Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot E-Paper 01-01-2023

Happy New Year from the Pepperpot Magazine

The editorial team of the Pepperpot Magazine wishes all of Guyana a prosperous New Year (Mural by Pepperpot columnist Barrington Braithwaite)

Sunday, January 01, 2023

II

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

Award-winning Caribbean Dreams Concert returns - Guyanese Canadian scholar continuously closing gaps

IN 2002, Guyanese-born Canadian Narine Dat Sookram saw the need to

promote the Guyanese/ West Indian culture in his now-adopted city, Kitch-

community. According to Sookram, who initiated the show, he has always put people before profit and has not made any financial gains, although the event has been going on for decades since that was never the aim. Rather, he has contributed financially towards the event, which is the only one to be named in the top 15 in Ontario, a population of over

ener, in Ontario, Canada. It saw the birth of the Caribbean Dreams Concert.

held virtually on December 10, 2022, and Sookram pointed out that the hope was to have an in-person event, but after weighing the pros and cons, the best option was virtual. He added that because it’s not a fund-raising event, there

Caribbean Dreams Concert promoter, Narine Dat Sookram

The hope was to showcase talents from all over the Caribbean and Guyana. Over the years, many first-timers such as singers and dancers have had the opportunity to perform for the first time on the main stage, where they gained confidence in their self-esteem while taking pride in showcasing their talent to the broader

Dancer Emily shows off her dancing skills

14 million. Though the show is geared towards local talents, many known artistes were invited to participate in the award-winning Dreams Concert, including Guyana’s chutney queen, Fiona Singh, Terry Gajraj, Apache Waria, Tasha T, and Casandra Fox, just to name a few. The most recent event was

was no need to push for an in-person one. Sookram said he needed to find a balance, and it would have been more challenging and unethical had he and his team decided on the in-person because it would have had to take place before the 2022 municipal election. He didn’t SEE PAGE V

III

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

Helping to move Leguan Island forward … Meet former AREO Albert James Kalamazad

AS 73-year-old Albert James Kalamazad pauses today to observe the development on Leguan Island, he cannot help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment, especially as he reflects on the deplorable conditions that existed when he first went to the Essequibo Island more than 40 years ago. Born in the neighbouring island of Wakenaam, in a village called Good Success, Kalamazadworked as a priest with the Presbyterian Church and became a qualified theologian so that when the priest in Leguan retired, he was transferred there. The father of five, who now spends his time between Enterprise Village, Leguan and the United States of America, held many notable positions on the island over the years, many of which were service oriented. Before he became the Assistant Regional Education Officer (AREO) and Chairman of the Leguan Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Kalamazad spent some years as a teacher in Wakenaam and then later at the Leguan Secondary. When he got his Diploma in Education, he then began teaching at the Cyril Potter College of Education, where

Former AREO Albert James Kalamazad

he became a senior lecturer. “I really enjoyed teaching. I liked to teach children in particular, imparting knowledge,” he reflected. Even today, he’d still help out the younger folks whenever he gets an opportunity, and like many other teachers, he loves when they’d remember him when they’re all grown up and approach to say hello. One of the most vivid experiences in his memory is his work with a group of Charlestown Secondary School students preparing

Albert James went to Leguan as a trained theologian in 1980

for CXC. “The class was made up of children whom we felt could not make it,” he related. Keeping a positive attitude towards them, though, he tried to work with them even though it was very challenging. “When I started to teach, they behaved in a rude manner,so I stopped teaching. I sat down and a few days later, a few of them came and asked me why I am not teaching. I asked for their cooperation and resumed teaching.I worked with them feverishly for the next eight months and most of them performed very well at the CXC.” To think that these children were “counted out,” so to speak, but were able to be helped has left a lasting impression. These and other positive experiences have made the teaching profession very enjoyable for Kalamazad. In 1995, though, he was

asked to take up an appointment as AREO,which he did until 2004. Among the many posts he held, Kalamazad enjoyed this one the most mainly because he felt he could be of much help in moving the island of Leguan forward. “When I came to Leguan, it was down in the drain, to put it locally; dilapidated buildings, schools, hospital, post office, etc. Roads, sea defenses and drainage had all needed rehabilitating,” he recalled. But within a short time, rehabilitation works commenced. Furthermore, farming on the island improved. “We were at one point planting about 4,000 acres of rice plants which was an achievement.” The sea defenses also had to be rebuilt. “Leguan is 17 ½ square miles and at the front where you have the steamer stelling, there is a stretch of land from Goodman, Freetown to Canefield which is about 16 miles. Most of it was rehabilitated…it faces the Atlantic and the Essequibo River…it took us some time but we were successful under the PPP government.” Leaders are Servants Kalamazad is happy that he made a meaningful contribution towards the development of Leguan and shared some of the things that were especially helpful to him in this regard. First, he mentioned the quality of humility. “Humility is very important. You are the servant of the people and you should not lord it over them. Leaders are servants.Peo-

ple might not be as educated as you are but you have to listen

With his wife Margaret Kalamazad

to their problems and see how best you can help,” he expressed. This quality will also affect how well a leader is able to help people care for their problems. “Yes farmers are going to come with problems; sometimes they are going to behave cantankerous. What are you going to do? As a leader I used to listen very attentively and after they would have calmed down, I would ask what I could do to help.” A second thing a leader must ensure is that he strives to keep himself educated, according to Kalamazad. “You have to know the rules and regulations that govern

the NDC, etc.That’s why I told the councillors of that time that they had to read 28:02, which is actually the Council’s Bible.” Kalamazad obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Theology in Jamaica and went to Scotland to do his Masters in Liberation Theology and Philosophy. He then applied to the University of Guyana and was accepted in the postgrad programme to do the Diploma in Education. He also has a Diploma in Management and Social Work, and worked as a marriage officer, Justice of the Peace, Commissioner of Oaths to Affidavits, and Valuation Officer.

With some of his friends in the government some time ago

IV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

Looking forward to 2023 Guyanese share hopes for country’s prosperity

THE year 2022 has come and gone, and we are now embarking on a new year. It is important to have a perspective, projections, and plans, now that today is the first day of the year. Given that, for some people, 2022 went well and a lot of hurdles were overcome, and significant achievements were gained, it was a difficult year for some people. The Pepperpot Magazine spoke with members of the public who shared their perspectives on where they would like to see Guyana going during 2023. Pastor Sean Wilson made it quite clear that while we are doing well educationally as a country, he would like to see the issue of bullying in schools being dealt with more forcefully. According to him, children are greatly affected as a result of these incidentsin all areas of their lives Wilson said that as a citizen, he would like to see a higher level of education for rural areas of our country. He spoke to the fact that a young person who is desirous of pursuing education at the highest level but doesn’t have the financial resources can do so in their community or village. Wilson also wants to see more business and job opportu-

Sean Wilson

Joycelyn Williams

nities for people living in rural and hinterland communities, especially young people. “Oftentimes, there are a lot of training programmes that occur in these areas, but at the end of it, no opportunities for them to practice the knowledge and skill set that they would have acquired,” Wilson told the Pepperpot Magazine. He also spoke of establishing the “Certificate of Legal Education” Programme in Guyana. According to him, it would be far easier for students who cannot afford to do the programme in the Caribbean to do it right here in Guyana. We also spoke with Joycelyn Williams,an economist by profession, who was elated that the country’s healthcare workers received their increase. She spoke about the issueof quality health countrywide while at the same time, health care professionals being adequately compensated. In her opinion, more needs to be done for our healthcare workers. Williams also believes that the second set of professionals that needs to be taken care of is our policemen. According to her, security is major in any part of the world and is a necessity in society. The Pepperpot Magazine then spoke with an Author and Christian Leader, Geary Reid.

