Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot E-Paper 11-02-2024

Trailblazers in faith

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 11, 2024

The rise of women in religious spaces

Dhanrajie Haimraj is a mother and Hindu priestess living in the community of Windsor Forest (Samuel Maughn photo)

Sunday, February 11, 2024

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 11, 2024

Wearing many hats Community activist promoting culture and a leader for youths

BURNETTA Ann Baker has been leaving people amazed by her many skills and talents over the years, and she has been quite innovative in creating things and making the most of every situation for as long as she can remember.

Baker is a resident of Nelson Street, Mocha-Arcadia, East Bank Demerara and in her younger days worked in the Covent Garden Secondary School canteen. However, when the school had an opening for a librarian, she applied

Burnetta Baker

and got the job and she worked in that capacity for five years. At the same school, she actively promoted culture, taught dancing, and participated in the shows and concerts the school had during that time. Baker loved sports and was a rugby player. She also went on to broaden her horizon in terms of skills in classes in cakes, pastries and floral making at Grove Craft Centre.

A floral arrangement made by Burnetta Baker

Early start and inspiration Baker told the Pepperpot Magazine that growing up, she saw how her own mother was active in the community and was always involved in community development.

She related that when there was an event in the village, the women got together to plan and organise things while the men supported in other ways for it to be successful.

The community activist has long had an active spirit, adding that at age 16, she began participating in cultural events in the community to follow in her mother’s

One of the many trophies she received following her outstanding performances in karaoke competitions

footsteps as a woman and a leader. She deeply loves promoting the cultures of the six races in Guyana and teaches dancing in all forms, including African.

A woman of many talents Baker is also a member of the Mocha-Arcadia Rising Star Police Club, provides snacks for the children attending classes there, and is also a volunteer. She is the backbone behind the Mocha- Arcadia Pageants and would train the girls annually to participate in the event, Miss Mocha Teen. Baker is a member of the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA), would participate in African drumming and is a member of the village co-op that governs the farmlands.

She stated that she also wanted to become multiskilled, so she did a course at the Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC) in welding and also went to the Guyana Technical Institute (GTI) to become a certified welder just like her father, who owned a workshop where her mother assisted.

Baker reported that her mother was a gifted craftswoman in ceramics and made beautiful pieces such as vases, cups, jugs and other things. She added that growing up in Mocha-Arcadia, her home village, she had a deep yearning to give back to society and she participated in many community-based projects. Baker also grew up in a house with music, and she developed skills as a disc jockey (DJ) and a love for karaoke. She is better known as ‘DJ Annie’ and she participated in many competitions and would “DJ” at many events.

She played music for various events all across Guyana.

A new venture Baker was enjoying doing many things, but all activities were curtailed when the pandemic hit Guyana, and she had to stay in like most people.

It was during this time she mastered the art of making home-made mango achar, all-purpose green SEE PAGE XXIV

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 11, 2024

Guyapora Seeking to connect Guyanese through film

By Shaniya Harding AS Guyanese living in Guyana, it is easy to become immersed in our country’s rich cultural and traditional way of life. As Guyanese, we are at the forefront of the nation’s cultural displays, festivals, and tales of our heritage passed down from generation to generation. As a people, our identities are rooted in us from birth, with the celebration of every Mashramani, Emancipation, and Diwali. But some Guyanese living beyond our waters search for a stronger connection with their motherland.

One of those people is Corey Brammah Semple. Corey is a writer, photographer, and filmmaker living in Queens, New York. Born to Guyanese parents, Corey has always felt a need to strengthen his bond with Guyana. A few years ago, he put his vision into action with the development of Guyapora. Corey picked up a camera and embarked on a journey to not only visit Guyana but to bring our nation closer to those living abroad with his documentary. Corey began Guyapora as a way to bring Guyanese and the Diaspora closer, and to show that no Corey Brammah Semple matter where you are, you are still Guyanese.

Who is Corey Semple?

Corey’s love for filmmaking was sparked during his senior year of high school. He explained that it was a simple film class that piqued his interest, and in the summer of that year, a young Corey bought his first camera. As a young man, the idea of visually telling a story filled him with enthusiasm. He remembers taking shots of everything around him, seeking to capture as much of the moment as possible. He stated that, “I was capturing everything: family events, football and basketball games, and friends’ parties. I was just capturing memories.” As much as he loved capturing the moment, Corey sought to tell stories that would have an impact. This is what motivated his first films. He has partnered with other small filmmakers like himself, many of whom are also second-generation Caribbean people. Many of his works up until now have been works of fiction, and almost all of them have been connected to the Caribbean or Africa in some way or form.

With the introduction of Guyapora, however, Corey plans to tell the true story of Guyana.

Apart from the influence of his parents, both of whom come from Berbice, Corey’s love for all things Guyanese was supported by his community. He spent his childhood around many other Guyanese and Caribbean nationals. Even his best friend and later colleague was from Suriname. He shared that, “I was raised by my mother, father, and grandmother. I was raised around the heavy influence of Guyanese.” He added, “I grew up with everything of Guyanese stature, the Guyanese heritage, and food.” As much as Guyana was a part of his life, Corey felt the profound need to be a part of Guyana. “What was missing was just me going to Guyana physically,” he said A few years ago, he made the trip to Guyana for the first time, and coming to Guyana felt more like coming home.

The Development of Guyapora The first time Corey came to Guyana was during the pandemic. While all the world was at a stalemate, Corey was venturing through Guyana. Since then, he has worked

tirelessly, making several trips back to Guyana. He describes his time in Guyana as simply amazing. Corey hoped to form stronger bonds by coming to Guyana, and in many ways, he achieved just that. One of the most memorable parts of his visits is the family members he meets and the places he sees and experiences. In his first trip to Guyana, he shared, “I had an amazing time. I saw people who I have not seen in years.”

For Corey, coming to Guyana was rediscovering his family, their roots, and himself.

