Sunday, JULY 5, 2020
Murals by Barry Braithwaite
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 5, 2020
Rosewood’s team during an adoption exercise at Giftland Mall before the COVID-19 outbreak
By Naomi Parris
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S the world continues to grapple with the changes brought on by the Coronavirus, many Guyanese have also adapted to the situation by practising all the necessary safety measures to protect themselves and others. However, during the current health crisis, many have neglected animals and pets leaving them to fend for themselves c u r criduring the pandemic. Nevertheless, coming to their rescue Don- rent health sis, a few challenges have made it difficult for the Rosewood na Lam of the Rosewood Foundation Guyana (RFG) has been working around the clock during these trying times to ensure Foundation to execute its work effectively. However, in relation that animals in vulnerable situations are rescued and placed in to inspections, Lam noted that the foundation has had to make use of its resources and rely on video inspections and virtual safe and loving homes. “We rescue abandoned animals and rehome them after they interviews to ensure that adopted animals are in a safe and have been given medical attention. We do not have a shelter. All caring environment. However she further disclosed that the adoption rate has our rescues are kept in our homes… the RFG works also dropped by 50 percent due to the pandemic,. Lam related closely with the Guyana Society for the to the Pepperpot that while many are willing to adopt they are Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPreluctant to do so because it’s an addition to their family CA) and other animal welfare groups and an extra mouth to feed. to intercept and respond to cases of Additionally, Lam noted that the animal cruelty,” Lam told the Pepperfoundation’s ‘Stray Feedpot Magazine. ing Programme’ has Lam noted that the foundation also taken a blow. receives over a dozen animals daily, “We currently feed mostly involving neonatal kittens 76 strays and donaand puppies who are still are tions have been dwinbreastfeeding but were dumped. dling as people are more “People inform us of these cases focused on their own surand members of RFG rescue vival in these trying times,” them and bring them to be she said. bottle-fed. More often than not, the bottle-feeding kittens ‘WE ARE DOING wind up with me to foster. SOMETHING RIGHT’ Donna Lam petting The most I have fostered Despite the challenges, Lam a kitten during a at one time is nine little related that she is in particularly rescue exercise kittens,” she stated. pleased now to see that much more Lam disclosed that people are aware and are acknowledging after the animals are resthat animals are a part of our lives as well cued they are fostered as how important they are. for six weeks and when Lam disclosed with the number of calls considered healthy, she receives daily, it can be determined that they get their vacpeople are taking note. “People know if they cines and the founsee an animal suffering, there’s help, they need dation’s adoption not turn a blind eye,” she said. team starts diligently Aside from the foundation’s hands-on work, networking to find them the education is also a key part of its mandate, “We at the perfect home, however, Lam noted RFG, always educate others about the benefits of having that this task is not always easy as the animals a pet. People with pets have lower blood pressure, less can’t just be placed in any home. anxiety and are less likely to suffer from depression. They “The home they will be going to will have to be inspected serve as social support during difficult times. Animals do not and the owner interviewed. And only after the new parent has agreed to return the pet when it is old enough to be fixed, is he judge us. They do not care about your colour or how rich you handed over. And of course, the new parents have to agree to are. They love you unconditionally.” Lam noted that the foundation also encourages and assists allow us to do follow-ups,” she explained. pet owners to get their pets spayed and neutered to prevent unwanted pregnancies. CHALLENGES She noted that when herself and team are not busy rescuUnfortunately, like many similar organisations given the ing animals they make efforts to visit several schools across the
count r y to teach children the benefits of having their pets fixed as well as educating them on how to properly take care of their pets. “We teach them to be kind to all animals. We believe compassion is contagious. If you teach someone to be kind, they, in turn, will teach someone else to be kind. We believe most people are not mean to animals because they are mean people, they just don’t know better,” Lam stated. A LOVER OF ANIMALS The 43-year-old mother of two noted that she would always feel more sympathy towards animals hence she started the Rosewood Foundation to advocate for the protection of animals through education, rescue and care. In recalling her childhood Lam stated, “the first memory I have is of myself crying for a cat that had died. I would always feel more empathy towards animals. I would feel their suffering. I would put myself in their place and imagine their pain. When it rained, I had a hard time sleeping, thinking of the homeless animals out in the rain.” She noted that d u e d n t o er a er of d n d her fou -foun n m La rd co datio a n Don Bonna d Foun oo na love e Il a Rosew for animals she often felt like the odd one out since she was told she was weird for caring so much about animals. Nevertheless, Lam never took heed to what was said about her and eventually met someone, Ileana Bonnard, who co-founded the foundation with her and reassured her that her love and compassion for another life form is what speaks volumes to her character. If you would like to adopt or report a case of animal abuse etc. Donna Lam can be contacted on 621-5514.
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 5, 2020
A stickler for proper etiquette
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By Wendella Davidson
S a former educator, author and management and training consultant, the late Joyce Sinclair, lived her life believing in two popular quotes: “No matter who you are or what you do, your manners will have a direct impact on your social development and social success.”- Anonymous and “Don’t reserve your best behaviour for special occasions. You can’t have two sets of manners, two social codes: one for those you admire and want to impress, another for those whom you consider unimportant. You must consider the same to all people”- Lilian Eichler Watson. She is known to have worked tirelessly to ensure that the citizens of Guyana, in particular employees in the public and private sector, were `par excellence’ in efficiency and etiquette. Sinclair’s efforts in imparting invaluable knowledge saw her as the recipient of countless accolades including the Golden Arrow of Achievement (A.A) in 1993, for her contribution to Education and Public Service. She was also among 12 women who in 1989 were bestowed with `Outstanding Women’s Award’ by the Women’s Studies Unit of the University of Guyana. She received a special commemorative plaque by the CARICOM Secretariat in 1995 for her contribution to Caribbean Integration through her laudable concern for the Welfare and development of the Secretariat’s staff and in 2003 as one of YWCA’s “Women of Distinction”. Among the persons who benefitted from her sessions were employees of the Ministry of Public Service, as well as private sector organisations like CARICOM and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Sinclair, 84, died on June 20, 2020 at the Lot 231 Lance Gibbs, Queenstown residence she shared with a sister. She was cremated last on June 24 and a memorial service
is expected to be held at a later date. All of the people who benefitted one way or the other from Sinclair’s training sessions and with whom the Pepperpot Magazine interacted, spoke highly of her and the invaluable knowledge she imparted. Among there were: Elise Benfield-former Public Service Ministry
gentleman and a scholar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I met Joyce Sinclair at the Public Service Ministry. One look at her and you knew she was a Bishop’s girl, always well dressed and spoke quietly but you understood every word. Her standards were very high and she was highly respected. After she retired, I met her socially and it
respectful atmosphere which encourage better workplace manners and create a better culture. This certainly prepared me to operate in different workplaces. Over time, I concluded that while office etiquette is something I simply expect others to have, it is a quality that should be taught to employees. I am ever appreciative to Ms. Sinclair for teaching me how I should be a professional at work,” she added.
Fourth Form, before moving to the Bishop’s High School where she undertook Fourth and Fifth Form studies. She later earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh, USA; a post-graduate certificate in Education from the University of Hull, England and a Bachelor’s Degree General in Arts from the University of the West Indies, Jamaica, along with a Post Graduate
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organisation. She was also the Assistant Resident Representative (Operations) at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The numerous workshops conducted covered topics on Human Resource, Strategic and Stress Management, Organisation Development, Customer Care, Supervisory Management, Team Building, Communication, Telephone Courtesy, Report Writing for commer-
The late Joyce Sinclair (file photo)
(PSM) - “Ms. Sinclair was an exceptional person. Her professional ethics caused her to have zero tolerance for imperfection in the delivery of one’s work and appearance in both the public service and the public sector. Hence, this led to her insistence on continued education and training of young people. One of my most vivid encounters with her, occurred a few years ago after I had completed an interview on church business. Ms. Sinclair promptly called to express her concern on the pronunciation of the word violence. That was her, you couldn’t skip a beat when it came to proper pronunciation and crossing the I’s and dotting the T’s. I will go as far as to credit my own professional upliftment within the PSM to Ms. Sinclair. She will surely be missed, may her soul rest in peace and her legacy lives on.” Dawn Adrianne CushPublic Sector employee – I knew the Sinclair family for many years. I worked with Noel Sinclair, a diplomat, a
was always a pleasure to talk with her about social issues and the decline of standards in Guyana. She was one of Guyana’s finest though she may have been disappointed with the fallen standards. May her soul rest in peace. Beverley Gomes Lovell – Public Health Specialist, Diplomatic Mission recalled being trained by Ms. Joyce Sinclair many years ago. She noted that, to this day, everything she was taught resonated with her adding many aspects resounded including the importance of telephone etiquette and work decorum. Lovell remembers pellucidly where Sinclair emphasised “the importance to display proper manners when communicating on the telephone, whereby you should exude a proper tone of voice, especially with business calls, word choices, listening skills and how to end the call et cetera. To this day, I practice exactly that.” On the issue of workplace decorum, Gomes-Lovell said “it was taught that it creates a professional and mutually
Joyce Sinclair (file photo)
Meanwhile, a letter writer responding to an April, 2011 letter written by Sinclair, in which she bemoaned the lack of etiquette by all and sundry, issued a call for the re-introduction of the popular 1940s `Card of Etiquette’ which contained a list of `To do’s” such as’ “Speak quietly, for quiet speech is a sign of refinement”. The card was reportedly prominently displayed on the wall of almost every home and memorised by all. HER LIFE The late Sinclair began schooling at Smyth’s Church Congregational Primary School and subsequently moved to Ray High School where she remained until the
Certificate in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Western OntarioCanada. Sinclair subsequently started teaching at St. J o s e p h ’s H i g h S c h o o l and Bishop’s High School before becoming Chief Training Officer in the Public Service Ministry of Guyana. Later, she was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Public Service Ministry (PSM), a position she held for nine years. Upon leaving the public service, she served as Programme Manager and Human Resource Management at the CARICOM Secretariat, then subsequently privately as a Management Consultant, with the said
cial banks, large department stores, airline companies, private sector organisations, and international organisations, large and small private sector businesses, ministries and other government agencies and departments. S i n c l a i r h a s t h re e monographs to her name: Receptive Courtesies published in 1996 for the public and private sectors; Courtesy Tips for Children and Young People (2006) and High-Quality Customer Service for Polishing Your Telephone Manners (2008). The latter publication was penned because Sinclair said she was appalled at the lack of courtesy which exists in the service industry.
