Sunday, March 29, 2020
Hopeful for Easter Thirteen-year-old Raees Mc Lennon of Le Destin Village, East Bank Essequibo, is still hopefull that he will get to fly his kite come Easter Monday. In this photo, Raees was in the process of making a kite which he hopes to fly in the park just across the street from where he lives (Carl Croker photo)
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― March 29, 2020
o s l a a ic r f A h t u o S r in e i e r s e r n a a y u F G a n i e m e il a b u u J ic l Q b u s p i e c R n Celebrated y Fra
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HE Guyana High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, recently held a Reception to observe Guyana’s Republic Jubilee Anniversary, 2020. There was also a project by the High Commission for the benefit of young children in the internationally known South Africa town of Soweto. Life for the majority Indigenous South African population has changed dramatically for the better since apartheid was dismantled and Democracy established in South Africa in 1991. Fifty years ago, apartheid was the official Law in South Africa, a country where Black South Africans were kept in brutal suppression by the white minority government. At that time, Guyana had absolutely no contact with that white racist minority government. Instead, Guyana played an important role in the international movement to dismantle that evil system in which the white minority government gave the very best of the land and its riches to Kit and Kin, and left just the arid lands and crumbs for the indigenous Black majority population. However, the clock was ticking towards the end of that evil system of governance. And as the South African songbird, Miriam Makeba sang, “My piece of Ground” and “Mama Africa”, claiming the lands of her ancestors in song; a plea which Guyana’s international superstar, Eddy Grant, also sang about in his song “Johana Gimme Hope”, during the violent years
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of apartheid. Following his special visit to South Africa during the apartheid years, as an “Honorary White”, Guyanese Author, Educator and Diplomat E.R. Braithwaite, the author of “To Sir, With Love” stated, “There’s nothing between you and sudden violence if you’re Black in South Africa.” With the dismantling of apartheid and self-rule for the Black majority of South Africans, Democratic Elections were held resulting with the internationally known and revered Nelson Mandela becoming President. Guyana which previously had absolutely no connection whatsoever with the previous racist white minority government established Diplomatic relations with South Africa in 2017. Dr. Kenrick Hunte, the former General Manager of the now-defunct AGRI BANK in Guyana and Professor at the Howard University in Washington, DC, USA, was accredited High Commissioner. Dr. Hunte is also accredited to several other countries in southern Africa, including Mozambique and Namibia. For Guyana’s Republic Jubilee 2020, the Guyana High Commission in Pretoria held a special Reception, as well as an impressive and humanitarian project; the formal opening of an Early Childhood Education Project for four and five-yearold children in Devland, Soweto. That project was financed with donations by Guyanese and Barbadians based in New York and Pennsyl-
Some of the attendees at the opening of the Pre-School Classroom, in celebration of Guyana’s 50th Republic Anniversary
From left to right: Mr. Richard Niyongere, Mr. Johannes Phetla, Mrs. Claire Hunte, High Commissioner Dr. Hunte, Ms. Bavumie Linah (Lizzy) Mabena, and Mr. Shishane (Jacob) Mokwana
vania in the USA. Many of them had visited South Africa. The High Commissioner and his wife also made personal financial contributions to the project. At that Reception for Guyana’s Republic Jubilee, 2020, Dr. Kenrick informed me that, “Acknowledging that Guyana is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society, striving to be One People, One Nation, One Destiny, the celebration began with a silent prayer to commemorate the different Faiths in Guyana”. The Reception commenced with the singing of the National Anthems of South Africa and Guyana by New York-based Guyanese journalist, Hugh Hamilton, accompanied on the piano by the wife of the High Commissioner, Claire Hunte. Hugh Hamilton and his wife Indira, were on a tour of South Africa at the time of the Republic Anniversary. In response to a question of mine regards the South African Songbird, Miriam Make-
ba, the High Commissioner’s wife, Claire Hunte, who is a pianist versed in music for many years, said, “She was a great and talented singer who stayed true to her culture even as she connected with her international audience.” It will be recalled that Miriam Makeba was a special Guest of Guyana at CARIFESTA in 1972 - Proof that Guyana and the Indigenous South Africans had a special connection for decades. Since he arrived in South Africa, High Commissioner Hunte has been engaged in many fora, including Radio Interviews, enlightening audiences about the role of Guyana in the Freedom Struggles of South Africans and other countries in Southern Africa. That Guyana now has a High Commission in the former land of apartheid and celebrating Guyana’s Republic Jubilee, is an achievement boldly conceived half a century ago and sadly hardly known by younger Guyanese today.
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― March 29, 2020
g n i v i r d e r a s o i d a r l a n o i g e r How s u r i v a n o r o C n o s s e n e r a w a community By Ravena Gildharie
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T IS 17:00 hrs and a Wapishan farmer in Deep South Rupununi has just retired from his farm; his attention is now directed to his portable radio on which he awaits community updates and information broadcasted live via Radio Aishalton and in his native Wapishan language. During this Coronavirus pandemic, awareness is crucial and for rural and hinterland communities where access is limited to even the traditional television, and more so information and communication Regional radio stations are driving awareness on Coronavirus (Photo Courtesy of L. Lee photo)
Lesa Lee of Radio Mahdia
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local programme including Radio Aishalton, which now transmits daily between 17:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs from Monday to Saturday. Leah Casimero is one of three local broadcasters stationed at Radio Aishalton. A local Wapishan resident, she has been attached there since the station was launched a little over a year ago. “Since we’ve had the ban on public meetings and gatherings, the Toshaos have been telling residents to follow the radio for messages, information and updates on what is happening in the community and elsewhere with the Coronavirus,” she informed the Pepperpot Magazine. The community leaders, as well as regional officials supply the radio station with information in English, and the Aishalton broadcasters have been translating these into Wapishan. “We have also been tailoring some of the information,” Casimero added, noting: “…for instance there are messages that advise the use of Lysol and hand sanitisers…or tells us how to wash your hands in the sinks and to use paper towels…Here in the South Rupununi, we don’t have things like that…we don’t have sinks, we have buckets and basins. So we have been tailoring the information to suit local conditions…so our people better understand what precautions to take.” Radio Aishalton has been airing too recorded presentations of local health officials who recently conducted a Coronavirus sensitisation session with South Rupununi communities. TRUSTED AND TIMELY INFORMATION Radio Mabaruma (Photo Courtesy of M. DeSouza)
technology (ICT), broadcast radio remains the premier communication channel. With restrictions on transportation, movement of people, public activities and gatherings, community, regional and other authorities are relying heavily on these regional radio stations to drive awareness, and to keep the far-flung rural and indigenous populations informed of the situation with regards to the novel Coronavirus – COVID 19. To ensure broader sensitisation of their audiences, the regional radios, particularly those in the Rupununi, are broadcasting the health advisories and Coronavirus information in the local indigenous languages. These include Makushi, Patamona and Wapishan. Currently, there are regional radio stations at Aishalton, Lethem, Annai, Mahdia, Orealla, Bartica and Mabaruma. Most of the airtime syncs with the national radio transmission, but each regional station has its own schedule of local programmes ranging from airtime of two to four hours per day or several times per week. Radio Paiwomak at Annai is the only community radio that broadcasts daily local content for most of its time on air. Regional Radio/Production Manager of the National Communications Network (NCN) Michella Abraham-Ali explained to Pepperpot how each station submits a weekly report that is compiled into “Focus on the hinterland,” a programme broadcast nationally on Voice of Guyana (VOG).
