In memory of our fallen heroes Rememberance Day 2020
Sunday, November 08, 2020
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 08, 2020
A Guyanese
of the First World War
By Francis Quamina Farrier HIS name is Gershom Onesimus Browne. In his later years, many looked up to him in awe as he marched in his 90s and became a centenarian. He used to ride his bicycle along the Bagotville public roads when he was well into his 90s. A physical and mental titan he certainly was. The last surviving Guyanese veteran and hero of the First World War, and like others of his generation, Gershom lived through the years of both World Wars. The thing about elders is that youngsters hardly ever pause to wonder what those elders were and what they achieved when they were youngsters. In this article, we will reflect on what Gershom, who lived to the ripe old age of 102, did and achieved when he was a youngster and also in his mature years. It is a hobby of mine to ‘sus-out’ such trivia. For example, I know that Gershom Onesimus Browne of Bagotville, West Bank Demerara, Region Three, was not only
the last surviving Guyanese veteran of the First World War, but he enlisted for the military even before reaching the stipulated age of 18. Born in 1898, he passed at the age of 102 in 2000. As such, he lived across three centuries. Since I had the opportunity of knowing him and interviewing him on many occasions over many years for both radio and television, this report is based on facts garnered directly from the man himself. In this 2020 Remembrance Day article, we will follow a bit of the life of that Guyanese hero and centenarian, Gershon Browne, including his service in the First World War where he saw action in North Africa and Palestine. As a youngster, I knew some veterans who served in the First World War. However, it was not until I had established my radio programme series The Eighty Plus Club in the early 1980s, did I actually have extended and in-depth conversations with World War One veterans. There were many young men from British Guiana who volunteered and served in that war in which
16 million men, women and children were killed globally. I had the opportunity to interview three Guyanese veterans of the First World War when they were in their 90s. Our conversations were recorded and broadcast on The Eighty Plus Club. Over some years, I kept in touch with Gershom because he was more accessible than the other two veterans. He lived at Bagotville on the West Bank Demerara, Region Three, and I visited with him from time to time. I also interacted with him on most of his many visits to Georgetown. Gershom lived in a home which faces the Canal Number One which was dug by enslaved Africans. At the time when the First World War broke out, he was officially too young to enlist at 17 years of age. Volunteers had to be 18 or older to be accepted. Gershom was so fired up to go to war for King and country that he forged his age as 18 and was accepted. “I did not let my mother know that I was going to volunteer, because she would have stopped me,” he admitted. Travelling from his Bagotville home to George-
The Cenotaph at Main and Church Streets, Georgetown (Photo by Francis Q. Farrier)
town, the youngster was all excited about going to faraway lands. He also spoke of an English woman based in Georgetown whose job it was to officially put out encouraging appeals for young men to join the military and to go overseas and defend Great Britain from her enemies. When Gershom informed his mother what he had done, she was overcome with anguish, worried that he could be injured or even killed. She also knew that she would not hear from him for a long time. Those were the days long before instant communication as is known and taken for granted today. Gershom was part of the British West Indies Regiment which was made up of Guianese, Trinidadians and other volunteers from the British West Indies. Gershom first saw action in North Africa. When his ship sailed from the Atlantic Ocean into the Mediterranean Sea and approached a port in North Africa, the enlisted young men of the British West Indian Regiment experienced a culture shock. What they all thought were scores of women milling around on
Gershom Browne in military uniform in this 1914 photograph
the shore, turned out to be men. The attire of the Arab men in that part of the world deceived them. ‘Gowns’ from shoulders to feet made the volunteers of the West Indian Regiment think that the people they first saw after weeks at sea, were women. They had never seen men wearing the thawab before. Gershom was laughing as he related that experience of so many years previously. During his service in that First World War, Gershom Browne found himself in many hot battle zones both in North Africa and Palestine. He spoke of some of his comrades being killed. Fortunately, he was never injured but he did put his life on the line for his country and the rest of the British Empire. At the end of the war, he opted to return to his home country. On his return after almost three years in foreign lands, he got down to being a productive citizen. He first worked in the hinterland, but the inner calling to agriculture brought him back to his home village of Bagotville. “My ancestors are from the Loko tribe in Sierra Leone in Africa,” he told me with a measure of pride during one of our interviews. “We are a people who excel in agriculture. A man in the Loko tribe who has a good knowledge of the ramifications of agriculture is highly respected.” He also told me that the Loko language was spoken by some of the older people of Bagotville up to the 1950s. Not only was Gershom a successful farmer and family man, but also a village leader and served for many years on
