Pepperpot E-Papaer 29-08-2021

Creating her own treasures

- Paulette Rose’s collection Paulette Rose is a retired Visual Arts/Craft teacher and a resident of Canvas City, Linden. With 24 years of service in the profession, Rose is now making use of her spare time by using everyday things found around the house and yard and making them into treasure pieces that serve as keepsakes and decorations (Carl Croker photo)

Sunday August 29, 2021

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 29, 2021

The Youth and Social Development Initiative in Blairmont is helping children develop skills amidst the pandemic

T H E Youth and Social Development Initiative is a project founded in November 2020 in light of the academic and social challenges faced by children due to the restrictions of the pandemic. The project offers children assistance in challenging academic areas in the community of Blairmont, West Berbice.

The sessions and activities provided by this project equip children with the knowledge and skills they’ll need to develop into well-rounded youths through extracurricular activities such as yoga, arts and craft, sports (cricket and volleyball)—just to name a few. In a matter of months, the project gained momentum and expanded from just a few participants to a total of fifteen children and five youth volunteers. Aside from moulding children, the project is also committed to working with youths in offering them the skills set and knowledge to become self-sufficient.

Most recently, three young women established their very own small business, Handmade Arts. They sell handmade accessories made from yarn and they were able to capitalise on the knitting and crocheting skills that they would’ve gained from the sewing classes offered in this project. The project gained the support of the local authorities and

private sponsors both locally and overseas, as they would’ve seen the positive impact of this project on the youths of Blairmont. It has also gained recognition from various Government ministries such as the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports and would’ve been moving assiduously towards accessing the resources offered to ensure that the children and youths can benefit.

Currently, a major challenge is mobilising resources amidst a pandemic to accommodate the increasing number of children joining the programme. That’s one of the major limitations at this point in addition to the restrictions that the COVID-19 pandemic poses on the number of persons allowed in one gathering.

While the youth and social development initiative is temporarily on hold due to the covid-19 virus, work is still being done to ensure its sustainability.

A youth group was recently established by the youth volunteers of this project. This will aid in managing this project and future projects. Like most projects, this Youth and Social Development Initiative thrives on collaboration. As such, the project managers have been working on collaborating with a number of organisations to offer a variety of learning experiences for the youths. They recently

The participants of the Youth and Social Development Initiative after an introductory robotics session

collaborated with a member of STEM Guyana, Bradley Downer. He introduced the children to robotics through interactive sessions.

Seeta Dalloo is the founder and project coordinator of the Youth and Social Development Initiative. When the Pepperpot Magazine asked her what impact she hopes to make

The children of the Youth and Social Development Initiative during an arts and craft session

in her community with this project, Seeta said, “This project was about offering what I felt was missing from the lives of these children. I grew up being taught the value of a sound education, but I was also privileged to have been exposed to a number of extracurricular activities which contributed to my

confidence building, my leadership qualities and my creativity”. She further went on to say, “My Ultimate goal is to create a program or project that will offer avenues for children and youths to develop the social skills and the confidence they need to be future leaders, entrepreneurs and project man-

agers. Additionally, as a social worker and a child’s rights advocate, my objective is to bring awareness to the social issues we are faced with in society and coping mechanisms one can implement. I believe that we can effect positive change by empowering the young generation.”

Youth volunteers of the Youth and Social Development Initiative

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 29, 2021

Saving the Rupununi’s Hoary-Throated Spinetail and Rio Branco Antbird

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- SRCS has a conservation action plan!

By Telesha Ramnarine

THROUGH its latest project, the South Rupununi Conservation Society (SRCS) is fighting to save

ia) – that can be found nowhere else in the world except on a tiny section of the Guyana-Brazil border.

While a population estimate has been done on

The team at the end of the month-long expedition along the Ireng and Takutu Rivers

The team searching for the birds

two critically endangered species of birds – the Hoary-throated Spinetail (Synallaxis Kollari) and the Rio Branco Antbird (Cercomacra Carbonar-

the Brazil side, it has never been done in Guyana and it has been found that people in the Rupununi, and even those who are into tourism, have never heard of these

birds.

Learning of the threats to the birds and worried that a possible extinction is imminent if immediate conservation actions are not taken, the SRCS decided to conduct a population estimate for both species and only just completed a month-long expedition along the Ireng and Takutu Rivers where both species are endemic to a small stretch of gallery forest.

The SRCS has found that even as other species such

as the Red Siskin, Sun Parakeet and the Great-Billed Seed-Finch are considered endangered, what is happening with the two species in question is even more serious.

Wi t h f u n d i n g f r o m Conservation International Guyana and ReWild, SRCS conducted the intense river expedition from mid-July to the third week of August, led by Jeremy Melville, scientific advisor from the USA Dr. Brian O’Shea and eight SRCS rangers (Angelbert

Senior SRCS Rangers Asaph Wilson and Abraham Ignace looking for the birds

The Rio Branco Antbird (Photos compliments of SRCS)

Johnny and Frank Johnny from Sawariwau Village; Asaph Wilson, Nathaneel Wilson and Samuel Cyril from Katoonarib Village; Flavian Thomas from Rupunau Village; Dereck David from Sand Creek Village; and Abraham Ignace from

Shulinab Village).

Travelling up and down the rivers, the team implemented a scientific methodology to estimate the population of both species and assessed the threats, finding a lot of habitat destruction for SEE PAGE XXIV

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 29, 2021

Independent living skills camp for youths with disabilities successfully held

By Telesha Ramnarine EVER since 2017, the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) has been hosting an independent living skills camp for young persons with disabilities. With in-person meetings now out of the question, it becomes a wonder that the camp was still able to be pulled off - and quite successfully at that.

Perhaps some of the most resilient members of society, those living with disabilities who participated in the five-day camp, continue to defy the odds against them with ingenious ideas, determined efforts, and a striving towards achieving the very things that just about anyone else can.

The organisers and participants of the camp made the pandemic no issue this year and decided to host it virtually, even as questions abounded as to just how skills training would take place for those with disabilities in a virtual setting.

Previously, the participants would meet as a group at an outdoor location, perhaps beside a pool or in a

park, and be assisted by professionals. This time, though, everyone was logging in from home. But wouldn’t you know? It seems that the participants thoroughly enjoyed and benefitted from the sessions like any other year.

“This was one of the best camps we had because the engagements and interactions were overwhelming. It was beyond our expectations and people were sad that it was ending,” GCOPD Programme Coordinator Ganesh Singh said on Friday.

The camp saw participants who were between the ages of 14 and 22 from all across Guyana. “For the first few camps, it was focused on Regions 3, 4 and a few from 10. Going virtually this year provided us with the opportunity to include more people from other regions, so we had participants from Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 10,” Singh explained.

A total of 48 youths benefitted from the sort of skills training that can help them lead more independent lives; they were exposed to mobility skills and other areas that are critical to their overall development.

“It was not just about

lecturing and learning, learning, learning all the time but it was a mix of activities,” Singh pointed out.

“After the session, they had a scavenger hunt to take a picture of something in their home and post it in a particular group and the persons with the most creative pictures won prizes. At other times they were told to wear their favourite shirt and take a pic with certain items. We had the benefit of external judges and the participants were able to win tablets, speaker boxes, etc.” Singh continued.

A bag with practical items needed for the camp was sent to each of the participants, thus making it more enjoyable and fun for them.

Mekyla Belgrave, a 17-year-old participant who is blind, expressed that the camp was a lot of fun and very informative. She enjoyed the sessions on mental health issues, the concert and the comedy show.

The GCOPD is really appreciative of the cash grants of $25,000 for persons living with disabilities and said that the electricity one-month subsidy would also prove very beneficial. “It must

Participants for the first time benefitted from a virtual camp this time around

Mekyla Belgrave

be underscored that this initiative…is a significant one that will bring much needed financial relief to an impoverished, marginalised community. It must be highlighted that the majority of persons with disabilities did not benefit from the COVID-19 cash grant that was given at the end of last year. The GCOPD is pleased that this new cash relief measure is specific and targeted to the community,” GCOPD said.

As an umbrella body for 24 Disabled People Organisations (DPOs) across Guyana, GCOPD appreciates the various measures that have recently been implemented. It is the umbrella body that represents the majority of DPOs from across Guyana, working in advocacy and capacity building.

Although held virtually, participants thoroughly enjoyed the camp

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 29, 2021

Skills Training in psychology integral for Guyana’s Development

By Dillon Goring S T U D I E S have shown that the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected people all over the world, has had a significant toll on people’s mental health.

Against this backdrop, it can be argued that there is a need for psychological skills training to properly manage and cope with persons who are mentally affected as a result of the global pandemic.

Anju Vivekanandaraj

Anju Vivekanandaraj, MSc., PG. Dip. is a practising Clinical Psychologist and Founder of Inner peace Counseling and Psychotherapy services in Guyana. She holds a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Malwanchal University of India.

Vivekanandaraj is also trained in Inner Peace Psychotherapy and Counseling services and is certified in EQ (Emotional Intelligence) Practitioner and regional network leader of EQ (6Sec-

onds) in Guyana.

During an interview with Pepperpot Magazine, Vivekanandaraj revealed that during the pandemic, many people were missing the kind of support systems they had before COVID hit. As a result, they have not been able to adjust to the new norms brought on by the pandemic as yet.

“There are still people, who are still afraid to go out.

People lack the support system they were having before:

socialising, getting along, meeting friends- so it is difficult for everyone being within the home, not able to do the things, we would like to do,” she explained.

“During these times, it was difficult for people on many different levels, nurses, doctors and even on relationship levels. It means, therefore, that persons need to receive the type of psychological and social support [that would be] really helpful.”

She noted that since the genesis of her practise, she has been focusing on mindfulness sessions and the impact it has had on managing your emotions.

“I have been doing some sessions, psychological skills training for prisoners and for prison officers. And that is something that people do not have an idea of how mindfulness skills can really help them to manage their emotions, especially the influence that they have.

It has been a really exciting session, so that is one thing I would like to emphasise on and apart from that, I have do something called ‘social emotional learning’,” she said.

Social Emotional Learning, she explained, is where children learn to manage their emotions and develop their relationship skills.

This, she added, needs to be taught in schools across the country.

What is needed for Guyana’s Children?

Vivekanandaraj noted during her interview that addressing mental health issues in children is very critical this time.

She was careful to mention that when children learn to manage their emotions at a very early age, they are more than equipped to manage issues in a much better way.

“We need a lot of qualified, well-trained people in Guyana, when it comes to mental health services.

I am glad that recently the Ministry of Education has done something which is a scholarship for many people. Many have an interest in psychology development, which is welcoming news. It speaks to the fact that we can have qualified people work-

ing in mental health institutions,” Vivekanandaraj told the Pepperpot Magazine.

However, Vivekanandaraj reiterated the fact that more needs to be done when

it comes to skill-based training for psychologists.

She emphasised the point that skill-based training can be beneficial to all and sundry at all levels.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 29, 2021

Canvas City A picturesque, hilltop village

Canvas City Village (Carl Croker Photos)

By Michel Outridge THIS week the Pepperpot Magazine visited the hilltop village of Canvas City, Wismar, Linden, in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) to highlight the way of life of the locals and the village.

It is a scenic, like out of a magazine kind of village with remnants of a yesteryear feel to it but the people are the nicest and it is a very safe neighbourhood to lead a

good family life.

The village is sandy, hilly with many back alleys, nooks and crannies leading from one place to another and is a community where the people are vying for self-reliance to earn.

Canvas City is located between Half Mile and One Mile villages and has a population of about 3, 000 and a lot of children.

The village extends from New Silver City Nursery

School by the bridge, the entrance and ends at the junction just before One Mile Village, a larger community.

