Sunday, JUNE 7, 2020
On June 5, World Environment Day 2020 was observed globally. First observed in 1974, the day is seen as the most renowned day for environmental action and aims at engaging governments, businesses, celebrities and citizens to focus their efforts on a pressing environmental issue.
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By Francis Quamina Farrier
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HE people of many countries in Africa have fought long and bitter wars for their freedom from minority white suppressive governments. Today, those countries are fighting and winning a new war - the attack from the COVID-19 pandemic which is devastating many of the developed countries in Europe and North America. For example, the United States of America with a population of 330 million, has already reached 1,850,000 COVID-19 infected citizens and over 108,000 deaths which is the highest worldwide. Now, over to three African countries and their battles with COVID-19. In mid-May, the government of Z i m b a b w e ( f o rmerly Southern Rhodesia) indefinitely extended some restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19. That is being reviewed every two weeks. Celebrity football star Ovidy Karturu had already exhorted his fellow countrymen and women to stay at home: “Staying at home means saving lives,” the influential sportsman stated. “So please, people of Zimbabwe, I plead and beg you to stay at home and be prayerful, because only God can save us from the virus.” Due to the COVID-19,
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― June 7, 2020
and the present lockdown of the country, Zimbabwe postponed its 40th Independence Anniversary celebrations which were scheduled for April 18. As the Head-ofState, President Emmerson Mnangagwa stated, “I commend the nation as a whole for the manner we have carried ourselves during this national lockdown.” Giving the nation words of consolation and encouragement, the Zimbabwean President
In neighbouring Zambia (formerly Northern Rhodesia) there are 1,060 positive cases of the coronavirus, with seven deaths in that country of 18.3 million. Of note is that the first two deaths were a couple who had just returned to the country after holidaying in France. The third death was that of a man who had just returned from Pakistan. Addressing the Media at a Briefing in early May, Zambian Minister of Health, Chitalu
President Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, being greeted by Farrier at the Umana Yana during his state visit to Guyana
added, “Although we are physically separated, we are united in Spirit. The time to celebrate will come.” There are 206 reported infected persons and four deaths of the coronavirus in Zimbabwe which has a population of over 14.8 million. The first death was that of a man who had just returned to the country from the United Kingdom.
C h i lufya said, “We are deeply concerned about certain public places such as markets and any other places of trade where waste management, sanitation and hygiene are inadequate.” Then admonishing reporters who function less than truly professional, the Health Minister stated, “I will be happy if you got the other story before you publish,
and it is important to balance your stories. I don’t think that you should be getting stories from informers and go wild and publish because we don’t have those statistics.” At a subsequent Media Briefing a week ago, the Cabinet Secretary, Simon Miti, made an unexpected announcement; “I wish to inform you that the Minister of Health, Chitalu Chilufya, took a COVID-19 test and the results came back positive.” Some days later, the Hon. Minister dispatched the following tweet to the Nation. “Hello, Zambia. A week in quarantine and just got swabbed again. Swabs done at three-day intervals, till hopefully, a negative comes out soon.” Meanwhile, a second Minister of the government of Zambia fell victim to COVID-19. The Minister of Information, Dora Siliya, also tested positive. Both Ministers are now in self-isolation. Former Head-of-State, President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia, who is enjoying good health, celebrated his 96th birthday on Tuesday, April 28, 2020. Older Guyanese would recall President Kenneth Kaunda’s State visit to Guyana in 1977. Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, who is a trained musician and singer, conducted the Guyana Police Force Band at a concert in the
Farrier at left, has the undivided attention of Guyana’s Minister of Finance, Hon. Frank Hope, and President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia during the latter’s State Visit to Guyana
Botanical Gardens in Georgetown. Before his departure, he also visited the Guyana National Service (GNS) Camp at Kimbia on the Upper Berbice River, where among other activities, he planted a tree. There is much controversy regarding the way the government of Tanzania is handling the COVID-19 pandemic. Much of the controversy has to do with the lack of alleged transparency, which opposition political parties have been questioning. Head-of-State President John Magufuli, is adamant about closing down the country. While its border with neighbouring Kenya to the north was closed for a few weeks, those borders were re-opened last week. It was reported that 50 Tanzanian long-haul truck drivers tested positive for the disease. Minister of Health Ummy Mwalimu, reported that the first person in that country to have contracted the COVID-19 virus was a woman who had just returned from Belgium in Europe. “From the airport, she took a taxi home where she locked herself in a room to self-quarantine, but later called gov-
ernment officials,” the minister stated, adding that, “The woman is now recovering in a Government facility.” The increase of the COVID-19 in that East African country with a population of 61 million, is now just over 480 with just 21 deaths. However, those numbers are in question. President John Magufauli expressed the view that Tanzania has defeated the COVID-19 through prayer. A very religious country, no churches or mosques were closed since the arrival of the pandemic. It would be recalled that while on a state visit to Guyana, the now late Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere attended Holy Mass at the Brickdam Cathedral in Georgetown every day. In my research for this article, what I discovered is that African countries took instant preventative measures when the COVID-19 pandemic was announced. I also discovered a music video about the Coronavirus. It is entitled, “Tuleisakamana (Stop COVID-19)” by the popular Zambian entertainer, B’Flow. I have already downloaded and viewed that music video about two dozen times. Remember to wash your hands as often as necessary. Stay safe!
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― June 7, 2020
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Nurse/Midwife Donnett Graham Gullin
Senior nurse encourages others Donnett Graham Gullin, Nurse in charge of the Male Medical and Surgical Unit at the Linden Hospital Complex
By Naomi Marshall
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YOUR beginning does not have to be your ending,” are the words of Donnett Graham Gullin, Nurse in charge of the Male Medical and Surgical Unit at the Linden Hospital Complex. Gullin had a rough start to life which resulted in some hardships along the course of her life, but she never allowed those hardships to stop her from reaching her goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. Gullin grew up in Victory Valley, a community in the mining town of Linden, with her father, mother and 10 siblings who were all taught the importance of life and knowing Christ from a young age. At age nine, her family began to encounter financial difficulties which led Gullin and her siblings to begin making brooms, flowers and Christmas trees to sell to bring an extra income into the house. “I remember many days going home from school with nothing to eat for lunch and hoping to have dinner. In my secondary school years, I remember my mom turning my uniform inside out to create a new one since she could not afford to buy a new one,” the 41-year-old recalled. However, Gullin told this magazine that amidst her struggles, which taught her how to be independent, contented and appreciative from a young age, she had dreams of becoming a Nurse/Midwife, a profession that suited her passion for helping others. In 2001, Gullin did not have the prerequisites to directly
enter the nursing field, so instead, she entered the Nursing Assistant Programme which she graduated from in 2003. With the mindset of reaching her goal no matter what came her way, she entered the Post Basic Midwifery Programme in 2006 and graduated as a Registered Midwife in 2007. This led to her working in the Maternity Unit at the Linden Hospital Complex which she enjoyed; however, this was not enough for Gullin. “There were challenges faced which made me stronger as the years go [sic] by, but I was not comfortable with just being a Midwife, so I applied for the Professional Nursing Programme in April 2010 and was successful. I graduated as a Registered Nurse in 2014,” the woman added. Additionally, Gulling, who likes to keep herself engaged and active, obtained certificates in Report Writing, Customer service, Humanitarian service, Infection control and prevention, Capacity building and Supervisory Management, among others. Owing to encouragement from her colleagues, Gullin applied to become the Nurse in charge of the Male Medical and Surgical Unit at the Linden Hospital Complex in 2017 and she was successful. While sharing a few of her memorable moments with the Pepperpot Magazine, the God-fearing woman recalled that she was able to do two successful home deliveries during her years of doing midwifery, which was a great experience for her. She added, “It had times mothers hold me and ‘buss up’ my uniforms. I went home without any buttons, but all of
these things are so good because you feel satisfied going home, knowing that you never had a maternal death; all babies alive so that motivated me to stay in the profession.” According to the Nurse/Midwife, she always encourages fellow nurses to elevate themselves within the profession, treat others how they would like to be treated, work in unity and demonstrate good professional conduct at all times. Gullin noted that nursing is a noble profession which requires nurses to be humble, disciplined and compassionate. “It must be your heart’s desire, you must have a heart that cares for persons because if you choose a job that you don’t really care about, you would not work and your full potential would not be realised,” are Gullin’s words to persons considering entering the nursing profession. Gullin is also recognised for her conceptualisation and contribution to the ‘Little Friends Childcare and Drop-in Centre’ as a result of challenges faced by herself and colleagues of the Linden Hospital Complex in securing proper care providers for their children close to their place of employment. ‘Little Friends Childcare and Drop-in Centre’ is located next to the Linden Hospital complex and provides 24 hours of quality care and comfort in a safe, friendly environment to employees’ children. It also offers an early learning programme that enables the children to grow and reach their full potential. The Nurse/Midwife who is also a Christian Educator told this magazine that she hopes to obtain her Degree in Midwifery in the future.
