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Sunday, December 21, 2025

Masquerade dancers at a recent event by the Masquerade Association of Guyana

Masquerade in Motion How the Masquerade Association of Guyana is championing year-round recognition, education, and development of one of Guyana’s most iconic art forms

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 21, 2025

‘Tis The Season Christmas in Guyana is unlike any other place, traditional, like it should be

By Michel Outridge

AS we unwind from 2025, a year that was challenging in so many ways and pushed us to the limit in all aspects of life, here we are again, ready to welcome a brand-new year. The new year, 2026, is almost upon us, following the festive season, which tests our financial management, but, as Guyanese, we genuinely look forward to passing the holidays in relative peace and quiet. Christmas in Guyana is a busy period. It is the ideal time to declutter, whether in our personal lives or through house-cleaning, to

rid our homes of unwanted household items and make way for the new. It is unlike any other; there is so much fuss, effort, and everything goes into preparation and planning to pull off Christmas Day meals with family, friends, and loved ones. We step out of our normal routine, spend money we do not have, and find a way to equip our homes with brand-new appliances and furniture while filling our refrigerators with food. It is that time of year when suddenly there is a need for new things in the house, and people work towards gifting themselves

the things they saved up for all year as a reward. Christmas in Guyana is a big deal, from the specially prepared foods to the preparation of other foods way before, like garlic pork, black cake mixes, sorrel, and ginger beverages, which are brewed well in advance. Don’t even talk about the long hours and days spent shopping for items like curtains and other essentials to brighten up the home. Cleaning is also time-consuming and takes up much of December, when we throw out the old to welcome the new.

In Guyana, Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year are times to savour good food and drinks, spend time with family, friends, and loved ones, and open up our homes and hearts to spread joy, even in the simplest ways. It is also a time when we become benevolent, spreading cheer to the less fortunate through toy drives, Christmas tree light-ups, and parties for children, senior citizens, and others. It is an altogether different atmosphere, with brightly painted houses and buildings, decorations, and bright lights, all associated with the festive spirit.

The highlight of the season is the food for some people: pepperpot, garlic pork, black cake, baked ham, mutton and duck curries, homemade local beverages, and the seasonal goodies that are a must in every home. Christmastime is just different. People are less grumpy, they give freely, and they take time out to entertain others over food and beverages. Guyanese are all about the nice things in their homes and having the best at this time of year. Regardless of the challenges, they do it every year and will continue to go above

and beyond to get it right at Christmas. As the new year approaches, it is the hope of all that it may be better than 2025, that goals will be fulfilled through hard work and dedication, and that people will have something to look forward to in a brand-new year, 2026. Nearing year end, it is also the ideal time to set boundaries for yourself, do some self-introspection, and make resolutions to imprint a better version of yourself. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the team at Pepperpot Magazine!

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Masquerade in Motion

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 21, 2025

How the Masquerade Association of Guyana is championing year-round recognition, education, and development of one of Guyana’s most iconic art forms

By Shaniya Harding MOST Guyanese would agree that the sound of Masquerade is the sound of Guyana; the rhythmic call of the flutes, the steady hum of the drums, and the passionate movements of the dancers, or “flouncers”, brought to life by the familiar characters of the Mad Cow, Long Lady, and Mother Sally. Together, they help shape a truly Guyanese holiday season. But the Masquerade Association of Guyana Inc. (MAG Inc.) believes the art form should be more than a seasonal pastime. Instead, it should stand as a major cultural expression celebrated year-round. Speaking with Pepperpot Magazine this week, Chairman of the association, Jocelyne Josiah, outlined ongoing efforts to develop Masquerade, the partnerships reinforcing its cultural importance, and the next steps towards ensuring the tradition echoes across Guyana well beyond the Christmas season. Josiah is no stranger to the arts. An accomplished communications specialist and international public servant, she says she became chair of the association because of her interest in Masquerade, its history, and the possibility of preserving the art form. She explained that she was first asked to take on the role through her position as a board

member at Merundoi, an association that also emphasises Guyanese authenticity in the performing arts. “I got involved in the association simply out of interest. I sit on the board of Merundoi, and we needed somebody to help move the process forward,” she said. “It was mainly because of interest, and not just interest, but also a desire to know more and more about the history of our people here in Guyana, of Black people, and of each of the other peoples who are here in Guyana right now.” While the dances and sounds of the Masquerade that most Guyanese see today tell the story of the nation, Josiah said the art form carries a much deeper historical narrative. Masquerade traditions can be found throughout the Caribbean, each with its own dances, sounds, names, and past. “Masquerade is a cultural tradition in Guyana. Masquerade is a particular art form. It is an integral part of Guyana’s culture that needs to be studied, needs to be known, needs to be practised, and needs to be propagated to the point where everybody is proud of Masquerade.” Getting there, she acknowledged, will require sustained effort, with education as the first critical step in cultivating a deeper appreciation for the tradition. As Josiah highlighted, Masquer-

Chairman of the Masquerade Association of Guyana, Jocelyne Josiah and Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs (Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport photo)

ade, like Guyana’s food and music, tells the story of a people. Stressing the importance of public awareness and education, she noted that there is far more to masquerade than what

many commonly see, with historical references to the art form found in caves thousands of years old. “We do not know what masquerade is, where it came from, its origins, how

Masquerade dancers at a recent event by the Masquerade Association of Guyana

it developed, and what it has come to be,” she said. “All we see is people flossing on the streets and picking up money, and we don’t know the significance of all of those things. So we need to study and do research with other people into what all of those things mean.” She added that Masquerade did not simply emerge in Guyana. “It came here with the enslaved, from across West Africa, but it existed eons before the slave trade. There are artefacts and paintings in caves on the African continent that date back to 8,000 years before Christ.” This deep historical and cultural relevance is one of the reasons the association has garnered growing support. Backed by a team of passionate advocates, Josiah said the association is actively working to partner with leading historical and cultural organisations, both locally and internationally. “In terms of our partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Ministry responsible for cultural development in Guyana, we have been working closely with them,” she said. “We have also been working with the Ministry and, through UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, on two levels. First, to examine and explore TURN TO PAGE XV

The Rotary Club Putting Heart Into Holiday Service President shares how genuine connection,

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 21, 2025

not just charity, drives the club’s mission By Shaniya Harding

WHILE it has spent much of this year spreading peace through its peace pole project, the Rotary Club of Demerara is now spreading Christmas cheer through numerous drives aimed at brightening the holidays in children’s and senior citizens’ homes through decoration and clothing initiatives. In an interview with Pepperpot Magazine this week, club President, Domanique Cameron, is calling on all Guyanese to help spread Christmas cheer, whether through clothing donations, decorating assistance, or simply a bit of their time. Speaking to Pepperpot amid the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, Cameron says she is no stranger to the club’s work and has had a love of service long before becoming president of the associ-

ation. “I have always been deeply connected and committed to service that is practical and compassionate and rooted in real relationships because most of these things have been service level,” she explained. “For me, leadership is not about visibility but more about responsibility. I have seen what the club has done in the past because before actually becoming a member, I was volunteering with the club, seeing what they are about, seeing if this is a good fit for me, if this is something that I want to commit to, because it is basically a lifelong commitment.” Now, the president of the club, Cameron, says Rotary has given her a platform to collaborate and work with numerous other organisations to help Guyanese across the country. While she started by spearheading her own projects, Rotary expands her reach with a comprehensive ap-

proach. “I was doing these projects on my own, so why not collaborate with these people who are actually doing it on a larger scale so that we can make an even bigger impact? So I joined,” she said. “The approach has always been to listen first, understand what the needs are, and then work with people to build solutions that last and make an impact. Rotary gave me a platform to do this alongside the other members, and we share the same values of service, integrity, and commitment to community.” That service to community is even more apparent during the holiday season. Highlighting ongoing work, Cameron shared that she and her team are busy spreading cheer. While the club is currently collecting clothes for children’s homes, Cameron emphasised that it operates year-round. “I am currently collecting clothes from Rotarians, their