the Village Council. During a visit with him when he was in his mid-90s and already retired, two neighbours from the village who he listened attentively. After a brief summary which was also based on his detailed knowledge of the village, its history and culture, he handed down his decision. That decision was accepted by both neighbours who left fully satisfied, and with no rancour. As an observer, I was immensely impressed with how Gershom so quickly settled what could have been a serious and longdrawn-out issue between two village neighbours. At many of the observances of Remembrance Day at the Cenotaph in Georgetown, Gershom always attended and laid a wreath. Official attendees and on-lookers always responded with a round of applause as he walked on steady feet to the Cenotaph to lay his wreath. Born in 1898, at age 102 he marched off triumphantly into eternity in 2000. He was one of the few Guyanese who had lived across three centuries. Before he left, and already a centenarian, Gershom wrote a book on “The History of Bagotville.” He is likely the only Guyanese who has written a first book after becoming a centenarian. An official plaque to his honour has been placed on the house in which he lived. “Caribbean, where are your heroes?” is a well-known song by Guyana’s Dave Martins. One answer is, World War One Hero, Gershom Onesimus Browne, of Bagotville, Three, Guyana.
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 08, 2020
Perspectives of Guyanese students and teachers on
E-learning
By Marissa Victoria Foster
DUE to the covid-19 pandemic, physical classroom settings were disrupted and forced to be held via online mediums. From March to now, all levels of schooling in Guyana had to adapt to these changes. With technological advancements, students have access to lecture sessions via web cameras. They can have access to on-line reading materials and they can even write examinations in the comfort of their own homes. Guyana’s school systems are still adapting and implementing these advancements to allow students to continue their academic journeys. Some students might agree that on-line learning is more tedious and challenging, but others might argue that it is more effective than the physical learning experience. Every student learns at a different pace during face-to-face classroom interactions and they all have varying adaptability skills that allow them to excel in their own unique ways. E-learning is no different. Do these changes have an impact on the quality of education being offered to students? Are teachers equipped to be teaching via online mediums? What do the students of Guyana’s soil think of these advancements, changes and systems that are currently in place for them and their studies as it relates to E-learning? Let’s find out! Ta m e s h M o h a b i r- S e c o n d a r y School teacher at the New Amsterdam Secondary School
Micah Williams- Secondary school student at the Bishop’s High School.
“When schools went into lockdown, I felt hopeless with regards [sic] to how I will teach the students under my care. What made it worse was the fact that all of my classes were exam classes -- both CSEC and CAPE. Nonetheless, online teaching has been wonderful for me. It has given me the opportunity to explore the depth of my creativity as a teacher, as well as an opportunity to build and enhance my knowledge of the various educational technology advancements available which will, in turn, help me to better fit into the ever-advancing 21st-century classroom. Also, it is very flexible in terms of the timing, as I am able to teach at a time that is convenient to both me and my students and most importantly from the comfort and safety of our homes. Further, I am able to get more work done in far less time since we don’t have interruptions as you would in the traditional classroom, for example, disciplinary issues, spontaneous meetings, etc. Also, it provides me with a multitude of avenues to use various teaching aids such as videos, graphics, drawing pads etc. to help my students fully understand the concepts in a very fun and intellectually stimulating way. In a traditional classroom setting, I won’t be able to do these things due to lack of internet, electricity, projector etc.” Seeta Dalloo, third-year Social Work Student, Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Guyana Berbice Campus. “Many persons are of the opinion that online learning is the most convenient and efficient way of conveying educational classes. Due to the worldwide pandemic; the COVID-19 outbreak, online learning has become the most dominant medium for disseminating information in regards[sic] to educational information. While this may all be true, I am of the strong opinion that Guyana is not prepared for a fully on-line learning experience. I base my opinion on several facts which all support my position on this matter. For instance, I believe that the differences in social classes are vital factors. The poverty rate speaks volumes in representing the unequal educational opportunities persons of the lower classes will be presented with if Guyana implements a fully on-line learning platform. Thirty-six percent of the population will be disadvantaged in regards [sic] to having the necessary resources to partake in on-line classes, thus resulting in them not having a formal education. Additionally, the quality of service provided by internet suppliers is below par. It is, to the dismay of many persons and myself, a fact that the prominent suppliers of internet services offer poor and unacceptable quality due to various factors. Unless this is improved, it is simply impossible to participate in online sessions as a result of the inconvenience caused by these ISPs.”