The village has churches, a Nursery School, a hotel, a Resource Centre constructed by the people and serves as a place for skills training by local volunteers and other buildings making up the housing section of the comSEE PAGE XXIX

Focus on the Village

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 29, 2021

The people of Canvas City Village

By Michel Outridge L E A N D R I E Richards called “Boom Bread” is the face behind his family business, Triple L Bakery in Linden, established by

himself and two sisters 21 years ago. He goes around the community in a minibus he converted into a food van selling bread, pastries, snacks and food daily.

Richards was neatly

Block-maker/farmer, Quacy Richmond

dressed in his apron and he seemed very happy at what he was doing, he had parked at the side of the road in Canvas City, Wismar, Linden and was selling egg ball, pholurie, channa, puri and curry, local fruit juices, cookup-rice and fried chicken.

He explained that the minibus vending is just a part of the business since they are also caterers, sell pastries and bread daily at Amelia’s Ward Bus Park in McKenzie and they do daily bread and pastrY distribution in Linden.

Richards added that, on different days, they prepare various foods and the prices are very affordable and it is also very tasty and wholesome.

Triple L Bakery has in its employment 14 workers and Richards and his sisters, Lyndana and Latoya collectively manage the business.

The bakery is located at 28 Half Mile, Wismar, Linden but Richards and his employees are out on the road doing sales and distribution daily to market the products to keep the business afloat.

Armed with good music, a pleasant, easy-going personality and a humble attitude Richards goes about his business relatively easy and he seems to love what he does to make an honest living.

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Vendor, Monica Holligan

Block-making Quacy Richmond is a block-maker and a cash crop farmer, who also has some creole fowls and would employ two persons whenever he can.

The father of two reported that he makes both four and six-inch cement blocks based on orders and also have them in stock for buyers.

He invested in a block-making mould three months ago and is seeing the returns slowly due to the

and to survive in Linden, you have to do more than one job.

“I feel empowered having my own small business because jobs are hard to get and being a farmer alone cannot sustain my home and family,” he said.

Richmond is very generous with the little he has and would seek out the young men in the village and employ them and teach them the trade of block-making free of charge so they can be equipped with a life skill to earn.

The vendor

and fruits.

The 56-year-old stated that she has been a resident of Canvas City for the past 35 years and where she resides doesn’t have a road, just a sand trail, so getting in and out with her produce to sell is a tall task.

She is still re-building her house which was totally destroyed by fire in 2019 and is living a day at a time despite many challenges.

Holligan stated that to get building materials to her home is not easy and vehicles do not want to go there because there is no road and

Leandrie Richards of Triple L Bakery (Carl Croker photos)

Focus on the Village

Blocks in stock

stagnant economic state in that region.

The 37-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that life is good once there is work

Monica Holligan is self-employed and has a roadside stall where she sells ground provision, vegetables

one is needed.

She started the roadside vending a few months ago SEE PAGE XIII

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 29, 2021

Canvas City poultry farmer is giving back to his village in a meaningful way

By Michel Outridge WHEN he would no longer find work as a welder, Lawrence Rigby did not sit idly by but got up and did what he knew to bring a dollar in the home.

The 40-year-old is from

came from humble beginnings and he knows the value of things so he is doing his part to give back to society by selling his neighbours plucked chickens at wholesale prices.

“Since I know myself growing up, my mom al-

in the village supports him and they buy bulk chickens for an unbeatable price.

So with a ready-made market, the poultry farmer told the Pepperpot Magazine that life is good because he turned what would have been ‘dead end’ for him when his

Home of poultry farmer, Lawrence Rigby

Lawrence Rigby at his chicken pens (Carl Croker photos)

place to have an odour of chicken dung.

“The hardest part of rearing chickens is changing the water and feeding the birds plus spraying the pens for bacteria and odours,” he said.

Souring feed and shavings also takes time and when he has to get baby chicks he

things and we resolve issues quickly without any conflicts,” he said.

Rigby added that living in Canvas City for 40 years he doesn’t see it any other way than giving back to his community which is most fitting.

“When you have, you must give, to be blessed

downside of the poultry business is when it rains too much because the chickens would get cramps and cold, and some would die. On other occasions, animals in the community would also get loose and break in his pens and eat his chickens.

But he would work things

Some of the chicken pens in Lawrence Rigby’s yard

Canvas City, Wismar, Linden and he picked up where his mother left off following her demise, rearing chickens.

He took control of the chicken rearing business in his backyard with four pens that house 1,000 chicks.

The father of two told the Pepperpot Magazine that he

ways had a small chicken business so I learned from her how to take care of the baby chicks until they attain the age of six weeks old then you can pluck them to sell,” he said.

Rigby doesn’t have to go anywhere to sell his plucked chickens because the people

welding career came to a halt and started his own small business.

Rigby reported that rearing chickens is a full-time job because the chicken pens needs to be cleaned and fresh shavings needs to be added often since it is a residential area and he doesn’t want the

Focus on the Village

would commute to the city at a reputable hatchery in Middle Street to buy 1,000 to rear every six weeks.

Having lived all his life in Canvas City Village, Rigby is familiar with everybody and it is a nice neighbourhood because the people live neighbourly and they relate to each other and have that bond and unity unlike any other.

“Being humble and simple is the way to go around here and we get along with everybody simply because we talk to each other about

because we need each other to survive and that’s how people should live,” he said.

Rigby stated that he used to reside in his mother’s house which is located in the same yard and he was able to construct his own house and moved out.

Part of his chicken business is at his sister’s place right in Linden and they have their own understanding as family because he doesn’t want to crowd his chickens in one place.

He explained that the

out with the owners and resolve matters swiftly in their own way.

Rigby added that living peacefully is all about being humble and understanding and things will be good wherever you live.

The poultry farmer stated that having a small business, no matter how small it is a blessing because working with yourself is convenient despite the challenges but it is a sure dollar at the end of the day even if the returns are not forthcoming right away.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 29, 2021

Creating her own treasures - Paulette Rose’s collection

By Michel Outridge

PAULETTE Rose, a retired Visual Arts/Craft teacher, who has 24 years of service in the profession is making use of her time by utilising every space in her home and yard to beautify the place and do things to enhance her colourful life.

She retired eight years ago but would still visit the Wisburg Secondary School or others schools in the region to volunteer her services in Visual Arts/Craft department.

The 63-year-old is full of energy and loves to make things from bits and pieces found around her home.

This multi-talented retiree spent 24 years in both the primary and secondary schools in Linden and is highly respected among her peers and in the village.

The mother of three would tend to her plants and kitchen garden in the yard when she has the time besides that she is a full-time seamstress and an interior decorator who spends a lot of time on organising and keeping the home tidy and everything to its place.

Rose is a very humble person, who also makes her own home-made medicine for cold and other ailments with tamarind, cold bushes around the yard with spices and cloves.

Apart from doing all this, she also does her own cooking and cleaning and even have some time to tend to her grandchildren, she has a daughter, who lives in an apartment in the same house so her son would be over all the time.

“The best part of living here is the neighbours are nice people and they do not meddle but would support you in any way and we look out for each other and this is a place where you feel very safe and protected because the people are very vigilant,” she said.

Rose told the Pepperpot Magazine that if you ask for help you will get it and if you shout everybody will come running out.

She reported that Canvas City is a tightly knitted village and as a Craft Teacher she taught at Wisburg Secondary School and One Mile Primary School but she

Some decorative pieces made by Paulette Rose and is part of her home (Carl Croker photos)

prefer teaching at the secondary level and would often volunteer at the schools in craft and visual arts projects.

Rose is well-versed in

drawings and her creative talents are put to work at home. When she has the time she would make things for the home. One example

Focus on the Village

of this is taking an old telephone directory and adding some paint to make it into a lovely vase with artificial flowers for the table in the sitting room.

The Canvas City resident also decorated her flatscreen television that stopped working. She would knit chair backs in our country colours and sew chair coats and covers.

“As a child I had the skills set ingrained in me and I would think up making things in my head and then get to work with my hands and make things with the ideas that I have and it has never failed me,” she said.

Rose would use everyday things found around the house and yard considered trash and make them into treasure pieces that serve as

keepsakes and decorations.

If there is anything to do with cloth she would sew it for customers and would make plant pots, tables, covers, coats and just about anything and even decorated her own home making it very cosy.

Rose did not waste time in making use of every space SEE PAGE XXVIII

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 29, 2021

God’s Revival Ministry Church - Giving back to society despite challenges

By Michel Outridge SENIOR Pastor Murlene Dowding is attached to God’s Revival Ministry Church located in Canvas City, Wismar, Linden and is doing all she can to minister to the people even during the pandemic which has been taxing on everyone.

She explained that with schools out they have been trying to engage the children in church activities to keep them occupied but still have all COVID-19 protocols in place.

When the team visited they had a practice session for an upcoming virtual concert over the weekend.

Dowding added that they would meet in small groups on different days for worship service and they have a few meetings in between. She related that the church has been struggling since it is an old building which needs to be re-painted and fenced and they have been trying to maintain their feeding programme but needs a little help with the essentials.

This church also has a choir and band and presently the aged band needs to be replaced with a new one and are hoping that they would receive a donation to assist in that regard.

For adult membership they have about 40 while they have about 30 children in attendance.

Senior Pastor Dowding reported that after two pastors died and another took over she was trained for the position she currently holds and took over from Pastor

Mariah, who is ministering at a church on the East Bank Demerara.

The journey to pastorhood has been challenging but she is still learning and finds peace in serving God. Meanwhile, Pastor Roger Rogers told the Pepperpot Magazine that he would lend support to the youth arm of the church to ensure they practice and whatever events they have are successful.

He was in the process of supervising the recital of dancing, ballroom dancing, slow and fast dances, and poetry, singing, solo and group songs for this weekend’s concert.

Rogers stated that God’s Revival Ministry Church has been in existence for more than 50 years and it is a weathered building that needs upgrading but finances are tight.

The Pastor added that they are playing their part in the community by giving back through their feeding programme and many activities for the children.

“This church is the light in the village and we practice what we preach in fostering peace, unity, harmony and togetherness among the people and members,” he said.

Rogers pointed out that during this period, they have engaged the children in church activities such as film shows, concerts and talent shows, wholesome family entertainment.

He reported that the door of the church is always open and anyone can visit to be counselled, to have a talk or worship and reach out to him

God’s Revival Ministry Church in Canvas City (Carl Croker photos)

or any member if they feel the need.

Rogers noted that the concert which was scheduled for August 28 from 14:00hrs to 18:00hrs would be staged in the auditorium of the church and would be a live programme to avoid any large gatherings and more than 25 children were expected to participate.

The Pastor was in church devoting his time and expertise to assist the children in pulling off a good show.

Rogers is from West Watooka and he is a respected resident and member of the church.

Senior Pastor, Murlene Dowding and Pastor Roger Rogers

He disclosed that God’s Revival Ministry is a church with a lot of elders and they are working with the youths to take control of the services.

“With the pandemic we realised that as a church we had to do something to keep the children occupied so we

organised shows and concert to have them busy,” he said.

Rogers stated that the church is a part of the community and they are doing what they can with limited resources to minister and reach out to the people to fulfil their mandate as a religious

organisation.

The pastor noted that the church is there to stay and they are willing to partner with other agencies and the private sector to upgrade the building and launch newer initiatives to give back to society.

Focus on the Village

The children in a practice session for their upcoming concert

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 29, 2021 XII

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 8, 2021

PART III A HAND TO HOLD LIKE PEBBLES IN A STREAM

For tiredness lies On my lids My body like a Broken goblet The Earth can feel No more my feet BUT therecome washome, a ques“Okay,” sighed, “So I must dear Lord,” was theshe hoarse pleanot tioning eyeslying too it wasona the good idea. from the lips look of the in old his woman, insure a recliner patio. and did not nurse miss the theybyneared The she middle-aged aid sittingAs close readingthe thecar tinge of inquired disappointment was in the Reserved Parknewspaper of the oldinwoman, his voice when he asked, ing section, she drew in “What is it, Sharda?”