President of the Rotary Club of Demerara, Cameron Domanique, delivers breakfast of bake and saltfish to residents of Archer’s and Byer’s Senior Citizens’ Homes early in the morning, ahead of their 7:30 a.m. mealtime, before the club began decorating for the holidays

Members of the Rotary Club of Demerara wrap and prepare Christmas gifts during a holiday outreach activity

family members, and friends so that I can drop them off at the night shelter. We also have a relationship with two homes, St. John’s Boys Home and the Sophia Children and Family Centre. We go there almost every other Saturday to read to the children and maintain our active learning corner. I take clothes for those kids as well because they are in need of those items. I continuously keep collecting clothes for them,” she shared. The club has also started a unique tradition at a few of Guyana’s senior citizens’ homes, where Cameron brings a Christmas breakfast of pepperpot and bread. While it is a simple gesture, Cameron says that it helps create that seasonal atmosphere for many people who may not be able to see their family during Christmas. “On Christmas Day, this is the second year we are making it a tradition, I personally go and drop off steaming hot pepperpot and fresh bread to Archer’s Senior Citizen Home and Byer’s Senior Citizen Home. Archer’s has about 17 residents, and Byer’s has about 15 residents. I take pepperpot and bread for them on Christmas morning so they can have that Christmas feeling,” she explained. “Some of TURN TO PAGE XV

A Legacy in Honey

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 21, 2025

The Modern Transformation of Apiculture in Guyana By Michel Outridge

ON the mangrove-lined sea defences of West Coast Berbice, where black mangroves meet the Atlantic Ocean, and flowering coastal vegetation thrives, one of Guyana’s most accomplished apiculturists is presiding over an exceptional honey flow season. S hiv p au l R ajk u mar, a fourth-generation beekeeper and the largest honey producer in West Coast Berbice, represents both the continuity of inherited agricultural knowledge and the modern transformation of Guyana’s apiculture sector. At 46 years old, Rajkumar’s engagement with beekeeping is not merely an occupation but a deeply rooted family legacy. He hails from Number Five Village (Mon Choisi), West Coast Berbice, where apiculture has been practised in his family long before his birth. The tradition began with his great-grandfather, who operated an apiary at Bush Lot on the West Coast of Demerara. That enterprise was later relocated to Number Five Village and passed down through successive generations, embedding beekeeping firmly within the Rajkumar household. Following the death of his great-grandfather in 1985, Rajkumar’s father assumed responsibility for the apiary and expanded what was already a flourishing enterprise. Shivpaul, exposed to the apiary’s rhythms from an early age, developed a natural affinity for the craft. By the age of 15, he was already

well-versed in beekeeping practices, guided by traditional knowledge while continuously learning through hands-on experience. After leaving the formal secondary education system, he committed to beekeeping full-time, supplementing his income briefly by making furniture and producing homemade coconut oil. Nonetheless, beekeeping remained his principal economic activity. Starting with a single hive gifted by his father, Rajkumar steadily expanded his operations as his skills and confidence grew. Today, he manages 193 bee boxes of his own, distributed across several villages along the West Coast Berbice corridor, in addition to 51 boxes owned by his father. In total, Rajkumar oversees 247 boxes of Africanised bees, strategically located along the sea defence among black mangroves. This unique ecological setting imparts a distinctive colour and flavour to his honey, highly valued by consumers seeking premium, locally produced products. A defining feature of Rajkumar’s operation is his queen-rearing facility, which allows him to split colonies effectively, maintain optimal bee populations, reduce excessive drone numbers, and prevent swarming. These practices reflect a sophisticated blend of traditional expertise and modern hive management, contributing significantly to his consistently high yields. He further explained that his apiaries are supported by a dedicated honey extraction house,

Shivpaul Rajkumar, beekeeper of Region Five

which allows honey to be extracted, processed, and stored under strict hygienic conditions in accordance with national food safety standards. During the current honey flow season, Rajkumar reported that production over the four-month pe-

Some of the boxes managed by Shivpaul Rajkumar along the sea defence in Region Five

riod has been exceptionally strong, yielding approximately 1,000 gallons of premium honey—a remarkable outcome that underscores both favourable environmental conditions and the effectiveness of his hive management practices. This level of output reflects a well-coordinated operation, supported by strategic colony splitting, queen rearing, and the optimal placement of apiaries within the mangrove-rich coastal ecosystem of West Coast Berbice. Compared to last year’s second-season flow, early indications from the current season suggest that this year’s yield will not only surpass that figure but will further consolidate his status as the largest honey producer in West Coast Berbice. His honey is marketed under the brand B. Rajkumar and Sons Apiary, a name that deliberately reflects both the multi-generational heritage of the enterprise and the scale at which it now operates. The brand has become synonymous with quality, traceability, and consistency, reinforcing consumer confidence and positioning the operation favourably for expanded domestic

and premium market opportunities. Rajkumar is also an advocate for institutional support and regulatory modernisation within the sector. He has lauded the Ministry of Agriculture, through the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) and the Guyana Food Safety Authority (GFSA), for commencing the National Traceability System. This digital platform is designed to register and monitor all apiculturists and beekeepers in Guyana, centralising data on honey production, movement, and distribution. A key feature of the system is the use of QR codes, which enable consumers to scan and instantly verify the origin, authenticity, and certification of honey products. For farmers, the system enhances credibility and opens access to premium and export markets; for consumers, it guarantees transparency and protection against adulterated or counterfeit honey. He noted that with the introduction of the National Traceability Digital Platform, consumers can now verify the origin of their honey, including the vegetation type, the geographic location of the apiary, TURN TO PAGE XXIII

For the Love of Agriculture:

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 21, 2025

Returning to the Land, Sustaining a Legacy By Michel Outridge IF anyone had told Colnita Jervis-Wilson that her adult life would be rooted in an isolated rural village, managing livestock and sustaining a family ranch, she would have been sceptical. A self-described “city girl”, her formative years were firmly embedded in urban Guyana. Yet today, Jervis-Wilson’s life and livelihood are deeply intertwined with the agricultural landscape of Lighttown Village, East Bank Berbice—where tradition, resilience, and purpose converge. At 42, Jervis-Wilson represents a compelling story of return, adaptation, and commitment to agriculture. Together with her husband, Joseph Wilson, a re-migrant who returned to Guyana in 2021 after years of living and working in the United States as a licensed pilot and aviation engineer, she deliberately decided to relocate their family to Lighttown Village. The move was driven by more than practicality; it was anchored in legacy. The Wilson family ranch required stewardship to ensure its survival, and the couple resolved

to preserve it for future generations. Married with two children who attend school in New Amsterdam, Jervis-Wilson balances rural life with professional responsibility. She is a teacher at Multilateral Secondary School in New Amsterdam, continuing a distinguished career in education spanning decades. The transition to Lighttown Village, however, was far from seamless. When the family first relocated, the village had no electricity, no paved roads, and no reliable cellular service. While electricity and all-weather roads have since improved access and mobility, telecommunication challenges persist, highlighting the ongoing infrastructural constraints faced by rural communities. Despite these limitations, the decision to relocate was grounded in shared values. Both Jervis-Wilson and her husband have a deep passion for agriculture and envisioned a lifestyle centred on sustainability, self-reliance, and purpose. They saw themselves as laying the foundation for a future in which their children could appreciate the value of the land and

food production. Jervis-Wilson’s connection to agriculture is longstanding. After completing high school, she enrolled at the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), initially aspiring to become a veterinarian. Although a scholarship opportunity to Cuba did not materialise, her interest in animals and farming never waned. Economic realities soon required her to enter the workforce, and at just 18, she became an agriculture teacher at Tucville Secondary School in the city. Her teaching career progressed steadily. In 2005, she successfully applied for a vacancy at Queen’s College, where she taught for 17 years. During this time, she was encouraged to qualify further and subsequently specialised in agriculture and science, which became her professional and academic strengths. At the University of Guyana (UG), she pursued studies in environmental science, completing her final-year capstone on Guyana’s emerging Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), a national policy framework