“At first, I was on the fence about whether or not I’m for or against online education, but when I actually started thinking about it, I began to lean more to the “against online school” ideology. Personally, I believe that the educating of students online has more cons than pros. My reason for believing this is that, yes, there are measures that must be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but, due to many issues with on-line education, it’s just not working well. Some of these issues would include: - The unavailability of stable internet and electricity for every student and teacher. - Some teachers not being capable of teaching properly on an on-line school platform. - The lack of proper socialising between “student and teacher” and “student and student.” Yes, this is necessary to continue to educate students while preventing the spread of COVID-19, but it isn’t very efficient.” Ashminie Persaud- Secondary School teacher at the Skeldon Line Path Secondary School “Sometimes a little over or under 50 percent of the classes are able to keep up with the work and assessments because of internet connection issues. Which means half of the class may be moving forward while the others try to catch up whenever they have access to internet, which is not very often. This is a very sad reality for many of the students I teach. From the few responses, I can tell that the students do not understand many concepts because they are used to having an explanation face-to-face. They are used to asking questions and having the answers showed to them, mostly in practical forms. For the Form 5 students, SBA tasks are hard to carry out without face-to-face interactions. This is more difficult for subjects such as agricultural science. Part of the SBA is practical and must be done on soil; in person. I am satisfied with the Ministry of Education’s decision, but at the same time, I hope that we maintain control of COVID-19 in schools and receive full cooperation from parents and the community to guide our children out of school hours.” Summayah Elizabeth Hussain- Secondary school student at the Skeldon Line Path Secondary School. “Unstable WiFi and limited data plan have been challenging. I have a hard time loading and downloading work coming from learning forums such as Google classroom. It is hard to grasp the content that the teachers are teaching online because there is no face-to-face interaction. The discussions cannot flow constantly and the class is demotivated to learn more. This is the case especially for those who need more time to catch up to others, because not every student can learn at the same pace. I am acSee Page V
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 08, 2020
Dying of breast cancer ‘largely preventable’ M
- Once right steps are taken early
ANY of the women with breast cancer who seek help from Natural Therapist Liesl Headley eventually die, but one question often that boggles Headley’s mind, “What if the women had taken early steps? Could their lives have been spared had they done things differently?” And the answer, she says, is yes. She reasons that since cancer is largely preventable, a number of those women could have steered themselves away from the disease by making different lifestyle choices. Feeling the need to speak out on the matter, Headley, along with some of her
friends in the field, usually hosts a breast-cancer awareness seminar annually to educate women about how proper breast care can save their lives. The latest of such seminars was held October 30, and for the first time virtually. The meeting saw over 100 women in attendance, along with a few men, and was quite informative on the topic of breast care. It is thought that by the time cancer it is detected, it would have already been in the body for more than ten years. “That’s how long the cancer cells take to grow to the point where they can be identified,” Headley explained during her presen-
tation. However, she said once it has been detected early, many things can be done towards the road to recovery. “It is found that most breast cancers are preventable by the things a woman can do for herself. It is preventable if you can help yourself.” Among some of the tips mentioned for good breast care was regular self-examination once a month and yearly visits to the doctor. Regular physical exercise was stressed along with a good diet, being conscious of weight, regular lymphatic drainage massages and less exposure to chemicals. “Shampoos, hair sprays, eye shadows, lipstick, nail
polish and the list goes on. When we buy these things, we must look at the labels to know what we can avoid from putting on our bodies,” Headley advised. Other things that can be done include using non-toxic home cleaners, not smoking, getting sufficient rest, making time to relax, limiting the intake of alcohol and being aware of the hormonal drugs that are going into your body. The meeting also featured presentations from Dr. Heather Morris-Wilson, a dermatologist and the Director of the Palms Leprosy Clinic, along with massage therapists Natasha Goodman and Bibi Chee-A-Tow, among others. In almost all of the presentations made, it was stressed that the use of boneless bras could help save lives. “The more we wear our bra, especially those with wires, the higher our likelihood of develop-
Dr. Heather Morris-Wilson.
