Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot E-Paper 23-01-2022

Holding her own The female farmer of Salem Village

Seerajie (only name) is a resident of Salem, East Bank Essequibo and is the only female farmer in the village. On any given day, Seerajie can be seen toiling on her farm just as the other farmers do. She owns 15 acres of farmland on which she cultivates cassava, pineapples, custard apples, plantains, pears and coconuts (Delano Williams photo)

Sunday, January 23, 2022

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 23, 2022

Ron Bobb-Semple has taken his final bow

By Francis Quamina Farrier

GUYANESE veteran communicator and actor of stage and screen, Ron Bobb-Semple, recently took his final bow on the stage of life, having lived the prescribed three scores and 10. He is yet another long-standing friend and colleague of mine who has died as a result of COVID-19 complications. In the Pepperpot Magazine of September 27, 2020, I wrote of losing other long-standing friends and

who were based in New York City and who had contracted the coronavirus in the early stages of its arrival, were featured in the first article of mine, which focused on the COVID-19 pandemic. They both were friends of mine for over 55 years. Sadly, with the death of Ron Bobb-Semple, I must now add another long-standing friend and colleague to that list of COVID-19 fatal victims. Bobb-Semple was based in Tampa, Florida, in the USA for many years. However, he visited Guy-

Ron Bobb-Semple at right with Ricardo Smith in “The Rogues Trial” at the Theatre Guild Playhouse, Kingston, Georgetown, Guyana

colleagues, including veteran actor of stage, television and screen, Gordon Case, who was based in London, England. Billy Braithwaite and Jimmy Bacchus, two businessmen

at Buxton. A young female character was pleading with her lover who was going overseas to promise that he will return and marry her. It was an intense exchange of dialogue with pleading and promising by the two characters; so much so, that a mature female in the audience who couldn’t contain her emotions, shouted out to the male character, “Hi Jim, if yoh nah like de gal, tell am!” Ron Bobb-Semple was a member of some of the teams which made those tours to rural and hinterland areas of the

Ron Bobb-Semple at an Emancipation Day Celebration at the National Park in Georgetown (Photo by Francis Quamina Farrier)

ana from time to time and was involved in theatre activities. On one occasion, he toured with his popular one-character play, “The Spirit of Marcus Garvey” which was staged at the Theatre Guild, Playhouse in Georgetown. He also performed the play in New Amsterdam. More recently, Bobb-Semple also played the title role in my play “The Slave and the Scroll,” which the Ministry of Education sponsored as part of Guyana’s Jubilee celebrations in 2020. Before he migrated to the United States, Ron BobbSemple, a full member of the Theatre Guild, was also part of a fringe group of actors there. The group was named “The Dramatic Core” and was in no way a rebel group. In fact, it was a group of young, ambitious and talented actors who realised that they had an added role to play beyond the Playhouse on Parade Street in Georgetown. With the blessing of the committee of management, they gave themselves the task of taking quality theatre productions beyond the capital city and toured Anna Regina, Bartica, Buxton, Charity, McKenzie, New Amsterdam and to a few small venues across the coastland and hinterland. The group became well-known and respected by the audiences beyond the city. Those audiences were somewhat different from those in Georgetown, as they were deeply involved in the plots of the plays and openly supported or showed their displeasure with the characters as the play unfolded. For example, there was a scene in a play staged

country. During that time, he showed a drive to perform to a variety of audiences in many areas of the country and was a dedicated team player and much fun. He also proved to be a terrific all-round performer on the stage of life, having given to others - his audiences - so much of his talents, and as such, increasing their quality of life. For every citizen who had the opportunity and joy to see Ron Bobb-Semple on stage whether in “Rogue’s Trial” at the Theatre Guild Playhouse decades ago, or his one-character play, “The Spirit of Marcus Garvey” which he toured to his homeland Guyana and to so many other countries including Ghana and Senegal in Africa, or in my play “The Slave and the Scroll” which was presented at the Guyana Jubilee celebrations not so long ago, it was always a memorable experience. Along with his mammoth body of work on stage, Ron Bobb-Semple will also be remembered for his appearances on screen. His film credits include his role in the movie “See You Yesterday,” which was directed by the legendary American film director and producer Spike Lee. The recent passing of Ron Bobb-Semple was sudden and shocked all who knew him. “These people don’t come every day.” Zide Muhammad stated in a Facebook comment. And in another, Shaun Junor said, “Guyana has always had great talent.” No doubt there are many other similar comments about this iconic Guyanese celebrity of stage and screen.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 23, 2022

Understand Leprosy and show more kindness By Telesha Ramnarine DOCTORS and the rest of the team at the Guyana Leprosy Control Clinic are going all out to help the public understand that Leprosy should no longer be thought of as an ancient disease, but as one that is still very much affecting people today, and more specifically, Guyanese. Last year, 32 cases of Leprosy were recorded, and of this, 24 were males, six were females and two were children. Sixty-one percent of last year’s cases had the severe form of Leprosy known as Multibacillary Leprosy and 19 percent had visible disabilities, meaning either clawing of fingers, shortened fingers or toes, drop foot, muscle-wasting, muscle weakness, decreased vision, chronic ulcers, etc.

Medical Doctor at the Leprosy Control Programme, Bernadine Foo

detected. The theme for World Leprosy Day 2022 is “United for dignity,” and in keeping with it, the ‘Leprosy Clinic’ will seek to continue raising

be offered for patients living with Leprosy at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception on January 30 (World Leprosy Day). Doctors will be present-

Education), which will highlight not only the clinical aspects, but also the social and mental aspects of the disease. The annual health walk and World Leprosy Day ceremony will not be done this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Despite the many constraints brought on by the pandemic, our team has continued to work hard in ensuring all our patients keep on track with their treatment, especially those that [sic] find it difficult to visit the clinic. We do frequent home visits to deliver medications, check on patients’ progress and examine family/ household contacts of the infected patient,” medical doctor at the Leprosy Control Programme Bernadine Foo, shared. “We continue to do our out-of-town clinics, where the doctors consult in other skin conditions whilst looking out for any new person with a diagnosis of Leprosy,” she added. Easing the Burden Presently, the ‘Leprosy Clinic’ has a small laboratory

Raising awareness about Leprosy in front of the Palms, Brickdam

In 2020, 13 cases were recorded, 27 in 2019 and 50 in 2018. So far, for 2022, no new cases have been

awareness of the disease. A Leprosy talk will be conducted, and special prayers will

Doctors of the Leprosy Control Programme with their mascot “Ardie the Armadillo”

ing on Leprosy in one of the Medical Council’s online CME (Continuing Medical

The team during an outreach along the Canje River

that does only the Slit Skin Smear Test that is used to identify the Leprosy bacteria from a small sample taken from the earlobes, the elbows or sometimes from a skin lesion. This laboratory is expected to expand its services by offering Haematology and Biochemistry blood tests in the near future. “Very often,

our patients are required to have these tests done and they would have to go to Georgetown Public Hospital or privately to get it done. This is a burden we hope to ease very soon,” Foo said. Hopefully soon, she said they would be able to acquire a bigger facility that can SEE PAGE V

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 23, 2022

The capital city on the brink of enhancement

By Dillon Goring

OVER the years, the City of Georgetown has undergone many rehabilitative works by various organisations, including members of the Private Sector Commission and the Mayor and City Council, in collaboration with the Central Government. More recently, the Government of Guyana, along with members of the Private Sector Commission, members of civil society and joint services have embarked on efforts to clean up the city, thus ridding it of debris, and efforts are on the way to enhance the beautification of the city. The Pepperpot Magazine recently spoke with Deputy Mayor of the City of Georgetown Alfred Mentore, who outlined some of the beautification works that are being done to enhance the city and the Merriman Mall. “We have plans to beautify the Merriman Mall between Cummings and Light Streets, and to put up some shopping outlets. There are also plans to put in an additional play area as well. However, the beautification efforts are being done as a result [of] a Public and private partnership with the business community,” Mentore told the Pepperpot Magazine. During the interview, Mentore indicated plans to enhance what is referred to as “Bourda Green”. The Deputy Mayor also addressed the question of maintaining the ancient colonial and architectural structures in the capital city. He noted that there aren’t plans to do away with ancient, colonial structures but to improve and modernise them. This effort, he noted, is consistent with Central Government‘s plan to improve and modernise all structures. He also noted during his interview that the Mayor and City Council can only execute its plans if the adequate amount of

Works being conducted by the bandstand area, Kingston (Guyana Chronicle file photo)

revenue is garnered from taxes collected from Citizens. To this end, much of the plans for the beautification of the city is in tandem with Central Government and also the plans that were put forward by the previous administration that were good plans. Mentore was careful to mention that the Mayor and City Council is working on a plan to garner some much-needed revenue in the form of taxes to execute these works. It was noted during the interview that the Council has granted an amnesty period to Citizenry regarding timely payment of their taxes. Meanwhile Paul Cheong, head of the Private Sector Commission spoke to the issue of the Private Sector playing its part in ensuring that the city, and by extension, the country, is always in tip-top shape regarding cleanliness. “The clean up that we had last weekend was part of a continuing effort to enhance the whole appearance of the environment. It is a continuous process, I mean the Government, along with the Private Sector, has been doing its part, the City Council needs to do its part. This is everybody’s responsibility,” Cheong told the Pepperpot Magazine. He added that he is hoping that this will transcend throughout the country. According to him, Vreed-en-Hoop and other communities have had similar exercises to lift the image of the country and also an exercise done to give back to the community. The PSC head lauded the efforts of members of the public who have captured persons on social media, who are indiscriminately throwing garbage in and around the city. Regarding the laws governing littering, Cheong was very clear and noted during in the interview that the culture of the society and people have to changed. “We need to instill in people a different culture, people comply with the laws in other countries when they visit them. While penalties are important, we must be multifaceted. We are putting garbage receptacles along the avenues, but it has to be a more holistic thing,” Cheong noted in his comment. Cheong’s comments as well as those of the Mayor and Town Council regarding getting the “Garden City” back to its previous glory, mirror the concerns of many Guyanese, who, for years have lamented on the condition of various parts of Georgetown even as several initiatives continue to be put in place to restore the capital city.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 23, 2022

Physiotherapy versus COVID By Dillon Goring THE journey regarding precautionary measures in protecting one’s self from the novel coronavirus began since the advent of the pandemic back in 2019 . Since then, the world has been adhering to guidelines issued by the medical experts in their various countries to either reduce the spread of the virus or eliminate it. The Pepperpot Magazine spoke with Isha Urlin, President of the Physiotherapist Association, in a recent interview regarding how we as a Guyanese nation should continue to maintain our health in light of this global pandemic. According to Urlin, people must ensure that they keep their personal hygiene in check and follow the safety protocols as much as possible. It is imperative also that persons keep themselves active with physical exercises, eat healthily and ensure that they keep hydrated, have adequate periods of sleep and rest time, and make sure that they follow at the COVID safety guidelines. Meanwhile, a family Phy-

noted that another area of concern is seeking help when needed, reducing the stigma associated with mental health. “Persons need to seek care if they need help, and that is available at Health Centres, where doctors and non-specialists are trained to deal with that,” she noted She also noted that depression is one of the leading causes of suicide and as such the issue needs to be addressed promptly. The Guyana Physiotherapy Association had earlier last year, observed as their theme “Long COVID and Rehabilitation”. This primar-

Physiotherapy: Isha Urlin, President of the Physiotherapist Association

sician Dr. Tamica Daniels Williamson, spoke to the issue of self-care during this pandemic. “The first thing we would advise patients is self-care and under self-care, it involves things like having a balanced diet, positive coping strategies, finding other healthy ways of dealing with stress. There are different

relaxation techniques. These include deep breathing exercises, mind fullness exercises, journaling, sleep hygiene, avoiding things like caffeine and alcohol in the night, making sure the bedroom is climatic for bedroom activities and all of this is under self-care,” Williamson told the Pepperpot Magazine. The Family Physician

bacterium Leprae, for which the antibiotics (Rifampicin, Dapsone and Clofazimine) needed to kill this germ are available at the ‘Leprosy Clinic’ free of cost. “Many persons believe that if they stand near to or touch a person who has Leprosy, they will catch the disease. This is not so. As a matter of fact, even though Leprosy is a contagious disease, spread by inhaling the tiny droplets (which contains the bacteria) coming from the mouth or nose of an infected, untreated person through coughing, sneezing, spitting or simply talking or breathing, it is mildly contagious,” Foo explained. According to her, many factors come into play when talking about Leprosy transmission, such as being exposed to an infected, untreated person for long periods -- years, not minutes, hours, days and even months. Also, the exposed individual’s age and immune health are important factors. Known as the “numb spot disease,” Leprosy may present in various forms, but generally the signs and

symptoms are of affectations of the skin, mucus membranes and nerves. “Skin lesions are commonly the first to appear, resembling lata, ringworm or ‘mad bumps,’ but without itching; loss of hair or skin sensitivity on these lesions slowly appear as the disease progresses. “Dry skin, numbness or painful limbs can also accompany these lesions. Chronic ulcers, clawed fingers, shortened, drop foot and blindness are just some of the signs and symptoms of severely affected patients,” Foo informed. Because of this, she said many patients are not only affected physically, but also mentally, emotionally and socially. Some lose their jobs; some are scorned and shunned by family, friends, co-workers and strangers. Some are constantly in the hospital, while others even suffer with suicidal thoughts. “This is why we need all Guyanese to better understand Leprosy and show more kindness and love to those affected by it.”