Geary Reid

Reid explained that Guyana is a beautiful country with diverse groups of peopletherefore, we must unite as its citizenry. The development of Guyana must be seen and felt in every home. He also believes that there is a need to upskill some people so that they can contribute to the development of Guyanaand their personal development. “With the threat of flooding in some communities, persons must have access to lands, at affordable costs, in areas that are less prone to flooding,” he continued. “The construction of roads must be quality roads that can withstand the traffic in those communities, and those roads must be durable roads that will last for many years, without the need for major repairs, shortly after construction.Persons need easy access to mortgages to construct or purchase houses. The interest rate must be affordable to them.” Further to his views, Reid added that efforts must be made to ease the impact of inflation on the lives of ordinary citizens. “Therefore, efforts must be made to review the cost of living and the remuneration earned by many hard-working individuals. Teachers continue to positively contribute to the educational development of our country. So, their remuneration must reflect their hard work and sacrifices for the educational development of our people,” he said. Certainly, these passionate citizens care about the development of their country and have high hopes that the necessary developments are seen in the new year.

My biggest resolution for 2023 is to heal from 2022

It’s officially the year 2023 and before I say anything else—let me congratulate you all on surviving through the year 2022. We’re in our post-pandemic (almost) era and it’s simply refreshing to know that we’re all alive, but that doesn’t mean all

is well. I know after the crazy year of 2020, many of us are still healing and learning. In fact, I’ve lost more people and things in 2022 than I did in 2020. I’ve lost loved ones to both death and disagreements. To look at things through a more positive lens, I’ve lost

opportunities and gained new ones in the process. I’ve lost friends but gained more genuine connections in my life. I’ve lost loved ones due to death, but I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for love and life. I won’t exaggerate and say that I didn’t have wins this

year. Of course, I did—just like many of you as well. I’ve won multiple awards while I simultaneously expanded my business and career. Those were quite memorable moments, but that doesn’t mean the rest of the year was a breeze. This was one of those

years where I mentally struggled a lot—from grief and exhaustion. I decided to open up and be vulnerable to sharing this bit of information because I’m sure I’m not the only one that has struggled this year. I know it will be difficult for many of you to open up the Facebook

app to view the wonderful recap of the year all of your friends and family had. For many of us, 2022 will be memorable, but not for all the right reasons. You’ve probably heard or will be hearing that your struggles SEE PAGE XIV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

Some of my long-time friends who transitioned in 2022

AS one grows older, sometimes even before the ageing process commences, one begins to have relatives, friends, colleagues, neighbours and acquaintances die when the ‘Grim Reaper’ makes his call. I was just 20 years of age when a nineteen-year-old friend of mine died by drowning. It was a most traumatic experience for all of us, especially those who were actually there in the water, young and full of life, and frolicking around. But even before that tragedy, when in my early teens, a school friend of mine died by accident. All the students of the school attended her funeral. I was very sad. So, even before I became an adult, I had already experienced having friends die. On this first day of 2023, I reflect on a few of my longtime friends who died last year, 2022. Radio Broadcaster Ray Robinson, like his cousin Ron Robinson, had been a friend of mine for decades. Both Robinsons were in theatre as well as on radio, and also in scouting. I first got close to Ray before I did to Ron, the younger Robinson. Ray was a six-footer and a bit heavy-set. As a former student of Queen’s College, he was a brilliant and rounded citizen of Guyana. None-

The late Ray Robinson pictured with his friend and colleague, Francis Quamina Farrier

theless, he never threw his weight around, physically or intellectually. In fact, Ray Robinson was always ready to assist others, especially in sharing his vast knowledge of radio broadcasting. Over the years, he and I collaborated on high-profile projects on radio and stage. It was he who recorded the episodes of my historic Radio Soap Operas, The Tides of Susanburg and its sequel, The Girl From Susanburg. His soft, luring voice, introduced each episode and closed them with the usual cliffhanger with his professional voice. Ray Robinson and I were also in a production of the play ANTIGONE, one of the entries in the 1965 British

Guiana National Drama Festival. He and I, and the rest of the cast, worked long hours at rehearsals. While we were not in individual competition, Ray was very happy that I won the Best Actor Award in the play. The production placed second overall at the Festival, which was our wellearned reward. The adjudicator was the celebrated St. Lucian poet and dramatist Derek Walcott. In those early days of Drama Festivals, adjudicators were never individuals who adjudicated groups with which they were involved in one way or another. That was never done. No such consanguineous relationships between performing groups and adjudicators existed in

Guyana in those early Drama Festivals. As I reflect on my late six-footer friend, Ray Robinson, I realise that his email address included the word “big” and in his last message to me shortly before he died, he stated, “I’m hanging in there.” It was the very first time that he had made such a statement to me. Another dear and long-standing Guyanese friend of mine who passed away last year, was Boston-based Augustus “Gus” Corbin, formally of Lodge, Georgetown. Gus Corbin had been domiciled in Boston, USA, for over three decades. His voluntary work over the years, assisting his fellow Guyanese living or visiting Boston, is well-known and greatly appreciated by the many recipients. He was admiringly referred to as “The Guyanese Mayor of Boston.” Gus Corbin had, over and over again, performed patriotic acts as if he were the Council General of Guyana in Boston. As an example, he invited me to Boston to present a Poetry and Storytelling session. Everything was well arranged by Corbin, and I was surprised that after my performance, I was introduced to the Guest of Honour, Boston City Councilor, Charles Yancy, who

presented me with a citation from the Boston City Council. All of that was carefully arranged by Gus Corbin. The email address of Gus Corbin included the word “durban” which is the name of the street in Lodge, Georgetown, where he once resided. In most of his emails to me, he mentioned the word “dreamers” in which he encouraged me to continue to dream along with him and to work for a better Guyana, behind the scenes, in our own way. He loved poetry, especially the poems of Guyana’s National poet, Martin Carter. As such, I included a few of Carter’s poems in my recital in Boston, which was the day before the deadly bombing in that American city. Former Theatre Guild of Guyana actor Ron BobbSemple, who has toured many countries with his OneMan stage production, “The Spirit of Marcus Garvey” also died last year. In his younger years, Ron BobbSemple was a member of the Theatre Guild of Guyana. He and I performed together in several productions there, including “The Rogue’s Trial” directed by then Brazilian Ambassador, Paulo de Paulo. Ron Bobb-Semple and I also toured to New Amsterdam,

V

Linden, Bartica and Anna Regina, with plays produced by The Dramatic Corps, an official fringe group of the Theatre Guild of Guyana. Another long-time friend of mine and former member of the Theatre Guild of Guyana, who also died last year, was the brilliant actor Vibert Jones. Strikingly handsome and equally talented, Vibert Jones performed with distinction in several Theatre Guild productions, including “Moon on a Rainbow Shawl” which was directed by another long-time friend of mine, Ken Corsbie. The romantic scenes between Vibert Jones and the beautiful and talented actress, Aileen Morgan, were among the best during the Golden era of theatre in Guyana. What is precious about friends, especially when they are gone, is the many happy memories they have left behind. One particularly remembers when one needed a shoulder to lean on, and that friend offered theirs. On this New Year’s Day 2023, let us resolve to value our good friends even more. To you, HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2023.

Award-winning Caribbean... FROM PAGE II want to mix politics with the event. “It would not have been an ethical thing to do since I ran for the highest political post, Regional Chair for the Region of Waterloo. Despite not being able to secure the seat, crossing the finishing line was important to me and I did,” he explained. Sookram, however, is hopeful to have an in-person event for the Dreams Concert in 2023 and pointed out that the planning has already started. Among some of the challenges he has had over the years to produce a show of such magnitude, Sookram alluded to money and time. He has a professional job as a social work advocate and clinician/psychotherapist and said these events cost more money to produce than ticket sales. He added that it’s never an issue because an event as such gives people the oppor-

Singer Shane wows a previous audience when the concert was held in-person

tunity to come out from their homes since many of them are isolated and do not want to go to any and every event. Giving an insight into Dreams Concert, Sookram said it is unique in the sense that it’s original and many folks tried to copy it but failed. One of the biggest compliments on the concert came from CBC’s top radio host, Greg Norris, who once

co-hosted the event. According to him, “I usually attend 10 events monthly, but the Dreams Concert is the best I have ever seen.” A scholar and a community contributor since early childhood growing up in Number 64 Village, Corentyne Berbice, Guyana, Sookram pointed out that this is only the tip of the iceberg. He is known for helping the

