‘Pepperpot Sunday’ - Local entrepreneur ready to take on any obstacle that comes his way
Young entrepreneur Calvin Roberts is the owner of ‘Calvin’s Indigenous Cuisine,’ which aims at promoting and upholding his indigenous culture. In addition to his existing menu of delicious indigenous cuisine, Calvin will soon launch ‘Pepperpot Sunday’ with Lokono Cassava bread for his customers (photo courtesy of Calvin Roberts)
Sunday, February 6, 2022
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 06, 2022
Be vigilant,because COVID-19 is still with us
SINCE the COVID-19 vi- pandemic is, and what is rus arrived in our country our personal role in keeping just over two years ago, ourselves and others safe. over 1,175 persons (Chronicle file photo) have already died due to complications from the disease. As such, it is commendable that journalists and reporters have been doing their duty and responsibility in keeping the nation updated on all sides of the situation. The Ministry of Health, headed by Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony, has also been keeping the public informed of whatever is the latest situation, be it good or bad. At this time, none of us could claim not to be fully informed just how deadly this
We are all well aware of the principal COVID-19 protocols, which is to wear
masks that properly cover our mouths and noses. We also know that we should sa-
nitise our hands regularly by washing them properly with soap, or by using a liquid sanitiser. We have also been instructed to stay at least six feet from others on most occasions. Yes, our lives have been turned upside-down as we live a “new normal,” but we just have to do all that is necessary to keep healthy, as well as to ensure that we do not get the virus and pass it on to the elderly and the very young. It could be said that we - as well as the rest of the world - are fighting a war against the coronavirus pandemic and individuals must do whatever it takes not to become sick and die of the disease. There are already 1,175 fatal victims of the coronavirus in Guyana, as the number keeps increasing. There is some good news, however: more
persons are taking the vaccine, including the booster shot. There is a definite shift by many who previously were anti-vax, but who are now stepping forward and rolling up their sleeves. They now realise that as patriotic citizens, they can and should join in the war against the disease for their own good and that of their loved ones and even strangers. This is indeed a new way of life for Guyanese, who love to hug each other and be in close physical contact, sometimes even with those who are strangers. Many now practise even more, what Guyana’s national motto recommends, “To love my fellow citizens.” During this COVID-19 pandemic, we are expected to be more conscious of our civic duty and responsibility to our fellow Guyanese by observing all the COVID-19
shot. While that percentage is somewhat encouraging, the general feeling is that a higher percentage of the population should have already gotten the two shots and the booster as well. We are now within the second month of 2022 and the possibility is that Guyana may very well be out of the woods, so to speak, by the latter months of the year. That, however, would depend on citizens continuing to be disciplined and conscious of the ongoing
(Photo sourced from PAHO)
protocols and keeping the deadly virus at bay. Reports are that some 770,000 vaccines have been received from abroad and that 42 percent of the nation have already received their second
situation. Remaining vigilant and continuing to observe all the recommended COVID-19 protocols is vital. No relaxing whatsoever should be allowed.
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 06, 2022
‘Pepperpot Sunday’ - Local entrepreneur ready to take on any obstacle that comes his way
JUST when Calvin Roberts thought that he was well on his way to developing his small business, problems set in that would make it difficult for him to continue. The coronavirus pandemic also added last year to the stresses of running a new business. But Calvin was sure that he wouldn’t give up so easily. Having decided to launch ‘Calvin’s Indigenous Cuisine’ – Han-the Wako-tha-the (Come let’s eat), Calvin, who has roots in the Pomeroon, had to allow his business to go dormant for a while. The finances were just not there, and the idea on which he’d worked so hard had to be put on pause. “Finance is always a challenge when you’re starting up a business; the money to invest and execute our ideas. I had my fair share of it,” he told Pepperpot Magazine recently. But he is thankful that he had the sort of resilience needed to start right back up in January. “I am thankful that I was able to execute the idea I had, which is to promote and up-
hold my indigenous culture; one that I have seen is dying gradually. It has always been close to my heart to be an advocate for my indigenous people,” he shared. Although he had the business idea since 2018, he was only able to get started in September 2021, but the pressures of the ongoing pandemic put a damper on things. “Business was slow because many persons were adhering to the protocols, but the support was overwhelming. 2022 started off on the night note and looks bright,” he expressed. So far, Calvin is happy that Minister within the Housing Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, paid him a visit and supported his business. He is also glad about the support he’s been getting from others and from private businesses. “Calvin’s Indigenous Cuisine is all about reinforcing our culture, our heritage. As a first people in Guyana, I believe many times we are underrated, not seen as important. This is why I am happy that the business is back up. January has seen
Calvin has included Bush Cow Tuma and Farine Fried Rice with chicken in his menu.
Calvin was happy with Minister Rodrigues’ visit.
much growth,” he said. “It’s more than just a business for me. It’s about my love for my traditions and an appreciation of who I am as an indigenous young man. I am ready to pursue, go forward and face any obstacle that may come along this journey, because I believe I owe it to my Amerindian brothers and sisters,” he continued. Calvin is hoping to be one of the winners in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport’s Business Innovative Project. “If I am one of the persons to receive that $1M, the first thing I would do is to erect a benab restaurant at my home to accommodate more people. “Presently, I use my house
Calvin views his business as a way of preserving his indigenous traditions.
Pepperpot Sunday is on from today.
space and it can only accommodate so many people.” Now back in business, Calvin especially appreciates when customers preorder. He has included Bush Cow Tuma and Farine Fried Rice with chicken in his menu. In addition, beginning today, he will be launching ‘Pepperpot Sunday’ with Lokono cassava bread. “We also have our ancestors Black Gold cassareep all the way from the Pomeroon.” Operating from his Lot 515 Zeelugt North, East Bank Essequibo home, his menu includes cassava bread and tuma pot, labba, deer, wild hog, capybara, fish, walrus and chicken with beverages such as potato wine (Fly) and piwari.
“I always wanted to start my business at home, to embrace that uniqueness and pride that comes along. As my business progresses, I will then venture to where ever the need is great. It is about promoting and upholding the Indigenous lifestyle, culture and tradition,” Roberts had said. “I want to reintroduce or reinforce the importance of lifestyle modification, specifically diet modification,” he said, adding: “My cuisine seeks to promote healthy eating habits as we gear the Guyanese people to make a conscious decision to adapt[sic] a healthy lifestyle and thus increase the chance of their longevity.”
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 06, 2022
The rich culture of
Tassa drums
THOUGH originally stemming from Persian traditions, Tassa drums are a part of the rich legacy of Indian culture over the centuries. In Guyana, Tassa drumming is a beloved feature of many Hindu weddings and, over the years, have also been known to appear amidst an ensemble of other sounds at cultural events. The Pepperpot Magazine spoke with Rajesh Dubraj, who represents one of the leading Tassa drum groups in Guyana. He recalled how he became involved in playing the Tassa drum. “It was soon after the death of Bhaiji Ram, who was the religious leader of the Eccles Devi Mandir, and he was also the proprietor of the Tairam Little India Store, who recognised and supplied us with a set of Tassa drums and gave us terms to pay for it when we as a group would have played out,” Dubraj told the Pepperpot Magazine. He made mention of the fact that some 20 years ago, Tassa drumming was looked at as a “poor old man‘s culture” and Tassa drummers were mostly old men from across the country, who usually had to put up with poor accommodation and treatment when hired to perform for weddings. He also noted that most of these men, particularly older folk, were very reluctant to teach the art form to the youngsters for many reasons. Dubraj shared with the Pepperpot Magazine that after about five years as a group, he believes they have changed that narrative, raised the bar and brought the art form to a more meaningful entertainment package. “I first extended teaching time and days and venues. I also provided costumes from T-Shirts to midvan kurtas outfits,” Dubraj told the Pepperpot Magazine. According to Dubraj, there was a no-caps and no- slippers policy. “We would usually perform for churches’ cultural events for free,” he noted. During the interview, Dubraj said that 23 years ago as a musician in the Mandir and as a budding Chutney artiste, he decided to add to his repertoire of instruments (Tassa Drumming) and learnt to play with friends and students from the temple. “ During the period when the group was just emerging, we would only stay once per week at the Temple compound, but with discipline and dedication, the group quickly became popular and well known for its exquisite performances and high-speed entertainment act,” Dubraj told the Pepperpot Magazine The Tassa Drummer noted that after one year, people began to recognise the group for its ability and started booking and paying for them to perform at their events.