Understand Leprosy and show... FROM PAGE III allow for larger and more frequent training/sensitization activities without having to seek other venues to host these activities. They’re also looking to have more workspace for the growing staff, for the minor surgery room, the pharmacy and space for a much-needed social worker or counsellor, etc. In terms of physical upgrades, the clinic’s Director, Dr Heather Wilson, is constantly working hard to make improvements with the resources available. “We had a wonderful new addition to our team last year, a Cuban Dermatologist, Dr. Yaima Salazar Oliva, who helps in the management of our patients, both Leprosy and other skin disease patients. She performs regular minor surgeries, including skin biopsies, which were not done previously,” Foo pointed out. Mildly Contagious Leprosy, according to Dr Foo, is a disease caused by a bacterium called Myco-

ily dealt with persons, who are suffering from the virus, and highlighted the significant role of the physiotherapists in the rehabilitation of persons that were infected with COVID-19, not only during the period of infection but after since there are lots of residual physical effects to the functioning of major systems and organs associated. For example, the respiratory system and the lungs, the cardiovascular system and the heart etc. Just recently, the Pepperpot Magazine spoke with a fitness expert Emmerson Campbell to get a clear perspective regarding the mental

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health readiness to deal with the pandemic. “There is not much excuse that one may have right now that one may have 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 during that interview .

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 23, 2022

Salem Village A self-sufficient place

Salem Village, East Bank Essequibo (Delano Williams photos)

By Michel Outridge THIS week the Pepperpot Magazine journeyed across the Demerara Harbour Bridge to Region Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands) to a small agricultural village along the Hubu Access Road called Salem, on the East Bank Essequibo, to highlight the way of life of the people. Salem Village lies between Mora and Naamryck communities. This village is home to the sweetest pineapples and ground provisions sold to wholesale buyers. According to residents, the first settlers in this place were the Grimes, the Gobins and the Persauds. Most of their descendants still occupy this village. It is a village of mostly families and they pretty much reside next to each other in harmony in a mixed-race setting. Salem is an agriculture-based village, where the locals depend heavily on farming and poultry. The people of this village do not engage in cash crops for a profit and have only crops of ground provisions and pineapples.

They have kitchen gardens of cash crops, but those are solely for their home use and the excess is usually given away to neighbours. The people of Salem Village are very welcoming, hospitable and would take the time out of their busy schedule to sit and have a chat. The village comes under the Parika/Mora Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and the office is based at Parika. The people of Salem are simple, everyday folk who put in a lot of daylight hours from dusk to dawn on their farms that are within the Salem/Naamryck villages. Many farmers use a small boat outfitted with an outboard engine along the drainage canal or via the Salem Koker to get to their farms, which are located miles away in the backlands area. A handful of stay-at-home women are rearing meat birds as a small business from their backyards to earn. The people are hard workers who utilise their time to do many things to earn an honest dollar. Salem Village is along a long stretch of road that goes for miles. The last village is

Bendroff, which is accessible via a mud dam from the Parika Junction, which has a lot of small villages along the way. The population of this village is about 300, and the people comprise East Indians, Afro Guyanese and some folk of mixed ethnicities. There aren’t any newcomers in this village and the locals have lived all their lives in this community they call home, a breadbasket of this country. Salem is a quiet, breezy countryside village with a lot of greenery and a ‘green’ community where every yard is well planted with flowers, plants, fruits and vegetables. It is safe to say the people are self-sufficient in terms of food security and they do their bulk shopping at the Parika Junction or others parts of the West Coast Demerara, or in the city. The residents utilise the health facility services in Parika and other neighbouring villages and do their businesses likewise. Most locals of this village are farmers and within this group, there is a lone female farmer who still goes to her farmlands daily with just one farmhand.

Salem Village is bordered by the mighty Essequibo River on one side and farmlands on the other side between the two, there is the main access road which a lot of vehicles traverse.On that stretch of road, which is more than 20 miles inward, there are a lot of sawmills, shipping docks, dockyards and other riverside businesses. As such, large vehicles traverse daily. The ‘wear-and-tear’ ef-

fects of large vehicles and equipment have caused the road to go bad and in many places there are huge potholes. Negotiating that road takes some expertise to reach Salem Village which has many shops, a shipping business by the riverside, a wash bay, a Community Library that seems abandoned, and even more shops. Apart from farmers, the village has a teacher, a seamstress and dozens of young

women who are jobless, but who are trying to do something to earn right from their homes. According to locals, most of the elders have since passed on, but their relatives are still there, most of them, that is. It is believed that the first settler, a woman by the name of Grimes, began occupying the land in Salem in 1950 after which more people followed.

Focus on the Village

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 23, 2022

The people of Salem Village are enterprising peacekeepers By Michel Outridge EAVETTE Grimes is a woman of many talents and she is wasting no time utilising her inbred skills to earn. She is a resident of Salem Village, East Bank Essequibo. The 42-year-old is a poultry farmer and has a small business where she makes plantain and cassava chips to supply a nearby shop. Grimes is a local of Salem Village, and in her backyard, she has 200 meat birds which take about six to eight weeks to grow before she can have them plucked and sold.

In the meantime, she has a kitchen garden in the yard and has dozens of flowers and trees to attend to. Grimes usually plants cash crops, but she has to re-start that aspect of her life due to the rain and flooding. She told the Pepperpot Magazine that Salem is a good place to live because they do not have to worry about petty thieves or anything sinister. Grimes is the wife of a farmer and while she is at home, she uses that time to do many things in and around the home to earn. She would make plantain and cassava chips once a

week to supply a nearby shop and would make a batch. It is packaged and goes with mango sour. “I would do my shopping at Parika and go by taxi, which is about $500 to $700 per trip,” she said. Raymond Brown, a farmer Also in the village is the home of Raymond Brown, a farmer, who is also a parttime mason and carpenter. The 51-year-old is trying to save up some money to start his crop of ground provisions and pineapples, but SEE PAGE XXII

The Wash Bay at Manolall Babolall’s home

Manolall Babolall in his kitchen garden

Focus on the Village

Eavette Grimes in her chicken pen (Delano Williams photos)

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 23, 2022

Holding her own

The female farmer of Salem Village

By Michel Outridge ON any given day, farmer Seerajie (only name), better known as “Biggs” would be toiling on her farm alongside her male counterparts with exact

vitality even though she is of age. She is the only female farmer in her village, Salem, East Bank Essequibo and has 15 acres of farmland aback Salem/Naamryck. Seerajie cultivates cassa-

va, pineapple, custard apple, plantains, pear and coconuts. At the crack of dawn, she would load up her small boat with a 20 horsepower (HP) engine and leave her home via a drainage canal alongside her home for the farm.

Seerajie manning her boat and engine home after returning from her farm (Delano Williams photos)

It takes an hour to get there and another hour to get back home.

collapsed, she was forced to return home to Guyana. The farmer stated that she

she wasn’t that stay-at-home kind of woman; she is one that stood beside her spouse

Seerajie’s home

This is no task for the faint at heart, but this woman, who worked for many years with her husband when he was alive on their farm, is equipped with the ‘know how’ to get the work done. She describes farming as ‘hard labour’. No matter the weather, when there is harvest, she has to be there and has as an employee who would assist her on the actual farm. Seerajie told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is from Salem, her home town but migrated to Venezuela while, she still had youth on her side and spent some years in that foreign country. She recalled those were the good days living and working in that country, but when the economic stability of that country

had saved up some money, used it to buy the plot she is occupying now, and purchased some farmland. The mother of three has established herself as a village farmer and is known and respected among her peers as a hard-working woman. Things became uncertain as it relates to her farmland after her husband passed away seven years ago and she decided to continue cultivating crops as they did when he was alive. She explained that her late husband handled the hard part of farming, but she was there to assist. Over the years, she learned quite a lot, which helped her along that journey of being a self-sufficient farmer. She credits her success to her late husband’s tutelage on the farm, and it was because

through thick and thin. These days, Seerajie doesn’t mind toiling on her farm regardless of the weather. She would make the painstaking journey even with her little outboard engine and spend a lot of hours working. She used to have big engines, but it was stolen from right under her house some time ago by person (s) unknown. Seerajie told the Pepperpot Magazine that life as a farmer is very humble and it taught her to appreciate the simple things in life. Her personality is attractive and her energy is motivating and these qualities it what makes her unlike any other. The farmer has her house in the front lot and behind that is her son’s house. SEE PAGE XXIII

Focus on the Village

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 23, 2022

The Sluice Operator of Salem Village

By Michel Outridge

LIFE for 61-year-old Andrew Gyfhius could only get better, but he is not complaining since everything is in his favour.

vent flooding when the tide is high or when it is raining heavily. The elder stated that he also is aware of the internal drainage system which carries water to the farmers

Shaveza Smith

He is a resident of Salem Village, East Bank Essequibo and the father of three grown children, 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Gyfhius is one of three Naamryck/Salem Sluice Operator, and he has had that job for the past 16 years, a job he takes seriously and does it with pride. He describes his job as interesting and a learning experience because he has to know about the tides and the ‘know how’ to open and close the koker door to pre-

for their crops and it is a serious job since a lot is at stake if the koker door is left unattended. He also explained that the waterways should have enough water for the farmers to transport their produce from their farmers to the koker at all times. “It is a technical job and it requires a bit of knowledge about everything because if that koker door is left unattended things can escalate quickly and it can result in millions of dollars in losses to crops, livestock etc.” he said. Gyfhius told the Pepperpot Magazine that the koker door has timings in which it is closed and opened. In addition, the sluice operator has to ‘blow’ water during the rainy season to prevent a flash flood in tune with the falling tide. This resident has lived

Andrew Gyfhius at his home

Andrew Gyfhius at the Salem/Naamryck Sluice (Delano Williams photos)

Focus on the Village

all his life in Salem Village, East Bank Essequibo and it is his ‘sweet home’ as he calls it where life is alright. Being employed at his age is a gift and he has a very comfortable life since he resides alone and all his children are doing well for themselves. Gyfhius disclosed that he lived with his grandparents as the eldest grandson he was a favourite and they took him

in at a tender age. He added that as they became elderly the house was handed down to him and over the years he has done his best to maintain the property. Gyfhius stated that his parents, his mother is from Salem Village and his father is from Parika but he never moved away because he is comfortable. “Being a Sluice Operator

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is a 24-hour job and things can happen quickly so I have to be vigilant to man the koker and do checks regularly,” he said. He resides within walking distance from the Koker and is attached to the Region Three Regional Democratic Council (RDC) as an employee. Gyfhius told the Pepperpot Magazine that SaSEE PAGE XXV

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 23, 2022

There’s no place like home for these Salem Village residents

By Michel Outridge THERE is no place like home, the saying goes, and this is a true saying among many people who think their village is the best because they are from that place and they feel comfortable in their own village despite challenges. The same can be said for Sandra Grimes, a resident of Salem Village, East Bank Essequibo, who has a shop in the community.

Grimes has lived all her life in Salem, a place she calls home. The mother of three told the Pepperpot Magazine that her mother was the first settler of the village in 1950. She explained that the village was a thick forest back then and it only had a small track and a plot of land was cleared and they began occupying the place. Grimes stated that it had one shop, miles away. As a small girl she used to walk to get there to do shopping with

Omawattie Gobin called Aunty Pearly

her parents. She recalled it was a kind of Chinese shop where goods were sold and it was the place where people went back then to shop. The 59-year-old added that she is from a big family of 11 siblings and recalled how hard her parents worked to ensure they had a good life. The mother of three stated that it also had a goods store named Doobay’s, was the ‘salt goods’ store in those days at Parika. She remembered going there with her parents as a child and back then they walked for miles from Salem to Parika. Grimes pointed out that after her parents settled, more people learned of the place and began occupying the lands. Over the years, the place became populated as such. They saw the construction of an all-weather road and other infrastructural works took place, which significantly enhanced the lives of the locals. Grimes noted that the road needs an upgrade due to the heavy vehicles traversing that stretch of road which passes through the village and goes on for miles. She also complained about the low water pressure, the poor quality of the water and the way it smells. Grimes had to purchase seven black tanks and would utilise the rainwater stored in those tanks for household chores. “You cannot drink this pipe water, it smells bad and you hardly get any from the taps,” she said. She used to be a farmer alongside her husband but he became ill and they put a hold on farming for a bit. “Life here isn’t too bad or overly good but you can enjoy a good life if you work and can provide adequately for the family,” she said. Grimes reported that Salem Village is a very quiet place except for some bursts of loud music at times but there is no cuss-out or fights in that SEE PAGE XI

Focus on the Village

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 23, 2022

There’s no place like home for ...

Home and Shop of Sandra Grimes

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community. She disclosed that most people in the village are related so it is a village of families making it a safe place where the people look out for each other. “With the children all grown and pursuing their own goals in life me and the husband are trying with the shop and we are okay,” she said. Omawattie Gobin, the stay-at-home grandmother She is referred to as Aunty Pearly and she is the descendant of one of the first settlers in Salem Village, East Bank

Focus on the Village

Essequibo. The 63-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that she married, came to the village and has been there since. She is originally from Leguan Island, Essequibo River, and it has been more than 30 years since she relocated. The mother of three added that these days she is tending to grandchildren at home. She quit her job as a farmer many years ago after her husband passed away 12 years ago but still has some farmland in Naamryck Village and will leave that for the grand children to cultivate. “I get big now, so farming became difficult for me and I will leave the lands for the grandchildren so it will stay in the family since I have no intention of selling it,” she said. Gobin related that they used to plant ground provisions and pineapple but things changed over the years and she is satisfied with being at home. She describes life as very quiet and calm in Salem Village, where there are no strangers.

