Pepperpot E-Papaer 24-10-2021

The world through her eyes Diana Daniela Luke-King is a Guyanese artist whose paintings focus heavily on portraits of Guyanese women and animals. She also strives to promote the local customs and culture in each of her paintings (Painting by Diana Daniela Luke-King)

Sunday October 24, 2021

II

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

Experienced diplomats for the United Nations

By Francis Quamina Farrier

TODAY, October 24, is United Nations Day, and the spotlight of this Pepperpot article is on Guyana’s involvement with that august international body which has a global membership of well over 150 countries from all over the world. Over the past five decades some of Guyana’s brightest and best diplomats have served as the country’s Permanent Representative to that world body. The very first was Military veteran, educator, and author of the Best-Selling book, “To Sir, With Love” Dr. E.R. Braithwaite. Others who were appointed after him were, Dr. Rudolph Insanally, Mr. Noel Sinclair, Dr. Frederick Talbot, Mr. Paterson (Pat) Thompson, Sir John Carter, Mr. Rashleigh Jackson, Mr. Bayney Karran and Dr. Riyad Insanally. The current ambassador is former Prime Minister and former President of Guyana, Mr

Career diplomat Sir Shridath Ramphal and Farrier

Samuel Hinds.

In the past, Guyana has had the opportunity to serve as President of the UN Security Council, also on the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) from 1966 to 1998.

Both are of significance and of vital importance to member countries. As would be expected, there are Guyanese who are members of staff at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Others work at the UN Office in Georgetown.

Among those who were attached to the UN Headquarters was Derrick John Jeffrey, formally a member of staff at the National Arts Council in Georgetown. He is now retired from

the United Nations, such as The Palestine Rights Committee as well as The Executive Board of the UNDP and the UN Population Fund, among others.

Guyana’s present Permanent Representative to the United Nations is Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, who, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was virtually accredited on October 2, 2020.

An Indigenous citizen from Santa Rosa in the Moruca in Region One, she gained wide experience in international affairs when studying at the University of Regina in Canada and serving a period as the Foreign Minister of Guyana. She continues her work at the United Nations Headquarters building on Former Queens College student and career diplomat what those who went before Dr. Riyad Insanally with Farrier her have achieved for the the UN and has written a novel entitled “East River” which United Nations and the Cois a tale of espionage that commences at the UN headquar- operative Republic of Guyana. ters in New York. “She jumps through the now shattered seventh-floor window into New York’s East River and disappears beneath the surface of the murky waters. The only witness is a Cuban-American.”

This description introduces the reader to the tale of international dimensions and sets the tone for the reader by the Guyanese author and former staff member of the United Nations, Derrick John Jeffrey.

Since gaining Its Independence in 1966, Guyana has been steadfast in playing an active role within the United Nations group of nations as predicted by the late President Forbes Burnham. President Cheddi Jagan was also very interested and involved with the work of the United Nations.

His efforts to get “The New Global Order” established and propagated through the United Nations is still ongoing. Meanwhile, Guyana continues to be Farrier with E.R. Braithwaite, Guyana’s first Permanent active in a variety of bodies at Representative to the United Nations

III

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

Cancer warrior continues her battle with breast cancer

BACK in 2017, it simply seemed like a hard boil that would eventually go away on its own. It was not paining or causing any trouble for 61-year-old Gometie Sawh of Thierens, Leguan Island. Thanks to a grand-daughter who went running to her mom to tell her about her grandmother’s complaint, Sawh was able to pursue help.

“Meh daughter come and

the situation after she was told the dreadful news definitely helped Sawh to cope.

“I laugh it out. If I was a person to take on, today I woulda be dead. I didn’t take it on at all. I know for myself if I stressed out, I wouldn’t be here today,” she expressed.

Going through chemotherapy was extremely difficult for her. “You have to be strong to do this. I did

Having completed chemotherapy, Sawh said she couldn’t move on to the next step of doing radiation because she hadn’t the finances to do it. She asked

...determined to keep fighting

suing radiation because she still doesn’t have the money and said she also would pre-

She refused to become overly stressed out over her situation

Gometie Sawh

Sawh was willing to work along with the suggestions of doctors

look at the hard boil and said ‘Mommy, this is no hard boil,’” Sawh recalled in an interview with Pepperpot Magazine.

She knew nothing about breast cancer, so when her daughter told her of the possibility, she brushed it off and thought it was nothing of the sort. But then she decided to go to the hospital and get it checked out.

Doctors told her she needed to do a mammogram.

“I book my name and from there I started going and the doctor start explaining to me all what was happening to me,” she reflected.

Sawh was eventually told that she had to get her right breast removed urgently before the cancer spread to other parts of her body. “I said ‘doc, I don’t know what it is; you know and you do what you have to do.’ So I do the surgery to take off the breast and everything finish quick, quick.”

Refusing to stress about

four double and four single at public hospital,” she expressed. To compound the situation, she had no relatives in Georgetown to stay at. “I had to beg people to stay because I didn’t have family in town and you have to reach for chemo at 6 am.”

After doing the surgery, though, she asked the doctor for a referral letter so that she could have gotten some of the services she needed right home in Leguan. But even so, she had to travel from Leguan several times a month to do blood work and other things before taking the chemotherapy.

This had a draining effect, especially as her husband had died a few years before and she had no financial support. She depended on what help her children and others on the island gave her. “It was very hard. My children and other people helped me with passage.

People tell me they were sorry for me,” she reflected.

the doctor if there was any other possible alternative to it and she started to receive two injections for 18 months.

Because of the pandemic, though, along with a death in her family, Sawh could not make it for all of the doses of injection. So she is still in the process of completing this treatment.

She is also trying herbal remedies in her quest to become entirely cancer-free.

At the moment, she seems uninterested in pur-

fer to spare herself circumstances that are like her days of taking chemotherapy. She is advising other women to check out lumps promptly, irrespective of how small they are.

October has been designated Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), treatment can be highly effective, especially when the disease is identified early. “Treatment of breast cancer often consists of a combination of surgical removal, radiation therapy

and medication (hormonal therapy, chemotherapy and/ or targeted biological therapy) to treat the microscopic cancer that has spread from the breast tumour through the blood. Such treatment, which can prevent cancer growth and spread, thereby saves lives,” the organisation said.

It said behavioural choices and related interventions that reduce the risk of breast cancer include prolonged breastfeeding; regular physical activity; weight control; avoidance of harmful use of alcohol; avoidance of exposure to tobacco smoke; avoidance of prolonged use of hormones; and avoidance of excessive radiation exposure.

According to WHO, symptoms of breast cancer generally include a breast lump or thickening; alteration in size, shape or ap-

pearance of a breast; dimpling, redness, pitting or other alteration in the skin; change in nipple appearance or alteration in the skin surrounding the nipple (areola); and/or abnormal nipple discharge.

In the past, according to WHO, all breast cancers were treated surgically by mastectomy (complete removal of the breast).

When cancers are large, mastectomy may still be required. Today, the majority of breast cancers can be treated with a smaller procedure called a “lumpectomy” or partial mastectomy, in which only the tumour is removed from the breast. In these cases, radiation therapy to the breast is generally required to minimize the chances of recurrence in the breast.

IV

The world through her eyes

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

- Self-taught artist uses art for peace of mind ART was not something that 26-year-old Diana Daniela Luke-King was especially enthusiastic about during her school days.

But the ability was always there because her parents would encourage her to be creative; her dad, Edward, being a leather craftsman himself!

Completing her first painting back in 2012, Diana never looked back.

Today, painting is all she does. In fact, she says a day wouldn’t go by without her creating something.

Speaking with Pepperpot Magazine a few days ago, she reflected on how

her first painting nine years ago turned out very well and prompted her to continue doing art. “I am self-taught.

My first painting turned out quite well and I haven’t stopped since. I can’t seem to stop,” she expressed.

She focuses heavily on portraits of Guyanese women and animals, and strives to promote the local customs and culture in each of her paintings – doing so with her own style of painting.

“It’s more of a contemporary pop art taking Guyanese culture into account,” she explained, adding, “So it won’t look like a regular

oil portrait of somebody. It would look like a little bit of street art on canvas. So it would depict Guyanese culture-wise.”

Diana is able to achieve this through the details she chooses to include, like the woman’s attire; her headwear, garments, etc. “The way they look… some of the women look mixed. I try to do a little bit of everything. Of course, that’s how our Caribbean and Guyanese people look; a little bit of everything in one,” she shared.

Commenting on what art does for her, Diana said working on a project gives

her great peace of mind.

Once she starts a piece, she would not rest until it’s completed. “I would sit there and do it; I don’t really do anything until I complete it. It takes your mind off of everything so it’s kind of hard to stop.”

At times though, painting can have a very intense and overwhelming effect.

“This is especially if it’s a really big piece. It’s hard to stop yourself.”

Diane’s dad was also self-taught and has been perfecting his trade for more than 30 years now. So she believes that her family has played a crucial role in the direction that her life has taken so far.

“It’s in the family to be creative. I would go in my dad’s workshop as a child and help him stamp something or help with something else. That’s how it all started for me, with encouraging parents,” she reflected.

“My parents always encouraged us to be creative and it just kind of grew, I guess. A day doesn’t go by without me doing something creative. I paint every day,” SEE PAGE V

Her paintings promote local customs and culture

Local artist Diana Daniela Luke-King

Diana does not allow a day to go by without painting something

“It’s more of a contemporary pop art taking Guyanese culture into account” – Diana

V

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

Marine and Environmental Biology and its impact in Guyana

By Dillon Goring

ALL plant and animal life forms include from the microscopic picoplankton to the majestic blue whale, the largest creature in the sea—and for that matter - the world.

Like all scientific disciplines, the study of marine biology also follows the scientific method. The overriding goal in all of science is to find the truth. Although following the scientific method is not by any means a rigid process, research is usually conducted systematically and logically to narrow the inevitable margin of error that exists in any scientific study, and to avoid as much bias on behalf of the researcher as possible.

Guyana has had its fight in this area, but there is hope.

The Pepperpot Magazine spoke with Felicia Collins, a Marine biologist who worked closely with the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS) on a project to monitor the wildlife in the Barima Mora Passage.

During the interview, Collins noted that the marine environment is one that is often overlooked even though most of Guyana lives on the coast.

“We don’t have the perceived blue waters as we would expect, particularly when we think about marine, in the light when we visit the seawalls of Guyana and we see the murky waters, we don’t think that it has much importance.

But people who live along the coast and depend on the resources from the marine environment [the fishermen] especially in the rural communities can tell of its importance in feeding their families and their communities,” Collins told the Pepperpot Magazine.

Collins made mention of the fact that if our marine environment were to be affected, the livelihood of many rural

residents would be severely impacted since they depend on the fishes of the sea for sustenance.

She noted that the ecosystems don’t exist in isolation, but it affects our existence on the coastland.

Benefits of the marine environment Collins contended that more needs to be done in terms of education, particularly in the area of marine biology to raise awareness about the vastness of the environment.

“Now we have expeditions where people are going out and they are documenting the species. We have dolphins, we have whales, sharks, but it is far off. As a result we don’t hear about it, because it isn’t seen,” Collins contended during the interview.

Raising awareness of marine biology During her interview, Collins mentioned the fact that more needs to be done to make the Guyanese community aware of what happens in marine and environmental biology, but more particularly the environment.

