Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot E-Paper 06-03-2022

Celebrating Guyanese women championing sustainability International Women’s Day 2022

Euliene Watson is the Technical Officer at the Ministry of Natural Resources. With over 30 years experience in mining, Watson believes that if a sustainable future is to become a reality, there is a need for the inclusion of women in the mining policy development and climate change (Delano Williams photo)

Kiefer Jackson switched paths from the legal profession to focus on a career as an environment and sustainable development activist. Now, she is using her background in law to contribute to environmental justice. Among her many accolades includes recognition by the Global Environment Fund as one of the 10 young persons worldwide working to create positive environmental change (Delano Williams photo)

Sunday, March 06, 2022

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 06, 2022

‘Go for it, girl’ More inclusion of women in decision making if sustainability is to be realised

TUESDAY, March 8, is being observed as “International Women’s Day” worldwide, and this year’s observance is being celebrated under the theme “Gender Equality today for a Sustainable Tomorrow”. The theme aims to shed light on women worldwide who are working in areas of climate change and the environment and are leading the charge on issues related to climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response, to build a more sustainable future for all. The Pepperpot Magazine spoke with Euliene Watson, one of Guyana’s women miners who has been involved in the extractive industries profession for well over 30 years. Watson, who is the Technical Officer at the Ministry of Natural Resources, shared in-depth her perspective regarding women in the mining industry, as sharper focus is being brought to bear, regarding her functionality in a male-dominated world. According to Watson, in Guyana right now, according to the Mining Act, women still aren’t allowed in certain areas. She noted that the concept of “Gender Equality” needs to really be looked at and should be one that allows women

to do work. “I always remember when I graduated, and I asked about it, and I was told then as a professional that you would go in a different capacity, but to me, that stems out of a barrier… A man, John Public, decides that he wants to get into mining, and he applies. Nothing stops him. A woman, Mary Jane Public, applies, and if there is a chauvinist box, the employer would say, ‘While I would love to employ, I can’t because the law says…’ hence the concept of gender equity, I believe is an area that needs to be addressed even from the Mining Act that allows you to do work,” Watson told the Pepperpot Magazine. She believes that when it comes to the issue of sustainable development, women are more cautious, hence the tendency to not rush into things, which ultimately produces a more balanced view or perspective of an operation. Since women are now allowed a say in the mining world, there is a holistic approach regarding the issue of climate change. Therefore, according to Watson, if a sustainable future is to become a reality, there is a need for the inclusion of women in the mining policy development and climate change. Women Miners as trailblazers Watson recalled after studying Mining Engineering at the University of Guyana in 1986, after 30 years of being involved in the mining industry, there is still only one other Guyanese woman who has done mining engineering. As a tribute to her credit, she is the only woman in Guyana currently who has studied mining engineering in Guyana. “For most of my career, I have had to deal with a lot of chauvinistic men who felt that I shouldn’t be part of their male dominated profession. I have had a few who stood by me and because of them, I was able to persevere. But the majority of them weren’t, and not only the professional people, the miners of themselves to a large extent never took me seriously,” Watson recalled to the Pepperpot Magazine. She noted that she built a resolve over the years as a professional mining engineer that no one can take her knowledge from her. In fact, she has made a resolve to stand as a learning incubator to share her knowledge. Watson noted that as an advocate for the benefits of oil and gas training in the education sector, Guyana needs the human resources firstly to drive the sector as a developing nation and qualified human resources for the sector to function at its peak. Thus, in that light. according to Watson, sustainability can be

used now for the better and the future. Overcoming challenges as the lone female in the profession “I think you have to respect yourself because if you don’t, no one else will. There is much being said about sexual harassment. I have never had to deal with that. One of the reasons I have never had to deal with it is because I call you

Technical Officer at the Ministry of Natural Resources, Euliene Watson believes that women should be included in more decision-making positions in the mining sector, as they can contribute significantly to policies relating to sustainability

out,” she told the Pepperpot Magazine. Watson was sure to warn, though, that a woman alone in the field is an opened target. She underscored the challenges that women faced being alone in the fields; the issue of robbery, sexual molestation and harassment are critical areas that warrant concern. Watson strongly believes that there’s a need for an equal number of women who are at the helm of decision-making and policy implementation regarding the mining industry. “What I would say to women who are going into this field, consider it carefully. Know if this is an area where you want to operate, because it will be being away from family and built-up areas where there’s family support and so forth. But once you decide that this is what you want to do, I’ll say ‘go for it, girl’, but be cognisant of the fact that it has its challenges,” Watson told the Pepperpot Magazine. Message to Women in the industry “I believe we can be all we want to be. There is really no barrier that stops us once we are willing to put in the effort and be aware that there are barriers, and we are willing to cross those barriers. I believe that there is a reward at the end of the day. It is still an uphill battle but [it takes] perseverance, and it is always good to have a mentor that helps you through difficult times,” Watson encouraged and advised the women miners.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 06, 2022

Leading the charge towards a cleaner environment

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Kiefer Jackson, activist for the environment and sustainable development KIEFER Jackson well as the administrative ognised last year by has always been the Global Environaspect of the organisation. passionate about “In the last few years, I ment Fund as one of focus that the world is being a change have been able to mesh my of the 10 young persons now looking at. It’s not as agent and hence legal background and the worldwide working to cretalked about, but it’s bedecided that pursuing the field of law would help her achieve this. She was well on her way studying law, even spending some time with a law firm. Having observed firsthand the “non-glamourous” side of the profession, though, she decided that making a career change might be the best decision. With her Bachelor’s Degree in Law and her Master’s in Corporate and Commercial Law, the 28-year-old came pretty close to doing the type of job that she’d always dreamt about as a child. “I veered off that path to some degree after spending some time with a law firm. Kiefer has always wanted to be a voice for less fortuIt exposed me to the nate ones practical side of law; the non-glamorous side if though I stuck to the path of ordinator for the Caribbean you want to say, and I re- law, from the time I entered Youth Environment Network alised that I didn’t want to the organisation, the wheels in Guyana and Chief of Staff practice,” she told Pepper- in my head were turning for the Partnership Initiative pot Magazine in an online as to how I could integrate for Sustainable Land Manwhat I do with what I found agement (PISLM), Kiefer interview. manages the technical and So when she completed as a new passion.” Now the National Colegal aspect of things, as her LLB, she had a choice to make. “I reconKiefer was recognised for her work last year by the Global Environment Fund sidered my career path and did my Master’s instead in environment. I use my ate positive change in the coming a hot topic. I will be Corporate and Comlegal training for the environment. She was the working more in this area mercial Law. That purpose of facilitating only person chosen from for 2022.” was a very fulfilling any legal transactions the region. “I think I was She is encouraging othexperience.” and I also manage the chosen because I’ve been ers, especially youths, to During the two affairs of the Caribbe- working within the area of take a closer look at the years she spent an Youth Environment environmental sustainable environment and be more studying in BarbaNetwork,” she shared. development for quite some engaged with it. “Guyana dos, Kiefer joined Kiefer is finally time now. is a lush, green, beautiful the Caribbean Youth The International Coastal able to do what she’s country; it’s hard not to Environment Netalways wanted: to Clean-up is an activity that recognise that and have an work and has been influence positive the youth network underappreciation for it.” with the organisac h a n g e . L e a d i n g takes every September. It Furthermore, a good tion since. “I was exthe youth organi- also does quarterly cleanlife would be unattainable posed to the environsation for the past ups, and has a project that if persons cannot live in ment and sustainable four years now, Kief- is focused on clean-up of 63 a clean environment, she development. That er has been dealing Beach. believes. “Our environheld my attention with youth advocacy, ment gives us so much, because it dealt with A Clean Environment youth participation and we should be aiming various factions of and education. as a people to give back human living.” Kiefer plans to help more Also a Climate to the environment. Every Kiefer felt at this Justice advocate for young people to recognise raindrop, every bee serves point that although some time, Kiefer the importance of sustaina purpose,” she offered, as she had a legal backwants to be able to able land management. “I she called for youths to see ground, she still help more young peo- don’t think it is a sexy topic; the bigger picture involved could play a part in ple to be involved as we don’t really talk about and not just be concerned ensuring environit,” she said, adding, “CliKiefer’s plan is to help more young people to recognise youth leaders. with immediate issues. mental justice. “AlKiefer was rec- mate Justice is another area the importance of sustainable land management

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 06, 2022

New Fibre + Voice makes things easy for GTT customers - Combines internet and landline bill, provides fibre reliability