Guyapora was first developed as a thought. Corey explained that during his time in Guyana, he captured as much of the country as he could, but his true ambition was to make a film. But this would be easier said than done. He admitted that initially, he was unsure of where to start. He knew he wanted to work with other filmmakers, and when he returned from his first trip, he made some calls, and Guyapora was born. He shared that, “I started this plan to document more

about the history of Guyana. More about culture, tradition, and village life and the surrounding areas. And that blossomed into Guyapora. It blossomed into something that I did not think would come about.”

Bringing the vision of Guyapora to life is, on its own, a massive undertaking. But the lack of support is what Corey says is the hardest aspect of filmmaking anywhere.

“One issue has been the lack of support. I wish that there was more support for the filmmaking industry in Guyana.” He shared that finding authentic sources of Guyanese history and folklore is also challenging, saying, “I wish there were more people preserving the history and culture; I am seeing more of it dwindle away.” Corey and his counterparts working in Guyapora are dedicated to their mission of showing Guyana to the rest of the world and creating something that connects people.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 11, 2024

Giving back to Bonasika Creek

Local resident active in community development thankful for recent donation to help boost security

By Michel Outridge THE volunteer work associated with Bonasika Creek, Essequibo River Community Policing Group (CPG) has significantly been boosted through a gift from the Ministry of Home Affairs in the form of a 40-horsepower boat engine.

It was presented to Rural Constable Bishnu Lochan, attached to the Neighbourhood Police of Mole Island, Lower Bonasika Creek, to facilitate river patrols.

Before this gesture, Lochan took it upon himself to utilise his very own engine and boat to do patrols and other CPG-related work in the past. However, he is delighted to receive the 40-HP boat engine used to do CPG work and community policing.

The engine/boat is used to patrols four districts such as: Bonasika, Morashee, Fort Island and Aliki. He reported that for the past 14 years, he has been involved in the CPG and has been using his own boat, engine and gas to do the work.

Lochan added that he received the boat engine last year.

The Rural Constable stated that he and two others are responsible for policing the four districts and all reports

must be followed up. Lochan stated that there are eight CPG members in Bonasika Creek and he believes that the work should be shared collectively.

“With this gift engine, it will allow me to do more for the community and I am very happy about the development for the riverine area,” he said.

Lochan surmised that if he is given an allowance to purchase mixed gas for the boat, it will be even better because he will not have to use his own money to do so. “I remain hopeful that things will change for the better, and we can benefit from the resources we need to enhance the work of the CPG within the community,” Bishnu Lochan

he said.

Lochan is attached to the Bonasika Police Outpost, which is in dire need of rehabilitation and is also a farmer active in community-based development projects.

Life at Mole Island as a farmer

Bishnu Lochan, Rural Constable, poses with his gift 40Hp boat engine

He has been living at the location for the past 66 years since he moved with his parents from their home village of Ocean View, Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara, and they relocated to the High-Level Canal area, which was once a very bushy undeveloped place.

Lochan reported that he watched as his parents toil day and night to make an honest living with farming and everything was done manually in those days.

“I saw them work hard for a long time, and I told myself I must become a farmer too, to live off the land, to earn,” he said.

The Mole Island resident stated that he is one of a few others who occupy the eroding island in the Essequibo River, but it is home for him.

With his personal mantra, “It is more blessed to give than receive,” he doesn’t hesitate to assist people in

whatever way possible.

He is very active in all community-based initiatives and often goes beyond the call of duty. He is also a volunteer with the CPG, doing patrols at night and a person you can call on at any given time he is willing to assist.

Lochan grew up as a boy in Bonasika Creek, Essequibo River, and made it his home after a cousin offered him a plot of land. He developed over time and began his life as a small farmer. He then made it his home after he got married and started a family.

The farmer explained that he grew up working alongside his father on their farm, something he adopted as a young man and came from a family of four brothers and three sisters.

However, he migrated to Suriname to work until he got a message that his father was seriously ill and he was needed back home. When Lochan returned to Guyana, he learnt of his father’s death and had to stay to upkeep the farm and take care of his mother and siblings.

Back in those days, Lochan remembered paddling his little boat full of produce to take to the Parika Market to sell and things were much slower, yet simpler than they are today.

He added that when he used to live in the High-Level Canal area, whenever the tide was low, it was difficult to get out; as such, his cousin offered him a piece of land in Bonasika Creek and he relocated there after building a house.

Lochan recalled that life was hard, money was little, and it was frustrating to recover when they lost a crop to wild animals or flooding. He had to go and work with other farmers to earn to re-start planting traditional crops to sustain his family.

He reported that there has been much development in the riverine community over the years. Thanks to the current administration, a lot was done to boost drainage and irrigation since they depend heavily on farming as their only source of income.

Lochan is very pleased because Bonasika Creek is a major food-producing community. To sustain their farms and livelihoods, the community’s drainage and irrigation are being boosted significantly.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 11, 2024

Windsor Forest A community of history and harmony

THE community of Windsor Forest is nestled along the West Coast of Demerara, and it is one of many Guyanese villages that hold a rich history at heart and have developed with welcoming people at their forefront. With a captivating name of mysterious origins, Windsor Forest lies between the capital city and the Essequibo River. This has given the community a unique atmosphere and cultural flair that has been curated by a mixture of countryside authenticity with all the conveniences its people require. The Pepperpot Magazine sat down with the Chairman of Windsor Forest to learn more about the village, its history, traditions, way

Chairman of Windsor Forest, Rajish Kadernauth standing next to the community’s chinese monument (Samuel Maughn photos)

his village. Apart from being a farming community, Windsor Forest also houses several professionals in various fields. This gives the community a balance with its well-thought-out diversity. As the Chairman stated, “This area does have many rice farmers in general and quite a few professionals who are working in the private sector.” The peacefulness of Windsor Forest is echoed by all of its residents. “This is a quiet community where people live in harmony with no major problems,” the Chairman said. Windsor Forest is well equipped with its own

The Windsor Forest seawall.

of life, and development.

Windsor Forest is like any other community. Windsor Forest, he shared, is like any other village, just with a little more love amongst its people.

