Pepperpot E-Papaer 17-10-2021

Hyde Park Zoo Sanctuary and Tropical Gardens set for 2022 opening

A preview of the soon-to-be opened zoo

Sunday October 17, 2021

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 17, 2021

The sound of hope in a mental health crisis

By Dillon Goring

EVER since the start of the novel Coronavirus pandemic, reports have shown that people around the world have been faced with mental health challenges.

Coping with those challenges is definitely not the easiest of things.

Clinical Psychotherapist Shane Tull recently wrote a book addressing the very pertinent issue and sat down with the Pepperpot Magazine to share some of the concerns.

In his book, titled: “Mental Health in a Pandemic,” Tull concluded that mental health challenges have become a “pandemic within the pandemic.”

According to Tull, his aim is to ensure that one leaves with a sense of empowerment and clarity of the importance of good mental health.

He drew the conclusion that his publication is a book of the moment, filled with warmth, hope, and a collective sense of healing.

Additionally, Tull, drawing from his experience of 25

Clinical Psychotherapist Shane Tu years, noted that this book aims to explore the meaning of mental health in our community, thus giving voice to our experiences as we navigate the mental health space.

“For us to see mental health not as an abstract concept, rather as a collective process of healing…… ‘mental health is health.’ COVID-19 has demanded renewed attention to the issue of mental health as it relates to capacity building and the delivery of culture competencies services as it relates to marginalised communities,” Tull told the Pepperpot Magazine.

During an interview, Tull contended that mental health challenges are continuing to rage rampantly and how we as a people are responding.

“We are still seeing an escalation in suicides, depression, drug abuse and all the things we saw at the beginning of the pandemic, so I thought with coming up with just doing a book, more like a guide for a normal person to help yourself, what is mental health, and the things you can recognise in other people,” Tull was quoted as saying.

Tull further explained that the destigmatisation of mental health challenges is a big thing and knowing that getting help is okay.

He further contended that suffering in silence is not strength, but asking for help is a form of strength when going through mental health issues.

Pic saved as mental : ll

“Research has shown that if you are [at] the beginning of a mental health crisis and you get all the right support, you get through that crisis much faster, especially if it is family and people in your community. Therefore, mental health is a community and event because it takes everyone to be involved, especially in Guyana. The good part is, it is not a partisan issue but a national issue,” Tull told the Pepperpot Magazine.

He underscored the point that mental health is everybody’s business, so we must invest in things that will ensure that we do everything in our power to alleviate the pain and the ill effects of poor mental health, so that we can help ourselves and others.

Tull shared the exciting news that men are now coming forward to address their concerns with mental health challenges that they face from time to time, and particularly during the pandemic.

“I believe that if you create safe space for men, thus making them feel that they aren’t going to be judged, but rather they are going to be supported, and they can lend their support to others, they will respond because we all need community to support each other, in retrospect bringing clarity to mental health,” Tull noted.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), pandemic fatigue is a natural and expected reaction to sustained and unresolved adversity in people’s lives. The WHO notes that an example is a demotivation to engage in protection behaviours and seek COVID-19-related information.

Tull is a Guyanese and has worked with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID), as well as special programmes at the Davis Memorial and Mercy Hospitals.

The relationship between physical and mental health is multifaceted. Mental disorders increase the risk of communicable and non-communicable diseases and contribute to unintentional and intentional injuries. Like other aspects of health, mental health can be affected by a range of socio-economic and psychological factors that need to be addressed through comprehensive strategies for promotion, prevention, treatment, and recovery.

In May 2012, the 65th World Health Assembly adopted resolution WHA65.4 on the global burden of mental disorders and the need for a comprehensive, coordinated response from health and social sectors at the country level.

In the light of this call to action, mental health was given prominence in the service priorities of the National Health Sector Strategy 2013-2020, which has as its vision “that the people of Guyana are among the healthiest in the Caribbean and the Americas.”

COVID-19, he said, has placed mental health issues at the forefront, not just in Guyana, but throughout the world.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 17, 2021

‘Sat2Farm’ app can help farmers save significant time, maintain optimum farm health

By Telesha Ramnarine

Speaking with Pepperpot Magazine, SAT2FARM, a new mobile Director of Latitude app built to help agriculturGeospatial Consulting alists and farmers monitor Inc. Dr. Haimwant Perfarms and detect pests and saud, said the benefits disease attacks in advance, of using the applicais being offered by Guyanese tion includes up to 70 company Latitude Geospatial percent of time saved Consulting Inc., a technolodue to remote monigy-driven GIS (Geographic toring of farms, and up Information System) Services to 70 percent accuraand Spatial Data provider. cy in detection of pest Sat2Farm is a sateland disease attacks and lite-based agricultural smartsuggestion of solutions. phone application, mainly Dr. Persaud, who is developed to help the users a certified GIS Profesunderstand their farm health, sional working in the provide irrigation advisories, field of Applied Geoas well as deal with weather spatial Technologies forecasts. for almost 20 years, It is a simple application said the app also prowherein the user plots his/ vides up to 85 percent her farm boundary and the accuracy in detection requirements about the farm type of pest and disare provided through the same. ease attack to provide The company provides farm solutions; up to 12 perspecific, dynamic crop advisocent reduction in water ries, early warning of the risks usage; and up to 30 (flood, drought, pest, diseases); percent improvement and advisories at an affordable in crop water produccost for farmers utilizing the tivity.

Director of Latitude Geospatial Consulting Inc. Haimlatest technologies.

According to him, want Persaud farmers can also expect to have 5-10 percent reduction of agri-input costs and up to 10 percent improvement in crop productivity.

Latitude Geospatial has partnered with Satyukt Analytics, a data analytics company out of India to provide big data analytics and SaaS (software as a Service) solutions to aid precision agriculture, utilizing Spatial Data and Geospatial Technologies.

“The scalable and innovative algorithms developed combine various available earth-observation satellite data to provide the information at the desired scale (in this case at the level of the farm). The algorithms can process the multi-satellite data across the globe in different climatic conditions and are far superior, both in terms of accuracy as well as a spatio-temporal resolution,” Dr. Persaud explained.

The company can assist crop insurance companies to assess, prevent sowing, crop damage, and estimate the loss to pay the bills as early as possible. In fact, crop health data can provide insights for fertilizer/pesticide companies to supply their products in pest/disease-affected areas.

“These solutions enable data-driven farming to agriculture stakeholders such as farmers/growers globally. Our space-based Agritech solutions provide decision-making dynamic all-weather solutions to the entire agriculture sector, along with crop insurance and water resources management sectors globally. We add value by increasing efficiency, scaling productivity, and strengthening sustainability across the board,” Dr. Persaud further commented.

Meanwhile, the company offers state-of-the-art and highly reliable GIS Mapping, Satellite Imagery, Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), Vessel Monitoring System, UAVs (Drone) Services, Spatial Data Analytics, and Satellite-Based Agricultural Crop Monitoring.

Geospatial technology is a term used to describe the range of modern tools contributing to the geographic mapping and analysis of the earth and human societies. It includes GIS, Remote Sensing (RS) and Global Positioning System (GPS). This Type of technology can acquire data that is referenced to the earth and used for The user plots his/her farm boundary and the require- analysis, modeling, simulations, and visualization. ments about the farm are provided through the app

Sat2Farm is a satellite-based agricultural smartphone application Photos: Sat 1: Sat 2: Sat 3: Sat 4

: The app offers up to 70 percent accuracy in detection of pest and disease attacks and even suggests solutions

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 17, 2021

The public weighs in on the fiery destruction of Brickdam Police Station

By Francis Quamina Farrier

GUYANESE both at home and abroad, are outraged at the circumstances which led up to the alleged arson destruction of the Brickdam Police Station on Saturday, October 2, 2021.

Official reports state that the alleged self-confessed suspect, Clarence Greene, “was arrested early Saturday morning [October 2, 2021], for armed robbery, but after several hours in the lockups, he became frustrated and started the fire, which destroyed over 80 percent of the Brickdam Police Station.” Was this alleged suspect bodysearched by the police before he was placed in the lockups, bearing in mind that he was arrested for the serious crime of armed robbery? People need to know.

The police report states that Clarence Greene allegedly started the fire using a cigarette lighter. How was that detained person who was charged for armed robbery allegedly allowed to have a cigarette lighter in his possession when placed in the aged wooden police station cell? The police report further states that “Greene tore a piece of mattress from the cell, hooked it on a piece of wire, lit it with the cigarette lighter which started the fire.” Now, were there any fire extinguishers within the police station? If not, why not? After all, the building is wooden. The police report further states that after the fire started, “Greene and other prisoners were relocated to the Sparendaam Police Station,” which is about six miles away on the lower East Coast of Demerara. So, the alleged perpetrator of the biggest fire on a police station in the history of Guyana was immediately taken away to safety, while property owners

The Brickdam Police Station, January 2020 (Photo by Francis Quamina Farrier)

nearby, including parliamentarian Cathy Hughes, were seen scrambling to save valuable items and documents from her office and that of her husband attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes, which is nearby.

Outraged Guyanese want to know what are the fire-fighting capabilities not only at the Brickdam Police Station, but also at Police Headquarters, and in fact at all police stations and police outposts in the 10 regions of the country.

Citizens also need to be enlightened whether there are regular fire drills not only at police stations, but also at other institutions such as private and public hospitals, schools and other government departments.

Guyana is a country with a high percentage of many quite beautiful wooden buildings and there ought to be a strong culture of fire prevention. Fire drills at least twice a year would keep those who work at private or public facilities and enterprises in shape for any eventuality. It is expected that the private sector should also have useful fire-fighting equipment which can be deployed as the first means of quelling a small fire before it becomes a raging conflagration, unmanageable even after the arrival of the professional fire service officers and fire tenders.

It could be recalled a few years ago, that a fire was

stopped early at BANKS DIH Limited’s Thirst Park facilities because the fire-fighting equipment and capabilities of the staffers of the company to deal with such an eventuality were already in place.

More private companies need to follow the example of BANKS DIH and have fire equipment and fire drills for their staffers. The drill should decide where staffers would safely congregate should a fire occur. Who would marshal the staffers, who would try without putting their lives in jeopardy, to do what it takes to safely get precious documents away from the location and exactly where to take them in the situation.

Staffers should be trained to keep cool heads and be

focused on safely saving as much valuable property and documents as soon as possible after the alarm would have been raised.

Georgetown has lost many of its prized wooden buildings to fire. The Park Hotel, as well as the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, are both on Main Street. Then there was a large section of the southern block of the Georgetown Public Hospital being among them.

Most of the buildings have been rebuilt -- mainly in concrete. But others such as the Park hotel on Main street have not been rebuilt as yet.

During these early days after the loss of the Brickdam Police station, citizens

have been expressing their views about the capability of the Guyana Fire Service as a competent fire-fighting force - also, the problems it faces, such as the lack of a very high percentage of working fire hydrants in the city.

Looking to its future, many have been expressing their thoughts as to why almost 80 percent of the building was lost to the fire, even though its location is just two blocks away from the Central Fire Station. Many citizens have already expressed their thoughts about this most recent fire in Georgetown.

They saw on TV and online the progress in real time; many of them have asked a cross-section of the populace for their recommendations in terms of what and how the building should be.

Sharon Khan and Rawle Hampstead made similar suggestions, stating that it should be a multi-storey structure taking up almost the entire block with entrances all around. Sharon went on, the recommendation that the new building should be constructed with clay bricks, which Clara Mittelholzer of New Amsterdam supports. That reflects the comment by Moneer Khan, who stated that “Wooden and two-storey buildings are now things of the past.” Veteran Design artist Bernard Ramsay is totally against a new wooden Brickdam Police station.

“Definitely not wooden,” he stated. “Georgetown is already at great risk with so many wooden buildings.

It will also put too many demands on an already under-equipped and under-trained fire service.”

Peter Willeflashman said, “The new Brickdam Police Station must be of concrete or clay brick, or a mixture of both. Strong and as fireproof as possible.”