Rajesh Dubraj during a performance
According to him, regrettably, the group wasn’t able to perform at that time, because they were using the temple’s instruments. Dubraj has emerged from having a passion for Indian music and culture to being the leading Chutney artiste in Guyana and is also the lone artiste of that particular genre signed to the Kross Kolor label. A feature on the local artist from womex.com states that Dubraj has made his name “performing at many major events in almost every region in Guyana and has also touched a few regional territories, including Suriname, where he performed at CARIFESTA VIII and CARIFESTA IX in Trinidad & Tobago, representing Guyana in the arts of singing and Tassa drumming. One of his major performances was at the launching of the cellphone giant company DIGICEL in Guyana, where he shared the stage
with Grammy award winner Akon and the T.O.K, a male group of Jamaica. With a few of his original songs already released under the Kross Kolor label, Rajesh has been excelling tremendously, having won the 2004 and 2009 Chutney Soca Competition in Guyana and gradually managing to gain the position of being the Chutney sensation of Guyana.” Apart from tassa drumming, his talents include being a vocalist, Harmonium, Dholak player. Rajesh notesd that: “Everyone has their way of doing things; their own style and adds their own ‘flava’ and feel to make things more comfortable and far easier for them to do.” When it comes to Guyanese entertainment, Rajesh Dubraj has his own way of expressing and showcasing his talent.
Rajesh Dubraj and youngsters performing at an event at the National Stadium (Digicel stock photos)
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 06, 2022
Making Dora Village their home
One family’s contribution to a community’s development
IT was in 1942 when the late Charles Cornelius went to repair an old Anglican church building in Dora, a community bordered by Low Wood on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway, and the Demerara River. Little did he know that this job would result in life-changing circumstances for him and his family and contribute to the entire community’s development.
apparently fitting in so well with the people that he was asked to move there to help develop the area. The people in communities along the Demerara River had nowhere to worship, and John Fernandes Snr. (now deceased), who had two’ grants’ in the river, wanted to do something to help. So he arranged to take in scout groups from St Stanislaus College to assist
were able to make a significant difference in the lives of the people there. Fernandes bought land in Dora, used it for a bit and then transferred it to the Roman Catholic Church, which then started the mission in Dora. Paulina grew up in a convent, so when she went to Dora in 1942, she didn’t find it hard to begin teaching the little children from the riverine communities. Because
The Dora community can be found 47 miles from Georgetown by river and 20 miles from Linden (Delano Williams photos)
The intention was to complete his work and return home to Georgetown to his wife Paulina and their young children. But Charles was
in getting the church ready under Charles’ guidance. Paulina (also now deceased) joined her husband in Dora and together, they
there was no school in the area, she began helping out the families by providing some training and education to their little ones. Starting
Many people lived along the river at places like Endeavour, Clemwood, Yaruni, Tenaboo, Huradia, Silver Hill, and Dalgin
with just four children at her home, the numbers soon grew to the extent that she had no more space inside! By this time, Charles had already become the Roman Catholic catechist, and the bishop at the time invited Paulina to use the church building as a school since there was no other suitable building around. From then on, the St. Theresa Roman Catholic School developed into what is now Dora Primary with about 25 pupils.
Meanwhile, the church decided to begin giving Paulina a monthly stipend as she had worked as a volunteer for quite some time, depending on the fruits and vegetables that the kind parents and others would present to her. After becoming headmistress of the school, her husband joined her in teaching and eventually became the headmaster. The government would eventually take over the school and start to pay the
ly 1,500 feet away. But residents don’t seem to mind the quiet environment, although life was a bit more hectic back in the day. There is still no electricity in Dora, no GT&T signal (people depend on Digicel for cellphone use), and sadly, no police outpost or health worker. The Long Creek Hospital is the closest in the vicinity of Dora and a health worker in the past visited once a month. So just what would
Paddling a boat – a common scene at Dora
In those days, though, the school had many more children, as many as 80 at one point. This is because many people lived along the river at places like Endeavour, Clemwood, Yaruni, Tenaboo, Huradia, Silver Hill, Dalgin, and many others. Due to the absence of work and a secondary school, however, many people moved to locations with easier access to such.
teachers. Closest neighbour Dora, located six miles off the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, now has a population of about 300. The community can be found 47 miles from Georgetown by river and some 20 miles from Linden. The closest neighbour to the family visited in Dora could be found approximate-
happen in the event of an emergency? Folks would call a taxi from Soesdyke to come in and take them out, perhaps to the hospital or wherever they needed to go. It would cost them $5,000 or more to get out on the trail. Back in the day, doctors would ‘run’ the river and visit schools to give out medicines and help sick persons. They would SEE PAGE XII
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 06, 2022
The arduous pursuit of education
Defying the odds to secure a career By Telesha Ramnarine UNABLE to complete her high school education in Dora Village, Angeline ‘Ange’ Jones was 20 years old when she started her first job with the aim of pursuing her studies. She’d save her money to buy textbooks. Then, on her own, she would study. She did this for two years before enrolling to write CXC. Coming off successful with five subjects, she applied to become a teacher – the
only job that was available to her at the time. As much as ‘Ange’ enjoyed growing up in Dora with her nine siblings – playing hide and seek in the moonlight nights, swimming in the river, and taking long nature walks – there is no secondary school in the area, so she had to spend her teenage years working on the farm and helping her mom to sew. Even though her dream was to become a dressmaker
profession, Ange is With 14 years in the teaching gling many things jug UG, at ent stud ar t-ye now a firs at once
and designer, she had no choice but to settle for the teaching job. Now having spent 14 years in the profession, Ange taught for the first nine years in Dora before being transferred to Stella Maris Primary, where she currently teaches Grade Four. “Life in Dora is unique. Growing up there is nice and it’s still my favourite place. My dad was the main breadwinner of the family, being a farmer and woodcutter, and my mom helped to make ends meet with her sewing,” Ange shared in an interview with Pepperpot Magazine. Although the children were home after completing primary school, Ange’s mom, Shelley, made sure that education remained an essential part of their lives. “Because it was 10 of us, we had each other’s company day in and day out; people were living far apart. What was important in my family was education. It was something my mom made sure we did on a daily basis, whether we were at school or not. She made sure we did something every day; reading, spelling, tables.” There were always many books in Ange’s modest home. With no electricity in Dora, the children would read with the use of kerosene light or would spend hours talking and laughing among themselves. Ange especially loved working on the farm because it allowed her to be with her dad, Stephen, who was almost always there. “We planted eddoes and cassava, among other things. What was nice
was seeing how we could’ve reaped what we planted and then cook it. That was enjoyable.” Walking for Miles Having started to teach in Dora, Ange was hungry to learn more, so she applied to the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), where
Angeline Jones aback her home in Dora
out of Dora was not hard enough, getting transportation on the highway would be the next difficult thing. At times, Ange would spend hours waiting for a bus or just about anything to get her to Georgetown, so that she could attend classes. “Most mornings after travelling, my dad would meet me halfway along the trail with coffee and bakes and that would be my breakfast. For three years, I was walking that road every single week back and forth because I could not afford transportation and there were not many vehicles traversing the road. I’m glad to say that I conquered the challenge though.” Seeing Dora Develop
Ange, a mother of two, is still making great sacrifices in education. Now a first-year student at the University of Guyana (UG), she is finding it hard to juggle everything; to study, keep the house, and continue teaching at the same time. “My day starts at 5 in the morning and ends at midnight or after. I have to get one child The only photo she has of spending time on the off to school, and then farm after teaching, I have to hustle home for UG she was accepted. But at- classes online, which would go until nine some nights. After tending CPCE proved to be this, I still have my assignments to do and then prepare for one of the most challenging school the next day. From being an early sleeper every night, things for her. I had to adjust to all of this,” she explained. “One of my strugBut Ange can still see herself becoming a dressmaker gles was that once a week, I because it is still her goal. Apart from wanting her own home, had to walk five miles from she hopes to one day be able to return to living in Dora. The school in the afternoon to establishment of a secondary school in the area would signifireach the Soesdyke/Linden cantly help her in this way. highway and then walk back “I really would like to see Dora develop. When I say the day after attending class- develop, I mean have access to electricity and have proper es to reach back to school,” cellphone signal so that persons living there can have acshe recalled. This she did for cess to the internet. In this pandemic, online teaching and three years straight. learning teachers are not getting to access their studies As if walking that dis- from UG or CPCE; they have to travel to Georgetown to tance every week in and access same,” she pointed out.