“You’re and blue exclaimed She did married?” not answer, looking her up atbreath the clear sky, “No…no.” sheher answered quietly, “Darn, that’s a suher eyes not so dim, hearing still fine. She could see the a bitflowers hesitantly perb car.” lovely bloomand andadded hear the sweet songs of the birds in a short “At least It was a Jaguar. herafter garden, but pause, her love and passion for nature were slowly not anymore.”

The boys were excited fading away.

Shedoes looked a little riding life in awhen luxury How one away continue to embrace the car, bodyexhe could notand seefeeble, the flash pressing their joy, into “Nice hasso become aged memory sometimes floating of pain inwhen her eyes, always car,strong nice hand car!” to until nothingness, you need a young, holdShauna and ignited by that question. there was none? gave them a soft warning to “How didI this happen?” she “Oh, understand,” he asked stay herself, calm. tears misting in her eyes, did this happen?” said, but “Why with some relief in Naren looked at her and Thevoice. loneliness was a deep acheasked, in her“Comfortable?” heart, craving for his the children she loved missed so much just to then hearsaid, their“It The boys were and looking She nodded voices.

Butwith theyquiet were interest, gone, nowdoesn’t maturedseem adults pursuing at him real.” careers and sharing theirtolives lovesdoesn’t?” and interests. not pulling her arms leavewith new “What The mother nowother lived alone homefor where like whenever guys in theAnd the they first had time, shared a beautiful family hadspoke moulded and “You guidedand wanted to talk to her. life. Sheshe boldly, So this now was her the car.” move but before she could He smiled, understandsay anything, Naren asked, ing her doubts and said, “Are you just coming in or “It will feel real when your leaving?” mind can accept it.”

“We were just leaving.”

She thanked him upon “I am here with a few reaching home and was friends,” he said, “But I saying ‘Good night’, when could give you a ride home Alex asked, “Would you like if you’d like.” to see my race car?”

“Thanks, but we’ll take “No, he doesn’t,” Shaua mall taxi.” na said quickly, ushering The boys were now pull- them up the stairs. ing her arms to say ‘Yes’ to Naren shook his head, a the ride and she looked at little amused at her haste to them with a little disbelief. see him go.

“Well?” Naren asked.

“The kids seem to like

me, but you don’t.”

“No, it’s not that, it’s just…” she left the sentence unfinished, not sure how to them, herit.hard work and explain sacrifices a foundation “It’slaying okay,” he accepted, fornot thewanting successes they her to feelhad presachieved their lives. But sured orinuncomfortable. after reaching heights “We cangreat always talk in again the business world, sometime overtheir lunch or dinner.”

She smiled warmly and shook her head, “I don’t know, maybe.”

That night she laid in bed sleepless for a long while, the burdens of her past still stuck in her mind.

“Can the present help me to move on?”

The next day, during her lunch break, she phoned Rachel, close friends from since high school, for a little advice on Naren.

“Girl,” Rachel advised her, “A guy like that doesn’t just walk into a woman’s

life every day.”

“I guess I have to,” ShauSo Shauna accepted Na“I don’t know much na replied with a deep sigh, ren’s invitation for dinner rich lifestyles made them she had walked away from children to provide care and about him, though,” “But I am afraid of being on Saturday evening. As forget where they came from, her matrimonial home with companionship for they hard“Well, there’s only one hurt again.” she readied herself, she took and for the aged mother, her four children into the ly found any time in their way to find out and you have “It’s just a date,” Rachel some time to look at her rethroes of an unknown world. daily schedules to spend with there was no time. to be bold and take a chance continued, “And from there, flection in the mirror.

She had worked long their mother.

A lone tear trickled down you can move onstill with hours you every take it day one step at a time That night she laid to build a hersowrinkled face, a face SEE as PAGE XIVin your life.” if you’d like.” beautiful never mind her age nice little home with comfort bed, she looked at the paint-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The kind woman had been with her for the past three years, financed by the

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

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

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

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

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

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

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 29, 2021

SEE PAGE XIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 29, 2021

The people of Canvas...

XIII

Vending in Canvas City

Sherry Sobers

FROM PAGE VII but is hanging in despite the small business being slow.

Shop owner Down the road, is the home and small shop of Sherry Sobers and her extended family.

The 50-year-old has a grocery shop which she started three years ago and the village people would make

purchases.

Sobers is a very friendly woman, who has been in Canvas City for the past 50 years, a local, who will remain in the village.

The mother of three says she is very comfortable and the neighbourhood is very safe and is a good place to live.

Sandra Trotman Sandra Trotman resides in another section of Canvas

City Village and is wellknown. She is the Treasurer of God’s Revival Ministry Church in the community and has a small shop.

The mother of two serves as the village leader and has

been in the community for more than 20 years.

She is originally from Silvertown, a neighbouring village.

Trotman describes life in Canvas City Village as good

because the people are nice and it is a very safe place to reside.

“The people cooperate and do things to enhance the village and everybody looks out for one another and if you

call out for help the entire village would come out,” she said.

Trotman has a blossoming kitchen garden and does all her household chores including, cooking.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 29, 2021

LIKE PEBBLES ...

FROM PAGE XI A beautiful woman indeed she was, with big, brown eyes and a dimpled smile, but somehow since the separation she had lost interest in herself and in life.

The beautiful dresses in her wardrobe hung there untouched but tonight she will wear one.

He arrived in time to pick her up and as she came down the stairs, the stunned look on his face said more than words could. She looked chic in a close-fitted, little black dress and he found his voice to say, “Simply stunning.”

Dinner at the Marriott was a beautiful affair with sumptuous cuisine and merlot wine. She had felt a little tense but the ambience of the place as well as his charming personality gave her a relaxed feeling.

“There’s a glow on your face,” he said, “So your mind is starting to accept this is real?”

She sipped the wine and putting down her glass she looked at him with a smile that came from deep within her,

for something new had shaken the pebbles.

“I like this, thank you.”

The admiration she had seen in his eyes that night, now seemed deeper and he said, “This could be the beginning for you to start living life a little more.”

She sipped the wine again and said with a slight sombre look, “It’s not that easy for me.”

He knew she was cautious with life because of the challenges she faced being a single mother and he said, “It’s because of your sons, isn’t it?”

“Yes, they are my world and without a father in the picture, I have to live my life for them.”

He reached across the table and touched her hand.

“The first time I saw you, I felt a compelling attraction to your simple, beautiful look, the way you laugh, and now your smile.”

She couldn’t find words to say, to tell him that she hadn’t believed that, that she felt she was not such a lucky girl, but the overwhelming relief and joy she felt in her heart reflected in her eyes for him to see.

“I am willing to give you my hand, Shauna, to hold so

you can gain the mental strength you need.”

“What about when you leave?”

“I’m not leaving,” he said confidently, “I am here to look for new business prospects in the Tourism sector.”

“That’s interesting.”

He took her home, not too late and at the door, he asked her, “So, do I get another date?”

She smiled and answered, a teasing glint in her eyes.

“Maybe.”

He kissed her lightly, “Good night.”

And so it began for Shauna, living her life for something better as she became closer to Naren and the boys were elated having a male figure in their lives. Their little hearts had spoken for them the first moment they saw him.

As the days went by she managed to unburden the past from her mind and embraced the refreshing change to love again.

And as he held her hand, she held the hands of her little sons.

XIII XV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday,February August 29, CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ―― Sunday, 28,2021 2021

ON THE AWARENESS THE AESTHETIC AND THE LAWSOF OF GUYANA THE ‘BEING’ OF OUR YOUNG NATION Part II

SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO THE PUBLIC CONSCIOUSNESS

I N this article, I have subsequent to that, the raised the question and transport was passed to even wrote the then Min- Andy Mongoose, all would ister of Education on the conclude that the matter question of including most was a subject of history. likely areas of the legal But how then the sursystem that the ordinary real ascends the stage. Deman concerned with his ity Dagon steps back into own livelihood could pos- time, obviously to the period sibly encounter, and suffer ‘legally lost to no-action dire consequences, if he/ taken’. However, Dagon has no awareness of is in the DaINshe concluding this discussion, which is present; intendedthus, to raise the CSEC subject Office is aspiring to have the questions within the of reader and gon inspire responsible actions Procedure.

Thenacquire I referred very passed Transport to among those that decision making positions or are already we cannot arriveAndy at a sensible without conto thethere, inclusion and exMongoose set aside. siderations brief flashback, weismust planation in ofretrospect. the ‘PowerSo of in aThe question is, how this recognise, what have lost to our physical Attorney’ andwethe ‘Letter possible?

Itmemory must bereferconence and use thisMy as inspiration, ablelaws to raise of archive, administration.’ templatedtoifbethe are a natural alarm, a connection to the aesthetic sensitivity interest in this article is the logical in its conclusions, alerting us to the fact that we need to have a historical ‘Letterinofrespect abandonment’. then howascan the illogical memory to our surroundings, buildings, landIs it a finale, or does it have be entertained?

Then what scapes and architecture are inherent of memories in both a conscious mystical legal loophole is the esoteric aspects in that the and subconscious awareness.

We have to of resurrection?

I havewho a occupy law thatadefies logic and due become other than people geographic space that constitutes process? onscenario this planet, and relate to what is the necessary thinking that will of enable us to Study’ address fromThis the now what more a ‘Case caseonward study would is that significant to to telling is ideal poseour thestories, be a especially subject ofstories swift imunportant to our Whenderstanding we becamefor independent, questions andtimelines. we can then any literate the euphoria self-governed intoxicated us, hope that a of legal mind can nationhood child to be able to interpret it had its grounds for intoxication alongside sober examadd some clarity on.” Andy to relatives or family friends ination. We did not make the observation that all around in such a predicament, who usMongoose within the bought bordersaofpiece countries we still held controlled of real estate Dainty the mayedifices be challenged and admiration for, from had retained of past times.

Kumaka, but during the never would be vulnerable in the Our own coloniser England dismantled Hadrian’s final period presence of acolonisers social hustler, Wall.

In advertising more ways than one, from previous and also from despised local leaders, theyperhaps kept thea memory granted for objections, an where Lawyer forobjection reflection, ourby Caribbean, Christophe’s spectacular as in filled Deity was not explicit, nor verfortress of But defence in Haiti remain, of his Dagon.

Dagon, whowillified whatregardless a client really history.

Europe with the obvious white supremacy filed the objection never understood.

We are athat naemerged with colonisation did not destroy the sculptures followed up through the tion of great suspicions, of Afro-European Knights, artworks and literature that courtof,toorlegally theAfrican justifiably so, somewhere spoke alludedtest to the presence in a mucha merit of the of objection of laws older Europe, course, for they better didn’tunderstanding in-depth celebrate the either, duration of ahidyear. especially in respect should them and also their identities with new portraits Thus, Andy Mongoose, persist on ‘real estate.’ It is and in movies.

Where we erred in Guyana was not tothat usethere the structures with a significant financial obvious is a maze that became available withthe the decline services investment made, after of the of nottrademark comprehended to like the with Trains, build museums dedicated to that part of our year noto movement by be penetrated towards clarihistorical preservefications the physical imagery the Dagon, memory. filed forWhy a “Letter in the area ofofReal past?

Simple, our ancestors lived it, for the historian, the creOF Abandonment”and the Estate Law. Real Estate conative mind, the investigative journalist, the physical location custodians of the in- oftentions arewas a crisis because is wise important.

