The people of Crane Village Determined to find ways to offset the hardships of the pandemic
Kim Prince has spent all her life in Crane Village and is happy with life there. Like most people across the country, Crane residents have seen their fair share of difficulties brought on by the pandemic. However, overall, Prince described the village as a good place to live because services and other amenities are accessible (Carl Croker photo)
SUNDAY JUNE 13, 2021
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 13, 2021
A Married Couple making Music together By Francis Quamina Farrier AS promised, we continue to feature married couples in this, the month of June, 2021. Our couple in today’s publication is unique to a point. For this married couple, it was love the second time around. Andrew Cromwell was a widower and the father of two young teenagers when he met his second wife, Nina. She was a single parent of an older teen. Both of them possessed musical talents, but performing as a duo was not on
the cards at that early time of their becoming a couple. As a teenager, Andrew sang, accompanying himself on the guitar. In fact, he is the lead guitarist on the wellknown LP record “SING OUT MY SOUL” album. At that time those beautiful musical compositions were recorded, Andrew Cromwell was resident in Trinidad and Tobago, where he was engaged in musical activities. As a child, Nina played the accordion. Music was one of her favourite activities. But through her adult and professional lives, she concentrated on her career
Nina and Andrew Cromwell making smooth jazz music together
Andrew and Nina Cromwell, a musical married couple
as a high school mathematics and science teacher. She also possessed a skill for the art of pottery, which she did as a hobby. Andrew’s professional career was that of a Mental Health and Social worker at a local hospital. He enjoyed photography as a hobby. The two individuals brought to their oneness as a married couple, lots of general knowledge and musical talents which they combined for enriching not only their own lives, but those of many others. They were already retired 10 years ago when they began looking for an activity
to be engaged in away from their home. “Starting from scratch, we joined a community band as beginners, and learned how to play wind instruments,” Andrew related. He now plays the tenor saxophone. Nina plays the clarinet. Both of them read music with competence. After two years, they left the band when they were attracted to jazz music. That was the beginning of an adventure in music that neither of them could have anticipated. Andrew and Nina had met in Toronto in 1995, and have now been married for 22 years. They
travel together regularly and had just returned to Canada from Ecuador when they had to go into quarantine, as the COVID-19 was sweeping across the world. During the never-ending period of social isolation, the couple decided to stay connected with friends and family, by streaming a weekly Live Jazz Broadcast from their home every Saturday. As they continue to make music together, Andrew and Nina bring joy, not only to themselves but to those fortunate to access their live stream.
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 13, 2021
On the frontline Meet Anesia Persaud: A physiotherapist working with COVID-19 patients
By Telesha Ramnarine IT was the COVID-19 deaths that she encountered on the job that especially took a toll on Physiotherapist Anesia Persaud. Working with the patients
– as scary as it was to her initially – was nothing compared to receiving a call that the person she’d develop a friendship with over many weeks and had tried to help was gone. Anesia dealt with over
and had to deal with the patients when they woke up from sedation. “I tried to be very patient and understanding; I understood that they are in physical pain and in an environment they know nothing about it. They were scared, some of them very young, and even kids. I try to sympathise and help,” she said. Anesia understands that after contracting COVID-19, physiotherapy becomes essential as it entails working with patients on overall breathing and oxygen consumption. So she makes it a
tablets and having to endure many side effects. “It works so fast and it’s so efficient; to see how a little exercise changes everything. Once I see them get up and walk again, I am the happiest person. The most rewarding part of my job is to see people get up and go back out there,” Anesia expressed. Even though going on a medical scholarship to Pbilisi State Medical University in Georgia to study medicine, Anesia found her real passion when she did a course on rehabilitation. So after two years at the university, she
Anesia with colleagues at work
Practicing bandaging with her colleagues
Straight out of COVID ICU
1,000 COVID-19 patients during her stint between ‘Georgetown Hospital’ and the ‘COVID ICU’ at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, but after counting this many, she lost track of the number of persons with the disease that she’s been helping to rehabilitate over the past few months. Although scared at the thought of having to work in an environment where she could easily pick up the disease, Anesia was bold enough to actually volunteer to work with COVID patients. “I was terrified at first but weirdly excited about it because it was something brand new. I was more interested than scared and so I volunteered to go,” she recalled during an interview with Pepperpot last Friday. What the 25-year-old didn’t know at the time was the devastating impact that each COVID-19 death would have on her personally. Perhaps it was because some of her patients who seemed to be recovering well on one day died on the next. Six persons who were helped by Anesia died, and
each time, Anesia felt the same pain of loss and hopelessness. “I felt it because I worked with them for weeks and got to know them and they seemed to be doing so well but then they just turn over and die the next day,” she expressed. Becoming overwhelmed, she would leave the room and walk around the hospital for a bit, or she would go home and cry it out. “Those were the roughest times,” she said. Thankfully, her family, friends, and her dog were a big help. But dealing with this loss was surely not the only challenge on the job. Simply gearing up to be in the environment was an uphill task. “Because it is so contagious in the ICU, I had to be suited up from head to toe with double and triple gloves and masks. At times it was hard to breathe under those suits,” she explained. Furthermore, with some of the patients under sedation or too weak to move, Anesia would in some cases have to help move them. She also had to take multiple showers during the day
Physiotherapist Anesia Persaud
point to remain patient and kind to her patients. And it is not usually hard for her to be this way because she absolutely loves her job. “There are a lot of interesting cases; figuring out what’s wrong and looking for things that are being overlooked. Everything is so hectic at hospitals so when you talk to your therapist, you become friends. We work on their minds and bodies to help them get back to a normal life.” Anesia also derives much satisfaction from seeing the good results that come from simple things that are natural, as opposed to drinking lots of
decided to spend the next four years doing Physical Medicine and Rehabilitative Therapy for which she gained a Degree. She plans to pursue her ‘Masters’ in sports medicine soon as her goal is to work with athletes. Anesia’s biggest motivation to join the medical field is her dad, former Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud. Very soon, the Charity Hospital will be fortunate enough to benefit from Anesia’s services as she will be posted there for one year.
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 13, 2021
Local agro-processors Making an impact in a budding oil and gas industry By Dillon Goring
G
LOBALLY, agro-processing is considered a solution to food security and sustainability and economic development due to its ability to add value to raw products and extend shelf life. Guyana has an agro-processing sector that is rich with potential and the country’s budding oil and gas industry promises to hold even more opportunities for local agro-processors to expand their markets. It is against this background that Tazmein Coates, a local manufacturer of Linnel Oil has engaged the market. In an interview with Pepperpot Magazine, Coates revealed that the inspiration for the manufacture of Linnel Oil came when she gave birth to her third son, Linnel. “I started to make coconut oil to use on his skin and every time, a friend or a family friend comes, they would ask me for some of the oil…Since everyone is asking for this oil, I decided to bottle it, put on a label and make a business,” she related to the Magazine. She explained that since the emergence of Guyana’s oil and gas industry, she is doing okay, she further noted that she is contented about the sale of her products and the way things are going where business is concerned. However, Coates related that her success is due to the way she markets her products and her efforts to propel her business forward. “ I have five different fragrances of Linnel Oil. [They include] the original with the babyface on it, then I have one
Linnel’s Coconut Oil being displayed
Dr Portia Sami
Tazmein Coates
which is called the Baby Powder which caters for different age ranges, they are scented and unscented,” Coates noted during her interview. Coates is eager for her business to reach the top as soon as the way is clear amidst the precautionary measures taken by the health authorities as a result of the pandemic. “I see myself shipping to Canada and exporting on a large market and my product being a household name throughout Guyana and around the world,” Coates told Pepperpot Magazine. Meanwhile, Portia Sami, the owner of Heart Smart Enterprise during an interview with this Magazine expressed the view that a person should not be limited to doing just one thing. “I have always wanted to start a business. As a busy professional, wife and mother I felt the need for products that would decrease time spent preparing meals was universal. I enjoy cooking but I don’t like peeling garlic. Since garlic is used to flavour most dishes, the idea of different flavours of pureed garlic seemed like a great business idea. Knowing the health benefits of olive oil and ginger, I decided to incorporate olive oil in all of the seasonings and add the ginger puree to the list of products since ginger is also widely used. The garlic-based jerk seasoning was included to complement the line of products. In short, my inspiration came from my dislike of doing a simple chore and my motivation came from a long-standing desire to own a business,” Sami told the Pepperpot Magazine. She added that the distinction of her business is premised on the fact that the business provides customers with conve-
nient, healthy and versatile products that save time in food preparation. “Our products also promote health. The company’s logo has a heart check in the colours of the Guyanese flag which signifies that the company is focused on promoting heart health in Guyana. The products are made using quality ingredients such as garlic, ginger and olive oil that have been proven to reduce cholesterol and promote optimum functioning of the cardiovascular system,” she said. “Since the attainment of health requires a multifaceted approach, Heart Smart Enterprise has incorporated messages on the label that encourage customers to get active, eat well and control their blood pressure. I am not aware of any other Guyanese manufacturer of seasonings that has this approach.” According to Sami, the response of her customers to her products are a love for the flavour quality and packaging of her products. Just last year, the Government of Guyana announced its intention to build a platform to facilitate information sharing, connectivity and communication, and link products and service providers with customers nationally, regionally, and internationally for agro processors. Portia expressed the view that this is a great opportunity and supports the effort wholeheartedly. “The thing is, everybody is online these days and we rely on it for the sale and promotion of our products, so if we use those platforms, it can definitely work,” she said about the initiative.
Heart Smart products
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 13, 2021
Professional development training integral for Guyana’s workforce
By Dillon Goring
IN this world, where technology has advanced by leaps and bounds to meet the demands of today’s world, one Guyanese entrepreneur believes that professional development training is critical in today‘s workforce and works to ensure that her business provides the best services along this line. JTW Institute of Management Training, which was established in 2012 was designed to meet the needs of employees and employers who wish to improve the skills training in their workplace and their own lives. Director of JTW, Joycelyn Williams, in an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, made the point that the Institute was established with the primary focus to assist employees who would like to improve their competence on the job and give them key knowledge about certain areas of work. “Most of the courses that we do are cross-cutting to all businesses like custom-
er service. Regardless of which sector you are in, customer service is important. We do leadership and Management… as well as City and Guilds Maths and English and [those] again are cross-cutting- regardless of which sector you are in, you need to be competent in [these fields],” Williams said. Williams also noted the high demand for skills training is needed for entry-level jobs particularly among young people. “Most times, we get tremendous feedback, we get positive feedback… the courses are relevant to the work that people do. Managers see improvement from their supervisors and entry-level staff get their essential skills,” Williams said. She also noted that the tutors at her institution are equipped to offer both academic and corporate training. Williams believes that the demand for professional training is increasing because we live in a world that is knowledge-based as com-
pared to having soft skills. She assured that given the fact that we are a budding oil and gas economy, her institution is armed with the training to deal with the increasing demand for professional training. Meanwhile, another business entrepreneur Rawle Dundas of Professional Business Enterprise believes Professional Training is going very far in Guyana right now. “We are refitting and rewriting to ensure that our content is fresh, relevant and attractively presented using currently acceptable methods. We are confident that our reputation will quickly get us back with repeat clients and open doors to new ones,” Dundas told the Pepperpot Magazine. As the country moves steadily toward economic growth, more and more areas for professional development are also becoming important. One other area is the establishment of green jobs in keeping with the country’s aim of developing a green economy.