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 06, 2022
Sand mining business in Dora looking at phased approach to expansion
By Telesha Ramnarine FOR the folks at Guiana Shield Resources Inc. – a 30-year-old family-owned company – expansion is definitely on the cards at its Dora, Demerara River location. But this will depend mainly on how the Coronavirus pandemic plays out. It’s not just about the scenic views for the staff of the sand mining business, but the quiet, peaceful environment makes for an enjoyable job. They hardly have any security fears on their minds while working and are instead more concerned about the scorching sun or the jaguars that might show up on occasion. In fact, they are quite sure that ‘Hero,’ a dog that hung around the area, was attacked and killed by two jaguars. The suspicion stems from the fact that Hero bore scratch wounds on its body shortly after the two animals were spotted around the area in the wee hours of one morning. Since this incident, they have been locking up the other dog so that concerns about tigers have not really been surfacing lately. “Last year, we saw two of them at night. We heard the dogs barking and thought it was thieves coming, so we pitched the flashlight and saw their eyes shining,” Navin Dinanath, an employee, shared with Pepperpot Magazine. Navin, who operates the heavy-duty machinery that
The scenic views at the business location in Dora are impressive
facilitates the loading of sand on ships that would come to the location, has been with the company for most of the time since its establishment in 2019. “I have been working with these people for a long time. The job isn’t hard; only the sun can get overbearing sometimes. I operate the Caterpillar machine to load the sand onto the ships that come to the wharf,” Navin explained about his duties. The ships would come to Dora every two weeks from Grenada, St. Kitts and other countries. “My boss, Daniel Shields, is adventurous, so he thought of opening up this sand pit,” Navin shared.
In fact, Shields and the team were looking to open this business since 1999 when they purchased the land. They had a long interest in doing this type of business, but things couldn’t materialise for one reason or another. The business offers employment to a few persons from the community, but Daniel has found the village folks to be more or less transient. Nevertheless, he tries to accommodate them as much as possible. In an interview with this publication, he said there are hardly any challenges that he can think of when running his business. “I initially did have concerns about security
Navin Dinanath operates the heavy-duty machinery that facilitates the loading of sand on ships (Delano Williams photos)
but none at this point. We have lights, generators; the business is strictly an export one,” he said. He feels that what would especially be nice is if persons in the community start-
up small businesses to sell greens and other produce. “But no one has done it as yet,” he offered. It can be noted that many farmers suffered severe losses recently with heavy rains and flooding,
causing the government to offer some relief. Shields has not been able to grow the business as quickly as he’d like, mainly due to the pandemic, but has plans to expand once the circumstances improve. “Expansion depends on how the business goes. What you’re seeing there is phase one. We have many different phases that we would like to do but given COVID; having a worldwide effect and directly affecting construction in the Caribbean, we haven’t been able to grow the business as quickly as we wanted to,” he explained. Even as he has noticed that business is definitely picking up and looking better, he prefers to take a phased approach to expansion. According to the company’s Facebook page, the Founder and Managing Director & CEO, Hilbert Shields is a Master’s degree level professional Geologist, trained in the UK and the USA.
Guiana Shield Resources at Dora, in the Demerara River
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 06, 2022
Raising 10 children was a breeze for Dora couple
By Telesha Ramnarine
STEPHEN Cornelius and his wife Shelley would leave their home in Dora at 04:30hrs and walk for six miles to the Soesdyke/Linden Highway, where they would catch the 06:15hrs ‘Tata’ bus to Georgetown. In those days – more than 40 years ago - there were no taxis to take them through the trail as they have now, so it would’ve either been to foot it or travel some 47 miles by river. The couple, who eventually became parents to 10 children, would have to
to be even more difficult as it meant that they would’ve now had loads to fetch. But it seems as if this couple did it all in a breeze. They remember these days as the happiest and said the walking provided the exercise they needed and helped them stay healthy. Now celebrating 46 years of marriage, there’s hardly anything that either of them would go back and do differently. They both are satisfied with how their lives have turned out. Shelley, 67, was born in Kwakwani but left her 14 siblings to live with another family in a community
The house in Dora where Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius raised their family
recalled during an interview with Pepperpot Magazine. Later, when he got older and went to farm down the river, he’d buy bread at the family’s residence. “I had other girlfriends,” he laughed, “But maybe this one and I meshed.” And that’s how it all started. Stephen did various jobs to look after his family while Shelley was a housewife who was quite talented with sewing and embroidery. There were hardly any avenues available for recreation so Shelley ensured the children had enough books and the radio. And that’s what kept their company most times. Perhaps it is why Stephen is hoping that the authorities will provide sports equipment at the school for the children there. The Trip to Georgetown With 10 children on hand to look after, the cou-
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen and Shelley Cornelius (Delano Williams photos)
often make the trip to do business in Georgetown and shop groceries for their family. As hard as it may seem to make the trek out, coming back would prove
along the Demerara River. “My mother used to supply the woman she lived with, with newspapers and would go to gaff, so I saw her since then,” Stephen, 75, fondly
Stephen reminiscing life in Dora with the Pepperpot Magazine
ple knew that it was essential to find someone to stay with them whenever they
had to come to the city. One day though, a miscommunication happened, resulting
in the children being left alone. When they returned, they saw their oldest son fetching water from the well to make tea for his siblings, having already made the fire. That’s when they thought that perhaps they didn’t need anyone after all to babysit. The children were careful and responsible, having been well trained by their parents. So they knew SEE PAGE XIV
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 06, 2022
A passion for teaching
Dora educator committed to her job and students By Telesha Ramnarine WHEN Joycelyn Joseph started as a teacher 25 years ago, there were many challenges to contend with in the education sector, especially in remote parts of the country. Today, when things are made easier with technology, she wishes that the children of Dora Primary School would have access to the internet! The 44-year-old Senior Assistant Mistress loves the pupils of her class and goes to great lengths to help them not just on the academic side of things but even beyond. She believes in listening patiently to the stories they share, which often provide great insight into their circumstances at home. Joycelyn, a mother of one, lives at De Cottage, a community along the Demerara River close to Dora. Each day, she’d use her engine boat to drive about 15 to 20 minutes from her home to the school. In an interview with Pepperpot Magazine a few days ago, Joycelyn, a mostly quiet, hardworking teacher, said she never
gets tired of her daily routine of travelling on the river. This, she shared, is mainly because she loves her job as a teacher. Such love moves her to go beyond just teaching the children. For example, if the classroom needs painting, she wouldn’t hesitate to do it herself. If the furniture or toilets need some cleaning, she wouldn’t necessarily wait on the school cleaner. “You have to love teaching,” she stressed, adding, “If you don’t love teaching and don’t have the patience; the tolerance, then you’ll give up.” She’s often seen this scenario play out before her very eyes, where some of today’s young teachers cannot keep up with the work involved in teaching because they simply do not love the job enough. “The young teachers are unable to manage with the work; maybe it’s too much for them or something. But you have to love it to continue in the profession,” she again mentioned. Teaching all of the subjects, Joycelyn has the help of four other teachers at the school. She especially likes to spend time with the younger
Dora teacher Joycelyn Joseph (Delano Williams photos)
Teacher Joycelyn loves
children because she said she learns a lot from them. “Some of the little children might speak of what’s happening at home. Many of them have a lot of home issues. You have to sit and listen to them. Sometimes I have to be a teacher to them, a social worker, a nurse, and everything else.” Internet Hub
The view from Dora Primary School
The student population of Dora is said to be too small to attract the attention of authorities so far as constructing a secondary school is concerned. This means that as soon as the pupils write their Grade Six exams, many of them will migrate to roadside communities where they can have easy access to a school. The pupils at Dora Primary have the benefit of textbooks, but Joycelyn feels that in this day and age, an internet hub in the area would do much more. “We want to be able to have the internet. We have textbooks, but the children are not able to look at videos and so forth. Sometimes they’re just reading the book but not getting it,” she explained. However, she noted that the challenges present today are nothing compared with what she had to deal with when she first started teaching. This is because there are no televisions, computers and phones to make life easier. Going to UG Joycelyn didn’t get the opportunity to attend the University of Guyana but she still thinks that there is time for her to do so. “I still think I can. You should never give up. I want to study education,” she shared. After her child completes Grade Six, she is hoping to be able to get a transfer SEE PAGE XIX to another school so that
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 06, 2022
I WILL ALWAYS BE YOURS
THE sun rose in the east, in its splendid golden hue - a new day born, the perpetuality of life. A soft voice hummed words of devotion as she poured water over the Shiva Lingam in her garden. It was a ritual for her early every morning to offer prayers to the Supreme Being she worshipped, before she left for work. “Mama,” a sweet little voice broke into her prayers. It was her son, Arun, standing just behind her in his Pokemon pyjamas, his hair tousled from sleep. “Yes sweetie?” she answered him adoringly and lifted him up so he could offer a little prayer to Lord Shiva. He was the one precious thing in her life that gave her the strength to walk the rough, thorny paths fate had designed for her, the poor girl she was.