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― June 7, 2020
Guyanese author, Geary Reid By Wendella Davidson UYANESE author Geary Reid may have secretly etched his way into the annals of Guyanese history when 34 books he authored were self-published within one month and is currently available for sale on Amazon and the website www.reidnlearn. com. Of the collection, 16 are under the broad headline `Academia and Professional Business’; five can be found under `General Knowledge and Motivational’; seven
Family life and Christianity and include titles such as `Make Learning Your Best Friend’; `Winning Your Next Interview’; `Managing Your Organisation’; `Simple Techniques For Managing Your Finances’; `Success is Possible For Everyone’; `Why Attending Church Is Important’; `Care And Respect For The Elderly’; “Parenting, Not An Easy Job’; `Fathers Are Important” and ‘Building Relationships and Avoiding Extramarital Affairs. In an exclusive interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, Reid related that writing has been his passion
Lord is an important activity for him, having been a Christian since 1986 and during the time he has rendered several years of teaching Sunday School to both children and adults. This has enhanced his knowledge and growth in God, he remarked. A chartered accountant by profession, Reid also has a wealth of business experience having spent 25 years working in the areas of retail, education, agriculture, natural resources, manufacturing, insurance and motor Industries. According to him, he has never been afraid of challenges, as
as church’s treasurer since 1998. The importance of learning and developing yourself He expounded on the contents of two of his books, Reid said that `Making Learning Your Best Friend’, seeks to assist someone to discover how to educate oneself in every stage of life and overcome the limitations of ignorance, and also provides the type of study for scholars reading for examinations, be it the Caribbean Council Examination (CXC), Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)
make the process of learning and study an exciting experience that will open doors for you and discover how, through your independent studies and by learning for experts all around you, you can increase your knowledge and throw off the chains of ignorance,” he said. Reid likened learning to a change in behaviour which comes through the use of our native senses and is available to everyone in many different ways. He noted, though, that some people see learning as a difficult thing, as they
Some of the published books by Author Geary Reid
deal with `Christian Religion’ while six address `Family Life’. Among them include books on are books that focus on Academia, Professional Business, Motivation,
since school days. He is married and resides at Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke, Linden Highway, with his wife Patricia and two children. A strong believer in religion, he added that serving the
it provides opportunities for creativity Reid is currently a reverend at the World Vision New Testament Church of God, David and Pere Street, Kitty. He has been serving
written in the United States, or for studying for a First Degree or a Master’s. “It offers a wealth of guidance for fellow students for life, discussing how you can educate yourself and
may procrastinate and later live to regret the decision. Learning can be costly and very challenging but there are many opportunities both formally and informally, he said. A lifelong learner and
believer in the transformative power of education, Reid aims through this book to help students of all ages, realise the importance of learning and how it can improve one’s life. Staying faithful Alluding to the second book, Reid said that every successful relationship must overcome a few hurdles, but of importance is learning how to build a relationship that will flourish while resisting temptation. He said with two decades of his own marriage experience under his belt, he used that to outline the secrets of building longterm relationships. The book `Building Relationships and Avoiding Extramarital Affairs’, explores the pitfalls many relationships encounter, including those that tend to lead to an affair. It tells you exactly how to avoid them, he said. Also, aside from offering tips on finding the right partner, the book, according to Reid, explains and guides on how those in a relationship can work together by practical steps, to promote a good relationship with each other and with families. It guides you on how to build and secure a secret long-term relationship and allow it to flourish while resisting the temptation of being unfaithful to your partner or spouse. “Many of the relationships these days encounter several pitfalls and this book serves as the ideal guide on how to avoid them,” Reid reiterated. Zeroing in on the need for effective communication, Reid said it is an essential element that helps keep a relationship alive. “Both parties must communicate with each other. Communication must be verbal and nonverbal and each person is expected to make the best use of whatever options are available to them in order to do so,” he said. His other publications take similar paths of encouragement to inform and motivate readers on how to become their best selves be it in their careers, academic or their spiritual lives.
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― June 7, 2020
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HE LGBTQ+ human rights advocacy group SASOD (The Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination) is celebrating its 17th anniversary today (June 7), after years of working to provide an inclusive and hospitable environment for members of the LGBTQ+ community. The Pepperpot Magazine spoke with founder and Managing Director of SASOD Guyana, Joel Simpson, who gave a bit of history on the formation of the group. He explained that it was formed in 2003 to advocate for the inclusion of sexual orientation as grounds for discrimination in the Guyana Constitution and seeks to have discriminatory laws repealed which criminalise Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and other (LGBTQ+) people. He said that one of the pillars the organisation stands on is Human Rights, and promoting the rights of all people in the LGBTQ+ community, especially those facing discrimination. ACHIEVEMENTS One of the notable achievements of SASOD Guyana includes the formation of the Guyana Equality Forum (GEF) in May 2011, which is a cohesive network of local civil society groups working collectively for human rights and equality of all Guyanese, including
on June 2, 2018, when Guyana held it’s first-ever LGBTQ+ Pride Parade. Not only was it a first for Guyana, but it was also the first LGBTQ+ Pride Parade in the English-speaking Caribbean. The Guyana Pride Parade set the tone for other sister CARICOM nations in the region. Simpson said that he as well as the founding members who were mostly students of the University of Guyana when starting the group never had in mind that it would have grown this
establishment in 2003, not just for being a voice for the community, but for being one of the first such organisations in Guyana to give members of the community a place to be able to come together and feel included and heard. CHALLENGES He explained that although the organization is going strong it had its challenges in the beginning, stating that since it was the first of its kind to give LGBTQ+ persons the platform to come
group grow and the group with it, stating that the sessions that were hosted at the Help and Shelter building on Home Stretch Avenue sparked much-needed discussions and solutions to the social and societal issues that affect the daily lives of LGBTQ+ persons. He said that although the group was established in 2003, it wasn’t until 2006 that the group was officially registered with the help of Ministry of Health, which donated some US $7,500,
only protection but also in solidarity with one another. Simpson told the Pepperpot Magazine that one of the most important things the group has accomplished is having a database documenting some of the injustices that are faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community, explaining that lack of proof sometimes was used to discredit the experiences of persons in the community. Further, Simpson stated that SASOD Guyana continues to be both proactive
to help the organisation to register, and take all of the necessary legal actions, in addition to building a website. He explained that the website served as a medium of exchange for the group, and a platform of empowerment, stating that persons were able to share necessary pieces of information on not
and responsive in supporting LGBTQ+ people by providing and linking these groups to critical services. The group according to Simpson has three programmes which it delivers to achieve its goals. The programmes are described as the “three ‘H’ agenda”: Human Rights, Homophobia(s) Education
Members of SWAG at their launch event for International Women’s Day in March 2017
much as a mechanism for inclusivity and safety within the LGBTQ+ community. He explained that at the time, the group came together it was seeking to have discriminatory laws repealed which criminalise LGBTQ+
together and not have to hide in the dark of night, persons were a bit skeptical about coming forward and joining. He said after persons were confident enough to join, building the trust in the group and its members was the oth-
SASOD Guyana and Managing Director Joel Simpson (left) and film producer Neil Marks (right) answering questions from the audience after the viewing of “My Wardrobe, My Right” at ‘Spectrum 7’ film festival on June 6, 2011
LGBTQ+ people. The GEF is the longest-running, self-sustaining, rights-based civil society network in Guyana. Another Notable achievement of SASOD took place
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people while advocating for state and non-state actors to respect, protect and fulfill the human rights of these groups. Simpson stated that he is proud of the progress that SASOD has made since its
er challenge many persons faced. NEW OPPORTUNITIES Simpson said he recalled watching the trust in the
and Human Services programmes. Speaking on Homophobia Education, he said that he believes it plays an extremely large role in enabling persons in the LGBTQ+ community to live and be comfortable in their own skin and their truth. “It’s possible to win people over through access to accurate information. We believe most people in Guyana are sitting on the fence, because of cultural and religious beliefs that they would have grown up with, but we also believe that with access to information on life as a LGBTQ+ person, it would enable persons to see that we aren’t that different, that we’re all humans that deserve the same things and we believe that this would lead to a more inclusive society.” Simpson told the Pepperpot Magazine that although the organisation cannot celebrate its 17th anniversary in the way it would have wished due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown it will be hosting several events beginning on June 17 that will see several virtual pride events, including their annual “Painting the Spectrum” Film Festival. He noted that SASOD’s “Painting the Spectrum” is the only annual LGBT film festival in the English-speaking Caribbean region and celebrated its 15th year in August of last year after being imitated in 2005.
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― June 7, 2020
VER the past week, I have been thinking a lot more about my role as an individual and as a young Indo-Guyanese in the dynamics of race relations in Guyana, prompted
when police officer George Zimmerman was acquitted of fatally shooting unarmed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. The movement has gained momentum over the years and came to a peak within the last few weeks, after the murder
and sociologist Derwayne Wills has shown me that this movement allows for a “transnational space for global-south solidarity and resistance against imperialism” as well. The imperialism that has led to the cultivation
with. I have read and learnt about these, but more than that, admittedly, I have grown up experiencing countless occasions where my family members and persons from my cultural background have exhibited their racism in both
source-driven conflicts, has only served to exacerbate their sentiments towards Afro-Guyanese. I remember after the last Regional and General Elections, when the APNU+AFC coalition had won the elections, I at-
by the #BlackLivesMatter movement. I’ll be the first to admit that I am not sure what exactly is the right way to use my voice and my platform to help further the cause, but right now I think that it is important for me to be honest with myself and with the experiences I have been part of. #BlackLivesMatter is a movement and a conversation happening across the world that began in 2013
of a black man George Perry Floyd. Once again, this senseless killing has placed a spotlight on a myriad of issues facing the black community in the US. It is an undeniable fact that black lives have been treated time and time again as though they do not matter. They’re faced with disgusting prejudices and stereotypes, that lead to experiences I can only imagine. And that makes me so, so angry. More than that, my friend
and perpetuation of the same entrenched systems of oppression, which exist in the US and which, fundamentally, have led to Floyd’s death, in our Guyana. I am not blissfully unaware that the experiences of Afro-Guyanese are very different from mine. They have their own experiences of stereotypes and prejudices and this is coupled with the entrenched socio-cultural hegemony they have to contend
covert and overt ways. Those same family members have often made the argument that ‘black people do the same to (Indian) people’ (that is they have their stereotypes and prejudices against Indo-Guyanese) and that has been a huge part of their reasoning to continue perpetuating their prejudices and stereotypes against Afro-Guyanese. The division in Guyana’s political system, driven by the ethnic and re-
tended a Sunday morning Satsang at my mandir. Normally, after the prayers and the havan (offerings to the fire) is completed, the pandit or a respected elder in the mandir would usually tell some anecdote in an attempt to teach some moral or value, based on the Hindu scriptures. I don’t remember what anecdote was told that day, but I do remember that a respected woman in the community speaking about
the elections and spoke about how the PPP/C lost the elections because “(Indian) people living in (Indian) people areas” did not come out to vote, and let the “black people come out in their numbers.” As I mentioned, Guyana is a place characterised by ethnic and resource-driven conflicts upon which the current political system thrives. And essentially, many Indo-Guyanese felt threatened that Afro-Guyanese would now be in possession and have control over the country’s resources because of the party in power. That is part of the conundrum in Guyana, and here I was in my mandir, a space where persons come to engage in devotion and spirituality, listening to the disdain for Afro-Guyanese. You see the problem here, right? At the core of this tension between Indo and Afro-Guyanese, for me, are the legacies of the plantation systems and imperialism. Our history has shaped the society we live in today, and unfortunately, part of that includes biases in our cultural groups. It is not my role to use my voice or any of my platforms to trivialise the experiences of Afro-Guyanese, or any #BlackLives for that matter. In the context of race relations in Guyana, I believe that we need to be honest and open about our experiences with race and racism so that we can finally learn to heal from the conflicts that have long since permeated our country and stagnated our collective growth. And supporting the wider #BlackLivesMatter movement, confronting and seeking to dismantle the inequalities black people face does not mean I care any less about my Indo-Guyanese background or any other group. Rather, it means that I understand that people’s rights are being infringed upon and that should not be. I choose to oppose an oppressive, capitalist system replete with cultural and narrative hegemony. So yeah, I’m Vishani and I firmly say
#BlackLivesMatter
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― June 7, 2020
VII
Focus on the Village
Aunty Betty and her ferns
Shaircoomarry Ramnarine better known as ‘Aunty Betty’ among her plants
Cotton Tree Primary School (Carl Croker photos)
By Michel Outridge OTTON Tree Village, West Coast Demerara, is one of the largest villages on that corridor and agriculture serves as the main source of income to most households. It is home to sugar workers, large and small businesses, self-employed folk, cash crop farmers, rice farmers, livestock and cattle farmers. Cotton Tree is the place of coconut trees in abundance and it is also overflowing with plants, fruit trees and thriving gardens. This is one of the well-kept villages where the locals take pride in taking care of the environment and their homes. The community is home to a handful of fishermen, who reside close to the foreshore area, aback of the village. Cotton Tree has a Primary and Nursery School, three Gas Stations, small, medium and large businesses that line the Public Road, a Community Centre Ground/ ball field, and many shops. Those who are not farmers are employed at Blairmont Sugar Estate and depend heavily on the estate for their livelihood. Cotton Tree Village is a quiet place considered to be ‘countryside’ with people, who lead simple lives. The village had a farming group which was dissolved but they have an existing Islamic Group. Cotton Tree has a population of about 500 residents and is home to predominantly Indo-Guyanese- most of whom are Muslimsand a cluster of Afro-Guyanese. The village starts from the Public Road on both sides, goes way down into the vast backlands and ends at the foreshore. In the backlands, some farmers have livestock and cattle on a large scale but usually have to keep watch because of wild animals attacking and eating their cows. Cotton Tree is between Zee Zight and D’ Edward Villages. THE WELCOMING ‘AUNTY BETTY’ Upon entry to the village, the Pepperpot Magazine met a very kind and mild-mannered woman, Shaircoomarry Ramnarine better known as “Aunty Betty”.