Graduates from the recent programme by JTW Institute of Training
The ILO in its report on Skills for Green Jobs in Guyana has stated: “Guyana is actively laying the foundation for its transition to a green economy. Through the ratification of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and other multilateral environmental agreements, the country is demonstrating its commitment to improving its resiliency by adopting policy-driven mitigation and adaptation actions while simultaneously improving its capabilities to mitigate global climate change impacts. The Government has developed national-level legislation that provides a legal framework for public and private sectors to pursue the shift towards a green economy. This transition is requiring a qualified pool of professionals with new skillsets and expertise to drive green growth and meet anticipated labour market demands. The education sector within Guyana is readily responding in this regard. Both public and
private education institutions, e.g. the University of Guyana and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), have carried out extensive reviews and revisions of their curricula to better prepare graduates for the requirements of transitioning the economy and sustaining green growth. Skills for green jobs in key sectors such as mining, forestry and agriculture have been prioritised due to environmental and climate change impacts they have. Moreover, Guyana is investing in skills for new green occupations in priority areas including renewable energy, nature and eco-tourism and ecosystems services. It needs to be recognised that although a strong foundation is being laid and positive actions being demonstrated, more work is needed to fully align skills requirements and policy. An example of this is the need to produce time-series labour market information and to include labour policies in the green
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policy framework to ensure the labour response is data and policy driven. This report examines these and other findings. The political leadership and collaborative action required cannot be overstated. At the national level, Guyana finds itself at experiencing two interlinked economic reforms, i.e. greening and moving toward a more knowledge-based, service oriented and value-added economy. Considering the concentration of employment in urban and peri-urban coastal areas, well as higher poverty density rates in rural and hinterland Guyana, green awareness across Guyana’s population complemented by localized knowledge of vulnerabilities and decentralised skills building linked to territorial green economic programmes are indispensable for national policies and programmes to improve livelihoods, protect lives and national assets.”
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 13, 2021 Crane Village (Carl Croker photos)
Crane Village, a place of calm and tranquillity
By Michel Outridge
THIS week the Pepperpot Magazine journeyed overland to Crane Village, West Coast Demerara, where the locals highlighted their way of life in that community. CRANE Village is accessible via the La Union Old Road and through Best Road, Best Village and it is home to people of Afro, Indo, newcomers Spanish and Amerindians. It is a fairly large village which extends from the main public road to way down to the foreshore and has many internal streets. This village has potable water supply, electricity, a landline service, internet and good roads and infrastructure. Crane Housing Scheme is
The Best Klein/Pouderoyen NDC Building in Pouderoyen
Focus on the Village
divided into two phases, that is, Phase One and Phase Two and most of the residents leave the village for work; some commute to the city. Phase One is an open area, while Phase Two is the military scheme which was
established especially for soldiers through self-help, whereby the housing materials were provided and the houses are similar in design. The locals are skilled professionals, both public and private sector workers, talented individuals, home-makers, small-business operators, carpenters, masons, painters, construction employees, drivers and others. Crane Village is bordered by Best Village and Vreed-en-Hoop and it is just $100 for a taxi ride from Vreed-en-Hoop to inside the village, which is reasonable. The community has many houses, some large, others midsize and modest, and it has a primary school, a nursery school, a large playfield, a youth centre building, a mosque, three churches and a mandir. The West Demerara Regional Hospital is located a village away and the nearest secondary school is at Vreeden-Hoop. The population is said to
The NDC Chairman, Umesh Balram
be about 10,000 and it is a community that is still growing in terms of occupancy, but most people have lived all her lives in the village, while there are some newcomers. It is a peaceful place where one can still leave one’s door open and go out and the people are neighbourly and look out for each other. This community has a lot of small shops and things are within reach and the people have small kitchen gardens where they SEE PAGE VII
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The volunteers of Crane Village
By Michel Outridge
SOCIAL worker, Maureen Hope doesn’t take a day off because she is so focused on hearing the voices of the unheard and spends most of her waking hours performing counselling sessions in collaboration with Childlink Guyana Inc. She is a resident of Crane Village, West Coast Demerara and a mother of two, who has lived in the community for the past 35 years. She relocated to Crane Village after marriage but her husband passed away and she is a mother to two grown children. Hope is the President of the Youth with a Purpose – A Community Development Council Group in the village and is a mentor for the youths. T h e o rg a n i s a t i o n i s non-governmental and it has a board of directors as well as, community members, all from the village and they operate out of a community centre building, which was there since the establishment of the village. Hope told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is currently working on a project with Childlink Guyana Inc. to reach 1,000 boys during their sensitisation campaign on sexual abuse. She is also engaged in outreaches at schools and is also holding sessions with members of the Guyana Po-
lice Force (GPF) on child abuse. Hope is also looking for advocates but her main focus is on boys because they are often abused and do not come forward to tell their stories and she is reaching out to those boys during her campaign. “Often boys are abused and they do not say anything because they are afraid and do not know what to do and I want to assist,’ she said. Hope added that she works mostly with abused children and provide her services in terms of counselling and does a lot of volunteer community work. “I have had a lot of success stories with the children I work with and that makes me feel good and keeps me motivated to help others,” she said. She has been with the NGO for the past five years and has initiated many workshops and skills training sessions to empower young people in the community. Youth with a Purpose – A Community Development Council Group is registered and they have had Board of Industrial Training (BIT) on board with skills training but since the pandemic, they have had fewer activities. Hope stated that they have trained 30 young women in garment construction and 30 others in catering and
is happy to report that they are all gainfully employed and are earning. She reported that they will soon embark on a block-making training course in which the young men of the community will benefit once they get sponsors to assist in providing the raw materials. The motto of Youth with a Purpose – A Community Development Council Group is “Empowering and motivating youths for a better life” and that is indeed the aim of Hope’s vision for the young people in the community. Fabric Arts, cooking, floral arrangements, craft and sewing. Meanwhile, the Pepperpot Magazine met another upstanding member of the community, Pamela Downer, who does a lot of volunteer work as well, teach arts and craft, catering, sewing, floral arrangement and sewing. She has established a classroom at her home and is also the Vice President of the Youth with a Purpose – A Community Development Council Group. She would conduct classes at her home on Wednesdays from 09:00hrs to 17:00hrs with two sessions for fabric arts and sewing. Downer disclosed that when her peers were playing with dolls her mother gifted her a sewing machine at age nine and she began
plot of land housing several buildings.
the communities, which the NDC oversees. He pointed out that four CORE employees who come under the Ministry of Public Infrastructure do maintenance of the playfields. Balram added that Crane Village has two Phases and Phase One was established in 1978, while Phase Two was formed in 1994 and was allotted and re-allotted. He disclosed that Crane is a good place to live to enjoy a quiet life and it is practically crime-free and there is a need for a police outpost and an ICT hub. Balram reported that some residents have not been
Focus on the Village
The Youth Centre in Crane Village (Carl Croker photos)
sewing and got good at it. She reported that it was one of those pedal sewing machines, the old-time ones, and she used to practice on it until she got the hang of sewing but didn’t make it into a career until she wanted to earn. “Most people in my family are either seamstresses or chefs and it is something that runs through the family tree and we are gifted like that,” she said. Downer began her teach-
ing career at schools in Arts and Craft in 1981 and taught at several schools and churches. She later went on to teach at other organisations and is working with Board of Industrial Training (BIT), Basic needs, Ministry of Finance and would hold both private and government-funded sessions for adults, youths and single parents. The mother of three moved to Crane Village in 1997 after marriage and is
originally from New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop. She is the grandmother of 11 and also does volunteer services with the community. Downer is a seamstress, a caterer, and at Christmas, she would do floral arrangements for sale, do large scale catering of international dishes and local cuisine and was able to incorporate her hands-on training into her teaching.
Crane Village, a place ... FROM PAGE VI grow their own greens and fruits; and it is also a place of many plants, flowers and trees. This village has escaped massive flooding and it has accumulated a bit of water that receded quickly. The people reported that they are comfortable living there and they have no real burning issues and it has a squatting area part on the sea dam area where members of an extended family reside. In Crane Village it is home of a branch of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temple, which sits on a large
NDC developmental highlights Meanwhile, the Pepperpot Magazine met the Best/ Klein/Pouderoyen Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Chairman, Umesh Balram, who highlighted developmental works within the Village. He stated that some internal streets were upgraded and it is evident that the roads were recently paved to an all-weather stretch. The NDC Chairman noted that the seven CIIP workers have been maintaining the drains and parapets in
Focus on the Village
The NDC Chairman, Umesh Balram and staffers
paying their rates and taxes because they are not registered with the NDC, and they need to do that to start paying up. An audit found that only about 30 percent of locals have been up to date with the payment of their rates and taxes. “I have been here for the
past 13 years and I live at Vreed-en-Hoop, so it is not a problem to commute and I know the people and we work together,” he said. The Best/ Klein/Pouderoyen NDC oversees five plantations, which are a portion of Versailles, Coglan, Vreed-en-Hoop, Best and Crane.
The NDC has three staffers, one vector control worker attached to the Ministry of Health and two sanitary workers. The NDC’s aim is to make Crane an environmentally friendly and tourism-driven village along the West Coast corridor.
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 13, 2021
The people of Crane Village Determined to find ways to offset the hardships of the pandemic
By Michel Outridge A SECTION of Crane Village, West Coast Demerara, has a sea dam, just by the foreshore where an extended family Lall, 68, (only name) and his children, their spouses and his 64 grandchildren reside. This part has 16 houses with 37 adults and 64 children, making it a little village by itself and they have two
The father of eight told the Pepperpot Magazine that he is originally from Hogg Island, Essequibo River and many years ago relocated to Crane in search of a better life. He, like his sons, would do whatever work they get in and outside the community, even if it is weeding, fishing, manual work, throwing paddy, construction or a day job to earn.
ground. The flood lasted a week before the water receded and they were able to fix up the place. Meanwhile, his son-inlaw Safraz Ally stated that due to the pandemic, the children have been unable to attend school and they are at home doing nothing but mischief. He explained that he has a small solar panel, but due
Trisha, 9, with her pet parrot
cooking establishment in the city and would commute daily to work. The mother of three is quite okay with life in Crane Village, because most people in her street work in the day and return home in the evenings.
Residents of Crane Village
standpipes for water, but no electricity, although utility poles and distribution lines were installed more than eight months ago.