“No market today, mama?” he asked, holding her face lovingly. “No,” she said and kissed his little hands, “It’s Sunday, the day I spend with you.” “Yay!” he laughed gleefully. She had a small food business at a market on the West Coast that was her income, having come a long way from housekeeping, home care and a cook to owning her own little business. It was something she had worked long, tiring hours to build for herself, unsure if help would ever come from her baby’s father. She had been four months pregnant when life at home with an unsupportive mother and evil step-father made her feel unsafe and forced her to leave; she sought refuge at a
help and shelter far away. After staying there for a while, she had left and worked as a live-in cook, so she could earn enough to rent a comfortable little place before her baby arrived. In her sixth month of pregnancy, a kind old woman from the mandir she attended reached out a helping hand that gave Shanti’s life a better form of stability. The comfort of a furnished bottom flat and a job at the lady’s snackette was like a blessing for her and close to two years later when the old lady migrated, she was given the opportunity to buy the snackette with a small loan. “One day, hopefully, I can own my own little home,” was her thought, “Something I can leave for my son, for his father’s mansion will not be his.” Many nights when she laid in bed, her body tired after a hard day’s work, her thoughts would go back to him, to his words imprinted on her mind. “I will always be yours, Shanti.” Those words, now, after four years, had a hollow sound, the love and blissful moments they shared, lost somewhere. “Why did you leave me, alone like this to suffer?” Four years of yearning and pain, just one part of him with her, his son. The first day she had seen him was the day when changes in life began for her and she had just turned eighteen. Her uncaring and opportunistic mother had found her a maid’s job in a wealthy businessman’s mansion because of the good pay and benefits the mother hoped she would reap. As a child, since her father’s untimely death, the mother had pushed Shanti into odd housekeeping jobs to supplement their home, denying her a proper education. Shanti had gone for the SEE PAGE XI interview with a nervous
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 06, 2022
I WILL ALWAYS BE... FROM PAGE X feeling, the quiet shy girl she was. The lady of the house was beautiful with the sophisticated class of a wealthy woman but with a strict unsmiling demeanour that drove a little fear in young Shanti’s heart. “You’re young,” she had said, “But your recommendations are very good.” She had looked at Shanti for a short moment and continued, “Seems as though you have been working as a maid from a very young age.” “Yes ma’am.” “So you don’t have a proper education?” “No ma’am.” “Your family background states widowed mother and three siblings. What happened to your father?” Before Shanti could answer, the lady asked with a tinge of disdain in her voice, “Alcoholism or suicide?” Those words felt like a stab wound in Shanti’s heart, the insults the poor had to so often hear, but she answered calmly. “No ma’am. He was a fisherman and he died on the high seas from a pirate attack.” “Oh, that’s sad,” she said, but not a hint of regret in her voice. She put down the application on her desk and shaking her head a little, said, “I was actually looking for a much older person to fill the position and though you’re too young, you have the experience and qualities I am looking for.” Shanti nodded her head slightly and waited patiently, not sure she was getting the job. The lady leaned back in her chair and thought for a long moment then she said, “I need a personal maid for my son who’s arriving back home soon. So I’ll hire you for a trial period and–” she paused, a serious look in her eyes, “I’ll be watching you closely.” “Yes ma’am,” Shanti responded, “Thank you,”
relieved she had gotten the job but somewhat scared of the lady. She began working knowing the difference between modern and antique furnishings, her deftness in cleaning and arranging his impressive wardrobe in perfect order impressed the lady. Her son, Raj, arrived two days later but he was on such a busy schedule that three days passed before she saw him. She was in the garden filling a basket with freshly cut flowers when on his way out he stopped the car and beckoned to her. She looked uncertain, not sure he was calling her when the gardener said, “Go, the young boss is calling you.” She walked up to the car, her legs weakened a bit with nervousness, seeing him for the first time. “What flower in that basket would make this day blessed?” he asked her. She handed him a peach hibiscus and he smiled just a little before driving away. “Gosh,” she exclaimed quietly, unable to stop herself from saying, “He’s so handsome.” She saw him for brief periods in the days and not always he called for her assistance but she always had to be there, his mother informed her, for whenever he needed her. So far, she had done everything with perfection and his mother watching her with sharp eyes could find no fault. One afternoon she was about to lay out an Armani suit for an official event when he walked in earlier than expected. He looked at the suit in her hands and nodded appreciatively, “I wouldn’t have thought of wearing that one but the event has been postponed so I’ll just need something casual for the evening.” “Yes sir.” He went out on the balcony talking on his phone as she laid out the clothes he requested and when he came back in, he said looking around, “This room has changed remarkably and has a nice refreshing scent. Is this your work?” She nodded, her shy-
ness evident and he smiled, “Great.” “Thank you, sir.” she said modestly. The next morning he stopped again for a flower and as she handed him a red hibiscus, he said, “You know what, I don’t know your name.” “It’s Shanti.” “Shanti, a traditional Indian name, I like it.” He drove off then stopped and reversed, “I’m Raj.” She smiled and said quietly, “The name of an Indian prince.” She was unaware of being watched from one of the balconies of the mansion and as she deftly arranged a vase of fresh flowers for the dining table, Raj’s mother approached her. “So what was that?” she asked in a somewhat sharp tone. Shanti paused in what she was doing and looked at the lady, a little perplexed. “What was what, ma’am?” “In the garden earlier.” “Oh,” Shanti answered unflustered, “The young sir asked me for a flower to bless his day.” The lady gave her a stern look and as Shanti continued with the arrangement she bemoaned to herself, “Being poor, it seems, is a crime for some people.” Raj, though, was different, along with a little smile and an appreciative tone. He called on her more often, even for the smallest of things like helping him knot his tie, and as his personal maid he took her sometimes to high-end stores and jewellery plazas to assist him in selecting the perfect gifts for birthdays and weddings. Then one day he suggested they take a short break for lunch at a cozy little restaurant. Shanti wasn’t comfortable as a maid, sitting there with her boss and noting her discomfort he asked, “What’s wrong?” “I-I should not be here, I’m just your maid.” He shook his head a little and said to her, “You’ve
been out since morning assisting me. Are you not tired and hungry?” “Y-yes.” “Good, so am I. So just relax and stop worrying about being a maid and enjoy the lunch.” It was the first time she saw a serious look on his face so she complied and did enjoy the lunch, not realizing how hungry she was. As she continued work-
ing for him, little things seemed to draw her close and every time he looked at her and smiled, she felt a strong feeling in her heart. It was something she didn’t quite understand and one day his mother called her in her office and informed her in a condescending tone, “My son is pleased with how you’ve been working and he seems to have taken a liking to you, but I do hope
XI you remember your place. You’re a maid and nothing more.” Shanti knew her place, she knew she was a poor girl from the dust of poverty and a rich boy from an elite family would pay no real interest in her. Could fate prove her wrong?. To be continued…
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Making Dora Village...