‘underprivileged’ both in Canada and in his homeland, Guyana. In the earlier days, Sookram was credited with shipping thousands of books and other school supplies to different schools in Guyana, including New Market Primary School and Tagore Memorial Secondary School, which he attended as a child growing up in Guyana. In Canada, he has dedicated several years to assisting newcomers settling in, finding meaningful work, and a place to live and showing them the path on how to navigate services, be it academic upgrading or just some good advice in general so they can succeed. “I would like to encourage people to live life not only for the sake of themselves but live for the sake of others as well. I also would like to encourage everyone to continue to learn something new every day, whether it be

Singer Atiya belts out a song during one of the indoor concerts

through an academic setting or otherwise.” Sookram has graduated 13 times and is now wrapping up his 14th degree, a doctorate in social work, where he specialises in leadership, academia, and clinical practice. The Guyanese-born Canadian has been awarded the highest alumni awards from both a college and a university - one from Mohawk College in Ontario Canada and the other from Brescia University in Ken-

tucky, U.S.A. In addition, he has received over 200 prestigious awards for his generosity and community work. Among those he was named one of Canada’s Top 25 Canadian Immigrants in 2013 and received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from Kings University Inc. (U.S.A.) presented by the late S. Selvin Kumar. He is also the host of the popular radio shows, Caribbean Spice and Let’s Chit Chat with Narie Dat.

VI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

Tuschen North A good neighbourhood to raise a family

Some of the dwelling houses, people, places and things in Tuschen North (Delano Williams photos)

I T has only been two months since Wanda Cornelius moved to Tuschen North, East Bank Essequibo but she has managed to blend in very well because the people are accepting and the neighbourhood is safe. The 29-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that she passed the holidays quietly and it was a normal time in her household where they cooked and shared meals and some goodies. Cornelius stated that she lived in another section of Tuschen before she got married and relocated to her current address and the neighbours are good. The mother of three reported that the only noticeable trend is back in the days people in the village used to walk around and share cake and whatever goodies they had, even though it wasn’t a lot but nobody is sharing anything these days. She explained that in the olden days, although they didn’t have a lot like now,they still used to give of the little they had but times

band is a taxi driver and described life in that part of the country as fair. Richard Lanferman, the carpenter Meanwhile, Richard Lanferman is also a resident of Tuschen North, East Bank Essequibo and he is a carpenter by trade. The 24-yearold grew up in the Richard Lanferman community and is familiar with all have changed and some peothe locals, most of whom ple are not giving anymore. have been living there for Cornelius noted that Christmas was good and she many years. He told the Pepperpot made a bit of everything for Magazine that the neighbourthe children to have and she hood is nice because there is hopes they will remember a mixture of both Indians and that as they grow. The Tuschen North res- Africans, making it a mixedident stated that she is a na- race village where there is tive of Moruca, Region One unity and peace among the (Barima-Waini) and have people. Lanferman stated that been living in Tuschen for a they have no race issues there long time. The housewife added that and life is somewhat good if she takes care of the home you are employed to meet the and children while, her hus- needs of the home. “Around here it’s okay

to live but it is best you keep to yourself and don’t get too involved with the people,” he said. The front yard of his house is utilised for church service by the Unity Baptist Church on Tuesday nights and Sundays, and the pastor resides outside the village. Lanferman told the Pepperpot Magazine that he was out that night with some friends and he had just returned home and was about to take a well-deserved nap on Boxing Day because the next

Wanda Cornelius and one of her two children at her home in Tuschen North.

Diane Jaganan

day was a normal work day. Diane Jaganan, the homemaker Diane Jaganan is a homemaker of Jai Dam, Tuschen North, East Bank Essequibo and she is fairly new to the village. She told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is originally from Beri-Bissabali, Essequibo River and moved

to the community 11 years ago after marriage. Jaganan added that she would pretty much keep to herself because it is better that way but is civil with the neighbours and it is a peaceful place to raise a family. The mother of two reported that to live a quiet and peaceful life you have to distance yourself from certain things and people. “I really don’t like it here

because it is different from where I am from and maybe I will relocate to a better place of my choice,” she said. Jaganan told the Pepperpot Magazine that the holidays was well-spent with her family, including her father-in-law, Vitus Stjuste, 72, was journeyed from Coomaka Mines, Linden to be with them for festive season. The elder lives alone and they did not want him to spend the season by himself so after New Year’s he will be returning home. At this point, Stjustesays he is just taking it one day at a time and enjoying his old age since he worked hard for many years as a heavy-duty operator. He told the Pepperpot Magazine that so far, he had a good time with his son, his wife, Diane Jaganan and their two children and it will be memories that will stay with him.

VII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

The people of Tuschen North

LIVING in a place where there is peace and quiet is a dream come through and for it to be strategically located is ideal for a small business and promoting self-employment. This couldn’t be any better for Carl John, better known as Pye, who has been living in Tuschen North for the past 30 years. He has used his location to establish a shop to sell his organic produce, like cold beverages. The 54-year-old is the father of four adopted children and he is a native of Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo, who is among the first settlers of Tuschen North. It was when he got married he decided to leave his village and family home to make his own life and he took a chance and began squatting at Tuschen North after clearing away a lot of trees and thick bushes. John related that because the place was like a thick jungle, they used to call it ‘banding’, so it is known as

Rajwantee Rampersaud at her home in Independence Street, Tuschen North (Delano Williams photos)

Carl John on his bicycle

Banding Street, Tuschen North. He is a farmer who is utilising every inch of the space on his land to cultivate bora, squash, peppers, ochro, corilla, tomatoes, fine thyme, pak choi, and pumpkin among fruits. John explained that he would sell his produce at his shop and at times he would ride around the village on his bicycle and sell, as well. His wife, would assist him in gardening and also tend to customers in the shop when he has to run errands. “Life is good here but you must work to earn and even if you are not getting a job try to do something from your home because things will get better eventually.

After working at a private fishery, Rajwantee Rampersaud called “Lila” was asked to retire due to her health condition and today she is a resident of Independence Street, Tuschen North, East Bank Essequibo. The 55-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that she lives with her husband, a cane-cutter, who is employed at Uitvlugt Sugar Estate,but her daughter resides in the same yard and has her own home with four children. Most times her grandchildren would come over and they would have her talking a lot and she would ask them to run errands for her. “Because I worked so

She has been living in Tuschen North for the past 22 years and she described life there as fair, but things have been a bit strained due to the high cost of living. Rampersaud is originally from Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara but has made Tuschen North her home because it is one of the places where you still have good relations with the neighbours. Being a mixed-race village, the people are very friendly and there are no racial conflicts because the people live in harmony. “Here, you can go over by your next door neighbour to chat, have a drink and something to eat and around here we have an open-door

long and was on my feet daily for long hours in a boots and socks it caused me to get a discolouration as a direct result of diabetes and I have a lot of pain in my feet presently,’ she said. Rampersaud reported that she was going to see the doctor at the earliest and her son was going to ensure she gets there.

policy, if you come unannounced you will not be turned away,” she said. That day, when the team visited even though it was a national holiday, Boxing Day, Rampersaud was still to complete some household chores before she had to prepare a meal but explained that she all that under control.

