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Sunday, October 25, 2026 Conducting safety inspections at the Wales Gas to Energy Project earlier this year

Occupational Safety and Health Officer Calls for a Stronger Safety Her Voice for Safety Reaches Culture in Guyana from Region Three and Beyond

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 25, 2026

Glowing tributes as Guyanese Pandit receives Arya Samaj’s prestigious award

By Frederick Halley HE has been described as “a true champion of Arya Samaj, a light in our Diaspora, the ultimate Guyanese Baboo, and my extraordinary uncle” by attorney-at-law Roger Sawh, who had the distinct pleasure of introducing Pandit Virjanand Joe Jaglall as the 2026 recipient of its Annual Award for his humanitarian and selfless work within the Canadian community and further afield. Held at the imposing and majestic Vedic Cultural Centre/Arya Samaj Mandir in Toronto, Canada, recently, the event treated the appreciative, sold-out audience, which included several prominent dignitaries, to an evening of cultural presentations from various singers, and the audience was serenaded by Devin Ramoutar, one of the most sought-after musicians in Toronto. Among those extending greetings was Guyana’s President, Dr Mohammed

Irfaan Ali, who, in a video recording, described Pandit Jaglall as a remarkable son of Guyana whose life has been measured not simply by the years of service but in conviction and enduring determination to community and country. According to Sawh, “The audience featured dozens of people brought out in the name of community to bestow a deserved honour upon a man who has spent his time, his energy, and quite frankly his existence transforming that Vedic principle into tangible human dignity.” Sawh pointed out that “to understand the calibre of the man we celebrate tonight, we must look to the setting that forged him. Uncle Joe’s story begins in the rustic simplicity of Number 66 Village on the Corentyne in Berbice. “Raised in the agricultural tradition by his humble, hard-working parents, Pitaji Jeet and Mataji Savi, his childhood was defined by their character and Vedic grounding. For many of you

who have been members of this Mandir for a long time, you would remember Mataji and Pitaji, ever smiling, ever kind, ever committed. “Joe also derived great guidance and inspiration from his late uncle, Pandit Budhram Mahadeo, a renowned name on both the religious and the political scenes in those days. The moulding and shaping began from the very start. “And like so many of his generation, when the reality of migration came about at a relatively young age, he found himself in the Great White North. He packed an unyielding work ethic with him and found himself making his connections and establishing new roots through familiar means – religiously, through the Toronto Arya Samaj, and politically, through the Association of Concerned Guyanese.” Reminiscing, Sawh pointed out that “in becoming established in this country, Joe also professionally pushed himself to greater heights

Pandit Virjanand Joe Jaglall receives his award from a member of the Arya Samaj

Pandit Jaglall poses with members of his immediate family

step by step. From the demanding conditions of a factory job to several twists and turns in between, he always brought his qualities and character to the fore and somehow stayed involved in helping people. “Today, so many know and respect him as a realtor in the Greater Toronto Area and further afield, making a prominent name for himself in that realm. It’s no wonder, in fact, that the professional journey has been somewhat of a full circle, with an involved, leading role in the impressive Mahaica Meadows project that is being developed.” Despite a busy professional schedule, Joe still finds time to volunteer and help others. He describes himself as a humble servant of the community who never looks for anything in return for his efforts, adding, “My blessings come as an opportunity to be in a position to help others because of my passion for working with people, re-

gardless of differences.” While he is a long-standing member of Toronto Arya Samaj, he has not limited his support to that organisation but has extended his volunteer services to other organisations as well, including Peel Arya Samaj Mandir and Cultural Centre; Shiva Mandir in Scarborough; Seva4life Canada Inc.; Humanitarian Mission of Port Mourant, Guyana; Vedanta Academy in Bush Lot, Berbice, Guyana; Prabhu Sharan Orphanage in Cornelia Ida, Guyana; youth training camps, both in Guyana and Toronto; Shiv Sewa Sangh Mandir in Scarborough; Panwar Music and Dance Academy; Sangeet Vidyalaya Vedic Cultural and Educational Centre Inc.; Maha Rudradev Mandir and Cultural Centre in Scarborough; and Guyana Festival, Toronto, among others. In January 2019, Pandit Joe spearheaded a special committee to raise funds TURN TO PAGE VII

A helping hand

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 25, 2026

Local advocate’s selfless acts of volunteerism know no boundaries

By Michel Outridge NO stranger to hard work, sacrifice, and faith, Sharon Austin had a hard life, but a good upbringing taught her kindness and compassion for others early on. Austin believes this quality helped her see life differently, accept what she can’t control, and show kindness and compassion without expecting anything in return. She is the friendliest, most caring, and most hardworking person, and she enjoys learning new things and meeting people. Austin joined ballroom dancing because she loves music and dancing and wanted to challenge herself by learning new things without limiting herself. For Austin, ballroom dancing has helped her build confidence, improve her communication with others, and express herself through movement in a way that makes her feel alive and capable of doing anything. “I enjoy being part of the dance family and the positive atmosphere it creates. I believe that it is never too late to learn something new, and I am grateful for the opportunity to grow through ballroom dancing,” she said. Austin told Pepperpot Magazine that she also likes helping others, and that’s why she decided to volunteer

on Wednesdays and Thursdays with the Open Gates Community Group. She wanted to give back to the community and contribute her time and effort to support their work. Austin said volunteerism is meaningful and rewarding for her, and she enjoys helping others, working as part of a team, and knowing her contribution is appreciated and valued. “I believe that giving back to the community is important because every act of kindness can make a difference,” she said. She said she is grateful for the opportunity to volunteer with the Open Gates Community Group and looks forward to helping and supporting others whenever she can. Austin grew up in a loving and caring environment with both parents. She has two elder sisters and one brother and is the third child. She added that her father was very strict about their upbringing at home, which helped lay a strong foundation of morals and manners and taught her the importance of respect, kindness, honesty, and helping others. “My family taught me to work hard, appreciate what I have, and always treat people with love and respect,” she said. Austin disclosed that she

lost her beloved father at an early stage in her life, and her mother became a single parent and had to take care of them, which strengthened her resilience. She attended St. Angela’s Primary School, where she participated in dance, drama, and debates; then she went on to Charlestown Secondary, where she took up athletics. Austin was the school’s champion girl in those days, and she had a tendency to help others. “As I grew older, I faced different challenges that helped me become stronger and more responsible. These experiences shaped me into the person I am today and taught me to value family, friendship, and giving back to others,” she said. Austin has two sons but would always care for other children because she loves children, even if they are not her own. She is a native of Hadfield Street, Lodge, but relocated to North Ruimveldt, another ward of the city, when she was younger. Open Gates Community Group Open Gates Community Group (OGCG) is a skills-training project designed to address unemployment and societal ills within the community. It falls under the umbrella of Eden Gates Farm, formed