A cow being transported across to the Region Five ranch

Colnita Jervis-Wilson, her husband, Joseph Wilson, and their two children

Joseph Wilson on a typical day, horseback riding

that resonated deeply with her interests in sustainability and climate adaptation. On the farm, however, the realities of agriculture have tested that resolve. Like many small-scale producers, the Wilsons have experienced significant losses. Their poultry operation, which focused on layers, suffered a devastating blow when disease wiped out about 3,000 birds. The loss was both financially and emotionally draining. Despite engagement with extension services and visits from technical officers, the entire flock was lost, forcing the family to reassess their production strategy. In response, they diversified into pig production, beginning with a small herd. Since then, the operation has shown promise, with several sows now heavily pregnant and plans to expand swine production in place. The family is also becoming more TURN TO PAGE XVI

VII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 21, 2025

Starting from Scratch

IF you had the opportunity to relive your entire life from the very beginning, would you take it? Would you let the stars be realigned and time be turned back for a chance to change the person you are today? Shockingly, for many of us, the idea of reliving our lives can seem quite enchanting. We might discover that we are willing to go through every moment of struggle and hard work all over again, just to redo some of the choices that we regret. Perhaps this is because we have discovered that the pain of regret is often much greater and more unbearable than the fatigue of labour. It is easy to fall into a stream of thought like this, where we focus on what we ‘might’ have done, or what

we ‘could’ have done in different situations that have already passed. This way of thinking, however, is not too different from the act of attempting to swim against the flow of the current in a powerful river. Using our thoughts, we struggle against the natural flow of time while we try to live productively, creating an unfortunate cycle. Our thoughts keep us trapped in our errors, so that we refuse to start anything new for fear of failing again. It is simply impossible for us to reach any destination in this manner. In fact, it is more likely that we will find ourselves drowning under pressure, or at least stagnating in place. The only way for us to overcome this is to accept that we do not always need to destroy something

and start from scratch to correct an error or achieve perfection. We often believe that new beginnings have the special power to lead to perfection. So, we constantly destroy our progress and wait for a chance to restart a task, hoping that this will lead to perfection. For instance, when we fail to keep our resolutions, we wait until the new year to try again. When our day starts off poorly, we spend the rest of it waiting for the next day to begin. When we do not perform well in an exam, we wait for a new semester to begin studying again. Perfection does not come from destroying our work for the sake of repetition. Perfection begins at acceptance, and acceptance comes from within. This means we must be willing to forgive ourselves and

be comfortable stepping forward into the future, even if our present is not as flawless as we would like. The skills that come naturally to us today, such as walking or speaking, were once crucial milestones that required trial and error to achieve. Could you imagine where we would be right now if we believed that our lives were ruined every time we fell down, or we struggled to pronounce a word as a child? We might be stuck in the very same spot to this day! If we are too busy trying to redo and perfect every step we take and every word we say, we may never truly have the chance to move forward or say anything impactful. Just like everyone else, we are living life for the very first time. This means we will make mistakes and find ourselves in destinations

we hoped we would never reach. Yet, as long as we are alive, time flows forward, and whether we accept it or not, we will move along with it. The only way for us to grow is to accept that we may not get a perfect opportunity to start over. Even if we do get such an opportunity, it is entirely up to us what we are able to achieve with it. In the present, we must make the most of the progress we have achieved so far, even if it means accepting some imperfections. If we persevere and move ahead despite our inhibitions and fear of failure, we will suddenly find ourselves living the life we have always wanted. It does not take starting from scratch to achieve our dreams.

VIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 21, 2025

Guyanese Christmas from Afar — A Renewed Appreciation of Our Traditions

FOR the first time in my life, I am spending Christmas and the entire Christmas season away from home. It is quite bittersweet, and I wanted to highlight this experience in this week’s column with the hope of spreading awareness about preserving Guyanese Christmas traditions. I know many people who often emphasise that Guyana doesn’t have “true Christmas traditions”, but who or what dictates what Christmas should be? Sometimes, we wish for snow and cold weather; we want real Christmas trees, or we want to drink imported foods. We do all of this without realising that our Christmas traditions are just as good and important. They are worth enjoying, and while our Christmas culture might look different from that in Northern countries, these traditions are worth preserving and promoting. Many of us grew up with the smell of pepperpot being made and the aroma of fresh spices spreading across the house for days. Christmas is also very wet, as December is the rainy season in Guyana. One of my personal favourite times is when my mother decides to make the popular Christmas “black cake” or “rum cake”. It was a tradition passed on from my grandmothers to make cake during the holidays. My mother taught me, and I hope one day it becomes a tradition I can pass on to my future children as well. The streets are bustling with shoppers, the town centres are decorated, and most importantly, there’s music everywhere. I can specifically contrast that to what I’m currently experiencing

in the United Kingdom. While I found ginger beer and rum cake, many of my holiday favourite foods remain in Guyana. I’ve also noticed less music, whereas in Guyana it’s central to almost everything we do. Christmas in Guyana is also very community-centred, whereas Christmas in the United Kingdom appears to be more family-centred. While I am embracing the changes and enjoying this once-in-

a-lifetime experience, I am also a bit homesick. I will dearly miss our traditions back home, and as my mother rightfully puts it, “you never miss the water until the well runs dry”. A friend of mine asked me, “Why are you chasing familiarity?”, as I hunted down every ingredient to make my own pepperpot. I reflected a lot on that and realised that whether I’m under

grey skies or the Guyanese sun, the essence of home lives through me. I am not permanently away from Guyana, but I fear this is how traditions are lost along the way. I want to see our culture as resilient. We shape-shift to fit in and often feel embarrassed by who we are, but to that I say no more. Being physically separated from my family and home allowed me to see how deeply my traditions are

tied to me. There is a gap in my identity as we speak because while some might say I’m experiencing “the ideal Christmas”, it is simply not as fulfilling as the Guyanese Christmas I’ve grown to love. I do not think I will ever take for granted the taste of pepperpot, the responsibility of sharing cake and food with neighbours on Christmas Day in foil wrap, or the disregard of an electric cake mixer (because nothing does it better than your hands). As I prepare to spend my first Christmas away from home, I want to urge every Guyanese reading this to make the most of this holiday season and to remember that our traditions might differ from mainstream versions, but they are ours to own and celebrate. I am not frowning upon people who also want to celebrate stereotypical ideas of Christmas. By all means, use your free will accordingly. However, you can do that without undermining our local traditions and celebrations. I wish you all a safe and joyous Guyanese Christmas, and as you celebrate this festive season, remember always the traditions passed down to us and the ways we can actively continue to honour them. The distance has not changed me; it only clarified where my heart lies, and for that, I’m grateful for this experience. Like many Guyanese, whether in Guyana or abroad, I intend to indulge in pepperpot because geography is merely a matter of physical presence. I am still “Guyanese to di bone”, and in this case, in my heart too.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 21, 2025

YOUR SUCCESS WILL ATTRACT MANY FOLLOWERS

WHEN people fail, they can get stuck in cycles of negative thoughts, believing that success is not possible. The truth is that success is within reach if we are willing to make an honest assessment of ourselves and put in the work to grow and overcome. When we are pushed to our limit, we often have a breakthrough. To get there, we must be determined and never stop chasing success. Success is more than just money; that doesn’t bring happiness or blessings. On the road to true success, we gain a better understanding of ourselves, learn to conduct ourselves ethically, stay true to our beliefs, and care for our loved ones. Once you are successful, you will have much to offer others. Don’t let them take advantage of you; use your platform to help others grow, too. After all, you most likely learned from others who were successful, and your knowledge is of greater value when you share it. Everyone Has Experienced Failure