ing cancer because around the breast area needs to be free so that toxins can flow out freely,” explained Headley. Some women prefer not to know what is happening to their bodies and are afraid of clinical examinations. Some also get involved in baseless traditions such as piercing their nipples and placing tattoos on their breasts. D r. M o r r i s - W i l s o n during her presentation observed that breast cancer can be asymptomatic. Hence, women need to know what is happening to their bodies so that they may have a chance of de-
Natural Therapist Liesl Headley (forefront) with massage therapists Natasha Goodman and Bibi Chee-A-Tow at the seminar.
tecting problems at an early stage. Quoting from ‘A profile of Cancer in Guyana’ from 2003 to 2012, prepared by Guyana Cancer Registry and Ministry of Health, Morris-Wilson related that Indo-Guyanese women have been found with the largest number of breast and uterine cancer; Afro-Guyanese women with the largest number of cervical and ovarian cancers; Guyanese women of Chinese descent with highest rates of cervical cancer; Afro-Guyanese 75 years and older had almost three, five and 20 times more cancers than Indo-Guyanese, Guyanese of Mixed races and Amerindians, respectively, in the same age group. According to her, some signs and symptoms of breast cancer include lumps, pulled in nipples, dimpling, dripping, redness/rash, and skin changes, while the risk factors for developing breast cancer include smoking, physical inactivity, dietary pattern, reproductive agents and infectious agents. Meanwhile, Headley, who operates Nature’s Own Body Clinic at Lot 95 First Street, Alberttown, has said that many women are suffering from the plague of breast cancer simply because of their lack of knowledge on the subject. “I am very passionate about helping women take care of their breasts and I have seen so many helpless cases in which they come with their cancer very much advanced and we can’t be of any help to them. It’s really hurtful to see people leave the clinic without us being able to further help them,” she said.
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 08, 2020
‘Training our children today so that they can feed our country tomorrow’ -Local NGO launches ‘Farmtastic’ competition
President of the Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges Foundation, Marlique Gabriel Williams
By Naomi Parris
C
LOSING the curtains on this year’s Agriculture Month celebrations, the Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges Foundation in collaboration with the Regional Democratic Council Region 10 has launched its ‘Farmtastic’ competition for young children. According to the President of the Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges Foundation, Marlique Gabriel Williams, the initiative aims to raise awareness on the importance of Agriculture and to steal the interest of children from the distractions of technology. “We are educating children at a tender age of the value and the importance of agriculture, basically training our children today so that can feed our country tomorrow that is our objective,” he said. The competition he noted will target children between the ages of four to six. Williams noted that the non-governmental organisations will be distributing gardening tools as well as tomatoes and pak choi seeds to 15 children who will be graded over six weeks on their plant progress, cleanliness, and creativity.
Members of the Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges Foundation
He added that participants will also be required to keep a record of their plant growth as a means of teaching them management and responsibility skills. “The way in [which] we constructed this initiative is for it to be fun and friendly and you know since they are home and school is out, this would be a good time for them to practise farming. They will be practising to be their farm managers; they will have their own record sheet and everything; so it’s also teaching them responsibility,” he said. He disclosed that at the end of the six weeks, whatever the children have produced will be sold to show them the financial benefit they can gain from farming. “[We] want them to see the benefit of all the hard work that they would’ve put in,” he said.