“First there needs to be research. We need to know exactly what is out there. It is, however, more important to document what we have, taking pictures and sharing with the public in a way that can be easily communicated, but more awareness campaigns based on research,” Collins told the Pepperpot Magazine.

Guyana is a country of vast wonders. From the coastland to the hinterland regions, our lands are covered in vibrant forestry, mighty rivers and soaring mountains. However, we, the people, are not the only inhabitants of this beautiful land.

Guyana is home to many animals and even some endangered species and we have to do our part in preserving and making this land safe for our wildlife,” she explained.

Collins underscored the point that if one doesn’t know

what is there in terms of resources regarding Marine Biology, then abuse of resources is likely to occur.

“Fishermen tend to ply their trade in a destructive manner, which leads to the derogation of the ecosystem, and you can’t really fault people for that, because they don’t know what is out there. They are unaware that the little fish depends on the mangrove, in retrospect folks need to be more knowledgeable,” Collins said.

She believes that the only way to protect the marine space is to introduce such topics as a part of the school’s curriculum to be taught in schools.

Additionally, by inculcating this subject as a part of the school’s teaching subjects, the country can produce citizens who are more responsible in ensuring that the environment is protected.

She highlighted some of the advantages in protecting marine space. These include the preservation of the population, which according to her, is declining.

Collins believes that in the light of climate change, our ecosystem needs to be preserved to withstand devastating effects.

“We need more progressive policies, politicians with the actual will that want to preserve and conserve, but of course, it must be sustainable and practicable. However, we must prioritise and act with policy,”Collins noted during her interview.

According to a report from the World-Wide Fund for Nature (Guyana), report on Marine Biodiversity and Governance of 2014 published on their social media platform; it forms one of the components of the Marine Biodiversity and Forest Governance (FLEGT/REDD+) Project.

Felicia Collins is a Marine biologist who worked closely with the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS) on a project to monitor the wildlife in the Barima Mora Passage

The world through ...

FROM PAGE IV she continued.

The positive response that Diane has been receiving where her paintings are concerned only serve as more motivation for her to keep pressing forward. “It was surprising to me at first.

I always painted what I like personally; everyone has

their own painting preference, and I’ve always painted for me, and surprisingly enough, I’ve come across a lot of like-minded people my customers who buy my paintings,” she said.

At the moment, Diane said her paintings can be found all over the world as tourists who come across them simply buy them and

take them back with them.

“Right now, I have in China, some in Russia, two in Thailand, in New York. They’re everywhere,” she observed.

The craft shop, Eddie’s Craft, can be found in Booth 7, Hibiscus Craft Plaza, North Road, Georgetown, outside of the Georgetown Post Office.

Meanwhile, according

to a BBC article entitled, “Getting creative really does boost your mood,” getting creative can help avoid stress, free up mind space and improve self-development, which helps build self-esteem.

“Almost 50,000 people took part in the BBC Arts Great British Creativity Test. The findings said there

are emotional benefits from taking part in even a single session of creativity.

But there are cumulative benefits from regular engagement in arts activities and trying new pursuits is particularly good for our emotions and wellbeing, it suggests,” the article stated.

The survey also revealed that the most bene-

fit comes from taking part in live creative activities that involve face-to-face social interaction, like singing in a choir or taking part in a group painting class. Virtual creative experiences also have some benefits, but there is not as much gain.

Blueberry Hill

VI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

A picturesque, family-oriented village

Blueberry Hill Village (Carl Croker photos)

By Michel Outridge THIS week the Pepperpot Magazine visited the hilltop village of Blueberry Hill, Wismar, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) to highlight the way of life of the people.

Blueberry Hill is a community divided into four

sections: First Alley Hill, New Jersey Hill, Danjewel, and Cholmondeley Hill.

It has a population of about 5,000 and the people are of mixed-race ethnicity and they live in harmony and peace.

The hilltop village has many shops, supermarkets, roadside small businesses and it is a place of many

churches and it is considered a relatively safe place.

Blueberry Hill is the home of Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and other notable persons who made

Focus on the Village

a name for themselves and many sports personalities and others.

It is a very picturesque place with roads, electricity, potable water, landline phones, cable and internet.

Blueberry Hill has the Upper Demerara Hospital, the St. Aidan’s Primary School, Christianburg Secondary School, Blueberry Hill Nursery School, a ball field, many churches,

lots of open spaces, nooks and crannies leading up and downhill.

This community is located between Christianburg and One Mile villages and it has a breath-taking view.

Blueberry Hill isn’t a bushy place, but there are overgrown weeds along some internal streets that need upgrading and need a bit of facelift when it comes to drains and landscape.

This village isn’t prone to flooding since it is at an elevated level and it is a place for a good family-oriented lifestyle.

Most locals have lived all their lives in this village and there are hardly any newcomers but when you visit you will want to come again.

Blueberry Hill is the village of good vibes, SEE PAGE XII

VII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

Imparting her knowledge Entrepreneur empowering community youth with valuable skills

By Michel Outridge FENITA Small is the owner of Excellent Touch Design Salon that is located at the edge of Blueberry Hill.

has been using her salon to empower many young people, who have established their own small businesses and achieved much through that venture such as buying

Fenita Small and some of her students at the salon Village elder, Daphne Sandy

The mother of three is giving back to her community through classes in cosmetology (hair, nails, manicure, pedicure, facials, piercings) and other beauty courses to youths in the village and is also sharing her time with students from Board of Industrial Training (BIT), a government skills training programme.

From 2000 to date, Small

a car and building their own house.

“When my students call to say they are doing well with their small business, I feel rewarded because I know I played a part in moulding them, and they can do a lot with the skill achieved they will never have to work with people again,” she said.

Small told the Pepperpot

Magazine that when her business began to grow, some of her clients asked if it was possible to impart her knowledge and she agreed.

She began taking in anyone who was willing to learn and as word got around the community, more people showed up for classes and it became a daily thing.

“I get to know how the people that have passed through here are doing in terms of their small business

and when I get a good progress report, I feel overjoyed because I know they are trying to build their business and make an honest living,” she said.

Small added that she offers many courses from

Monday to Friday at 09:00hrs to 16:00 hrs and presently she has 10 students from BIT. This course goes for four months, but she will close off classes until next year due to the upcoming holi-

days.

Meanwhile, her own courses usually go for six months, and students get to pick the courses they are SEE PAGE IX

The Excellence Touch Design Salon (Carl Croker photos)

Focus on the Village

Beautician, Fenita Small

VIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

When in Blueberry Hill, check out the local ‘bush doctor’

By Michel Outridge

WESLEY Stephens, better known as ‘World’ is a well-known Lindener and around Blueberry Hill he is the local ‘bush doctor’, the go-to guy when there is the need for a purge of the body or spiritual connection.

It is considered the

his life there.

“I love it here. I grow up here so I know this place well and mostly I know how to get along with the people here,” he said.

Stephens like others has wishes that would like to become a reality but without the needed resources, his dreams of having a resort on

Wesley Stephens, the ‘bush doctor’ (Carl Croker photos)

Dellon Williams

old-fashioned way to address ailments, pains and other things that are experienced by many.

The 59-year-old has been residing in Blueberry Hill Village since 1962. Even though he had left the community for some time, he returned and spent most of

a 15-acre plot of land that has a creek and comes with a 50year lease cannot materialise.

“I wanted to have this resort, it has been my dream by after trying for many years. I believe that things can happen if I sell the land and use the money to buy a vehicle and do other things until I am

capable financially to start something new,” he said.

Stephens related that it is not a way of giving up but he is merely shifting his focus to things that he can actually accomplish with his limited resources.

This villager stated that he did many things for a job,

such as being a taxi driver, a farmer, a bush doctor and a miner.

Stephens is also a sports enthusiast in the community and is hoping to form the Linden Mix Masters United Football Group, where senior men can join once the group is established and endorsed.

It is an opportunity for men from 39 years old and upwards to participate in football and so far, 60 persons have indicated their willingness to become members.

He added that the process is at a ‘teething’ stage and he needs a bit of support to establish the football group for

senior men in the community.

With regard to his herbal practice, these days he is making a potion that comprises herbs and plants that add up to 21 ingredients to cleanse the body of impurities and finish off the drink with some honey, which adds flavour.

Stephens explained that some bushes, plants and herbs are within the environment and he can get them but some are hard to find and often has to travel long distances to acquire them to make his body cleanser drink.

He stated that his potion is a mixture of aloe vera and many other ingredients, all

bush medicine essential to purify the body and boost the immune system.

Giving testimony of the bush medicine, taxi driver/ villager, Dellon Williams told the Pepperpot Magazine that the potion is good. Whenever he feels like his body needs cleansing and a boost, he would get the medicine.

After drinking it, he would feel it working and it gives him a good motion of the bowels and within that same day, he would feel good inside out and has never had any bad reaction to it and recommends it to others.

Denise’ Snackette, Hill top, Blueberry Hill

Focus on the Village

The Blueberry Hill Chill Spot

IX

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

Fulfilling a calling to serve the people through the church

By Michel Outridge

PA S T O R Clavis Duke wasn’t always a “man of the cloth” having worked in the bauxite company and after retirement, he was recommended for the ministerial position in his church by the original pastor, who was migrating.

It was a big step and Duke took hold of it with both hands and today, he is ministering to the people via the church and is wellknown and well-liked in the community.

Duke told the Pepperpot Magazine that he was a welder/fabricator with the bauxite company in Linden and was appointed the president for the Mines and Metal General Workers Union in 2002.

He added that he was instrumental in the handing over process of Linmine to RUSAL and he spent about 29 years in the bauxite company.

Duke, a country boy from #40 Village, West Coast Berbice, left his home village in search of work and journeyed to Linden to stay with his sister, who was residing there, and he gained employment with

the bauxite company at a young age.

He was fresh out of the New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) after a twoyear stint to become qualified in welding/fabricating.

“I wanted to go to the University of Guyana (UG) to further my studies, but things did not work out in that regard, so I had to change my perspective after I met a young lady and got married and settled in Blueberry Hill,” he said.

Duke pointed out that Blueberry Hill wasn’t developed back then, and it was overgrown with bushes and it had some small tracks and back alleys after which people began clearing the land and settled there after building houses.

“I understand that this village which is a hill top place had a lot of blueberry plants growing all over and that is how the name derived but I am not sure but from what I heard it was called New Jersey Hill and there are good people here. We get along and it is a very family-oriented place to raise a family,” he said.

Duke stated that he has been living in Blueberry

Pastor Clavis Duke (Carl Croker photo)

Hill for the past 40 years and is residing at the same house which belonged to his mother-in-law and after she passed away, her daughter which is his wife, inherited the property.

The pastor reported that the village has good citizens who help each other and connect well because the people are not selfish and look out for each other and live in

Imparting her....

FROM PAGE VII

interested in.

Small stated that she sees her salon as a place of learning and she always has a place for one more at any time.

She is originally from Blueberry Hill but relocated to Christianburg and has another small business, Colfins Bakery, which supplies Linden with flavoured cakes and cakes for any occasion.

She intends to expand this business soon.

Small noted that she gets the support from the locals and it helps to keep her business operating and her prices are reasonable and she has the backing from her husband, a bauxite worker.

She opened the door of her salon in 1994 after she graduated from a cosmetology school and has been self-employed since and prefers it that way.

