Pepperpot_Epaper_07_11_2021

Fulfilling their goals as educators in the village Chunilall Brijlall and his wife, Sandra Brijlall are educators who spent decades moulding the minds of learners but these days, they have both retired and are gardening and enjoying the simpler things in life while living in #68 Village, Berbice (Carl Croker photo)

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 07, 2021

When a ‘cold’ gun proved ‘hot’

By Francis Quamina Farrier A GUN in the hand of an actor can prove to be a deadly weapon when certain basic rules are not observed. That was the tragic case recently when veteran Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin accidentally shot a colleague dead and injured another person on the movie set. Reports from the film set relate that the actor was distraught and at one point was seen doubling over in agony after the shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, whom Baldwin claims was a friend of his.

But how does that accidental shooting death thousands of miles away relate Gunplay in this play at the National Cultural Centre, Georgetown in 2017 (Photo by Francis Q. Farrier) to Guyana since this country does not have an ongoing regarding the use of guns on stage. Every gun, including Theatre Guild Playhouse during the mid-1960s were trained movie-production history? Most Guyanese who turn up to a toy gun, must be taken as a deadly weapon. One might meticulously about the use of guns in plays, among other work on Guyana’s sparse film production projects are usually ask why the concern, when guns that are used in theatre things. “Never point the gun directly at the other actor; and totally untrained and have little or no experience about movie productions are usually toy guns? It should be known certainly, never point your gun in the direction of the audiproduction. Most stage actors in Guyana also have little or that most of the recently manufactured toy guns look very ence,” they were informed. Many actors of the present seem to no professional training about the use of guns, yet there is much like real guns and therein lies the possibility of a break all the rules of guns in plays. Trinidadian Professor and a growing number of plays in which guns are used as props switch; accidentally or deliberately. playwright Dr. Errol Hill of the University of the West Indies, and are fired at other actors, some at point-blank range. What In the Alec Baldwin shooting tragedy, a live bullet was St. Augustus Campus in Trinidad, held a very useful theatre happened on that Alec Baldwin film production can happen allegedly placed in a box with blank bullets which looked workshop at the Theatre Guild many years ago. Those who here in Guyana if untrained performers fire guns at each other exactly like the live bullets. The gun which was given to Alec attended were well-trained in theatre craft, and safety was a indiscriminately. There will certainly be those who argue that Baldwin was classified as a “cold gun,” meaning that it did large part of the training. toy guns are used in stage productions. But since many toy not have any live ammunition in the chamber. That proved A gun used in a play, even though likely a toy gun, guns are now manufactured to look like real guns, there is the otherwise, resulting in a young woman being shot dead. Law must always be regarded as a real gun in the mind of the possibility that the Alic Baldwin tragedy could possibly be enforcement is now investigating that tragedy. actor, who should always think that the weapon in his hand repeated here.

There are basic rules regarding the use of guns on stage. can kill. That must be the mindset of the actor who has a In the Guyanese theatre of recent years, there have One such rule for safety is that an actor whose character has gun in his or her hand when in a play, since a gun - even been more and more plays written in which guns are part to shoot another character should never point the weapon di- a toy gun - is nothing to ‘play’ around with. A gun in the of the action, and experienced dramatists and even some rectly at the person to be shot, and certainly not at point-blank hand of an actor must always be regarded as ‘hot’ and a members of the audiences with that kind of experience, range;trained professionals never do that. Directors of plays weapon that can injure or even kill. Never take the shout have been expressing concern at the way guns are being are also expected to do their job in such a way as to make their “cold gun” without question, since, like the Alec Baldwin used in stage productions. Just observing how guns are productions safe for all involved. tragedy, that gun in your hand might actually be ‘hot’ and used on stage give experienced dramatists the notion Young actors attending a drama workshop held at the someone may be killed...by you. that the actors possess little or no professional training

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 07, 2021

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Fifth-year medical students present findings on breast cancer before graduation in January

By Telesha Ramnarine EVEN as the American Cancer Association recommends a person to get screened at age 45, it has been found here in Guyana that persons, especially women, are presented with breast cancer at an early age.

This was one of the findings of the 2021 fifth- year medical students of the University of Guyana who undertook an extensive research on the subject as part of their community field-assessment Dr. Ravi Motilall, course before graduating in Consultant in General January 2022.

Surgery.

Scanning through 1,897 different sources of information was by no means easy, but having settled on the 24 credible ones that they wanted to use, the team shared its findings.

“Most societies who recommend getting screened for breast cancer before age 40 years would have to take into account some of the risk factors that put you at a higher risk of developing cancer. Here in Guyana, there are a number of women who are presenting with breast cancer at an early age,” the group quoted Dr. Ravi Motilall, Consultant in General Surgery, as saying.

The team of six medical students – Munesh Chowbay, Yogeeta Ghansam, Keisha Gordon, Shareeza Haniff, Kimberly Jaikarran, and Bernard Mc David – was based at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and took weeks to conduct the systematic review.

The National Cancer Institute defines cancer as, “A disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body.” Normally, human cells grow and multiply to form new cells as the body needs

Mrs. Alicia Sugrim, Breast Cancer Patient.

The fifth-year medical students from the University of Guyana 2021, along with Dr. Ravi Motilall, Mrs. Alicia Sugrim and Ms. Bibi Hassan.

them. When these cells become old or damaged, they die and new cells replace them.

“Sometimes, this orderly process is disrupted and results in a disorganised growth and proliferation of the abnormal or damaged cells. These cells then form an abnormal mass of tissues, also known as a tumour.

These tumours can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast proliferate uncontrollably. This uncontrolled growth of epithelial cells originates in the ducts or lobules of the glandular breast tissues,” the report from the team explained.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer is the world’s most prevalent cancer with 1 in 8 women being affected. In 2020, there were 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer, with 685,000 deaths.

In Guyana and the Caribbean, breast cancer has been found to be the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women.

The report pointed out that some factors which increase a person’s risk of developing breast cancer are increased exposure to endogenous estrogen, exogenous estrogen intake, hereditary risk factors and smoking.

“The dangers of cigarette smoking arise from the carcinogenic (cancer-causing) materials in tobacco. These carcinogens travel in the bloodstream and result in the production of damaged DNA material, which inhibits cellular repair, allowing for replication of mutations. Healthy cells become damaged and proliferate out of control. Therefore, no amount of smoking is safe,” the report said.

Alcohol was cited as another risk factor. “Excessive drinking is defined as more than four drinks for women and more than five drinks for men in a two-to-threehour period. Alcohol causes an increased rate of transformation of testosterone or a decreased rate of metabolism of estrogen, resulting in high levels of estrogen in the body. Some breast cancer cells receive signals from estrogen to grow. Therefore, high levels of estrogen over time promote the progression of breast cancer.”

As with most diseases, diet also plays an important role in the development and outcome of breast cancer. “It is important that our diets contain a variety of fruits and vegetables, grains, proteins to support the body’s needs.

In addition, to healthy foods, at least two to three litres of water per day is recommended.

Foods high in fat should be eaten in moderation or

avoided, while cooking methods such as baking, broiling and steaming are preferred. Canned, preserved and overly processed foods, which have high levels of artificial additives, should be avoided.”

Regular exercise is extremely important since it can lower the risk of breast cancer development and recurrence, the report continued. Exercise also helps to maintain a healthy weight, boosts energy levels, benefits mental health and overall well-being and reduces side effects from breast cancer treatment. The recommended amount of exercise is at least 30 mins per day for at least three days a week.

Regarding clinical features, the report explained that in its early stages, breast cancer may be asymptomatic, but as the cancer grows changes can occur in both men and women. These changes include a lump in one or both breasts (most common), lumps under the armpits, a change in the size or shape of the breast, skin changes such as dimpling (or indentations), redness, an unusual rash, scaling or ulceration on the breast. Additionally, the nipple is inverted and may discharge blood.

“Clinical and self-breast exams are very important to do at least once a year… which would include a clinical breast examination and a mammogram,” Dr. Motilall commented.

“If this is diagnosed early, the chances of survival are best.

Late stages, not so great,” he continued. If breast cancer is found early, there is breast-conservation surgery to remove the cancerous lesion. Usually, patients with breast cancer are also placed on chemotherapy and hormone receptor therapy.

The team interviewed Mrs. Alicia Sugrim as part of their research. Mrs Sugrim first noticed a lump, but saw no other signs or symptoms. She is advising women who may be going through a similar situation to prioritise their health and have regular checkups.

According to the team, there is a free screening programme being done at Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital where there is mammogram and sonogram-testing being carried out from donations. “If you would like to contact Ms. Bibi Hassan, the head of the Guyana Cancer Foundation…you may contact her directly on telephone number 618 2085. There is also a breast cancer survivor club which you can join. So anyone with cancer or a history of cancer can always reach out to her and join the club,” the group noted.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 07, 2021

Wearing under wire bras is risky and affects breast health

CONVINCED that she can make a difference in the lives of many women by educating them about the

poisons. Our entire bodydrainage area is around the breast and armpit area. So the longer we wear bras

Massage Therapist Liesl Headley.

dangers of wearing under wire brassieres, Massage Therapist Liesl Headley has gone a step further and is now even helping them get access to the right kind that will contribute to optimum breast health.

Headley has been exposed to natural medicine since 1996 and became certified in 2008. Her clinic in Alberttown offers Ionic Foot Detox, Lymphatic Massage, Breast Massage, Colon Hydrotherapy, Iridology, Body Scrubs, Nutritional Advice, etc.

Lately, she decided that it was time for her to begin sourcing wireless bras from overseas to help her customers and even others who may be interested in wearing the right kind of bras.

“I have observed that many times when women come to do massages, they come with their bodies well marked up because they’re wearing under wire bras.

They often buy the cheap bras so they don’t get a proper fit,” Headley told Pepperpot Magazine.

The practice of wearing wired bras significantly impedes lymphatic drainage.

“If we have to wear bras, we shouldn’t wear those with under wires. Bras are in the area where we have most of the drainage; getting rid of

is the more we’re at risk of having cancer. To have wires in the bra make [sic] it even more dangerous,” she explained.

This particular area in question should be one that is moved a lot, so as to allow for an effective flow out of body toxins. “But wearing bras restrict[sic] movement; it’s very risky,” Headley observed.

Another motivating factor in sourcing the bras was seeing how women with larger busts have a difficult time finding well-fitting bras in Guyana. “So I catered for the double D and the triple D. The kind of bras I am bringing, you can comfortably wear them without any under wires and they would still look good.”

Headley will eventually have all sizes and a wider variety. She has made a special effort to keep the prices as low as possible. “Even the poorest woman can be able to put on a proper bra now.

We are working on the prices to keep them as low as possible, even the ones that are hard to source,” she shared.

Meanwhile, because the body is subjected to ever-increasing concentrations of toxins (an overload of poisons or chemicals) by what we eat and breathe every

day, the lymphatic system must be assisted as much as possible. This system is the body’s primary waste-removal mechanism.

Interestingly, the female breast is the area with the highest concentration of lymphatic flow and drainage in the body. Over 80 percent of all the lymph fluid in a woman’s body travels through the auxiliary region of the breast and underarm.

Hence, a breast massage may be invaluable in helping to avoid rapid build-up of toxins in women, especially those who operate in a chemically charged or polluted environment.