Lall said due to the heavy rainfall and high tides, he has experienced flooding and of his 24 ducks, a few died and had to be relocated to higher
to the constant rainfall, the battery isn’t charging as it should and he would like to bring out his television set and have the children at one
Patricia Singh and family
Focus on the Village
Phase Two, Crane Village While for the most part, residents are riding the waves of the pandemic, others admitted to be facing difficul-
Safraz Ally
place to watch the Learning Channel-- at least. The father of three stated that they do not have internet connection; as such,they cannot access online schooling for the children. “These children need something to occupy their time because they doing all kinds of things and got you talking all the time,” he said. Kendrick Ramphal, a father of five and whose wife is heavily pregnant, reported that he experienced flooding and was in the process of cleaning up. The 49-year-old labourer added that the water was up to his steps. These residents said they are comfortable there and do not wish to be relocated. Military Scheme, Phase One Meanwhile, over in the Military Housing Scheme at Phase One, Crane Village, Kim Prince, whose father was a soldier but passed away many years ago, told
Rajpattie Persaud
the Pepperpot Magazine that she has lived all her 38 years in the community. Prince added that the place is quiet and the people know each other and it is a good place to live, because services and other things are accessible. She is employed at a
ties they find harder to overcome. Over at Phase Two, Crane Village, in another sea dam area, near the foreshore, there are a set of houses with some villagers and one of them is Chandroutie Wong. SEE PAGE XVIII
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 13, 2021
From nothing to something Young entrepreneur has big plans for business
By Michel Outridge FOR 18-year-old Sarah Ann Brathwaite dreaming big and having a vision for the future is something that keeps her motivated in achieving her goals. But for n o w, s h e knows it will take years of hard work and dedication to make her dreams come true of owning her own businesses. This young lady is set on having her own salon, which she will have in her mother’s yard and as soon as Sarah Ann Braithwaite she gets a loan she will (Carl Croker start the construction photo) process, this building will be her main branch ad she will expand to the three counties in single parent she was motivated to make the most of her Guyana and Bartica. Brathwaite is a hairdress- school-age years. She went to Crane Prier and beautician attached to the Caribbean Sassy Beauty mary School and in Grade Lounge located in the new Six she realised that she has Vendor’s Arcade opposite a remarkable skill after some Republic Bank, Lane One on practice that she can do hair and began plaiting the young Water Street, Georgetown. She knows she has to boy’s hair in the village and work with people before she would be paid for the sercan get her own business and vices. She later went on to she plans to get a solid job in Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary the public sector to save up School and after her peers for her project. Braithwaite comes from and teachers learnt of her a single-parent home and she talent in doing hair they knows all too well the value commended her after she did several hairstyles for of things especially money. Growing up it was in- them. However, after being grained in her at a young age by her mother that she should showered with praises for become independent to make being so talented she was her dreams become a reality. encouraged to develop her “With my mom alone skills set and she was advised working to provide for us to enrol at Carnegie School it was hard and money of Home Economics. At that time, money was an issue but she tried was tight and she had no her best to put food on the choice but to start work, table and we never went she gained employment at hungry,” she said. Bring familiar with her a Beauty Store and soon mother’s plight of being a realised she had to upgrade
her skills to become marketable rather than being stuck in a store. “My relatives
came together and got me the money to enrol and an aunt, who resides overseas send in the equipment and after a year I got a distinction in cosmetology and body massage,” she said. She specialises in braiding, facials, pedicure, and make-up. Her first dream of becoming a cosmologist materialised eight years ago after she graduated from Carnegie School of Home Economics. “My creativity and passion for braiding have allowed me to build a clientele over the years. I am inspired by them, many of whom have expressed satisfaction for a job well done and so I am motivated to succeed,” she said. Braithwaite also plans to open a hair store in Guyana and to travel to Trinidad and Tobago to enrol for their beauty courses which will take some time. However, she is not deterred by this and will go all out to ensure her dreams are realised and has set a target where, by age 25, she must be on her way to success. Braithwaite is the last of three siblings and is proud of her mother’s small business, making and selling homemade coconut biscuits. “The compliments re-
Focus on the Village
ceived have been the driving factor towards enhancing my skills and enriching my creativity in customer satisfaction, alongside the best results for their memories. I am self-motivated and I go beyond the limits to please my clients,” she said.
Braithwaite stated that her love and passion for her business is a result of her clients’ significant support. She garners motivation from her clients’ overwhelming support and because they would travel long distances just to have the first experience of what Unique Braids
by Sarah has to offer. “It is evident that satisfied customers have been spreading the news, hence the growth 0f my clientele. I thank god for my talent, and the privilege to be of service to said clients because a woman’s hair is her beauty,” she said.
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 13, 2021
Religious organisations and leaders doing their bit in giving back to society
Inside the mandir
By Michel Outridge AT LA Union Old Road, the road which leads to Crane Village, West Coast Demerara there is the intricately designed mandir which sits on a large plot of land which has several buildings. This mandir is International Society for Krisna Consciousness (ISKCON) whose founder is Achari His Divine Grace AC. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and the name of the mandir is Sri Sri Gaura Nitai Ashirvad Mandir. The priest is Subala Arishnad Das, a pujari, who has devoted his life to serving the mandir and the people and does volunteer work. He would visit the mandir at 03:00hrs daily, every day with no day-offs to prepare the altar for 04:30hrs service and he resides at Cornelia Ida, also on the West Coast Demerara. There is an in-house caretaker on the premises but there are daily chores to be completed such as the preparation of meals, all-vegetarian for services from 04: 30hrs to up until 20:00hrs every day. The pujari explained that due to the Coronavirus all large gatherings have been suspended and they only
allow a small number of members, at any given time. They have in regular
the Pepperpot Magazine that recently they had 500 boxes of seven-curry at Parika
The Sri Sri Gaura Nitai Ashirvad Mandir (Carl Croker photos)
Pastor Neil Osborne Home of Pastor Neil Osborne
attendance more than 100 members but all the members do not visit at one time and they are practicing social distancing, hand washing and the wearing of face masks. The religious leader reported that the temple is opened daily and anyone can come because they have their feeding programme called ‘Food for Life’ in which they would prepare a large amount of seven-curry with rice and placed in in food boxes and distribute to the needy. Subala Arishnad Das told
Market and they shared that among the people. He stated that although they have a monthly feeding programme they have been unable to do so because of the pandemic. The pujari pointed out that he along with members would go out and preach and sell their books at a reduced cost. “Come, visit, see our way of life is very humble and simple and you have got to be a full-fledged vegetarian and today marks 40 years and one day I put down the chicken and started my non-
Focus on the Village
The pujari, Subala Arishnad Das
meat journey,” he said. Before a friend took him to the temple he realised he wanted to live an alcohol and meat-free life and decided to devote his life to the teachings of ISKCON. Subala Arishnad Das reported that his life changed at age 28 years old and he
became a vegetarian in 1980. He added that the temple was opened in 2000 and they survive on donations being a charitable organisation. ISKCON believes in karma, whatever you sow, you will reap and to become spiritual-minded they practice the maha-mantra chant
and count the 108 beads of a chain they have in their possession 16 times a day. Pastor Neil Osborne ministering to his home village of Bagotville Pastor Neil Osborne is a pastor and resides in Crane Village but has his own church in his home village of Bagotville, West Bank Demerara and would go there for services. He is attached to the Fountain of Life Ministries at Inner Bagotville, West Bank Demerara and describes life in Crane Village as good since life is actually what you make it. He has been in Crane for 16 years and relocated when he was given a plot of land and constructed a house and SEE PAGE XXIII
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 13, 2021
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 13, 2021
HIRE PURCHASE ACT AMENDED TO PROVIDE GREATER XX PROTECTION TO CONSUMERS XIV
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ―― Sunday, CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday,February January 28, 10, 2021 2021
THE SEAWALLS FOREVER!
REVISITING THE GUYANA/ VENEZUELA CONTROVERSY SOON TO COME BEFORE THE ICJ
IN the 20th century, several innovative systems of buying and selling were evolved, such as hire purchase and online shopping. These systems were all evolved by business interests and hire purchase is one of the oldest. Since the THE Guyana/Venezuela controversy will again shortly and discussions where factual bases invariably become authors of these innovacome up before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). blurred. tions were business folk or Inthose Guyana, most of thedeep writings on the controversy have In this offering, we will depart from this norm and try to THE Seawalls lie connected with them,in the consciousness of Guyanese today is rather muddy was once covered with seashells and been of a historical and factual nature and this is a good answer two questions have been asking theup people, but especially Georgetowners. Yet it has rarely there would alwaysthat be many children exploring and since picking the orientation of these systhing, since the of theoftwo Guyanese fishing boats inthey Guyana’s terribeen noticed byweighted the newspublic mediaare andnot the encouraged last time it wasseizure seashells different colours; sometimes may find large tems tended to beGuyanese mentioned as anand itemnot of national concern was five or sixtorial conch shells. toinmove their attention into the realms of arguments waters by a Venezuelan navy ship. The first question favour of sellers ago when the Ocean The foreshore or continental shelf gradually rises and falls theyears buyers/consumers as overtopped the wall and flooded the yards parallel to the Public Road. This was the first every 20 years and today, the foreshore land between Camp was the case with coopertime in living memory that there was such an occurrence Street and the Pegasus Hotel has almost risen to the height of ativeism, whose roots are and to great with theit led buyers and panic. con- The authorities hurriedly con- the wall and coconut trees and other vegetation grow on it. structed barrier of standing concrete sumers in thea19th century. slabs on the Walls to counter such overtopHire purchase dominates ping. In theoflast few weeks, the Seawalls in the purchase consumer durables is welcomed have and again featured inbythe news, but in a consumers, since it makes er durables improves the the contracts which may resulting in inconvenience happier vein. quality of life. The flipside have clauses that favour the and de facto financial loss available many the acFrom CampofStreet to the Demerara River, a positive is that it sellers above the buyers. In to the buyer. The seller may coutrements of modern life of such the wall had become disfigured by an could suckaccusome purchasers many cases, the purchas- sometimes keep the item which would have mulation of never unsightly garbage and no one of debt, er would have paid twice sent to him to be serviced for into a whirlpool been available them in the of cleaning it. A assumed thetoresponsibility which engenders stress and as much of the cost of the several weeks, thus deductshort term. Such consumer homeless man, Carl Melville,tension who sometimes requires a great goods purchased and could ing the purchaser’s guarandurables wouldwas include TVby Dwayne and slept there noticed Hackett deal of self-sacrifice. have accessed loans at a tee or warranty time. Items sets,trying refrigerators, blenders, to clean the garbage and In immediately addition, sellers often much lower rate of interest are repossessed after the electric mills, mixers, volunteered to help vacuhim. Hackett placed the exploit buyers/consumers and bought the item cash purchaser would have alum incident cleaners,onvarious types and immediately social media in a variety of ways: most with the bank loan. Some- most completed paying for of cookers so on. volunteered The numbers and of persons their services. consumers are unable to times, the seller is unable to them. There are cases where acquisition of such consumFirst Lady Arya Ali was oneread of the or first fullyto understand service the item purchased, the consumer would have