Chairman of the village,

Rajish Kadernauth, wears many hats and is an integral part of the village. Being a pharmacist by profession, a rice farmer, and a Hindu priest, Rajish is the definition of versatility and dedication, as he still finds time to work on any issues presented in

Windsor Forest;s community center and ball field

nursery and primary school as well as a health centre.

Windsor Forest’s background is not entirely new, but it is nonetheless vital to the community’s identity and Guyana’s cultural and traditional footprint. Windsor Forest was said to have been founded by indentured labourers after the period of indentureship. The origins of the community can still be felt today, as many residents still hold traditional and historic values close to them.

Farming, particularly rice farming, is considered a part of life in Windsor Forest and is rooted in the village’s past.

As the Chairman explained, agriculture was a way of life for the village’s first people, stating that “Many of the people who stayed back after indentureship settled. Our great-grandparents would have been descendants from India. They settled in Windsor Forest and they practised rice farming and cattle rearing. Basically, the rice came from our fore-parents who came from India and decided to stay.” He further shared that, “My great-grandfather came from India, so we are living where he purchased his plot of land. That would be SEE PAGE XIV

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 11, 2024

A New Horizon

Learning to change and adapt

By Shaniya Harding WINDSOR Forest is a quaint little community by the ocean on the West Coast in Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara). The village is home to a few hundred households and, coupled with its neighbouring villages, is home to several thousand people. Windsor Forest is one of those communities that rests perfectly on the outskirts of the hustle and bustle of Georgetown and the regional capital, Vreeden-Hoop, all while keeping its calming, authentic, and welcoming nature intact.

And as mundane as the village may seem to some, depending on where you come from, it is fast-paced compared to life elsewhere.

It certainly seems that way to 19-year-old Tashmini Ramnauth who was raised in Port Mourant along the Corentyne. According to Tashmini, life along the Corentyne was drastically different. She described her home village as having more of a country essence and a

simplistic atmosphere. She remembers her time there as seemingly slower than the rush of living in a community like Windsor Forest offers. Tashmini moved to the village of Windsor Forest just over three years ago after moving to live with her mother. The move, she said, was based on various reasons and was a big step in her life. Coming from a community where backdam walks, swimming, and climbing trees were the norm, to Windsor Forest, a quite busy village by contrast. Tashmini says the move, although challenging, has given her more opportunities while forcing her to adapt.

Young and enthusiastic, Tashmini is the eldest of three children who grew up with their father, and she is the first to move from home in Berbice to live with her mother in Windsor Forest.

Her decision to move was based on several factors, but she felt it was time for a change, but she had no real idea of how much of a change the move would be.

Tashmini’s childhood is

defined by her upbringing in Port Mourant. The Corentyne is what many people see as the countryside, and according to Tashmini, life does not get muore authentic and ‘country’ than along the Corentyne; as she stated, her home village had a ‘country vibe.’ However, she emphasised that it was some of the best years of her life, and at no time was she unhappy with living in Port Mourant during her childhood. She described the days spent playing with the neighbourhood children, swimming, and being a part of the great outdoors that her village had to offer. “In Berbice, I had childhood friends and neighbours with whom we would play and socialise more,” Tashmini stated.

Her views on Windsor Forest are interesting.

Tashmini describes it as ‘fast’ compared to life in the Corentyne. Although she is undeniably happy to have made the move and see more of Guyana, Tashmini misses some of what the Corentyne had given her. She told the Pepperpot

Aspirimng nurse, Tashmini Ramnauth (Samuel Maughn photos)

A quiet street in Windsor Forest

Magazine that apart from the quietness, village interaction, and community ties, there are plenty of good things about calling the countryside home. But above all else, her family and friends still hold a place in her heart. As Tashmini shared, “I felt sad at first because all my family and friends are there. I was

born there in Berbice and everything was there. My whole heart was there.”

Tashmini is still, in many ways, learning to live in Windsor Forest, although her heart is in Berbice. She shared that moving around and familiarising herself with the West Coast was one of the most challenging aspects of the move. “It has been a little difficult because I did not know the place or the routes.

And I did not have family and friends.” But the more she lives in Windsor Forest and the more she experiences life in the village, the more she is captivated and happy with her decision. One of the biggest upsides to living in Windsor Forest is the fact that Tashmini has been given far more opportunities.

Living in the Corentyne, she explained that finding work was somewhat difficult. She

shared that, “Berbice is a big place, and when it comes to jobs, it was a little hard.”

Tashmini explained that the availability of work opportunities was among the biggest driving forces for her move. For as long as she can remember, Tashmini has always had a profound love for nursing. She has taken steps towards achieving this goal. She shared that while in Berbice, becoming a nurse seemed an impossible task. Currently, in Windsor Forest, however, Tashmini is a part of the community’s neighbourhood council while she works towards becoming a nurse. And while she is sure she will achieve her aim, she is also sure it will come with its challenges. But like she has done before, Tashmini plans to adapt in the face of adversities.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 11, 2024

The strength that struggle builds

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Reflecting on strength and community in Windsor Forest

By Shaniya Harding TULSIDAI is a remarkable woman who has seen countless trials throughout her over eight decades in the community of Windsor Forest. Tulsidai is the only name she was given at birth. She was born into a family that made life out of very little. Tulsidai met tough times and adversities at an early age.

Born in January of 1942, Tulsidai has lived all of her 83 years in the community of Windsor Forest. She has seen a lot of life and the challenges it often offers.

Her life experiences have shaped her unique views on life. Rather than living in the hope that life’s challenges will become less or somewhat easier, Tulsidai believes that struggle builds courage. And with courage, all of life’s challenges can be met and dealt with.

After years of living in Windsor Forest, Tulsidai has cultivated quite a reputation as a well-known and integral part of the community.

Although she admits that, nowadays, she never really leaves home, there was a time when she travelled and saw much of Guyana and the world. As much as she has been adventurous throughout her life, she was always

called back to Windsor Forest. One of the things that she loves about her village is quite simple that it feels like home. To Tulsidai, Windsor Forest is where she was born and she is surrounded by people who are just like her.