pick up the emergency cases and fly them to Linden. When it comes to economic activities in Dora, most people depend on farming, logging, charcoal burning, and sand mining, and many still use a fireside for cooking as they manage to get their own wood, perhaps wheelbarrowing it to their home. From page V
Many residents still use a fireside for cooking as they manage to get their own wood; perhaps wheelbarrowing it to their home
Noteworthy is the fact that quite a number of good farmlands are going to waste. The Palm Oil project, for instance, was started in 1970 but is now non-existent; the land remains vacant. Residents believe that the government can perhaps provide some form of incentive for people to work on the lands. Some of the residents of Dora recently benefitted from the government’s relief grants after heavy rains and flooding damaged their crops. A house in Dora
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Sleep Paralysis ANOTHER good topic suggested by an avid reader. While sleep paralysis is not directly a mental health illness, it can cause and be caused by such issues, it’s also something from which many of my clients have suffered at one point or another in their lives. Sleep paralysis is categorized as a type of parasomnia, which are abnormal behaviours during sleep. Have you ever felt as though you are awake but paralysed in your sleep - all at the same time? Sleep paralysis is a state whereby one passes just between the stages of sleep and wakefulness; meaning it typically happens just as you are about to fall into sleep or just about to wake up. It differs for some people, but many are conscious during these episodes, meaning they are aware it’s happening, but they cannot move or speak. Some people also feel a heaviness on their chests or the ability to normally breathe. While we usually think of being awake or asleep as clearly distinct, conditions such as sleep paralysis challenge these fixed boundaries. Basically, when we fall into a deep sleep, the body experiences a loss of muscle control known as atonia. This is what helps us not to physically act out our dreams or have deep movements in our sleep. When atonia depletes, people usually wake up and so are not aware of our loss of muscle control. However, some people consciously wake up during this sleep stage, where they are still experiencing atonia- hence the inability to physically move. If you’d like to do your own further research, as I mentioned, sleep paralysis occurs only at one of two times. If it occurs while you are falling asleep, it’s called hypnagogic or predormital sleep paralysis. If it happens as you are waking up, it’s called hypnopompic or postdormi-
tal sleep paralysis. While there still isn’t a great deal of research on it, scientists believe that about 8-10% of people experience sleep paralysis in their lifetimes. Episodes can last from a few seconds to around 20 minutes. The average length is between six and seven minutes. It can occur at any age, but typically, if you haven’t experienced it from early adulthood, the chances are rare that it will occur. If it sounds scary, that’s because it is; however, if though it may feel like it at the time, it is not life-threatening. There are two different types of Sleep Paralysisoccurrent, which is often linked to more serious sleep disorders such as narcolepsy or isolated sleep paralysis, which happens rarely and is dependent on personal factors such as lack of sleep or substance use. A few things can happen during sleep paralysis episodes. Atonia, as I mentioned, the inability to move, and an average of 75 percent of individuals also hallucinate during this time, which is typically what causes most of the fear. Hallucinations during sleep paralysis fall into three categories: intruder hallucinations, which involve the perception of a dangerous/scary person or presence in the room. Chest pressure hallucinations, also called incubus hallucinations, can incite a feeling of suffocation or Vestibular-motor (V-M) hallucinations, which can include feelings of movement (such as flying) or out-of-body sensations. Many people have also reported sounds such as humming, hissing, static or even voices, whispers and roars are also experienced. With regard to what causes Sleep Paralysis, there are a few theories that include genetic components, mental health issues such as stress or anxiety, disrupted sleep schedules, or just dys-
function in REM sleep. T h e r e a r e d i ff e r e n t theories based on cultural backgrounds as well. We’ve all heard about demonic possession or alien abductions. Well, most researchers believe sleep paralysis is what’s really going on in those situations. As regards treatment, sleep paralysis is not curable, but it is possible to manage the risk factors that trigger the condition. It’s called good sleep hygiene and includes: - Get good sleep! This means as many night-time hours as you can with as little distraction as possible before sleep - no tv or phone use at least an hour before attempting to sleep. - Maintain a consistent sleep schedule- going to bed and waking up at the same time every night/day. - Reduce alcohol and caffeine at night (or in general because you know, it’s just healthier) - Exercise at least two hours before attempting to sleep. - Incorporate a peaceful night-time ritual, which can include reading, meditation, yoga etc. - Do not nap during the day, as this affects your REM sleep which makes the episodes more likely to occur. - Try not to sleep on your back as studies have shown that there is a high correlation between those who sleep on their backs and those who experience sleep paralysis. If you are in the middle of a sleep paralysis episode, I know it can be very scary, but you can try to take control over the situation. Try to stay calm and concentrate on your breathing- remind yourself that what is happening to you is a physiological abnormality, nothing paranormal and it will not last much longer. Also, if you can focus on just making very small muscle movements, one at a time- a finger or toe. As the movement starts, the remaining muscles will respond faster and end the episode.
If you are experiencing recurrent episodes, as always, it would be best to speak to your doctor or a mental health professional about them, as these can be dis-
tressing, there may be a more serious underlying cause or the episodes themselves will incite anxiety and sleep deprivation. In these cases, medication and therapy are
often recommended. Thank you for reading and please continue to send column suggestions to caitlinvieira@gmail.com
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Raising 10 children was... FROM PAGE VIII exactly how to conduct themselves when they were alone in terms of safety and security. “We left them by themselves with strict instructions. We said if any ship is passing, just look from the window; don’t go outside or don’t go down to the river. Don’t play with
matches,” Shelley recalled. This does not mean, though, that they didn’t do the things typical of little children. “One time, they told us they pelted this bald head man with an Awara, and they were telling me as if it was a joke. They would come and tell me all the bad, mischievous things that they did when we were
away. So we were able to discipline them and show them out what bad they did.” Eventually, they too would walk to the highway and wait for their parents to help them fetch in the load. All of the children turned out well, with four of them being in the teaching profession. Even though they’re no longer living
with their parents, they’d ensure that they still contribute financially to the home and help to transport them in and out of Dora whenever they need to. Parental Guidance About eight of Stephen’s siblings live abroad in America and Canada. He’s been invited on occasion to travel but always declined, especially when his children were young. “I didn’t even consider leaving my family for a few months on vacation because I believed they
were in need of parental guidance; they were now growing up,” he shared. While many people left the community to pursue greater ambitions, Stephen was always looking for a way to get away from Georgetown whenever he had to be there. “The bright lights never got to me,” he said, adding, “Some people left for school and never returned. But I used to get away from town to come home. Now, everyone is going for the bright lights.” Shelley said knowing how to regulate her housework properly made it easy
to care for her 10 children. “It isn’t really hard, you know; it’s how you make it,” she said. “You just have to know how to set your housework. Mr. Cornelius would get up and light the fire, put the water to make the breakfast; I would go and wash the clothes early. Or I would wash in the afternoons and then hang out next morning.” By 10 am most days, Shelley would be finished with all of her chores. “If you know how to regulate your work, you can have a lot of free time.”
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How to protect your peace from the act of ungratefulness
I DISLIKE using the world “ungrateful” or “ingrate” in any given scenario, but sometimes, I can’t find any other adjective to describe some people. To say one is an ingrate, is to say they are unappreciative or unthankful towards you. You don’t mind doing things for people, especially when they’re in need, but it hurts to be taken for granted. My parents always told me to, “give without asking for anything in return.” I tend to stick to that statement, but I also remind myself that I should give and invest in those who will appreciate me, my time and my energy. We’re all built differently, and at the end of the day, we can’t expect people to act the way we always want them to. Nevertheless, we should draw clear boundaries and lines on what we expect of people. Your peace should be a priority of yours. You should protect your peace by investing in people and things that will show you respect and appreciation. It may be triggering when they show how unappreciative they are of you, but you can prevent that feeling or those triggers by staying away from people who may make you feel that way. The social and behavioural explanations of why these people behave the way they do may be because of the environments and ideologies that helped to foster their “growth” as individuals. A person may not know when they should show appreciation or gratitude towards you and what you’ve done for them, because they simply do not know any better. I know, the cry of ignorance is often everybody’s excuse for intolerable behavioural traits. Sadly, it’s often true. They were never shown gratitude or examples of it, so they simply don’t know how to be grateful. They were never taught how to appreciate rather than to hold expectations,
so they throw a fit when you don’t give them things they expect to have. The most unfortunate reality of being around people with behavioural traits like this is that you only exist to them when they need you. You give them all of what you have, whether it be financial help, emotional or mental availability. The minute you don’t have more to give, you’ll start seeing their true colours. You see, they really are when you are no longer beneficial to them. The truth is, you can give them the entire world and a bit of the universe and that will never be enough. In reality, it’s not you who is short of something—it’s them who have voids that can only be filled by themselves. The problem is that people are oftentimes ungrateful and sadly, many of us can’t stop being kind—no matter how hard we try. Don’t allow anyone to ever project that kind of ill-treatment, unkindness or unappreciation to-
wards you. We often speak about how we should give freely in society, but we don’t mention that it’s just as important for people to be compassionate and appreciative to others. You can be anything you want in this world, but I
plead with you - don’t be ungrateful. Show people you appreciate them and their efforts, and do not exploit their invitations of kindness.