Sharon Austin

Sharon Austin in a group activity with other volunteers with Open Gates Community Group

and registered in 2022 by a group of like-minded people for farming and as a safe space for the community, but later evolved into a training facility for the common good. From farming, they developed into a snackette, a recreational facility (safe space), a variety store, a meeting place, and an OGCG to facilitate training and capacity building for villagers in Parika. The farm is multi-purpose: they grow long-term crops like citrus, raise fish and poultry, and grow coconuts. They hope to build a shade house soon to expand the farm. The OGCG has seven administrative members, with 14 volunteers and ground support personnel scattered across the country. Eden Gates Farm will also train people in agriculture and involve villagers, especially those with small businesses like cement block-making and workshops, by taking on trainees to empower people, including youths and the elderly. So far, people are responding favourably, but they need some more support. People are more excited about the training sessions that started in January this year in catering, sewing, computer and mechanical training. Parika, East Bank Essequibo, has two housing schemes with about 140 households and an additional immigrant population of more than 40 households, so it needs capacity and human capacity building, but not limited to that area alone. Dr Godfrey Washington, speaking on behalf of the group members, told Pepperpot Magazine that OGCG encompasses two aspects of training and development: human capacity building and community capacity building. He explained that, with an emphasis on holistic development for each participant, enabling them to be more grounded individuals, community welfare is a focus for residents as they work to make their community safer, healthier, and more progressive.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 25, 2026

21 Years of Dedication, Passion and Inspiring Young Minds

By Michel Outridge SEPTEMBER was Education Month, celebrated under the theme: “From Classrooms to Communities, Education Transforms Lives.” Pepperpot Magazine has been featuring our educators, and this week we highlight Miss Joy Harripaul of Novar Primary School, a dedicated, respected teacher who has served her community well. Born on January 26, 1980, in Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, Miss Joy Harripaul has spent her entire life in the community she proudly calls home. A dedicated educator, she is a single mother of three children: two boys, namely Niron Ramdeen and Aaron Narine, and a girl, Luanna

Ramdeen Singh. She has devoted 21 years of her life to the teaching profession, shaping young minds and making a lasting difference in the lives of her pupils. Currently serving at Novar Primary School, Miss Harripaul describes teaching as more than just a job; it is a passion that continues to inspire her every day. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to educating children, helping them develop their knowledge, confidence, and values to become responsible members of society. Like many women, Miss Harripaul has faced numerous challenges throughout her life. Balancing the responsibilities of motherhood with the demands of her pro-

fession has required strength, perseverance, and determination. Despite the difficulties, she continues to move forward with courage and a deep commitment to the children entrusted to her care. For Miss Harripaul, however, the greatest reward of teaching is not found in awards or recognition, but in the love and respect she receives from her former pupils. She considers it one of the most fulfilling experiences of her career when she encounters past students on the road, and they warmly greet her. Sometimes, she may not recognise them immediately, but they approach her with a smile and say, “Miss, I know you!”

for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young people. Her journey is a testament to the strength of a woman who continues to balance motherhood, overcome life’s challenges, and serve her community through education. For Miss Joy Harripaul, success is measured not only by the number of years spent in the classroom, but by the generations of students who remember her with love and respect. Her story is one of dedication, resilience, and the enduring impact of a teacher who truly cares. Miss Harripaul’s father died when she was 21 years old, but her mother is still alive, and she also resides in Mahaicony, East Coast De-

Teacher Joy Harripaul

Joy Harripaul and her three children

Miss Joy Harripaul, who is celebrating 21 years as a teacher at Novar Primary School

These simple yet meaningful encounters remind her that the lessons she taught and the relationships she built have left a lasting impression. Such moments serve as a powerful reminder that a teacher’s influence extends far beyond the classroom. Even years after students have moved on, the care, guidance, and encouragement they received continue to shape their lives. As Miss Harripaul reflects on her 21 years in education, she remains grateful

merara. They are natives of Mahaicony Village, a place that is more than home for them, and Miss Harripaul has spent the past 21 years teaching as a qualified teacher. She has four brothers and is the youngest child and only daughter in the family. Miss Harripaul made sacrifices early in her teaching career to become academically qualified and enrolled at Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE). Even with three young children, she managed somehow.

She overcame many hurdles as a single parent and, over the years, ensured her children were provided for and well cared for. Miss Harripaul, as she is fondly called, is a simple woman of virtue who has contributed selflessly to her community to improve others’ lives. She is a role model, and teaching has become part of her everyday life, not just a job, but what she loves to do. For Education Month, the Ministry of Education em-

phasised how school growth and knowledge spread outward to strengthen entire neighbourhoods and families. It also highlighted teacher training, digital and technological expansion in schools, and wider access to learning environments. Kick-off activities like the “Steps for Education” walk in Georgetown, promoting wellness, sharper minds, and anti-bullying awareness, were among the major events held during the month’s activities.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 25, 2026

Occupational Safety and Health Officer Calls for a Stronger Safety Her Voice for Safety Reaches Culture in Guyana from Region Three and Beyond

By Andrea Hendricks

FOR Christa Simmons, safety is not simply a workplace requirement. It is a responsibility that connects her professional life, community service, and ongoing commitment to the people of Region Three. At 41, Simmons, who hails from Den Amstel, serves as an Occupational Safety and Health Officer with the Ministry of Labour and as Region Three’s health and safety officer. Her work takes her to workplaces across the country, while her community service keeps her closely connected to residents’ concerns at home. Before entering occupational safety and health, Simmons spent six years travelling to different countries as a Fly Jamaica flight attendant. The airline later ceased operations in Guyana, prompting her to take a new direction. While taking a break and studying, Simmons applied for an opportunity with the Ministry of Labour. She was successful and began a career that let her stay active rather than sit at a desk all day.

Her responsibilities include workplace health and safety inspections, fatal-accident investigations, seminars and training in and around the country, as well as offshore with employers. “As a Safety and Health Officer, my work involves travelling to different locations on land and water and sitting at the desk in the office, which I gravitated to,” Simmons said. Community work has also remained important to her. When she was asked to join the Community Development Council in her area, she accepted and became its secretary. “I like to reach out and be of help when called upon,” she told this publication.

Other Talents Simmons has also built an impressive pageantry profile. In 2007, she won the Miss Jamzone and Bartica Regatta titles, milestones that established her presence in the pageant industry. In 2008, she represented Guyana at Miss World in South Africa and was named the country’s representative for Face of the Universe in Ghana. She later represented

Conducting Safety Inspections at Aurora Gold Mines Region 7, Christa Simmons(Right)

Guyana at the Miss Tourism Queen International pageant in China and the Miss International Elegant Mothers Pageant. Her connection to pageantry continues through her work as a judge for the Miss Guyana Teen with A Purpose Pageant and as pageant director of the Little Den Amstel Emancipation Pageant. In her work, Simmons has seen safety breaches treated as normal. “Apparently, Guyanese don’t take their safety seriously at their place of work,” she said. She is particularly concerned about office ergonomics and the musculoskeletal disorders that can result from sitting for long periods or using office equipment incorrectly. People often take these practices for granted, even as their effects accumulate over time. Construction sites, she said, present another serious challenge. She described them as “deadly, as persons are going to work daily and not thinking about their own safety until an incident occurs.” Although employers provide safety gear, Simmons TURN TO PAGE VII

Amcham Health Safety Securirty & Environment conference, June 2026

Conducting safety inspections at the Wales Gas to Energy Project earlier this year

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 25, 2026

Occupational Safety and Health Officer...