FIBRE + Voice, an upgrade to the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited’s (GTT) Fibre packages, will allow for customers to now pay one bill for both their landline and internet services while keeping the same number that they may have had for years. The phone company, which launched the new service last Wednesday, is also throwing in three new features for free, namely: Three-way Calling, Caller’s ID, and Call Waiting, with customers, also benefitting from 1,500 to 5,000 free minutes for calls to any landline or fibre customer. The new development is in keeping with GTT’s ultimate vision for Guyanese, which, according to Chief Executive Officer, Damian Blackburn, is to provide reliable 21st-century connectivity that enables customers to enhance their daily lives whether it be home, business or out and about in their communities. “In delivering this vision, we are starting by investing G$8.5B in 2022 in building the 21st-century highways of GTT Fibre so that it’s available to over 50 percent of Guyanese homes and businesses by the end of 2022 and by upgrading our mobile network to 4.5G LTE,” Blackburn told Pepperpot Magazine. “Our commitment during

Pointing out some more benefits, he said: “It also provides greater value for

CEO of GTT, Damian Blackburn interacts with persons at the recent Guyana Energy Conference

strengthen our community and innovate for all in our country through our many initiatives will be stronger than ever before,” he added.

ana that is offering this service so you can bundle your phone with your internet.” According to the GTT

CEO of GTT, Damian Blackburn

money. The truth is that it’s cheaper than the current landline; landline rental alone is about $750 a

Thakurdin shared. In fact, GTT plans to provide access to fibre to over 20,000 more homes in Guyana as it seeks to ramp up its crews and reduce the time the company takes to fix people’s issues. “We are getting very North American, so to speak, in terms of our internet offer; not just internet but all those other services that we can add to make the experience a very easy one,” Seaforth offered. Explaining the Fibre + Voice further, she said: “We have three plans under Fibre: Fibre 50, 100 and 150. The 50, for example, is $8,999, so if the customer is to sign up for Fibre + Voice, they get internet and phone and pay $1,000 extra. They don’t have to pay the rental for that phone or any other cost associated with it, plus they

What is Fibre + Voice?

Chief Operations Officer for Home Solutions and Fixed Networks, Eshwar Thakurdin

this process to continue to invest in initiatives that will

Put simply, Chief Operations Officer for Home Solutions and Fixed Networks, Eshwar Thakurdin offered: “It is GTT’s newest service for home customers, combining high speed internet and voice services.” Product Marketing Manager for Fibre, Traceyann Seaforth added: “Previously, it was Blaze, but last year we rebranded it; the intention is to strengthen fibre overall. This is the first telecommunications company in Guy-

Blackburn interacting with customers recently on the company’s 31st anniversary

GTT’s business team at the Guyana Energy Conference

officers, customers should not have the unnecessary, burdensome task of paying multiple bills every month; hence the new product is intended to make things less complicated. “The new service provides the reliability of fibre. Copper today poses its own challenges; it’s more problematic. There are more faults, especially when there’s a rainy season; fibre cuts through all of that,” Thakurdin explained.

month plus VAT. What we’re charging here is just $1,000 more on top of your fibre plan.” Furthermore, in areas where there is no copper infrastructure for telephone, persons will now have access to the internet and a voice line for the first time in Guyana. “For example, at DeHoop, Mahaica, where we just rolled out fibre, they now have access to a telephone line over fibre for the first time in history,”

get 1,500 minutes free; it goes up based on your plan. “If you are an existing landline customer and you now want fibre, bundling the two plans together, that will require installation. If you are an existing Fibre customer and want to sign up for Fibre + Voice, it’s just an online application required. If you are a DSL customer and want to switch over to one of our SEE PAGE V

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 06, 2022

When the United Nations has to step up INDEED, there are those times when the United Nations (UN) has to step up and fullfill one of its mandates. Since the UN acts as a mediator between countries that commence armed conflict, its role in world affairs is of vital importance. With that role also comes much respect by member countries. This article will now look at the recent unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Ukraine has been a sovereign nation since 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union, of which it was a part along with 14 other (now independent) countries. Immediately after the invasion by Russia, which is 28 times larger than Ukraine, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly last Wednesday overwhelmingly condemned the invasion and demanded that Russia withdraw its troops immediately. This act by Russia is obviously something that is a hot topic being discussed by many Guyanese and peace-loving people worldwide. Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett addressed a special session of the UN General Assembly last week, in which she deplored the Russian aggression saying that “Russia’s aggression to Ukraine is a threat to the region and countries everywhere.” For many decades, Guyanese lived

in fear of their country being invaded by Venezuela, its Spanish-speaking neighbour to the West. Fortunately, that has not happened, and the hope is

neighbour with no concern about civilian causalities. However, it is such situations that bring the United Nations into action as a protector of vulnerable states.

hind the scenes to bring this bloody conflict of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to an early end and prevent the loss of more innocent lives. The UN, which acts as a human-

Russia and Ukraine: “Mum takes in Ukranian families fleeing to Poland”, “Cancer drugs running out for toddler stuck in Ukraine”, “Ukrani-

Farrier in New York City with the East River and the UN Headquarters in the background

that it will never happen. Nonetheless, with Russia’s recent invasion of its smaller neighbour, Ukraine, and with the report that over 350 civilian lives have already been lost, Guyanese are witnessing in real-time, what can result when a more powerful country invades a less powerful

The UN acts as a mediator to prevent bilateral disputes from escalating into a world war and helps nations to negotiate during the outbreak with the objective of bringing the conflict to an end as early as possible. It could be assumed that there is much diplomatic activity going on right now be-

itarian organisation, usually gives assistance to civilians on both sides of conflicts between countries, with the object of reducing human suffering. Here are a few examples of media headlines reporting last week of the suffering ordinary citizens are experiencing right now in the present war between

an mothers resort to giving birth in basements”. And of special interest to roving media workers, “Reporter takes cover as blasts light up Kyiv’s sky.” A television news report flashed the headline: “Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine on fire after Russian Assault.” There was also the report that a Ukrainian sniper

killed a Russian Major General who was with Russian troops in Ukraine. As the war continues and even escalates, there is much suffering by ordinary people in both countries. During last week, there was a report in a Ukrainian newspaper which stated that there were, “Long queues to withdraw money in Moscow.” There was an even more worrying headline: “Pensioner arrested at anti-war protest in Russia.” There are also reports of a growing number of Russians who are now speaking out regards their disenchantment with their government. Not only speaking out but also giving tangible support to the Ukrainian people are the United States and the United Kingdom, among others. The United Kingdom is assisting Ukraine financially through a 100 million pound Official Development Assistance (ODA). Meanwhile, the United States has already given $350 million in military assistance. As the conflict continues, over a million Ukrainians have already fled their country of over 43 million people. Meanwhile, Guyana is prepared to assist Guyanese in both countries who might need assistance.

New Fibre + Voice makes things easy ... SEE PAGE IV

Fibre plans, some installation is required.”

Improve Life Experiences Marketing communications Manager Taiwo Wilson Williams told this publication that GTT wants to improve the life experiences of Guyanese, innovate for all, and offer reliable connectivity. “So we are constantly looking for ways to make this happen,” she expressed. Senior Public Relations Manager and Corporate Communications Manager Jasmin Harris agreed. “Jump on this Fibre + Voice, and you have one bill; that’s all you have to think about. We’re constantly looking out for the customer and improving their experience,” she said, adding, “Our mission is to pivot GTT to become a 21st Century customer-centric organisation.” Existing DSL & Landline customers can visit https:// gtt.gy/fibrevoice to check “Current Service Areas” to find out if they are in a Fibre area or call 0327 for eligibility information.

The Fibre team at the recent build-out of fibre in Mahaica.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 06, 2022

The village of Goed Bananen Land

THIS week the Pepperpot Magazine visited the countryside village of Goed Bananen Land, East Canje, Berbice,

A place where old meets new

People, places and things in Goed Bananen Land Village (Carl Croker photos)

to highlight the way of life of the people. The journey saw the team crossing the Berbice River Bridge into Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and into Sheet Anchor, after which the overland trip was down a long stretch of all-weather road to the small community. Goed Bananen Land is bordered by Betsy Ground and Adelphi villages and is separated by a drainage canal on both sides. Goed Bananen Land was established on historically Dutch land, and its population is approximately 500 persons with 276 houses. There are a total of nine streets in the Goed Bananen Land. The economic activities in Goed Bananen land are cash crop and livestock/cattle rearing. There is one small shop, one mandir and two Kali Temples in the village. It also has the Canefield/Enterprise NDC office and at the bottom flat of the building is the health centre. There is also one ballfield in the village. The NDC covers the following villages: Canefield, Rosehall, Reliance, Adelphi, Goed Bananen Land, Betsy Ground, Gangaram settlement. Recent developments done within the district are installing streets lights, filling potholes in streets, and doing excavator work to dig and clear all drains. They had had a clean-up campaign recently. There are a total of 11 new roads built within the district recently. There are houses on both sides of the road, and the village sits bordered by cane fields and savannah.

