Pepperpot E-Papaer 14-11-2021

A Tribute to Alvin Kalicharran - Professionalism Personified

A look at the astounding skill of Guyana’s own Alvin Kalicharran, considered one of the most complete, accomplished and versatile batsmen ever produced by the West Indies (Photo courtesy of Albert Baldeo)

Sunday November 14, 2021

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 14, 2021

President Irfaan Ali saw the most expensive Stamp in the world

By Francis Quamina Farrier THE world-famous and most valuable postage stamp on the planet - the British Guiana One Cent Magenta, which is valued at over U.S.$9 million - was recently seen by President Irfaan Ali while he was on a visit to Europe.

The president also met the present owner of the stamp, American footwear magnate Stuart Weitzman, who bought the stamp at an auction in 2014. Weitzman graciously allowed the stamp to be put on display at the American Postal Museum in Washington, DC, USA, for a number of years. During that period, many Guyanese, myself included, availed themselves the opportunity to see the Stamp. Also among them were Postmaster-General Karen Brown and Guyanese diplomats Dr. Kenrick Hunte and Dr. Riyad Insanally. Retired Jet aircraft pilot Capt. Beverley Drake, whose image is on a Guyana postage stamp, has also seen the world-famous British Guiana Magenta stamp during its display in the United States.

At that Washington DC location, scores of international stamp collectors and enthusiasts turned up to view that precious and famous British Guiana (Guyana) postage stamp. There are literally tens of thousands of stamp collectors worldwide, and they include not only millionaires and billionaires, but also individuals of simple means. Among interna-

Farrier with Postmaster-General Karen Brown at the American Postal Museum in Washington D.C., USA, when the British Guiana

tional personalities who are avid stamp collectors are His Holiness Pope Francis of Vatican City, Rome, and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, head of the British Commonwealth of Nations.

A report stated that some years ago Her Majesty failed in her attempt to buy the British Guiana One-Cent Magenta from American Stuart Weitzman.

Many Guyanese and International philatelists regard the British Guiana One-Cent Magenta postage stamp as the world’s most famous stamp. The batch in which it was printed was issued in limited numbers in British Guiana in 1856 on a printing press which was

located on Church Street, Georgetown, just east of the National Library. That printing press has since been put on display on the ground floor of the National Museum in Georgetown.

What most Guyanese are unaware of, is that British Guiana was among the first countries in the world to have printed and used postage stamps. Because of its location on the northern shoulder of South America, and just a few hours to the Caribbean sea, Port Georgetown was a hub of activities by mariners in the past, and many letters using postage stamps were posted from there to destinations around SEE PAGE V

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 14, 2021

A Tribute to Alvin Kalicharran

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- Professionalism Personified

By Albert Baldeo “Kalicharran is one of the best players of spin bowling I have seen…This is not to say that he was inadequate against pace, and, at his best, is the complete player.” – Clive Lloyd “Once we walk out to bat, there is no rich or poor and there is no black or white. It is just me and you.

So I was brought up in that culture of being a streetfighter – that you don’t see danger, you don’t see anxiety. All you are looking at is tomorrow – how will you fight again. So Lillee bowling to me is, just… I’m going to bat again tomorrow.

Not that I don’t respect him.

I respect what opposition we are playing against, but if you say that you are going to walk out and feel intimidated, what are we going out there for? Why did they select me if I am not going to fight?” – Alvin Kalicharran In 1979, the smallest international batsman, standing a mere 5ft 4in at full height, took apart a rampaging Vanburn Holder in a dazzling innings of 107* when Warwickshire defeated Worcestershire.It was an innings characterised by such ferocious hooks, pulls and drives of sheer genius, that Holder was immediately taken off. In 1982, against Somerset, he played one of the great limited-overs innings in hammering 141*.

When the 6ft 8in Joel Garner bounced at his head, he swivelled beautifully in trademark style and hooked his towering adversary high over square leg for six, with stunning power. It travelled like a laser bullet out of the ground. Warwickshire’s captain Bob Willis said that the little man’s “knock contained a myriad of high-class shots. His stock-in-trade pulls and hooks were supplemented by a series of silken drives on the rise through the off. Somerset came apart at the seams.”

In 1983, after Warwickshire had been swept aside for 43 by Sussex, he lifted them from the doldrums with 210 at Leicester. He carved up Gloucestershire for 173 at Nuneaton. A week later came the Southport saga, when he blasted

230* in an English record fourth-wicket stand of 470 with Geoff Humpage. A marvellous 195 against Surrey, followed by 109* in the return against Worcestershire preceded the big battle at Southampton. It pitted the

had seen Mother Kali at her best, which is all-pervading power, in Hindu philosophy. He retreated out of the attack, struck with both pain and awe at “Kalli’s” prowess. No other batsman has completely dominated a

Alvin Kalicharran was indisputably considered one of the most complete, accomplished and versatile batsmen ever produced by the West Indies (Photo courtesy of Albert Baldeo)

little master, the country’s leading run scorer, against Malcolm Marshall, the leading wicket-taker – a clash of titans. The little dynamo won that contest, taming the great Marshall’s hostile pace with genius, and enthralled again with a superb 131, raising him past 2,000 runs in a season for the first time in his career. His eight centuries in a summer equalled the Warwickshire record held jointly by R. E. S. Wyatt (1937) and his idol, Rohan Kanhai (1972).

In 1975, this was the same batsman who set cricket’s biggest inaugural tournament on fire when he tamed the hostile Dennis Lillee by hooking, cutting, cover driving and pulling the demon fast bowler astonishingly all around the ground in a spellbinding, 10-ball sequence of 4,4,4,4,4,1,4,6,0,4 – 35 runs, which sent the crowd into pandemonium;real high-class batting artistry and stroke play. Lillee

bowler with such authority.

Who was this little maestro and why, with so much class and technique, was he not playing for his country, having just been chosen as one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year in 1983, the benchmark of cricket recognition?

He was Alvin Kalicharran, and the rest is history. Although amongst the very top tier of batsmen in the world of his era, Alvin Isaac Kallicharran is hardly given the thanks and commendations he earned. Playing cricket in South Africa did not help his cause, but he is a genuine, yet unsung, hero.

Great skill “Kalli,” as he is affectionately called, was believed to bear more than just a namesake to the legendary Hindu deity when he unleashed his incomparable batting skills all over the world, packing such power

and genius in his batting that it seemed divinely granted. When he toured India, a country where cricketers are treated like deity, many spectators came to see him bat, and left convinced that he was, indeed, the Hindu deity, “Kali” incarnate.

He was indisputably considered one of the most complete, accomplished and versatile batsmen ever produced by the West Indies, one whose artistry was not brooked by limitations and one who was the master of all types of bowlers and wickets.

He was a man for all seasons, a quintessential gem in any batting lineup. If I were a betting man, and the West Indies needed a saviour in a crisis, I would have betted my money on Alvin Kalicharran in front of anyone else.

His professionalKalicharran made his international debut against ism to the game and New Zealand in sensational fashion at Bourda, his clinical and spellGeorgetown in 1972 binding annihilation of (Photo courtesy of Albert Baldeo) Dennis Lillee in the 1975 World Cup are two of the game’s most en- Shell Shield. He later in- his application thereafter to during memories. His en- spired Guyanese sportsmen give his team the edge in counter with Lillee pitted to reach for cricket’s great- winning. Kalicharran’s best a cricketing David against est accolades. “Kalli” was performances were made a virtual Goliath in Lillee. a lightweight who packed when everyone was at odds Lillee, one of the game’s a knockout punch and a with the bowling and when most feared pace merchants killer instinct which floored his world-class ability to and an automatic pick in any many bowlers around the bat was sorely needed by all-time World XI, was at his world, keeping them down his team - whether it was prime, and had destroyed for the count. Like his idol for Guyana, Berbice, the batsmen literally and figu- and hero, the legendary Ro- West Indies, Warwickshire, ratively the world over with han Kanhai, the diminutive Queensland, Transvaal or peerless pace and accuracy. Kalicharran was a stroke Orange Free State, or whethKalicharran, batting without player who derived his pow- er it was the long or short a helmet, thigh pad or arm er from tremendous talent, version of the game. This guard, played a succession of the heart of a lion, a hawk’s wristy genius had every magnificent shots which sent eyesight,a panther’s reflexes stroke at his command and Lillee into vanquished sub- and immaculate timing. He in his armoury, and that was mission. The more “Kalli” struck the ball far beyond the why he was easily acknowldispatched him, the faster capacity of his diminutive edged around the world as and more hostile he bowled, frame. Whereas other bats- one of the best exponents and the more the Guyanese men such as Viv Richards, in the art of batting in his savaged him, enthralling the Gordon Greenidge and Clive heyday. His technique and crowd with rare virtuosity Lloyd bludgeoned the ball, temperament were among “Kalli” mostly caressed it, the best in the game, whethand gifted stroke play. surgically bisecting gaps er he was playing the fiin the field with his supple ery pace like fire of Dennis A solid beginning Born in Port Mourant, wrists and an impressive Lillee, Jeff Thompson, or the Mecca of Guyanese bats- array of breathtaking strokes Bob Willis, the menacing men, Kallicharran represent- to all corners of the ground, swing of Imran Khan, Kapil ed the Guyana school team while also unleashing shots Dev or Sarfraz Nawaz, the blistering yorkers of Ian in the West Indies champi- of unbelievable power.

Botham or Bruce Taylor, His greatest asset was his onship in 1966. A mere year the befuddling spin of Indetermination and masterful later, at the age of 16, he tikhab Alam, Bishen Bedi or assessment and appreciation became the youngest player SEE PAGE XII to appear for Guyana in the of the game as it stood, and

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 14, 2021

Tails of Hope turns three Promoting new ‘Ban the Bang’ campaign

THREE years ago, a group senior citizens, and babies. would never return; some of young women passionate “Many persons would died of a heart attack. Natabout animal welfare in have lost their beloved pets ural habitat formation was Guyana came together to either by death or escape disrupted along with migraform Tails of Hope. Most of f r o m h o m e , ” R a m d e e n tion patterns. Large animals them had only known each shared, adding, “Animals, ended up on our roadways other on social media when with their more advanced since loud unexpected noises they would speak out on animal cruelty and other issues. Observing the same interests and passions, the women joined forces and created the organisation which now has more than 15,000 followers strong on social media.

Tails of Hope, said to be driven by progressive ideas, bold actions, and a strong foundation of support for all animals, will officially turn three on Friday (November 19), and is streaming ahead with a brand new campaign called “Ban the Bang.”

“In light of the recent indiscriminate and illegal use of fireworks and firecrackers to celebrate the auspicious festival of Diwali, our members and supporters have launched this campaign,” Vice President Melissa Ramdeen told Pepperpot Magazine.

Together with the other founders of the organisation - Shari Rodrigues Dasilva, Vice President Melissa Ramdeen Nikki Ramnarace, Tammy Quail, Tricia Azaire, Ala- hearing, were thrown into a trigger their flight mode.” na Singh, and Nicole Joy state of frenzy. Dogs were The ‘Ban the Bang’ Khadaroo – Ramdeen said fleeing their homes by any awareness campaign will the team is currently in the means, getting stuck on therefore seek to prompt the gathering phase of data to fences, damaging their paws, enforcement of the laws of support the detrimental use ripping their mouths trying Guyana as it relates to imof explosives not only to ani- to bite through their kennels. portation, sale, possession mals, but to the environment, Birds left their nests and and use of pyrotechnics.

Apart from this campaign, the team has also been conducting kindness talks in schools to sensitise children early on the importance of treating animals with kindness and respect.

“Our vision focuses on community involvement.

We involve the community through education and public awareness on the importance

This horse, being abused by its owner, was rescued by Tails of Hope

Members of Tails of Hope received a vehicle to aid with their work from the Office of the First Lady

Tails of Hope focuses mainly on housing conditions and abuse, inclusive of neglect and abandonment of animals of respecting all animals. We courage adoption of animals also involve as many persons (rather than purchasing),” as possible in ‘spay and neu- Ramdeen explained. ter ‘campaigns, and we enTails of Hope focuses mainly on housing conditions and abuse, inclusive of neglect and abandonment, along with the implementation of legislation. “It is our belief that our only ally to tackle animal cruelty is education. We share our experiences hoping to spread awareness on the importance of respecting and caring for animals, instilling a sense of responsibility for all life forms.”

The organisation has also The ‘Ban the Bang’ campaign was launched given been promoting that certain the indiscriminate and illegal use of fireworks and animals should be left in firecrackers their natural habitats. “The

need to respect that animals such as birds, monkeys and other forms of wildlife be left alone in their habitat is an issue we try to highlight.”

At the moment, Tails of Hope is the only animal welfare organisation with large shelter homes. “So we have staff to pay to cook, feed, and care for the animals we took in. Our medical bills are usually a heavy sum because there are many cases where we have to cover the costs for sick or injured animals.

At the moment, we conduct our vaccination drives (depending on the availability of vaccines) on a fort nightly basis.”

The organisation would also conduct Spay and Neuter Campaigns – dependent on donations; the cost for one animal depending on sex is approximately $9,000 – cost not inclusive of treatment for other conditions if needed.

Meanwhile, Ramdeen shared that after losing her dad in 2017, animal activism provided her with purpose and kept her going.

“It provided me with another avenue to serve Guyana. Ms Syeada Manbodh shaped my views on animal activism versus loving animals. She encouraged me to join other animal groups so that I could start making a difference. It is then, whilst reaching out to like-minded persons, that I met Ms. Shari R o d r i g u e s … S h a r i ’s passion and kindness were contagious and added fuel to my desire that has now become one my greatest investment in life.”

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 14, 2021

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Uplifting women and men who endured domestic violence

By Dillon Goring

VALINI Leitch, is a proud recipient of an award which was bestowed upon her on the night of Saturday, October 23, 2021 and is now part of an esteemed group of “25 influential Women Leaders”.

Leitch received the award for her outstanding contribution in the fight for the liberation of women and men who have endured and are still suffering from domestic violence.