volunteer and the Ministry of Public Works, the Director of Solid Waste Department of the Georgetown City Council and the Fire Service became involved with her. The Fire Service cleaned the bandstand and in a few days all the garbage was removed and Seawalls appeared as if they had always been maintained! Many have been high in their praises of this example of civic responsibility. The Seawalls had always been the promenade and park for the people of Georgetown and the surrounding villages from the last quarter of the 19th century and continued to be so until the 1960s when the country became plagued with political tension and there were robberies on the Seawalls. For most of the 1960s, therefore, fewer and fewer people visited the Seawalls. In its heyday, the Seawalls were the most delightful place in Georgetown. The vast openness of the seascape and the surrounding landscape, the blue skies and silver clouds, the ever-present seagulls and the steady flow of the health-giving trade winds and the enveloping peace and quietude attracted hundreds of people at all times of the day. The beach which
Likewise, the sea has reclaimed the land along the Kitty Seawall where houses once stood. Indeed, a substantial building is still standing close to the wall near the Kitty Pump Station, but the sea is under it. Old fishermen who set their nets on the foreshore sea could vividly describe the cyclical rise and fall of the beach. The Seawalls provided a favourite place for health enthusiasts. Many would go there to practise deep breathing of the clean and fresh sea breezes. Others would be cycling or even training for cycle races. Probably the most notable were the ones who went for physical culture. Many of this group would go to the Seawalls by either jogging to get there or by cycle and they would arrive there at 5 o’clock, long before
Research work helping curb... From Page III
timate for that area and in the space of 18 months, some 33 Giant Anteaters were identified. According to Millar, researching the animals included going out on horseback and following them from a distance to be able to stock
zone in the village. “So we will work with the villagers to create certain rules and help them to know what they should and should not do. For example, no one is allowed to kill them, keep them as a pet, destroy their habitat, and light a fire in certain places,
several short documentaries called the “Secret Life of Giant Anteaters” and each episode focuses on different aspects of the work being done. Two more episodes are expected to be released this month. The team also does a lot
the sun hadthe risen. requested to re- ter of Tourism, Industry and is, why is the seller Venezuelan public sowere convinced they On moonlit the Seawalls always athat crowded possess the item nights purchased, Commerce,The Hon Onenehave a valid claim to two-thirds of Guyana’s territory and promenade. Many went to socialise with friends, but all went but was dilatory in so doing ige Waldron, mentioned that why their politicians are so bellicose and aggressive about to enjoy the moon the sea andwas the and after the the beauty unpaidofinstaltherising Hire from Purchase Act this claim? And the second is, why didtothere President blue-green moonlight which was brighter, since were ments had accumulated, sues question being amended include Maduro Venezuela this time seizeallowed thevarious boats no consumer. road of lights toThese dilutechoose it. Others wouldtobeing enjoy the the are purchasers to when he knew he would alienate the Guyanese population phases of the New Moon with the background of purple skies some of the examples of the return goods within seven and cause embellished thehire international community to condemn or with thousands of stars which breakdown in purchase days; this will takeappear care disapprove of his action, leaving Venezuela interbrighter thereofwere no cityisolated lights. Others and the consumer issince always “compulsive buying” nationally on the issue. the sufferer. Accordingly, whereinathe consumer boughtto would go to the Seawalls late afternoons the consumer hastoa the love-hate an item or items he The answer first question began duringwhich theinto Cold admire sunsets gradually transforming the towards purchase. did not need. light ofof dusk. War: At hire theblue beginning the 1960s Britain had Also, decidedthe to The Government of Guyseller could not repossess of joys of colony the Seawalls were the withdraw fromAnother Guyana andthe grant the independence, ana its policy anconcerts item without adequate earlylikely evening givenof bythe the newly Militia but ithas wasoutlined very thatSunday the Prime Minister towards hire purchase when Band and theand Police Band atespecially the Bandstand which independent state would be Drnotice, Cheddi Jagan, ansoavowed related legislation: purchaser wouldBritain have attracted hundreds ofthe people. Their repertoire conMarxist.financial U.S. Cold War interests tried to persuade ittowill offer immediate propaid most of his instalments. sisted ofindependence, light classical music Strauss’ and delay Guyana’s but allsuch that as Britain could tection to other and Most the bill ballet music such Delibes’ pizzicato promise wasconsumers that waltzes, she would hand overimportantly, power to a non-Comeffectuate longer-term willEnglish mandate sellers to such exandMinister. Sylvia, modat least one patriotic song munist Prime Intelligence felt that this ernisation, whereby the American use plain pricesand andGuyanese procedures as “This royal throne of Kings” and British offer needed further insurance andwhereby so they devised of cash would be minimal. to The buyers, sellers Caribbean folk songs. concerts were arranged a plan whereby theirofclient would threaten to At the beginning the Venezuela have to specifically for early evening sowould that children could attend; year, in February, the MinisSEEadmitted PAGE XIII many Guyanese in later life have that their
first exposure to classical music was from these Bandstand concerts. On Easter Monday thousands of kite-flyers turned out from five o’clock in the morning. Kites were all hand-made and were in a variety of shapes such as boxes, birds and snakes, but the predominant shape was the Guyanese octagon and in a variety of colours. Singing engines, a kite which made a loud droning sound, was one of the most popular. Kite-flying was always combined with picnicking. The Easter kite-flying today is a pale reminiscence of the heyday. As mentioned above, the political tensions and criminality kept people away from the Seawalls in the 1960s. By the invade Guyana if theremore wasstable any possibility of a Marxist 1990s life had become and people again began to government being installed in Guyana. frequent the Seawalls, but the ambience had changed. There Theup1899 Award hadofsettled the boundaries of grew stallsArbitral lining the parapet the Public Road from the Guyana and Venezuela and these boundaries were fully Kitty Pump Station to the Pegasus, selling refreshments and accepted bystalls bothwere parties and the communiall of these well-lit. TheInternational character of the Seawalls ty. of the junior lawyers representing Venezuela hadOne changed from a peaceful promenade to a lively fair. at the arbitration, MalletPrevost, left ais letter was not Now that the tourism industry beingthat revived, the toSeawalls have been opened until after his death. In that letter, still offer an attractive attraction. he claimed that the Arbitral Award was the result of an arrangement between Britain and the Russian arbitrator to deprive Venezuela of its rights. After more than half a century, Venezuela, based on Mallet-Prevost’s posthumous letter, now rejected the Arbitral Award and claimed twothirds of Guyana’s territory. Mallet-Prevost’s posthumous letter was the causus Venezuela used to threaten Guyana and this continued after the Cold War, the raison d’etre for the claim, had ended. Most lawyers and historians who took any notice of Mallet-Prevost’s letter dismissed it as a historical curiosity or very flimsy evidence on which to attempt to upset a long-accepted Arbitral Award. But the Venezuelan politicians and the Venezuelan public gave credence and importance to Mallet-Prevost’s posthumous letter, which would have been dismissed in the modern world. But the Venezuelan politicians and public still live in the 19th century Napoleonic world where territorial conquests were
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 13, 2021
HIRE PURCHASE ACT AMENDED TO ... FROM PAGE XII declare the cash price, along with the hire-purchase cost for the same item. Dr Ashni Singh, Senior Minister, Ministry of Finance, spoke in macro terms about the bill; “Buying on credit is a staple aspect of life in most modern and advanced societies . . . As we become increasingly a more modern society which is unavoidably going
to be a society characterised by modern ways of doing business, including doing business on credit and by hire purchase, we must have a sound and legal framework that will facilitate those transactions and encourage more people to do such transactions, but in a predictable environment.” Dr Singh then clarified and emphasised this observation by pointing out: “Disposable incomes are going to be
increasing and people are going to want to acquire such items as vehicles and consumer durables for their comfort.”. In this modernisation of the financial structure of the country, the amendments to the Hire Purchase Act are being coupled with amendments to the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act and the Small Business Act.
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 13, 2021
WHISPERS OF A GHOST
IT was night, not quite dark, for the moon was partially hidden in the clouds, its soft, golden light flirting with the land and the quiet river. The small village was sleeping and from the shelter of the forested area, a lone figure stepped out and stood silently watching. A young Caucasian woman with long reddish hair, pieces of her clothes torn and injury marks on her body. A stranger in the dead of the night. Who was she, what was she doing there alone and what happened to her? The confused look in her eyes told a story of someone lost who was looking for someone to help her. “If only someone could talk to me,” she cried silently. But no one could see her nor hear her, not until yesterday. She had been sitting on the stump of a fallen tree in the jungle, lost in her distressing thoughts when she saw a small party of hunters coming her way. She stood up, her hopes rising and she greeted them pleasantly but the men passed her as though she wasn’t there. “Why can’t they see me?” she cried. She watched them go, her hopes drifting away like dry leaves down a running stream, then one of them, not native, tall and tan-skinned turned and looked back at her. She inhaled sharply, “Is it me or something else he’s looking at?” She couldn’t be sure but it was something to go on and she had followed the party, keeping in the shadows until they reached the village. It was a neat, little community with not many huts, created it seemed from a detailed plan, possibly as a small resort. She had waited until all was quiet then she made her way to what seemed like a guest house where he was sleeping. She entered through doors she didn’t have to open and stood at the foot of his bed, looking at him, his one arm across his bare chest, his brown hair tussled in sleep. From his features, she could see he was not pure native but a mix of perhaps Spanish or Portuguese. She looked at him for a long moment then she touched him gingerly, but he did not stir. She pulled his hair but it was like clutching thin air. “What do I do now?” she asked herself helplessly. He was in deep sleep, unaware of her presence, and on a sudden urge, she bent down and whispered in his ear. He stirred, opened his eyes and sat up abruptly. When he saw her, he did not seem afraid, but wary, not sure why she was there. “You are seeing me, aren’t you?” she asked. “ Ye s , ” h e a n s w e r e d , “Only I’m not sure how or why.” “Oh, this is such a relief!” she sighed, sitting on one of the tibisire chairs in the room. “Why are you here?” he asked, still wary of her presence, the stranger she was. “I don’t know what happened to me and why no one can see me or hear me.” He looked at her for a long moment, noting the condition she was in, then said slowly, “You seem to have been in some kind of accident and died…but your soul is lost.” “No, no I’m not dead, I’m here somewhere dying,” she cried deeply distressed. “Okay, okay,” he said calmly, not wanting to upset her. “Can you remember who you are?” “No, she shook her head.” “Where you were going?” She closed her eyes for a while, then she jumped up as something flashed in her memory, “The planes, the screams…the crash…” Her voice trailed off and her spiritual form started to fade.