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noted that some employees are careless with it. She believes more attention must be paid to worksite safety and urges people to become more safety-conscious. On community outreach, residents have raised concerns about overgrown vegetation, a lack of streetlights, narrow streets and social issues involving senior citizens’ pensions and public assistance. As a member of the Community Development Council, Simmons’ mission is to address and resolve these issues. The CDC team plans to close its year of activities with a town hall meeting and a Christmas drive for seniors, people with disabilities, and single parents, as it continues projects to make the area beautiful and safe. Balancing her roles can be challenging, but Simmons credits God with her ability to manage them. “It is only because of God that I am able to do what I do in fulfilling my responsibility towards my family, community and work.” She added, “I am also doing a good job at multitasking.” She organises herself at the office on Mondays to set the week’s pace, based on the areas and assignments ahead. For the council, planning and organising are done largely online, which is less time-consuming. For Simmons, one of the most rewarding parts of her

work is seeing knowledge lead to action. “I feel satisfied with sharing knowledge when it comes to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, especially when it is received for the first time. Follow-up conversations tell me that the information was received, action will follow, and that is fulfilling to me,” she said. Simmons believes education and guidance should come before penalties when safety rules are breached, although penalties must follow when someone becomes negligent or refuses to make positive changes. She feels a similar satisfaction when the council responds to a community request, and residents express appreciation after raising an issue. Looking ahead, she wants workplaces to develop a stronger safety culture. “I would like to see a safety culture being formed and demonstrated in all workplaces by establishing a committee where persons are looking out for each other and for safety hazards in the workplace with their employers.” She also hopes community members will work together on development, regardless of political affiliation. “The mindset of the people needs to change as they understand their rights and the role of the Government of the day and its responsibility towards all citizens of the country.”

For Simmons, every chapter of her life has prepared her for the next. “Pageantry taught me to project my voice on a global stage, community development anchored me in purpose and occupational safety gives me a solemn duty to protect lives. Across every chapter, my mission has remained the same: to lead with empathy, represent the people with integrity and serve.” Simmons’ journey exemplifies a life dedicated to service, advocacy, and empowerment. Her diverse experiences have equipped her with the skills and insights to drive meaningful change in her community and beyond. Through her work, she continues to inspire others to prioritise safety, engage in community development, and embrace the spirit of collaboration. Her story shows the impact one individual can have when driven by duty and compassion. As she looks to the future, Simmons remains committed to her mission of fostering safer environments and making her community and region a model. Her unwavering dedication serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder that passion and purpose can drive positive change. With her guidance, Region Three and its residents are poised to thrive, united by a shared commitment to safety and progress.

Glowing tributes as Guyanese Pandit receives Arya Samaj’s...

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to assist Jessica Motilall, a victim of domestic abuse and violence, allowing her the opportunity to return to her normal life. Within the first week of his arrival in Canada, he met the late Sash Sawh (former Minister of Agriculture in Guyana) and joined the Association of Concerned Guyanese (ACG). He also started the First Arya Samaj Internet Radio, a very popular programme that brought the community together. With encouragement from him and Pt Ramoutar, many youths had the opportunity to perform on the big stage with established artists, helping them develop their musical talents. Pandit Joe currently serves as Vice Pres-

ident of Mahaica Meadows, Guyana’s largest privately owned real estate company, which is building a city on the East Coast of Demerara in Guyana. His wife, Shinita, and his family have supported him, giving him the time to do his charitable work. The award also acknowledges her role. According to Joe, while he has received many accolades from other organisations, this one coming from his home one will hold special significance for him. Among those in attendance were the Mayor of Markham, Ned Blair, Senior VP, National Ethnic Press, Dr Vivian Rambihar, Swami Bhajanananda, Shiv Persaud (Chair of the Guyana Festi-

val), Pandit Jageshwar Sharma, Roy Sugrim (President, Seva4Life) and Nadira Raghunandan Dyal (President of Shiv Sewa Sangh). Apart from President Ali, video tributes were also received from Sattie Sawh (former Consul General, Toronto), Dr Terry Gajraj (world-famous Guyanese artist), Selwyn Pieters (international lawyer), Dr Yog Mahadeo, Phoolkumarie Gobin (Radio Guyana host, 89.5 RGI), Denny Persaud (ARD, Guyana’s most popular social media content creator), Hon Vickram Bharrat (Guyana’s Natural Resources Minister) and Mr and Mrs Ramkissoon (Mahaica Meadows owners in Guyana).

Little Miss Den Amstel Emancipation Pageant Senior Junior Queen (left) Pageant Director, Christa Simmons(Right)

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 25, 2026

Can I say “I don’t know”?

FOR those of us who frequent social media sites, especially to watch shortform video content, “Vox Pops”, more commonly known as “Street Interviews”, are becoming increasingly familiar. In about 30 minutes of scrolling, we may encounter at least one of these highly entertaining videos where a charismatic interviewer stops a random person in public to ask a random question. Sometimes, the questions are designed to elicit outrage or another emotional response that keeps the viewer engaged. Sometimes, the question is a gentle prompt that allows the respondent to share something interesting about themselves. Sometimes, the interview is com-

pletely staged, and the value it provides isn’t even worth the time we spend watching it. Regardless of the topic or who it features, these videos draw our attention to an interesting modern phenomenon. Because of the reach technology gives us, it is quite normal for someone to learn about an incident happening in another part of the world almost instantly. People can easily access discussions about politics or celebrity drama from a country thousands of miles away. In many ways, this reach is empowering, giving us a sense of responsibility and interconnectedness. Through this interconnectedness, we can donate money to help people in crisis or speak up for those

being oppressed. We can witness history as it is being created. However, it also creates a unique problem. In today’s world, everyone is expected to have an opinion on everything and be quite vocal about it. There seems to be no excuse for not being aware of a social issue, topic or popular incident. More importantly, there seems to be no excuse for failing to speak about what we encounter on the internet. It is not a problem that we hold a higher social responsibility in today’s world. The problem is that we are expected to act before we understand. As far-reaching as social media can be, it’s true that when we hear about an issue or incident, we learn some-

one’s opinion before we learn about the topic itself. An influencer pops up on your feed, speaking rapidly and listing reasons you should switch from a brand you’ve used since you were a child. Then, before you can understand why you are being encouraged to do so, the next influencer appears and tells you why it is offensive to wear neon pink shoes. Both pieces of information require you to stop for at least a few minutes and read more to learn whether the news is true and what you can do in response. Yet, you never do. Most of us do not. Most of us use social media to take a break and relax. This means that even when we encounter some-