“This is an excellent way of the regions feeding into the national broadcast,” Abraham-Ali indicated, adding: “It’s a two-way street. VOG relaying to them and the regional stations sending us content. We also do link ups when interviews are being done with regional officials or they are recorded and we air on VOG.” Radio Paiwomak, the oldest community-based radio station in Guyana, which transmits to communities of the North Rupununi, usually tunes in to VOG for the national news broadcast, BBC and other important messages and statements. BROADCASTING IN NATIVE LANGUAGE Since the Coronavirus though, some of the newer regional radios have increased their hours of
According to Casimero, the broadcasts reach about fifteen communities of the Deep South Rupununi, where residents depend on the radio for authentic and timely information. She described scenarios where farmers take their radios with them in the fields and; where they make the purchase of batteries for their radios a priority. The young woman acknowledged that there are communities with mobile phone signals, while others have WiFi. However, these services are very limited, and the radio remain the only dependable source of communication in the far-flung district. Similarly, in the North Rupununi, Radio Pai-
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Water, a principal resource to combat COVID-19 ― GWI asking for no wastage and prompt payments
By Telesha Ramnarine OES washing your hands for 20 seconds mean that you have to leave the tap running for 20 seconds? What about brushing your teeth while leaving the water running, or allowing your ‘black tank’ to run over each time? Well, water is a finite resource and with climate change occurring, weather patterns are constantly changing. This, in turn, can affect the water cycle and the rate at which the aquifers are replenished. Although Guyana is known as the ‘Land of Many Waters’, all of it is not freshwater a n d hence not readily available for use. Furtherm o r e , chemicals for treatment are ex-
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tremely costly. Although officers from the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) are saying they are in control in the event of an emergency, they are still asking the populace to avoid wasting water, especially during this time when citizens may increase their usage in the fight against COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019). GWI’s Public Relations Officer Leana Bradshaw has detailed some of the practical measures citizens can take to ensure they save on the precious commodity. Here is a list of things she mentioned: installing a float valve in water storage tanks to prevent water from constantly running over, turning off the tap while lathering to wash hands and brush teeth, inserting a filled one-litre bottle of water in the toilet tank to reduce t h e
amount of water used to flush, taking shorter showers, reusing greywater where possible for gardening purposes and washing yards, and washing fruits and vegetables in a bowl of water instead of allowing the water to run from the tap. In light of water being one of the most principal resources to combat COVID-19, Bradshaw also noted that GWI is encouraging all customers to adhere to their bill due dates by using the various options available to pay. These options include remote ones such as GT&T Mobile Money, Scotiabank Online and other payment locations countrywide such as the commercial banks, post offices, Bill Express and SurePay. “This is because GWI cannot fulfil its commitment to adequately produce and treat water for the populace without the requisite finances,” Bradshaw expressed. In most areas, GWI has been supplying water on a 24-hour basis (prior to COVID 19) and this is expected to continue, with all
GWI’s Public Relations Officer Leana Bradshaw
he informed. Both surface and groundwater, however, require power to be distributed to the populace and the only way which water may not be available is if there is a power outage or failure of a pump. “In these cases, we have some back-up pumps and generators… Nevertheless, these generators are not enough. As such, they will be mobilised and sent to well stations, should the need arise. We also have staff at our treatment plants working on a 24-hour basis - three shifts per day. Everything is therefore in place, in event of an emergency,” West-Charles stated. Head of Technical Services Lensworth Blair also commented similarly that GWI is on top of arrangements in the case of an emergency. “All our mobiles/tankers are operational and can be deployed to communities in the event of an extended outage.
Head of Technical Services Lensworth Blair
Managing Director of GWI, Dr Richard Van-West Charles
pump stations being on a 24-hour operation. However, managers and engineers will be monitoring more closely the pressure loggers to see if there is a significant pressure drop at the station during the day. If this happens, the pumps will have to be resized where possible. Managing Director of GWI, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles, in an invited comment to this publication, assured that “everything” is in place in the event of a water shortage emergency. GWI accesses water from both underground and surface, and while surface water is always readily available, it requires treatment. “The only way in which this may become unavailable for use is if there is no treatment. However, GWI has already ordered treatment for a five-month period,”
Generators are stationed at all WTP (Water Treatment Plants) and these are all operational,” commented. The water company has decided to put a hold on all planned stoppages and maintenance work that will affect distribution, and where emergencies are foreseen, works will be done in the night or on off-peak periods. Most networks are configured so that low water pressure can be supplied from a neighbouring well or WTP station. “We have the capacity to deliver water via a water tanker and a tractor-trailer assembly within East Coast Demerara, East Bank Demerara, Georgetown and Region Three 3, and managers will be asked to link with Neighbourhood Democratic Councils which have tractor-trailers in the event this becomes necessary,” Blair explained.
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― March 29, 2020
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Changing the small business arena in Guyana Abeena Gomes’ dream
Abeena Gomes
By Marissa V. Foster
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BEENA Gomes lives unapologetically as a creative and tech enthusiast. She is
a 21-year-old country girl who still enjoys learning new things and exploring. You’d usually find her either on a tech device or travelling somewhere. She is quite passionate about self-expression and would always encourage others to step into their light. She was afforded a lot of academic and cultural opportunities growing up and is grateful now to be in a position to help others get that very exposure. This innovator has been developing ways to change the outlook of small businesses in Guyana. She shared that, “My gift to the world is my creativity and empathy so I’ve used these skills to share my story and evoke change through ASG Solutions [Marketing Consultanc], Shine Your Light Initiative [Youth Programme] & Shine Your Light Radio [Podcast].” Her academic and creative accomplishments started from as early as nursery school. She was always able to maintain good grades while also developing her creative skills. When she wasn’t on stage performing drama, she’d be focused on a book of interest studying for school. She was able to attend Queen’s College and is currently completing an Associate’s Degree in Computer Science at the University of Guyana with plans to pursue a Bachelor’s
Degree in Marketing. While education is of much importance to her, she still finds time to lend her voice to change through Volunteering with groups like Youth Action Network, Girl Build Girl Foundation and of course, the Shine Your Light Initiative. Abeena described the Shine Your Light Initiative as being among her greatest accomplishments. At the end of the day, her legacy is really what’s most important and people should be able to say that they connected with the most authentic version of who she is and not just the girl that excels academically. Like every young inno-
just fell into place. Having a heart filled with gratitude is what truly made her journey easier. The same can be said for her small business; ASG Solutions. Gomes had to accept that as a small business owner, it would take some time to build and expand on clients. That fact did not deter her as she is learning that consistency reaps rewards. Small business owners are blossoming all over Guyana, she believes. The financial independence and idea of showcasing one’s creativity inspires young Guyanese to dive into this realm. However, Abeena also believes there are some challenges for budding entrepreneurs that we do not shed light on. She stressed that “Beyond the financial aspect, a lot of them are not even sure how to register a business and more so how to market their brand/products.” In contrast, her contribution to help with that problem is ASG Solutions. She uses her experiences in the fields of Marketing and Information Technology to help others develop their unique brands. Her business helps to connect with their niche to guarantee a return on investment, without making them spend a lot while trying to get the knowledge and/or service. She believes that many organisations are doing a fantastic job at championing change in Abeena Gomes alongside varying ways. But how will Shine Your Light Volunteers hers stand out? Well, Shine in Wakenaam Your Light, is an initiative headed Gomes and it takes a different approach from other groups. It focuses on the person to equip them with the knowledge to better solve their problems. The programme encompasses vate training on the mind, body and spirit so once you attend woman, she faced many challenges the sessions you learn about yourself holistically and you along the road. She said, “I think the biggest challenge was getting can then share your knowledge in your household, commuout of my own head and just taking the leap. Before I started the nity and respective spaces. It is quite similar to a domino Shine Your Light Initiative, I found every reason not to do it, be- effect. When one person shines their light or benefits from cause I was considering a lot of ‘what ifs’ and one day I was just the programme, they know that they’re igniting the flame like, you know what - I’m going to do it.” As soon as she made in at least 10 other people they’ll interact with. Likewise, that decision and started to implement the plans; everything else Abeena hopes that her light can inspire others to shine.
A logo designed by Abeena’s small business; AGS Solutions
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― March 29, 2020
Mental wellness in Guyana right now
HAT do you call someone smack in the middle of the effects of a global pandemic and a seemingly, neverending political conundrum? Well, that person is called a stressedout Guyanese. Contending with the happenings of post-election Guyana is infinitely exacerbated by the current relentlessness of coronavirus (COVID-19), and it doesn’t take an expert to figure out that this would take a toll on our mental wellness. “A lot of anxiety is rooted in worrying about the unknown and waiting for something to happen - coronavirus is that on a macro scale,” a BBC report said, quoting Rosie Weatherley, spokesper-
son for mental health charity Mind. That same BBC report also contended that the constant stream of information (credible and the fake news) can become taxing on someone’s mental wellness, exacerbating those pre-existing conditions that some persons may have. In Guyana, specifically cognizant of the political conundrum, local psychologist Balogun Osunbiyi posited that any “highly charged” occurrences, such as the political season or COVID-19, could harm any person’s physical and social well-being. Cognizant of the mental burden of COVID-19, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has made a few recommendations that I believe would be
very helpful in navigating these trying times. First and foremost, the most important thing is, as much as reasonably possible, take all necessary precautions to take care of yourself and your loved ones. That means washing your hands constantly and avoiding touching your face, maintaining a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle, and practising social distancing (that is, staying home once possible). To protect your mental wellness specifically, the WHO also suggested that persons avoid watching, reading or listening to news that would contribute to anxious or distressing feelings. In this context, yes, we probably want to always be in the know, but it is also imperative to know
how much you would be affected by distressing news. Next, the WHO also advises that we try to seek information at specific times and from credible sources. I am positive we are all in some Whatsapp group where someone has sent some ridiculous message, whether a “cure” or something to trivialise the severity of the virus, about COVID-19. I feel it is very important to distance myself from that sort of narrative and stick to the credible information being disseminated by the relevant authorities. Aside from the WHO suggestions, the BBC also suggested that we engage in healthy activities that help us make the best of the situation. Leisurely activities such as catching up on the new episodes of Grey’s Anatomy, reading the book you downloaded months ago, getting much-needed rest or connecting with your loved ones online, are great ways to make use of the time. If you’re a University student, it would be wise to finish those assignments and try to teach yourself those remaining topics for the semester (your GPA will thank you later). I am very pleased with the non-governmental efforts being taken to help mitigate the very stressful impact of this
pandemic. Whether it’s the handwashing station installed at the Stabroek area or corporate entities donating essential supplies, many persons are trying to make this more bearable. Notice, even Republic Bank, which previously set the benchmark for inducing stress, has chipped in and decided to reduce interest rates and defer loan payments! In all of this, however, it also doesn’t take an expert to say that there’s a fundamental difference between trying to make the most of the situation and intentionally endangering yourself and those around you. In this context, however, I read an interesting column by Akola Thompson, last week. She outlined the nexus between the impact of coronavirus and the ramifications this impact has on those persons with more dire financial constraints. Poor persons, who do not have the option to stay home from work and have to
contend with the price gouging, are way more susceptible to dire realities as this virus continues to change the way we navigate everyday life. Thompson posited that the pandemic has shown us the various inadequacies in our current economic system, including but not limited to the dearth of social programmes that would help to mitigate an occurrence like this for vulnerable persons. For me, that is yet another dimension that many Guyanese would have to add to their existing paradigm of stress. And that is truly saddening. As we try to get a hold on this situation, I hope that we take the precautions to protect our mental wellness and look out for those around us. I’d very much like our borders to be reopened as soon as possible and for things to return to normalcy (or, at least a semblance of normalcy) so that I can come back home.