She has a lovely house which is surrounded by ferns, flowers and other plants and the place is spotlessly clean. Aunty Betty was at the time relaxing in her hammock in her back yard. The 74-year-old recalled she had a fairly good life before her son and husband passed away, some years ago. The mother of three, two girls and a boy told the Pepperpot Magazine that her world crumbled the day her only son died. It was seven years ago, he used to work in the Accounts Department at the Blairmont Estate but was relocated to the Stores and he reportedly inhaled some poisonous substances and fell ill. He was taken to Trinidad and Tobago for treatment but succumbed. He was only 25 years of age. “He was a very good son, educated, had a good job, an ideal child. I doted on him but his life was cut short and I can never be the same, my daughters also had a hard time coping following his death,” she said. Aunty Betty added that her life changed again, some years later, when her husband passed away in the United States while, he was on a vacation and to make matters worse, it was on her deceased son’s birthday. She has two remaining children, two daughters, one of whom resides in Cotton Tree and the other is living overseas. These days, Aunty Betty is getting down in age and has arthritis pains in both feet but she spends a lot of time on her plants and gardening. She usually waters the ferns every two days and would only go out when invited to a religious function or to attend a funeral. “I would normally plan my day, do my cleaning in the afternoons and in the mornings after praying I would do outdoor chores, tend to my plants because since growing up I always had a liking to plants and flowers,” she explained. Aunty Betty related that she spent a lot of years on plants and whenever she gets visitors
she would offer them a plant and refuses to sell them since it is not considered proper. SCHOOL VENDING She told the Pepperpot Magazine that in her younger days when her children were all school-age she used to sell at the Primary School, a job she had for more than 15 years. “One day my daughters came home from school and told me she wants things to sell at school like her friends and I made some tamarind balls and sugar cake and gave her. Then a day I saw her in the sun selling and I thought to myself she shouldn’t be doing that and that’s how I started selling at the school,” she said. Aunty Betty pointed out that she began making pholurie, cassava balls, egg balls, tamarind balls, sugar cakes, chicken foot, pickle mangoes, mettai, gulab jamoon and koolaid.
She used to sell these home-made snacks in a glass case and as time went by her husband constructed a stand with a shed. “It was some good years selling at the school because all the children used to come and buy and we became close and nowadays when they call out to me I can’t even recognise some of them,” she said. Aunty Betty stated that she used to prepare the snacks at home after which she would place it in separate bottles to be displayed in her stand in front of the Cotton Tree Primary School. Today, she would entertain the children in the village by giving away sweets and other goodies and she even has a few “adopted” grandchildren, who would pass by and call out to her daily.
Aunty Betty’s outdoor fireside
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― June 7, 2020
VIII
Focus on the Village
Zahir Khan at his Pet Shop (Carl Croker photos)
The industrious men of
Cotton Tree Village
By Michel Outridge
A
M A D Bacchus is a cash crop farmer, who has a cultivation of bell peppers and celery in his shade-house, located in
the large villages compared to others such as Zee Zight, which has only three small streets with just about 200 residents. He has been in the farming business for the past 19 years and is the father of
crop farmer, he has suffered losses not just in marketing since they have no added value to his produce, all perishables and cannot wait for the better prices on the market. Even though Cotton Tree
Amad Bacchus’ shade-house of bell peppers
Bacchus explained that his losses are a lot and they add up because crops take time to grow and the labour, cost of fertilisers and other things are considered. For instance, he disclosed that tomatoes take two months to grow from seedling to reaping and when it is sold it is less than $50 per pound and there are no
Bacchus has established a shade-house for his bell peppers at his home because they need regular attention being a delicate crop and has a plot of one and a half-acre of tomatoes and celery in the farmlands of the village. He uses his motorcycle to get to his farmland since it is more convenient and easier and would spend most of the
in his village no matter the time of day or night he would assist because he knows the hardships faced by farmers. The father of three told the Pepperpot Magazine that he used to plant rice and cash crops but cut his losses and accepted a simpler way of life. Today, he has a kitchen garden of fruits and vege-
Cash Crop Farmer, Amad Bacchus in his hammock after a day of work
his yard and a plot of vegetables aback the village. of Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice and sells his produce to wholesalers. Bacchus told the Pepperpot Magazine that Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) is an agriculture-based area where the locals either work at the sugar estate or they are farmers. He added that there are a few self-employed folk who make a living with their bus, a car or a small shop. Bacchus pointed out that Cotton Tree and Bush Lot are
three, who enjoys the quiet, country life that is punctuated with hard work. “This place needs a boost, we can use some investments and job creation for the young people, who have nothing to do because some don’t want to be farmers,” he said. As an agriculture-base village, Bacchus related that they need assistance in terms of infrastructure – access to water, irrigation, access to the backlands and farming produce relief. He stated that as a cash
farmers would have benefitted from the Rural Agricultural Infrastructure Development Project (RAID) which is facilitated by the government, the farming group has dissolved but is vibrant in other villages such as, Bath and Rosignol. “We the farmers need better access to the farmlands aback the village and for enhanced productivity, in marketing, since it is flooded with produce especially for small scale cash crop farmers,” he said. As a small scale farmer,
profits to record as a cash crop farmer. Bacchus told the Pepperpot Magazine that cash crop farming is a high-risk investment with little or no returns with consideration of the weather, disease, pests and lack of rainfall. “To grow perishables is a high risk one takes to go into the pocket for this venture and it is very challenging, to say the least, from production to the market, since you cannot bargain for a better price to wholesalers, who make the profit,” he said.
day tending to his crops. His yard is one to envy since it has an abundance of fruit trees, plants, flowers and budding vegetables. ZAHIR PET SUPPLIES Zahir Khan owns a small pet shop and supplies store at Cotton Tree Village, the only such business along West Coast Berbice. He opened that business seven years ago, when he had to travel to either the city or Corentyne to get supplies for his livestock, cattle and dogs. Khan caters for farmers
tables and has sheep, horses, two German Shepherd dogs and birds. “I have pet supplies for dogs, birds and medicines for cattle and livestock and animals because I know in this area how hard it is to source these things and I provide a service to the people,” he said. Khan reported that in Cotton Tree, one cannot go hungry because everybody is planting something and they are very neighbourly and assist each other.
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― June 7, 2020
Day to day life in
e g a l l i V e e r T n o t t o C By Michel Outridge
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AMSUNDAR Arjune is a village elder and is wellknown among the people of Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice. Uncle Sundar, as he is called, believes that a simple way of life is the best medicine to longevity and if his wife was around it would have been even better. Unfortunately, his wife of more than 30 years fell and received head injuries and had some internal bleeding which led to her passing away a few years ago. The father of five told the Pepperpot Magazine that he has his own place at Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara but was the victim of greed by his own family. He is originally from Mahaicony but 38 years ago he relocated to Cotton Tree after he got married his high school sweetheart. “Both me and my wife used to attend Number Two Secondary School and we always had a crush on each other and a few years after high school we got married,” he said. He began residing at his father-in-law’s place and he started a coconut oil business between himself and his wife. Arjune added that he used to pick coconuts, peel it, wash it and make coconut oil after which it would be bottled and his wife would take it to the Rosignol Market to sell. “It is not easy to lose someone you lived with for so long but she had a comfortable life and when she passed away. She was 68 years old and is the person I would have like to grow even older with,” he said. He is, however, thankful after he lost his property at Mahaicony his father-inlaw gave him a plot, the place he currently resides and he managed to construct a house. “I had some cows and I sold it and bought some land behind the village that is used for farming
these days,” he said. At age 74, he is as jovial and pleasant as his younger days when he was a “sweet boy” in the village with just a few more ladies than usual but after marriage, he settled and dedicated his time and energy towards a good family life. As he reflected on those days, he disclosed that most of the women he dated have since passed away. Arjune reminisced on his youthful days when he used to work at Blairmont Sugar Estate as an ordinary labourer and worked his way up to a Charge Hand and later to a Foreman, a position he retired as. He worked at the estate for more than 20 years and also worked at the Rice Resource Station at Burma, for a few years as a Checker of the different species of rice. Arjune added that he was also a farmer back in the days and today, sitting down doing nothing is not easy for him because he is accustomed to hard work. Due to age and illness, he is forced to take it easy and one day at a time and is being cared for by his daughter-inlaw and a son. “The only exercise I get these days is my hands would move from the plate to my mouth and I would at times go out the yard and sit outside for a bit,’ he said. Arjune pointed out that life in Cotton Tree is good and it is home for him since it is a quiet and peaceful
Samsundar Arjune (Carl Croker photos)
Focus
place to raise a family. THE COCONUT BOSS Javed Ayube is utilising the many coconuts in his yard and around the village to make a living. The father of two told the Pepperpot Magazine that when work was in sight he started the coconut business and today, he is known as the Coconut Boss of Cotton Tree Village. Ayube stated that he would go around the village and pick coconuts or buy from villagers, after which he would peel it a crowbar and bag it for his wholesale buyers. The small business operator has in his employ three persons from the community and has a 10-acre lot of coconut farm within the village. The employees would use rope and climb the trees to pick dry coconuts and once they accumulate 10,000 or more they would begin peeing about 4,000 dry coconuts weekly. An empty plot next to Ayube’s is used as the area to peel the dry coconuts and it has a shed. The coconut husks are given to folks who are in the smoked fish business and the rest is discarded. Presently, Ayube has in storage under his house about 120 bags of dried coconuts ready for the wholesale buyer but business is at a standstill due to the novel Coronavirus. “This business is slow right now and it is not everyday work so I have to pay workers and the coconuts I sell have to be of a certain standard since it is export and not only domestic use,” he said. “This is a small operation and I try to make ends meet and pay the workers and also have money to buy dry coconuts when the need arises.”