The Pepperpot Magazine sat down with Leitch, who shared her own life struggles with domestic violence and how she is inspiring men and women to stand up in the face of domestic violence.

“Given my personal experiences with domestic violence, I am a survivor of domestic violence and after going through that harrowing ordeal for a number of years, then I became a mother, [I realised] that I had little to no contact with my only child. [Then is when] I understood the challenges that victims of domestic violence faces,” Leitch told the Pepperpot Magazine.

Leitch pointed to the fact that when persons who find themselves in situations of domestic violence, are told to leave the relationship, there are no safety programmes or as she describes it “resilience project programmes to help women who have survived a domestic violence situation to get back on their feet.”

This in her mind, gave her a better understanding of the pains, processes and the cycles that women go through, having gone through it herself.

“While I was going through my dark days, I always remember and I will quote him Apostle Claude Brooks, in one of Samuel Medas’s songs, where there was mention of your day season and your night season. So I saw that abuse period as my night season, it was dark, alone, harsh. I lost a lot, inclusive of myself, child and family,” said Leitch.

She alluded that she used her experiences to tell women today that they can rise out of their pains: “Out of the ashes, I rise,” she said.

“There is a life after domestic violence, you can pick up the pieces, you can move on,” Valini noted during her interview.

Leitch continued to tell the story of her involvement with Society against Sexual Orientation Discrimination

(SASOD) Guyana, in 2017, when she decided to come off the board of Valini Leitch SASOD and go on the front lines.

During this time, Leitch made mention of the fact that during her “dark days”, that a friend from the LGBTQ community was her main anchor of comfort, strength and support as she battled through the tunnels of domestic violence.

“My award for the top 25 Influential Women is dedicated to all the sisters we would have lost along the way to domestic violence and to those suffering in silence,” Valini said.

She advisedwomen, particularly those who find themselves in domestic violence situations, that there is an exit strategy, according to her, to put things in place and reach out to family and friends.

“In Guyana, we have many organisations ready and willing to assist and support women and girls who are victims of

President Irfaan Ali saw the most ...

FROM PAGE II

the world. Some of the stamps have images of Guyana’s flora and fauna. Millie, the infamous Guyanese cursing macaw, whose image was placed on a Guyana postage stamp, created much controversy. The bird learned curse words both in English and French, while at the EXPO in Montreal, Canada in 1967. Its bilingual ability at cursing was rewarded with its image being placed on a Guyana Christmas postage stamp. Many citizens were outraged and expressed the view that instead of that cursing macaw, it should have been the image of the Mother Mary and Baby Jesus on that Christmas stamp that year.

During colonial times, the images of English Kings and Queens were regularly placed on British Guiana stamps. After independence, the images of such individuals as Forbes Burnham and Dr. Cheddi Jagan, two of the Founding fathers of the nation, adorned stamps. However, let it not be forgotten that the image of an Indigenous man shooting fish in a river with an arrow and bow was one of the most popular British Guiana postage stamps during the 1940s. Later, images of citizens such as the Guyanese international superstar Eddy Grant, cricketers Clive Lloyd, Rohan Kanhai and Alvin Kalicharran and mountaineer Adrian Thompson were also placed on Guyana stamps. However, the British Guiana One-Cent Magenta remains superior, not only to other Guyana stamps, but stamps all over the world.

SEE PAGE X

domestic violence. One such organisation is the National Coalition Organisation through their one-stop-shop initiative, where women and girls have access to pro bono legal support as well as free psychosocial support to extend where we would even provide a safe space,” Leitch told the interview.

She encouraged alternative ways of conflict resolution and management.

According to an article posted by the Guyana Chronicle dated August 9 , 2021, the 25 Influential Women awards were inaugurated in 2019 by the dynamic team of female leaders and entrepreneurs in their own right, Michelle A. Nicholas of NICO Consulting Inc. and Lyndell Danzie-Black of Cerulean Incorporated. The unique award turns the spotlight on women – with 25 awardees - being honoured for their passion and commitment to uplifting the business sector, their communities and society. Nomination forms for women who fit the criteria for recognition at this event are available on the 25 Influential Women Leaders Awards Facebook page and will be distributed widely through several organisations, the media and members of the public.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 14, 2021

Victory Valley A green oasis for the locals The scenic Victory Valley (Carl Croker photos)

By Michel Outridge This week the Pepperpot Magazine visited Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) Victory Valley,

Wismar, Linden, to highlight the way of life of the locals.

It is one of the most scenic places and it is an oasis for the people who eke out

a living there, doing many things utilising their skills and establishing small businesses in Victory Valley.

Victory Valley lies between Blueberry Hill and

Focus on the Village

Silvertown and can be accessed via Burnham Drive onto Silver Town Mosque Street, but vehicles can access only up to a certain point in the village.

After that, one has to make one’s way into the foothills and hills on foot and this village is set deep into the hills. It is a green community where almost every resident lives off the earth by growing their own food and using the crystal clear water from the natural springs that flow all the time.

In giving a bit of history about the village, Dawn Lambert told the Pepperpot Magazine that Victory Valley reportedly existed since the 1950s and was first referred to as the ‘Valley of Tears’ because of the swampy conditions and because it was surrounded by hills from where natural springs ran down into the village.

Lambert stated that be-

cause of the water which is always flowing throughout the village, it (the village) was said to be crying.

However, the people living there were asked to move because the area constantly eroded. Some of them did so, settling in Block 22, while several others fought to stay.

Lambert explained that the late President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, who was also a lawyer, represented those who chose to stay. He won them the right to stay in the village and they changed the name of the village to Victory Valley, to honour the victory.

Residents disclosed that a lot of people passed through Victory Valley because from there, they can access other villages, including Blueberry Hill, Wismar Housing Scheme, Silver Town, One Mile and other villages.

In Victory Valley, some houses are set on hills high

above, while others are on slopes and some on lower ground.

The soil condition is sandy and most residents are farmers, utilising the land space to plant fruits, vegetables, flowers, and plants.

Victory Valley is set among the hills on the Wismar shore and it is home to about 400 residents.

For the most part, there are no roads in this village, only the main access entrance, an all-weather road which goes to a certain point and after that there are makeshift wooden bridges and a lot of trails leading to houses, farms and other parts of the village, that is, quite elevated and it is indeed a picture-perfect place.

According to Chairman of the Victory Valley Community Development Council (CDC), Anthony Roberts, the village started with a few families including the SEE PAGE XIV

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 14, 2021

The women of Victory Valley are hard workers and farmers

By Michel Outridge

called ‘Jaffa Corner.’

CHERYL Alphonso has lived all her life in Victory Valley, Wismar, Linden, and has roots in the village where her fore-parents once lived.

The resident has a small shop and that is her only source of income and the community supports that business.

The mother of five told the Pepperpot Magazine that life in Victory Valley is good once you have an income and it is a place that is frequented by a lot of people. The locals know

The farmer/bush medicine doctor At the edge of the village deep in the valley is the home of Dawn Lambert and her extended family.

The 62-year-old is a farmer and she likes the natural setting where her home is and it took her many years to upkeep and cultivate the land to what it is today, a lovely garden of plants, fruits, flowers and vegetables.

She grows her own food and utilises the spring water and she would walk and sell her produce in the village.

The mother of nine told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is not from Linden, but it is her home now and came to the valley when she was six years old.

She recalled it was a little after the disturbances in 1965 and she went to school and then started working.

Lambert said when she started a family, she did many jobs to send her children to school.

She used to cook and sell food and did security work for some time.

Lambert is the grandmother of 20, the great grandmother of two and today she is a pensioner and a farmer, who earns by selling her produce.

She has a lovely cottage which is surrounded by hills and it is well-kept, a very tidy place which has many trees and a very picturesque view.

Dawn Lambert (Carl Croker photos)

each other, so visitors are spotted right away.

Her home and shop are conveniently located just near the entrance of the village, which is also

Alesa Mondook and her daughter

Shop of Cheryl Alphonso

“This valley is safe, I would leave the door open and sleep and around here, nobody would trouble you or take anything because we live well and we know each other and the neighbours are very cooperative,” she said.

Farther into the village, Lambert has a large farm and her son and his wife cultivate ground provisions and other crops.

In her spare time, she would make tonics from plants and bushes around her for children and would do massages only for children.

She does part-time herbal healing and it is a generational tradition handed down to her by her Amerindian grandmother, who has since passed on.

Lambert is a country girl from Alness, Corentyne, Berbice, and settled in the valley very young.

Her mother is 83 years old and is not in good health and she would take care of her daily and she resides a few doors away, right in the valley.

Lambert stated that she has plans to spruce up the place to make it a tourism hotspot by constructing a better bridge over the spring and creek and will add Daughtereven more plants. in-law of Dawn Lambert, Alesa Mondook and her children

SEE PAGE VIII

Focus on the Village

Dawn Lambert’s home and surroundings

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 14, 2021

Talent abounds in Victory Valley

By Michel Outridge VICTORY Valley, Wismar, Linden, has produced some outstanding people and others of talent such as musicians and singers.

It is the village of multi-talented people who are holding on to the hope of accelerating their musical careers.

Ray Flavius is a local of Victory Valley and these days he is doing many things to pass the time and is still penning songs in his spare time.

The 40-year-old is mild-mannered and has produced a few reggae songs which have been on our local airwaves for some time.

Flavius told the Pepperpot Magazine that one of his first

Ray Falvius (Carl Croker photos)

songs is ‘Journey to Jamaica’ and talked about the disadvantages of residing in Linden, where there are not many facilities to boost local musicians like himself.

He has lived most of his life in Victory Valley and his music hasn’t gone anywhere in years, because of the lack of resources.

But locals do come together for community-based, selfhelp projects to enhance the community, which has taken shape in recent years from a swampy squatting area to a housing scheme.

Flavius has penned more than 100 songs and is looking forward to voicing those when he gets the opportunity.

The artiste has six recorded songs, five on the local airwaves, one duet, and four singles.

He is a construction worker, a driver and would often take jobs driving a truck to the interior to make an honest dollar.

Flavius told the Pepperpot

Magazine that Victory Valley is the place of ‘one people’, and that is true because the vibes were good and the people are very friendly and welcoming.

He stated that they are a neutral people and are willing to cooperate for change, development of the community, and a better life for all locals.

Flavius is better known as ‘Fire Ray’ and he is optimistic that his musical career will take great heights when the time is right.

For now, he has no desire to give up and is leading a very simple life in Victory Valley, a close-knit community, where there are no strangers.

Meanwhile, in this same village is another musician, Miike Menace, a reggae singer who also has a few songs on the local airwaves.

Menace told the Pepperpot Magazine that he is a taxi

The women ....

FROM PAGE VII She has maintained her surrounding to a good standard and it took a lot of time and effort as well.

Lambert will, however, re-name her section of the village ‘One Foot Hill,’ because of the abundance of “eddoe leaf calaloo.”

In her neck of the valley there are three types of “eddoe leaf calaloo”: black stem, white stem, and coco.

“On a daily basis they would sell about $10,000 worth in ‘eddoe leaf calaloo,’ so food isn’t a problem here, we have lots

Miike Menace

driver in the community and will not give up on his music.

He is still penning songs and he is often singing on his good days.

Menace has some songs, including “Get to know me,” “We out there,” and “Stop the earth shake.”

Victory Valley is also a place of sportspeople and has produced a number of prominent persons in sports.

These include Terrence Ali, Conrad Wilson (boxers); Ezekiel Hinds (wrestler), Shantoba Bright – our national broad jumper.

There is also Zirah Jeffrey. Recently, she and Shantoba brought back four medals of the nine that came back to Guyana – gold, silver, and bronze.

At the last junior CARIFTA games, Shantoba brought back the only gold and silver medals for Guyana.

Then some national football players also belong to the valley – Harold Adams and Chris Williams are among the names called.

Focus

of things to eat, we grow a lot here,” she said.

Lambert stated that they grow organic foods free of harmful fertilisers and chemicals and they use only mould, bush ash or drop leaves on their plants.

“In this section of the village, we have about 12 houses scattered in the valley with dozens of people, but we live good and in peace, life is quiet here,” she said.

Lambert disclosed that when she was 17 years old, she saved up her money and bought lands in the village and has seven acres cultivated and now they are living off the land.

on the Village

“I have been drinking from the earth, this natural spring water all my life here and never got sick and still use it to date, so everything is fresh and organic with no preservatives,” she said.

Next door to Lambert is the home of her son and his family. His wife is Alesa Mondook, a native of Yupakari, Lethem.

The 27-year-old woman told the Pepperpot Magazine that she has been living in the valley for a year now and the natural setting is similar to that of back home.

However, she is used to her way of life, such as eating fresh-caught fish out of the water and hunting, which is missing in the valley.

Other than that she is quite happy and they grow their own food as well.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 14, 2021

The industrious people of Victory Valley

By Michel Outridge EVEN though Victory Valley, Wismar, Linden, wasn’t their hometown, some residents later made it their home because over the years they visited and never left.

Gaylord Alleyne came to Victory Valley many moons ago in search of work. He came with just the clothes on his back from Essequibo, the place of his birth.

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infrastructure.

“I came here for work and never left and it has been 42 years since. This is my home because I invested my life and time here and I have a little business from which is [sic] earn, so I am good,” he said.

Alleyne describes life in Victory Valley as bittersweet, because the sweet, crystal-clear, natural spring water that flows continuously in the village is awesome and

Gaylord Alleyne

Gaylord Alleyne’s Fish and Chips Shop in Victory Valley, Wismar, Linden (Carl Croker photos)

The 67-year-old is now a resident of the village and has a modest home there and managed to establish a small business, a fish and chips shop at the community entrance.

The shop is a neat, brightly painted place with wooden stools and tables for seating accommodation and it is a clean place.

When the team visited, Alleyne was about to go out after cleaning up to make the necessary purchases to restock his shop.

He told the Pepperpot Magazine that he came to Victory Valley in 1969 as a young man looking for work.