Sandra Grimes (Delano Williams photos)

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 28, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 23, 2022 CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 03, 2021

How to get through a Miscarriage

Love-Bombing

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 athat topic that many thecount pregnancy termtypi- nancy. This is rarely true. y hand I cannot the numbe the worst material possession thatis emotional they discould tioningever that menlose. also do feel As there an would miscarry, which find uncomfortable and cally called a stillbirth. My Most miscarriages occur include chronic conditions tress, there may also be phys- this loss. However, I have despite how comresearch showed thatin the risk the foetuscontinued just isn’t d taboo, for it, while it was actually my becauseThey say thatdiabefeelings ofasanxiety, irritation counselled manyand couples ical IasRECEIVED well relationship such to as uncontrolled mon it actually is. Many of miscarriage is 12 percent developing normally. a few emails about my column last week through a miscarriage where distress. You will feel a wide tes, hormonal abnormalities, when I get up in the morning and people don’t know how to 15 percent for women in Unfortunately, while on negging, a term that I cameto to find out that many were overwhelming sadness would be felt if they were lose their expecting mother and of emotions which is athe uterine or cervical abnor- range to reach out or respond their 20s and rises to about a miscarriage is a relatively unaware of. Psychology consistently growing field and father’s relationship limited to sadness, malities, infection, or age. are not oing to sleep myfor phone. to someone who has is beencheck 25 percent women over I common experience — it there are many new identifications and termsseemed given for phone today. as though it was deteriorating guilt,unfortunately, However, most of the time, hopelessness, emotional anger, abuse that, many of us think through this trauma – and age 40. make the situation althy andthat’s something musta be done. doesn’t as the woman felt herterms partner jealousy of other parents and the fertilised egg has an abare just a normal part of relationships. The sometimes, okay. Having miscarriage any easier. ItIt is impossible seems harmless, right? Caring so much about a herandas didn’t or understand feelingsaren’t of loneliness normal number of chromo- intense concepts always new, butcare are more recognised However, knowledge helps does not necessarily mean for anyone to understand the ndanyfound women were more grief. While expectant fathers (especially ifstart there amore lot attention somes/ and this is been people to are pay to mental health and situation that and often thisgenes, week I’ve really paying attention that you have a fertility prob- pain ofphone? someone whoWell, has its triggers forsocial illnesses. in your cir- absolutely do feel this loss, very random. Unfortunately, of parents does take away discomfort. lem. Most women (87 per- been through an event that o their phones because men traumatic. Today I’m going to discuss another one. Love-bombing the bondgive between a pregnant Please take my advice this meansthat that there was cle). to For the importance I and others around me to athroughis A miscarriage is the simply loss cent) who have miscarriagcouples who a term given to an emotional-manipulation technique woman and the baby grow– allow yourself to feel and nothing done to have caused a pregnancy where the es have subsequent normal have recently been through alofembryo media apps. Also, older people fast and heavy demonstrations of affection and attention. ing inside her is unique. AIts express these emotions. it, and nothing can be done phone, rather than what’s actually going on around them. or foetus does not pregnancies and births. A this, it is important to know first only detailed mention was that of cult can relationships, similar to woman begin bonding The thing I would to prevent it. Normal activdevelop enough to survive. miscarriage is a somewhat that 98 percent of the time, addicted. I believe this is because our tragedy Jim Jones. first psychologist Ourisphones we are speaking to other from the people, momentwho sheexplored has say you are notofallowed to The itieswhether such as work, exercise, It typically happens within loaded term — possibly sug- a miscarriage not caused -itisdiscussed howIt’s culthard leadersa ‘love bomb’ their potential repositive pregnancy test. feel, self-blame. sex or minor injuries do not first three months, but gesting that something was by any action taken by the sethesmartphones (My father actually cruits in order to make them feel special and that there and using social media or playing games -can be addictive not to feel as if you did some- Bonding for the father typicause a miscarriage. there willyou they receive the love that all does and startaffection later – after wrong when lose a cally Now, since a miscar- thingonly human beings naturally crave. as they alterriage our moods, beliefs and trigger enjoyable is a trauma, it typically pregnancy. However, guilt they start to see the physical Unfortunately, now, this is a common circumstance in brings forward the five stag- is a completely unhelpful symptoms or some men until colleagues and friends how bad many romantic relationships. Examples of love-bombing and unenjoyable feelings. Apart from obviously being my the baby is be born. Youbycan when there is noth- or sexual. es of grief- denial, anger, emotion can be verbal, emotional It can shown many help your relationship to presents, never-ending compliments, excessive neediness, main source of communication,communication my phone is my newspasurvive by being understandand attention, mirroring all your passions ing,instant respectful and sensitive and interests orplanner, demanding commitment to one per, watch, alarm, map, recorder, day calendar, to eachattention. other’s Itneeds and another; they want your undivided is a difficult feelings, keeping the lines of circumstance to understand (sometimes) or identify, because we all want camera, music player, calculator, a weapon communication open to be showered with love and attention and to feel about the rush theit,situationyou are of endorphins that come with but when isonce it manipulative and my friend when I’m bored or lonelybasically evboth comfortable doing that, and unhealthy? andsometimes accept each other’s Perpetrators like interrupter to do this at the verycopbeginerything. However, it is also myning constant and of the courtship -- where someone is showered with ing mechanisms as they may affection, gifts andof promising statements that some like to be quite different. distractor. I (I imagine much like most you out there) mask as ‘love at first sight.’ This exciting and looks If can youbehave suffered a harmless at the surface andmiscarriage sometimes itand is. are However, have a deep desire to know everything that is going on. trying all human beings crave admiration and praise butorasalready they say, to conceive again much when of anything does is unhealthy and, in this case, ill-inI believe that is human nature. too But it become pregnant, unfortunately there tentioned. depression, and ing you could have done to is nothing absolute that you In situations love-bombing, too much? bargaining, do to ensurewhen theretheis initial no outcome where of yourit iscan acceptance. Regarding grief, change the excitement the chase miscarriage are over, thebutperpetrator’s like anythingbeWhenand something there is no right or wrong pregnancy. changes. Ifhas the victim shows interest in anything Well, I believe it’s too when it stretch aelse,name. there are ‘Noactions you or wrong, we all way to experience it. Theremuch is goeshaviour anyone else outside of the new partner and relationship, it is no appropriate timeline to find someone, something can take to make the possibiltypically met with unhealthy displaysof of rage, jealously and mophobia’ is also themust term coined describe theThisfear being itynext lessstage likely. blame. With tendencies. miscarriagthat be followed - you toto controlling is This calledincludes ‘devaluaseekingturn regular care,and rarelythe anyone or attention will simply recover when es, there’s tion’, where love and intoprenatal withdrawal without a mobile phone. Seriously, what have we come to? taking the appropriate vitato blame, and it leaves you do. However, there are thingneglect in an attempt to regain control, love and affection mins, to avoiding known misfeeling empty. So, accepthat can be done that us the from object their victim. It becomes anthings addiction when begins control carriage such theisnormalcy of this as would help through this dif- tance of It often simplified being risk ‘thefactors chase,’—whereby as smoking, drinking alcohol tragic event is key. ficult process. someone does everything in their power to get you your life and interferes with yourAlso, daily activities, work, and if and and illicit drug However, use. Rememdo have whatyou, makes The first to realise is that once they their efforts decrease. this than youdangerous CAN have gooddone -“The despite what are not alone – finding you feel isthat being consciously, itber is far more thanawe relationships. you I read somewhere biggest obstacle successful pregnancy after Manymedia people and accepting healthy sup- others all think. think. Social makes this technique a lot easier than acan miscarriage. Most unwarranted opinport is is crucial during this haveitso used to be, whereby people flood your feed andwomen messages to productivity connectivity,” but overuse affect a thatwhen make uswho feel have special and an abuser miscarriages havehas and affection criticisms time. This can be friends, ions with constant contact and communication the victim subsequentwith normal preg- on have never been through someone whom they lot more than family, our orproductivity. The truth is, overuse of our trauma.platforms. Many believe nancies and births. Having you know has also experi- suchmultiple extreme displaysbeof affection continue indefinitely, phones can harm psychologically, socially and physically. a miscarriage does not nec- if shouldn’t enced us a miscarriage. This that suchIf grief actions match and there is no devaluation essarily mean you phase, have then a if thewords, miscarcan and should also include experienced it’s probably not love-bombing. So how can we know when it With regard to affecting our social skills, how many of us professional help from a riage occurred early during fertility problem. is? It is important to be able to identify typeofofadvice manipuMy finalthis piece (even though worker, the pregnancy as excessive attention and affection doesisnot constitute miss out on a counsellor, joke orsocial good conversation as we were on our either parent to respect mostlation do), but that woman or for psychologist, religious leadlove-bombing if there is no intent or pattern further abuse. your own needsofand limitamay have been planor anyone who makes you couple Intent is key and one needs to identify if this is intentionally phones? How er, many times have we annoyed our good friend feel comfortable. There are ning a pregnancy for years or tions as you work through being done to them. Start by paying close attention to their your grief andfeelings begin toisheal. a great ifrush love of also online support groups just felt behaviour, the of intensity these rapid not reor family member because we were posting on social media Don’t rush it, acceptance excitement and that is that are free and include peo- and ciprocated. Do they become aggressive or abusive?will Also, come. difficult just simply forget from are all overhaving the world. with pay to attention to what happens next –- months down the line how much funple we them? It truly affects our Thank you you everyone from. You can literally google and move into allonthis affection. Do you feel as though owe them “online support groups for miscarriages” and thousands of options will pop up. This way, you can also remain

for reading. Please Ifsomething? you’d like name Aretoyou comfortable with how fast include things are yourmoving? baby, plant a tree foryoursending topics to caitlinvieAlways trust SEE PAGE XIII them, have aand funeral, intuition do yourtalk best toira@gmail.com about it or not talk about it- it

XX CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 23, 2022 XIV

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

THE SEAWALLS FOREVER!

REVISITING GUYANA/ MEDEXES THE - ACCORD THEM VENEZUELA CONTROVERSY SOON DESERVING RECOGNITION TO COME BEFORE THE ICJ AND REMUNERATION!

E Guyana/Venezuela controversy will again shortly and discussions where factual bases invariably become me upIN before the International Court profession of Justice celebrated (ICJ). blurred. December last year, the Medex student has to have five or more subjects at the CSEC examGuyana, most thedeep writings on the controversy have In thisisbefore offering, we will from this with normseashells and tryfour to THEthe Seawalls lie in theits consciousness ofinGuyanese 44th of anniversary of establishment Guyana. today ratheradmission muddy was once covered and ination todepart the course. The training is for termespecially Medex is Georgetowners. an abbreviation ‘Medical Exten-answer yearstwo under the auspices of the have University Guyana andthe the npeople, of aThe historical and factual nature andofthis a good questions that been of asking but Yet itis has rarely there would always be many children exploring and since picking up sion’ and an idea formulated Drencouraged Richard candidate awarded an Associate Degree on completion. In ng, since the was Guyanese not of theofistwo Guyanese fishing boats inthey Guyana’s terribeen noticed by the newspublic mediaare andby the last time Smith, it wasseizure seashells different colours; sometimes may find large an African American. While visiting Meththewaters firstshells. year, student is trained in Nursing, in the second mentioned as an item into of national concern was as fivea or sixtorial conch move their attention the realms ofCuba arguments by the a Venezuelan navy ship. The first question odist medical volunteer from his university, Howard, year in Midwifery and in the third and fourth years in Clinical years whenwas the appalled Ocean overtopped wall poverty and flooded The foreshore or continental shelf gradually and falls Drago Smith to see thethe abject and Medicine. All students are on Ministry of Healthrises scholarships the absence yards parallel to the Public This thehefirst 20 years today, theforforeshore landofbetween Camp of any medical care inRoad. the area to was which was every and must serve and the ministry a minimum five years on timeassigned. in living Adults memory that there waschildren, such an occurrence and theThey Pegasus Hotel has almost risen to athe height and particularly were afflict- Street graduation. cannot practise privately like doctor butof withtocommon, easilyThe treatable illnesses and suffered theywall could work with atrees doctor. anded it led great panic. authorities hurriedly con- the and coconut and other vegetation grow on it. terribly and even died. He realised that if medical care The programme is still developing: There are ideas of structed a barrier of standing concrete available, this pervasive slabswere on the Walls to counter suchill-health overtop-would have been awarding a full Degree for the programme, of formally pereliminated; the trained doctors remained in the cities and mitting Medexes to act as doctors’ assistants, of their working ping.prosperous In the last few weeks, the Seawalls areas. have again featured inyoung the news, in a in human welDr Smith felt that peoplebut interested happier vein. receive some medical training and form a middle fare could layer of health workers could serve From Camp Street to thewho Demerara River,those areas of the developing countries in which the trained the wall had become disfigured by an accu-doctors would not practise. his university, was mulation of With unsightly garbage he and noable oneto produce an adequate medical training course and those who went through assumed the responsibility of out cleaning it. A countries. The the training were able to go to developing homeless man, Carl Melville, whothese sometimes US Aid programme recruited medexes who began to sleptserve thereabroad was noticed by Dwayne and Guyana was oneHackett of the earliest countries trying to clean the and garbage and immediately to use medexes to establish the system. The numbers of Western-trained were never volunteered to help him. Hackett placed doctors the enough serve the populations in developing countries, and incident ontosocial media and immediately each of countries tried totheir meetservices. the shortage in basically numbers of these persons volunteered similar ways. In China, they used “barefoot doctors” and FirstinLady Arya Ali was one the first Russia “Feldshers”, bothofgroups hadtoto undergo some volunteer and the Ministry of Public Works, medical training. the Director of Solidfrom Waste thecentury until the In Guyana, theDepartment end of the of 19th advent ofCity the Medical of the University of Guyana, Georgetown Council Faculty and the Fire Service the training scores doctors Cuba and the Medex became involvedofwith her.ofThe Fire in Service system, poorer Guynaese cleaned the bandstand and in adepended few daysonallfolk the medicine, which consisted largely of “bush medicines” or persons who had garbage removed andknown Seawalls drugwas stores and were as appeared ‘drugists’ or “dispensers’ as ifadministering they had always been maintained! Many some medical attention along Western lines. haveThese been dispensers high in their praises of this example mixed the various drugs or chemicals doctors prescribed for their patients or themselves independent- Likewise, the sea has reclaimed the land along the Kitty Seaof civic responsibility. ly treated patients. Until two three decades and afterpark the end The Seawalls had always beenorthe promenade for wall where houses once stood. Indeed, a substantial building of World II, doctors formulated their medicines, the people of Georgetown and the surrounding villagesunlike from is still standing close to the wall near the Kitty Pump Station, today when they prescribe patent drugs produced by the big the last quarter of the 19th and continued to be so since until but the sea is under it. Old fishermen who set their nets on pharmacies abroad. Thecentury dispensers soon disappeared, the 1960s when the country became plagued with political ten- the foreshore sea could vividly describe the cyclical rise and patients could now buy their patent drugs “over the counter.” sion andDespite there were robberies on the Seawalls. For most of the fall of the beach. the remarkable increase in numbers of Western-trained withfewer the output University of 1960s, therefore,doctors fewer and peoplefrom the visited the Seawalls. The Seawalls provided a favourite place for health enGuyana and the is still a shortage of thusiasts. Many would go there to practise deep breathing of In its heyday, theCuban-trained, Seawalls were there the most delightful place doctors in Guyana. is especially in the sparsely in Georgetown. The vastThis openness of the so seascape and the the clean and fresh sea breezes. Others would be cycling or populated interior and the villages in the riverain areas and surrounding landscape, the blue skies and silver clouds, the even training for cycle races. Probably the most notable were Medexes have been serving these communities. On the ever-present seagulls and the steady flow of the health-giving coast, medexes support doctors in the health centres, or the ones who went for physical culture. Many of this group trademanning winds and the enveloping peace and attracted the ambulances or provide first quietude aid whenever there would go to the Seawalls by either jogging to get there or by hundreds of people at all times of the Medexes day. Theare beach whicha cycle and they would arrive there at 5 o’clock, long before are large congregations of people. therefore necessary adjunct to the health care system of the country. The training of a Medex is quite comprehensive. The