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― March 29, 2020
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Grieving and Mental Health around you. Not to mention, the more you fight it, the longer you will feel it. Loss can be sudden or predictable, both being equally difficult as even though you know what’s going to happen, you are never prepared for how it feels. There is no right or wrong way to grieve but there is something known as healthy grieving. Grief is a process with multiple stages that allows us to feel the situation – really feel it- in order to move past our sadness over time. Without it, sadness is repressed and it is very difficult to get over the loss. Grief allows us to let go of the negative and sad energy we are feeling and put it into something else. Grief can be a roller coaster of emotions where you have good and bad days. This is normal and a completely natural response to any loss.
There are five stages of grief which include:
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was seeing a client who lost a loved one and naturally, is having a hard time coping with it. He asked me to write on the potential benefits of grieving; to possibly help others who may be going through a similar situation. The feeling of loss is supposed to be painful and may feel like it will never end but ‘time heals all wounds’ is a cliché for a reason. However, giving it time is not all that is needed. We must accept the new situation, the loss, and accept the full range of emotions that will come along with it. We need to adjust to a new life and saying goodbye. Accept that you are hurting and let yourself hurt as grief also has the power to heal. Many believe that grief is a sign of weakness- that one must always be composed in front of company and cry when every else is gone. We should never run from sadness. There is a measure of dishonesty in that- to yourself and those
1. Denial: “This can’t/ isn’t happening to me.” 2. Anger: “Why is this happening to me?” 3. Bargaining: “If this doesn’t happen, in return I will…” 4. Depression: “I’m too low or lack the motivation to do anything.” 5. Acceptance: “I’m at peace with what is happening/ happened.” Denial initially helps us to deal with the loss. It is a protection mechanism that allows us to pace ourselves while grieving. Anger is a necessary stage as it’s an essential emotion for pain and healing. Feeling angry has never been the problem, it’s how we choose to express it. There are healthy ways to express anger. Aristotle once said “Anyone can become angry, that is easy. But be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose and in the right way that is not easy.” Bargaining encompasses a lot of ‘what ifs’, ‘if only’s’ and guilt. At the end of this stage is the realisation that what happened is not your fault and the beginning stages of acceptance of the situation. The depression stage will feel never-ending. We will feel intense sadness and withdraw from others.
The final stage, acceptance, does not mean that you are no longer sad, it just means you accept that time will help to heal the pain and it’s a further understanding that you are not to blame for what happened. However, it is important to point out that you do not need to go through all these stages in order to heal properly. We don’t just grieve death, there are many other situations that cause the common signs and symptoms of this. Some of my clients actually experience grief without actually knowing what it is. A few include shock and disbelief, physical symptoms such as nausea, headaches, pains and insomnia, prolonged crying and sadness, changes in eating and sleeping patterns as well as withdrawal from others. To healthily grieve, we take all the time we need. Do not let anyone tell you when you should be ‘over it’. Accept that you may have some low motivation and reduction in the want and need to do activities that you once loved. Knowing this, it’s okay to not take on any new responsibilities. Accept support when offered-
there’s no need to put on a brave face. Talk regularly about the loss with those closest to you. There are things we can do for others who are grieving. We can ask about how they are doing, about their feelings and be present – be good listeners. You can ask them to share good memories of the loss they experienced. Allow them to feel sad. If they do not want to speak, just sit with them. Of course, everyone is busy and have their own lives so if you can’t be with them daily, make simple phone calls. Everyone grieves in their own way and in their own time. If you feel that your grief has surpassed your idea of normal and it may be leading to depression or any other mental illness, please go to your nearest health centre. Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com Suicide Prevention Helpline Numbers: 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― March 29, 2020
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Meer Amza Husain
Le Destin signage
Focus on the Village
A close-knit countryside village
Le Destin village (Carl Croker photos)
By Michel Outridge HIS week, the Pepperpot Magazine visited the quiet, close-knit village of Le Destin, East Bank Essequibo. Le Destin is bordered by Farm and Organgestein villages and is home to descendants of the Rahaman and Yusuf families, who once owned the village. The community is small and has only one street, that is, the Old Road which has a few houses. Le Destin is home to the head of the Guyana Cancer Institute of Guyana Dr. Syed Ghazi and a handful of people, who are mostly related. There are less than 50 houses and about 100 residents, mostly Muslims and are said to be very cooperative people, whose fences have gates to each other’s yards. Le Destin is about two miles from Parika and it is French for the word Destiny. The people of the village are simple folk with everyday jobs who make ends meet by planting kitchen gardens and some are self-employed, as well. The team first met Aftab Azir, who was returning home from cutting grass for his pet rabbits, a daily routine for him. He recently took a liking to rabbits and acquired two and was supposed to construct a pen to make them more comfortable. The 52-year-old reported that he resides with his sister and her husband and they co-exist quite comfortably. He added that he has eight sheep in his back yard and would tend to them and would like to buy two more rabbits, which he will make his pets. “I am from his village, the only place is lived and it will be the
Home of Aftab Azir
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Aftab Azir after cutting grass for his rabbits with a grass knife
same until the end because there is no stress here and we live in peace and do whatever we have to survive and I am used to this quiet life, “he said. Aftab stated that he is self-employed and is pleased he is not working with anyone. The team also spoke to Meer Amza Husain, he is the brother-in-law of Azir. He is originally from La Grange, West Bank Demerara but has been residing at Le Destin for the past 20 years. “This place nice, people go about their daily routine in relative ease and there is no quarrel or that sort of thing because most people here are related and we live like a big family,” he said. Husain added that some Spanish people recently moved into the village and are renting a house, other than that everyone is familiar with each other. He is a man of many trades but these days, he is a landscaper but work isn’t steady because of COVID-19, things are on a standstill. “I does get a few weeding jobs but not much and I try to content with that and do other things to bring in a salary,” he said. Husain related that most people in the village work outside the community and some are self-employed and are rice farmers while others have small businesses they are trying to keep going. He reminisced that back in the days, he used to be a truck driver with DIDCO and used to visit many parts of the country delivering goods and services and was a tractor/trailer driver with GUYSUCO and used to take cane cutters to the backlands to cut cane. Husain stated that he was also a minibus driver that plied the route 32 and 42 routes and is au fait with a lot of people and places. These days, he is taking things easy wing to the current situation with the novel coronavirus and the outcome of our elections.
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Focus on the Village
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― March 29, 2020
‘The old-fashioned upbringing was the better way to raise a family’
Farida Yusuf at her roadside stall, selling fruits picked from her back yard (Carl Croker photos)
Residents embrace tradition
By Michel Outridge ARIDA Yusuf is a resident of Le Destin, East Bank Essequibo and is still very much active at home where she has a small roadside stand selling sweet sapodillas, star apples, papaya and peeled tamarind. All her fruits come from her back yard and when it is too much for the household she would sell off the excess, reasonably priced. The 68-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that she came from humble beginnings, hard-working parents from Leguan, Essequibo River, who were rice farmers and had a few cows, as well. She stated that she came from a household of nine siblings with seven sisters and they all had to participate in chores plus go to the backlands to work, catch fish and assist in the farm and minding the cows. INSTILLING GOOD MORAL VALUES “Our parents installed good morals in us and we turned out well because we know to work and make a living and not be dependent on anyone. My parents were hard-working people and they took us to the back dams to work with them and we appreciate the value of things and hard work,” she said.