The village has many small walkways, nooks and crannies and one-vehicle cross streets which is made of crush and run composition while the main streets are paved. The people of Goed Bananen Land are very friendly, welcoming and hospitable. Most of the locals are employed at the sugar estates while others are self-employed, work at the joinery shop and the mechanic workshop in the village and some have jobs outside the village. The Pepperpot Magazine was told by residents that the village was established on “Dutch land”, which in the ancient days, was actually a cemetery. Within recent times, residents have reported that while its estimated population is 500, many locals have since migrated and some of the elders have since passed on. The village also has a church, a mechanic shop, a tyre shop, a joinery workshop, many small roadside shops and stalls, a ball field and the Canefield/Enterprise Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) building which houses the Goed Bananen Land Health Centre on the lower flat. It is often joked that the village is a place of bananas be-

cause its name Goed Bananen Land was actually named by the Dutch and means ‘good bananas’. Goed Bananen Land Village is an antiquated place that is breezy and spacious. The people have their surroundings wellkept. It is a village where the people take pride in cleanliness. The locals live very comfortable lives utilising their living space to erect hammocks under their houses and seating accommodation for relaxation after a day of work. It is a village of sugar workers, teachers, small business people and others, who work in both the private and public sectors. Goed Bananen Land is a place where old-fashioned architecture meets modern designs and it is an excellent combination of old and new buildings dating back to the colonial days. The village is among many others along that stretch of road, which goes way down to the last village being New Forest. Schools and other facilities are either accessed in neighbouring villages or in New Amsterdam which is a 15-minute drive. The same can be said for shopping and doing other forms of business. The people are simple and SEE PAGE VIII they are hard workers, most of

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 06, 2022

The people of Goed Bananen Land

By Michel Outridge

B O R I S Basant leads a quiet, simple life in Goed Bananen Land. He is a pensioner who retired as a joiner. He spent most of his adult life in the furniture business which caused him to develop pains in the body. He moved to the community in 1974 from Gangaram Village, which is a few vil-

and his children are all grown and married. He resides with his wife, a retired headteacher. Basant described life in Goed Bananen Land as being good because it is a safe neighbourhood where the people knows each other, and it is a small village of working-class people. “The people are friendly and cooperative, and there is no real problem here as you can see neighbours live

He has two children and scores of grandchildren. Uncle Shamo reported that at age 36 years old, he got married to Chandradai Haniff but has a full life where he socialises a lot and had many friends, most of whom migrated or passed on. These days, he doesn’t go out at all due to the pains in his legs and would spend his days at home, relaxing in the hammock. He has lived all his life in the village and is familiar with the people, and is a respected senior. Avis Edwards, a kaleidoscope of colours

Avis Edwards

lages away. His family is originally from New Dam Village, and all those people were relocated to Gangaram Village in the early days. He told the Pepperpot Magazine that from what he knows, Goed Bananen Land wasn’t a squatting area. It was an estate owned by the Dutch. The 74-year-old is very comfortable, having worked all his life, and that day, he was in his hammock reading the local newspaper when the team visited. He is a father of three,

Boris Basant at his home (Carl Croker photos)

like family and everything is good,” he said. Uncle Shamo Uncle Shame (only name given) resides at the last house by the drainage canal which separates Betsy Ground from Goed Bananen Land village, and he is a village elder who is wellknown. He is 79 years old and was a welder, who has a workshop at his home but due to arthritis pains he had to quit and is retired.

The home and yard of Avis Edwards are perhaps the envy of the neighbourhood. It is one of those places you simply have to look twice before taking in all that there is to see; the colours, the contrast of different plants and flowers against all shades of green- the favourite colour of its owner. She is a resident of Canefield, a small village on the way to Goed Bananen Land Village, her house is on the roadside of the main access road and it is hard not to spot. Edwards, a shy but well put together woman, spends a lot of her time caring for her plants and flowers which is displayed in her yard on stands, sills and every space. She would buy most

Some of the plants and flowers that adorn the yard and walkway of Avis Edwards’ home in Canefield Village

Uncle Shamo in his hammock

plants and flowers and has dozens of them in all shapes, colours and kinds. “Since growing up I am a plant person, take after my father and when I am with

to plants and flowers, she is in the back yard looking at the kitchen garden, she has some cash crops and had harvested some ochro, and she had enough for home and

pliment the design over the years,” she said. The house is a wooden structure that is painted in all shades of green, the favourite colour of Edwards, who did it

Home of Avis Edwards

my plants I feel really good and it helps me to life a good life,” she said. Jokingly, her children would often say she spends more time with her plants than with them, but that is far from the truth. Edwards told the Pepperpot Magazine that often people would stop by to ask for pieces of plants but she doesn’t mind giving but all her plants were sourced from plant shops. When she is not tending

some to share. Edwards’ yard also has a lot of fruit trees, and the entire place is spic and span, so clean it smells nice. Having retired after 35 years teaching in the public school system, Edwards has a lot to do and gardening is her favourite pastime. “This house was my parents’ then it was handed down to me and I did a lot to bring it to this state, added on the bottom flat to my liking and did many things to com-

according to her liking, and it is quite a place. It has two gold-coloured lions at the iron-wrought gate and there are two dogs for security but none is needed since the village is very safe and nothing ever goes missing. Edwards ‘place is lovely, one of a kind, where there are flowers and plants from the outside and all over the yard, neatly lining the ground and parapets.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 06, 2022

A woman of worth, a true humanitarian, hails from Goed Bananen Land

By Michel Outridge DESPITE being stricken with chronic back pains and having great difficulty walking doesn’t deter Brahash Dyaram from lending a helping hand to almost anyone in need. She is a true humanitarian who wants to make the world a better place. She is a resident of Goed Bananen Land, East Canje, Berbice and a mother, a grandmother, who is taking care of her granddaughter. Dyaram told the Pepperpot Magazine that growing up, she realised a great need for her input in society and dedicated her life to assisting others through her non-governmental organisation. “My father was a very giving person, and I have the

(MS) in 2018 for her excellence in humanitarian mission across Berbice. To date, she would still take money from her own pocket to help the less fortunate and needy. ECHO is a registered NGO, and it has members who would assist with the running of the organisation and organise events and raise funds. Dyaram related that ECHO’s main focus is on the bed-ridden, the shut-ins such as the elderly and the less fortunate in general. She explained that if a house burns down, she can assist or if a child needs money to go to school, she is willing to pitch in some way to ensure that child can benefit. Dyaram added that if

er, be it sunshine or rain, out in the open and they are very pleased to be the beneficiary of the new waiting shed. Dyaram, through her outstanding community and humanitarian work, is also the recipient of many awards, certificates and trophies. She is also an excellent cook and won many katahar curry competitions. It is with this saying in mind, “charity begins at home” Dyaram motivates herself to help others and although she is often not well, she would go the extra mile to ensure that help is on the way for the needy. “There is no greater feeling to give than receive and when I do things to help others I feel really good inside and that is all I need,” she said.

Brahash Dyaram displaying some of her certificates, awards, and trophies in her home for her excellence in service to society (Carl Croker photos)

Home of Brahash Dyaram

same quality and simply cannot say no because I want to help people even if it means giving my last,” she said. She is the founder of the East Canje Humanitarian Organisation (ECHO), which she established on September 16, 2009. She has since assisted dozens of people in whatever way possible. The 65-year-old was presented a Medal of Service

there is a death in the village, she would contribute towards the wake or funeral in a tangible way. ECHO also has a school feeding programme and they constructed the waiting shed at Reliance Post Office for the elderly to have a place to sit and wait when collecting their pension. Before that, senior citizens had to brave the weath-

Dyaram is also religious and is a member of the Berbice Arya Samaj and as a devotee, she would participate in singing bhajans at the mandir and other religious functions. “As a mother, I did my best to ensure my children were educated and my son grew up to become an excellent educator, who produced a lot of top students. Unfor-

Brahash Dyaram with her Medal of Service award

tunately, he passed away on December 31, 2018 from a cardiac arrest,” she said. She is, however, comforted by his legacy and the kind of person he was, doing good for society. Dyaram told the Pepperpot Magazine that annually at Christmas, she would distribute hampers to the sick,

the elderly and the needy, but since the pandemic, they stopped doing delivery.