Love... Research work helping curb... FROM PAGE XII

see things as they are and not what you would them Fromlike Page IIIto be or hope they could become. Equally importantly, pay attention to how they treat other people. They are showering you with timate for and thatlove, area zone ineveryone the village. “So kindness butand how they treat else is onewe of in the of indicators 18 months, willintentions, work with the space strongest of their as the theyvillagers may not some 33the Giant Anteaters create certain rules and have ulterior motives withtoothers as they do with you, so truer side tends to show there. weretheir identified. help them to know what they If you have a feelingreyou are beingand love-bombed, According to Millar, should should notcommudo. For nicate this to the person. Set clear boundaries, refuse gifts, set searching the animals includ- example, no one is allowed limitations on time spent and levels of communication. Someed going outlegitimately on horseback killwill them, keep them as a one who cares fortoyou respect your feelings, and comfort following from They a pet, habitat, and and them boundaries. willdestroy respect their your commitment distance to things be able stockTheir light a firetointhis certain places,a to other andtopeople. reaction will expose lot to you.scientific Healthy, non-manipulative individuals understand up on more infor- so that we can further protect that the process of falling not happen overnight, mation. One of the thingsin love the does population.” but building trust and intimacy is instead an organic they discovered is that the The SRCS hasprocess. been Remember, a love bomber’s ultimate goal is for you to animals love to climb trees. granted two years of addibecome mentally and emotionally dependent on them and “Everyone across the ensure tionalthat funding fromnot thehappen. Small their praise. Only you can that does Rupununi assumed it was Grantswell-being. Programme Guyana Honour your own space and mental you saw for reading and pleasethe continue to three send jaguars Thank when they huge to expand project to suggested to caitlinvieira@gmail.com. scratch markstopics on trees, but more communities, namely

now we know that it could’ve

Shulinab Village, Wariwau

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 this September, depending

XIII

inthe thesun private hospitals, of their having easier admission to the had risen. is, why is the Venezuelan public sowere convinced they Medical ofnights the University of Guyana to pursueathat training On Faculty moonlit the Seawalls always crowded as a doctor. have a valid claim two-thirds of with Guyana’s territory and promenade. Many to went to socialise friends, but all went Some prefer toso bebellicose treated byand Medexes since,about unwhy theirpatients politicians arethe aggressive to enjoy the beauty of moon rising from the sea and like doctors, they treat them comprehensively, applying theirthe this claim? And the second is, why did there President blue-green moonlight whichquestion was brighter, since were nursing skills. Maduro Venezuela choose this time to seize the boats noThough road of lights to dilute it. Others would enjoy the various their importance and impact on the country’s when he would alienate theunderstood, Guyanese health care system isMoon gradually being there isskies a phaseshe ofknew the New with the background of population purple need for theembellished medical profession and society to and cause the international community to accord condemn or with thousands of stars whichthem appear the recognition and respect deserving of their serviceOthers and disapprove of his action, leaving Venezuela interbrighter since there were no cityisolated lights. dedication andthe to issue. adequately remunerate them. nationally on

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 the Police at the Bandstand which independentBand stateand would be DrBand Cheddi Jagan, an avowed attracted of people. Their repertoire conMarxist. U.S. Cold hundreds War interests tried to persuade Britain sisted ofindependence, light classical music Strauss’ and to delay Guyana’s but allsuch that as Britain could other waltzes, ballet music such Delibes’ pizzicato promise was that she would hand over power to a non-ComandMinister. Sylvia, atAmerican least one English patriotic such munist Prime Intelligence feltsong that this as “This royal throne of Kings” and Guyanese and British offer needed further insurance and so they devised Caribbean folk songs. The concerts were arranged a plan whereby their client Venezuela would threaten to for early evening so that children could attend; many Guyanese in later life have admitted that their first exposure to classical music was from these Bandstand concerts. On Easter Monday thousands of kite-flyers turned out from five o’clock in the morning. Kites were all hand-made and were in a variety of shapes such as boxes, birds and snakes, but the predominant shape was the Guyanese octagon and in a variety of colours. Singing engines, a kite which made a loud droning sound, was one of the most popular. Kite-flying was always combined with picnicking. The Easter kite-flying today is a pale reminiscence of the heyday. As mentioned above, the political tensions and criminality kept people away from the Seawalls in the 1960s. By the invade Guyana if theremore wasstable any possibility of a Marxist 1990s life had become and people again began to government being installed in Guyana. frequent the Seawalls, but the ambience had changed. There Theup1899 Award hadofsettled the boundaries of grew stallsArbitral lining the parapet the Public Road from the Guyana and Venezuela and these boundaries were fully Kitty Pump Station to the Pegasus, selling refreshments and accepted bystalls bothwere parties and the communiall of these well-lit. TheInternational character of the Seawalls ty. One of the junior lawyers representing Venezuela had changed from a peaceful promenade to a lively fair. at the arbitration, MalletPrevost, left ais letter was not Now that the tourism industry beingthat revived, the toSeawalls have been opened until after his death. In that letter, still offer an attractive attraction. he claimed that the Arbitral Award was the result of an arrangement between Britain and the Russian arbitrator to deprive Venezuela of its rights. After more than half a century, Venezuela, based on Mallet-Prevost’s posthumous letter, now rejected the Arbitral Award and claimed twothirds of Guyana’s territory. Mallet-Prevost’s posthumous letter was the causus Venezuela used to threaten Guyana and this continued after the Cold War, the raison d’etre for the claim, had ended. Most lawyers and historians who took any notice of Mallet-Prevost’s letter dismissed it as a historical curiosity or very flimsy evidence on which to attempt to 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

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

XII XIV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, Sunday, January August 8, 2021 CHRONICLE 23, 2022

For tiredness lies On my lids My body like a ARVIN drank some wa- look on his face. Broken goblet ter from “What is it?” Arvin The Earth acansmall feel spring, splashing it feet over his face, asked, fearful of bad news. No more my trying to wash some The man up aplea ring “So I must comeaway home, dear Lord,” was theheld hoarse of the tiredness. The search her engagement ring. from the lips of the old woman, lying in a recliner on the patio. party had stopped to take the ring, The middle-aged nurse aid sittingArvin close took by reading thetrya break, fatigued but not ing his utmost to stay calm newspaper inquired of the old woman, disenhearted knowing they in his mind. “What is it, Sharda?” were onnot theanswer, right looking trail, up at “Where didblue yousky, find She did the clear pieces of her still this?” asked in asee lowthe tone. herhaving eyes notfound so dim, her hearing fine.heShe could uniform onbloom the lower limbsthe sweet “Follow the in man lovely flowers and hear songs ofme,” the birds of trees. said, and he led them to her garden, but her love and passion for nature were slowlythe fading After away. three more tiring spot where Nate had shot days trekking in the endthe tiger. How of does one continue to embrace life when the body less jungle, one of the men The carcassfloating of the animal has become aged and feeble, memory sometimes into from search party who still there with the arrow HERthename now became a was urged her have to go intrusion of tragedy of a difnothingness, when you need a young, strong hand“You to hold and ferent nature leaving trails was always walking ahead in its chest. part of the home and home.” theregreat was none? like scattered leaves of sadcame back with a worried “She was at this spot,” when they spoke of her, he The puppy lying comfortThe boy took the soup but “My dad’s a nice guy, he “Yes?” “How did this happen?” she asked herself, tears misting how theirdid eyes up. ably on the rug in front of the ness, fear and loneliness. the hesitated for a moment “I’m sorry to disturb you in hersaw eyes, “Why thislithappen?” man indicated to then never hurt my mother.” knewwork yet how children to provide care temperaand she had Sleepless walked away richArvin, lifestyles her hard andmuch “She is nice,” Aashi, TVher paid no heed and Shamita asked, “Whymade don’tthem you come again,from that night so late, but Aashi’s The loneliness wassaid a deep ache in heart, craving for them,Neither “And someone they needed each other to companionship for they hardher matrimonial home with sacrifices 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 standing that way shot exile the fear and ly found any theirknow her four children into the was fortiger aged mother, for the successes theyloneliness had andthe “And shewere knows to bake out the adults door. She barked in “Ithe can’t go outher looking her diary when there calling fortime you. Iindon’t voices. But they gone, now matured pursuing and took and that love was dailywhat schedules to can spendyou with throes an unknown achieved in their lives.waiting But on there wasthis” no time. awesome cookies,” Aiden protest not run to like she answered pulla of rapping at the world. door. The to do, come, careers and sharing their lives with new lovesand anddid interests. away.” a threshold. their mother. She had worked long after reaching great heights A lone tear trickled down added pausing a little before the father, not until Shamita ingArvin the hair overaround the one side sound startled her and for a please?” The mother now lived alone in the home where they had looked The mirror on their the wall That The nightquiver as sheinlaid every day build a world, her slowly, wrinkled face,toa face still hoursmoment continuing, “Just likelife. mom.” stepped out the of her trying face. she to froze, wonderhisinvoice shared a beautiful family She had moulded anddoor. guided in the business deduce bed, and she looked at the paintnice little home withbe comfort beautiful never mind The father froze in his He was standing patient- knew. canher takeage you in ing who could at the door the tearful look on Aidwhere“My the dad hunter could Shamita drew the cur- have work and did not say any- ly at the gate and raised his his car,” he suggested. then she heard the children’s en’s face touched her heart walked and he thing for a long moment, hand a little to say “Thank tains open halfway and light looked A glimmer of in fear deeply and she said without at the ring hisflashed father’s voice. such was the deep effect of you,” but she turned and streamed into the little coun- hand, in her eyes saying and the “Can I speak to you, hesitation, “Just give me a again, in child his son’s words. Then he walked in the house. Some- try house, fresh air through his asked, are you so please?” moment.” mind, “Why “He couldn’t responded with the hint of a how she did not feel that the open windows seeming have afraid of him?” She wondered how he got To be continued… gone far with you, smile, “That’s nice.” intense fear on seeing him to breathe new life into her. I willShe not answer, not in, then remembered giving finddid you.” He did not sleep well, and in her mind she could In the afternoon, the children sure what tell the child, but Aiden a key to the gate and Pic saved as fables capFor thetothree days again, that night, the chil- not deny his casual good stopped by Aashi bringing a before he wasArvin a smartand kid and his at the opening the window she an- tion: Prasad photography dren’s joy replaying in his looks that any woman would picture for her she had drawn search door he said found to her, the swered ih a concerned tone, party mind, knowing how much notice. She sighed deeply as in class. As the children spot where she had they missed having a mother. she stood in front the mirror enjoyed the special chicken dropped her ring, Nate For the past three years since and pulled off the veil, letting dish she had prepared for took Amelia on nature them, Shamita noticed the tours. It was an expeshe was gone he had never it fall slowly to the floor. little girl’s paleness. thought of another wom“One day at a time…” rience to treasure, in a “Are you feeling okay, place that was a world an until now. Someone the That evening she called children became attracted to, her younger sister, “Can you Aashi?” away from home, the The child shook her scenic beauty, tranquilwho in their little hearts was come when you have the head, “Not too good.” special. time? I need a hair cut.” ity, pristine waterways Shamita checked her and astounding, exotic “I wonder, though,” he She had her hair cut in a mused, “How can she em- different style so it partially temperature and the reading flora and fauna. brace them in her heart when hid the scars on her face, giv- showed above normal. At nights they sat by “I think you’re developshe is battling her own prob- ing her a new look. A change the small, soft, crackling lems?” had begun much to her tear- ing a fever.” bonfire, sharing the intiThe child stretched her A few streets away, ful mother’s relief and, now, mate, quiet moments of Shamita laid in bed sleepless since that horrific attack, she arms out to Shamita, “Can I the night. stay with you, please?” too, thinking of the children. saw her daughter smile. And the man whose “Yes you can,” she said for them and today, instead ing on the wall facing her and andundeniable she liftedpresence a trembling She just couldn’t get their sad “Thank you, dear Lord,” and of holding her hand, like a smile touched her lips, lesshand to wipe it. A hand that faces out of her mind when she whispered, “For sending hugging her, “But I think strong shoulders she she had held theirs, they ening the pain in her heart. once strong, that held her they mentioned the loss of two little angels in her life to your dad would need youwasknew she could lean on, and her name surrounding them, a small It of home to take care of you.” children’s small ones every turned wasAmelia the picture of three their backs, leaving their mother. help her heal.” filled her heart with a unique group and immediately, the naof native hunters, When the father came for children, her father working alone. stepfeeling of the way. “Such a great loss,” she The thoughts of the chilbut she said nothing,herbows tives lowered their weapons, and arrows poised them, she watched the chilA choked sob escaped in the garden and her mother A wry crossed thought, “Their father must dren’s father were no differfor in hersmile past she felt there with knowing hadwith found intent. not they far off a lips deadly and once againNosheone standing facea and a faraway have been…” ent, for since his children met dren go, concerned about theher was bond. But with look whom?herhad the search party they were seen or heard them, little girl, sorry she couldn’t bucket of fresh vegetables whispered, “It’s time for me shone in her eyes as her She turned her face in the Shamita, something changed For Nate, his heart had so soundless was their ap- instructed to locate. thoughts took hertoback a to come home, dear Lord, on her arm, smiling warmly pillow to shut out the thought for them. They were more have the child stay with her. also spoken him,tofrom findher her,children. she with proach fromleft thehere.” foliage of as she“We watched nothing timethe when she was a young of him, but the children and cheerful, not because he Aiden stopped by in the very first moment hethere’s us.” The native said, showthe jungle. morning before he went to A portrait that captured The nurse aid got up and woman. She was so full of the puppy would bring the wasn’t a good father, but had seen her but he also said ing him the crest from AmeArvin lifted his two arms life,nothing like abecause butterfly withhertook her hand, urging her a simple life and a beautiful father close to her. because they missed the love school to give her an update he knew lia’s uniform. slowly to show he was harmon Aashi. “Come on, Sharda, family. amazing and due a simOne late morning, whilst and care of a mother. Sitting mind colours was fragile to hergently, A deep of long relief less arrow, “Her fever got a little “You have look left so timeand for an your meal in andthe ple,memory little home the children were at school, alone on the upper veranloss. filled with it’sblink crossed Arvin’s face and of an eye, thudded ago, mother,” she said in ahe love, then herfather fatherlooked gave atmedication.” Crystal ran away from home dah, an empty chair next to higher, so dad is taking her Nate’s laughed in the earth at his feet. The to the doctor.” voice,a “Ilittle, can’tlooking remem-up her them handfrom in marriage to a of She sighed and looking weak again and Shamita hearing him, he thought of the young the shadows the heavens, “Thank you, untrusting native stepped berat much But two days passed and for now I have up at the nurse. She inquired, rice farmer’s son; a new life the barking opened the door woman, his hut and raising his head forward a little and asked in dear Lord.” grown too old.” “Who are you?” as atobride later, ahe young for her. During the lunch “She seems nice and kind the child still had not rethe and Heavens asked,puzzled, “Isbrother she okay,and how is she halting English, the womThe sister “I’m Jeanette,” mother. Paths she had walked period, she heard a familiar but she lives with such fear, I covered from the fever de“What plans do you have, doing?”with he asked excited as “Who patiently, you be?” as she playing spite the doctor’s treatment. her had also an answered paved with love, compassion, car at the gate and knew the can’t even talk to her.” Lord? Will her past take her hetheir and names his team got set to “We areher searching for a left, Shamita made a healthy vegnow written assisted her to feet, “Your tears and pain, episodes of children’s father was looking But fate had designed away from him?” the natives retrieve female tombstones whilstto she, the aid.”pilot whose plane had onfollow her lifeArvin’s written team on the leaves for the puppy. their lives to cross for their etable soup for her and gave was gettingnurse her. crashed.” Arvin answered. it to Aiden, “This should be youngest, waited still alone. “Oh,” she exclaimed softof time. “Come on Crystal,” she life stories were similar. The ready early on the fourth The nativelapse looked him good for her.” “ W“She h i s pokay,” e r m ythe n anative me, a momentary in ather Then one to day, fourteen morning resume theirly, for replied, “But no one allowed a long moment, then mother,” she said, “And I memory. years later, when she could search when there was an asked again, in village, only one come shall come, so we can be The kind woman had have borne no more of her urgent shout from the camp, “What and get her.” with her her for name the past husband’s “Sir!” arrogance and abu- been SEE PAGE XXIX what she look like?” sive behaviour towards her,sawthree years, financed by the SEE PAGE XV Arvin looked up and Arvin gave a description