This is one of the issues she had with travelling overseas.

She explained that although she loved seeing more of the world, she missed seeing people who looked or spoke like her overseas. She stated that, “When I was young, I used to go on holidays in places like Washington. But I did not like that because I did not see people who look like me.”

With the loss of her father at a young age, Tulsidai was privy to the trials of life very early. Tulsidai described her family as poor, and with the loss of their breadwinner, the household faced tough times. Tulsidai’s mother was suddenly the provider of the family, and as a woman living in Guyana at that time, work was not easy to come by. Although the family was undergoing their own issues, Tulsidai reminisced about how they still helped others where possible. Along with her brother and parents, Tulsidai’s family chose to care for others. She explained that, “I only have a brother.

But my father took in my

Windsor Forest elder, Tulsidai(Samuel Maughn photos)

cousin because she did not have a mother or father, although we were so poor.”

Throughout hardships and times of loss, the family only strengthened their ties.

Tulsidai painted a captivating image of her childhood. She explained that ‘those days were not like

now.’ Her family and most of the families in Windsor Forest survived by being self-sustainable. They farmed and fished and kept family values and each other close.

“It was hard,” she stated.

She added that, “There was not plenty of work. But we used to farm and milk cows.”

Although she did not have the opportunity to have what most would consider a proper secondary education, Tulsidai became a teacher. She told the Pepperpot Magazine that parents had to pay to enroll their children during the years she went to school.

This was an issue for her already struggling family, so Tulsidai ventured off to become a teacher at just 16

years old. She explained that being a teacher without going to high school was not particularly hard for her. She said she just did her best and wrote her exams, saying, “I took my exams for all four years. I just followed the syllabus and learned about the teaching profession.”

Tulsidai studied hard and educated herself for more than four decades as a teacher. Molding young minds across Guyana, Tulsidai dedicated herself to helping others. At 83 years old, Tulsidai has lived a long life and is adamant that she is in perfect health. She explained that she has no fears or inhibitions about living alone, never having

had the opportunity to have a child of her own. Tulsidai has been a mother figure to countless of Windsor Forest’s youths. This has crafted a unique bond between her and many community members, many of whom make it their duty to care for her well-being. Tulsidai believes that she has lived a well-accomplished life.

During her interview, she shared that she has always seen challenges as significant throughout her life.

She sees her adversities as relevant to her life and her development as a person.

She stated that had she not had the challenges she had, she would not be the woman she is today.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 11, 2024

Trailblazers in faith The rise of women in religious spaces

By Shaniya Harding PRIESTS have been religious pillars in Hinduism for centuries. These spiritual leaders are highly regarded and are oftentimes seen as pillars of their community. For years, these pandits, as they are called in Guyana, have been lead-

ers and guides to the people who trust in them. With beliefs and values rooted stronger than most people, they have been tasked with guiding their people for millennia. For much of history, this has been the case, and it still is today; however, there are some changes happening within

the realm. Although the word pandit conjures up the image of a man holding the title, there are also women taking up the mantle. Although few, Guyana does have panditas, female Hindu priests. Dhanrajie Haimraj is a mother and dedicated pandita. She is part of a movement that

Dhanrajie Haimraj also known as Dolly (Samuel Maughn photos)

is dedicated towards the development and further engagement of women in religious spaces. She believes that religious and cultural spaces will benefit from diversity; as she pushes forward with her mantra, there is nothing a woman cannot do.

The power of knowing Dhanrajie Haimraj is a mother and Hindu priestess living in the community of Windsor Forest along the West Coast in Region Three.

Known locally as Dolly, she is somewhat of a rarity and

pioneer. Born and raised in the community of Windsor Forest, Dolly has a profound love for her home and her faith, which she came into as a child growing up in Windsor Forest. The 59-year-old spoke to the Pepperpot Magazine as she explained her views on women in religion and people’s role in welcoming them.

Dolly has moved to quite a few places in the community of Windsor Forest but has never left the village.

The love for her community is on par with her love for her faith. She explained that although she has seen much

of Guyana and the beauty it offers, her love for Windsor Forest has never faltered.

As she stated, “I was born in Windsor Forest, I grew up here, and my love for the village is right here. When I started moving out, I saw beautiful places, too, but Windsor Forest is always close to my heart. Because this community is a very loving one.”

Religious ties run deep within her family, with her husband also being a priest. Dolly is a part of a movement coined Arya SEE PAGE IX

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 11, 2024 One of the community’s temples that Dolly attends

Trailblazers in...

FROM PAGE VIII

Samaj, which bears the meaning ‘a noble society’.

Society advocates for education to be brought in all forms and to everyone.

This belief is what drives the new addition of female Hindu priests, the idea that knowledge, even religious teachings, can be taught to and by everyone, even women. Dolly shared that “Arya Samaj propagates education to the highest.

And I always look forward to women and young girls being educated.”

Dolly and countless other women who are a part of the movement stand on the belief that with the education of women comes the education of the next generation and generations to come. As Dolly explains, “Women are said to be the first teachers of a child. And once the mother or women is educated, we will have a well-educated and beautiful society.” Dolly’s belief in emphasising

education is driven by her religion, and it extends beyond women’s education and empowerment. Dolly and other Arya Samaj members take part in social work and outreaches, believing that not only should women be educated, but so should everyone; even those in more unfortunate circumstances.

The perception The captivating aspect of Dolly’s work is primarily found in the rarity of a Hindu priestess. There are very few around the world and even less in Guyana. The road and requirements to becoming a Hindu priestess are difficult and trying in their own unique way. According to Dolly, the Arya Samaj’s emphasis on education takes an entirely new step when a woman takes up the mantle of the priesthood. Vast knowledge and in-depth understanding of a wide array

of topics need to be studied and understood to gain the title of priestess.