Small is very passionate about teaching in her salon and it keeps her motivated

and energised.

This small business owner is a member of Fruits of Calvary Church on Burnham Drive and she is a simple person, who goes about her operation in an organised manner.

Daphne Sandy Daphne Sandy is an elder in Blueberry Hill and she is well-liked and respected and would spend her days sitting in the verandah or chatting on the phone when she is not

a manner that is pleasing.

Duke is the pastor of Bethel Tabernacle Assembly of God Church at Yhap Alley, Blueberry Hill and he has on roll 150 members.

“I took over from the pastor, who was migrating at the time, 20 years ago but I was a member of the church and I played the guitar and I was guided for the position and fulfilled my true calling to serve

the Lord and the people,” he said.

Duke was a deacon on the board of directors of the church, after which he became the pastor and is the father of four.

The religious leader told the Pepperpot Magazine that whenever they get things together such as groceries they would arrange hampers to their members and people in the community.

doing chores.

Sandy is in her late 80s and she is not taking on any worries even though some days she forgets things, but on others, she is doing well.

The mother of three told the Pepperpot Magazine that decades ago, she and a neighbour visited Blueberry Hill and liked the place.

They returned and she built a small house and relocated from Christianburg

and she has been there since but constructed a better house, the same one she resides in now.

Her late husband, Randolph Sandy was the former Regional Executive Officer (REO) for the region.

Relatives and good neighbours surround Sandy and she is very comfortable in the village and describe life there as nice.

Her grandson lives

The church also assists students going to schools out of town with a monetary donation to offset travelling expenses.

Duke noted that they would have outreaches, crusades and minister to people via the internet and phone due to the pandemic, as they do not host large gatherings for worship services.

“My main aim is to win souls for the Lord through the church and through evangelistic programmes people are drawn to the religion and teachings,” he said.

Duke’s wife, Ann Duke is the Assistant Pastor and she has a church of her own in Blueberry Hill.

The pastor added that they often try to interact with the villagers to get an idea of their needs and assess how they can assist because they want to bring about change in people’s lives.

“And more than ever now with the pandemic, we need to support each other and allow the Lord to take charge to bring about change for a better people and country. Togetherness is essential for growth,” he said.

in the lower flat of the two-storey house and would enjoy a good cup of tea and watch her favourite shows on television.

“I have a good life with good people in it and things are going great since I have lived a full life and is enjoying my twilight years at home, the only place I want to be,” she said.

Focus on the Village

X

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

The ‘do-good’ people of Blueberry Hill

By Michel Outridge LENNOX and his wife Fern Nestor are household names in Blueberry Hill village where they have a supermarket and a snackette providing groceries and foods at an all-time reasonable price for the people.

Lennox Nestor single-handedly manages the small yet convenient supermarket, while his wife and staff run the snackette.

According to Lennox, he has been in the village for the past 15 years and believes that it is a good and safe place to reside and have a business.

The father of four stated that they do not experience any major flooding because

Lennox Nestor

Fern’s Variety Supermarket (Carl Croker photos)

of the sandy soil composition and the people really help out each other, a closeknit community.

He told the Pepperpot Magazine that Blueberry Hill is a real family-oriented village where the people are multi-talented and gifted, but the lack of jobs and opportunities has a strong hold on the people.

The 70-year-old related that the people are trying with what they have and

have established small businesses, hoping for returns and earnings.

He pointed out that he worked for 10 years with the bauxite company and wasn’t always at home, but his wife kept things going and she is the driving force behind the business.

Nestor added that the supermarket, Fern’s Variety, is a home-grown small business that has weathered the test of time, but the business

survived because the locals support it and they keep their prices below average, so people can afford to shop there, regardless.

The elder added that inside the supermarket they have a glass case with snacks for the morning rush hour, when the schoolchildren come by for a quick bite and in the afternoons at his wife’s snackette, which is in the adjoining building SEE PAGE XI

Heavenly Treat, cakes, ice cream and milkshakes shop

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

The ‘do-good’ people...

FROM PAGE X where the children would make their lunch purchases.

Lennox is the father of the owner of Nedd’s Dollar Wings which has a branch in Wisroc and another on the East Bank of Demerara, where you can get the best wings at $100 apiece to go with fries of your choice.

Nestor’s daughter, Tanisha, has recently opened an oasis next door to her parents’ place, Heavenly Treats, a little shop with all kinds of cakes, milkshakes, and ice cream with seating accommodation, an openair setting with a calming ambience.

“I am very thankful that I was a role model to my children, who have since grown into responsible adults and they are making good use

of their lives by having their own small businesses, earning an honest dollar. This is a family with a vision of what eventually a reality becomes,” he said.

Fern Nestor Meanwhile, Fern Nestor, a gifted cook, manager and just about good at everything, makes use of her time by providing wholesome foods and snacks from scratch for schoolchildren and other customers daily.

She has the help of a staff and collectively they handle the food section of the business, which has a variety of foods to choose from.

The 54-year-old is a friendly, pleasant person who knows how to talk to her customers and she has

a way that draws people to her.

“Basically, I cook for schoolchildren and this place provides foods at a reasonable price because I know the hardships of life, economically, and this is my way of giving back to the community, through good food which is often provided free of charge to anyone in need,” she said.

Fern told the Pepperpot Magazine that it is always blessed to give, to receive and that’s her motto in life because a lot of people are in need and food is a good way to reach out to people.

She has had the food business for the past 13 years and even though it is small, it is surviving since she is not doing it for a large profit margin.

“There is nothing good

XI

Fern Nestor

about being hungry, and it is a feeling that is unexplainable and I don’t

wish that on anyone and at Fern’s, there is always something to eat; the door

is open to all and I am here to serve the people,” she said.

XII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

Blueberry...

FROM PAGE VI

equally good people, delicious foods and enterprising earners, many of whom have small businesses and utilise their skills to make an honest dollar, being self-employed.

The community has many houses, some of which have interesting and unique designs, like never seen before, with large, small and medium-sized structures painted in various colours.

The people take pride in keeping the place clean and tidy and still have time to keep kitchen gardens with plants, flowers, fruits and vegetables.

In this village, you can get a tasty combination of fruit juices accompanied by a scrumptious meal of your choice, all at pocket-friendly prices while sitting on racket wooden chairs by the roadside enjoying the breeze and scenery at any of the many food places.

The people are very friendly and down-to-earth and they are resilient people who do many things to make a living.

Blueberry Hill, like most villages in Linden comes with a lovely picturesque scenery and it resembles some Caribbean countries that have communities nestled on hills.

This community is somewhat self-sufficient where things are within reach and readily available, including groceries, foods, and other things necessary for everyday life.

Banks and other places can be accessed in McKenzie, the central hub of businesses and it is the town, where many government facilities are located.

Blueberry Hill has people with a variety of talents including, the local ‘bush doctor’ and the black pudding lady and anyone can visit at any time.

It can be accessed via B u r n h a m D r i v e ro a d , Christianburg or through

One Mile, which overlooks the calm Demerara River, which often appears as a large mirror. It has two large bridges leading into the village with many internal streets, alley, tracks

and roads.

One can get lost easily in this large village if they are a first-time visitor but there is no need to be scared since you are safe and directions can be given by the locals,

s

I AM celebrating s Across Borders An When the host view with me, I as life changers to joi their stories.

Dr. Jackie Eva Connecticut My journey tow through stages of b restored. Throu earned a doctorate from a higher ed with this journey w or shifts in my realise that your ca circumstances. Thr higher mode of thi spirit and align you Christine Neble That day I beg ing and bringing m for an int who are more scheduled than willing my proficiency in u to assist.

Blueberry Hill is a lovely village in Guyana, do visit it you will be pleased you did.

sharing their journeys XVIII CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

XIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 10, 2021

seven amazing women from the Women nthologies. of Watch Radio NY requested an intersked him if it was okay for me to invite in me. I am sharing some excerpts from

an Phillips -- born in St Lucia, living in

wards being a Midwife of Purpose came being broken, displaced, and ugh this journey, I experienced a divorce, and got displaced ducation administrator’s position. Coupled were two major eclipses One week later I completed y life. An eclipse happens when you can my assignment with CTO alling becomes greater than your current and was now ready to move rough this process, you can transcend to a on to my next career move. inking where you can connect with your I called Monique to let her urself as one with nature. know I was available as we ett – born in Guyana and living in NY agreed and she was so hapgan to have the real experience of dreampy to have me start my first my dream world alive. I was immediately and progressive economies. was written as a result of temporary assignment with terview with the agency where they tested There are millions of indi- my long pursuit and ultimate WHEN your teachings can Deutsche Bank. My first using Microsoft and typing WE recentlyOffice celebrated thespeed. first year of the Virtual viduals who sacrifice their discovery of my purpose in be so impactful years after Writers Retreat and we had a lot to celebrate in such a families, friends and convic- life. I have come to realise death …that is a legacy to short time. We have had people from Guyana, French tions in an attempt to gain a the fundamental nature of envy.

Guiana, Trinidad, Barbados, The Bahamas, Suriname, this search for every man, sense of significance.

I have a few mentors Antigua, Lucia, South Africa, Nigeria, Cameroon, “Accumulating status woman, youth and child, near andStfar, but presently, Canada, various parts symbols and material pos- and have, therefore, set forth the one and on top of my list of the United States. The first person to publish was Wendy Hermonstine and she sessions, they seek a po- some of the essential princiwould be the late legend Dr. is Myles now working on her second book. Alicia Amanda pubsition of importance and ples, precepts and concepts Munroe.

I believe lished a couple books, Phil Umoru Iko-Ojo and Bevmeaning. In essence, this that you must understand as he was one ofof the chosen erley theirs. deep desire and drive for a you embark or continue on onesBeen and aalso gift published to the world.

The most recent author to publish from the retreat is sense of importance, There is hardly a day that I knew that Isignifwould beyour in journey of discovering When I was six years assignment lasted two weeks, Sara Khalil, whoIwas bornhear in Guyana and left for New York your icance and relevance is the goes by that don’t covering someone’s vacation. old I started school in Mesa, big trouble if I told my dad purpose. inthat her powerful teenage years.

I hadofthe honour to contribute the cause what and had the happened. motivator voice full It was a “Remember, purpose is Due to my work ethic and Arizona, so I began staying cover, and it was a privilege to read the manuscript first, bethe only source of individual of all human behaviour wisdom. Sometimes I watch secret: the desire to go the extra mile, with my mom cause I assisted to publishI her book ‘InComplete.’ I did and conflict.

“This passion the video or her sometimes kind that could get and me corporate fulfilment. and her husband routineI landed another assignment not want to it down Join me on a journey that I for significance knows no listen, butputone thingbecause for her story is so compiling. into big trouble.

I didn’t in the same department for ly. It was like going from Sara has always feltadded. that her life is a solidarity jourboundaries.

Richmuch and trouble, poor know certain, value will be know how but you will enjoy. It will six months, then another for heaven to hell. It was a horror n His e y teachings have impacted make you ask yourself some are victims of its power. three months, which finally story that’s yet to be writ- I wasn’t willing to deep, searching questions, it King and peasant suffer millions around the world take a chance. “Shhhh... led to my permanent posi- ten. While at grandma’s I its rule. this pas- will challenge your resolve, and continue to do so daily. tell Is anyone.” of Don’t tion, allowing me to live a was filled with the loveunder sion for aMaybe meaningful I have introduced many to it’s the life traumaand of it will encourage you a grandma and Jesus daily. dream. to a negative craving?