When some people fail, they think their life is over. However, everyone will experience failure. Sometimes, the harder someone tries to succeed, the more challenges they encounter. People must understand that failure is not bad. Yes, there are lessons to be learned from failure, and those who take the time to learn them can make their future great. If failure were bad, many people would not have learned certain important lessons. These life lessons teach them to respect all people and resources. Some things that happen cannot be changed or adjusted. Therefore, do not spend time and resources trying to fix past mistakes. Those who are willing to leave the past behind will be able to move forward. Whenever a person fails, they must carefully look back at their past and identify the steps they missed that led to their failure. They must be willing to acknowledge their errors and not try to blame others for their failure. Even as you aim to be-

come successful, you will encounter many negative people. These people often do not have kind words for you. Some of them wish that you would fail. These people may be very close to you; your family members or workmates may even be among them. Not everyone will be happy for you to become successful. Avoid arguments with negative people; instead, let your positive actions speak louder than the words you would like to utter. There are many great things to accomplish in life, but there will always be obstacles to overcome in attaining them. It takes great navigating skills to move beyond failure and into the arms of success. It also takes much effort to maintain that success once you have achieved it. THE TURNING POINT Despite how tough life may seem, there will be a turning point for everyone. If you look long and hard enough, you may see your turning point just before you. Too many people have seen

the success of others and have already told themselves that they cannot be successful. However, everyone should seek out opportunities to succeed in whatever area they choose. Be honest and identify who you are without measuring yourself against anyone else. When you are honest with yourself, you will identify your mistakes and what you can do as an individual to become successful. Beyond identifying who you are, you will have to identify the resources that

you need for your success. Your resources may include some important people in your life. They can also include financial support. Each individual must identify the resources that will help them to be successful, and then gather those resources. Never attempt to run someone else’s race. Stay in your lane. Prepare for the moment when you have to start your race, and then keep running as fast as you can. Do not spend time looking over into anyone else’s lane. Keep your eyes on the fin-

ish line to accomplish your victory. Your attitude is a key contributor to your success. Therefore, develop a positive attitude. There may be many things to make you feel like a loser; however, with a positive attitude, you will be willing to take on challenges and press towards your victory. Identify your strengths and weaknesses, then maximise your strengths. Do not spend all your time thinking about your weaknesses, since you may not be able to fix TURN TO PAGE XVII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 21, 2025

THIS CHRISTMAS CAME WHETHER WE WERE READY OR NOT

WE usually plan for Christmas, but the reality of our personal world as we know it is spinning on a different axis, challenging our very efforts to reach out and engage in the holiday’s customs in the accustomed way. So I turn to the mystery of Christmas itself to explore its principles, and I found the first challenge in a conversation that was inevitable for me to hear. In the minibus that was taking me home, a lady sitting next to me said, “I gon be Scrooge this Christmas. I ent buying nothing fuh nobody.” I looked at her, and she kind of read my thoughts, but in truth, there was nothing to be

said. We were two strangers, and her gaze was directed at her lady friend next to her, though its content reached almost everyone who heard it. But it was her expression, and so I shrugged my shoulders. The fellow next to me just shook his head. “Was the business places that used to carry the Santa thing, back in the day, some churches too, carol singers and suh, masquerade band during the day, but them Christmas gifts was always stress. The cinemas helped, remember all them James Bond and cowboy movies were launched on Christmas Eve night. Toy guns had names like Apache, Frontier

45, and suh, and Christmas Eve night always had a new movie opening, everybody [mostly young me] going into the cinema with a 25-cent cap gun, from the cinema then to home to help out, or be bored. One thing was standard: pepper pot, and fruit cake fuh de new morning.” I drifted off and refocused on my initial intention to explore the Christmas story. I have done some reading and exploration of alternative views on religion, whether true or false, or borrowed from older mystery systems. When all is said and done, religion is entwined with how we view the principles that embody right and wrong, and when Chris-

tianity is used for dark purposes by man-made hierarchies, the human consciousness rebels and unravels the truth in the relevant context. But that was where my thoughts were bound. What I was recapturing were thoughts that revolved around the birth of a child; that mystical kings visited with serene gifts, promising a better day through this birth; and, upon seeing adulthood, that moment when so many children were slain. Be it true or construed, it is difficult to judge completely, but we can explore. In exploring this story, it seemed to have occurred in diverse religious places, but with some it was more engaging

than with others. The Christmas story should be explored in the context of its human world, as it was then and as it is today, in the context of the mental usurpations of logic and obvious principles, which are also rooted in the message and value systems of the Christmas story. This story of the Christ birth is one that requires comparisons with how we live and judge our own values, and how we translate its values into a more relevant event in current human understanding, without religious distortions but with mundane execution, challenging our own corners of human reasoning—so have a good Christmas.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 21, 2025

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS CONCLUSION

Joy to the world, the Lord is come Let earth receive her King Let every heart prepare Him room And heaven and nature sing

IN the morning, Grandma was up before Sarah, a happy little smile on her face. She laid the table with a freshly-brewed pot of tea, toast with scrambled eggs, and slices of papaya. “Thank you, dear Lord, for this meal,” Sarah prayed as they sat down to a nice little breakfast. Over the next few days, Sarah began cleaning and packing as she rearranged and decorated the little house. It now had a festive look and, from an old radio she had found, beautiful Christmas songs filled the air. A promise to her Grandma was being fulfilled as Christmas drew closer. An unexpected tragedy had awakened Sarah to the fact that life brings changes and challenges. If you want something better, you have to work to make that change yourself and not wait for someone to do it for you. After the tragic loss of her husband and her baby on the way, she had felt lost; the grief and trauma were too deep for her to handle alone at her young age. So, with advice, she had spent time with her mother-in-law and a few other relatives in New Amsterdam. The comfort of family was what she needed until her baby was born. She almost

suffered another nervous breakdown after the baby’s birth because the father was not with them anymore. Four months later, she had managed to pick up the pieces of her life, and with her finances running low, she had decided to return home to her Grandma. As her thoughts

In her journal, she had noted that she would reconnect with her friends and be more interactive with society. ‘I lost my partner in life,’ she rued with deep regret. ‘Now I have to walk this road alone, but along the way, a few kind hands to hold would be good.’

applications, she got a call from the manager of the Pegasus Hotel, where she had worked as a server, and was reinstated in her old job. “This is so great,” she exclaimed, thankfully to herself. “I have to work hard and stay strong to make life better from here.”

returned to that day at the park, she remembered Raj, and, without knowing why, a smile came to her lips. One of life’s changes, maybe?

The first step she had to make was to go back to work; that would set the tone and pace of laying a solid foundation for her child. Two weeks later, after sending out

So she strove daily in her quest, keeping positive thoughts in mind and finding her own little joys with her baby daughter, church, and close friends.

The festive period was a very busy time for the hotel, with the hotel fully booked for lunches, dinners, and cocktail parties. She was one of the servers at a special staff dinner for a tech company, and as drinks were being served, she noticed Raj at the table where the CEO and company directors were seated. He was looking sharp in a well-fitted suit that made him look very handsome. “Impressive,” she expressed to herself. As the dinner got underway, she tried not to look his way, but as she began serving a table next to his, he called her, “Miss.” She turned around and answered cordially, “Yes, sir.” There was a slight smile of recognition on his face as he looked at her, but she tried not to smile back, just holding a pleasant look. “Another bottle of wine, please,” he requested in that same deep, smooth voice. “Yes, sir,” she nodded. The wine was served, and he said to her in a low tone so only she could hear, “You can smile a little; it’s Christmas.” She did, just slightly, so only he saw the smile, and moved on to continue serving the other tables. At the end of the dinner, the guests began leaving, but Raj stayed a while longer, then left with the group from the head table, nodding his head a little at her, maybe to say TURN TO PAGE XVIII