Since the breasts are soft-tissue organs, they can be easily maintained or nursed back to a state of good health by effective massaging.

In a previous interview, Headley had explained that even though a breast massage is needed by all women, there are a few factors that may indicate a greater need for this form of massage.

Large breasts, for example, entrap more toxins; and generally, women with larger breasts tend to wear tighter bras and more often.

While very small breasts do not have as much tissue to entrap toxins, they do not move as much as larger ones, thus do not circulate lymph as freely and naturally. Family history and early fibrocystic breast changes

Headley has recently started sourcing wireless bras to aid her customers and others

would be another concern.

The indications for a breast massage include hardening, discomforts of pregnancy, painful breasts, breastfeeding/weaning, recovery from diagnostic procedures and surgeries, and breast trauma (being hit on the breast).

Headley explaining a feature of the right kind of bra to wear.

Depending on the condition of the breasts and the degree of fibrocystic changes that exist, gentle to moderate massaging is sufficient to induce increased lymph and blood flow, and may greatly reduce risk factors for developing breast cancer.

Some women experi-

ence a degree of breast discomfort because their breasts become somewhat enlarged or firmer as a result of the pre-menstrual cycle. Such women may find that breast massage makes them feel much more comfortable, and is a pleasurable experience.

Wired bras significantly impede lymphatic drainage.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 07, 2021

Number 68 Village Carnarvon

A quiet, breezy roadside village

Village Carnarvon, Corentyne, Berbice (Carl Croker photos)

By Michel Outridge THIS week the Pepperpot Magazine journeyed overland to visit the countryside village of #68 Village Carnarvon, Upper Corentyne, Berbice, to highlight the way of life of the people.

The community is quite large in size with massive

land mass which extends from the foreshore to the backlands, which is used for large-scale rice farming.

Number 68 Village Carnarvon is an agricultural village of fishermen, rice farmers, cash-crop farmers, livestock, and poultry and cattle farmers.

Number 68 Village is

between #69 to the south and #67 Village to the north and it has those colonial-style houses, most of which are well-perserved and also has modern buildings.

The village has many shops, barbershops, churches and mandirs, but no mosque SEE PAGE X

Focus on the Village

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 07, 2021

The locals of #68 Village are withstanding the test of time

By Michel Outridge SHANTI Sugrim is a resident of #68 Village Carnarvon, Upper Corentyne, Berbice and she has a

and is the mother of one -- a daughter -- and described life in the countryside village as being quiet and peaceful.

Her husband is a rice farmer and he was away

but moved to the roadside property 11 years ago, so she lived in the village for 36 years in total and she is accustomed to life in slow motion.

Ramkissoon and daughter Store on public road #68 Village, Corentyne, Berbice (Carl Croker photos) The barber with a customer at the barbershop.

Shanti Sugrim with one of her twin grandsons.

The barber/shop owner Inside the barbershop.

roadside shop which is supported by the locals.

The 61-year-old is a family-oriented woman who spends her days tending to the shop and her three grandchildren, including twin boys.

She is the owner of Ramkissoon and Daughter Shop

in the rice field tending to crops.

Sugrim doesn’t have any neighbours and she likes it that way and would pretty much keep to herself, since she has a lot to do, including cooking.

She was residing in another part of the village,

Sugrim is originally from Skeldon and relocated to #68 Village after marriage.

“I would hardly go out because she takes care of her ill 85-year-old motherin-law and I am not comfortable leaving her home alone,” she said.

Focus on the Village

A stone’s throw away, over the road is the home and business place of Mukesh Bridgemohan, the local barber and shop owner.

The barber also works as a rice mill employee and a carpenter and has two children and a wife, who are overseas.

“Living alone is nice until you have to do all the work, but my sister would come by to help with the household chores and I am happy for the assistance,” he said.

Bridgemohan reported that the country life isn’t fast-paced, so he is accus-

tomed to that, but it gets too slow at times and since the pandemic things have been challenging.

His small business is called Wire Barber Shop and a small shop adjoins the same building and he would operate both when he is not working outside the home.

Bridgemohan used to have a barbershop on the public road, but relocated to his house after he was unable to pay the rent for the place he was renting.

The pensioner In the back street is the home of Lakhan Ramdeholl, who is doing some repairs to his house.

The 79-year-old is a very

pleasant man who was once a rice farmer and is the father of five.

He is a pensioner and resides with his wife, their dogs and a few animals.

Ramdeholl has been residing in #68 Village since 1974, when he acquired a plot of land and a few houses away is his father’s rice mill, which is operated by his sibling.

Even after all these years after he expended thousands of dollars, he is in receipt of the transport for the land he is occupying and he is pleased.

Ramdeholl said life is fair and although he is a SEE PAGE XII

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 07, 2021

Fulfilling their goals as educators in the village

By Michel Outridge CHUNILALL Brijlall and his wife, Sandra Brijlall are educators, who spent decades moulding the minds of learners for de-

schools in that region for 32 years he has finally put away his teaching glove.

“After teaching in the school system for so long it was hard after I retired to get adjusted to being a

he said.

He is a resident of #68 Village for the past 21 years and over the years when he was a teacher he taught at Wellington Park Primary, Massiah Primary, and

Home of the Brijlalls

by my relatives, who were teachers and I wanted to emulate them,” he said.

The father of one, has a daughter, she too, is a teacher and at Line Path Secondary School, Skeldon.

During his teaching years at #68 Village Primary School he was instrumental

in getting many things done such as the establishment of the canteen, the play park and the benab, at the school.

The school is one of the cleanest and well-kept buildings in the country and the teachers there take pride in their jobs, to ensure every pupil receive the same level

of attention.

Brijlall is a local of the village but used to reside at his family’s house opposite the mandir, a few houses away and he later acquired a plot and built his own house, his current SEE PAGE XIII

The Chunilall Brijlall and his wife, Sandra Brijlall (Carl Croker photos)

cades but these days, they have both retired and are gardening and enjoying the simpler things in life.

As a retired headteacher, who taught at primary

pensioner and I developed skills in the garden and began planting so my days are spend tending to the yard, the dogs and doing simple things to pass the time,”

#68 Primary among other schools.

“I am from a family of teachers so I grew up wanting to become a teacher because of the example left

Sandra Brijlall and her pet

Focus on the Village

#68 Village Primary School

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, NovembER 07, 2021

The Roadside Baptist Church Skills Training Centre Inc. Empowering people to activate their income-generating skills

By Michel Outridge THE Roadside Baptist Church Skills Training Centre, Inc. (RBCSTC), is a place where thousands were trained in a wide range of income-generating skills – many of whom now operate their own businesses.

It is located at #68 Village Carnarvon, Upper Corentyne, Berbice and RBCSTC targets vulnerable, at- risk youths; disadvantaged and abused women and children; school dropouts; women with very little or no skills and senior citizens. They also work with men and perpetrators of violence.

The support services

The auditorium

Admin Manager, Shaminee Rohi

available are counselling –- especially for all, including at risk folk, the abused, school drop-outs -- individuals and family affected

by HIV/AIDS and other social problems; survivors

of attempted suicide and suicide-prone people.

RBSCTC is a skills-training centre which came out of the church in 1995, founded by the late Yetrawatee Katryan, who passed away in

Four of the teachers who were present at the school

2017.

They started off with a few sewing classes, cooking tutorials, cake-decorating sessions and remedial education in literacy, Mathematics and English.

These days, the centre has grown and they are offering other courses such as computer application, computer software, CSEC and cosmetology.

Indrawattie Outar is the Programme Manager, who is also a teacher. She told the Pepperpot Magazine that they have five part-time staffers and together they have classes for learners,

including repeating CSEC students and they have a total of 17 learners on roll.

RBSCTC has spacious classrooms in the upper flat and also in the auditorium, a canteen, and IT Room, a Library, adequate washroom facilities and play area.

They observe all COVID-19 protocols and they have different sessions daily, so at no time there is a large gathering at the centre.

Outar stated that they depend on cost-recovery fees and donations to keep their doors open, since they charge a minimal fee for courses offered and had part-

nered with conduit agencies in the past.

She related that they would host a monthly programme for seniors in the village, and they offer a meal and a take-home package for 40 elders.

And this year, like every other, they have a special meal for the seniors, but there will be no gathering, so they will visit and pick up their meal and goodies to go.

Outar disclosed that the donations from Poonai Pharmacy at Rose Hall assists them greatly in this annual SEE PAGE XXII

Some of the spacious classrooms

Focus on the Village

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 07, 2021

The community-oriented developers of #68 Village - Serving the people through community-based projects

By Michel Outridge RISHEE Thakur returned to Guyana in 1993 after residing overseas for some time and he began community work, that is, the development of the #68 Village cricket ground and community centre.

Although he is living in #69 Village, he however originated from #68 Village and wanted to assist the lo-

who is a professor at the Tain Campus of the University of Guyana, the plot had to be fenced because of the animals such as the pigs.

He disclosed that the centre was named after a resident who was a cricketer and the community project which he initiated was funded by overseas-based Guyanese, some of whom once lived in the village and wanted to give back.

Pamela Francis.

The playfield (Carl Croker photos)

cals by way of a community centre ground which was once a dumpsite.

The community centre is a fenced plot that has a cricket pitch, a pavilion and washroom facilities.

It is located next door to the #68 Village Primary School and a groundsman takes care of the centre which was recently weeded.

According to Thakur,

Contrary to reports that the centre is often locked and residents cannot access it for recreational purposes, Thakur stated that the yard has grass and since the pandemic, no games have been played there.

He added that residents have access since the groundsman is from the village and he has the keys to the community centre.

Thakur explained that he started the project in 2014 when he called a village meeting to hear the concerns of the villagers and it was decided that a community centre is needed; as such, the dump was cleared and the project was kicked off with a bang.

He stated that the dumpsite had large pieces of furniture, fridges, stoves and other metals and he had to get the services of a backhoe to clear the refuse before the land was prepared.

Thakur said it took four days and four hours for the garbage alone to be cleared.

He pointed out that since 1952, the same plot of land had been earmarked as a playfield, but it was never developed.

The home of Pamela Francis.

Focus on the Village

Thakur added that three houses occupy at least 12 feet inside the playfield at present and there have been some issues.

The professor reported that he is from the village, played cricket in his young days for the community and he is no stranger to the place, as is assumed by the people.

Funds are often garnered through donations for the upkeep of the community centre and Thakur would often put his own money as well.

“The overseas donors would like to visit for the re-opening of the community centre, but COVID-19 happened, so that was put on hold like a lot of other things,” he said.

The volunteer, social worker Meanwhile, Pamela

Francis is a retired social worker and she has been living in the village for the past 50 years.

The 62-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is originally from Essequibo and moved there after marriage.

The mother of six stated that the place is ideal for a good family life, because things are simple there but one must be employed to live comfortably.

She is part of the community development group and would offer her services as a volunteer and has been in community work for the past 20 years.

Francis retired as a Social Worker five years ago and since then, her door has always been open to members of the public for counselling, or just a pep talk at any time.

She was a councillor and is also involved in community work at the #68 Primary School.

Francis is an elder in the village, well-known and respected and had dedicated her life to serving the community, because it is her passion and she likes to reach out to people and have some form of interaction.