The development museums a continuous tegrity of fairness of the causes are not addressed, peeve of the late Dr. Dennis Williams, who had identified ‘Land’ granted Cersimple explorations would Five Museums to be the built, he insisted that a marine museum tificate abandonment; reveal that behind most of would haveofbeen a must. I can now imagine a display of the ship’s kitchen on Lady Northcourt with its cook, the portrait of indifference ‘John’, ‘keep away from John’s kitchen, and why?’ A caption should read before this rude faced ship’s cook made of papier máché –“whose kitchen lay beneath a toilet, from which water dripped continuously, or so we were made See Page XIX

our ‘fires, suspected as arson’ and a significant percentage of domestic murders revolve around dishonesty in real estate transaction distribution, through partners who are not literate and depend on trust and goodwill to facilitate them, but end up with their names omitted from passed transports, and justifiably in a state of confusion and betrayal react an extreme way. This article addressed an area of the law that would be only known to persons implicated in the sequence of events to which a ‘Letter of Abandonment’ becomes relevant.

The other areas that frequently affect the citizen

untutored in legal matters is the ‘Power of Attorney’ a legal instrument that embodies trust, responsibility and the character to do the right thing. This instrument, if lured into the hands of the wrong person, can result in tremendous misery. I know one particular incident with a poster boy ‘Activist’ who convinced a family of villagers to place their lands in his guardianship, they did so, he immediately activated the full Power Attorney right, and sold the lands to himself. The ‘Power Attorney’ instrument however ends with the death of the designator, and while all are alive it is required to be renewed,

I think annually.

The other instrument is the Letter of Administration, which requires the participation of other eligible relatives or concerns in its execution. We do have a large population of citizens who are literarily challenged and need knowledge of systems and procedures broken down to understand enough to rise above the type of confusion that can result to legal disenfranchisement and ‘honour retaliations’ that cover our headlines in respect to the frequent murders almost daily across the country.

As one friend instructed me on the reality of his opinion, that “Bro, people

dishonest, in this time here, people gon look in yuh face and test yuh, is either yuh weakout, and deh tek yuh thing, or yuh find a way fuh deal wid it. Yuh with meh?... Yuh got fuh mash some people, even if yuh’s a good man.” Somewhere beyond just obvious criminal hustle lies a horizon of arrogant pseudo legality, that is postulating as legal with intent, but is not; only enlightenment of the vulnerable and vigilant legal checks and balances in place with severe consequences, can alter the rise of toxic counter alternatives.

XVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 28, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 29, 2021

The weather and mental health

o not always know what I’m looking y phone is such a normal part of my my hand that I cannot count the numhed for it, while it was actually in my o when I get up in the morning and going to sleep is check my phone. I healthy and something must be done. and found that women were more d to their phones simply because men ocial media apps. Also, older people e addicted. I believe this is because use smartphones (My father actually

y colleagues and friends how bad

losing your phone would be on a scale of 1-10. 98 percent said 10 and 2 percent said 9. They all claimed that it would be the worst material possession that they could ever lose.

They continued to say that feelings of anxiety, irritation and overwhelming sadness would be felt if they were to lose their phone today.

RECEIVED an email and seasonal pattern.so This much on overcastabout days, resulting It seems Iharmless, right?

Caring a from a guy who asked me is a serious health condition in a lower mood. phone? Well,whythis week I’ve with been really paying he becomes sad when symptoms such as perThis attention means that certain it rains, so sad that he sistent sadness, low moods, weather, especially harsh to the importance thathard I and mecangive tomena finds it extremely to lossothers of pleasurearound in previ- types increase out of bed. Today I’m ously enjoyed activities, tal health illnesses such phone, ratherget than what’s going them. going to discuss why thisactually low self-esteem etc. Iton is around as anxiety, depression, is a problem that you and most common in countries post-traumatic stress disOur phones millions -- whether we are to order other people, of other people which speaking experience the winter (PTSD), phobias and face as the weather has seasons.

This and other illeven substance use. using social media or playing games -- can be addictive been shown to greatly in- nesses present on a change We have all experienced mental health. of weather due to the subsea time when weather greatly as they alterfluence our moods, beliefs and trigger enjoyable If you live on this plan- quent changes in our body’s influenced our behaviour. et, you’ve had some opincircadianfrom rhythm –basically We are more likely or more and unenjoyable feelings.

Apart obviously being my ions about the weather. our wake and sleep cycle. in the mood to do certain a go-to topic This is my mostlyphone controlled is hobbies activities based main source It’s ofactually communication, myornewspaof conversation when we by light and darkness and on the weather. How many per, watch, alarm, recorder, day planner, calendar, are making map, uncomfortable weeks of overcast skies times have we stayed in, small talk. But have we ever (which can happen in our went out or just drank alcocamera, music player, calculator, a weapon discuss its serious effects? rainy season), can cause hol(sometimes) because of the certain Guyana does not fully chemical imbalances which weather conditions and the and my friend when I’m orpossibility lonelybasically experience the typical fourbored decrease the of moods they bring?evIt is seasons: winter, spring, positive moods. almost as if the weather erything. However, it is also my constant interrupter and summer and fall. To my When the daylight de- decides whether we will we have amuch rainy creases, our most bodies naturalsocialise or bethere) in isolation. distractor. I knowledge, (I imagine like of you out season and dry season. But ly produce melatonin – our The weather even decides have a deep desire to know everything that is going on.

I believe that is human nature. But when does it become too much?

Well, I believe it’s too much when it has a name. ‘Nomophobia’ is the term coined to describe the fear of being without a mobile phone. Seriously, what have we come to?

It becomes an addiction when the object begins to control your life and interferes with your daily activities, work, and relationships. I read somewhere that “The biggest obstacle to productivity is connectivity,” but overuse can affect a lot more than our productivity. The truth is, overuse of our phones can harm us psychologically, socially and physically.

With regard to affecting our social skills, how many of us miss out on a joke or good conversation as we were on our rain and sun (or lack sleep hormone and this what kind of sleep we have phones? Howeven many times have we annoyed our good friend thereof) have drastic effects can happen even on over- as studies show individuals on our mood and overall days. During the highon getsocial a better night’s sleep in or family member because wecastwere posting media mental health. There is a sunlight days, serotonin, a cooler environment. Some disorder called our happythem? hormone which studiesaffects even show that peohow much funcommon we are having with It truly our Seasonal Affective Disorder affects our mood, appetite ple are more inventive and (SAD) which is a type of depression that comes and goes based on the weather

and sleep- is produced on a higher scale. Therefore, this chemical will also decrease

creative on sunny days. It SEE PAGE XXVI

21

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 29, 2021

Let’s remember, healthcare is more than emergency care XXVII XX CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 28, 2021

Aye or no for A year of parliamentary decorum?

COVID-19

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 7, 2021

OVER the past few weeks, eases do not readily identify two relatives of mine have their ailment and may go been hospitalised and one, years without knowing. u n f o r t u n a t e l y, p a s s e d In fact, in 2019, Dr. Maaway. Neither of these indi- hendra Carpen, who is now viduals, like so many other the Head of Internal Medof my family members and icine at the Georgetown friends, visited the doctor’s Public Hospital Corporation office for regular or routine (GPHC), said that about 30 check-ups. per cent of patients who this past editiontoofthat ‘In hospital the National I amDURING not different from week’s are rushed ON March 11Parliamentarians last year, COVID-19 became a stark real- tracing, and patients the pandemic.

But, That’s easier said thanto getsoahead Assembly,’ debated the 2021 National training of treat Parliamentarians that aof semblance of decorum them. The only time many of with a heart attack are also ityBudget, in Guyana.

Though it had already begun spreading thathowever. was not unusual; all countries across the globe had to done, say that we shouldn’t conwhich was presented earlier in the month by Secould be maintained in the National Assembly.

It is envius visitacross the doctor’s office is months diabetics. the globe athe few before, this novel coronaadapt quickly and contend with the pandemic.

What was From my little research, nior Minister in Office of the President with responsisider would material sioned that such training sessions alsothings help to(you guide when there isbecame some emergenAccording to the virus a great for Guyana andarticle many ofI did unique aboutacross Guyana was its unfolding elections notofficials come a unibility for finance, Dr.concern Ashni Singh.

Thethe debate, however, know, like the costquagmire. of health the on proper parliamentary procedures. cy need or when our health published in Kaieteur the Caribbean countries only during From theversal It is notthat unreasonable to assume--because there is no reason dissuades of decorum in the March.

Parliament. careforce or the such as But also, these events should us tocosts reconsider what takes very a spotlighted turn for thea lack worst.

News that quoted Dr. Carpbeginning, Guyana was exposed to thefor stark real from empirical evidence--that the protracted elections’ peIt is both understandable and acceptable the reality different people accessing pritransportation to get health we expect and accept from our elected officials -all And this is not unique to my en, thesehealth patients only be-dis- riod-- and all of the shenanigans encompassed--distractedof because the local authorities sides ofthe thefirst houseperson -- the government and opposition sidesmary -- them-health carethey services. their responsibilities towards us. familycovered and friends. come aware of their diabetic infected, died.

Guyanesewhile from thisdischarge pandemic. While the pandemic raged to have was opposing views on the budget. After all, the national Instead, reasons vary from collective values when they make Are they articulating Guyana’s ofthe thegovernment’s pandemic, at least the beginning, In Guyana, ourstory current months, and we were embroiled in state when theyinturn up atareas, on during the first few our budget illustrates vision, priority people’s inability to ac-it was racist, sexist, homophobic, and not other derogatoryfor statements? a truly unique one.

Certainly, the country was not as preour post-elections drama, uncommon there to Healthisand Minister Dr. Frank the hospital for emergency general policy direction, since it points towards what cess these servicesthat is, pared as it should have been to conduct testing, do contact be large gatherings and we had not yet developed an underAnthonypolicies, has acknowledged medical care. programmes and plans the government intends to use Guyana’s money to fund.

It would be strange for each member to agree on every single thing, since various individuals have different priorities and views and perhaps different sides of the house have different plans, projects, or policies that would guide Guyana’s developments; and, that is completely fine.

It is neither understandable nor remotely acceptable, however, for elected officials, sworn in as Members of Parliament (MPs), to openly hurl insults at each other and make racist, sexist, homophobic remarks. It is not acceptable for this level of disrespect to be entertained in the National Assembly.

The normalisation of racist, sexist, and homophobic remarks in our common, social spaces might be a conversation for another day, but for crying out loud, is our National During thethis pandemic, having to travel substantial Assembly! as it is more commonly that many peopleOr, doour notParliament, too, I have reported on the called. It is not touting at the bus park! routinely access primary prevalence of comorbidities distances to access health Imagine the astonishment one would experience, years services; the perception of care services.

The focus in- to revisit theand often undefrom now, if they were (underlying hansards.

Instead the of quality of service offered stead has been on accessing thorough tected diseases in the addition only well-articulated, analyses of $383.1 bilwithin the public health sechealth care for emergency to COVID-19, asthere thesewould lion budget that was presented for the yearsuch 2021, tor (indicative word: perceppurposes.

NCDs) and how these be remarks signalling homophobia or thinly veiledhave insults tion), of and the affordability of But an heMP’s saysreproductive that there capabilities. increased people’s vulneraccessing these services, if must be a To greater focus on there abilitywere to COVID-19.

Scibe fair, however, a few salient presentaan individual prefers to acprimarytions. healthOn care. entific research found theJust firstfor day of the debate, it is ahas point of pride cess these services privately. a bit of context, according to that if infected, people that two women -- MPs Susan Rodrigues andwith Amanza But one can hope that as the World Health Organizathese would Walton-Desir who are also newcomorbidities Parliamentarians -- made we think about the massive tion (WHO), primary healththatexperience more good presentations one would the expect at severe this forum. development planned for care ensures peoplethis receive symptoms associated withof the Though absence of decorum from many Guyana in the coming years, MPs,is perhaps, care, not a new occurrence in the local context, quality comprehensive COVID-19. we can also see many more to ask ourselves: what rangingit begs fromuspromotion The valuable point I’mcontributions trying to are our elected officials making at this forum? and prevention to treatment, make here is that these un- improvements in the local health sector.

