Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot E-Paper 09-01-2022

The scenic SilverTown village

Silvertown village is a community that overlooks the Demerara River, at Wismar, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice). It is home to just over 600 residents of mixed ethnicities (Delano Williams photo)

Sunday, January 09, 2022

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 9, 2022

Touring the awesome highlands of Guyana

By Francis Quamina Farrier

THERE is still quite a number of Guyanese who glibly say, “Guyana is below sea level” and they are so wrong, since that is just one-third of a three-part statement of fact. The correct and full statement to be made is; “The coastland of Guyana is below sea level, at high tide.” And one has to wonder why just one-third of that statement is so often said by so many Guyanese, and even by some who are well educated and even hold positions of influence and authority. It is good for Guyanese to discuss issues such as the topography of our beautiful country. For the many Guyanese who are domiciled on the coastland and who have not had the opportunity so far to travel inland, they are at a great disadvantage. Our fellow Guyanese who have

never seen a hill or mountain in Guyana usually tend to feel and make statements about a low-lying Guyana, even a Guyana which, according to them, is below sea level. Many would have gone to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri and yet do not realise that they had gone to an area in the country which is well above sea level. Back in the colonial era, the Americans chose that area of British Guiana, officially known as Hyde Park, to construct “Atkinson Field,” which was an airfield that accommodated their warplanes. Those aircraft flew from British Guiana in South America, east across the Atlantic ocean, to destinations in North Africa during the Second World War. (1939 - 1945). Located as it is on the northern shoulder of South America, British Guiana (Guyana) played a vital role in the war effort for the Allied Forces which brought them victory over the German

forces. Listening to those Guyanese who have travelled to many areas of the country, you hear more accurate statements about the country’s topography. In discussions about that aspect of Guyana, one should not generally expect to receive enlightened information about factual geographical details, from those who have never had hands-on information about the highlands of Guyana. A few years ago, there was a “Visit Guyana Year” which was organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Industry. It was promoted to attract foreigners and Guyanese in the diaspora to visit Guyana. This article will not attempt to say whether that project was a success or not, but rather to recommend a different approach to a “Visit Guyana Year” in the future. Recommend is a “Visit Guyana Year” in which Guyanese, both at home and in the diaspora, are

Perched on the side of a hill, Farrier views the savannah and a portion of the Kanuku Mountain Range in Region 9 (Photograph of 1965)

A portion of the Kanuku Mountain Range which separates the North and South Rupununi Savannahs in Region Nine, Guyana, is thousands of feet above sea level

encouraged to make special efforts to visit areas of the country where they have nev-

er gone to before. For example, people from the Essequibo Coast can be encouraged to go on a tour to the Corentyne Coast. Folk from Linden can tour to Lethem, and so on. Let me interject with my own fortune in touring to well over 80 percent of our “Beautiful Guyana” about which Hilton Hemerding sings in such a patriotic way. My tours around Guyana began when I was just three years of age. During school holidays, my mother sent my two brothers and I to visit the hinterland areas where her husband, our father worked. Of course, we were well briefed by my father when he was at home in Georgetown. He debunked all the tales we were told about tigers and snakes and “Bush Dai-Dai”, by those who had never even been to the hinterland. Memories of my boyhood visits to the forested areas of the country supplied me with the experiences for two of my plays, MANAKA and TIMBERLINE; the latter won first prize at the Guyana Independence Playwriting Competition in 1966. From time to time, there is flooding in the Rupununi

savannahs, and some people wonder how it is that such occurs in that highland area of the country. This is somewhat confusing for coastlanders who feel that there should be no flooding since the Rupununi area is well above sea level. The reason is simple to fathom. Consider spilling your coffee on the table while having breakfast and juxtapose it with floods in the highlands of Guyana. The spilt coffee, while high on top of the table, will take some time to drain off if it isn’t whipped away as soon as possible. Yes. Highlands can and do experience flooding. When the heavy rainfalls come, the Essequibo, Rupununi and Takutu Rivers in Region Nine are incapable of draining off the water in a timely way, and so, there is flooding in those highland areas of the country. It is necessary to mention that during the dry season, lenghty portions of the Takutu River which is part of the Guyana/Brazil border, are totally empty, so much so that some folk even have picnics on the dry, sandy river bed.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 9, 2022

Strong support system, daily schedule, quality sleep... - among tips shared for optimum mental health during COVID-19

By Telesha Ramnarine JUST when we think that things are looking up and we’re finally going to get out of the Coronavirus pandemic, the number of infected persons starts to surge again. We expected an increase in the numbers, or another wave if you will in January due to increased mingling in the holiday season, but did we ever expect to hear 967 new cases (last Friday) reported over a 24-hour period? Many who have dropped their guards when it comes to taking the precautions that they once diligently took are now conscientiously going back to doing those things because they perhaps realised that the pandemic isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. But how long more must we be under siege by the pandemic? A ray of hope was presented when the vaccines started to be rolled out, with the Guyana Government being diligent about sourcing vaccines and achieving herd immunity. Yet, the country now has more active cases than ever

Clinical Psychologist Anju Vivekanandaraj

before. The back and forth of thinking that the pandemic will soon be over can be quite overwhelming and can put a strain on good mental health. At times, many are not even aware that the stress and fatigue that they’re experiencing are due to nothing more than the pandemic. While many have resumed in-person work and school, others are still doing everything under the sun from the confines of their homes. Working from home, home-schooling children, and missing physical contact with family, friends, and colleagues can take a toll, especially on people with existing mental conditions. According to a report by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), depression continues to be the leading mental health disorder, and is twice as frequent in women as in men. 10% to 15% of women in industrialised countries and 20% to 40% of women in developing countries suffer from depression during pregnancy or the postpartum period. Mental and neurological disorders in the elderly, such

as Alzheimer’s disease, other dementias, and depression, contribute significantly to the burden of non-communicable diseases. The good news is that with the right effort put in, people can do specific things to improve their mental well-being during what is perhaps now the most uncertain and nerve-racking time. Pepperpot Magazine spoke with Clinical Psychologist Anju Vivekanandaraj, from India, who has been working in Guyana over the past two years, offering counselling and psychotherapy services for various mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), psychosis and others. She also does relationship, adolescent and teenage counselling and works along with trauma and grief-related patients. Anju has been seeing an increase in the number of persons reaching out for her services during the pandemic, and top on the list are healthcare workers, couples and adolescents. Chief among their concerns are increased stress, anxiety and depression. Asked what she feels are some of the best measures to take toward maintaining good mental health, her number one piece of advice is to have a good support system. It can be anyone in life, but there must be people you can surround yourself with to fight challenges with guidance, support, and confidence. This would necessitate strengthening the bonds of established relationships. “When you have good relationships, you can benefit from emotional support and comfort from the people you love and trust, and if you’re in a toxic relationship, it’s important to get out of it and get professional help.” The next important thing would be to have a daily routine or schedule. This presents a feeling of safety and normalcy, and when you can finish tasks, it makes for a more fulfilling feeling, along with a sense of achievement and motivation. Further, physical health is always related to mental health, so focus should be placed on diet and exercise. “It doesn’t mean that you have to do any strenuous activity, but it can mean simply going for a walk in the evening around the block,” Anju pointed out, as she noted the need for having quality sleep too. Taking a mindful approach to things can also contribute to good mental health, because it means that you would need to purposefully pay attention to the things that are happening in the moment. “Pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and feelings. This will help you to stay grounded in the present rather than staying in the past or worrying about the future.” Practising gratitude also has an important role to play. “We need to be grateful for the small things. Many have been experiencing the death of loved ones, so if we have happy moments with our family, that’s something to be thankful for. It’s Important to sit back and reflect on all the good things that we have,” Anju shared. Last, but by no means any less important, would be doing something for yourself every now and again. Learn to take a break, especially if you are the sort of person who constantly looks out for the interests of others. At times, being consumed with their problems can be quite overwhelming. “It can be just going and having something in a restaurant or going to the spa. Think of what really makes you happy and feel good. Maybe just being at home and reading a book, or watching a movie by yourself,” Anju suggested. Children are not to be left out of the picture as they too have to deal with a lot. It is important to understand if they are also stressed out by the limitations placed on them when it comes to physical activity outdoor or going to school to be with their friends. “Be conscious of what they’re doing and how they’re spending their time at home. Rather than them always being on a computer or phone, monitor their

behaviours. Are they getting more irritated or frustrated? Are their grades dropping? Plan an outing with them and take them outside for physical activity as much as possible. This can boost their mental health,” Anju advises. From the people To get a view of how others may be coping at this difficult time, the Pepperpot Magazine spoke with a few more persons to hear what measures they’ve been taking to deal with the overwhelming effects of the pandemic. Anand Persaud, Newspaper Editor:

Anand Persaud

It was important not to be under siege and in fear of the virus. After all, there was a high rate of recovery among the infected. So I had prepared myself for the eventuality that I could become infected. Still, my mindset was that I would overcome it and get back to normalcy. It was also important to take preventative steps to ward off COVID. For example, diet and exercise supercharge the immune system and reduce stress. Just as important was the acceptance that upon the availability of the COVID vaccine here, I would take the recommended doses. When the vaccine became available to my category, I took the Sputnik V in April and May of 2021 without any hesitation as I was confident in the science, and I firmly believe that they provided protection. I have since had a third shot - Johnson and Johnson and would be prepared for a fourth dose was it recommended. This type of positive outlook while taking sensible measures has definitely helped many people through this period and there is still some way to go. Adrian Peters, Economics/Maths Teacher Currently, I am at school Monday to Friday. However, from September to November 2020 and September to OctoSEE PAGE IV

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 9, 2022

Strong support system, daily .... FROM PAGE III

Avenash Ramzan, Sports Journalist/News Anchor At first, it seemed like living in a prison, being controlled by an unseen and rampant force. One of the challenges that came with the pandemic was getting my son to suddenly shift from face-to-face to online classes, while also keeping his mental health intact. Thankfully, engaging in sport at

Holly-Anne Bristol

the issues affecting you to someone you trust and to maintain a balance of work and leisure/personal time. Holly-Anne Bristol, Disability Community My mental health was negatively affected due to the isolation I experienced. It was not easy not being able to physically socialise with my friends and other loved ones. To combat the negative effects, I emerged myself into online learning, meeting and forming relationships with the disability community, and using all the resources available to me like Zoom, WhatsApp and Facebook. I also practised a lot of self-care, like getting enough exercise and sunlight, eating balanced meals, connecting with my family for emotional support and learning a few new skills. I also went back to doing things I liked but was too busy to do before COVID-19.

Adrian Peters

ber 2021, I had to engage my students virtually. That was a challenge since attendance was poor for the most part. Also, not all students had a stable or suitable internet connection. So, mentally, it was discouraging. Apart from a spiritual routine, I did practical things to maintain a positive mindset. I focused on what I could do and not on the circumstances beyond my control. I reminded myself of why I was putting forth the effort to teach online; it was in the best interests of my students. Avenash Ramzan

home allowed him to maintain that balance. COVID-19 restrictions on sports activities since literally brought local sport to a standstill, forcing Sport Journalists to come up with creative ways of keeping readers/viewers engaged. Of course, there are days when none of the ideas come to fruition, and that is when the frustration would step in. As media operatives, we have an obligation to the public, and it’s about digging deep to keep the public engaged. It is on those days you would have to ‘mask’ the confusion and frustration and put on your game face. During the initial period working at home, I decided to engage in physical exercise. This helped me to not only get in shape but also offered a meaningful avenue of utilising my spare time. Secondly, the pandemic helped me to spend more quality time with the family. Those engagements really put life into perspective and served to strengthen the family bond. Persons struggling with mental health issues should cultivate optimism as a pessimistic outlook would only serve to worsen the situation. It is important also to speak about

Soma Singh, Counsellor Apart from working at the Georgetown Public Hospital in the Quality Improvement Department, I am the Vice President and Counsellor within the Guyana Professional Counseling Association and Psychotherapy foundation (GPCAP). The foundation has a hotline number, and I work with about four cases per month. I am constantly worried about my elderly mom and seven-year-old daughter contracting COVID. Sometimes, I have to deal with my own fears and yet be focused when counselling someone. There have been days when I would also feel depressed but still need to attend to a client. As a budding psychologist, we are taught to ensure our emotions are in check before we attend to some else’s. I have learnt to identify what I am feeling and give myself space if the need be. I love cooking, so this is therapeutic for me. I dedicate my weekends to my daughter. This is calming because she’s a joy to be around. I also try to have positive thoughts. Photos: MH 1: MH 2: MH 3: MH 4: MH 5: MH 6:

Soma Persaud

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 9, 2022

Fitness and good nutrition could be a recipe to withstand the pandemic By Dillon Goring It has been over two years that the world has been plagued with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). As a result, people who have mentally fatigued and stressed out, but one local fitness expert is encouraging Guyanese that fitness could be instrumental in combatting such struggles. Emmerson Campbell outlined to the Pepperpot Magazine the importance of having a great immune system and a robust exercise programme during an interview recently. “The important thing when it comes to fighting off any disease, whether it is the cold, or flu is a strong immune system. Once you have a robust immune system, quite a lot of diseases may not affect you. Nevertheless it has to do with how healthy you are. A lot of it has to do with both physical a n d

mental as well,” Campbell told the Pepperpot Magazine. According to him, many factors have to do with health, but it all boils down to your immune system. He outlined the fact that there are several factors that help to boost the immune system. These include all of the vitamins, while noting that we in Guyana have an abundance of vitamin D. He encourages Guyanese to go outside and get the required amount of Vitamin D and supplement it with Vitamin C, which can be found in many of our citrus fruits in the country. The fitness expert also encourages persons to go out and exercise and make maximum usage of exercise facilities available. These include the National Park and other open spaces and playgrounds. “ There

Physical activity increases the exchange of vital white blood cells between peripheral tissues and the bloodstream, which aids the body’s immune response (blood and lymph vessels). This increases the activity of immune cells in the bloodstream. A boost to the immune system helps in fighting infections, prevents bacteria from growing and reduces stress and inflammation.