XV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 23, 2022

SCARLET ROSES... FROM PAGE XIV “Why?” Arvin asked, not pleased, “My team and I have been searching for many days.” “Only one.” The native insisted. Arvin’s team was not sure it was a good idea for him to go alone, it was a chance he had to take. “It’s a risk I’ll have to take,” he said, “You stay here and send out a message so the aerial rescue team can be ready to take us out once I got her.” On arriving at the village, Arvin was taken to a benab where the old English missionary, Samuel, was waiting for him. He was surprised seeing a European there, but before he could say anything, Samuel smiled and said, “I know, Amelia was surprised too when she saw me.” “Where is she?” Arvin asked anxiously, “I want to see her.” “You will,” Samuel answered, “but before you do, there’s something you need to know.” He recounted to Arvin everything from the time Nate had brought her home, her confused thoughts and fragile mind and loss of

memory, careful not to mention her closeness with his son. “She may not recognise you,” he warned Arvin, “So you’ll have to be patient and understanding if you want to help her.” “I’ve been searching for her and praying for her since day two when her plane crashed,” he told Samuel, showing him her engagement ring, “She’s my fiancée, she means everything to me.” Samuel relapsed in a short moment of silence, Arvin’s statement stunning him a little, but he recovered and stood up, “Come, I’ll take you to her.” Amelia was in her hut, the two little girls with her, rearranging the flowers in the wooden vases, waiting for Nate who had gone to find a rare orchid for her when she heard someone call her name. “Amelia.” It was the voice she had been hearing and turning she saw a stranger at the door, not native nor European, tall, with good looks, despite his unshaven face and crumpled clothes. He was smiling at her, tears of happiness and

relief in his eyes but she could not recognize him. “Do I know you?” she asked, looking at him perplexed. Arvin wiped the tears from his eyes and looked at Samuel who nodded his head in consent for him to say something. “Yes, you do.” He told her, “Only you can’t remember me now. We have been good friends and I’ve been searching for you since the crash.” “Oh..” she exclaimed softly with relief, “I know a search party would’ve been looking for me.” She was looking even more beautiful than he had known her, so different dressed as a native, he could hardly believe she was standing there in front of him. “Once you’re with family and friends,” he told her, “It will help you to regain your memory.” The colour faded a little from her cheeks, realizing he was here to take her back and she looked at Samuel, a glint of worry in her eyes, her voice quivering a little, “Do I have to leave?” Before Samuel could

answer, Nate returned with the rare orchid, not noticing Arvin and giving her the flower, he said, “As beautiful as you.” She did not smile or express amazement, and he noticed the worried look.

“What is wrong?” he asked and following her gaze, he saw Arvin. The two men stared at each other for a long moment, a tense silence filling the hut, broken by Nate asking his father,

“Who is this, father?” “He’s from the search party looking for Amelia.” “And…?” his question continued. To be continued…

XVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 23, 2022

SIDNEY POITIER, A LIGHT-BEARER WHEN DARKNESS WAS THE COMMON DISORDER IN an edition of Vanity Fair Magazine, in the PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE, Sidney Poitier was asked, “When you die, what would you like to come back as?” he replied, “I don’t want to come back. What for?” It was an answer that enveloped the man and the age in which he lived. A remarkable answer from a man if you did not know him, or his achievements would certainly cause one to question, why did he say that? The movie technology was initiated into primitive existence by a vaudeville actor named ‘Fred Nott’ in 1893, and the public responded with amusement. The then elite of the Science world,Thomas Edison and his peers felt that it would soon wear off as a novelty. They were wrong-see ‘Author Knight’ Film Historian. The novelty of the new technology soon provided other options. One must remember that from westerns and interpretations of the classics came another genre that was not mere nostalgia but was rooted in the ugly notions of racism. David Wark Griffith

was described as a master of the set, but he was more than that. He also had a racist leaning, as his movie “ THE BIRTH OF A NATION” in 1915 did usher on the screen an absence and twist of the Afro- American presence. Later films would remove Africans and add Black Faces, as Al Johnson in the Jazz singer, as well as extras who acted as American Indians

were all white. There were exceptions like Little Shirley Temple and Bill (Bojangles) Robinson in 1935, though sadly, as the ballad Mr Bojangles would sadly describe, Bojangles did not end with the good life. But it was in the pathway of Paul Robeson, actor and singer in the movie ’SHOWBOAT’ outstanding for his achievement on theatre in 1945, the prototype of

the actor-activist, that all others came to define true self. Paul Robeson, too, faced vicious treachery and isolation -- Robeson-1898-1976. The stage was one of struggle and many have contributed to the changing mood. Some white actors and producers helped to initiate change subtly. In this world of conflict, Sydney Poitier was determined to ply his skill. We cannot elaborate

on the challenges he endeavoured towards reaching his goals, but we can measure his achievements and understand the Herculean trials he had to endure. Sydney Poitier made his film debut in 1949 in ‘No Way Out’ and broke new ground in the movie industry as an actor and director. He won the 1964 Oscar for best actor for his performance in ‘Lilies of the field,’ but it was ‘Guess who’s coming to dinner’ that gave youthful minds an insight into the race relations reality in the US of A. But to many young Guyanese, Sidney Poitier was ingrained in our consciousness with the film “To sir with love.” Every talent show, Lulu’s song ‘To Sir with Love’ was attempted. He was the teacher from British Guiana post WWII who successfully managed a school of tough British youths. He made E.R Braithwaite’s book and life experience into one tremendous movie, as no other actor could have done. MAIL -ONLINEbrought a most profound and meaningful expression of loss from Harry Belafon-

te, through his daughter, upon hearing the passing of his life-long friend with whom he shared the screen and the fight for civil rights. He expressed that “Losing Poitier was more difficult than losing Martin Luther King.” Sidney Poitier’s protege is the incredible Denzil Washington, the only Afro American actor on Hollywood’s A-List since Sidney Poitier. That inspiration persists and obviously will not be concluded there. We began with the Proust Questionnaire-Vanity Fair Jan. 2007 thus, we conclude with the question that leads to the answer that I like most. Sir Sidney Poitier was asked: On what occasion do you lie? He thus replied, “First, let me disarm that loaded question. I know how easy it is for one to stay well within moral, ethical, and legal bounds through the skilful use of words-and to thereby spin, sidestep, circumvent, or bend a truth completely out of shape. To that extent, we are all liars on numerous occasions.”

THE ENVIRONMENTAL

AUTHORISATION PROCESS – PART 2

LAST week we highlighted the environmental authorisation process ending with the EPA’s decision to not require an Environmental Impact Assessment. In this article, we stated that there are instances where members of the public object to the agency’s decision to not require that this study be undertaken – the Environmental Assessment Board (EAB) either upholds or overturns the EPA’s decision. If the agency’s decision is upheld, the authorisation process continues with the submission of Environmental Management Plans and other environmental studies as required. These plans are reviewed, adjustments are made, and the permit is granted. EIA required There are some proposed projects whose impacts on the environment can

be so significant that the Environmental Protection Act in Part IV and the Fourth Schedule mandate that a study be carried out to determine what those impacts will be and ways to mitigate or ensure that these do not cause substantial damage. This study is called an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and is a tool often used in environmental management and biodiversity conservation. Scoping After screening, the agency determines that an EIA should be conducted; a 28Day Public Notice is published, giving the public 28 days from the publication of the SEE PAGE XVII

sharing their journeys XVIII XX CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 23, 2022

CHRONICLE CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT PEPPERPOT ― ― Sunday, Sunday, October January 10, 16, 2021 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