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on the Village
Coconut trees in Javed Ayube’s yard
Javed Ayube called the Coconut Boss
‘How it’s done’ Javed Ayube demonstrating how dried coconuts are peeled by hand with the use of an iron crowbar
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― June 7, 2020
-Cotton Tree teacher offering after-school lessons at his home
t was after some parents approached him with the idea of hosting after- school lessons, that trained teacher, Mohamed Shakoor, accepted their request and began tutoring students at his home. It all started in 2018 when he was asked by parents, requesting he host after-school lessons since some were considered slow learners. “I didn’t give it much thought because I am willing to assist and I jumped at the idea and began classes from my bottom house,” he said. It was evident that Shakoor liked what he is doing since, he has arranged a section of his bottom house with wooden chairs, tables and blackboard to comfortably accommodate pupils. “As a teacher, I knew the weak areas of some students and I was more than willing to lend a helping hand as my way of giving back to society,” he explained. Shakoor has a class of 30 students but as a result of COVID-19, he had to cut that amount to 20 pupils for now until the pandemic passes. He tutors Mathematics, English, Social Studies and Science for Primary School students and for the Secondary School students he has classes for Mathematics and other subject areas. The classes are held from 15:00hrs to 17:30hrs on weekdays in his yard which is decorated with potted plants and flowers in varying sizes and colours, adding a homley
It was then he applied for a teaching position and then went to Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) at Turkeyen, and the University of Guyana (UG) and became a qualified teacher. “I was stuck because I couldn’t get a job so I
Focus on the Village
Mohamed Shakoor
Taking shade and rest under a tree just outside Mohamed Shakoor’s house
touch to the atmosphere. Shakoor has been in the teaching profession since 2005 and used to work at a rice company which closed its doors after which he had to seek employment elsewhere.
t i -
applied f o r a teaching job and got it and took an instant liking to the noble profession and said to myself why not enh a n c e my skills and went to enrol at CPCE,” he said. Shakoor told the Pepperpot Magazine that teaching is very fulfilling because he wants to boost the children who are not top performers and to mould them to excel in the future. “When I am not in school, I am here teaching and I try to work with all groups of children and motivate them to do better in the subject areas they are not so versed in,” he said. With schools closed due the global pandemic, he has the time to give individual attention to students, all from his home. Shakoor taught at New Amsterdam Mul-
lateral, Sand Creek Secondary School, and Cotton Tree Primary School, which is close to home. He reported that he established after-school lessons at his home out of the need to give back to the community, to serve and not for money-making purposes. “I know the children, who cannot afford private tutoring because I live in this village and I would not take a dollar because I know the challenges they face and I give my service to all equally with showing partiality and it feels good,” he said. Shakoor is, however, saddened by some youths in the community who engage in idle and unhealthy activities. He added that if skills training methods are implemented they can benefit after which they can be gainfully employed or become small business owners. The teacher reported that there are a lot of school dropouts in Cotton Tree Village and before they engage in unsavoury activities they can participate in vocational training. The village has a well-kept Community Centre Ground with a building to house such activities. The nearest Secondary School is at Rosignol, a few villages away, which is considered a commercial hub and a central point for businesses.
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― June 7, 2020
lage
A show of talent s u c o F Creative Cotton Tree on
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il V e th
residents are contributing to the community
By Michel Outridge
R
ICHARD Ramnarine is promoting culture through dance lessons for locals in his community by hosting “bottom-house” classes. The 28-year-old is a talented selftaught classical and chutney dancer and a passionate resident of Cotton Tree Village, who has been practising dancing for the past five years. Although he had no formal training, this young man is an over-achiever when it comes to classical and chutney dances, for which he won many trophies and other prizes from competing. Ramnarine told the Pepperpot Magazine that he once had a stint of dance classes at the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha some time ago and he developed a liking to classical
Feliesha and Richard Ramnarine
dancing. Today, he has more than 100 students in attendance at his dance classes but as a result, of COVID-19, those classes have been put on hold. “I just like dancing and when I realised I was good at it, it became a part of me and I started helping out with dancing at the mandir, fundraisers, cultural shows with the regional administration and other organisations,” he said. Ramnarine also performs at weddings, cultura l
Jaswantie Singh better known as ‘Diane’
a beauty salon and wedding dress rental business at Cotton Tree Village, West Coast Berbice and has developed a solid base of clientele over the years. It is the only such business establishment in her village and it started in 2010 after she completed classes in hair and nail care and designs. At present, she is renting her brother’s place where she has her beauty salon and wedding dress rental services. However, at the same location, her brother runs his travel agency business which is also closed due to the novel Coronavirus. She specialises in hair, nails, manicures, pedicures and facials. Two years ago she imported some wedding dresses and started rentals. “I am not really operating the business right now because of the virus but customers are calling for the services and I have some regulars so I try to do a few appointments only,” she said. Singh added that her services are in demand and her customers are from surrounding villages with just a few from Cotton Tree Village itself. “I am not perfect at his job but I try to upgrade my skills to suit the needs of customers because it’s what’s trending is most wanted especially, in nail designs,” she said. Singh explained that at times customers will come, wanting a specific hair cut or nail design and she has to provide that service, make it happen and once the customer is satisfied, the joy would flow. As a beautician, she related that the job is trendy and one has to keep up with the styles and fashion of a modern-day society.
shows and a lot of competitions, where he dominates the stage with his many innovative and creative dances moves. He added that the youths and others were willing to learn and they asked him to conduct dance classes and so he started out from his bottom-house. Ramnarine has on display in his home about 60 trophies that he won in past competitions and through his dance group called Neha Flix Dance Troupe also known as the ‘Cotton Tree Dance Troupe’. He has taken his cousin under his wing, Feliesha Ramnarine and the duo have had many successes in the world of dancing and on stage. “She is very willing and she is a quick learner and developed into a good chutney and folk dancer over time and we usually perform together and it’s all good,” he said. The 19-year-old is a curvy, full-figured dancer whose bodily proportions doesn’t hinder her in performing her dance moves. She was featured in Bunty Singh’s music video titled “Fat Girl”. The Ramnarines have been dancing together since nursery school days. DIANE’S BEAUTY SALON AND WEDDING DRESS RENTAL Even though she wasn’t successful at first when she started her own small business, she did not give up and got better with time, today, that business has grown into her only source of income. “I wasn’t successful at first then I enhanced my skills and practised more and got the hang of things soon after and then I got some regular customers, who like my work and my small business started to grow from one person to many,” she said. She is Jaswantie Singh better known as ‘Diane’, who has
Richard Ramnarine
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― June 7, 2020
d n i M e t i r The W by Jasmaine Payne
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o matter the type of written work you produce, or how experienced you are as a writer, every piece of work needs to undergo some manner of editing. Moreover, for the most objective and effective results, editing should ideally be done by someone other than the writer as writers are often too involved with their work to be able to detect all errors and areas of improvements. Sure, self-editing is necessary and useful, but it is just the tip of the literary iceberg for written work that needs to live up to the test of public standards. As a writer, it is important to understand the type of editing available to you. Depending on the project you are undertaking, there are varying types of editing. For a full-length manuscript intended for mass production, you will need the whole “shebang”. That means, you will need an editor who can give you big picture consultation about your ideas and structure (developmental and structural editing) as well as detailed editing (line and copy editing) which delve into the actual content on the page. Generally, copyediting is the most common type of editing you will need for your work if you are not writing a novel or other large scale project. A copyeditor’s core job is to ensure that your work has a professional finish, is clear and easy to read and is coherently structured, telling a complete story with little to no gaps. In editing your work, they will consider features such as spelling, grammar, repetition, capitalisation, dialogue tags, tone, point of view and structure. They will ask the writers questions if there are ambiguities in the content and restructure where necessary to ensure that the overall message is delivered. A good editor will also place themselves in the position of the reader to ensure that the written work sends the right message to the intended audience when it is finally published. How involved should editors be? The answer to this question is generally pretty simple: it depends on the arrangement. In client-based relationships, the involvement of the editor must be expressly agreed upon before the project begins. A writer, upon submitting his work for editing must state exactly what type of editing he wishes for his work. Where an editor is being paid for a specific job, they are therefore required to carry out the exact duties of that job, offering only suggestions for the writer’s consideration if other issues arise. In editorial settings where editors are in charge of the overall layout of a bigger publication, the writer’s work usually falls at the mercy of that editor and their specific style. Some editors are very meagre in their editing while others are excessive. The extent to which these editors should change the work of writers has been a matter of debate for quite some time. Should the editor be able to rewrite parts of an article if they think that the article does not live up to standard? I think that editors should always seek to maintain the writer’s style and voice while their editing must affect only the structure and clarity. That means that if a writer expresses a statement that is clear but, perhaps, not the way an editor would write it, this does not mean that it should be rewritten. If an editor has such a problem with the way an article is written, then it should be returned to the writer with notes, questions and recommendations for that article to be reworked. Where a writer does not have full control over the finished product of their work, it could be disheartening to find their work stylistically rewritten without their consent. Again, rewriting for structure is different than rewriting for style and that should
―When you’re editing, you want to be the perfect appreciator, not another writer - Joseph Kanon always be remembered in such settings. Dos and Donts for editors To hone my writing and editing skills, I subscribe to the annual Writer’s Handbook which provides advice and resources from renowned literary professionals. In the 2001 publication, I stumbled across the following tips for editors to remember when going about their duties. These tips are also good for writers to keep in mind so that they understand fully the role of editors: • Love the language- indulge in endless reading to widen your vocabulary. Editors must be informed enough to be able to assess another person’s writing and must, therefore, have a strong handle of the language. • Details are important- don’t skim when editing. READ. That is the only way you can ensure you get the whole picture and can provide quality editing. • Stay true to the author’s voice- just as the quote in the opening of this article states, editors should be appreciators of the content they are editing, not writers. The writing ultimately belongs to the writer, so stylistic changes that change the voice