The village of Goed ... whom have lived all their life in the village, a place they call home and wouldn’t wish to relocate. Goed Bananen Land has potable water supply, electricity, internet and phone services. It is a safe community where everybody knows each other and they live neighbourly and in peace. The locals are predominately East Indians, but there is a handful of people of other ethnicities residing in Goed Bananen Land Village.

Almost everybody in this village plants vegetables and fruits. There are some farmers, who have cash crops, and poultry and cattle farmers. Goed Bananen Land is a place of flowers and plants in all colours and well-kept yards which complements the surroundings. The people often find things to do to pass the time and it is a village where the residents can be considered as ‘go-getters’. It is also one of those villages where people do not lock

Hampers are picked up from her home in Goed Bananen Land, and children would collect their goodies there too. On March 8, 2022, at 14:00hrs ECHO will host their annual Women’s Day event at the Goed Bananen Land Health Centre to honour several women for their outstanding work and a few men for being good role models. Dyaram stated that for ECHO’s road trip, they will be visiting Minister Vindhya Persaud and as the leader of the group, she will fund that trip from her own pocket in an effort to motivate the members. Through her organisation, she would also assist the sick with wheelchairs, walkers and walking canes.

FROM PAGE VI

their doors and their neighbour is like family and they look out for each other. Goed Bananen Land is the home of one of the oldest residents Harold Bisso, who will be celebrating his 102nd birth anniversary this month and award-winning humanitarian and recipient of a medal of service (MS) Brahash Dyaram, better known as ‘Aunty Brahash’. The village is a nice place to raise a family and visit to have a chat with the locals, who are really nice people.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 06, 2022

Goed Bananen Land is a good place to settle

By Michel Outridge

FOR the past 63 years, Durjodhan Sarajit’s home is in Goed Bananen Land Village, East Canje, Berbice, a place he feels comfortable, a house he inherited and made into an attractive building. He recalled when his parents came to the village to settle, they were among the first settlers. It only had three other

with the Canefield/Enterprise NDC as a Community Infrastructure Improvement Programme (CIIP) worker. He would work 16 days per month to maintain drains and parapets within the village. “I want to stay active to keep the body working because being at home will not be healthy for me doing nothing,” he said. These days, Sarajit would take his pet parrot, Robin, on his bicycle for a ride in the community only after 17:00hrs after the estate whistle is sounded at 16:00hrs. Robin is a talkative pet who gives directives around the home and keeps everybody in check with his banter. SEE PAGE XVI

SEE PAGE XXIII Sunita Ramcharitar (Carl Croker photos)

houses, and the place was overgrown with trees and bushes. The father of three told the Pepperpot Magazine that as time progressed, more people began occupying the land; thus, the village became populated. Sarajit stated that from what he was told, the village is Dutch-named. It was a place of a lot of bananas. Years ago, some people came from Holland with a map of the community. He related that it is an estate village and across the road was called Saddam, a squatting area which was later developed. After 43 years, he retired from the nearby Rose Hall, East Canje, Berbice Sugar Estate, as a labourer. “It is time for me to stop working because I started working at age 15 years old, and all my children are grown and

The pet parrot, Robin

educated,” he said. When his father passed away, he was only 10 years old and had three brothers and a sister; being the eldest, he had to step up to assist his mother. He started working all kinds of jobs to assist his widowed mother to take care of his siblings and the home. However, in 2017 when the estate closed, he received a one-off payment and has been at home since. Sarajit is accustomed to working and sought employment

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Durjodhan Sarajit and his wife, Mohini

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People and places in Goed Bananen Land Village

By Michel Outridge AS a primary health care facility, the Goed Bananen Land Health Centre staffers are at the ready to serve the community, and they have a small but adequate facility that is very clean. The health centre is housed on the lower flat of the Canefield/Enterprise Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) building. Under the guidance of Dr Nerissa Ramnarine, there are four other employees including a midwife, a nursing assis-

tant, a visiting social worker, and a community health worker. Dr Ramnarine is the visiting doctor who visits on Mondays and Fridays and on those days there is a crowd at the health centre since most patients want to see the doctor. There is a great need for an in-house doctor at this facility

Dr Nerissa Ramnarine Harold Bisso at his home in Goed Bananen Land

but the employees try their best to reduce the waiting time for patients and no one is turned away without medical intervention. The Goed Bananen Land Health Centre is open from 08:00hrs to 16:30hrs from Mondays to Fridays. They have an indoor and an outdoor waiting area equipped with a shed, outdoor and indoor washroom facilities and a waiting area. The health centre has a doctor’s room, an exam/counselling room, a triage area, a pharmacy and a records department. According to Dr Ramnarine, services provided are antenatal, postnatal, family planning, child health, chronic diseases clinic, dressings, vaccinations, infant clinic and home visits. She related that Mondays and Fridays when she visits those are the busiest days since they have the chronic diseases clinic which is the largest. The Goed Bananen Land Health Centre serves patients from eight villages along that corridor in East Canje, Berbice.

The Goed Bananen Land Health Centre (Carl Croker photos)

Pharmacy services are provided by Dr Ramnarine on the two days she visits and there is a need for a pharmacy assistant, as well. On a regular day, about 10 patients would access the health centre for varying services and it is free. Uncle Harold is 101, not out The oldest resident along that section of Berbice is Harold Bisso, who will be celebrating his 102nd birth anniversary on March 8, 2022. He is the father of one, grandfather of two and great grandfather of five. His only child, a daughter, resides overseas. Uncle Harold as he is called, is being cared for by a family friend/neighbour, Geeta Kishore. He has outlived his parents, siblings and most family members, including his wife, who passed away in 2005. He told the Pepperpot Magazine that he started working at a young age and did many jobs such as farming, weeding, and watchman. He worked at the sugar estate for many years before he retired. Uncle Harold is walking but with aid, a walker, can carry on a conversation but is a bit slow and generally enjoys good health. When the team met him, he was relaxing in his outdoor hammock, enjoying some fresh air after a bath, that day. He is a very pleasant elder who SEE PAGE XVI

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Misophonia An avid reader asked me to cover this disorder, one they have been suffering from for a long time but until recently did not know what it was. They have asked me to use this platform to spread awareness for others who may be suffering as well, with the hope of preventing and treating its effects. Misophonia, sometimes called selective sound sensitivity syndrome, is a disorder where sounds and noise bring about a strong discomfort, with even the smallest, daily noises that others may not be affected by. Meaning the noises or sounds do not have to be traditionally or widely thought of as loud, annoying or aggravating. It is not unusual for people to occasionally be irritated by some everyday sounds. But for individuals with misophonia, the sound of someone smacking their lips or clicking a pen can result in very strong negative emotions that can lead to verbal or physical assaulting acts. It is relatively new in the world of disorders and diagnoses, only being officially accepted in 2000. Some examples of daily noises that these individuals are triggered by are chew-

ing sounds, heavy breathing, the tone and volume of voices, keyboard tapping, phone notifications etc. Some individuals also claim to equally react to any visual stimuli that may accompany the sound. The disorder appears to range from mild to severe. Some people may experience annoyance and irritation, while others can fly into a full-blown rage. I believe I have mild misophonia as I get really irritated with some noises that do not seem to affect others around me. These include loud chewing, people playing loud videos on their phone in public or when individuals have unnecessarily loud notifications alerts and ringtones on their phone- Just letting you all know in case you want to cater to those if you’re ever around me ??. Severe cases of Misophonia seriously compromises everyday functioning, socializing, and ultimately overall mental health. The noises can bring forward serious emotional, mental and physiological responses. It can bring about a wide range of emotions such as anger, sadness or disgust, behavioural issues such as isolation and physical outbursts, and physiological symptoms such as trouble breathing, rapid heart rate, trembling, panic attacks, etc. It affects one’s social life as those inflicted have been known to develop anticipatory anxiety when going into situations where trigger sounds may be present. They often avoid public SEE PAGE XVII