XVII

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 my 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 Monique to let her ourself as one with nature. I WAS composing an email to send toI called the participants “I participated in the Confidence Becomes You proa free session to give people direction on how to create it know I was available as we lett –ofborn in Guyana and living in NY the Confidence Becomes YOU session and a thought effectively. The actual event is on 30th January and another gramme. This programme has helped build my self-confiagreed and she was so hapegan to have the experience dream- with crossed myreal mind to end theofmessage “Let Confidence on February 5. I am encouraging people to join this virtual dence and self-esteem more where I know I can venture out py to have me start my first my dream world alive. I was immediately Be your Crown.” That one line resonated with so many event with other friends, because after the events you can get in achieving my goals, and at any point if I have to approach temporary assignment with nterview with the agency where tested their of the participants, whichthey heightened enthusiasm to together in person and discuss over a glass of wine or tea and anyone I can do so with confidence. Thank you to Dr Sonia Deutsche Bank. My first n using Microsoft Office and typing speed. WE recently celebrated the first year of the Virtual raise their confidence levels. find a way to support each other because partnership is neces- Noel, who is an excellent mentor who never takes no or I Writers Retreat and we hadglory, a lot immortality, to celebrateroyalty in suchand a sary now more than ever. When you are intentional about your can’t for an answer, but pushes you to fulfil your Destiny.” A crown represents power, WE are in aWe new year, andpeople some of us are improving and Why aren’t we kinder? a simple matter of attrition: as we get older, we come to see short time. have had sovereignty which indicate power. from Guyana, French growth you get results, and I will share some of the results I Trecia Smith implementing new things to better our lives and the lives Here’s what I think: how“Iuseless it is to be — of how illogical, really.first We Guiana, Trinidad, Barbados, The Bahamas, Suriname, Giving someone a gift of confidence is like giving them a saw recently through the Confidence Becomes YOU was honoured to selfish be a part Ms. Sonia Noel’s of others. A Lucia, very good friend in the U.S. someone’s Each most of usunusual is born gifts with sometimes a series of are built-in confusions come to love other people and are thereby counter-instructAntigua, Africa, Nigeria, chance to St discover theSouth power within that we sent allCameroon, possess. We Becomes You 2022 programme. It was a gift like “The the most mean- Confidence convocation me he it my will be ingful. that are probably somehow Darwinian. These are: (1) we’re none ed inother, our own We well-organised get our butts kicked by that real Canada, and speech various parts of States. The recently concluded the to first forbecause thethe yearUnited andthinks that was dowithcentrality. excellent and materials something I will enjoy reading. central to the universe (that is, our personal story is the life, and people come to our defence and help us, and we first person to publish was Wendy Hermonstine and she pamine fix for the last two weeks. Every day feedback came to Receiving this gift of confidence was exactly what I allowed me to reach deep inside to discover and rediscovered He was right, because I enjoyed it so much, I decided main and most interesting story, the only story, really); (2) learn that we’re not separate, and don’t want to be. We see is now working on her second book. Alicia Amanda pubmy phone and computer and the progress people were making needed. While I understand that everything is a process, I am myself and purpose. It is an ongoing process and this course to share part ofofitAlso, withwe you. we’re the separate fromI am the availing universemyself (there’s US and then, out would peoplehave near [sic] and dear to us are gradually lished a couple books, Phil Iko-Ojo and was phenomenal. had Umoru some high-energy zoomBevdis- seeing helped medropping to set theaway, rightand momentum with progress. to continually work “In seventh grade, this new kid joined our class. In the there, all that other junk – dogs and swing-sets, and the convinced that maybe we too will drop away (someday, a erley Been also published cussions. Last year I reflectedtheirs. more than normal and one day, on myself, so I would feel confident and that others can see confidence.”Denecia Williams of confidentiality, her Convocation Speech State of Nebraska long timeBecomes from now). Most The most recent author tomost publish from the retreat is that Iinterest was reflecting on some of the meaningful things I name have “My experience withI the Confidence You course confidence in me. I knew that would be in as they age, When I was six years assignment lasted two weeks, willKhalil, be “ELLEN.” small, wore these andThis low-hanging people, become Sara who wasELLEN bornself-esteem inwas Guyana andshy. left for top New York acquired. Confidence and were in She the five. was opportune, needed, an inspiration and transformative. will aid in finding my purpose. Thank you, Ms Sonia dadselfish and more loving. vacation. old I started school in Mesa, big trouble if I told my cat’s-eye glasses at the time,to ladies c l o u dfor s covering a n d , y osomeone’s less inblue her teenage my years. I that, had the honour contribute the Noel, Improving self-esteem and raising theonly levelold of confiThis course asa a birthday gift by Ms thinking ofu such initiative.” Minnette whatwas had presented happened.toIt me was soPhil I began staying Due topeomy work[an] ethic and Arizona, wore. When nervous, which was pretty much always, she know, other I think this isThis true.experience, The great cover, was a privilege read the manuscript first, be-I dence and haveitcontributed in a to significant way to the woman Sonia Noel, and I will always be grateful. “[The]desire Confidence Becomes You programme has exceeded secret: the to go the extra mile, with my mom hadtoday, aI habit of her taking ame strand hairworld into the herbest mouth and my ple), and (3) we’re Syracusewas poet, Hayden Caram which allowed to give the version cause assisted to publish herofbook ‘InComplete.’ I did specifically the virtually [sic] sessions so inspiring and expectations. It made me realise that I am capable of more kind that could get mesaid, in a poem written and her husband routineI landed another assignment chewing it. permanent (death ruth, of myself. Atput that moment, my passion wasisreignited for the than that it brought about a shift in my mindset to the point where I allow myself. I started working on my plans to open not want toon it down because her story so compiling. in the same for ly. It was like going from into big trouble. I didn’t So she totoour school and my is real, okay, sureAsdepartment near the endorofscare his life, mission for came people have of our the tools to givejourto win I am excited takemuch on things that challenge me. Ithat am makeup studio. a result of for this course, Sara has always felt thatsome herand life is aneighbourhood, solidarity knowtohow trouble, but heavenItohad hell.toIt[sic] was a horror six months, then another was mostly ignored, occasionally teased (“Your hair taste – for you, but not he was “mostly Love, now.” a lot more willing to show up in rooms I would usually hide to collaborate with someone else to start hasting nfrom e y the inside and clarify their belief systems, hence the Gift confidence three months, which finally story that’s yet to be writ- I wasn’t willing to good?” — thatItsort thing).gift I could seesomeone, this hurt and her. some I still [sic] for me). And so, or a more prediction and of Confidence. is aofunique to give in, and therea is someone better suited qualified. makeup classes.” SamanthaposiCarter ten. While at grandma’s chance. “Shhhh... I thinktake led to my permanent remember the way she’d look after such Now,broke we don’t mythat heartfelt wish forrush, you:but as people confessed when they received the an giftinsult: card, eyes they cast did I have found a peculiar boldness causes me to “She the scale if I am to measure her as a confidence tion, allowing me to live a was filled with the love of Don’t tell anyone.” down, a little really Ibelieve these you(Itget older,are your self will not know what gut-kicked, to expect. as if, having just been reminded coach. also consider and assess whether or they) allowing me think the programme went past my expectations beMaybe it’s the trauma of a grandma and Jesus daily. dream. of her place in things, she was trying, asof much as possible, thingswith – intellectudiminish, and Ms youNoel, will grow Ama De Clou said, “I received the gift ‘Confidence be- cause show my up experience, as my authentic self. Thank you I am everything being virtual ever but for some On COVID, the otherI didn’t hand, atto my Dr. Safeeya Mohamed – since to disappear. After while, drift away, hair-strand think ally we know better in love. YOU will gradually comes YOU’ from myadear auntshe’d Carole. It was an unexpected grateful and more focused on me and building me, focus on it would’ve been so impactful to me. Having someone mother’s house, I was filled reason I still cannot rememTrinidad stilland in Iher mouth. At home, imagined, afterit would school,have her encouraging – but we believe be replaced by LOVE. If you gift could not fathom at theItime how much pursuing my MBA, Building my business, and my relationship me and pushing me to achieve my goals, dreams We received the updates with Rock ‘N Roll, drugs ber how mother know: “How was your day, sweet- and t h easpirations m vthat i s c the e rwithout aaccident l l y any will be He a huge an impactwould on mysay, lifeyou in such a short time span. when have I trustkids, Himthat to be who has judgment bad criticism. Afterwildwith often Iitknow happened, when inappropriate, sexGod. Cause was horrific or and ie?” and course she’d say, fine.” And me her out mother would say, this and course, liveand byI that them, moment in your process of “This has “Oh, helped to push of my comfort made to be and to love myself. He will provide the love, wisamthehaving more courage and confidence in victim was stuck parties. Ultimately, from it started, or even when it “Making and she’d go,at“Sure, and they cause us self-diminishment. You really zone and itany wasfriends?” exactly what I needed such alots.” transforma- myself dom and grace to love others in a way that doesn’t undermine and thinking more positively, building myself up and such an environment you can ended in the car. Sometimes hanging alonecan in her front feeling tional period of I’d mysee life.herThe art of around confidence literally to prioritise won’t care what happens to me.” Nebiola Toppin less depressed. “Lydia The our vehicle had toHinds be cut imagine the kinds of abuse take you any direction yard, as into if afraid to leavethat it. you want to go in and as such, o w“I I commend all the persons who gave these ladies feed off the energy bringprovided. n love n eopen ethis course. d s too vget e r toPeople YOU, as long asyoung they benefit. Penny Phakahi –South mom’syou house the victim. It of that I believe this gift was precious, unique it. A gift a gift of a lifetime and the young ladies who gave themroom. You have a light, beautiful spirit that makes me And then — they moved. That wasand it. worth No tragedy, no to thethe needs of others, That’s one reason your parnever occurred to me that When I was 11 years old, Africa that you to become a better version of yourself, to me, feel selves gift.my This giftof can of like [sic] I’ve known you for so long, and weShirley just met. I and big helps final hazing. even though what ents are be so given proud anytime and happy I have had share grandma died my this precious my brother is one of the thoughtful and best can pass stumbled yearturmoil and forand many occasions. If you the desire to you on social media.inNothing is a coincidence One daymost she was there. The next gifts day, that she you wasn’t. we reallyonwant, inbe today. Onehave of their fondest I strongly believe stepdad left. My momthe had could remotely on toEnd another.” be part of the Virtual Vision Board Party or Gift of Conbecause Ivolved. have plans to move back to Guyana and I feel great of story. our hearts, is to be less selfish, more aware of what’s acdreams has come true: you have accomplished something The next thing I an emotional breakdown, so that it is these stints of turReading words as these adds to my conWhatsApp me (5926848429) weascelebrate like you areinIdoing amazing inmore my [sic] back Now, why do such I regret that?from Why,some 42 years later, am I people tually happening the moment, open, and fidence, difficult and that tangible that has enlargedas you a person this and brought me I ran away! I couldn’t take moil remember, waspresent looking atthings fidence and encourages to helptomore am excited called THE RUNWAY. I am excited about the vision board party and will beautiful still thinking about it?me Relative mostpeople. of the Iother kids, I home. more loving. will makejourney your life from here on in, forever. this far inbetter, my LIFE life. I BEYOND was any more. the body of my brother about helping pretty peoplenice to create digital the physical myand young sisters Confidence was actually to her.their I never saidand an unkind word be signing thatblood we areinfor all aHow trainBecomes through ICongratulations, got and her permission an excerpt with you and I So, the up second million-dollar question: might we – born theshare way. perhaps by is to still in my Andrea Edwards covered in a riding vision also revamp the(mildly) old one.defended We are hosting You.” Ahaviyah Levi to her.boards In fact,and I sometimes even her. ourstrident, hours, days, and years. believe many women cananxious relate to— herunderstandably journey. DO this?hearse. How might we become more more open, When young, we’re — to refinery process. inloving, Guyana, living in Florida The agonisBut still. It bothers me. and revealing less selfish, more present, lessthoughtful delusional, etc.,I sat etc?in the back findExcerpt: got what As a young girl,itI takes. grew Can we succeed? Can As ofout if we’ve ing scream of In mythis mother in So here’s something I know to be true, although it’s a upaleave with one main ambition, my dad’s Nissan Bluebird, I will A&E that story of her journey, readers will accomtoday; justourselves? help me pack Well,the yes, good question. we“Ibuild viable life for But my youbelongings.” — in particwanting totoget far have peered through the windows early morning not little corny, and I don’t quite know what to do with it: pany oneonly ofhas the most courageous women His packaway, his clothing in noticed a suitcase. Unfortunately, I have three minutes left. ularmother you, ofstarted this FROM generation — may a certain PAGE XVI from system of the images on - a escaped my mind almost What I regret most in my life are failures of kindness. on herthis. expedition toatways. self-discovery Mikeaway also started packing. I wasdosowell upset that So let me just say There17are You already cyclical quality tothe ambition. You in and highlost school, or the box that the fence years later asin she Those moments when another human being was there, know that remarkable life story trials andof tri-the IGuycry and into begged himcollege, to stay.soI you was can in adoplace because, yourhowled life, there of have been High instarted hopes to ofthinking getting a good well we often find ourselves anathe Botanical Gardens and “my sondaily died, my Kindness in front suffering, and I responded... sensibly. umphs. confusion, I hated myself and Iofblamed myself. felt I periods and Low periods, and youof know in the good college, the hopes getting a good Ijob, in at least one newspaper notifying public this of noticeoftome, make recommendations to the agency on Rewhat Kindness information before a in decision is in. made, the developer willso Apart Zoological Park.inThe wasn’t radio sonyou died,toward nobody’s helpservedly. Her the book ‘Incomplete’ good enough. Iunderstanding threw myself floor,draft in a of foetal inclined former and awayoffers from the you can do well in the goodinformation. job so on youthe can… submission. should Mildly. be included in the study. These comments are sent what be requested tofrom submit such A new the always dared toI could, blasted ing us!” gives But nobody could, Or, look Executive at it from Director the otherthrough end ofmail-in the telescope: Sara60Khalil from childhood crying as if loud ascomments more so screaming. Education issights good; immersing ourselves inpopular adate work this isI out actually okay. If we’re to become notice theinto public days fromthe the of position, to thetoEPA’s letters or latter.This EIAAnd or myself an addendum the aregoing not significant be different, which was a calypso song “1985” by as his spirit departed at the Who, in your life, do you remember most fondly, with the to adulthood. She lived her childhood My world was upside down. I loved him with allserimy of art: good; prayer is good; meditation’s good; a frank kinder, that process has to include taking ourselves emails. In an effort to ensure that as many potentially af- submission to read the EIA, and to make comments on the should then be prepared by the consultant, and must address constant struggle sur- and a then-popular calypsonian. of friend; most undeniable feelings of warmth? in Guyana then the migrated to the USA even with all the when infidelity hurt he caused withpoint a dear establishing ourselves some ously — as doers, as accomplishers, as agency, dreamers. have document. In the public’s interest, EIA is in posted tokind the heart; fected stakeholders as possible are captured, meetings are talk the comments of the EPA, the sectoral theWe public rounded my situations. I for the sake of my Iwas would have celebrated impact. Up her torecognising this day,She Those were kindest to you, bet. family. determined to me, Ithe still wanted hold onthat to him spiritual tradition that there havejust been to that, to beItby our best selves. website andwith is — placed in public spaces, including the held in who communities – during thisI pandemic, every effort ofEPA’s anddo EAB. istoessential the consultants clearly grewmy up child. under aIstrict my sixth I ponder where the strength It’s a little facile, maybe, and certainly hard to implefight against all odds, even after two family and never wanted to let him go, nois countless really smart Still, accomplishment Library and the office of the Regional Democratic has been made to ensure that this has been done according National indicate how each comment has to Christian family with mybe addressed. birthday, on quite oblivious came from to navigate that Reflecting ment, but I’d say, as a goal in life, you could do worse than: failed marriages. her matter what. He had made his decision and wouldn’t be people before us who unreliable. “Succeeding,” Councilnight. of the proposed project area. to the concept of time, butFor grandfather to recommended guidelines for safety. the approvaland project, the EPA will issue an Envistep granny, Try to Every be kinder. early years, we to witness all budged. AtPermit 6 pm that evening, Mike left hismean Mom. asked these same whatever thatwith might to addition tonomadic this, meetings arethat held share the EIA is carried out by an independent and have In ronmental with the terms and conditions necessary as my mother heryou, mom song would not allow Now, thequalified million-dollar our problem? that sheEIA faced as she doggedly pursued Our six-year-old son,lost Jayden, started to run and left of beis hard, and the behind need to major findings the with potentially affected suitably personquestion: or teamWhat’s of persons approved questions to effectively manage the environment and, in accordance Shanon Paar – Arizona me to forget PAGE XXV calling. butSEE Mike Jaydenrenews asked itself me, hind answers for The us.her do so constantly stakeholders. EPA will take into account the his by the EPA. withfather, the prescribed fee.kept walking; thatwarmth it was 1985. Sara shared with and “Mom, why daddy leaving again”? I didn’t have any Because kindness, (success is like a mountain The submissions received from the public as well as EAB’s recommendations, the sectoral agency’s recomEnsure that you submit your applications for Environhonestycomments how she dealt withEPA’s betrayal, at that time.and I quickly to growing control myself turns out, is that tried keeps ahead from the agency are shared with the consultant and form the itmendations, thehard public’s and the own answers mental Authorisation, remember, “The environment is forgiveness, feelings of should being and started business!” engaging in other conversations it starts all of you as you hikewith it), my and Terms and Scope or Terms of Reference for the EIA. The —review, and out decide whether or and not the project everybody’s unloved. thinking he would distracted forget. Guess and puppy there’s theand very real danger EIA has three (3) components: an environmental baseline rainbows be approved. Whilst reviewing the EIA, the sectoral son, You can share yourget ideas and questions by sending This book is authentic, sassy, inwhat? I was wrong. He kept crying and asking the same dogs, and expands to that “succeeding” will take study, an environmental assessment and an Environmental agencies will also ensure that the EIA is consistent with letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Comspiring, bold, andor pragmatic, over Department, and over. Finally, afterwhole some life, time passed, include . . . guidelines, well, evup your while the Impact Statement (EIS). any plans, regulations codes of qualities practice question, munications Environmental Protection quite similar to the author herself. he stopped cryingStreet, and asking and startedor to erything. bigquestions questions go untended. developed by them. Agency, Ganges Sophia, GEORGETOWN, launched her book(EAB) at Artfest himself again. It was close to so I bathed One in our She So,bedtime, quick, follow end-of-speech The EIA is submitted The thing Environmental Assessment Board will be email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com, us on in Atlanta launching and in Jayden, took shower andand we were off totobed. The very favour: sometoofthethis advice: Since, according to recommend EPA whetherand the will EIA be is acceptable Facebook anda Instagram, subscribe our YouTube Yorktolater this month andPermit, Guykinder” Once the EIA has been completed, it is submitted to “becoming the conditions to be New attached the Environmental channel. in November. a p p e n sit be n a granted. t u r a l l y,ana SEE PAGE XX SEE PAGE XXI the EPA and the developer is required to publish a notice h should Should there be a need for additional with age. It might be