XII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 21, 2025

What Suzie Said

From Ixora Mara, Sourhouse by Abigail Persaud Cheddie Continued from last week SHE passed a dress over my head and yanked the zipper but it wouldn’t go. “Psst,” Ivy said. “Oi psst. You look like a yard fowl with two skinny foot an’ a small head an’ a stuffy middle,” she whispered so that Mam, who had gone off to bring more dresses, couldn’t hear. I sucked my teeth. “Is you’s a yard fowl,” I said, looking to make a dash for the torchlight again. “Nope. You.” “You.” “You.” I made a beeline for the kitchen sink, grabbed the torch, ran to the veranda and drew my lighted smiley face on the wall. Then Suzie lit up her window again with another smiley face. Then I drew another. Then she again. Then I. “Stop wastin’ yuh father torch light batteries and come try on dis

dress girl,” Mam shouted into the veranda. She tugged the pink polka-dotted dressy church frocks down our shoulders. “Oh thank the good Lord,” she said when she saw that they fit just barely. “Thanks thee good Lord.” We stood shoulder to shoulder, Ivy and me, looking into the floorlength mirror on the living room wall. The pink polka dots transformed us from the heavy umber of our school uniforms. The polka dots looked like the polished ladies in our story book called Little Sally Hallie Goes to High Tea. I lifted my chin, wondering if Mam or Ganee Gwenny had pink pearl necklaces like Sally Hallie’s to lend us. Ivy went nearer to the mirror and held out the wide A-lined skirt and twirled. “Stop twirling before you tear dat dress,” Mam said, then she yanked the dresses off and went to

set up the ironing board. I followed her. “Mam, you got any pink pearls?” “For what?” “Like a necklace.” “And where I gon get dat from?” She jabbed the iron at a stubborn collar. “Your jewel box,” I said. Mam rolled her eyes and smashed some pleats flat. But still, I wanted Suzie to see me in a pretty necklace. She had several. Like the silver one with the red heart pendant which she wore just to stand by her gate. In her necklaces she reigned like the head of fairy security, guarding the entrance to her universe across the purpleheart bridge. So before I went to bed, I sneaked up to Mam’s vanity and lifted the large lid of her precious wooden jewellery box that Pap had made for her with his own hands. It was empty except for a little pale

green butterfly pendant, a tiny emerald green turtle brooch and a pair of love knot gold earrings. No pink pearls. No other anything. I crawled into bed and thought about how I could get some kind of a necklace. And then, an idea floated to me through the window. I would string ixora flowers together with a needle and thread just like Mam showed us one time, and I’d make Ivy and me a pair of floral necklaces. For the next few days I strung flowers in different patterns until the garlands came together at the right arrangement. And finally, when our birthday’s eve rolled in, Pap hustled about. He raked grass. He followed Mam’s instructions on how to set the jello but he almost did it wrong, so Mam clenched her jaw and set it herself. He arranged the mismatched chairs and stools.

He livened up the streamers. “Look here,” he said, holding one end of a red streamer and one end of a yellow streamer and gluing them perpendicular to each other. “Looka dis.” He folded the red strip down, then the yellow across. Then he folded the red up and the yellow across again, but the opposite way this time. Several times he repeated the criss-crossings. Down, across, then up, and across the other way. “Keep folding like so,” he said, carefully handing over the finished bit to me. When I came to the ends of the strips, he glued them together. Then he gripped that glued end and gave me the beginning end of the entire folded strip. “Now hold it and walk backwards,” he said. As I stepped back, the two streamers, now interlocking, expanded like an accordion stretching TURN TO PAGE XIV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 21, 2025

XIII

The Allegorical Child: Sex and Sexuality of Caribbean Young Adult Fiction

Continued from last week

T H E novels mentioned here are products of their time and possibly reflect the prudishness that prevailed, but the nature of human sexuality has always been the same, differing only in expression. The adolescent novels of the Caribbean dispense with this aspect of nature. Often, acknowledgement of it in the lives of adolescent characters is only grudgingly sketched. Two rare examples of young adults in Caribbean YA fiction who are forthright about their sexuality can be found in Jan Carew’s The Wild Coast and Oonya Kempadoo’s Buxton Spice. In The Wild Coast, the adolescent protagonist Hector observes and reflects upon his experiences. He feels and is drawn to the erotic, and he acts upon his desire. He goes to the village woman who will indulge him and rends himself of his virginity. This cold calculation is a mere practicality; it is not a metaphor for something greater: “When she had drained the sap out of him and he was feeling limp, he rolled away from her.” (p. 158) That is the end of that. Oonya Kempadoo’s wonderful novel Buxton Spice has one of the most fully realised young adult characters in the entire Caribbean canon. Like the other characters mentioned above, Lula is a keen observer of the world around her. Unlike the others, she also sees herself, feels her sexuality, comments upon it, and defines her pleasures. Lula is very real — not a by-product of some greater theme the author addresses. She is central to the work, and her first experience of sexual pleasure is accidental and organic. She comes by sex naturally, and her sexuality is rendered with a frankness that is wonderfully precise. Buxton Spice is not only

about sex, but it is a novel with a young adult character like no other in Caribbean literature. It rings true for those of us who grew up in the Caribbean at the time. Frank Birbalsingh, in his review of the novel, calls it pornographic — a reading that misses the truth, namely that the sex depicted was closer to reality than in any previous Caribbean novel with a young adult protagonist. It is this honesty that makes Buxton Spice relatable. It does not look away from the sensations and scents of sex and is consistent with Lula’s vivid descriptions of other things in the book. One can see Lula, with her freedom and curiosity, graduating to the erotic heights of Yocandra in the Cuban novelist Zoé Valdés’s funny and erotic Yocandra in the Paradise of Nada. Unfortunately, one cannot imagine a post-teenage sexuality for Tee or Francis, whose sexual depictions do not leap off the page into an imagined future. They remain vague adolescents — chaste and unaware of their bodies, as no real adolescent is. There is no time in our lives when we are more aware of our bodies than when we hit puberty and see the changes — ourselves as new. This may be the first time we fall in love with ourselves, the first inkling of a budding narcissism, when the mirror does not merely reflect our twin in the glass but shows us the greatest love or lover we will ever know. What makes Lula indelible is Kempadoo’s fidelity to, if not the actual lived experience of a Caribbean adolescence, then the closest fictive approximation of it. Kempadoo treats Lula’s budding sensuality with the same fidelity she brings to the novel’s other salient concerns — the politics of the time, filial relationships, and friendship — thus avoiding TURN TO PAGE XVII

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several feet between us. “Whoa looka dat!” Ivy shrieked behind me where she was supposed to be helping Ganee Gwenny press down the ends of cheese rolls with a fork but where she was running her mouth off like a motor. Every day she gabbered about the people she’d invited. Every single day, round

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 21, 2025

and round like a rotating windmill. She jibber-jabbered about Anahita and Kathi and Lotte and Imani and Adalia and Basmati and Jia. And NoJo too. But he was coming only because he was bringing his new bat and ball so we could have cricket. And because he, No-Jo, whose real name was Tainojo, was Junior’s cousin and Junior

What Suzie Said

had asked for No-Jo to come. Every, single, day, and night, like a windmill, the whole house obliged to hear about Anahita this, Kathi that, Lotte so and so, Imani’s clever dog that was good enough for a circus, Adalia’s kitten that bit strangers like a dog, Basmati’s magnificent inherited bangles and Jia’s unstoppable tricycle with the

FROM PAGE XII

bell that rang like half a dozen bangles clink-a-dinking together. “Ohh looka dat!” Ivy said again, tugging at Ganee and pointing at the streamer accordion. Pap grinned and handed me several rolls of crepe paper. “Try then, accordionise these,” he said.

By afternoon, my fingers were crampy and gluey. When the streamers were ready, Pap tacked them in bellied curves around the veranda’s ceiling. “Now blow these.” He handed me and Ivy some balloons and showed us how. It was not as easy as it looked. I had to thoroughly empty my lungs just for one balloon to live a lifespan. Sometimes I got lightheaded. Still, I forged ahead, for tomorrow would come and I would tell Suzie everything. How I had perfected the judgement in giving balloons the right amount of air. Too much would make the balloon either explode and sting your face, or prevent you from knotting it so that it flew out of your hand, kazooing and deflating. Too little would make it smaller than the one before, then they’d be mismatched and ruin the symmetry of things. I was evaluating my most recent balloon when Suzie appeared at her glass window. “Suzie!” I shouted across, “Look here.” I waved one red and one yellow balloon. She burst into grin and waved with both arms, and cupping her palms to her mouth, she shouted, “Yaayhey,” into the air. “Yaay-hey Sue-zaay,” I

shouted back. My feet tingled to skip across the street onto her purpleheart bridge so I could gift her a balloon and explain the important principles I’d discovered. But no, I thought, trying to shush the drumming in my chest. I’ll save everything up for tomorrow and she could have two balloons then — one that I’d already blown and one to blow herself, so she could understand the technicality of the thing. “Tomorrow?” I shouted across. “Tomorrow,” she sang into the universe. That night Suzie’s house went to bed early. All the lights went out and her flashlight faces failed to flicker. Maybe Suzie was sleeping early for my party. Mam had told us too to bed early if we wanted to have enough energy for tomorrow. So on the night that I was six years and three hundred and sixty-four days old, Pap helped me roll down the mosquito net and waited for me to finish saying my prayers before he turned out the light. “Nighto Ixie Pixie,” he said. “Nighto Pap-Pap.” I pulled the sheet to my chin and waited to turn seven. In the kitchen, while Mam iced the cake, Madam Ivy’s mouth was still windmilling.