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HUMBLE UPBRINGING “We used to live in a small house in the Old Road, Le Destin and we were happy even though we struggled but today, I turned out well and by our good upbringing I am fully aware of the value of things and how they are acquired,” she explained. Yusuf added that she used to enjoy going with her parents and siblings to ‘throw cast
Yusuf stated that her husband is 72 years old and he is still good company and today, he is enjoying his golden years of retirement. She reported that she is looking forward to observing her 69th birth anniversary and still would prepare meals and do all household chores but her favourite part is cooking on the fireside which is in her back yard. “You know fireside food
Ramesh Beepat
The ‘Chill Spot’ of Ramesh Beepat and his friends
net’ in the back dam trenches for fish, which would become their dinner and the clean outdoor life they had. “My parents are from Leguan, Essequibo River and they were rice farmers, who toiled endlessly to make a good life for us and we appreciate that because when you work hard you never get sick,” she said.
Old Road, Le Destin
is the best food because it has the right amount of heat to give you properly prepared foods much to your taste and I grow up on good fireside food,” she said. MEETING BEEPAT Meanwhile, the team also met Ramesh Beepat, his family and some friends, who had just returned home from a trip
to Parika. He owns and operates the only outboard engine workshop in the village and that day when the team visited he was not working and had some errands to do. Beepat, a father of four related that they have an empty plot of land next door which they utilised for recreational purposes in which they have a few hammocks with some cooking utensils and a makeshift stove. The area, he said is used for cooking and they would relax and put on a pot while they enjoy the cool breeze of the Atlantic Ocean. Beepat disclosed that his family is from Hogg Island, Essequibo River and they have a farm of plantains and pumpkins, of which they would sell their produce at Parika, East Bank Essequibo, to wholesale buyers. He is married to Samantha Beepat and their family resides in Old Road, Le Destin in an extended family setting which seems to be going well for him. “We and some friends just come back from Parika and we are thinking of putting on a pot and have a drink or something because as is, nothing is happening so we might, as well,” he said. Beep at specialises in the repair and maintenance of all speedboat engines and is well-known for his trade among his peers.
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― March 29, 2020
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The small-business life in
Kenrick Dookie
Le
n i t s e D
Focus on the Village
Poonam Pitamber
Employees at work Kenrick Dookie’s business place (Carl Croker photos)
Inside Dookie’s shop
By Michel Outridge oonam Pitamber and her husband operate a chicken-plucking business at Le Destin, East Bank Essequibo and have five employees. The couple is from Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara and they have five children. Pitamber related that they are renting the place just to conduct their chicken-plucking and to buy eggs and chicken. They don’t have a chicken farm but would purchase chickens in wholesale quantities from poultry farmers. When the team visited she was overseeing an order for chickens which were being plucked by employees. “We open from 07:00hrs to 19:00hrs and we sell chicken at any quantity, one just has to place an order and we retail at $240 per pound and a tray of eggs is $860, the prices have
P
Farm Price business signage
increased and we had no choice but to up our prices, as well,” she said. Pitamber related that they usually buy 5,000 chickens to re-sell but now they will buy just about 2,000. She explained that after chickens are plucked they are sold according to orders and the remainder goes in freezers to be sold the next day. Pitamber added that the head and feet are sold separately and most people would buy the heads for dog food. The business is called Farm Price. She reported that a few times they suffered losses when thieves jumped the fence and carted off frozen chickens from the freezers. Next door is another business, owned and operated by Kenrick Dookie, who is from Parika. The 23-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that he started his small business two months ago after he constructed a
building to house his small shop. Dookie is an auto electrician and specialises in car alarms, electrical installation and sells vehicle accessories such as amps, tweeters, and lights among other things. “Where I am from there are a lot of business that do this kind of work, so I decided to operate elsewhere and try to make a living,” he said. Kenrick’s Auto Music and Electronics is located at Public Road, Le Destin, East Bank Essequibo and is the only business of its kind there. Dookie said as time progresses, he will expand but for now, he is happy, he started small and at present cannot afford to pay employees. He also sells car air fresheners and does most of his work at the location and is quite comfortable there, owing to the fact he is self-employed and has no boss.
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― March 29, 2020
Living the country life Bibi Mc Lennon (Carl Croker photos)
three, a boy and two girls,
Hira Carlton
By Michel Outridge ibi Mc Lennon is a housewife and a Councillor with the Good Hope/Hydronie Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and also a resident of Le Destin, East Bank Essequibo. She is the mother of
B
all of whom were at home when the Pepperpot Magazine visited. Thirteen-year-old Raees Mc Lennon was outside, in the process of making a kite. He is still hopeful for the Easter season so that he could go over to the park, which is just over the road, to fly his kite. Since school is out,
he thought he should do something useful and make himself a kite and leave his sisters unbothered. “Life is ok this side, it is how you make it and being a housewife there is a lot to do,” Bibi said. She reported that she has a kitchen going which is strictly for their kitchen use so they don’t have to buy vegetables. She stated that with school closed the children are at home and are assisting with the chores, at that time, the girls were cooking and she was relaxing. “Well they big now so they have to help around the house, the big girl job-seeking
while the other girl at the University of Guyana (UG) and the boy still at school too,” she explained. Mc Lennon added that her husband is a security guard and being a stay-at-home mom is an all-day task. She added that all is quiet and simple at Le Destin Village. The girls were enjoying the cool country breeze on the wooden swing they have in front of the yard, under a tree when the Pepperpot Magazine visited. The pair seemed content with not a care in the world with all smiles. Meanwhile, the Pepperpot Magazine also talked to Hira Carlton,
who owns and operates the only Furniture Store in the village and he is also a resident. The businessman said life is quiet but slow as is and he has been residing there, a few houses from the workshop since 1992. His wife is from the village and he is a stranger who came to the place and became a resident over time and managed to fit in perfectly among the locals. Hira reported that back in the days, he used to supply furniture to Wolf Store at Leonora, West Coast Demerara and had in his employ 15 persons but today, he has only four. He recalled he had
his own showroom at Diamond, East Bank Demerara but was forced to close down due to the rent and today, makes furniture based on orders and can custom-build any bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers, vanity, beds, chair set or table depending on his customers’ requests. The father of four stated that he would purchase wood from the saw millers at Hubu, East Bank Essequibo. “I had a lot of contracts to produce furniture on a large scale but things have changed and we are trying to keep our business open and at the same time hoping for better,” he said.
Focus on the Village
Raees Mc Lennon as he was making a kite
The Mc Lennon girls on the swing in their front yard
Workers in the furniture workshop
Carlton Hira’s workshop
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― March 29, 2020
Making a living in
e L
n i t s e D Sabita Rambhajue and her children
XIII
“Because of the staff rotation system, the workplace doesn’t want a mass gatherings of too many staff working at the same time, a strategy to offset the impact of COVID-19,” she said. Rambhajue told the team that her family is observing the 9-day Navratri observance and they will be fasting with no meat and her children were upstairs preparing a meal of rice with fried calaloo. She reported that the Old Road has a few houses and everyone is related except a few and it is a community of mostly Muslims, a mosque is in the village. The Pepperpot Magazine also spoke to Rudolph Chintamani, who operates an internet café owned by his wife at Public Road, Le Destin, East Bank Essequibo. S.F and L Internet Café, Wireless Tech and Accessories offers services in photocopying, printing, browsing, laminating, and internet calls. Chintamani explained that the business is only opened from 15 to 20:00hrs because he has a day-time job at the Tuschen Health Centre as a dental technician and when he is off-duty he would manage that business. “Most times school children would visit to utilise the services and some people would come to make internet calls which are relatively cheap,” he said. With the business place situated right at his house, it is convenient for him and he seems quite comfortable providing a service to the community. It is also the only such small business in Le Destin. “Right now things are a bit slow but we still open and try to keep our door open for business and that’s why I cannot employ anyone so I do it myself,” he said.
The home and business place of Rudolph Chintamani
The fireside of Sabita Rambhajue (Carl Croker photos)
By Michel Outridge
S
abita Rambhajue is a single mother of two, who is self-employed and works from home, selling home-made plantain and cassava chips, ice, icicles and cold beverages. She related that she was married for 21 years but separated from her spouse and is a resident of Old Road, Le Destin, East Bank Essequibo. “Around here everybody minds their own business and goes about their normal daily activities and it is a quiet and peaceful place to live,” she said. When the team met Rambhajue she had just finished making some plantain and cassava chips with mango sour (sauce with mango and pepper) on her fireside. She added that when the chips get cold she would place it in plastic bags after which it would be sealed for sale. “Being home I does make ice and icicles and sell too, because I have to time and it brings in money into the home and I don’t have to work with people,” she said. Rambhajue stated that she also sells non-alcoholic beverages, from her home and her children, both grown would assist in these chores. She explained that with school out her son is at home and her daughter is home as well, from work because of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic and would work about a day or two per week.