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 17, 2021

Lichfield Village

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A place of peace and calming people

Lichfield Village (Carl Croker photos)

By Michel Outridge THIS week the Pepperpot Magazine visited the countryside village of Lichfield, West Coast Berbice, to highlight the way of life of the people and the village.

Lichfield is a breezy, peaceful place with rich history, culture, lush pastures, ancestral lands and welcoming people.

As you approach the village, a clean and brightly painted bus shed awaits you at the edge of the village on the public road which has seating accommodation for taking shade from the weather.

Lichfield Village is a large village which has four

churches and several internal one-vehicle streets and the village extends from the foreshore to the backlands.

It is one of those villages you feel a sense of calm that envelops you as you enter where cows, horses, sheep, goats and other animals graze on empty lands in the village and walk the streets while mothers take their children to school on foot and using the small tracks and shortcuts.

It is a place where the people greet you with a smile and a very safe place where no one bothers you even as a visitor and you are offered fruits and a cold beverage to offset the heat of the sunny weather.

The men in this village can be seen riding their bicycles with their tools, in hand, on their way to work and nurses and others proudly make their way in their uniforms to their respective places of work.

During the morning hours, the locals make their way to wherever it is they go for work or conduct business. Most elders were going to collect their oneoff cash pension grant offered by the current administration for all pensioners.

This community has many modern, large, small cottages, old-fashioned colonial-style houses that survived the

years but weathered and in bad shape. Others are being renovated and some newly constructed dwelling houses with modern fixtures and designs.

Some villagers saw it fit to extend their houses by adding sections to it to accommodate their extended family.

Lichfield is relatively a clean place and the locals take pride in up keeping

their surroundings and yards to an acceptable standard by weeding the grass and taking care of the landscape.

It is a village of well-gardened yards with potted plants of many variety and colours and a lot of fruits and vegetables that grow everywhere in this community in almost every yard where there are trees that grow food but most of the lands are unoccupied

and privately owned.

Lichfield is a village of livestock, poultry, goats and sheep, ducks, fowls and other animals which the villagers rear and the people have small roadside shops and other small businesses such as barber shops, salons, bars, food stalls and others.

Lichfield Village was bought by 12 freed slaves in 1840 and divided into 12 SEE PAGE XI

Focus on the Village

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 17, 2021

Life in Lichfield village Living at peace

By Michel Outridge HAROLD Fredericks is a local of Lichfield Village, West Coast Berbice and he has lived all his life in the community where he is a security guard at the village health centre.

The 76-year-old, on his night shift, would cultivate the yard where he has bora ochro, boulanger, fine leaf thyme, broadleaf thyme and other crops which he would share with the staffers.

This gentleman is as nice as they come and his age doesn’t prevent him from being the best he can be and he does whatever yard work and chores to stay active and enjoy a healthy life.

Fredericks has a nice little cottage in Lichfield which overlooks the pasture near the foreshore and has his kitchen garden, his chickens and is a lover of music.

During the day, after resting, he would ensure the yard is clean and chores are com-

Harold Fredericks (Carl Croker photos)

pleted before going to work and would even have just the right time to sit in his verandah to enjoy a bit of music from his small but adequate stereo system in his home.

This elder likes curry and he would prepare fish and

chicken curry when his wife, Maylene Richardson, is not at home or out running errands.

Fredericks told the Pepperpot Magazine that he was a carpenter, a rice factor worker in his younger days and spent some time

Home of Harold Fredericks

In memory of the 1976 Air Cubana Disaster victims, a windmill made by Harold Fredericks

Focus on the Village

working in the interior as a miner.

He even used to weed drains and canals for a living in the village at one time and as he began to advance in age, he became a security

guard, working nights at Lichfield Health Centre, where it is close to home.

The pensioner stated that he doesn’t like to sit by idly and is always doing something to occupy his time.

Once he has his music, he is good, all the time.

He added that life in Lichfield is good but the village needs to be spruced up a bit because bushes overrun some streets since it was once a top ranking village back in the days, he would like to see that again.

Fredericks reported that the village also produced a lot of good people, sportsmen and women and even scholars, a lot of police and soldiers.

The Lichfield resident pointed out that in his younger days, he had his time partying and liked to dance to his music and at times he would reward himself by taking a ‘drink’.

“In life, you must know how to live for you to enjoy a peaceful time so I would stay at home when I am not working and play my music without disturbing anyone and enjoy my own company,” he said.

His favourite place is to sit on the verandah to get the breeze and when it is time to take a nap he would venture downstairs, in the backyard where he has a bedroom out-

fitted with a television and a bed for his own comfort.

He is a very friendly, down to earth kind of person, who is always using his hands to do things such as farming.

That day when the team visited, he was preparing to go to the nearby village to uplift his one-off cash grant of $25,000 as a pensioner, a token by the current administration.

“I feel very happy about this gift and it will be used to buy things that is needed in the home and for myself, it will be spent wisely and I am grateful for it,” he said.

Meanwhile, in honour of the lives lost on October 6, 1976, during the Cubana Air Disaster, a total of 73 passengers perished; including 11 Guyanese, 57 Cubans, and five Koreans, Fredericks, being patriotic in his own little way made from scratch, made a windmill with things he found around the home and nailed it up on his fence.

It is in memory of the victims, and he affixed it there as a reminder of the people we lost in that air accident in 1976.

Fredericks is a very pleasant man and when he is not gardening he is making roti and curry to appease his craving for curry.

The church and the village

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 17, 2021

By Michel Outridge

BARBARA Franklin is the pastor attached to the Grace Prayer Centre International Church at Lichfield Village, West Coast Berbice which will be celebrating its 15th anniversary this week, a milestone for the church and its members, which will be observed with a panel discussion of several topical issues.

The church knows its role in society and its impact on the people and they are geared towards spiritual upliftment and ti provide a place for worship.

Franklin told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is always reaching out to people to change their life for the better through lifestyle patterns and turning to God for redemption since she is aware that people come from all walks of life and different backgrounds, some of which are inherited through generations and hard to break.

“A lot of people are facing many social problems in life and breaking generational curses and ills are not easy but [we] encourage members to develop a personal relationship with God through prayers for self-preservation,” she said.

The pastor added that they try to impact the lives of the youths in the church in a meaningful way through recreational activities and sports to be there for them morally and show

Recalling how they started their own church, it was the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the church they were attending and her spouse had a vision to start his own church and it was nothing personal and after he reached out to her she decided to support him.

It was 15 years ago they combined their efforts, which was no easy task since they only had a one-storey house which was later converted into a concrete two-storey building.

The lower flat is where the church is housed and the

Pastor Barbara Franklin

them they care.

Franklin and her husband would play cricket and other sports with the young people of the church and community to express their love and appreciation for them and to lead by example.

The church would also pack and distribute hampers to single mothers, members and elders in the church and community and participate in outreaches to minister to people.

On record, Franklin stated that they have 85 members, some from the village and further afield, but due to the pandemic their attendance has dropped significantly and before they would see as much as 100 visitors at times.

Since the pandemic, they only have one Sunday service

Grace Prayer Centre International Church (Carl Croker photos)

from 10:00hrs to midday and would not host large gatherings but meetings are held via zoom and on other online platforms.

Franklin reported that they do regular sanitisation of the church building and its environs like they did that day when the team visited and they wear face masks, wash hands and social distance to reduce the spread of the virus.

“We had to change the way we greet each other on Sundays where we used to shake hands but now we have another way of greeting which does not include handshakes,” she said.

Pastor Franklin told the Pepperpot Magazine that the church’s main objective is to win souls for Christ and tend to the needs of the people.

pastor and her husband reside in the edifice’s top flat.

Today, Pastor Franklin has two branches of the Grace Prayer Centre International church at Tempe Village and the other in the city.

The congregation in the city was held at St. Sidwell’s Primary School building but since the pandemic, they usually have online service.

For this year’s anniversary celebrations, a fournight special is planned at the church in Lichfield Village where several topics will be discussed to create awareness for the youths and members.

On the final night, a panel discussion is expected to close off the observance.

Franklin stated that they haven’t been doing a lot of outreaches due to the pandemic but they have started a week of prayers and fasting and they provide evangelism via phone and they try to minister to people via the internet, as well.

She reported that they will continue with their hamper drive and the church door is always opened to members of the public and the community at any time.

Focus on the Village

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 17, 2021

A valuable service -Lichfield’s midwife living her dream of serving her community

By Michel Outridge ALICIA Gonsalves is perhaps one of the youngest qualified midwives in that region and she is attached to the Lichfield Health Centre, where she is a reliable professional who is living her dream of serving her community.

At 23 years old, Gonsalves is quite satisfied with her academic achievement as a medical professional who, as a young girl, always dreamed of becoming a midwife.

She worked towards that

goal through hard work, dedication and sacrifice and today she is glad she qualified herself at a young age.

“I feel very happy because this is the very health centre my mother brought me as a baby and I am pleased to be back here as a midwife, providing care and expertise to the people,” she said.

Gonsalves started working at the Lichfield Health Centre on February 19, 2019 and she is taking her job seriously and so far, she is loving her job as a healthcare provider.

The young midwife is

the mother of one living and working right in her village, where she feels safe and comfortable.

The Lichfield Health Centre is open from Mondays to Fridays from 08:00hrs to 16:30hrs. They have five staffers: one community health worker, one patient care assistant, one nursing assistant, one midwife, and one caretaker.

They have a visiting doctor and pharmacist twice monthly and the facility has a spacious waiting area, triage section, exam room, dressing room, a second waiting area,

Lichfield Health Centre

Lichfield Health Centre staffers: Midwife Alicia Gonsalves, Patient Care Assistant Tanika Maison and Caretaker Monique De Guair (Carl Croker photos)

Inside the Lichfield Health Centre

One of the youngest midwives, Alicia Gonsalves

Focus on the Village

a pharmacy and a vaccine room.

Gonsalves told the Pepperpot Magazine that a wheelchair for the elderly would be fitting and a permanent doctor and pharmacist would also boost their level of service.

The security guard has converted the yard into a vegetable garden and the staffers would help themselves to vegetables for the kitchen.

The midwife reported that they have about 80 houses with about 320 residents and they have a good relationship with the people.

The Village Mother Alice Linton, who resides near the St. Jude’s Anglican Church, is referred to as the ‘Village Mother’ and is the Lay

Minister of the said church and is active in religious affairs and in preserving the rich culture and history of the village.

She told the Pepperpot Magazine that in 2019 the village benefitted from electricity and today they have good roads, drainage, landline phones, internet, cable television and other infrastructure.

Linton stated that the older folk were farmers who grew their own food, but today it is quite different and the young people do not have any interest in farming and prefer office jobs.

“The young people of this village, some of whom grew up with grandparents, have certain things embedded in them ‘do what they see and they do’ and it is hard to break free of those things,” she said.

She admitted that the village is in limbo and most of the olden houses which the freed slaves built, their ancestors are long gone, but one was still standing but weathered and almost fully decayed.

It is one of the fixtures of the village that remind the people of their foreparents and their rich history and culture.

Linton is from Lichfield and was a teacher who migrated for a while and later returned to enjoy a peaceful country life that is simple.

She is living the community life and does her part at church to develop the village and serve the people.

Linton is one of the elders of Lichfield, who is in her late 70s and still does her gardening and taking care of her dogs.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 17, 2021

‘One of the best villages’

By Michel Outridge ONE of the many elders in Lichfield Village, West Coast Berbice, is Randolph Mitchell, a retired Regional Education Officer who taught at schools outside his village for many years before he retired.

The 75-year-old stated that his teaching career started on May 4, 1964, and he taught at many schools in the region and he retired in 2001 as Regional Education Officer.

Mitchell, who has established a cricket club in the village, was known as a sports enthusiast and was vibrant in horseracing too, said the village produced a lot of important people, intellectuals and sportspeople and among them was Ian Archibald and Grewon Grant.

He also spoke briefly of what he called ‘important people,’ including Wolsey Semple, a renowned engineer

Lichfied elders enjoy their home Thomas Davis Julian Semple

in Washington, DC in the USA. Semple was the founder of the very popular Semple Family Reunion held in the village every two years.