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‘If you embrace journalism with your artistic sensitivities, you will have sleepless days’
BOTH my father and godfather are gone. They told me this when I told them that I liked to investigate issues the way that William Shirer did for his book ‘THE RISE AND FALL OF THE THIRD REICH.’ Except that my book would be on the Caribbean and Black American soldiers that were left out of the movie, ’THE LONGEST DAY.’ What were they talking about? Well, they knew that those platforms would be long gone by the time those opportunities would be open to my enthusiasms. In my conceit I had smiled
to myself back then, only to be rebuked again and again with maturity, by the solemn facts that I must close my eyes to, and must in many ways become another silent custodian of the hypocrisy of the so many. The subject of this column however is rooted in boyhood friendships, and based on these two friends and the world that held them together in an ad hoc way. Three years difference was not the total of their difference. The older boy could not read, he was rigidly bound by a stepfather who employed mechanisms
of employment from buying bottles to making coconut oil to other areas of copra production to sustain the rest of the family. The elder boy could most times not fit into the village party dress codes or the city fashions that bigger youth wore, who traversed from town to country for special annual functions. In this area he shrank away. The younger of the two grew with godparents that ensured that he was literate; by 12 years old, he had already covered Homer’s Odyssey and the Iliad. Nor did he, the older boy indulge in the highly argumentative exchanges
of comic books, that enveloped both boys and girls in some village cultures that were influenced by a Georgetown cultural presence, mainly road village shops. But there were village and national challenges that impacted nevertheless. This was the post-independence 70s, and new expressions on income had to be conceptualised and marketed to a generation rooted in just colonial formats of public service employment. From financed pioneer crews into co-operative societies, that
brought an understanding of Agriculture as business, both of the friends were enveloped in the “Kuru Kuru Agro-Industrial Young Settlers Co-operative Society” (KAYS). The younger one became in time the Secretary of KAYS while the older of the two indicated a calling for a specialist training Corps, which he invited the younger to, but the younger did not find it interestingly challenging enough to abandon KAYS. Neither of the two realised that Guyana would be enveloped and crushed by the
global oil crisis, including KAYS. By the 90s, the Politicians had lost grip of the economics of Guyana, and Norco businesses with its arsenals and directives had become relevant to issues along ethnic and economic lines were being drawn, the weaker politicians were dragged along, the nation gowned under the loss of law and order. The two Friends would be drawn together again. It is to this narrative that the disparity of justice will conceal See page XVII
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‘If you embrace journalism ... From page XVI what cannot be itemised, in the face of the public record, “if” that is what it can be called. The younger one stood before his older friend in the presence of his older friend’s bigger brother at the hospital. He looked at his younger friend and said, “look what they have done to me” his skin was lacerated with bumps. The younger friend turned to the older brother, who was a specialist himself and asked him a question. The elder brother looked at his brother’s younger boyhood friend and asked him, “Where did you get that from?” No exchange followed, then the
elder brother concluded, “If you were told that, then everything falls into place, everything”. It came home in a rush what my father and godfather meant by “Sleepless days” for there will be columns that can never be written, that the mind must find a way to absorb, and the artistic mind specifically must seek in literature, especially the equivalences in mythology, the constant, to be deceived. This narrative will not be visited again in the context of its journalistic pursuits and the content dealt with: but for some students who need to understand the impact of the “Oil Crisis on Guyana the following was
provided by a Diplomat. A- Desmond Hoyte-Guyana’s Economy -Selected Speeches B- World Bank Report 1991 C- INTERAMERICAN Development Bank Report 1991 D- TO SURVIVE SENS I B LY O R TO C O U RT HEROIC DEATH: 1965-85 BY Tyrone Ferguson E-Henry Jeffrey & Colin Barber- Guyana Politics, Economics & Society. There needs to be a sponsored academic work on the number by name of local companies that went out of business in that period
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A passion for ... FROM PAGE IX
they can attend secondary school and she too can perhaps use the time to attend university. She surely wouldn’t mind returning home to serve once she completes her studies. “Working in this area is nice. It’s very quiet, spacious; the air is fresh, and the scenery is great.” However, Joycelyn
cannot help but be bothered by the erosion happening in front of the school, along with other issues having to do with the school ceiling and wharf. She’s also hoping that the authorities will look into providing some more sports equipment at the school for the benefit of the children.
DGW 9897: DGW 9900:
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The services offered at the Rosignol Health Centre
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Guyana needs skills
THERE remains a flurry of reports on the ‘new Guyana’ that beckons. There is talk about the country’s economic growth and the massive spending proposed to develop the country and hopefully increase people’s standard of living. A crucial consideration in all of this, I believe, is an appreciation of the skills needed in our transforming state. Last week, I wrote about the value of integrating more trained teachers into the local education sector. This week, I want to expand that conversation a bit- focusing on the crucial need for skilled workers in the developing Guyana economy. Starting this weekend, more than 2,000 Guyanese are graduating from the University of Guyana (UG). I love reading about all of their stories. It warms my heart hearing about the meaningful ways they intend to contribute to our country’s development. Those stories made me think about what I would be doing once I complete my studies in another few months. Certainly, many of us picture ourselves as integral to the development of Guyana-especially now. But in a country that has long been dominated by migration of the “education people” (a phenomenon called “brain drain”), is there a demand for our skills? The answer is a resounding yes, I think. In a 2020 publication titled, “A pivotal moment for Guyana: Realising the opportunities,” the World Bank posited that human capital development is vital to both economy-wide productivity and individual social mobility. The bank, however, noted that higher education attainment is low and not well aligned with labour market needs.
Guyanese with higher levels of education tended to migrate too, the bank acknowledged. Consequently, the situation Guyana has been confronted by is a disconnect between the needs of the oil gas industry and the Guyanese workforce. This is no secret. Guyana’s dearth of technical knowledge in the oil and gas sphere has been well ventilated and belaboured. Importantly, though, this is where all of our tertiary-level pursuits are particularly crucial. We have the opportunity of positioning ourselves for the emerging opportunities in oil and gas, certainly, but also in all of the other developing sectors (which may very well be every single sector). To this end, there are also welcome developments that encourage our efforts. For example, knowledge transfer- that SEE PAGE XXXIX
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Hope Foundation giving hope to young women in Bartica
WE have good and great times, but my weekend in my hometown exceeded that. This is the first trip to Bartica since my foster dad Allan John’s funeral. I know the year is young, but this is one of the best weekends I have had. Creating invaluable memories with family and friends contributed to every precious second. We are a close-knit family and always shared love which built a strong foundation. My cousin Shenella’s cooking is second to none and maybe it is a good thing I don’t live there anymore, because I would be twice the size I have, lol. It is impossible to go home and not go to the river, especially early in the morning to enjoy the sunrise then have breakfast at the beach. I saw one of my school friends Shelly from primary school, and we had a lot to talk about. Nurlene Jones and I were in the same class at high school, but we had not seen each other since then and we both were happy when we met on Saturday. One of the highlights of my trip will certainly be dining with my high school buddy Chris and his family at Sunset Boulevard, which is a beautiful restaurant owned by my friend Tani. I will amplify more on that next week, because I need to get to the main reason for going home. Pastor Ivor Melville had invited me to the launch of the “Women’s Empowerment and skills training Project,” sponsored by IOM and UNAIDS, but I had other commitments and promised that I would attend the graduation. That was another reason the weekend was exceptional. I was invited to give the key address, which was an honour. . The eight-week project, which focused on providing empowerment sessions in small-business management
available to attend some of the other classes due to my passion for learning. I was privileged to have a great group of participants that [sic] came with the intention to learn at my classes made it easier for me to flow smoothly with them and they were all excited and willing to get their tasks done. Their interest had encouraged me to
and cosmetology, was implemented in Bartica for women and girls. I was pleasantly surprised to see almost half of the class is Spanish-speaking. A large number of Venezuelans are in Region Seven, and I think it is a good thing that the young ladies are trying to get themselves together for business and work. We can learn from each other, and another language is an asset. This quote by Natalie Portman came to mind as I observed the young ladies interacting: “Our generation has the ability and responsibility to make our ever-connecting world a more hopeful, stable and peaceful place.” Former Regional Chairman and Consultant for this project said It was indeed a pleasure sharing and interacting with the participants. “The Venezuelan participants were able to benefit
from the services of interpreters, hence they too were able to learn as well as share in the classes; feedback was very encouraging from both sets of participants. Some of the topics covered include: How to start a business How to introduce yourself professionally How to make a professional phone call How to present yourself for an interview How to write an application. The project was deemed a success by the many participants. The 40 women who were trained are filled with enthusiasm and eager to start their self-development. Jo Anna Mc Kenzie is a young businesswoman in Bartica and one of the facilitators for this project. “I enjoyed the entire programme as a trainer and student because I made myself
expand my teaching ability to the very best of my ability and experience.” Many are looking forward to starting their own small businesses, like Jo Anna seek employment, or pursue advanced studies. “The project has brought the women and girls to a new horizon and has created an impact in Bartica for many
other young women, who are now asking about additional training. The very motivational keynote address delivered by Dr Sonia Noel, who, being a Bartican, has exhorted an influence on the minds of those who attended the certification ceremony. It has SEE PAGE XXIV
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Afraid of the dentist?
IF you fear going to the dentist, you are not alone. Between nine percent and 15 percent of persons visiting my private clinic for example, state that they avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety or fear. All dentists expect their patients to feel some degree of apprehension in the dental chair, which is quite normal. People with dental anxiety always have a sense of uneasiness about an upcoming dental appointment. They may also have exaggerated worries or fears. However, dental phobia is a more serious condition that leaves people panic-stricken and terrified and this condition is by no means normal. People with dental phobia are aware that the fear is totally irrational, but cannot do much to change this. They exhibit classic avoidance; they will do everything possible to avoid going to the dentist. People with dental phobia usually go to the dentist only when forced to do so by extreme pain. Other signs of dental phobia include trouble sleeping the night before a dental exam; feelings of nervousness that escalate while in the dental office waiting room; crying or feeling physically ill at the very thought of visiting the dentist; intense or uneasiness at the thought of, or actually when objects are placed in your mouth during the dental appointment, or suddenly feeling as if it is difficult to breathe. What Causes Dental Phobia and Anxiety?