As Dolly states, “In the Arya Samaj movement, they put women on the highest pedestal. We do not discriminate or differentiate. As long as you are able and have the necessary knowledge.” She added, “To become a priestess, you must know the basic knowledge like Hindi and Sanskrit.” Carrying the title of priestess is, on its own, a commendable accomplishment, even more so with the added weight of people’s perceptions.

Dolly admits that there have been instances where people displayed hesitance towards a female Hindu priest. But she has worked tirelessly to ensure that people see priestesses for who they are - just as capable as a priest.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 11, 2024

THE HAUNTING DARKNESS on silent wings shrouded the small village, hush whispers and stealthy shadows crisscrossed the night for not everyone was asleep past the midnight hour.

She stood deep in the shadows, the little girl with head bent, her long black hair partially covering her face. Her shoulders shuddered as though she was crying, then slowly, she raised her head and pushed back the hair from her face. Her coal-black eyes held a deep sadness as she looked at the small white house further down the street. Light glowed t h r o u g h t h e w i n d o w, meaning someone was still awake, and slowly, she walked to her home, an unseen being leaving behind invisible footprints.

Max, her pet terrier sensing her, jumped up, barking and wagging his tail wildly. She put a dirtstained finger to her lips and he eased to a low whimpering. He could see her spiritual form and she bent down and hugged him, “I’m sorry, boy,” she said sadly, “I can’t be with you now.”

She walked up the short stairs into the house and she whispered, “Mom? Dad?” The couple sitting on the chair, sleepless in grief, couldn’t see or hear her, their little daughter missing for two days.

“Where more can we look?” her mother asked, her voice weak and trembling.

“I’m here, mom,” the little girl said, tears she couldn’t feel rolling down her cheeks.

“We have to wait on the police,” her father responded, his voice broken.

The little girl felt helpless to see such deep pain and not being able to comfort them. She went to her sister ’s room. She, too, wasn’t sleeping, staring at the blank TV screen, hugging her little sister’s teddy

bear.

“Please come home, Sonia,” she whispered.

“I’m home,” the little girl said.

She went to her room and lay down on her bed.

“What do I do?” she wondered, “They have to know what happened to find me before it’s too late.”

A loud screech of brakes on the road startled her and she sat up, sudden realisation in her eyes, for she knew now what she had to do.

She had been such a happy little girl, always a song in her heart with a deep love for dancing and drama. She rode her bike to and from school with her two best friends and each day, coming home, they would stop on a lonely stretch of the road where huge trees on its border formed a canopy. There in the shade, they would rest a little and marvel at the colourful birds that lived in the trees.

But that fateful day when neither friend was with her and she was riding home alone, tragedy struck.

She had stopped to rest, enthralled at a mother bird feeding her chicks, when a loud revving sound scared her and the birds. A red car came around the bend at a breakneck speed, losing control on the turn and hit her, tossing her high in the air.

She screamed and fell on the hard earth and in those deadly seconds, her world turned dark.

The car had braked a distance away and the two boys running back had looked at her in shock.

They had argued about whose fault it was, about what would happen, how their lives would now be over.

It was a lonely road, no one had seen what happened, so they decided to cover the accident scene and hid her lifeless body. Neither of them no-

ticed the shallow breathing as they carried her deep in the brushes, covering her with dirt and shrubs and drove away, dumping her bike in another overgrown area.

In the dark night, she stopped breathing and found herself in a strange place. She couldn’t understand what had happened and what she was doing there, she had to go home.

She tried to find a way out, then a sudden pull took her back, for the breathing had restarted and life had returned to the little broken body lying under the shrubs. The breathing stopped again hours later and the little girl suddenly understood. She had to find a way out, for someone to find her. She found her way home but there wasn’t much time and she began her search for the two reckless, guilty boys so they could confess their crime so the police could find her body.

She searched until she found them at a car show, which was now her show time. The first time they saw her was in the rearview mirror of the deadly car. That spooked them so much that they almost caused another accident on the road and she followed them everywhere as the body recalled her soul less because the heartbeats had slowed. She haunted their lives to a breaking point, for she could not be left in that dark place. She had to be found.

The haunting broke them down and they confessed, leading the police to where they had hidden the body. The paramedics applied oxygen to the limp body recovered with just one heartbeat. The little girl faintly heard baby birds chirping as she was brought out of the brushes and a tiny smile touched her lips. Beautiful life returned.

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Revisiting the fundamentals

WHEN a prominent physician and I discussed the recent apparent surge in the incidence of corona virus in Guyana, he postulated that what we professionals accept as “simple knowledge” would have to be consistently told to the masses before acceptance and compliance become generalised. With oral health being no different, it seems to me that it is logical to advise the regular readers of this column to make a renewed resolution concerning their dental health. And they can easily do this after assimilating basic facts on oral hygiene.

Many foods you eat cause the bacteria in your mouth to produce acids. Sugared foods, such as candy and cookies, are not the only culprits. Starches, such as breads, crackers and cereal, also cause acids to form.

If you snack often, you could be having acid attacks.

Your teeth may decay. All these are accommodated by

the sticky film that the teeth and gums harbour, called plaque.

Plaque also produces substances that irritate the gums, making them red, tender or bleed easily (gingivitis). After a while, gums may pull away from the teeth.

Pockets form and fill with more bacteria and pus. If the gums are not treated, the bone around the teeth can be destroyed (periodontitis). The teeth may become loose or have to be removed. In fact, this gum disease is the main cause of tooth loss in adults.

One way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease is by eating a balanced diet and limiting the number of between-meal snacks. If you need a snack, choose nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese or a piece of fruit.

The best way to remove decay-causing plaque is by brushing and cleaning between your teeth every day. Brushing removes plaque from the tooth surfaces.

Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth, allowing you to reach all areas easily.

SEE PAGE LI Use toothpaste that contains

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Windsor Forest...

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four or five generations ago.”