thing that needs further attention, we usually keep scrolling rather than stopping to educate ourselves, because stopping to learn more every time we hear something new would make the experience less gratifying. So, we go about our day with an incomplete piece of information tucked away at the back of our minds. When we are stopped at random by an interviewer, we might know to say that we would never wear pink shoes or use a particular brand, but what we would be sharing is a regurgitation of an opinion we have encountered and understood as being popular, not an opinion that we ourselves have developed after gaining sufficient information. This culture can eventu-

ally become an unfortunate disease – a form of unintentional conformity. This particular problem is dangerous because we are unintentionally allowing ourselves to adopt the same thoughts that everyone else is having, which would not be too bad if it were about a meal choice or an outfit, but becomes infinitely more serious when it is about social issues that require you to think, speak and act. The only way to combat this problem is to be confident enough to say “I don’t know” when we truly don’t have an answer, because that is the only way we can begin to find one. We don’t need an answer to every question or an opinion on every topic; we just need to be open to learning.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 25, 2026

YOUR SUCCESS WILL ATTRACT MANY FOLLOWERS

WHEN people fail, we can get stuck in cycles of negative thoughts and believe success isn’t possible. The truth is, success is within reach if we honestly assess ourselves and put in the work to grow and overcome. When we are pushed to our limit, we often break through. To get there, we must stay determined and keep chasing success. Success is more than money, because money alone doesn’t bring happiness or blessings. On the road to true success, we gain a better understanding of ourselves, learn to conduct ourselves ethically, stay true to our beliefs, and care for our loved ones. Once you are successful, you will have much to offer others. Don’t let them take advantage of you, but use your platform to help others to grow, too. After all, you most likely learned from successful people, and your knowledge is more valuable when you share it. Section A. Everyone has experienced failure When some people fail, they think their life is over. However, everyone will experience failure. Sometimes, the harder someone tries to succeed, the more challenges they face. People must understand that failure is not bad. Yes, failure offers lessons, and those who take the time to learn them can build a great future. If failure were bad, many people would not have learned certain important lessons. These life lessons teach them to respect all people and resources. Some things that happen cannot be changed or adjusted. Therefore, do not spend time and resources trying to fix past mistakes. Those willing to leave the past in the past can move forward. When a person fails, they

must look back carefully and see what steps they missed that led to their failure. They must acknowledge their errors and not try to blame others for their failure. Even as you aim for success, you will encounter many negative people. These people often have no kind words to offer you. Some of them wish that you would fail. These people may be very close to you; your family members or workmates may even be among them. Not everyone will be happy to see you succeed. Avoid arguments with negative people, and let your positive actions speak louder than the words you want to say. You can accomplish many great things in life, but obstacles will always stand in the way as you work toward them. It takes strong navigation skills to move beyond failure and into success. It also takes a lot of effort to maintain that success once you have achieved it. Section B. The turning point No matter how tough life may seem, everyone will have a turning point. If you look long and hard enough, you may see your turning point just before you. Too many people have seen others’ success and have already told themselves they can’t succeed. However, everyone should seek opportunities to succeed in whatever area they choose. Be honest and identify who you are, without measuring yourself against anyone else. When you are honest about yourself, you will identify your mistakes and what you can do as an individual to become successful. Beyond identifying who you are, you must identify the resources you need for success. Your resources may include some important people in your life. They can also in-

clude financial support. Each individual must identify the resources that will help them succeed, then gather those resources. Never attempt to run someone else’s race. Stay in your lane. Prepare for the moment you have to start your race, then run as fast as you can. Don’t spend time looking into anyone else’s lane. Keep your eyes on the finish line to win. Your attitude is a key contributor to your success. Therefore, develop a positive attitude. Many things may make you feel like a loser; however, with a positive attitude, you will be willing to take on challenges and press toward your victory. Identify your strengths and weaknesses, then maximise your strengths. Don’t spend all your time thinking about your weaknesses, since you may not be able to fix them all. However, you can start with your strengths right now. There may be a need for coaches and mentors to help guide you towards your suc-

cess, so be willing to work with them. They can help you win easily by pointing you to the areas you need to focus on. Listen to inspiring people. You may not have many inspiring people around you, but once you find at least one, connect with them and get motivated. A little motivation from them may be all you need to move towards your victory. You can listen to inspirational people on social media platforms. However, if you can connect with one of them personally, that may help you grow faster. Section C. Cross the finish line After dreaming big and finishing your race ahead of others, it is time to celebrate. However, be careful as you celebrate, as some people may be there to distract you. Your success will attract many people. Your following will grow, but not everyone is there to help you grow. Some people follow you only because they want something from you.

Those who were once your enemies may soon become your friends. Successful people don’t have to look for friends. Sometimes, they have more friends than they could have ever imagined. Be prepared for the media. Some media representatives will celebrate with you, but others will point out all your shortcomings. Learn to build a good relationship with media representatives without compromising your position. Success attracts people interested only in your money. Some people never knew you when you were failing, so they do not understand your struggles. When you succeed, people follow you because they want to share in your success. Many people like to be identified with the rich or famous. Be ethical when you become successful. You must demonstrate ethics wherever you go and whatever you do. Don’t let success cloud your emotions to the point that you start violating the rules

and principles meant to guide your life. The use and abuse of alcohol have contributed to the downfall of many successful people. Some successful people frequently change coaches and mentors, forgetting those who helped them succeed. Others are successful but ignore the advice of their neighbours and families. It is important to remain ethical and be a good example to others. To stay successful, you must avoid those who follow you only for personal gain. Since you are successful, try to find ways to help others. You may not be able to give everything someone needs, but in whatever way you can, reach out and help others, remembering your own days of struggle. For more information about Geary Reid and his books, use this contact information: Amazon: http:// www.amazon.com/author/ gearyreid, Website: www. reidnlearn.com, Facebook: Reid n Learn, Email: info@ reidnlearn.com, Mobile #: 592-645-2240.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 25, 2026

LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE, THE ARTS HAVE THEIR BEING AND ARE A SUBJECT IN THE CONVERSATION REALM…

THE first art schools in the Caribbean English-speaking nations after independence were in Jamaica and Guyana. And though many Guyanese artists were already overseas, they did

contribute in many ways to this country’s efforts. Today’s conversation is about the understanding and engagement needed for creative areas to interact with the normal expectations in place

to conduct business without hostile follow-up engagements and losses. Artists can guide you to copyright services beyond Guyana with the same effectiveness. Like all other busi-

nesses in our country, they need a functional platform. I suggested such an entity, but the political atmosphere prevented funds that could have gone there from being used.

But time has moved on, and the functional necessity remains the same in the collective respect. A creative person has much to understand, and their interests may be rooted in multiple areas.