“Life here is peaceful and I like it here because of the countryside setting. It is a farming village and the people here are hard workers,” she said.

Francis reported that the village has 550 houses with just about 1,500 residents, most of whom are rice farmers and a squatting area bordered by the eastern and western sections of the village.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 07, 2021

Number 68 Village...

FROM PAGE V and two supermarkets, one hardware store, a primary school, a community centre ground and a ballfield.

Number 68 Village has the Roadside Baptist Church out of which has a technical and vocational skills training centre, conveniently located on the public road and is easily accessible.

The village is occupied by predominantly Indo-Guyanese, but it also has a handful of Afro-Guyanese and people of mixed ethnicities, all residing in the same community.

Number 68 Village has eight internal one-vehicle streets, which need upgrading and it has a squatting area section near the sea dam.

It is a quiet, breezy village that sits on the roadside with a population of about 2500 residents and is a place of rice mills, about one functioning, one for sale and the other seemed closed.

It has many roadside small businesses and it is a place that is mostly well-kept

The signage of #68 Village, Carnarvon, Corentyne, Berbice.

with plants, flowers, fruit trees and vegetables in abundance. Most locals grow their own foods and rear chickens, ducks, fowls, meta birds, pigs, cows, goats and sheep.

Life is quiet, except for those residing just opposite the squatting area section when things would get loud

and noisy as a result of indecent behaviour, loud music and drunken brawls.

Number 68 Village has a lot of professionals such as teachers, nurses and other persons, who work outside the village in both the private and public sectors.

The people are warm and

friendly for the most part.

There was some form of curiosity among the squatters during the team’s visit. The people kept their distance except for one lady, who complained that they are not getting electricity and need better roads.

None of the internal streets in this village are upgraded, due to large agricultural equipment traversing it to access the rice fields.

The people lead simple, everyday lives, utilising their

skills to earn an honest dollar and they do many things for work as well.

Locals expressed their concern in which some youths in the community have been abusing drugs and alcohol.

At nights, they would break and enter the kitchens and homes of the people and take away valuables, which they sell to buy more drugs.

Many of those young people are jobless and are not doing anything constructive with their time, except being nuisances to society.

Most people have outfitted their homes with solar-powered lights for their own security and some have dogs.

Some of the churches are located on the roadside and are well-kept buildings, although old like most of the old-time houses in the village.

T h e #68 Village Primary School is one of the cleanest and it has a canteen, a benab that serves as a waiting area for parents and it has adequate yard space for recreational activities and some slides and swings for the pupils.

The villagers are mostly self-sufficient, but when the need arises they would go to Skeldon to shop, since there is a market there and on Saturdays it gets larger.

Number 68 Village is a rice-producing community and paddy is processed right in the community at a rice mill in the School Street, almost to the end of the village where there is a pasture area.

Most of the people who were the first settlers have migrated and others inherited the houses of their fore parents, while there are hardly any newcomers; the people have lived all their loves right in the village.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 07, 2021

Holistic Mind Tips, tools and resources for your mental wellness

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By Anju Vivekanandaraj

IS GAMING TAKING OVER YOUR CHILD’S LIFE?

PHONE addiction, internet addiction or technology addiction - whatever we call it- as parents, we are constantly expressing our worries that children are getting addicted to their devices. All the electronic devices that you could think of: the phone, tablets, computers and TVs are the enemy we love to hate. Even though they are entertaining, they are taking over our kids’ minds day by day.

As a parent, we are alarmed about two things: the extensive amount of time that our kids spend on their devices and

the resistance that we see in our kids when we cut down the screen time. It’s always an uphill battle to get our kids away from the devices and get them to engage in social activities, dinner time, or even to do their homework.

The internet is now an integral and inescapable part of our daily lives. And let’s not forget the fact that we are now living through a pandemic and the use of devices has become more of a necessity with remote learning at schools.

The experience of gaming: * Gaming brain: The human brain is wired for craving instant gratification, fast move and unpredictability. Video games can satisfy all the above three. When a child is engaged in a video game, the brain’s pleasure centre is flooded with dopamine. The dopamine-release that happens when playing a game can be so powerful that it can shut down the prefrontal cortex of your brain (the logical thinking and problem-solving part). This can cause the kids to experience zoning out or the meditative states. This is the reason some kids can play for 16 hours straight.

Video games are designed with a reward structure just as a completely unpredictable slot machine. The tension of knowing you will score, but not knowing when keeps you in the loop. The player starts to develop an unshakeable faith that ‘this might be the time that I win big.’ * Way of escape: Gaming is a combination of hyperstimulation of the brain and also the fulfilment of emotional needs.

For many kids, the games become a refuge from a world where there is no sense of purpose or direction, from a world of pain and suffering through different life experiences. In the unreal world of gaming, the kids can get to feel a sense of mastery, belonging and control. They can socialise, see progress and feel a sense of purpose. The goals are clear, the world is simpler and there are no consequences.

The problem is, playing video games will not fix the issues of low confidence, low self-esteem, stress, overwhelm and other issues such as anxiety or depression.

Are the kids really addicted?

Often, when we say that someone is addicted to a phone or the internet, we use it more colloquially. The term addiction is more frequently used by parents than the child when we are communicating our frustration, concern and feeling of

powerlessness to stop the unhealthy behaviour.

If we compare gaming with substance abuse, we can see that video games can activate similar reward centres of the brain, but the researches have shown that there are other crucial differences. Some parents might see addict-like behaviours when the devices are taken away from the child such as anger, restlessness and insisting on more screen times. But such behaviours can be prompted by many pleasurable activities and not necessarily constitute addiction.

Technically speaking, there is no such thing as internet, game or phone addiction. The American Psychiatric Association has described this as ’Internet Gaming disorder’ in the latest edition of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual, to recognise the unhealthy behaviours of playing video games. But to consider it a disorder, it must warrant the child’s behaviour to be very extreme and affect the child’s life. Therefore, we must be very cautious with using the term and we don’t want to pathologise the normal adolescent behaviour.

Problematic gaming: Gaming isn’t always a problem. It can be a fun, engaging and enjoyable activity. Many research studies have shown some benefits associated with gaming such as increased creativity; increased problem-solving skills; improved coordination; greater brain efficiency and enhanced memory. The key here is moderation. When done in excess, it can lead to lower grades, reduced learning, financial losses, relationship issues, lack of sleep, and other health issues.

Warning signs that can signify a problem are, * Lack of self-control. Loses track of time when playing

games * Forgo or lose interest in other age-appropriate activities such as socialising, playing sports, family time and other physical activities * Deception – player lies about the time devoted to playing games or hides the devices * Gaming affects sleep and health * Gets agitated and angry when interrupted by their electronic devices * Avoids homework and chores because of spending too much time on the devices * A player continues to play the game despite acknowledging the negative effects on life * The player’s grades decline, classes are missed or the player is absent from the place of employment Strategies and systems to concur video game issues: * Willpower isn’t enough: Research has shown that telling yourself “don’t play video games” over and over again in fact will have the opposite effect. It’s like swimming against a

strong current and you are about to give up at a certain point.

Using the limited willpower to establish some strategies, systems and rules works better * Guideline’s manual: When a new device enters your home, sit with your child and set some guidelines outlining, Who may use it?

When may it be used?

What it may be used to do?

Why the rule is being set?

How will the rule be enforced? * A better approach may be to play with them rather than completely forbidding the games. Start with free educational games and encourage the games such as chess, which has a clear ending compared to other video games such as Warcraft with no specific ending that keeps luring you in for more. * Detox: When you see the warning signs or when the gaming becomes problematic, go with a detox (no more gaming) for 30-90days. When it comes to addiction to any substance one is too many, and 1,000 is never enough. You just have to quit. Professional intervention may be required at this point to deal with the withdrawal symptoms and difficult feelings experienced by the child. * Change the environment: Change your surroundings to make it inconvenient to play the games. Change the password, unplug everything, remove the devices, and do everything you can to make it difficult to play the game that has become too consuming. * Notice your feelings: Once the child is in detox, they may experience sadness, frustration, restlessness, anger, anxiety, loss, etc. Help them to be aware of those difficult feelings rather than try to suppress them. Mindfulness practices can help kids to improve their self-awareness. * Collaborative approach: With no video games, the kids are going to feel a big gaping hole in their lives and they need to feel it with something good. As parents and family, we need to support our kids by engaging them in some fun and healthy activities. It might even require the parents and others to give up on their screen time for the period of detoxing. * Establish strict rules: After the period of detoxing, think carefully about what you want your kids to do. Involve them in the discussion too. Help them set some clear rules. As a parent, sometimes it might be easy to give in, but remember all the positive, healthy experiences your kid has had without the devices and encourage more of those activities in their lives 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 6139255.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 07, 2021

The locals of #68 ...

Donna Jones.

FROM PAGE VI

Mukesh Bridgemohan.

victim of five break-ins at his home, he is trying to stay safe and has installed some solar lights.

One time he had saved up $300,000 to repair and paint his house and had secured the money in his house and one night a bandit came into his house and took it.

These days he is not worried about anything because of his golden age and has given up rearing cattle.

His wife, Maharanie Ramdeholl, 72, has a few cows and she would take care of them.

The couple had already completed chores and had prepared a meal of rice, dhal, fried ochro with shrimp and was deciding on a dinner menu.

Lakhan Ramdeholl.

The pig farmer Just opposite to their house is the home of their neighbour, Donna Jones, a mother of one, who has been living in the village for the past 20 years.

The 59-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that she has some pigs and chickens and she would stay at home to tend to them and care for her ailing mother.

She reported that life is simple, even though she is not benefitting from electricity, but at least she has enough yard space to rear pigs to earn.

Jones is from Skeldon, but grew up with her grandparents in #68Village, her current residence and is the only Afro-Guyanese in that part of the village, but has good relations with her neighbours.

Carl Croker photos saved in a folder in Graphics as Carnarvon.

Captions: 0111 – 0109 – 0180, 0182 –

The home of Donna Jones.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 07, 2021

Fulfilling their goals ...

FROM PAGE VII

residence, a spacious twoflat house.

He retired five years ago but was asked by the ministry to become the monitor for Mathematics for the primary schools in that region and he did that job for two years.

Brijlall is well-respected and well-known and visited the 52 primary schools in that region during his tenure as a Mathematics monitor for the Ministry of Education.

He related that the people have been asking him for help with the common entrance children but decided not to host extra lessons but would still assist locals to fill out forms and other documents, free of charge.

Brijlall told the Pepperpot Magazine that he enjoyed his years as a teacher and he lived up as a role model and is very pleased he was a part of the lives of many, who have since achieved a lot academically.

“These is a lot I learned over the years in the noble teaching profession and I know that teachers are supposed to be role models, just like a photocopier, children do what they see and we must be of good example for them to emulate us as teachers and educators,” he said.

Brijlall explained that parents need to give children what they need and not what they want but like in every home people have different parenting styles

and techniques and there is no guidebook to follow.

This educator once had a dozen dogs as pets but over time they died and he has two but would feed the dogs in the village every day at 14:00hrs and they would gather at his gate for that time.

“These days I enjoy doing simple things, I did what I had to serve the community and now I am retired and just staying put at home with my dogs and garden,” he said.