Lichfield, he said, is also known for producing quite a few talented doctors, among them Dr. Edward Belle,

known as Nedd, who was a professor of medicine at an overseas university and a microbiologist.

Mitchell reported that attorney-at-law Darren Wade is from Lichfield and was a disciplined member of his cricket club, back in the days;

a home-grown young man who made the village proud through his achievement.

The elder disclosed that over the years there have been a lot of changes in the village. Of those changes includes a great difference in the attitude of the young

people as compared to their younger days.

He viewed this change as disturbing and growing up, any elder in the village was respected and greeted with much appreciation, but sadly, today, that is not so.

Mitchell pointed out too that farming is neglected in the village and the young people hardly ever want to get their hands dirty as farmers and some have resorted to SEE PAGE X

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 17, 2021

‘One of the best ...

FROM PAGE IX

narcotics abuse.

He stated that Lichfield is the village with many men and women in the police force and the army and teachers, including retired headmistress Cynthia Nicholson, who is in her early 80s.

Giving a little background on the village, Mitchell stated that Lichfield was bought by one person, Cudjoe Mc Pherson, for $3,000; and he later divided the plantation into 12 sections, which he sold to other Africans for a profit as transported lands.

By this time, the planters had realised that many Africans had accumulated much savings, so they immediately raised land prices.

The Anglicans once controlled the Lichfield Primary School before it became government-owned and controlled. There are a few other churches in the village and a health centre and a library, which was established in April 2004.

The elders Meanwhile, two other elders in the village are Julian Semple and his friend, Thomas Davis.

These stalwarts were employed with the bauxite company and worked in the interior in their youthful days and are locals who still reside in Lichfield.

Julian Semple, who is a double amputee due to his severe diabetic condition, was sitting in his verandah enjoying the cool breeze while chatting with his fellow villager/friend, Thomas Davis.

Both men said they worked all over the country but returned to their home village of Lichfield, which has the best playground; as boys they enjoyed many games there, but today it is fenced and just sitting there with a lot of cow holes.

The playground sits on a large plot of land aback the village, down a dusty dam

Randolph Mitchell poses with his many trophies (Carl Croker photos)

and before you can reach it there is a muddy pasture where many cows were grazing.

The children would hardly go there since it is some distance away and near the village cemetery.

The children would utilise the playground in the primary school compound for games and recreation.

Semple said that as a youth, he spent a lot of time at the playground with others playing cricket, basketball,

and football, among other games.

He added that the village produced a lot of sportsmen and women and youths in their time were active in sports and the playground was the meeting place.

Thomas Davis stated that Lichfield was one of the best villages on that corridor, but these days not much takes place and they have lost a lot of elders this year.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 17, 2021

Lichfield...

sections.

The land was said to be initially used for the cultivation of many crops, including coffee, cotton and tobacco. With returns from the crops, villagers built schools, railway stations, churches, etc.

The villagers are independent and contented and it shows by their way of life, simple but fulfilling.

Lichfield is located between Cottage and Belle Vue villages and it is a roadside community that runs deep into the back dam.

Lichfield Village has a nursery school, primary school, churches, shops, a YMCA building, a health centre, a library, and an ICT hub with internet-ready computers.

The St. Jude’s Anglican Church sits on the public road and adjoins it is the primary school which has a large basketball court and place for games.

Many social activities, such as the village day, are held there annually and other gatherings.

This year a lot of elders passed away including two residents who were 105 and 95 years old so the people are saddened about losing them, but there are still a few around, who are not in good health including the Semples.

Lichfield is a place of intellectuals, servicemen and women, nurses, teachers, many people, who are from the public sector and a lot of good people who were sports activists and athletes.

The people of this village are talented and multiskilled and use their skills to earn and do many things to offset personal expenses and to provide for their families.

FROM PAGE V

A boy in the village catching fish at a side-line trench

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 17, 2021

TRANSPORTING BY INDIFFERENT CURRENTS INTO THE FORCED AGE OF THE FUTURISTIC… WHETHER we are prepared or not, another age is shaping our values and way of living. For years, authors of fiction have heralded drastic changes that will not be subject to just warfare. The question will be the realisation and understanding of what this means to populations and leaders rooted in the accustomed way of conducting business, failing to understand their own habitats and the creeds and values of trade and barter and how the conduct of previous engagements have subtly evolved, since we’re concerned and prioritised by ingrained methods and contentions that have changed regardless, ignoring the dangers of the comfort zone much like the theory of the ‘Time Warp’ remains frozen in its own particular space. We must reflect on the references of the sages of our day, for substance, right or wrong on the prospects of the enveloping inevitable.

The astronomer Carl Sagan outlined the ‘Type 1 civilisation in theory. He implied then, that with the internet we (humanity) began on the path of a type 1 civilisation. “The internet is an emerging type 1 telephone system. It has the capability of becoming the basic of a universal planetary communication network.”

We are there now, the next prediction was- “The economy of the type 1 society will be dominated not by nations, but by large trading blocks resembling the European Union, which itself was formed because of competition from NAFTA (The North American block)” and the last significant analytical prediction relevant to our situation would be –abridged “Nations, although they will probably be around for centuries to come, will become less important as trade barriers fall and as the world becomes more economically

interdependent.” But Carl Sagan is American, born in Brooklyn, he’s not talking from my perspective as a Guyanese, because his analogy does frighten, when examining the environment that envelopes me. All we trade in today, as in yesterday, is still rooted in the export of raw materials, except for rum, so Guyana on the large national scale cannot compete in the rich niche markets that will envelop a small, to medium business cadre, that will hold

the participating interests of citizens through employment.

Through to fact, years ago, I filled a company with my late brother, inspired by the profession of our father, Hubert Braithwaite, a contractor and joiner who designed furniture. However, neither of us grew with him due to a broken family. We always had his audience, I more than John.

The company was to earn and maintain a TSA, and execute many of the ideas that

our father had expressed to me, and later in my conversations with my brother, that our father could not accomplish in the creative wood product industry because of circumstances beyond his control.

I received some of the documents of my brother’s endeavours with the company after we had a principle fall out, I realised that I was right, my brother hardly understood the fractured nature of our so-

ciety. The closest to what we had in mind was Precision Woodworking, owned by my friend of years, Ronald Bulkan. The fact is, we understood back then that it will take much more than the harnessing of raw materials to gainfully employ the population of any country today on the standards of modern living.

This is not a new story either. The smelting of iron ore, that is said to have begun in ancient Africa, did not serve

the accomplishment of a new technology alone, or it would have quickly died as a craft, had it not been transported into the creation of tools for the sculpting of religious iconography, weapons for war and hunting, and the enabling specialist tools for the sculpting of royal and religious jewellery. With its proliferation across the human world ( humans traded, exchanged learned methods whether in ancient cosmology (Astrology etc.) were shared and exchanged between peoples; these sciences have remained with our ancestors across human variations because of the extension of their usefulness into military, cultural, religious and propaganda artistic industries (before printing).

That human ingenuity has transcended time into areas we can hardly recognise, because it has become so casually accepted due to necessity that the intricate process involved can easily evaporate under the argument of why explore--why what is? When it just is.

The first tracks, and rotating upper bodies on heavy-duty vehicles, bulldozers, cranes etc., no doubt emerged from the same applications on the combat tanks. The problem in Guyana is where is the considerable volume of products that with our human and natural gifts that Guyana knows it possesses, that are visually transferred into cottage and small industries?

The reason for this predicament can be fitted into the arena of our politics and its ‘Insurance Slates’ that entitles supporting citizens to positions of authority, regardless. Somehow if we are to compete in Sagan’s Type 1 civilisation, criteria will have to change and the landscape of national management evolve, or be consumed, or limp along as a prime case study of Social Anthropology on the Comfort Zone syndrome.

XIV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 17, 2021

GUYANA ON THE WAY TO ACHIEVING FULL TOBACCO XX XIV REVISITING THE GUYANA/ CONTROL THE SEAWALLS VENEZUELA CONTROVERSY SOON

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

TOBACCO was adopted from Aztecs by the Spaniards when, in the 16th century, Eu- 70 most dangerous toxins, ropean and American Indian civilisations clashed with each other in the territory now including nicotine, which known as Mexico. Tobacco was used by the Aztec priesthood in their religious ceremo- causes addiction; Hydrogen nies, but was never used by ordinary folk. When the Europeans adopted it, it quickly cyanide; Formaldehyde; spread over the European continent and became fashionable with all classes. However, Lead; Arsenic; Ammonia; THE Guyana/Venezuela controversy will again shortly and King discussions factual bases invariablyBenzene; become Polonium-210; a small number of people felt misgivings about it, including James Iwhere of England, come up before International of Justice (ICJ). blurred.

Carbon Monoxide together who in thethe 17th century wroteCourt a pamphlet against tobacco. hundreds ofseashells chemicals.

In Guyana, most this oflie the writings the of controversy have In thisisoffering, we will depart from this with norm and try to THE Despite Seawalls deep in theon consciousness of Guyanese rather muddy was oncewith covered and strong underground opposition, tobacco usetoday continued to expand, partly Many termibeenpeople, ofbecause a historical and factual nature this a good answer two questions that have beenserious asking since theup of the universal ignorance of and its health dangers and partly because various influential but especially Georgetowners.

Yet itis has rarely there would always be many children exploring and and picking nalboats ailments could traced interests were fortunes out of not it. thetime 20th itcentury, the role ofofchampions of the thing, since the Guyanese public are encouraged of the two Guyanese fishing inthey Guyana’s terribeen noticed bymaking the news media and theIn last wasseizure seashells different colours; sometimes maybefind large to tobacco use, including tobacco industry was assumed by the rich and powerful multinational tobacco companies mentioned as an item into of national concern was five or sixtorial conch shells. to move their attention the realms of arguments waters by a Venezuelan navy ship. The first question cancer, Heart diseases, whoago triedwhen to crush all opposition.

Thethe anti-tobacco lobby had alsoThe grown stronger had lung years the Ocean overtopped wall and flooded foreshore or and continental shelf gradually falls destroying teethrises and and mouth in the courts the tobacco thestarted yardswinning parallelvictories to the Public Road.against This was the firstindustry everyand 20 those years multinational and today, the foreshore land between Camp cancer, impotence, loss of tobacco companies. time in memory that there wastoxic suchnature an occurrence Street and the Pegasus and Hotel almost risen to the height lowering energyof Byliving the end of World War II, the of cigarettes was widely publicised a hasappetite, and it led to great panic.

The authorities hurriedly conthe wall and coconut trees and other vegetation grow on it. levels, loss of memory.

The growing percentage of people in the developed countries knew of its dangers. Cigarettes had structed a barrier of standing concrete lives of tobacco users are shortened by several years slabs on the Walls to counter such overtopand the World Health Orgaping. In the last few weeks, the Seawalls

FOREVER!

TO COME BEFORE THE ICJ

have again featured in the news, but in a happier vein.

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

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

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

nization (WHO) estimates that over \seven million people die each year from cigarette smoking. Other social effects of Likewise, the sea has reclaimednegative the land along the Kitty Seatobacco use are that it costs wall where houses once stood. the Indeed, a substantial building state millions of dollars is still standing close to the walltonear the Kitty Pump Station, pay for the hospitalisation but the sea is under it. Old fishermen who set their nets on for ailments due to tobacco the foreshore sea could vividly use describe the cyclical rise and and lowers the national workforce’s productivity. fall of the beach.

In Guyana, is only The Seawalls provided a favourite place forit health enthe last decadesof thusiasts. Many would go therewithin to practise deeptwo breathing

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 included going out on horseback and following them from a

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 to kill them, keep them as a pet, destroy their habitat, and

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 expected to be released this month.

the sun had risen.

is, why is the Venezuelan public sowere convinced they that the towards legislation Onmovement moonlit nights the anti-tobacco Seawalls always a that crowded saw success.