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 5, 2020
Owner of Wonderfully Made, Wanda Campbell
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By Jared Liddell
HERE are a lot of things that as Guyanese and as members of the Caribbean that are a part of our culture, from soca music to the sweet sounds of the steel pan and even some of the foods we make. In Guyana, a household staple is ‘green seasoning’. No Guyanese household can be seen without this ingredient and owner of ‘Wonderfully Made’, Wanda Campbell, understands this and has taken the opportunity to capitalise on it. The Pepperpot Magazine caught up with Campbell who stated that she “Has given green seasoning a new meaning”. She further stated that she started the business after receiving compliments from her friends and family on the flavour of her food, which she attributes to her homemade seasoning. She stated that after receiving these compliments and making seasonings for her family, friends and friends of friends, she had gotten the encouragement to actually start up a business in this area. Campbell stated that her products are organic and that she decided to move in this direction because she believes organic products to be very beneficial to the individual lives of persons. “My business is mainly about organic, green seasoning and promoting a healthy lifestyle, encouraging people to eat clean. It is said what you eat either feeds a disease or fights it so why not eat clean? [It is also about my] love of cooking and not finding the right seasoning to complement my meals and give the taste I am looking for. So I started blending my own herbs and spices,” she said. She stated that, in the beginning of her business, she did not have any challenges; she just ensured that she was
WE are celebrating the seventh month 2020 and the number seven is significant. Seven is the number of completeness and perfection (both physical and spiritual). We are days away from our Women Across Borders virtual event scheduled for the seventh day of the seventh month. Thank you to the persons who signed up already for the empowering event and I must reiterate that it is not only for women. A few males made major contributions. A Caribbean Fashion evangelist was the creative director and editor and he commented: “I believe in the storytelling medium, absolutely. It’s our way of crafting identity. The oral tradition has always been an organic, natural, authentic approach to transferring values, translating judgments and transcending customs. It serves as a lesson plan replete with historical reference, biographical innuendo and teachable overture to signal innovative ways to overcome challenges. I applaud the effort, of the Across Borders anthologies, for cele-
brating our humanity through the resilient confronting of our realities.” Graphic developer, Shiv Dindyal, created the unique covers from an original painting done by visual artist, Compton Babb. Thank you for the persons who reached out to shared they are encouraged to own their stories and contemplate writing. I know many more will feel that way after reading the testimonies below and joining us from July 7-10. “I enjoyed writing my chapter since it was an emotional release. Indeed when I did write it was just after a difficult time of my life when I was convinced I had breast cancer. For many months, I was told by doctors I had it and I was getting ready for chemotherapy. And by the grace of God in December 2018 at Noel’s eve (Christmas Eve) a miracle happened. I found out it was a benign tumour. What such a relief, God gave me a second chance. And this outcome came just after Dr Sonia Noel proposed to me to be a co-au-
focused on her business and what it means to her. Campbell said that she knew she had to make sure she had packaging that would allow her business to grow, and be promoted so she found the right packaging and label that would best represent her and her brand. She further stated that she is currently working to get her products into supermarkets. “My present packaging is done to facilitate my customers and the quantities that they request. My seasoning is organic; it has no additives or preservatives so I recommend cold storage,”she said. “The packaging is perfect for that environment. I am now in the process of fulfilling supermarket requirements and getting the various certificates updated but due to the current pandemic, the necessary certification offices have put a hold on their operations.” Campbell stated that she has decided that while doing her business she will give back to small scale entrepreneurs by sourcing the varying
Wonderfully made Green Seasoning
things that she would need for her blends, from her thick leaf to her eschallot and even ginger and all of the other ingredients from those persons. She said that she believes that those entrepreneurs who plant only
thor of Women Across Borders. It was a great opportunity to tell my story and share the reasons that led me to this detrimental health situation. It was important for me to share my story with the world to inspire others, especially young women to take care of themselves. Looking back, I was so inspired and excited to embark on this new journey as co-author and learn about other women’s stories from different backgrounds. All these women have been impacting the world by their actions, showing strength and courage. It was a great honour to be among them and translate in french my story to reach out to a larger audience. I hope whoever reads my story will be inspired and motivated to achieve their goals and pursue a successful professional career.” Alize’ Utteryn , Fulfilling Purpose, New York. “Writing a chapter in Women Across Borders was an opportunity in life that found me through Sonia Noel, an amazing woman whose energy swept through
my life like a breath of rejuvenating fresh air. It offered me an outlet for self-healing as l had to reach deep into the closets of my mind to really take a look at my strengths and weaknesses and realised how each faculty played a significant role in my overcoming and understanding of my place in life and what l had to offer in making a difference in my community and to those with whom l share my space.” Tavie Hunte, Fulfilling Purpose, Antigua. Shanon Paar from Arizona contributed her chapter to Rising from the Ashes: “Today, I see the light, so to speak, because of how many people I could touch through my stories. Some say I am a late bloomer and, while that may be, some things are better left in the desert until they are ready to bloom.” “Writing my Chapter felt like a blessing and a curse. I knew I wanted to tell my story but was shying away from it until I started writing and it was off my chest. I hope it can inspire others to find their own strength in life.” Chan
organic crops would much more benefit from her business and she sees it as a way of sharing the blessings she is receiving with other business persons. Campbell told the Pepperpot Magazine that although at first she had several thoughts of fear when starting her business she would encourage other entrepreneurs to not allow those thoughts to stop them from pursuing their ideas. “This is from a special place in my heart. I remember how hard it was to overcome the fear of showcasing my product to the world, so I would advise all young entrepreneurs out there is to never be afraid to start small, take pride in what you do, stay focused and never give up. Success comes to those who are determined,” she said.
Tale Flood, With a Mission, Suriname. “I believe we always must have hope. Hope is the breath of fresh air God breathes into our souls. Hope is the heartbeat of our spirits that enriches our lives. Hope whispers, ‘Try another time’ and renews our strength to keep going.” Jacqui Phillips. Fulfilling Purpose, New Jersey. “My life story serves as a mirror that reflects who God says that I am meant to be. I tell my story so that others will be encouraged to see themselves reflected through my challenges and imperfections, and the possibilities revealed when our faith is unwavering in worshipping God through the selfless service of His creations, our ultimate divine purpose.” Lynette Laveau Saxe, Rising from the Ashes, Cambridge. “My life story serves as a mirror that reflects who God says that I am meant to be.I tell my story so that others will be encouraged to see themselves reflected through my challenges and imperfec-
Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel ... Inspiring lives through fashion
tions, and the possibilities revealed when our faith is unwavering in worshipping God through the selfless service of His creations, our ultimate divine purpose.”Lynette Laveau Saxe. The event will be hosted on zoom from 18:30hrs to 21:00hrs and streamed via Facebook and on NCN Radio in Guyana, NIO FM Suriname, Caribbean Power Jam in New York and on CBN Radio (90.9FM) in the British Virgin Islands which covers BVI and USVI. Thank you for your partnership to extend the reach for this meaningful event. This event is timely, seeking to motivate persons affected by the global pandemic, despite their location, ?Across Borders. ? Looking forward to you joining us as we continue to celebrate this because journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 5, 2020
By Francis Quamina Farrier
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INCE the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its spread all around the world, I have written articles which have focused on the way some countries have been dealing with the challenges brought on by the pandemic. In previous articles, I reported on
of the pandemic on the African continent. With a population of 58 million, there are 34,500 cases and 1,700 deaths. The Western Cape at the southernmost area of the country is the hardest hit and responsible for 60 percent of the cases and deaths in the country. A South African friend of mine, Chris Spies, who worked in Guyana for some years, is based in that area of South Africa. I have not heard from him since the
deaths, South Africa is still not doing too badly. Guyana’s neighbour Brazil, with a population of 208 million has already chalked up 45,000 deaths and rapidly counting. In South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa is seen frequently wearing what are obviously custom-made face masks which are even embroidered with the South African flag and look really classy. “Studies show that wearing a
New York-based Guyanese journalist Hugh Hamilton on the ferry to Robben Island last February, just before the COVID-19 struck
Farrier at right, with South African Chris Spies, who lives in the Cape area and worked in Guyana for some years
the situation in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Zambia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. In this article, we take a look at the COVID-19 situation in South Africa, and how the authorities in that former country of apartheid are assisting the population to stay safe and keep hope alive. South Africa has the highest number of cases and deaths of the Coronavirus on the continent of Africa. While all African countries have relatively low cases compared with other highly populated and developed countries such as the USA, India, China and Brazil, South Africa is the epicentre
break of the pandemic and am uncertain about his personal situation. Many African countries with populations in the millions have less than 100 deaths. The reason is that those countries took immediate action and put things in place to stop the spread of the disease at an early stage; they closed their borders and international airports and went into national lockdown very early. Testing was also immediate and quarantine was put in place wherever and whenever it was necessary. Juxtaposed with the United States with a population of 330.151 million and 130,200
cloth mask or similar piece of clothing that covers both your nose and mouth at all times when one is in public, is one of those measures that reduce the rate of transmitting the virus,” said the president in a television broadcast. “Millions of South Africans including children, are now wearing cloth masks whenever they leave home,” he said. Meanwhile, the country’s economy is taking a severe beating due to the lockdown. “Difficult days lie ahead in terms of the country’s budget,” President Ramaphosa informed the people in one of his frequent radio and television broadcasts regards the coronavirus.