Meanwhile, his wife, Sandra Brijlall retired just a few days ago as headmistress of #68 Primary School after serving for 29 years as an educator.

She told the Pepperpot Magazine that she always enjoyed reading and she would sit and doesn’t like to be disturbed when reading the newspapers and she would read from cover to cover even the advertisements.

“Now that I am retired I will have the time to read

XIII more and do more things that I have been meaning to do and who knows would even volunteer at schools,” she said.

The former headteacher related that it would be difficult to get used to retirement having spent so many years in the teaching profession but she is looking forward to it.

This couple seems satisfied of their achievement as educators and is very pleased they played a vital part in the lives of many.

XIV

A HAND TO BY HOLD KISSED DAWN III

DIYA

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 07, 2021

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 SONG S o fbloom d e vand o t i hear o n , the sweet Diya heldofthe diya lovely flowers songs the unlit birds in her garden, but her love and passion for nature sweet melodies honourin her hand were and slowly looked fading away. ing the Goddess of Light, around uncertainly at the How does one continue to embrace whenglowing the body in her hand, “I must overcome celebrating Deepavali, lightedlife lamps has memory sometimes floating into as become good, aged like and an feeble, expert the night. A spectacular fear, I of must.” intrusion tragedy of a difHER name now became a urged her “You have to go this nothingness, when you need a young, strong hand to hold and charioteer raced on fiery scene in a golden hue, flickferent nature leaving trails She was a true devotee great part of the home and home.” there was none? wheels ering The flames that drove a oflike leavesMother of sadthe scattered Hindu deity, whenconquering they of the her, puppy comfortThe boy took the soup but “My dad’s a nice guy, he “Yes?” “How did thisspoke happen?” sheheasked herself, tearslying misting darkness of evil. in in herfront heart. ness, and fear she and whispered loneliness. hesitated for a moment then never hurt my mother.” how theirdid eyes up. strange ably onfear the rug of the Laxmi “I’m sorry to disturb you in hersaw eyes, “Why thislithappen?”

Neither knew yet how much children to provide care temperaand she had Sleepless walked away rich asked, lifestyles herthe hard work and Butloneliness far isaway, Shein understand “She nice,” said Aashi, TVcouldn’t paid no heed and Shamita softly, Goddess’s name “Whymade don’tthem you come again,from that night so late, but Aashi’s The wasacross a deep ache her heart, craving for them, needed eachthe other companionship for again they hardwith in where the children seas, inshe a loved small South deep just fear fires thathersacrifices “She has pretty brown eyes.”this her to upofhear gently, let see they her?”came from, her matrimonial she sat up inhome bed writing ture has risen and she’s asthey she laying bent toa foundation light diya,toforgetand the and missed sopicking much their exile the fear and ly found any theirknow her four children into the was the successes theyloneliness had aged “And shewere knows to bake outher thea adults door.

She American country, a young feeling ofbarked doom. inforbut gomother, out looking her diary when there calling fortime you. Iindon’t voices.

But they gone, nowgave matured pursuing before she could, some-and for “Ithecan’t and that love was dailywhat schedules to can spendyou with throesa of an unknown world. therelike wasthis” no time. in their lives.waiting But on awesome cookies,” Aiden protest and she answered pullrapping at the door.

The to do, come, Hindu girlsharing struggled with It new stayed within hernotas run she toachieved careers and their lives with loves anddid interests. onethreshold. held her hand firmly. their mother.

She hadstartled worked long Aing lone tear trickled down great heights added pausing alived little beforeingrew thehome father, not Shamita the hair over the one side sound her and for a please?” mother nowof alone the where they16 had theThe dark forces someeach day to until age this after areaching “Don’t doworld, it, on Diya,” herher wrinkled face, a face still hours every day to build a The mirror the wall nightquiver as sheinlaid business their “Just likelife. mom.” stepped out the of her face. moment she froze, wonder- That The hisinvoice shared a beautiful family She had moulded anddoor. guided in the thingcontinuing, bad.

Diwali night. mother said. knew. bed, and she looked at the paintnice little home withbe comfort beautiful“My never mind her age The father froze in his He was standing patientdad can take you in ing who could at the door the tearful look on AidOn a Diwali night, she “How long am I going to “W h y mdrew o m ? the ” scurhe Shamita work and did not say any- ly at the gate and raised his his car,” he suggested. then she heard the children’s en’s face touched her heart had been born and named live life like this?” she won- asked, confused.

“Why halfway and light thing for a long moment, hand a little to say “Thank tains open A glimmer of fear flashed father’s voice. deeply and she said without aftersuch the earthen lamp. dered, looking at the diya in streamed intoathe little Why coun- in her eyes and the child I light diya? was the deep effect of you,” but she turned and can’t “Can I speak to you, hesitation, “Just give me a try house, fresh this air through I celebrate day I his son’s words. Then he walked in the house. Some- can’t asked, “Why are you so please?” moment.” theborn openon?” windows seeming afraid of him?” responded with the hint of a how she did not feel that was She wondered how he got To be continued… intom her. smile, “That’s nice.” intense fear on seeing him to“breathe I d o n ’new t klife n o w, y She did not answer, not in, then remembered giving In the afternoon, the children He did not sleep well, and in her mind she could child,” sure what to tell the child, but Aiden a key to the gate and Pic saved as fables capHer mother said stopped by Aashi bringing again, that night, the chil- not deny his casual good comfortingly. “The firsta he was a smart kid and at the opening the window she an- tion: Prasad photography picture for her she had drawn door he said to her, dren’s joy replaying in his looks that any woman would Diwali swered ih a concerned tone, youAsdidthethat, you in class. children mind, knowing how much notice. She sighed deeply as screamed like your body they missed having a mother. she stood in front the mirror enjoyed the special chicken was onshe fire.” dish had prepared for so bad, the fear has carried crossing the seas to her boy,” cold voices said from For the past three years since and pulled off the veil, letting The Pandit told her them, Shamitahad noticed the on in this life.” she was gone he had never it fall slowly to the floor. past home. In a poor village the shadows. mother after she had conlittle girl’s paleness. thought of another wom“One day at a time…”

“When or how will it go where survival and hopes “No!” the screams conwithyou himfeeling hopingokay, he away?” the worried mother hung heavily on tradition, tinued and Diya opened her an until now. Someone the That evening she called sulted“Are Aashi?” explain the strange had asked. children became attracted to, her younger sister, “Can you could she saw little girls huddled eyes with a choked gasp, The child shook her in her child’s who in their little hearts was come when you have the occurrence “Only time will tell,” in corners, seemingly or- she felt suffocated and it head, “Not too good.” special. time? I need a hair cut.” life. the Pandit had revealed, phaned by their own, hun- took her a long time before Shamita checked her “I wonder, though,” he She had her hair cut in a “In a former life, your “For she will have to cross gry and helpless. she could pull herself totemperature andencounter, the reading mused, “How can she em- different style so it partially child had a bad seas to that birthplace in the “Oh dear God,” she ex- gether. One diya at the feet brace them in her heart when hid the scars on her face, giv- showed above normal. of the Goddess was still “I think you’re develop- motherland to find the truth claimed quietly, disturbed. she is battling her own prob- ing her a new look. A change that will release this fear.”

The diyas in the temple alight and Diya picked it lems?” had begun much to her tear- ing a fever.”

The child stretched her Diya had been born in a continued to burn as she up, crying.

A few streets away, ful mother’s relief and, now, arms out to Shamita, “Can I society with a West Indian was guided to a modest Shamita laid in bed sleepless since that horrific attack, she She had found the anstay with you, please?” too, thinking of the children. saw her daughter smile. culture, a beautiful, free house, brightly lit. The fam- swers she wanted, that re“Yes you can,” she said ing on the wall the facing herwithin and for them and celebrating today, instead and life she to lifted She just couldn’t get their sad “Thank you, dear Lord,” live,atotrembling enjoy. It was ily was Diwali, leased fear her, a smile touched her lips, lessof holding her hand, like handcompletely to wipe it. Adifferent hand thatfrom faces out of her mind when she whispered, “For sending hugging her, “But I think a beautiful, happy family, but a mother was still crying once strong, that held her she had held theirs, they ening the pain in her heart. they mentioned the loss of two little angels in her life to your dad would need youwas the harsh cultural traditions all backs, the children lost child, re-born in a home to take care of you.” children’s It was for theapicture of three turnedbut their leaving were small ones every their mother. help her heal.” of the motherland where boys.

Diya did not feel any home, far away.

When the father came for children, her father working her alone. step of the way.

“Such a great loss,” she The thoughts of the chilcaste and crossed gender bias A joy for insob herescaped heart she in feltthe garden “ Band l e s her s mmother e, oh dear choked smile thought, “Their father must dren’s father were no differ- them, she watched the chil- Athewry systems still dominant something bad had Mother,” said,a “So in standing not far Diya off with and once again she hapand were a faraway look her lips have been…” ent, for since his children met dren go, concerned about theher face in the lives of the people. pened there. this new life I can return to little girl, sorry she couldn’t bucket of fresh vegetables whispered, “It’s time for me shone in her eyes as her She turned her face in the Shamita, something changed have the child stay with her.

Diya was a brilliant and A little boy was asking save my mother from her on her arm, smiling warmly to come home, dear Lord, thoughts took her back to a pillow to shut out the thought for them. They were more as she watched her children. there’sofnothing left here.” timesmart whenchild she was young andashe excelled his father, “Why isn’t deep grief, so she can be of him, but the children and cheerful, not because he Aiden stopped by in the A portrait nurse aid gotout?” up and woman.

She was full of to be The the puppy would bring the wasn’t a good father, but morning before he went to in school.

Shesowanted aunty coming happy.”that captured a simple life and a beautiful took her hand, urging her life,a like a butterfly with father close to her. because they missed the love school to give her an update doctor, nurturing in her “She doesn’t like the It didn’t take her long to gently, “Come on,The Sharda, amazing and to a simOne late morning, whilst and care of a mother. Sitting on Aashi. heartcolours a passion work for fireworks.” father family. an- make that memorable trip “Her fever got a little “You have leftassoa reincarnated long for your meal and ple, the little home filled with it’s time the children were at school, alone on the upper veranpoor. swered. back home ago, mother,” she said in a love, then her father gave medication.”

Crystal ran away from home dah, an empty chair next to higher, so dad is taking her As she stood watch- She sighed Those and words seemed to soul. The family who had looking weak voice, “I can’t rememher hand in marriage to a again and Shamita hearing him, he thought of the young to the doctor.” ing the lighted diyas, she tell Diya something and ber she much not wanted baby girl, But two days passed and for now the I have rice farmer’s son; a new life up at the nurse. She inquired, the barking opened the door woman, thought it was time to banentered the house. watched stunned as Diya the child still had not regrown too old.” puzzled, “Who are you?” as a bride and later, a young for her. During the lunch “She seems nice and kind ish Paths that fear from her “I’m Jeanette,” In the house in a dim-Thereunited mother of brotherwith and the sister the wommother. she of hadfire walked period, she heard a familiar but she lives with such fear, I covered from the fever delife. into the lit corner, a woman pasther life.had also spite the doctor’s treatment. playingherwith an answered patiently, as she sat, paved withShe love,walked compassion, car at the gate and knew the can’t even talk to her.”