Campbell representing Guyana in bodybuilding

mpbell Emmerson Ca

is not much excuse that one may have right now as it relates to the care of your health, in that if you don’t take care of your health, you cannot live long and have a happy life. Health should be placed as a premium for anyone of any age, sex or gender, but a lot of persons do not have the time. Nevertheless, all it takes is one hour, three or four times a week, and that is a good start,” Campbell noted. Campbell said that studies show that as a general goal is to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. If you want to lose weight, maintain weight loss or meet specific fitness goals, you may need to exercise more. Reducing sitting time is important, too. Pluses to fitness The fitness expert noted that there is much to gain when it comes to fitness. “Fitness is a

discipline, and for anything, for you to succeed in, you have to be disciplined. Since I started this fitness journey, it has enabled me to be more disciplined. It has enabled me to be less moody. I am not as erratic as I used to be. I am more humbled, more sociable because when you go to the gym and you work out with people who are like minded, [they] become like a family,” Campbell shared. Build your mental capacity during this pandemic period Camobell went on to advise, based on his experience, how persons can cope during the difficulties posed by the pandemic. “In this time, be around people who are positive. Be

around people who have your best interest at heart. People who share your similar goals, pray a lot, working out not only helps your mental, but your spiritual, physical and also enables you to be stronger mentally,” Campbell noted. He added that the strongest thing in one’s body is their mind, so working on the mind first is key to ensuring strength overall in difficult times. In a recent article posted by the Guyana Chronicle dated May 30, 2021 , Dr Ariane Mangar of the Ministry of Health noted that during such times, any kind of physical activity can work as a valuable tool to protect you and encourage relaxation.

Benefits of staying physically active in the time of COVID-19 – Strengthens the immune function – Decreases inflammation – Reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes – Aids in stress management by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression – Helps in weight management – Improves bone and muscle strength, balance and flexibility How to stay safe while exercising during the pandemic – Do not exercise if you have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing – Practice social distancing when exercising outdoors – Practice good hand hygiene before and after your workout – If you’re new to physical activity, begin with low-intensity activities like walking or low-impact workouts for shorter periods of time and progressively build up over time – To minimise the risk of injury, choose the right activity; the strength of the exercise should be appropriate for your fitness level and health status.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 9, 2022

The scenic SilverTown village

By Michel Outridge THIS week the Pepperpot Magazine visited Silvertown village, which overlooks the Demerara River, at Wismar, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) to highlight the way of life of the locals. Silvertown is a relatively large village and it is an uphill and downhill village with many nooks and crannies and very hospitable people. The community is tucked away between Canvas City and Silver City. It is said that the village got its name many decades ago when people came from all over the country to work in Linden. They constructed aluminium houses in Silvertown directly opposite the bauxite factory, across the river, in McKenzie.

When the dust from the factory settled on those houses, it appeared as though it was silver; thus, the name derived. Silvertown can be accessed via Burnham Drive as well, as well as from other parts of Linden, which is all connected. A sign sits at the head of the village, which serves as an entrance with the village name, and the streets are one-vehicle ones. The main access road was recently upgraded to an all-weather, paved road and the internal streets are full of potholes. When the main access road was upgraded, the existing concrete drains were cleaned, and a new wall was built to prevent erosion. The parapets were also cleaned through commu-

nity-based initiatives by a group of residents, who have since formed a non-governmental organisation to foster development within the village. Late last year, a section of the newly paved road had eroded through heavy rainfall, compounded by erosion. This is a very clean village with just over 600 residents of mainly Afro-Guyanese ancestry and a lot of mixed-race people with a handful of Amerindians and a few East Indians. Most of the locals have lived all their lives there and there are hardly any newcomers. Several overseas-based Guyanese were back home to spend the holidays and were

Focus on the Village

Silvertown Village (Delano Williams photos)

in the process of securing flights back where they came from. Silvertown has four internal streets that go deep into the village, which has an uphill section which is very steep and there are dozens of people residing there, while most of the villagers live downhill. Silvertown has electric-

ity, potable water supply, landline phones, internet services but no government facilities which are accessed in neighbouring villages. There is no health centre, schools or other agencies in Silvertown but a section at the rear of the community, which was a dump site, was converted into a recreation area with wooden seating

accommodation. The people of Silvertown are skilled professionals, who are multi-talented and they vary from truck drivers, miners, masons, carpenters, contractors, builders, private and public sector employees. There is a handful of small-business owners SEE PAGE XVIII

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 9, 2022

The multi-talented people of Silvertown are buoyant

By Michel Outridge BEING visually impaired is no setback for Lindener,

ing his community to the fullest by being involved in community-based projects to enhance the village.

The poster of the product

Amin Britton, who is pursuing his goals and is serv-

Britton is a resident of Silvertown, Wismar, Linden

and he is the Chairman of Silvertown Fiesta Support Group, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) geared towards community development. He is one of Guyana’s first blind cricketers, who spent 10 years as a sportsman and went on his maiden tour of Barbados and Trinidad along with his mentor, Ganesh Singh. Britton is a well-respected leader in his village and he is reading for his Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies at the University of Guyana (UG). The villager taught in the public school system for 12 years. He has a wealth of information when it comes to many things, including counselling and community development. Britton provides information and coordinates all of the projects done by the NGO. Being a close-knit community, they have eight executives, who consult to bring about change. “Without the support of the people and some overseas-based folk many of our projects would have been an uphill task, not possible and I am grateful for the assisSEE PAGE XVIII

Steve McAllister at his home/shop

Focus on the Village

The multi-purpose pain oil and ointment

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 9, 2022

The Silvertown Fiesta Support Group Fostering community-based development to enhance the village

By Michel Outridge KWESI Parkes is the Vice Chairman for Silvertown Fiesta Support Group, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) formed by the locals to foster community-based development. The NGO consists of seven executives and nine committee members, all drawn from the village. It started two years ago. The group started out with a bang and held the first pageant in the community in a stage show setting which was successful. Recently, this group initiated a self-help campaign and 60 persons from the village was selected to clean drains, parapets and other works in the community. Parkes told the Pepperpot Magazine that waste from the

concrete drains was scooped out and dumped into trucks that took it away at the cost of $7,000 per load. He explained that funds were garnered through donations by residents and a few overseas-based Guyanese, who are also part of the NGO. Parkes revealed that they expended $300,000 for that project and also provided meals for the residents who participated in the self-help initiative. He stated that the villagers worked from 06:00 to 18:00hrs during that period. Parkes disclosed that 10 more drains in the village need to be cleaned and they will complete that project when funds become available. Parkes reported that they do their own garbage

Drainage works done by the group

removal because the Linden Mayor and City Council

hardly ever goes into the village to do any refuse collection. He added that the signboard bearing the village name was placed at the entrance at Burnham Drive was also an initiative of the NGO. Parkes related that they also erected a bus shed and another signboard of the village’s name at Winifred’s Gaskin Highway which is another entrance to Silvertown via Middle Road. He disclosed that the

boundary to Silvertown is from Wismar Bridge to the Wismar Police Station and it is the home of many national footballers, long-distance sprint athletes, basketball players, tennis players and artistes. The Village Leader pointed out that they do whatever they can through fundraisers and donations from locals and overseas-based Guyanese to develop the village. The community needs about 60 street lights.

“This place does be really dark at nights and we want to safeguard the villagers when getting some from work and traversing to feel safe. The way to do that is via street lights,” he said. Parkes told the Pepperpot Magazine that the village has four natural springs and locals and visitors would fill up and drink from it. He explained that a section where he resides was developed from a dumpsite to Silvertown Spring Park where racket chairs were constructed. Parkes stated that they will soon install a basketball court and create a play park where swingers, slides, seesaw and merry-go-round will be a part of the park as a recreational place. He revealed that on Christmas Day last year, it was the first time ever they erected a huge Christmas Tree through self-help efforts and made sure it was affixed with Christmas lights. He explained that they wanted to spread joy in the village especially among the children and they has gifts and goodies that day to share and 250 children benefitted. It was a success with the SEE PAGE XXIV

Vice Chairman of the Silvertown Fiesta Support Group posing at the village signage (Delano Williams photos)

Focus on the Village

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The small business owner, who gives back to his village and society By Michel Outridge MAYBE it is his benevolent upbringing or his grounded moral values which was instilled in him as a boy but whatever it is, Lennox Parris is a very

abroad but returned to Guyana, where he established his own small business, Lennox Party Rental/Delivery Service based from his residence 170 3rd Street, Silvertown, Wismar, Linden. Whenever he can, he

village. Parris has a soft spot for his people, the folk of his home village and whenever they ask, he cannot refuse them. “Living next door to a church, we had to attend

Marlon Murray drinking from the natural spring near his home

Marlon Murray’s shop

giving man and a resident of Silvertown, Wismar, Linden, who contributes to the community. He had spent some time

does his part in giving back, more so, has been doing just that for as long as he can remember and plays an integral part in community-based development in his

church regularly and I think it was always a part of me to give because to receive, one must give and that is my motto for a simple life,” SEE PAGE XI

Marlon Murray and one of his six children

Focus on the Village

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 9, 2022

The village elder who is still serving his community

By Michel Outridge AT 79 years old, Vibert Cummings is thankful for a lot of things including, the gift of good eyesight but he had some good years and these days he is basking in retirement. He is a resident of Silvertown, Wismar, Linden and resides at North Road, Silvertown, with his family. Cummings is a mild-mannered man who was a councillor and is an elder in the village where he is well respected. He was a teacher at a private school for many years and a councillor for three years attached to the Linden Mayor and Town Council. Cummings has been a resident of Silvertown for the past 50 years and he is well-known. He was an outdoor person but suffered a major setback when he underwent two eye surgeries for glaucoma caused by his diabetic condition, so nowadays, he stays in and has things to do at home. This elder is from Corentyne, Berbice and he came to Linden for the very first time for a vacation in 1969 and was encouraged by friends to join the bauxite company, which was booming back then. Cummings told the Pepperpot Magazine that he was a teacher and as young man craving opportunity to expand his horizon, he challenged himself and was employed at the bauxite company. He started out as a labourer and in no time he became a Training Officer and stayed with that company for 27 years. Cummings liked the job and his life there he settled in Linden, in Silvertown and got married in 1969 and has been happily married for the past 52 years. He is the father of four and grandfather of eight. Cummings and his wife are religious, simple people who frequent the church for worship services. “I am just enjoying my retirement and taking things easy because of my health condition but still I have so much to be thankful for,” he said.

Vibert Cummings (Delano Williams photo)

These days, Cummings is available to provide guidance to the people and he has an opendoor policy, he serves as a guidance counsellor in his village. “Life is good here only thing when it rains because it is downhill my yard does be flooded so the drains needs to be cleaned to minimise flooding,” he said. Cummings is of the view that the community needs some facilities such as a library, a resource centre for skills training because a lot of young people in the village are jobless. “You see them around and they are doing nothing because of no work so something has to be done to have them engaged,” he said. Cummings told the Pepperpot Magazine that the village also needs a recreational park and a place to read, to be occupied in meaningful activities. “The youths should be doing things to enhance their lives and to become independent and stay away from illegal things and drugs,” he said. He added that they too, need a health centre in the community and the place needs a facelift. Cummings stated that Silvertown is a good place to reside and the people get along so instances of minor differences are resolved quickly as soon as it starts. The villager noted that it is a safe place and incidents of crimes are unheard of in that section of Linden. “I can say, I came here for a vacation and never left so to speak and this village became my home and it is good to be here,” he said. Cummings has a lot to look forward to including, his upcoming birth anniversary on February 10, this year.

Focus on the Village

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 9, 2022

The small business owner ... is uphill, after a very steep climb, is the home of Marlon Murray. His house and shop sit comfortably on a hill in Silvertown, which overlooks the downhill part and it is a very scenic place. Murray is the father of six, who was assisting his children in preparing their uniforms for the re-opening of schools on Monday last. The 43-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that he

Lennox Parris in his office/store

he said. Parris told the Pepperpot Magazine that when he launched his small business, the people in Linden supported him in many ways making his business possible and he thought of no other way than to give back

munity but they do not mind because serving people is what they do best. The people of Silvertown have nothing but good things to say about Parris, who is a down-to-earth, humble kind of guy, a friend to all.

at his residence. This Sunday, Parris will be hosting a lime for the people in Silvertown where he will provide all food and drinks. He told the Pepperpot Magazine that he will have games and goodies for the

Lennox Parris’ home and business place (Delano Williams photos)

to them. So once or twice a year, depending on how business is, he would host a party in the village for the children and people where they would enjoy a fun day with all the trimmings in terms of food and toys. “I have reliable customers, and the support in this region alone is tremendous because when people have a small event, they would call for my services and I ensure it is well-catered for,” he said. For Parris, having such a business means there is no ‘rest day’’ for him and his staff, all from the com-

Parris started the small business seven years ago and his business has grown since and he does all kinds of events from birthdays, to wakes, to parties, to barbeques and just about any social function where he would have a special pocket-friendly package. This package includes chairs, tables, DJ equipment, food, tents, décor and all catering utensils. Parris provides employment for 13 persons from Linden, who work both full-time and part-time and it is a seven-day a week business and they have a small but cosy office/store

children of the village. Parris Party Rentals provides barbeque grills, folded chairs, tables, tents, half drums for beverages, food racks, food pans, generator, bounce castle and plastic plates, cups and forks/ spoons. As for Lennox Delivery Service they can transport, purchase items and deliver it to any location needed in relative ease and it is reliable, efficient service which is also pocket-friendly. Marlon Murray, the hilltop farmer Meanwhile, in another section of the village which

FROM PAGE IX

has been living in Silvertown for the past 23 years but he is originally from the city. He left Georgetown and relocated to Linden and started a simple life as a farmer/ shopkeeper. Murray added that his last crop of cabbage, pak choy was destroyed by birds so he had to do some construction work to bring in an income to the home since his shop isn’t functioning. “I am trying to save up

XI

to re-stock the shop so I can re-open it but that will take some time and I am a patient man,” he said. A short distance from his home, downhill is a natural spring and he, like others, would fill up on drinking water and he is responsible for keeping his surroundings clean and tidy. Murray’s home and yard is very clean and wellkept like most of Silvertown Village.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 9, 2022

Order in the House!