Absohis books and videos and the Dr. Safeeya Mohamed – On the other hand, at my my experience, but for somecheck your definitions of life, success and effectivelutely reason not! “This feedback has always been I stillyearning cannot rememmother’s house, I was filled Trinidad ness. Come, let us begin our for relevance and signifexceptional. My “buddy” We received the updates with Rock ‘N Roll, drugs ber how pursuit of purpose.” icance is evidence of an Raquel and I always have often it happened, when that the accident was horrific and inappropriate, wild sex internal vacuum in the meaningful conversations, it started, or even when it I trust you received and that the victim was stuck parties. Ultimately, from nature of mankind that some precious nuggets but now it is at a next level. age-old questions: Why am Many suicides such and an environment can ended in the car. and attempt- recognition fame in theiryou needs to be filled. This age- from his extraordinary I can remember that day I I here? What is the reason ed suicides The the kinds so of abuse had to besociety cut imagine owevehicle their manior workplace, content as we continue to old passion is the pursuit–South sent her the first link and for my existence? What is festationopen Penny Phakahi that mom’s house provided. to get to the victim.

It to this compelling they could feelimportant and of purpose, a relentless celebrate this beautiful instantly, she was good. We the meaning of my life? need. Many Africa When I was 11 years old, nevermass occurred to me that murderers worthwhile. This passion reaching for a reason for journey called Life BEwere talking about addiction Is there a reason for the and serial I have had my share of grandma died and my mykillers brother confess the for a sense of Shirley significance YOND THE RUNWAY. of life.and I strongly believe because not all addictions universe, the creation and relationshipcould stepdadinleft. mom the had giftturmoil be antisoremotely and in- meaning of their life My is also In that Pursuit of Purpose it is these stints of turan emotional breakdown, so volved.toThe next thing I are good. A few nights ago, man? These questions are cial behaviour their need the fuel for most capitalist remember,orI towas looking at I ran away! I couldn’t take moil that brought me we decided to invite some universal. They lurk deep to feel important expethis far in my life. I was any more. body my brother other like-minded inten- within the secret chambers rience athe sense of of self-worth. and in thatblood we areinalla ridingAndrea a train through I got and her permission share an excerpt with you and I perhaps is to still in my Edwards – born covered tional ladies to listen to his of every human being on This passion for relevance our hours, days, and years. believe many women can relate to her journey. refinery process. in Guyana, living in Florida hearse.

The strident, agonisteaching, so we could have earth regardless of their and a sense of significance In thoughtful andI sat revealing As a young girl, I grew As in the back Excerpt: of ing scream mythis mother in a discussion. race orofethnic race, colour, ethnic heritage, make one upleave with today; one main my dad’s Nissan Bluebird,“II will the A&Eitself that storyabove of her journey, readers will accomjustambition, help me pack my belongings.”

We discussed many top- socio-economic status or group elevate wanting to get away, far peered through the windows early morning has not pany one of the most courageous women His mother started to pack his clothing in a suitcase. ics including character, faith, nationality. Philosophers another. They also give birth away from the system of at the images on escaped my mind almost 17 on her expedition to self-discovery a Mike also started packing.

I was so upset and lost that leadership, vision, purpose, such as Plato, Aristotle, Soc- to prejudice and cause the or the box fence years later as she remarkable life story ofthe trials andoftri-the IGuystarted to thinking cry and begged himthat to stay. I was in a place etc. What I have noticed is rates and others throughout fabrication of erroneous per-howled we often findmyself ourselves ana Botanical Gardensofand died, purpose is always in all his the ages have attempted to ceptions“my umphs. confusion, I hated andin.

I blamed myself. I felt I thatson result in my grave Apart from understanding Zoological Park.

The radio sonthe died, nobody’s helpmessages. His work is so explore these seemingly injustices and Her book ‘Incomplete’ offers inwasn’t good enough.

I threw myself on the floor, in a foetal conception always dared blasted popular ing us!” But nobody profound that just listening elusive questions. For the of abominable sights into could, Sara Khalil fromthe childhood position,myself cryingI out as loud astoI could, more so screaming. dreams and be was different, which wasIaloved him with all my song “1985” by his spirit at the for a few minutes or reading most part, their efforts have inhumanasbehaviour. to departed adulthood.

She livedcalypso her childhood My world upside down.

It also constant struggle when sur- and hurt he caused a then-popular calypsonian. point of in Guyana then migrated the preface from his books ended in more questions gives birth to the USA heart; even with all the infidelity to tyrants and rounded by my situations.

I I would have just celebrated impact.with Up her to this day, can have massive impact. than answers. The deepest dictators who easily sacrificefamily. She was determined to me, I still wanted to hold on to him for the sake of my grew up under a strict my sixth I ponder where the strength You can judge because I am craving of the human spirit the sacredness fight against all odds, even after two family and my child. I never wanted to let him go, no of human life Christian my birthday, on quite came from failed to navigate that Reflecting sharing the preface from In is to find a sense of signif- and dignity marriages. heroblivious matter what.

He hadfamily madewith his decision and wouldn’t be for a temporary grandfather and step granny, to the concept of time, but night.

Pursuit of Purpose by Dr icance and relevance. The sense of significance. nomadic early years, we witness all budged. At 6 pm that evening, Mike left with his Mom. as my mother her mom song would not allow Myles Munroe. that shetofaced as shethat doggedly pursued Our six-year-old son,lost Jayden, started to run behind “This desperate desire search for relevance in life is me to forget Shanon her Paar – Arizona SEE PAGE Preface calling. his father, but Mike keptXXV walking; Jayden asked me, the ultimate pursuit of man. feel important and relevant thatwarmth it was 1985.

“The greatest tragedy Conscious or unconscious, to one’s existence also cause Sara shared with and “Mom, why daddy leaving again”? I didn’t have any in life is not death, but life admitted or unadmitted, this the sacrifice of common honesty how she dealt with betrayal, answers at that time. I quickly tried to control myself without reason. It is danger- internal passion is what mo- sense, good judgment, forgiveness, and feelings of being and started engaging in other conversations with my moral ous to be alive and not know tivates and drives every standards and basicunloved. son, thinking he would get distracted and forget. Guess human why you were given life. human being, either directly values. Many individuals This book is authentic, sassy, in- what? I was wrong. He kept crying and asking the same One of the most frustrating or indirectly. It directs his have spiring, bold, and pragmatic, qualities question, over and over. Finally, after some time passed, experiences is to have time decisions, controls his bequite similar to the author herself. he stopped crying and asking questions and started to sacrificed excellent repubut not know why. From the haviour and dictates his re- tations and years of characShe launched her book at Artfest be himself again. It was close to bedtime, so I bathed beginning of man’s history, sponses to his environment. ter-building lifestylesinfor the and will be launching in Jayden, took a shower and we were off to bed. The very Atlanta as we know it, mankind This need for significance is sake of advancement New to a deYork later this month and Guyhas been grappling with the the cause of great tragedies. sired position, or a place ana inofNovember.

SEE PAGE XX

IN PURSUIT OF PURPOSE Sara’s incomplete journey

XIV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PROTECTS THE ENVIRONMENT

GUYANA continues its celebration of Agriculture Month under the theme, “Transforming our Food Systems: Achieving Food and Nutrition Security.”

Given the dire need to change our agricultural and food system, this theme is quite fitting to address the food-security challenges encountered because of drought, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the unprecedented floods

in May/June 2021. Let’s take a look at the role of the EPA and how good agricultural practices help to protect the environment.

Agriculture contributes significantly to water pollution by releasing organic matter such as animal waste and running off of excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. This often results in fish kills; contamination of drinking-water supplies; creating dead

zones in water bodies; and poisoning of humans (cancer and blue baby syndrome).

Freshwater is the lifeblood of agriculture. Since most of the world’s freshwater is used to irrigate crops, the two are intertwined, hence, management of the resource and the sector should be interconnected.

Agricultural water use will be a key element for increasing food production, especially in many develop-

ing countries where water is often scarce. Currently, around 800 million people in developing countries are chronically undernourished.

While there is no global water crisis, the severe water and food security problems in some developing countries and regions need to be urgently addressed. One in five developing countries will face water shortages by 2030.

and climate pollution; and * Promoting biodiversity.

Sustainable agricultural practices include, but are not limited to:

Environmental sustainability in agriculture means good stewardship of the natural systems and resources on which farms rely. Among other things, this involves: * Building and maintaining healthy soil; * Managing water wisely; * Minimising air, water,

(growing a mix of crops in the same area) and complex multi-year crop rotations. * Planting cover crops. Cover crops, like clover or hairy vetch, are planted when soils might otherwise be left bare during off-season times. These crops protect and build soil health by preventing ero-

* Rotating crops and embracing diversity. Planting a variety of crops can have many benefits, including healthier soil and improved pest control.

Crop- diversity practices include intercropping

sion, replenishing soil nutrients, and keeping weeds in check, reducing the need for herbicides. * Reducing or eliminating tillage. Traditional ploughing (tillage) prepares fields for planting and prevents weed problems, but can cause a lot of soil loss.

SEE PAGE XXVI

XV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

Connecting timelines through secular symbolism that initiates a spiritual journey - commemorating MAAFA in the age of COVID-19

OCTOBER 12, the commemoration of the Atlantic Slave Trade, a holocaust that took the lives in a restrained account of no less than 100 million Africans, was conducted at the rise of the tide. This is the age of COVID-19. Thus, considerations were made for a commemoration with less pageantry, no tent, gatherings and presentations that analyse the real state today on which the commemoration reflects, that would come via Zoom. We who are descended from the onslaught of the slave trade can do this much, though we have evolved from that time, the collective ‘Atlas’ of another world. But what has enabled our survival, with currents of awareness that stir the desire to understand and respond to an innate passion for resisting the reshaping of men into echelons of zombies of chattel-dom. These are the same currents of awareness that unpropelled by common ritual inculcate the inner argument to repair the ‘Timelines’ by first recognising those who rebelled on the slave ships and died, committed suicide in protest and those who managed to seize ships through resistance and survive.

Records are scant, here and there with trusted sources that indicate that Africans were not only slaves on plantations, Maroons or manumitted artisans (slaves who arrived with skills, and eventually bought their freedom) in the JG Press publication ‘PIRATES-Terror of the High Seas from the Caribbean to the South China Sea’ 1988: “ These were not exceptional cases, for ‘Negroes and Mulattoes’ were present on almost every pirate ship, and rarely did the many merchants and captains who commented on their presence call them ‘slaves’ Black pirates sailed with Captains Bellamy, Taylor,

Williams, Harris, Winter, in 1718, sixty of Blackbeard’s crew of one hundred were black, while Captain William Lewis boasted ‘40’ abled Negro sailors among his crew of 80,” etc. “The age of piracy had its own redeeming ideal, that of ‘Libertalia,’ which was a Utopian pirate settlement on the island of Madagascar, following an ancient prophecy that paradise would be found on the east coast of Africa.” Away from the unscrupulous dictates of Kings, Queens and Popes. With the Royal Navy, they employed members of the Kru or Kroo tribe who were excellent sailors. In the popular paintings and engravings of The Battle of Trafalgar-1805, there are always one or two Africans included, thus the pursuit of the unemotional discipline to reconstruct a practical ‘Timeline’ beyond what is traditionally recorded that fills the popular awareness. The tribes who arrived here in Guyana are in some families mentioned, an elder cousin who referred to my late dad as his younger cousin, told me that we came from the Fulani people; however, since African spiritual philosophy is rooted in an internal consciousness and do not relate to defining other humans by variation (colour or race), well they saw beauty and companionship in what we term soul-relationships, thus, the descendants of my Fulani Matriarch now includes Carib, French, Scottish and several other African tribes folk and East Indian, all upon our extended family tree. What prevails is the internal consciousness that can be identified as the African root, within specific creeds and principles.