Shamita made a healthy vegMandir, a glint of determiexpressionless as though “Your baby was reborn left, their names now written assisted her to her feet, “Your tears and pain, episodes of children’s father was looking But fate had designed she, the nurse time aid.” had consumed all on her life written on the leaves nation in her eyes and sithertombstones with thewhilst blessings of Mothfor the puppy. their lives to cross for their etable soup for her and gave youngest, waited still alone. she exclaimed of time. ting at the foot of the Hindu “Oh,” emotions, leavingsofther emper Laxmi,” Diya said to her, “Come on Crystal,” she life stories were similar. The it to Aiden, “This should be good for her.” h i s p emore r m ypain, n a m eno , more lapse inather Then one day, fourteen ly, a momentary Goddess, she prayed. ty. Diya looking her felt“ W“No she Isaid, I memory. years later, whenMother, she couldallow “Please a strong sensation in mother,” her tears, have“And returned to kind hadout shall havemy borne no to more her hap- The mind see of what being andwoman reaching she come, you.” so we can be husband’s arrogance and abu- been with her for the past pened in my past life so the touched her lightly. The SEEAPAGE light sparkled in the XXIX sive behaviour towards her, three years, financed by the fear in me can be dispelled woman raised her hand and w o m a n ’s e y e s a n d h e r to live this life.” gasped and from nowhere hands, the burnt, scarred The night wore on and a fire seemed to ignite and skin grasped Diya’s firmly. one by one the earthen a baby’s terrified screams The death and rebirth lamps burnt out as the dark filled the air. of a child on the same Dihours passed except one.

“My baby!” the woman wali night, a divine interAs she sat there in deep screamed, “Don’t hurt my vention to right a wrong. prayers, Diya felt spiritual baby!” form transcending time, “It should have been a

A REBORN SOUL AND DIVINE INTERVENTION

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 07, 2021

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XVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 07, 2021

THE PENDULUM SWINGS, IMPERSONAL TO THE DILIGENCE OF PLOTS AND PREDICTIONS

FAMILIES across the human species are bound by common inflictions, celebrations and contradictions. Strength, courage and betrayal inhabit the same space of private dreams and ambitions, our genetic codes span centuries. But we hear only of the heroes and heroines, the villains and the social defects are hardly spoken of, thus, the genetic villain in its new manifestation can proceed to taint, mislead, destroy and deceive unexpected. The tale begins with a determined matriarch defying creed and carefully laid-out plans that resulted in a broken home with children dispersed in different directions. The concept discussion captures the children in three locations and what developed. Cleo was deposited with the grandparent of one side, Orpheus with the grandparent of the other side, while Odyssey went to Godparents.

None of them was subject to childhood hardships of the extreme that were traumatic, but each evolved differently and responded to life’s changes as a result of a sense of reality cultivated along the opposing veins of survival and entitlement. Orpheus was deposited in a middle income with an upper-income patronage environment. He cultivated a high self-esteem, one that transcended the norms of his generation with an inculcated passion. He aspired to a mystical interpretation of self with a snobbery of the active customs and practices of his cultural landscape. Long after the upper-income patronage had dissipated, he pursued assumptions and a keen ability to entertain, decipher, and deem his close family environment for isolation, recognising who was for mere courtesy and deportation from his close quarters. But in the previous business exploits, he erred in not understanding the nature of the political and its social capabilities for deceit and backstabbing. He lost greatly and suffered where, if he understood well enough with the right loyalties, he could have survived better. For most of his life, he shunned family life through concepts and a morality that conflicted with the norms around him, but developed for survival, an ardent service based on knowledge of a specific crucial government system, its loopholes, and advantages.

Applying the technical training of his earlier employment, that all engines are operated on by an inner knowledge of the applications of its systems.

Cleo was well enveloped by caring folks on a justifiable pedestal towards a meaningful life of success. What was wrong was that families are at times divided between ‘Yard fowl’ and ‘Proper fowl.’ Cleo was the latter; the ‘Proper Fowl’ has a sense of isolation, a profound instinct of entitlement. It is a way that parents expect the other child not to complain when they are ignored and think that they do not recognise that they are regulated to a lesser plane. Cleo landed a significant job with potential for elevation, but a matter occurred that made her lose her job. By that time the economic blessing to her by her favourite aunt was exhausted, so she joined the common folk SEE PAGE XXV

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 28, 2021

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XXI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

How get through a Miscarriage Thetonegative power of hate

ot always know what I’m looking losing your phone would be on a scale of 1-10. 98 percent phone iswould such aabout normal partlaterofduring my overlooked said 10open-minded percent said 9. allif you claimed that it Yes would completely your anonymous prefer.asks theis There talking are They LASTIweek I spoke Be more and poisons your spir“A grandfather win, grandfather?”

Say to choice.

Life and No TODAY like to can light also happen during theand preg- 2 mother/parent.

I think it requires various reasons why a womloving your that body and thethecount discuss athat topic many andThis understanding; accept- to his young grandson tells young boy. “Whichever one to Drugs! Always!menit.

It affects all relationships pregnancy termtypi- nancy. is rarely true. hand I cannot the numbe the worst material possession that they discould lose. tioningever that dov feel is emotional which findresponses uncomfortable and incallyaround have resulted called you, a stillbirth.

Mostingmiscarriages other’s beliefsoccur does notan would whetherMy you’re the boymiscarry, he has two wolves As youthere feed” was the reply.”

S u i cmen i d ealso P re ention this loss.

However, I have223tress, there may also be physinclude chronic conditions despite how comresearch showed the risk the foetus just isn’t hot topic. necessarily mean you have aware of it orthat not. inside of him, struggling Thanking you for readHelpline – 223-0001, d taboo, fortoday’s it, while it was actually in my because They continued to say thatThefeelings ofasanxiety, irritation manyand couples as well relationship as uncontrolled mon itMany actually is. Many 12 percent developing normally. of us also giveof miscarriage to change yours, does it? suchwith We all isknow it- hating each other. diabefirstical ing.

Please keep sendingcounselled 0009, 623-4444 or 600through a miscarriage where distress.

You will feel a wide tes, hormonal abnormalities, when I get up in the morning and people don’t know how to 15 percent for women in Unfortunately, while and receive hate, towards is exhausting, so why do Embrace forgiveness, sadness is the wolf of peace, love any topics you’d were like to to 7896 overwhelming would be felt if they lose their mother emotions which the expecting or cervicalThe abnorto reach or respond 20s rises to about a miscarriage a relatively ourselves yes, but definite-theirwe as there isis no hate withoututerine doand it? More importantly, and kindness. other isrange talkofabout to caitlinvieira@ Do not be afraid and to reach not limited to sadness, father’s malities, infection, age. andare gmail.com oing toout sleep check to someone who has is been 25 percent women experience — it ly more so towards others. self-sabotage. howmy canforwephone. stop? over I common the wolf of fear,orgreed out! relationship seemed phone today. of thewolf time,willhopelessness, anger, guilt, as though it was deteriorating through this trauma – andtrulyage 40. First, ask yourself- do doesn’t Ifmake Honestly, I’ve never you the are situation the object ofHowever, hatred.most “Which althy and something must be done. as the woman felt her partner of other parents the fertilised egg has an ab- jealousy sometimes, that’s okay.

Having a miscarriage any easier.

It is impossible It seems harmless, right?

Caring soandmuch about a understood hate in all its I have hate in my life? unnecessary hate, unfortuHowever, helps I’mdoesWhich not necessarily mean are for anyone understand the younormal number of chromo- intense feelings of loneliness didn’t care or understand her power,knowledge mainly because nately, to there is nothing one is it? There ndanyfound that women were more expectant fathers (especiallyreally if there arepaying a lot grief. While genes, and this is been situation and often Well, this week I’ve attention you have paincan ofphone? someone has not fully capable of it. Ofthat two do as the who giver of hatesomes/ formsa fertility of hate:probthe kind absolutely do feel this loss, of parents in your social cirvery random.

Unfortunately, doescourse, take away discomfort. lem.

Most women (87 perbeen through an event that I’m human, simply so I’ve that’s turned outward (ex- is the only person who can o their phones because men the bond between a pregnant cle).

Please take my advice this means that there was to the importance that I and others around me give to a A miscarriage is the loss cent) who have miscarriagtraumatic.

For couples who hated, but I don’t think it’s plosion), and the kind that’s make that change. It may be woman and the baby grow– allow yourself to feel and nothing done to have caused of aever pregnancy where the ofes have subsequent normal haveupsetting, recently been through or lasted a long period disheartening turned inward (implosion), alembryo media apps.

Also, older people ing inside her is unique.

A express these emotions. it, and nothing can be done phone, rather than what’s actually going on around them. or foetus does not pregnancies and births.

A this, it is important to know time, and I thank whatever with both creating equally even frightening, but all you woman can begin bonding The only thing I would to prevent it.

Normal activdevelop enough to survive. miscarriage is a somewhat that 98 percent of the time, higher power there is for this canOur do is remain calm and-- whether we are speaking to other people, damaging addicted.

I believe is— behaviours. because phones ities such as work, exercise, say you are not allowed to from the moment she has It typically happens possibly a miscarriage not caused that. I’ve hated within someoneloaded term thank youris lucky stars that At the centre ofsugall hate the first three months, but that something by any action by thethosesex or minor injuries do not feel, is self-blame. It’s hard a positive pregnancy test. with all my being one daygesting e smartphones (My father actually you do not taken reciprocate is blame, when we was feel reusing social media or playingnot togames can be addictive Bonding for the father typifeel as if you-did somecause a miscarriage. and completely shook it sponsible (implosion) or we overwhelming feelings. You Now, since a miscar- thing wrong when you lose a cally does start later – after the next. I attribute it to fault others (explosion) for absolutely do notalter have toriage as they our moods, trigger start to see the physical pregnancy.and However, guilt they enjoyable is a trauma, it typicallybeliefs empathy and no offence to a disheartening situation. hate back. symptoms or some men until is a completely unhelpful brings forward the five stagcolleagues and friends anyone, but I feel those who Remember this import-es of griefNeither ishow the right bad or beneand unenjoyable feelings.