Oneand would hope thatderlying the leaders elected the people rehabilitation, palliative diseases arebyprevaAlready, the Guyana Guyana, whether government care - asofclose as feasible to in lent, yet theyorgoopposition, largely un-would Chronicle reported on the maintain a certain level of decorum in the house.

In dispeople’s everyday environ- detected. And perhaps, this Health Ministry’s plans to charging their duties towards the people of the nation, at the ment. is caused because we don’t roll out comprehensive canverylike least, is expected that they in critical I would to itexplain a have that would culture,engage generally, cer services, which would analyses of the budget.

The budget debate should attempt to bit about why this is import- of going for medical checkallow more people to detect pinpoint deficiencies indicate what other ant. Statistically, in 2020, in allocations, ups unless orwe need some these much earlier if they areas of priority should be focused on. the Pan-American Health emergency care. Perhaps.

This is how you operate in a democracy, where transare affected and it would Organisation’s (PAHO)’s I m p o r t a n t l y, t h e s e is parency and accountability are underpinning tenets. This allow people to receive early Non-Communicable DiseasNCDsincluding diabetes, how you respect the sanctity of Parliament.

And above all treatment. es (NCDs) monitor heart diseases, andthe hypertenelse,progress is this how you adequately represent people of the This newspaper also refor Guyana stated that NCDs sionare linked to nation you committed to serve? Parliamentarylifestyle affairs -- evported that the ministry aims caused 4,400 deaths (or 68 practices. means it in- the ery single aspect-should be gearedThat towards enhancing to focus more on research per centdevelopment of all deaths). volves what we eat, whether of the nation and its citizenry. and data (because if you These Admittedly, NCDs account we consume and/or have clever innuendos and alcohol witty remarks do any sort of research in for the largest set part of deaths smoke cigarettes, and long been of parliamentary presentations, notthe only or in on Guyana, you would locally and according to thethe world. level The of physical Guyana, but around addition ofactivity clever satire know that data is sometimes Health Minister, cardiovaswe engage in.no And, routine has its usefulness in communication, doubt.

Much of a nightmare). So that too is cular (heart) areweek, the however, medical examinations what diseases we saw last appeared to bewould a common another glimmer of hope for or rumshophelp debacle, replete withhow “props” leading bottom cause ofhouse NCD-relatus understand we and me personally. all,However, that left much ed deaths. whattoisbe desired. can make better lifestyle Lastmany December, of the Assembly, For now, I won’t be so worse is that people Clerk choices andNational live healthier insensitive and myopic to told lives. the Guyana Chronicle that the who do Sherlock live with Isaacs, these dis-

standing the need forrepresenting the face masks, so cluster spreading Are theyofadequately us and our best interests was very possible. oweonour gratitude the frontline care) instead We focus WhattoIallwill say is as at alland times? workers who our werehealthtryingbeto keep the nation safe then, possiand safeguarding much as reasonably who continue to doitso even now. cause I know that is more ble, please go to the doctor’s I hope we can do better.

Asideand fromcomplicated the political occurrences, however, is welllayered office and get aitcheck-up known that the pandemic also impacted every other sector. than that. nowthis andcolumn then. Itorshould If you would like discuss anyand ofgo Business productivity wastostymied, schools were closed my previous writings, please feel free to contact me the tourism sector took the hardest hit with the closure via of vish14ragobeer@gmail.com borders and email: the constraints to leisure activities. The closure of schools eventually prompted a shift to virtual learning— ‘Zoom school’—which has been fraught with challenges due to inherent inequalities and disparities.

Social services, too, have been constrained, which has been particularly worrisome since the pandemic has disproportionately impacted the vulnerable groups in our society. With the slowdown in business directly contributing to a reduction or loss of income, social safety nets were necessary to support persons. Moreover, it has been found that the pandemic— perhaps due to the ‘stay-at-home’ focus— has contributed to a rise in abuse and domestic violence. These present even greater concerns over the construction of social services. As time and the pandemic progressed, however, efforts would be made to ensure that these disproportionate effects were mitigated, on all fronts.

To a large extent, nevertheless, we’re still navigating the complexities of this pandemic and trying to manage ourselves better. Now, however, we’re also contending with the emergence of newer, modified forms of the virus -- the variants, or strains as they are commonly called. The scientific and medical communities expected these variants would arrive at some point or the other, since viruses do mutate.

The variants that have emerged so far — the United Kingdom(UK), Brazil, and South African variants — all have the ability to infect more persons. If we’re not careful, their increased transmissibility could lead to a sharp rise in our cases, additional deaths, and an overwhelmed healthcare system. Guyana has not been able to identify whether we do any of these variants without our borders. We have been sending a few COVID-19 samples to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for testing, but those few samples were not variants. That is not enough to rule out the possibility that we have variants.

On the other hand, we’ve been able to secure a number of the COVID-19 vaccines and we have been vaccinating our frontline healthcare workers. Soon, other frontline workers, the elderly, and persons with comorbidities (underlying and undetected health conditions, such as diabetes) will be vaccinated too. The importance of vaccines is that they allow the body to create an immune response to the virus, thereby fighting off infection. And Guyana, incredibly, has been able to secure several vaccines in a short period amid global concerns of vaccine nationalism, where larger, wealthier countries are hoarding these vaccines for themselves.

But, even so, vaccines are not necessarily the ‘magic bullet’ for the population and there are, understandably, many concerns. Due to the perceived short period during which the vaccines were developed and granted emergency-use authorisation, concerns about the long-term benefits and impact of the vaccines linger. Additionally, the efficacy of the vaccines on the variants is still evolving. In Guyana, these concerns may contribute to the vaccine-acceptance rates unless greater efforts are made (or continued) to promote greater education, communication, and trust.

Despite this, we are still unsure when this pandemic may be over. Reasonable estimates project that we should return to a greater sense of normalcy by 2023 when all countries are finally expected to receive their vaccines and immunise

XVIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 29, 2021

COMPLAINTS MANAGEMENT THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established on June 5, 1996, under the Environmental Protection Act, Cap. 20:05, Laws of Guyana, to oversee the effective management,

conservation, protection and improvement of the environment.

The Act requires the Agency to take the necessary measures to ensure the prevention and control of pollution. In doing so, addressing environmental violations is integral to the work of the Agency; these usually occur in the form of environmental complaints. It is the responsibility of everyone to identify and report poor environmental practices. Therefore, complaint management is a vital aspect of environmental and human health protection.

In accordance with Part V, Section. 19 (1) (a) of the Environmental Protection Act, Cap. 20:05, Laws of Guyana – “a person shall not undertake an activity that causes or is likely to cause pollution of the environment unless the person takes all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent or minimise any resulting adverse effect”.

Addressing environmental complaints The Environmental Protection Agency continues to receive a large number of complaints related to various environmental nuisances. This steady increase has placed additional pressure on the Agency’s resources to have them addressed promptly. In this regard, the Agency has developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for expeditiously and efficiently addressing environmental complaints. The SoP provides for the complaints to be managed by a single hub, which will enable the Agency to track the status of any complaint at a given time and provide accurate updates.

The Agency in 2019 received 571 complaints, while in 2020, 581 complaints were received. The majority of the complaints were related to noise, odour and improper waste disposal from residential agriculture, spray painting, mechanic workshops, lumberyards, and furniture manufacturers.

A collaborative approach The Agency’s work enables Guyana to contribute to global and national environmental protection and conservation. As such, the Agency’s approach to complaints management allows for the Agency to collaborate with other key organisations to eliminate complaints backlog and bring resolution to many of the recurrent complaint matters. Given the many challenges we face, especially in this new COVID- 19 pandemic, and adhering to the restrictions has limited the Agency time of response. Agencies such as the Local Government, Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, Regional Democratic Council, Guyana Forestry Commission, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Central Housing and Planning Authority have over the years assisted the Agency in resolving many complaint matters.

Standard Operating Procedure for Complaints management You, too, can assist the Agency SEE PAGE XIX

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 29, 2021

COMPLAINTS...

FROM PAGE XVIII

Members of the public can report environmental complaints utilising any of the following methods: * Complaints 24-Hour Hotline Number: 592-2255469; or * E-mail: complaint@epaguyana.org.

Please note, complaint reports MUST include: i. Nature of the complaint; ii. Name and address of business/entity/person causing the pollution; iii. Name of the complainant (person making the complaint); and iv. Contact information and address of the complainant.

You can also message us on Facebook or Instagram.

Complaints can also be made to our Regional Offices in Whim, Berbice and McKenzie, Linden: 2. Whim Office – 337-2201; and 3. Linden Office – 444-2313.

Remember, your first line of action should be to make contact with your local government authority (Regional Democratic Council/Neighbourhood Democratic Council) on the matter.

Please be assured the Agency will treat all information received from the public with strictest confidence. Complainants, however, should be willing to attend court and testify should the matter require legal action.

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 e-mail us at: eit. epaguyana@gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

XIX

sharing their journeys XX

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 29, 2021

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

van Phillips -- born in St Lucia, living in

owards being a Midwife of Purpose came being broken, displaced, and ugh this journey, I experienced a divorce, e and got displaced education 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 calling becomes greater than your current and was now ready to move hrough this process, you can transcend to a on to my next career move. hinking where you can connect with your I called Monique to let her ourself as one with nature. know I was available as we lett – 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 my dream world alive.

I was immediately EXPO 50 was nothing short of an awesome experience for first temporary assignment nterview the agency where they tested 50 with emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Thankwith Deutsche Bank.

My first usingyou Microsoft OfficeMall, and typing to Gifland Urbanspeed.

Life, Nelson Nurse, Gobin’s Variety, Maria Benchop, media houses and any who supported. This exposition has re-ignited my passion for entrepreneurial journeys and these are some of the reasons I feel this way.

“I would have taken away that great things in business are never done by one person. They’re done by a team of persons. With that being said, we have all worked together to plan, manage and execute our objectives for Expo 50. We’ve provided an entrepreneur-friendly, supportive and positive environment for each other. Our team would always receive very positive reviews, words of encouragement, feedback, and even daily motivation from Ms.Sonia Noel. Our ability to communicate effectively was what made us such an excellent team.

I must commend you, Ms.Noel, for always thinking about others and not being selfish. Many small business owners have an online business with not that much of exposure. By having the opportunity to be a part of your great initiative (Expo 50), us young entrepreneurs were very grateful and appreciative because no one has done this for us. Also, there were different media houses interviewing each participant and that was exceptional and highly appreciated. You’re the reason that 50 small and emerging businesses were able to have the exposure of having their business seen and heard about across the ten Administrative Regions of Guyana. It was definitely two days that I’ll remember for a lifetime and would happily relive.

You’ve set the bar as a leader, mentor, mother, and friend to not only the entrepreneurs but to Guyana as a country.”

Ms. Lowenfield.

“My experience with the Sonia Noel 50th Expo was enriching in several ways. The stories shared and tips given on

‘EXPO 50’ was swesome I knew that I would be in When I was six years assignment lasted two weeks, covering someone’s vacation. old I started school in Mesa, big trouble if I told my dad Due to my work ethic and Arizona, so I began staying what had happened. It was a secret: the desire to go the extra mile, with my mom kind that could get me and her husband routineI landed another assignment in the same department for ly. It was like going from into big trouble. I didn’t six months, then another for heaven to hell. It was a horror know how much trouble, but three months, which finally story that’s yet to be writ- I wasn’t willing to take a chance. “Shhhh... led to my permanent posi- ten. While at grandma’s I tion, allowing me to live a was filled with the love of Don’t tell anyone.”