H o w e v e r, n o t h i n g s h o u l d s t o p y o u f ro m searching the internet for help and answers to necessary questions. Keep exploring; it’s a commanding learning experience.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 25, 2026

Ways of Seeing: On Go Fish: Go In De Pack by Makeda Braithwaite Pt 1 CARD games are not merely metaphors for leisure and Sunday-afternoon amusement, as the title of Makeda Braithwaite’s debut poetry collection, Fish: Go In de Pack, might suggest. Instead, the collection explores the many ways of being in the world, the major and minor chords of human experience. Here, a quick-witted, perceptive talent at work draws deftly from the pack and produces poems remarkable in their range, sensitivity, and imaginative power. Braithwaite is an honest writer with a cool, attentive eye: a seer whose interest in the world is granular, yet whose vision is expansive. She attends closely to particular objects, gestures, and experiences before stepping back to consider their wider implications, then returning to the immediate subject with a newly enlarged understanding. The movement resembles a finely tuned jazz solo, in which a phrase is explored, extended, and revisited, each return revealing something new. This quality is evident in “Award Winning Photograph, 2002,” where the camera’s eye captures not merely an individual in a landscape of privation, but also the history that has produced the suffering. That history initially seems external to the object under consideration; eventually, however, it becomes inseparable from it, locating the subject’s suffering within its proper historical and political context. The “big bellied child” is implicated in a chain of historical causation that the poem invites us to investigate. What has happened? What does it look like, and who is responsible? Who ignores it, perpetuates it, or profits from it? The poem is political without being didactic. It presents a fact, then asks the reader to consider its

implications. One of its many deft moves is to connect the child to “Walter,” an allusion to Walter Rodney and the indisputable force of his research into the historical and economic structures of underdevelopment. The child receives no meaningful assistance, only the attention of those who look, record, and move on. The child remains peripheral to the processes of extraction and accumulation: the reaping, underdevelopment, and theft of natural resources that sustain the prosperity of others. The camera is an especially effective conceit. Its frame allows the poem to offer fragments of a larger reality, making the close-up immediate, confronting, and terrible: The camera still, big bellied child, flies buzzing Feet dry, dust in eye, and tongue heavy, Hands too light to chase flies That flutter from mines, dug deep in darkness Strange men put you on magazine covers And forget about you, in some divine joke. The poem exposes the consequences of African exploitation, but it does so by keeping the suffering individual in view. The camera catches the personal aftermath of political and economic systems, bringing the human cost of historical abstractions into sharp focus. The child is at once a particular victim and a figure through whom a much larger history becomes visible. The photograph may preserve the image, but preservation is not intervention; to look is not necessarily to care, and to document suffering is not to remedy it. A similar movement from the particular to the collective informs “Greens,” which begins within the familiar domestic world before opening TURN TO PAGE XVII

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FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU

THE Business Expo at Providence was a threeday event where businesses showcased their products and services to boost sales. The dynamic environment featured attractive, innovative displays that drew enthusiastic crowds. I was a large-scale cash crop farmer from Canal No. 1, and my booth, with the slogan “Farming Feeds A Nation”, was a major attraction for patrons. The freshness of organic fruits and vegetables, good for health, and a display of skilled pine peeling fascinated customers. It was my first expo, and meeting people from all walks of life gave me a great sense of satisfaction: their smiles, laughter, and appreciation for the invaluable work we do as farmers. On the last night, a small group of women, beautiful and classy, stopped by my booth and were amazed by the bountiful selection of fruits and vegetables. They purchased fruits and took pictures of the booth. The one with a refreshing smile asked to see my pineapple-peeling skills, so I obliged, and she looked amazed. “Wow, that’s really something!” I offered her slices of pineapple, and she was pleased with the sweet, tangy taste. “I love this.” She bought a few and asked me to keep them for her until she passed by again. I obliged again, and a little over an hour later, she was back. “Thank you,” she said, “and thank you for all your hard work in farming to give us food.” “It’s what I love to do,” I responded. One of her friends, who was on her phone, showed her something, and she laughed, quite a beautiful sound. It left me with a strange feeling, and after they left, I watched her go until I could no longer see her, and my sister said, looking at me, “She’s beautiful.” I took a deep breath,

shook my head a little and smiled. “Yes, she is.” As the days went by, I kept thinking of her; though I had met many beautiful women over the years, something about her made my heart recognise her as different. It was a new and unique feeling, and I asked myself, “Is this love?” I wasn’t sure that would be a good thing because I was a young farmer living a simple life in the countryside, while she had the class and finesse of a wealthy family. “What chance would I have,” I pondered, “that she would want me as her close friend?” Months passed, and I never saw her again until one day I got an invitation to a fundraising dinner. Her name was Ahana Malhotra, and she was hosting the event to raise money for overseas medical treatment for children. “That’s a wonderful commitment,” I thought. Then I wondered how she got my phone number. Thinking back to that night at the expo, I recalled my sister handing out the farm’s business card. The fact that she still had my card made me feel good, and I paid for two tickets to the dinner. On the night of the dinner at the Marriott, I took my sister with me, and I must say I looked quite dapper in a Ralph Lauren suit and my sister looked elegant in a Carolina Herrera evening dress. We usually dressed, but knowing the patrons would be elite and upper-class, we had to dress to fit in. We knew no one there, but we smiled pleasantly at other invitees as they showed us to our table. I didn’t see Ahana, but a few moments after we sat down, she came over to welcome us. We stood up, and she exclaimed, “Wow, the two of you look great!” “Thanks, and so do you,” TURN TO PAGE XIX

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Dubito, Ergo Cogito, Ergo Sum – How Antoine-Léonard Thomas expanded Descartes’ famous argument, and what doubt reveals about the mind, the self and existence

I CAME across an interview with Anne Carson, the Nobel Prize-winning poet and writer, in which she discussed the French

philosopher René Descartes and his famous declaration, “I think, therefore I am.” Something about the discussion caught my atten-

tion, particularly the idea that the familiar phrase may leave out the first step of the inquiry: doubt. Before we arrive at “I think,

therefore I am”, might we first have to acknowledge, “I doubt”? The expanded expression is Dubito, ergo cogito, ergo sum, meaning “I doubt, therefore I think, therefore I am.” Although it is often associated with Descartes, the fuller formulation is credited to Antoine-Léonard Thomas, a French poet and literary critic who wrote an award-winning eulogy for Descartes in 1765. Thomas expressed the reasoning in French: “Puisque je doute, je pense; puisque je pense, j’existe” (“Since I doubt, I think; since I think, I exist”). This additional step makes the argument more interesting because doubt is where Descartes’ philosophical investigation began. In his Meditations on First Philosophy, published in 1641, Descartes questioned the reliability of almost everything he believed. Our senses can deceive us; dreams can feel extremely real; and he even imagined a powerful deceiver manipulating his understanding of the world. He wanted to discover whether any belief could survive the most thorough examination imaginable. Eventually, he encountered something that doubt itself could not eliminate. If he was questioning his existence, then the questioning was happening. If he was being deceived, there had to be an experience of deception. His famous Cogito, ergo sum, “I think, therefore I am”, expressed this discovery. In the Meditations, his formulation is closer to “I am, I exist”, whenever he thinks it. Descartes was not suggesting that every thought is reliable or that intelligent people possess some special guarantee against foolish-