“No, no!” he said hurriedly, “Don’t go, I will help you—” But she was gone and he was left standing puzzled. He laid awake wondering about this young woman whose ghost only he could see, who would not believe she was dead and who looked so distressed and confused. His eyes closed in sleep and after what seemed like a long time, a whisper once more awoke him. She was standing by his bedside, looking even more distressed. He sat up immediately, “Where did you go?” She shook her head and sat down in the chair, her head buried in her hands for a long while. He said nothing, just waiting patiently until she had composed herself. Finally, she said, “I know where I am…where my body is and I don’t have much time.” “I don’t understand,” he said. She sighed deeply, still not fully composed, “I must’ve fallen out when the plane crashed and my body washed downstream and it’s now stuck near the bank in some bushes.” “How do you know that –- no-no, wait,” he stopped her before she could answer, somehow understanding her
strange dilemma. “You were talking to me, then suddenly you disappeared, that’s because you regained consciousness. Now you’re here again because you’re unconscious again.” She nodded, relieved that he understood, but still looked deeply distressed, “I don’t think I’ll make it.” He felt sudden compassion for her and stretched out his hand for hers, a confident look on his face, “Don’t say that, I will find a way to you and find a way to get you out.” She took hold of his hand and this time felt his touch, not thin air. For him the journey through the jungle was treacherous
but his amazing strength and knowledge helped him make good time through the dangerous and forbidding areas. On the afternoon of the next day, as he sat down to rest, the hours drawing close to twilight, he looked at her closely, a young woman with so much to live for, her dreams hanging on a thread as her life teetered on a threshold. Through the journey, she spoke of her life, her work, her ambition as an environmentalist, and that it was work that brought her to the rainforests of South America when the plane crashed almost three days ago. He felt sadness in his heart for her, knowing her body was lying somewhere and he may find it too late. As the thought crossed his mind, her form started to fade, and the pleading look in her eyes before she disappeared made him forget the rest his body so needed. He chopped his way through thick, stubborn shrubs and emerged onto the scene of the horrific plane crash. The mangled craft lay on the jungle floor with no other survivors. He looked around in desperation but she was nowhere. Following the sound of the rushing stream she had spoken about, he found her body, half-submerged in the water. He lifted her out gently and placed her on some fallen leaves. She was breathing slowly with barely a pulse, there wasn’t much time. He looked around, knowing that walking back through the jungle with her would be too difficult and too much time would be lost. The only way was the stream. Working deftly, he built a raft and placed her in, skillfully navigating downstream, praying to reach a camp. Prayers do bring miracles, he believed that when he reached a camp. There was no doctor but her injuries were treated and an emergency call sent out on the radio. He was exhausted but stayed up all night, watching her, talking to her, making sure she was warm and alive until the aeroplane arrived. He watched as it left, deeply satisfied that he was able to save her life. How he could have seen her and spoken to her in her ghostly form was still a mystery to him, but hadn’t it been for that special gift, she would have died. Two months later, as he entered his house on his little resort. He saw her inside waiting for him. It was a surprise visit. He smiled, happy to see her, but gave her a little pinch. “Ouch! What’s that for?” she asked a bit surprised. “Just making sure you’re not a ghost,” She laughed a little and said to him, “I am returning back home to the UK in a couple of days, but I can’t leave without seeing you and thanking you for saving my life.” He smiled warmly, “I can’t explain in words how I feel about that but it’s something I’ll remember forever.” She smiled, tears in her eyes, “So would I.”
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 28, 2021
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 13, 2021
XV
Reducing Stigma on Mental Health Illnesses and Resources
o not always know what I’m looking losing your phone would be on a scale of 1-10. 98 percent y phone is such a normal part of my said 10 and 2 percent said 9. They all claimed that it would my hand that I cannot count the numbe the worst material possession that they could ever lose. hed for it, while it was actually in my They continued to say that feelings of anxiety, irritation and o when I get up in the morning and overwhelming sadness would be felt if they were to lose their going to sleep is check my phone. I phone today. healthy and something must be done. It seems harmless, right? Caring so much about a DEAR devoted readers, tients and the possible side one of them is definitely suf- and suicidal thoughts. Of individuals with mental not to let other people’s lack means, there is been health disordersI willpaying not of knowledge influence the and found that this women more I have been writing effects of were their illnesses or fering phone? from a mental health Well,course, thisthisweek I’ve really attention column for over four years medication. illness. These can range worsening of the individu- write them here but you way you feel about yourself. d toand their phones simply and reduced know them; please stop this. Mental illness isto not aasign to theandimportance that I and others around me give it has surrounded Thebecause second, most men dan- from depression anxiety als’ symptoms hope and attempt for any Thirdly, make the efof weakness and is rarely health topics, to gerous and frankly revolting to addiction or schizophreocialmental media apps. Also, older people recovery. forts to understand that if something you can deal with phone, rather than what’s actually going on around them. bring awareness of the thing, is how this incident nia. Mental health issues How can we begin to you uninformedly insult an on your own. commonality of mental was reported by certain news know no race, culture, age, e addicted. I believe this is because whether we speaking to other reduce this stigma? The first are institution, who is going Do notpeople, self-label. For health illnesses, reduce the outlets. One news source gender,Our levels ofphones education -and most important thing to go? NHP, like any other example, you are not ‘psystigma involved called the patients at NPH or socio -economic status. usesubstantial smartphones (My father actually using social media or playing games -can be addictive is knowledge. Do research facility, has major success chotic’, you are a person and normalize the treat- “inmates”. While the old Absolutely any individual before you make blanket stories from previous pa- experiencing psychosis; you ment process. original, English language in thisas world is at risk of they alter our moods, beliefs and trigger enjoyable Unfortunately, I have definition would have al- developing a mental health and uninformed statements. tients who have recovered are not an “addict”, you are shun someone there. I have referred and a person battling addiction. y colleagues bad disorder.and been let down andand disap- friends lowed this, ithow is no longer Theseunenjoyable can develop Before you feelings. from obviously for having mental health Apart is- saw a progressive treatment There being is power in my language. pointed by many over the politically correct to called from many avenues such as sues, consider the number of process for many of my preSecondly, stand up and past two weeks. I would psychiatric patients inmates. family main history, trauma, physsource people of communication, my phone is my newspawho are experiencing vious patients with mental share your stories. People ical illnesses etc. them, it could even berecorder, the health issues. Spend some judge,calendar, stigmatize or fear In Guyana, an average alarm, per, watch, map, day planner, person you are speaking to. time researching the instiwhat they do not know or of 200 people take their Learnplayer, about mental illnesses tution, volunteer there – do understand. Help them with music calculator, a weapon (sometimes) owncamera, lives every year. While this may not sound and their symptoms. Speak anything you need to do to genuine testimonials. to someone who isI’m affectedbored stop youror ownlonelyactions of basically Having said that, if anymyof you, friend when evlike and a lot to some and understand their point of stigma and discrimination. one would like to share their it is sixteen individuals erything. However, it is also interrupter view and experiences. There my To constant the individuals who story with me – and either priper month. Sixteen people per month would rather is no single person in this are suffering from mental vately or through a column distractor. I (I imagine much like most of you out there) take their own life than world who can accurately health illnesses, you can to enhance understanding, that they do not know play a vital role too. First of please email caitlin.vieira@ seekhave help in Guyana. Are state a deep desire to know everything that is going on. we all contributing to anyone who has a mental all, whatever you hear about gmail.com. Also if you are illness. yourself or your illness, do interested in personal counthis?IAbsolutely. Howevbelieve that is human nature. But when does it become Secondly, stop labelling not believe it. Sometimes, if selling sessions, please coner, can we change this? Absolutely. too much? these individuals. We all we hear or experience some- tact me at +592 623 0433. There are very few know the words that are thing often enough, we start commonly it’s used totoo describe to believe it ourselves. Try a name. ‘Nomuch when it has resources Well, availableItobelieve Guyanese suffering from mophobia’ mental health illnesses.is the term coined to describe the fear of being This refers to both qualmobile phone. Seriously, what have we come to? ifiedwithout personnel asawell as physical locations and It becomes institutions. There is only an addiction when the object begins to control ONE long term inpatient your life and interferes with your daily activities, work, and facility for mental health hope and assume that many I’m sure we can all think of issues relationships. in the entire country. I read somewhere that “The biggest obstacle of you have followed the words that were causally That is right, NPH and it story pertaining to the Na- used in the past that today has been stigmatized and toso productivity is connectivity,” but overuse can affect a tional Psychiatric Hospital bring forward much stigma, labelled that the majority of (NPH). The sad part is, I do shame and self-hatred to the the population would rather lot more than our productivity. The truth is, overuse of our not think many of you will appropriate individuals. suffer in silence or take their phones can harm us psychologically, socially and physically. know what institution I am Today I am going to talk own life than go there. referring to unless I refer to about how common mental I want everyone to unregard to affecting our social skills, how many of us it as “Berbice Mad House”. health issues are and how derstand whatWith happens when There was a recent inci- completely damaging it is there is stigma and discrimion a joke or good conversation as we were on our dent at NPH when a patient, to stigmatize one of the only nation,miss especiallyout pertaining having only been there for public resource and facility to mental health issues. The phones? many times have we annoyed our good friend two days, was beaten to that our country has to offer. affected individuals doHow not death by other patients. AnFirst of all, 1 in 4 people seek help, is a lackmember of or there family because we were posting on social media other was seriously injured suffer from mental health understanding and empathy as fires had erupted. Instant- illnesses. I want to make this from their immediate sup-fun we are having with them? It truly affects our how much ly, this tells us that there are super clear to everyone – port circle, there is bullying, not enough staff employed there to manage all the pa-
this means that if you are in a room with just four people,
physical violence or harassment, and there is self-hatred
sharing their journeys XVI
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 13, 2021
g seven amazing women from the Women Anthologies. st of Watch Radio NY requested an interasked him if it was okay for me to invite oin me. I am sharing some excerpts from
van Phillips -- born in St Lucia, living in
owards being a Midwife of Purpose came being broken, displaced, and ough this journey, I experienced a divorce, e and got displaced education administrator’s position. Coupled were two major eclipses y life. An eclipse happens when you can calling becomes greater than your current hrough this process, you can transcend to a hinking where you can connect with your ourself as one with nature. lett – born in Guyana and living in NY egan to have the real experience of dreammy dream world alive. I was immediately nterview with the agency where they tested n using Microsoft Office and typing speed.
Thankful for life
I HAD a great start to the month, even with a very challenging incident. Some of the highlights were: interacting with the amazing students from Norwood Elementary School (Florida) at a Virtual Career Fair.
