparency and accountwere all hand-made and were in a variety of shapes cleaned thepublic bandstand and in a fewand days all the ability in administration; a free, independent and such as boxes, birds and snakes, but the predomgarbage was removed and Seawalls appeared pluralistic media. inant shape was the Guyanese octagon and in a as if Guyanese they had always been maintained!

Many are quite aware of the meaning of democracy variety of colours. Singing engines, a kite which have in their praises of this example and been have high always aspired to achieve it, but it has always them and Guyana in this regard compares very unofeluded civic responsibility.

Likewise, the sea has reclaimed the land along the Kitty Sea- made a loud droning sound, was one of the most popular. favourably with the Anglophone Caribbeanand countries.

The Seawalls hadother always been the promenade park for wall where houses once stood. Indeed, a substantial building Kite-flying was always combined with picnicking. The Easter This difference is caused byand thethe unfortunate injection of race the people of Georgetown surrounding villages from is still standing close to the wall near the Kitty Pump Station, kite-flying today is a pale reminiscence of the heyday. andlast racism into politicsand by continued external forces.

As mentioned above, the political tensions and criminality the quarter ofGuyanese the 19th century to be so until but the sea is under it. Old fishermen who set their nets on In the 1950s, Britain had decided to withdraw from her kept people away from the Seawalls in the 1960s. By the the 1960s when the country became plagued with political ten- the foreshore sea could vividly describe the cyclical rise and invade Guyana if theremore wasstable any possibility of a Marxist West Indian colonies and grant them independence. To do 1990s life had become and people again began to sion were robberies on thetoSeawalls.

For most of the fall of the beach. this,and shethere had to arrange for them have national constitugovernment being installed in Guyana. frequent the Seawalls, but the ambience had changed.

There 1960s, therefore, fewer and fewer people visited the Seawalls.

The Seawalls provided a favourite place for health entions, parliaments, elections and nurture political parties Theup1899 Arbitral Award hadofsettled the boundaries of grew stalls lining the parapet the Public Road from the In its heyday, the Seawalls were the most delightful place thusiasts.

Many would go there to practise deep breathing of and corps of politicians to whom power could be handed.

Guyana and Venezuela and these boundaries were fully inThese Georgetown. vast openness the seascape and the the clean and fresh sea breezes. Others would be cycling or Kitty Pump Station to the Pegasus, selling refreshments and politiciansThe had to compete to beofelected to parliament. bystalls bothwere parties and the communiall of these well-lit.

TheInternational character of the Seawalls In Guyana, they found that easilyclouds, mobilise surrounding landscape, the they blue could skies more and silver the even training for cycle races. Probably the most notable were accepted ty.

One of the junior lawyers representing Venezuela had changed from a peaceful promenade to a lively fair. at support by invoking racial byhealth-giving presenting ever-present seagulls and the affiliation steady flowthan of the the ones who went for physical culture. Many of this group MalletPrevost, left ais letter was not reasoned programmes to the electorate.

By so Now that the tourism industry beingthat revived, the trade windspolicies and theand enveloping peace and quietude attracted would go to the Seawalls by either jogging to get there or by the arbitration, to have been opened until after his death.

In that letter, doing, they introduced an adversarial element into race relaSeawalls still offer an attractive attraction. hundreds of people at all times of the day. The beach which cycle and they would arrive there at 5 o’clock, long before tions, replacing the harmonious tolerance which had always he claimed that the Arbitral Award was the result of an characterised Guyana and the colonial administration merely arrangement between Britain and the Russian arbitrator went along with it and did nothing to correct it. to deprive Venezuela of its rights. After more than half a At this time, the Cold War between the West, led by century, Venezuela, based on Mallet-Prevost’s posthumous the USA who represented the free market and the Soviet letter, now rejected the Arbitral Award and claimed twoUnion, which represented communism was raging worldthirds of Guyana’s territory. Mallet-Prevost’s posthumous wide and Guyana was sucked into it because the American letter was the causus Venezuela used to threaten Guyana CIA felt that Dr C.B. Jagan would win the elections in the Pagewould III and this continued after the Cold War, the raison d’etre for newly independent Guyana and as PrimeFrom Minister take Guyana into the Soviet camp as had happened with the claim, had ended. timate forfragmenting that area the andelectorate zone in “So to we several short documentaries Cuba. In to the foil village. any attempt Most lawyers and historians who took any notice themonths, Soviet bloc, thework CIA stimulated racism intake theGuyana space into of 18 called the “Secret Life of will with the villagers of Mallet-Prevost’s letter dismissed it as a historical and, in33 particular, engineered and racialrules hatreds some Giant Anteaters toexacerbated create certain and Giant Anteaters” and each curiosity or very flimsy evidence on which to attempt to between Africans and Indians, using all the expert methodwere identified. help them to know what they episode focuses on different upset a long-accepted Arbitral Award. But the Venezuelan ologies resulting communal with loss not of scores According to in Millar, re- violence should and should do. For aspects of the work being politicians and the Venezuelan public gave credence and of lives, athephenomenon which example, had nevernobefore searching animals includone isoccurred allowed done. Two more episodes are importance to Mallet-Prevost’s posthumous letter, which in Guyanese history. A number of Guyanese in various ed going out including on horseback to killopposition,the them, keep them as a expected to be released this would have been dismissed in the modern world. But areas of life, government, private and following them fromhad a been pet, destroy their habitat, and month. sector and trade unions, subverted and assisted the Venezuelan politicians and public still live in the 19th distance be able their to stock The team also does a lot a fire inhowever, certain places, the CIA to to achieve aims. light The British, went century Napoleonic world where territorial conquests were up on more scientific infor- sotothat of awareness work, including we can fractured further protect ahead and granted independence a racially and regarded as acceptable and even heroic. In today’s world, mation.

One of the things the population.” environmental education. chaotic Guyana. this 19th-century ethic has been completely rejected. the 1980s the Westthe had wonThe the Cold Warhas and been had theyIndiscovered is that They have another project for SRCS The Guyana/Venezuela controversy has been an albadestroyed thetoSoviet state and granted the mechanisms which had animals love climb trees. which they have designed an two years of additross around the necks of Venezuelan politicians, since they been used to stimulate were dismantled “Everyone acrossracial the animosities tional funding from the Small environmental education curuse it on each other and their public has them imprisoned or allowed to decay.

Demographic and other social changRupununi assumed it was Grants Programme Guyana riculum that has so far been es had occurred in Guyanese society over the last four or by it. jaguars when they saw huge to expand the project to three implemented in four schools five decades which made it impossible to win elections by The Venezuelan seizure of the two Guyanese fishing scratch on support. trees, butThe more in the Rupununi and come namely appealsmarks for racial policycommunities, of the West had also boats and President Maduro’s threatening words to Guyana now we know that it could’ve Shulinab Village, Wariwau this September, depending was meant to create a national issue which the opposition

Research work helping curb...

XL

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021