Perspectives of ... From Page III
tually having a hard time with my SBAs because even though the teachers are doing whatever they are able to do online, it’s hard to understand certain SBA tasks and instructions without a face-to-face interaction and explanations from our teachers. I would like to actually thank the Ministry of Education for making the difficult decision that will allow us, the Form 4 and 5 students to return to schools. It is important for us to be accommodated back to school because CSEC examinations are very close by. Students like myself are concerned over our performances if online learning continues.” Joshua Sargent- Final-year Medical Rehabilitation Student, College of Medical Sciences at the University of Guyana Turkeyen Campus. “The transition from physical classes to virtual classes has its ups and downs. The advantages of being online were having classes from the comfort of my home; I won’t
Williams said that himself and team are hoping that the project will give the young participants a nudge into the agricultural sector, as well as prepare them for higher education. “It will give them a kind of edge, so that when they are ready to go to secondary school and learn about agriculture science or primary school where they may do a little planting, they will already have a background in the [field of agriculture],” Williams stated. He added at the end of the competition, the first, second, and third-place holders will receive electronic tablets along with agriculture hampers containing more equipment and seedlings to promote continuous farming activity.
have to travel to risk exposure to COVID-19. However, the disadvantages and downsides of this are unstable internet connections, constant power outages and even noise from younger family members. In addition, grasping the practical components of my courses also puts me at a disadvantage, being a student physical therapist. The word ‘physical’ says a lot in being able to graduate. It truly is a challenge and for many of us, our prospective professions depend on it at the University of Guyana.”
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 08, 2020
A FEW EXCERPTS FROM MY UPCOMING NOVELLA, SOLDIER GIRL (IN RECOGNITION OF TOURISM AWARENESS MONTH)
She stood in the deep gorge at the bottom of the Kaieteur Falls, looking up at the cascading water – a phenomenal single drop of 741 feet, the highest in the world. She was enthralled by the astounding scene, majestic in its own, sitting in a section of the Amazon rainforest of this South American land. ----Arvind opened his eyes as the Captain announced they were now descending to their destination, the beauti-
ful South American country of Guyana. He inhaled deeply, a nudging uncertainty in his mind for he was coming home for the first time after eighteen years. “It’s been quite a long time,” he mused. As a civil engineer he had travelled to many countries across the world but this one little place that had been home, he had lost touch with. “What will I find?” he had wondered. So, he had done some re-
searching a few days before the trip and the discovery stunned his mind, for he felt like he had found a hidden paradise. He learnt that Guyana was a former Dutch then British colony on the north-eastern coast of South America. It is one of the world’s most diverse regions; astonishing mountain ranges, endless savannahs, pristine rainforests, majestic waterfalls and exotic flora and fauna. It’s a country with an infusion of Caribbean
The St George’s Cathedral (Delano Williams photo)
culture, multi-ethnic people and cuisine that adds to its uniqueness. “Sublimely beautiful!” he expressed to himself, “I feel like a stranger to my own home.” He had made this trip at this mother’s bequest because she wanted him to take control of the estate he had inherited from his grandfather, to attend his cousin’s grand Hindu wedding and to meet with family members. Arvind shook his head a little and sighed, “I guess a visit home is long overdue.” He stepped out of the airport lounge and the realization that he was actually here after 18 long years sent a pleasing sensation through his body and he inhaled deeply, the fresh new scent of a place that had been home. Tropical!