A large aspect of Windsor Forest’s history is the fact that the community is said to have been one of Guyana’s first Chinese settlements. According to sources, Windsor Forest was home to one of the country’s largest Chinese settlements before indentured immigrants settled. Between 1853 and 1879, indentured Chinese labourers were brought to Guyana, and on January 12, 1853, more than 100 people were assigned to work on the Windsor Forest plantation. A monument was erected

to commemorate this aspect of the community’s history. The Chairman explained that all aspects and eras of the village’s history are remembered and celebrated in grand fashion by all members of the community. “There is definitely history with the Chinese first settling here and the Indian indentureship. We have three major religions practising within this community, and we have no major disharmony or conflict. It is a community that has tremendous faith in God as well.”

Like so many of the people living in Windsor Forest,

the Chairman has called Windsor Forest home his entire life. Life in Windsor Forest is as serene and peaceful as one may imagine, coming from a community near the beach. Rajish’s motivation to work for his community as Chairman is rooted in his love for his village. He shared that, “My upbringing in Windsor Forest was simple. I was involved in many of the childish sports of the time, like swimming and playing cricket on the streets. It was a very humble upbringing.” In many respects, the community still remains humble in nature. However, Windsor Forest has retained its natural charm amidst various changes. According to the Chairman, the village has seen various upgrades, which have gone a long way in modernising it. He shared that, “Almost every street within the area is upgraded with the intervention of the government and many streetlights are in place. For the past three years, there has been a drastic improvement in the physical infrastructure.”

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Sign Language is more than peace signs -it’s an essential communication method IN the last two years, I’ve interacted more with persons living with disabilities—specifically, persons with speech impairment and hearing impairment.

Before we go any further, yes, “dumb” and “deaf” can be offensive and aggressive words to use. As such, hearing or speech impairment can be used instead.

With that in mind, I’ve started to learn some American Sign Language because there is often no medium between my communication with them. I had little to no understanding of sign language. I was also unaware that many people have no formal education on sign language, especially those with impairments who need it to communicate.

To my disappointment, even though I’ve learned basic sign language, I still could not communicate with a lot of persons with impairment. Many persons living with such impairments were never a part of a group or school system that offered sign language.

Over time, many of these persons had to develop their own unique ways of recording their thoughts and sentiments. This was such a heartbreaking realisation for me. Sign language has many variations. It is estimated that there are over 300 different types. American Sign

Language is perhaps the most popular form, with over 1 million speakers. This is one of the reasons why I initially thought learning it would’ve been better.

Many parents who have children with hearing and speech impairments also do not know any form of

sign language. Sure, there are universal sign languages like making a heart and a peace sign. However, it is an injustice being done to a child when they can’t fully express their emotions and thoughts. As such, there should be classes available for parents to learn sign language to help their children in return. At least one customer representative or service provider for every office in Guyana should be knowledgeable about sign language. This promotes inclusivity and allows for better communication between persons with impairments and service providers.

Unfortunately, only a selected few are taught structured sign language in special needs schools in Guyana. However, not every child living with a disability attends a “special needs’’ school. As such, sign language should be available for both private and public schools across Guyana. With more research and development, I am confident that we can achieve a more holistic

approach to addressing educational issues for the disabled. This is one way that ensures effectiveness and inclusion.

We should not fail to implement systems to ensure language inclusivity for the disabled. If we do, we fail at ensuring freedom of expression and effective communication for a large portion of our people.

I hope this inspires you to learn Sign Language for yourself or to teach others. We must share our knowledge with others— so that they, too, can benefit.

The next time you’re bored, try learning sign language online or joining a class. The next time you’re interested in developing a project for the betterment of others, I urge you to consider persons living with disabilities and Sign Language. We can shorten this communication gap one sign at a time.

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THE-INTERNATIONAL DECADE FOR PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT The International Decade For People Of African Descent cannot escape observation at this time in the context of its serious cultural inclusion towards posterity.

A simple look on the OAS website on the ‘DE-

CADE-IDPAD’ will reveal a list of souls past and current of the Americas whose contributions have worked independently towards this current mandate. Also included is a list of Guyanese who have pursued the humanities and the arts and

their constant endeavours for the rights and aesthetics of Afro-Guyanese, like Bishop Randolf George, Kofi, our national hero, Walter Rodney, and yours truly. Now, to the creative producers locally, SEE PAGE XXI

SPECTRUM GRAPHIC ENTERTAINMENT & EDU-TAINMENT -FICTION & NON-FICTION PUBLICATIONS

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THEINTERNATIONAL DECADE FOR PEOPLE ...

FROM PAGE XX

and still around, are a few of us who have gone to the point of registration of fixed entities, companies etc, in this no-man’s-land, where creative people are concerned. Though we have had successes, it was truly a no-man’s land in many cases of conflicting nerve testing challenges and experiences.

A few of those creative people are cultural cross-overs towards developing that current decolonised ethos of where we are today. From the long-after-abolition conflict of psychological warfare towards the impositions of subliminal complexes. It was not a pleasant conflict of isolation and frustrations, but we persevered.

There are two important aspects to this historical United Nations mandate in discussion now. Both are bound towards the same conclusion: how posterity will determine the very participants of this mandate and assessing both those who overlooked and produced works. All will be judged by the quality of what was executed during the duration of this mandate, and its conclusion. Of course, that is how evaluations are constructed. Therefore, clarity with engagement should be the primary factor in opening doors for participation.

I am a founder member of ACDA, a successful local Afro-based organisation. I already have access to participation through that status. I have concluded that the company that I registered to envelop my creative works with since 1992 is more suited for this occasion, drawing inspiration from accomplished works that went national under that business name. The type of projects that I have currently prepared have also never been attempted locally or within the Caribbean.

I must confess that from conception, I did not realise the weight of the work and intellectual resources (books on various support inputs across time, as well as local models and tools since the advent of the PC and related software) that had to be accessed, applied and rewarded to produce the next authentic pages captured for graphic presentations.