When DrtoLeslie Ramsammy became have a valid claim to two-thirds of with Guyana’s territory and promenade.

Many went socialise friends, but Minall went ister of Health, he brought creativity to that office which was why their politicians somoon bellicose and aggressive about to enjoy the beauty ofarethe rising from the sea and the unique.

He brought to the health services with this claim?

And themodernity second question is, why did there President blue-green moonlight which was brighter, since were innovations such as free prescriptions, Free to AIDS treatment, Maduro of Venezuela choose this time seize thevarious boats roadclinic lights to dilute it. Others would enjoy the a no cancer with radiation treatment and other moderniwhen he knew he would alienate the Guyanese population phases of the New Moon with the background of purple skies ties. He was a committed crusader against tobacco since he and cause the international community to condemn embellished with thousands of stars which appear was acutely aware of the sufferings it brought to individuals, or disapprove ofand hissociety action, Venezuela isolated intersinceasleaving there were no did cityan lights.

Others their familiesbrighter a whole.

He enormous nationally on the issue. amount of educational work enlightened the public of to would go to thewhich Seawalls in the late afternoons the dangers of tobacco The answer to the sunsets first question began during theinto Cold admire gradually transforming the and led strug- to light ofof dusk.

War: At theblue beginning the 1960suse Britain hadthe decided gle forSeawalls anti-tobacco joysthe of the were the withdraw fromAnother Guyana of andthe grant colony independence, legislation the earlylikely evening concerts givenagainst bythe the newly Militia but it was very thatSunday the Prime Minister of powerful multinationthe Police the Bandstand which independentBand stateand would be DrBand Cheddi Jagan, an avowed al atBritish American attracted of people.

Their repertoire Marxist. U.S. Cold hundreds War interests tried to persuade Britain Tobacco (BAT) andconsisted ofindependence, light classical music Strauss’ and to delay Guyana’s but allsuch that as Britain could their local allies.

The other waltzes, ballet music such Delibes’ pizzicato main arguments the promise was that she would hand over power to a non-ComandMinister.

Sylvia, atAmerican least one English patriotic song such pro-tobacco munist Prime Intelligence feltlobby that this used were ‘Upholding as “This royal throne of Kings” and Guyanese and British offer needed further insurance and so they devised Freedom of Choice’ Caribbean folk songs.

The concerts were arranged a plan whereby their client Venezuela would threaten to the severe for early evening so thatand children could loss attend; of Government reve-their many Guyanese in later life have admitted that nue that would occur first exposure to classical music was from these if tobacco use were Bandstand concerts. curtailed. Dr RamOn Easter Monday sammy thousands of kite-flyers went out of turned out from five o’clock in the morning.

Kites office before his draft werebeallmade hand-made and were a varietyinof2017 shapes legislation could statute which onlyinoccurred under the name, Act.’snakes, but the predomsuch‘Tobacco as boxes,Control birds and The responsibility enforcing and implementing thein a inant shapeforwas the Guyanese octagon and Act were placed with the National Tobacco Control Council variety of colours. Singing engines, a kite which which the sound, aegis ofwas the Ministry of Health.

The madeoperates a loud under droning one of the most popular.

Act controls several activities relating to the tobacco indusKite-flying was always combined with picnicking. The Easter try and we will touch on the three most important of them kite-flying today is aMarketing; pale reminiscence of the which are Packaging; and Control ofheyday.

Secondary As mentioned above, the political tensions and criminality Smoke: kept peopleand away from packaging the Seawalls in the 1960s.

By the Tobacco cigarette cannot carry form invade Guyana if theremore was any possibility ofany a Marxist life hadand become andsurface peopleofagain began to of1990s advertising 60 percentstable of the cigarette government installed in Guyana. frequent the being Seawalls, but the ambience changed.

There boxes or other wrapping must carry health had warnings against The 1899 Arbitral Award had thethe boundaries of the use of tobacco and pictorial illustrations of effects of the grew up stalls lining the parapet ofsettled the Public Road from Guyana and Venezuela and these boundaries were fully tobacco-induced illnesses.

The tobacco companies mounted Kitty Pump Station to the Pegasus, selling refreshments and accepted bystalls both parties and the communitheir opposition against thisInternational requirement and were all ofstrongest these were well-lit.

The character of the Seawalls successful in delaying its acceptance and implementation for at ty.

One of the junior lawyers representing Venezuela had changed from a peaceful promenade to a lively fair. athe fewarbitration, years. With Malletregard toPrevost, marketing, thea Act bans all was formsnot left letter that Now that the tourism industry is of being revived, the of advertising, sponsorship and promotion tobacco toSeawalls have been opened until after his death.

In thatprodletter, still offer an attractive attraction. ucts. Cigarettes could not be sold individually but must be he claimed that the Arbitral Award was the result of an sold by the box and no person 18 years of age or under should arrangement Britain andcontrolled. the Russian arbitrator be sold tobacco.between E-cigarettes are also Secondary to deprive Venezuela of its rights.

After more than smoking, which is being placed in a position where onehalf is a century, based on Mallet-Prevost’s forced to Venezuela, inhale the exhalations of others, has beenposthumous compreletter, now rejected- the Arbitral Award and claimed twohensively addressed 100% smoke-free environments were prescribed for all indoor public Mallet-Prevost’s spaces, indoor work spaces, thirds of Guyana’s territory. posthumous public andVenezuela specified conditions indoor spaces. letter transportation, was the causus used to threaten Guyana the Act came it was andWhen this continued afterinto being, the Cold War, the enthusiasticalraison d’etre for ly implemented, but in the last year or two, infringements the claim, had ended. have been growing, such as the resurgence of hookah bars lawyers advertising and historians who oftook any notice and Most the clandestine and selling tobacco prodof to minors.

Mallet-Prevost’s dismissed as a Council historical ucts With theletter National Tobacco it Control curiosity or veryofflimsy which attempt to and the Ministry Health evidence becomingon once againtoproactive, satisfactory tobacco control couldAward. quickly But comethe into being. upset a long-accepted Arbitral Venezuelan politicians and the Venezuelan public gave credence and importance to Mallet-Prevost’s posthumous letter, which would have been dismissed in the modern world. But

XV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 17, 2021

WHEN I CAN BE A HAND TO HOLD II KISSED BY DAWN

XII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 8, 2021

For tiredness lies On my lids My body like a sound of THE persistent She nodded but the gate Broken goblet a bicycle bell aroused her was locked from all visitors The feel thoughts except her family. She had fromEarth hercan deep No feet back the to now make an exception andmore she my pulled “So I must cometo home, dear Lord,” waschild the hoarse plea a curtain a little see who for the and pulling fromitthe lips of the old woman, lying in a recliner on the patio. was. A little boy was thin veil over her face, she The middle-aged aid sitting close by at the gate withnurse a small unlocked thereading gate forthehim. newspaper of the woman, basket inquired of fruits andoldshe He ran to the back of the “What it, Sharda?” raised isher hand a little in house and came back craShe did not answer, at the clear blue sky, saying ‘thanks.’

Helooking hung up dling his puppy in his arms. her the eyesbasket not so on dim, her hearing still fine.

She could see the “I the gate and “Thanks,” he said, lovely flowers bloom and hear the sweet of the rode away, turning back thinksongs she has hurtbirds her in leg.” her once garden, but her love and passion for nature were slowly to look at her.

Shamita smiled a little, fading away.

It was a close-knit com- happy for the child and yet How does one continue to embrace life when the body munity where everyone concerned for his puppy, has become aged and feeble, memory sometimes floating into knew everyone, but they and the little boy seeing nothingness, when you need a young, strong hand to hold and knew of her story and un- her close for the first time, there was none? derstood her need to be asked curiously, “How did this happen?” she asked herself, tears misting looked scared when she sleep had he gotten since his who love and care and those that was empty. alone wife died three years ago. who hate and hurt.”

Shamita saw the little in her eyes,through “Why didthe thisnews. happen?” “Why don’t you speak saw you.”

Through their was concern and why arecraving you wearing to provide walked away from children lifestyles them hershe hadHis her hard work and richThe traumamade of losing wife’s beautiful boy again a fewcare daysand later, The loneliness a deep acheand in her heart, for them, That night as the boy’s she was now so that veil?” for they hardher memories matrimonial homehim withstaycompanionship wherebroke they came from, laying a foundation forget almost him, loving helped walking his puppy with the sympathy, children she loved and missed much just to hear their sacrifices put him to bed, he a daughter the gone, village, Shamita shook her headfor father anysister timebehind in theirhim. four children into parent, the ly found the successes they had andher forthethe aged mother, voices.

But theyofwere now matured adults pursuing way he did, the glowher strong as a single his little asked, “What is wrong with though theytheir sawlives was with a anew little, what toachieved in their lives. But there schedules spendawith an unknown world. time.story now justthroes careers and all sharing lovesnot andsure interests. ofwas theirnolove butofthere was a part of himdaily On the waytoback, cat ran her, dad? Why silhoutte behind a curtain. sayhome to make She had worked long their mother. reaching greatdoesn’t heights she A lone tear trickled down The mother now lived alone in the wherehim they underhad afterspeak an ember. to anyone?”

That XVI night as she laid in face, a face shared a beautiful family life. She had moulded and guided in the business world, their her wrinkled “So different, westill are,”hours every day to build aSEE PAGE bed, she looked at the paintnice little home with comfort beautiful never mind her age he expressed silently, “Men

A few days later she heard a small, distressed voice calling at the gate and looking out, she saw It was the little boy who had brought the fruits. He saw her and said, “I lost my puppy, have you seen her?”

Shamita shook her head, touched a little by the worried look on the child’s face, and as he turned to go, a low whimpering sound came from behind the house.

“It’s her!” he cried with joyful relief, “Can I come in?”

stand, when a Mazda Axela stopped outside the gate and a good looking and casually dressed man got out and called to the boy, “I see you found her!”

“Yes, dad,” he answered.

A sudden fear sent a chill through Shamita’s body on seeing the stranger and turning abruptly, she walked into the house, closing the door.

“You scared her,” the boy said to his father.

“How?” he asked puzzled, “What did I do?”

“I don’t know, but she

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

“I don’t know,” he an- A wry smile crossed swered, but it wasn’t quiteher face and a faraway look the truth because her tragicshone in her eyes as her story had been all over thethoughts took her back to a news, but what he didn’ttime when she was a young know was how badly it hadwoman. She was so full of affected her and tonightlife, like a butterfly with he felt a deeper sympathyamazing colours and a simple, little home filled with for her.

He looked at his twolove, then her father gave children sleeping with deepher hand in marriage to a love, but with an ache inrice farmer’s son; a new life his heart. He sighed deeply,as a bride and later, a young closing the door softly andmother. Paths she had walked pouring a drink, he sat onpaved with love, compassion, tears and pain, episodes of the balcony looking out her life written on the leaves into the night. of time.

Not one good night’s Then one day, fourteen years later, when she could have borne no more of her

for them and today, instead of holding her hand, like she had held theirs, they turned their backs, leaving her alone.

A choked sob escaped her lips and once again she whispered, “It’s time for me to come home, dear Lord, there’s nothing left here.”

The nurse aid got up and took her hand, urging her gently, “Come on, Sharda, it’s time for your meal and medication.”

She sighed and looking up at the nurse. She inquired, puzzled, “Who are you?”

“I’m Jeanette,” the woman answered patiently, as she assisted her to her feet, “Your nurse aid.”

“Oh,” she exclaimed softly, a momentary lapse in her memory.

The kind woman had

ing on the wall facing her and a smile touched her lips, lessening the pain in her heart.

It was the picture of three children, her father working in the garden and her mother standing not far off with a bucket of fresh vegetables on her arm, smiling warmly as she watched her children.

A portrait that captured a simple life and a beautiful family.

“You have left so long ago, mother,” she said in a weak voice, “I can’t remember much for now I have grown too old.”

The brother and sister playing with her had also left, their names now written on tombstones whilst she, the youngest, waited still alone.

“Whisper my name, mother,” she said, “And I shall come, so we can be

XVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 17, 2021

WHEN I CAN BE ...