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Growing more food is a good plan THROUGHOUT the Caribbean, there is an evident interest in increasing food production to cut the Region’s expensive food-import bill and ensure that when disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic emerge, the Region is not left with food shortages. And I believe that growing more food remains a solid plan. Of course, ‘grow more food’ has been a slogan championed since I was in primary school (which, admittedly, is not that long ago). However, it appears as though there is a renewed interest in increasing food production in Guyana and the Caribbean. Based on reports citing various regional leaders, including Guyana’s President Dr Irfaan Ali, the supply-chain challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to this renewed interest in growing more food in the Region. For a bit of context, transporting food became difficult with the travel restrictions and challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. With the Caribbean dependent on food

imports-evidenced by the more than US $4 billion annual bill-that meant that getting food supplies into the Region was constrained. Exacerbating the situation was that with the supply of food, like other products, declining, prices would increase (or inflate). And it is for these reasons we grappled with exorbitant food prices. Cognisant of the foregoing, arguing that growing more food in the Region (where trade can potentially be much more efficient and potentially less costly) is necessary could, perhaps, be a moot point. Yet, as part of my column this week, I wanted to join the ongoing conversation on boosting regional production and outline the value of growing more food, but also growing more of the foods that have not been traditionally produced in our Region. Let me start anecdotally. As a working student who lives alone, frozen, pre-cut vegetables are almost always part of my grocery list. And because I like nice things, I will spend an extra dollar purchasing “fancy foods” such as imported broccoli, carrots and cauliflower. That extra dollar, for illustrative purposes, means purchasing 306 grams of packaged, imported vegetables for about $1,200. That single package caters for two, possibly three servings of cooked vegetables- which, certainly, is much less than if I had bought vegetables at a local market with that same amount of money. For convenience and, again, because I like seemingly fancy things, I purchase this vegetable package. Now for some empirical data. Beyond just me liking nice SEE PAGE XIX

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MASHRAMANI OVER the years of economic challenge (1973-85) faced by this new nation, the intent of Mashramani, our Republic celebrations, was circumvented. While employed years later by the Department of Culture, I learned the following: that Mash was intended to be a constant creative vehicle that showcased the history, flora and fauna, while fulfilling the mass harvest celebration festivity of its natural cultural origins, paying symbolic homage to the matriarchal ethos fulfilled through the blessings of the land through acquired works done, and challenges triumphed over. It is where the top acclaimed cultural minds, who then managed this festival, and the Department of Culture, had conceptualised its unfolding when it began. The steel band was a pivotal aspect of this national celebration. We tramped back then, behind our favourite steel bands, playing the music of local and Caribbean popular rhythms. The tramp embodied the ‘Mash’ around-the-town celebration. Yes, it was taken advantage of as orders would be made at shops that sold liquor and beverages, and upon the issue of items, and characters would run away with the items without paying. This led to restrictions on the steel band ‘Tramp.’ The bands, likewise, were complaining that they were not issued the police chaperons requested. All in all, the tramp was fun. Steelpan was ‘king’ and the tramp cemented ‘MASH’ as a central movement of the Masramani celebrations and truly popularised it in those early years. The creative intent was to convey a pageantry of ‘Being Guyanese’ through complete dramatic sections (episodes) of 1763. To begin with, on flag-raising night, I’m certain that citizens who visited flag- raising night back then could recall the costumed drama that was a prominent feature. Costumes were required to have local themes, challenging the imagination and creative skills of local designers, and on many occasions, they came through. The costumed bands entered the park to be judged, and the steel bands left to take the streets, each to its prescribed route, with its mass following-‘party time.’ But where did Mashramani emerge from? The Carnival Festival that Mashramani represents has in name a local contribution. It’s Amerindian. It encompasses the triumph of work done, be it the cooperative building of a house or the preparation at that special time of the year of the selected farmlands. When the task is complete, the workers celebrate with dancing, feasting and the drinking of piwari. Much of this is prepared, and all must be consumed. The original word is ’MASHRIMEHI’, it was our own Basil Butcher who coined the word ‘Mashrimani,’ and it was later adopted by the Jaycees of Guyana; it began as a Linden thing. But its costumes, and storytelling addition to the festivities, we must travel some 5000 years along the human ‘Timeline’ to the death of one of the mythologies [ancient religion] most celebrated of the Saviour’s of mankind, the Kemetic (Egyptian) God ‘Ausar’ or Osiris. Ausar was killed by his brother god Set, after Set’s wife, the Goddess Nephthys, tricked Osiris into sleeping with her. Thus Set conspired and slayed Ausar. His powerful wife ISIS however was able to resurrect Ausar-Osiris-, this resurrection was celebrated by the people of Khemet, in the context of a costumed drama of the event accompanied by dancing, Beer and the festivities to honour the rebirth of the potency of the land, its resurrection, and of the higher level of the being, this is a common cultural understanding and practice across Africans. With time, this celebration was taken into Europe from Africa through the Greek God Dionysos or Bacchus, and here we leave the Ancient Mysteries, to return to the current times, and hope independent SEE PAGE XVIII

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ITS CHARACTER, INNATE INFLUENCES AND INTENT

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WHAT’S ALL THE NOISE? SOUND is what we hear. Noise is an unwanted sound. The difference between sound and noise depends upon the receiver and the circumstances. Rock music can be a pleasant sound to one person and an annoying noise to another. In either case, it

can be hazardous to a person’s hearing if the sound is loud and if they are exposed long and often enough. It is important to note that noise can be continuous, variable, intermittent or impulsive, depending on how it changes over time: * Continuous noise is the noise that remains constant and stable over a given time. The noise of boilers, for example, in a powerhouse is relatively constant and can therefore be

classified as continuous. * Most manufacturing noise is variable or intermittent. Different operations or different noise sources can cause the sound to change over time. Noise is intermittent if there is a mix of relatively quiet and noisy periods. * Impulse or impact noise is a very short burst of loud noise which lasts for less than one second. Gunfire or the noise produced by punch presses are examples of such noise. At the Environmental Protection Agency, noise nuisances SEE PAGE XV

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WHAT’S ALL THE...

FROM PAGE XIV form the majority of complaints received. Noise is one of the most common occupational health hazards in heavy industrial and manufacturing environments and other operations such as farms, cafeterias, or bars. Permanent hearing loss is the primary health concern. Annoyance, stress and interference with speech communication are the main concerns in noisy offices, schools and computer rooms. As such, the agency conducts noise assessments when complaints are received. Officers are equipped with noise meters and test the limit of the noise that was reported. If the reading recorded is above the normal limit, the EPA will work with the operator to reduce the noise level. Let us zero in our workplace because often, we only focus on the noise around our homes and immediate environment. How can I tell if my workplace is too loud? If you answer yes to any of the following questions, the workplace may have a noise problem. ? Do people have to raise their voices? ? Do people who work in noisy environments have ringing in their ears at the end of a shift? ? When they return home from work, do they find that they have to increase the volume on their car radio higher than they did when they went to work? ? Does a person who has worked in a noisy workplace for years have problems understanding conversations at parties, or restaurants, or in crowds where there are many voices and “competing” noises? If there is a noise problem in a workplace, then a noise assessment or survey should be undertaken to determine the sources of noise, the amount of noise, who is exposed and for how long. What can be done to minimie noise at the workplace? 1. Buy Quiet – select and purchase low-noise tools and machinery; 2. Maintain tools and equipment routinely (such as lubricate gears); 3. Reduce vibration where possible; 4. Isolate the noise source in an insulated room or enclosure; and 5. Place a barrier between the noise source and the employee. 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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People and places in ...

Staffers of Goed Bananen Land Health Centre

likes to talk about yesteryear things. Uncle Harold talked about his boyhood days when he attended Rose Hall Primary School he had some good days since the teachers were always nice to him. He recalled their names and how they doted on him. Uncle Harold is originally from New Dam, a place his parents are from and he later relocated to Goed Bananen Land Village. He had one brother and one sister. Both have since passed on. His mother is from India and his father is Guyanese. “I am taking things one day, at a time. At my age I am very happy to have good health and being care for at my own home,” he said. His daughter ensures he has a good life as one of the oldest man (centenarian) in East Canje, Berbice. FROM PAGE X

Goed Bananen Land ... FROM PAGE IX

Sarajit and his wife, Mohini keep a very clean and organised home that has lots of plants and flowers. “This house has a lot of memories because it was my grandparents place then handed down to my parents and then to me. It was a colonial-style house which looked like a bungalow wooden cottage, it was old and over the years I constructed it to this standard. My children told me ‘daddy this house too old’ let’s rebuild it and that is what took place over the years,” he said. Sunita Ramcharitar, the homemaker Meanwhile, down the same street is the home of Sunita Ramcharitar and her family. They reside at the last house in the street. The housewife told the Pepperpot Magazine that life is quiet and just right in that village, and the people do what they must to earn. The 53-year-old added that for the past 32 years, she has been living in Goed Bananen Land Village and it was after marriage she settled there. The mother of six reported that her husband is a sugar worker and three of her children are married and reside elsewhere while three are unmarried and living with her. Her street is called Golla Dam and it has a mud dam leading to the back lands where there is a farm and a pasture where residents take their cows. That day, when the team visited, it was a Hindu religious day, Maha Shivratri and that family was preparing dhal, rice with calaloo. It is customary not to eat meat that day, and the day would usually start with prayers. This family is rearing some meat birds for home use only. Ramcharitar has a lovely home which is well-decorated with colourful curtains and the place is clean. “We had a nine-day for my grandson recently, so we had the place decorated for that event and it is still up,” she said. She disclosed that her daughter was spending some time at the home after she delivered a baby boy before returning to her matrimonial home.