LIKE many others in and outside of Guyana, I watched absolute pandemonium take hold of the National Assembly before the end of last year. What I expected to be a long, rigorous debate on a crucial piece of legislation descended into a disappointing show of leadership. What I am referring to is the ruckus and disruption that ensued when the amendments to the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act (you

know, the one that governs our oil fund) were brought to the House for debate. It was nearly 19:00hrs on December 29 and it promised to be a long night and early morning listening to speaker after speaker from both sides of the house discuss and debate the government-led amendments. What I expected was that these amendments would be so well ventilated that Guyanese like myself could understand and appreciate

the importance of the fund, the intricacies of its management, and how all of our leaders would be acting to ensure that the oil revenues would be transparently managed -- at the very least. I don’t think this was an unfair expectation. Of course, one can argue that with or without the debates, the amendments would have been passed, because the government has a majority in the National Assembly, and that would be a

s

very valid point. And for context, the amendments were passed and we now have a new governance structure in place because the President has signed the amendments into law. But that’s not the only purpose of having parliamentary debates. Parliamentary discussions and even lively debates are

ests well enough. The NRF Act is too important to just be glossed over and passed within minutes- no matter how sound the amendments are. The resource fund is the mechanism through which Guyana will be saving and spending its revenues from the oil sector. In the simplest possible way I can express myself, I would say that this

I AM celebrating Across Borders A When the hos view with me, I a life changers to jo their stories. Dr. Jackie Ev Connecticut My journey to through stages of restored. Thro earned a doctorate from a higher e with this journey w or shifts in my realise that your c circumstances. Th higher mode of th debated in greatspirit detail. and align yo Guyana’s oil andChristine gas sec-Nebl tor fascinates me as That muchday as I be m it scares me. It ing fillsand me bringing with scheduled for an in as much optimism for Guymy proficiency ana’s developmental pros- in pects as it does with sheer cynicism that the country will not be able to defy all the expectations of corruption and mismanagement. I hold onto the hope, how-

crucial in a democratic society such as ours. These are the avenues-- sometimes the only avenues -- that we have to ventilate crucial issues and bring ideas, concerns and/or suggestions into the public’s eye. And this time around, because these amendments were seemingly contentious (if you followed the discourse in the local media) but certainly, all-important, Guyanese deserved to hear their elected representatives discuss and debate the amendments. We didn’t have that, and I am disappointed. It is not because of any opposing political preferences or simply my disdain for the seizure of the Speaker’s mace (though really, that was a terribly misguided action). But, it is because I feel as though my elected representatives did not represent me or my inter-

fund is what will determine whether Guyana can develop well because of the oil and gas sector or whether the country will languish. Guyana continues to benefit from a myriad of expert (and also non-expert) advice on how this fund will help to transform the lives of Guyanese. With frugal saving and spending, the revenues can be invested into massive programmes and policies-- such as world-class hospitals and infrastructure -- that will improve the lives of Guyanese. But if corruption takes hold, those ambitions could be dashed aside. And so when the proposed law for the management of such a fund comes for ventilation in the space where my elected representatives are, again, I do not believe that it is unfair to expect that it would be discussed and

ever, that the will of the people prevails, and they choose people who are best suited to manage their patrimony. We choose them to occupy the seat of government, we choose them to occupy the seat of the opposition, and we choose them to occupy other decision-making spheres, such as in civil society or the private sector. The lack of order and sheer ruckus in the National Assembly recently did not inspire much confidence in some of my elected representatives. One can hope and pray (if you’re a praying person) that this occurrence was merely an unfortunate outlier. I hope we can do better. 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

sharing their journeys XVIII CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 9, 2022

g seven amazing women from the Women Anthologies. st of Watch Radio NY requested an interasked him if it was okay for me to invite oin me. I am sharing some excerpts from

XIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 10, 2021

van Phillips -- born in St Lucia, living in

owards being a Midwife of Purpose came being broken, displaced, and ough this journey, I experienced a divorce, e and got displaced education administrator’s position. Coupled were two major eclipses One week later I completed y life. An eclipse happens when you can my assignment with CTO calling becomes greater than your current and was now ready to move hrough this process, you can transcend to a on to my next career move. hinking where you can connect with your I called Monique to let her ourself as one with nature. know I was available as we lett – born in Guyana and living in NY agreed and she was so hapegan to have the real experience of dreampy to have me start my first my dream world alive. I was immediately temporary assignment with nterview with the agency where they tested Deutsche Bank. My first n using Microsoft and typing WE recentlyOffice celebrated thespeed. first year of the Virtual Writers Retreat and we had a lot to celebrate in such a short time.you Wetohave had peoplewho from Guyana, THANK all the persons support myFrench column thought about walking a few blocks, then I remembered that ahead? Guiana, Trinidad, Barbados, The Bahamas, Suriname, and give feedback, especially the ones who noticed the odd conversation with mom. Remember, don’t limit yourself while journalling because Antigua, Lucia, South Africa, Nigeria, Cameroon, times the St column was not available. I had a few messages I embarked on my journey from Crown Street, Queen- this material may one day be converted to content for your Canada, andbecause variousthe parts of the was United States. The last Sunday Pepperpot printed the Monbook. stown, to Hadfield and Cross Streets. first person to publish was Wendy Hermonstine and she day instead, due to the holiday on the previous weekends. I was now ready for my visualisation session with some I told myself that along the way I can always get a taxi to isI now working onall her second book. Alicia Amanda pubappreciate you and believe great things will happen questions for this awesome year. You can decide if you need complete the journey. lished a couple of books, Phil Umoru Iko-Ojo Bevfor you and your family. I am believing for and incredible After a few minutes, the challenge was feeling even better a theme for this year. How would you like to see yourself erley Been also published theirs. success in various areas of my life and I wish the same for and I was determined to make this possible and I did. grow in 2022? What do you want to learn?. What would you The most recent author to publish from the retreat is like to change? How would yoube like Along the way I was things II need to years I knew that I would into improve? What would was six assignment lasted tworepeating weeks, the When Sara Khalil, who was born in Guyana and left for New York you likebig to experience achieve for 2022. trouble if Imore told of? myHow dad do you want to FEEL in covering someone’s vacation. old I started school in Mesa, in her teenage years. I had the honour to contribute the 2022? How you want to make feel in 2022? I remembered the first sentence my book, whatdo had happened. It waspeople a Arizona, so I“Living began staying Due to my work ethic and in cover, and it was a privilege to read the manuscript first, beAftersecret: answering with intention, faith, focus, the these questions, you will have a clearer with consistency my mom and desire to determination, go the extra mile, cause I assisted her to publish her book ‘InComplete.’ I did idea of whatkind you that would like to and experience in self discipline makeassignment any dream a reality.” could getaccomplish me and her husband routineI landed can another not want to put it down because her story is so compiling. the year ahead. I was so motivated when I got home because of that in the same department for ly. It was like going from into big trouble. I didn’t Sara has always felt that her life is a solidarity jourdown anymuch thoughts youbut might have about what you little challenge. I believe most of a mixed year, but a horrorWrite know how trouble, heaven to hell. It was six months, then another forus had ney really want yourwilling year to to look like. What goals matter most to very positive for 2022. When we focus the positive I wasn’t storyon that’s yet to be writthree months, which finally you?I Whichtake big achallenges do you anticipate having to face thingsled in to ourmy lives, our outlooks more positive. chance. “Shhhh... ten. While at grandma’s permanent posi- become andofovercome? What new stories do you want to tell yourself? With tion, a positive mindset, is soa much for ustheto love Don’t tell anyone.” was easier filled with allowing me toitlive to overthink while answering these questions. maintain our forward momentum and attract theand people, it’s the trauma of a grandma Jesus daily.Try not Maybe dream. your visionbut forfor your life is a powerful first step resources,Dr.and opportunities you your at myCreating my experience, some On to theachieve other hand, Safeeya Mohamed – need t settingreason yourself up for incredible success in the year ahead. goals Trinidad in life. In the process, you become morehouse, confident I still cannot rememmother’s I was filled But in order to make your vision a reality, action is required and moreWe likely to takethe theupdates kind of risks thatRock will lead you drugs ber how with ‘N Roll, received theoften powerit ishappened, in the manifestation. to your best when sex that theyear. accident was horrific and inappropriate, wildbecause to haveorsoeven muchwhen fun atit the virtual vision board Shortly after home, to go back to fromWe plan it started, parties. Ultimately, and that the getting victim was stuckI decided this month. We will assist you in creating your the most part of my homesuch to dive into some youparty ended an environment can later in thepeaceful car. vision or recreating the one you have as we continue to content from Jack Canfield. I found these questions veryof abuse the kinds The vehicle had to be cut imagine celebrate this beautiful journey called Life BEYOND THE usefulopen in my reflection session.ItWhat myhouse biggest Penny Phakahi –South thatwere mom’s provided. to get to the victim. triumphs? brought me that the most joy?I was What11were When years RUNWAY. old, Africa neverWhat occurred to me my favourite purchases? I have had my share of grandma Shirley died and my my brother What didcould I learn be about remotely in- stepdad left. My mom had turmoil and I strongly believe myself? What did volved. TheI learn next thing I an emotional breakdown, so that it is these stints of turaboutremember, the world? What I was looking at I ran away! I couldn’t take moil that brought me obstacles did I overcome? this far in my life. I was any more. the body of my brother and in that we areinalla ridingAndrea a train through I got and her permission share an excerpt with you and I How havecovered I grown? Who perhaps is to still in my Edwards – born blood ourstrident, hours, days, and years. believe many women can relate to her journey. refinery process. in Guyana, living in Florida hearse. agonisdid you love The connecting In thoughtful andI sat revealing As a young girl, I grew As in the back Excerpt: of ing scream of What mythis mother in with this year? 10. upleave with today; one main my dad’s Nissan Bluebird,“II will the A&E that storytake? of her journey, readers will accomjustambition, help me pack my belongings.” big risks did you wanting far through the windows early pany one ofhas thenot most peered courageous women His mother startedtotoget packaway, his clothing in a suitcase. What were mymorning biggest thepacking. system ofI was so upset and lost that the images on - a escaped mind almost 17 toatself-discovery surprises? Whatmy cherished on her expedition Mikeaway also from started or the box fence yearsdidlater as she howled memories you create? remarkable life story ofthe trials andoftri-the IGuystarted to thinking cry and begged himthat to stay. I was in a place we often findmyself ourselves ana Botanical Gardensofand “my son died, my How could I have impactumphs. confusion, I hated andin. I blamed myself. I felt I Apart from Iunderstanding Zoological Park.inThe wasn’t radio good son died, nobody’s helped more lives? Her book ‘Incomplete’ offers enough. threw myself on the floor, in a foetal always dared blasted popular A ning s wus!” e r i nBut gsights tnobody h e sinto e could, Sara Khalil fromthe childhood position,myself cryingI out as loud astoI could, more so screaming. be was different, which wasIaloved him with all my song “1985” by as his spirit departed at the questions gives a clearer to adulthood. She livedcalypso her childhood My world upside down. constant sur- and hurt he caused a then-popular calypsonian. pointdeeper of in view and appreciGuyana then migrated to the USA heart; even withstruggle all the when infidelity rounded bytomyhold situations. I for the sake of my would have just to celebrated Up you to this day,SheIwas ation for impact. everything with her family. determined me, I still wanted on to him grew up under a strict my sixth I ponder in where the strength accomplished the past fight against all odds, even after two family and my child. I never wanted to let him go, no Christian my birthday, on quite to navigate that Reflecting the Editor, beautiful Jasmaine Payne and the management year andcame your from key what aremarriages. failed heroblivious matter what. He hadfamily madewith his decision and wouldn’t be andevening, step granny, to the but grandfather night. and staff at the Chronicle newspaper. takeaways. Write down any early years, nomadic we concept witnessofalltime, budged. At 6 pm that Mike left with his Mom. as my mother her mom song would not allow This week I wanted to share something that transpired last thoughts you might thathave she faced as shethat doggedly pursued Our six-year-old son,lost Jayden, started to run behind me to forget Shanon Paar – Arizona week, and it will help me for the rest of the year. I had lunch about everything you expeSEE PAGE her calling. his father, but Mike keptXXV walking; Jayden asked me, thatwarmth it was 1985. with my mom on Christmas Day and I had a difficult time rienced and achieved. Then Sara shared with and “Mom, why daddy leaving again”? I didn’t have any getting a taxi which is usual at that time of the year. ask yourself what honesty accom- how she dealt with betrayal, answers at that time. I quickly tried to control myself I told her I was thinking about getting on a bus to get home plishments matter most to forgiveness, and feelings of being and started engaging in other conversations with my and she said, “I will not risk a bus with COVID around; I you? unloved. son, thinking he would get distracted and forget. Guess would walk home instead.” I thought mom was funny and I Which big challenges This book is authentic, sassy, in- what? I was wrong. He kept crying and asking the same laughed and said, “you know how far that is, mom?” are you most proud ofspiring, your- bold, and pragmatic, qualities question, over and over. Finally, after some time passed, I invested time in reflection and yesterday and after a few self for overcoming?quite Whatsimilar to the author herself. he stopped crying and asking questions and started to hours, I took a break to connect with nature. I walked out on stories are you ready to She let launched her book at Artfest be himself again. It was close to bedtime, so I bathed the patio and watched the blue sky. The beautiful rays from go of? And what fresh unin Atlanta and will be launching in Jayden, took a shower and we were off to bed. The very the sunset mixed with blue in the sky were a sight to behold. derstanding about yourself New York later this month and GuyI was inspired to get my sneakers and exercise attire out to and your life do you want to November. ana in SEE PAGE XX start my year with one of the things I am intentional about. I bring with you into the year

Incredible success Sara’s incomplete journey in this year!