Back then, things were tough in terms of employment and he decided to take that leap of faith.

Alleyne stated that after he gained employment in Linden, he fell in love with the place, built a small cottage and stayed.

The place was a squatting area in those days and people from all over came to work in Linden and stayed.

They made makeshift houses and all kinds of shacks when there were no roads, no electricity, no potable water supply and absolutely no

the place is just beautiful beyond words and it is a place he calls home.

He reported that they have had some development, but not much and would like to have better facilities; the people yearn for betterment.

Alleyne added that most people have small roadside shops selling fruits, vegetables from their farms or groceries and other things to make a living.

He stated that others rear

and other parts.

“In this village people just don’t sit. They are all doing something to earn,” he said.

Alleyne will remain in Victory Valley, a place he loves and where he feels comfortable residing; a tightly knitted community where there are no strangers.

The black pudding lady M e a n w h i l e , I n Vi c tory Valley, the locals are multi-talented and have vari-

She is originally from Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, but came up to Victory Valley to stay with her sister in 1974.

The mother of five told the Pepperpot Magazine that she got to like the place and blended in quickly and decided to stay.

Washington reported that after she completed school, she returned to Victory Valley and never left.

She settled and made a life for herself there and today she is recognised and loved.

Her black pudding is among the best and she takes pride in its preparation; the people look forward to that good local delicacy, a favourite among Guyanese and even foreigners.

Washington pointed out that she would make to sell

in the village and also make for orders in bulk and to accompany the black pudding, she would make mango sour with just enough pepper to the customer’s liking.

It is a job she began doing many years ago to bring in an income in the home and is still at it, even after all these years, simply because she is accustomed to working with herself. Being self-employed is the best option for her.

In her spare time, she is also the well-known ‘bush medicine’ lady, who makes asthma medicine from nine ingredients, plants and bush from the environment and tamarind, peppermint oil is also added to the potion.

It is a homemade product that sells like ‘hot cakes,’ a medicine that has helped many people who were suffering with asthma.

The black pudding lady, Idyll Washington

chickens, pigs and there are a lot of cash crop farmers in the village and some people work outside the village and would leave home early and return late in the nights, because of the long commute to the city

ous things going for them in terms of skills.

Idyll Washington is a villager and the ‘black pudding lady’ who walks and sells in the community.

Focus on the Village

Gaylord Alleyne about to go shopping for restocking his shop

Washington would also make the medicine based on orders and hardly ever has anything been left at home.

The 70-year-old reported that she had a good upbringing as a child and her father was a butcher; he brought home the best cuts of meat for them.

She stated that good values were instilled in them at a young age and today, all three of her siblings reside in Linden and have made something of themselves.

“Life for me is good here, but you must work to earn and support yourself and one must also have the discipline to go about their daily life in a respectable manner to have a good life,” she said.

Washington celebrated her 70th birth anniversary oi November and is just doing what she must.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 14, 2021

Making life worthwhile in Victory Valley

By Michel Outridge FOR 78-year-old Eileen Samuels, a simple life is the best way, since she already lives in a beautiful valley surrounded by hills.

The mother of two has been living alone in her comfortable wooden cottage in Victory Valley, Wismar, Linden.

In her yard, she has a lot of plants and flowers, and she has the place clean and tidy.

place it in the sunlight.

If the sunshine continues, she will be able to bottle her homemade coconut oil for sale, a job that brings in an income to the home to offset expenses.

It is a tedious task for an elderly lady, but she does it anyway.

Since her husband passed away four years ago, she had to do something for work and began making coconut oil.

The pensioner would get

dio would be on and that is considered her company and she would do her chores and cook.

Even at her age, she takes care of her 69-year-old sister who is bedridden and also visually impaired in both eyes.

Samuels would take meals for her daily and tend to her needs.

“I have the blessings of sight in both eyes because I had two surgeries for cataract and I see clearly these days

The Wismar Masjid

Owen Bobb with his spring water for drinking

When the team visited, she was making some coconut oil; the process was long, but she had almost finished.

And since it was sunshine, she had strained the coconut milk from one bucket to another and was about to

about nine bottles to sell and in her spare time she would take a brisk walk a few minutes away to her friend, who has a shop in the village and chat for a bit before returning home.

When at home, the ra-

and for that I am thankful,” she said.

The shopkeeper/farmer The team also met Owen Bobb, who has a small shop in Victory Valley and also has modest dwellings there.

Eileen Samuels at her home

Owen Bobb’s shop

Focus on the Village

The 51-year-old is originally from El Dorado Village, West Coast Berbice and came to Linden to look for work.

He ended up living in the valley because he had nowhere to stay and was among the early squatters.

The father of two stated that he worked in the interior for some years and then returned to the valley, where he is setting up a farm, but in the meantime, he is operating

his shop.

He was making his way back to his shop when the team caught up with him that day; he went to fill up his water from the spring for drinking and did not mind chatting for a bit.

The retired headteacher Eaudenna Estraido is also a resident of Victory Valley and has been there since 1986.

She ended up in the village because she was tired of renting and could not get a suitable house to buy, back then, so she decided to settle in the valley.

It has been home ever since and despite what some people say about the valley, it is a safe, quiet place to reside.

The mother of one told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is originally from Coomacka Mines, but after she finished the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), she was assigned to Christianburg Primary School.

She began her teaching career at Coomacka Primary School and was later transferred back to the very school, sometime later.

Estraido stated that she was sent to Mabura Hill Primary School where she was promoted to headteacher and retired as same, after spending more than 30 years in the noble teaching profession.

Even after retirement, she is still teaching but with a private school, Royal Halls of Learning, a Christian school and has been there for the past four years.

“It is a disciplined school and it is easier to teach there because of the morals and values instilled in the learners there,” she said.

Estraido added that her daughter is a graduate from the University of Guyana (UG) and is jobless, sitting at home, not doing much.

SEE PAGE XVI

sharing their journeys XVIII CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 14, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 10, 2021

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

XI

Evan Phillips -- born in St Lucia, living in

towards being a Midwife of Purpose came f being broken, displaced, and ough this journey, I experienced a divorce, te and got displaced education administrator’s position. Coupled were two major eclipses One week later I completed my life. An eclipse happens when you can my assignment with CTO calling becomes greater than your current and was now ready to move hrough this process, you can transcend to a on to my next career move. thinking where you can connect with your I called Monique to let her ourself as one with nature. know I was available as we blett – born in Guyana and living in NY and Forum she was sothe hapto celebrateof dreama two-dayagreed Virtual Men Across Borders An- Boyce AkA Dj Avalanche on egan ItoHAD haveso themuch real experience to have me start my first Last year we hosted a few songs. last month, including the slated for py November 18 and thology. my dream world alive.

I was immediately DJ Avalance is also a poptemporary assignment 30thwith birth at 19:00hrs.

Our theme is a with virtual forum for men and interview theanniversary agency whereof they 19 tested ular radio personality and he member of the foundation and Search and Designers PortDeutsche Bank.

My first my daughter Mariska.

I “Let’s to better.”

The main boys, featuring some of the n using Microsoft Office and typing speed.

WE recently celebrated the first year of the Virtual started this month celeis to liveinour besta co-authors from around the will be part of the discussion, always willing to make a dif- folio a few years ago. I have Writers Retreat and we had aobjective lot to celebrate such Royston Tudor, Super- ference in lives on and off the visited FIT a few times on his brating my grand-daughter livesfrom and create theFrench world world. We are having an imshort time.

We have had people Guyana, visor, Customs Excise and runway. He wears so many invitation. He is a Professor of Peyton’s second birthday. we desire to live in together. pressive lineup for both days.

Guiana, Trinidad, Barbados, The Bahamas, Suriname, Trade Operations, Guyana hats and has many titles, in- Fashion Design at the Fashion IAntigua, am alsoStcelebrating the This is the third year SNF I will be the moderator for Lucia, South Africa, Nigeria, Cameroon, Revenue Authority and a cluding Caribbean Creative Institute of Technology and birth of my first book.

I am has been involved in InternaNovember 18 and we will Canada, and various parts of the United States. The member of s and Faith, where Strategist/Storyteller . super excited about another tional Men’s Day celebration. broadcast from Sonics boardPresident of RAC Garments/ first person to publish was Wendy Hermonstine and she we both worship.

He is a reInternational Men’s Day In 2019, former British High room compliments of Ryad Accessories President of RAC My dear friend James is now working on her second book. Alicia Amanda pubspected elder in our church, Ogle, is an entrepreneur and Garments/ Accessories. celebration.

The Sonia Noel Commissioner Greg Quinn Boyce.

Joining me for this lished a couple of books, Phil Umoru Iko-Ojo and BevFoundation (SNF) will host theirs. hosted an event to launch meaningful discussion are the and I was happy that he investor and is taking time off Amar Panday is the erley Been also published agreed to be part of this event. his busy schedule to join this founder and CEO of the Emfollowing influential men: The most recent author to publish from the retreat is Last yearWhen we had Ionly I knew that I would be in Guyana Consultancy wasonesix years assignment lasted two weeks, Captain Gerald Gouveia discussion from Atlanta.

He power Sara Khalil, who was born in Guyana and left for New York day but decided this year we in Mesa, big trouble if I told my dad old I started school covering someone’s vacation. jnr,Director of Aviation and has always encouraged and Leadership advocate and Moin her teenage years. I had the honour to contribute the extend so thisI began year, staying what had happened.

It was a Arizona, Due to my work Iethicneeded and to Security, Roraima Group. supported me over the years. tivational Speaker/ Facilitator. cover, and it was a privilege to read the manuscript first, bethemy feedback secret: the with mom we desire to gofor thethis extra because mile, of I connected with Steven His team is making a differcause I assisted her to publish her book ‘InComplete.’ I did have greatIadmiration received. Richard Young was routinekind that mein many communities. and her husband landed another assignment humble young man.

He is Cutting from our first could meet- getence not want to put it down because her story is so compiling. big trouble.toI didn’t ly. It was like and going ing. fromHe into inVice the same department thefor moderator last year also Senior President of came to Guyana Sara has always felt that her life is a solidarity jourknow how much trouble, but SEE PAGE XVI heaven that to hell.

It was a horror six months, then of another willfor be holding position the Georgetown Chamber judge the Guyana Model ney I wasn’t willing to story that’s yet to be writthree months, which finally for day two.

He is an active Commerce and Industry and take a chance. “Shhhh... ledthetoAircraft my permanent posi- ten. While at grandma’s I President of Owntion, allowing ers Association of Guyana.me to live a was filled with the love of Don’t tell anyone.”

Maybe it’s the trauma of a grandma and Jesus daily.

Alvindream.

Anthony Doris, Dr. Safeeya Mohamed – On the other hand, at my my experience, but for some who is the Founder and CEO mother’s house, I was filled reason I still cannot rememTrinidad of EDefied.He was also apWe Coordinator received the updates with Rock ‘N Roll, drugs ber how pointed Guyana often it happened, when that the accident of International Men’s Day.was horrific and inappropriate, wild sex and that the victim was stuck parties. Ultimately, from it started, or even when it Esan Benzy, Recording such an environment you can ended in theHardball car.

Artist/ CEO Enimagine the kinds of abuse The vehicle had to be cut tertainment. This is a suPenny Phakahi –South open to get to who the victim. It that mom’s house provided. per talented young man occurred to me that When I was 11 years old, Africa writes his never own music.

He has I have had my share of grandma Shirley died and my my brother also collaborated with Quacy could be remotely in- stepdad left. My mom had turmoil and I strongly believe volved. The next thing I an emotional breakdown, so that it is these stints of turremember, I was looking at I ran away! I couldn’t take moil that brought me this far in my life. I was any more. the body of my brother and in thatblood we areinalla ridingAndrea a train through I got and her permission share an excerpt with you and I perhaps is to still in my Edwards – born covered ourstrident, hours, days, and years. believe many women can relate to her journey. refinery process. in Guyana, living in Florida hearse. The agonisthoughtful andI sat revealing As a young girl, I grew As in the back Excerpt: of ing scream of In mythis mother in upleave with today; one main my dad’s Nissan Bluebird,“II will the A&E that story of her journey, readers will accomjustambition, help me pack my belongings.” wanting far through the windows early morning pany one ofhas thenot most peered courageous women His mother startedtotoget packaway, his clothing in a suitcase. thepacking. system ofI was so upset and lost that the images on - a escaped my almost 17 toatself-discovery on mind her expedition Mikeaway also from started or the box fence years later as she howled remarkable life story ofthe trials andoftri-the IGuystarted to thinking cry and begged himthat to stay. I was in a place we often findmyself ourselves ana Botanical Gardensofand “my son died, my umphs. confusion, I hated andin.

I blamed myself. I felt I Apart from Iunderstanding Zoological Park.inThe wasn’t radio good son died, nobody’s helpHer book ‘Incomplete’ offers enough. threw myself on the floor, in a foetal always dared blasted popular ing us!” But nobody sights into could, Sara Khalil fromthe childhood position,myself cryingI out as loud astoI could, more so screaming. be different, which wasIaloved him with all my calypso song “1985” by as his spirit departed at the to adulthood. She lived her childhood My world was upside down. constant sur- and hurt he caused a then-popular calypsonian. point of in Guyana then migrated to the USA heart; even withstruggle all the when infidelity rounded bytomyhold situations.

I for the sake of my would have just to celebrated impact.with Up her to this day,SheIwas family. determined me, I still wanted on to him grew up under a strict my sixth I ponder where the strength fight against all odds, even after two family and my child. I never wanted to let him go, no Christian my birthday, on quite came from failed to navigate that Reflecting marriages. heroblivious matter what.

He hadfamily madewith his decision and wouldn’t be andevening, step granny, to the but grandfather night. nomadic early years, we concept witnessofalltime, budged.

At 6 pm that Mike left with his Mom. as my mother her mom song would not allow that she faced as shethat doggedly pursued Our six-year-old son,lost Jayden, started to run behind me to forget Shanon her Paar – Arizona SEE PAGE calling. his father, but Mike keptXXV walking; Jayden asked me, thatwarmth it was 1985.