FROM PAGE XV across the road and the puppy wanting to chase it pulled hard on the leash causing the children to run and the little girl tripped and fell. She started to cry and the brother tried to pick her up whilst holding onto the puppy’s leash. No one was on the road at the time and so Shamita ventured past the gate for the first time to help the children. The girl had bruised her knees and she took her inside to clean the wounds.

“Are you okay, now?” she asked, wiping the tears from the child’s face.

“She speaks!” the boy answered gleefully.

Shamita couldn’t help smiling a little at his reaction and when the little girl touched her face through the veil and said in a sweet voice, “Thank you,” it touched something in Shamita’s heart.

After they left she once again stood in front of the mirror.

“Mirror on the wall

Speak now to me,” She pushed back her hair slowly and winced at the ugliness of the scars on her face.

“Why did this had to happen to me?” she whispered bitterly.

“Don’t cry fair maiden, You are beautiful within” The mirror seemed to say, comforting words to ease the pain.

The days passed slowly for her, but from the shadows of her loneliness, a glow grew brighter as little hands reached out for hers. The two little motherless children, Aiden and Ashi felt a magical attraction to Shamita. They would often stop by with their fluffy terrier Crystal, bringing fruits and vegetables for her from their garden, and one day they brought home-baked cookies.

A few were burnt and Aiden remarked jokingly, “My dad’s not good at baking, poor fella.”

Shamita smiled a little as she ate one, wondering if there was a mother in the picture because they never mentioned her.

“Can you bake chocolate chip cookies?” Aiden asked.

“Yes, I can.”

“My mom used to bake awesome cookies,” Aiden said mentioning her for the first time.

“Why doesn’t she now?” Shamita asked unaware of the tragedy in the children’s lives.

A look of sadness crossed the children’s faces and Aiden said quietly, “The angels took her to heaven.”

“Oh,” Shamita exclaimed softly, shocked by the child’s answer and looking at them she forgot for that moment her own tragedy, touched deeply by the sad look on their faces, and she hugged them.

“I’m so sorry.”

Late in the afternoon their father came for them but she did not step out of the door, standing by the window with the curtain half drawn. He saw her and smiled slightly, pleased she was making progress with that little show of interest.

To be continued…

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 17, 2021

XVII

Patience in the local health system

THE public health system is not perfect. Despite the greatest commitment from the healthcare workers and other staff to provide quality services to people, sometimes the sheer lack of resources within this system is a severe constraint. And I have learnt over the past few weeks that patience is perhaps the only way of guaranteeing aid for patients seeking care.

Over the last two weeks, I accompanied a family member to visit three different doctors at four different medical facilities. On her own, that family member has spent the last three months frequenting numerous medical facilities- in the public and private sectors. And throughout the journey of trying to get a confident diagnosis, the doctors, nurses, and clerical staff have all advised her against using (or continuing to use) the public health system.

Before I joined her on these visits, she told me that she was advised against going to public hospitals. In the first instance, she was told that the specialised care she needed was not offered there, and instead, she was referred to a private facility in Georgetown. Because her ailment has caused her consistent, excruciating pain and prevents her from engaging in her day-to-day activities, she went to that facility.

While there, she had to consult with several doctors to get the specialised care she needed. She also had to undergo costly medical tests and procedures. Of course, with support from family members, she could stand the cost of accessing healthcare, but what happens when that cost can no longer be sustained? Or worse yet, what happens if you can’t afford it at all?

At the first private facility to which I accompanied my relative, the doctor referred her to a colleague at another private facility. The colleague was contacted right in front of us and an appointment for 14:00hrs the next day was immediately made. We enquired about setting up an appointment at the Georgetown Public Hospital, where the doctor also works, but the doctor who made the referral told us plainly: “You will have to wait weeks before you even get an appointment.”

Now trust me when I say that this is not an exaggeration for the sake of a dramatic column; this was a real statement I heard. And it shocked me, but I soon realised that this was the norm. When we saw the doctor the next day, she requested a specific test-a detailed ultrasound-that was not offered at the private medical facility where she was consulting. And so, she referred us to yet another private medical facility to get the test done. Yet again, we were told: “You will have to wait for a while at “public” [the Georgetown Public Hospital].”

Now before I continue, let me emphasise: I’m not trying to discredit the Georgetown Public Hospital or the wider public health system. The people who work here are confronted by a great need to provide healthcare services.

The reality is, however, that they do not have unlimited resources and capacity.

Let me also emphasise: I am not trying to criticise the doctors’ and their advice to utilise private facilities for a much faster provision of services. Like many of us, these doctors are aware of the challenges that exist within the health system, and to provide speedy relief to patients, they have suggested what they believed was the better alternative.

I am trying to provide some minuscule insight into the systemic challenges that exist in the delivery of local healthcare. And, cognisant of these challenges, I hope that the people who are much smarter than I am, much more powerful, and certainly, vested with greater responsibilities can continue the work to make healthcare more accessible.

Now, patients’ patience may be tested at times (perhaps even most times), but all hope is not lost. Admittedly, there is work that is being done to address some of these challenges. Just last week, the Better Hope Health Centre was reopened after a period of closure. The Health Minister announced that a single doctor and other medical personnel would be placed there on a full-time basis and that other services (such as maternal and child health care) would be

provided there.

Of course, a single doctor and a small team would never be nearly enough to serve the medical needs of all the people on the lower East Coast, but when I look at these efforts at decentralising and devolving health care, I see a bigger picture.

I see primary healthcare being more accessible, which in turn can contribute to fewer people becoming severely ill (because primary healthcare helps with early diagnosis and treatment).

Fewer people becoming severely ill could translate into fewer people being referred to hospitals for treatment-like at the

Georgetown Public Hospital. And when that happens, the staff at those hospitals have more resources to deal with those patients who need serious and timely interventions.

I am hopeful that we can make healthcare more accessible in this country, especially for the people who are not as privileged as I am and have no other option but to be patient patients.

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

XVIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 17, 2021

WORLD FOOD DAY 2021

‘Our actions are our future; better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life.’

COMPOST!!! COMPOST!!!

PLANT!!! PLANT!!!

WORLD Food Day is celebrated across the globe on October 16 to mark the anniversary of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, which was created in 1945. This day aims at tackling global hunger and striving to eradicate hunger across the world.

The day is in keeping

with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by all United Nations member states in 2015 - a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries-developed and developing-in a global partnership.

The SDG 2 “Zero Hunger”- End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. On this

day, governments and organisations promote worldwide awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger and for the need to achieve zero Hunger, ensuring food security and nutritious diets for all. World Food Day is a chance to call for greater commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2.

The theme for World Food Day 2021 is “Our actions are our future- Better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life.”

The food we choose and

the way we consume it affect our health and that of our planet. It has an impact on the way agri-food systems work. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of

needs, the foremost need of a human being is food. Yet, we find that a staggering nine million people worldwide die each year because of hunger. Combined with the

current COVID-19 pandemic, political instability and climate change, things can take a turn for the worst.

If we as a civilisation really give it a thought and employ more natural and

holistic ways to solve some of the seemingly unsolvable issues in terms of producing more organic and nourishing SEE PAGE XXIV

sharing their journeys XVIII CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 17, 2021

XIX

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 10, 2021

brating seven amazing women from the Women rders Anthologies. he host of Watch Radio NY requested an interme, I asked him if it was okay for me to invite rs to join me. I am sharing some excerpts from s. ckie Evan Phillips -- born in St Lucia, living in ut rney towards being a Midwife of Purpose came ges of being broken, displaced, and d. Through this journey, I experienced a divorce, octorate and got displaced higher education administrator’s position. Coupled urney were two major eclipses One week later I completed s in my life. An eclipse happens when you can my assignment with CTO your calling becomes greater than your current and was now ready to move ces. Through this process, you can transcend to a on to my next career move. de of thinking where you can connect with your I called Monique to let her lign yourself as one with nature. know I was available as we ne Neblett – born in Guyana and living in NY agreed and she was so hapay I began to have the real experience of dreamhave me they start my first nging my dream world alive. was immediately I BELIEVE we allI need to they were py commander in chief.” Many in to awe when withhave passed where I or an interview with the agency they got tested be intentional aboutwhere taking to the temporary venue andassignment started days Deutsche Bank. IMythink firstmy schedule is too busy ency in using Microsoft Office and typing WE recently celebrated thespeed. firstphotoshoots year of the Virtual time out to relax, recharge, their instantly.

Writers Retreat and we had a lot to celebrate in such a and rejuvenate. I usually have been there a few times to stop at intervals just to short an time.

Wefor have had people Guyana, French make effort self-care and Ifrom am still in awe of beau- say thank you. To say thank Guiana, the Trinidad, Barbados, because congruence of tyThe but Bahamas, the heart ofSuriname, Mr. Ming. you for another day in the my mind, St body and soul is Africa, Antigua, Lucia, South Nigeria, Cameroon, The word Isika is an Amer- land of the living, thank you vital to my indian meaning “share” Canada, andawesome various new parts of the word United States.

The for health, thank you for my season.

The Entrepreneurs and heHermonstine shares his knowledge first person to publish was Wendy and she support group, for my job, for for Sustainable gets because is now working onDevelopher secondevery book.chance Aliciahe Amanda pub- my business, for my family, ment has power only for my customers, for my lished hosted a couplea ofretreat books, at Phil knowledge Umoru Iko-Ojo and BevIsika Mrpublished Stanley’s theirs. when shared and applied. peace, just five minutes to erleyrecently.

Been also mind is most always supportive youfrom to Eric The recent author toThank publish thePhillips retreatfor is stop and glorify your name.

I knew that I would be in When I was six years assignment lasted two weeks, of people’s development dropping some useful Sara Khalil, who was born in Guyana and left for New nugYork For I see myself going places covering someone’s vacation. old I started school in Mesa, big trouble if I told my dad and he invited us.

I believe and touching lives, making a gets.

Melissa Payne had us in her teenage years. I had the honour to contribute the Due my work we have in to going and to taking up myethic and Arizona, so I began staying what had happened. It was a with the electric slide cover, andtoit be wascreative a privilege read the manuscript first, be- difference,desire secret: the to go extra mile, with my mom finding a balance our her I am no the more and book it was‘InComplete.’ fun to see evenI the cause I assisted herwith to publish did place. Before kind that could get me and her husband routineI landed another assignment personal and professional on this earth, I must reach my guys join in.

I conducted the not want to put it down because her story is so compiling. into big trouble. I didn’t ly.

It was like going from in the same department for lives, while keeping fullest potential. There must meditation and visualisation Sara has always felt our that her life is a solidarity jourknow how much trouble, but heaven to hell.