One week later I completed my assignment with CTO and was now ready to move on to my next career move. I called Monique to let her know I was available as we agreed and she was so happy to have me start my first temporary assignment with Deutsche Bank. My first
My passion for adding value to lives is reignited every time I see the faces of young people in Guyana or anywhere in the world. The enthusiasm was contagious and I could not help thinking about all the
dreams (big and small) going through their minds. I had five minutes between presentations, so only time for some water. It was a pleasure answering their questions and an honour to have imparted and shared
my story and I appreciate the invite from Mrs. Angella Michell, who sent the invitation. The next day was another empowering event. I was invited by Dr Paloma Mohamed to join an es-
sador to Guyana; Dr Carla Barnett, Secretary-General (Designate) CARICOM, Belize; Lady Averil Joseph, Women and Girls Leadership Advocate, Grenada.
value through inspiration and not manipulation. I do believe women possess a unique leadership style and we connect and relate better than men, hence forging great relationships. Relationships are a great I knew that I would be in foundation for leaderWhen I was six years assignment lasted two weeks, dad Many may be asking, covering someone’s vacation. old I started school in Mesa, big trouble if I told myship. Due to my work ethic and Arizona, so I began staying what had happened. It was so awhy aren’t they more secret: the desire to go the extra mile, with my mom women in leadership posikind that could gettions? me Sometimes society and her husband routineI landed another assignment in the same department for ly. It was like going from into big trouble. I didn’t does not permit us, but the but important question: six months, then another for heaven to hell. It was a horror know how much trouble,more three months, which finally story that’s yet to be writ- I wasn’t willing to do we permit ourselves? I take a chance. “Shhhh... led to my permanent posi- ten. While at grandma’s I will dive more into this in tion, allowing me to live a was filled with the love of Don’t tell anyone.” another column. Maybe it’s the trauma ofI enjoyed the discusa grandma and Jesus daily. dream. Dr. Safeeya Mohamed – On the other hand, at my my experience, but for some sion immensely. Minutes mother’s house, I was filled reason I still cannot rememTrinidad after signing off from this We received the updates with Rock ‘N Roll, drugs ber how amazing session, I saw two often it happened, when that the accident was horrific and inappropriate, wild sex policemen at my gate and it quickly notified me that and that the victim was stuck parties. Ultimately, from it started, or even when they such an environment you can ended in the car. they were tracking down The vehicle had to be cut imagine the kinds of abuse some bandits and had reason Penny Phakahi –South open to get to the victim. It that mom’s house provided. to believe that they were in never occurred to me that When I was 11 years old, Africa my neighbourhood. I perI have had my share of grandma Shirley died and my my brother mitted them to enter and could be remotely in- stepdad left. My mom had turmoil and I strongly believe tur- started looking around volved. The next thing I an emotional breakdown, so that it is these stints of they and proceeded to the back. remember, I was looking at I ran away! I couldn’t take moil that brought me Gunshots started ringing out this far in my life. I was any more. the body of my brother and my poor dog was more Andrea Edwards – born and perhaps is still in my covered in blood in a scared than me, that he ran hearse. The strident, agonis- in Guyana, living in Florida refinery process. under my bed. Everything As a young girl, I grew As I sat in the back of ing scream of my mother in happened so fast. One was my dad’s Nissan Bluebird, I up with one main ambition, the A&E that far and apprehended and early morning has not peered through the windows wanting to get away,shot away from the system ofthe other escaped. I learnt escaped my mind almost 17 at the images on thinking or the box they that committed a crime a the fence of the Guyyears later as she howled few ana Botanical Gardens and we often find ourselves in.blocks away and the po“my son died, my lice were chasing them and son died, nobody’s help- Zoological Park. The radio Apart from understanding myself I always dared tohence ended up too close to ing us!” But nobody could, blasted the popular where be different, which was a I live. I thank God for calypso song “1985” by as his spirit departed at the protecting me. The sura then-popular calypsonian. constant struggle when always point of memories from 17 years ago I impact. Up to this day, I would have just celebrated rounded by my situations. grew up under a strict surfaced and it seems as if it I ponder where the strength my sixth Christian family withjust my happened. I can never birthday, quite oblivious came from to navigate that to the concept of time, but grandfather and step granny, night. forget what it feels like to that song would not allow as my mother lost her mom have a gun to my temple. To Shanon Paar – Arizona me to forget think in a second your brain SEE PAGE XXV that it was 1985. could be scattered across the living room is terrifying. Bandits invaded our home and it was not what they teemed panel of women for This topic also provides took, but the trauma that was Women in Leadership at interesting discussions. My created. the 45th Caribbean Studies mentor Dr. John Maxwell I got nightmares and Association (CSA) Annual always reminds me that ev- panic attacks for years and Conference erything rises and falls on was so afraid to be in a The other panellists leadership. He also said house without grills. were Her Excellency Sar- leadership is influence. We SEE PAGE XXII ah-Ann Lynch, U.S. Ambas- influence people by adding
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THE EBB AND FLOW OF THE CRIMINAL PRESENCE
ON THE AWARENESS OF THE AESTHETIC AND THE ‘BEING’ OF OUR YOUNG NATION Part II - A definite rise at this time, and our responsibility is…? THE lawbreaker does not drop into our midst from the sky or any unidentified place unknown to us. The lawbreaker emerges from within our human collective. Thus, it is our respon-
participation from ‘us’ we easily proceed to join the rabble-rousing accusations and self-righteous condemnations, the condemnation is not invalid, but if that’s all there is, then there is
IN concluding this discussion, which is intended to raise questions within the reader and inspire responsible actions among those that acquire decision making positions or are already there, we cannot arrive at a sensible without considerations in retrospect. So in a brief flashback, we must recognise, what we have lost to our physical memory reference archive, and use this as inspiration, to be able to raise a natural alarm, a connection to the aesthetic sensitivity alerting us to the fact that we need to have a historical memory in respect to our surroundings, as buildings, landscapes and architecture are inherent of memories in both the conscious and subconscious awareness. We have to become other than people who occupy a geographic space on this planet, and relate to what is the necessary thinking that will enable us to address from the now onward what is significant to telling our stories, especially stories important to our timelines. When we became independent, the euphoria of self-governed nationhood intoxicated us, it had its grounds for intoxication alongside sober examination. We did not make the observation that all around us within the borders of countries we still held controlled admiration for, had retained the edifices of past times. Our own coloniser sibility to exploreEngland where never somedismantled dishonesty Hadrian’s or mental Wall. more ways than one, from previous colonisers and In why? The lawbreaker challenge at play. Did Iand say also from despised localand leaders, theymen? kept so thelet’s memory is inflicting its anger young start for reflection, Christophe’s spectacular haunting us in at our thisCaribbean, or any there. I’ve penned articles fortress of defence in Haiti will remain, regardless of his time. It is easy to point in the past on the custom history. Europe with the obvious white supremacy that fingers with and colonisation especially ifdid of with emerged notpractice destroythat theoccurs sculptures we have lost cherished and especially single-parent famof Afro-European Knights, artworks and literature that hard of, to replace items,tomore ilies. Where for one or spoke or alluded the African presence in reason a much so if Europe, bodily injury or the older of course, they the didn’t celebrate otherin-depth both contributing them hid their identities with portraits loss either, of lifeand hasalso occurred. parents are notnew there, an elder and movies. Weincan demand the most brother and in some cases a Where we erred beat in Guyana notistotaken use the primitive justice, sus- was sister out structures of school that became available with the decline of trademark services pects to death, guilty or not, to supplement the family, that like the Trains, to build museums dedicated to that part of our accuse “Tom” “Dick” loses imagery a tremendous historical memory.for Why preserveperson the physical of the and demonise “Harry” and part of normalcy. past? Simple, our ancestors lived it, for the historian, When the cre-I we-society, have done thatjournalist, say “elder” that age could ative mind, the investigative the physical location and over including ofbe betweenwas 13-16 years old. isover important. The development museums a continuous peeve late Dr. who long of forthe Karma to Dennis inflict Williams, Most cases thathad I’veidentified observed Five to be built, he thatverify a marine its Museums cycle of judgement on insisted and can to, museum it was a would have been alike must.them I can now display ofthat the our violators, stillimagine youngera offspring ship’s onbut Lady with its cook, the portrait we’rekitchen human, theNorthcourt trou- went bad, having witnessed of indifference ‘John’, ‘keep away from John’s kitchen, and bling phenomenon keeps thethis social and in its why?’ A caption should read before rudefracture faced ship’s cook repeating itself. Most of the confusion cannot extract any made of papier máché –“whose kitchen lay beneath a toilet, accused aredripped presented inspiration from within the from whichthat water continuously, or so we were made
before us on social and in home, which is overburdened See Page XIX print media are male, with by the challenges of basic a percentage slant to young life (some food, shelter and males. clothing) and if the mood of To prevent ourselves the neighbourhood offers the from any questions as to exclusive bright lure, into the why this is happening, that dark side as an answer, then might demand any account- the enveloping darkness is ability and even meaningful embraced. But how is this
downslide intercepted? This does not rest with the Police alone, this in the first stage lies with the Ministry of Education, the return of the School Inspector must be imminent. I can still remem-
ber the School Inspector who visited homes to inquire why students missed classes for so many days. School reports with absent days required accountability from parents. To put it in context, children within homes where reading, education were not priorities, and the cost of sending children to school was an accepted “here or neither there condition” for real or not so real reasons did not terminate that child from a future void of living skills, training in the industrial arts were positive opened doors to earning; that was then. There are too many semi-literate and illiterate people of all ages in our towns and villages. But what I’ve described must not be cast into a formula for any upsurge of crime, as many people with literacy problems do earn an honest living. What must not be repeated are the errors of the past, the ‘independent Policing groups’ (Policing groups must work along
with other relevant institutional guidance) infiltrated by questionable characters masquerading as businessmen, and others scheming to help themselves up the social ladder and establish partial dependableness at any cost, this can be said
because countless references are rooted in the past that can be drawn upon. “Interception” is the greatest asset in social management. I’ve laid the cry over the years across governments that the advent of narcotics in the late ‘80s was never met with
an aggressive counter-information and Edutainment programme, that include school debates etc. Narcotics and a world where exclusive muscle driven SEE PAGE XXII
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The people of Crane... FROM PAGE VIII She is the mother of four, who has been out of a job due to the pandemic and is also taking care of a grand-daughter. Wong, 54, explained that she was laid off as a domestic helper when the virus reached Guyana and has been at home since and she is unable to get another job. She was doing some gardening at the “sea dam,” but
that was destroyed and she used to sell the greens in the village and get a small amount of money. Her husband is a construction worker, who is not getting steady work. Her neighbours, Patricia Williams, 44, a mother of six, told the Pepperpot Magazine that she was employed as a security guard in the city. In January this year, she was robbed of her handbag and has been unable to return
Chandroutie Wong
Dwayne Annie
to work since and needs food supplies. Dwayne Annie, a single mother of two, stated that she used to work at a snackette on the East Coast of Demerara, but that small business was closed due to COVID-19
Lall and his grandchildren
Fresh caught fish
Crane Squatting Area (Carl Croker photos)
and she was laid off and unable to find work. The 20-year-old reported that things have been hard and money is tight. Next door, is Rajpattie Persaud, a 59-year-old grandmother who has a small shop; she is left to care for three grandchildren because her daughter was allegedly murdered by her husband, who is in jail. She said she needs help in terms of foodstuff because she is not earning much and
it is not sufficient for them. Next to her is Patricia Singh, a mom of two, who is a housewife and her husband, a construction worker and a part-time taxi driver, is unable to earn due to the pandemic and they too need some assistance. These residents are contented with their lives in Crane Village, but hope to have some relief from the dire circumstances brought on by the pandemic.