Houses in Le Destin Village
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S
OME might say it’s too early to think of the social consequences and downfall of the COVID-19 virus, but it’s a reality we’d have to one day face when this pandemic finishes. This outbreak reminds me of the HIV/AIDS epidemic the world faced in the 1980s. To think that, our ignorance might be the death of us before a virus can get to us is scary. The misconceptions pertaining to HIV/AIDS outbreak is still deeply embedded in our society today. BBC News reported on a survey that was carried out in 2016, with 2,000 respondents. It suggests that 20 percent of the respondents still believe that it can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or saliva, 29 percent were not aware that if you use your prescribed medication you cannot pass it onto your child and only 39 percent were aware that HIV/AIDS cannot be transmitted through sex if a person is using their effective treatment as prescribed. I explained that bit of information to make a comparison with the way we now speak on COVID-19. We need to keep up with the circulation of information both nationally and internationally. Like HIV/AIDs, there is already a great deal of stigmatisation of persons. Do you down-talk on Asian people in public? Is there a solid reason a part of the COVID-19 outbreak as to why you stopped purchasing from the Chinese supermarkets? How will we treat recovered patients of this virus? Will they too be stigmatised in our society? These issues will add to our existing social problems of Guyana. Are we prepared for that? Yes, we most certainly take things one step at a time, but I do hope that this article comes in handy
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― March 29, 2020
Will the COVID-19 pandemic be socially similar to the response to HIV/AIDs? when we’re examining the after-effects of such an outbreak. By now, everyone probably knows the word quarantine and its meaning. It is of utmost importance that we obey this mandatory precaution when told to do so. Quarantine AKA isolation is the best way to stop the fur-
ther spread of this virus (apart from washing your hands). However, what about the effects of long-term isolation? No one can truly tell the impact of what will be the social outcome of this but for now. On the flip side, we saw what neglecting the health aspect of this outbreak did; prevention is surely better than
cure. How will this impact our relationships with others outside of our household? How will schools and semesters be impacted due to the pushback of reopening dates? Are private businesses prepared to pay their employees so that they can stay home in case our country orders mandatory nationwide quarantine? If no, how will that impact the family members of that person’s family? I wanted to speak and open perspectives to this conversation because, at the end of the day, people like myself (social workers and social work students) will have to render services to help those with in social needs after this epidemic passes. Before this crisis, workers were already overworked and some were even burnt out (from personal experiences and conversations). What then, will happen to these workers with all of these new cases? Another important point to note is that social issues are oftentimes interrelated. As such, when there is a spike in one, there will most likely be a spike in other related issues. I have asked a lot of rhetorical questions because even I’d like for us all to ponder a bit on them. We might not have the answers as yet but they should at least be at the back of our minds. I also hope the Ministry of Social Protection, Social Cohesion and Public Health take heed of this consequential topic of discussion. With that said, I hope everyone remains safe, abide by precautions of the World Health Organization and lastly, keep these social concerns at the back of your minds. There’s no reason to be fearful, we can do this Guyana, together; we can do anything.
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― March 29, 2020
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d n i M e t i r The W by Jasmaine Payne I
Is writing a viable career in Guyana?
have always asked myself: when does one become a ‘writer’? To date, though I’ve donned the moniker, it still escapes my mouth with a bit of oddness. I almost look over my shoulder just to see if a naysayer will pop out to challenge my statement. But it took me a while to even begin to say “I am a writer”, maybe because of my experience with such titles and the resentment that could at times rear its ugly head when we dare to take on those titles on our own.
HOW DOES ONE BECOME A ‘WRITER’? There is this general belief in the writing world, that to be a writer, one must be awarded or accredited in some way or the other. In Guyana, however, there is a lack of structural mechanisms to allow writers sufficient avenues to such recognition. In its prime years, the Guyana Prize for Literature offered local writers some manner of a platform, but the initiative has since fallen by the wayside. Outside of that tiny playing field, winning some other sporadic contest may count for something. But all who fail to do these things (and, most importantly, win) often fail to live up to the elite title in the eyes of the Arts-loving public. Dominican-American poet, novelist, and essayist, Julia Alvarez put it fittingly when she said: “there are no magic solutions to the hard work of writing”. That is to say, just as no one process will work for every writer to produce good work, there is also no one path to becoming a well-respected and established writer. There are, however, right and wrong directions, but I won’t get into that so early. I would, instead, advise
aspiring writers that, in an environment where there are no hard and fast qualifiers (like competitions) to knight you with the title, you should seek other worthwhile and cumulative alternatives that can help you to get there.
HOW DID I GET HERE? It was UNICEF that gave me that first boost of encouragement, when in 1999, they published a poem of mine in their pub-
lication “Guyana, through Children’s Eyes”. I was 10 years old. Since then I started to dabble casually with words, moving on to fanfiction in high school, to finally gaining a real “writing job” at the Guyana Times Newspaper, where, for a short while, I even had my own column. All the while I
had been writing stories and poetry, trying to get some recognition in the creative field. I decided to seal the deal by eventually pursuing an English Degree – much to the chagrin of many around me, who felt it was a waste of four years. Joke’s on them, however, because with the rise of technology and the migration of information from hard copy to digital, you’d be surprised how in-demand an English Degree is. Turns out that, while many people were
we give more recognition to writers who have a creative focus. So, because my collection of creative pieces was always less in quantity and frequency when compared with my artistic colleagues, I never felt as if I fit into that category. That is not to say that I have not been creative at all- you’ll hear about my six-year-old work-in-progress of a novel in another article, and I still have a collection of published and unpublished poems in existence. But
ADVICE TO ASPIRING WRITERS So here’s a bit of advice: don’t just stick to short stories and poetry in your aim to develop as a writer. If you are looking to have your plays, poems, stories or novel published, certainly keep working at it until you have a finished product. But if you wish to earn professionally as a writer in Guyana- where there is no industry that can allow you to earn off just your
too busy neglecting the English language to pursue more “worthwhile studies”, now, the gap in proper business writing and editing is becoming ever more noticeable.
over the years, I have come to be recognised more for my professional writing and have even moved on to editing- a position I quite enjoy. As such, I took a while to realise that being a writer is much more than just creative writing- a misconception that I believe still widely exists locally.
creativity- look to other avenues that can help you in that regard. First, look at Degrees that can keep you immersed in the field of writing and language, and which can prepare you for a writing career, like English, Journalism or Communications, but do not stop there. Look to gain experience
MORE THAN JUST FICTION In Guyana, I find that
in writing by taking up jobs that keep you close to what you want to do. In Guyana, it may be a bit limited: journalism and communications or public relations (to some extent) can help you in this regard. But in all this, ensure you learn to write for electronic publications, since online writing is in higher demand than print writing, and this will only increase in the coming years. Create a portfolio as you go along. That will serve as a central part of your CV when applying for other writing jobs. Seek other freelance jobs that can help to grow that portfolio. Vacancies for copywriters, content writers, bloggers, speechwriters, ghost writers and many other types of writing are out there- not just locally, but online. I have benefitted from many such opportunities over the years. Keep an open mind and create room for growth and income by seeking out other avenues that can continue to exercise your writing talent. I don’t think I’ll ever get accustomed to being called a writer, though, after years of forging my own path I have been recognised in different circles as a writer in my own right. I still have my creative projects close to me, but continue to look to other alternatives that can help to bolster that title. So to answer the question: yes, you can have a viable writing career in Guyana. I have managed to do this, though I am not yet where I want to be. It just calls for an open mind, a redefinition of what we have come to see the term as, and determination to build on the title from all angles so that we are not only able to follow our passion for writing but also earn from it. Interested in contributing to this column on writing? Email me at thewritemind592@gmail.com
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― March 29, 2020
A place for art
“
H U M B L E y o u rselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around
like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of
Digital art by Michael Griffith believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:6-10 New International Version (NIV) This scripture resonated with me recently. Despite this season of political feuds, racial division, health crisis and economic crisis, I have a sense of peace amid the storm. Knowing that I am not the only one going through a rough time, gives me comfort. It is easy to become overwhelmed by current events. Many persons have developed anxiety about the future. Others have developed a laid-back attitude towards the changes in their daily schedule. Our circumstances and reactions to our current situation vary. While some artists have the liberty to create in this period of social distancing, others are surrounding by countless distractions. While some are utilizing stored up materials, others don’t have any material to work with. While some are still receiving sufficient income, others
are worried about paying the next bill. These are the realities that we are facing today. You may ask yourself, is it worth it to create now? The answer is, yes! In this season, people need art. They need art to serve as a source of encouragement; to serve as a means of bringing awareness; to serve as their voice and to represent hope for a brighter future. It’s a tall order to fulfil amid our own challenges. An art career is most certainly not an easy one, but it is an important one. We have a responsibility. When I look at history, I understand the importance of visual representation in storytelling. In a year, all this, will be a part of history, so we must be ready to tell the story. I saw two digital art pieces on social media earlier this month by artist Michael Griffith. One was captioned, ‘Herein lays the perfect opportunity for the parties who supposedly have the country’s best interest at heart, to prove it. Just one of the two has to step aside to restore peace and order. Let’s see just how bad they are willing to let things get.’ And the other stated that, ‘Neither side is completely blameless’. These pieces were meant to send a message, a message that is yet to be received. A message that could potentially bring an end to one of our current unsettling situations. Until such time, Guyana will continue to suffer and, in the end, they’ll be too many broken pieces to put back together. In the meantime, artists must continue to create. Continue to bring awareness until the message is heard. Not just the message for our political leaders but the message for the general public to take the necessary precaution against the COVID 19 virus, and other messages that needs to be heard through visual communication.