The lockdown in South Africa which commenced on March 26, is now partially lifted, sending some eight million workers back to work, worship, exercise and shopping. Mines and factories have also been permitted to operate at full capacity to revive the economy. This is being done, “Subject to strict health protocols. Through our behaviour as individuals, we can reduce the likelihood that we will get infected or infect others,” said President Cyril Ramaphosa, who recently allowed restaurants, take-aways, and food establishments to reopen for home delivery service during certain hours. “More and more of us now know someone who is infected, whether at work or school or in our church, mosque, temple or synagogue.” “A study by the University of Oxford in Britain found that the drug dexamethasone - which is also manufactured here in South Africa by one of our pharmaceutical companies, and of which there is an ample supply - reduced deaths among patients on ventila-
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tion,” President Ramaphosa added. Meanwhile, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has implemented a technology-based solution for food assistance through vouchers and cash transfers to ensure that help reaches those who need it faster and more efficiently. Some 250,000 food parcels have been delivered so far. Millions have already been paid out in assistance to 37,000 companies and 600,000 workers. Small businesses have also received financial assistance from the government. So how is the pandemic affecting the functioning of the Guyana High Commission in South Africa? “We, like all other Diplomatic Missions, follow the guidelines as set out by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), concerning lockdown procedures that enhance the safety and wellbeing of staff and the public during the COVID-19 Pandemic,” stated Guyana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Dr. Kenrick Hunte.
“Our office is open two times per week - Monday and Thursday - while for other days, we communicate virtually with the public and other Diplomatic Missions from home. In order to maintain social distancing, all office visits by the public, when required, are by appointments only.” Because Guyana’s international airports are not totally reopened, the High Commission has temporarily suspended the issuing of visas. “We provide all other services using the internet and the courier services provided by DHL and FedEx,” Dr. Kenrick Hunte stated. Giving the South African people reason to keep hope alive, President Cyril Ramaphosa communicates regularly on radio and television, giving the rallying cry: “We shall recover. We shall overcome. We shall prosper. May God bless South Africa and protect her people.” South Africa battled for decades against the evil system of apartheid - and won. This is a new war which they and the rest of the world are now fighting.
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N April, a month after the COVID-19 pandemic had spread to Guyana, there were reports that incidents of domestic violence were increasingly being reported. Persons were asked to stay within the confines of their homes, and persons were starting to feel the burden of reduced productivity. The stress and tension resulting from having to contend with the pandemic and its ramifications are, perhaps, inescapable; and as such, it isn’t hard for me to believe that domestic violence would have increased during this time. A person I look up to made a Facebook post about a forum that would discuss the topic, “Healing in Community: People need People.” I am usually hesitant to join fora such as these, because I don’t think I know enough to join these spaces and participate. But this time I did. I was motivated by an experience I don’t think I’ll ever forget. Last year, I met a woman who was in an abusive relationship with her husband. A colleague of mine asked me to speak with her and hopefully, provide some redress to her. I visited her at her sister’s home where she was staying after she left her husband. As soon as I
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walked into the yard there was broken glass scattered everywhere. The woman’s husband came to her sister’s home and broke the window
to realise the extent of the verbal, emotional, and physical abuse she has endured over the years. She also highlighted her frustration with
knew what to do. Immediately, we arranged a meeting for her at the Help and Shelter NGO and my colleague was able to connect her with
panes and threatened to do more harm if his wife did not return home. That was my first glimpse into the abuse this woman faced. Sometime later after we sat down and talked, I began
the law-enforcement system, detailing how lacklustre their response to her has been. It was heart-wrenching, to say the least. I was accompanied by another colleague who readily
someone who could help her better than we ever could. The next day she went to the meeting and was intent on getting help for herself; she also called to update me on her every move. She was
REMEMBER a colleague once told me that every time he polishes the teeth of a male smoker who is over 60 years old, he almost expects the patient’s visit to be the last one. He feels that such a patient may very well die from cancer sooner rather than later. The distressing news for inveterate smokers is that in many respects they are no different from cocaine or marijuana users since it has been established that this practice is not a habit as has been formerly believed, but really an addiction complete with the inherent physical and psychological dependence. Among numerous hazards are oral cancer, rampant caries, gingivitis, stomatitis, (infection of the lining of the mouth) and the staining of the teeth. These stains are invariably permanent since the nicotine penetrates the pores on the surface of the teeth eventually becoming part of its structure. Statistics show that only three per cent of all mouth cancers occur in persons who have never smoked while those who chew tobacco have the highest chance of dying from the disease. The tongue is by far the most common area affected. Most often, oral cancer appears as a chronic, painful sore or ulcer, which
had developed, from a white patch. The deeper in the mouth it is found, the faster it may kill the victim. In other words, cancer on the soft palate is far more dangerous than one located on the lip. The prevalence of mouth cancers increases with age with 98 per cent of cases being over 40 years old. Of particular interest is the fact that in combination with alcohol, there is a significant increase in the incidence. In fact, recent studies indicate that even beer and wine could cause oral cancer, especially when consumed by inveterate cigarette smokers. Can oral cancer be prevented? To a great extent, yes. Regular mouth and throat examinations can detect the condition at its earliest, most curable stage. Survival rates are around 75% if detected then. On the other hand, without periodic examinations and tests by your dentist risks the increase and survival rates decrease. A diet rich in vitamins A and C, moderation or abstention from tobacco and alcohol constitute modes of prevention. Progressively decreasing the number of cigarettes smoked daily is the recommended method to get rid of the addiction. In addition to over 300 other poisons, the smoke from the cigarette contains nicotine and condensate (tar), which deposit
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 5, 2020
advised on what avenues to take and was intent on pursuing those. A few days later, however, I found out that she had returned to her husband; then, I was also asked not to report on her situation, if I was planning to. I couldn’t understand what was happening. I thought that going back to her husband was a terrible decision. At the recent online forum, however, I was made to understand that there is strength in leaving a situation of domestic violence and there is also strength in staying in that situation. A few persons shared how long it took them to finally leave an abusive relationship because, you know, it’s not just about picking up yourself and walking out. There are myriad decisions that need to be taken and well, decisions take time. And while there are compassionate humans out there, who would, ideally, like to do nothing more than help as much as reasonably possible, it was said that help should be given in support of whether the woman wants to stay, or wants to leave. The right to self-determination and agency is important too. Persons… women experiencing domestic violence find themselves in spaces where they aren’t being respected and where their
feelings and their rights are, essentially, being invalidated. And it is for this reason, it was said, that empowering the women should entail respecting whatever decisions they do make (whether they choose to seek help, leave the situation, stay in the home, or otherwise). Nevertheless, none of this means that support should not be provided to the women. Support means being an active listener (emphasis on listening and not interjecting); it means withholding judgement and it means truly letting the individual know that they can rely on you for support with whatever decision they make. Support calls for compassion and empathy, not a need to ‘fix’ anything. In an ideal world where ideal things happen all the time, I wouldn’t need to write that domestic violence is abhorrent and unacceptable. We don’t live in an ideal world with ideal things, and right now I think about how this pandemic makes it an ever lesser than ideal place vis-avis domestic violence. People need people, always, and especially at a time like this. If you would like to connect with me to discuss this column or any of my previous works, feel free to email me at vish14ragobeer@ gmail.com
on the tooth’s surface leaving a dark brown to black over some time. Because the enamel has tiny pores, the nicotine eventually penetrates the tooth’s body thus virtually incorporating itself in the structure of the dentin. Polishing cannot even remove it and the teeth, therefore, become permanently stained. The destabilisation of the integrity of the various tissues in the mouth as a result of the constantly pervading heat and chemical-laden tobacco smoke leads to many local and systemic inflammatory conditions. The destruction of the cilia, which function by sweeping dust particles down the gullet from nasal lining and throat result in the chronic smoker’s cough. The awareness of tobacco issues by health care workers may vary from just mentioning to their patients that smoking cessation will contribute to the general state of good health, to routine offers of advice and written material on quitting the tobacco habit. More formal assistance may include delivery of cessation programmes in small groups, or on a one-to-one basis in a clinical setting. It is important to note that even less intensive interventions may have an important impact on public health.
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 5, 2020
VII
Focus on the Village
Ross Village (Carl Croker photos)
The 70-year-old mango tree at Ross Village, a landmark in the community
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By Michel Outridge
HIS week the Pepperpot Magazine journeyed to Ross Village, West Coast Berbice, to highlight the way of life of the people and the community. This village was once a plantation bought by slaves, who settled there with their families decades ago and today, some of the villagers are considered descendants of the early inhabitants. Ross Village has three streets which are unpaved and muddy in some sections with backlands as far as the eye can see, canals and is a quiet roadside community consisting of people of mixed race. The population is just over 300 of all races, including Afro-Guyanese, East Indians, Amerindians and others. Ross Village is an agriculture-based place where the men do more than one job to have a good life and the women assist on the farms and some go out of the village for work. Ross is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, the backlands and the villages of Yeoville and Brahan. Its main sources of income are rice, cash-crop farming and livestock-rearing, with a handful of residents having small businesses and a few fishermen. Ross Village has a newly built community centre located on the public road, which is yet to be commissioned, a ballfield with a newly constructed basketball court outfitted with lights for night games and a separate field for gymkhanas. The nearest market is in
Afolabi “Attie” Peters in his shop
Bath Village and children attend nearby schools. Ross Village is a place where there is an abundance of fruit trees and vegetables, the home of tomatoes, mangoes, five finger, cherries and many other fruits. The landmark of the village is a large mango tree by the roadside, where there is conveniently a shop called “Mango Tree Bar” noted for its signature chicken wings. This mango tree is said to be about 70 years old and was planted by a villager who passed away 15 years ago when she was in her late 80s. The village is considered the ‘breadbasket’ of West Coast Berbice, where wholesalers from neighbouring villages would visit to buy the produce of villagers. According to residents, it is a place where there are many home-grown fruits and vegetables to never go hungry. Village ‘gaff’ The Pepperpot Magazine upon entry into the village, met a group of villagers who
were chatting under the ageold mango tree where there is a shop owned and operated by Afolabi Peters, better known as “Attie.” Peters has a flatscreen television in his shop and the men of the village would visit to watch cricket or football and indulge in ‘gaffs’ or a few drinks. “The shop is like the ‘meeting place’ for locals every day and we put on a pot by the roadside and have a good time here as village people,” he said. Peters is a local but left the village when he was 17 years old and relocated to the city. At age 28 he migrated to Barbados, where he worked for some time and developed his skill of painting. Peters returned to Guyana at age 38 and began working with his brother. He is a painter by profession who works with his brother’s construction company based in Georgetown and would only leave his village to go to the hinterland for work. “I like this village and
would never leave it to go live anywhere else, because I done accustomed to it and life is nice here,” he said. Abundance The painter stated that Ross Village is a place of skilled people and they produce what they need and sell, but there is a limited market for their harvest; as such, fruits go to waste. “Right now is mango season and we have a lot of it here, but what are we going to do with it?” he asked. Peters said there is need for a food-processing plant to utilise the many fruits to make jams or preserve them for both local and export consumption. He reported that the village grows a lot of five fingers, watermelons, soursops, cherries and mangoes, but they are being wasted because they have no market to sell them. Peters stated that with a processing plant they can do so much with the fruits and
The men of Ross Village at the shop under the mango tree
that initiative would increase the livelihoods of the people there. A village with multi-talented people Peters told the Pepperpot Magazine that the young people of Ross Village are quite talented and are very good sportsmen as well. He explained that the men of the village are good at basketball and cricket, while there is a need to get the young ladies involved in volleyball. Peters added that they need professional help in terms of coaching and some assistance with sports gear. “We have the people with skills, but we need that boost with regards to professional coaching for the youths,
especially because they can fashion themselves after a role model,” he said. The youths are also good at music, sonAgwriting and singing, but there is no facility for them to meet up to realise their true potential and a music teacher will be good to have at least a few days per week. Peters added that the young people can also play various instruments and they just need some guidance and things will fall into place. Peters noted that if they have workshops and classes, the youths will benefit, as such, more emphasis needs to be placed on the young people to equip them with the skills set needed for the world of work.