ness. If thinking alone made us wise, humanity would have solved its problems centuries ago, and several public figures would have to reconsider their careers. His argument was narrower: thinking provides a starting point for recognising existence, even when everything else seems open to question. Yet this starting point does not settle the larger mystery. What exactly is the “I” that thinks? Is it the brain, the mind, the body, the personality we present to others, or something deeper that experiences all of these? Descartes himself argued for a fundamental distinction between mind and body, a position that has generated centuries of debate. The cogito establishes a foothold for inquiry, but it does not independently prove that the mind exists separately from the body. Psychology adds another dimension to the discussion. William James, the American philosopher and psychologist, described consciousness as a stream rather than a neat procession of isolated thoughts. Our memories, feelings, sensations and ideas flow into one another, creating a changing experience that generally feels continuous. We recognise ourselves as the same person moving through the day, despite changes in mood, attention and memory. We may wake feeling philosophical, become impatient before breakfast and forget why we entered the kitchen by lunchtime. The person experiencing all of this remains familiar to us, although the contents of the mind are constantly changing. There is also a difference between the self that experiences and the self we examine. One aspect

of being conscious involves seeing, hearing, feeling and thinking. Another involves reflecting on our identity, including our memories, relationships, habits, ambitions and personal history. The name we answer to and the story we tell about ourselves help shape our identity, but neither necessarily captures the full complexity of our immediate experience. Psychologists study part of this reflective ability through metacognition, which means thinking about our own thinking. We question the accuracy of a memory, reconsider a judgement or wonder whether our confidence is justified. This ability helps us identify mistakes and seek better evidence, although we can be confidently wrong or doubt ourselves when our reasoning is sound. Researcher Stephen Fleming and other scientists study how people evaluate their own knowledge and mental performance, including the brain processes involved in these judgements. Neuroscience brings the physical brain and body into the picture. Neurologist Antonio Damasio challenged the idea that reason operates independently of emotion. In Descartes’ Error, he argued that feelings and bodily signals contribute to decision-making. Our choices emerge from a living system in which emotion, memory, physical condition and reasoning interact. Think of a moment when you sensed that something was wrong before you could explain why. Perhaps you noticed a change in someone’s expression or an unfamiliar tension in a conversation. Your body may have responded before you con TURN TO PAGE XVIII

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Ways of Seeing: On Go Fish: Go In De Pack by Makeda Braithwaite Pt 1

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onto a wider social reality. The apparently innocuous opening lines establish an intimate, conversational register: Them greens don’t last like they used to, Cripple, watery and shriveled up in the fridge Even when ya put it in a little water and wrap It in a tissue. I don’t know what they’re putting in it, but it’s spoiling fast, fast, fast Like how gpl does cut you light.... The complaint sounds like something a mother might make in the ordinary course of household life. Yet the poem quickly moves beyond the immediate inconvenience of spoiled vegetables to suggest a more pervasive condition of collective hardship. The comparison to the electricity company’s service interruptions evokes a familiar public frustration, extending the mother’s complaint into a shared community experience. What begins as a concern about food becomes an observation about the conditions under which people must live, and about the indifference of the institutions on which they depend. The poem’s language is central to this achievement. Written in a close approximation of Guyanese Creole, it establishes a sense of intimacy and cultural recognition that a more formal register might diminish. Its diction carries the rhythms of ordinary speech, lending the complaint an immediacy that

is at once personal and communal. The vernacular is not merely decorative, nor does it reproduce speech for its own sake. It is a mode of knowing and articulating experience, placing the reader within the social world from which the poem emerges. Braithwaite’s poems are distinguished by their frankness. Even her metaphoric disguises ultimately serve to disclose rather than conceal: they clarify, expose, and make plain. She resists the parochial impulse to treat intimate experience as though it were localised, and she does not retreat into abstraction when the material before her calls for directness. Instead, she follows experience wherever it leads, allowing the particular to retain its individuality even as it opens onto larger emotional and social meanings. In “Jitters,” for instance, the speaker’s emotional and physical uncertainty is expressed through a language that is both direct and suggestive: I am all out of sorts, forgive me For my ignorance, kiss me. I’m We fall into sheets of silk, and slip and Slide, I touch the crook of his arm So nervous. Come to me, come Out and holler for me. The passage captures the awkwardness of desire, the vulnerability of a speaker who wants intimacy while struggling to articulate the terms of that desire. The language slips between confes-

sion, invitation, and recollection, mirroring the instability of the experience itself. The poem does not explain away the speaker’s nervousness; it allows that nervousness to inhabit the line, the syntax, and the pauses. A similar erotic frisson animates “Savannah Grass,” where the carnival milieu provides an appropriate setting for a sensuality that is at once individual and culturally situated. The dance becomes a prelude to sexual intimacy, its physical rhythms reflecting the exuberance of the bacchanal: Shimmering glitter, all along my thighs, Feathers—jotting out my back, soca Pulling from my hip bones, buttocks Jiggling. The sensuality here doesn’t depend on explicit description. Instead, Braithwaite builds the scene through movement, texture, sound, and the body’s response to music. Her attention is not limited to sensory particulars; it also registers the mind’s participation in the experience. The self-consciousness implicit in “I am all out of sorts” in “Jitters,” is an analysis of feeling as much as an expression of it. Such detail contributes to a poetic realism in which the totality of an experience emerges through its integral sensations, thoughts, and hesitations. The poems are frank without being crude, intimate without becoming merely confessional. The love poems in the

collection’s first section are tender, perceptive, and often confessional, yet not entirely private. Their emotional insights arise from individual circumstances but speak to experiences that readers can recognise as their own. In “Linden: December 2021,” for example, the remembered intimacy of lovers splashing together in “tea-stained water” gives the poem a delicate lyricism. The moonlight, the tides, and the water evoke the

rhythms of Shakespearean love poetry, while the setting’s particularity grounds the feeling in a recognisably Guyanese landscape. Memory becomes a medium through which intimacy is preserved, and loss is felt anew. In “Sea-Ballad,” love is approached tentatively, almost suspiciously, as though the participants are uncertain whether they can trust their feelings. The lovers seem to be practising

at love, learning its gestures while remaining alert to the possibility of disappointment. This uncertainty gives the poem its emotional credibility. Other poems in the collection explore seduction, separation, regret, and the difficult persistence of attachment. Together, they suggest that love is neither a single condition nor a reliable shelter, but an unstable mixture of desire, vulnerability, and remembrance.