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― March 29, 2020
XVII
The other living worlds that we take for granted that we must be very aware of
H
U M A N S a re a species who become vulnerable because of our arrogance. Thus we are the first to be counterproductive against ourselves. I am not a medically trained soul so I will quote the data resources for every item presented in this article, in the hope that you, the reader, may explore for yourselves, the language will be mine but the biological statements and data will remain intact. It is argued that viruses are not alive, because they don’t have cells, cannot turn food into energy, and without a host are just inert pockets of chemicals. The contradicting argument, however, is that they have genes, they reproduce and they evolve through natural selection and even more, there have been identified that some viruses sneak DNA into a bacterium through its sexual appendage a long tube known as a pilus. The question was asked if that’s not life, what is? Science declared a bigger super-virus called Mama Virus, contains features that that other viruses do without, is bigger than any other Virus and bigger than most bacteria and is unique. Amoebas (a single-celled organism belonging to the kingdom of protozoa) will most likely swallow a virus and serve as a mixing bowl where viruses and bacteria can swap genes. Viruses are said to occupy half of all human DNA, which embedded themselves in our ancestors’ eggs and sperm aeons ago. Those viruses are said to be now extinct. But, in 2005 French researchers applied for permission to resurrect one of these ancient viruses. Scientists protested saying this ancient virus could go on a rampage, but the French research Ministry allowed it. (Source; Discover Magazine April 2010.) Yersinia Pestis is the bacteria that has killed more humans than any other epidemic. This is the bacteria that caused the ‘Black Plague’, so-called by a Belgium astronomer who linked the plague to a conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn,
it’s contemporarily called the “Great plague”. It is believed to have originated in Eurasia where it killed some 75 to 200 million people from 1347 to 1351, originating in central Asia. And proceeded to Europe where it was identified as
the unhealthy, but favourable environment of decomposing animals and rubbish unattended by its citizens (Encyclopaedia Britannica –Ziegler 1998 pg 25). Fast forward to India 1994, the port city of Surat,
It’s the dirtiest city in India, it’s famous for that. I remember as a child being told that Bangalore was the cleanest city in India and Surat was the dirtiest”. “The shantytown has no electricity or plumbing, and the place is overrun with
the ‘Black Death’ because of the dark colouring of tumours on parts of victims. It killed 30 to 60 percent of the population of Europe in the 14th century. It was facilitated by the absence of good hygiene in most of Europe’s main port cities where the stowed away rats, infected with the Yersinia Pestis bacterium through the oriental rat fleas that squatted on their bodies, who upon reaching European ports departed their host ships into
where a particular deadly respiratory contagion. Pneumonic plague, a particularly virulent form of bubonic plague that kills all its victims swiftly and deadly was active, both ordinary citizens and Doctors fled the city. The conclusion of one of the brave doctors who remained was Dr. Dinesh Shaw, whose comments also linked hygiene to the outbreak, “it is also much harder to eradicate-especially in a city like Surat.
a draggled menagerie of cows, dogs, pigs, buffalo, goats and even camels rooting through heaps of trash at the edges of stagnant pools that serve as the inhabitant’s main source of water for washing and bathing. The filth extends to the heart of the city.” The plague in India 1896-1936 killed an estimated 12 Million people; 1978-1993 a total of 1, 186 people perished to the plague in sub-Saharan Africa ( Newsweek newsmagazine Oc-
tober 10, 1994- Black Death). Hygiene is a crucial deterrent, coupled with eating habit choices. The current Coronavirus or COVID-19 was argued in suspicion as a Chemical & Biological Warfare (CBW) creature. Scientists have rejected it, not Iranian leaders and Scientists, however, but we must also explore the family origins linked to the virus. That is, it belongs to a large family of viruses that have caused infections in both animals and humans; the common cold-influenza is part of that family. Why it is serious? because commuting across the planet is no longer a cumbersome issue, thus the human hosts of any virus are of a higher possibility, and there is history to compound all fears; Bird and human viruses mix, the Asian flu 1957 in Southern China. The hypothesis is that a bird and human flu swapped genes, probably after infecting a pig, the result was a new and deadly virus that resulted in one Million lives. Again in 1968, the Hong Kong flu, similar to the 1957 virus, it appeared that there was some human immune system resistance, yet 750,000 people died. The Spanish Flu at was the first pandemic to assault the mainly European and human world. This occurred at the tail end of WW1, two cause theories are cited, 1- That the cramped, dirty and damp trenches soldiers were living in, that accommodated all that humans do, with their malnourished bodies and reduced immune systems contracted the virus and those who survived the trenches took it back to their host countries. 2- That Chinese labourers who were transported in sealed trains across Canada before continuing to France, they were deployed to dig trenches, unload trains, lay tracks, build roads and repair damaged tanks, some 90,000 workers were deployed on the western front many had to be quarantined because of illnesses. The Spanish Flu killed some 50 Million people (sources; National Geographic October, 2005 –websites-‘ABSA International’- ‘LIVE MINT’ – ‘In corporation with ALL
ABOUT HISTORY’). What is clear is that all these flu-related viruses are combinations of animal and human strains merging to evolve a new type. What is sure about Coronavirus is that it is a type of those previous pandemics, thus the transmissions can be assumed as the same as catching ‘the cold’ except our immune system can deal with that. This COVID-19 is much more deadly and all about it I suspect is not yet known. Creole culture has systems that demand that “wash yuh face and hands, rub de soap pon yuh hand boy”-“Don’t lie down pon duh bed till yuh bathe yuh skin, and change dem dutty clothes”- “put on yuh sleeping clothes” – “ tek off them shoes yuh walk pon de road with at the door” “Child yuh ready fuh school, yuh got yuh kerchief ?” Our aunts and mothers sewed those kerchiefs. I changed a cheque at a bank recently before the panic began. This Bank has lots of signs: no dark shades- no hoodies- no caps. I watched an affluent customer attended by a young female teller, this man sneezed ferociously in his hand, minutes later shook the hands of a friend who entered the bank. I suggested to the teller that attended me to recommend another sign stating, please hold your handkerchief in your hand in case of sudden cough or sneeze, this should also go for supermarkets. I replaced some items yesterday (20-032020) because of the congestion in a supermarket that had a staff spraying hands upon entry, but no protection awareness of the most severe means of infection-the sneeze and- the cough. How did this happen? When did we stop buying handkerchiefs and rags? I know, I’ve seen one mouthy politician wiping his mouth on TV with the back of his hand, but for health’s sake, stick to our culture, dem old people had knowledge, we also have to thank providence that a much more responsible administration is in control of Guyana today.