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Misophonia... places or even their loved ones in general. While some of you may have mild misophonia and have now put a word to it, people on the severe end of the scale know they are being affected. However, just the same, you may not have known what it what. It is often misdiagnosed as generalised anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and autism. Due to its recent acknowledgement of a disorder, not FROM PAGE XI

much is scientifically solidified when it comes to how one develops misophonia. The age of onset seems to be youngbetween 10-13 years where a mild version may occur. This tends to worsen with age. Doctors have ruled out that it is an ear or hearing issue but rather part mental, part physical where sound effects certain areas within the brain and triggers automatic responses in the body. Most researchers believe it’s a a brain-based disorder where there is a hyperconnectivity between the auditory and limbic systems of the brain. Meaning, some individuals have too many connections between the neurons in the brain that regulate hearing and emotions so certain sounds are greatly exaggerated and is then overconnected to the anterior insular cortex (AIC), a part of the brain responsible for processing emotions, leading to an overly emotional response. Considering its effects on so many critical aspects of daily life, preventative and treatment options are vital for those who are inflicted. While there have been no scientific identified forms of curative treatment, including medicinal options, there are ways to manage Misophonia. A multidisciplinary approach which combines preventative options such as identifying potential triggers, counselling as well as appropriate stress, anger and coping management strategies will be most beneficial. Of course, if possible, the ideal thing to do would be to remove yourself from any triggering situation. If this cannot be done physically, it can be done mentally. There are options of noise cancelling headphones which can be worn as a preventative measure when attending public spaces which usually trigger an undesired response. For those who don’t have access to these, regular earplugs are affordable and readily available in pharmacies. Others find it beneficial to add in favourable noises instead of removing them altogether. Many explain the benefits of regular headphones that have sounds or music that aids in relaxation such as sounds of waves, waterfalls, jungle animal sounds, instrumental music or favourite songs or mindful meditation…. Try all and decide which is best for you. Strangely, some of the afflicted individuals claim that mimicking the sounds that bring the strong emotional response have helped in lowering their anxiety -almost like making fun of it themselves. As always, lifestyle choices play a role with healthy coping- get good sleep, maintain a healthy diet and get regular exercise. The better you feel- both physically and mentally- the easier it will be to cope with stress in general. It is also beneficial to speak to your friends and family about what you are feeling. Explain the disorder and ask for their support and to participate in any preventative measures that they can. Finally, and always recommended, there is tall therapy with a mental health professional for finding your ideal way to cope with its effects. Thank you for reading and please continue sending desired topics to caitlinvieira@gmail.com

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MASHRAMANI ... FROM PAGE XIII

research by skeptics can empower a more vivid understanding of the Carnival spirit of the Caribbean, Brazil and other nations, and our own Mashramani. Most festivities revolve around celebrating the harvest reaping and the end of the dry season. The latter is celebrated as a courting season among some tribes in Africa, as it symbolises fertility. What is now called Carnival began with a nature, Kosmic script, from a matriarchal backdrop, thus in the New World, sensuality in dance where tribal dictates have faded, the senses retain the concept of the rites of nature in play and display without incident. In closing, no peoples have failed to express in art, sculpture or have evicted the language of the continuity of the species from any form of their vocabulary. Thus, I must remind those who perceive Mash as too sensual, from its inception, I’ve watched drunks overdo it at times to their own injury, but I have never heard of a personal violation, because of cultural acceptance, nothing is perceived as a display of an aggressive inviting mood, displays of sensuality happen within familiar groups, some times of co-workers. Mashramani has always as indicated, had its own agenda, but it cannot escape the nature of its festive origins, within the modern European term of carnival. It was great to read about the ambitions of a new generation of costume ‘Designers’ Chronicle 20, Feb. 2022. It will require research, original interpretations etc. but welcome to the Kulture.

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Growing more food is a ...

FROM PAGE XII

things, reports indicate that from 2018 to 2020, Guyana spent about $6 billion importing broccoli, carrots and cauliflower. If we examine imports annually, in 2018, $1.5 billion was spent on importing these three vegetables; in 2019, $1.9 billion was spent. In 2020, while countries grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic and transportation challenges, $2.6 billion was

spent locally to import these vegetables. For emphasis, let us appreciate that these costs are just for three vegetables: broccoli, carrots and cauliflower. A simple scan of any supermarket would reveal the litany of other foods and food products that Guyana imports. In December 2021, it was reported that President Ali said that the country imports about 40 per cent of its food. Cognisant of this, I believe that it is evident and undeniable that growing more food is crucial. But as I alluded to earlier, it’s not only about growing more food, it is about growing more non-traditional foods such as broccoli, cauliflower and carrots. Guyana, for example, is known for its rice and sugar production. Producing coconuts and some fish have also been notable, traditional agricultural sub-sectors. We have to think beyond these sectors, though. Already, it is evident that a multibillion-dollar market for those three vegetables already exists. And with plans already afoot to satisfy local demand for these vegetables, it becomes imperative for us all to think about what other food demands we can satisfy. Can we grow and possibly export strawberries, grapes or apples? And what scientific interventions would we need to ensure that our soil and climate conditions are tailored to foster the production of these non-traditional products? Thinking about agro-processing and manufacturing, of course, become important as well. If we are serious about diversification efforts and expanding our non-oil sectors such as agriculture, then I believe immersing ourselves in the production of more non-traditional food becomes crucial. And to be perfectly clichéd- the appetite is already there. If you would like to connect with me to discuss this column or any of my previous works, feel free to email me at vish14ragobeer@gmail.com

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FROM PAGE XX

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To Accelerate Growth, Empower Caribbean Women Entrepreneurs

By Mauricio Claver-Carone

AS Caribbean countries chart a post-pandemic future, evidence is mounting that one of the surest ways to accelerate growth is to empower women. Governments are right to help the millions of women who were laid off during the pandemic and need new skills to return to work. But we can also hasten growth by addressing the needs of a small but critical subset of women who’ve been working the whole time. That includes women who own or manage about 1.3 million small and

midsize companies in Latin America and the Caribbean. Those women run a third of all small businesses in the region, which makes their success key to everyone’s future. Even before the pandemic, these companies faced barriers. The top hurdle has always been a lack of credit stemming from pervasive gender bias. Studies show that Caribbean women struggle to get commercial bank loans, even though they are more likely than men to repay them. Financing is particularly critical for women working

in technology. Before 2020, the tech sector had been growing quickly in Latin America and the Caribbean. Last year, a survey of 405 women-led tech start-ups by IDB Lab, the innovation laboratory at the Inter-American Development Bank, showed that over 80% had created their company in the previous five years. Nearly 70% had already hired at least two employees. Almost two thirds of the women surveyed said trouble getting capital made it hard start and grow their businesses. About 44% relied on financing from “inner circle”

sources like savings, family, or friends. A similar percentage of women got funding from angel investors, venture capital, accelerators or incubators, including those run by governments. But while the supply of capital from these sources has been rising slowly, it still falls drastically short of demand. In Latin America and the Caribbean, the finance gap for female-led small and midsize companies totals at least $93 billion, according to according to the International Finance Corporation. The good news is that female Caribbean entrepreneurs have overcome these difficulties with creativity and grit. They are passionate about wooing customers and expanding abroad. They represent precisely the type of job and revenue-generating

potential that island economies desperately need. Helping these women benefits everyone, not just women. The upside to empowering female entrepreneurs, and employing more women overall, is huge. Indeed, achieving gender parity in the workforce alone could increase GDP by 23%, adding more than $1 trillion to economic output by 2025. Virtually no other public policy offers such a stunning return on investment. That’s why empowering women is key to the region’s future. But doing this on a large scale requires a unified effort from the public and private sectors. Happily, recent experience shows there are numerous opportunities to deliver solid results. One thing governments can do is replicate initiatives

like Jamaica’s Boosting Innovation, Growth and Entrepreneurship Ecosystems Programme, a US$50 million initiative to support small businesses. To provide venture capital and matching grants to start-ups with high growth potential, this program prioritizes women entrepreneurs in the technology sector, offering mentoring, financing, and networking support. We should also update existing entrepreneurship programs to better address women’s needs. In the Bahamas, for example, women have accounted for about half of the users of the government’s Small Business Development Center. Now, in response to surveys indicating that limited access to SEE PAGE XXVI