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

Dr. Safeeya Mohamed – On the other hand, at my my experience, but for some mother’s house, I was filled reason I still cannot rememTrinidad We received the updates with Rock ‘N Roll, drugs ber how often it happened, when that the accident was horrific and inappropriate, wild sex and that the victim was stuck parties. Ultimately, from it started, or even when it such an environment you can ended in the car.

The vehicle had to be cut imagine the kinds of abuse Penny Phakahi –South open to get to the victim. It that mom’s house provided. never occurred to me that When I was 11 years old, Africa I have had my share of grandma Shirley died and my my brother build your were priceless. sharing, I was made aware of some turmoilThrough and I strongly believe left.business My mom had could be remotelyhow in- to stepdad of the pitfalls to avoid and reminded to constantly push through volved. The next thing I an emotional breakdown, so that it is these stints of tur- the disappointments, discouragement etc.I To know that andme some of the issues were not isomoilnot thatalone brought couldn’t take I was remember, I was looking at I ran away! lated to me was comforting.

The zeal, conviction, and energy expressed by other young this far in my life. I was any more. the body of my brother entrepreneurs were tremendous and proved to be just what I needed. As the scripture Andrea Edwards – born and perhaps is still in my covered in blood in a goes ‘iron sharpeneth iron does the countenance refinery process.of a man his friend’. But the most in Guyana, living in so Florida hearse. The strident, agonissignificant partI of got thegirl, chance to showcase my product/ As a Iyoung I grew As satmy in experience the back ofcame when ing scream of my mother in service.

The response was overwhelming.

The expo allowed me my dad’s Nissan Bluebird, I up with one main ambition, the chance to sample the A&E that or through general the populace.

Info wanting that will be to build to used get away, farand further enhance the peered windows early morning hasthe notmarket amimages looking guys the opportunity to showcase and awayyou from the for system of onto provide. Thank escaped my mind almostservices 17 atIthe garner priceless knowledge.”

Ms. Brazh thinking or the box that the fence of the Guyyears later as she howled “Toana be or not to be?

It would be towe relive thefind experience allin. over again! A miraculous often ourselves Botanical Gardens and “my son died, my decisionZoological

by Ms Sonia Noel philanthropist, and author. Who from Icon, understanding Park.

Thethe legendary radio Apartfashion son died, nobody’s helpprepared the table for young entrepreneurs Guyana on her myself in I always dared to 50th birthday, commemblasted the popular ing us!” But nobody could, by calypso highlighting the talent present andwhich future.

A awoman, in my opinion, different, was song “1985” by of thebe as his spirit departed atorating the constantentrepreneurs struggle when a then-popular calypsonian. point of who understands the hardships of upcoming in surthe land of many waters. A byusmy situations. would have just celebrated impact. Up to this selfless day, Idecision to invest in the youthrounded by giving a platform forI expansion, networking up under atostrict my sixth I ponder where the strength and major development with variousgrew programmes strengthen areas where one may Christian family my quite oblivious came from to navigate be weak that in.birthday, I, for one, will forever express gratitude for with her choosing to aid us in these grandfather step granny, the concept of the time, but may night. periloustotimes, for when world seem to and be falling apart there’s always that ray as leading my mother her mom that song allow of sunshine at thewould end ofnot a dark tunnel youlost to where ever you place your mind me to forget Shanon Paar – Arizona to be. As for golfing, it always tweaked my interest, and XXV it’s something I wouldn’t mind SEE PAGE that skill it wasset.

1985. adding to my Once again, thank you for choosing to bless us on your 50hth birthday, Ms Noel, forever grateful.”- Ej Digital Marketer SeaMossExpress The are many more testimonials I can share but I will share the list of these amazing person who is intentional about taking their business to the next level.

1.Calvin Roberts – Calvin’s Indigenous Cuisine/The Mighty Fly Wine- 6025026

2. Kleon Spellen- Hulk’s Fitness and Sports Centre - 619-0023

3. Abieke Hamilton- Purpleheart Organics- 660-1140 SEE PAGE XXVII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 29, 2021

Snoring

SNORING, like all other sounds, is caused by vibrations that cause particles in the air to form sound waves. For example, when we speak, our vocal cords vibrate to form our voice. When our stomach growls (borborygmus), our stomach and intestines vibrate as air and food move through them. While we sleep, turbulent airflow can cause the tissues of the nose and throat to vibrate

and give rise to snoring.

The Journal of the American College of Chest Physicians recently reported that snoring in women is a sign of pregnancy-induced hypertension and risk for growth retardation of the fetus. Hypertension disorders during pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal death in the United States and Great Britain and are important causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The cause of these disorders is unknown.

Because snoring is common in pregnancy, investigators in Sweden studied more than 500 pregnant women to see what effect snoring had on their health, but according to Karl Franklin, MD, and colleagues at the Umea University Hospital in Sweden, no one has investigated whether snoring is associated with hypersensitive disorders of pregnancy. Snoring can be a sign of increased upper airway resistance and obstructive sleep apnea (temporary pause in breathing) and known to be associated with arterial hypertension and coronary artery disease.

Investigators looked into the snoring-related occurrence of pre-eclampsia, toxaemia of pregnancy characterised by hypertension, proteinuria (excessive serum proteins), and oedema (a buildup of fluids in body tissues), as well as daytime sleepiness, and infant outcome. The study included a questionnaire that women completed on the day of their delivery with the involvement of their husband or partner.

It also included analysing Apagar scores that reflected the infant’s heart rate, respiratory effect, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and colour-all measured shortly after birth.

Snoring increased during pregnancy. By the third trimester, 24 percent of the women reported that they had begun snoring or increased their level of snoring.

Twenty-three per cent said that their snoring had become habitual during the last week before delivery.

Habitual snoring was described as snoring every night or almost every night. Sleep apnea was observed in 11 percent of habitual snorers compared with two percent of the nonfrequent snorers. The habitual snorers also had a more pronounced weight increase during pregnancy. Fourteen percent of the women who snored habitually had pregnancy-induced hypertension as compared with six percent of the nonfrequent snorers. Ten percent of the women who habitually snored met the definition of pre-eclampsia with hypertension and proteinuria compared with four percent of the non-frequent snorers.

Daytime sleepiness increasingly grew among all women during pregnancy, and no marked differences were observed between the habitual snorers and nonfrequent snorers.

Daytime sleepiness started earlier in pregnancy than did snoring. Oedema (swelling) of the face, hands, legs or feet occurred in 52 percent of the habitual snorers compared with 30 percent for others.

Infants born to mothers who were habitual snorers more frequently had lower birth weight and lower Apgar scores, a finding researchers described as “novel.” More than seven percent of mothers who were habitual snorers delivered an infant with growth retardation at birth compared with 2.6 percent among nonhabitual snorers. After adjusting for weight, age, and smoking habits, snoring remained a significant predictor of growth-retardation. In addition to snoring, smoking is also found to be an independent predictor of growth-retardation. An Apgar score of less than seven was more common in infants born to habitual snorers, as compared with infants born to occasional or non-snorers.

For example, 12.4 percent of infants of habitual snorers were given an Apgar test at one minute after delivery had scores of less than seven compared with 3.6 percent of the infants of non-frequent snorers who were given the Apgar test one minute after delivery. Statistically, the percentage differences were even greater when the test was administered five minutes after delivery, but less frequent for both habitual snorers and infrequent snorers.

All the subjects who snored habitually and had pre-ec-

XXI

lampsia started to snore before any sign of hypertension or proteinuria was present and the habitual snoring was related to sleep apneas and this includes that nocturnal upper airway obstruction may contribute to the development of pregnancy-induced hypertension and pre-eclampsia.

The experiment concludes that it is possible that pregnant women are especially vulnerable to increases in upper airway resistance, as breathing may also be restricted by an increase in the abdominal pressure affecting the diaphragm. Respiratory sleep studies, including the treatment of sleep apnea in women with pre-eclampsia, are desirable and may answer the question of whether there is an etiologic link between increased upper airway resistance and pre-eclampsia.

Though dentists are in a position to identify and treat patients with obstructive sleep apnea, the above study may not have much impact on a typical daily practice as many women avoid dental treatment during pregnancy or do not comprehend the relationship between dental care and sleep apnea.

XXII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 29, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 29, 2021

‘Code Red’ for humanity and Guyana “HUMAN influence accounts for 90 percent of the main factors behind the decrease in the Arctic ice. The recent recording rate of the seas’ level rise had nearly tripled.

The past five years have been the hottest recorded since the year 1850. The type of heatwaves that would only occur once every fifty years now occur once every ten years”. These facts and many more were pointed out by a comprehensive report published by The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

The UN’s IPCC report and its alarming wealth of information called for a “Code Red for humanity”. It’s a call to take global actions against climate change before it’s too late. If this takes a global effort, how does this affect Guyana? What roles and responsibilities will we have to ensure that the earth’s degree levels stabilize?

For the months; August and July, we’ve received continuous pours of rainfall across the country. These months aren’t usually expected to be the “dry months” of the year.

We’ve also been experiencing extreme heat, hotter than the usual heat we’re used to on days when the rain isn’t falling. Due to the heavy rainfall, many villages have been flooded and continues to flood. The “expected” weather and climate conditions are changing and evolving and I’m not sure if I like the directions we’re headed to. In a world that is rapidly changing through technology and industrial advancements; Guyana is only now putting it’s “toes in the water”. These advancements may be economically great for the country but are they sustainable and environmentally friendly?

The majority of the warming our planet faces is a direct result of heat-trapping gases such as carbon dioxide. The world needs to reduce the number of pollutants and emissions we release into the atmosphere. The United Nations hope that we can avoid crossing a 1.5 degree Celsius warming mark by the 2030s, but that seems very unlikely due to the world’s immense carbon footprint. Our carbon footprint increases through the emissions of burning fossil fuels and natural oil. For Guyana, an indirect impact is still an impact at the end of the day. I would like for all Guyanese to ponder on that thought. Is our planet’s health worth sacrificing for the growth of economies?

Apart from our oil and gas industry threatening our environment, Guyana also has other environmental impacts. From the number of trees we cut down in our richly green forests, to the type of energy our power grids use, the lack of proper garbage disposal facilities/services and even the types of cars and industrial machinery’s import. It is also our responsibility as a nation to do our part in ensuring our planet heals. It is selfish to not think about the future of humanity and the kind of planet we will leave behind for our children and their children. We should plant more trees, use reusable bags, use bicycles instead of cars as much as possible and reduce our energy consumption—or even switch to cleaner energy such as solar or wind. Our country is a small one compared to the industrial giants of the world.

Nonetheless, as we head into a future of modernity and an industrial age, let’s skip the part where we contribute to the destruction of planet earth. Let’s turn Code Red to green!

XXIII

XXIV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 29, 2021

Saving the Rupununi’s ...

FROM PAGE III the homes of both species that has occurred mainly due to fire and agricultural development.

Having completed the expedition, the team will now analyse the results to produce a final population estimate and for the next step of the project, will plan to do a second expedition to conduct a population assessment - but this time in the dry season (January to March) as the conditions for the birds will be different at this time and their numbers

may differ.

The team then plans to work with local Indigenous communities and nearby private landowners such as Waikin Ranch and Manari Ranch to develop a conservation action plan to help protect the birds and to hopefully stabilise the population.

Possibilities of conservation action include monitoring the species, habitat restoration, and creating a community conservation area. SRCS also hopes to work with stakeholders on the Brazil side of the border as the birds will still be at

risk if a collaborative effort does not occur.