XIV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 9, 2022

MANAGING COMPLAINTS AT THE EPA OPERATIONS, whether authorised or unauthorised, will at some time release unwanted materials into the environment. It is the duty of the EPA to take several steps to control pollution, including conducting investigations and inspections to ensure compliance with the Environmental Protection Act and regulations and providing information and education to the public regarding the needs for and methods of protection of the environment. The Complaints Unit and, to a lesser extent, the Communications Department at the EPA oversees the process of complaints management by ensuring that the functions listed above are executed. Nature of complaints The nature of complaints received by the EPA encompasses every sector and scale, from manufacturing to mining. The major-

3 - Transferred 37 - Not investigated Standard Operating Procedure for complaints management The process of the agency receiving a complaint which is screened and investigated followed by enforcement action is as follows: receipt of complaint; complaint is screened and assigned; complaints are grouped according to location; complaints are investigated by the EPA or referred to NDC; enforcement action taken. Enforcement actions The EPA makes ity of complaints received are related to noise, air (fumes, odour) and solid-waste management and occur mostly on Guyana’s coast in Regions Two, Three, Four, and Six. These instances of pollution usually stem from small operations such as furniture manufacturing, mechanic and auto-body shops, animal-rearing, and dumping of household waste within residential areas. In addition to investigating more than 2,000 inherited complaints, the EPA has commenced a series of capacity-building workshops for Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, which also have a mandate to manage complaints under their regulations. The intention of these capacity-building sessions is to equip the NDCs with the requisite knowledge and guiding best practices to respond to environmental complaints efficiently. The agency has also forged new and existing relationships with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Mayor and City Council to tackle issues such as noise nuisances, waste management, and littering in the capital city. 144 - Total received since September 2021 53 - Investigated 45 - Referred 6 - Closed

every effort to work with operators to ensure that their businesses cause little to no environmental damage; there are some instances however where hard enforcement becomes a necessity. The various types of enforcement actions which the EP Act suggests may include:Warning Letter Compliance Schedules Enforcement Notice Prohibition Notice Cease Order Prosecution Remember that your first line of action should be to contact your local government authority (Regional Democratic Council/Neighbourhood Democratic Council) on the matter. Please be assured that the agen-

cy will treat all information received from the public with the strictest confidentiality. Complainants, however, should be willing to attend court and testify should the matter require legal action. How to make a complaint to the EPA? Members of the public can report environmental complaints by utilising any of the following methods: ? Complaints 24-hour hotline number: 592-225-5469; or ? Email: complaint@epaguyana.org. Please note, complaint reports MUST include: i. Nature of the complaint; ii. Name and address of business/entity/person causing the pollution; iii. Name of the complainant (person making the complaint); and iv. Contact information and address of complainant. You can also message us on Facebook or Instagram. Complaints can also be made to our regional offices at Whim, Berbice - 337-2201, and McKenzie, Linden - 4442313. You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications, 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.

WHEN I CAN BE XV A HAND TO HOLD KISSED BY DAWN III SCARLET ROSES

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 9, 2022 XII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 8, 2021

For tiredness lies diedlids yesterday, when time lost me OnI my mya eyes today, but I can’t find myself MyI opened body like The peace Broken gobletof the limitless skies, beckon MyEarth mind, myfeel own The can yours, not theirs NoNot more my feet MyI must homecome in thehome, sky dear Lord,” was the hoarse plea “So from the lips to of fly the old woman, lying in a recliner on the patio. I love The middle-aged nurse aid sitting close by reading the newspaper ofher the fingers old woman, THE peninquired fell from as she looked up to the sky, “What isthe it, Sharda?” through small opening in the trees, her mind dazed. She did not looking up at the clear blue sky, “Why do I answer, love to fly?” her eyes so dim,plane her hearing fine. She seejungle the Thenot crashed lying astill little way offcould on the lovely and hear the songs of the poem birds inshe floorflowers could bloom have answered hersweet question, each herwrote garden, but her lovewith and the passion for‘Inature were always ended words love to fly’,slowly but she fading away. couldn’t remember anything. She tore the page and crafting one continue to itembrace life when theit body itHow into adoes paper plane, she let fly, the wind taking up into hasthe become trees. aged and feeble, memory sometimes floating into HER name now became a urged her “You have nothingness, whenon you a young, strong hand to hold andto go intrusion of tragedy of a difThe pages herneed small notebook were almost finished ferent nature leaving trails part of the home and would home.” there waswaited, none? as great she hoping someone find her. She was lost like scattered leaves of sadwhen they spoke of her, he The puppy lying comfortThe boy took the soup but something “My dad’s guy,her heheart “Yes?” did this happen?” she asked herself,with tears ing this was her end. of thata nice nature, beating wildly and she in“How the deep jungle that was like a fortress itsmisting tall trees ness, fear and loneliness. hesitated for a moment then never hurt my mother.” how their eyes lit up. ably on the rug in front of the to disturb in and hersaw eyes, “Why did this happen?” “Where are you, dear lord?” she cried in her mind, as the looked at the hunter standing there, a“I’m taut sorry look on his face,you thick foliage. knewwork yet how children to provide care temperaand she had Sleepless walked away from rich asked, lifestyles made them them,Neither her hard andmuch “She is nice,” said Aashi, TV paid no heed and Shamita “Why don’t you come again, that night so late, but Aashi’s The loneliness was a deep ache in her heart, craving for animal advanced on her. his long hair resting on his shoulders, a tall, muscled body. “Where am I?” she wondered. “Will anyone find me?” sacrifices they needed each other to companionship for they hardher matrimonial home with laying a foundation forget where they came from, “She has pretty brown eyes.” picking her up gently, let her and see her?” she sat up in bed writing in ture has risen again and she’s the children she loved and missed so much just to hear their She stepped back slowly, too tired to think of running, She tried to say something but words died in her throat; the Her head was hurting where she had hit it, thrown from for the exile the fear and ly found any theirknow her four children into the was aged mother, successes theyloneliness had and for “Ithe “And shewere knows to bake out the adults door. She barked in when can’t go outlooking looking her diary when there calling fortime you. Iindon’t voices. But they nowthe matured pursuing the animal suddenly stopped, its hungry eyes exhaustion, the hunger, and the fear all taking their toll and the plane when it hadgone, crashed, small craft breaking into achieved and that love was dailywhat schedules to can spendyou with throes an unknown in their lives.waiting But on therelike wasthis” no time. awesome cookies,” Aiden protest and did not run to past she pulla of rapping atdarkness the world. door. The to caught do, careers and had sharing lives with loves and interests. her, baring itsheights deadly teeth menacingly. Sheanswered turned overcame her. He her as come, she two. She laid their unconscious fornew close to 12 hours, aroused after areaching threshold. their mother. She had worked long great A lone tear trickled down added pausing a little before the father, not until Shamita ing the hair over the one side sound startled her andmoving for a with please?” The mother now lived chattering alone in theand home where theygrowl. had collapsed, the gait of a jungle cat by the sound of loud a low, deep The mirror on the wall That The nightquiver as sheinlaid invoice every day to build a in the business world, their her wrinkled face, a face still hoursmoment continuing, “Just likelife. mom.” stepped out the door. of her face. sheand froze, wonderhis shared a beautiful family She had moulded and guided laying her on the foliage floor, he looked Her eyes dazed the bed, and she looked at the paintnice little home withbe comfort beautiful“My never mind Thewere father frozefrom in his He was standing patient- knew. dad canher takeage you in ing who could the door the tearful look on Aidat heratconcerned and puzzled. pain in her Shamita drew the cur- his car,” he suggested. work andhead, did but not her saysenses any- ly at the gate and raised his then she heard the children’s en’s face touched her heart Such a fair and beautiful woman, he had picked danger. hand a little to say “Thank tains open halfway and light thingupforthea scent long of moment, A glimmer of fear flashed father’s voice. deeply and she said without never seen before. She didn’t knowing the you,” but she turned and streamed into the little counsuch wasmove, the deep effect of in her eyes and the child “Can I speak to are you,you?” hesitation, giveand me a “Who he asked“Just quietly slightest of movement would his son’s words. Then he walked in the house. Some- try house, fresh air through asked, “Why are you so please?” moment.” lifting her in his arms, he turned and walked spur the jungle watching responded with cat the hint of a how she did not feel that the open windows seeming afraid of him?” She wondered howdeep he got Tohis be home. continued… into the jungle, to hersmile, with “That’s hungry nice.” eyes, to attack. intense fear on seeing him to breathe new life into her. She did not answer, not in, then remembered giving parties on the ground were Two search The monkeys on sleep the treetops He did not well, and in her mind she could In the afternoon, the children sure what to tell the child, but Aiden a key to the gate and Pic saved as fables capstill days away from finding the crashed watched with not deny his casual good stopped by Aashi bringing a he was a smart kid and at the opening the window again, the that scene night,below the chilshe an- tion: Prasad photography plane in the expansive, treacherous jungle. interest, the tiger with looks that any woman would picture for her she had drawn door he said to her, dren’s taunting joy replaying in his swered ih a concerned tone, The aerial search had begun since day one in class. As the children their teasing antics until the animind, knowing how much notice. She sighed deeply as after she had made a distress call, then mal lostmissed its patience left. they havingand a mother. she stood in front the mirror enjoyed the special chicken contact was lost. Arvin, her fiance, heading dish she had prepared for Shethehad upyears grimacing For pastsat three since and pulled off the veil, letting one of the search parties looked at her phothem, Shamita noticed the in she pain, saying a silent ‘thank was gone he had never it fall slowly to the floor. tograph on his phone, the smile on her lips, little girl’s paleness. you’ to her godsend saviours, the thought of another wom“One day at a time…” the sparkle in her brown eyes, a deep fear “Are you feeling okay, monkeys looked at the broken an untiland now. Someone the That evening she called in his heart. He could still feel the goodbye Aashi?” plane, mystified. How didto,that her younger sister, “Can you children became attracted kiss on his lips that afternoon when she left. The child shook her happen and what was she doing who in their little hearts was come when you have the head, “Not too good.” She was not supposed to fly that day, here? She had sat with her head intime? I need a hair cut.” special. Shamita checked her but no plane was in the airport base when her hands for a fewthough,” long moments “I wonder, he She had her hair cut in a the emergency call came in that day to airtrying to remember, minddifferent style so it partially temperature and the reading mused, “How canbut sheher emlift a young pregnant mother from the interemained blank. brace them in her heart when hid the scars on her face, giv- showed above normal. “I think you’re developrior to the city hospital. For her, it meant she is battling her own prob- ing her a new look. A change saving two lives, but a freak storm had hit lems?” Three days passed staying inhad begun much to her tear- ing a fever.” The child stretched her on the way in. She was an excellent pilot A few streets away, the wreckage with not much toful mother’s relief and, now, but somehow on that fateful day, she had laid afraid in bed to sleepless since that horrific attack, she arms out to Shamita, “Can I eatShamita and drink, venture in stay with you, please?” lost control of her plane, pulled into the thinking of theofchildren. saw her daughter smile. thetoo, jungle in search something, “Yes you can,” she said ing deep on thejungle, wall facing and insteadof the and she lifted a trembling for them and today, bosom like aher magnet. Sheof justthe couldn’t get their sad wary wild animals. But on “Thank you, dear Lord,” hugging her, “But I think a smile touched her lips, lessof holding her hand, like hand to wipe it. A hand that “Dear god” he prayed for the hunfaces out of her mind when she whispered, “For sending the fourth day, she braved her mind ening the pain hersafe heart. they time dredth “Please keepinher and the loss two little angels in her life to your dad would need youwas once strong, that held her she had held theirs, to they find amentioned way out because sheofknew home to take care of you.” children’s small ones every turned their backs, leaving the picture of three theirstayed mother.there any longer, she alive, I’m Itonwas my way.” help her heal.” if she When the father came for herheard fathera shout working her alone. step of the way. greatand loss,” she not The thoughts of the chilAlmostchildren, at once he from would“Such die ofathirst hunger, them, she watched the chilin the garden and her mother A choked sob escaped A wry smile crossed thought, “Their father must dren’s father were no differone of the men in the search party, “Sir, sure if anyone was searching for not far off with a she standing ent, for since his children met dren go, concerned about theher face and a faraway look her lips and once again we found something.” herhave and been…” if they would find her at all. bucket of fresh vegetables me handed shone in her eyes as her whispered, “It’s time for He Shefiltered turned her face inthe thesparse Shamita, something changed little girl, sorry she couldn’t Arvin a paper plane that The sun through have the child stay with her. on her arm, smiling warmly to come home, dear Lord, thoughts took her back to a pillow to shut out the thought for them. They were more had fallen from one of the trees and as openings in the trees as she walked, Aiden stopped by in the as she watched her children. there’s nothing left here.” time when she was a young of him, but the children and cheerful, not because he Arvin read the little poem it brought tears to his eyes and he not knowing where she was going, morning before A you, portrait captured The nurse up and “Thank woman. She was so full ofand looked puppy where wouldwas bring the wasn’t a good father, but around slowly to he seewent whatto had attracted its attention up ataid thegot heavens, Dearthat Lord.” notthe knowing home. school to give her an there update a simple life that and awas beautiful hand, urging her relieved life, like a butterfly withand took her father to her. because missed love saw a hunter standing in rigid posture, his arrow “She’s alive” was the shout radioed “Dearclose God,” she prayed, “Please helpthey me find mythe way on aimed Aashi. at the predator. She family. “Come on, Sharda, amazing colours there and abetween sim- gently, One late morning, whilst and care of a mother. Sitting bow froze, standing to the other search party and transmitted to friends and out, I don’t want to die in this jungle.” “Herand fever got a little “You word. have left so long it’sfamily time for your meal and awaiting ple, little home filledto with the children were at school, alone on the upper veranthe hunter the hunted and as the animal sprung attack, at home, anxiously Her feet felt sore as she walked, the half-rotten fruits on higher, so dad is taking her ago, mother,” she said in a her its father away an empty chairoffnext took his shot, the love, arrow then piercing chest.gave medication.” To be continued… theCrystal jungleran floor andfrom smallhome springsdah, of water staving the to thetohunter the doctor.” weak voice, “I can’t rememShe sighed and looking her hand in marriage to a again and Shamita hearing him, he thought of the young It was the first time she was so close to experiencing hunger and thirst. At nights, she slept under short trees with But two days passed and rice farmer’s son; a new life up at the nurse. She inquired, ber much for now I have the barking opened the door woman, low, thick, leafy limbs that covered her body, awakening in grown too old.” as a bride and later, a young puzzled, “Who are you?” her. During the lunch nicesounds and kind the child still had not rethefor morning to the sounds of the birds“She andseems animals, The brother and sister “I’m Jeanette,” the wommother. Paths she had walked period, she heard a familiar but she lives with such fear, I covered from the fever deof life that rejuvenated her spirit. spite the doctor’s treatment. paved with love, compassion, an answered patiently, as she playing with her had also car at the gate and knew the can’t even talk to her.” Many days she walked and not a trace did she see of tears and pain, episodes of assisted her to her feet, “Your left, their names now written children’s father was looking But fate had designed Shamita made a healthy veghuman life. She did not know she had been walking deeper on tombstones whilst she, the her life written on the leaves nurse aid.” for the puppy. their lives to cross for their etable soup for her and gave into the jungle where no one had ever ventured. Her body “Oh,” she exclaimed soft- youngest, waited still alone. of time. “Come on Crystal,” she life stories were similar. The it to Aiden, “This should be was exhausted, her mind beginning to feel numb and just good for her.” “Whisper my name, Then one day, fourteen ly, a momentary lapse in her when she felt she could go no farther, she heard that low, mother,” she said, “And I years later, when she could memory. deep growl again. The kind woman had shall come, so we can be have borne no more of her “Oh no” she moaned as she turned around slowly, knowhusband’s arrogance and abu- been with her for the past SEE PAGE XXIX sive behaviour towards her, three years, financed by the