Sara shared with and “Mom, why daddy leaving again”? I didn’t have any honesty how she dealt with betrayal, answers at that time. I quickly tried to control myself forgiveness, and feelings of being and started engaging in other conversations with my unloved. son, thinking he would get distracted and forget. Guess This book is authentic, sassy, in- what? I was wrong. He kept crying and asking the same spiring, bold, and pragmatic, qualities question, over and over. Finally, after some time passed, quite similar to the author herself. he stopped crying and asking questions and started to She launched her book at Artfest be himself again. It was close to bedtime, so I bathed in Atlanta and will be launching in Jayden, took a shower and we were off to bed. The very New York later this month and Guyana in November.

SEE PAGE XX

International Men’s Day 2021 Sara’s incomplete journey -Let’s do better

XII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 14, 2021

A Tribute to Alvin ...

Terry Jenner, the mesmerising guile of Derek Underwood or the unique magic of Bhagwat Chandrashekar.

Or whether he was batting at a batsman’s paradise such as Bourda or Kingston, the spinners’ pitches such as Port of Spain, Bangalore,

Karachi, Lahore, Madras or Kanpur, or the lightning-fast tracks of Perth, Brisbane or Headingly, or at the home of cricket-Lord’s. No occasion was too big for him. “Kalli” was professionalism personified.

Beyond Borders He made his international debut against New Zealand in the fourth Test in sensational fashion at Bourda, Georgetown, in 1972, and thrilled the spectators with an unbeaten century when he joined the

revered and distinguished band of players who have made centuries on their Test debuts. Sobers gave him a mere hour to complete his century, having been overnight on 58, in an attempt to inject life into the game, and “Kalli” smashed the New Zealanders all over and out of the ground. One wonders how much more runs he may have made if Sobers had not declared the innings, as Glenn Turner and Terry Jarvis then put on a 387 opening partnership in seven hours. In his next Test innings in the final match at Port-of-Spain, Kallicharran scored another magnificent century to cement his place in the side.

Against the touring Australians the following year, the world had to take notice of cricket’s little dynamo. His consistency, solidity, poise and temperament were unequalled and “Kalli” could not be denied his rightful place in the side as the linchpin of the batting, and he gracefully joined fellow compatriots Fredericks, Lloyd and Kanhai onto the world stage.

As was his trademark throughout his career, the Guyanese opened his account with a solid score (50), at Kingston and confirmed his class with 53 and 91 in the third match at Port-of-Spain. West Indies looked to “Kalli” for salvation and a memorable victory here, but “Kalli,” after a long and valiant vigil,

FROM PAGE III

Iconic: One of cricket’s greatest sights is Alvin Kalicharran annihilating Dennis Lillee in the inaugural 1975 World Cup, immortalised on You Tube. (Source: Getty Images)

lost a nerve-wracking fight to the indefatigable Aussies.

He had so narrowly failed to win the game for the West Indies on his own on a treacherous pitch. Tony Cozier chronicled “Kalli’s” batting thus, “Meeting every delivery with a broad bat and superb technique…” Cozier later justifiably predicted that “the world would someday pay in centuries for this character-building innings.”

Kalicharran’s continuing good form continued in England later that year and he hit 80 in each innings in the first Test at the Oval, sharing in a double-century partnership with his skipper Lloyd in the first.

He hit three centuries against county sides and finished the tour with an impressive average of 64.78.

SEE PAGE XVII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 14, 2021

XIII

XIV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 14, 2021

Victory...

FROM PAGE VI

Millings, the first African settlers who were among the squatters, the Griffiths, some Amerindians, some Indians, one of whom had a shop, the Fordyces, the Alphonsos and the Montooths.

People started squatting in Victory Valley because at that time, you used to come and get work at GUYBAU and it used to have islanders there too and a lot of people from all over the country.

Roberts disclosed that Victory Valley has 17 different hill feet and other ways to get in and out of the village and it has a creek measuring 1,170 feet, known as the Wakanabo Creek.

He added that years ago they dug and found Dutch bottles among other things, which suggested that the Dutch used to mine in the creek.

Victory Valley is surrounded by hills and is between Blueberry Hill and One Mile/Half Mile. You can get into the valley from the top of the hills.

“Valley of Tears, the people won the right to stay there, they won the case and it was renamed Victory Valley,” he said.

Roberts told the Pepperpot Magazine that the CDC was established to foster development in Victory Valley and so far, they have had some enhancement to the community.

He added that a road was built a few years ago and recently drains were dug and lately they have been engaged with the Minister of Agriculture.

Roberts noted that some small projects are to be realised for the benefit of farmers in the village.

He disclosed that four small bridges will be built, revetments are to be installed to curb the erosion, a mini basketball court to be constructed and some more street lights will be installed.

“We have a garbage-disposal problem and I am calling on the authorities to assist us with some bins to be placed in the valley for the proper disposal of refuse,” he said.

XV A HAND TO HOLD KISSED BY DAWN III

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 14, 2021

JOANNA

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.

SHE stood in the shadows in sitting life to be what was not, The middle-aged nurse aid close byshe reading the on newspaper the pavement, waiting Joanna, nor a woman. inquired of the oldnot woman, on a cue from friend to Jonathan was the name “What is her it, Sharda?” step into A girl oflooking givenuptoatthe boy whom Shethe didlight. not answer, thebaby clear blue sky, theher night a brown the still mother forth eyesshe notwas, so dim, her hearing fine.had Shebrought could see the beauty a provocative world, he birds could lovelywith flowers bloom and hearin thethis sweet songsbut of the in flair, that not be for the nature boy she thought herattributes garden, but herattractlove and passion were slowly ed fading clientsaway. with rich wallets. he would be. does one continue lifeup when body TheHow unprecedented nature to embrace He grew withthe girlish has become agedcaused and feeble, sometimes floating into of fate sometimes de- memory tendencies and mannerisms, intrusion of tragedy of a difname now became a tryurged “You nothingness, when you need a and young, strong hand to hold tours in HER a person’s life. as heher could tohave beand ato go ferent nature leaving trails great part of the home and there card away, not so She was had none? been living a normalhome.” boy, he failed. So- put the scattered leaves of sad-er.” HeThe greeted her,the butsoup shebut one else.” odds, I tried to be strong when they of her, heasked The puppy lying comfortboy took “My dad’s a nice guy, he all“Yes?” did thisspoke happen?” she herself, tears misting bravelike to take up Jade’s offer. simple“How life six months ago, ciety recognised him being ness, fear and loneliness. did hesitated not respond and after then a “Whohurt andmy why so late?” for you, anddisturb the boys saw how their eyes lit up. ably on the rug in front of the for a moment never mother.”

“I’mSarah sorry to you in her eyes, “Why did this happen?”

“That will most likely working in a popular restau- different and at school he had Neither knew yet how much children to provide care and she had walked away from rich lifestyles made them them, her hard work and long moment, she asked him, “A new friend I’m workbecause I love my family “She is nice,” said Aashi, TV paid no heed and Shamita asked, “Why don’t you come Sleepless again, that night so late, but Aashi’s temperaThe loneliness was life a deeptoache in her jests heart,and craving for kill my mother,” he thought rant and had a nice social tolerate taunts they laying needed each other toforget“Where companionship for again they hardmatrimonial home with where sacrifices a foundation werecame you from, so late, hering with yourin but sometimes mother…” he “She hasshe pretty brown eyes.” sopicking her to uphear gently, let her and see they her?” she sat so up Iincan bedbuy writing ture has risen and she’s theachildren and missed their to himself. with few specialloved friends. from themuch otherjust children. exile the fear and loneliness ly found any time in their her four children into the for the successes they had and for the aged mother, “And she knows to bake out the door.

She barked in last night?” medication, put enough food choked afor little with emotion, “I can’t go out looking her diary when there was calling you.

I don’t know voices.

But they were gone, now matured adults pursuing He had continued his She wasawesome though, acookies,” poor girl Aiden Hisprotest mother, adid tolerant and that love was daily schedules tostumbles.” spendyou with throes of an unknown world. there“I was noto time. achieved in their lives.waiting But on not run to went the answered theatre with on athe table and pay Sarah’s “The strong like this” she pullrapping at the door.

The what to do, can come, careers and sharing their liveswoman, with newstrong lovesand and interests. job atareaching the restaurant, though with lifeadded being a continuous in her Christhreshold. their mother.

She had worked long Aing lone tear trickled down after great heights pausing alived littlealone beforein the thehome father, not until Shamita the hair over the one side sound startled her and for a please?”

Ricardo.”

He lied. school fees.”

He did not go out again The mother now where they had toThe facemirror daily the quiet struggle, living in“Just a small tian faith, could answer having on their the wall Thatcontinued nightquiver as she laid inat hoursmoment every day to build a in the business world, her wrinkled face,atahim, face still continuing, likelife. mom.” stepped outnot the of her face. she froze, wonderThe in his She looked a dis“Whatever work you’re and working the shared a beautiful family She had moulded anddoor. guided overtures from male cus- beautiful never mind her age nice little home with comfort bed, she looked at the paint-voice house in aThe depressed area. in all father froze hisof his questions.

He was standing patient- knew.

“My dadon can you in doing,” ing who could at the door and the tearful lookcalled, on Aidappointed look hertake face. she saidbequietly, a restaurant until Jade tomers.

Shamita drew the cur- his car,” he suggested. work and did not say any- ly at the gate and raised his thenworry she heard the eyes, children’s en’s facefirst touched “I’m a poor woman but slight in her “I “The client her youheart had “There is so much open halfway andalight thing for a long moment, hand a little to say “Thank tains A glimmer of my fearchilflashed hope father’s voice. illegal.” deeply and she to saidsee without I’ve always taught it’s nothing has requested you could take,” streamed into the littlehe coun- in her eyes and the child such was the deep effect of you,” but she turned and person “Can I speak towhat you, again hesitation, give metoa good principles, and “Yes mother, I know and he“Just is offering Jade’s at drenasked, try house, fresh offer air through his son’s words. Then he walked in the house. Some- seethed, “Why are you so I am please?” moment.” lying I do not like.

Ricardo’s doing, please don’t pay more.” his mind.seeming afraid of him?” theback openofwindows responded with the hint of a how she did not feel that the She wondered how he got To be continued… said he’s in the inte- worry.”

“Why?” But he new had life warned into her.mother She smile, “That’s nice.” intense fear on seeing him to breathe did not answer, not in, then remembered giving She served him breakfast “I don’t know, maybe In the afternoon, childrenrior.” over andtheover, He did not sleep well, and in her mind she could himself sure what pang to tell the theleft gatethe and there’s Pic something saved as fables capA guilty hit child, Jona-but andAiden whena key she tohad special stopped by Aashi bringing a “Stay focused, Jonathan, again, that night, the chil- not deny his casual good he was a smart kid and at the opening the window she antion: Prasad photography and after a moment, not kitchen, he said to himself about you.” picture her she had drawnthandoor befor tempted.” dren’s joy replaying in his looks that any woman would don’t he said to her, ih a concerned tone, wanting to lie to her again, he as swered he sipped a well brewed in class.

As the children But it was not the mind, knowing how much notice. She sighed deeply as To be continued… enjoyed the for special chickensaid, “I was out with some- cup of mint tea, “Against somethey missed having a mother. she stood in front the mirror temptation dish she had prepared for For the past three years since and pulled off the veil, letting thing better for himself them, Shamita noticed she was gone he had never it fall slowly to the floor. that pushed him to a life the little paleness. thought of another wom“One day at a time…” on thegirl’s streets as a lady “Are younamed feeling okay, an until now. Someone the That evening she called of the night ‘JoAashi?” children became attracted to, her younger sister, “Can you anna,’ it was the urgent The child shook who in their little hearts was come when you have the needs of his family and her head, “Not too good.” special. time? I need a hair cut.” his desperation to wrest Shamita checked her “I wonder, though,” he Shehe hadhad her asked, hair cut in them a from the unkind hands Her mother, a woman of “Why?” temperature and the reading mused, “How can she emstyle so it partially of poverty.

His mother’s God, never complained and “Was Idifferent born this way?” showed above normal. brace them in her heart when hid the scars on her face, givworndevelopand continued to work hard, holdGod’s will, son.” body had“Ibecome think you’re she is battling her own prob- “It’s ing her a new look. A change tireding from long hours of ing on to faith and hopes for She had answered. a fever.” lems?” had begun much to her tearwork as The a cleaner over the her a better tomorrow.

“God’s will,” he has child stretched A few streets away, ful mother’s relief and, now, yearsarms as she to pro“When would hapscoffed, “God’s will to be she outgrappled to Shamita, “Can I Shamita laidthat in bed sleepless since that horrific attack, vide for her family.

The good pen?” Joanna had wondered teased and taunted?” stay with you, please?” too, thinking of the children. saw her daughter smile. medication and nourishment becauseShe herjust small salaryget was to you, be strong, “Yes you can,” she said and she lifted a trembling for them and today, instead ing on the wall facing her and couldn’t their sad“You have “Thank dear Lord,” she needed, hugging she her,could “But not I think not creating for when Jonathan.”

His mother hand to wipe it. A hand that of holding her hand, like a smile touched her lips, lessfacesmuch out ofchange her mind she whispered, “Forhad sending afford, silently battling her youwas once strong, that held her she had held theirs, they ening the pain in her heart. your dad would need a better they life. mentioned the lossimplored of twohim, littleclose angelstointears, her life to home to take care of you.” children’s small ones every turned their backs, leaving It was the picture of three The their patience she had ex- “I brought this world illness. mother. helpyou her into heal.” sister wanted When the father came for children, her father working her alone. step of the way. ercised being an obedient andthoughts I will always “Such a great and loss,” as shemy sonThe of the chil- His young them,business she watched the chil- A wry smile crossed to study manageA choked sob escaped in the garden and her mother good young person had startlove you as such.” thought, “Their father must dren’s father were no differabout theher face and a faraway look her lips and once again she standing not far off with a mentdren but go, theconcerned lack of funds ed to wear As she grew havethin. been…”

“I tried, ent, formother,” since hisJoanna children met little sorry she couldn’t shone in her eyes as her whispered, “It’s time for me bucket of fresh vegetables halted hergirl, progress.