It was a horror six months, then another for sanity. session, which always pushes be nothing left of me, for I ney which finally story that’s yet to be writ- I wasn’t willing to I found getting out from the mind out of my comfort have giventhree it allmonths, to society.” take a chance. “Shhhh... ledpropelled to my permanent posi- ten. While at grandma’s I my usual surroundings al- zone. Sitting on the sand, I That session her to Don’t tell anyone.” was filled with the love of tion, allowing me to live a ways led my mind to declut- shared a few personal stories engage in reflective thinking Maybe it’s the trauma of a grandma and Jesus daily. dream. ter and think sizes bigger. of my experience over the and also to project what she my experience, but for some On the other hand, at my Dr. Safeeya Mohamed – When we change the way we years and the results I got. wants to do with her life. mother’s house, I was filled reason I still cannot rememTrinidad think, we change our lives. It blessed my heart the next These sessions make you go We received the updates with Rock ‘N Roll, drugs ber how Atmospheres such as these morning waking up to One- so deep you start thinking often it happened, when that the accident was horrific and inappropriate, wild sex remind us that we are one cie’s post on FB. about the youth soul profile.” and that the victim was stuck parties. Ultimately, from it started, or even when it decision away from living Ms. Toppin has shared “24 hours have passed such an environment you can ended in the car. our best lives. and I’m still hearing Ms her experience. “The experiThe vehicle had to be cut imagine the kinds of abuse I was noticing the excite- Noel’s voice saying “check- ence at the Isika retreat with Penny Phakahi –South open to get to the victim. It that mom’s house provided. ment in the WhatsApp group in with your commander in Ms. Noel and Mr. Stanley, real in my opinion. It was so this retreat. The young man opment. It’s an event I hope never occurred to me that When I was 11 years old, Africa as the days got closer and chief. Check-in with your and Mr. Eric willofbe repeated as we build certainly knows be share to experience these I havehow hadtomy Shirley died and my myPhillips brotherwas sur- beautiful grandma from strength to strength. intentional and I am thrilled accomplished individuals in could be remotely in- stepdad left. My mom had turmoil and I strongly believe that so the long paid off. their respective roles, giving that travel it is these stints ofLast tur-but not least, I must acbreakdown, volved. The next thing I an emotional “Being thethat firstbrought business backatto young moil me knowledge the work of Ms. I ran entrepreneurs away! I couldn’t take remember, I was looking notfarsure what lifemore. and experienc- retreat, I wasthis in my life. Noel I wasand Dr. Raquel Thomas the body of my brotherfrom theirany as my they continue to you create expect, butpermission the minute Ishare es.inMr. Ming,Andrea Noel, and –toborn and in thatblood we are alla riding aMs. train through I got and her an excerpt with andanI perhaps is to still in Edwards covered avenue Guyanese youths arrived much anticipatMr. Phillips all encouraged ourstrident, hours, days, and years. believe the many women can relate to herfor journey. refinery process. in Guyana, living in Florida hearse. The agoniswork on their skills, craft, ed Mr. usthoughtful inintheir own way, sharing and revealing Excerpt: As a Ming young was girl, I to grew As I sat in the back of Stanley ing scream of In mythis mother andmepassion!

Thank you for already on the motinuggets, and quotes, upleave withfloor, one main my dad’s Nissan Bluebird, the A&E that story of her inspiring journey, readers will accom“II will today; justambition, help pack my belongings.” one else was vating the participants and principles.

It was so wonwanting away, far what through the windows early morning pany one ofhas thenot most peered courageous women His mother startedtotoget packto his doing clothing in no a suitcase. willing to upset do.” and lost that bigaway and from work without derful see the system of thecohesion, images onsupescaped my almost 17 to on mind her expedition toat self-discovery - a thinkMike also started packing.

I was so The jetsking any limits.

We also heard port, and cooperation among thinking or the box that the fence of the Guyyears later as she howled remarkable life story of trials and tri- I started to cry and begged him to stay. I was was in a fasciplace nating because it was theI Mr.we Eric who and my fellowana entrepreneurs.

The from often findmyself ourselves in.

Botanical Gardens “my son died, my umphs. ofand confusion, IPhillips hated I blamed myself.

I felt first time many tookinthat ride onenough. thefrom importance experience was nothing short Apart Zoological Park.

The expounded radio good son died, nobody’s helpHer book ‘Incomplete’ offers inwasn’t Iunderstanding threw myself on the floor, a foetal and captain Stanley those all planning futuristically as asto amazing.

Many thanks of myself I out always dared blasted the popular ing us!” But nobody could, sights into of Sara Khalil from childhood position, crying as loud I could, more so screaming. fantastic manoeuvres the day it seems was very and much appreciation to be different, which was a calypso song “1985” by as his spirit departed at the to adulthood. She lived her childhood My world was upside down. I loved him with allthat my are great forhurt TV. One of the planned ahead.

Thethe day for opening up well constant when sura then-popular calypsonian. point of in GuyanaMr. thenMing migrated to the USA heart; even withstruggle all infidelity and he caused this of venue really me by thetomy opporhisday, place us determined andhave Ms. just Noel rounded situations.

Ithings would celebrated impact.with Up her to this family.

SheItowas to me, I allowed still wanted hold ongreat to him for about the sake my is, you can do many things tunity to rethink, strategise, for constantly creating and 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 simultaneously without to reorganise the wayfamily I do with actively all resources Christian my birthday, quite came from failed to navigate that using marriages.

Reflecting on heroblivious matter what.

He had made his decision and wouldn’t be disturbing other things, available to develop and cregrandfather andevening, step granny, the ofalltime, but as night. nomadic early years, we concept witness budged.

Atthat 6 pmultimately that Mike leftthe with his group.

Mom. having a massage( work, the ate greater opportunities fornot will as mymy mother her Imagine mom song would allow that she faced as shethat doggedly pursued Ourinfluence six-year-old son,lost Jayden, started to run behind Martin Benjamin) in me, the success of my business, and young entrepreneurs.

I was me to forget Shanon her Paar – Arizona SEE PAGE XXV calling. his father, but Mike kept walking; Jayden asked most peaceful exotic nature my general interaction.

The truly blessed and inspired by that it was 1985.

Sara shared with warmth and “Mom, why daddy leaving again”? I didn’t have any spottried at Isika?

PRICELESS! this event, andwith I truly looked humble honesty how she dealt betrayal, answersand at ever thatvibrant time. IMs. quickly to control myself I must mention the vaforward to more opportuni- Noel shared from her wealth forgiveness, and feelings of being and started engaging in other conversations with my of experiences and the value riety of delicious dishes, ties as such.” unloved. son, thinking he would get distracted and forget. Guess I am not easily impressed, of having faith in what we do although I got the impression This book is authentic, sassy, in- what? I was wrong. He kept crying and asking the same but a young man has im- as the saying goes faith builds that the soul food was much spiring, bold, and pragmatic, qualities question, over and over. Finally, after some time passed, pressed me from our first and destroys. Although, I did more important. Maybe you quite similar to theinauthor herself. he stopped crying asking and started to canquestions do some reflection where have a chance to and interact meeting Lethem over a not She launched her book at Artfest be himself again.

It was close to bedtime, so I bathed month ago. Leroy Hendricks with all the participants, I ever you are as we continin Atlanta will be launching in felt Jayden, took of a shower and we off to bed. very uewere to celebrate thisThe beautithe energy a dedicated is aand medical student and the New York later this month and Guyfounder of Lethem Appar- group of young individuals ful journey BEYOND THE ana in November.

PAGE XX to take the mantle of RUNWAY. el. He travelled all the way ready SEE from Lethem to join us for self and communal devel-

Connecting with nature Sara’s incomplete journey

XX

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 17, 2021

Celebrate skin and texture without filters and photoshop

IN these modern times, children are growing up with technological advances like no other, including social media and its usage.

The hashtag “skincare” is trending and is viral across all platforms. Social media and businesses are making millions off demand for better-looking skin. Elaborate skincare routines and products are showcased all across social media. Many makeup businesses such as Fenty Beauty, Kylie Cosmetics and Elf Cosmetics even launched skincare sister businesses to complement their existing beauty brands. “Skin” is definitely trendy. People are putting down their makeup brushes for a while and are now picking up face mask brushes.

While it’s trendy, we should also recognise the harmful effects this “trend” may have on the overall

perception of skin and skincare. You’re probably thinking, “why is there a harmful effect to celebrating skin”? Well, there isn’t anything harmful about celebrating skin. However, how and why we celebrate it may be harmful.

Please, hear me out: when businesses use photoshop and filters to sell skin care products, or when only a specific skin type is glorified as the “ideal” skin type on social media and even when there are routines for the “fastest way to get clear skin”—that’s when it comes harmful.

When we’re celebrating skin, we should uplift skin that has texture, pimples, scars, marks, hyperpigmentation, facial hair and acne.

We should acknowledge and remember that there isn’t an “ideal” skin type for beauty.

It’s sad to see that many people only hop onto this wagon

because it’s trendy, and as soon as a new trend comes around, they’ll forget all about why celebrating skin is important. Having no pimples or scars does not mean

your skin is not healthy. The goal for skincare is healthy skin, not perfect skin.

As someone who is deeply invested in obtaining healthy skin, I urge you all to read as much as you can on skincare routines and tips from professionals—not “gurus.” Anyone with a few thousand followers can say they know what’s best for

your skin, but get your information from cited and trustable sources: preferably from dermatologists and other professionals who are directly linked to skincare. Every “trendy” product isn’t worth trying, be mindful of what you put onto your precious skin. As you read and learn, you’ll understand what can work for your skin, and you can buy products according to that information.

I urge all businesses, especially Guyanese-owned businesses who retail skincare products, to celebrate skin but be realistic about it.

People have been insecure about their skin ever since beauty standards became a thing and that will continue, even after skincare is no longer “trendy.” Capitalism should never be more im-

portant than your responsibility as a human being to help uplift others. When you want to celebrate skin and textures, celebrate the mother who has stretched marks after giving birth. Celebrate the girl who was bullied for having acne in high school and has undergone professional treatment for it. Celebrate the women who have facial hair because of PCOS or celebrate the men with hyperpigmentation. That’s what this “trend” should be about: uplifting real, unfiltered skin, while recommending products that can help improve one’s skin issues with realistic routines.

Be sure to wash your face, drink lots of water, moisturise daily and most importantly—love yourself!

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 28, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 17, 2021

XVI

XXI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

How to get through a Miscarriage

Gaslighting

o not always know what I’m looking losing your phone would be on a scale of 1-10. 98 percent y phone is such a normal part of my said 10theand percent said allif you claimed that it would 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. my 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 hed 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, o when I get up in the morning and people don’t know how to 15things percent foras, women Unfortunately, while overwhelming sadness would be felt ifI promise theywhich were lose theirwhere NO, this column isn’t about behaviour. you you, youtheto is theorextreme of abnorthe abuser say, “that is just anoth-uterine such “you innever might expecting mother and range ofare, emotions cervical to reach out or respond their 20s and rises to about a miscarriage is a relatively BBQ, someoneisrecentyou are being gaslightand you can learn tofather’sIfrelationship havinginfection, a narcissistic person-are are crazy idea you got frommalities, remember accurately,” seemed not not limited to sadness, or age. e going to assleep check myforthings phone.

I a eryour to someone whothat’s has been women over experience it phone ly thought what 25 I percent ed, theitfirst suggestion would be okay with this. guilt, The onlyas though ality disorder, childhood trau-hopelessness, friends ortoday. an—ex-partor “are you sure? You have common was deteriorating anger, However, most of the time, through this trauma – andthey age 40. doesn’t make the situation was referring to when be to leave the situation enthings you can and do have ma, PTSD and so many more ner.”

This tends to bring up bad memory.”

Etc. healthy andthat’s something must done. as the woman felt her partner of other parents and the fertilised egg has right? an ab- jealousy sometimes, okay.

Having a be miscarriage any another easier. Itissue Itis impossible seems Caring so much about a overheard me discussing tirely.

However, I know that control over are your own possibilities.

However, I’m and allows forharmless, - Withholdingwhen an normal number of chromo- intense feelings of loneliness didn’t care or understand her helpsform doesindividual not necessarily mean for anyone to understand it. It’s knowledge a very serious not a expectant possibilityfathers for some, emotionsif and behaviours. goinggenes, to gear and this to a person the actual issue to bethe tempo-somes/ refusesmore to engage andHowever, that women were (especially there arepaying a lot grief.isWhile this is been anyfound situation and often phone?

Well, this week I’ve really attention that you have a fertility probpain of someone who has of abuse that is so common in a conversation. They may rarily forgotten. so I’ll give you some tips on You can step away from who may not be diagnosed random. Unfortunately, of parents in your social cir- absolutely do feel this loss, takesome away discomfort. lem.pretend Most women perbeen through eventmay thatstartverywith that people simply do not how to take back control. the situation and distract mental health issues and Whileansome not to (87 hear or und to does their phones because men bondgive betweento a pregnant Please take my advice the meansthat that there was cle). to For the importance I error and others around me a A miscarriage is thethey loss arecent)derstand who have miscarriagtraumatic. couples whosmallthissimply even know when Once yourself withtoactivities don’t and– allow off with seemingly someone, so that andyou the have baby identified growyourself feel and thatwoman nothing done to see havethecaused of aperpetrating pregnancy where the es have subsequent normal have recently been through or receiving. that thisher isthem. happening, do calmthese you down. This can severe harm in their ways. it is a rather pattern thatit,than they do not have to respond offences, ocialembryo media apps.