Apart from obviously being is born.my You can emotion when there is noth- the baby denial, anger, consistently hate are simply ficial thing to feel. ant fact – what people hate help your relationship to main source my bynewspanot likely to empathise or about others are theof communication, my phone is survive This will be hard to hear, most being understandbe compassionate, which but even when it seems like things they either fear or ing, respectful and sensitive per, alarm, map, recorder, day planner, calendar, is such a shame, as feeling it, other people are not re- truly wantwatch, within themto each other’s needs and these allows for the under- sponsible for us. They may selves. Hate is truly an atkeeping the lines of camera, player, calculator, a weapon feelings, (sometimes) standing that everyone is be responsible for an event tempt to distract music oneself communication open about human and makes mistakes. that happened, but they are from feeling helpless, powthe situation- onceevyou are and my friend when I’m bored or lonely- basically On the other hand, people definitely not responsible erless and shame. It is the both comfortable doing that, do what’s right for them for how you feel about it only way they can However, regain and accept each other’s erything. it is also my constant interrupter andcopand sometimes it may not and how you’ve chosen to some kind of power over ing mechanisms as they may be right for you, but that’s deal with it. This may make a situation that did notIgo(I imagine much like most of you be quite different. distractor. out there) life, isn’t it? you feel like a forever vic- their way. It means they If you have suffered a I’ve had (and still have) tim, but the fact that no one lack self andageneral com-desire to know everything that miscarriage have deep is going on.trying and are many people who’ve hated but you is responsible for passion. If they keep hate to conceive again or already me for years over the silliest your feelings or behaviours in Itheir hearts, much of is human nature. But when does believe that it become pregnant, unfortunately there things. Honestly, if I were should actually make you that is dedicated inward asbargaining, depression, and ing you could have done to is nothing absolute that you to take the cruel route, I feel quite invincible. How it too is onlymuch? when we showacceptance. Regarding grief, change the outcome of your can do to ensure there is no would say that it makes me people feel about you in no ourselves love and compas-there is no right or wrong pregnancy. When something miscarriage but like anything I believe it’s too when it stretch has aelse,name. feel powerful to be able to way affects who you are sion can Well, we demonstrate itway to experience there are ‘Noactions you we all it. Theremuch is goes wrong, elicit such strong emotions and just the same, you can’t outwardly. also no appropriate timeline to find someone, something can take to make the possibilmophobia’ is that themustterm coined describe the fear of being by just being me. Howev- think someone into being Remember that you have ity less likely.

This includes blame.

With miscarriagbe followed - you toto er, truth is, I feel nothing something or someone else. to actively hate someone,will simply recover when es, there’s rarely anyone or seeking regular prenatal care, without a mobile phone. Seriously, what have we come to? but sadness for them, that Instead, you can control whereas not hating or evenyou do. However, there are thing to blame, and it leaves taking the appropriate vitamins, to avoiding known misfeeling object empty. So, accepthat can be done that us the they experience something the feelings that can lead to notItcaring requires no an ac-things becomes addiction when begins control so overwhelming, which hatred. tion. Hate has a future andwould help through this dif- tance of the normalcy of this carriage risk factors — such as smoking, drinking alcohol tragic event is key.activities, ficult process. affects me in absolutely hate or life no careand leavesinterferes I r e a d s o m e w h e r e noyour with your daily work, and Also, do what makes and illicit drug use. RememThe first to realise is that no way, but instead, drains that HATE can also stand things in the past. ber than obstacle you CAN have a good -“The despite what not alone – finding you feel their resources that could be for Healing Aggressive If you are a giver ofyou relationships.

I are read somewhere that biggest efficiently used elsewhere. unnecessary hate and wantand accepting healthy sup- others think. Many people successful pregnancy after Thoughts Emotionally. miscarriage.

Most women unwarranted opin- acan is crucial during this have sobut productivity connectivity,” overuse affect a Responding to hate with let this hate go, you areport is You can stop and take a to to who have miscarriages have ions and criticisms when time.

This can be friends, kindness and indifference breath to diffuse your hatred not alone or weak. I know subsequent of normal have never been through someone whom they lot who more than our orproductivity.

The truth is, overuse ourpregmay seem like the weak and challenge your hateful people have been pro-family, thing to do, but believe me, thoughts, replacing them fessionally trained to showyou know has also experi- such trauma. Many believe nancies and births. Having phones can who harm psychologically, socially physically. a miscarriage does not necshouldn’t beand enced us a miscarriage.

This that such grief it creates an inner peace that with more calming and ra- respect and empathy essarily mean you have a experienced if the miscarcan and should also include the giver of hate will never tional ones. still cannot manage to do it. to affecting social how many of us fertility problem. occurredskills, early during help fromour a riage have. it is veryregard possibleprofessional Mind your words – to However,With My final piece of advice the pregnancy (even though counsellor, social worker, A prison doesn’t neces- yourself and others; “Be to do. You can accept your miss out on a joke or good conversation as we were on our for either parent is to respect most do), but that woman or psychologist, religious leadsarily have to be a physical careful of what you say be- hate and take some responor anyone who makes you couple may have been plan- your own needs and limitaplace, as allowing that hate cause you are listening.” It sibility for what How you areer, phones? many times have we annoyed our good friend within you forms a men- is very possible to constant- feeling; the only require-feel comfortable. There are ning a pregnancy for years or tions as you work through support groups just felt a great rush of love your grief and begin to heal. tal prison and believe me, ly reinforce your own hate, ment isfamily the want andmember will toalso online or because we and were posting social rush it,media acceptance will excitement and that on is Don’t that are free and include peoyou’re the only inmate. even when you, yourself do so. Remember that forcome. difficult to just simply forget ple from all over the world.

The word on its own want to let it go. Feeding giveness not require an we are having with them? It truly affects our howdoesmuch fun Thank you everyone You can literally google and move on from. carries such immense power, let alone the actions that come along with it. Hate for another person dims your

these negative thoughts with harsher words will just feed your hatred and increase your anger.

apology and a war requires “online support groups for two active sides.

I’ll leave you with amiscarriages” and thousands of options will pop up. This famous short story. 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

XXII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 07, 2021

The Roadside Baptist ...

Class in session at RBSCTC

Christmas fete for the seniors and they are very thankful.

This year they are catering for 200 seniors and this is an event to which the people look forward, so they do not want to disappoint them.

“Thousands of people pass through this centre and left with a lifeskill that will assist them to generate an income and that is our main goal, to empower people to become gainfully employed,” she said.

Outar added that they have had many success stories and a lot of their learners are employed at banks, the sugar estates and other places, while others have small businesses.

At RBSCTC they have a display corner where all things, including arts and craft made by learners are displayed and kept secure.

The husband of the founder, Almond Katryan, is the Director of RBSCTC and is also the pastor at the church.

FROM PAGE VIII

The RBSTC

Some of the learners

“This place isn’t a profit-making one, but is a centre where people can come to be empowered through life- skills training and other courses to improve their standard of living and to bridge gaps with the community,” she said.

Outar reported that they have classes for slow learners and also remedial cours-

es and the people asked for more when they started with just a library.

RBSCTC also provides secretarial and photocopying services for a small fee for the general public.

Meanwhile, Administrative Manager Shaminee Rohit pointed out that they are also teachers and they do the managerial aspect of

the centre as well and it is voluntary work.

“We get what needs to be done to keep the centre open and we have supportive staff to assist us,” she said.

Her husband is also a pastor at the church and he is Terry Rohit.

The RBSCTC is opened SEE PAGE XXIII

The Display Corner

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 07, 2021

The Roadside Baptist ...

FROM PAGE XXII

XXIII The Library

The Roadside Baptist Church (Carl Croker photos)

on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 08:00hrs to 17:00hrs and on Wednesdays from 08:00hrs to 16:00hrs.

The centre has wash sinks with soap and water for hand- washing and they also have the ‘No Mask, No Entry’ policy, as well as others including no chewing gum on the premises, no cellphones during classes among others.

XXIV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 07, 2021

It’s the Caribbean leaders at COP26 for me

THIS year’s United Nations Conference on Climate Change, better known as COP26, got underway in Glasgow, Scotland, last week and though there has been a fair share of both hype and disappointment, I can honestly say that I am proud of the representation from some Caribbean leaders.

I would say that Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley (the crown jewel of the Caribbean, for the record) set the tone for the

kind of expectations we should have of our leaders representing us at the conference. As the only Caribbean leader speaking at COP26’s opening ceremony, she spared no effort in mincing words.

She emphasised that small island developing states (such as Caribbean islands) and low-lying countries (such as Guyana and Suriname) are vulnerable to rising sea levels and face a “death sentence” if adequate efforts are not made

to slow global warming.

For context, the increase in global temperatures, known as global warming, threatens countries with worsening climate events such as floods, heatwaves, droughts, and others. Mottley noted that because small states are increasingly vulnerable to the worst effects of climate change, increased global temperatures will impact these smaller developing countries first.

Because they have the most to lose the fastest, the Prime

Minister championed serious calls for greater climate financing to strengthen resilience.

I am biased because she is a woman and a Caribbean leader, but I submit that Prime Minister Mottley has effectively positioned the

concerns squarely on the international agenda. She has made it clear that Caribbean nations and other small-island developing states will not be trivialised.

Before the day ended, I read reports that Gaston Browne, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, joined his counterpart in Tuvalu, Prime Minister Kausea Natano, to set up a special commission on climate change and international law to explore legal options for small island nations to make wealthy, greenhouse, gas-emitting countries “pay for loss and damage.”

For the record, Prime Minister Browne currently chairs the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). And according to the BBC, Browne pointedly said “he who pollutes must pay.”

This is a pursuit I can get behind and one I hope will find unanimous favour in the rest of CARICOM and AOSIS. By the second day of the conference, I was ready for more. Then, many championed the conservation of forests. It was our President Dr. Irfaan Ali, supported by Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, who called for a payment system for the preservation of these forests. For President Ali, this is part and parcel of Guyana’s long-standing pursuits under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

Why is this important?

Guyana and Suriname have some of the largest intact forests in the world relative to the size of the country. And they could cut down their trees and use the land to build industries, for example, that would earn them money.

Instead of cutting down the trees, these two continental neighbours have protected the forests because felling the forests would release the gases stored and worsen climate change, and many plants and animal

species could be lost. So, why shouldn’t they be paid to keep the trees standing?

Of course, world leaders from the “developed world” have made grandiose statements about the need to preserve the trees, but forest payments? Not so much. It makes one think that the leaders of those countries might only be interested in climate-mitigation action when it’s convenient to them -- not unlike what has happened with the global management of COVID-19; but I guess that’s a column for another day!

However, this sort of “double standard” as President Santonki puts it, makes me think about the sentiments of arguably the most famous climate youth activist, Greta Thunberg. She insinuates that COP26 is a big talk shop, filled with much “blah, blah, blah.”

Like many, I find Thunberg and her actions interesting- to say the least. But, to some extent, I do believe that COP26 features a lot of “blah, blah, blah”, especially from leaders whose countries have significantly contributed to the climate crisis we currently face, but seek to establish themselves as the moral authority on new development.

Fortunately, my Caribbean leaders have given me much hope. I don’t believe that COP26 is nothing more than a talk shop. I’m glad that we have had the opportunity to ventilate our woes at the highest level, even though I know that these woes are not unknown.

And, I’m glad that our leaders recognise that it is their responsibility to advocate for massive action to be taken to protect our lives.

I borrow from Jamaica when I say: “We likkle but we tallawah.”

If you would like to connect with me to discuss COVID-19, this column, or any of my previous works, feel free to email me at vish14ragobeer@ gmail.com

XXV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 07, 2021

Childhood Dental Treatment

THE practise of dentistry is an art in which teachings of dental science are put to practical application. A patient usually visits the dentist for consultation on the state of health of the teeth, with the expectation that everything possible will be done not only to repair or help heal by therapeutic correction, any disease present, but also prevent disease from occurring if possible. This philosophy is especially true for young children.

The oral health of an adult is set in the pre-school period.

This period ends when the child attains four years. Preventative practices set around the age of one determine one’s dental health or disease for many years to come. The dentist has a once in a lifetime chance to offer guidance during the pre-school period by supplementing the parents’ knowledge of preventative practices. More than 90 percent of dental disease

is preventable. The modern practitioner, therefore, works first to prevent disease; the dentist performs restorations (fillings) when prevention fails, rather than the reverse.