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 9, 2022

THE MUSIC THAT ECHOES THE COMPLEXITY OF REALISATION… - innocently, a wave of reflections occurs, and purpose reassures itself

2021 was a year that was awakening in so many areas, but most significant was in the loss (death) of people I valued, in a world where the sincerity of respect and friendship is not abundant, that ‘value’ matters most. It was during the holidays when the clean-up was at its most furious pace in my home and had eventually reached my collapsed CD rack, and I had to dispose of CD music that had ceased to play. It appears that when the tech experts came up with the idea of the CD to replace the floppy disc, the cassette and before that the long play(LP) and 45 RPM records that had reigned from the 1940s on, with improvement changes, they could not foresee that the CD, regardless of the quality of its name-brand producer, would have a shorter shelf life than that of the original record. It was in that cleanup that my wife handed me a CD that was in the black, blank case. When opened, it was marked ‘Calypso’ on it. Instantly I remembered it. It was given to me a few years ago by my friend ‘Spragala,’ who passed the year of 2021. I put it aside, hoping it would play, since I couldn’t remember what was on it. New Year’s Eve, I tried the CD, and I was curious, and regardless of the calypso written on it, I even expected oldies as in a CD covers mix-up. The CD played and the voice of the Mighty Sparrow rose to the challenge. I came off my drawing desk and danced alone, but with the memories of times past, just a few hours from New Year’s Day. ‘Melda and

the Obeah man,’ ‘Saltfish’ and more played. My daughter came over from her space. She had never heard ‘Sparrow’ before. She protested and then applauded, concluding that Sparrow’s lyrics were down right suggestive, but unlike some of the untalented smut that play on selected minibuses today, the Mighty Sparrow was a lyrical master, telling his story without pretensions, but crafting his grassroot poetry to shake the feet of any censor board. To each life experience, the archive of memory has a cosmic tone. Like the universe, music is a force of its own, embedded in the laws that govern life. Where did Sparrow take me as I moved to his music as the curtains slowly concluded 2021? My attention remained with my family, but slowly ebbed while travelling with the music, as it

constructed a clear understanding of the struggles of the working-class childhood, where holiday gifts from tasks given meant you had held your part of the bargain to sand and polish Christmas furniture the right way, for delivery, and comparing the contradictions of adult gossip about the costs of the holidays, realising and still wanting to believe in Santa Claus, while knowing that every gift you tore open on Christmas morning had a patron, you called un-

cle or aunt, though they might not be related. Then Sparrow’s music-“Jane it is four o’clock in the morning, hear the neighbour clock how it crowing” the music of Boxing day in the days of short drill pants, “Jane gal, leggo meh damn hand, I ent ready yet, when ah dead ah done” yes Sparrow captured an era, in ‘Creole’, ‘Patois’ and in standard English, like an old song on the same CD, to new ears, about an interracial love affair “Just because of our difference in completion, they say our love won’t last, but there happens to be no racial discrimination when two people fall in love” my wife remembered. But my offspring was dumbstruck, never heard it before. The technology of the day enhanced the evening, the music deh pon de smart phone, yuh know! And a flash back took me to a favourite beer garden that had a ‘Punch Box’ that we would venture in after school, under the scolding eyes of the owner, with a ‘bob’-(25-cent piece) to select three tunes at the punch box, enjoy, and not change the expected time to arrive at home, coupled with the branded exclamation of a popular patron smiling and flashing his gold teeth, as he announced, “ Hear Lyrics deh Lill Baii, lyrics!” It is surprising how an outpouring of memories long filed away, could contribute to how one understands one’s environment. I am certainly not the only soul, drawn at select times, by melodies through the archives of music, and subsequently into other places, to be awakened to a collective awareness that somehow reaches further than the memory itself, that counsels one, that whatever the obstacles of the day, draw strength from the heritage foundations you stand upon.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 9, 2022

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 9, 2022

The scenic Silver... FROM PAGE VI who have shops in the village and there are several churches. Silvertown is home to many sportsmen and women, including Marian Burnett and musicians such as First Born. It is a very safe neighbourhood where the locals look out for each other, and it is said to be a closeknit community, a place

where there are simply no strangers. Silvertown is a place where the people are not afraid to speak about things and many welcomed the team and displayed their warm hospitality. It is a village with more than three natural springs, where locals and visitors can have their fill of drinking water. The people lead simple

lives, and they are neighbourly and go about their daily routines in a peaceful manner. Silvertown is a scenic place and a good place to raise a family. Kevin Hope, the shop owner Meanwhile, of the small business owners, Kevin Hope has lived all his life in the village and he has a shop that

Kevin Hope in front his shop

Overseas-based Guyanese holidaying in Silvertown

serves as the ‘chill spot’ for locals to meet and chat. He sells groceries and other things, including food, daily, which is prepared under hygienic conditions and it is wholesome. Hope has been residing in the village for the past 40 years and it is the only place he calls home and is comfortable. His home and shop sit on the brink of the main access road, just a short distance

from Burnham Drive and it is a good location. “This is a nice place to live, but we need a little development in terms of the streets; we had the main access road upgraded and that is good,” he said. Hope is a contractor and has his own tools and when he gets a job, he would usually employ young men from the village to assist him. He does everything per-

The multi-talented people... tance,” he said. For this year, Britton told the Pepperpot Magazine that the group is looking to attract young people in skills training to become entrepreneurs. He stated that their target is mainly school dropouts and they will have programmes such as computer repairs, garment construction

and floral arrangement. These programmes will be done at the home of a member of the group, Wheatland Smartt, where meetings are usually held until a building can be constructed. “At the close of my studies, I plan to take up a stable family life and might even read for my Master’s degree

but as is, I am also a musician and I will sharpen my skills in that filed,” he said. Britton added that he can play several musical instruments as well as, sing and he have had several duets with some artistes at studios in Guyana. Steve McAllister, the

Stacy Pinhiero washing at a natural spring in the village

herbalist Steve McAllister is a shop owner in Silvertown, Wismar, Linden and also an herbalist who makes an all-purpose pain oil and ointment. His brand is the Natural Vibrant Rub for pains, fast relief ointment and oil. It is non-menthol and is a multi-purpose oil and ointment. Go Local Promoting a Healthy Mind-set is the authorised distributor for the product and they are based in the city. McAllister told the Pepperpot Magazine that it was a vision that materialised into a small business in 1992, it was solely made as a home remedy and not for retail purposes, but people got wind of it. They began demanding more of the product and it became a small business. He added that the ingredients consist of coconut oil, kubanba, (cow feet leaf), cascara, leaf of life, ginger, nutmeg, and aloe vera. Britton revealed that over time he had gathered enough ingredients and made it into a

concentrate so he could work indoors for a while without having to go out. The product is labelled and comes in attractive packaging and is pocket-friendly. Britton is originally from Victoria, East Coast Demerara and relocated to Silvertown more than 30 years ago when his family went there to settle. He is the Chairman of the Community Development Council (CDC), which started just over a year ago but haven’t been able to execute many community projects due to some conflicts at the community level. Britton opened a shop on the lower flat of his two-storey house last April, and he has a mini supermarket setting where his prices are unbeatable. “When the rains came and the place was flooded, I did not benefit from any flood relief like the others and I think that was not right when hampers were distributed in the village,” he said. He disclosed that when the main access road was

taining to construction and recently did some cement work to his residence where his shop is. “I had a contract and that ended, so I am looking to get more contracts so I can get the youths involved in honest work around here,” he said. Hope is one of the friendliest persons and has an endearing personality as a small-business operator, whose shop always has customers. FROM PAGE VII

upgraded before a section fell apart in the rainy season the bridges and walls of the drains were damaged and, in some cases, broken. Britton said his bridge is yet to be repaired and poses a danger to life and limb. Stacy Pinhiero, the seamstress Stacy Pinhiero is a seamstress and a resident of Silvertown, Wismar, Linden, who was washing some white clothes at one of the natural springs in the village when the team visited. The 46-year-old is also a part-time Community Infrastructure Improvement Project (CIIP) worker and she would clean drains and parapets in the community. Pinhiero told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is originally from Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara but relocated to Linden many years ago. The mother of four related that she has a very simple life in Silvertown and things have been humble since her husband died in an accident in 1995.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 28, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 9, 2022

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

How get through a Miscarriage Whattoshould we really be doing?