“These two birds are extremely important for the Rupununi. Not only are they both important for the local ecosystem and wildlife diversity, but they also have massive potential for the local tourism industry in the Rupununi,” SRCS Programme Coordinator Neal Miller told Pepperpot Magazine on Friday.

“Until now, the main attractions of the Rupununi have been the Red Siskin, Sun Parakeet, Toco Toucans, Jabiru Storks and many others but these two birds, as

The Hoary-Throated Spinetail

they can only be found here on the border of Guyana and Brazil, and nowhere else in the world, are a major unique attraction. They can be promoted to increase the Rupununi’s growing tourism market. And this comes at a time when the Rupununi is looking to bounce back with tourism after the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Miller continued.

The projects by SRCS, a

conservation Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) in Guyana, are focused on preserving the environment and wildlife of Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) through research, community-based conservation management and environmental education.

I t i s c u r re n t l y i mplementing projects to conserve the Red Siskin, Giant Anteater (Myrme-

cophaga Tridactyla) and the Yellow-spotted River Turtle (Podocnemis Unifilis) in the South Rupununi and is facilitating an environmental education curriculum, monitoring the impact of fire on wildlife and organising traditional Knowledge classes to help preserve the culture of the Indigenous peoples of the Rupununi.

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

AWALLS RIGHTFUL PLACE IN EVER! GUYANESE SOCIETY CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 29, 2021

AMERINDIAN HE GUYANA/ COMMUNITY TROVERSY SOON FORE ACHIEVING THE ICJ

XXV

and discussions where factual bases invariably become blurred.

In thisisoffering, we will depart this with normseashells and try to se today rather muddy was oncefrom covered and questions have been asking theup the sun had risen. lyanswer theretwo would alwaysthat be many children exploring and since picking is,regions why is asthe Venezuelan publichave sowere convinced ON August 9, “International Day of the World’s Indigservices available in coastal old-age from other countries often asked Guyanese howthey were Onsuch moonlit nights the Seawalls always athat crowded of theofwas two Guyanese fishing boats incial Guyana’s terriasseizure seashells different colours; sometimes they may find large enous Peoples” celebrated worldwide.

This year’s pensions and the grants given tohave school children.

Commuthey able to achieve such. aandvalid claim to There two-thirds of with Guyana’s territory and promenade.

Many toare socialise friends, but went theme was “Leaving one behind: Indigenous ixtorial conch shells. waters by no a Venezuelan navyPeoples ship. The firstsuchquestion nications as telephones, television computers are went two central answers: firstly, the all Amerinand the call for a new social contract”. This theme, in theirthe politicians bellicose and aggressive about methodically being extended inwhy the enjoy Amerindian commuvote the rising balance between the two combeautydian ofare thesoholds moon from the seamain and the ed effect, calls Theforforeshore or continental shelf at gradually rises and falls to the integration of Indigenous Peoples nities and the Interior road system is being upgraded and peting political parties and both parties, therefore, try this claim?

And thetosecond is,thewhy did there President levels with mainstream society,the to protect their land blue-green moonlight whichquestion was since were expanded.

Hundreds of scholarships for tertiary education accommodate andbrighter, court Indigenous population st all every 20 the years and today, foreshore between Camp rights and to obtain free, fair and informed consent for are being made available in theMaduro Interior Regions and Amand secondly, the East Indian population whose ancesVenezuela this time seizethe thevarious boats road of lights to dilutechoose it. Others wouldtoenjoy ce whatever Streetaction and the Pegasus has to are thetoday height of of no is taken affectingHotel them. In thealmost case of risen erindians Members Parliament and Ministers tors were brought here as indentured servants in the the “Indigenous People” is the Amerindian knew heis would the Guyanese population of Government and on the Deputy Speakerhe ofof Parliament 19th andalienate early the 20th background centuries from aof plural Indian sophases the New Moon with purple skies n- Guyana, the wall and coconut trees and other vegetation grow it. when community. an Amerindian. ciety, suffered discriminations which they encountered and cause embellished the the international community to condemn or with thousands of Creole stars which Society. appear The roots of the problems faced by Indigenous Peoples When the road from Lethem to Linden is completed, from the dominant monolithic Western lie in the direct or indirect effects of colonialism. With coCoast and the Interior would bedisapprove fully linked and brighter would They thus have anwere empathy theisolated Amerindian popof hisbe action, leaving Venezuela intersince there nowith city lights.

Others lonialism, Indigenous Peoples lost autonomy over their teron par. Guyana has gone a far way in achieving the goals ulation and try to satisfy their “plural” requirements. ritory and natural resources, became marginalised, excluded nationally on the issue. would go to the Seawalls in the late afternoons to of International Day of Indigenous Peoples and visitors 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, earlylikely evening concerts givenof bythe the newly Militia but it was very thatSunday the Prime Minister the Police at the Bandstand which independentBand stateand would be DrBand Cheddi Jagan, an avowed attracted of people.

Their repertoire conMarxist. U.S. Cold hundreds War interests tried to persuade Britain sisted ofindependence, light classical music Strauss’ and to delay Guyana’s but allsuch that as Britain could ballet Delibes’ pizzicato promise wasother that waltzes, she would handmusic over such power to a non-ComandMinister.

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

The concerts arranged a plan whereby theirfolk client Venezuela wouldwere threaten to from participation in society, and stereotyped as backward and ignorant. This shutting out of indigenous people from for early evening so that children could attend; society negatively affected the society as a whole since it many Guyanese in later life have admitted that their denied solutions to combat climate change and the restoring and protecting biodiversity which indigenous people posfirst exposure to classical music was from these sessed because of their deep knowledge of the natural world around them and because of the symbiotic and harmonious Bandstand concerts. relationship between Man and Nature they had evolved.

On Easter Monday thousands of kite-flyers The words of Nigel Crawhall, Chief of Local and Indigenous Knowledge Systems of UNESCO, adequately turned out from five o’clock in the morning. Kites sums up the meaning of the Indigenous Peoples Day were all hand-made and were in a variety of shapes theme: “Today, the global human population faces the consequences of irresponsible exploitation of natural such as boxes, birds and snakes, but the predomresources, species extinction and fossil pollution that inant shape was the Guyanese octagon and in a have plunged both Nature and humans into a crisis. In seeking solutions to such crisis, we need to recognise variety of colours. Singing engines, a kite which that Indigenous Peoples’ values as well as their traditional knowledgethe andsea governance arrangements, Likewise, has reclaimed thebeliefs land along the Kitty Sea- made a loud droning sound, was one of the most popular. and practices are paramount to achieving sustainable and houses climate resilience”. or development wall where once stood. Indeed, a substantial building Kite-flying was always combined with picnicking. The Easter The Organization of American States (OAS) of which m Guyana is stillis standing close tothethe wall near the Kitty Pump Station, kite-flying today is a pale reminiscence of the heyday. a member celebrated Day and its BelizAs mentioned above, the political tensions and criminality Secretary Generalit.

Nestor was em- who set their nets on til ean Assistant but the sea is under OldMendez fishermen phatic that the OAS was geared towards ensuring that “the kept people away from the Seawalls in the 1960s. By the n- voices the offoreshore seaPeoples couldmust vividly the Indigenous be hearddescribe and their the cyclical rise and invade Guyana if theremore wasstable any possibility of a Marxist and concerns clearly respected in this new social 1990s life had become and people again began to he needs fall of the beach. contract”. government being installed in Guyana. frequent the Seawalls, but the ambience had changed. There s. Guyana gone furthest in achieving goals of place for health enThe has Seawalls provided a the favourite The 1899 Arbitral Award had settled the boundaries of the Indigenous Peoples Day: It is the only country in the ce Americas thusiasts. would go therepopulation to practise deep breathing of grew up stalls lining the parapet of the Public Road from the where Many the Indigenous (Amerindian) Guyana and Venezuela and these boundaries were fully to grow and fresh where asea sizable part of the national he continues the clean and breezes.

Others would be cycling or Kitty Pump Station to the Pegasus, selling refreshments and territory has been allocated to them in legal ownership. In accepted bystalls bothwere parties and the communiall of these well-lit.

TheInternational character of the Seawalls he theeven training for cyclepeople races.reside, Probably districts where Amerindian properly the most notable were ty.

One of the junior lawyers representing Venezuela schools are went being built so that eventually all had changed from a peaceful promenade to a lively fair. at ng equipped the ones who for physical culture.

Many of this group Indigenous children would be schooled; adequate medical MalletPrevost, left ais letter was not Now that the tourism industry beingthat revived, the ed centres would go tobuilt, theand Seawalls byto either to get there or by the arbitration, are being care is taken extend alljogging soto have been opened until after his death.

In that letter, ch cycle and they would arrive there at 5 o’clock, long before Seawalls still offer an attractive attraction.

XXVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 29, 2021

The weather and ...

FROM PAGE XVI

can also have a negative effect as too much sun results in dehydration, sleeplessness and lethargy all of which leads to aggression and mood swings. Weather also creates chaos as in colder or rainy climates, individuals are less likely to be productive or even do routine, daily activities that

are there to promote stability. Other studies show that weather brings out the worst in people. One study, in particular, showed that heat and extreme rain (both experienced in Guyana) increase aggression and conflict within and among individuals.

This means that for those with an already existing

mental illness, weather patterns can worsen currently experienced symptoms.

Some studies even suggest that warmer weather results in a higher frequency of crime and suicide. However, it can also go the other way as some individuals have other wised claimed that rain eases their anxiety and produces calm.

There is a range of treatments for people who ex-

perience Seasonal Affective Disorder or any mental health issues due to changes in weather patterns. There are lifestyle changes such as increased sleep and exercise, spending more time in the natural sunlight and effectively and healthily man-

aging stress levels. There is light therapy which is a light box which produces artificial light to simulate exposure to sunlight (this may be a little drastic for Guyana).

As always, there are talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or there is doctor prescribed anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medication. It is always recommended to go to your doctor to decide which one may be right for you.

If you are wondering why you may need help with this, please keep in mind that our circadian rhythms affect our immune systems, our mood, our

self-esteem, our weight, energy and productivity levels and so much more.

Does the weather affect you and your mood? Can you think of anything else that may be affecting your mood on a daily basis?

Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@ gmail.com Suicide Prevention Helpline numbers: 2230001, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 29, 2021

‘EXPO 50’ was ...