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on the Village
Yvette Semple and her grandson
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By Michel Outridge
HE Semple family are no strangers to hard ‘back-breaking’ physical labour on any given day. Its members are large-scale farmers who do the work on their farm, themselves. The family has a five-acre plot of farmland behind the village which is about three miles from their home, and they would make that journey by foot daily. Andrew Semple, head of the household, told the Pepperpot Magazine that he would bring out buckets and tubs filled with tomatoes and other produce from the farm on his head and shoulders. This happens when they harvest as they did recently, a healthy crop of tomatoes, which were sold to a wholesale buyer from Bath Village for a mere $80 per pound. The tomatoes are often re-sold at Bath Market for a much higher price, so instances such as these leave the Semples without a profit. Yvette Semple, who works beside her husband, stated that they have no choice when it comes to wholesale buyers, because she tried to sell their produce at the Rosignol Market and business is very slow. “We don’t have any other
option but to sell off our produce to wholesalers, who set their prices and we have to accept it or get nothing for our perishables,” she said. When the Pepperpot Magazine visited this family, Yvette had just finished washing the tomatoes by hand and had dried them for sale. The harvest was laid out on every available table and on other surfaces, awaiting the arrival of the wholesale buyer, who came with a bus. “Farming isn’t a flamboyant job like others, but it is honest work so we don’t mind doing it, even though it doesn’t bring in a lot of money like regular work,” Yvette said. Andrew Semple explained that farming is not a one-day job, but constant hard labour without heavy equipment and machinery to make the workload lighter. He reported that a day in the life of a farmer is hard, so much so that they constructed a small cottage in the backlands where they would rest whenever they cannot make it back to their residence. The Semples reported that because they do their farm work without any outside help, they have to spend a lot of time in the backlands tending to crops; as such, they would often overnight at the location.
Andrew Semple displaying his tomatoes
Andrew and Yvette Semple with their grandson (Carl Croker photos)
Tomatoes harvested by the Semples from their farm
This family has crops of vegetables of bora, ochro, squash, boulanger, pumpkin, peppers, seasonings, fruits, bananas and plantains too. They also have some chickens, sheep and cows. The villagers told the Pepperpot Magazine that they would admire how
Yvette would work beside her husband. She is touted as a very dedicated wife, mother and farmer. The Semples are simple people who described life in Ross Village as quiet, which entails hard work and no idle time to spare since they have so much to do daily.
“Life nice, but we have to work long hours due to farming and it is now the rainy season, so we have to look out for our crops and we like this kind of work because it is our living and we do it anyway,” Andrew said. Andrew and Yvette Semple have five children,
three boys -- who are now young men and would assist on the farm -- and two girls, young ladies who are in the public health profession. One daughter works at Britannia Health Centre and the other is employed at the Fort Wellington Hospital.
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 5, 2020
Former soldier, miner, Ekland Walters
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Rice and cattle farmer/barber, Lindsford McKay
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By Michelle Outridge
N Ross Village, West Coast Berbice, the men are regarded as ‘go-getters’ because they do more than one job to have a comfortable life for themselves and their families.
cows, then take them in and take in a few clients to cut hair if business is there,” he said. McKay was waiting on his cows to have their fill before taking them home after which he would shower and have a rest. He stated that he likes
Neville Ceres
He would cut the hair of his clients under his bottom house, since he doesn’t have a barbershop. The money from this venture would add up to do things in the home, he said. McKay told the Pepperpot Magazine that apart from barbering he has some
it,” he said. FORMER SOLDIER TURNED MINER The Pepperpot Magazine also met another villager, a former soldier, who is now a miner, Ekland Walters. The father of two disclosed that Ross Village is
Guyana, where the army has bases and camps. However, after serving 20 years, he retired as a staff sergeant but disclosed that his time in the army moulded him to become a better person and the knowledge gained is irreplaceable. Today, Walters is a miner
Focus on the Village
Home of Neville Ceres (Carl Croker photos)
One such man is rice farmer Lindsford McKay, who also has livestock, a farm and is the village barber. The father of two was grazing his cows when the Pepperpot Magazine caught up with him at Ross Public Road. “I would wake up at 03:00hrs to start my chores, go backdam to tend to my rice crops and graze my
to finish his chores by 17:00hrs, just in time to watch the news to get an idea of what is happening in the country and farther afield. “I have lived all my life here and in this village, you can’t depend on one job, you have to do other things on your own to make it financially; and I try to provide for myself and family,” he said.
cows, sheep and horses he would tend to. The 42-year-old reported that as a ‘village man’ he has four acres of land, on which he cultivates rice in the backlands of the village and that, too, brings in an income. “Rice farming was handed down through my generation and now it is my turn to plant rice. Even though it is not an easy task I am up for
his home and it is the only place where he feels comfortable. Narrating his life, Walters stated that after school he wanted a permanent job and his option was to join either the Guyana Police Force or the Guyana Defence Force, so he chose the latter. As a soldier, he gained experience in the field of work and travelled across
and he spent some years in that job, mostly in the interior of Guyana. He described life in Ross Village as good and peaceful where the people are one and they live in harmony with no racial tensions or bias. “I took a break from work and I am home relaxing until I go back to work; so I am making full use of the time here,” he said.
AN 82-YEAR-OLD SECURITY GUARD The Pepperpot Magazine also met a vocal resident, an elder, Neville Ceres, who is very young at heart and was up for a ‘lively’ chat. At age 82, he still works as a security guard at Onverwagt, a few villages away. He has 23 grandchildren and is the father of 11 and is hopeful his granddaughter becomes a nurse, a career she has applied for and is awaiting a response. Ceres has spent 10 years in the security area, a job he works at nights and during the day he would be at home. “The secret to living so long is good food like porridge and home-grown vegetables and fresh fruits,” he said. He, however, stressed that life would be better in Ross Village if more can be done to enhance the community such as good roads, street lights and more infrastructure for farmers. “The leaders in the village should listen to our complaints and try to address them, but when they have these ‘bottom house’ meetings, I don’t hear about it,” he said. Ceres disclosed that in his younger days, he used to work with the manganese company in Region One (Barima-Waini) Matthews Ridge but after some years he returned to his home village of Ross. This elder gentleman worked with the manganese company in the 1960s for six years and upon his return to the village, he worked with the then Ballast Needam Larco Company which did drainage and irrigation works. Having worked all those years, Ceres reported that he used to pay National Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributionss but to date, his records cannot be located as such, he is not benefitting from an NIS pension.
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elders say being industrious is important to success Home of Doris Gonsalves (Carl Croker photos)
Focus on the Village
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By Michel Outridge
TEPHANIE Cleo Prince is a resident of Ross Village, West Coast Berbice, who has made an indelible mark in the lives of the many students she taught during the 39 years of her teaching career. ‘Teacher Pets’ as she is fondly referred to, is the matriarch of her village and is held in high esteem by both her peers and villagers alike.
Prince told the Pepperpot Magazine that Ross Village was once a cotton plantation and to date, in the backlands area, there are many surviving cotton trees. She stated that the layout of the village is quite evident since it is bordered by two dams which serve as the boundary, the canals, the vast backlands and a large landmass on which the village sits today. ‘Teacher Pets’ added that Ross Village is racially diverse, home to the Ramp-
ersauds, the Bassoos, the Gravesandes, the McIntoshes and many others, who are associated with the village. She explained that the village is equally diverse in religion and that they once had a mandir, but the building fell apart and was never re-built; most villagers are Christians. Most residents attend the Hope Lutheran Church in the village but in the 1950s, they used to leave the community to go to church in the nearby village of Yeoville, Prince said.
ber 29 and Lichfield. Prince pointed out that the nearest Secondary School is at Bushlot, a few villages away which also has a market and is a hub for many other businesses. Chronicling her career as a teacher, Prince reported that she taught at Lichfield Primary School and was later transferred to McKenzie Primary School in Linden, where she spent a good many years. The teacher noted that she, however, returned to Ross Village and taught at
spans 39 years and it is a career she cherished and had taught dozens of students during her tenure. “If I can live this life over again with youth I will want to be a teacher, because it is a fulfilling career, but you must like it to enjoy it,” she said. The village matriarch told the Pepperpot Magazine that at first, she wanted to be a nurse because she used to admire the uniforms and how they looked so clean and professional. But her hopes were
Ross Village
This village elder related that the nearest Nursery School is at Yeoville and the Primary Schools are at Num-
the Number Eight Primary School where she retired as the headteacher. Prince’s teaching career
shattered when three nurses across the country were murdered in different circumstances and, being an only child, her father told her he cannot allow that to happen to her. “I even went for the interview to become a nurse, but after those nurses were killed in such a brutal manner, my father told me he didn’t want me to meet a similar fate and dissuaded me from that profession,” she said.