Garden of Carl John

Don’t give up, try first,” he said. John told the Pepperpot Magazine that he had a beer garden but a lot of people stopped visiting due to the pandemic and that small business flopped. Rajwantee Rampersaud called “Lila”

VIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

Male Tuschen North hairstylist making his mark in the local beauty industry

WITH the idea of being boss-free and feeling empowered through his skills set combined with an aura of determination to establish his very own small business, Shazam Bacchus of Tuschen North, Old Scheme, East Bank Essequibo is making his mark in the local beauty industry. He has his beauty salon right at his home, where he utilises his backyard as his space for making a lot of people feel and look pretty via his inventive hair-cutting techniques, bleaching, Japanese permanent straight hair, deep conditioner treatments, colouring, manicure and pedicure offered at pocket-friendly prices. Bacchus, who is wellknown and a cut above the rest in his line of work, has managed within a short space of time to draw customers, mostly women, to his small business and they come from all over the country for the services provided. He told the Pepperpot Magazine that he would promote his small business through social media, especially Tik Tok. After viewing some of his work, people started to come for the services and have left very pleased. In fact, many first-time customers returned for a second and third service, and he is of the view they will keep coming and he is very happy about that vision in keeping his business alive. “For me, I worked at a salon for people and it was

Shazam Bacchus with clients doing various services including hair-cutting.

an experience that made me realise that I wanted my own business and after gaining the skills needed and I also did some courses to make myself more qualified, I knew it was time for me to start off on my own,” he reasoned. Bacchus added that it has been two years since he started his own small business from his home and it has gained momentum and he would take appointments and walk-ins. Becoming self-employed is one of his biggest achievements; it is a stepping stone to accomplishing even more, which is the construction of

a beauty salon in the near future. “Having a small business is all about providing a reliable, excellent service and establishing good relations with the customers and being able to relate to them in promoting my business and setting a standard for customer service goes hand-in-hand,” he explained. Bacchus stated that, like any business, you must know how to talk to people in general and having established that, you can only become successful because treating people the way you would want to be treated is of great importance and

value. He pointed out that he has a passion for doing hair and over time he has elevated himself and acquired quality products and built trust with his customers, who would journey long distances for the service. Bacchus added that his personality also draws people to his business which is open every day of the week and customers Shazam Bacchus doing a layered haircut for a customcan call ahead of their er (Delano Williams photos) visit which is highly wasting time isn’t part of his and would not change proappreciated to reduce waitfession at all; it is his way of agenda. ing time. The hairstylist told the expressing himself through He stated that, for this Pepperpot Magazine that his work. season, he managed to “I think I have what creating a small business out be on top of his game in of nothing is quite a bold step it takes to taking in my multi-tasking and had no and risk because there are a business to a higher level need to employ anyone to lot of challenges in terms of and it is with the encourassist like he used to and he location and meeting cus- agement of his family and is very proud of himself. friends he was able to mustomers’ needs. He credits his success on Bacchus added that he ter enough strength to get time- management and being truly enjoys doing his job things done,” he said. able to multi-task because

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

IX

Tuschen North, a close-knit community

By Michel Outridge

ADRIAN Sanders is a resident of Tuschen North, Extension Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, and he is of the view that the village has come a long way, considering it was once overrun by bushes and was a squatting area. Adrian Sanders (Delano Williams photos)

He has been living at the location for the past 30 years and noted that after the community was regularised in 1996,it began to develop and it was the way forward. Sanders stated that they were asked to visit the Ministry of Housing to get the title for their land and the he paid a total of $68,000, $60,000 for the land and $8000 for the processing fee. He related that the village has seen some development over the years and has become even more populated. Sanders pointed out that the community is usually quiet and the only issue is that when it rains the water accumulates to five to six inches before it goes off the land. The fireman told the Pepperpot Magazine that they had one major flooding in the 1990s and the internal street, which serves as a major one, was upgraded but has deteriorated over time. Sanders is originally from Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara but got married and settled in Tuschen North, and over the years, he did a lot of work to bring his house and land to the standard it is to date. He is married to OttolinSanders and they share an equally nice home and is surrounded by good neighbours, a really close-knit community. Sanders reported that a large number of Spanish families have moved into the village within the past three years and they have created a little settlement aback the village and they are co-existing with the locals. “This is a nice place to live and the people are good. My best friend is my neighbour, an Indian fellow and we have good relations not only as neighbours but as humans,” he said. Sanders, a fireman for 33 years, told the Pepperpot Magazine that he is incharge of the Melanie Fire Station and it is a job he has grown to love and wouldn’t have it any other way. It was by sheer luck he became a fireman and it was probably for the best because he was desperate for employment at that time and the job made him into a disciplined person over the years. Sanders added that his child’s mother was in the hospital, and there she met a woman, a patient as well, and

they became friends and it was during one of those talks they discussed that he was looking for work. It was when he visited and met the husband of his child’s mother’s friend he was asked if he wanted to become a fireman. At that time, the man was the training officer of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and he grabbed the opportunity and enrolled. Today, Sanders has 33 years of unbroken service to the GFS, having joined the job in 1990 and worked his way up the chain of command. The father of seven told the Pepperpot Magazine that he was young and unemployed and there was nothing going for him then, so his best option was to be gainfully employed. Sanders added that he did work as a labourer and also spent six years in the army and in those days getting a permanent job was like finding gold.

The Street the fireman, Adrian Sanders lives on in Tuschen North, East Bank Essequibo

X

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

A look at Tuschen North, a developing community

By Michel Outridge

PURAN Boodwah and his family areamong the first settlers of Tuschen North, East Bank Essequibo and he says it is a place where they have seen some development, even if it was slow. “I born and grow in this village and it is home and from then to now I must say we have had some form of development,” he said. The 35-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that the village is a close-knit one and although the people are mostly of Indo and Afro descent, they have that togetherness and it is one of those places you can still; go over by your neighbour for anything. Boodwah added that the area has come a long way because it was underdeveloped and the roads were basically mud dams, but today they have electricity, potable water supply, and internet and landline phones. He said the place began to develop after the Ministry

Puran and his father, DeonarineBoodwah (Delano Williams photos)

of Housing regularised them and today the village is even more populated. Boodwah stated that on the sea dam, they have had an influx of Spanish people, who are living in some makeshift cottages in the village and it is like a whole community at the back there. He explained that Tuschen North was a squatting area before it gained regularisation status and it was a place that looked like a jungle with thick overgrown bushes and most of his school years, he had to wade through knee-deep mud and water to go to school. Boodwah recalled he had to fetch water of drinking and all his school years he studied in blackout with just a kerosene lamp. He related that back then, the village had small tracks SEE PAGE XII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

XI

XII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

A look at Tuschen North... FROM PAGE X and no roads, but they made do with the little they had and even cut trees to make wood to cook on the outdoor fireside. Boodwah stated that at age 18 years old, the village was regularised and they benefitted from electricity and potable water supply which enhanced their lives significantly. He told the Pepperpot Magazine that Tuschen North is a relatively quiet place except when some people play loud music, but it is not often that happens and their neighbours are very good people.

“The best part of living here is you have that peace of mind and it is a safe place so you really don’t have to worry about certain things at all,” he said. The father of one added that although they don’t have facilities in the community it is accessible in the nearby villages. In Tuschen North, they have a few shops and churches and they are bordered by Zeelugt and Vergenoegen, which are larger villages. Boodwah noted that the place is quite dark at night due to the absence of street lights and it would be in the best interest of the locals to have a few installed by the authorities responsible. Meanwhile, Deonarine Boodwah, father of Puran, who has been a fisherman for more than 45 years told the Pepperpot Magazine that he has suffered tremendous losses over the years. He stated that recently thieves made off with all the seine from the fishing boat which was moored at Vergenoegen koker, crippling his employment. With a physical defect, he lost sight in an eye after a fish bone broke and pitch into that eye and a crowbar made contact with the same right eye. Things have been difficult, especially at sea. It happened about 30 years ago and these days Boodwah doesn’t go on fishing expeditions with his crew like before. Boodwah reported that he has been in the fishing business even before h tied the knot, moved away from his family home, and started to squat on the land at Tuschen North, which was overrun by thick trees and bushes.

He pointed out that after his first child was born, his daughter he left their family home before he has seven siblings and things were hard as an extended family. Boodwah wanted to acquire his own house and decided to leave home when his daughter as just one-yearold. Today she is 38 years old and lives in the same village. He reported that he was among the village’s first settlers and remembered clearing a lot of trees before he could get onto the land to build a small house. The 61-year-old related that with that move he could get on his own feet and became responsible and had another child, a son, who resides with himself and wife, Lynette Toolsiedai Boodwah. In 2005, Boodwah had just returned from the Atlantic Ocean following a fishing trip and while, mooring his small fishing boat, he was confronted by gunmen, who robbed him of his engine. Boodwah explained that it was after he had paid in full for the boat engine he had bought from Courts and was paying instalments and thought he was debt-free. At this point, he said he had to start all over again because he could not afford to buy an engine and had to quit the fishing business. It was some years after he was able to acquire a fishing boat and engine and today he has three men in his employ who would go on the fishing trips but there last trip was in October this year. Presently, Boodwah cannot buy seine due to the high cost of fishing equipment, which might be the end of his small business.

XIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

May 2023 be your year of elevation in all areas of your life “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” I love this scripture. So often, life weighs us down and we forget that we are no longer enslaved to the world. The old is gone the new is here! We have an opportunity to write the new pages of your journey for 2023. Take a moment to reflect on what 2022 brought to your life. Also, it is a great time to ask ourselves the most important questions I learn from my mentor, the late Myles Munroe:

did to improve your life and others and gently let go of what no longer serves you even if it is a long friendship. This will create the right space to set the vision for what you want to create this New Year! Our daily agenda is vital to our success! I need to go off a few people and projects but also to have more TIME (Thankfulness, Inspiration, Meditation, and Exercise) in my life. Also, I will intentionally be mindful of my 3S, Sight, Sound and Scents. The first thing we set out to do in the morning

1. WHO AM I? IDENTITY 2. WHERE AM I FROM? HERITAGE 3. WHY AM I HERE? PURPOSE 4. WHAT CAN I DO? POTENTIAL 5. WHERE AM I GOING? DESTINY We may think we have these covered until we go beneath the surface and I am basing this on my experience. It is a good time to celebrate everything you

will tremendously impact our day. What is the first thing you see in the morning when you wake up? Is it your phone or computer with everyone else issues and challenges? I am guilty of sometimes turning on my phone to listen to an early morning prayer and getting distracted by a WhatsApp message. If we are mindful, messages from others or a news article can consume, causing us to start the day reactively. If it is

not something inspiring, it can negatively affect us. What song are you waking up to? Is it your alarm clock, neighbours quarrelling, nature sounds, natural chirping of the birds, or inspiring music? I realised when I go to bed with the instrumental “I exalt thee” which plays through the night until in the morning, it lays a foundation for a great start to my day. I begin with a calm mindset to meditate and pray, setting an amazing foundation for a productive and effective day. It feels different in the morning waking up in the countryside than in the city. Even the air we breathe feels different but that also depends on where in the countryside. Although my hometown Bartica is now a town, it is still considered in the country area. We hosted the Living with Intention Retreat there earlier this year and had a fantastic time. We stayed at the regional Guest House close to the beach and it was great to wake up to the sound of the waves and meditate on the beach but that did not always happen. A guy came early on two occasions and started playing loud inappropriate music from his car while he cleaned his car. On those mornings, we had to work overtime to lay the foundation of a relaxing and positive mindset. Have you ever experienced the sound of the neighbour’s grass cutter or construction on a weekend when you intend to lay in bed a little late? Horns constantly blowing in a traffic

jam can be so annoying it can trigger people to get into confrontations that can throw you a day off. Scents in our surroundings can also affect our mindsets. Have you ever walked into a spa and the aroma hit your nostril and a feeling of relaxation consumes your entire body and you begin to feel relaxed? I had a jasmine tree by my gate and sometimes, I just stood there to do my breathing exercises. Walking through a beautiful garden and seeing and smelling the flowers can shift your mood in a positive direction. The last things we see, hear or smell at night help to craft the foundation

you had unlimited resources, where time, money, and skills were not an issue? Imagine that there was no possible way for you to fail! What will your ideal life look like? Incorporate all aspects

for our mornings. We have to be mindful every day of what we expose our minds to as we plan for this exciting New Year with great possibilities that will be converted to opportunities to elevate our personal and professional lives. What would you love to create in the next year if

of your life: your health & well-being, your meaningful relationships, your growth & development, your career & professional life, and your finances. What if everything you imagined your life to be was possible? Write down everything you could dream of doing or having that would make you happy.

Joy is an inner feeling. Happiness is an outward expression. Joy endures hardship and trials and connects with meaning and purpose. Money & finances, career & work, health & fitness., fun & recreation, environment (home/work), community, family, friends and partner & love are the areas we need to examine and score out of 10. In some areas, you will score very high and very low in others. You are not alone so don’t beat yourself up. It is ok for us to be vulnerable while assessing ourselves. Many people try with frustration every day to find this balance but it is better to aspire to find the correct blend that works for you. I believe 6 to 8 and that being consistent is better than scoring many nines and twos. We have to deposit to withdraw so we need to put in the work for 2023 to be a greater year. L e t ’s c e l e b r a t e t h e first day of this blessed New Year and declare it to be your best year as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

XIV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

AS WE RING IN THE NEW YEAR, GUYANESE MAKE TRADITIONAL AND NON-TRADITIONAL RESOLUTIONS

TODAY, January 1, 2023, marks the advent of the New Year and we greet all consumers and all Guyanese with the traditional, evergreen, and meaningful wish of “Happy and Prosperous New year to yourselves and dear ones!” An old era has been closed and a new one has opened. We r e f l e c t o n h o w short life is and how imminent mortality is. Still, as the Stoic philosophers of ancient Greece and Rome taught, human life could be prolonged for multiple years by the amount of positive and constructive activity one can put into those years. In other words, if one died at 50 years of age but had doubled one’s creative activity in each of his last ten years, one would, in effect, have lived until 60 years. The message is ‘live to the fullest and do not waste time.’ This is a time when one makes New Year Resolutions to guide activities throughout the year. For example, one may resolve to be reconciled

with all persons with whom one may have strained relations or to finalise all outstanding legal and financial matters which had been left undone during the past year. Despite the well-known quip that New Year resolutions do not last for more than a day, people over the centuries have continued to make them because they, in some uncanny way, are of benefit. At this advent of the New Year, there is another assumption or superstition that in whatever condition, New Year’s Day finds one that will be the pattern of life one must deterministically follow in the ensuing year. Thus, on Old Year’s Day, December 31, people are neatly dressed, eat their favourite meal, or go to Church, hoping their New Year will be a time of peace and quietude. Others would attend dances or parties believing that if the dawn of the New Year finds them in a carefree and joyous abandon, such would be the pattern of their life for 2023.

Traditional Resolutions and superstitions encompassed in the nostalgia of Auld Lang Syne are part of New Year 2023 as they have been at all New Years of yore. But this year, non-traditional Resolutions have

made their appearance reflective of the fact that Guyana has suddenly become a notable Oil and Gas producing country bringing responsibilities which Guyanese citizens must be resolved to assume. At the moment, knowledge in the depth of the oil and gas industry is confined to those directly involved in the Industry including the very minuscule number of Guyanese. Lack of

such knowledge among the citizenry could result in corruption among politicians and the Oil companies being able to exploit the country unfairly. Resolve to have comprehensive knowledge of the Industry, both locally and globally, would result in citizens possessing their Oil and Gas Industry emotionally and intellectually and accruing maximum benefits from it. The New Year ’s Resolution to acquire such knowledge is non-traditional. Citizens must resolve to cultivate the awareness that oil reserves will inevitably be exhausted and that the Oil Industry is a temporary blessing. This may help all to realise that we must resist the temptation of using oil revenues for splurges and quick consumption. Oil revenues should be used for social and economic development so that a higher standard of living would be

sustained and kept improving way into the future when oil reserves would have diminished. Funds should be invested in Health, Education, pensions and salaries, housing, and other social benefits to achieve First World standards. Economic investment in developing new industries and making the present industries competitive should be made so that the Guyana economy would keep on generating wealth and employment into the future. In other words, the New Year’s resolution should be that oil income should be spent wisely. Another New Year’s resolution to make is to fully understand that Guyanese nationality will, in a few years, be more valuable than American. Indeed, it is estimated to be half as valuable at this time. Members of the Diaspora may now return and young people may cease to have the tension and expense of trying to get American and other First World countries’ visas. People from all over the