of the writer should be communicated by way of questions and recommendations rather than your own rewrites. • Know what is relevant- sometimes your job calls for massive clipping and cuts to the work. This is okay, but it calls for an eye of knowing what is not relevant to the story and can, therefore, be omitted. • Communicate with your writers- editing is not just about churning out a polished finished product. Editors should be able to offer writers constructive criticisms and feedback on ways they can improve their work. Be objective and don’t be afraid of hurting feelings, so long as you know that the information is crucial to their development. Just as writers’ style should be respected, so should editors’ as they are the glue to polishing your work and providing the public with the best possible version of it. It is always important as a writer to ensure that you communicate with your editor. Let them know what you want to achieve in a finished product and in editorial settings, seek feedback for areas of improvement if you see the published version with significant corrections. Interested in contributing to this column on writing? Email me at thewritemind592@gmail.com
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― June 7, 2020
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must express my appreciation for all the persons who constantly read, send messages or call giving feedback on this column. I will be sharing more comments from people from around the world on COVID 19 Starting with my friend Caron from Canada and my John Maxwell Team brother Jan from JMT from South Africa “I decided to believe this is manageable. I have survived and thrived with life’s many challenges. I will again. I take time to find peace. No news before bed. I look after myself, read and learn. I am recalibrating to what business will look like in the future. My focus is on contribution, integrity, being respectful, kindness and sustainability” Caron Hawco, Businesswoman, Newfoundland and Labrador- Canada “The changes I have made are mostly due to the need to maintain social distance to minimise the spread of the virus. Some one-on-one coaching has changed to the telephone. As large gatherings are no longer possible, I now deliver leadership training sessions using Webex or ZOOM video
gathering allowed. Major cities across the nation were locked down since the beginning of April. Up till now, our churches, schools and airports are still not opened and movement across state boundaries is restricted. The pandemic has greatly affected our lives and changed our world forever.” Pastor Nath Ayo Aiyedogbon, Nigeria I was already staying at home most of the time but as soon as our Prime Minister started curfew I felt trapped after three weeks of staying in. Adjustments were made and are still being made. We bought food and other household items in bulk so as not to expose ourselves standing in long lines. We even bought medications that we use to last at least two months. Then I settled down and persons keep sending information (really bombarding) of what they and others thought of this virus. We are more relaxed and accepting of our plight now and looking forward to a semblance of normalcy or as normal as we can be. During this time I watched more Netflix than ever. Here’s a little bit of funny: after the Prime Minister said Curfew is until 9 pm, I said to
conferencing. This has gone quite well.” Ed Decosta, Executive Coach/Speaker-USA “I thought the lockdown would last for a couple of weeks. It was fun staying at home with family and bonding. We watched movies, had long conversations, cooked and ate together. As a small business owner in a non-essential business, it is a complete shut down for business. People are focused on purchasing essential items like food, water and toiletries. I do not know what will happen when we re-open. This has been a very trying experience, I am praying for better days” Monalisa Okojie, Entrepreneur/ Designer- USA “The COVID-19 pandemic took the world by storm at the beginning of the year 2020. Initially, we in Nigeria were hearing the news of the pandemic as it spread from China to Europe. Today, we have recorded over 7,500 cases and about 220 deaths from COVID-19 among which is a top government official, Mr Abba Kyari; the Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria. The pandemic has disrupted every aspect of our national lives. Economic activities were shut down, schools and colleges closed, no social or religious
my daughter I want to go out on the road and return at about 7 to 8 pm because I forgot what coming home at night felt like!” Claudette Mc Kenzie, Retired -- Antigua. “The COVID-19 pandemic is characterised by a precariousness that is unmatched. However, as a sociology professor and someone who studies group interactions, I think the pandemic has presented us with a moment that forces us to acknowledge the educational inequalities that are baked into education institutions. This pandemic forces us to reflect, more than usual, about who we are as educators. When I ask my students to attend a lecture online, I think about students with families, and how will they balance the needs of their children, while participating in an online session. I think about the student who shares a laptop with other members of the family and the student who does not own a computer. I think of that student who does not have internet. I think of that student who learns better in a faceto-face setting. On a more personal level, while it seems that much has changed as a result of the pandemic, what remains a constant for me, is this penchant that I have to seize every moment. Yes, the days are imperfect, but I am
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Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel ... Inspiring lives through fashion
unwilling to sacrifice an imperfect today for an uncertain tomorrow.”Nancy Fraser -- Canada. “Having several training companies with physical workshops, keynotes and coaching, you can imagine how we needed to adapt to current, and future traits and circumstances. Within days, all our trainings got cancelled or postponed with serious financial repercussions. We had talked about taking many programmes online prior to this crisis and, suddenly, we received that gift of necessity and opportunity. We did not sit still complaining about what happens around us and took charge of our future in daily increments. The results are starting to come in with global collaborations on training programmes, speaking opportunities, as well as exciting developments with a complete entrepreneurial journey platform and app, from idea to completion. We see this as a period to reflect and grow towards a better future for ourselves and all those we are blessed to impact.” Jan Roberts, Founder Ki Leadership Institute Let’s look for the purpose in every problem and we continue this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― June 7, 2020
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H E recent k illing of George Floyd in America has caused outrage around the globe. H is death has highl ighted the age-old issue of racism. Racism is everywhere! Although many of us live in multi-ethnic societies, we have experienced racism in some form. It varies depending on the circumstance or situation. As Americans boldly express their outrage, I see many Guyanese sharing their personal experiences with racism locally on social media. It saddens me to think that we seem to be fighting a never-ending battle. For centuries we’ve been trapped in this cycle. One would have hoped that after gaining Independence, the people in a nation would stand together for a common goal. I guess all of that is wishful thinking. Even our electronic devices have emojis of different colours to represent different races. The question is, do you get offended if someone uses an emoji that doesn’t represent his/her colour? Does that make you racist? Racism isn’t innate; it is learned. As I study art and the meaning of colours and how, for example, dark colours are sometimes associated with dirt or uncleanness, I realise that some form of racism is being taught. As I ref lect on everything that is happening, I remember a painting entitled ‘Togetherness in Guyana’ by Philip Moore. Philip Moore was a sculptor and painter who was concerned with the maintenance of an Afro Caribbean memory through art. He displayed visual activism and reformulation of black consciousness in his work. As I look at ‘Togetherness in Guyana’, the first thing I noticed was the dancing figures. They occupy mostly the border
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T U D E N T S are struggling; t h a t ’s i t , t h a t ’s t h e i s s u e . The title of this article is not clickbait. Students, like myself, and many others are visibly struggling. We are frustrated, we feel helpless and we are saddened by how inconsiderate our educational systems can be. In the month of March, the University of Guyana closed for semester break. Little did me; did we know, that would have been the very last time we’d attend physical classes. Subsequently the next week, we were faced with the effects of our General Elections. May I remind you of the emotional turmoil many faced during that time? The outburst of riots across the country, the racial war that was lit (as always) amongst citizens and the inconclusive elections that was held. All among many other issues.
of the painting. These figures, holding hands, are painted in a variety of colours. We see different shades of brown, yellow and white. In my opinion, this was Philip’s way of representing different races. I find it quite striking that he used white for some of the figures. Let’s face it, “white people” aren’t “white.” However, after some consideration, I realised that if he hadn’t done so, many, including myself would assume that “white people” were not included. This brought to the fore my deeply ingrained negative mindset that attaches colour to identity. There is a dark spot in the middle of the painting. Curved broken lines are emanating from the centre. These lines form a swirl pattern. As I analyse the piece in its entirety, I imagine these broken lines as threads holding us together. The background appears to be a quilted patchwork with different motifs (a decorative image or design). In my opinion, it represents the varying racial cultures. The variety of colours and visual movement (an art principle that uses lines to create movement. There is a particular point of focus in the painting. Each line directs the viewer to another area of the same work) creates a happy mood in the painting. This painting embodies what it means to be your brother’s keeper. As Americans make their voices heard, let’s understand that they cannot do it alone. When we stand with them, we are also helping to curb racism locally, regionally and internationally. Together we can bring an end to racism. We have to unite to achieve this goal. “United we stand divided we fall,” Aesop. This painting is part of the National collection at the National Gallery of Art, Castellani House.
That was enough. Those factors were enough already for one to handle and cope with but then came Covid-19. When the first case was reported on, our country went wild; likewise our mental health. Students are all trying to strive for greatness through academics, the way we see fit. Even if you aren’t a student right now, you were or you will be. I need my mind to focus on my studies, to write my articles and to work—I also need my mind to live a sane life! This mind of mine has been pressured, frustrated and overworked during these times. I am sure many students share the same sentiments as I do. The world is coping with a pandemic but yet here we are, studying for a degree, studying for CSEC, completing assignments and attending online classes. Our anxieties are screaming, “Why
Togetherness in Guyana (2) to be captioned Togetherness in Guyana by Philip Moore
are you doing this when the world’s future is so unclear?!” Our bodies are screaming: “I am exhausted because you are overworking yourself!” Our bank accounts are screaming: “Will you be able to pay tuition fees and buy essentials with a new limited income?!” Everything and everyone around us is silently screaming but we still have academic commitments to fulfill. I am writing this article with a heavy heart. I am one of many students who are struggling. My body is committed to my studies. My heart has a sparking desire to earn this degree. My mind, however, tells me otherwise. I am not writing this to ask students to halt all studies but we need to learn when to take a break. We need to learn how and when to take a step back. Lecturers, teachers
and administrations should also pay close attention to students and their complaints. If a student is unable to attend classes because of poor internet connections; show a bit of leniency. If a student completed an assignment but sent it a day after the deadline; try to be understanding. If students ask for logical extensions; help them out. All in all, I am hopeful that students will progress through this difficult time. We will look back at this on our graduation day and we will smile an extra smile because of our successes, despite a pandemic. Your studies are just as important as your mental health. Learn to strike a healthy balance between the two. This mind of ours is fragile. This mind of ours is sacred. This mind of ours needs a break from time to time—all I ask of you is to please take care of yours.