Doris Gonsalves
As such, she took her father’s advice and became a teacher, a job she has grown to love over the years. The mother of three pointed out that she grew up in Ross Village and it has remained her home to date. She would like to see the youths engaged in more meaningful activities such as the use of a library and a computer centre in the village to foster education and skills development. Prince disclosed that many young people work on family farms or go away to the hinterland and become miners.
Hard work is key The Pepperpot Magazine also met another elderly resident, Doris Gonsalves, who has lived all her life in Ross Village. The mother of three reported that she comes from
a long line of hard-working people and it is in their blood to work. She related that she is accustomed to hard work and at her age, she still does her own gardening and all household chores including cooking. The 75-year-old disclosed that she followed in the footsteps of her elders and that her own children are mannerly, humble and have their jobs; basically made something of themselves. “In life you have to work, take advice from your elders and make your life easy, because when the old people gone, you are left to fend for yourself, so it is wise to listen to them,” she said. She explained that life in Ross Village is quiet and the people are kind and live as a unit and are hard workers.
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 5, 2020
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Focus on the Village
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By Michel Outridge
OSS Village Community Leader Janice Whyte is doing her part to enhance the lives of youths in her community by making it possible for them to have a ballfield, a basketball court with lights and a park for gymkhana activities. She said the ground is often used for various sports activities hosted by villagers within the community and outsiders. Most of the activities are gymkhana, football, and cricket. The newly built community centre which remains unopened will host many events for residents. Whyte told the Pepperpot Magazine that the community centre will be used as a Training Centre for skills training programmes for less fortunate women and youths. In addition, she disclosed that they will also provide seedlings to farmers in the community as a form of assistance. Whyte added that they have in-stream plans to organise programmes for environmental preservation as well as, uplifting the societal aspect of members and community, used as an Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
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hub for youths and school- Yeoville on the West Coast children and a meeting place of Berbice. for senior citizens. “Ross holds a special She reported that the place in the hearts of those ground is often used for var- who grew up here,” she ious sports activities hosted by villagers within the community and outsiders. Whyte The Ross Village stated Community Centre that the
ground is also being used by youths of seven surrounding villages, which spans from Tempe to Kingelly. She disclosed that it provides entertainment for about 400 youth between the ages of 12 to 25 years old. Giving a brief history about the village, Whyte said Ross is located about 81 kilometres from the city and sits between Brahn and
HE year 2021 has been designated for the systematic ban on single-use plastics. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the support from the Department of Environment, Ministry of the Presidency has taken the responsibility to take the necessary measures to manage, conserve, protect and improve the environment in preventing and controlling pollution; assessing the impact of economic development on the environment; and ensuring the sustainable use of Guyana’s natural resources. The EPA has engaged some critical stakeholders on the single-use plastic ban, these included: The Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA); executive members of Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA); representatives from the tourism sector - hotels, resorts, restaurant and bars; members of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce (GCC); as well as Chief Executive Officer of the Small Business Bureau.
The village, originally called Plantation Ross, was where the cotton plantations thrived; plantain suckers were said to be planted on a large scale, as well. A Scottish man by the name of John Sutherland was one of the overseers.
Most of the residents are related in one way or another, making it a big family of villagers. “What is outstanding about Ross is the quietness of the people/residents… they are friendly and sharing. Everybody looks out for each other. The community is close-knit and [everybody] live as one and the cooperation here beats that of the other villages around,” she said. The community leader related that most of the people thrive on rice-farming, cash crops, cattle and poultry-rearing. While some men work in the interior, others are teachers,
Ross Village Basketball court, racket steps and ballfield (Carl Croker photos)
said.
“The difference between Georgetown and Ross is that when you run out of something you can get it from your neighbour. They are always willing to help you. People give away excess fruits and vegetables,” she said.
Ross Village is synonymous with famous musicians such as saxophonist Courtney Fadlin and singer Patrick Gonsalves. Inspired by his father, Jethro Fadlin Sr., (an acclaimed musician in the Caribbean) as a young boy Courtney would watch his father at various performances. It wasn’t too long after his tutelage began, Janice said. Whyte pointed out that the flute, sax and clarinet are Courtney’s present instruments of choice; however, the piano and the steel pan (aka steel drums) are part of his musical background. Composing, producing and arranging are among his various musical skills, she reported. Whyte added that over the years, Courtney has shared the stage with the likes of Ben Tankard, Hubert Powell, Melba Moore, Culture (Jamaican Reggae Band), and Legendary drummer Louie Bellson, to name a few.
Whyte added that Ross Village has been in existence for a long time.
nurses, environmental officers, soldiers/ police officers, engineers and financial analysts.
Before the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, the EPA has conducted a series of consultations with several business stakeholders including supermarkets and importers of single-use plastic, as well as residents of Lethem and Mabaruma. However, due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the agency has transitioned towards hosting its public virtual consultations since April 2020. The virtual consultations are aimed to educate the public on the impending ban on single-use plastics the ban, discuss the potential impacts the ban may have on different sectors, along with opportunities for businesses to make recommendations to remedy any possible social and economic gaps which may arise as a result of the ban. Some major concerns the agency received thus far were centred around the availability of alternatives for the proposed items to be banned, increased education and awareness campaigns targeting the business community and fiscal incentives to support the local development of alternatives. The agency is making every effort to meet with
as many stakeholders as possible, including members of the public and importers/manufacturers of single-use plastic and alternatives. The agency has launched a public survey on the proposed ban on single-use plastic via its Facebook page and encourages the general public to participate and follow us on social media for more updates. Your feedback is important to us; you can send your questions and comments to singleuseplastics592@gmail.com. Let us not wait for 2021, let us make the switch today for a cleaner and greater Guyana. Rethink your choices! Choose reusable items today! You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications Department, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
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ITH exams in full swing, I felt I should write about an art piece that reflects some of the students’ life experiences. As I was looking for an art piece, one of my art pieces came to mind. It is a macramé wall hanging entitled “Walking the same road.” Macramé is the art of knotting. Many teenagers would create colourful wrist bands using macramé knots. I recently noticed that macramé wall hangings have become an element in home décor. More specifically, those centred around a boho design style (full of life, culture and interesting items). While it may look quite intricate, almost anyone can macramé. The first thing you will notice about the wall hanging is the two figures on the opposite ends. The figures are male and female. I used geometric knots for the male and freeform knots for the female. This technique made the boy appear erect and the girl somewhat curvaceous. They are standing on a bumpy line. This line represents a road. Although they are standing on the same line, the elements both above and beneath them are very different. I must admit that when I created this piece, the theme and story behind the work was different from how I see it now. One of the great things about making art is how one piece of work can evolve. My new interpretation of this piece is inspired by a painting I saw on social media a few weeks ago. In this painting, a child is sitting at his home computer for an online class. Outside his window, another child who appeared to be less fortunate is standing on a makeshift plinth with a book in his hand trying to follow the lesson. As you look at the painting, you recognise that this lockdown has denied the less fortunate the opportunity for a good education. It brings to light that the home-schooling experience of each child varies. So, while our children write the same exam, several contributing factors will help or hamper the result. At the top of my wall hanging, there are two curved lines above the heads of the standing figures. These lines represent their homes. Four beads beneath the boy’s right hand create a descending line which supports that hand. The beads used for this part of the wall hanging are the same type of bead used as part of his structure. This correlation suggests that he is part of a family. They create
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HE traditional sector has always been the backbone of Guyana’s development. However, advances made in the non-traditional sector have shown that the country has also prospered with its advancement. Since then much has been done to ensure the sector thrives. At the level of NAREI, efforts have been made to push the cultivation of spices (such as black pepper, turmeric, nutmeg and ginger), onion and carrots on a large scale to assist in the reduction of the country’s import bill. Guyana’s import bill for spices currently stands at US$1 million compared to US$200 million five years ago. How was this possible? With the help of the country’s dedicated farmers and research staff, policymakers were able to craft a way forward to develop this sector. Since then, annually NAREI has been working with local farmers to further develop the
Walking the same road, by Aiesha Scottland
non-traditional sector. Over the last five years, black pepper, turmeric, nutmeg and ginger production have been at an alltime high. This was further supported with the construction of a spice factory in Region One. “The sector has tremendous potential for development and through public awareness, continuous training and the provision of quality planting materials we can ensure more acres are put under cultivation” according to Dr. Oudho Homenauth, Chief Executive Officer, NAREI. Last year, production of the commodities grew significantly when compared to the figures five years ago. In 2015, ginger production stood at 12, 527 MT and Turmeric 352 MT. Last year, the production figures were 32,508 MT and 1677 MT, respectively. The spice programme through NAREI was resuscitated in 2008 and has since produced commendably. Research has proven that Guyana has vast potential for the
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 5, 2020
the support system that is keeping his extended right hand in place. His left hand is also extended and is supported by material possessions. He is safe and secure. There is a wall separating the two figures. On the female’s side, we see a different arrangement. The girl’s hands are clasped, and the structures beneath them are unstable. Unlike the boy who had four beads under his hand, she has one smaller bead under her hand. In this case, the bead represents a younger sibling. Instead of parental support, she has sibling responsibilities. There is no solid family structure and her materials are limited. The only thing similar about them is the motif repeated as a mirror image beneath them. In addition to this, the remaining portion beneath their feet represents their roots. Again, we see an example of a strong family structure supporting the boy. However, beneath the girl, there is a blank slate. She is representing the first generation of her family that could potentially attain academic success. So, while they are walking on the same road the opportunities and challenges they encounter are different. One will have to work harder than the other to achieve the same goal. As we remain anxious about the outcome of these examinations and we set expectations for our children, we should be mindful that it is not an even playing field. Although many students are taught the same curriculum at school, their home environment also plays a role in their performance. While some may have parental support, others may not. While some would have been able to have continued learning online, others didn’t. While some parents are more educated and have the opportunity to teach and work with their children, others are too busy hustling to feed theirs and frankly cannot teach what they don’t know or understand. There are quite a few children whose chances of academic success will be negatively affected by this ‘lock-down’. In addition to these factors, one must also consider the emotional trauma that children may be facing in this situation and note that their mental health will also affect the outcome. We also have to face the fact that not all children are academically inclined so regardless of their results don’t give up on them. At this time, I wish all students who are writing exams well. Do your very best and best of luck in your future endeavours.