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WILD FLOWERS FOR A FAIR LADY

NIGHT, its veil of darkness descended silently and from the deep shadows as though wooed by night, came forth all that had stayed hidden in the day. Naren, a security guard, walked along the cemetery road to the back dams where two machines tilling the land were parked. He was assigned to guard the machines that night till morn, a job that led him to different locations in the back dam. Tonight the machines were parked on the dam of a canal overlooking a cemetery. Not many people would have wanted to work in such a location but Naren was a brave soul and had become accustomed over the years to seeing strange things on his night shifts; sleek white horses galloping along the dams then disappearing; ghostly apparitions of wandering souls, and strange voices speaking in languages he did not quite understand. But those haunting illusions did not bother him because the real dangers were encountering thieves, fugitives and tomb raiders. Tonight though, was different. He noticed not far from his post, a new gravesite, the fresh flowers on the tomb not yet withered. Someone had been buried there just that afternoon. He wondered if it was the young woman, two settlements away from where he lived, who had died at the hands of her abusive husband. The story had been all over the news, the tragedy sending shock waves throughout the district. The young woman has been a school teacher, admired for her simple, pleasant personality and recognized for her selfless work with charities for children and the elderly. Naren shook his head and sighed with deep regrets, “This violence seems to have no end from uncaring and cruel partners who refuse to let go.” He checked the machines to ensure everything was fine and just couldn’t close his mind from the disturbing thoughts of men who allowed power and control to hurt the ones they love. He sighed again and settled down to another night of security duty. The hours ticked by and his eyes, not heavy with sleep, shifted regularly to the surroundings, his mind alert to every little sound. It was just past the midnight hour, as he poured from his flask a hot cup of tea, when he saw dim lights coming down the cemetery road, quite unusual for that hour. Naren positioned himself behind one of the machines so he could not be seen and watched as a car stopped and a tall, young man strode into the cemetery grounds, straight to the new gravesite. He stood there for a long time with his head bent, then he picked up a handful of loose dirt and threw it with some aggression on the grave. “I told you, you can never leave me,” he said with cold anger, “I told you, you can only belong to me, but you didn’t listen, you tried to leave.”

In the quiet of the night, although Naren was a fair distance away, he heard what the man said and though he was a brave man, those words sent a chill through his body. After a while, the young man turned and walked back to the car, glancing towards the parked machines. Naren couldn’t recognize him in the dark, but knew now he was the husband of the murdered woman and, wanted by the police. He turned his gaze to the grave site and drew in his breath sharply. Standing there in the silent posture of a departed soul, was

a young woman in a long, white gown, her hair tied loosely at the nape of her neck, decorated with tiny white flowers. From where he stood, Naren could not clearly see her face but he knew there must be grief and invisible tears. She sat down, her head bent for a long time and he watched her, unable to move. “So young and beautiful,” he said silently, “Life interrupted by cruel hands and he couldn’t even allow her to rest in peace.” Naren closed his eyes for a few minutes and when he reopened them she was gone. The night wore on, soon to give way to dawn and Narun packed his bag to leave for the day but before he did, he picked a bunch of wild flowers and putting it on her grave he said, “I don’t know you but I can feel your pain and I just want to say sorry for what happened to you.” The day for Narun seemed long, her ghostly illusion and her sadness imprinted on his mind. The story of her death was still relevant on the news, the police appealing to citizens to help them find her killer. Naren called in and told the police what he had seen and that he was sure the man was her husband. That night seemed darker and sitting by the machines, he watched her as she wandered around, seeming lost.

To Accelerate Growth ... digital payments and other tech tools is severely impeding growth, the development center is retooling it digital skills and remote training efforts to focus on female-led businesses. Likewise, Haiti’s Sofihdes, which offers loans and training to small companies, is overhauling its portfolio of courses to

specifically meet the needs of women entrepreneurs. Public and private sector leaders should also encourage well-established companies to promote the professional development and leadership of women in their workforce. Banco BDH León in the Dominican Republic recently became the first

private company in the Caribbean to begin the process of obtaining EDGE certification, as part of its strategic alliance with IDB Invest, the IDB’s private sector arm. EDGE is a standardized methodology and global certification system for assessing and tracking progress in closing the cor-

porate gender gap. Now is the time for every large company in the Caribbean to make similar commitments. At the IDB, we are expanding financial and technical support for these kinds of efforts as part of Vision 2025, our blueprint for powering a sustainable recovery.

“Maybe she doesn’t realise she’s dead,” he deduced. It was at that moment she turned and looked at him and Narun held his breath, though not afraid, he did not want a close encounter with a departed soul. He closed his eyes so she wouldn’t know he was seeing her but moments later he felt a chill. He reopened his eyes and saw her standing just a few feet away from him. A pleading look in her eyes seemed to freeze his consciousness and in that portal, he heard her speak softly. “I miss my little daughter, she must be crying for me. I need to see her, help me please.” “How do I do that?” he asked. “I don’t know how to find my way home, guide me please, my daughter needs me.” “You know you have died, don’t you?” “Yes,” she answered. “Then how can you help her?” “It was not my time to die, so Heaven is not ready for me, and until that time, I will watch over my daughter.” Her plea touched his heart and he nodded his willingness to help her. He risked losing his job that night, leaving his post to guide her home. As he watched her in her invisible form embrace her daughter, a very pretty child, he felt tears welling in his eyes. She would now be the child’s guardian angel until Heaven was ready for her. Two beautiful lives shattered because of one man’s obsession and deadly anger.

Naren returned to work feeling happy in his heart that he had done something good for her, and as he settled down, he thought to himself, “Don’t these things happen only in movies?” Two nights later, the police who had been staking out the cemetery, waiting for the fugitive, captured him as he tried to escape in the back dam. Naren was on the scene, looking at him and seeing the savage look on his face, said to him quietly so only he heard him, “Your wife is very sad, she misses her daughter.” The man looked at Naren, livid with anger. “Who are you and how do you know her?” “I’m a stranger,” Naren told him calmly, “But I can see her and hear her.” The man looked at him in shock and disbelief as he was shoved in the police van. Naren knew those words would live within him and give him no peace for the rest of his life. In a way, it would be justice for her. Night shifts took Naren to different places in the back dam but always whenever he passed by the cemetery road, he would put a bunch of wildflowers on her grave. “So your beautiful soul can rest in peace.”

FROM PAGE XXIV By working with the private and public sectors, we can drive exponential growth in female entrepreneurship, creating high quality jobs that will benefit the Caribbean for decades. So, come and join us. Together, we can make this happen.