To measure what the UN Mandate intends is to allow the standards we now have to be emancipated from tireless dreams of possibility to ‘the’ made-possible, at an enabling start. Thus, it is necessary for an open approach to participation by serious creative institutions collectively referred towards presenting their participation in both the imagery of art, music, and literature, as well as bearing in mind industrial creativity under protection. Accompanying this article is the link to the OAS Page cited. https://www.oas.org/en/media_center/the-decade-forpeople-of-african-descent.asp DE lamentables

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MODELS OF EMPLOYING OIL REVENUES IN the past, this column had considered the issue of how the oil revenues should be spent. The issue was one of the themes of the recent budget debate in Parliament. This fact and the issue still being regarded as undecided by a body of local opinion have constrained us to revisit it. If there is a full national consensus on the issue, programmes of national development would be more focused.

There are two main models of utilising the oil revenues which have been presented to the population by the intellectual community and the politicians: the first is rather simplistic and populist and advocates that the levels of social and economic budgetary spending remain as they were in 2018 or 2019, but with a slight increase in social spending. The main thrust would, however, be to distribute

the oil revenue funds to every family, each being given one million dollars per month.

It is envisaged that people would be able to buy whatever goods and services they wish and that the standard of living of the population would instantaneously be raised to almost First World standards.

This model, though attractive to many people, is fraught with dangers. In the first place, the revenues would not be able to cover even the first year’s expenditure, and it would be several years away before such expenditure could be possible.

Even if it were possible, it would result in steep inflation, with goods and services becoming more expensive and imports vastly expanding. With the regular large grants of money, the workforce would be disinclined to work, and the present industries of the country would eventually collapse, leaving SEE PAGE XXIII the population dependent solely on oil revenues. When oil

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MODELS OF EMPLOYING... reserves become exhausted as they inevitably will be, or the world prices of oil fall or a country cannot export oil, the population would fall into severe poverty and want, as has happened to Venezuela, once one of the richest countries in the world.

The other model is to deploy the revenues into three areas: the first is to accumulate part of the revenue funds as a reserve for use of future generations; the second is to spend money on social services and the third is to spend on economic development other than oil. Since the Government of Guyana has already decided to employ the second model, it would be academic to discuss the second model in the abstract.

Accordingly, we shall briefly attempt to describe and analyse how this second model is operating: Every payment of oil revenues received is deposited in the main Reserve Bank in the United States with an interest rate of approximately 5%. All deposits are placed in a Natural Resource Fund (NRF) and are publicised and made known to Parliament and all withdrawals and their use are subject to Parliamentary approval and must be publicised. Part of the deposit is always accumulated in the NRF for the benefit of future generations. The establishment of the NRF had been inspired by the example of Norway and guards against the misuse of funds and corruption.

The part of the oil revenues to be deployed on social services is mainly on health services, where new hospitals would be built, doctors and nurses trained, hospital equipment modernised, and all drugs and even the most expensive procedures would be available free to patients. Health centres would be upgraded and spread more widely over the country. More funds would be deployed to educational services, including upgrading schools with better equipment, training teachers, and building new schools in districts where they were long needed.

Education at the University of Guyana would be free and thousands of online scholarships at foreign universities in a variety of disciplines supplement the University of Guyana’s offerings. Pensions and Public Service salaries and wages are being increased annually at levels that would ensure sustainability. Grants are given to various categories such as school feeding, school uniforms, Caribbean examination fees, fishermen, social organisations, Sports and institutions such as Museums and Archives. And finally, house lots and houses are made available to the population at prices far below the market.

The third area on which oil revenues are being deployed is economic development. For two centuries, Guyana remained comparatively backward since, though it was blessed with abundant resources, nothing could be done to convert these resources into valuable assets to uplift the population’s quality and standard of life simply because there was no capital to invest in. With the oil revenues, the possibility of radical economic development is now possible, and four or five ministers of state have formed themselves into a vanguard to achieve this.

The country’s infrastructure is being revolutionised - new roads are being built to connect the coast with the Interior, farm-to-market roads are being constructed wherever needed, and the village and city roads are being renewed. This new connectivity is giving the country a tighter unity and an immeasurable push toward quicker economic development.

The creation of really big industries is not possible because of the lack of sufficient power and the high cost of electricity.

However, sustained efforts are made to stimulate small industries by training entrepreneurs, giving loans and grants, and holding exhibitions and fairs. The massive Gas to Shore and Hydropower projects will provide cheap and abundant electricity and allow for an industrial take-off within two years.

Agriculture was the mainstay of the country’s economy until the oil discoveries. The traditional sugar, rice, coconuts, ground provisions, vegetables, fish, dairy, chicken, and meat animal farming are being upgraded by several inputs such as new agricultural machines and improved species of plants and animals. New crops such as corn, soya, millet and tropical wheat have shown promising results. There is a ready CARICOM market of over US$5 billion to absorb all of Guyana’s agricultural surplus.

Guyana will avoid the Dutch Disease or Resource Curse, and the policies it has been pursuing have been praised by informed opinion worldwide. In Guyana, however, there is a notable body of opinion advocating increases in the FROM PAGE XXII

quantum of the grants and the revision of the Inflation figure, which is claimed to be an underestimate. The state and policymakers should seriously analyse these complaints.

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Wearing many...

FROM PAGE II

seasoning, pickled onion and pepper sauce.

“I never knew I could make a good mango achar, but I did, and I surprised myself. It turned out good and I like doing things. I do not like to be idle,

and I would use the time to create things, make things happen to be of benefit to me and my family,” she said.

During the pandemic, Baker pointed out that she was at home and knew she had to find something new to challenge her.

Just before the Pepperpot Magazine spoke to her, she had just finished preparing a bag of mangoes to make achar, which is a best-seller.

Baker stated that she makes the mango achar the traditional way, just like the old people did, with the right ingredients and does not skim on it.

As a new agro-processor, she is registered with the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) and she is one step away from having her products on the shelves at supermarkets in the country.

She participated in several seminars for agro-processors and received the training she needed to propel her small business.

Baker reported that one Sunday in every month, a Market Day is hosted under the big tree in Mocha-Arcadia, and she sells her products there and from her home.