FROM PAGE XX 4. Maria Taylor- Maria Taylor Designs- 646-0878 5. Hollis Brazh – Precision Decor Flow -618-4922

6. Maverick Davidson – The awakened Soul- book

7. Natasha Samantha Joseph – Marketing for AA+ Protection -651-6439

8. Kenny Hercules – King K Eyewear- -673-6312

9. Ruchanna Lowenfield- Teacher’s Supplies- 6656356 ruchannalowenfield@gmail.com

10 Quintasia Whyte- 6121698 11. Martin Giddings – Benjamin’s Nature Spa- 6735441

12. La-Toya Barton- The Book Hub- 656-3010

13. Nkechi Vaughn- Bititi Swim -601-1470

14. Latoya Douglas –- Nature’s Wrap Natural Products -642-4313

15. Farah Naz Ibrahim - Farah’s Homestyle Cooking and Baking -617-6340

16. Shimika Batson -JoyBox Jewels and Teachers Pocket – 666-2971

17. Tiffany Emanuel – Posh Styles and Habits/ Allo’s Seasoning- 669-7888

18. Mitchell Benn- Fearless Fashion- 670-9746

19. Leisa Sandy Gibson- Mel-Leisa’s Organics-643-3463

20. Tracy Payne – Tracy’s kitchen -666-7085

22. Teanna Mentore - Creations By Pineapple 6808208

23. Neishana Baksh – Henna Artist- 604-4166 25. Kaylene Richardson- S & K’s Exquisitely Modern Decor- 660-8836

26. Christine Gittens skin products – 658-9474

27. Davonna Bess- Daz’s Design – 651-3234

28. Thea Moonsammy- The SelfCare Shop- 688-7589

29. Nebiola Toppin- NEST Marketing Consultancy616-8796

30. Jane Lucy Bastian – Events by Lucy- 641-4796

31. Onecie Olabesi Morian – Onecie’s Makeup and Gift Shop- 651-6079

32. Ashley Ramanand -painting -675-3449

33. Candacy Phillips – Candy hair station – 698-7098

34. La Sonia La Rose- - 603-7108

35. Alexandra Willabus- Eccentric Creations- 6146855

36 Alicia Daniels & Jean Jones – A & J Creative Designs Plus- 626-6142

37.Ej Headecker - SeaMossExpress - 678-5487

38. Terry Ceasar - Pemon Peppersauce- 682-1637

39.Caroline Lall - C&M Collection - 654-6404

40.Natasha David- David’s Designs- 681-0637

41. Diane Inniss- Party Castle - CandyStore-660-5964

42. Joel Pereira -Stash Merch online 686-0729

43. Becky’s Blessing- 684-8129

XXVII 45. Yancey Haywood -Modest Fashion- 687-5360

46.Damali Seepaul - Lynae’s Fashion- crochet outfit -648-6055

47.Shondell Ragnauth - Ganesh fashion -698-6508

48Trevis Johnson – Superior Seafoods – 697-2073

49.Dacia Bonds- EmPress Graphic Art and Gift Centre- chocolate@yahoo.com -617-1811

50 Melanie Flatts- Glowup Cosmetics by Mel -6630622 Some of you may have visited the expo and some may wish they had and here is on an opportunity to get the contact info. I am encouraging you to support these start-ups and small businesses as we continue this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 29, 2021 Home-made cold medicines taking sun

Paulette Rose’s home in Canvas City

Paulette Rose with her old telephone directory vase

Creating her own...

FROM PAGE IX

in her humble home and has it organised and it has a real homey feel to it; a place where you don’t want to leave.

She made a mirror with some seashells and it is one of the many unique pieces in her home.

She has her sewing corner right by the front door and all her things to make whatever her customers need and would also keep active and whenever she feels a bit tired she would take a nap then start all over again.

Rose also has a humanitarian side to her. She is very giving and at Christmas she would mobilise the people in her street to prepare foods and pool their resources to buy and present the children with toys.

Rose was instrumental in approaching Food for the Poor for the village and they got four sewing machines to teach sewing classes at the Resource Centre in the village.

The residents had a self-help project and they constructed a small building as the Resource Centre where several women including Rose would volunteer to teach the youths a life skill.

Rose is originally from Half Mile Village and left there after marriage she went to live at her husband’s workplace, Anarika that is, Toolsie Persaud Sawmill for eight years.

After that she settled in Canvas City but was residing in another part of the village that was eroding and ended up in someone’s backyard, her current location.

“Life here is good but the unavailability of jobs is taking a toll on the people, who have to come up with newer ways to earn honestly,” she said.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 29, 2021

Canvas City Sonia Phillips, a resident of Canvas City with her freshly picked papaya from her yard which she eventually gifted her neighbour

Canvas...

FROM PAGE VI

munity.

Most of the dwelling houses are on top of hills and this village doesn’t flood easily even if it rains heavily for over a period of time.

It has about four cross streets and many small tracks leading to houses both up and downhill and is one of the most picturesque villages in Linden.

The people of Canvas City Village comprises of all ethnicities and they co-exist in harmony, peace and there is cooperation among the people, who came together, pooled their money and upgraded the road through a self-help initiative.

These villagers crave development, however. Even though there is electricity, potable water supply, internet, cable, cell phone and landline services the people really need an all-weather road to make living there better.

Most of the locals have kitchen gardens of fruits and vegetables and are self-employed folk, who are finding jobs right from their homes since job opportunities are scarce in the region, which has caused a lot of the young people to leave.

It is not exactly known when people began occupying the land but it is believed to be in the 1970s when the bauxite industry was booming.

And more people left other parts of the country and went to seek employment in Linden and began clearing and living in areas such as Canvas City which was once dense forest.

Back then, people used whatever was around them to build houses and they constructed small cottages with the canvas belt that were used then discarded by the bauxite company.

The newcomers took that canvas and fitted it as roofs and walls for their houses thus, the name derived Canvas City because all the houses back then were made up of canvas, a by-product of bauxite.

After some time, the bauxite company began using conveyor belts instead of canvas belts in the factory and when they discarded that too, the people made use of it to build their houses.

The conveyor belts were even sturdier and to date the people still have it as shade covers for their verandah, patio, porch and other to keep out rain.

Today, the village has developed somewhat with all the basic infrastructure except a good access road and the people have been trying to fix it themselves but they too, need a little help to have an upgraded road.

There are a few small shops in this village and the people support each other because that’s how they survive and they are finding many ways to earn an honest dollar despite the pandemic and the shortages of jobs in that region.

The residents of Canvas City are poultry farmers, shop owners, carpenters, mechanics, welders, masons, teachers, nurses, vendors and other skilled professionals.

The resilience of the people to have an enhanced life by establishing a group called the ‘Canvas City Group’ which initiates many self-help activities within the village with their 40 strong membership.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 29, 2021

THOUGHT FOR TODAY It is a wise father

that knows his own child.

WILLIAM SHAK ESPEARE (156 41616) The Merch ant of Venice, II. ii

August 29, 2021 STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Welcome, dear friend.

Any basic revision methodologies made up of a combination of different learning ideas is good for essay-based subjects but, consider the added positives when cou-

pled with a key word revision card idea. This pocket-sized card affords concise, manageable summaries; colour and design to stimulate visual memory; and frequent use in very short bursts of time.

Yes, it ensures continued recall and memory. Be wise.

Try the useful key word revision card idea alongside other revision approaches.

ing

Love you.

IMPROVING WRITING Begin to polish your writ-

Last week we looked at another way to add sparkle to your writing and paid specific attention to the common writing fault of using and so to introduce a clause, especially a reason-giving clause.

And so is not a conjunction. There are other expressions that would be just right for reason-giving. Transitional words like hence, therefore, consequently, and accordingly may properly be used for this purpose.

Today we begin to look at balanced sentences. This type of sentence is one in which ideas of equal value are expressed in parallel, or similar, constructions. Sentence balancing helps you to put forward a particular idea in a forceful way. We now look at two examples.

First Example: Balancing comparisons To be balanced, comparisons must contain all necessary words; omitting necessary words causes lopsided comparisons. Look at the following sentence.

The director appreciates Tom’s efforts just as much, and maybe more, than I do.

In essence, this sentence produces this meaning: The director appreciates Tom’s efforts just as much than I do.

The use of than is inappropriate and the sentence meaning becomes obscured.

The corrected balanced comparison has as inserted, and the commas placed correctly.

The director appreciates Tom’s efforts just as much as, and maybe more than, I do.

Look at this accompanying comparison example: Poor: Do you believe that the teaching staff is less interested in profits than shopkeepers?

Better: Do you believe that the teaching staff is less interested in profits than shopkeepers are (interested)?

Second Example: Balancing modifiers Although we would say a bottle, we would not say a orange.

When writing words in a series, do not omit modifying adjectives if the first adjective will not serve for the entire series. Look at this sentence that lists: We looked at a laptop, printer, and automatic shredder.

The sentence, in essence, is saying: We looked at a laptop, a printer, and a automatic shredder. The first modifier is not correct for all members of the series. The sentence should be changed to read: We looked at a laptop, a printer, and an automatic shredder.

Do These Application Exercises With the principle of balance in mind, rewrite the following sentences.

1. To equip the new kitchen for our restaurant, we have ordered an undercounter refrigerator, two-door workshop refrigerator, light duty electric countertop frier.

2. Did the principal give you these letters to type or his secretary?

3. Mr. Royston appreciates your work just as much, and maybe more, than I do.

4. Do you believe that the office staff is less interested in outdoor sport than groundskeepers?

5. Each student will be responsible for joining in class discussion and for questions.

READING: Finding out the main idea To find out the main idea of a passage you must be able to distinguish the main idea from supporting details.

The process becomes a little harder when the main idea of a paragraph is not actually stated. That is when there is only a topic idea. In that case, you need to get the general meaning of the paragraph. Read the paragraph that follows.

The Hotel Taft was on a hill in one of the better sections of town. A wide street curved up past large expensive homes until it neared the top of the hill, then there was an archway over the street with a sign reading Taft Hotel and as it passed under the archway the street turned into the entrance of the hotel.

Benjamin drove slowly under the archway, then up the long driveway until he came to

the building itself. He had to slow his car and wait in a line with other cars, most of them driven by chauffeurs. He then stopped by the entrance of the building for a doorman to open the door for the passengers. When Benjamin was beside the entrance an attendant appeared at his car and pulled open the door.

(C. Webb: “The Graduate”) The main idea of this passage is that: A) Benjamin was going to stay at the Taft Hotel.

B) There was an attendant waiting for Benjamin in the hotel.

C) The hotel Benjamin went to was luxurious.

D) Benjamin was impressed by the excellence of the hotel.

IMPROVING WRITING: Responses to last week A.. Avoiding the and pitfalls...

Note that answers will vary. Some possible revisions are as follows: 1. Because our warehouse will be closed for summer vacation, no orders will be shipped between July 5 and July 20. 2. Since these laptops are just what we need, we want to order seven as soon as possible. 3. As long as experts forecast an increase in customer spending this Christmas, our company will continue to open five new hinterland branch stores. 4.

We showed your suggestion for the library improvement to Mr. Jackman who liked it very much.

B.. Using transitional expressions to show a closer relationship between pairs of ideas...

Note that answers will vary. Some possible revisions are as follows: 1.

Because we are making too many class-attendance errors, we must check registers twice from now on. 2. You are invited to suggest one library improvement, but the deadline is tomorrow at 16:30. 3.

Because experienced people are scarce in this region, Ms. Mansfield will have to start a training programme soon.

4. This collection service is very broad-based; moreover, it seems to be much more efficient than our present service.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 29, 2021

XXXIX

Apple chief executive Tim Cook gets $750m payout APPLE chief executive Tim Cook has received more than five million shares in the technology giant, as he marks ten years in the job.

A company filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) watchdog shows that he sold most of the shares for more than $750m (£550m).

It is part of a deal he struck when he took over from co-founder Steve Jobs.

The award depended on how well Apple’s shares performed compared to other firms on the S&P 500 stock

Cook donated almost $10m worth of Apple shares to charity, without naming the recipient.

In 2015, Mr Cook said he would give away his entire fortune before he dies, and is known to have donated tens of millions of dollars to charity.

He currently has a net worth of around $1.5bn, according to the Bloomberg Billionaire’s Index.

Mr Cook has often spoken publicly about his concerns over issues including HIV and Aids, climate change, human rights and

index.

According to Apple’s filing with the SEC, Mr Cook was eligible for the award as the company’s shares had risen by 191.83% over the last three years.

It also noted that Apple’s share price has increased 1,200% since he became chief executive on 24 August 2011.

The company behind the iPhone, iPad and MacBook now has a market valuation of almost $2.5tn.

Last year, Mr Cook agreed to a new pay package that runs to the end of 2026.

A SEC filing also showed that earlier this week Mr

equality.

He follows other mega-rich US business people who have said they would give away all or a significant portion of their fortunes in their lifetimes.

In 2010, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and investment veteran Warren Buffett launched the Giving Pledge, which called on billionaires to give away at least half of their fortunes.

Earlier this year, Mr Buffett donated to charity another $4.1bn worth of shares in his company Berkshire Hathaway. (bbc.com)

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