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― June 7, 2020
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#SupportCreativity
By Subraj Singh
“
THE Dark of the Sea” is the second novel by Guyanese writer, Imam Baksh. Like its predecessor, “Children of the Spider”, the book won the Burt Award for Caribbean Young Adult Literature, as part of the Bocas Literature Festival. I really appreciate “The Dark of the Sea” because I think that it is a great story that young people and children will love. It is exactly the kind of novel that I needed as a child when my idea of what fantasy literature could be was limited to the ‘Harry Potter’ series, the Enid Blyton books, the ‘Lord of the Rings’ saga, and other examples from the British fiction canon. Having read “The Dark of the Sea,” I do believe that it is indeed rewarding to come across settings, characters, and stories, through works written by authors like Baksh, that are uniquely and blatantly Guyanese. In writing about the Guyanese experience, not only are readers given insight into what it means to be a person living in Guyana, but also perspectives surrounding the concerns, values, history, and culture of Guyanese people are also tapped into, and these are definitely some of my favourite things about this novel. While “Children of the Spider” presented a stranger who is transported to Guyana, “The Dark of the Sea” focuses on a young boy, named Danesh, who lives on the Essequibo Coast, and the way he becomes embroiled in the machinations of an undersea community of what we in Guyana refer to as ‘fair maids’ – mermaid-like creatures who are represented as both benign and evil in variations of local legends. Danesh, as the hero of the story, is immediately likeable. This is due, in part, to the visibility of his Guyanese qualities that one might be able to find in any of several random boys plucked from the Guyanese countryside. Danesh grows up in a religious family, and he has a great disdain for school. He is knowledgeable about aspects of technology. He dislikes his teachers – who are not particularly great teachers, or human beings, for that matter – and, conversely, he has a great love for his friends. He loiters on the shore and on the islands in the Essequibo River, and it is during one of these escapades that he has an
encounter with a ‘fair maid’ named Medusa. At first, she tries to kill him (in a really intense and expertly written fight sequence), but before long and due to greater threats facing both Medusa and Danesh’s worlds, the two must band together and join forces along with the ‘fair maid’ warriors of the mystical, underwater, domain of Coral City to protect the world from a giant, toadlike, and an extremely powerful villain named Zadoq’ua.
experience. The first of these is the Guyanese model of education, which the author justifiably satirizes throughout the text. For example, the hypocrisy that exists with teachers who are natural Creole speakers but are trying to get students to speak Standard English is both a hilarious and tragic reality of the failure of the education system in Guyana. This failure is also compounded in the novel with the inability of any of
“The Dark of the Sea,” by Imam Baksh, 2019, Blouse and Skirt Books – Image Source: Goodreads
Of course, as YA fantasy, the novel is an exciting, fresh, and very well-written example of Guyanese literature. There is no doubt that it will satisfy any younger reader who chooses to read it, regardless of whether that person knows anything about Guyana or not. There are mythical creatures, epic battles, betrayals, references to Greek myth, a giant squid, the Hindu god, Vishnu, and so many other cool elements that are sure to enthrall readers. However, for me, the most important thing about the novel has to do with its treatment of several themes that come directly from the Guyanese
Danesh’s teachers to identify that he has a reading impediment. Instead, he is passed over and is regarded as being incapable of learning. This too is another element taken from the very real world of the Guyanese school system. It really highlights the failures of the system, in which many teachers are complicit. Additionally, the topic of suicide also appears in the novel. I was surprised that this element was addressed, but lately, I have been feeling that YA novels are a lot darker these days. Maybe this has something to do with the state of the world, or maybe YA has always been that way
and we never really noticed as young people. I mean, “The Hunger Games” novels deal with teenagers hacking each other to death as a form of entertainment, so, there’s that. The treatment of suicide, from my point of view, is important because suicide has not been discussed enough in Guyanese literature. There are not enough stories, plays, or poems that represent this issue, and that is extremely unfortunate because suicide is one of the most pressing issues in Guyana, particular in the rural areas, such as where “The Dark of the Sea” is set, so kudos to the writer for being brave and cognizant enough to write it into his book. Lastly, one other important element that belongs to Guyana that Baksh has repre-
sented in the novel is the issue of storytelling. Danesh may not be a good student, but he is a good storyteller. Equally important is the fact that he is good at receiving stories from others. There are some scenes, for example, when he is in the ocean, visiting Coral City with the ‘fair maids’, and he spends long periods listening to the stories they tell and, in turn, shares his own stories with the ‘fair maids’. In the text, stories are not just stories, but vessels containing valuable pieces of information that can benefit the hero. Perhaps the lesson here is that the traditional education system is not the only source of knowledge, or perhaps it is a call for a return to the oral forms of storytelling, or it might be a reminder that each story contains some truth
that is essential to both speaker and listener. Whatever the case, I do feel like the novel advocates for storytelling and I think that that is indeed a grand thing to see. Also, I love irony, and there is no doubt that advocating for storytelling traditions in the form of a story (the novel) is a pretty awesome thing to do. In the end, I find that “The Dark of the Sea” was a better read than “Children of the Spider” (which is, itself, a pretty good read), and I think that it is essential that more local YA fans (of which there are many) find time to read, appreciate, and share the work of Imam Baksh. He is one of the local authors that has the talent and potential to become J.K. Rowling-famous one day.
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When you reach the frenzy of institutionalised hatred, then, the focus of your hatred has triumphed ― In truth, you rage against that which has a secret altar in your soul
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S a child living on the coast, in my former years, Roy Mangra lent me a novel to my memory was titled “The Butcher’s of Berlin”. I was about nine years old, he was older than I was, and probably was able to understand it better. I left the Coast that weekend to spend the time at my grandmother in West Ruimveldt and walked with it. My uncle Victor, my father’s youngest brother, had not left for the US of A as yet. He was usually jovial, and he became serious when he held it in his hand. Lil Braff who gave you this book to read? I replied that it had a lot of words in it that were not in my school Dictionary, (many were German). He promised to explain it to me but I got distracted, though from movies I recognised the WWII Nazi uniforms and the term ‘Jews’ that applied to some of the pictures in the novel.
were the United Nations Army, and my plasticine Aliens were from the Demon Galaxy, that worked, for there were always movies and Flash Gordon comic books in our world. The East Coast was not without constant verbal racist attacks, that at times became physical. I was called many names, some from Hindi. In the ‘West on Trial’ by Cheddi Jagan, he pointed on page 114 to “Crude religious and racist appeals were made by the Hindu Pandits and Debadin’s United Farmers” and Worker’s Party respectively. They originated the term ‘Apan Jhaat’ (literally own race) planting the racist De-vide, with intense Anti-Afro-Guyanese hate mythology” (my précis and text deviation). However, there are other interpretations and interjections to the beginnings and to why we are partially still there. Today, some articulated that the PPP adopted that very ra-
of how practical was repressed, with name-calling and social castigations. Political ideas and interpretations come from a didactic political and religious conduit of Ideas. The enemy is defined by his race (human variation) unless he or she is a servant of the leader, and to prove it, he or she must hold his own phenotypic origin in public contempt, and be immune to that contempt coming from his/her adopted cast. Then that person will be described as ‘one ah we.’ Musical taste, movies, conversations are rooted in events from that external universe, little is known of Guyanese history, cultural, industrial and academic achievements, geographical backgrounds and places, folk songs, national foundations etc. And with the casual offer by a leader shaped from that culture to a foreign state of a part of our geographical heritage to console a border issue, now, doesn’t this
I left without my uncle explaining the book to me, he studied French and had a book with paintings in it that fascinated me. I tried to draw one particular painting, it was some Greek soldiers with swords raised, which he had told me its name, but I had to recall it, as a young adult as ‘Oath of the Horatii’ by a French Artist named Jacques-Louis David. Uncle Victor later went to the US of A but was never the same when he returned. Some weeks later, long after I had returned the Novel to Roy I was exploring my imaginary games with my toy soldiers, when my Godfather, Abel Burke walked up quietly behind me and was observing the game I was playing. There was a chewing gum back then called MX. After chewing some of us washed it and used it as plasticine for modelling monsters etc. (children played back then). He asked me to explain what I was doing. I excitedly told him that the MX-Plasticine creatures were the invaders from space called ‘The Jews’ and my toy soldiers were the Germans who defeated them. That was my interpretation of the unexplained emaciated pictures of Concentration Camp dead from Roy’s book. Abel quietly explained that Jews were people and he later introduced me to a Jewish friend he had named Mr. Costello, but never burdened me with the facts of the ‘Race Hate’ report that the book constituted. They told me under the watchful eyes of my Godmother, that my toy soldiers
cist format and perfected it, which came and was adopted here from India actually, and there is evidence to substantiate this, as a formula to invent a continuous voter ‘crop’, but things do change. Growing up between Georgetown and the provincial East Coast was a tremendous anthropological firsthand experience and advantage for me, from which I learnt that the race hate intensity cannot be blamed entirely on that era in the ’60s that was still alive for me as a child. But resides in the ‘The Cultural reality’ of either ‘Isolation’ or ‘Involvement’ what I witnessed on the coast was the demographics of two villages sharing the physical being that enveloped both, one side an old plantation was now occupied by Indo Guyanese, the other that housed a Fort and military hospital is occupied by Afro and Indo Guyanese. The latter can be termed Creole, meaning that they read and share books, newspapers and not only play cricket, are mainly Christian, argue about fashion, on mainly western made movies, listen to music from Classical, concert American and Caribbean, know their national and Caribbean history, knowing where Dominica is as against the Dominican Republic, court women differently, discuss social and political ideas, joke about their public officials etc. The other is rooted (especially in the rural areas) in a cultural interpretation of self outside of Guyana, any preferences outside of that regardless
pose a significant and alarming problem? Both my Father and God Father instilled in me that it is normal to resent certain habits, preferences and practices, thus avoid its practitioners, but never hate, because in most cases, those who hate- hate what they cannot be, and hate poisons you. Former American President Obama was hated by racists in and out of the closet because he shattered their stereotypical comfort zone and walked into the ‘White House’ with, as we say in conversation, an ‘African Princess’. If he had done this with a non-African woman, the myth would have circulated that he was a product of her enthusiasm. The problem that faces Guyana requires a hands-on approach, where meritocracy transcends slogan bearing –victimhood, as a school child. I was told by a political misguided audience that I will be a public servant and work for slave earnings till I die, now that very grown-up misguided audience is forging their qualifications to be high-end public servants, and crying out for ethnic balance everywhere, and had only yesterday made nurses out of Grade 4 Social Studies passes. In the decisions of the past lies the present, commonly applied trends of injustice hiding behind a screen of convoluted hate cannot correct it, the German nation learnt that after WWII.