The Rotary Club...

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 21, 2025

FROM PAGE IV

them are there because their families are not in the country or are no longer around, and they do not have that sort of care during the Christmas holidays.” For Cameron, these visits are not rushed drop-offs but moments of genuine connection that often extend far beyond what was initially planned. “You go and drop off for them, you sit down for a bit, and sometimes you spend an hour,” she shared. “I would say I will spend one hour, and one hour turns into me getting there at three and leaving at five or five-thirty, six. Time just goes because you end up having so much fun. That is what you are giving: time.” She explained that it is this shared time—listening to stories,

laughing, reminiscing, and simply being present—that often matters most to residents. These interactions, she said, reinforce the importance of human connection, particularly for individuals who may feel forgotten during the holidays. As part of its Christmas outreach, the Rotary Club of Demerara is also continuing its clothing drive, with Cameron encouraging the public to participate in whatever way they can. “We try to spread the clothing drive out so we can get clothes from everyone. Lightly worn clothes or new clothes are accepted,” she explained. “Some people buy something and it cannot fit them, so they decide to give it away.”

Masquerade...

FROM PAGE III

the possibilities of Guyana signing on to the UNESCO 2003 Convention on Intangible Cultural Heritage.” The association is also seeing increasing interest from young people, many of whom are eager to join masquerade bands. “We have definitely been seeing interest from young people, and that is one of the most important aspects of this,” Josiah noted. “We are advocating for training from childhood all the way through.” But interest alone, she said, is not enough. Education at the school level remains critical. “We have been working with the University of Guyana’s early childhood department to complete and introduce a workbook prepared by one of our specialists on masquerade,” she explained. “It’s similar to a colouring book, but at the same time, it is meant to make children more aware of what masquerade is all about.” Although the association is only a few months old, having been launched earlier this year, Josiah said there are robust plans to develop the art form, beginning with structured training. “There are all kinds of training that need to take place, not only within the art form itself, such as the dances, the music, and costume design,” she said. “But we would also like to provide training that enables masquerade bands emerging from communities to earn a sustainable livelihood from this.” She added that this could include collabora-

tions with institutions such as the Burrowes School of Art and training in areas that support income generation. “These are things that could be marketed and would help masqueraders become more independent.” Looking ahead, Josiah envisions Masquerade as a living, evolving expression of Guyana’s diverse cultural identity, shaped by African roots while absorbing influences from Indigenous, European, Indian, and Chinese traditions along the way. It is this evolution, she said, that allows Guyanese masquerades to stand apart from similar traditions across the region. With plans to engage multiple ministries, integrate Masquerade into major national events, expand museum exhibitions, and strengthen documentation and archiving, the association is working to firmly position Masquerade within Guyana’s national cultural lexicon. By listening to practitioners, involving masqueraders themselves, and pursuing regional collaboration and potential UNESCO recognition, Josiah believes the tradition can gain the respect and visibility it deserves. “It’s not just a band of people jumping up on the street,” she said. “ T h e r e ’ s a s t o r y. There’s a history.” And once Guyanese truly understand that story, she added, the Masquerade can be embraced not only as a symbol of Christmas, but as a proud and enduring expression of national identity.

She stressed that these donations, no matter how small, go a long way toward improving recipients’ comfort and dignity. Clothing drives, she said, are one of the most consistent ways people can contribute, as they provide essential items that are always in demand at shelters and homes. In addition to clothing, Cameron also welcomed toys, particularly for children who may otherwise go without during the Christmas season. “I will be doing the clothing drive, and if anyone has toys they want to give away, we would appreciate that,” she said. “Some kids have toys they no longer use and will be getting new ones for Christmas.” As the Christmas season draws closer, the Rotary Club of Demerara remains committed to spreading joy, comfort, and connection through these acts of service. While

A member of the Rotary Club of Demerara shares a moment with children at a local children’s home during a visit

the focus is currently on holiday outreach, Cameron noted that the club is already planning additional projects for the coming year, continuing its mission of service above

self and ensuring that the spirit of giving extends well beyond the Christmas season. Those interested in donating clothing or toys, or in volunteering their

time, can reach out to the Rotary Club of Demerara via email or on their social media platforms to learn how they can contribute to these meaningful initiatives.

For the Love of Agriculture...

XVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 21, 2025 FROM PAGE VI

Some of the cows on the Wilson ranch

familiar with the artificial insemination (AI) programme offered by the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), which they view as a critical tool for improving productivity and genetic quality. Their experience with small ruminants proved equally challenging. Sheep relocated to a secondary farm in Region Five were either stolen or killed by dogs, resulting in the loss of the entire flock. “It was one loss after another,” Jervis-Wilson recalled, describing a period marked by frustration and uncertainty as the family struggled to recover from repeated setbacks. Cattle production remains part of their agricultural portfolio, though constraints persist. An ageing bull has limited herd improvement, and the family is currently awaiting support through the GLDA’s Bull Rotation Programme. They have, however, benefitted from drainage and irrigation works implemented

by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), which have significantly reduced flooding risks in the village. Looking ahead, Jervis-Wilson is cautiously optimistic. The family hopes to re-enter poultry production once conditions and financing are more favourable and is anticipating the establishment of the Agriculture Development Bank, which would provide access to interest-free loans. Moving forward, they are also desirous of deeper collaboration with GLDA to integrate more climate-resilient technologies, including improved animal husbandry practices and resilient breeds suited to Guyana’s changing climate. They have welcomed recent initiatives by the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), through the GLDA and the Guyana Food Safety Authority (GFSA), to introduce a national livestock traceability system. For the Wilsons, implementing a digital traceability platform using QR codes represents a significant step forward in food safety and

transparency across the production chain. Most importantly, Jervis-Wilson believes it will strengthen consumer confidence by allowing buyers to make informed decisions about where their food is sourced. “In the long run,” she noted, “this will increase the marketability of food produced right here in Guyana.” Further diversification continues to define the family’s approach. Joseph Wilson has recently ventured into beekeeping, partnering with apiculturist Shane Fullington under the “From Hive to Bottle” honey initiative, an enterprise that aligns with their broader commitment to sustainable agriculture. For Colnita Jervis-Wilson, agriculture is not simply an occupation; it is a lived philosophy shaped by education, experience, and perseverance. Her story reflects the broader realities of farming in Guyana—marked by loss and renewal, challenge and innovation—and underscores the vital role of committed individuals in sustaining the nation’s agricultural future.

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YOUR SUCCESS WILL ATTRACT MANY FOLLOWERS FROM PAGE IX

them all. However, with your strengths, you can make a start right now. There may be a need for coaches and mentors to help guide you towards your success, so be willing to work with them. They can help you to win very easily, as they will point you to the areas you need to concentrate on. Listen to inspiring peo-

ple. There may not be many inspiring people around you, but once you find at least one, connect with them and become motivated. A little motivation from them may be all you need to move towards your victory. There are options for listening to inspirational people, including social media platforms. However, if you can

The Allegorical Child: Sex and Sexuality of...