The seeds planted through this process of Maafa have yielded the fruit of curiosity, suspicion and the boldness to question why we stand solemnly before the rising tide and cast floral offerings into

the sea? This is because of the dynamic of the dogmatic religious instructions that have persisted from the beginnings of Guyana, which is human and also constituted divisive perceptions of self. Belief systems that utter differences are common among all peoples but at different intensities, among Africans Amerindians before the European slave trade and colonising quest. But because of the importance of African slavery to the existence of the slave nations, an intensified thrust to remake all (white and melanised) on and within the colonised stage, by force or subtle means was created, and enforced, before the proliferation of the printed word and media, the adopted Hebrew religion was the

vehicle. With this simple act of commemoration, a level of discussion will present itself, be it confusing and wildly seeking, but such is the initial nature of all conversations, reaching for sources of clarification, as to why and what has

to be done. Whether we propose that there is some cosmic root of the phenomenon we describe as consciousness, or instead the whispers of some higher ancestor, a process has begun and answers will shape over time, answers

to questions we didn’t yet conceive, for some. From a simple commemoration and its symbolism in respect of ancestors past, who in all truth are broken sinews of the collective ‘Atlas’ that implore our humanity to commence its healing.

XVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

‘Let’s reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus’

- local business determined to aid in combating COVID-19

By Dillon Goring IN the fight to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus, extensive research has been done to help persons infected with the virus.

Azul Distribution Incorporated is one such Guyanese company that is aiding in the fight to reduce the

spread of COVID-19 and possible deaths among Guyanese.

The Pepperpot Magazine sat down with the three top executives of the distribution company to get their perspective on the benefits both business-wise and from a medical and hygienic perspective.

Marketing Manager Joel

Cole spoke about one of their sanitisation products being distributed by the company.

“Essentially, it is called ‘Eviter Surface Santitiser.’

It is the best surface santitiser in the world. It protects surfaces from all viruses and bacteria. From the coronavirus to Ebola, it protects you for 72 hours from one

The Azul Distribution Incorporated and their products

application.

It is based on a technology called Nbelayx, and it was developed by a scientist

named Gabriella Leon. This innovation was nominated by the World Economic Forum for the pioneering

award,” Cole told the Pepperpot Magazine.

SEE PAGE XVII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

‘Let’s reduce the spread of the...

FROM PAGE XVI He assured this writer that when the products arrive in Guyana, the spread of the novel coronavirus can be significantly reduced with application of the products, particularly the sanitisers.

According to Cole, when the sanitiser is applied to surfaces of government business places and public places, inclusive of the municipal markets in the city, that surface is completely rid of all bacteria and viruses.

Cole added that the company will provide more than just hand sanitisers.

“We are going to be distributing a line of Evite products, but we are starting with the surface sanitiser. There is also the hand soap where you wash your hands with this hand soap which contains the same nanoparticulate compound (Nbelayx) and your hands are protected for 12 hours.

This is also a cream and protection is granted for the same 12 hours,” Cole told the Pepperpot Magazine.

Meanwhile, Dr Raveendranauth Raghuram spoke specifically about the impact that the Eviter products have on individuals.

“This molecule is invented by the Scientist [Gabriella Leon]. She has invented this molecule and for her invention, she has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. When you use this nanoparticulate compound, it impacts the virus directly. In comparison with other products, inclusive of alcohol and chemical based sanitisers, Eviter products do not cause any toxicity. It kills the specific pathogens and it has been proven to be safe to the environment,” Dr Raghuram told the Pepperpot Magazine.

Meanwhile Riyad Sankar, Director of the enterprise, told the Pepperpot Magazine that the business community has been quite responsive and receptive to the new product.

He assured of its safety and Food& Drug Administration of the U.S. (FDA) approval, which speaks to its efficacy and efficiency. “ We a re c o n f i d e n t that it will be known, it is just to get it out there, make sure that it is understood,” Sankar told the Pepperpot Magazine.

XVII

XVIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

XIX

XX

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

GUYANA LOOKS FORWARD TO ADVENT OF A BRAVE NEW WORLD XX XIVWITH LIBERATED TELECOMS INDUSTRY

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

THE SEAWALLS FOREVER!

REVISITING THE GUYANA/ VENEZUELA CONTROVERSY SOON TO COME BEFORE THE ICJ OCTOBER 5 last marks the first anniversary when the Telecommunications Act #18 of 2016 was ef-

fectuated, ending the telephone industry monopoly that Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Co (GTT)

had enjoyed since 1990.

The process of ending the GTT monopoly began a decade earlier than

2020, but there was a great deal of foot-dragging and nothing resulted. Indeed, the Guyana Consumers Association (GCA) had long been pointing out to various governments from year to year that the ATN/GTT// GoG monopoHE Guyana/Venezuela controversy will again shortly and discussions where factual bases invariably become ly contract was nugatory, if not void, since GTT had me up before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). blurred. it substantialGuyana, most oflie thedeep writings the controversy have In thisisoffering, we will depart from this with norm and try to THE Seawalls in theon consciousness of Guyanese today rather muddy was oncebreached covered seashells and ly by failing to since enpeople, of a historical and factual nature and this a good questions have been asking theup but especially Georgetowners.

Yet itis has rarelyanswer theretwo would alwaysthat be many children exploring and picking carry out subng, since the Guyanese of theoftwo Guyanese fishing boats inthey Guyana’s terribeen noticed by the newspublic mediaare andnot the encouraged last time it wasseizure seashells different colours; sometimes may find large stantive areas mentioned as an item into of national concern was five or sixtorial conch shells. move their attention the realms of arguments waters by a Venezuelan navyofship.

The first question the agreeyears ago when the Ocean overtopped the wall and flooded The foreshore or continental shelf gradually ment, includ-rises and falls the yards parallel to the Public Road. This was the first every 20 years and today, the foreshore land between Camp ing establishtime in living memory that there was such an occurrence Street and the Pegasus Hotel hasing almost risen to the height of universal l a n d lvegetation i n e s e r- grow on it. and it led to great panic. The authorities hurriedly con- the wall and coconut trees and other vice along the structed a barrier of standing concrete entire coast slabs on the Walls to counter such overtopand “telephonping. In the last few weeks, the Seawalls ising” six intehave again featured in the news, but in a rior locations. happier vein.

LiberalisaFrom Camp Street to the Demerara River, tion is a process the wall had become disfigured by an accuthat would take mulation of unsightly garbage and no one about two years assumed the responsibility of cleaning it. A to complete and is not achieved with imhomeless man, Carl Melville, who sometimes mediacy on the passing of slept there was noticed by Dwayne Hackett the legislation. In the year trying to clean the garbage and immediately which has just passed, the volunteered to help him. Hackett placed the three companies operating

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

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

The Seawalls provided a favourite place for health enthusiasts. Many would go there to practise deep breathing of the clean and fresh sea breezes. Others would be cycling or even training for cycle races. Probably the most notable were the ones who went for physical culture. Many of this group would go to the Seawalls by either jogging to get there or by cycle and they would arrive there at 5 o’clock, long before

Research work helping curb...

From Page III

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

According to Millar, researching the animals includ-

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

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

the sun had risen. is, why is the Venezuelan public sowere convinced they On moonlit nights the Seawalls always athat crowded have a valid claim to two-thirds of Guyana’s territory and promenade. Many went to socialise with friends, but all went why their politicians are so bellicose and aggressive about to enjoy the beauty of the moon rising from the sea and the this claim? moonlight And the second is, why did there President blue-green whichquestion was brighter, since were Maduro of Venezuela choose this time to seize thevarious boats no road lights to dilute it. Others would enjoy the when he would the Guyanese phasesheofknew the New Moon alienate with the background of population purple skies and cause embellished the international community to or with thousands of stars condemn which appear disapprove brighter of his action, leaving Venezuela isolated intersince there were no city lights. Others nationally on the issue. would go to the Seawalls in the late afternoons to The answer to the sunsets first question began during theinto Cold admire gradually transforming the light ofof dusk.

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

Their repertoire conin the industry did take statetried had to engaged an expeMarxist.

U.S. Cold War interests persuade Britain rienced, able, creative and some action relative to libsisted of light classical music such as Strauss’ and to delay Guyana’s independence, but all that Britain could eralisation, but the state’s proactive person to further other waltzes, ballet music such Delibes’ pizzicato promise was that she would hand over power to a non-Comthe English process. activityPrime was modest. andonly Sylvia, atAmerican least one patriotic such munist Minister.

Intelligence feltsong that this In our view, moreroyal could as “This throne of Kings” and Guyanese and British offerachieved needed further insurance so they devised SEEand PAGE XXVII have been if the Caribbean folk songs.

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

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

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

As mentioned above, the political tensions and criminality kept people away from the Seawalls in the 1960s. By the invade Guyana if theremore wasstable any possibility of a Marxist 1990s life had become and people again began to government being installed in Guyana. frequent the Seawalls, but the ambience had changed. There Theup1899 Award hadofsettled the boundaries of grew stallsArbitral lining the parapet the Public Road from the Guyana and Venezuela and these boundaries were fully Kitty Pump Station to the Pegasus, selling refreshments and accepted bystalls bothwere parties and the communiall of these well-lit.

TheInternational character of the Seawalls ty.

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

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

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

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 28, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

XVI

XXI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

Overcoming Infidelity

How to get through a Miscarriage

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

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

I think it requires menvarious reasons why a womdiscuss athat topic that many thecount pregnancy termtypi- nancy. This is rarely true. hand I cannot the numbe the worst material possession that they could ever lose. tioning thata men alsobreak. do feelMost is emotional disanaswould miscarry, which and As there chemicals in the brain such serotonin, dopamine, If you have social media, take small findTODAY uncomfortable and cally called a stillbirth.

My Most miscarriages occur I was asked to discuss a situation that unforthis loss.

However, I have tress, there may also be physinclude chronic conditions oxytocin.

You know what else releases those chemicals? people would use it to try out their detective skills, or you despite how comresearch showed that the risk because the foetus just isn’t d taboo, fortunately it, while it was actually in my too many couples go through- statistically They continued to say that feelings of anxiety, irritation and counselled many couples ical as well as relationship such as uncontrolled diabeTime with friends, healthy eating, exercise, music, and the will see things that will trigger you. monmore it actually is.