A different world! “I think I am going to like it here,” he stated. Along the way, on a long drive to the Corentyne, he was amazed by the green landscape, explosively colourful flowering plants in yards along the main highway, and a variety of fruit trees, some in bountiful bloom. The expansive coconut farms, lush rice fields, the canopy of trees – the upper branches like leafy balconies at different points over the roadway opened his mind to the natural richness of this tropical land. But what captured his interest the most were the small roadside food stalls with Guyanese delicacies the culture of food that adds spice to the soul. He savoured at various stops, spicy chicken curry
and dhal puri, tasty cassava balls, delectable egg balls and white pudding with hot mango sour, cooling the fiery sensation in his mouth with delicious coconut water and sweet sugarcane juice. “This is a part of me that was lost,” he said, the juice from a large slice of watermelon he was eating, running down his chin. His cousins who had picked him up from the airport, looked at him amused, “Man, yuh have been away too lang, yuh nah see nothin’ yet.” He was told in sweet creolese, “In dis country, we gat foods of de Gods.” Number 48 village was his destination where the legacy of his family’s name still lived. Family members he couldn’t remember See page XVIII
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 08, 2020
Friendship Village A developing community of hospitable people
FRIENDSHIP Village is located on the East Bank of Demerara and it is a relatively large-sized community which is divided into two sections. It has several large businesses, shipyards, roadside establishments and is bordered by the Demerara River and vast backlands. Friendship is between Garden of Eden and New Hope villages and it is home
Councillor Simone Jordan (Carl Croker photos)
Some of the large businesses in Friendship Village
to multi-ethnic Guyanese of Indo and Afro descent. The people of Friendship are as friendly as the name of the village and the residents quickly develop
friendships with others, which makes them stand out from the rest. They are ready to offer fruits from their kitchen gardens and a cool drink, as their way of welcoming
The Department of Education in the village
people to their village. The people of this community are farmers who rear livestock, poultry and others have jobs outside See page IX
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 08, 2020
The resourceful people of Friendship Village
The kitchen garden
By Michel Outridge BEING a “city girl”, it never once occurred to Bobby Persaud that she would be contented with the life of being a farmer’s wife while residing at Friendship, East Bank Demerara. She is originally from Georgetown, but when she got married she relocated to Friendship Village 20
the work themselves and she is very supportive of her husband. With two school-age children, they also assist and every Saturday they will go to the farm and get their produce which they sell to neighbours and other villagers. She told the Pepperpot Magazine that when the Diamond and La Bonne Intention (LBI) sugar estates
Rattan and his wife Bobby Persaud
years ago and there she now enjoys a quiet, peaceful life so much, so she is self-sufficient. The mother of four stated that they make their living through farming and they have a plot in the backlands of Garden of Eden, also on the East Bank of Demerara, planting cash crops, selling it right from their home. At their home on the Friendship Public Road they rear sheep, chickens and ducks and they have cultivated every space in their yard to grow food. Persaud related that they do not have any employees because they do
were closed, her husband was out of a job. They had a plot and they used to harvest sugar cane and they supplied their sugar cane to the estates to earn. After he was on the breadline, he became a farmer since it was easy to transition, being the son of a farmer and farming has been in their family for generations. Rattan Persaud has been a farmer for more than 40 years and has 25 acres of land, especially for cash crops. On his farm he has 12 dogs to keep watch for intruders, but a jaguar has
killed nine of his cows to date. He has more than 30 years of driving experience and he uses his mini-bus to transport his produce from his farm to his home. Their 19-year-old son is an air-condition technician at Banks DIH, while their 21-year-old son is a mechanic. The girls are still in school and they would visit the farm to go fishing and to get out of the house, since schools have been closed for months now due to the pandemic. Persaud told the Pepperpot Magazine that even in his yard he plants sweet peppers, peppers, calalloo, pak choi, boulangers, cucumbers and tomatoes, among other vegetables just for the kitchen and they would often share with neighbours. “ We t r y t o b e self-sufficient. I would cut the branches off the coconut trees and make pointer brooms for the home and we use everything we plant, so we don’t have to buy fruits and vegetables and we rear our own livestock,” Bobby Persaud said. The Persauds are very giving people and whatever they have from their garden and farm, they would share with neighbours so whatever the neighbours have they would get in return. This family is very pleased with their life with challenges and all but being farmers they are simple people, who are making use of what they
Savitri James in the shop (Carl Croker photos)
Fat Man and Sons Shop
have to earn. Fat Man and Sons Shop The Pepperpot Magazine met Rajnauth James who has a shop in the village, but due to the pandemic, business has slowed a bit. The 63-year-old reported that he is originally from Sister’s Village, West Bank Demerara and relocated when his mother-in-law was ailing. She, however, passed away and he bought a piece of land, constructed a house and has been residing at Friendship Village for the
past 20 years. The father of three added that the place has seen some development but drainage and irrigation remains an issue because the place is often inundated when it rains. The pensioner disclosed that he was a cane-cutter attached to the Diamond Estate and then he moved up to being a security guard, after which he retired and opened up a small business, a shop, at his home. James stated that the street was paved and they are happy for that because it was once a muddy dam. He related that from
The livestock section of the yard at the Persauds
t i m e to time the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) would visit and clear the canals and trenches which is in an overgrown state presently. “I does do my part in cleaning the parapet and my yard and I had to build up my place due to the flooding and is just me and my wife, Savitri and we have a quiet life as elders,” he said. James is the proprietor of Fat Man and Sons Shop in the Village and one of his three sons has a sound system which he plays at functions and other family gatherings.