FROM PAGE XIII

the strident incongruity between adolescent sexuality and all else worth knowing in the novel. This trend is sustained somewhat by Ruel Johnson in his wonderful collection Ariadne and Other Stories. In this slim book, there is a sharp continuity between the fictional and the factual, and sex — its pleasure and its consequences — is vividly sketched. The youthful characters in the collection circumvent the conventions of canonical Caribbean teen novels. Sex is nothing to whisper about; it is discussed and enacted in a matter-offact way that does not call attention to itself. What we have here is the normalisation of discourse about sex and sexual intercourse. The reality of so salient a thing among animals and humans is not disguised by metaphor, abridged, or excised from the text. This is a correction of sorts to a seemingly immutable and outdated standard. There is a deliberate effort to “dash way” the

parochial depiction of sex in YA novels — or those adult novels that feature YA protagonists. Dwight Thompson’s My Own Dear People and Berkley Wendell Semple’s Kipling Plass are examples from Jamaica and Guyana, respectively. In these novels, sex is the mode of genuine love and affection, but also the adjunct of toxic, performative masculinity. They are not masking what it is. The allegorical, after all, is a comparative suggestion, not a fact. No real adolescent is allegorical — only the thing to which they are compared. Authorial parochiality accounts for the gulf between honest and frank depictions of adolescent sexuality in many Caribbean YA novels — an unfortunate indulgence that mars many texts. Caribbean YA novels need to move away from the prudish bashfulness of the past to depict young adults with the kind of sex lives we know they have.

connect with one of them for personal interactions, that may help you develop faster.

CROSS THE FINISH LINE After dreaming big and finishing your race ahead of others, it is time to celebrate. However, be careful as you celebrate, as some people may be there to distract you. Your success will attract many people. Your following will increase, but not all of those people are there to make you grow. Some people only follow you because of what they want from you. Those who were once your enemies may soon become your friends. Those who are successful do not have to look for

friends. Sometimes, they have more friends than they could have ever imagined. Be prepared for the media. Some media representatives will be there to celebrate with you, but others will identify all your shortcomings. Learn to build a good relationship with media representatives without compromising your position. A person’s success will attract those who are only interested in their money. Some people never knew you when you were failing, so they do not understand your struggles. When you succeed, people follow you because they want to share in your success. Many people like to be identified with the rich or famous.

Be ethical when you become successful. You must demonstrate ethics wherever you go and whatever you do. It is important not to let your success affect your emotions to the point that you begin to violate the rules and principles that once guided your life. The use and abuse of alcohol have contributed to the downfall of many successful people. Some successful people changed their coaches and mentors frequently, thus forgetting those who helped them succeed. Others are successful but ignore the advice of their neighbours and families. It is important to remain ethical and be a good example to others. To remain successful,

you will have to avoid those who follow you only for personal gain. Since you are successful, try to find ways to help others. You may not be able to contribute everything that someone needs, but in whatever way you can, reach out to others and help them as you remember your own days of struggle. For more information about Geary Reid and his books, please use these contact details: Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/gearyreid Website: www.reidnlearn. com Facebook: Reid n Learn Email: info@reidnlearn. com Mobile #: 592-645-2240

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ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS

‘good night’. As she was leaving work for the night, the receptionist called her, “Sarah.” “Yes.” “A gentleman left this note for you.” Sarah took the note, not sure who it was from, then smiled when she saw what was written: “It’s raining and it’s chilly; a taxi is standing by to take you home – Raj.” “This is so nice of you,” she said, relieved. It had been a hard day; she was tired, and it would have taken a while waiting on the bus. That night, as her eyes closed in sleep, she murmured, “I still don’t understand this attraction towards him.” The next day was a full day again for her, taking

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 21, 2025

Grandma to the doctor for her usual check-up and doing a little shopping. The Christmas rush was on, and the shopping areas in Georgetown were wildly busy. She had to send Grandma home with a church elder’s son’s taxi so she could get some shopping done. She took a bus home later, and navigating the potholed street due to the heavy rainfall with shopping bags in both hands was kind of tricky. Her foot slipped at one point, and she almost fell. “Darn!” she exclaimed in annoyance. “When is anyone coming to fix these bad streets?” She reached home safely, put her bags down, and said, frustrated, “Some improvement is really needed in this

community.” “You can take up the initiative,” Grandma said. “Oh yes, I will,” Sarah accepted, a determined glint in her eyes. Isabella reached out to her, and as she held her daughter, she said affectionately, “In my life, you are my little joy.” And lying in bed that night, looking at the stars through her window, she asked, “What else is there for me?” Raj’s image flashed in her eyes, but she shook her head with a doubtful smile. “Maybe not.” Life does not always bring you roses, but one can dream, and who knows, magic can happen. Later that week, she

was working at the poolside restaurant and bar and did not see when Raj walked in. A live band was playing, the place was almost filled, and all the servers were busy. Once again, as she was attending to another table, he called her. She heard him on the second call and, turning, saw him sitting at a table with a very beautiful girl. “Oh,” Sarah exclaimed silently, not surprised but feeling a little pang of disappointment. “Yes, sir.” “Can you take our order?” “Yes, but I have two table orders to fill.” “We can wait.” She nodded with a cordial smile, noting that the girlfriend wasn’t pleased about

the wait. As she served them drinks, Raj spoke to Sarah in a warm, friendly tone, but when the meal arrived after a short wait, the girlfriend’s tone towards Sarah became a little condescending. The evening didn’t go too well for Raj, and after paying the bill, he said quietly to Sarah, “Sorry about that.” “That’s okay,” she said, and gasped at the generous tip he left for her. And so it was: one of the most eligible bachelors in town—his masculinity, a statement that charms the mind—coming in with different dates, incredibly beautiful girls, but the server, a simple and beautiful girl, held his interest. The last week before Christmas, as Sarah was leaving work, she saw Raj waiting in the lounge. He was on his phone but ended the call when he saw her and asked, “Can I offer you a lift home?” “What happened to your girlfriend?” “She left in her own ride to a friend’s party I didn’t want to be at.” “Oh,” she hesitated a little, and he said, “You’ve finished late, and you’re tired.” “ Ye a h , ” s h e s i g h e d . “Thanks.” On the way, he asked her, “How’s Isabella?” “Oh, she’s doing fine,

FROM PAGE XI

getting a little more mischievous.” “I can imagine,” he said with a little laugh. There was a pause as she relaxed in the plush comfort of his luxury car, feeling the tiredness slowly drain from her body. “I feel I can just sleep here.” “I have a better idea,” he said with a little jest. “No, you don’t,” she said, sitting up a bit. He looked at her and stated, “You know I never really get to talk to you, don’t even have your number.” “Why do you need to? I’m not in the rich class of your girlfriends; I’m just a simple, working-class girl.” “You’re in a class of your own; that’s unique, and I like that.” She looked at him, surprised, not sure what to say, and on reaching her home, he asked her, “Any special plans for Christmas?” “Hmm, not really.” “Well then, can you and Isabella spend Christmas with me?” Once again, she was surprised, unable to answer, but it had been her wish for something new and special in her life. He was waiting patiently for her answer, and she said, a unique and new feeling in her heart, “I would love to.”

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A Legacy in Honey

and the processing facility used. The system also confirms whether these facilities and production processes have been inspected, approved, and verified by GLDA and the GFSA, Guyana’s designated regulatory and certification authorities. As a fourth-generation apiculturist armed with extensive traditional knowledge, Rajkumar has expressed profound gratitude for the support extended to him and other beekeepers nationwide. He has particularly acknowledged the efforts of the GLDA team, including Dr Dwight Walrond, Chief Executive Officer of the GLDA; Mr Shamar Butts, GLDA Apiary Inspector; and the GLDA Region Five extension team, whose technical guidance and field-level support have contributed to the steady professionalisation of the sector. Despite his success, Rajkumar notes that access to suitable land for apiary expansion remains a challenge. For now, he continues to utilise mangrove ecosystems for sea defence, balancing productivity with environmental stewardship. More broadly, Rajkumar’s achievements are emblematic of the rapid growth

of apiculture in Guyana. The sector has emerged as a government-supported pillar of sustainable agriculture, contributing to food security, biodiversity conservation, and rural livelihoods. Under Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), beekeeping aligns seamlessly with national objectives by promoting eco-friendly practices, green job creation, and climate resilience. Bees play a critical role in crop pollination, forest health, and the protection of vulnerable coastal ecosystems, including mangrove belts that mitigate flooding and erosion. At the national level, apiculture is experiencing rapid expansion. Honey production grew significantly between 2023 and 2024 and is expected to rise further in 2025. An industry once concentrated primarily along Guyana’s coastal belt is now extending into the south-western savannahs and hinterland regions, including Regions One, Three, Five, Six, Nine, and Ten. This expansion reflects increased investment, strengthened technical capacity, and enhanced regulatory oversight led by the GLDA. Together, these advances are positioning Guyana to emerge

One of the apiaries

as a regional exporter of high-quality, unadulterated honey by 2030. Within this evolving landscape, Shivpaul Rajkumar stands as a bench-

Some of the Africanised bees

mark of excellence—an apiculturist whose family legacy, technical skill, and openness to innovation exemplify the future of beekeeping in Guyana.