There are many reasons why some people have dental phobia and anxiety. Some of the common reasons include: * Fear of pain. Fear of pain is a very common reason for avoiding the dentist. This fear usually stems from an early dental experience that was unpleasant or painful, or from dental “pain and horror” stories told by others. Thanks to the many advances in dentistry made over the years, most of today’s dental procedures are considerably less painful or even pain-free. * Fear of injections or fear the injection won’t work. Many people are terrified of needles, especially when inserted into their mouths. Beyond this fear, others fear that the anaesthesia hasn’t yet taken effect or wasn’t a large enough dose to knock out any pain before the dental procedure begins. * Fear of anaesthetic side effects. Some people fear anaesthesia’s potential side effects, such as dizziness, feeling faint, or nausea. Others don’t like the numbness or “fat lip” associated with local anaesthetics. * Feelings of helplessness and loss of control. It’s common for people to feel these emotions considering the situation – sitting in a dental chair with your mouth wide open, unable to see what’s going on. * Embarrassment and loss of personal space. Many people feel uncomfortable about the physical closeness of the dentist to their faces. Others may feel self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth or possible mouth odours. Should I talk to my dentist about my dental phobia? Absolutely! In fact, if your dentist doesn’t take your fear seriously, find another dentist. The key to coping with dental anxiety is to discuss your fears with your dentist. Once your dentist knows what your fears are, he or she will be better able to work with you to determine the best ways to make you less anxious and more comfortable. Sometimes the dentist’s technique to have you cooperate may even include the appearance of his/her being forceful. If lack of control is one of your main stressors, actively participating in discussion with your dentist about your own treatment can ease your tension. Ask your dentist to explain what’s happening at every stage of the procedure. This way, you can mentally prepare for what’s to come. Another helpful strategy is to establish a signal – such as raising your hand – when you want the dentist to immediately stop. Use this signal
whenever you are uncomfortable, need to rinse your mouth, or simply need to catch your breath. You should always bear in mind that your treatment
is for your benefit and not the dentist’s . The dentist’s role is to help you overcome your fear as much as possible, but the final decision is always yours if you are an adult.
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Hope Foundation giving hope... FROM PAGE XXI
created a paradigm shift for many who see her as a positive role model for women and girls who are seeking to attain the self-confidence and to become the best version of themselves.” Hope Foundation is an agency based in Bartica with reach throughout Region Seven, (Cuyuni/ Mazaruni). This agency focuses on providing quality community-based health, social and youth-friendly issues, skills training. Has done extensive work in providing educational programmes, skills training, HIV counselling and testing, and other services to a wide target audience, including miners, loggers, women and Vulnerable Populations in Bartica and hinterland communities of Region Seven ‘IOM, together with our UN counterparts, seeks to establish partnerships to support initiatives for women’s empowerment and development. This initiative presented opportunities for vulnerable women to receive basic skills, and coaching to become entrepreneurs. We would like to emphasize that there are no limits to what women can do. Their accomplishments must be celebrated, whether in the family, workplace, or society,”said IOM National Project Manager Shayla Fields, who was in attendance. Mr Kenneth Williams and former Regional Vice-Chairman Olinda Griffith were also at the graduation ceremony I must comment that the Hope Foundation, under the leadership of pastor Ivor Melville and the donor agencies for this and other meaningful initiatives that add to our human resource in my hometown. I am looking forward to going back soon to collaborate with the Hope Foundation, to add much-needed value to the young ladies in Region Seven. Let’s all look at the various communities and identify how we can contribute positively as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey BEYOND THE RUNWAY.
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WAY OPEN TO JOIN OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY WORKFORCE OR BECOME A SUPPLIER OF GOODS AND SERVICES THE advent of oil and gas industries in developing countries has always been accompanied by positive and negative impacts. The main positive impact is that those societies for the first time in their history, have earned quantities of wealth never before imagined. The negatives are many - the new wealth is squandered in aimless consumption and the economic base of the country is neglected; and when the oil reserves are exhausted, the country is again afflicted with poverty, or the new oil wealth engenders corruption among government personnel, including politicians; or it could fuel inflation, bringing hardship to the citizenry; or the oil companies could unfairly exploit the country. If however, a country has the will, it could limit and eliminate these negative impacts. One of the most important of such negatives is the characteristic of oil companies and their subcontractors to use only foreign goods and services and a foreign workforce, thus depriving Guyanese of involvement in the industry and a source of income. The state, rather belatedly, has taken measures to ensure that the oil companies engage Guyanese workers and source goods and services locally through the Local Content Act. All the political parties are agreed on this goal, though they differ in methodology, and the fundamental reason for this difference is that different models are inspiring them. Lawmakers in Guyana are aware that local content legislation is something new to the Guyanese experience and so have thoroughly studied the laws and experiences of a large number of jurisdictions and have engaged foreign expertise to advise on formulation of the local content law. But since there could be no absolute certainty with the full efficacy of any model, the law makes provision for easy amendments and all stakeholders’ participation, including the political opposition. A Local Content Secretariat has been established, with responsibility for two registers. The first register will cater to individuals seeking employment in the oil and gas industry. The second will detail businesses interested in providing goods and services for the sector. Excerpts from the Master and Annual plans of the oil companies will be made and these will guide young people who may wish to make careers in the industry, as well as Guyanese companies to gear themselves to meet the goods and services requirements of the companies. These registers and excerpts will be placed on the Ministry of Natural Resources website. The law reserves just over 40 activities of the industry where there must be Guyanese participation, ranging from 100 percent downwards. Such activities will include rentals of accommodation, legal services, insurance, accounting, procurement of food supplies, and hiring tradesmen such as welders, masons, carpenters, etc. Guyanese companies would be able to link up with foreign companies so as to access technology that is not available in Guyana. The law also prevents foreign companies from trying to pass themselves as local. Employment in the industry is reserved for Guyanese citizens and their offspring and this allows Guyanese in the diaspora to participate in the industry. Though it is well known that the oil companies would prefer to employ whom they wish and source goods and services from foreign suppliers, the Local Content Law prohibits this and the companies See page XXVII know they will have to act with-
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World Wetland Day 2022 – Wetlands in Guyana
This week we will continue to look at wetlands in Guyana, focusing on the benefits and values of wetlands and the need for conservation. We will also examine the North Rupununi wetlands, which exists here in Guyana.
Wetlands can be best described as fresh, brackish or salty bodies of water, which can vary from large lakes to ponds, swamps, peatlands and bogs, slow streams, lagoons and estuaries. They also include ditches, water races, mining pits
and hydro lakes. Wetlands are very important and dynamic ecosystems. They support unique plants and animals which interact with each other and the wetland environment to obtain the things they need to survive. As conditions change, the wetland as a unit changes and so do the types of animals and plants they support. The value of wetlands Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the world, comparable to rain forests and coral reefs. They support numerous species from all of the major groups of organisms – from microbes to mammals. In fact they are home to more animal and plant species than any other type of habitat! The value of a wetland and the services it provides depends on a complex set of relationships between the wetland and the other ecosystems in the watershed. Wetlands provide a number of ecological services. They serve as nurseries for freshwater and marine fish and store and purify water. Wetlands also replenish ground water and store carbon. They retain nutrients and sediments and also support a wide range of animals and plants (bio-diversity). Because water drains into wetlands they play an important role in flood control. Wetlands are also of significant benefits to society as they offer spaces for recreation and tourism opportunities, and creating jobs and income-generating and leisure activities. They also provide food for people and a place for them to practice some cultural traditions. Transport and research services are also provided by wetlands. North Rupununi Wetlands in Guyana The North Rupununi wetland system is one of the largest wetlands in Guyana, which encompasses an area of 22,000 hectares of periodically flooded savanna and forest. These wetlands are dominated by the Rupununi, Rewa, and Essequibo Rivers, and include over 750 lakes, ponds and inlets! Uniquely, the North Rupununi Wetlands is a portal between two major river basins, the Amazon and the Essequibo. Seasonal flooding allows aquatic wildlife from one river system to mix with the other resulting in this huge diversity of wildlife. Over 450 species of fish have been recorded in the area, leading to estimates of up to 600 species for the larger wetland system. This is the highest fish diversity in the world for areas of similar size. The wetlands are also home to Guyana’s endangered giants, which in turn supply a food chain to these endangered species such as the Black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger), Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), Giant River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa), and recovering populations of the largest freshwater fish in the world, the Arapaima (Arapaima gigas). Importance of the North Rupununi Wetlands The North Rupununi Wetlands plays a crucial role in the lives of approximately 5000 residents in the area’s 16 primary communities. The rivers and waterways act as the main transportation routes and sources of drinking water. Water-loving palms and other vegetation are used for housing, craft making, traditional medicine and food. Additionally, fish represents a major source of protein in local communities, while other wildlife species of commercial and subsistence value depend on the wetlands for survival. The North Rupununi wetlands also feature a prominently indigenous culture and folklore, and have significant aesthetic value, serving as a primary place of recreation for local residents. North Rupununi wetlands resources were respected and managed by the communities themselves through their own traditional systems. However, over time many of these tradiSEE PAGE XXXIX
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WAY OPEN TO JOIN OIL AND... From page XXV in the parameters of the law. The recent remarks by Mr Alistair Routledge, President of ExxonMobil Guyana, shows that the positions of the oil companies and Guyana now coincide: “I am a firm believer - as is the position of Exxonmobil- that Guyanese should not only benefit from revenues which come from oil and gas, but should play an active role in the development of the resource as well. . As the company advances its operations and explores new projects, it views the involvement of
the Guyanese workforce and suppliers of goods and services as crucial”. . . Mr Routledge then gave a word of advice to Guyanese: “Local suppliers need to enhance their skills and capacity by forming small partnerships with foreign companies, which will transfer critical skills and technology. . . This needs to be a win-win dynamic for local and international companies. International companies need to feel welcome and be able to generate some value for their investment in technology and knowledge transfer… Just as other countries with large
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or growing energy sectors, Guyana will need stable rules that facilitate large-scale investments and set priorities and outline achievable targets for the industry.” Guyanese should seize with alacrity the opportunities rolled out by the Local Content Law, since the companies are beginning to recruit workers and are procuring goods and services in an increasing crescendo. If anyone finds difficulty with the computer and website, they could approach the Ministry of Natural Resources for help.