Also, older people ing inside is unique.

A not express emotions. and nothing can be done phone, what’s actually going on around or foetus does pregnancies and example, births. Athey this, tends it is important to know Gaslighting is anot fairly make excuses for the person. be anything from music to First,it.itNormal is impossible to to get worse over time.to prevent to them. For The only thing I would woman can begin bonding develop survive. miscarriage is because a“Isomewhat that Also, 98 percent the time,small change behaviouractive addicted.

Itobelieve this new enough term when discussing In people, amoment gaslighting to showering, without there of is nothing might is say, do not know Our phones -we are speaking to other from the shesituation, has say exercising you are not allowed to etc. itieswhether such as work, exercise, It typically happens within loaded term — possibly suga miscarriage is not caused verbal and emotional abuse. what you are talking about,” or trivial when you questionsexself-awareness you probably feel really upYou can modify a situa-a positive anddo acknowlpregnancy test. feel, is self-blame.

It’s hard or minor injuries not firsta three months, gesting that something was to by any action taken orbyjudgment, the usethesmartphones (My father It’s specific type of but manipset and want to reactthat’s tion to your comfort without edgement.

Based on what your own reality or “you areactually just trying using social media or playing games -can be addictive not to feel as if you did some- Bonding for the father typicause a miscarriage. ulation, whereby the abuser confuse me.”

However, being controlling abusive. have read far, do youthing thanks to someone else’s be- you Now, does start later – your after anwrong when youorlose a callynormal. sincesoa miscarattempts to have their vicor sadness This isand called compromise. think you are itatypically gaslighter?

However, very oftenriage - Trivialising- when a per- haviour. as they alter our moods, beliefs trigger enjoyable startfrustration, to see the physical pregnancy.

However, guilt theyger, is a trauma, tim(s) question their own son belittles or disregards the because the abuser is some-brings will give the gaslighter can set personal bound-symptoms Admitting not stageasy, butis aYou or some men untilmore completely unhelpful forwardthis theisfive y colleagues how bad sanity, reality, and memory,friends or other person’s and unenjoyable feelings.

Apart from obviously being my power.

Explain your can version aries without controlling anonly through admission will you care about, you wantes of feelings.

They one grief- denial, anger, emotion when there is noth- the baby is born. You perceptions. While it’s more may accuse them of being too to believe them and many end my suggestions work to stop other person. You can healthi-helpofyour eventsrelationship in a calm buttostern source communication, my phone isaresurvive my newspacommon in romantic relation- sensitive or of overreacting, upmain way-by that you are not going ly communicate what you pattern of abuse. changing their perceptionsofthis being understandships, it can happen in any even though they may be to either avoid conflict or not accept their version of No one can teach you to comfortable with and whating, to respectful and sensitive per, map, recorder, day planner, calendar, form of relationship- personal valid concerns and feelings. what happened.

Say that accept responsibility or to you aren’t. want to losewatch, their abuser. alarm, to each other’s needs and you or professional. understand their perception Listen to other healthyfeelings, Now, it is important to realise you are abusing an- Denial/ forgetting- when keeping the lines of camera, music player, a weapon (sometimes) Gaslighting’s origin is the person pretends to forget mention is different, but doesn’t opinionscommunication person, it’scalculator, a personal and constructive that not always is other openthat about quite interesting, as while events or how they occurred. the abuser intending to be choice. However, once you of you. If someone tells youthe mean you’re wrong.

If they situationonce you are and Many my people friend when lonelybasically evthe term is over 80 years old, They may deny having said malicious. not agree, doing that is that, fine and are feeling abused by done thisI’m – stop bored mak- they or do have bothdo comfortable psychologists have adapt- or done something or accuse not know when or how they ing excuses, blaming other you, you need to accept thisand somewhat change accept eachexpected, other’s coperything. However,people it isandalso my constant interrupter and ed it recently and in true the topic ofasconversation, instead be and hear them out; avoiding mechanisms they may new-generation fashion – and choose a coping skill equalising, minimising, orbe quite ready to identify your like different. distractor.

I (I imagine much most of you out there) through a movie. The term that calms yousuffered down- asayour patterns of abuse and denying their experience. If you have was derived from a 1938 anger only hurts you.

Do their views have merit? accept responsibly. have a deep desire to know everything that miscarriage is going on. and are trying play which in 1944 became If you doubt yourself, The best thing to Have you done what they areto conceive again or already a movie called “Gaslight.” keep aunfortunately journal of any you of? What is apregnant, do is start nature. off by ac- accusing I believe that is human But when does it become therenegaThe plot is about a husband tive interaction – write healthy compromise you can knowledging what bargaining, depression, and ing you could have done to is nothing absolute that youdown who manipulates his wife truth aboutthere the event come with? Also, of gaslighter too much? do to ensure is no and theup outcome of yourverycan the acceptance.type Regarding grief,youchange to make her think she’s how it made feel- you importantly, your abusemiscarriage There are somepregnancy. but likeyou anything When if something there is noare. right or wrong losing her sense of reality can always go backyou to that genuinely not stretch intentional examples above Well, I believe it’s too much when it has aelse,name. there are ‘Noactions wrong, we all way to experience it. There is asgoeswas so he can commit her to a for your own sanity.

Engage and you are willing to take well as you can do no appropriate timeline to find someone, something can take to make the possibilmophobia’ is also themust term coined describe the fear of being mental institution and steal in hobbies and interests steps towards change, forgive further research. ity less likely.

This includes that blame.

With miscarriagthat be followed - you toto her inheritance (just in case make you feel good about yourselfeven if others don’t.

There are serious care, will simply recover when es, there’s rarely anyone or seeking regular prenatal without a mobile phone.

Seriously, what have we come to? you want to watch it) yourself.

This is an important step to ways to deal with this you do. However, there are thing to blame, and it leaves taking the appropriate vitaWhile all examples are personal boundaries healthier behaviour and likemins, avoiding I will mention known misfeeling empty.

So, accepthat and can be done that us the It becomes anthings addiction when object begins toSetrisk control not so exaggerated, it’s a that you adhere—tosuch when a anyone you do deservecarriage butthis not in tootance factors of the else, normalcy of this would helpthem, through difgood one. However, some gaslighting situation comes forgiveness. much detail as for as smoking, drinking alcohol tragic event is key.activities, ficult process. your life and interferes with your daily work, and are much more subtle but up.

For example, you can Now, as I’ve said before, effectiveness, they Also, do what makes and illicit drug use. Remem- say The first to realise is that do have the same effect. youyou criticise or tweak we cannot control oth-ber ‘If require professional than CANme have a you feel good -“The despitewhat what you are not alone – finding relationships. andI accepting readhelpsomewhere that biggest obstacle Simple examples are “I what happened in a way that ers think, say or do, so this such as a counhealthy sup- others think. Many people successful pregnancy after never said that” (when they benefits you, is for thoseopinwho area miscarriage. sellorduring or a psycholMostI’m women sobut unwarranted port is is crucial this havesection to productivity connectivity,” overuse can affect agoingyourto did), “You’re just being or block These involveionsbeing have away miscarriages have and gaslighted. criticisms when whowalk time. Thisogist. can be friends, sensitive” (when you are phone calls” –our or pregwhatever There arebeen some universal identifying the sourcethey subsequent normal have never through family, or someone whom lot more than our productivity.

The truth is, overuse of not, they just do not want you and can births. do. However, if you are not positivenancies devel-suchsigns Having this trauma.

Many believe you know of hasyour alsoabuse, experito accept the responsibility only worksdoes if you actually are shouldn’t a victim of gas-a miscarriage oping emotional phones can harm psychologically, socially physically. not nec- do suchyou grief beand enced us a miscarriage.

Thiscon-thatthat of hurting anyone’s feelit. Empty threats not result lighting. These trol, also managing mean you do have a if theinclude: miscar- essarily can and should includeyourexperienced ings) or “I don’t know why in change. * c o nskills, searly t a n tduring l y how s e c fertility - many anxieties etc.our With regard to affecting social of us problem. occurred professional help from aButriage you’re making such a big go to even without profes-the ond-guessing finalcan piece of counselling advice pregnancy (evenyourself though or My You social worker, deal out of this” (when you – bothparent personal and couples if deci-for sional help, there aremosthave miss out on a counsellor, joke or good conversation as we were on either isour to respect do), trouble but that making woman or psychologist, religious leadmay not be, the abuser just you find it will be helpful sions steps you can take. or anyone who makes you couple may have been plan- your own needs and limita- and wants to distort your perphones? How er, many times have we ourtions good friend result in change. * annoyed You’reforruminating First, learn as you work through a pregnancy years or feel comfortable.

There are toning ception of how serious the Either perceived This isjust about and way, beginiftoyou heal.are a felt a agreat rush ofcharacter love your grief also onlineself-soothe. support groups family member because we were posting on social media situation is). perpetrator or victim, I sinflaw (like being too sensitive to anger and emogaslightingjust as manythatsimilar someone of making things areor are free and include peo- and excitement and that is Don’t rush it, acceptance will There are some common up. cerely hope your situation or not a good enough person) management, but you do not know it is happeningple tional come. difficult to just simplyIt forget from are all overhaving the world. with much Ifun we truly affects our gaslighting techniques that changes. * them?

You’re always apologiscan do literally this on your own inand move them. Therefore, willYou - Diverting- when the to how Thank you everyone on from. can google include: - Countering – when someone questions another’s memories. They may say

person changes the focus of a discussion and questions the other person’s credibility instead. For example, they

Thank you for reading ing-you’d whether in thefor reading. a number of ways. also discuss how to discover“online Please include likeyou to are name support groupsYou for can If and please continue to send wrong or not acknowledge that you cannot whether you are gaslightingmiscarriages” and thousands your baby, plant a tree for sending topics to caitlinvieall suggested topics to caitl* You’re frequently makcontrol another human being. another human being. If it’sof options will pop up. This them, have a funeral, talk ira@gmail.com invieira@gmail.com ingitexcuses forabout your partner’s Even you also thinkremain or believeabout being done on purpose, thereway, or not talk it- it youif can

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Hyde Park Z

Sanctuary and Tropical Gardens set for 2022 opening

By Telesha Ramnarine COME 2022, Guyanese will for the first time be able to visit animals out of cages and in their natural habitats

with the opening of the Hyde Park Zoo (HPZ), Sanctuary and Tropical Gardens at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara.

A locally owned family business, investment and devel-

HPZ is prepared to accommodate exotic species imported from Africa and elsewhere.

opment of HPZ commenced back in 2009 on 200 acres of land that was a former sugarcane plantation, which ceased operations in the late 1960s.

The owners, Praimnauth and Violet Mohanlall, along with their family, have been involved in the manufacturing of sustainable furniture and work with fauna species for over 40 years, following which the family made the decision in 2009 to support government’s programme on Environmental Management and Natural Resources Management through Forest and Wildlife Conservation.

Upon opening to the public, some of the activities that will be available are pedal boat rides, kayaking, nature trails, edutainment events and HPZ’s plan to introduce its nocturnal species.

“Traditionally, we in Guyana and our children have only experienced wildlife in cages and my family has recognised that there ought to be something more to just viewing wildlife in cages,” Marketing Director Mandy Lall (daughter of the proprietors) told Pepperpot Magazine.

“There are two aspects to wildlife conservation. These are In-situ conservation, where one could have the opportunity if fortunate to see wildlife in their natural habitat and Ex-situ conservation, where one is guaranteed to view wildlife under conditions similar to their natural habitat. It is the latter that HPZ has set out to achieve,” Lall explained.

HPZ, according to her, hopes to become “an attraction or a star in local tourism development” to cater to both domestic and foreign tourism, “Where one could have an appreciation for nature and where our children and our children’s children could be educated on the environment and on conservation.”