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STUDY SUCCESS Welcome, dear reading friend. Are you aware that strong study skills are essential for lifelong learning, while their absence can limit academic progress? These study skills are

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 21, 2025

groups of practical methods and strategies. They boost comprehension, retention, and exam performance by i) active learning (efficient reading, note-taking, summarising, self-explanation, recall), ii) time manage-

ment (structured schedules to prevent burning out), and iii) memory techniques (mnemonics, note cards). They also include classroom behaviour (sitting up straight, careful listening, and faster, smarter work

December 21st, 2025

daily). Be wise. Love you.

THE PASSAGE Examining good writing What exactly is good writing? Good writing is what happens when several conditions come together by good practice. Let us use one way to see good writing. Here is a perfect example to examine. “Well, still daydreaming?” my uncle asked. “Yes… No… I…” “If you go on like this, we’ll lose the lead.” “I was thinking about Uncle Bo. Where is he now?” “God only knows! On his last visit, he was … You see, I don’t know where he is anymore! He never in the same place: he’s like a bird: he can’t stay quietly on one tree; he needs the whole sky.” “Will I, too, be like a bird some day?” “What are you talking about?” “Well, you just told me Uncle Bo is like a bird.” “Do you want to become like him?” “I don’t know yet.” “Well, you have plenty of time to make your mind up, anyhow. Meanwhile, take this sheaf.” And he would go on reaping. Even though his body was soaking wet, he always returned to his work with vigour, as if he was only just beginning. But all the same, the heat was a burden; the air would seem to weigh down upon us, and weariness would gradually begin to creep over us: draughts of cold water were no longer any good, and so we would begin to fight our weariness with singing. “Sing with me,” my uncle would say. (Camara Laye’s “The African Child”) About the Passage This simple straight-forward approach is chosen for you to admire. Its use of dialogue helps build characteristics of people, feelings, conflict, and environment. Even though its dialogue is much, it depletes nothing from the story writing; instead, it adds quality reading and makes the story more interesting to the reader. Aspects to look at 1. Read the short passage

A place for everything, and everything in its place. SAMUEL SMILES (1812-1904) “Thrift” again together with your study partners this time. Note how easily captivating it is. Yes. Look how engaging it is for the reader. Look at how it builds up character, feeling, conflict, and environment. Meticulously write down what you find. Be open and point out new insights to you. 2. Should you admire its dialogue, plan the following actions to challenge yourself: i) Read works by skilled authors to improve your dialogue and avoid empty conversation. ii) Practise the use of good punctuation for dialogue writing. iii) Coin special and important dialogue to help build character, setting, feeling, and conflict to build up your story. 3. Review your recent work for strengths and focus on improving them further. 4. Write an engaging short story that contains good dialogue. Combine factual and fictional sources to make things work for you and your reader. 5. Continue gathering intriguing details and ideas to enhance your collection of inspiration for crafting your stories. THE SHORT STORY Notes about plot features 1. Story framework: Story structure is the framework for telling a narrative. Writers use it as a template to create clear, engaging stories from start to finish. 2. Plot is a sequence of related events in a story. There are many parts or features in it: a) exposition/ Conflict: This consists of basic information about the struggle between opposing characters, forces, and the situation or setting told at the beginning of the story. The main char-

acter is the one in crisis. b) Rising Action: Events that increase tension. They form a series of relevant incidents that create suspense, interest, and tension. Decisions, characters’ flaws, and background circumstances together create twists and turns to meet a climax. c) Climax: This high point near the end of the story is usually the point at which the eventual outcome will be revealed. It is the time the value of the story is largely tested. It contains the greatest amount of drama, action, and movement. d) Falling Action: Here the main problem is resolved. It wraps up the narrative, resolves its loose ends, and leads to the closure. e) Resolution: This is the outcome or closure which mentally fills gaps for the reader to feel satisfied. 3. Read this excerpt and use it to inspire an engaging story, including dialogue where appropriate. Andy Liang watched the kids from his school bus walk home with their friends. He could hear them talking together and laughing. He always gets off the bus and walks home by himself. But this time it was different… He saw some of the kids from the bus getting bags of potato chips and soft drinks. He sighed. He was used to being a loner, and usually it didn’t bother him – not much, anyway. But today the loneliness was heavy. He overheard the kids talking, and he knew they were planning to study together for the aptitude test. From the looks of the snacks, they were expecting a long session. Andy would be practising for the test, too, but he would be doing it by himself… (From Lensey Namioka’s “Fox Hunt”)

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 21, 2025

Smoking, cancer and Vitamin E

WITH tobacco smoke containing more than 7,000 chemicals and 71 known cancer-forming agents, it is not difficult to appreciate that DNA—the genetic factor of the body—can be modified under such influence. The result is cancer. This disease may appear in the mouth, throat, bladder, or blood (leukaemia). Sometimes people have strong immune systems that protect them from developing cancer, but, sadly, that’s only some who perhaps are lucky. What does a diet rich in Vitamin E foods, such as nuts, whole grains (whole wheat), and soybean oil, have in common? They can all help to lower the risk of lung and oral cancer among smokers by about 20 per cent, a new study says. In a study of more than 29,000 male smokers in Finland, researchers found that those with high blood levels of alpha-tocopherol, the main

form of Vitamin E, reduced their risk of lung cancer by 19 to 23 per cent. The benefits were most dramatic, the study found, among men under age 60 and among light smokers who had been using cigarettes for less than 40 to 50 per cent of their lifetime. But despite the encouraging findings, the most beneficial health action smokers can take is still the same: stop smoking. I have to emphasise that not only for lung cancer, but for oral cancers, pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer, and a bunch of other cancers, stopping smoking is crucial. In the study, which lasted almost 8 years, researchers collected periodic blood samples to measure alpha-tocopherol levels, the most active form of Vitamin E in humans. The levels of alpha-tocopherol were then linked to health outcomes among men in the study. There were 1,144 cases of lung cancer

diagnosed in the group during the study. The lung cancer rate reduced among men with the highest levels of alpha-tocopherol, and the cancer protection was most pronounced among men with the shortest history of smoking who also had a high Vitamin E level. Although the new study involved only smokers and lung cancer, earlier studies have shown that healthy lev-

els of Vitamin E give some protection against disease, stroke, and some other types of cancer, such as prostate cancer. The proven benefits came only from a balanced diet that included food rich in Vitamin E, he said. The researchers concluded the effect of vitamin pills taken by some of the men in the study. In effect, the proven benefits of Vitamin E come from eating

the right foods, not from popping vitamin pills. Clearly, there is a need for more studies to compare supplements with natural dietary sources of Vitamin E. There are still uncertainties about the comparative value of vitamin pills versus nutrients absorbed naturally from foods. For instance, some studies have shown that beta-carotene, an antioxidant found in foods such as carrots, can

help prevent some forms of cancer. Yet, when beta-carotene pills were given to a group of Finnish smokers, the rate of lung cancer increased by 16 per cent. Vitamin E–rich foods include soybean oil and other seed oils, nuts—particularly almonds, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, and walnuts—sunflower seeds, and whole grains, including wheat germ.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 21, 2025