not always know what I’m looking losing your phone would be on a scale of 1-10. 98 percent phone is such a normal part of my said 10theand percent said allif you claimed that it would is completely your choice. anonymous prefer. There 9. are They TODAY I would like to can also happen later during overlooked during preg- 2 mother/parent. I think it requires menvarious reasons why a womdiscuss topic that many termtypiThisis isconcrete, rarely true. y hand I cannot numHelloathat to all my loyal read-thecount sounds, unwav- material –pregnancy kind ofthe like New Yearnancy. during childhood and one in- son withis aemotional fixed mindset what went wrong andfeel come be the worst possession that they could ever lose. tioning that men also do As there disan would miscarry, which finders. uncomfortable and cally called a stillbirth. My Most miscarriages occur Resolutions – but this is typ- ering beliefs about yourself. include dividual has a fixed mindset will believe “I knew I was up with solutions to make chronic conditions tress, there may also be phys- this loss. However, I have despite how showed the risk the foetuscontinued d taboo, forRECENTLY, it, while itintowas actually my I rancomanresearch ForThey example, ifjusta isn’t person suchand ically becausethat ofin one simplebecause otherthat a growth one.icalnever anyasanxiety, good at publicirritation it better next time. With a to say feelings of counselled manyand couples as well relationship as the uncontrolled diabemonold it high actually is. Many of miscarriage is 12 percent developing normally. school friend who reason. They are too broad with a fixed mindset be- tes, Now, it’s time for them to speakingI should try to growth mindset, there is no hormonal abnormalities, distress. You will feel a wide through a miscarriage where when I getout up in the morning and people don’t know how to 15 percent for women in Unfortunately, overwhelming sadness would be felt if they were to lose their has turned to be quite they are not while good at uterine or vague, which makes them lieves speakorpublicly again and it avoid this at all costs.” The such thing as failure, there cervical abnor- range of emotions which the expecting mother and to reach out or respond theirseem 20s and rises to aboutanda miscarriage is amay relatively successful. However, when something or not enjoy malities, overwhelming doesn’t go as well as theyare individual the growthfather’s relationship seemed not limitedwill to sadness, infection, or age. oing to sleep is check my phone. I SEE PAGE XXI to someone who has been 25 percent for women over common experience — it phone today. I asked him (persistently!) unachievable. For example, a certain experience, this However, would most have hoped. The permindset will instead examineas though it was deteriorating of the time, hopelessness, anger, guilt, through this trauma – and age 40. doesn’t make the situation what he does now, he re- the most common goal I hear belief will not change. If the fertilised egg has an ab- jealousy of other parents and as the woman felt her partner althy and something must done. sometimes, that’s okay. Having a be miscarriage any easier. ItIt is impossible seems right? Caring so much about a peatedly responded “Oh, is to “save money.” they did badly at math as a harmless, normal number of chromo- intense feelings of loneliness didn’t care or understand her However, knowledge helps does not necessarily mean for anyone to understand the I don’t do anything.” Very child, they will believe this Let’s play out a scenarndanyfound women were more expectant fathers (especiallyreally if there arepaying a lot grief. While somes/ and this is been situation that and often thisgenes, week I’ve attention that you have a fertility prob- pain ofphone? someone whoWell, has humble that one. It got io. What if I asked you as throughout their life, without very random. Unfortunately, of parents in your social cir- absolutely do feel this loss, does take away discomfort. lem. Most women (87 per- been through an event that memiscarriage thinking about life in a goal, even trying again towho see if this meansthat to save 1men milliontraumatic. o their phones because bondgive betweento a pregnant Please take my advice the that there was cle). tounderstanding the importance I and others around me a A is the simply loss cent) who have miscarriagFor couples general and whether we their or capa- nothing done to have caused – allow yourself to feel and woman and the baby growdollars by the end of this of a pregnancy where the es have subsequent normal have recently been through alembryo media apps. Also,yearolder people are all to our have changed. If they it,than and ask you to rateAhowthis,bilities ing inside her is unique. A express these emotions.on around and nothing can be done what’s actually going them. or living foetusup does notfullpregnancies and births. it phone, is important torather know potential and if we aren’t, did not enjoy the experience, likely that would be on a The only thing I would woman can begin bonding to prevent it. Normal activdevelop enough to survive. miscarriage is a somewhat that 98 percent of the time, addicted. I believe this because how canhappens we? So, this isloaded as was predetermined, scale ofis 1-10, most sugof youa miscarriage Our we are speaking toto other from the people, moment she has say you are not allowed itieswhether such as work, exercise, It typically within term — possibly isphones not caused it -dedicated to the boy who will be reinforced that they would average between 0-3. a positive pregnancy test. feel, is self-blame. It’s hard sex or minor injuries do not first three months, but gesting that something was by any action taken by the sethesmartphones (My father using social or playingnot togames can be addictive does nothing. not try anything they media However, if actually I suggested that should Bonding for the father typifeel as if you-did somecause a miscarriage. Let’s start simple: what you put away a small, specif- think they may not like – Now, since a miscar- thing wrong when you lose a cally does start later – after aswithout they alterriage our moods, trigger is our individual potential? ic amount every month, cut even any evidence start to see the physical pregnancy.and However, guilt they enjoyable is a trauma, it typicallybeliefs These are our latent qualifor this belief. This type of certain frivolous spending symptoms or some men until is a completely unhelpful brings forward the five stagcolleagues and friends how bad andunderstandably unenjoyable feelings. Apart from obviously being ties or abilities that can be and even suggest a spe- mindset re- es of griefis born.my You can emotion when there is noth- the baby denial, anger, developed for future success. cific way to bring in more inforces negative thoughts, help your relationship to main my bynewspaHow can we maximise this? income, how much higher emotions, andsource behaviours, of communication, my phone is survive being understandThe first step is always self– would that number be now? making it harder to reach ing, respectful and sensitive per, watch, alarm, map, recorder, day planner, calendar, reflection and awareness, Specificity is key when it your full potential. to each other’s needs and keeping the lines of which includes both our comes to achieving goals. Now a growth mindset camera, music player, calculator, a weapon feelings, (sometimes) communication open about strengths and weaknesses. Now, we have a is exactly the opposite, it’s the situation- onceevyou are What are our natural talents, specific goal, it’s time to a more andpositive, my realistic friend when I’m bored or lonely- basically both comfortable doing that, what needs more practice, acknowledge that achieving and rational way of viewand accept each other’s what should we just stay this goal is a by-product of ing erything. yourself and the world. However, it is also my constant interrupter andcoping mechanisms as they may away from completely? what we are doing. How There is the belief that things be quite different. I (I imagine much like most of you out there) When we figure out our much time are we putting candistractor. be achieved with the If you have suffered a current capabilities, it is into achieving it? Is the time right amount of resources a deep is going on.trying and are typical to simultaneously productive? Length of time andhave effort, as well as an un- desire to know everything that miscarriage to conceive again or already establish passion. If it is does not necessarily amount derstanding that you cannot I believe it become pregnant, unfortunately there recognised that you are not to good productivity. predict the future andthat how is human nature. But when does so good at what you are As a psychologist, I have certain situations will make bargaining, depression, and ing you could have done to is nothing absolute that you too much? acceptance. Regarding grief, change the outcome of your can do to ensure there is no there is no right or wrong pregnancy. When something miscarriage but like anything Well, I believe it’s too when it stretch has aelse,name. there are ‘Noactions you we all way to experience it. Theremuch is goes wrong, also no appropriate timeline to find someone, something can take to make the possibilmophobia’ is that themustterm coined describe the fear of being ity less likely. This includes blame. With miscarriagbe followed - you toto will simply recover when es, there’s rarely anyone or seeking regular prenatal care, without a mobile phone. Seriously, what have we come to? you do. However, there are thing to blame, and it leaves taking the appropriate vitamins, to avoiding known misfeeling object empty. So, accepthat can be done that us the It becomes anthings addiction when begins control would help through this dif- tance of the normalcy of this carriage risk factors — such as smoking, drinking alcohol tragic event is key.activities, ficult process. your life and interferes with your daily work, and Also, do what makes and illicit drug use. RememThe first to realise is that ber than obstacle you CAN have a good -“The despite what not alone – finding you feel relationships. you I are read somewhere that biggest and accepting healthy sup- others think. Many people successful pregnancy after miscarriage. Most women unwarranted opin- acan port is is crucial during this have sobut to productivity connectivity,” overuse affect a time. This can be friends, ions and criticisms when who have miscarriages have subsequent of normal have never been through someone whom they lot more than family, our orproductivity. The truth is, overuse ourpregyou know has also experi- such trauma. Many believe nancies and births. Having phones can harm psychologically, socially physically. a miscarriage does not necshouldn’t beand enced us a miscarriage. This that such grief can and should also include experienced if the miscar- essarily mean you have a With regard to affecting social how many of us fertility problem. occurredskills, early during professional help fromour a riage My final piece of advice counsellor, social worker, the pregnancy (even though miss out on a psychologist, joke orreligious goodlead-conversation as we were onisour either parent to respect most do), but that woman or for passionate about, not to wor- to think that a key aspect is you feel. er, or anyone who makes you couple may have been plan- your own needs and limitary- humans can learn pretty mindset, which is a personal phones? How many times we annoyed ourtions good Let’s use a quick and feel as you friend work through a pregnancy for years or comfortable. Therehave are ning much anything with motiva- set of beliefs that shape how simple example of some- also online support groups just felt a great rush of love your grief and begin to heal. orthatfamily member because we and were posting social tion and persistence. I know causes you make sense of yourself thing rush it,media acceptance will excitement and that on is Don’t that are free and include peoSo, you have found and the world in general. many a great deal of anxi- ple from all over the world. difficult to just simply forget come. muchLet’s funYouwe are having with them? It truly Thank affects our something you want to pur- We, psychologists, believe ety-how public speaking. you everyone can literally google and move on from. sue, what next? Set a goal. Now goals are actually rarely achieved

that there are two types of mindsets; fixed and growth. A fixed mindset, just as it

say two people have a fear “online support groups for of public speaking due to a miscarriages” and thousands once embarrassing situation of options will pop up. This way, you can also remain

If you’d like to name your baby, plant a tree for them, have a funeral, talk about it or not talk about it- it

for reading. Please include sending topics to caitlinvieira@gmail.com

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ―― Sunday, February 28, 2021 CHRONICLE 2021 CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT PEPPERPOT ―Sunday, Sunday, January January 10, 9, 2022

THE SEAWALLS FOREVER!

REVISITING THEAWARE GUYANA/ GUYANESE ARE OF THE VENEZUELA CONTROVERSY SOON EFFECTS OFBEFORE CLIMATE CHANGE TO COME THE ICJ AND ARE PREPARED TO TAKE MEASURES TO MEET IT

E Guyana/Venezuela controversy will again shortly and discussions where factual bases invariably become me up before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). blurred. Guyana, most oflie thedeep writings the controversy have In thisisoffering, we will depart this with normseashells and try to THE Seawalls in theon consciousness of Guyanese today rather muddy was oncefrom covered and npeople, of a historical and factual nature and this a good questions have been asking theup but especially Georgetowners. Yet itis has rarelyanswer theretwo would alwaysthat be many children exploring and since picking ng, since the Guyanese of theoftwo Guyanese fishing boats inthey Guyana’s terribeen noticed by the newspublic mediaare andnot the encouraged last time it wasseizure seashells different colours; sometimes may find large mentioned as an item into of national concern was five or sixtorial conch shells. move their attention the realms of arguments waters by a Venezuelan navy ship. The first question years when the Ocean the wall and flooded INago recent years, there overtopped has been much discussion on the cause great economic loss. shelf gradually rises and falls The foreshore or continental ClimatetoChange in its Road. variousThis aspects. year,the Dr foreshore Julie Rozenburg, Senior Econthe issue yardsofparallel the Public was For the examfirst everyIn20November years andlast today, land between Camp ple, some countries in the international community are omist at the World Bank who was one of the authors of the time in living memory that there was such an occurrence Street and the Pegasus Hotel has almost risen to the height of to great pay others keepauthorities their forests unfelled,consince the Bank’s recent Reporttrees on Climate visited Guyana andwilling it led to panic.toThe hurriedly wall and coconut and otherChange, vegetation grow on it. trees absorb carbon dioxide (Co2), the greenhouse gas and advised that those communities which are vulnerable to structed a barrier of standing concrete responsible for Climate Change. Guyana has benefited flooding and where there are no resources to protect them slabs on the Walls to counter such overtopfrom such a subsidy from Norway. Another aspect of Cli- should begin to relocate to higher land. Such relocation ping. InChange the lastisfew weeks, the Seawalls mate flooding caused by rises in the ocean lev- should be sustainable and should be gradual to cause the haveelsagain featured in the news, but in a The coastland least disruption. She also referred to the concept of Silica and the confusion in rainfall patterns. happier vein. where most of the population lives, is below City, which Dr Irfaan Ali had envisioned when he served of Guyana, From Camp to the Demerara River, sea level andStreet is particularly affected by these trends and as Minister of Housing. Silica City is to be built up the now subject to regular floodings that disrupt lives and Soesdyke- Linden Highway in the hilly sand and clay belt the is wall had become disfigured by an accumulation of unsightly garbage and no one assumed the responsibility of cleaning it. A homeless man, Carl Melville, who sometimes slept there was noticed by Dwayne Hackett trying to clean the garbage and immediately volunteered to help him. Hackett placed the incident on social media and immediately numbers of persons volunteered their services. First Lady Arya Ali was one of the first to volunteer and the Ministry of Public Works, the Director of Solid Waste Department of the Georgetown City Council and the Fire Service became involved with her. The Fire Service cleaned the bandstand and in a few days all the garbage was removed and Seawalls appeared as if they had always been maintained! Many have been high in their praises of this example of civic responsibility. Likewise, the sea has reclaimed the land along the Kitty SeaThe Seawalls had always been the promenade and park for wall where houses once stood. Indeed, a substantial building the people of Georgetown and the surrounding villages from is still standing close to the wall near the Kitty Pump Station, the last quarter of the 19th century and continued to be so until but the sea is under it. Old fishermen who set their nets on the 1960s when the country became plagued with political ten- the foreshore sea could vividly describe the cyclical rise and sion and there were robberies on the Seawalls. For most of the fall of the beach. 1960s, therefore, fewer and fewer people visited the Seawalls. The Seawalls provided a favourite place for health enIn its heyday, the Seawalls were the most delightful place thusiasts. Many would go there to practise deep breathing of in Georgetown. The vast openness of the seascape and the the clean and fresh sea breezes. Others would be cycling or surrounding landscape, the blue skies and silver clouds, the even training for cycle races. Probably the most notable were ever-present seagulls and the steady flow of the health-giving the ones who went for physical culture. Many of this group trade winds and the enveloping peace and quietude attracted would go to the Seawalls by either jogging to get there or by hundreds of people at all times of the day. The beach which cycle and they would arrive there at 5 o’clock, long before