There She turned her face the to Shamita, changed older she knew successes in insaid herselfsomething as the car have the child stay with was never enough food on her.thoughts took her back to a to come home, dear Lord, on her arm, smiling warmly pillow tocame shut out the athought foratthem. were life sometimes with stopped a hotelThey just out of more Aiden stopped by in the as she watched her children. time when she was a young there’s nothing left here.” the table for his two younger of in him, the children and “I cheerful, not because he price and herbut mind, grew town, really tried.” morning went A portrait that captured The nurse aid got up and brothers, nor before moneyhefor a towoman. She was so full of puppy would bring the Aswasn’t a good a strongthe desire for something Jonathan had father, grew but school to give her an update a simple life and a beautiful took her hand, urging her life, like a butterfly with father close to her. because they missed the love new bicycle. new. older, he had become a little on Aashi. lay in bed amazing colours and a sim- gently, “Come on, Sharda, family.

One late morning, whilst and care of a mother.

Sitting Jonathan Sometime later she had braver to defend himself for fever a little “You have left so long ple, little home filled with it’s time for your meal and the childrendangerous were at school, alone on and the upper veranthinking “Her of what kindgot of job found something who he was, despite higher, so dad is taking her ago, mother,” she said in a medication.” love, then her father gave Crystal ran away from home dah, an empty chair next to get where he could and unconventional. those challenges, he still he could to the doctor.”

She sighed and looking weak voice, “I can’t rememher hand in marriage to a again and Shamita hearing him, he thought of the young not be taunted nor judged She stepped out into the found some good friends. But But two days passed and opened the door tones, so rice farmer’s son; a new life up at the nurse. She inquired, ber much for now I have light atthe herbarking friend’s signal, he waswoman, careful not to walk in disapproving the child still had not regrown too old.” as a bride and later, a young puzzled, “Who are you?” for her.

During the lunch “She seems nice and kind earnfrom morethemoney dressed in a short, body-hug- with anyone on the wrong he could covered fever deThe brother and sister “I’m Jeanette,” the wommother.

Paths she had walked period, she heard a familiar but she lives with such fear,when I he heard the softtreatment. cryging dress and walking in path, until he met someone spite the doctor’s paved with love, compassion, an answered patiently, as she playing with her had also car at the gate and knew the can’t even talk to her.” his little brothers.

Heveg-tears and pain, episodes of assisted her to her feet, “Your left, their names now written high heels; she swayed her new named Jade one night at ing ofShamita made a healthy children’s father was looking But fate had designed knewetable they were hungry and hips, just a little for that nata house party. soup for her and gave on tombstones whilst she, the her life written on the leaves nurse aid.” for the puppy. their lives to cross for their he tried comfort them. ural gait. He“Come had pulled up in sheJade beenwere walking a The it totoAiden, “This should be “Oh,” she exclaimed soft- youngest, waited still alone. of time. on Crystal,” lifehad stories similar.

His mother’s a Lexus, impressed with this different path from a young good for her.” coughing “Whisper my name, Then one day, fourteen ly, a momentary lapse in her lady of the night and smiled age, a transgender, fair and had subsided for the moment years later, when she could memory. mother,” she said, “And I expectantly as she stepped very good looking, with a and as he looked at her, he have borne no more of her The kind woman had shall come, so we can be into the luxury ride. On her daring, defiant personality came to a firm decision. husband’s arrogance and abu- been with her for the past SEE PAGE XXIX Finding the card, he sive behaviour towards her, three years, financed by the sojourn tonight she would and lavish lifestyle. He had begin something deemed by tried to entice Jonathan into made that call to Jade.

A few days later, he the church as immoral. his line of work and gave him awoke late one morning and Joanna stole a glance at his card, the man beside her and she “Call me when you think saw his mother sitting at the said silently, “Forgive me, you’re ready to step out in a kitchen table, a tense look on mother but I have to do this.” new outlook to make some her face.

“Good morning, mothShe had taken a bold step real money.” Jonathon had

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 14, 2021

International Men’s Day ...

FROM PAGE XI

Shane Mark Tull is a Clinical Psychotherapist and international consultant. It is an honour to have him on this panel at a time when Mental health is on the rise. He recently launched his book, “The Mental Health Pandemic” and he encourages readers to explore the impact of mental health in these challenging times. Mental Health has become a pandemic within the pandemic. This is the perspective being shared by Guyanese clinical psychotherapist and author, Shane Mark Tull.

Raquel Thomas-Caesar will join the guys for this interesting discussion. She is a Scientist, Human Rights Activist and Vice-President of the Sonia Noel Foundation, so she is my co-pilot to navigate this foundation to go to higher heights. I must also thank all the other efficient crew members for SNF. International Men’s Day was founded in 1999 by Dr Jerome Teelucksingh. He was a history lecturer at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago. Jerome Teelucksingh chose November 19 to honour his father’s birthday.

The theme for International Men’s Day this year is “Better relations between men and women.” Raquel and I have been discussing this for years. I am involved in many events for the development of women and girls, but over the last five years, I am having a strong conviction that my contribution is more to humanity than gender and that is one of the reasons why EXPO 50th featured male entrepreneurs and the birth of entrepreneurs for sustainable developments which allow young men to be in that space that also provide much-needed mentorship and guidance.

You can register to join the forum by emailing beyondtherunway1@gmail.com or WhatsApp 5926289044.

We are inviting everyone to join as for this virtual event because we all “Can do Better” as we celebrate this beautiful journey called Life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

Making life worthwhile in ...

FROM PAGE X

The Wismar Masjid Jermaine Allicock is one of the many members of the Wismar Masjid, a towering concrete structure under construction at the entrance to Victory Valley.

He is from the valley and these days he would assist the community in any way he can through the masjid.

Depending on their resources, Allicock would put together hampers, have a clothing drive, and distribute it in the village several times Eileen Samuels (Carl Croker photos) per year.

The Wismar Masjid is the only one on the Wismar shore and it was a small edifice that began taking a bigger shape last year through construction, which is still happening to accommodate more members.

“The doors of the masjid is always open for all and even non-Muslims are always welcomed here and we do what we can to assist the community and people of Linden,” he said.

The Wismar Masjid is a landmark building and it is strategically located and has Owen Bobb a membership of more than 200, some of whom are from the valley and various parts of Linden.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 14, 2021

A Tribute to Alvin ...

FROM PAGE XII In the return series, “Kalli” consolidated his growing international reputation by hitting 158 in the first Test at Port-of-Spain, and followed that up with 93 in the second match at Kingston.

In the third game at Bridgetown, Kallicharran scored 119, sharing in a record second-wicket partnership of 249 with Lawrence Rowe.

On the West Indies tour to India and Pakistan in 1974-75, he passed 50 in six of the seven Tests and was often the foundation for his team’s batting. In the first match at Bangalore, he hit a magnificent 100 on a difficult wicket. Tony Cozier reminisces that, “With further rain during the night, the pitch became a vicious turner, fully exploited by the classy Indian spinners, but it was a masterful technical display by ‘Kalli,’ which was the highlight of the exchanges. He carried his score from 64 to 124 before he was last out-in other words 60 out of 77 added by his team on the second day.”

The iconic Sunil Gavaskar, the Little Master who was romanticised in calypso for his incomparable batting exploits, in his book “Idols,” said that “it was batting of the highest class.

With the ball turning and popping, Kalicharran gave us a tremendous batting lesson. The ball dropped dead at his feet when he played defensively forward.

But when he hit the ball, it invariably went to the boundary. A six off Chandrasekhar showed his quick reflexes. He was preparing for a defensive shot when he heard the no-ball call from the umpire and he changed his shot to swing it over the mid-wicket fence.”

In the deciding game at Bombay, he made 98, sharing in century partnerships with Roy Fredericks and Lloyd to win the series for the West Indies. Kalicharran top-scored with an unbeaten 92 in the first Test on the Pakistan leg of the tour, at Lahore, and in the final match at Karachi he scored 115, sharing in a three-figure stand with Lloyd. Of his 92*, Cozier wrote, “Kalicharran’s mastery of the problems which troubled all the other batsmen was almost completely responsible for a West Indian reply

of 214. Sarfraz (Nawaz) took 6-89 for Pakistan but the left-handed Kalicharran was seldom bothered and finished 92*, denied a well-deserved century by a lack of adequate support.”

When the West Indies visited Australia later that year, Kalicharran was one of the Caribbean’s few who stood up to the deadly and lightning pace of Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thompson.

Jeff Thompson was clocked at 99.7 mph in 1975, which was then the highest electronically measured speed for a bowled ball in the Guinness Book of Records.

In the first Test at Brisbane, he scored a century, adding 198 with Rowe for the fourth wicket and an exemplary 57 in the second match at Perth, one of cricket’s greatest courageous moments despite a broken nose. In these battles, “Kalli” never had the luxury of a helmet. Any split-second mistake when hooking Lillee and Thompson off the eyebrows would have constituted fatal error. Many batsmen actually died from such injuries in the sport in those days.

He crafted another two half-centuries in the fifth game at Adelaide. When comparisons are made with today’s batsmen, one must consider the vulnerability a batsman faced in Kalli’s days when batting without a helmet. There were few better sights in batting than “little Kalli” hitting thunderous boundaries against bowlers, wearing only a box as protective gear.

The most memorable sight in World Cup cricket history for many is “Kalli” blasting Dennis Lillee in the 1975 World Cup against Australia at the Oval. Gordon Ross, the noted commentator, described his onslaught as akin to “a firecracker, exploding all round.” Kalicharran cut, pulled, slashed, drove and hooked Australia’s greatest fast bowler with unprecedented majesty and skill.

The Golden Arrowhead never flew higher. It was a rare sight in batting as “Kalli” showed he was “the real master.” He paralysed the Australians with his genius in that mesmerising innings of 78. Few batsmen have catapulted a crowd into such a frenzy. He then SEE PAGE XVIII

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A Tribute to Alvin ...

played another magnificent innings in the win against New Zealand, thus setting up West Indies in a memorable victory in the World Cup final. He was also part of the victorious 1979 World Cup squad.

Kallicharran had a consistent series against India when they visited the Caribbean in 1976, finishing second in the averages to the ascending Viv Richards, who was to later dominate the cricket world. After the pair had shared in a double-century, third-wicket stand in the first test at Bridgetown, “Kalli” hit an unbeaten hundred in the third game on

his favourite Port-of-Spain ground, scene of many of his glorious performances.

Few batsmen knew how to move their feet to good spin bowling like “Kalli.” He was adept at that and enthralled many with his silken stroke play.

Complications Soon afterwards, Kalicharran was afflicted with fibrosis in his shoulder, a painful condition that seriously affected his performance against England later that year. Yet, espousing the bravery and determination which propelled him to

the heights of international fame, he battled valiantly for 97, sharing in a triple-century partnership with Richards, in the Test at Trent Bridge.

Ducks at Lord’s and Old Trafford and further injuries ruled him out of the rest of the tour. The left-handed dynamo struggled when Pakistan visited West Indies in 1977, with his only notable innings being 72 in the third match at Georgetown. Apart from his injury, Kalicharran was obviously tired from playing continuous cricket all over the world, and subjected to poor wages. He understandably lost his appetite for the game that underpaid

cricketers in his time.

Then came the Kerry Packer affair. Kalicharran was one of the first players to sign for Packer’s World Series tournament. But, he later withdrew from the contract, which conflicted with an earlier one he had signed with a radio station in Queensland, and returned to lead the official West Indies side. Kalicharran’s world-class ability was in sharp contrast to his teammates. The gifted Guyanese had already top-scored in the opening Test against the Australians with his customary century at Port-of-Spain, before the walkout by the

Packer players on the eve of the third game at Georgetown. Installed as the new captain, Kalicharran guided his inexperienced colleagues to victory in the fourth Test at Port-of-Spain with 92 and 69, and hit a splendid hundred in the final match at Kingston. “Kalli” led from the front with several breathtaking performances.

He continued to be the fulcrum of the batting in the series against India in 1978-79, playing several captain’s innings. In the first Test at Bombay he hit 187, then 71 at Bangalore, 55 at Calcutta, 98 at Madras, and 45 at New Delhi. He was certainly the one man Kerry Packer needed to complete the constellation of stars in his firmament. Picked for the tours to Australia and New Zealand in 1979-80, he made a century in the third match at Adelaide and 75 and 46 in the second and third Tests in New Zealand.

Thereafter he was not the same giant killer on subsequent tours to England and Pakistan.

Different Directions Controversy and sometimes poor decisions hindered Kalicharran and he was called a pariah by becoming the first West Indian player to appear in South Africa’s Currie Cup competition when he joined Transvaal in 1981-82 for 20,000 pounds. This ill-advised decision should be analysed in the context of Kalicharran’s bread-and-butter needs and his understandable anger at the West Indies administration’s betrayal. Now that South Africa is no longer blacklisted, history may take a kinder look at players like him who committed that error.

His brilliant run-scoring attracted worldwide recognition and the prodigious Guyanese signed contracts with Warwickshire and Queensland. He thrived at Warwickshire and, in the early 1980s, if he had not gone to South Africa, Kalicharran’s sparkling form would have certainly demanded a Test recall. Indeed, after his banning, Kalicharran said he looked on

FROM PAGE XVII county cricket as sending a strong message to the West Indian selectors for their notorious and perverted historical idiosyncrasies.