Mauricio Claver-Carone President of the Inter-American Development Bank

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XXVII

The ‘I AM’ Collection

Where your way of life meets your style for life THIS March, we celebrate women worldwide, embracing the 111th International Women’s Day. March 8 is a global day celebrating women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. I am planning to celebrate in a very special way, introducing some new things and amplifying the old ones. Let’s celebrate Women’s Month with a Gift of Confidence for women and girls. I believe passionately in bestowing meaningful gifts that can last a lifetime, more so, now in these challenging times. I am passionate about this programme be-

cause I have been on both sides of the spectrum and witnessed the results of this programme. A confident woman turns thoughts into action. Without it, we can hold ourselves back. Research shows that an undue focus on outward appearance impairs girls’ ability to focus and concentrate. For girls, improved confidence and a healthy body image may improve academic outcomes. Confident girls are more likely to speak out against bullying and to tell an adult if they experience sexual harassment or assault. Confidence has caused me to venture out even when I was not sure of the outcome. I did that just a few days ago and I have the pictures to prove it. I made a bold move to commence the celebration for the 25 years in fashion and the creative industry and I made a bold move to commence the celebration with the preview for my new business venture. ‘I AM’ - where your way of life meets your style for life. This is a collection of unique and versatile indoor and outdoor furniture and artworks. Some of the artworks are incorporated into some of the furniture and I plan to use the talented students, past and present, from the David Rose School for Special Needs. Some of these masterpieces will depict amazing abstract art and the rich flora and fauna in beautiful Guyana. Affirmations

are essential to our daily lives and this collection will be a reminder of how unique you are and were created to fulfil a purpose. When you sit in a chair or touch a cushion you will be uplifted on your worst days. Crafted by Chey, Floral by Shari, Azirra Games and Natasha David were products featured at the preview. The preview was for a limited number of people but the collection will be launched at the Pegasus for Women in Business Expo. Many things are in store for the next few months to commemorate

this milestone. Patrons will have special introductory prices on the opening day of the Expo.We hosted a virtual Expo last year and we are excited to be back. All COVID-19 protocols will be in place. Let us all help #BreakTheBias in supporting the women and girls through the gift of confidence and supporting the Women in Business Expo as we celebrate this beautiful journey called Life BEYOND THE RNWAY.

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THOUGHT FOR TODAY Deceive boys with toys, but men with oaths. LYSANDER (d. 39 Plutarch, Lives, Lys 5 B.C.) ander, 8

March 06, 2022 STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Welcome dear friend. Here again are helpful tips to make better your CSEC examination performance. Learn to read passages well.

Choose multiple-choice responses carefully. Give short answers ranging from a phrase or short sentence to a short paragraph. Generally, each allocated mark should guide your response lengths. Note the number of words for each section of continuous writing. Do not waste time rewriting; practise this skill. Most of all, get well acquainted with both examination papers, structurally. Be wise. Love you. THE PASSAGE Instructions: Read the following abridged passage carefully and then answer all the questions set on it concerning the qualities of good writing. “I have often come here to see father. There is a boy about my height. His skin is so very white. I think he is the son of Mr. Howlands. I did not like the way he clung to his mother’s skirt, a frightening thing. Yet his eyes were fixed on me. A bit curious. The second time he was alone. When he saw me, he rose and walked in my direction. I was frightened because I did not know what he wanted. I ran. He stood still and watched me. Then he walked back. Whenever I go there, I make sure I am near my father.” “Did he want to speak to you?” “Well, I don’t know. He may have wanted to quarrel with me. He is like his father. And you know --” Njoroge remembered the story Ngotho had told them. He could not tell Mwihaki of this. This was to be his own secret. “All this land belongs to black people,” “Y-e-e-s. I’ve heard my father say so. He says that if people had had education, the white man would not have taken all the land. I wonder why our old folk, the dead old folk, had no learning when the white man came?” (NGUGI’s “Weep Not, Child”) What to Do The passage above is used to demonstrate a perfect example of good writing. Your group responses should demonstrate your recognition of good writing. 1) Jot down the responses as you discuss with your study partners the following comments and questions, and then make a report.

a) The passage is enhanced with good dialogue. The passage uses simple and authentic language. b) How does the dialogue seem appropriate to the age of the “I” narrator? c) How does dialogue in this story help in building up any of the following aspects? - character, setting, and conflict. 2) Examine the following statement: A narrative tells what is going to happen; dialogue shows what is going to happen. a) Does the writer use mostly long or short narrative? How effective is the narrative usage in this story? b) What effect does dialogue lengths have on the story interest? 3) Write short comments on these guidelines using responses from your study group. a) Do away with empty dialogue! b) Correct dialogue usage makes the character seem more real and three-dimensional. c) When you write dialogue, readers must hear the characters talking clearly and directly to them. d) Dialogue moves the action forward. 4. What have you learned from these exercises concerning good writing? Tell it to your partners. STORY WRITING Better writing aid Things will be easier for your writing if you keep on up-dating a commonplace book. Know that a commonplace book is a book assorted by you, the writer, and not your study partner. It is used by thinkers and writers among others who need to be stimulated and reminded about things. It often contains exciting and worthwhile quotations, songs, jokes, menus, recipes, theories and any other things that you have put there because you find them interesting or thought-provoking. Its purpose provides one of the effective ways to stimulate your thoughts when writing stories. The following effects are good for your caché: Pictures; postcards; clippings from diaries, newspapers, letters, and magazines, greeting cards; poems; plans of houses, towns and villages stored in it; along with any other thing that leads to stimulating good writing such as a dried natural plant or insect can also be included. Any material that interests you should be kept into your commonplace book to aid your writing. GRAMMAR See how some pronouns are used. 1. Goss Toney and she have been awarded trophies for the JSSR Junior Basketball Championships. (Who have been awarded? Goss Toney and she.) 2. It proved to be he. (If the subject of the infinitive to be is not expressed, the complement is in the nominative case.) 3. Jason Bovril thought me to be her. [Me (objective case) is the subject of the infinitive to be; the objective her, not the nominative she, is needed as the predicate complement.] 4. We asked Winston Burkett and her to conduct the tour. (Compound subjects of to conduct) 5. Please give my brother and me a spoonful of your delicious pudding. (Compound indirect objects) 6. He needs two computer experts, Jock and me. (apposition with experts, direct object); [A noun or pronoun is in the objective case when it is in appostion with another noun or pronoun in the objective case.] What to Do In the following seven sentences, list each noun and each pronoun. After each, state whether it is in the nominative, or the objective case; then tell why. Check your work by the given rules above. 1. The game master needed two girls, Donna and me. 2. When we reached the doorway she and Jack Jones shouted for help. 3. They thought us to be the police. 4. Uncle Harry took Sandra and me to the hockey tournament. 5. Sandra and I went to the golf tournament with Uncle Harry. 6. When they reached the doorway he and Shirley shouted for help. 7. He thought us to be the hinterland school inspectors.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 06, 2022

Some negatives in dentistry

CONVENTIONAL dentistry has certainly helped a great number of people to enjoy good dental function for many years. It respects the fact that the mouth is an integrated part of the entire body and that it should always be viewed and treated in this respect. Its primary aim is to resolve a patient’s dental problems, while impacting the rest of the body as little as possible. Therefore, it is important for dental patients to know that dental treatment is not without its fair share of adversities. So, even though many patients leave a dental office chewing and looking much better than before they went, some degree of negative impact on the rest of their bodies may result from their treatment. The negative medical impact of dentistry can come from any part of several sources. Among the most common ones are mercury from amalgam fillings and bacterial toxins from root canal therapy. Commonly known as silver fillings or just amalgam fillings, these fillings should be called mercury fillings since mercury has been and remains a full 50 percent of the content of these fillings. Patients must be told that if an old filling is being removed, the filings should be spat out immediately to minimise exposure to mercury. I have ceased using amalgam fillings in my practice for many years. Unfortunately, dentistry continually evaluates new dental materials primarily, and sometimes exclusively, by their mechanical characteristics. An insufficient effort is given in trying to assess whether a given material will have a longterm adverse effect on the patient. Stainless steel and other materials continue to be used in the mouth, even though some studies seem to indicate that they could be implicated with causing cancer. I would never recommend that gold be placed in the mouth under any circumstance. After all, this has proven to have medical repercussions, albeit not clearly defined. Root canal treated teeth are proving to be infected at times, and the toxins that have been isolated from them are often incredibly potent. Although it has not been conclusive, some researchers claim there is a strong reaction between the presence of root canals and the development of cancer and heart disease. It appears that the longer canal-treated teeth stay in the body, the more the immune system becomes compromised. Pockets of gangrene in the jawbone are often found in sites of previous extractions. These toxins are essentially the same as those found in root canals, being the product of aerobic mouth bacteria being forced to live in an anaerobic environment. Some dentists still think cavitations do not exist, even though they have been shown to be extremely common, especially at the sites of wisdom teeth extractions. On relatively few instances, implants continue to be done without biocompatibility testing, and they are often started at extraction sites, where cavitations are already developing. Autoimmune diseases seem to be often aggravated or even initiated by implants. Not enough emphasis is put on how severely the infection in the gums of the periodontal disease patient impacts that patient’s long-term health. Heart disease is clearly the result of such disease in many patients. We recognise that the mouth and its contents can have a huge impact on a patient’s health and the way in which it is approached can either support our health or do the opposite. We have to understand that we function as a whole, and as doctors, we must pay attention to the whole work with other disciplines in order to create continuity for our patients.

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