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‘Start somewhere and work your way up’ How a small business can build a life By Michel Outridge At first glance you will probably never know from the looks of her house and her simple lifestyle that it was from making and selling black pudding that she was able to provide for three children and build a house. Donna Fordyce is a resident of Friendship Village, East Bank Demerara and the mother of three. She is well-known for her tasty and delicious black pudding among other home-made snacks she makes three days per week to sell at her small roadside stand on Friendship Public Road. The 56-year-old has been preparing from scratch black pudding for the past 25 years after she was encouraged by her mother to start her own small business when things became difficult financially. “I was then living in Linden and things were not easy with three children and my mother told me to come down and start a business, she was versed in it so I learned and started to make black pudding and sell,” she said. Fordyce added that the small business has given her so much over the years and she is contented. Home of Donna Fordyce
“Making and selling black pudding mind me, my children and gave me a house and for that, I am very happy. You must start somewhere and work your way up and it was a humble start for me and today I can say I worked hard to achieve what I have,” she said. Fordyce told the Pepperpot Magazine that she
would come out to assist her in selling. Although the roadside shop isn’t at her house she would ensure she gets out there early to start selling since her customers expect her to be there. “When I look back to what the business was then to now from buying only five yards of runners [cow
realise that there is hope once you have the will to make a start,” she said. In addition, Fordyce would also make chicken foot and cow face souse, pholurie, boiled and fried channa, egg balls with mango sour. The mother of three related that she would make the commute to the city, at
Donna Fordyce and her daughter, Kadene
would only sell on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and the young girls in the village
intestines] to 75 yards now weekly is something to think of and makes you
the abattoir to buy her meat and other ingredients for the black pudding while, the chicken foot is sourced from a poultry farm at Garden of Eden, also on the East Bank Demerara.
The Black Pudding lady of Friendship, East Bank Demerara, Donna Fordyce (Carl Croker photos)
Fordyce stated that she would make the order on Wednesdays and 75 pounds of chicken foot will be delivered to her house on Thursdays. The black pudding lady reported that she would be opened on those three days from 14:30hrs up until everything is sold out. “The black pudding is what people come for, they like the flavour and taste and they would order, come and collect it so the black pudding is the fastest seller among the other things I make,” she said. Fordyce added that being in the kitchen takes some planning and it is time-consuming to prepare from scratch all the snacks she would sell and it also entails hard work. Even though it is a lot of work, she disclosed that it is beneficial for her because she doesn’t have to work with anyone and she does her preparations at a time that is fitting for her. Fordyce pointed out that
no matter how hard and impossible things may seem at times, there is a way and somewhat you have to make a start and then everything will fall into place, so did her business. She explained that when she first started it was challenging to cope but eventually she got the hang of things and she became good at black pudding making and her own small business was established. Today, Fordyce has her daughter, Kadene and her granddaughter to assist her in the kitchen while a neighbour would also come over to help. With the golden years on the horizon, she realises that she should pass on the art of black pudding making to her children or grandchildren and is willing to undertake that task. “The young girls don’t want to learn because they say the sight of the blood gets to them and they are not up for the challenge so I do it anyway,” she said.