Serious dental disease can occur before the child can cooperate for dental treatment, so proper coordination with the parent is important.

In fact, the motivation for the child’s oral care depends almost exclusively on the parents.

They can decide what the future holds for their child as far as dental health is concerned. We tend to start late.

Most of the common oral problems can happen before three years of age. Dental caries (tooth decay), trauma (accidents), and developmental anomalies can each occur before the child is old enough to cooperate for dental care.

This simple fact sets the stage for health care practices. For example, bottle caries can occur by the age 18mths (oc-

casionally before once a year) and is preventable.

The basis for practice protocols and public health programmes start with anticipation of the earliest disease. The child’s attitude toward dental care begins with pre-school experience.

The child’s receptiveness to care by the dentist or dental nurse is affected by young age, caries experience and invasiveness of necessary procedures. The best situation begins with the dentally healthy child.

A receptive outlook on dental care accompanies the absence of any invasive procedures (such as extractions) during a dental visit. When the child visits the dentist for the first time for say an extraction, the fear and anxiety of the dental office may last for many years. Thus, the likelihood of a receptive child increases with the prevention of disease in an early visit.

Postponing an examination because a child is uncoopera-

THE PENDULUM SWINGS, IMPERSONAL...

FROM PAGE XVI to extract a living. She had talents, but the development of talents took time. She needed to cultivate a new persona that didn’t or couldn’t fit into the studious realms of reliability, production, and marketing.

Cleo turned uninitiated by social experience to the underworld, a netherworld of no loyalty, where without the brutal means to retaliate you couldn’t hold ground. She courted a bank robber, who when apprehended, brought the police to her home and with tears she handed over the loot to the dishonest officers. Next, she negotiated a consignment of drugs, but before anything could be done, the suppliers invaded the home and pistol-whipped an innocent relative, looked in the typical locations that the neophyte would use and took back her/their drugs.

With each act of folly, Cleo sank deeper into a strange bitterness, feeling happy when people she knew died. Time was passing by and one folly followed the other. Then she carried the drugs herself and lost more time in a foreign jail, duped by the easiest ‘salawala’ promise a policeman could use on a vulnerable novice. Cleo continues. Why

with the initial exposure, upbringing and ‘Proper School’ did Cleo fall into the dismal netherworld? Was it a sense of callous entitlement?

Odyssey. After his Godparents passed and his father moved into their country house, now left for him, he was the only child who had a dual rural and urban upbringing. The matriarch of the family returned. It was like meeting his biological mother for the first time. He also learnt that he had other siblings. He moved out from his house that his father and the stepmother from hell occupied and went to his mother.

There was no money for him to sit his final exams.

Eventually he was taken out of school to help with babysitting chores. His world had turned upside down. His ally was his step-father, who secretly packed a bag and he left for the Youth Corps, then to another location after the Guyana Youth Corps was dissolved. Odyssey fell in with the ‘Yard fowl’ side of the family. With no patronage, he went to the waterfront with help from a neighbour Cleo introduced him to. The great aunt he stayed at was demanding, so he turned to street hustling to substitute his needs and wants in some

cases.

He sold ‘canta’gold to clients at a famous High Street hotel with the collaboration of a prostitute. He learnt the streets through older schoolmates and relatives, faced and survived the courts and walked, and made a covenant towards redemption after the matriarch told him in the presence of Orpheus that with his imprisonment for buying stolen items, she approached them for bail. Cleo, who still had her esteemed job, said that ‘MY MONEY IS NOT FOR THAT” and Orpheus declared, among other things, it was not his problem. However, in the past and in the future, from then it was Odyssey who was called to physically represent these siblings. The matriarch insisted, ‘Know wuh yuh deh pon.’ Odyssey had learnt, though there would be more to his lesson.

Thus concludes the character sketch of a novel based on real characters. In a world we can all identify with; it is on us as leaders, parents and guardians to understand how we balance with values the intricate tapestry of the responsibility of the ego with the capabilities to discern and not only to feel impulsively.

tive puts the child at unnecessary risk for disease, followed by decreased receptivity to the dental personnel.

The connection between the pain and behaviour centres is significant. The memory of an uncomfortable procedure experience can

last for many years and this sets off a chain reaction of neglect and self-mutilation in which overcoming fear is the key. So, preventing the disease by starting early as the first access to a receptive, cooperative child.

XXVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 07, 2021

ELIMINATING DANGER OF AFRICANISED BEES AND XX XIVEXPANSION OF HONEY INDUSTRY

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

THE SEAWALLS FOREVER!

REVISITING THE GUYANA/ VENEZUELA CONTROVERSY SOON TO COME BEFORE THE ICJ

E Guyana/Venezuela controversy will again shortly and discussions where factual bases invariably become me up before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). blurred.

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 npeople, of a historical and factual nature and this a good questions have been asking theup but especially Georgetowners.

Yet itis has rarelyanswer theretwo would alwaysthat be many children exploring and since picking ng, since the Guyanese of theoftwo Guyanese fishing boats inthey Guyana’s terribeen noticed by the newspublic mediaare andnot the encouraged last time it wasseizure seashells different colours; sometimes may find large mentioned as an item into of national concern was five or sixtorial conch shells. move their attention the realms of arguments waters by a Venezuelan navy ship. The first question years ago when the Ocean overtopped the wall and flooded The foreshore or continental shelf gradually rises and falls the yards parallel to the Public Road. This was the first every 20 years and today, the foreshore land between Camp time in living memory that there was such an occurrence Street and the Pegasus Hotel has almost risen to the height of and it led to great panic. The authorities hurriedly con- the wall and coconut trees and other vegetation grow on it. structed a barrier of standing concrete slabs on the Walls to counter such overtopping. In the last few weeks, the Seawalls have again featured in the news, but in a happier vein.

From Camp Street to the Demerara River, the wall had become disfigured by an accumulation of unsightly garbage and no one assumed the responsibility of cleaning it. A homeless man, Carl Melville, who sometimes slept there was noticed by Dwayne Hackett trying to clean the garbage and immediately volunteered to help him. Hackett placed the incident on social media and immediately numbers of persons volunteered their services.

First Lady Arya Ali was one of the first to volunteer and the Ministry of Public Works, the Director of Solid Waste Department of the Georgetown City Council and the Fire Service became involved with her. The Fire Service cleaned the bandstand and in a few days all the garbage was removed and Seawalls appeared as if they had always been maintained! Many have been high in their praises of this example of civic responsibility.

Likewise, the sea has reclaimed the land along the Kitty SeaThe Seawalls had always been the promenade and park for wall where houses once stood. Indeed, a substantial building the people of Georgetown and the surrounding villages from is still standing close to the wall near the Kitty Pump Station, the last quarter of the 19th century and continued to be so until but the sea is under it. Old fishermen who set their nets on the 1960s when the country became plagued with political ten- the foreshore sea could vividly describe the cyclical rise and sion and there were robberies on the Seawalls. For most of the fall of the beach.

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

The Seawalls provided a favourite place for health enIn its heyday, the Seawalls were the most delightful place thusiasts. Many would go there to practise deep breathing of in Georgetown. The vast openness of the seascape and the the clean and fresh sea breezes. Others would be cycling or surrounding landscape, the blue skies and silver clouds, the even training for cycle races. Probably the most notable were ever-present seagulls and the steady flow of the health-giving the ones who went for physical culture. Many of this group trade winds and the enveloping peace and quietude attracted would go to the Seawalls by either jogging to get there or by hundreds of people at all times of the day. The beach which cycle and they would arrive there at 5 o’clock, long before

Research work helping curb...

From Page III

timate for that area and in the space of 18 months, some 33 Giant Anteaters were identified.

According to Millar, researching the animals includ-

zone in the village. “So we will work with the villagers to create certain rules and help them to know what they should and should not do. For example, no one is allowed

several short documentaries called the “Secret Life of Giant Anteaters” and each episode focuses on different aspects of the work being done. Two more episodes are

the sun had risen. last four until they became the main is,WITHIN why is thethe Venezuelan public sowere convinced they On moonlit nights the Seawalls always athat crowded weeks, at least four persons species on the continent.

As have a valid claim to two-thirds of Guyana’s territory and promenade.

Many went to socialise friends, all went were reported in the media they with moved into but a locality, why theirthe politicians bellicose and aggressive about toasenjoy beauty ofare theso moon rising from the sea the having been killed by Afthey eliminated the and other this claim?

And the second question is, why did President ricanised bees.

These bees strains, and today, Capilablue-green moonlight which was brighter, since there were have killed livestock nos time have become athe rarity in Maduro of Venezuela choose this seizethe boats no roadalso lights to dilute it. Others wouldto enjoy various and even dogs.

Before the Guyana.

When the ministry when he knew he would alienate the Guyanese population phases of the New Moon with the background of purple skies arrival Africanised beesthousands speaks of areappear likeand causeofembellished the international community to they condemn or with ofbees, stars which in Guyana, the bees found to be speaking of Africandisapprove brighter of his action, Venezuela intersince leaving there lywere no cityisolated lights.

Others here were Capilanos, a ised bees. nationally on the issue. would gobee, to the SeawallsThese in theAfricanised late afternoons mild European and beesto The answer to the sunsets first question began during theinto Cold admire gradually transforming the light ofof dusk.

War: At theblue beginning the 1960s Britain had decided to joysthe of colony the Seawalls were the withdraw fromAnother Guyana of andthe grant independence, early evening Sunday concerts given by the Militia but it was very likely that the Prime Minister of the newly Band and the Police Band at the Bandstand which independent state would be Dr Cheddi Jagan, an avowed attracted hundreds of people.

Their repertoire conMarxist. U.S. Cold War interests tried to persuade Britain sisted of light classical music such as Strauss’ and to delay Guyana’s independence, but all that Britain could other waltzes, ballet music such Delibes’ pizzicato promise was that she would hand over power to a non-ComandMinister.

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

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

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

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

As mentioned above, the political tensions and criminality kept people away from the Seawalls in the 1960s. By the invade Guyana if theremore wasstable any possibility of a Marxist 1990s life had become and people again began to government being installed in Guyana. frequent the Seawalls, but the ambience had changed. There The 1899 Arbitral Award hadofsettled the boundaries of grew stalls lining parapet Public Road from the thereup was never anythe report are the regarded as dangerous Guyana and Venezuela and these boundaries were fully Kitty Pump Station to the to Pegasus, selling refreshments and of anyone being stung because they are very senaccepted bystalls both parties and the International communiall of these were well-lit.

The of the Seawalls death. sitivecharacter and easily disturbed. ty. of the junior lawyers representing Venezuela at hadOne changed from a peaceful promenade to a lively fair. atThe Africanised bee’s orWhen disturbed, they theigin arbitration, MalletPrevost, left a letter that was not could to aindustry tack theisperceived enemy the in Now thatbethetraced tourism being revived, toSeawalls have been opened afterpersistent his death.