commodity. With assistance from NAREI farmers across the country are cultivating spices on a large scale to support the high local and regional demand. “Within all of this, research continues to play an integral role. Targeted research will help to address the challenges which we (country) face with good production……we continue to see a growth in the non-transitional sectors with a recorded 2.5 percent increase in 2018 alone,” Dr. Homenauth said. Increasingly, farmers are utilising shaded cultivation, and practising integrated pest and water management respectively and crop diversification. With the impact of climate change being experienced already, NAREI continues to play an important role in the areas of research and development of relevant and easily transferable technology and planting materials to ensure that the country remains productive.
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 5, 2020
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#SupportCreativity
By Subraj Singh
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HE English Literature and Linguistics programmes in the Department of Language and Cultural Studies, at the University of Guyana, do a lot of research-based work, where various forms of Guyanese, Caribbean, and world literature, are studied, interrogated, and analysed to a very productive degree. Each year, students read many works of literature and dedicate great time and energy into formulating hypotheses, papers, and presentations that underscore and heighten their knowledge of literature. However, the undergraduate level of study, which should form the beginning, rather than the end of a Guyanese student’s academic pursuits in tertiary education, is severely hampered by the lack of suitable follow-up, graduate programmes at the University of Guyana. This means that there is little viable future for the study of the literary arts beyond the undergraduate level at the University of Guyana. In other words, the lack of Master’s and Doctoral programmes at the University of Guyana in the Department of Language and Cultural Studies
prohibits further creative and academic work in all areas of the department, and this, ultimately, does not bode well for the future of academia in these areas, in this country. It can be argued that academics are working in Guyana who currently engage with these areas of study, and, at a glance, I would agree with such a statement. However, the underlying and true repercussions of the university’s failure to create and uphold graduate programmes can only be understood if we were to attempt to look into the future, to a Guyana where all of the academics who are currently working have already passed on. Who will be left to continue the study of Guyanese literature and folklore? Who will champion the importance of Creolese? Who will help to promote local art? Who will analyse the stories and poems of the Guyanese authors or stage plays for the people? This future of the country is a dark, empty, and culturally-barren world, devoid of academics, and it is the one that the university is hurtling towards if it does not seek to actively create the necessary programmes of study. I suppose that some might argue that the country has managed well so far, as the
university has not had graduate programmes in various departments for many, many years, and we have still had some local academics trickling in to do the work. To this, my response is threefold. First, most of the working academics in the country
and cultural ties? Second, academics are working in Guyana or working with Guyanese cultural elements, who are not actually Guyanese. I support foreign academic interest in our country, and I appreciate that i n terna-
tional academwho i c s Image source: Gery have bring Wibowo on Unsplash a Masa lot of t e r ’s d e gree wisdom and (or higher) have been trained p e r s p e c - tives that are abroad. I consider it some- beneficial to students here thing to be ashamed of (rather and to the various fields they than to be proud of) when it work in. However, I do think is suggested that our country that it is necessary for local will be fine because we rely students who are desirous of on mostly Guyanese academ- doing the same to be allowed ics who have been trained to study these elements of overseas. Would it not be local cultural forms, or whatbetter and more productive if ever else they want to pursue. people did not have to leave It is disheartening to see local these shores to accumulate students not being allowed to knowledge? Would it not make more sense to develop programmes here where people can study, while researching the field, and while also being close to their familial
study their own cultural forms and norms because they have been deprived of the resources and training that would be necessary for them to do so. Third, some might counter by saying that students with undergraduate degrees can participate in academic work. Of course, this is true, but there is a limit to what one learns at the undergraduate level. If that was a sufficient course of study for everything that is needed in the world, other levels of study beyond that would not exist. The benefits of local academics are many. In a way, they serve as bridges, binding and connecting the various levels of education, as well as the various strata of people who make up the country. They showcase to the world, the benefits, joys, and wisdom inherent in our cultural forms, whether they be literature or art or religion (if, for now, we’re only limiting ourselves to looking at culture). Furthermore, they are the proponents of academic wealth, thought, and criticism, elements of scholarship with the potential to inspire and influence movements, rebellions, education,
philosophy, works of art, and ways of making society a better place, and so the value of academics, particularly those who study local cultural forms cannot, and must not, be dismissed. It is essential, for the preservation of the future of the country (in a cultural sense, but also in a literal manner), that initiatives be put in place to remedy the lack of graduate-level education in Guyana. An undergraduate degree is an excellent source of knowledge and a way of propelling one towards one’s goals. For some, it is a sufficient level of educational progress, and that is fine, but for the many others who want to develop themselves, their ideas, and their dreams, they must hope that some severe introspection by the University of Guyana is carried out and that the necessary measures are put in place. The University of Guyana must truly consider, learn, and accept the various reasons for a university’s existence beyond providing undergraduate courses of study to students.
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’M choosing this topic today because many of my clients are telling me that they have a hard time feeling happy during this time in Guyana. That they wish there was some kind of happy pill they could take; that they are just going through their daily routines feeling “blah.” Sadly, I have a feeling that many of you feel this way. I hope this piece brings you hope and the motivation to do what may be necessary to feel happier.
Personally, being happy is not effortless for me; it takes some work- even though I had/have everything I could ever want. I was always jealous of the people who looked naturally happy. However, over time I realised that I was allowed to actually achieve happiness and therefore, the intended outcome would feel even better.
So, first of all, what is happiness?
It is traditionally defined as a state of contentment or a state of well-being. A ‘happy’ person will
frequently feel joy, excitement and a whole other range of positive emotions Notice here, which I mentioned to my clients, that what causes happiness is completely open to interpretation. That everyone has a different definition of happiness. What makes one person happy may not work for someone else and what the world shows us should make us happy doesn’t have to. For example, the latest iPhone may make someone’s day, while a simple phone call from a friend might make
another’s. It is important to remember that no one is happy all of the time. No one is immune to life’s stressors but there are definitely people who can handle them better. You probably see them often and are jealous, wishing you too could find joy in the simple things. Well, you have to find your own level and definition of happiness and here’s the best part –- it’s completely possible. It is more difficult than ever because our modern lifestyle almost promotes unhappiness while we are surrounded by the concept of happiness. The most common thing in our generation is social media which undoubtedly causes people to be dissatisfied with their own lives. It causes everything from envy to eating disorders. On the other side, our days are filled with constant reasons to ‘be happy’ –- from holidays to music to TV shows. We rarely see our favourite artist or actor talking about having bad days. I did some research about what makes people happy. In the last few days, I have applied some to my own life. While it is too soon to tell, I have a feeling that my days will brighten more. I will also share what specifically worked for me. There are many factors which promote happiness. These include gratitude, forgiveness, humility, a strong support circle and overall life satisfaction. There are also lots we can do to promote our own happiness. The first thing, of course, would be self-love. I don’t believe anyone can be happy unless they like who they are. They must like the way they look, think and behave -- for most of the time anyway (no one will all the time.) Compliment yourself every day- find three new things you like about yourself every morning and tell yourself in the mirror. Believe me, eventually, some days you’ll find more than three. Start with the basics. Eat, sleep and exercise well. We know by now what all three of these things do for our overall mental health. Consume more milk or anything dairy for that matter as it contains tryptophan which helps create serotonin (the happy hormone) in the brain. A memorisation and sleep study done on sleep-deprived university students in the United States found that of the words asked to memorise, sleep-deprived students would remember 81 percent of negative words such as cancer and only 31 percent of positive words such as sunshine. Research shows that the effects of exercise continue to stimulate our brains up to 12 hours after the work-out. Remember this can mean any physical activity that appeals to you. Do not treat bad feelings with external ‘treats.’ This means treating sadness with food, alcohol, cigarettes etc. It may feel better for a minute but the feelings of guilt and loss of control will last for weeks. Do other things that promote your self-esteem (you know what works for you.) Base your self-esteem on your levels of kindness and motivation rather than your looks or how many possessions
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you have. Have a healthy level of self-esteem and pride. Unhealthy levels of both lead to hyper-focusing on what people think of you- a huge source of unhappiness. Practise the mindfulness meditation (that I keep talking about) which was invented to promote personal and situational acceptance. Make a list of realistic short and long-term goals for yourself as these add a sense of purpose and meaning to your lives. Watch your abilities and potential at work and celebrate any little victory. Try and change your thinking to positive thinking. This is possible and necessary as negative thinking can change your entire mood and behaviour in any situation. Everyone thinks that we simply feel and behave how we do -- that that’s who we are. However, it’s a process that happens so fast that we cannot see there is a pattern-- one that we can actually change. For example, if you meet someone at a party and they seem (to you) to be showing little interest. Your thinking comes into play. Your first thought (if it’s negative) would be thinking this person does not like you and is being super rude about it. This thinking will automatically trigger a mood which will then be anger or embarrassment (based on your initial thinking). This mood will then trigger behaviour which in this case will most likely be to walk away or to be rude to them. Then, you will automatically rate it as a bad experience. However, did it have to end that way? If your first thought gave the person (and yourself) the benefit of the doubt, your first thought could have been – ‘maybe they are shy’ which would have triggered a different mood such as empathy and a different behaviour such as trying harder to make them feel more comfortable. The exact situation just a different outcome that came from more positive thinking. Engage in some acts of kindness. Research shows that making someone else happy also makes you happy. Make a good support system and when I say a good support system, I don’t mean the people who will drink with you when you’ve had a bad day. Here in Guyana, almost anyone would take a drink with you. I mean those you support and encourage you when you are down; those that are a positive influence on your life. Be more social with these people; there is a reason why solitary confinement is a punishment. I believe the people in your life should be about quality rather than quantity (I have like three real friends). You do not need a large number of people for your social support to be efficient. Plan things– sometimes the anticipation of something is just as good as the event itself. Travel if you can! People always say that happiness comes from experiences and not possessions. Go into nature. This was a surprise to me (because I hate insects) but I recently realised that my brain associates nature with peace of mind. Also, live performances significantly lift my mood. Seeing anyone reach their potential and sharing their gift seems to