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― June 7, 2020
URING this time, a few have asked me how forgiveness can create happiness. One reader shared their belief that forgiveness may cause unhappiness claiming “if someone does me something wrong and I forgive them and they do it again, I gonna be more unhappy with them and myself.” While I completely understand that point, I think it is beneficial for me to explain how forgiveness will result in happiness. What is forgiveness? It’s the choice to let go of anger and resentment towards a person or situation. I think the biggest misconception with forgiveness is that people think it is for the other person- the one who has done wrong. Actually, forgiveness is not for their benefit but really for yours. Do you ever really think about what holding a grudge or being in conflict does to us? Both mentally and physically? Getting worked up increases our blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol levels which increases the possibility of heart disease or diabetes. It encourages unhealthy coping skills such as drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes and using illicit drugs. Holding a grudge brings bitterness to our past, present and future. Not to mention, it increases the possibility of anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. Hatred and resentment steal our joy. Think about when you go out and see the person (whoever it is) that you haven’t forgiven. At that moment, that person gets the best of you. They take away your attention, fun and peace of mind for the night. You may even go as far as playing scenarios in your head that can play out if things go wrong. Forgiveness releases you from that grip they have on you- the one you hate to admit they have. A second misconception is people believe forgiveness makes us weak- that it means we are allowing people to take advantage over us. The truth is that only the strong forgive- it is one of the hardest things you’ll ever have to do in life. You do not have to let someone know that you
have forgiven them for it to release you from its negative emotions. Keep in mind that forgiving and forgetting are not the same thing. You can remember what someone did and take caution but there must be forgiveness. Forgiveness does not mean to continue to allow others to hurt us. It does not even mean that we think what they have done is okay. It is not minimising our hurt nor is it accepting responsibility for something someone else did. Instead, forgiveness is freeing yourself from your past, allowing yourself to heal and rebuild. It is allowing for inner peace and freedom- a word which I believe should be synonymous with forgiveness. It takes quite a bit of energy and commitment but so does hatred and anger. Here are a few fun facts about forgiveness. Forgiveness allows us to be promoted from the victim to the hero of any situation. Forgiveness is actually not a natural instinct – it takes work and only the minority actually, truly can. Learning to forgive is actually another way of learning to control your emotions and high emotional responses (something I believe every human being need to work on). Forgives increases strength, optimism and empathy and compassion. It leads to high self-esteem, healthier relationships and overall enhanced quality of life. HOW CAN WE BEGIN TO FORGIVE? WHAT CAN WE DO? Always keep in mind that when you are standing on a table, it is much easier to jump down to someone than to pull them up to you. If you’re holding on to resentment, and act on it, you are jumping down to their level. If you forgive, you begin to pull them up to higher ground. Try writing a letter to the person expressing how you feel- you do not have to give it to them. It just gives you an outlet to relieve the pain. Relinquish to and accept your feelings. It is okay to be angry – it is a completely healthy emotion. Sometimes how we deal with it may not
be healthy but without anger, it is difficult for us to know what our basic wants and needs are as individuals- for us to know what we like and do not like. Accepting and healthily expressing your anger is the beginning stage of letting it go. If necessary, accept that the person who wronged you may never apologise. This is not your fault and should not get in the way of forgiveness. Consider the individual’s
position and point of view. Was there a valid reason for their action? This requires a clear, calm mind and usually, an unbiased third party. Think of times when you were wrong and people granted you forgiveness. How did it make you feel? Wasn’t it beneficial to you? Didn’t it make you a better person? Didn’t you deserve the second chance? Forgiveness is not just for other people but for ourselves
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as well. One also has to have the power to forgive themselves which also frees burdens and encourages progress. If you are the one who needs forgiveness, do not be afraid to make amends- you likely will not forgive yourself unless this happens. Whether it is yourself or someone else, accept that forgiveness is a process and definitely will not happen overnight.
Louis B. Smedes said, “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@ gmail.com Or book an appointment with me at +592 623 0433
Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always
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U YA N A will be joining a global concerted effort to ban single-use plastics due to their impacts on human health, marine biodiversity and the environment, in 2021. As such today we will explore the frequently asked questions about the single-use plastic ban. 1. Why is a ban on single-use plastics important to Guyana? * Contributes to climate change – the production of plastics generates carbon dioxide as they are made from fossil fuels. In 2018, world plastics production totalled around 359 million metric tons. * Negative impacts on biodiversity – when improperly disposed of, single-use plastics end up in our oceans, and often
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― June 7, 2020
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BAN ON SINGLE-USE PLASTICS in the digestive systems of marine animals, some of which we consume. Some single-use plastics such as fishing nets end up trapping turtles which are an important part of the ocean ecosystem. * Impacts on human health – in the absence of regular waste collection, some persons resort to burning their waste. When burned, the harmful chemicals used to create these items are released. * Impacts on the tourism sector – during cleanups of our beaches and shorelines, single-use plastics, particularly bottles and food utensils are commonly found, diminishing the beauty of those areas. A growing tourism sector, whether local or one that depends on foreign visitors is dependent on a pristine environment.
* Impact on the environment – even when disposed of properly (in the landfill), plastics do not break down for thousands of years, taking up space that can otherwise be used for agriculture or housing. Further, when compressed, flammable and noxious gases are released into the environment. 2. When will the ban take effect? The ban on these items will be introduced in a phased approach. While set to commence in 2021, the exact date for full implementation is not yet known given the current COVID-19 pandemic and the delay of planned face to face public consultations. In the interim, virtual consultations are being conducted. 3. Are plastic bottles in-
cluded in the list of banned items? Plastic bottles are not included in this phase of the ban. The items proposed currently are plastic straws, plastic food utensils, cups, and plastic bags at point-of-sale. 4. What will happen to the plastic bags that were purchased by businesses before the ban was implemented? Businesses will have a six- month transition period to use their current supply before fines come into effect. 5. Will the government reduce duty and value added tax? A Task Force comprised of representatives from various government and non-state organisations will propose measures for consideration by the Ministry of Finance. 6. What are some alterna-
tives to banned items? Some alternatives include: * Cloth and paper bags; * Wood and bamboo utensils; * Paper, steels and bamboo straws; and * Paper cups and plates. 7. WILL THE PUBLIC BE INVOLVED IN THIS PROCESS? Yes. The Environmental Protection Agency has hosted several consultations prior to lockdown restrictions. Additionally, we have visited business and small groups to educate them about the ban. As previously mentioned,
virtual consultations are being held with various stakeholder groups. Updates are also posted to our social media platforms listed below. Email:eit.epaguyana@ gmail.com or sinlgeuseplastics592@gmail.com Facebook: EPA-Guyana Instagram: epagyig YouTube: Environmental Protection Agency Guyana We also invite you to participate in our survey on the ban at https:// www.surveymonkey.com/r/ PG637KZ?fbclid=IwAR2GFyfC6KGfotQ3m0bCanSUBn7eyCs9XWsOGsBJ6-sGLqOZheQaFdsDi0M
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― June 7, 2020
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WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY THEME INFORMS HEALTH AUTHORITIES
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AST Sunday, World No Tobacco Day was commemorated worldwide under the theme “Protecting youth from industry manipulation and preventing them from nicotine and tobacco use”. For the last three decades, the Guyana Consumers Association (GCA) maintained the struggle against tobacco use and was greatly helped by the impacting activities of PAHO/WHO. Two wellknown issues of the struggle were to have pictorial warnings carried on the boxes and containers of cigarettes and to have enacted comprehensive tobacco control legislation. Both aims were achieved but it was somewhat a Pyrrhic
victory since after three years the State has failed to enforce the Tobacco Control Act. In this struggle against tobacco use and dissemination, the important contributions of Dr William Adu-krow, the head of PAHO/WHO in Guyana and Dr Leslie Ramsammy, former Minister of Health must always be remembered. Tobacco is one of the terrible scourges of humanity since it is a drug with a deadly and debilitating effect on users. It causes a large number of ailments including heart disease, blood pressure, cancers of various kinds, lung diseases, debility, diabetes and teeth and mouth deterioration. Worse, it is a habit-forming and addictive drug It results in poor work performance, lack of
promotion or even dismissal. It leads to early deaths, leaving surviving families in distress and poverty. With a large number of tobacco-related illness, greater pressure and expenditure are imposed on the health authorities. Approximately eight million
people die each year from tobacco-related illness and this is much higher than COVID-19 deaths. Though tobacco causes greater loss of
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marketing strategies including focusing on young teenagers. PAHO’s Assistant Director, Dr Jarbas Barbosa recent comment succinctly sums up this situation: “The tobacco industry needs young people to buy their products which may result in nicotine addiction so they become lifelong consumers. This creates the opportunity to replace the eight million people worldwide who die of tobacco-related causes every year. It
is a matter of profits over people - an indefensible choice”. The theme of this year’s World No Tobacco Day - “Protecting youth from industry manipulation and preventing them from nicotine and tobacco use” is encapsulated in Dr Barbosa’s comment. In its release for World No Tobacco Day, PAHO/WHO reminded the public “Youth are a significant market segment of the Industry since studies show nine out of ten smokers start before the age of eighteen. Globally, more than 40 million young people, aged 13 to 15, have already started to use tobacco”. PAHO/WHO has disclosed that the tobacco industry and their allies in the e-cigarette and allied industries spend more than 9 billion dollars annually on aggressive marketing tactics to recruit new customers, especially children and youth. PAHO/WHO and consumer bodies worldwide are committed and pledged to vigorously debunk the myths which such marketing contrives and expose their deceptions. In Guyana, when the Tobacco Control Act was passed by Parliament some three years ago the Consumer Association and the consumer community, in general, rejoiced. Unfortunately, the Act was not enforced and the consumer community and
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life than COVID-19, the pandemic causes more fear and anxiety because of the speed with which some of the patients infected with it die and because, so far, no cure or vaccine has been discovered for it. Tobacco use in the Developed World has been steadily falling and this has led the Tobacco companies to concentrate their attention on the developing world for which they have developed successful
PAHO/WHO who had worked so hard for the Bill to be made Law have expressed their disappointment. Ms Kesaundra Alves, the Chairman of the Public Hospital Corporation, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Public Health empathized with PAHO/WHO and remarked “ A lot more needs to be done concerning the enforcement of the Act. We have a comprehensive piece of legislation, which, if implemented completely, can really fight the tobacco epidemic”. When the Act is enforced, among its immediate activity would be to unmask nicotine attractively disguised in different packaging and different flavours; ban smoking in public places such as bus parks, public transport, bars and restaurants, amusement parks; as well as secondary smoking. Further, smoking would only be permitted five meters outside of the boundaries of health care and educational facilities. Ms Alves further intimated that the main reason for inhibiting the enforcement of the Act had been a shortage of finance. However, since all political parties are committed to enforcing the Act, it is expected it will be enforced soon.