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sciously identified the details. Such responses can offer useful information, although intuition can also mislead us, which is why reflection and evidence remain important. Damasio’s work reminds us that the person who declares “I think” is part of a complex biological process. The brain regulates the body, responds to the environment and processes information

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long before we sit down to analyse our own existence. Still, his account is an influential scientific theory rather than a final verdict on consciousness. Researchers continue to debate how conscious experience arises and why it feels like something from the inside. Brain activity associated with awareness can be studied, and changes

in brain function can affect memory, personality and self-perception. Yet identifying the biological processes involved does not automatically explain the full nature of subjective experience. The brain remains an extraordinary subject of investigation, particularly because it is also the instrument conducting the investigation. Spiritual traditions ap-

proach the question from another direction. Many contemplative practices invite people to observe their thoughts rather than identify automatically with everything the mind produces. A thought appears, occupies our attention and eventually passes. We can then ask who or what is aware of that movement. This resembles philosophical self-inquiry in its willingness to question familiar assumptions, although spiritual interpretations and scientific explanations operate differently. Descartes sought a secure foundation for knowledge through reason. Contemplative traditions may explore awareness through meditation, observation and reflection. Some interpret that awareness in terms of an enduring spiritual essence; others focus on the experience itself without making claims about an eternal soul. For me, this is where the conversation becomes especially relevant to everyday life. We spend much energy defending our opinions, explaining our behaviour and protecting the identities we have constructed. Doubting an assumption can feel uncomfortable because it asks us to reconsider something we may have treated as part of ourselves. Yet questioning a belief does not diminish us. It gives us an opportunity to discover whether that belief deserves to remain. Of course, doubt can become excessive. We can question every decision until ordinary life resembles a committee meeting that never reaches a vote. Useful doubt requires curiosity, evidence and the willingness to draw a reasonable conclusion when the facts support one. Its purpose is to sharpen understanding, rather than leave us perma-

nently suspended between possibilities. Philosophy examines what we can reasonably claim to know. Psychology investigates how we experience ourselves and assess our own thinking. Neuroscience studies the biological processes that support thought, emotion and awareness. Each discipline contributes something valuable, while reminding us that the mystery of the self remains larger than any single explanation. Perhaps the lasting appeal of Dubito, ergo cogito, ergo sum lies in its invitation to begin with an honest question. Doubt leads us to examine our thoughts; examining our thoughts can deepen our understanding; and deeper understanding can reveal how much remains to be explored. We may never resolve every question about the nature of existence, but we can learn to approach those questions with greater humility, curiosity and intellectual courage. Sometimes the most useful discovery begins when we stop defending what we think we know long enough to examine how we came to believe it. The Witness Within I questioned every witness that my senses brought to trial, The world became a labyrinth, each answer frail; Yet doubt itself stood breathing where my certainties had fled, A flicker in the darkness, proving thought was not yet dead.

Cogito, ergo sum, the mind declared its claim, But who inhabits thought, and who stands witness to its flame? A thousand selves have lived in me, each certain of its name, While time unstitched their

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portraits and left none quite the same. The thought arrives, the thought departs, like swallows through the air, The mind constructs a thousand worlds and swears that they are there; But what remains beneath the words, the memories, the roles, When silence turns its ancient gaze upon our restless souls? The mystics turn the question round and ask the self to see Whether the one who watches thought is what it claims to be; The answer waits beyond the reach of doctrine, creed or art, Where language loses confidence and inquiry must start. I doubt, and therefore question; I question, and I learn, Each shattered little assumption gives another page to turn; For ignorance can fertilize the ground where insight grows, If we possess the grace to see how little each of us knows. Perhaps the self is deeper than the stories we rehearse, A question moving through the mind, a witness to the universe; Or perhaps we seek a permanence no passing thought can prove, And name the silence something more because we long to know. So let me doubt with discipline, let thought examine me, Let neither fear nor dogma dictate what I see; For wisdom may begin the day my proud conclusions part, And leave an open doorway in the architecture of the heart. Romella Dasratt

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FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU

I responded. “Quite stunning,” my sister added. “Thank you.” She laughed a little. “And thanks for supporting the event.” “Happy to.” She then excused herself. “I’ll be super busy tonight. Enjoy the dinner, and I’ll see you again later.” “She’s just a nice person,” my sister intoned. “Yep,” I agreed. The dinner was quite a nice affair, with a few speeches from ministers and corporate businesspeople. An hour later, Ahana came back and asked, “Did you enjoy the dinner?” “Yes, it was enjoyable.” She turned and nodded to the waiter behind her, who handed her a gift-wrapped bottle, which she gave me. “This is for you, one of my special brands.” My sister and I looked mildly surprised, and she handed me her card in explanation. “I am a wine connoisseur, and my business, The Wine Vault, is right here at the hotel.” “Interesting,” I stated. “So now I know where I can pick up a special bottle of wine.” She smiled a cheerful smile and went back to her work as we left. That evening left me with two good feelings: one, that I helped the sick children, and two, that I got to see her. I knew my

heart was telling me something, but I wasn’t ready to take it seriously, just treading cautiously. I guess it’s because my life was on a different level; instead of taking the opportunity to study to become a doctor, I chose farming. It was in my blood, a legacy inherited from the older generation, and I preferred a simple life: no fast cars, mansions, or gala events. But it seemed as though things might change a little. Two weeks later, I decided to patronise her wine business at the Marriott. She wasn’t there yet, but she came in later as I looked at all the different brands. She nodded and smiled at me, and a short while later she came over to help. “Welcome to the Wine Vault. Have you seen anything that interests you?” “You have an impressive assortment,” I said, “but I have to confess, I don’t know much about wine.” She laughed a little. “Okay, let me help you with that.” I was sure her choice would be excellent, so I bought three bottles. I wasn’t a wine guy, but that looked like it was about to change. “Let me know if you like my choice,” she said. “Sure, I will.” I didn’t want to leave; I wanted to stay and talk with her more. I wasn’t sure when

I would see her again, but more customers came in, and she got busy. Weeks went by, and I got occupied with a new project to upgrade and expand the farm, so I didn’t have the time to visit her business again. But my sister and her friends did because they drank two of the bottles I had bought and loved them.