In 1982 he scored over 2,000 runs, featuring three championship double centuries-including 230*as he shared in a record fourth-wicket stand of 470 with Geoff Humpage against Lancashire at Southport, which remains the highest partnership in English county cricket, and five single hundreds. In 1982 and 1983 Kalicharran topped Warwickshire’s batting averages while, in five of his first seven seasons with the club, he hit 1,000 firstclass runs. Altogether in the championship he scored 46 centuries-including a record nine in 1984 and six double hundreds, where he put all bowlers, including Malcolm Marshall and Joel Garner, to the sword in the English circuit. He was eventually registered as an English qualified player. While playing against minor county Oxfordshire in the 1984 one-day Natwest Trophy, he scored 206 and took 6 for 32.

The Port Mourant legend left indelible memories in the game of cricket, not least with his fielding, where he held several remarkable catches. In 1983, along with such cricket greats as Kapil Dev, Imran Khan and Malcolm Marshall, he joined the elite group of cricketers chosen as one of Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year, and was awarded the British Empire Medal in the 2019 New Year Honours List for services to cricket and charity. Those who appreciate the genius in a man will never deny “Kalli” his due. Like the immortal Rohan Kanhai, Lance Gibbs and other faithful stewards, it remains a travesty of justice that heroes who flew the flag of their country so high, and earned the respect of so many cricket lovers around the globe, should receive so little in return for their groundbreaking and inspiring achievements.

CAREER STATISTICS: First-class record: [1966-1990] 505 matches, 32,650 runs (43.64) including 87 centuries, 84 wickets, HS 243*; Tests: 66; Test runs: 4,399 (44.43); 12 centuries; HS: 187 v India, Bombay, 1978.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 14, 2021 FROM PAGE VIII

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HEALING INSTITUTIONS ONE BY ONE ENHANCES THE NATIONAL ETHICS - The Top Cop’s appeal

A ‘Top Cop’, for the first time to my knowledge, has insisted on revolutionising the intake to the police force towards a more responsible output. This officer argues, rightly, that a functional ability to be literate enables independent research, assessment of situations outside of pure emotional impulse actions, which

in itself may very well be breaking the law. This is inspiring based on the references in both the Stabroek and Chronicle newspapers on Sunday 31, October, last. But there should be a primary module on Joint Service operations and the modus operandi of functionaries across the rank echelons. This can fit into schools and be made attractive to children as an edutainment feature. The commissioner acting has opened the door, but all was not said, though I do feel he took it far enough. I will recommend, based on evidence and experience, that a mental health format be added, because this grey area can slip through passing exams, and the police force like any other organisation of mass humanity, will attract the full human complement, except that with the police force, such persons of questionable mental health will be allowed to carry combat weapons and use that weapon as imagined fit. I can apply such an experience as a case study.

I was living with my great Aunt in West Ruimveldt when a confrontation between herself and her reputed husband drew me in. Threats were made on both sides, unknowingly a neighbour made a report to the West outpost. While still arguing, a trio group of policemen came. This particular leading OC held a 38 revolver in his hand. In the thin strip, I was the first person he arrived at, and the weapon was pointed to.

Someone at the back of the growing crowd shouted, “is not he,” he said, “get out of the way.” In passing, I noticed that his finger was at a level uncalled for. I said “nobody is posing a threat officer, you could relax the weapon, this is a domestic issue.” One of the two ranks quietly asked me what was going on, and I explained

to him; he moved up to the obvious OC and they relaxed and escorted my aunt’s reputed husband away. This man never holstered the weapon.

The next thing I heard about this policeman after knowing of other unsavoury acts, is that he was thrown out of the force and was shot by another policeman (who would emerge to be notorious) in the village of Plaisance where he came from, while hiding in a fowl pen. I didn’t get the details for this action , except that the Joint service member who told me this concluded “duh banna was a mad man yuh know, he had mental problems.”

The notorious policeman according to a male model I used for an art reference who was in the force was the rank who prepared the statements and reports for this notorious killer cop. My model got a visa and never looked back.

Solomon Blackman should still be fresh in our memory. This 2004 incident was a clear case of mental illness. He took two lives on entering Brickdam police station, seizing the sentry’s firearm and proceeded on his killing outrage. What was surprising is that he was apprehended and not shot.

There are other examples like this that can be referenced.

The current appeal by the acting commissioner is a positive approach that would shift the GPF away from a dark lethal custom of practice that was exploited by corrupt persons with means in this country. No doubt kept alive by an older generation from that past, who are still in the force. Thus, it would also

be necessary to upgrade the entrance test as a holistic approach to healing in the effort to evolve that institution to the significance of the real social and legal purpose it should impact on.

We were a British colony and though their official police force was established in the 1830s under Sir Robert Peel’s Police Bill, by the 1850s they dropped recruitment of unskilled labourers and insisted that an education was regarded as necessary, and by the 1890s they boasted that great strides had been made in scientific detection of crime, and these were filtering down to some men on the beat; see “Rule Britannia the Victorian World.” We’re over a 100 years late towards that full realisation, but should the acting commissioner’s (why so many actors?) proposal be taken seriously.

We can evolve over an era of darkness that seems to be slowly reappearing, enhance our national ethics and prepare for the grim future indicated by the South African neuroscientist and founder of the Brain Mind Institute, Henry Markram, at the EPFL in Switzerland concerning funding; “we need around $1billion. This is not expensive when one considers that the global burden of brain disease will exceed 20 percent of world GDP very soon” with a social menu locally; of mind-altering drugs, poverty, stress and global economic changes impacting on us, we need an enhanced Police Force.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 28, 2021

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

How to power get through a Miscarriage The

ot always know what I’m looking losing your phone would be on a scale of 1-10. 98 percent phone is such a normal part of my said 10theand percent said allif you claimed that it would is completely your choice. anonymous prefer.

There 9. are They TODAY I would like to can also happen later during overlooked during preg- 2 mother/parent.

I think it requires menvarious reasons why a womdiscuss athat topic that many thecount pregnancy termtypi- nancy. This is rarely true. hand I cannot the numbe the worst material possession thatis emotional they discould tioningever that menlose. also do feel As there an would miscarry, which find uncomfortable and cally called a stillbirth. My Most miscarriages occur include chronic conditions tress, there may also be phys- this loss. However, I have despite how comresearch showed thatin the risk the foetuscontinued just isn’t d taboo, for it, while it was actually my becauseThey say thatdiabefeelings ofasanxiety, counselled manyand couples ical as well relationship irritation such to as uncontrolled mon it actually is. Many of miscarriage is 12 percent developing normally. through a miscarriage distress.

You will feel a wide tes, hormonal abnormalities, when I getknow uphow in the morning and people don’t to 15 percent for women in Unfortunately, while overwhelming sadness would be felt if they were to lose theirwhere uterine or cervical abnor- range of emotions which the expecting mother and WITHIN one of mytheir 20s and rises to about a miscarriage is a relatively to reach out every or respond malities, infection, or age. are not limited to sadness, father’s relationship seemed oing to sleep check myfor phone. columns, classes, speechto someone who has is been 25 percent women over I common experience — it phone today.

However, most of the time, hopelessness, anger, guilt, as though it was deteriorating es and I likeage 40. through thisoutreaches, trauma – and doesn’t make the situation althy andthat’s something musta be done. any easier. ItItis impossible as the woman felt her partner of other parents the fertilised egg has right? an ab- jealousy to think that there is an Having sometimes, okay. miscarriage seems harmless, Caring soandmuch about a normal number of chromo- intense feelings of loneliness didn’t care or understand her unspoken message of thedoes not necessarily mean for anyone to understand the However, knowledge helps ndanyfound women were more expectant fathers (especiallyreally if there arepaying a lot grief. While somes/ genes, and this is been importance of words; howthat you have situation that and often this week I’ve attention a fertility prob- pain ofphone? someone whoWell, has absolutely do feel this loss, of parents in your social cirvery random.

Unfortunately, they can both uplift and take away discomfort. lem. Most women (87 per- been through an event that o does their phones because men traumatic. bondgive betweento a pregnant Please take my advice the this meansthat that there was cle). to For the importance I and others around me a derail us.

A miscarriage is the simply loss cent) who have miscarriagcouples who nothing done to have caused – allow yourself to feel and woman and the baby growIt’s not a topic of a pregnancy wherethat thepeo-es have subsequent normal have recently been through alembryo media apps.

Also, older people ing inside her is unique. A express these emotions.on around it,than and nothing can be done what’s actually going them. ple love to talk about or foetus does not be-pregnancies and births. A this, it phone, is important torather know The only thing I would woman can begin bonding to prevent it. Normal activcause we are all guilty of it develop enough to survive. miscarriage is a somewhat that 98 percent of the time, addicted.

Iorbelieve this is because Ourisphones we are speaking toto other from the people, moment she has say you are not allowed itieswhether such as work, exercise, at one point another; It typically happens within weloaded term — possibly sug- a miscarriage not caused -a positive pregnancy test. feel, is self-blame.

It’s hard sex or minor injuries do not say unkind things that we the first three months, but gesting that something was by any action taken by the e smartphones (My father actually using social media or playingnot togames can be addictive Bonding for the father typifeel as if you-did somecause a miscarriage. know would have a negative Now, since a miscar- thing wrong when you lose a cally does start later – after impact on others. Sometimes as they alterriage our moods, trigger start to see the physical pregnancy.and However, guilt they enjoyable is a trauma, it typicallybeliefs it’s intentional while other symptoms or some men until is a completely unhelpful brings forward the five stagtimes it’s in the heat of the colleagues and friends how bad and unenjoyable feelings.

Apart from obviously being is born.my You can emotion when there is noth- the baby es of griefdenial, anger, moment. Either way, the help your relationship to impression is the same. main source of communication, my phone is survive my bynewspabeing understandThe repercussions of ing, respectful and sensitive simple words are unparalper, watch, alarm, map, recorder, day planner, calendar, to each other’s needs and leled. We don’t think of it keeping the lines of often as it comes so natucamera, music player, calculator, a weapon feelings, (sometimes) communication open about rally to us but our words the situation- onceevyou are are the most powerful thing. and my friend when I’m bored or lonely- basically both comfortable doing that, Words can be weapons that and accept each other’s erything. However, it is also my constant interrupter andcopcarry enormous weight and ing mechanisms as they may impacts everyone around be quite different. distractor. I (I imagine much like most of you out there) us. Words can give people If you have suffered a the courage to overcome periods of time and I can say action is true strength. have deeptodesire to know everything that miscarriage is going on.trying and are obstacles or the feeling of with full confidence, that It is alsoaimportant to conceive again or already hopelessness to give up.

Guyanese treat each other remember that cruel words I believe that it become pregnant, unfortunately there I believe the saying with such disrespect and create a vicious cycle for is human nature. But when does “sticks and stones may break say the most hateful things everyone. Basically, cru-bargaining, depression, and ing you could have done to is nothing absolute that you too much? my bones but words never when upset. It’s actually elty breeds cruelty. I knowacceptance. Regarding grief, change the outcome of your can do to ensure there is no hurt” is the most unreason- not a normal thing around that when my day is startedthere is no right or wrong pregnancy. When something miscarriage but like anything Well, I believe it’s too much when it has a name. ‘Noable statement ever invent- the world. Of course, abuse with harsh words directed toway to experience it. There is goes wrong, we all stretch else, there are actions you appropriate timeline to find someone, something can take to make the possibiled. In time, physical wounds happens everywhere and me, it affects everyone is elsealso mophobia’ theno term coined to describe the fear of being heal and may even be forgot- there is cruelty far worse around me. My patiencethat must be followed - you to blame. With miscarriag- ity less likely. This includes recover when es, there’s rarely anyone or seeking regular prenatal care, ten. The same cannot be said globally- but in my personal is without thinner than usual, mywill simply a mobile phone.

Seriously, what have we come to? for cruel and unkind words. experience- hell hath no fury tone of voice is harsher andyou 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 These replay in our minds like a Guyanese scorned.

I can downright unapIt bebecomes anthings addiction when begins control for decades to come and scar Secondly, this piece is proachable. Sometimes Iwould 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. us for life. They create low not coming from a judge- feel that it’slife not exactly your andmyinterferes with your daily work, and Also, do what makes and illicit drug use. Rememself -esteem and self- con- mental place as I too am fault- that I was pushed to The first to realise is that ber than obstacle you CAN have a good -“The despite what not alone – finding you feel fidence, high anxiety and guilty of saying cruel words that relationships.

I are read somewhere that biggest point. But wasn’t it myyou stress levels, self- hatred, when I’m upset. I’ve lost or fault? Should I allow othersand accepting healthy sup- others think. Many people successful pregnancy after miscarriage.

Most women unwarranted opin- acan is crucial during this have sobut connectivity,” overuse affect a aggressive behaviour, de- almost lost so many trea- to to causeproductivity me to upset thoseport is pressive symptoms and even sured people in my life be- I care about? Should anytime. This can be friends, ions and criticisms when who have miscarriages have subsequent of normal have never been through someone whom they our orproductivity.

The truth is, overuse ourpregsuicidal thoughts. us? more than family, cause of this. Many things of lot nancies and births.

Having such trauma.

Many believe you know has also experiUnfortunately, we tend to could be the reason for thisSome justify it by callcan psychologically, socially physically. a miscarriage does not necshouldn’t beand a miscarriage.

This that such grief believe the negative before my environment, the way I ingphones it ‘tough love’ but harm thisenced us the positive. We internalise was raised or the company method of reinforcementcan and should also include experienced if the miscar- essarily mean you have a regard to affecting our social skills, how many of us these opinions and begin to I choose to have. Same goes does not With minimise problem-professional help from a riage occurred early during fertility problem.

My final piece of advice see ourselves through the for many of you. However, atic behaviour but insteadcounsellor, social worker, the pregnancy (even though miss out on a psychologist, joke orreligious goodlead-conversation as we were onisour either parent to respect most do), but that woman or for eyes of others. who we are, including what aggravates it. your own needs and limitacouple may have been planer, or anyone who makes you I want to make two we say is ultimately a choice ‘It’s not whatHow we say many times have we annoyed our good friend phones? things clear. I love Guyana. that only we can make. We but how we say it’. I’m tornfeel 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.