My biggest resolution for 2023... FROM PAGE IV will be less someday and perhaps next year will be a better year. People say that to you without realising that we still have to acknowledge the bad and the good. They shouldn’t invalidate your unpleasant experiences this year by telling you, “at least you survived”, “you lived to see another year”, “it happens” or “at least you still made some good memories too”. There’s no need to sugarcoat or romanticise your struggle only to fit in. It’s okay to acknowledge the pain and hurt you’ve experienced in 2022, and if it’s overwhelming thinking

about what happens next for the new year, I’d personally advise you to seek professional help if you possibly can. There will be many positive, cheery articles and posts about the New Year—I’m sure of it. I will probably even be labelled as a pessimist after writing this as well. That doesn’t change the fact that we need to acknowledge the good and bad in life. I’m not saying for us to always remember the bad and live by it—NO. You should, however, be able to process and understand the hardship, hurt and pain you’ve experienced so you can heal for the new year ahead. My most significant

resolution for 2023 is to heal from 2022 while continuing my journey of making unforgettable memories with the people I love the most. Sometimes, it’s just the little things that make the biggest difference. If surviving 2022 is your biggest recap—so be it. It takes a lot out of us these days to mentally and emotionally go out into the world and be productive. If you’ve managed to even do just a fraction of what you’ve wanted to accomplish all year long, then that’s still an accomplishment. Don’t be so hard on yourself for the New Year—give yourself the credit you deserve.

world, especially from Latin America, will be crowding into the country and could efface the Guyanese ethos. Citizens must resolve to require Government to strengthen the Citizenship and Immigration Laws to protect the Culture and Ethos of the Guyanese people. For example, all persons seeking work permits or long-term residence should be able to speak and write English, know about the History and Culture of Guyana, and promise not to do anything that may induce racial and religious discord. They could be deported if they dishonour their promises after they have been accorded residence or even citizenship. Monetary and other grants should be made to native Guyanese citizens only and not to recent settlers or recently naturalised citizens. The New Year Resolutions for 2023 will therefore be the traditional ones combined with non-traditional ones caused by the revolutionary changes in Guyanese Society.

XV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

I NEVER DREAMT OF A CASTLE

I AM a dog! Do dogs have dreams? Can we make a wish for when we are left on the streets to find someone kind to give us a home? I had a home with not the best of comfort, care or food, but at least it was a home with a family. That changed one damp morning in December when somehow I found myself homeless. My owner, the man of the home, went for a ride on his bike and called me to run behind him. He usually took his bird on his early morning ride, but I never followed him far until this morning. He kept calling me to follow him and rode a good distance through several streets. My legs were beginning to get tired but I did not stop because I knew he would get angry. He finally rode across the road into an area with nice houses and a wide grassy playfield. He parked his bike and told me to go and play whilst he picked some grass for his bird. I did not want to play because I was too tired, but he shouted at me to go, so I walked to the middle of the playfield, where the grass was higher. I drank some water from a small puddle and sat down resting my head on the wet grass. I must have dozed off because when I woke up, it was quiet and there was no one around. I ran to where the man had parked his bike but he was not there, nor was his bike. I hadn’t heard him call, though I’m a light sleeper, a habit he had beaten into me so I could always be alert. Why did he not call for me? My heart sank as I realised he had left me alone in that strange place. I ran up to the road that led into that area but it was so busy with traffic and there were many streets across the road, I couldn’t remember where I came from. How do I find home? I went in back to the playfield and sat right in front, looking straight down the road so I could

see when he would come back for me. I thought maybe he had to go somewhere for something important and he would return for me but it was starting to

get dark and the rain came down. I had to find shelter but where do I go? I ran through many connecting streets but no one’s gates were open. I managed to curl up against fences with concrete, parapets where the rain did not wet too much and sometimes under trees that offered some shelter. I was half-wet, cold and hungry and I cried to myself that night wondering why that happened. I know I hadn’t been a bad dog. Did he not want me anymore? As soon as it was morning, I went back to the playfield and waited until the sun rose high in the sky. By that time I was feeling really hungry so I went back running through the streets, hoping someone would offer me some food. I hardly got any attention. People were in their homes or gone to work, others just passing by with their vehicles. No one stopped to render assistance to a poor homeless dog until late in the afternoon when someone noticed and some food was put out for me. I ate hungrily but with the December rains I had no shelter. Then two days later, early in the morning, a lady from a house resembling a castle looked at me curiously as she picked flowers to fill a small basket. I knew my condition was bad: I was rugged and skinny, so I wasn’t sure she would be interested in open-

ing her gate to a strange dog because she had a cute fluffy dog. She went inside with her dog and my heart sank again wondering if anyone would want me, for my owner abandoned me. But she came out back a short while later with some food and asked of a resident passing from the back street, “Is this dog lost?” The man did not know and she asked again, “Did someone abandon him? He seems to be looking for his way home.” The man did not know but I knew the answer and since I couldn’t talk, I hoped that someone would soon realise that. The lady left the food under a white flowering tree just outside her gate and went inside, looking at me concerned. That gave me some hope. She began putting water and food daily and called for me whenever she did not see me. She called me ‘Doggo’ and I now recognised a new voice that was softer and kinder than my owner. The close neighbours seeing her kind gesture began putting out food too and a nice man from the back street who had his own dog, stopped often to give me treats. I was now getting enough food, hearing kind voices, the children ran and played with me but still no one opened their gates so I was still in the streets with no place to call home with a family. From time to time I would still stand at the middle of the playfield and looked across to the road with a bit of hope, but I guess the man was never coming back for me. Then when I looked the other way, the castle like house stood there like a dream and I wondered, “Could this ever be home?” It was the Christmas season, with the colourful lights, the merriness, children’s laughter and aromas of delicious foods.

On Christmas Eve, the rains came down with a heavy drizzle. I was sitting under a short palm tree near to a beautifully lit Christmas tree waiting for the lady to call me for food. She had some friends over and the time

passed but I waited. I was getting wet but I didn’t feel like moving, tired of looking for shelter then I heard her voice, “Doggo!” She was standing by the gate with her daughter, the

food in her hand and said, “Come in.” The gate was opened for me, I couldn’t believe it was actually happening. Joy filled my heart, for finally I had a home and a new family for the new year.

XVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

WHY RESOLUTIONS ARE A NECESSARY CUSTOM OF PRACTICE 2023 RESOLUTIONS are the aspirations that we, in sober awareness, must condition our minds towards the perseverance of “the Will.” However, the ‘no man’s land’ before us at the moment may defy its reality or purpose through inspiration towards any near reality, yet hope, like faith, must be sustained on works, even towards the assumed the simplest goal. I always maintain loyalty to ‘What I have experienced, witnessed, and therefore, now know’ and I share this perspective without hesitation. Another year is gone, and we have learned lessons from the more valuable experiences, our own failures, disappointments, and why? We must place in context what we did not do, as well as what we termed a failure, whether it constituted the warning concept of the saying my father often repeated to me: “Don’t wake up and see the enemy in the mirror.” Translated, that means do not betray one’s peace of mind or values to any proposed, enticing shortcut towards achievement. Another fact I learned a lifetime ago, I was not yet 20, resides around the inability to explore in your own interest. Back then, I had finished some illustrations and the poetry to go with and was trying to get my stuff published. Advice led me to an office in a government min-

istry. After some waiting, I was engaged by a gentleman who is still in the media field today. His assertive advice (I was there to seek guidance) to me was a lecture on how Guyana did not need creative writers nor artists,

then he looked at my pencils and Bic pen drawings and called a lady to impress on her the inadequacy of my bad spelling. I left almost broken. By that early stage of my life I had learned not to cry, at

least publicly, I was conditioned that men cried in secret, then take a bath, don some “threads,” and face the world with a smile or a “screw face,” but walking down the step of the ministry, the very lady -- back

then we viewed an early 30 as a big girl -- purred quickly to me, pssst! I turned, and she gestured for me “to come” with her fingers. She quickly told me to go to Queens College compound, ask for Curriculum Development, and Mr Oswald Kendall, and show him your stuff. She wished me good luck. I was thinking before going to Bovell’s Printery, and printing my stuff in the future; because I had no money then. At the folk in Queens College compound, I was in a different Guyana. After a welcome and a brief outline, based on the following year’s budget, they would print my stuff. Mrs Hamilton, the late ‘Mr Oswald Kendall’s (as headmaster of Christ Church, he was called SHAFT, a tremendous human being) secretary, outlined to me the procedure of editing and proofreading that went into publishing; that’s how I got my Voyage Book of Verse published. The gist of including this piece of biography is that because I had resolved to embrace what talent I had and make it work, the determination revolved around a resolution that previous Old Year’s night, because I didn’t like the other options that seemed inevitable; I wanted some control of my life. Incidentally, talking some years ago with novelist and journalist Michael Jordan, he also was sent to

this man and was told the same depressing narrative, “Why was he at that desk was our question?” Resolutions could be based on what is even, challengingly practical. It seems that once you embrace an idea that you at least have the core skills to develop the path to its success, we humans can sink to a level where we feel that sitting at a successful “other’s table” makes you compatible. There are things that I cannot write about, that should not be a resolution considered or entertained, frustration and its stress most times are generated when we ignore the famous poem by Max Ehrimann, ‘Desiderata.’ It’s good for self-conversation, as well as modern poems and books of current struggles, that keep you grounded in the reality of whatever you want to do and are aspiring towards; knowledge empowers you, get ‘Trade Literature’ that can give you background as far as permitted. From the time you make that Resolution on New Year’s Eve, the disposition of your path is no-nonsense fixed. Nothing is instant, so as the saying to talent goes, “keep the day job” where we, each human stands, does not define the world. My resolution back then has given me a platform, but the act is not complete. A productive 2023 to all.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