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― March 29, 2020
e c i p S r e TURMERIC -The Wond S ome time ago we had intended to do an article on Tumeric or ‘haldi’ as it is also known. The onset of the Coronavirus or Covid19 has precipitated us in doing so since we have seen on the internet a
number of references to its use having some value in confronting Covid19. Turmeric has been in use medicinally and as a food for over 5000 years and has been in the pharmacopoeia of the ancient Ayurvedic System of Medicine and still
remains the recommended treatment for a large number of ailments. Though Western medicine had long known of the use of turmeric, it was only in the last 20 years that it was enthusiastically adopted by Western Alternative
Medicine and now even by formal Western medicine and knowledge of its use and its use are growing exponentially. In Guyana, turmeric and its use were long known, having been brought here by Indian indentured immigrants in the 19th century, but like so many herbs and foods of value in Guyana, we only exploit them when foreign countries set the example. Tumeric is used to effectively treat more than 1500 ailments but here we will mention only a few. Its use for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer Disease and other forms of Dementia are well known. It stabilizes the disease and in time reverses it. The usual daily dosage is one to t w o
teaspoons of turmeric powder with half a teaspoon of each black pepper and ginger, and if desired, with a half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon together with a tablespoon of virgin coconut oil. These powders may be used in porridge or sprinkled on food or consumed on toast with breakfast. The turmeric is not easily absorbed in the body and most of it would pass out as waste but with the help of black pepper or ginger, there is almost 100 percent absorption. These powders could be obtained at Mattai’s grocery in Water Street, Georgetown and could be bought by the pound since it is far more economic to buy bulk than in small packets, two-litre bottles of virgin coconut oil could also be had at Mattai’s
or at the Ministry of Agriculture outlet in Brickdam near the Ministry of Education. At this outlet, a number of other Interior products are sold such as cassava bread and cassareep. Foreign imports of these powders are far more expensive and the quality is almost always suspect as compared with the locally ground spices which are purer and fresher. Tumeric’s use in treating arthritis inflammation and pain is well-known and it m a y be taken howev-
supports healthy, strong and supple joints and is used as a standard pain killer for both muscular and joint pains. We had mentioned above its use in treating Alzheimer Disease. Allied to this use, is its use to lift depression. It is widely used in cooking and gives food a pleasant yellow-gold hue and curries get their yellow-gold colour from turmeric. India has the lowest Alzheimer rate in the world and this is attributed to the fact that the Indians eat curry almost every day. We reiterate that turmeric should be taken with ginger or black pepper since its most important chemical Curcumin and the various curcuminoids are not easily absorbed into the body and would go to waste. Black pepper or ginger helps it to be 1 0 0
er one wishes including mixing with m i l k or tea. Other well-known diseases that could beneficially be treated with turmeric include Diabetes since it could help to manage blood sugar. It detoxes the liver and increases the flow of bile necessary for breaking down dietary fat during digestion. It is also used to treat tonsillitis. coughs, sore throat, swollen gums, dry cough and asthma. Tumeric does a lot more. It promotes heart health by helping to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. It supports healthy weight loss and could help in weight management. It
percent absorbed. Tumeric could also be fermented and in its fermented state, it could easily be absorbed. For turmeric to have a full impact and be fully effective, it should be used daily. Unlike Western medicines, it does not have any side effects. The turmeric powder and turmeric capsules imported from abroad are often of poor quality and are sometimes no more than placebos. The local turmeric is grown in the North-West District and with the other locally ground spices offer the Guyanese consumer fresher and purer products. Tumeric today has earned the status of a wonder drug.
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― March 29, 2020
How regional radios ... FROM PAGE III ← womak is molded in the fabric of the communities’ development linked to vibrant activism and governance of the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), a representative umbrella body. Michael Williams, a NRRDB board member, has been broadcasting on Radio Paiwomak for about 15 years. These days, he is one of several local broadcasters who share Coronavirus updates and Public Service Announcements at 15-20-minute intervals. These are broadcast in English, Makushi, Wapishan and Patamona, and according to Williams, some residents have begun feeling inundated by the Coronavirus messages. Nevertheless, he said the importance of the messages remains intact, and Radio Paiwomak continues to play a major role in spreading awareness on the pandemic. At Lethem, Allison Camacho is on Radio Lethem updating listeners daily about the Coronavirus including sharing voice notes from doctors of the Lethem hospital, who offer advice on sanitation and precautions for residents to follow. Radio Lethem has become the primary outlet for the Region Nine Administration to report on the work of its taskforce that is monitoring the risk at the border town. The situation intensified after a resident in the neighbouring Bom Fim, Brazil, tested positive for the virus. Aside from conducting its own broadcast, Radio Lethem is responsible for disseminating to the other regional radios, the updates and advisories emanating from the border town. KNOWLEDGE-SHARING ON RADIO Meanwhile, Radio Mahdia is facilitating weekly Coronavirus updates led by the Regional Health Officer, according to broadcaster Lesa Lee.
“We have been having the RHO herself on radio for our local programme, talking about the novel Coronavirus and the region’s preparations should a case arise. Also on all of our programmes, we play ads and remind persons of the necessary precautions and measures they should implement,” Lee said. Listeners are encouraged to contact the Mahdia hospital for information or to make requests for what updates they want to be shared publicly on Radio Mahdia. The radio station reaches communities of Mahdia, Campbelltown. Micobie, El Paso, Muruwa and other surrounding mining areas. Lee is certain that the regional radio is playing a major role in sensitising people about Coronavirus as she related how residents and listeners have been contacting the local broadcaster and expressing their gratitude for the updates and awareness on the pandemic. Across the country, in the North West District, Radio Mabaruma has also been spearheading its own initiatives to deliver current information on the global outbreak. Local broadcasters have conducted and recorded an interview with the Regional Health Officer there and is broadcasting same during the local programme. The radio station has been transmitting advisories to residents on what measures are being taken in the region and countrywide in response to the COVID – 19. For instance, the radio has been used to inform residents of the schedule and restrictions for travel aboard the MV Kimbia traversing the Georgetown-Mabaruma route. Via radio, the residents are alerted to passengers’ screening upon arrival and restrictions against crowding, particularly at the ‘landing’ where goods and passengers are offloaded.
Radio Paiwomak is the oldest community-based radio station operating in the hinterland
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#SupportCreativity
By Subraj Singh
g n i h atc ‘The
Platform’ Win a Time of Crisis
I
U N D E R S TA N D where people are coming from when they open themselves up to works of beauty, hope, peace, and happiness in times of crisis. People use this as an escape mechanism of sorts, one where they can be removed from the toil
are brighter and, indeed, better. Early on when the COVID-19 pandemic and the quagmire that is the Guyana General Elections began to intersect, I turned to ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ where I could become a part of the world of drag queens, with their bawdy
plays of creativity. So, I reiterate, I understand what it is like to want to use art as a temporary salve to the trials of modern life. However, I do believe that there is an opposing end to what is really a dichotomy of escapist sensibilities art during times of crisis. In my opinion, one can cope with
and gloom of the world humour, witticisms, enand enter the world of art, cyclopedic knowledge of whether through a novel, fashion and pop-culture, a film, a TV show, com- and their never-ending disics – a world TURN TO PAGE XXI where things
the darkness of the modern world by opening oneself up to art that is equally dark or even darker than the real. Obviously, this does not work
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Watching ‘The Platform’ ... for everyone and people sensitive to art that contains disturbing material should stay away from such. For me, however, I found that it was indeed possible to balance both the light and darkness that exists in art during this time. I may watch ‘Drag Race’ for its levity and charm, but I am also likely to watch a terrifying science fiction, or dystopian horror film that makes me feel better by reminding me that the world I live in, although completely awful, is not as bad as some make-believe worlds. That, oddly, gives me as much hope as me filling my quarantine-life with joyful memes of cats and videos of babies smiling into cameras. A good example of a pretty dark piece of art that I recently used to make myself feel better about the coronavirus situation is a Spanish horror/thriller called ‘The Platform.’ Watching this film was an interesting experience because, on one hand, I had to watch it with subtitles, which reminded me of Bong Joon-ho, this year’s Best Director Oscar-winner, urging everyone to open themselves up more to watching films that have subtitles, a memory that sent me down a rabbit hole that led to me wondering about whether the world will be in the correct state that is necessary for an Oscar season by the time the new year rolls around. It was a reminder of the brevity of life itself that I got as soon as the first set up of subtitles popped up, and speaking of the brevity of life, ‘The Platform’ is a film that is more than happy to reinforce that theme, which, as stated before, was something that managed to make me feel secure, sitting in my home with electricity, wifi, running water, and food to eat – comforts that many people in the world cannot afford during this time. ‘The Platform’ focuses on a prison system in the
film, where inmates, or those who have voluntarily checked themselves in, are housed in cells that are stacked vertically on top of each other. Once a day, a platform loaded with the most delectable food starts from Cell No. 0 before descending to Cell No. 1, Cell No. 2, and all of the others that come after. Theoretically, there is enough food for everyone, but because those at the top of the stack take more than their share, by the time the platform gets to the prisoners at the bottom of the prison, there is no food left. Every month, the prisoners are shuffled and restacked in the numbered cells. The movie focuses on a new volunteer named Goreng and his interactions with various inmates, as well as his attempts to destabilize the platform-system in the prison. ‘The Platform’ is not an easy watch. It is macabre and grotesque, focusing on the worst extremes of the human experience, ranging from themes such as isolation, communication, madness, cannibalism, classism, greed, and, of course, death. Yet, despite containing disturbing scenes, such as one where Goreng’s cellmate ties him up on one of the bottom levels, where the platform clanks to a stop with empty vessels so that the cellmate can have a fresh supply of food for the month by feeding on Goreng, or the scene where a mother clambers on to the platform and allows herself to be lowered into the hell that is the lower part of the prison in search of a child who may or may not exist, I still kept watching, even though I was scared and disgusted. I think that COVID-19 has impacted the world in many ways that somehow managed to be reflected in this cold, dark film. In ‘The Platform,’ people fight and kill for food, while in the real world, people take all of the items
from grocery stores leaving nothing for the elderly or the ill. In the movie, those in the upper cells refuse to help those in the lower cells even though they are all in the same situation together, or will be once the prison shuffles everyone around at the end of the month. In the real world, millionaires refuse to help others and head off to hide in bunkers or buy
themselves access to the COVID-19 test kits while poor people are forced to live in single-cell homes, without access to basic medical aid and, sometimes, even water. The film focuses on our primary protagonist’s attempts to change the mindsets of hundreds of people in the prison who have already accepted their fate, which is reminiscent of the real
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world where a few voices stand up for righteousness and reason, always on the borderline of being outshouted by the masses. Despite such similarities, however, I came out of the movie feeling hopeful. Not only was ‘The Platform’ a good film, but it also ended on a hopeful note, and all of its darkness reminded me to seek out the hope
in my own world rather than bemoan the horror of our current situation. I think it is just me recognizing that my world is indeed similar to the world in the film, but, thankfully, we are a long way away from the debaucheries and horror of the situations in the film, and hopefully, it will remain that way for a long, long time into the future.