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― June 7, 2020
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OST traumatic injuries to the teeth and supporting tissues of children constitute a true dental emergency and require immediate assessment and management. Injuries to the primary dentition can result in physical and emotional complications which may persist for many years. There are various consequences and prognosis for the injured tooth depending on the type of injury. These range from survival to tooth ankylosis (fusion to the bone) pulp decay and calcification, to tooth extraction. Energy from an acute impact can easily be transmitted to the developing tooth germ because of anatomic relationships. There is also the potential for periapical (root tip) complications after a primary tooth injury which can adversely affect the developing permanent tooth. The objective in the management of a child with a history of recent trauma to the primary dentition is to ascertain the health of the succedaneous (permanent) tooth and immediately treat the injured tooth as indicated by the extent and severity of the injury. Treatment may range from “nothing” to extraction. Successful management depends on several factors, notably the age of the child at the time of the injury, the type and seriousness of the injury and the time elapsed since the injury. The interval between injury and treatment relates to a successful outcome and minimal side effects and pulp exposures. The dentist who attends to children brought in for treatment for injuries sustained to the mouth generally can observe a consistent pattern. Most of the victims are boys between the ages of four and six years. Nine out of every 10 patients are injured because of a fall. Nearly all the teeth involved in falls are not broken. However, the supporting structures suffer a high incidence of damage. There is usually almost 10
times as much injuries to the upper teeth compared with the lower teeth. For the upper incisors (anterior) the most common occurrence is a condition called intrusion in which the blow forced the teeth partially back into the bone the same way a nail is hammered into wood. Most parents or guardians have the injured child examined and treated about 24 hours after the accident. By the time the traumatised teeth are presented for treatment most had developed complications of which dental abscess was generally predominant. Other complications include non-vitality, discolouration, gum infection and excess mobility. It is interesting to note that approximately 25 percent of the children with trauma to the teeth were seen at the GPHC last year, has sustained their injury more than four weeks before initial attendance at the hospital. Because young teeth (three-year-old) have immature roots and root absorption, they are less firm in their sockets and a significant blow can easily dislodge them in any direction. The soft a resilient bone surrounding the teeth also contribute to the relative weakness. The most crucial aspect about injury to children’s teeth is to recognise, seek and obtain adequate intervention within 12 hours after the trauma. In the initial stage apply ice packs which will prevent or delay the acute inflammation stage (pain, swelling, bleeding, etc.) before professional help is received. Finally, it is important to remember that children are more susceptible to emotional and psychological trauma along with the physical one. You must reassure and convince the child that everything will be all right. Additionally, you should have the child checked out for any other injury apart from the mouth.
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JUNE - 07 - 2020
English THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware Of giving your heart to a dog to tear. RUDYARD KIPLING (1865-1936) The Power of the Dog STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student,
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T is widely believed that some persons have better memory than others. It is also believed that practice in memorizing chunks of material helps to develop memory. Both these beliefs are fantasies. A person who is good at memorizing material is a person who uses good study habits – no more no less. Be wise! Love you. The Passage Any zeal is proper for religion, but the zeal of the sword and zeal of anger; is the bitterest of zeal, and is a certain temptation to every man against his duty; for if the sword turns preacher and dictates propositions by empire instead of arguments, and engraves them in men’s hearts with a poignard…. This is inordination of zeal; for Christ, by reproving St. Peter drawing his sword even in the cause of Christ, for his sacred and yet injured person, saith Theophylact, “teaches us not to use the sword, though in the cause of God or for God Himself”…. When Abraham sat at his tent door, according to his custom, waiting to entertain strangers, he espied an old man, stooping and leaning on his staff, weary with age and travel, coming towards him, who was a hundred years of age. He received him kindly, washed his feet, provided supper, caused him to sit down, but observing that the old man ate and prayed not nor begged a blessing on his meat, he asked him why he did not worship the God of Heaven. The old man told him he worshipped the fire only, and acknowledged no other God. At which answer Abraham grew so zealously angry that he thrust the old man out of his tent, and exposed him to all the evils of the night and an unguarded condition. When the old man had gone, God called to Abraham and asked him where the stranger was. He replied, “I thrust him away because he did not worship Thee.” God answered him, “I have suffered him all these hundred years, although he dishonoured Me: and couldst thou not endure him one night?” (From sermon by Jeremy Taylor)
Something to Do 1. Express in your own words the meaning of the following phrases in the passage: a) “zeal of the sword” b) “inordination of zeal” c) “all the evils of the night and unguarded condition” 2. If you were convinced that the only hope of a future life lay in your own religious faith, would you feel justified compelling others to adopt it? Why? OR Why not? 3. Why is “if the soul turn preacher” an effective expression? 4. What type of story is the one about Abraham and the old man? How does it contribute to the preacher’s main point? WRITING IMPROVEMENT Coining of modifiers; the compound adjective Sometimes your writing forces you to coin compound adjectives to enhance its description. Here is a description of the compound adjective which is also called coined modifier and phrasal adjective: It modifies a noun. Its parts work jointly to act as a single idea to modify the same noun. It is placed before the noun it modifies. It is made up of more than one word (In fact, there is no actual limit of words in its make-up). Example: She looked at him with that I-dare-you-to-touch-me sneer. (This kind will not be looked at today.) It is almost always hyphenated. We will look at THREE compositions of the compound adjective: 1. Adjective plus adjective: top-right, bottom-middle. 2. Adjective plus noun: part-time; ice-cold. 3. a) Past or present participle plus adjective: old-fashioned, right-handed. b) Past or present participle plus noun: crocodile-infested, mineral-based, mouth-watering, French-speaking. A look at meaning: Sometimes the meaning of a compound adjective is literal, or sometimes figurative. Figure out the figurative expression: the “lionhearted man.” A look at multiple adjectives: Sometimes the careful writer intends that his multi-
ple adjectives be separated. He then uses a comma to separate them. Example: a) The eerie, grey room; the room was eerie, and it was grey. b) The room was eerie-grey in colour. What to Do 1. Examine stories in popular magazines and novels to find good original compound adjectives. Tell your study partners what the writers are trying to suggest. You may enjoy trying to coin effective expressions for the ideas you have in mind. 2. Here are some coined compound adjectives. Work out which ones are figurative and which are literal. One does not have a hyphen which happens over time. chickenhearted, good-looking, stern-faced, long-held, ham-handed, flee-bitten. GRAMMAR Subject-Verb Agreement (Test Yourself) Let us revisit the guidelines from a few weeks back: First, find the subject in the sentence, and then choose the verb form that agrees with the subject. Second, recognize the markers that tell of number in nouns as well as number in verbs: i) The most common endings in the plural noun are the ‘s,’ ‘es,’ or ‘ies.’ ii) The plural verb form carries no marker. This means that the plural verb does not end in ‘s,’ ‘es,’ or ‘ies.’ What to Do Read the following sentences and decide upon the correct verb in each. 1. My handwriting and spelling (has, have) slightly improved. 2. The mangoes hanging above the roof (is, are) ripe now. 3. My father and grandfather (eats, eat) carrot uncooked. 4. Sandra, together with her niece, (belongs, belong) to a local church dance group. 5. Their mischievous intension (was, were) glaring to all team members. 6. The news about the shooting of George Floyd on May 25 (was, were) shocking. 7. Fun and excitement (is, are) often confused. 8. Do you know that citronella oil, as well as many other home remedies, (is, are) poisonous?
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― June 7, 2020
Ingredients ֎ 1 (1/4 oz) package active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp) ֎ 2 cups all purpose flour ֎ 3/4 cup water ֎ 1/2 tsp salt ֎ 1 1/2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil ֎ 1/2 lb ground beef ֎ 1/2 tsp crushed garlic ֎ 1/2 tsp italian seasoning ֎ salt and pepper to taste ֎ 1/2 lb mozzarella sliced or shredded ֎ 1/2 cup pizza sauce ֎ 1/2 cup pineapple tidbits ֎ 1/3 pint grape tomatoes, halved
Method
• To make dough stir together yeast, 1 tbsp flour
and 1/4 cup warm water and let stand until it foams, about 5 minutes. If the mixture doesn’t foam, discard and use fresh yeast. Stir 1 1/4 cup flour and salt in a large bowl. Add yeast mixture, oil and 1/2 cup warm water and stir until smooth. Add remaining flour and stir together. This dough will be wetter than other pizza doughs. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 mins. Lightly flour hands to prevent sticking while kneading. Place in a bowl, cover with a towel and allow to double, about 1 1/2 hour. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. To make crust, don’t roll the dough, stretch the dough with your hands until the dough forms a 14 inch circle. To make topping, mix ground beef, Italian seasoning, crushed garlic, salt and pepper together. Brown meat in 1 tbsp of olive oil. Stir meat to break up into smaller pieces. Spread spaghetti sauce over the top of the pizza dough leaving a 1 inch border. Spread mozzarella cheese over the spaghetti sauce, then sprinkle ground meat, pineapple and grape tomatoes. Bake until golden brown and cheese is bubbling about 15 to 20 mins.
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jehancancook.com
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