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NAREI preparing flood-relief assistance for farmers
THE agricultural sector is hard hit by the prevailing flooding situation across the country. Extension Officers of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) are currently on the ground assessing damage to crops and farms. The institute is working to make relief packages available for farmers after the floodwaters recede. In mid-May, heavy rainfall resulted in the flooding of many communities across all administrative regions. The amount of rainfall recorded for the current period has exceeded the normal average expected rainfall for the May/ June period. Apart from the heavy rainfall, high tides restricted the drainage structure in some of these areas, thereby resulting in the flooding of communities. His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has described the current flood as one of the worst disasters the country has ever experienced. As such, government agencies have been partnering to conduct assessments and provide flood relief and the Civil Defence Commission is distributing food hampers to affected residents and
farmers. Thankfully, owing to NAREI’s proactiveness in the area of extension services, mobilising manpower on the
ground was without effort. Immediately, our staff joined other government agencies in visiting the many affected communities. About 18,000
cash-crop farmers have been affected. One of the most affected areas is Black Bush SEE PAGE XXIV
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Aye or no for parliamentary decorum?
THIS past year has, un- what this new virus was doubtedly, been a challeng- and what devastating impact ing period for journalists it could have on lives and everywhere. Not only did livelihoods. But, journalism we continue to work on includes all other sectors as the frontlines as essential well, including crime and workers, but we have lost security, business, education colleagues and loved ones, and law. and we have been fighting Like the health workers against rampant social me- and members of the joint dia misinformation. services, members of the DURING this past week’s edition of ‘In ourselves the National Last week, a colleague media placed and Assembly,’ Parliamentarians theat2021 National wrote an article that detailed debated our families risk every day Budget, which was continue presented earlier the month by out Sehow media workers becauseinwe had to come nior Minister in COVID-19. the Office of the with responsito grapple with andPresident work. The work journalists to Singh. It should surprise no one bility for finance, Dr. did Ashni The debate, however, provide information to the that quite a few members of spotlighted a lack of decorum in the Parliament. public, especially during a andthe media contracted SARSIt is both understandable acceptable for the different time of uncertainty Cov-2,and theopposition virus that sides causes-sides of great the house -- the over government this novel coronavirus, was the disease, COVID-19. After to have opposing views on the budget. After all, the national highlighted. all, wevision, frequent hospitals, budget illustrates the government’s priority areas, thepolicy adventdirection, of the since large itgatherings and many and With general points towards what COVID-19 pandemic, jourother places that policies, programmes and plans the government would intendsbe to nalists and media use Guyana’s moneyworkers to fund. conducive to the spread of generally, did be not strange have much COVID-19. It would for each member to agree on leewaysingle to staything, home.since If wevariousIt individuals was the news of difthe every have are to focus on the health death of veteran journalist ferent priorities and views and perhaps different sides sector and the COVID-19 Mondale Smith that truly of the house have different plans, projects, or policies pandemic alone, it was the struck me, however. On May that would guide Guyana’s developments; and, that is responsibility of journalists 31, myself and many of my completely fine. to help the public understand colleagues were plunged It is neither understandable nor remotely acceptable, however, for elected officials, sworn in as Members of Parliament (MPs), to openly hurl insults at each other and make racist, sexist, homophobic remarks. It is not acceptable for this level of disrespect to be entertained in the National Assembly. The normalisation of racist, sexist, and homophobic remarks in our common, social spaces might be a conversation for another day, but for crying out loud, this is our National Assembly! Or, our Parliament, as it is more commonly called. It is not touting at the bus park! Imagine the astonishment one would experience, years from now, if they were to revisit the hansards. Instead of only well-articulated, thorough analyses of the $383.1 billion budget that was presented for the year 2021, there would be remarks signalling homophobia or thinly veiled insults of an MP’s reproductive capabilities. To be fair, however, there were a few salient presentations. On the first day of the debate, it is a point of pride that two women -- MPs Susan Rodrigues and Amanza Walton-Desir who are also new Parliamentarians -- made good presentations that one would expect at this forum. Though this absence of decorum from many of the MPs,is perhaps, not a new occurrence in the local context, it begs us to ask ourselves: what valuable contributions are our elected officials making at this forum? One would hope that the leaders elected by the people of Guyana, whether in government or opposition, would maintain a certain level of decorum in the house. In discharging their duties towards the people of the nation, at the very least, it is expected that they would engage in critical analyses of the budget. The budget debate should attempt to pinpoint deficiencies in allocations, or indicate what other areas of priority should be focused on. This is how you operate in a democracy, where transparency and accountability are underpinning tenets. This is how you respect the sanctity of Parliament. And above all else, is this how you adequately represent the people of the nation you committed to serve? Parliamentary affairs -- every single aspect-- should be geared towards enhancing the development of the nation and its citizenry. Admittedly, clever innuendos and witty remarks have long been part of parliamentary presentations, not only in Guyana, but around the world. The addition of clever satire has its usefulness in communication, no doubt. Much of what we saw last week, however, appeared to be a common
into a state of sadness over navigate the pandemic. training of of Parliamentarians of decorum the passing Mondale, who so thatIna semblance aAssembly. short postIt on his could be maintained in the National is envialways appeared to be larger Facebook page, Mondale sioned such training sessions would also help to guide than lifethat itself. said, “Dear people, diagnosed theThe officials proper parliamentary procedures. formeronjournalist was as being Corona/COVID-19 But also, these eventsseshould force us to reconsider what reportedly experiencing positive, are not--being we expect andof accept from our electedyou officials all of vere symptoms COVID-19 responsible when you decide them-while they discharge their responsibilities towards us. and as such, was hospital- to go out and party and hang Are He theyreportedly articulating collective values when they make ised. diedour from out. You are supposed to be racist, sexist, homophobic, andatother derogatory statements? complications. home relaxing and healing/ A s i d e f r o m b e i n g recovering.” grief-stricken that someone He lamented an experiso vibrant and so loved by ence he had with a woman hundreds of people died from who was, apparently, COVID this virus, it was, perhaps, positive, but was out socialissobering that only a few days before he died, he pleaded with people to be more responsible as we all tried to
ing with a number of people. Cognisant of how the virus has easily spread from person to person, this was highly irresponsible and who knows how many other people could have contracted the virus from that one person? Mondale spoke out against these irresponsible actions but shortly after, he himself succumbed to the deadly disease. Just a few months ago, communications specialist and journalist Namela Baynes-Henry also passed
away after adequately being hospitalCOVID-19 masAre they representing us andhas ourbeen besta interests ised with the more severe terclass in patience and trying at all times? symptoms of COVID-19. to provide credible, scientific My colleagues thedo Guyana I hope weatcan better. information to the masses, so Chronicle were truly dis- that they can make informed traught Ifat you her would passing,like since decisions. has meant thatof to discuss this It column or any the Chronicle was one of the journalists have to counter my previous writings, please feel free to contact me via last places she had worked. some of the myths associemail: vish14ragobeer@gmail.com Suffice to say, it has been ated with the COVID-19 a year of great losses for vaccines, for example, while members of the media; and, ensuring that the public has the loss of Mondale and access to information on both Namela is exacerbated by the advantages and disadvanthe fact that they died from tages of the vaccines. something we, literally, reAll in all, journalism has
port on every day, encouraging people to adhere to the guidelines and to keep safe. Now, in addition to the challenges of being on the frontlines, journalism has been plagued, in no small way, by rampant social media misinformation. The COVID-19 pandemic, more than anything else I have experienced, has opened the floodgates for irresponsible posts, myths and a festering of people’s fears. Again, just focusing on the health sector, reporting on
evolved during this pandemic- beyond just the shift to online work. It has brought with it numerous challenges for the men and women who work diligently to keep the nation informed. I see the work of my colleagues every day and I, for one, appreciate it. If you would like to connect with me to discuss this column or any of my previous works, feel free to email me at vish14ragobeer@ gmail.com
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 13, 2021
The Guyanese creole dialect is a weapon of fear for colonialism MY experiences as a writer and public speaker allowed me to gain a wider understanding and interesting insight into the English language. Of course, when I write my column pieces I have to write in the format of English Language (England) and when I speak
cation, specifically learning the English Language, they would be able to understand to challenge the white planters’ intelligence which will ultimately result in more rebellions and resistance. A google search will tell you that the official language of Guyana is English. On
tongue—a blend of various aspects from other languages. The irony of this dilemma is the fact that the colonisers brutally deterred the slaves (our ancestors) from their language, but along the way, they persevered and developed a new tongue (our creole) that is similar to
in public gatherings my words ought to match what I write. This is the standard way of “formally” doing things. Or, as Guyanese would say, it’s “proper English.” We say this while simultaneously and unconsciously classifying our creole language as “improper.” Is this really so? The more I understand the basis of the English language, the more I question and ultimately, the more I appreciate our creole tongue. Your English ‘A’ high school teachers might agree that English is fundamental in learning for a student to excel academically. Yes, this may be true, but your history teacher might beg to differ a bit. The basis of a language is communication and expression. Prior to arriving in the “new world,” our African and Indian ancestors were not English speakers. Their identities and history were imprinted into their language, but there was massive denudation of it. During the days of colonialism, the white planters feared that if the slaves obtained an edu-
paper and for the sake of formality, we ought to speak the English Language. In reality, the majority of our country’s population speak something that is close to English, but it is not. Over the years, we’ve developed a creole tongue—an authentic dialect that was birthed through our country’s cultural plurality and history. We are ashamed of our creole. We mock our creole. We toss it aside when we want to get our way in the western world and reclaim it when we seek fulfilment in the name of patriotism. I say “we,” not only to highlight our country as a collective, but to also call myself out. The majority of the time, we do this unconsciously. What else would you expect after generations upon generations were psychologically deterred from their mother tongue? In the early years of colonisation, the slaves were unable to communicate with each other due to the language barriers between the tribes and the white planters. Nonetheless, as the years went on, they instinctively developed their own
English, but yet unique to us. The very creole tongue we tossed away is a symbol of our resilience. It paved the way for our freedom in the modern day and for that we must forever be grateful, for it was this very creole dialect that allowed the slaves to communicate, rebel and fight for our country’s independence. I learned to embrace Guyanese creole and I want you all to do the same. I’d like to encourage you to liberate yourselves from the shackles of believing that Euro-centric ideals and norms are default and are the standard way of life. My Guyanese tongue; your Guyanese tongue deserves more credit than it’s given. I would also like you to note that your dialect can be many things, but inferior is not one of those things. It is a weapon of fear for our colonisers, a preservation of our collective culture, an authentic symbol of diligence and most importantly—it’s a gift from our ancestors to call our own.