Research work helping curb... From Page III

timate for that area and in the space of 18 months, some 33 Giant Anteaters were identified. According to Millar, researching the animals included going out on horseback and following them from a distance to be able to stock up on more scientific information. One of the things they discovered is that the animals love to climb trees. “Everyone across the Rupununi assumed it was jaguars when they saw huge scratch marks on trees, but

zone in the village. “So we will work with the villagers to create certain rules and help them to know what they should and should not do. For example, no one is allowed to kill them, keep them as a pet, destroy their habitat, and light a fire in certain places, so that we can further protect the population.” The SRCS has been granted two years of additional funding from the Small Grants Programme Guyana to expand the project to three more communities, namely

several short documentaries called the “Secret Life of Giant Anteaters” and each episode focuses on different aspects of the work being done. Two more episodes are expected to be released this month. The team also does a lot of awareness work, including environmental education. They have another project for which they have designed an environmental education curriculum that has so far been implemented in four schools in the Rupununi and come

the sun had risen. is, why is the Venezuelan public sowere convinced they On moonlit nights the Seawalls always athat crowded have a valid claim two-thirds of with Guyana’s territory and promenade. Many to went to socialise friends, but all went why theirthe politicians bellicose aggressive about to enjoy beauty ofarethesomoon risingand from the sea and the this claim? moonlight And the second is, why did there President blue-green whichquestion was brighter, since were Maduro Venezuela this time seizethe thevarious boats no road of lights to dilutechoose it. Others wouldtoenjoy when he would the Guyanese phasesheofknew the New Moon alienate with the background of population purple skies and cause embellished the international community to condemn or with thousands of stars which appear disapprove brighter of his action, Venezuela intersince leaving there were no cityisolated lights. Others nationally on the issue. would go to the Seawalls in the late afternoons to The answer to the sunsets first question began during theinto Cold admire gradually transforming the light ofof dusk. War: At theblue beginning the 1960s Britain had decided to joysthe of colony the Seawalls were the withdraw fromAnother Guyana of andthe grant independence, earlylikely evening concerts givenof bythe the newly Militia but it was very thatSunday the Prime Minister Band and the Police Band at the Bandstand which independent state would be Dr Cheddi Jagan, an avowed and would be the first major urban development in decades attracted hundreds of people. Their repertoire conMarxist. U.S. Cold War interests tried to persuade Britain outside the coastal plain. Since Dr Ali became President, sisted of light classical music such as Strauss’ and tothe delay Guyana’s independence, but all that Britain could idea has been resuscitated and it is reported that several other waltzes, ballet music such Delibes’ pizzicato international investors are interested in the concept. promise was that she would hand over power to a non-ComandMinister. Sylvia, leasthad oneinterviewed English patriotic song such ThePrime media reporteratwho Dr felt Rozenburg munist American Intelligence that this also managed to speak with Dr Ashni Singh, the Minister of as “This royal throne of Kings” and Guyanese and British offer needed further insurance and so they devised Finance and asked him what is the government’s policy on Caribbean folk songs. The concerts were arranged a plan whereby their client Venezuela would threaten to Climate Change andevening what was done to effectuate it. for early so being that children could attend; Though Climate Change was not his remit, Dr Singh always many Guyanese in later life have admitted that their tries to help any member of the public who approaches him first exposure to classical music was from these and politely accommodated the reporter. He explained to Bandstandwas concerts. him how unrealistic the glib talk of removing Guyana’s On Easter Monday thousands of kite-flyers capital and population into the higher and healthier lands turned out from five o’clock in the“comprises morning. Kites of the interior: “The coast”, said Dr Singh, the wereofall hand-made and wereeconomic in a variety of shapes vast majority Guyana’s population, activities, administrative - Parliament, Government, Judiciary suchstructure as boxes, birds and snakes, but the predomand so on. inant To move thewas capital the population their shape the and Guyanese octagonand and in a economic activities the coast to theengines, interior in a wholevariety offrom colours. Singing a kite which sale manner would besound, complicated made a loud droning was oneand of be theprohibitively most popular. costly.” Dr Singh went on to explain to him government’s Kite-flying was always combined with picnicking. The Easter present thinking and policy on the matter. kite-flying today is a pale reminiscence of the heyday. The government’s policy is three-tiered: internationalmentionedwill above, the political tensions and criminality ly, As government continue to support all measures and kept people away from theChange Seawalls inmeet the all 1960s. ByInthe activities to limit Climate and targets. invade Guyana if there was any possibility of a Marxist 1990s life had become stableefforts and people againtaken begantoto this regard, serious andmore sustained are being government installed in Guyana. frequent the being Seawalls, the ambience had changed. move away from fossilbut fuels and have cheaper power byThere the 1899 Arbitral Award hadofsettled the boundaries of useThe ofupsolar hydropower. grew stallsand lining the parapet the Public Road from the Guyana and Venezuela and these boundaries were fully The government will continue to invest in sea deKitty Pump Station to the Pegasus, selling refreshments and accepted bystalls bothtowere parties and protect the communifence structures adequately the coastof and drainage all of these well-lit. TheInternational character the Seawalls and irrigation would continue to be strengthened. ty. One of the junior lawyers representing Venezuela had changed from a peaceful promenade to a lively fair. at The third tier is strengthening the movement andwas settlethe arbitration, MalletPrevost, left ais letter not Now that the tourism industry beingthat revived, the ment in the interior regions by decentralising, developing toSeawalls have been opened until after his death. In that letter, still offer an attractive attraction. and other social heroads claimed that infrastructure, the Arbitral extending Award was the services, result ofand an stimulating economic activity with new industries such as arrangement between Britain and the Russian arbitrator ecotourism. Schemes such as Silica City and the extension toofdeprive of its rights. After ofmore than half housingVenezuela areas as those along East Coast Demerara witha century, Venezuela, based on Mallet-Prevost’s posthumous the concomitant economic and social developments in such letter, now rejected thean Arbitral communities would be elementAward of thatand tier.claimed twolast several years,Mallet-Prevost’s nine new townsposthumous have been thirdsInofthe Guyana’s territory. created villagesVenezuela such as Bartica Rosehall and letter wasfrom the causus used toand threaten Guyana thisthis column had after advocated thatWar, a skilled city d’etre planner and continued the Cold the raison for and designer be engaged to produce blueprints for their the claim, had ended. long-term development much as L’Enfant had designed Most lawyers who took Washington D.C. and Thehistorians drainage systems of any thesenotice new oftowns Mallet-Prevost’s letter dismissed it as a should be carefully devised, taking intohistorical account curiosity very flimsy on not which attempt to Climate or Change, so thatevidence there would be atorecurrence of the Georgetown situation. upset a long-accepted Arbitral Award. But the Venezuelan politicians and the Venezuelan public gave credence and importance to Mallet-Prevost’s posthumous letter, which would have been dismissed in the modern world. But the Venezuelan politicians and public still live in the 19th century Napoleonic world where territorial conquests were regarded as acceptable and even heroic. In today’s world, this 19th-century ethic has been completely rejected. The Guyana/Venezuela controversy has been an albatross around the necks of Venezuelan politicians, since they use it on each other and their public has them imprisoned by it. The Venezuelan seizure of the two Guyanese fishing boats and President Maduro’s threatening words to Guyana

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 9, 2022

What should we really ... FROM PAGE XIX are only hurdles towards your success. So, for the sake of self-awareness, what kind of mindset do you have? The Bannister Effect is also something I always thought to be quite interesting. It reinforces that sometimes psychological barriers play into the equation of success and failure. For many years, it was considered a law of nature that the human body was incapable of running a mile in less than four minutes. That was until May 6, 1954, when Roger Bannister ran a mile in three minutes 59.4 seconds. He did what was long considered impossible, but it turned out that it was only impossible because people believed it was impossible. A few little but important tips: When it comes to succeeding in the area you want, do not let popular opinion dissuade you. I think many of our fears and self-defeating thoughts come from the fear of what others may think. Many people don’t pursue what they want to do based on embarrassment as they feel it may not live up to some sort of standard. But really, who creates these standards? What society feels about your passion and pursuit of it is not your concern. Almost by definition, living up to your full potential requires you to step outside your comfort zone and expand your boundaries. Keep your eyes on the progress, not the prize. While it is true that it is important to understand your end goal, it is your progress that will determine if you are going to get it. Focus more on the little, everyday steps you are taking. Never compare yourself to others. Everyone has their own timeline, and it is based on so many factors. Comparing yourself to others is the fastest way to be unhappy and feel unsuccessful. Finally, accept that things may not go your way and you may temporarily fail. During these times, remind yourself that there is no overnight success. More importantly, while failures in a career, hobby or even personal life can be heartbreaking, it’s just that; it is not a reflection on you as a person. Take it as a learning opportunity and maintain the growth mindset for improvement. I genuinely do believe that every single human being has great potential within them, waiting to be unleashed. Thanks for reading. Please send any topics you’d like to discuss to caitlinvieira@gmail.com. Also, if you are interested in personal counselling sessions, please contact me on +592 623 0433

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 9, 2022

No Language Is “Foreign” Anymore Because Of This Smart Japanese Innovation SPEAKING a foreign language is a high demand skill because of domestic cultural diversity and the number of companies doing business abroad. Foreign language skills can help you get jobs by enhancing your qualifications. Doesn’t even matter if you’re a social worker, doing medicine, international business, language teaching/learning or just travelling abroad - the ability to engage and communicate with customers in their own language is a huge advantage. Not multilingual? Luckily, two famous Japanese inventors took language translation to the next level and created an instant translator called MUAMA ENENCE. It can easily translate real-time speech into over 36 languages using only a few finger-taps. Thus, you don’t need to know or learn another language to be able to communicate in it. Difficulties, caused by language barriers, will soon be a thing of the past! What could be better than this? Why This Little Gadget Is So Special? Instant Communication In Another Language Learning a new language takes months and even years of dedicated studies. MUAMA ENENCE can transform you into an able-communicator instantly! Fair and Reasonable Price MUAMA ENENCE is inexpensive. An experienced professional translator or interpreter

can be costly, and you need to pay more than once. MUAMA ENENCE requires just a one-off payment for a huge selection of languages. Comfortable & Easy to Use With its lightweight design and small size, MUAMA ENENCE is easy to carry around in any pocket or bag and is right there when needed. Hence the name “handheld voice translator” that you will want to use every day! Perfect Sound Quality It is comfortable to use in crowded places as the sound is loud enough to be heard clearly. Supports Over 36 Languages Its built-in advanced technology can support a 2-way language translation. Moreover, a text translation is also available. Why It’s Making Life So Much Easier? Though MUAMA ENENCE was created mainly for travelers, it started gaining massive popularity among people of different occupations. All of a sudden, it became a must-have device! What is surprising is that more and more social/emergency workers, as well as volunteers, are choosing MUAMA ENENCE to make their work easier. translatorenence.com

The shocking Main oral hygiene tooth instrument CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 9, 2022

Decay that is left untreated can progress to infect the dental H sensitivity following placement of a filling is pulp and may cause an abscessed tooth. This can lead to THE modern toothbrush, considered the main oral hyommon. A tooth may be sensitive to pressure, terrible pain, loss of the tooth and even death from Vincent’s giene instrument, a high-tech instrument made of plastic et foods, or temperature. Usually, the sensitivity and nylon bristles, started out as not much more angina than or encephalitis. s on its own within a few weeks. During this time, a humble toothpick. Toothpicks are made out of wood,If the filling is large or the recurrent decay is extensive, hose things that are causing the sensitivity. there may not be enough tooth structure remaining to support thorn, metal, or porcupine quills and havePain been around rs arefor generally not required. a replacement filling. In these cases, your dentist may need at least 3000 years. he general reason why teethcivilisations may become sensitive to replace the filling with a crown. Roman and Greek valued oral hygiene; By the that 15th fall century, English even slaves had access chew-sticks from ing filled is because of thetodrilling and made cutting of the woodNew fillings out are probably the result of performed dental trees andduring shrubspreparation such as liquorice, root, barber-surgeons whichofare done of thelucern, cavity mallow for improper cavity preparation, contamination of the prepamyrtle, the dogwood, or alive the tender shoots some of peach. The end of procedures. They scraped teeth Remember, tooth is and needs time with various metal instruments each stick is unravelled chewing, separating but there are several otherby explanations for painthe fibres and rubbed them with a stick which scrape the teeth. These sticks still are used extensivefillings. dipped in “aqua fortis”, a solution ly in some parts of the world today. r example, there may be pain you experience when In Arabia and India, chew sticks or siwaks have a re- of nitric acid. The acid certainly e down, which maysignificance. be observed afterfor the15an-minutes is made teeth white before they ate ligious ritual Bysoon brushing a wears off and continues over time. In this case, the siwak is the enamel away and caused teeth believed to be the equivalent of 70 prayers. The mentioned in early literature from Mesopotamia, believed by many to be the cradle of civilisation. Virtually every civilisation has at some time produced powders, slaves or washes to freshen the breath and ward off oral disease. Hippocrates the father of medicine compounded a tooth powder that included burnt hare’s head and mouse parts. Roman literature is replete with recipes for dentifrices (toothpaste) and instructions for their use. The physician Rhazes (850-932 A.D) was the first one to recommend filling cavities. Abulcasis (1050-1122 A.D) illustrates and describes dental scrapers for the first time in “De Chirugia”, a work that remained a standard surgical textbook for centuries. It shows 14 scrapers and describes when they should be used. Today, we still use scrapers. Sometimes on the surface of the teeth, both inside and outside, are deposited rough, ugly-looking scales, green,

s interfering with your bite. You will need to return dentist and have the filling reshaped. Then there is en your teeth touch. This pain is a very sharp pain urs only when your teeth touch. The pain is likely by the touching of two different metal surfaces (for e, the silver amalgam in a newly filled tooth and a own on another tooth with which it touches). Somehe teeth may even be some distance apart. The two form the poles of a “battery” with the saliva being trolyte. The pain is really from galvanic shock genby the resulting electrical current. Sometimes the appears by itself after a week or so. the decay was very deep to the pulp (nerve) of the here might be a “toothache” pain. This response may that this tissue is no longer healthy or the body has ted as it should. In either case, a root canal treatment red. Then there is what is known as referred pain. With e of pain, you experience pain or sensitivity in other esides the one that received the filling. With this ar sensation, there is likely nothing wrong with your he filled tooth simply passes along “pain signals” it ving to other teeth. This pain should decrease on its er one to two weeks. rgic reactions to silver fillings are rare. In fact, This corruption is in communicated to the gums, and e less yellow. than 100 cases reported over two centuries, the teeth are denuded in the process of time. The ancient ng to the American Dental Association. In these dentists used to lay the patient’s head on their laps and cumstances, mercury or one of the metals used in scrape the teeth. gam restoration thoughtantoItalian trigger an allergic re- in 1484, GiovanniisArcholi, physician who died Symptoms of amalgam allergy are similar to those wrote 10 rules for dental hygiene, including cleansing the nced in a typical skin allergy andone include teeth after meals. He was of theskin firstrashes to mention the hing. connection Patients who sufferfood from allergies between andamalgam dental decay. y have a medical or family history of allergies to Once an allergy is confirmed, another restoration l can be used. stant pressure from chewing, grinding, or clenchcause dental fillings to wear away, chip or crack. gh you may not be able to tell that your filling is down, your dentist can identify weaknesses in your ions during a regular check-up. If the seal between ling and the tooth enamel breaks down, food partid decay-causing bacteria can work their way under