make me incredibly happy. This should give hope that it is never too late to discover something new about yourself. Listen to beneficial musicthis is vague because music can make or break our moods and the type completely depends on the person. You will know what benefits you. Pray to whatever higher power you believe in. Research shows that religion and spirituality increase happiness and feelings of well-being. Take a selfie! The next someone tries to judge you for it, you tell them that a 2016 study determined that people who take selfies are more happy and confident. Actions don’t have to only follow feelings, feelings can follow actions. Go beyond small talk. Anyone who knows me well knows that I dislike small talk. Like please don’t come around me if you’re going to talk about the weather or the recent sports game/ match. Instead, when someone tells me their fears or teaches me something and allows me to teach them something, it makes me so happy. Try it. Go through old photo albums if you have good memories. Good memories bring just as much happiness as current situationssometimes even more as we do not always appreciate things at the time they are happening. Start a new activity and develop skill in it This could be anything from arts and craft to a sport. “Excellence in anything increases your potential in everything” is one of my favourite quotes. We’ve heard of ‘Fake it till you make it’. The Facial feedback hypothesis and findings support this popular statement. They found that when you fake a smile, you will soon after feel better and start naturally smiling. Do not be afraid of ‘negative emotions’ such as anger or sadness. It may sound strange but having a good cry when you need to will improve levels of happiness in the long run. Finally, as this is the hardest one, it is okay to sleep things off. People always say don’t go to bed angry, which makes sense. However, if you handle every situation on the spot, with anger or any other emotion, how effective is that really? Take some time to cool off. While genetics do play a part in overall happiness, some studies show as much as 40%, I do believe that one can still pursue happiness. View happiness as a commitment, a new lifestyle; A habit based on relentless pursuit and determination. Do you want to start small? Just go outsideVitamin D alone increases sleep while decreases feelings of sadness. Remember that it is okay to not feel happy all the time. This is normal and actually beneficial. If you felt happy all the time, those special happy moments won’t feel special anymore. We won’t have anything to strive towards. Thank you for reading and please send in any topics to caitlinvieira@gmail.com. If you would like to book a personal counselling session with me, please whatsapp +592 623 0433
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O T everyone is grounded enough to be wary of the hype and options that boast the self-deception of freedom and astuteness because most people follow and don’t feel adequate unless they are adorned with the popular trappings of the day. If not, why then do illiterate and semi-illiterate youth risk their lives to snatch and run with smartphones? One would think only to sell to buyers who reside in the shadows, while in the light postulate airs of decency. But no, many of them take selfies with these stolen phones; they keep them limited to basic uses, but as trophies of their involvement in modernisation. Recently I listened to the almost two hours of an item a friend sent to me titled Guyana-Cambridge Analytical-The next Missile crisis. This article enveloped the usage of Internet businesses that are used to influence elections in countries by affecting their social-media anchored populations this way or that. This reflected in comparison to the presence of ‘The Mercury Group’ currently in our country. These entities have swapped the usage of Mercenary military groups like ‘Blackwater,’ ‘Executive Outcomes’ and others known, that were and are used to lethally affect Geopolitical agendas. Most times not in the interests and request of the national populations, but only to the modern colonisers for economic and strategic exploitation, that remains one of the principal evils of our time. The article referred to, stated that in 2010 in Trinidad they cultivated en vogue. The hype of youth rebellion targeting Afro-Trinidad youth to remove them from following ancestral modes of voting while retaining the same traditions in Indo-Trinidadian groups that resulted in a change of government against the Afro-Trinidadian group. The young woman interviewed, Brittany Nicole Kaiser, did indicate that there’s nothing smart about the ‘smartphone’ if you own one, only to the interest groups that are linked to the technology, who trace and record what you read, think and are interested in. Thus providing them with access to your mind chambers and obvious beliefs, creating a candidate out of you, who, if not grounded beyond the typically constructed logic, will comply and make instant decisions counterproductive to your own long term interests, if the technology is applied for evil political and life style agendas, rather than commercial marketing. Mind control has long stimulated nations on both sides of the ideological fences, and have all confirmed to the nefarious concept of the 19th century Russian Mikhail Bakunin who said that “Whatever aids the Revolution is ethical; all that hinders it is unethical and crim-
inal.” Mind you, this came from a dismal character who was not above or below any method to achieve what he wanted. But from ‘brain control/implant chips’ (still existing) the interactive hypnotics of social media has proven an effective tool bringing into focus a line of ideas, which if the background reservoir to decipher it does not exist can create cult-disciples on any platform, that appeal to any immediate line of loyalty, guiding it away towards doubts and slowly to the other. The line of defence lies with the necessary national knowledge, the historical timeline, the rituals to honour those who went before, the highlights of achievements made, listen to what is believed, and hear questions asked that might have been fed from distorted sources, empower available skills, and provide the required logical information to nurture latent skills and talents. Logical comparisons are not easy to arrive at in the face of ignorance, and ignorance means that parables are not explored enough. Ignorance can be inflicted by those who know and don’t bother to teach, to exploit. The world has never been a simple place, and it has become even more complex. There is a must be aware of that this administration is pursuing, concerning the relationship betwixt citizen and country, rather than just a living space where one can exploit to obtain riches, even at the expense of destroying the very soil, rivers and other living realms, and can pawn when in authority for kickbacks regardless of the irrevocable destruction caused. The concept of ‘Green Guyana’ appeals to the natural esoteric faculties of the Artist. To the responsibility of those who seek their fortunes in the hinterland, and those who live there with a new realisation and special appreciation, a kind of kinship to flora and fauna that may have only existed there before, morphing from the callous opportunistic impulses of the predator, consuming the last of the favoured species of his palette. Instead, what emanates from ‘Green Guyana’ is also that we are related to the land and its ‘Being’ this is a special intuitive education born of awareness, that will reside in the active and subliminal consciousness, that will empower anyone so inclined to resist and quickly identify any intrusive hype as mentioned above (The Trinidadian Analytical-case) from having a swift impact. Internet marketing whether commercial or political flows on the same currents that cults traverse on luring, convincing and consuming minds and bodies. Jose M. R. Delgado is the principle pioneer in brain implant technology, but in the sunset of his years, he did express strong opinions on his perils while acknowledging its uses in medical
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cases. But it’s not his call, humans have been using all types of methods from bribery, intimidation, divisive mythologies and logical fictions to dominate unlearned and vulnerable, the only antidote is to develop the resources of the holistic consciousness as a functional pretorian guard.
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CARICOM’S ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
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N Monday, July 6, CARICOM Day is celebrated throughout the Caribbean Community to mark the coming into being of CARICOM. The Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) was the result of the Treaty of Chaguaramas which was signed on July 4, 1973. The signing date was chosen in honour of the birth anniversary of the great Jamaican statesman and Caribbean integrationist, Norman Washington Manley. CARICOM was the result of a historical process of which we will give a brief survey. After World War II, Britain, the colonial power of the Commonwealth Caribbean, had become exhausted and felt she could no longer bear the financial burdens of keeping her West
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― July 5, 2020 Indian colonies. After India got its independence in 1947, she decided to withdraw from the West Indies as soon as possible and in this process began to give the territories Constitutions leading to self-government. The Colonial Office felt that the process could be shortened by the formation of a West Indian Federation which was established in 1958. Unfortunately, the Federation collapsed after four years in 1962. Into the reasons for its collapse, we shall not go but during its existence, the Federation established the nucleus of a Federal Civil Service which developed into the CARIFTA and CARICOM civil services; the West Indies Shipping service; began negotiations for the acquisition of British West Indian Airways, a subsidiary of BOAC; brought under its aegis the University College of the West Indies (UCWI) which had been founded in 1948 and in 1960 established another campus of the College in Trinidad. The collapse of the Federation brought home to the Caribbean leaders the necessity of collaboration and unity and they called a Common Services conference where it was decided that the Caribbean Meteorological Service, the Regional Shipping Council and the UCWI became the core of Caribbean cooperation. In the meantime, the various colonies were granted Independence, mostly in the 1960s. The next step towards CARICOM was CARIFTA - the Caribbean Free Trade Association, when, in July 1965, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda signed an agreement at Dickenson Bay establishing it. CARIFTA was designed to be a customs union and in a few years, all of the Commonwealth Caribbean had acceded to it. One notable arrangement was that CARIFTA was divided into ‘more developed countries’ (MDC) and ‘lesser developed countries’ (LDCs) to give protection to the smaller, less developed islands. In its time CARIFTA did a great deal to strengthen the integration movement: the Caribbean Development Bank was established under its watch as well as several functional cooperation bodies which included the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU); the Council of Legal Education (CLE); the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC); and several other bodies involved in Health, Shipping, Air Services, Information Services, Tourism, Technical Assistance, Standards and Industrial Research. It was the internal pressures in CARIFTA and the need to strengthen existing areas of cooperation and expand into new ones that led to the establishment of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM). As pointed out above, the treaty of Chaguaramas in 1973 established CARICOM. All Commonwealth Caribbean states became members and membership was open to any other Caribbean state. Suriname joined in 1995 and Haiti in 2002. Bermuda, though strictly not in the Caribbean, was admitted as an Associate Member. The CARIFTA Secretariat which was in Georgetown, Guyana quickly evolved into a more elaborate organisation with a secretary-general, a deputy secretary-general and three directors responsible for the segments of activities of CARICOM. The secretaries-general have all been distinguished West Indians of the highest calibre. The staff are drawn from the member and associate states and are not representatives of their home territories but officials of the secretariat. The work of the secretariat has been divided into four large areas under which fall many activities. The first area is human and social development. Under this area falls fighting the illegal drug trade; culture; gender and development; health; human resource development; and youth and community development. The second area is regional trade and economic integration. Under this area falls Agriculture; CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME); industry; sustainable development including the environment; tourism; transportation; finance and planning. The third broad area would include foreign and community relations including sourcing of technical assistance for member states; external economic and trade relations; and foreign policy coordination. The fourth broad area is services. Under this falls conference support; archives; information and communication support; legal advice, opinions and legal drafting; and statistical support. In addition to the above-mentioned areas of activity, Guyana has been privileged to have had CARICOM observers at its national elections and CARICOM helping it to solve its election impasses.