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Climate Action for Earth Hour 2020
E
ARTH Hour (EH) is officially in the teen years. March 28, 2020, marked 13 years since the first lights out event in Sydney, Australia. Started by WWF and its partners as a symbolic lights-out event, Earth Hour is now one of the world’s largest grassroots movements for the environment, engaging millions of people in more than 180 countries and territories. Earth Hour in Guyana is coordinated by the World Wildlife Fund and the Guyana Youth and Environment Network with support from, the Environmental Protection Agency and the University of Guyana, amongst others. Over the past two years, the Office of Climate Change has come on board to assist in coordinating EH activities in Linden and Bartica, taking the message of people power for environmental protection to other parts of the country. In addition to a ‘Lights out Concert’ held on the last Saturday in March, Earth Hour activities have also come to encompass outreaches to schools, and activities for the public including seminars and exhibitions at the University of Guyana.
CLIMATE ACTION This year’s theme for Earth Hour calls attention to climate change and adding our voices for the planet. Scientists agree that we are the first generation to know that we are destroying our planet, and we could be the last to do anything about it. On the international front, in 2020, world leaders will come together during key global conferences and forums (Conference on Biodiversity COP 15, UNFCCC COP 26 and UN High
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Climate Action for ... FROM PAGE XXII ←
Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development) to set the environmental agenda for the next decade and beyond. During these conferences, decisions will be made that will affect our future and that of the planet for many years to come. CELEBRATING EARTH HOUR AMIDST COVID 19 This year, we are facing Earth Hour in exceptional circumstances, with countries around the world experiencing a health crisis with the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Given this dire situation, Earth Hour will be celebrated digitally. You can still participate by turning off all your non-essential lights for one hour from 20:30 h (8:30 pm). Given the need for social distancing and protecting each other from contracting COVID 19, we recommend that you:
* Tune in online to one of WWF live streams; * Make your voice heard digitally; * Share your on-the-night EH experiences; * Participate in EH online challenges and contests; * Learn more about the issues and solutions; * Remember a clean and healthy environment is not only for the present situation but should be a lifestyle; and * Learn how to live more sustainably; avoid wastage and excessive use. You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: The Environmental Protection Agency, C/O Communications Department, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
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English 2020 - 03 - 29
GHT THOU DAY: O T r fo STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student,
T
hough you can be more demanding of yourself than others would, it is generally more troubling to be thinking about people’s expectations.
But when the blast of war blows in our ears, Them imitate the action of the tiger. WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (1564-1616) Henry V, Act 3, Scene 1
Yes, you will reap sharp criticism should you underperform for them, but do not beat yourself; the fear of letting others down is a common form of examination anxiety. Get past that level; consider using energy gainfully to satisfy your GRAMMAR
Using good/ well; bad/ badly correctly Read carefully, now. 1. Use “good” and “bad” as adjectives. Right: This coconut dumpling tastes good. (predicate adjective) Right: Don’t feel bad, Sandra. (predicate adjective, completing a linking verb) 2. Use “well” either as an adjective or as an adverb, depending upon the sentence meaning. In speaking of one’s health or appearance, “well” is an adjective to mean “in good health;” otherwise, “well” is an adverb and modifies action verbs. Right: Does your mother feel well today? (adjective) Right: Jefferson doesn’t sing very well. (adverb) 3. Use “badly” as an adverb. Right: Uncle Freddy dances badly.
Something to Do
1. Our truck still runs ---- but my father is bent on getting a new one. 2. Are you feeling ---again? That is ---- news. 3. I always sleep ---- before a class test. 4. Mother felt ---- yesterday, but she is better today. 5. Doesn’t that bacon and egg smell ----? I feel starved! 6. The group is playing ----. 7. Do not feel ----; things will change soon.
WRITING IMPROVEMENT
Writing about historical things Once upon a time an innocent prisoner was condemned – for his religious beliefs – to die by the cruelest tortures of the Spanish Inquisition. After the strain of the long trial, the prisoner fainted. Black-robed figures carried him unconscious – down – down - down far below the surface of the earth, into a dungeon where the
own projected standards. Keep in mind: Your mature, profitable handling of stress greatly determines your future success. Love you. mind of man had excelled itself in devising fiendish implements of torture. When he regained consciousness, he examined his surroundings. On the walls were grotesque carvings – figures of imps and demons – and on the ceiling was the figure of Father Time, pictured, as usual, with a scythe. Suddenly he observed something startling about the figure. Father Time’s scythe was a pendulum! The sharp blade was descending inch by inch – and he lay, bound securely, directly in its path. Now the full meaning of his sentence was clear. He was to die by the cruelest of all tortures, mental torture; for his was to be the anguish of watching death approach by slow degrees. Down – down – steadily – steadily down. Hours passed – perhaps days – he had no way of knowing; and still the pendulum descended. Nearer and nearer – still nearer and nearer…. Now the blade, as it passed, cut the folds of his garment. One more stroke and it would reach his heart …
About the Passage
This story is an example of treating some forms of writing where the setting is far away and of long ago. Its vocabulary can be beyond some students. It was introduced to some children by their very thoughtful teacher. She provided a thumbnail background on the Inquisition and its extreme cruelty to heretics. She told the first part of the story – with dramatic flourish. Did you pay attention to her rendition? Was she successful with you? Perhaps you were turned off by such cruelty. Anyway, the purpose here is to teach and reinforce that a good story can be produced based on garnered facts coupled with appropriate interaction with teacher and study partners.
What to Do
1. Add an ending to your teacher’s story. You can either write about how the tortures were stopped, whether you think the fiendish tortures can be stopped, or how the prisoner can be saved. Take your time; it is not like your everyday stories. We suggest that you not write without doing further research. 2. Find another historical era about which factual points are easily gotten and then write an interesting and nail-biting story on it. Share this also at your Writing Club and watch their reaction.
USE OF DIALOGUE
Our mother believed that the future would be better as soundly as she believed in God. She showed us this conviction daily, and yet the earliest tale I heard her tell about herself was of a little girl who had to give up what she loved best. This is the first story in my mother’s “Tale of Three Stoves.” “Joanna,” her mother said in Hungarian. “You must choose. You can take only one toy with you. There is no room.” The girl is eight, maybe nine, and thin as a waif. She is deliberating with great seriousness, “Yes, Mama.” Her brother, John, comes into the kitchen carrying Father’s shot-gun. He puts it behind the front door, so he won’t forget it. “Hurry up, little goose,” he tells Joanna, who is studying a rag doll and a black cast-iron toy stove... “Which one did you choose, Mommy?” I used to ask. “The doll?” Using good dialogue to advance your story Your study partners and you should discuss the effective uses of dialogue in this shortened narrative. One purpose is to highlight relationships. Find out the others. [To be continued next week.]
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― March 29, 2020
Chicken Balls
Ingredients For the Cassava mixture √ 2 cassava √ 1/4 onion √ stem scallion √ 1 stem celery √ 4 cloves garlic √ 1tsp. roasted ground geera (cumin) For frying the Chicken √ 1 small pk minced chicken
√ 1 stem scallion √ 1/4 onion The mixture for coating √ 4 tbsp flour √ 1 tsp green seasoning a pinch yellow food colouring √ salt to taste √ black pepper to taste √ water
Method 1. Boil the cassava 2. while cassava is boiling blend and prepare seasonings 3. mash cassava and mix in seasonings, make balls and set aside 4. Fry the minced chicken remove, let cool and fill balls with the filling by making a hollow with your thumb. 5. make the coating mixture by adding all the ingredients and water, it should be a bit runny 6 heat some oil for frying and keep stove on medium heat 7. fry balls to a golden brown colour
realniceguyana.com
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