Many of miscarriage is 12 percent developing normally. half. I want to start by saying that there is a miscarriage where You will feeldecisions a wide out tes, hormonal abnormalities, distress.Don’t when Ithan get upcan ineverthe morning and goes on. of fear or irrational thought. people don’t know how todo15topercent forsomeone women infrom listoverwhelming Unfortunately, while sadness would be Itfelt ifofmake they werethrough to lose their nothing that we prevent theand expecting mother and to ofone emotions whichthings uterine truly or cervical abnor-whatrange Before making any decisionsthink about is the scariest thoughts in the worldto reach out or respond their 20s and rises to about a miscarriage is a relatively being unfaithful to us. Being controlling or policing father’s relationship seemed are start not limited to sadness, malities, infection, ortoage. oing to sleep is check my phone.

I you want.

Do you want to stay?

Do you want leave? over, especially if you’ve been in a long-term relationto someone who has been 25 percent for women over common experience — it phone today. another individual does not work, so I can’t tell you as though was deteriorating anger, guilt, However, time, Canmake you still trust this person?

Howmost will of youthebest movehopelessness, ship. But use rational thought.

Is theit relationship as good through thisavoid trauma – and ageon40.but I can advise you ondoesn’t the situation howand to being cheated althy something must be done. as thetend woman felt her partner of other parents and the fertilised egg has right? an ab- jealousy forward? as you remember it now?

We to only remember the sometimes, that’s okay.

Having a miscarriage any easier.

It is impossible It seems harmless, Caring so much about a how to overcome it. didn’t care or understand her intense feelings of loneliness normal number of chromoTo help with these decisions, take some space away good when we are hurting and sometimes, we think we are However, knowledge helps does not necessarily mean for anyone to understand the Being cheated onwomen is one of thewere most gut-wrenching ndanyfound more grief.

While (especially if there arewe a lot somes/ and away this iswith your partner.

If you can take genes, some time losingreally more than actually are.

Do expectant you have fathers a realistic situation that and often this week I’ve been paying attention you have a fertility probofphone? someone whoWell, has experiences to deal with,that which automatically makespain from of parents in your social cir- absolutely do feel this loss, very random.

Unfortunately, friends or family, take physical space to help clear your doescheating take away discomfort. lem.

Most women (87 perbeen through an event that on another person hurtful.

That’s a pretty simple SEE PAGE XXIII o their phones simply because men head. bondgive betweento a pregnant Please take my advice the means that there wasarea.cle). to IfFor the importance that I and others around me a you can’t leave homesleep in a different A miscarriage thenothing loss cent) who have couples who the this stance to take,isbut that comes alongmiscarriagwith cheatingtraumatic. woman and the baby grow– allow yourself to feel and nothing done to have caused of aispregnancy where the es have subsequent normal have recently been through simple. Firstly, thereAlso, are different types of people cheating such alembryo media apps. older ing inside her is unique. A express these emotions.on around it,than and nothing can be done phone, rather what’s actually going them. or foetus does not pregnancies and births.

A this, it is important to know as emotional or physical. Emotional occurs when your The only thing I would woman can begin bonding to prevent it. Normal activdevelop enough survive.communicates miscarriage is because a another somewhat percent of the time, partner inappropriately personthat 98Our addicted.

Itobelieve this iswith we are speaking toto other from the people, moment she has say you are not allowed itieswhether such as work, exercise, It typically happens within loaded term — possibly sug- a miscarriage isphones not caused -a positive pregnancy test. feel, is self-blame.

It’s hard sex or minor injuries do not the first three months, but gesting that something was by any action taken by the e smartphones (My father actually using social media or playingnot togames can be addictive Bonding for the father typifeel as if you-did somecause a miscarriage.

Now, since a miscar- thing wrong when you lose a cally does start later – after as they alterriage our moods, trigger start to see the physical pregnancy.and However, guilt they enjoyable is a trauma, it typicallybeliefs symptoms or some men until is a completely unhelpful brings forward the five stagcolleagues and friends how bad and unenjoyable feelings.

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

This includes blame.

With miscarriagbe followed - you toto will simply recover when es, there’s rarely anyone or seeking regular prenatal care, without a mobile phone. Seriously, what have we come to? you do. However, there are thing to blame, and it leaves taking the appropriate vitain a way that they are supposed to communicate with you. mins, to avoiding known misfeeling object empty. So, accepthat can be done that us the It becomes anthings addiction when begins control It’s very subjective as to whether that hurts less than the would help through this dif- tance of the normalcy of this carriage risk factors — such physical type of affair. I think they are equally painful as as smoking, drinking alcohol tragic event is key.activities, ficult process. your life and interferes with your daily work, and both destroy trust, sense of safety and affect the victim’s Also, do what makes and illicit drug use. RememThe first to realise is that self-esteem and self-worth. ber than obstacle you CAN have a good -“The despite what not alone – finding you feel relationships. you I are read somewhere that biggest There is no right way to deal with being cheated on and accepting healthy sup- others think. Many people successful pregnancy after as it depends on so many things such as your individuals’ miscarriage.

Most women unwarranted opin- acan port is is crucial during this have sobut to productivity connectivity,” overuse affect a characteristics, the type of relationship you had etc. Howtime. This can be friends, ions and criticisms when who have miscarriages have ever, I know you are feeling an overwhelming whirlwind subsequent of normal have never been through someone whom they lot more than family, our orproductivity.

The truth is, overuse ourpregof emotions. These may include sadness, anger, doubt, you know has also experi- such trauma. Many believe nancies and births. Having anxiety, regret, or humiliation. They may also quickly phones can harm psychologically, socially physically. a miscarriage does not necshouldn’t beand enced us a miscarriage.

This that such grief switch as you may feel sad one minute but incredibly angry can and should also include experienced if the miscar- essarily mean you have a the next – this is normal. You may also go through the five With regard to affecting social how many of us fertility problem. occurredskills, early during professional help fromour a riage stages of grief- denial, anger, bargaining, depression and My final piece of advice counsellor, social worker, the pregnancy (even though acceptance – this is also normal. miss out on a psychologist, joke orreligious goodlead-conversation as we were onisour either parent to respect most do), but that woman or for So how can we deal with these feelings? er, or anyone who makes you couple may have been plan- your own needs and limitaFirstly- you are never to blame if someone is unphones? How feel many times we annoyed ourtions good as you friend work through a pregnancy for years or comfortable.

Therehave are ning faithful to you. It was their choice. Even if you did somealso online support groups just felt a great rush of love your grief and begin to heal. or family member because we and were posting social thing that was terrible, it could have been handled another rush it,media acceptance will excitement and that on is Don’t that are free and include peoway. People do hurtful things for many ‘reasons’ that allow come. difficult to just simply forget ple from all over the world. how much funYouwe are having with them? It truly Thank affects our them to feel justified – but none of those reasons are your you everyone can literally google and move on from. fault. Start healing by putting yourself first. The most important person in this situation is you, so take care of yourself. I’ll tell you a little secret and it’s not to diminish love. What is love? The feeling of love is due to certain

“online support groups for miscarriages” and thousands of options will pop up. This way, you can also remain

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

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

XXII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

Overcoming...

FROM PAGE XXI

view of what the relationship was?

Don’t stay because you are afraid to be single or you feel you may never find someone else. Literally half of the adult married population now are going through a divorce.

Don’t compare yourself to other people. We all know someone who has been cheated on or separated and they all

to get any kind of revenge.

Sometimes we compromise our morals and integrity to do this, which almost always makes us feel worse.

Focus on healing instead.

Don’t rush to be in another relationship. I know we feel like it may help, but it’s just a distraction and being distracted is not the same as healing. If you quickly enter another relationship, you are likely to take your previous,

act differently as everyone’s timeline is different.

Everyone’s reaction is different. You may think someone handled a similar situation “better than you”- there is no such thing.

To help, you can bring and build new meaning into your life. Being in a relationship is not the only thing to bring meaning. You can also work on building your current relationships, making new friends, being more active in your community, finding things you want to improve about yourself and working on them – examples, be a good communicator, work on conflict resolution skills – it can be absolutely anything.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help but- and I wish to stress this- from the right people only. This includes family or friends who will not judge you or your partner nor force any decision on you. It would also be beneficial to talk to someone who has been through a similar situation. This also includes professional help if needed- a psychologist to heal or a relationship counselor if you decide to stay.

Don’t lash out and try

unresolved fears and insecurities into it and it will also be unhealthy.

Finally, forgive your partner- whether you stay in the relationship or not. This is not for them- it’s so that you release all your anger that may weigh on you and allow you to be cynical.

People often ask me whether they should stay in a relationship after their partner has been unfaithful. I never have a solid answer to that because it really depends on the situation. Many people make a one-off mistake and want to be and are better for their partners after- some even have a better relationship after. However, some do not stop the cheating and their partners are continuously hurt. Some want to forgive but truly cannot.

The relationship is good at times and you think you are healing but the conversation comes up every time there is conflict- it may be constantly thrown in your partner’s face every time you are angry, sometimes for years after – and that means you have not and probably will not be able to heal from this. I will say this as well – the person who broke you cannot be the one to heal you. You must do this elsewhere.

If you’ve thought about it and have decided to staythat’s okay and only your

choice to make – forget about any judgement or unsolicited opinions.

As that may be the case, next week I will discuss how to overcome infidelity with your partner as well as improve your relationship.

Thanks for reading.

Please continue to send topic requests to caitlinvieira@gmail.com

XXIII

XXIV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

Children should not have to move to access quality education

AT this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), young Aisha DeFreitas from the Arapaima Primary school in Region Nine (Upper Takutu- Upper Essequibo) emerged as the top pupil from the region and the hinterland overall, scoring 517 marks out of a possible 527. That meant that she was able to secure a spot at Queen’s College, Guyana’s top secondary institution.

Importantly, she was celebrated as the first pupil from the hinterland to score a place at Queen’s College in a few

years. While her success is truly amazing, her experiences were worrying and emphasised that we have much work to do to ensure there is equitable access to quality education.

During announcement of the results, the Minister of Education Priya Manickchand stated that the young girl had to move from her village of Rupanau- which is also in Region Nine- to Lethem to attend the Arapaima school.

She moved because she did not have access to the trained teachers and adequate resources her family believed would furnish her with the opportunity to excel at the NGSA. And moving meant that she had to leave many of her family members and friends.

For context, Region Nine comprises many indigenous communities dispersed throughout the large region and Lethem is the capital town, where much infrastructural development and services are concentrated.

DeFreitas’ inability to benefit from a trained teacher and adequate resources in her community was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic which placed a strain on delivering education in remote and hinterland communities where electricity and internet services are unreliable or ubiquitous.

Undoubtedly, it pleases me that the young girl and many of her colleagues can excel because it shows that they can benefit from an education system meant to serve them.

But, when I think about the sacrifices she had to make, I cannot help but wonder how many children were affected.

What happened to her colleagues in Rupanau? Were they similarly disadvantaged by the unequal access to the resources necessary for their success? These are questions that I think about every single year when the results of these high-stakes examinations are announced. And, it is no coincidence that one of the first questions I ask when given the opportunity is to break down how children in the hinterland regions performed at the assessments. Because every year, these are concerns that do not go away and for the past year, the disparities in the education system could have worsened.

In the absence of empirical data, I rely on my conversations and interviews with teachers and children from the hinterland regions to give me an impression of the challenges faced and whether there is any progress in mitigating these challenges. That is how I know that many SEE PAGE XXVIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

Speaking to your friends and family about your issues is not a form of counselling or therapy

WHEN someone is faced with a mental illness or they’re mentally/emotionally unable to make rational decisions, many of us would like to be empathic and step in to help. Many persons would like to lend a helping hand to those in need, especially if they’re closely related.