HPZ has set out to conserve the natural forests of the area and replant trees and other species of plant life to support a diversity of flora found across Guyana. The facility will feature species of wildlife that are available and common to Guyana and the Amazon and with the permission of the government, the company is prepared to accommodate exotic species imported from Africa and elsewhere.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 17, 2021

Zoo

The second phase of the project is about to be completed and facilities for nature walks and other recreational aspects for children will be made possible, and HPZ will offer accessible options through the use of golf carts to transport those who may not be able to walk to view the different exhibits.

“We won’t have animals in cages. That’s the whole idea behind the philosophy of the park. We will have as close to natural enclosures that will be heavily fortified. We will have precautions in place and of course we have to do health and safety checks and everything will be up to code and standard for the opening of the park,” Lall shared, adding, “We do have precautions in place for dangerous animals. For instance, we will have bulletproof glasses that will be on the perimeter, so that they won’t be able to get near to persons.”

HPZ offers the opportunity to educate and train its staff in the most up-to-date management of animal husbandry; in veterinary care, and to educate the school population and even the public on important issues of animal welfare and botanical

The second phase of the project is about to be completed, whereby nature walks and other recreational activities will be facilitated

conservation.

“We can’t wait for you all to come and see what we’re doing. I think you will really be impressed in the way we’ve been able to capture nature and provide a home and a safe space for the animals that we’ve come to love,” Lall

Scenes from the soon-to-be-opened Hyde Park Zoo

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expressed.

Other principal directors of HPZ include Ashley Lall, Director of Zoo Education, and Sasha Lall, Finance Director.

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WORLD FOOD ...

as our family, friends and relationships. We, therefore, emphatically petition everyone to compost! Compost!

Plant! Plant! And ensure a food-secure future.

Special thanks to the Organic Guyana Environment Club for their contribution to the article.

FROM PAGE XVIII foods, thereby ensuring global food security, we will be able to save the world in its darkest hour.

The grim reality is, we have contributed to these negative externalities by our own horrendous actions, such as massive deforestation and rapid industrialisation, which has produced lots of bolts and nuts, but not a single grain of rice. Inorganic agricultural methods such as ‘Genetically Modified Organisms’ (GMOs) and artificial fertilisers and pesticides negatively impact the quality of soil and the nutritional value of food.

Indeed, the saying “we are what we eat ‘’ has more variety than we would like to accept. Food is our medicine and if it is not nutritional, then it will only cause diseases and deficiencies. Therefore, inorganic, processed, synthetic foods simply won’t do. Interestingly, the quality of our lives greatly depends on the food we consume,

the water we drink, and the air we breathe, all of which depend on the soil’s quality.

We have seen civilisations fail because of insufficient agriculture; lamentably, we seem headed in this direction.

However, if we make a turn in the right direction, we can see the day when all will be well-fed and happy.

Understanding that we need to cooperate with nature rather than compete is the first step. When Mahatma Gandhi was asked, “What is the greatest culture?”, he replied, “agriculture.” However, better than agriculture is

“permaculture.” A compound word of ‘permanent’ and ‘culture,’ it simply means to develop natural agricultural ecosystems intended to be sustainable and self-sufficient. By creating such a food forest, there will be an abundance of fruits, vegetables, grains, milk and honey.

Even though these systems take some time to develop, the results will be prodigious.

Another solution is ‘Holistic Land Management,’ a system originally developed by the Zimbabwean scientist Allan Savory. It involves systematic grazing of cattle and

other livestock to improve the fertility of the soil and consequently its agricultural productivity. In the same way, on a smaller scale, we can also compost our organic refuse by using a composting worm, technically called vermicompost. Heat-producing bacteria can also break down organic material in heaps.

These methods will produce full organic fertiliser, which can be used to grow a home kitchen garden.

Healthy food can be produced anywhere, by anyone, once we have fertile soil.

Therefore, everyone can produce what they need and use what they produce. Consequently, the physical activity of gardening can be a better, healthy hobby for both mind and body.

In conclusion, by living a more natural way of life, as stated previously, producing more nutritious and organic food, clean, drinking water, fresh air, and good sleep accompanied with lots

of physical activities, our quality of life will dramatically improve. Then, as we satisfy the basic needs, we

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit. epaguyana@gmail.com. Fol-

can actually find time for the more important things in life that really matter, such

low us on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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THOUGHT FOR TODAY

I cannot praise a fu gitive and cloistered virtue, unex ercised and unbrea thed, that never sallies ou versary, but slinks t and sees her adou that immortal garla t of the race, where nd is to be run for, not without dust and he at.

JOHN MILTON (1608-1674) Areopagitica (1644)

October 17, 2021 STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Welcome, dear friend.

Make learning English a habit. Expose yourself to its different areas daily.

Spend time listening, reading, speaking and writing; vocabulary building, and note-making. Read for fun and read the assigned texts.

Do your home assignments.

Attend a study group with partners, which will directly influence good in-class language performance and examination grade. Newspapers, music, and television, if rightly approached, can impact your written work and verbal comprehension

skills. Friend, repeatedly apply yourself to study.

Regularity helps.

Love you.

THE PASSAGE Read the following passage carefully and then answer questions below. ..... Again, stepping from a Pierce-Arrow automobile, like Mr. Mortimer Jones, Dexter strolled frigidly into the lounge of the Sherry Island Gulf Club – or perhaps, surrounded by an admiring crowd, he gave an exhibition of fancy driving from the springboard of the club raft. . . . Among those who watched him with openmouthed wonder is Mr. Mortimer Jones.

One day it came to pass that Mr. Jones - himself and not his ghost – came up to Dexter with tears in his eyes and said that Dexter was the – best caddy in the club, and wouldn’t he decide not to quit if Mr. Jones made it worth the while, because every other – caddy in the club lost one ball a hole for him – regularly – “No, sir,” said Dexter decisively, “I don’t want to caddy any more.” Then, after a pause: “I’m too old.”

“You’re not more than fourteen. Why the devil did you decide just this morning that you wanted to quit?

You promised that next week you’d go over to the state tournament with me.”

“I decided I was too old.”

Dexter handed in his “A Class” badge, collected what money was due him from the caddy master, and walked home to Black Bear Village.

(F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “Winter Dreams”) Passage so Far Dexter caddied only for pocket money at Sherry Island, there he dreamed of becoming as prominent as Mr. Mortimer Jones, but even more wonderful and even better.

Questions 1. “One day it came to pass that Mr. Jones...” Is this a fantasy of Dexter Green’s?

Support your answer.

2. Give the meaning of each of the following words. automobile, strolled frigidly, lounge, gave an exhibition of fancy driving.

3. How do you sense the relationship between Mr.

Mortimer Jones and Dexter first from the point of view of Mr. Jones and second from the point of view of Dexter? Give evidence for each answer.

4. What does Dexter do for pocket money? Why do you think Dexter suddenly gave up caddying at Sherry Island that morning?

5. At this point, how much can you conclude about Dexter Green’s circumstances and desires?

Why did Mr. Mortimer Jones cite Dexter’s age?

Literary Analysis A quick review 1. The setting of a story is the time and place in which it occurs.

2. A symbol in a story is a person, place, or object that has a meaning in itself but suggests other meanings as well.

3. To identify cause-andeffect relationships note the circumstances that cause characters’ actions and the effects their actions have on others.

4. An implied theme is the message the author suggests through details, characterization, and events but does not directly state.

5. In an objective account, the narrator is an outside observer who comments on the events without emotion. In a subjective account, the narrator reveals his or her feelings about the events described.

6. To draw inferences about theme, examine clues from the work for their underlying meaning.

GRAMMAR: The process of editing NOTE: You can begin the editing process as soon as your first draft is finished (and even before while writing). Begin to reread carefully. Read silently or aloud to see, for example, whether the material is well-organised, transitions between paragraphs are smooth, and evidence really backs up the argument. Read also for punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, and bad word-choice. All these and more are crucial aspects to look for while creating effective writing of any sort.

Or, may it be added here that inadequate background information, unreliable or unverified source material, faulty citations or a

complete absence of knowledge of source are among numerous other aspects of writing to look for while editing.

Editing is called refining writing by building strengths and removing distractions and doubts.

RELEVANCE of good writing in today’s world: Mastery of precisely written language skills pays great dividends in today’s world of work, as it is an integral part of many positions in almost every industry.

Exercise: Edit the following excerpt from a school document.

A comparison of meals served through the first six month’s of last year (2020) with the numbers served thorough the first six month’s of 2019 show that last year we were approximately 25% ahead of 2019.

Among the major reasons for this increase are the obvious success of our newest school project, a soup kitchen to feed needy children.

All parent’s are delighted with the high quality and low monthly contribution toward this project, and children are equal satisfied with the delicious foods. Indeed, they do taste real well even to our parents.

GRAMMAR (Last week’s exercise in competence in sentence correction) Correct the following sentences. Write OK for any sentence that has no error.: 1. Gregory is clever, thoughtful, and effective. 2.

Simon likes using this new keyboard, but he prefers hers. 3. There are, as you already know, ten or twelve applicants interested in that job. 4. The secretary reported that neither the Main Street road-building contract nor the warranty is still in effect. (O.K.) 5. Yes, Megan likes going to the craft school and studying. OR Yes, Megan likes to go to the craft school and study.

6. Frankly, between you and me, I have little confidence in the committee’s ability to handle this month’s celebrations. 7. Are you sure that the young man whom you saw at the opening ceremony was Mr. Simon? (O.K.) Yes, I am sure that that man was he. He (completes the “being” verb was.)

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The importance of flossing MOUTHWASH is no substitute for dental floss. Some years ago in the United States, a federal judge ruled, calling a Listerine ad campaign false and misleading and a public health risk. Judge Denny Chin said in a written ruling that he expected to order Pfizer Inc. as soon as possible to stop claiming that its product, Listerine, is as effective as floss at reducing plaque and gingivitis between teeth.

The ruling came after Mc Neil-PPC Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, filed a lawsuit saying that false claims in the advertising campaign that began earlier posed an unfair threat against its sales of dental floss.

Now dentists and hygienists have been telling their patients for decades to floss daily. They have been doing so for good reason. The benefits of flossing are real – they are not a ‘myth.’ To say that the implicit message that a mouth rinse can replace flossing is false and misleading.

There is an ad in print which features a bottle of mouth rinse balanced on a scale opposite a floss container. This ad says: “This mouth rinse (name withheld) is clinically proven to be as effective as floss at reducing plaque and gingivitis between the teeth.” The campaign also featured a television commercial titled “Bing Bang.” The commercial announces that this mouth rinse is as effective as floss and that clinical tests prove it, though it does add that there is no replacement for flossing.

Substantial evidence demonstrates that flossing is important in reducing tooth decay and gum disease and that it cannot be replaced by rinsing with a mouthwash.

Most related companies base their advertising campaign on emphasising that dental professionals should continue to recommend daily flossing and cautioned that they were not suggesting that mouth rinse should not be used instead of floss.

The judge said the company based its findings on two flawed studies of people with mild to moderate gingivitis who did not use floss properly. The studies, he added,

proved only that Listerine is “as effective as improperly used floss.”

Gingivitis, which affects some two-thirds of the U.S. population, causes inflamed, swollen and sometimes bleeding gums. It can precede periodontitis, a less common inflammation that develops in deeper tissues and sometimes leads to tooth loss.

It should be noted that 87 percent of consumers floss either infrequently or not at all, despite frequent warnings from dentists and dental hygienists to do so. The judge said Pfizer had received complaints about its advertising, including one from a dental professional who said he was “aghast” to hear of the company’s claims and another who said the claims “can set back years of progress by the ethical dental profession in convincing patients that flossing is essential for their oral health.”

Flossing provides benefits that Listerine does not, including removing plaque below the gum line and dislocating pieces of food trapped between teeth. While Listerine is a powerful oral antiseptic, which clearly has

its benefits, it could never replace dental floss. It is highly troubling that any mouth- rinse manufacturer would take the position that a mouth rinse can replace flossing.

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