Ahana messaged me that night and said, “I sent a bottle for you, since the girls drank out your wine.” “You shouldn’t have, but thank you. I’ll have to make sure I drink some before it disappears again.” “Haha, okay. I’m guessing you’ve been busy with work?” I told her about the new

project I was working on and invited her to come one day so I could give her a tour of the farm. “That sounds interesting. I’d love that.” A few weeks later, coming home from the farm at dusk, tired but satisfied with the progress, I saw my sister looking distraught. “What’s wrong, Priya?” “You need to see this,

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Satish.” She showed me a news report on her phone about a highway accident. The vehicles were badly damaged, and the occupants of both cars suffered severe injuries. One inset photo showed Ahana, listed as critical. My heart raced as I said hoarsely, “Oh God, no.” To be continued…

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October 25th, 2026 STUDY SUCCESS Dear friend, when you revise, spread the topics across your revision timetable so all content stays fresh as your examination days approach. Allow time for each session in fair allocation as you especially revisit difficult topics and those you did not master the first time round. Aim to improve upon them in a timely manner. Use com-

binations of basic revision methodologies that work well for you and achieve outstanding results. Never ever consider last-minute cramming. Be wise. With love. GRAMMAR Using numbers Numbers provide our communications with specific information quantities, dollar amounts, percentages,

measurements, dates, and so on. Let us look slightly at when to write numbers in words and when to write them in figures. 1. When to use abbreviation before a number: No. (Number) when followed by a numeral, except at the beginning of a sentence: Who has No. 8268? Number 8268 is the winning ticket. 2. Use figures in mathematical material. Spell out

any number that begins a sentence; within a sentence, spell out any number fewer than three digits: Six hundred twelve persons were called; 216 were accepted. Two hundred seventy-six sales representatives have attended our cell phone techniques seminar. (Though this statement is a bit awkward; it can be rewritten.) Our cell phone techniques seminar has been attended by 276 sales representatives. (The rephrased sentence which is not awkward.) 3. Spell out round numbers; i.e., hundreds, thousands, and so on: The widow has sold seventy-eight hundred acres of the estate. [Not seven thousand eight hundred; use the shortest form possible]. The hinterland population has grown to over eighty million. 4. Use figures for dates, house numbers, and pages or parts of a book; for decimals and percentages; for hours and minutes with A.M./ a.m.; but (except where brevity is highly essential) spell out street names. Be sure also to spell out per cent correctly. [per cent – British; percent – American]. The renovated Money-Gram office at 49 Burnie Helligar Street reopened on August 7, 2025. Please call again at 3:00 P.M. We shall be ready to distribute at three o’clock. According to the notice on page 6, we can get a 50 per cent discount. 5. Treat all numbers alike in connected groups. If the largest number has three digits, use figures throughout: The new sheep pens have, respectively, 8, 54, and 116 lambs. Exercises Find and then correct the errors in the following sentences. Write O.K. if there are no errors. 1. The small, flower garden will cost the mother one hundred seventy thousand seven hundred fifty dollars after the borrowed sum has been repaid. 2. The 3 children hope to visit their father in Australia early next year. 3. 60 boys earned enough to pay eighty % of their

They are as sick that surfeit with too much, as they that starve with nothing. WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (1564-1616) “The Merchant of Venice” school expenses. 4. Ms. Sandrine Beaton lives at seventy Bacon Ave., with her grandmother, Dr. Sheila Ellis. 5. Yes, I’ll be able to meet with you to discuss this at 2:30. 6. Of course, we realise that there is more than 1 way to solve this kind of problem. THE PASSAGE Polishing your writing (continued) Reminder: Last week we revisited polished writing. We looked at a successful quality advertisement where the transitional or “bridging” technique was used. Today we will look at other points of mastery, that is, how to desist using the conjunction “and” too often. The “and” construction has a good place in writing, but its constant use in successive sentences makes a paragraph result in monotony. Look at the following statements. 1. Do not write sentence after sentence containing two or more clauses joined by “and”. Expert writers avoid boring expressions. They always seek ways to add sparkle to their writing and so should you. 2. Also, they get away from the common writing fault using “and so” to introduce a clause, especially to introduce a reason-giving clause. Using “and so” that way is using the expression as a conjunction; yet “and so” does not appear in any list of conjunctions. There are other expressions that would be just right for reason-giving. Transitional words like the following may properly be used for this purpose: hence, therefore, consequently, and accordingly. Now study the

following illustrations and revisions: Poor: When we tested the gadget, the customer response was tremendous, and so we began manufacturing it. Better: When we tested the gadget, the customer response was tremendous; therefore, we began manufacturing it. Poor: Tom’s payment record has not been great, and so we cannot extend additional credit to him. Better: Tom’s payment record has not been great; therefore, we cannot extend additional credit to him. Note: Written without the “and,” however, “so” is an acceptable conjunction. Like any other conjunction, it must not be overused. Look at the following sentence that illustrates the “so” usage; “but,” “therefore,” or “consequently” would be just as effective. Illustrative sentence: Hard work is always necessary for success at this level of examination; so, prepare yourself for a major effort. Exercises 1. Rewrite the following sentences with the “and” pitfalls. a. Our warehouse will soon be closed for a period, and no orders will be shipped between October 26 and October 30. b. Experts forecast an increase in customer spending this Christmas, and our company will continue to open five new hinterland branch stores. 2. Show a better relationship between the following pair of ideas: Experienced people are scarce in this region. The company will have to start a training programme soon.

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Solving the problems caused by dental plaque LET us first examine what causes dental caries, also called tooth decay, cavities or rotten teeth. The biggest dental problem we face is plaque, which causes this condition. What is plaque? Plaque is a soft, sticky, colourless film made of germs that constantly forms on the surface of your teeth. It combines with sugar and starches to form acids that melt tooth enamel, resulting in cavities. The first thing a physician or dentist learns during his training is the characteristics of normal organs. Studying diseased organs then becomes easy. Let us look at the most common tooth diseases and how they are treated. What can you do to avoid tooth decay? You can do the following: Brush your teeth thoroughly, carefully and regularly. Floss at least once a day. If you can, avoid sticky, sugary foods. Visit your dentist for a check-up at least every three months. Eat a balanced diet. In other words, use plenty of greens, milk, and fish or meat. How would you know if you have cavities? The

first sign of tooth decay is a change in colour at that spot. You may notice dark streaks on the biting surfaces or brown, chalky patches on the smooth surfaces. Instead of being intact, the spot may be soft or present a hole. Pain may or may not appear at this stage. What should you do if you think that you have cavities? Act right away before it’s too late. See a dentist as soon as possible. Right now, 113 dentists are registered in Guyana, and nearly all are accessible. They may be able to fix the problem either permanently or temporarily. Perhaps what you thought was tooth decay may not be. Let the professional confirm it. Plaque also causes tartar or calculus. What is calculus? Minerals in saliva combine with plaque and harden into a rough deposit called calculus. It is mostly mineral and provides a rough surface for more plaque to attach, making thorough plaque removal impossible. Your toothbrush and floss cannot remove calculus. Only regular prophylaxis (cleaning and polishing) performed by a trained person with adequate equipment and instruments can properly remove calculus. Calculus is a major factor

in tooth loss worldwide. How does this happen? It happens because calculus causes gum disease (also called periodontal disease). When the hard, infected calculus penetrates beneath the gumline, it destroys the

delicate fibres and tissues there. The supporting bone around the neck of the teeth is also absorbed because of the constant presence of germs and their toxins. The sick gum then swells and produces spongy tissue filled with

blood vessels. These burst at the slightest pressure; hence, the typical “bleeding gums” seen during normal brushing. Eventually, pus may ooze around the teeth as a gingival abscess develops. If the situation becomes chronic, a

dangerous outcome is likely. Unfortunately, if the condition progresses to its worst stage, when the tooth loses strong support in the jawbone, the offending tooth or teeth must be extracted.

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