XVII

XVIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

XIX

XX

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

XXI

XXII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

XXIII

XXIV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

XXV

XXVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

A New Year Ahead

I HAVE some bitter sweet news for my devoted readers, whom I have deeply cherished for so long. After seven wonderful years of writing this weekly column, I have to take a step back and change it to a monthly piece. I truly enjoy writing it and the responses I receive, but the plan is to take my writing a little further by creating self-help

books to benefit Guyanese. I am so happy this column aligns with the first day of the year as I can appropriately wish you all an amazing year ahead and leave some tips on how to master your mental health. To all those celebrating a good year past, I wish you continued happiness and success in 2023. To those recovering

from a bad year, I hope you’re optimistic for a change in the upcoming year; as they say, there is no rainbow without rain. By tomorrow, most of us will have resumed our ‘normal’ life- back to work, school, gym, healthy eating, limited drinking etc. It is difficult to adjust to our regular routines after holidays, especially Christmas. It was a long break with so much going on in between. There are a few things that we have to deal with now that the holidays have come to an end. I would like to speak about them in the hopes of making the transition easier for as many as possible as even I struggle with this. The first is loneliness. Many of us do an unusual amount of socialising during the Christmas season, making us feel noticed and loved, whether we realise it at the time or not. Some people find this adjustment hard as others are back to their busy, personal and private life. Another thing is going back to or starting a healthier lifestyle. Many do overindulge during the season and this takes quite some time to stabilise again. These are important facts to focus on as they can severely impact our mental health. Now, in 2023, there will still be many things that are not within our control but our thoughts, emotions, attitudes, and behaviour towards ourselves and others will be. It is obvious why we celebrate the New Year; much like birthdays, we celebrate surviving another year because sadly, many others do not. New Year’s is particularly special as it brings a natural desire to reflect on the past, our mistakes, appreciate achievements and create a plan for the future, with a clear aim to overcome any sort of challenges along the way. It is a time that focuses on self-reflection and self-improvement. New Year, New You is a common saying but a more practical one is New Year, New View as we are constantly evolving. My favourite thing about the New Year has always been resolutions and the hope and determination that accompany them. I’m aware (based on my own actions as well as those around me) that most resolutions only last until the end of January. We tend to give up on them for various reasons- they may have been unrealistic, unimportant or pressured. To solve this, the answer seems pretty obvious – choose resolutions that you are actually able to do, ones that you truly want to do and most importantly, ones that improve your quality of life. Resolutions are not about conforming to what you believe society wants, it’s not an obligation or task but rather a new, anticipated lifestyle. A little tip – I researched some scientific studies in order to determine what makes someone more likely to adhere to their resolution. Evidently, those who planned in detail were 22% more likely to succeed in maintaining their resolution throughout the year. For example, aiming to lose 10 pounds in three months rather than just having the general resolution of ‘losing weight.’ Additionally, those who told their friends and families about these resolutions were 10 percent more likely to succeed than those who did not. Considering the importance and benefits of resolutions, I would like to give further tips on practising and, more importantly, maintaining them. I have many resolutions this year- all of which focus on self-development with an aim to improve mental health. These include positive thinking, adopting only healthy coping skills, and practising gratitude and forgiveness – all things I genuinely want for myself, making it possible with hard work. If you haven’t been able to decide on a resolution, I’d like to make a suggestion that I think is much needed for many- to live in the moment. Most people don’t realise that the what ifs, should haves, could haves are responsible for a great deal of stress and anxiety. If you spend your moments regretting the past or awaiting something else- when you have more money, lose the weight, get into a relationship, you’ll finally do this and that – you let your life slip by. Self-improvement is an overall goal, not a day-to-day interruption or hindrance. The wait is an important part of the journey as nothing worth having comes from instant gratification. Occupational psychologists who specialise in obtaining life goals recommend abiding by the SMART method- Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound. Thanking you for reading. Please look out for my next column next month and please continue to send any suggested topics to caitlinvieira@gmail.com

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

XXVII

XXVIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

One year closer to an underwater threat? IT is the beginning of a new year, when many of us believe that a renewal of some sort is possible with a fresh set of 365 days. As much as I try to avoid worrying thoughts, the New Year is also a reminder that we are one year closer

to disaster. I live in Georgetown, Guyana’s capital city, which could be under water by 2030 if drastic measures aren’t taken to prevent a worsening climate crisis, according to climate

experts. Those predictions have been contested, stating that 2030 is too soon; yet, many agree that unless the climate crisis is mitigated, low-lying, small developing states like Guyana are at risk. And unless those smaller, poorer, developing countries get the funds to rebuild from the disasters that battered them and strengthen their defences against the effects of the climate crisis (like a massive flood or rising sea levels, for illustrative purposes), their very existence is threatened. Spoiler alert, for years, those funds have been promised, and they have not materialised. Now, there is a promise of a new fund- for loss and damage- but questions still linger about how that may be activated and whether the countries that need it the most will benefit. Those are daunting questions given the track record of rich, developed countries. But I’m not entirely hopeless (just mostly). A colleague reminded me a few days ago that Guyana is an example of a country that’s doing impressive things to help save the planet. Guyana, for years, has dutifully protected its forests- which trap harmful gases that speed up the climate crisis and which are home to numerous plant and animal species. Those forests, importantly, are also important to the country’s indigenous people. And so protecting those forests and, more recently, being paid to continue protecting those forests are a big deal. Later this year, at COP28 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Guyana hopes it can inspire many more countries and people with its ambitious plans. Guyana also has a point to prove. It wants to show the world that it can produce oil and gas and still demonstrate environmental stewardship because its forests offset whatever harmful gases are produced offshore. It wants to show the world how a poor, developing nation can leverage oil wealth to fuel the development of other industries, with a greater life expectancy than the oil sector, and by extension, fuel the nation’s development overall. Not everyone agrees with that. And their positions are worth considering, especially with the oil industry’s contributions to worsening the global climate crisis. In 2021, two Guyanese lawyers, Melinda Janki and Ronald Burch-Smith sued the government for allowing ExxonMobil to produce oil offshore Guyana. Exxon later joined the government as a co-defendant in the case. The lawyers argue that oil production is incompatible with human health and a sustainable environment and that these actions are contrary to provisions in Guyana’s constitution. In fact, it has been noted that the constitution contains provisions that explicitly protect the rights of citizens—present and future—to a healthy environment. Based on reports, if the lawyers are successful, the case could set an example for climate activists in other countries. The actions, perhaps, also represent the kind of action needed on a global scale to prevent the climate crisis from worsening. One hopes that leaders worldwide, not just in Guyana, or the Caribbean, would recognise the immense threat posed if the climate crisis continues unabated. One hopes that meaningful action will be taken to prevent this all from happening and the most vulnerable nations are not left with promises. And one hopes that the 2030- or 2050, or whenever- threat of an underwater Georgetown does not materialise. If you would like to discuss this column or any of my previous writings, please feel free to contact me via email: vish14ragobeer@gmail.com