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ration prior to placement of the restoration or a fracture of the restoration from bite or chewing trauma. Older fillings will generally be lost due to decay or fracturing of the remaining tooth structure. Finally, whatever undesirable symptoms or doubts you may have after having a filling done, its best to check back with your dentist.

to die. During the 1800s, toothbrushes were made by hand. The thighbones of cattle were considered superior for use as handles because they were the only ones strong enough to withstand pressure, especially when brushes became wet during use. Bristles came from the necks and shoulders of swine, especially those in colder climates such as Siberia. They were considered stronger. Badgers’ bristles were avoided because it was believed that they were too soft. One of the first illustrations of a toothbrush accompanied the 1818 tract “Le Dentiste des Dames (the women’s dentist). A fashion among American men was not to clean their teeth at all, but have the service performed periodically by their barbers. By 1840 toothbrushes were being manufactured in France, German and England. The use of new production methods and cheap labour enabled omate brushes to be made with decorated handles and innumerable small knots of bristles. The French took the art of manufacturing brushes to Japan where cheap brushes were made for poorer people. In the 1890s, early studies began to link tooth decay with oral hygiene and Americans took the brush to fight bacteria. Today, in a good supermarket in the USA, one can count at least 80 different products and brands of oral care items including scores of different toothbrushes. The Florence Manufacturing Co., one of the first to produce toothbrushes in America, began operating in the mid-1880s. In 1885, the company made a popular model called the Pro-phy-lac-tic Brush, and in 1924 they became the first to box their brushes to prevent contamination. The first nylon brushes were made in 1938, developed by researchers at E.I Dupont de Nemours. The use of nylon filaments gained global acceptance because of the wars and other world disturbances that interfered with the importation

of good natural bristles. The combination of nylon bristles with plastic handles is still used by the manufacturers. By 1990, electric brushes are believed to have captured roughly 20-25 percent of the market. By 1994, toothbrushes that operate on principles of ultrasound became available to the public. From 1990-1995, several dozen new brushes flooded the American toothbrush market, featuring all kinds of shapes, sizes, colours and functions.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 9, 2022 The Christmas Tree at Silvertown Spring Park

The bus shed erected by the NGO through self-help

The Silvertown Fiesta ... FROM PAGE VIII Christmas Tree Light-Up and the locals turned out in their numbers to show support. He said funds were donated and some they took out of their own pockets to buy toys and snacks such as ice cream and sweets. Parkes added that a resident, who is a contractor, donated six solar street lights to the group and it will be installed on light posts on the main access road of the village. He noted that Silvertown Spring Park will be further developed where he will constructed a food court, and a grocery store where a full-screen television will be added for strictly documentary purposes. Parkes pointed out that he is looking to provide employ-

The shop being constructed at Kwesi Parkes’ residence

ment for seven persons from the village when his shop is complete and a washroom facilities will also be added. He reported that people from nearby villages would visit to utilise the park from time to time and all are welcome. Parkes is responsible for maintaining that section of the village and he would ensure there is absolutely no garbage there. Delano Williams photos saved in a folder in Silvertown Spring Graphics as Silvertown. Park Captions: 7198 – 7197 – 7192 – 7116 – 7114, 7118, 7117 – 7129 –

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 9, 2022

Is loneliness an illusion? I CONSIDER myself an ambivert, even though my personality is often mistaken for that of an extrovert. With that said, even on days when I have no urge to socialise, I have to. As a young volunteer and youth worker, it’s my job to network with others. As an entrepreneur, I have to engage and communicate with my customers on a daily basis. As a writer, I have a commitment to write and express my thoughts weekly. At the end of the day, I also have my friends and family to be intimate and engaging with. Similarly, many of you who are currently reading this may have the same forms of communications, bonds and relationships with others. I have people who adore and love me, yet I’ve been feeling lonely and isolated in the past week. I eventually had to ask myself the question, “Can loneliness be an illusion”? With my social work knowledge and training, I can safely say that, yes, sometimes loneliness is an “illusion.” That “illusion” is sometimes just what’s in our minds. We crave socialisation with others. It’s our innate desires as human beings. The saying, “we were born alone” comforts us when we are “alone,” but in reality, we cannot holistically get through life by being a one-man island in this world. To say, “I am lonely” is incomplete. I think it goes beyond those three words. Physically, we may have people around taking up physical space, but are they emotionally and mentally there? I think most of the loneliness we feel either stems from mental and emotional unavailability from those closest to us, or from our minds and our emotional states. Our minds can make us feel “lonely” based on specific experiences and emotions we’re facing. Perhaps, we feel “lonely” because we’re grieving about something or someone that nobody else can relate to. We can feel lonely because our mindsets differ from how those around us think. Or, we can feel lonely because we tend to isolate ourselves as a coping mechanism from those closest to us when we’re faced with challenges. Sometimes, the wall that separates us from those closest to us is our very mind. We’ll constantly neglect connectivity for loneliness if we don’t learn how to get that wall down. Of course, nothing is wrong with wanting to be alone or spend quality time with oneself. If you do, however, tend to feel lonely even though you’re surrounded by people who love and adore you, you should look inwards for possible answers as to why you feel that way. Sometimes, when you feel lonely, you need to spend more time with yourself—not with other people. There’s a fine line between solitude and loneliness, and sometimes that line is defined by your perspective. Change your perspective and thinking and maybe your loneliness can become a sense of freedom through solitude.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 9, 2022

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

The course of true love never did run smooth. WILLIAM SHAK E (1564-1616) A M SPEARE idsummer Night’s Dream, I.i .72

January 09, 2022 STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Welcome, dear friend. There are smarter ways to

effect good study habits. One, while in class, take thorough notes and review them. Record key terms and ideas immediately to absorb them more quickly. Borrow fellow students’ notes if you happen to miss class. Two, disallow any technological distractions while doing research. Exit your academic websites immediately after you have enough information. Silence your phone. Three, treat your study like class commitment and an appointment with yourself. Be wise. Love you. THE PASSAGE Reading comprehension Read the following narrative prose passage carefully and see for yourself what a command of good language does for your performance. See how beautiful and simple the passage is as you follow the story, then answer in your own words, questions 1-4 that follow. The Great Hunter My uncle Fred lives in Canada. When the cool weather begins to creep down from the mountains, he starts to think about hunting. He cleans his rifles, polishes his shotgun, and repairs his camping equipment. He digests whole books about hunting for deer, tracking mountain lions, and cornering wild pigs. He bombards manufacturers of hunting equipment with letters requesting information about new devices that guarantee a successful hunt. He haunts all the local sporting goods stores. Last year Uncle Fred prepared with more than usual care for his annual hunt. He tracked down special ammunition for his various rifles and outfitted himself and his station wagon with enough equipment to keep an African safari on the move for a month. Uncle left the night before the hunting season opened and stayed up in the hills for four days. In the evening of the fourth day, our eager, searching eyes were rewarded by the sight of the hunter’s caravan returning. What would he have in the back of his wagon? What tales of great adventures would he tell? What great dangers had he overcome? We rushed into the driveway and surrounded Uncle Fred. Solemnly, he let down the tailgate and undid the folds of a tarpaulin. Instead of a noble deer with branching horns or a wild pig with

sharp tusks, there lay – silent in death - a jackrabbit. Uncle Fred had finished his hunt. Now study how the character has been ‘constructed’. 1. What does the writer of the story tell you about his uncle? 2. Is there any wisdom in selecting all the characteristics of the original Uncle Fred? 3. Would he have lost his individuality in a deluge of characteristics? Why do you think that way? 4. Does the writer talk about a single trait that has fired his imagination? What is it? GOOD STORY WRITING A lesson about good story writing. The great short story writer and English novelist, W. Somerset Maugham, once said in a personal comment: “A writer does not copy his originals. When he discovers originals, he proceeds to use what combinations of characteristics he wants from them.” Maugham majored in character construction. There is much to be learned from his personal comment. Fix your eyes on originals for what they are worth, then proceed to use combinations of their makeup to build characters for your stories. It takes time and effort, but this approach is quite doable. Application: Construct a character for a story entitled: “Great Grandmother’s Obsession”. GRAMMAR Close relations between statement within sentences. Today we continue with tips to good sentence construction. Our intertest is to show you how to show relations between statements within sentences. Last week we looked at the use of subordinate conjunctions to show the exact nature of relationships. This week we treat with the use of co-ordinate conjunctions to join statements of equal rank or importance within a sentence. Here you must take good care to choose the conjunction that indicates clearly the relation between the clues. 1. a) Germaine was a miserable man. Everybody tried to avoid him. b) Germaine was a miserable man, and everybody tried to avoid him. (The co-ordinate conjunction ‘and’ shows a ‘plus’ relationship.)

2. a) Greenidge had confidence in the small-town entrepreneurs. Tolstoy believed they could not be trusted. b) Greenidge had confidence in the small-town entrepreneurs, but Tolstoy believed they could not be trusted. (The co-conjunction shows a ‘contrast’ relationship.) 3. a) You get complete relief. You get your money back. b) Either you get complete relief, or you get your money back. (The conjunctions (either, or), show ‘choice’ or ‘an alternative’.) Exercises to Do Combine the following pairs into single sentences. Show the relationship of the pairs by using the appropriate co-ordinate conjunction in each new sentence. NOTE: In one of the pairs, meaning may be changed by using different conjunctions. Find the pair and apply the different conjunctions. 1. He lost the court battle. He won the war. 2. Having seen the effects of the revised plan, Sandra could not deny its usefulness. She could not encourage herself to support it. 3. The sudden change proved too much. The inexperienced young man was forced to switch his career choice. 4. Townshend go. Warner will resign. 5. The Old Year’s night service was over. The audience prepared to exit the sanctuary. 6. The sunlight was too dim. The sky was overcast. GRAMMAR: Keys from last week’s Vocabulary and Spelling Studies: 1. Words often confused: cooperation - working together. “We need the cooperation of every field worker to make this drive successful.” Corporation – a kind of business organisation owned by shareholders. “Today most business firms are corporations.” Eligible – fit or qualified to be chosen. “How many toddlers are eligible for graciously prepared Easter gifts this year?” Illegible – not readable. “No pharmacist can fill Dr. Barbara’s prescriptions because her handwriting is illegible.” 2. Adding ary, ery, or ory – whichever ending is correct. 1. vocabulary 2. ordinary 3. regulatory 4. artery 5. greenery 6. laboratory

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 9, 2022

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Regulate, break up, open up: how to fix Facebook in 2022

THIS year the public saw an alarming side of Facebook, after a huge leak of internal documents revealed the extent of vaccine misinformation and extremism on the platform, a two-tier system of who gets to break the rules and the toxic effects of Instagram for teens. Digital rights activists around the world have warned about these issues for years, but with the company facing mounting pressure, next year could provide an unprecedented opportunity for action. We spoke to researchers, activists and tech experts about how Facebook can be reined in 2022 and beyond, and the innovative solutions that could bring about change. Regulation In the US, the path towards regulation is likely to be a long one. But this year has seen rare bipartisan calls to tighten the rules on big tech. Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects Facebook from lawsuits if users post anything illegal, has once again come under scrutiny. Rashad Robinson, president of the civil rights group Color of Change, who led a corporate boycott of Facebook in July 2020, says amending it is a critical first step. “I believe that there needs to be a removal of the Section 230 immunity when it comes to paid advertising and when it comes to things that are connected to product design,” Robinson said. Meanwhile, lawmakers have introduced bills – including the Children and Media Research Advancement Act and the Algorithmic Justice and Online Platform Transparency Act of 2021 – that would, respectively, fund research into the platform’s effects on young people and tackle Facebook’s often inscrutable algorithms. Robinson says such laws would address “the ways in which Facebook makes money and refuses to be held accountable”. In Europe, 2022 will see a final decision by the European court of justice (ECJ) in a German online gaming case that could pave the way for Facebook to face legal ramifications for privacy violations. Breaking it up Facebook’s sheer size and market dominance remain a significant barrier to change, and a growing chorus of lawmakers and others are calling for a simple solution: break it up. Matt Stoller, research director at the American Economic Liberties Project, says Facebook’s vast power is the greatest threat to democracy. “He’s operating like a sovereign,” Stoller says of Zuckerberg. “And that’s what a monopolist is. Somebody who has control, governing power over a market.” First, Stoller urges breaking up Facebook’s grip on the social media market. Once Facebook took over all its competitors, he says, “they just started surveilling and doing anything that they wanted, and there was really no way around it”. Second, Stoller proposes bringing criminal charges against Zuckerberg and his leadership team over allegations of fraud and insider trading. (Facebook has rejected those claims.) Third, Stoller recommends imposing rules on the social media marketplace so companies such as Facebook can’t be financed by or engage in advertising that is driven by hyper-personalized surveillance. Fixing Facebook from within Some of the strongest efforts for change are coming from Facebook’s own workforce or former workers, including Frances Haugen, the former product manager at Facebook’s civic integrity department who disclosed tens of thousands of the company’s internal documents to the Wall Street Journal

and the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Jeff Allen and Sahar Massachi are a former data scientist and data engineer at Facebook who helped build the company’s election and civic integrity team and now run a

non-profit organization called the Integrity Institute. They believe the solution is empowering integrity professionals who deal with issues such as trust, security and detecting fake activity. theguardian.com

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 9, 2022