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THOUGHT FOR TODAY
I am the family face ; Flesh perishes, I li ve on. THOMAS HARD (1840-1928) Hered Y ity
February 06, 2022 STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Welcome, dear friend. We know that the third stage of short story writing – revision - is deterring to those who admire their first frantic efforts. They
resist reconsidering them. Their impression of revision is indistinguishable from destruction. But all drafts have flaws, students; never deny the usefulness of an objective eye. Ensure your handiwork is devoid of errors in grammar and flow. Discontinue the ‘plan, draft, submit’ mentality. Persist in hammering out those draft flaws. Be wise. Love you. THE PASSAGE Instructions: Read the following passage carefully and then answer items 1-7 based on what is stated or implied. For thousands of Americans of all ages, panic disorder, with frequent episodes of panic attack, is a common occurrence. A panic attack can be described as a period of intense fear and discomfort, generally lasting 10 to 15 minutes, in which the person experiences a wide array of physical and emotional stressors. Although generally treated with medications, biofeedback may offer some relief. Biofeedback is a process in which monitoring equipment is used to recognise and eventually control the physical changes in body activity associated with panic attacks. Most often employed are monitoring units that depict changes in skin temperature, heart activity, brain wave patterns, and muscle tension through a flashing light or beeping sound. Once the affected person learns to recognise abnormal from normal levels of activity, he or she becomes increasingly able to consciously “adjust” these activity levels downward, thus relieving the intensity and duration of panic attacks. Practitioners of biofeedback report that despite its effectiveness in moderating the severity of attacks, the mechanism by which it functions is not fully understood. (“Treating Panic Disorder with Biofeedback” from Achieving Psychological Wellness in Understanding Your Health) Something to Do Questions 1. In paragraph 1, what common health occurrence is cited in the American society?
2. In as few words as possible tell what paragraph 1 is saying to the reader. 3. The first sentence in paragraph 2 uses the term “monitoring equipment.” What do you understand by this term, generally? Name two other monitoring equipment in common use around the world. 4. The first sentence in paragraph 2 primarily states a process. What is a process? When would feedback be called ‘biofeedback’? Explain ‘bio.’ 5. The monitoring equipment recognises the physical changes in body activity except: (A) in skin temperature. (B) in brain wave patterns. (C) in eye activity. (D) in muscle tension. 6. What two particulars should the patient be able to do eventually to help relieve the intensity and duration of panic attacks? 7. Give in your own words the report on biofeedback by practitioners. GRAMMAR Some Tightening up on Punctuation: Capitalisation Capital letters make words distinctive. You already know that proper nouns (the names of specific persons and places) are capitalised. To help complete your understanding of when to capitalise proper nouns, we now attend to capitalising names of specific things. Organisation Names. You are to capitalise the names of specific companies, associations, societies, commissions, schools, political parties, clubs, religious groups, and government agencies and bureaus. Rosemary Area Graphic Arts Company, Association of Young Women Publishers, Georgetown Arts Council, The Nurses Service Commission, Brilliant Sunshine College of Applied Arts and Technology, Conservative Party, Broadside Dominoes Club, Dr. Stillholm’s Quick Weight Loss Clinic, Royal British Mounted Police Names of departments in your own organisation are usually capitalised unless they are preceded by a word other than the. Names of departments in organisations other than your own are not capitalised. Look carefully
here, now. Accounts Department BUT our accounts department Steel Manufacturing Division BUT every steel manufacturing division Product Names. Capitalise the names of commercial products such as Pepsi-Cola, Softies, and Irish Spring. But do not capitalise the common nouns that identify the general class of the product. Irish Spring bath soap, Softies tissues, Whirlpool refrigerators. Historical Events and Documents. Capitalise the names of historical events or historical periods, specific treaties, bills, acts, and laws. The Berbice Slave Rebellion, Confederation, Combines Investigation Act, National Nurses Week. Holidays, Months, and Days of the Week. Capitalise the names of Holidays, months, and days of the week: Labour Day, Guyana Day. But do not capitalise the names of seasons – winter, spring, summer, and fall or autumn. Something to Do Capitalise the words that must be capitalised. Which words should not be capitalised? If there is nothing to fix, say OK. [See Key below this practice exercise.] 1. Mary sue will be attending the university of guyana beginning next september. 2. One of our Country’s favourite holidays is Christmas. 3. Henry, the supervisor of the weapons staff, is a member of the sniper club. 4. The St. Vincent government printing office offers these brochures at low prices. 5. After Mr. Seymour was graduated from All Saints high school, he attended Newbridge community college. 6. During the intermission we will serve pepsi and coffee. 7. For two weeks only we will have a special sale of local fruits, vegetables and lunches. [KEY: 1. Sue, University, September; 2. country’s; 3. Sniper Club; 4. Government Printing Office; 5. High School Community College; Pepsi; 7. OK.]
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Guyana needs ... FROM PAGE XX is, foreign companies passing on the ‘know-how’ to locals-is embedded in this sector’s policies and laws. We also have carve-outs in the Local Content law to guarantee that Guyanese can secure some business in the nascent sector. Policy aside, investment in skills development signals a recognition of the importance of many more Guyanese being trained. In Budget 2022, for example, $420.5 million has been allocated for training 1,000 workers in a wide range of areas for the oil and gas sector. This programme is expected to continue into the medium-term, allowing up to 4,500 persons to be trained over the next four years. There is a wider thrust on skills development outside of this focus on oil and gas. This is evidenced by the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme, which is part of the government’s plan to provide 20,000 scholarships to Guyanese. Through this, those thousands of Guyanese are expected to learn new skills that will enable them to meaningfully contribute to the country’s development. Of course, it is one thing to become skilled and it is an entirely different conversation to find a market for those skills. Certainly, rapid development in Guyana has led to the emergence of greater and even new-found demands for certain skills and competencies. Still, there must be a concerted effort at matching people’s skills with opportunities-whether that may be in providing jobs or facilitating their entrepreneurship. And last week, during the budget debate, this was a crucial point raised. Opposition parliamentarian Tabitha Sarabo-Halley pointed out that unless properly planned, the distribution of the scholarships will result in many becoming skilled and qualified, but being unable to find jobs. Taking this into consideration, it is important to note that Minister of the Public Service Sonia Parag said that a National Human Capacity Needs Assessment will be conducted, to guarantee that local labour market needs are met by facilitating training in those needed areas from now. This discourse from both parliamentarians evidenced that there is indeed a need for skills now. I hope that this crucial consideration continues to guide policy development and investment in the years ahead. 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
World Wetland Day ... FROM PAGE XXVI tional systems have weakened and many Wetland resources, particularly fish, have begun to show the strain of overuse. The challenge now is to re-establish community-based management of local wetlands resources, and work with communities to improve resource monitoring, management planning and decision-making. The North Rupununi Wetlands Project has taken up this challenge. The North Rupununi Adaptive Management Process or NRAMP is a decision-making tool which individuals, communities and institutions can use to develop plans to manage day to day livelihoods activities and natural resource management scenarios. The process uses the learning cycle which forms the basis for every decision and action that we make and enact in our everyday life. This course aims to strengthen the capacity of community members to understand the North Rupununi Adaptive Management Process in order to develop suitable adaptive strategies for management of natural resources and community livelihoods within the North Rupununi. You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications Department, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@ gmail.com, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
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