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

XXIX

XXX

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

XXXI

XXXII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

XXXIII

XXXIV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

A thing of beauty is a jo Its loveliness increa y forever: ses; it will never Pass into nothingn JOHN KEATS (1 ess. 795-1821) Endymion

January 01, 2023 STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Welcome dear friend. Do get back to books in a stern way if you have lapsed somewhat over the holidays,

dears. Go straight into tightening your essay writing, paying special attention to the concluding sentences of paragraphs. Do not “let your reader down” after great expectations have been aroused. Bring that prevailing thought to a suitable climax. Make that closing sentence “clinch” the argument or skilfully summarise the facts, to leave your reader satisfied. Be wise. Happy New Year 2023! IMPROVING WRITING Relations in and between paragraphs When you were studying the sentence, you learned that the word order should be natural, and the relation of its parts clear. The same principle holds for the structure of the paragraph. One paragraph may be linked to another, and one sentence within a paragraph may be linked to another with the aid of pronouns, transitional words and phrases, demonstrative adjectives, and adverbs. When the continuity of thought within a paragraph is unbroken, the paragraph is said to have coherence. Almost any paragraph in a composition except the first one is difficult to separate from the rest in that piece of work. The rest of paragraphs are tied to the preceding ones by a pronoun or other linking and transitional expression. Look at some transitional words and phrases: However, moreover, further, nevertheless, also, by the same token, in the same way, and, but, on the other hand, are examples of transitional words and phrases that bind paragraphs and sentences together. [There are paragraphs, however, written for the specific purpose of bridging the thought expressed in one paragraph and that thought in the second one. They are mainly shorter than those they are constructed to bridge. This kind will not be addressed today.] Look at this short selection that shows the use of various transitional words. To the visitor of South America, many things are strange. He is not only on another continent but in another hemisphere. However, he soon finds that many fears he may have had are groundless. The

people are friendly and full of fun. The American who speaks only American English is likely to find his attempts to communicate bring on bursts of good-natured laughter in which he will be moved to join. On the other hand, if he has even a few words of Spanish, the Spanish-speaking South Americans will make valiant attempts to understand him and will do their best to fill in the words he is using. Almost without exception, the South Americans are courteous and helpful. Indeed, I have found many of them unusually kind to strangers. One day, for example, I was riding in a bus in Rio. The ocean air coming through the open window was a bit brisk. I put up my hand to tuck in my hair and pull down my veil. Instantly the man next to me lowered the glass. I was glad I could say, “Gracias, Señor.”

that man in the first place,” the mother said, coming up behind the father and touching his arm. Without seeming to know what he did the father violently jerked his arm and thrust her away. “Shut up. We’ll forget it,” he said. “But –” “We’ll forget it.” The mother entered the kitchen walking slowly as if she’d been struck a blow. In fact, a bruise the size of a pear would materialise on her forearm by morning. When she reached out to steady herself she misjudged the distance of the door frame – or did the door frame recede an inch or two – and nearly lost her balance. In the kitchen the lights were dim and an odour of sourish smoke, subtle but unmistakably, made her nostrils pinch. She slammed open the oven door. Grabbed a pair of pot holders with insulated linings. “I wasn’t the one, . . .” she cried, panting, “and you know it.”

Something to Do A. Look through a newspaper editorial or in a periodical in your home, and find out which paragraphs could be quoted separately without further explanation, and which ones are bound to preceding paragraphs. B. Write a letter consisting of at least three paragraphs, in which you tell a close friend of a recent, exciting outdoor game, an interesting social event, or a book you have read. Show, by itemizing, how you created a smooth transition from one paragraph to the next.

PUNCTUATION Punctuating quotations The positioning of other punctuation marks inside or outside the ending quotation mark sometimes cause confusion. Look here now. 1. Periods and commas. Always place periods and commas inside the second quotation mark. “As you predicted,” said Miss Godfrey, “our parents are both deceased now.” (The comma and the full stop are outside the second quotation mark.) 2. Colons and semicolons. Always place colons and semicolons outside the second quotation mark. For first set of Christmas orders, the sales agent promised patrons a “very special deal”; however, we cannot grant these others any deal. (Colon outside second quotation mark.) 3. Question marks and exclamation points. If the word within quotations make up a question or an exclamation, then the question mark or exclamation point belongs with those words – that is, it belongs inside the second quotation mark. Jack hailed, “Congratulations on your promotion, Cheryl!” (Are the words within quotations an exclamation? Yes. Therefore, place the exclamation mark with those words inside the second quotation mark.)

THE PASSAGE Read and study the passage very carefully. Afterward, try to find its original paragraphs - some small ones and two bigger sizes. There are bits of dialogue so take care to consider how they are presented. Behind the father the mother stood apologetic and defensive, wringing her hands in a classic stance. “Wasn’t that sad! Wasn’t that - sad! But we had no choice but to let him in, it was the only decent thing to do.” The father pushed passed her without comment. In the living room he saw that the lights were flickering as if on the brink of going out; . . . everywhere the father looked, a pulse beat mute with rage. “I wasn’t the one who opened the door to

XXXV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023

Issues with your jaw joint

THE jaw joint, which is technically known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge joint that connects the lower jaw to the upper jawbone. It functions through five pairs of muscles attached to the facial bones. The structures (bones, muscles, ligaments, and discs) that make it possible to open and close the mouth are very specialised and must work together to enable you to chew, speak, and swallow. The muscle pairs must work in proper balance so that stresses on both sides of the jaw are distributed as equally as possible. The TMJ is considered very complex because it can make many different types of movements, including combinations of hinge and gliding actions. The juncture where the two joints are connected has a disc that acts as a shock absorber to biting and chewing forces. Any problem that prevents this complex system of structures from working together properly may result in cycles of pain, spasms (cramps), muscle tenderness, and damage to the tissue and joint. This is known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Most researchers agree that temporomandibular disorders are grouped into three main categories. A person can have one or more of these conditions at the same time. Myofascial pain is the most common form of TMD. It involves pain in the muscles that control the jaw function, the neck, and the shoulder. Internal derangement of the joint means a dislocated jaw, a displaced disc, or injury to the condyle. The degenerative joint disease includes osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the jaw joint. Symptoms that TMD sufferers have include: - An ache in the area of the ear extending to the back of the head, into, the neck and shoulders. - Hearing a clicking or popping sound on opening and closing the mouth. - Pain brought on by yawning, opening the mouth widely, or chewing. - Difficulty in opening the mouth and chewing (limited movement) - Headaches that can mimic migraines, earaches, dizziness, and neck aches. - Jaw that ‘get stuck,’ lock, or ‘go out’. - Tenderness of jaw muscles - A sudden change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together. A combination of one or all of these symptoms can also be present in other problems. There are no exact causes and symptoms of TMD, so diagnosis can be difficult. After established guidelines, it will be easier for health professionals to identify TMD correctly and make proper treatment choices for patients. Your dentist needs to get a complete health/ dental history to be able to make a diagnosis. Regular dental X-rays and TMJ X-rays are not useful in diagnosing this disorder. Diagnostic techniques that include CT scans and MRI scans are usually needed unless the health professional strongly suspects arthritis or the pain and symptoms do not improve with treatment. Some clear-cut causes of TMD are arthritis, trauma, or severe stress. Unfortunately, TMD is usually a combination of factors and is not easily diagnosed. It is common for the disc in the temporomandibular joint to slip forward, click, pop, or even get stuck for a moment. The absence of pain in the jaw is a minor problem that does not require any treatment. Stress often results in clenching or grinding the teeth, which may be a factor that starts the cycle of muscle pain and spasms. Many researchers feel behavioral and physical factors all contribute to TMD. It is important to note that we do not know the exact causes of this disorder at this time. Conservative (reversible) treatments include counselling or biofeedback training to reduce emo-

tional stress; muscle massage, relaxants, or tension monitors to aid in breaking

the spasm-the-spasm cycle; short-term soft diets to give the jaw movements eg.

(yawning, gum chewing); physical therapy that focuses on gentle muscle relaxing

exercises; and short-term use of anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxing drugs.

XXXVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 01, 2023