She will be celebrating her 54th birth anniversary on February 10, and she is looking forward to it. Baker is the mother of six, four boys and two girls and has five grand-daughters.

Home-made green all-purpose seasoning

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THOUGHT FOR

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TODAY

They have learnt n oth g, and forgotten nothingin CHARLES-MAU .

TALLEYRAND (1 RICE DE famous quip in a le 754-1838) a tter Mallet du Pan, Jan. 179to 6.

February 11, 2024 STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Welcome dear friend. Today we remind you about two reading skills that help manage considerable information in textbooks. They require

rapid eye movement and recognizing keywords. Though used for slightly different purposes, one cannot do the work of the other. So, for reading rapidly to get a general overview of the subject in hand without paying particular attention to details, use skimming. And, for rapidly reading the entire text to find specific information, use scanning. Be wise.

Love you.

IMPROVING SENTENCE VARIETY Sentence variety A skilled writer can incorporate sentence variety into his writing by varying his sentence style and structure.

Here are four creative ways to write great sentences: i) Use an infinitive phrase. An infinitive phrase begins with an infinitive [to + simple form of the verb] Example: The vehicle to drive around here is the highland truck. ii) Use a prepositional phrase.

A prepositional phrase begins with a preposition and ends with a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase; (the object of the preposition). It modifies or describes a noun, pronoun, adjective, adverb, and verb.

Example: Buy the paper with the red border. (object with modifiers) iii) Use a participial phrase. A participial phrase contains a participle, and the complements or modifiers, and pronoun or noun phrases that complete its meaning. Use a comma after a participial phrase if it comes at the beginning of a sentence and what follows is a complete sentence.

Example: Having walked rapidly, they reached the stream early. iv) Use an adverbial phrase. An adverbial phrase does the work of adverb to modify the meaning of an adjective, verb, adverb, or clause.

An adverbial phrase answers one of the following questions ‘how’, ‘when’, ‘where’, ‘why’, and ‘how often.’ If an adverbial phrase is used at the beginning of a sentence, a comma should be used; however, if used at the end of the same sentence, the comma should be omitted.

Example: In the morning, we will stroll over to the next high bridge. (beginning) We will stroll over to the next high bridge in the morning. (ending) WHAT TO DO A. Write out the following sentences and identify some of the kinds of phrases that we have covered above.

1. Before you leave, check the back door lock.

2. Two weak hitters on our team made most of the hits in this game.

3. Forgetting her promise, Sandra borrowed her mother’s new

umbrella.

4. I have no plan except to consult your parents, John.

5. Our flight through the forest and across the river saved us.

B. Find all adverbs and adverb phrases in the following sentences.

1. Having swum out to the float twice, I felt rather tired.

2. The already cloudy sky grew even darker.

3. During my early childhood, we lived five miles west of the city.

4. One never becomes too old to learn.

5. In the morning and in the afternoon, David lies in the sun.

IMPROVING SENTENCE VARIETY Writing a sentence differently from its original wording Revise each of the following sentences according to the directions that follow. Do not change the meaning of the original sentence.

1. People from crowded nations cannot get over the accessibility of Canada’s natural environment, in all its magnificence.

Begin the sentence with: It is impossible for (A) to be over (B) to get over (C) to have gotten over (D) to getting over 2. If Charlie invites me, I will go to his party.

Begin the sentence with: Were Charlie to invite me (A) I would go (B) I will have gone (C) I would have gone (D) I would have been 3. More is experienced in one day of the life of a learned man than an ignorant man experiences in his whole lifetime.

Begin the sentence with: A learned man (A) experienced in one day (B) more experienced in one day (C) experiences more in one day (D) has more experiences in one day 4. She found, even after she had made several attempts to regulate the sprinkler, that the water was still reaching the furniture on the verandah.

Begin the sentence with: Having made (A) she found that (B) she had found that (C) she was finding that (D) and finding that THE PASSAGE Marcus wheeled himself out of his accustomed place at the table on the terrace and the sight struck him immediately. How could it not? It was an abomination, a desecration, a heresy, a sight unbelievable. There was a house on the hillside! His hill, the one which overlooked the village and which his terrace faced. It was a small house to be sure; he estimated it to be more than twenty feet by twelve, with one door and one window on the long side which faced him. From the distance, it was no more than a doll’s house, or what a child might draw; a wooden hut similar to those which sprung up daily in the squatter settlements which everywhere littered the hillsides, ringing the city, visible evidence of society out of control. But his hillside wasn’t a squatter settlement, and no other house marred his view. His house sat on a rise above the village in the valley, and from there he had an uninterrupted view of the mountain on all sides. Far away there were houses, proper ones, that is; but none close enough to mar his vision.

ITEMS 1. Which word best describes the homeowner’s attitude towards the hillside near his house?

(A) Angry (B) Crazy (C) Pleased (D) Possessive 2. The words “struck him” suggest that to the houseowner the sudden appearance of the squatter’s house (A) stirred disgust at the nature of the home (B) awoke interest in how quickly it was built (C) caused shock at the unexpected neighbour (D) stimulated pain because of the loss of privacy and control

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Revisiting the...

FROM PAGE XI

fluoride, which helps protect your teeth from decay. It does not matter how many times a day you brush. What is important is thoroughness. You should spend the same amount of time in minutes each day (24 hours) brushing and flossing, as with the amount of natural teeth in your mouth.

Cleaning between the teeth once a day with floss or interdental cleaners removes plaque from between the teeth, areas where the toothbrush can’t reach. It is essential in preventing gum disease. By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet and visiting your dentist regularly, you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile your entire life. Follow these tips to keep your teeth and mouth clean.

How do you brush your teeth correctly?

1. Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.

2. Move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes.

3. Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.

4. Use the “toe” of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.

5. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

How do you floss your teeth correctly?

1. Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand. The finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.

2. Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.

3. When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.

4. Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.

5. Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth.

6.

Don’t forget the back side of your last tooth.

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