In thatstaying letter, laboratory: swarms, stillSome offer Brazilian anuntil attractive attraction. aroundwas the victim for atof least hescientists claimed were that experimentthe Arbitral Award the result an ing with crossing captured half the an hour pouring their arrangement between Britain and Russian arbitrator fromVenezuela Africa withofother poisons thethan victim’s tobees deprive its rights.

Afterinto more half a strains.

The African bees body. Victims become discentury, Venezuela, based on Mallet-Prevost’s posthumous were far greater honey pro- abled or die because of the letter, now the Arbitral Award and claimed twoducers thanrejected other strains, but large amount of poison in thirds Guyana’s territory. posthumous otherofstrains were gentler Mallet-Prevost’s their bodies. Even if victims letter causus Venezuela used to threaten and was easierthe to manage.

The take shelter in a canalGuyana or lake, and this continued after thetoCold War, thestay raison d’etre laboratory was expected the bees about for for at newended. bee with the least half an hour. It is best theproduce claim, ahad best qualities of the African to runwho awaytook if oneany is attacked Most lawyers and historians notice and the other strains.

Unforby a swarm or even smaller of Mallet-Prevost’s letter dismissed it as a historical tunately, some of the African numbers since they follow curiosity or very flimsy evidence on which to attempt to bees escaped and multiplied upset a long-accepted Arbitral But the Venezuelan SEE PAGE XXVII prolifically, moving into the Award. politicians and the Venezuelan public gave credence and Amazon jungles northwards importance to Mallet-Prevost’s posthumous letter, which

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 07, 2021

ELIMINATING DANGER OF AFRICANISED ...

FROM PAGE XXVI for about only 200 yards.

In agricultural areas, they nest in trees and are disturbed by the least noise and attack the drivers of agricultural machines with such speed and suddenness that over the years, several such persons were fatally stung. In towns and more populated areas, they nest in closed or uninhabited buildings or even in the less frequented parts of a home. Other favourite places of their nesting are abandoned refrigerators, old cars, paint pots, old vehicle tyres, bushy fences, septic tanks and graves in the cemetery.

When the bees first made their appearance in Guyana several years ago, the Ministry of Agriculture had established a unit from which the public could seek assistance to eliminate them. Then they discontinued the service and household-

ers had to employ private exterminators for a fee. Most of these private exterminators were trained at the Ministry of Agriculture and if they could capture the bees, they did so and if they were able to reap honey, they also did so.

After some years, the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) was given the responsibility of dealing with the bees, but their activities were restricted to public buildings, markets, schools, churches and public spaces such as parks, gardens and so on. If private persons needed assistance,the GLDA would enlist the services of the Guyana Apiculture Society who had members in every region, but such assistance incurred a cost that had to be met by the householder.

Since Mr Zulfikar Mustapha assumed the office of Minister of Agriculture, he has initiated many innovations in his year of service. Among these, he has extended the GLDA’s bee-capturing and exterminating services to private persons.

In Mr Mustapha’s words: “Many persons have been making requests for us to assist and extend this service to residential spaces and we are now working to facilitate this… This is another initiative the government is offering to citizens in a bid to ensure quality services are extended while making sure they[citizens] are safe.” Citizens who wish to free their homes and neighbourhoods from the bees could contact the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) at telephone: 220 6556/7.

The ministry has constructively and creatively linked its bee-removal activities with developing the honey industry.

Minister Mustapha pointed out: “When GLDA captures bees, it usually donates some of these bees to Amerindian communities or persons who wish to get involved in beekeeping.

We have an apiary and are working to expand that facility.

Authentic and quality honey production is also something on which the government is working aggressively across the country”.

The GLDA has formulated a three-phase plan to effectively deal with bee removal and the extension and development of the honey industry. The first phase is to carry out greater surveillance efforts countrywide and conduct a sustained bee-awareness and educational campaign so that citizens would be better able to protect themselves from bee attacks

and extend the honey industry and develop the export market.

The second phase is allocating more funds and working with the regional authorities in bee-capturing and relocation. The third phase involves intensifying staff training; building beekeepers’ capacity through workshops and seminars in all the regions; and mapping locations from which bees have been removed and where wild swarms are nesting. These phases

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are not mutually exclusive.

The country is on the threshold of a regime where no one would ever be stung to death by bees and where the honey industry would be developing and expanding, providing employment and better incomes for a greater number of people.

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November 07, 2021 THOUGHT FOR TODAY And when did you last see your father?

WILLIAM FRED ERICK YEAMES (1835-1918) Title of painting (1878) now in the Walker Art Gallery, Liverp ool

STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Welcome, dear friend.

As your writing becomes handy, so will your creativity. Build prowess with whatever subject matter comes along: a story about a person, a short description of a structure, a poem about nature, a job application, or a friendly letter. Write about what you

know, have seen, heard, or done. Have fun writing and become better over time. Complete all school assignments. You may even discover your knack for writing during this time of serious study.

Love you.

GRAMMAR Vocabulary and spelling in building language skills A.. A skillful reader should have a well-developed vocabulary. In the exercises below indicate whether the word in bold print has been used correctly in each of the following sentences.

1. The committee past the motion without hesitation.

2. No family member will except the responsibility for the dead man’s error.

3. I ran 3 miles further than you did.

4. Mommy and Suzan closely followed the baker’s recipe for making cheese pie.

5. We need your presents at the anniversary service today.

6. John past his CXC science subjects and mathematics examinations splendidly.

B.. Should ance or ence be added to the following?

1. accord ---2. dilig---3. experi---4. resembl---5. appli---- 6. remembr---- 7. correspond---8. abund---9. evid----.

C.. Should er, or, or ar be added to the following?

1. counsell-2. gramm-- 3. betray-- 4. collect-- 5. propell-6. advertis-- 7. supervis-8. profess-9. prosecut-D. Some of the following sentences are unacceptable because they contain errors; no sentence contains more than one error. Some of the sentences are acceptable as they stand.

On your answer sheet, mark the ONE option that best describes each sentence, as follows: (A) The sentence is acceptable as it stands.

(B) The sentence contains a cliché or misused metaphor.

(C ) The sentence is

incorrect grammatically or faulty in diction.

(D) The sentence is too wordy, is repetitive or contains redundancies.

1. Sitting, alone in his room by himself he repeated her address over and over again.

2. The village crier rushed up the lane like a house on fire and, shouting with all his strength he could muster, shouted the council’s message.

3. If I were the captain of the West Indies cricket team, I will attack the batsmen with my fast bowlers immediately after the luncheon interval.

4. There are some people who have not yet considered the need to abstain from filthy language, but abandoning vulgarity for temperance is truly the only option for one who wishes to engage in healthy lifestyle practices.

5. She was a nimble-footed dancer; her graceful body executed delicate movements with incredible poise.

READING Comprehending the written word Instructions: Read the following short passage carefully. Select the correct option in EACH of items 1 and 2 based on what is stated or implied.

Land and air and water are filled with living things, but apart from mankind, they scarcely ever change, or if they do, it is over vast periods of time. Ferns grow and fish swim just as they did before man walked the earth. The industrious ants continue their self-perpetuation as they did when the dinosaurs ruled. But man, in his comparatively brief history, has transformed both the world and himself. His specific quality is purposeful change through thought: he is man the thinker.

1. The purpose of this paragraph is to (A) give examples of the living things found on land, in the air and in water.

(B) show how man has transformed the world and himself.

(C ) trace the history of civilization from earliest times to the beginning of man.

(D) compare the development of man with that of other living things.

2. The writer uses the phrase “as they did when the dinosaurs ruled” is intended to (A) indicate the length of time which has passed.

(B) express concern over the ants’ behaviour.

(C ) remind the reader of the process of evolution.

(D) compare the ants with the dinosaurs.

THE POEM Reading for proper comprehension Read the following poem carefully and then answer items 1-3 on the basis of what is stated or implied.

Leisure What is this life if, full of care, We h a v e n o t i m e t o stand and stare?

No time to stand beneath the bough And stare as long as sheep or cows.

No time to see, in broad daylight, Streams full of stars, like skies at night.

No time to turn at Beauty’s glance, And watch her feet, how they can dance.

No time to wait till her mouth can Enrich that smile her eyes began.

A poor life that if, full of care, We h a v e n o t i m e t o stand and stare.

(W.H. Davies, “Leisure”) 1. When the poet says “full of care” he means a life full of (A) responsibilities (B) pleasure (C) boredom (D) anger 2. The poet implies that we need leisure in our life for it to be (A) relaxing (B) meaningful (C ) vital (D) restless 3. In which of the following lines does the poet answer the question asked in lines 1 and 2?

(A) Line 4 (B) Line 6 (C) Line 9 (D) Line 11

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Why is our Guyanese culture deemed ‘uncivilised’ until Westerners determine otherwise?

IN many popular circles, it is believed that our culture is deemed “uncivilised,” until the western world decides it isn’t—for their own personal gains. For as long as I can remember, Caribbean culture, more specifically Guyana’s culture, is linked to phrases or names such as; “Third World,”, “inferior,” “plantation mindset” and even “backward.” I am furious at the thought of even mentioning them. Our culture is frowned upon until

skincare routines on social media—it’s glorified for its properties. Our Afro-Caribbean women were called

Seven-curry in a water lily leaf; a green food packaging alternative traditionally used by Indo-Guyanese. it becomes “trendy”—then the perspective on that specific aspect of our culture becomes mainstream. Note the word, “specific.” The Western World will take bits and pieces of our culture that benefit them (economically and otherwise) and will neglect the entirety of who we are.

I’ve personally seen this happen to different aspects of our culture, from certain food, beauty products, dances, cultural events or clothing.

By all means, I support the recognition and popularity of our culture. I want to see Guyana and its people adored and appreciated for our authenticity in culture, beliefs and opinions. I don’t support the appropriation of cultures and the exploitation of a minority culture for economic gains. Globalisation and capitalism have contributed significantly to cultural appropriation. About 50 years ago, Turmeric or “Dye ‘’ was probably frowned upon as an inferior ingredient when our Indian brides or women used it on their skins but now, if you head over to

“ghetto” for their braids and hairstyles—these days they are worn as a “style” by other races without any respect, appreciation or understanding of the meaning of said hairstyles. Mashramani and Carnival were “brawling,” until they understood how to gain from them economically. In today’s society, recyclable or “green” packaging is a breakthrough for green economies, but when we eat in our water lily leaves—it’s unsanitary and “caveman-like” to do so.

I can go on and on about how and why our culture is appropriated, especially for economic gains, but I’ll most likely take up the space for this week’s entire newspaper.

It’s frustrating to think that we receive validation (not that we need it from them), only until we’re deemed “useful” or unless they can gain something from us and our culture.

They’ll probably call us “petty” for wanting the recognition and respect that we deserve, but it’s basic human decency—if you’re to ask me. Our

ancestors did not endure centuries of slavery by their hands while preserving their culture and heritage, only to have them still economically gain from that very culture they tried to destroy from the inception.

It’s utter nonsense. I urge you to speak up and against cultural appropriation if you see it, especially in the mass media. While we do not need their validation to become “civilised” beings—Westerners should learn to respect our cultural values, beliefs and systems. We don’t owe you an explanation as to why you shouldn’t “adapt” certain aspects of our culture to your own—”NO” is enough. We’ve already been through enough, the least we can have is our authentic culture to ourselves.

Pictures: Cultural appropriation

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