I’m glad the virtue of compassion is alive and well, but with that said, many people are not mentally prepared to have these emotional conversations that surround mental health when someone needs help. I can understand that you’d want to help your friends, but always refer them directly to a professional. Take them yourself if you have to, but DO NOT take on the responsibility of having these conversations if you’re not prepared to.

If you enjoy helping a friend or feel you have no other choice but to help, you should not. Do not take on the responsibility of guiding someone through mental health challenges and illnesses for one simple reason—you’re not a professional. Of course, this piece of advice does

not apply to academically qualified persons in the field of mental health, such as psychologists, social workers or psychiatrists. This is applicable to the concerned friends and family of someone who “advises” or “guides’’ someone in need of professional help. This is also applicable to persons who are “practising” counselling and rehabilitation without the relevant qualifications as “backings.” I understand that in many of these cases the help offered comes from a place of good intentions, but believe me when I say it can possibly do more harm than good.

I know that some people may also be hesitant to receive professional help because of personal reasons. Perhaps, they attended counselling with a professional and it didn’t seem to help or they know of someone who has unpleasant stories to share about counsellors. Nonetheless, suppose you’re genuinely interested in helping said individuals. In that case, you can help them by enlightening them on why professional counselling or intervention is necessary, on safe intervention sites they can visit or who they can talk to if they’re in need of help. We should have faith in our mental health doctors and professionals, similar to what we have in our physical health doctors and professionals.

SEE PAGE XXVIII

XXV

XXVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PROTECTS ...

FROM PAGE XIV

No-till or reduced till methods, which involve inserting seeds directly into undisturbed soil, can reduce erosion and improve soil health. * Applying integrated pest management (IPM). A range of methods, including mechanical and biological controls, can be applied

systematically to keep pest populations under control while minimising use of chemical pesticides. * Integrating livestock and crops. Industrial agriculture tends to keep plant and animal production separate, with animals living far from the areas where their feed is

produced, and crops growing far away from abundant manure fertilisers. A growing body of evidence shows that a smart integration of crop and animal production can be a recipe for more efficient, profitable farms. * Adopting agroforestry practices. By mixing trees or

shrubs into their operations, farmers can provide shade and shelter to protect plants, animals, and water resources and potentially offer additional income.

Agriculture and the EPA In keeping with the Environmental Protection (EP) Act Cap 20:05, the Envi-

ronmental Protection Agency is responsible for overseeing the effective management, conservation, protection and improvement of the environment. The EP Act also requires that the agency take the necessary measures to ensure prevention and control of pollution; assessment of the impact of economic activities on the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources.

At the EPA, the Agricultural Programme Area is responsible for ensuring the development of standards that seek to restore and reclaim degraded agricultural lands, prevent the release of contaminants to these lands, as well as to conserve and manage the associated resources. The programme area coordinates and implements activities, including the authorisation of projects in the agricultural sector, ensuring monitoring and compliance with permit conditions, as well as responding to complaints and providing guidelines for agricultural operations.

This is all done in keeping with the Environmental Protection Act Cap 20:05, as the EPA stays committed to a strong partnership with the agricultural community to fulfil our mission of protecting human health and the environment.

Persons engaging in activities such as livestock husbandry and production; mariculture/aquaculture facilities; poultry processing; food-processing plants (including meat, fish/seafood, and fruits); rice- processing plants; or activities with a relatable field requires environmental authorisation.

To acquire an environment permit, developers/operators are required to submit:

An application form for Environmental Authorisation; * Identification of the Permit Applicant (National ID card, passport);

Proof of Land Ownership (Transport, Lease or other Agreement with the landowner or occupier, or acknowledgement of Application for Lease of State Lands from the Guyana Lands & Surveys Commission);

Map showing surrounding land uses, identification of receiving water(s) and the location of any existing or proposed intake and discharge structures and the location of any discharge;

Site Plan showing the layout of the operation;

Project Description (summary);

Business Registration/Certificate of Incorporation (if applicable); and

Any other information which the agency may require under the Environmental Protection Act, 1996 or the Environmental Protection (Authorisation) Regulations, 2000.

If you have environmental pollution issues to report, please use any one of the following methods to contact the Environmental Protection Agency. * Call our 24-hour complaint hotline number: 592-2255469; or our regional offices in Whim, Berbice;337-2201 and McKenzie, Linden; 444-2313; * Email complaint@epaguyana.org; * Or visit our offices at Ganges Street, Sophia - Georgetown, Whim – Berbice, or McKenzie – Linden.

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.

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

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

XXVII

GUYANA LOOKS FORWARD TO...

FROM PAGE XX

Competition is one of the great benefits of liberalisation and the ministry has been successfully educating the public in this regard. But there are a plethora of other iniquities which liberalisation would have extinguished and we remind our readers of some ot them: With the GTT monopoly, the cost of making overseas calls was exploitative and oppressive. This bore heavily on the poor who had to make overseas calls to contact their relatives in the diaspora. Indeed, almost all Guyanese families suffered exploitation. It was believed that the GTT charges were the highest in the world. To maintain its monopoly of high costs, GTT fiercely opposed the adoption of modern technologies such as Skype or WhatsApp, which would have made costs affordable and threatened to bring lawsuits against anyone found using such. GTT even tried to invoke the help of the state in prosecuting any users of modern technologies. Liberalisation has been able to remove this abuse. It is probably this GTT mindset that had made the Guyana industry one of the most expensive and inefficient in the world, a situation that liberalisation would rectify.

As a foreign monopoly, GTT cares far more to harvest profits than for Guyana’s national interest. One example of this was when they established a Sex Call scheme which they sold over the world. The Government and people of Guyana cried out against this immoral and illegal sex call scheme and telephone jurisdictions worldwide treated Guyana with contempt. In fact, the Scandinavian countries took a step never done before in the world of suspending telephonic contact with Guyana. It was believed that the company reaped hundreds of millions before they discontinued. The greatest irony of this episode of monopoly behaviour is when GTT refused to pay any taxes on these earnings on a variety of excuses!

GTT enjoyed duty-free status for most of their imports but the government could not exercise any effective surveillance and this opened the door to corrupt practices.

And any expenditure the company made was placed against their profits. One example of GTT trying to make a killing in this regard was when they imported 29 new motor vehicles, which would have meant tens of millions of dollars placed against their profits. Owing to the brilliant detective work done by Joseph Tyndall, the head of the PUC, it was found that the alleged new vehicles were derelicts picked up from the junkyards of Miami and sprayed over and had little or no value. The newspapers carried kaleidoscopes of this story over several days.

One of the fundamental causes of the monopoly being tempted to indulge in such corrupt behaviour was that its accounts were never disaggregated, and this opened the door to the possibilities of fraud, corruption and concealment of profits. Indeed, the company resisted the disaggregation of their accounts over the years. Now that the monopoly has ended, Guyanese would never ever again wish to go through the exploitations of a monopoly.

The only debris leftover from the monopoly is the debt of US$44 million in unpaid taxes which GTT owes the government and which they could now comfortably pay since they are a very profitable company.

Liberalisation does not merely result in competition and its benefits. It prevents the advent of exploitative abuses.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips’ words encapsulate the new spirit of optimism: “Our government’s interest is to provide for an open, liberalised and competitive sector that is attractive to new entrants with the expectation that this will result in greater choices, a better quality of service and lower prices for consumers.”

XXVIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

Children should not have ...

FROM PAGE XXIV

children, particularly those in the hinterland regions, continue to grapple with disparities in education.

After the announcement of the NGSA results, the Education Minister stated: “The children after her [Defreitas] ought not to have that problem where they need to leave their village and go somewhere else to get the benefit of a trained teacher.” And the minister who leads the education sector, publicly acknowledged these challenges and committed to improving them.

Each year, writing about these disparities in the education system is daunting. Fortunately, this year, I write this column with more hope than I usually have (which is significant because I am a hopeful person). This year, I write this column after efforts were made to provide some level of assistance to children who were disadvantaged by the virtual learning requirements of the pandemic- that is, textbooks, worksheets, and other learning materials were provided to all children.

Added to that, the Guyana Learning Channel was expanded, particularly into hinterland regions, where internet for Zoom classes and tutorials would have been a challenge. In some hinterland communities, too, smart classrooms were set up to connect the children and teachers. This meant that a group of children in Region Eight benefited from engaging a trained teacher in Region One, for example.

These interventions are not the grandiose solutions that one might expect- like providing tablets (or laptops) with unlimited data plans to all pupils or reliable electricity and internet connectivity. Still, these interventions provide children with something they would have otherwise not accessed and used. And for me, that is an important first step.

Now, we have a good opportunity to assess how effective these interventions were and what else can be done to bridge the gaps in education delivery that exist. And, as some sort of twisted silver lining, we get to take the lessons learnt from the pandemic and develop a better post-pandemic education system (and wider, better safety nets) that is exponentially more responsive to such external shocks.

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

Speaking to your friends and ...

FROM PAGE XXV If everyone could’ve been a therapist, there wouldn’t have been a need for academic, social work and psychology programmes.

The majority of us mainly trust our friends and family to allow us to be more comfortable with them to express ourselves. With that in mind, you should also be mindful of the emotions and feelings you let onto your friends and family. Some of our loved ones may be triggered easily by our stories: they might become overly emotional and attached to your issues and they might also give you biased advice and opinions about your issue. With a professional worker, there is a professional boundary set in the initial stages of the helping process.

Your counsellors are not meant to be your friends because they are there to unbiasedly and objectively help you to the best of their abilities. Maybe, you’re wondering, “so does that mean I can’t speak to my friends at all about our issues?” Of course not. You absolutely can, but in instances where the individual is showing signs of or they’re already diagnosed with severe mental illnesses such as; suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety— you should allow a professional counsellor or therapist to guide them to a safe and better place. You can support your loved ones facing mental health challenges, check in on them and show you care for them in so many other ways, but please, do not play “fixer” when serious issues are at play—it’s for the best.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

XXIX

XXX

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

XXXI

XXXII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

XXXIII

XXXIV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

THOUGHT FOR TODAY They went and told the sexton, and The sexton toll’d the bell.

THOMAS HOOD (1799-1845) Faithless Sally Br own

October 24, 2021 STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Welcome, dear friend.

Note that revision or “see again” stretches from clarifying ideas to restructuring entire paragraphs. It can be a difficult, layered process,

but dedication can get you through it successfully. Determine if your essay content is worth reading and whether it is understandable to the reader. Cross out all unnecessary information, check paragraph length, insert needed details, check grammar, and increase readability. Friend, be determined to grow in mastery of precise writing and keen language skills.

Love you.

THE PASSAGE It is easy to see, that, in entering upon the duties of a slaveholder, some little experience is needed. Nature has done almost nothing to prepare men and women to be either slaves or slaveholders.

Nothing but rigid training, long persisted in, can perfect the character of the one or the other. One cannot easily forget to love freedom; and it is as hard to cease to respect that natural love in our fellow creatures. On entering upon the career of a slaveholding business, Mrs. Auld was singularly deficient; nature, which fits nobody for such an office, had done less for her than any lady I had known. . . . I was more than chattel, and she felt me to be more than that, I could talk and sing; I could laugh and weep; I could reason and remember; I could love and hate. I was human, and she, dear lady, knew and felt me to be so. How could she then, treat me as a brute, without a mighty struggle with all the noble powers of her own soul. That struggle came, and the will and power of the husband was victorious.