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THE EBB AND FLOW OF THE ... FROM PAGE XVII labour is in decline, in a country where the economy has never addressed the potential of out of the box niche businesses are all bad components towards keeping a following generation gainfully employed. The initiatives that must address the evident crime context must be addressed by recognising the failures in respect to monitoring “who’s who” in our schools, developing assistance and support alternatives, I’m talking School Inspectors, address the ac-
countability of parents, redirect students to skills training centres, those centres not empowered, empower. Repair community centres and grounds to encourage activities, organised, not ad hoc, sports and cultural edutainment programmes, use the best minds available. But spare none found guilty of repeat offences, but hold high the understanding that prison without mechanisms of rehabilitation is in itself counterproductive to the taxpayer. I’ve visited schools in a
group called RESCU to discuss the impact of narcotics on mental development, and careers, the schools we were invited to were not inspiring, there was need to be disturbed, we did report this to relevant authorities. But it’s widespread, the loss of human-community responsibility, if you make an error and leave anything here and go there, it’s a rare chance in retracing your tracks, you will get that “anything” back, very rare, and I’m talking from experience.
Thankful for... FROM PAGE XVI
God had his angels protecting me many times and I cannot stop giving him thanks for not just protecting me and my family, but for also helping me to make a difference every day. When I spoke about the challenging incident, I was referring to the recent shooting. I had a photoshoot planned for book promotions and I was thinking about cancelling. I am happy I decided to persevere, because just stepping onto the set my energy started to replenish. Cleveland is not just a fantastic photographer, he has positive energies and it shows because he loves making magic behind those lenses. One moment just the shoot I looked at the 10 covers and said to myself, “You actually have 10 books on Amazon, WOW.” Then I reminded myself that with God all things
are possible. I am sharing one of the gorgeous photos with you. Meleesa Payne did a terrific job with my makeup. I had a fantastic interview with Bahamian Host Kaiwan Gibson and people from as far as Belgium sent messages to express how my journey inspired them. The evening I reflected on the process of our journey and the reality is that in a twinkle of an eye, others can be looking at our tombstones. I also take as a reminder that my expiration date was not that day and I need to continue to do the things to make a difference at a time that makes a difference with people who make a difference and have a strong conviction for their DASH to matter. I must mentioned that phase two of my new philanthropic project (Bread Basket) was implemented and the testimonials de-
posited the energy that was withdrawn a few days prior. I also got additional energy from the monthly soup day at the Palm Elderly Care Facility. My foundation collaborates with Tower Suites on this project and Chef Paul put some extra love in the chicken soup and rolls. The things I enjoyed most about this were simple things like a meal with mom and auntie. A movie while relaxing on the couch with my girlfriend Raquel, or simply stirring the soup in the tower kitchen. I have every intention to create more invaluable life experiences in this blessed month of June. Try to identify the special moments in this month and try to journal as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.
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Religious organisations and ...
The pastor’s kitchen garden
began residing there. “People are the same everywhere so you just have to know how to live but this place is generally peaceful until someone starts to misbehave or play loud music,” he said. The pastor told the Pepperpot Magazine that they would give back to society by preparing a large pot of cook and go out to the city and distribute a home-cooked meal
to the homeless and needy on the streets. Osborne stated that they had planned a feeding programme for senior citizens of Bagotville but due to the pandemic they had to stall for a bit but it is still in the making. “We will cook and put the food in boxes and distribute it without having a large gathering due to COVID-19,” he said.
The pastor’ wife has a small food business at Nismes, just outside of Gafoors and she is also a part-time seamstress and he does the gardening. The father of four said he is always engaged in things of importance so there is no time to idle and believes in growing his own food.
FROM PAGE X
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NAREI preparing flood-relief assistance... FROM PAGE XIX
Polder, Region Six, where the main economic activity is farming (both livestock and crops). NAREI is currently preparing relief packages for our farmers to help reduce the high cost of putting their lands back under cultivation. However, these relief packages would only be made available after the water has receded from farmlands. The institute has taken on the task of producing vegetable seedlings and the production of orchard seedlings have increased. Simple tools, vegetable seeds and NPK and urea fertilisers would also be distributed free of cost to farmers.
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THOUGHT FOR TODAY
My soul, sit thou a patient looker-on; Judge no t the play before the play is done: He r plot hath man y changes; every day Speaks a new sc ene; the last act crowns the play. FRANCIS QUARLES (159 2-1644) Epigr
Respice Finem
am.
JUNE 06, 2021 STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Welcome, dear friend. There comes a time in your study when you become bogged down with self-produced stress. You think about how you are feeling, how worried you are, your health status, or your career prospects. The need at this time of revising and taking examinations is for you to be able to focus effectively on TASKS, particularly
those that are manageable and can be tackled immediately. Be smart. Adjust. Remember: robust study encompasses adjustments to situations. Love you. THE POEM He thought he kept this universe alone; For all the voice in answer he could wake Was but the mocking echo of his own From some tree-hidden cliff across the lake. Some morning from the boulder-broken beach He would cry out on life, that what it wants Is not his own love back in copy speech, B u t c o u n t e r- l o v e , original response. And nothing ever came of what he cried Unless it was the embodiment that crashed In the cliff’s talus on the other side, And then in the far distant water splashed, But after a time allowed for it to swim, Instead of proving human when it neared And someone else additional to him, Asa great buck it powerfully appeared, And landed pouring like a waterfall, And stumbled through the rocks with horny Tread, And forced the underbrush – and that was all. What to Do 1. Give one sentence to say what is being told in the poem. 2. Explain lines 2 and 3 in detail. 3. Was it possible for the ‘character’ to have original speech in return? Why? 4. Are there any human characters in the poem? 5. What exactly are you told at the end of the poem? 6. Give a name for the poem. Say how you arrived at it. GRAMMAR Adjective clauses reminders 1. An adjective clause is a subordinate clause that modifies a noun or a
pronoun. For example: We have a cat whose name is Nicholson. [The adjective clause does the same work as an adjective.] 2. Adjective clauses create a variety in sentence structure. For example: The racket that Jack bought has nylon strings. 3. An adjective clause that is not needed to make the meaning of a sentence clear, is set off by commas. For example: Mrs. Jones, whom you have met, called this morning. 4. An adjective clause usually follows the word it modifies. 5. Adjective clauses may be introduced by the relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, that, and which), or by the subordinating conjunctions (where and when). 6. At times, the relative pronoun is dropped at the beginning of the adjective clause. 7. An adjective clause should never express the chief idea. The main idea belongs in the main clause. What to Do Find the adjective clause in each sentence. 1. The boy who plays centre is president of the senior class. 2. Those who come first will receive tokens. 3. Give it to him who needs it. 4. The boy who is speaking is my son. 5. The boy who caught the fish that are displayed here is nine years old. 6. Thomas Augustus, who arrived yesterday and who is a dine tennis player, will teach the little ones the game. (Look for a compound adjective clause.) 7. The children that you saw came back again. ing
Apply modifiers in writ-
Using modifiers in writing, (whether they are adjective, adverb, or noun), effects the variety of sentence structures you produce. Good writers use modifiers correctly and position them carefully to make their meaning clear. Notice, for example, the use of the italicized modifiers in the passage coming up from “Tuesday Siesta” a short story by Gabriel Garcia Márquez that has been translated into English by J. S. Bernstein. Keeping the protective
shade of the almond trees, the woman and the girl entered the town without disturbing the siesta. They went directly to the parish house. The woman scratched the metal grating on the door with her fingernail, waited a moment, and scratched again. An electric fan was humming inside. They did not hear the footsteps. They hardly heard the slight creaking of a door, and immediately a cautious voice, right next to the metal grating .... About the passage See Márquez’s applied techniques. Use them when you write and revise. 1. To avoid confusion, place the modifiers as close as possible to the words they modify. Márquez’s used: Keeping to the protective shade of the almond trees, the woman and the girl... 2. Consider whether moving a modifier or other words in the sentence will make your meaning clearer. Márquez’s used: The woman scratched the metal grating on the door with her fingernail.... 3. Be careful not to create double negatives, especially with hardly and scarcely. Márquez’s used: Márquez’s used: They hardly heard the slight creaking.... Business Letter Letter of refusal containing bad news Dear Mr. Eglin: Yo u r n e w l i n e o f heavy-duty machinery is certainly of interest to me. I appreciate your contacting me about an appointment to discuss how this equipment can improve our production and increase sales. On Monday, June 21st, I am scheduled to fly to Region 1 for a two-week sales reference. Consequently, I will not be able to meet you on June 24th. Perhaps you might be free on July 5th and could come to my office at 10:00 A.M. that day. I look forward to hearing from you about when we might get together to discuss your new machinery. Yours sincerely,
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 13, 2021
Local anaesthetic THE Ministry of Health has prepared to extract about 120,000 teeth from the population this year and will use at least 150,000 (a hundred and fifty thousand) carpules of dental anaesthetic in the process. The use of this drug is relatively safe with few complications resulting. However, the use of local anaesthetics, commonly referred to as “cocaine,” is not without hazard, and we must all be aware of the possibility of untoward reactions. Patients need to inform their dentists of any history of anaesthetic experiences and whether they have shown any unusual reactions to drugs or allergies. The dentist should know any specific physical condition which may require support or treatment, and any disease for which the patient is or has been under the care of a physician, and the type of treatment, particularly drugs, currently being prescribed. Most reactions occurring after the injection are potentiated by the anxiety that accompanies the dental appointment, and stress is the major problem to be avoided. Other conditions that may precipitate reactions to local anaesthetics are the following: (1) Low blood sugar levels resulting from fasting before the dental appointment. This is probably the foremost factor in fainting, so the patient must have had his/her regular meal. People who skip breakfast are prime candidates for fainting (2) Extremes in temperature. Heat exhaustion will exacerbate reactions (3) Any debilitating disease. Disease is a prime agent in reducing the ability to respond to stress (4) Pregnancy. This patient is sensitised much like the allergic type. She has an increased blood level of steroids and needs careful handling. Studies show that two to three out of every 100 members of the public will fall into the category of problem-management cases. Most of these individuals have special requirements and I will examine some of them. Patients with cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) diseases will probably be on special medications such as Reserpinr or Serpasil, digitalis derivatives (Digoxin), diuretics (Lasix), and tranquilisers (Valium). All these drugs may interact with the anaesthetic used when an extraction is done. Respiratory diseases, which include emphysema and asthma, cause limitations of the oxygenation mechanism. Since fear results in increased respiration, the dental-chair apprehension may cause a deficit. Patients with allergic diseases often manifest with a history of hay fever, asthma, angioedema, contact dermatitis (“ mad blood”), etc. There will often be a familial history of sensitivity. Atopic types in extreme cases show a reaction to the offending antigen ( the anaesthetic) and may develop severe anaphylaxis and die from the injection of small amounts of the injection. Many persons take anti-coagulant therapy for stroke prevention and do not know. When it takes more than 10 minutes for a wound to stop bleeding, or if a woman menstruates over six days, there is the probability of that person having a blood clotting problem. Finally, individuals receiving steroid therapy do not respond well to stress. Those being treated for hyperthyroidism may have to be sedated. Uncontrolled diabetics should never have dental treatment or healing and post-operative infection will be a problem.
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, June 13, 2021