Let confidence be your crown

Sara’s incomplete journey KINDNESS

THE ENVIRONMENTAL...

The shocking Women in Dentistry tooth XVIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 23, 2022

WHILE the caption does dentistry and examine not quite fit into the scope why this situation exists Decay that is left untreated can progress to infect the dental ration prior to placement of of this following column, itplacement has an and it impacts oral and may cause an abscessed tooth. This can lead to the restoration or a fracture sensitivity of aif filling is thepulp interesting context. Should health of the public. mmon. A tooth may be sensitive to pressure, terrible pain, loss of the tooth and even death from Vincent’s of the restoration from bite anyone find it strange that theFor hundreds of years, or chewing trauma. Older foods, or temperature. Usually, sensitivity angina or encephalitis. 80 percent of the dentists it was a universally acfillings will generally be lost n its own within a few weeks. During this time, If the filling is large or the recurrent decay is extensive, fessors and scientists from tested. Thanks to the fighting in this country are men, cepted rule that academic due decay or fracturing of se things that are causing the sensitivity. Pain there may not be enough tooth structure remaining to support instances, the objection spirit of and perseverance of tosome ancient times to the present although there are more institution was a privilege the remaining tooth strucare generally not required. a replacement filling. In these cases, your dentist may need was powerful. a few forerunners, the univerday. They are almost excluwomen than men here? We for men. We can see the eviture. Finally, whatever general reason why teeth may become sensitive to replacesively the filling The first woman tounreceive a dental degree was Lucy sities were opened to female men. with a crown. know this trend is global. dence in halls of boardrooms desirable symptoms or doubts youfrom maythe have after having g filled is because of the drilling and cutting of New fillings that fall out are probably the result of Beaman Hobbs, who graduated Ohio College of It was not until the 19th students. However, the newly Today, I will deal with the of prestigious universities dental surgery in 1866. Others followed; for example, in a filling done, its best to check back with your dentist. ich are done during preparation of the cavity for improper cavity preparation, contamination of the prepaestablished dental schools century that the prejudice past and present role of where the walls are covered Sweden, Constance Elbe graduated at the Karolinska Inwere initially hesitant to adagainst women in academic member, the tooth is alive and needs some time women in the sphere of with portraits of famous prostitute in 1889. In Scotland, the first woman dentist, Lilian education began to be con- mit women students, and in ut there are several other explanations for pain Murray Lindsay, graduated in 1895. lings. The general trend worldwid, is towards an increasing example, there may be pain you experience when number of women entering the dental profession. For examown, which may be observed soon after the anple, in England and Wales, the proportion of women among

wears off and continues over time. In this case, the

nterfering with your bite. You will need to return ntist and have the filling reshaped. Then there is n your teeth touch. This pain is a very sharp pain s only when your teeth touch. The pain is likely the touching of two different metal surfaces (for the silver amalgam in a newly filled tooth and a n on another tooth with which it touches). Someteeth may even be some distance apart. The two m the poles of a “battery” with the saliva being olyte. The pain is really from galvanic shock genthe resulting electrical current. Sometimes the pears by itself after a week or so. e decay was very deep to the pulp (nerve) of the e might be a “toothache” pain. This response may hat this tissue is no longer healthy or the body has d as it should. In either case, a root canal treatment d. en there is what is known as referred pain. With f pain, you experience pain or sensitivity in other des the one that received the filling. With this sensation, there is likely nothing wrong with your filled tooth simply passes along “pain signals” it ng to other teeth. This pain should decrease on its one to two weeks. ic reactions to silver fillings are rare. In fact, ess than 100 cases reported in over two centuries, to the American Dental Association. In these mstances, mercury or one of the metals used in m restoration is thought to trigger an allergic reymptoms of amalgam allergy are similar to those ed in a typical skin allergy and include skin rashes g. Patients who suffer from amalgam allergies have a medical or family history of allergies to nce an allergy is confirmed, another restoration an be used. ant pressure from chewing, grinding, or clenchause dental fillings to wear away, chip or crack. you may not be able to tell that your filling is own, your dentist can identify weaknesses in your ns during a regular check-up. If the seal between g and the tooth enamel breaks down, food parti-

new entrants on the Dentists Register in 1975 was about 25%, in 1985 about 35% and in 1988 it was 40%. International statistics indicate that women and men are equally successful in pursuing studies in dentistry and in winning prizes and awards for high-quality work. However, over the years, there seems to be a general trend which reflects a difference in the careers of female and male dentists. For some unknown reason, the number of women who aspire to be the top echelon of the teaching staff of the dental faculties and colleges is far below what it should be given the proportion of women to men dentists who enter the field of dentistry. Few women actually make it to the top to occupy the professor’s chair. The records for the other senior positions are also disappointing. Two reasons have been given why women do not usually reach very high administering dental education. The first one is that there still appears to be some bias against women in the academic world. Many heads of dental schools feel that to be weighed and measured on the same scale as their male counterparts, they have to do better. The other reason is that those who occupy high posts today started their academic careers 25 to 35 yrs ago when it was much more uncommon for a woman to aspire to reach a top position, and society, as well as families in general, took a less supportive attitude to women’s professional ambitions. While certainly women are becoming increasingly involved in dentistry, in Finland, the situation is unique. Finland is the only country in the world where more than 80% of the dental profession are women. Indeed Finnish women almost completely dominate the profession in every aspect of it. However, comparative studies indicate that Finland’s dental service is not superior to countries with similar economies.

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Advocating for more job opportunities for UG graduates of 2021 IN the month of February, 2,000 students will be graduating from the University of Guyana. The students will be graduating from their respective programmes after years of gaining knowledge and experience from the university. I would like to highlight in this week’s column piece that there is a silent cry amongst these graduates. Year after year, students struggle to find jobs after graduating from a tertiary-level institution in Guyana. Believe me when I say, I know exactly how that feels now because I am

also graduating next month. Like many of my colleagues who will be graduating, we are searching for jobs, applying for every possible vacancy and keeping our fingers crossed to be called back by these agencies and institutions. Some of my colleagues will remain in their existing places of employment, hoping for a

promotion, others will be creating their own forms of employment through entrepreneurship and business and the majority of my class will remain unemployed until they can be accepted into an institution or agency— whenever that is. I do understand that you are accepted based on individualism and your overall achievements, but vacancies on the whole are scarce to begin with. This may not be the SEE PAGE XXIV

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Cleaning up Guyana one Nearly two years on, pile of garbage at a time COVID-19 remains relentless

LAST weekend, I was incredibly heartened to see the terrible sight, but it contribIN March, it will bewent two into years since theresources spread oftothe in issues. just four sheer effort that mobilising engage Last utes year, to other Take novelincoronavirus that causes months (August to Novemthe massive (SARS-CoV-2) clean-up campaign across the our disease capital city flooding, for example: our COVID-19 became a pandemic. It has been abeing relentless Georgetown. With talks of this cleanup part of ber) a low-lying when it was believed coast and ourthat vulnationwide effort, I could be up, happier, but I now do hope period that shows few signs of not easing especially nerability to rising sea levels, Guyana was in the height of these efforts be sustained. worsened by climate change, that that there is the new can Omicron variant ripping through the Delta surge, 453 deaths First, I wanted to talk about why these efforts are importplace During us in a precaricountries. werealready recorded. that ant. Of course, garbage smelly, and downright unwantsituation wheneverwere there Towards the end of lastis year, theugly, deadly Delta variant time,ous 15,277 infections ed. Soaswhen you have mounds garbage is the slightest bit of heavy emerged the dominant strain ofofthe virus.covering This ledstreets to a and recorded. clogging drains,init the is evident is infected, a problem.masrainfall. But asfrom many of us significant increase numberthat of there people Comparatively, March Of course, the build-up of garbage is not only athe smelly, knowtovery well,11, the2022, build-Guyana recorded a total of sive amounts of people hospitalised after experiencing 11, 2020, January more severe symptoms of COVID-19, and, unfortunately, 1,073 deaths and 46,005 infections. What this means is that too many deaths. more deaths and infections were recorded during that ‘Delta surge’ than any other period. The Delta strain appeared to be the worst of the pandemic (at least so far) but now, the Omicron variant presents some concerns. While it has not yet proven to lead to more deaths, because the symptoms (again, at least so far) appear less severe), it is more transmissible. Early evidence suggests that this variant has a reduced effect on the lungs (as the Delta variant did) and instead, is more likely to infect the respiratory tract (the nose, mouth and throat). This simply means that the virus is more easily spread from person to person, meaning that many more people can become infected. Guyana, for example, has not seen a significant increase in hospitalisations and deaths with the

up of garbage the flooding that we experience in suspected presenceworsens of the Omicron variant. Georgetown. Yet, there has been a significant number of people inOne would expect that rainwater would run off and not fected in less than one month. From December 28, 2021, accumulate in waterways, but it is not uncommon to see a pile to January 10, 2022, a total of 6,212 people were infected. of garbage clogging a drain. And that is simply disappointing. It is not hard to empathise with the people who are forced to traverse those very same waterways and, as such, potentially come into contact with contaminated water. If you depend on public transportation as I do, that means often walking

The numbers moved from 32 new infections (December 28) to a peak of 1,016 new infections (January 8). As mentioned before, there has not been a corresponding increase in hospitalisations and deaths as seen with the Delta variant. Still, some concerns have been raised globally that can be taken into consideration here. With the Omicron coronavirus variant affecting more people, throughstated flooded andwith roads that are not only covscientists thatpavements individuals underlying pre-exeredconditions in rainfall,might but also an overflowing drain, for isting be water more from vulnerable to becoming example, thatill.has been contaminated with the garbage inside. more seriously It’s Republic of Guyana’ Andnot it very is for‘Cooperative this reason,oil-producing global authorities have rematerial, frained fromhonestly. categorising this variant as “mild.” In fact, Beyond these flooding that the build-up the Director-General of the woes, Worldconsider Healthtoo Organization of garbage has Adhanom health implications. It really does not augur (WHO) Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus has specifically wellthat for the development anddo maintenance of a good this standard asked health authorities not underestimate of living. Omicron variant. Fortunately, we should fine if the massive To add a bit of nuance, it isbeimportant to note that clean-up the efforts isarespreading sustainedacross and/or the supported with mechanisms Omicron globe at a time when to sustainably manage disposal in thewidespread city. But such there is a greater level ofgarbage vaccination, though sustainedremain. effort does not happen with just wishful inequalities Perhaps the vaccination’s impactthinking. has Significant resources mobilised clean up the city contributed to the less severewere symptoms beingtoexperienced. in the manner wethis sawislast includedtoeverything Whether or not theweekend. case, it isThat important note trucks toand hoses to sheer manpower. thatfrom vaccination adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines personal responsibility is crucial. It should -- suchFirstly, as wearing masks, avoiding large gatherings and go without saying that we each have to engage in better garbageconstant sanitisation -- remain key tools in fighting the disposal practices. But, focusing personal responsibility harmful effects of the disease and theon spread of the virus. alone, believe, seemingly absolves institutions This isI all the more important, I believe, nowand thatlarger contributors from their responsibilities. And so, businesses Guyana is moving towards returning to a greater sense of have to particularly take greater with responsibility for theofproper disposal normalcythe reopening schools for of garbage, ifclasses. it means spending a bit extra each month. Similarface-to-face ly, our have governance institutions, such aslosses our local government There been significant learning (including bodies, are responsible for ensuring that our garbage is coldropouts) associated with the closure of schools for the past lected and disposed of, but also holding those same businesses 22 months and as such, the reopening of schools has been responsible. touted as much-needed. But still, there are challenges with Following the clean-up efforts, there were reports of three this, especially now that the Omicron variant is surging. men being arrested and charged for littering along Wellington I don’t believe that this Omicron variant is something Street in Georgetown. Those reports did not provide details thaton should be taken lightly certainly do believe the circumstances, butand theI institution of not charges got me thatthinking. now is the time for any of us to relax our focus on that At our markets in Georgetown, I have reported keeping I think thatpay the some pandemic still a farindividuals way manysafe. vendors usually of theishomeless from being over, but more and more, we have to find ways dwelling nearby to dispose of their garbage at the end of the of adapting andwitnessed adjusting. day. I have the minute consideration being given to If you would likeistotaken discuss this column orofany of And where the garbage -- just once it is out sight. my that previous writings, feelthe free to contact me via is why around please many of SEE PAGE XXI email: vish14ragobeer@gmail.com markets in Georgetown there are