Her noble soul was overthrown; but he that overthrew it did not, himself, escape the consequence. He, not less than the other parties, was injured in his domestic peace by the fall.

(Frederick Douglas’s “My Bondage and My Freedom”) Something to Do Respond to the following questions based upon the passage.

1. Give the meaning of each word or phrase: slaveholder; nothing but rigid training; slave; Mrs. Ault was singularly deficient; no easy matter.

2. Do you think that the author’s description of nature is accurate? Why or why not?

3. How did the “I” narrator show that he was human to Mrs. Ault?

4. In what ways did she

in turn feel him to be human?

5. Was it abnormal for a slave to have the ability to do the things that the author learned? Give your reasons of support.

6. “The struggle came.”

What is being alluded to by the author in this short sentence?

7. Tell about this statement including what was overthrown: “... he that overthrew it, did not himself, escape the consequences.”

8. Write a short paragraph on any aspects of this abridged paragraph. Let your study partners comment constructively upon your work.

GRAMMAR 1. More proofreading practice by paying attention to punctuation Are the following sentences punctuated correctly?

Correct any errors.

1. When Johnny finishes typing his manuscript please ask him to proofread it carefully.

2. If you need any additional information please speak with my father directly.

3. You will receive a 2 percent discount if you pay the total within ten days of the invoice date.

4. Do not approve this season’s schedule unless you are confident that it is realistic for your line of work.

5. As Mr. Henry explained he expects his kitchen garden to increase its yield to at least 98 percent by the end of this season.

6. Knowing the potency of his vegetable agricultural methodology Mr. Henry submitted a repayment plan to the loan office.

7. During the meeting with the ground staff our director explained the organizational changes that were being planned.

2. Fluency: Sentence Completion Complete each sentence by filling in each blank with a vocabulary word from the list supplied. empirical, nascent, nomadic, quandary, transcribed, semantic, benign, serenity, obstinate, capitulate, foreboding, imprecations, audaciously.

1. The small wandering tribe led a _____ life in the desert.

2. Any person who loves language might pursue ____ studies.

3. The archaeologist whom the villagers called _____ the message that was

carved on the wall of the tomb.

4. The kindly old woman had a _____ influence on her smaller children.

5. Because he accepted two invitations from its members, he soon found himself in a social _____.

6. Her obvious _____ social extroversion revealed itself before she could talk to the group.

7. Highly trained scientists use _____ evidence to accurately prove or disprove a hypothesis.

8. After midnight, the four spies crept _____ close to the enemy’s encampment.

9. As enemy shells exploded in the far distance, a sense of _____ hung over the new camp like a thick fog.

10. When the rifle jammed, the young soldier muttered _____ at his bad luck.

11. Despite the overwhelming odds facing his ragged brigade, the general refused to _____.

12. What one person would reasonably call _____ another might call courageous.

13. Searched as the reporters made, there was no _____ to be found in the troubled hearts and minds of soldiers and civilians.

GRAMMAR (Editing last week’s excerpt from a school document) Reminder: Editing is refining writing by building strengths and removing distractions and doubts.

NOTE: In the world of work today and with its advanced technology, the mastery of precise writing and keen language skills pays great dividends in many integral parts of industry.

School document: A comparison of meals served through the first six months of last year (2020) with the numbers served through the first six months of 2019 shows that last year we were approximately 25% ahead of 2019. Among the major reasons for this increase is the obvious success of our newest school project, a soup kitchen to feed needy children. All parents are delighted with the high quality and low monthly contribution toward this project, and children are equally satisfied with the delicious foods. Indeed, they do taste really well even to our parents.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021

XII

XXXV

WHEN I CAN BE A HAND TO BY HOLD KISSED DAWN III CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 8, 2021

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

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

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

How does one continue to embrace life when the body has become aged and feeble, memory sometimes floating into HER name became a urged have nothingness, whennow you need a young, strongher hand“You to hold andto go intrusion of tragedy of a different nature leaving trails part of the home and home.” theregreat was none? whendid they of her, The puppy comfort- like scattered leaves of sadThe boy took the soup but “My dad’s a nice guy, he “Yes?” “How thisspoke happen?” sheheasked herself, tearslying misting saw how their eyes lit up. ably on the rug in front of the ness, fear and loneliness. hesitated for a moment then never hurt my mother.”

“I’m sorry to disturb you in her eyes, “Why did this happen?” knewwork yet how children to provide care temperaand she had Sleepless walked away rich asked, lifestyles her hard andmuch “She is nice,” Aashi, TVher paid no heed and Shamita “Whymade don’tthem you come again,from that night so late, but Aashi’s The loneliness wassaid a deep ache in heart, craving for them,Neither they laying needed each other toforgetand companionship for again they hardwith in where sacrifices a foundation “She hasshe pretty brown eyes.” sopicking her to uphear gently, let her see they her?”came from, her matrimonial she sat up inhome bed writing ture has risen and she’s the children loved and missed much just their exile the fear and ly found any theirknow her four children into the was for the successes theyloneliness had and for “Ithe aged “And shewere knows to bake out the adults door. She barked in can’t gomother, out looking her diary when there calling fortime you. Iindon’t voices. But they gone, now matured pursuing and that love was waiting on daily schedules to spend with throes of an unknown world. achieved in their lives.

But there was no time. awesome cookies,” Aiden protest and did not run to like this” she answered pulla rapping at the door.

The what to do, can you come, careers and sharing their lives with new loves and interests. threshold. mother. hadstartled worked after areaching great heights Aing lone down added pausing littlealone beforein the thehome father, not until Shamita thetear hairtrickled over the one side She sound her long and for their a please?”

The mother nowalived where they had The mirror on their the wall That The nightquiver as sheinlaid every day build a her wrinkled face, a face still hoursmoment world, continuing, “Just likelife. mom.” stepped out the of her face. she to froze, wonderhisinvoice shared a beautiful family She had moulded anddoor. guided in the business bed, she looked at the paintnice little home with comfort beautiful“My never mind her age The father froze in his He was standing patient- knew. dad can take you in ing who could be at the door and the tearful look on AidShamita drew the cur- his car,” he suggested. work and did not say any- ly at the gate and raised his then she heard the children’s en’s face touched her heart thing for a long moment, hand a little to say “Thank tains open halfway and light A glimmer of fear flashed father’s voice. deeply and she said without such was the deep effect of you,” but she turned and streamed into the little coun- in her eyes and the child “Can I speak to you, hesitation, “Just give me a his son’s words. Then he walked in the house. Some- try house, fresh air through asked, “Why are you so please?” moment.” responded with the hint of a how she did not feel that the open windows seeming afraid of him?”

She wondered how he got To be continued… smile, “That’s nice.” intense fear on seeing him to breathe new life into her.

She did not answer, not in, then remembered giving He did not sleep well, and in her mind she could In the afternoon, the children sure what to tell the child, but Aiden a key to the gate and Pic saved as fables capagain, that night, the chil- not deny his casual good stopped by Aashi bringing a he was a smart kid and at the opening the window she an- tion: Prasad photography dren’s joy replaying in his looks that any woman would picture for her she had drawn door he said to her, swered ih a concerned tone, mind, knowing how much notice. She sighed deeply as in class. As the children they missed having a mother. she stood in front the mirror enjoyed the special chicken For the past three years since and pulled off the veil, letting dish she had prepared for them, Shamita noticed the she was gone he had never it fall slowly to the floor. little girl’s paleness. thought of another wom“One day at a time…”

“Are you feeling okay, an until now. Someone the That evening she called children became attracted to, her younger sister, “Can you Aashi?”

The child shook her who in their little hearts was come when you have the head, “Not too good.” special. time? I need a hair cut.”

Shamita checked her “I wonder, though,” he She had her hair cut in a mused, “How can she em- different style so it partially temperature and the reading brace them in her heart when hid the scars on her face, giv- showed above normal.

“I think you’re developshe is battling her own prob- ing her a new look. A change lems?” had begun much to her tear- ing a fever.”

The child stretched her A few streets away, ful mother’s relief and, now, arms out to Shamita, “Can I Shamita laid in bed sleepless since that horrific attack, she stay with you, please?” too, thinking of the children. saw her daughter smile.

“Yes you can,” she said and she lifted a trembling for them and today, instead ing on the wall facing her and She just couldn’t get their sad “Thank you, dear Lord,” hand to wipe it. A hand that of holding her hand, like a smile touched her lips, lessfaces out of her mind when she whispered, “For sending hugging her, “But I think your dad would need you was once strong, that held her she had held theirs, they ening the pain in her heart. they mentioned the loss of two little angels in her life to home to take care of you.” children’s small ones every turned their backs, leaving It was the picture of three their mother. help her heal.”

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

“Such a great loss,” she The thoughts of the chilthem, she watched the chil- A wry smile crossed A choked sob escaped in the garden and her mother thought, “Their father must dren’s father were no differhave been…” ent, for since his children met dren go, concerned about theher face and a faraway look her lips and once again she standing not far off with a shone in her eyes as her whispered, “It’s time for me bucket of fresh vegetables She turned her face in the Shamita, something changed little girl, sorry she couldn’t thoughts took her back to a to come home, dear Lord, on her arm, smiling warmly pillow to shut out the thought for them. They were more have the child stay with her. as she watched her children. time when she was a young there’s nothing left here.” of him, but the children and cheerful, not because he Aiden stopped by in the A portrait that captured The nurse aid got up and woman. She was so full of the puppy would bring the wasn’t a good father, but morning before he went to life, like a butterfly with took her hand, urging her a simple life and a beautiful father close to her. because they missed the love school to give her an update amazing colours and a sim- gently, “Come on, Sharda, family.

One late morning, whilst and care of a mother. Sitting on Aashi.

“Her fever got a little “You have left so long ple, little home filled with it’s time for your meal and the children were at school, alone on the upper veranago, mother,” she said in a love, then her father gave medication.”

Crystal ran away from home dah, an empty chair next to higher, so dad is taking her She sighed and looking weak voice, “I can’t rememher hand in marriage to a again and Shamita hearing him, he thought of the young to the doctor.”

But two days passed and rice farmer’s son; a new life up at the nurse. She inquired, ber much for now I have the barking opened the door woman, grown too old.” as a bride and later, a young puzzled, “Who are you?” for her. During the lunch “She seems nice and kind the child still had not reThe brother and sister “I’m Jeanette,” the wommother. Paths she had walked period, she heard a familiar but she lives with such fear, I covered from the fever despite the doctor’s treatment. paved with love, compassion, an answered patiently, as she playing with her had also car at the gate and knew the can’t even talk to her.” tears and pain, episodes of assisted her to her feet, “Your left, their names now written children’s father was looking But fate had designed Shamita made a healthy vegon tombstones whilst she, the her life written on the leaves nurse aid.” for the puppy. their lives to cross for their etable soup for her and gave it to Aiden, “This should be youngest, waited still alone.

“Oh,” she exclaimed softof time.

“Come on Crystal,” she life stories were similar. The good for her.”

“Whisper my name, Then one day, fourteen ly, a momentary lapse in her

XXXVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 24, 2021