I grew up here and this is can choose to motivate and between loving andmember hatingalso online or family because we and were posting social rush it,media acceptance will excitement and that on is Don’t that are free and include peomy home. It is also home to uplift others rather than push this saying. Furthermore, come. difficult to just simply forget ple from all over the world. the nicest people I have ever them down. It is much easier using the word hate is harsh, how much fun we are having with them? It truly Thank affects our you everyone met. However, I have been to jump down from a table especially in a piece like thisYou can literally google and move on from.

of words

fortunate enough to live in two other continents for long

to someone else’s level than it is to pull them up. That

“online support groups for SEE PAGE XXVII miscarriages” and thousands of options will pop up. This

If you’d like to name your baby, plant a tree for them, have a funeral, talk

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

XXVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 14, 2021

WELCOME RENAISSANCE IN GROWTH OF CLOSER AND WARMER RELATIONS WITH BARBADOS XX XIV

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

OVER the last year, Guy- strength and commitment is is coming in the hospitality ana has conducted a suc- to eco-tourism and both types sector and we need to have tlenecks.

Further, the opportunities cessful foreign policy with of tourism complement each the technical capacity and relations with other coun- other. They agreed to many human resources to manage in quarrying, feedstock, livetries focused on economic initiatives that will result in and to work in those hotels. stock and limestone were exor socio-economic goals greater profitability for this . . So the need for training is plored. Specific port spaces in Guyana and Barbados will except in the case of Vene- symbiotic relationship: immediate.” zuela, where it was territoAnother area of even be identified to reduce transBoth countries will do rial. Our most recent for- joint marketing and will greater importance than portation costs, improve efficiency, enhance trade and eign policy activitycontroversy centred promote tourism is agriculture and bases Guyana and BarE Guyana/Venezuela will again shortly and discussions where factual invariably become on strengthening relations bados as a common desti- this will encompass in- deliver goods at cheaper me up with before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). blurred. prices to the consumer. our CARICOM fellow nation. They will exchange creased production of food; Guyana, most Barbados. oflie thedeep writings the controversy have In this offering, we will depart from this norm and and try to THEmember, Seawalls in theon consciousness of Guyanese today is rather muddy was once covered with seashells and Another novel im45 minutes of airtime in removal of barriers to trade portant of since cooperation npeople, of a historical and factual nature andrespective this a good two questions been area asking theup butearly especially Georgetowners.

Yet itis has rarelyanswer there would alwaysthat be many children exploring and picking In October the and the possibility of a have their countries identified was estabng, since theNations Guyanese of theoftwo Guyanese fishing boats inthey Guyana’s terribeen noticed by theConference newspublic mediaare andnot the encouraged lasttheir time it wasseizure seashells different colours; sometimes maythe find large United Guyana/Barbados food terpromoting tourism a gold-market on Trade Development minal; transport product.

Guyana’s mentioned as and an item of national concern was five or toursixtorial conch shells. move their attention into the realms of arguments waters by a Venezuelan navylishment ship. Theoffirst question heldOcean its meeting and effiism the is expected to grow logistics years(UNCTAD) ago when the overtopped wall and flooded The foreshore or continental shelf gradually rises and falls in Barbados President ciency; agroproexponentially with joint every the yards paralleland to the Public Road.

This was thethe first 20 years and today, the foreshore land between Camp Ali,memory and Prime cessing a Hotel has almost risen to the height of but more so Street timeIrfaan in living thatMinthere promotion, was such an occurrence and facilities; the Pegasus ister Mia Mottley accompa- with the number of brand- joint food-sustainand nied by it led to their greatadvisers, panic. The authorities hurriedly con- the wall and coconut trees and other vegetation grow on it. met name hotels currently be- ability plan; and structed a barrier of standing concrete on the sidelines and arrived ing constructed and those exchange of techslabsatona the Walls to counter such overtopnumber of constructive in the pipeline and this nicians between ping.andInfar-reaching the last few weeks, the will Seawalls agreements. require thousands of the Ministries of haveThe again featured in the news, but in a quality and number of workers.

Agriculture to faagreements Barbados, which has a cilitate smooth and happier vein. at which they arrived in soStreet short atotime are world-class From Camp the Demerara River, hospitality train- efficient transaca tribute to the outstanding has under- tion flow. A Bajan the wall had become disfigured bying an programme , accucapabilities of both leaders. taken to train 6000 Guyanese would be stationed mulation of unsightly garbage and no one The first agreement we workers per year through dis- in the Guyana Minassumed the responsibility of cleaning it. A will mention is their strong tance learning and exchange istry of Agriculture and a hub in Barbados, so as to homeless man, Carl Melville, who sometimes commitment to collaborating programmes to man the new Guyanese in the Barba- add value to Guyana’s gold sleptinthere was noticed by Dwayne Hackett developing the tourism developments.

President Ali dos ministry, so that they by tapping into the tourist trying to cleaninthe garbage and immediately industry both countries. summed up the impact of could deal directly with population. President Ali, volunteered to ishelp him. Hackett placed the Barbados a sun-and-sand the Barbados training: “We their counterparts, thus who was among the first to incident on social media and immediately destination, while Guyana’s have a lot of investment that removing bureaucratic bot- espouse this idea, succinctly described it: “Some cruise numbers of persons volunteered their services. liners go specifically to some First Lady Arya Ali was one of the first to islands because of their gold volunteer and the Ministry of Public Works, market hub. So that is what the Director of Solid Waste Department of the we are trying to create. BarGeorgetown City Council and the Fire Service bados is a major cruise desbecame involved with her. The Fire Service tination and we are working

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.

The Seawalls had always been the promenade and park for the people of Georgetown and the surrounding villages from the last quarter of the 19th century and continued to be so until the 1960s when the country became plagued with political tension and there were robberies on the Seawalls. For most of the 1960s, therefore, fewer and fewer people visited the Seawalls.

In its heyday, the Seawalls were the most delightful place in Georgetown. The vast openness of the seascape and the surrounding landscape, the blue skies and silver clouds, the ever-present seagulls and the steady flow of the health-giving trade winds and the enveloping peace and quietude attracted hundreds of people at all times of the day. The beach which

Likewise, the sea has reclaimed the land along the Kitty Seawall where houses once stood. Indeed, a substantial building is still standing close to the wall near the Kitty Pump Station, but the sea is under it. Old fishermen who set their nets on the foreshore sea could vividly describe the cyclical rise and fall of the beach.

The Seawalls provided a favourite place for health enthusiasts. Many would go there to practise deep breathing of the clean and fresh sea breezes. Others would be cycling or even training for cycle races. Probably the most notable were the ones who went for physical culture. Many of this group would go to the Seawalls by either jogging to get there or by 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

on sun the had possibility the risen. of adding “Guyana bench” which exis,value why is the public they to Guyana’s goldtheand istedsowere atconvinced thealways Grantley Adams On moonlitVenezuelan nights Seawalls athat crowded creating a gold market hub in Airport during the 1970s have a valid claim to two-thirds of Guyana’s territory and promenade. Many went to socialise with friends, but all went Barbados.” and ‘80s and which Guywhy their politicians are so bellicose and aggressive about to enjoy the beauty of the moon rising from the sea and the r e ssecond i d e n tquestion anese is, and Bajans would this claim? moonlight AndPthe why did there President blue-green which was brighter, since were Ali and Prime like to forget, relations beMaduro Venezuela choose this time toenjoy seizethe thevarious boats no road of lights to dilute it.

Others would Minister Mottley tween Guyana and Barbawhen he would alienate thehad Guyanese phasesheofknew thecommitted New Moon with the of population purpleclose skies themdosbackground always been and cause embellished the international community to or of stars condemn which appear selves to a with time-thousands and familial.

Thousands disapprove brighter offrame his action, leaving Venezuela isolated intersince there were no city lights.

Others so that the of Bajans came to work nationally on the issue. fruits of the partin theinsugar industry afterto would go to the Seawalls the late afternoons nership Emancipation and after The answer to thecould firstbe question began during theinto Cold admire sunsets gradually transforming the enjoyed the 1900,Britain many had qualified and light ofby dusk.

War: At theblue beginning of the 1960s decided to populations of able Bajans served in the Another of the joys of the Seawalls were the withdraw from Guyana and grant the colony independence, bothevening countries Public Service and the early concerts givenof by thein Militia but it was very likely thatSunday the Prime Minister the newly in the foresee- teaching profession. Many the Police at the Bandstand which independentBand stateand would be DrBand Cheddi Jagan, an avowed able future.

The prominent Guyanese famattracted hundreds of people.

Their repertoire conMarxist.

U.S.are Cold War interests to Barbadian persuade Britain timeframes achievable, iliestried have roots sisted of light classical music such as Strauss’ and tosince delaygroundwork Guyana’s independence, butduring all thatthe Britain had al- and 1970scould and other waltzes, ballet music such Delibes’ pizzicato ready begun by the Guyana was in promise was that shehigh-level would hand80s, overwhen power to a non-Comand Sylvia, at least one English patriotic such Barbados delegation which economic depression, munist Prime Minister.

American Intelligence feltsong thathunthis recently visited and engaged dreds of Guyanese found as “This royal throne of Kings” and Guyanese and British offer needed further insurance and so they devised in technical work on the employment in the island.

Caribbean folk songs.

The concerts were arranged a plan whereby their client Venezuela would threaten to programmes agreed by the soGuyanese alsocould remember for early evening that children attend; two leaders.

TheGuyanese delegation with the help many in later lifegratitude have admitted thatBartheir looked at infrastructural proj- bados rendered during the first exposure to classical music was from these ects and housing sites and political crises of the last Bandstand concerts. met several ministers and few years and welcome the On Easter Monday thousands of economic kite-flyers government officials. growth of closer turned out from five o’clock in the morning.

Despite the infamous and social relations. 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 Theup1899 Award hadofsettled the boundaries of grew stallsArbitral lining the parapet the Public Road from the Guyana and Venezuela and these boundaries were fully Kitty Pump Station to the Pegasus, selling refreshments and accepted bystalls bothwere parties and the communiall of these well-lit.

TheInternational character of the Seawalls ty.

One of the junior lawyers representing Venezuela had changed from a peaceful promenade to a lively fair. at the arbitration, MalletPrevost, left ais letter was not Now that the tourism industry beingthat revived, the toSeawalls have been opened until after his death.

In that letter, still offer an attractive attraction. he claimed that the Arbitral Award was the result of an arrangement between Britain and the Russian arbitrator to deprive Venezuela of its rights. After more than half a century, Venezuela, based on Mallet-Prevost’s posthumous letter, now rejected the Arbitral Award and claimed twothirds of Guyana’s territory. Mallet-Prevost’s posthumous letter was the causus Venezuela used to threaten Guyana and this continued after the Cold War, the raison d’etre for the claim, had ended.

Most lawyers and historians who took any notice of Mallet-Prevost’s letter dismissed it as a historical curiosity or very flimsy evidence on which to attempt to upset a long-accepted Arbitral Award. But the Venezuelan politicians and the Venezuelan public gave credence and importance to Mallet-Prevost’s posthumous letter, which

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 14, 2021

The power of ... so I’m going to use the word dislike instead. Simple acknowledgements and changes like that is how we make the world a better place. As I was saying, I’m torn between this statement as your words do matter overall but I’ve also been told ‘nice to see you’ in a way that made me feel completely unwelcome and uncared for.

Overall, we can all be better. When we say we can’t, it basically just means we think it is too much effort to actually try. Everyone is capable, granted some with more effort than others, to take the high road. We have at our disposal a power that

can change lives, make an ill spirit healthy, inspire success, provide guidance, improve relationships and cre-

ate a lasting impression of us as kind and worthy people.

That power is the power of words. Be the change.

Can you think of a time that you have severely hurt someone with words? Well, that’s okay- I’m sure we

FROM PAGE XXV all can. Maya Angelou said “You did then what you knew how to do. When you knew better, you did better.”

These few words allowed me to forgive myself for all my wrongdoings and to appreciate that I’m not the same person who said those things. As I have been saying- words are empowering and Angelou’s and my own have empowered me to make better and more positive life changes in regards to what I think, say and therefore do.

Doing this is not easy- it is an overall life change.

Frank Outlaw said it best – ‘“Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions.

Watch your actions, they become habits. Watch your habits, they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.”

The choice is yours. How will our words impact others?

Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@ gmail.com Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!

Suicide Prevention Helpline – 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444 or 600-7896 Do not be afraid to reach out!

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 14, 2021

Better late than never? Long overdue focus on tackling suicide welcomed

FOR years, the high prevalence of people who die by suicide has been a concern.

Despite this concern and some attempts at helping people, Guyana remains well-known for its high suicide rate. Over the past week, however, there has been much-needed conversation and interest in suicide prevention and I hope that this focus materialises

into positive health gains.

The renewed focus on suicide, I believe, was prompted by two things.

The first is, there have been public statements from government ministers on the revamping of deals about mental health. This includes targeting Guyana’s Criminal Law Offences Act Chapter 8:01 (97), which imposes jail time for persons who

attempt suicide. The existing law labels attempted suicide a “misdemeanour” and the individual who attempts suicide is liable to two years in prison. Many agree that such punitive measures have no place in modern societies when there is a greater understanding that people who attempt suicide need help and support, not punishment.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 14, 2021

Better late than never? ...

FROM PAGE XXVIII Adding to the decriminalisation of suicide, there are also draft Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Bills. These bills, according to reports, are meant to ensure that the framing of mental health issues is much more sensitive than they currently are. And, both pieces of legislation are geared at ensuring that there are greater institutional provisions to facilitate necessary support services and the promotion of mental health.

The second prompt, I believe, is the engagement of stake-

holders in tackling suicide and promoting mental health more broadly. The Guyana mental health and well-being conference and a forthcoming five-year study on the specific risk factors for suicide in Guyana have necessitated this increased (or at least, more visible) engagement.

Let me hasten to add: this isn’t to say that numerous people haven’t been advocating and lobbying for a greater focus on suicide prevention. Because certainly, many people have.