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 23, 2022

Cleaning up Guyana ... FROM PAGE XX mounds of garbage. Certainly, once caught, those homeless individuals would be culpable, but what about the vendors who are cognisant that the garbage will not be properly disposed of? How do we dissuade those homeless individuals from simply dropping garbage anywhere and how do we encourage vendors to invest a bit more in purchasing bins for their stalls, for example? I’m not trying to single out vendors and the market situation, though, let’s face it, this is a disgusting situation. I am trying to point

out the type of nuanced considerations that I hope people much smarter and much more authoritative than I am would be examining. Without these considerations, I do not believe that any clean-up exercise would have a lasting impact, no matter how grand and well-meaning. And before I wrap up this column, let me add that I do not believe that punitive measures alone will suffice (as the adage goes- stricter the government, wiser the population). What was important last weekend was that the cleanup campaign appealed to a greater sense of community -- you know, doing something

good that would have an overall benefit on many more people. I think our prospects in oil-and-gas development and an expected surge in tourism also conditioned us into thinking that, hey, yes, Georgetown can’t be a stinky place. And so, when we explore all the ways of encouraging people to sustain these clean-up efforts, we have to also find ways of meaningfully connecting them with the cause. 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

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The people of Salem...

FROM PAGE VII

Melissa Grimes

first, he needs to plough and prepare the land. He explained that he had paid a tractor operator to plough the land, but the man did only a part and did not Raymond Brown refund the money to him. “So I am in it as it relates to money, but I can’t fight it, it will take time, so I am working other jobs in the village trying to garner funds to start planting again,” he said. He has 20 acres of land aback Salem Village and has his eyes set on planting cassava and potatoes as new crops at his farm. Melissa Grimes, the stay-at-home mom The 27-year-old is also a villager of Salem ,and these days, due to the pandemic, she had to quit her job since she was laid off. Grimes will soon pursue a course in hair and nails. She will re-open her shop in front of her house and work from home once qualified. She is from a family of three sisters and two brothers and resides with a sibling, who has a son. Her husband is a farmer and they have 10 acres of farmland in the village, but he does part-time work with relatives. “Life is good because I am surrounded by family and things are right around here,” she said. Manolall Babolall, the pensioner Manolall Babolall is a pensioner, a resident of Salem Village, who spends his days of retirement tending to his garden and watching shows via his cellphone when he is in the hammock. The 64-year-old has a hammock under his house where his grandson has a wash bay and visitors would entertain him. The father of four told the Pepperpot Magazine that within the past 10 years, they have seen development in the village. He reported that the main access road was re-paved about 20 years ago and presently, it is in need of an upgrade. Babolall was a farmer and used to be a Sluice Operator at the koker for 11 years, but was dismissed. After he was dismissed five years ago, he became a Ranger and worked at that job for seven years after which he retired. Babolall added that he has 10.5 acres of farmland in the village, but isn’t farming these days, except for his cash-crop garden at home. “I am a farmer but never benefitted from the Flood Relief Cash Grant of $50,000 and all my crops in the yard was [sic] destroyed as you can see, it is [sic] in pots now,” he said. Apart from these things, he added that Salem is a good place to live.

Home of Eavette Grimes. (Delano Williams photos)

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 23, 2022

Holding her ...

FROM PAGE VIII

And that of her daughter, making it an extended family setting which she is grateful since she is never alone. She has grandchildren to play with, and at least two of

Part of Seerajie’s front yard

her three children close by. Being a farmer for the past 19 years, Seerajie added that like some investments, farming is by chance and a profit isn’t guaranteed but she would try to roll with the punches based on faith. That day, when the team visited luckily, Seerajie was at home and she wasn’t sitting but pruning trees and flower plants in her yard. “The farmhand did not show up for work today, so I decided to get some yard work started as you can see, and the weather is also good,” she said. As a thinking farmer, Seerajie told the Pepperpot Magazine that pineapple takes 18 months to grow to reach a ripened stage. So in the meantime, she decided to plant other crops such as coconuts, custard apple, pear and ground provisions. She would sell her produce to strictly wholesale buyers when there is harvest at Naamryck Koker where she would bring out the produce via boat from the farm. Seerajie, a mild-mannered woman, has only one grousethe empty plot next to hers is overgrown by thick bushes, but for the past 19 years, she has been maintaining the canal and the dam that runs along both lands. She is concerned for her safety because it was there she saw a stranger early one morning when she was making her way to her farm. Seerajie had to affix lights on her house for security at night because the village is void of street lights and it is very dark. “Life here is good but it entails a lot of hard work and hardly any time to have recreation but being self-employed means a lot to me,” she said. Delano Williams photos saved in a folder in Graphics as Salem Village. Captions: 8139 – 8239 – 8227 –

Seerajie at her home in Salem Village (Delano Williams photos)

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Advocating for ...

FROM PAGE XIX reality for some students as I can only speak through my personal experiences and the experiences I’ve heard of or seen firsthand. Some students do go onto working shortly after completing their studies but in my opinion, that isn’t always the case for the masses. I can say with certainty that there is a scarcity of jobs

for students who are majoring in social science fields. I am one of those students. If you don’t believe me, you can conduct your own surveys on unemployment amongst graduates of the University of Guyana. Ask your friends and family who recently graduated how many colleagues they know that are currently employed versus the amount of colleagues they know who are unemployed—you’ll get your

answers. As we celebrate the success stories of the students who graduate, we should also advocate for them so that their success stories end at the completion of their degrees. We, as a collective ought to uplift the intellectuals and professionals of our developing country. We need trained professionals more than ever in the present and upcoming sectors of our oil-producing nation. We need to expand

on existing sectors or create new ones for the thousands of students who graduate from the University of Guyana. Otherwise, Guyana will be plagued with an increase of migrating professionals—year after year. In Berbice, many young professionals have to disrupt their lives to move to the capital city to be employed in their fields of study. While updated statistics are unavailable for this recurring

social issue, I am sure that the unemployment rate in the county of Berbice alone is solely staggering. One can only imagine what the rates are at the national level. I urge you all to keep this topic at the back of your minds as the young upcoming professionals share their graduation pictures on social media throughout the upcoming weeks. We, the graduates, should be able to join the workforce without seeking employment at a place that

undermines your degree or at a place that categorizes you as “overqualified.” Some jobs that are available currently require you to have years of experience in a said field, but how can one be experienced when there are little to no jobs available to begin with? As we celebrate, we will also advocate and I hope those in the respective authorities listen and understand our plea for an expansion in the workforce of our country.

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The Sluice Operator... FROM PAGE IX

lem Village is a tranquil countryside place where there is unity among the people except for one. He is also a part-time farmer and when he has some spare time he would spend it on his five-acre farmland aback Salem/Naamryck vil-

lages. He has crops of plantains and pineapple. Gyfhius pointed out that being a farmer means one has to be a patient person because plantains take nine months to grow fully, and pineapples take 15 months for a crop. Gyfhius added that he

would do all his household chores and also prepare his own meals every day and is accustomed to his way of life. “I would make breakfast and do one-cook for lunch and dinner,” he said. The former newspaper vendor

Shaveza Smith is a resident of Salem Village, East Bank Essequibo and was a newspaper vendor for two years. She used to sell the daily newspapers at Parika Junction but after she tested positive for COVID-19 last year she had to quit that job. The 29-year-old told

the Pepperpot Magazine that the village consists mostly of Gobins, Grimes, and Persauds family tree families. Her husband, Shon Smith, a farmer and taxi driver was also a newspaper vendor for nine years but he also quit. Today, the newspaper

vending was handed down to an aunt, Debbie Johnson, who sells newspaper at the Parika Market Junction. Smith said life in Salem is good and the mother of three is a stay-at-home mom, who tend to the household chores and takes care of three daughters.

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THOUGHT FOR TODAY

O body swayed to music brightening glance , O , How can we know the dancer from the dance? W.F. YEATS (183 Among School Chi 5-1918) ldren, VIII

January 23, 2022 STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Welcome, dear friend.

During this time of year, students, trying to ensure examination success, punish themselves with strenuous, unbroken hours of revision. Desist from this. A more successful revision regimen can consist of short breaks between (let us say) 25-minute study sessions. This scientifically proven method helps information stay firmly in the mind. The human brain processes information while sleeping and a well-revised topic will be easier to recall if you sleep on it. Like it. Try it. Be wise. Love you. GRAMMAR Some Needed Tightening up on Punctuation: Quotation Marks Quotation marks are signals that help the reader interpret a message correctly. Quotation marks, for example, tell the reader, “These are the exact words spoken or written by a person.” In addition, the use of quotation marks is related to the use of commas, full stops, colons, and semicolons. Today we look at two functions of quotation marks: a) Quotation Within a Quotation, and b) Punctuation at the End of Quotations. Quotation Within a Quotation Note: The opening and closing quotation marks can also be termed the first and second quotation marks. Rule: A quotation within a quotation is enclosed in single quotation marks. For example: Ms. Bramble said, “This so-called ‘once-in-a-lifetime offer’ should be reported to the Ministry of Social Sciences as a fraud.” “Each blue package must be marked ‘Fragile,’ of course,” said the supervisor of packaging. Punctuation at the End of Quotations. The positioning other punctuation marks inside or outside the ending quotation mark sometimes causes confusion. Look at these three principles: 1. Full stops and Commas. Always place full stops and commas inside the second quotation mark. “As was predicted,” said Father Morris to his con-

gregation, “our Christmas sales of cards and pendants have exceeded our building expectations.” (Note the position of the comma and the full stop inside each second quotation mark.) 2. Colon and Semicolons. Always place colons and semicolons outside the second semicolon mark. Notice these charts in the article “Resources for People Living with Cancer”: Chart 1.4, Chart 1.7, and Chart 2.5. (Note the position of the colon outside the second quotation mark.) For quality orders, the sales agent promised us a “very special deal”; however, we have no room for storing large inventories. (See semicolon is outside second quotation mark.) 3. Question Marks and Exclamation Points. If the words within quotations make up a question or an exclamation, then the question mark or exclamation point belongs within those words - that is, it belongs inside the second quotation mark. Simpson asked, “Does S. Browne and Sons Carwash still offer us a corporate discount?” (Note the placing of the question mark inside the second quotation mark.) Is S. Browne and Sons Carwash the company that offers the so-called “Washfor-Less Special”? (Note that the quoted words are part of the question; thus, the question mark belongs outside the second quotation mark.) Application Exercises Correct any errors in the use of quotation marks and related other punctuation. Write OK if there are no errors. [See Key immediately after exercises.] 1. In the column marked Company Tax, enter the total sales tax for your company. 2. The word principle means “rule”; the word principal means “chief or primary.” 3. Reprints of the newsletter that I compiled, A Higher Calling, are available from my news counter. 4. One of my several recent articles, ‘The Call of Abraham.’ won a special journalism award. 5. When asked whether I had any plans to sell the small company, I replied “Absolutely not!”

6. What is the commonly used English expression that means “a stretch of the truth?” [KEY: 1. “Company Tax,” (Comma inside last quotation mark.)...2. principle (underline for italics) . . principal (underline for italics)...3. “A Higher Calling,” ....4. “The Call of Abraham,” (Comma inside last quotation mark.)...5. OK ..6. “a stretch of the truth”? (Question mark outside second quotation mark.)] THE PASSAGE Reading Comprehension Your neighbour, an elderly adult, stays locked in her house all day, afraid to open the door to anyone. Too many hours of watching local TV news, you think. But it’s not just older people who are living in fear. Parents, women, gays, and minorities are all looking over their shoulders. Some parents who walked to school when they were children wouldn’t think of letting their kids do that. What about child molesters and kidnappers? A young woman at a party guards her drink all night – afraid that someone might put a drug in it. She’s afraid of being raped. The gay person who goes to his old neighbourhood to visit his grandmother feels uneasy. Is it his imagination, or are people looking at him in a threatening way? An African American man walking down the road hears a racial slur. Should he ignore it, or stop and say something? Something to Do 1. Give the categories of people the writer says are aware of violent others? Which other violent others do you know? 2. Do you think it is a bad pastime if the elderly neighbour spends too many hours watching the TV news? Suggest three other channels she could be watching to allay or inform her fears. 3. According to the passage, parents who walked to school are now ...... (A) putting their children in harm’s way. (B) afraid to put their children in harm’s way. (C) allowing them to walk to school. (D) sending them to school by bus.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 23, 2022

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, January 23, 2022