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COVID-19” is perhaps one of the most trending topics and biggest threats of this millennia thus far. Trending? Yes. Taken seriously? I don’t think so. I believe people are becoming desensitised to the dangers of this virus. Take a morning stroll through the streets of one of Guyana’s towns or even large villages and you’ll notice a pattern. Yes, some of us inclusive of myself need to leave home to get business done. Whether you have to pay bills, shop for essential household items and even to work— that’s understandable. However, I have made some alarming observations on my ‘essential shopping runs’ in my hometown and I am upset at the absurdity I saw. It is upsetting to see persons walking with a ‘bare face’ on the roadways with no safety mask on, it is upsetting to see persons disregarding the “six-feet=apart” signs and protocols at public settings and it is also upsetting to see that social gatherings amongst friends, families and even strangers are as trending as the killer virus itself. As a child, my mother always said, “There is a time and place for everything” and she is correct. There is a time and place for partying and attending social gatherings, but that “time and place” is not now! This virus thrives and spreads when we are in clusters, when we come in close contact with an infected person and when we are careless with recommended safety precautions. Sure, some might say social interactions are a necessity for survival, but social interactions will mean nothing when
COVID-19 passes by. If by chance you simply do not care about the virus then I urge you to think about your loved ones. Be mindful that the elderly and persons with existing lung illnesses. They are more at risk to contract the virus. You should not only look out for yourself, but those around you and that will in return impact the nation at large in decreasing the numbers. The COVID-19 virus is a serious threat. We are living through a pandemic. I repeat: we are living through a pandemic. That piece of information should be enough for you to take the necessary precautions. Do you know when is a good time to sit by the Kitty Seawall or to hang out at the Guinness Bar? The best time to engage in such activities is when our nation has a unifying, positive message that the COVID-19 virus is no longer a threat. Currently, we ought to sacrifice our wants for our needs and one of those needs should be surviving this pandemic. The most appropriate celebration worth throwing a party over right now is the reduction of all COVID-19 cases and returning to a state of normalcy. Your partying needs can wait, this virus will not. It waits on no one and I hope the next time you think of leaving your house for unnecessary indulgences, you remember that the population of our country is approximately 800,000. We are a small nation and currently as we speak, our country has an alarming 235 cases. The ratios might be small (for now) but countries such as Italy and the U.S.A once had 235 cases as well—do you think Guyana is ready for more?
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JULY - 05 - 2020
English Dear Student,
W
HENEVER y o u a r e finding out facts for a project you should be careful to note that any information you obtain is as valuable as its source. For instance, if you choose personal observation, bear in mind that some people’s impressions can mislead you. About this, lawyers know that two witnesses of the same incident often give widely different reports of what
they have seen. Widen your sources; explore various avenues to build your project. Be wise. Love you. THE PASSAGE Henk flew home that day to tell me. It was June 3, 1945. He ran into the living room and grabbed me. “Miep, Otto Frank is coming back!” My heart took flight. Deep down I’d always known that he would, that the others would, too. Just then, my eyes caught sight of a figure passing outside our window. My throat closed. I ran outside.
There was Mr. Frank himself, walking toward our door. We looked at each other. There were no words. He was thin, but he had always been thin. He carried a little bundle. My eyes swam. My heart melted. Suddenly, I was afraid to know more. I didn’t want to know what had happened. I knew I would not ask. We stood facing each other, speechless. Finally, Frank spoke. “Miep,” he said quietly. “Miep, Edith is not coming back.” My throat was pierced. I tried to hide
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THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Maybe one day we shall be glad to remember even these things. VIRGIL (70-19 B.C.) Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit. STUDY SUCCESS my reaction to his thunderbolt. “Come inside,” I insisted. He went on. “But I have great hope for Margaret and Anne.” “Yes. Great hope,” I echoed encouragingly. “Come inside.” He still stood there. “Miep, I came here because you and Henk are the ones closest to me who are still here.” I grabbed his bundle from his hand. “Come, you stay right here with us. Now, some food. You have a room here with us as long as you want.” He came inside. I made up a bedroom for him; and put everything we had into a fine meal for him. We ate. Mr. Frank told us he had ended up in Auschwitz. That was the last time he had seen Edith, Margot, and Anne. The men had been separated from the women immediately. When the Russians liberated the camp in January, he had been taken on a very long trip to Odessa, then from there to Marseille by ship, and at last, by train and truck to Holland. He told us these few things in his soft voice. He spoke very little, but between us there was no need for words. (From Miep Gies’ “Anne Frank Remembered”) ABOUT THE PASSAGE The background of the selection tells of Anne Frank’s writings. Anne is the daughter of Otto Frank. She recorded her family’s life during their two years of hiding in a secret annex from the Nazis. The diary is a view of the Nazis persecution of the Jews, the compassion of non-Jewish friends, and a young girl growing up in very extraordinary circumstances. In the passage above, the war refugee, Otto Frank, appears at the
home of Miep Gies, the non-fiction author, who bravely helped to hide him and his family in an office building during World War II. Something to Do 1. What do you think is meant by the term ‘non-fiction’? In this case, what form of non-fiction writing is presented by Miep Gies? Name two other non-fiction authors that you know about. Say what form(s) they used. 2. Find out what news Otto Frank brought to the house when he first returned from Amsterdam, North Holland? 3. Follow these points closely to discover how Miep wrote her book: a) Miep uses ‘first person’ narration: My heart took flight. Deep down I’d always known that he would,… (Note the use of ‘My’ and the ‘I’.) Look carefully to find two more first person statements and underline them. b) See how the author’s writing is simply worded. Note how it is geared to a wide readership. Example: We looked at each other. There were no words. He was thin, but he had always been thin. Find other short sentences running one after the other to demonstrate this strategy of simple wording. c) See how grammatically correct and complete the writer allows the sentences of her conversation pieces to be? Her characters do not use the vernacular. Example: Finally, Frank spoke. “Miep,” he said quietly, “Edith is not coming back.” I tried to hide my reaction to his thunderbolt. “Come inside,” I insisted. d) Her sentences, if read well, give support to setting. Example: I grabbed his bundle from his hand. “Come,
you stay right here with us. Now, some food. You have a room here with us as long as you want.” As you practice, allow yourself to let slip your setting. e) Now, look at Miep Gies’ characterization. See how her characters come alive and rounded in an almost effortless way. Example: “Miep,” he said quietly. He went on. “But I have great hope for Margaret and Anne.” “Yes. Great hope,” I echoed encouragingly. “Come inside.” What can you say about the two characters? Frank and I. 4. Move your non-fiction writing a step forward and higher. Shun cluttering with too much information coming together and too many lengthy sentences. Ease in just enough information with each successive sentence and paragraph. Vary your sentence structures also. 5. Common forms of non-fiction Writing a) What is non-fiction writing? Non-fiction writing is about real people, places, ideas, and experiences. b) What forms can it take? i) Letters and journals which contain personal thoughts and reflections. ii) Biographies and autobiographies which are life stories iii) Media accounts found in newspapers, magazines, television, or radio. c) Essays and articles which are short non-fiction works about a particular subject, but may follow various formats and organisation: i) Format: Expository, persuasive, reflexive, humorous, narrative, descriptive, and analytical. ii) Organisation: Information is presented clearly and logically.
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Ingredients ֎ Mediavine ֎ 3 cups all purpose flour ֎ 1 1/2 tsp baking powder ֎ 4 oz shortening ֎ 1 to 1 1/4 cup water ֎ 1/2 tsp salt ֎ 1/2 cup oil FILLING
֎ 1 cups yellow split peas ֎ 2 cloves garlic, crushed ֎ 1/2 tsp cumin ֎ 1/2 tsp garam masala ֎ 5 sprigs of thyme, leave removed from stem and chopped ֎ 1 tsp salt ֎ 1/2 hot pepper (optional) I used scotch bonnet
Instructions
» To make the dough: Place flour, baking powder
and salt in a bowl. Combine shortening or ghee with the flour( you can use a food processor, hand or knife). » Add water to mixture. Knead dough for 5 mins. » Cover and allow to sit for half hour. » To cook the peas: Boil peas in a pot of water for 15 mins. Drain. Add garlic, thyme, pepper, geera(cumin), garam masala and salt. » Place in a food processor and chop until smooth (there should be no grains). Filling should be lose and not a paste. Allow split peas filling to cool completely before filling the dough. » Place dough on a well floured surface and cut \ into 6 pieces. Flatten a ball of dough and place 2 heaping spoonfuls of filling in center. Pinch edges close. Repeat with all the pieces of dough. » Roll out the dough into even rounds about 9 inches ensuring that the filling spreads evenly. » Place on an oiled griddle or tawa over medium heat. Allow to cook for about 30 seconds then flip. » Brush the top with oil then flip again. » Cook on that side for for about 30 seconds until it puffs up and then remove from heat. Place wax paper between each dhal puri to prevent from sticking together.
jehancancook.com
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