It just so happens that the gathering of many stakeholders and the media coverage at the conference have drawn much attention to it (or maybe, it’s just me. Who knows?)

Why are these two prompts necessary?

In September, another Pepperpot columnist, Marissa Foster, asked: Have Guyanese become desensitised to the suicide epidemic in our country? She posited that there were still campaigns and agendas targeting suicide and underlying issues in communities, but the local efforts were simply not enough, given the enduring prevalence of people dying this way.

I agreed with her.

Guyana has been known as the suicide capital of the world and has only recently moved down to the country with the second-highest suicide rate in the world (not something you want to brag about). If our suicide rates continue to be as high as they are, then clearly, enough is not being done. And even if more than enough attempts are being made, those strategies are clearly not as effective as we want them to be.

Over the past week, I listened to foreign and local researchers speak about the prevalence of suicide in Guyana and the challenges of providing greater support to people who need it. A common theme from them all was the sore need for more targeted interventions- whether campaigns, support services, or the provision of adequate resources- to help the people who need it.

Interestingly, it was highlighted that more people of Indian descent and men have died by suicide. And I wondered, are there interventions targeting these specific groups of people?

Or are our interventions more broad-based? There was also a high prevalence of suicide among Hindus and followers of the Pentecostal Christian denomination, and I ask- why is that?

And what is being done?

Fortunately, those targeted interventions are- reportedlysome of the exact outcomes expected from the five-year study.

With identifying risk factors for suicide specific to communi-

ties across Guyana, it is expected that recommendations can be made for targeted interventions.

This means that if there is an issue specific to a community or group of people, support that would specifically target that issue would be provided instead of a more broad-based or generalised intervention.

I believe it is also particularly crucial that our legislation is revamped because it provides the necessary architecture to ensure that requisite support services are provided. Targeted interventions must be facilitated by appropriate legislation.

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And I think that there is enough attention being directed towards suicide prevention and the promotion of mental health right now. With this momentum, I believe that the government will make the necessary legislative changes and consider the recommendations floated.

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

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 14, 2021

Avoiding exploitation with volunteerism

I’VE been volunteering my time and energies towards social and youth developmental projects since I was the age of 16. I was quite passionate about making a change in my community as it relates to reducing social issues. I know that there are many young people like myself in communities across Guyana who hold a similar passion and drive for helping others. They may also use their talents and skills without compensation to certain causes and

projects. Yes, it’s always good to volunteer and to help our communities as much as we can. With that in mind, we must also look out for persons and groups who may want to exploit our passion and talent. I’ve experienced this myself and I must say, it is quite distasteful and demotivating.

Some people will overwork and under-appreciate the passion and effort you put into projects and initiatives.

Some groups will use your initial ideas and plans with-

out giving you the credit you deserve. Some groups will even have the resources readily available to compensate you for your time and efforts.

Instead of using the funds for its intended purpose, they’d take said resources for themselves and will ask you to “volunteer for exposure” instead.

That’s an exploitation of your talent and passion for helping others. It takes a lot of time and effort to volunteer and when persons take advantage of

your kindness, it can affect your drive and ability to persevere.

There should be no place for such exploitation in volunteerism. Organisations and groups with volunteers or unpaid activities might not appreciate the generosity behind volunteering.

They might undermine the nurtured and strong community spirit that pillars around volunteerism. Volunteering positions should be empowering. While the basis of volunteerism is unpaid labour, volunteers should also feel supported and nurtured in their work environments.

They should be able to still

gain “compensations” for their work in other ways.

They should be able to network, collaborate and build a wealth of knowledge from the environment in which they’re working.

If you’re a volunteer and you feel as if you’re being exploited in any way, shape or form—I urge you to speak up. You should be able to voice your concerns and queries about your work, whether you’re paid for it or not. I urge you to do extensive research about

organisations and groups prior to joining them. Ensure that your goals align with theirs and that you have a detailed outline of what is required of you as a volunteer, the hours you’re expected to volunteer, and, most importantly, your rights and responsibilities in the said organisation.

Protect your sanity and the passion you have for helping others—at all costs.

Never allow yourself to be belittled and overworked.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 14, 2021

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Genetics in Dentistry IN dentistry, numerous differences in the dentofacial characteristics of individuals are encountered, so that one is often moved to wonder whether oral health, as a condition, is inherited. Some members have a high prevalence of dental caries even within a family, while others may be caries-free. Such observations make it difficult to answer the question on the genetic basis of oral disease.

Regardless of abnormal or normal individual states, how do these differences come about? To deal with this question, it is necessary to turn to genetics. When we examine a specific characteristic or disease in the oral region, we often find it the consequence of two principal factors, genetic and environmental.

The action of genes solely determines both ABO blood type and haemophilia and no environmental factors are involved. Conversely, diseases such as cholera and AIDS can affect anyone, regardless of their genetic makeup. Asthma, however, is an example of a disease thought to have a genetic basis, but which requires certain environmental factors such as climatic conditions and pollens for induction.

Likewise, the sizes and shapes of teeth and different degrees of susceptibility to tooth decay depend on both genetic and environmental factors. Common diseases such as dental caries and periodontal (gum) disease are infectious in nature, because the germ responsible for tooth decay can be transmitted from one person’s mouth to another. However, the

problems are often considered to be mainly environmental.

But even this being the case, researchers are convinced that the genetic aspects that influence the degree of susceptibility should not be overlooked.

The basic element in genetics is in the gene. It is found in the nucleus of every cell. A body containing many genes is a chromosome. Humans have 46 chromosomes in each cell.

Chromosomes are made in pairs, which closely resemble each other. There are 23 such pairs, of which one concerns sex. One of a set of chromosomes comes from one of either parent.

Each of the thousands of genes is responsible for a specific attribute. For example, there is a gene for the colour of the eyes, one for the shape of the nose, one for the colour of the skin, etc. Environmental factors may alter the composition of genes, which, when it occurs, is known as mutation. Cancer is a classic example of a condition caused by gene mutation which an external agent triggers.

After the alteration occurs in a gene, the change will be transmitted to descendants. That is why certain conditions such as heart disease and diabetes tend to perpetuate in families.

There are many dental and maxillofacial diseases that are mainly transmitted along genetic lines. During the years of my working at the Department of Oral and Maxillo-facial surgery, I can readily cite two common examples; facial keloids (abnormal proliferation of scar tissue) is seen almost exclusively in Afro-Guyanese and cleft lip/palate seen almost exclusively in Indo-Guyanese.

A study, published in the Journal of Periodontology of December 2010, concludes that approximately half of the variants in gum disease in the population can be attributed to genetic differences. There are many genes that play a role in susceptibility, and these may differ in different races and ethnic groups. For example, this author observed that in the village of Paramakatoi, while multiple decayed teeth is very common among that Amerindian community, the prevalence of gum disease is low. So one can say with a fair degree of accuracy that you can blame your oral health status partly on your parents.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 14, 2021

November 14, 2021 THOUGHT FOR TODAY What lasting joys the man attend Who has a polishe d female friend.

CORNELIUS WH U The Accomplished RR (c. 1845) Female Friend

STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Welcome, dear friend.

Today we round off our discourse on Making Learning a Habit by reiterating some very important pointers. Do try to be exposed to many different areas of your study every day.

Spend time listening to

and reading what you are learning. Peruse reading materials directly relating to your subject matter for fun, ideas, note-making, and vocabulary improvement.

Attend to class-oriented assignments. Be part of a study group which helps classroom performance and discipline. Be wise.

Love you.

GRAMMAR Tightening up the who did what and indefinite pronoun reference situations Let us see your handling of who did what and indefinite pronoun reference situations to create explicitness in writing. Be ready. All right. Go ahead.

(Suggested answers will be given straight after.

1. Mr. Henderson told Philbert that his plan had worked.

2. They say that interest rates might drop this fall.

3. We are advertising our home care products more because it brings us to the attention of more people.

4. If the cats will not stay off the chairs, put them in the cellar.

5. Seeking to improve her efficiency, an experienced secretary was hired

by Ms. George.

6. While studying the anonymous calls, the phone rang.

7. When the changes were announced, the villagers were dumbfounded.

This lost the us some time.

A n s w e r s w i l l v a r y.

Some possible revisions are as follows: 1. Mr. Henderson congratulated Philbert on his successful plan.

2. Economists say that interest rates might drop this fall.

3. We are advertising our home care products more because increased advertising brings us to the attention of more people.

4. Put the cats in the cellar if they will not stay off the chairs.

5. Seeking to improve her own efficiency, Ms. George hired an experienced secretary.

6. While I was studying the anonymous calls, the phone rang.

7. We lost some time

when the announced changes left the villagers dumbfounded.

READING: Comprehending word in context Instructions: Read the following short favourite passage carefully and then answer 1 and 2 based on what is stated or implied.

Hurricane Charley, a category four storm with winds up to 145 miles per hour, moved in from the Gulf of Mexico and struck southwest Florida on August 13, 2004. Before it hit, newscasters warned residents that the formidable storm was approaching.

People who lived in certain areas had to evacuate to be safe. The hurricane made landfall at Fort Myers, a southwest Florida city, and then tracked across the state. Then, the hurricane moved out into the Atlantic and northward along the east coast.

1. What does “formidable” mean?

A) forthcoming B) disturbing C) powerful D) tropical 2. All the context clues help you determine the meaning of “formidable” EXCEPT A) residents had to evacuate to be safe B) 145 mph winds C) the direction of the storm was northeast D) newscasters issuing a warning to residents B.. Drawing conclusions Directions: Read this other familiar selection, and then answer questions 1 to 4.

As we came into town, I could see that many things had changed over the years.

The huge trees that once shaded the streets were gone. The houses looked smaller to my adult eyes.

Many small stores along High Street were empty, with “For Rent” signs in the windows. There was no workday bustle – people going to lunch and shopping.

At the end of the street was a brand-new shopping mall.

But even its parking lot was only half-full. I wondered what on earth I would do here!

1. Why would you conclude that the town was no longer prosperous?

A.. storm damage and no trees B.. a new shopping mall and no trees C..

people shopping and going to lunch D.. “For Rent” signs and empty stores 2. Which conclusion is most logical?

A.. The narrator had never visited the town before.

B.. The narrator is excited about what he sees.

C.. The narrator is starting up a business. D..

The narrator had known the town years before.

3. What can you conclude from the statement? “The houses looked smaller to my adult eyes.”

A.. The narrator is holding a child in his arms.

B.. The narrator is thinking about buying a house in the town.

C.. The narrator was a child when he lived there. D.. The narrator is an architect.

4. Which conclusion is most logical?

A.. The narrator is visiting his grandmother ’s.

B.. The narrator is planning to move back into town.

C.. The narrator is passing through his old town. D..

The narrator prefers to walk through High Street.

GRAMMAR Last week’s key A . . Vo c a b u l a r y a n d spelling in building language skills 1. The committee passed (not past) the motion without hesitation. 2. No family member will accept (not 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 presence (not presents) at the anniversary service today. 6. John passed (not past) his CXC science subjects and mathematics examinations splendidly.

B.. ance or ence???

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

C.. er, or, or ar???

1. counsellor 2. grammar 3. betrayer 4. collector 5. propeller 6. advertiser 7. supervisor 8. professor 9. prosecutor

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 14, 2021

GIS DAY

FEASIBLY the most significant concern for all of us today is shielding the environment we live and breathe in. Today, well-developed GIS systems are used to protect the environment. It has become an integrated, well developed and successful tool in disaster management and mitigation. GIS can help with risk management and analysis by displaying which areas are likely to be prone to natural or man-made disasters. Let us turn our attention a little to the GIS system. Before we begin, let us define this system.

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a system of computer software, hardware and data, personnel that make it possible to enter, manipulate, analyze, and present data, and the information that is tied to a location on the Earth’s surface. (Thurgood, 1995) At the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA), the GIS Unit is responsible for mapping and identifying critical points. These can then be used to help ascertain geographic or spatial information, which in turn helps the staff understand the complex interrelationships of natural resources and human population as they relate to potential or known pollution sources of a project. This additional information is beneficial to us in accomplishing our mission of protecting human health and the environment.

GIS can also display and analyze aerial photographs.

This is critical in analyzing digital information that can be overlaid on photographs to provide environmental data analysts with more familiar views of landscapes and associated data. GIS can provide a quick, comparative view of hazards (highly prone areas) and risks (areas of high risk which may occur) and areas to be safeguarded;

and this is very essential as it relates to the work at the EPA. With the help of GIS information, the Agriculture and Forestry Departments at the EPA can now adequately manage the forest activities, and ensure that developers are complying with their permit conditions.

With all that said, let us be taken away with the fact that the use of GIS data has a profound impact on business and industry and the general public. If the technology were eliminated, we would realise to a great extent the overarching importance of GIS data in our daily lives and at work.

GIS DAY 2021 GIS Day is a worldwide event that celebrates the technology of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) – a day started in 1999 by Ralph Nader and intended for geography awareness. Here are some tips, courtesy of gisgeography.com to celebrate GIS Day. GEOCACHING – Pull out your GPS or phone, because it’s time to go geocaching. This is a fun activity that you can include anyone where you track down treasures.

OPENSTREETMAP – The OpenStreetMap move-

ment has the power to move mountains (literally). Join the OpenStreetMap team, and map out your part of the world. Who knows, you could even learn something new about it.

SATELLITE VIEWING – Silently, satellites orbit our Earth for a range of remote-sensing applications & uses.

If you don’t have a telescope, then you can use your phone as a satellite-augmented reality app. Point it to the sky and discover new satellites.

GOOGLE EARTH – Who doesn’t like to spin the globe in Google Earth? Now, the location-based application built by Google lets you tour the world without physically being there.

ESRI STORY MAP – Whatever it is that you decide to do on GIS Day, tweet it for the world to see. Of

XXXIX course, Esri will add it to their GIS Day story map to see where and how many are involved in the celebration.

Yo u c a n s h a r e your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 14, 2021