Friendship Village... From page VII the village, while some own small businesses. The village runs deep down to the backlands and it has a few developing housing schemes. The village has a secondary school, the Ministry of Education Department and the Ministry of Health Department as well. It has a few churches and the public road is often busy with speeding vehicles which is a concern for locals, due to the high number of road accidents and fatalities they have witnessed, over time.
Friendship is a place where the people take care of their environment by planting flowers, plants, fruit trees and vegetables and they can be regarded as a self-sufficient people, who make do with what they have around them. The Councillor Meanwhile, the Pepperpot Magazine met Councillor Simone Jordan, whose yard was flooded when the team visited and she had bought yet another truckload of sand to fill her yard. Jordan reported that they have had some de-silting done to the trenches and canals in the village and
in 2009 the Social Impact Amelioration Programme (SIMAP) had a project in which three entering streets and two cross streets were made into all-weather roads. She added that the youths could use some recreation and skills training to boost their employment skills and some youths are involved in football under the guidance of a coach, who resides in the village. The councillor disclosed that the village has about five kokers/sluices, but at present only two are operational. Friendship is one of the largest villages along the East Bank corridor.
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‘ Become somebody you are proud of’ Friendship Village chef encourages others
By Michel Outridge Sherwin Austin has lived all his life in Friendship Village, East Bank Demerara and over the years he has realised his full potential of becoming a trained chef. He is the first chef in the family and he is very proud of his achievement and wishes to serve as a role model for the youths in his community, who says they are not finding jobs. The 35-year-old is a chef attached to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). When the Pepperpot
Magazine met him he was on annual leave and at his uncle’s place in the village. Austin related that even though he grew up in the community and is well aware that things are not always easy with young people, who are trying to make a start career-wise, he was determined to make it happen for him. The father of three explained that he was working at GPHC but was not a cook then and after he showed interest in the kitchen because he likes to cook he was given a chance to qualify himself.
The chef, Sherwin Austin (Carl Croker photo)
Austin was always fascinated with foods and its preparation and he was encouraged to attend the Carnegie School of Home Economics. He stated that he was told he can still work and attend classes and that’s what he did and was successful in becoming a chef. Today, he works in the kitchen of GPHC where he prepares from scratch meals for patients at the health facility according to their strict diet based on doctor’s advice. It’s been three years since he has been employed at GPHC and he feels he has accomplished a lot in terms of educating himself in the field he likes. “Everything starts with a vision but then it is no good if you don’t work towards fulfilling that vision and making it a reality,” he said. His advice to the youths, is to do something, start off with a job and work towards becoming career-oriented. Austin explained that a lot of youths in the village are idle as such, they get into unsavoury things and they need something meaningful to occupy their time. He pointed out that the village is quite large and they have a lot of nightspots and the people would hang out late at the various shops but most people have their own small businesses while others earn by doing different jobs. The Friendship resident reported that it would nice if the youths can have somewhere to go and learn a skill because they can eventually have jobs or have their own small businesses. Becoming a chef was perhaps the best thing that has happened for Austin, who admitted that he has gained a lot of respect by giving same and it feels good. “You see when you are not working and struggling some people don’t respect you and feel you are nothing but you have to prove them wrong and become somebody,” he said. The idea of becoming a chef was birthed right in his kitchen because he spends a lot of time cooking at home and he had asked himself why not make it a career and after some thought, he was up for the challenge. “This is not something you grasp overnight but it entails working hard and learning every day to become even better and once you can upgrade yourself constantly it will work for you,” he said. Austin added that he has learned quite a lot about diet and has inculcate certain healthy habits in his cooking whereby, he doesn’t use a lot of salt or sugar but likes a spicy mix to his foods. He related that cooking for sick people is a task because their foods have to be a certain way and a lot of ingredients are not added because of the varying health conditions of the patients who he would cook for. He told the Pepperpot Magazine that everyone has a gift to do something to make their lives better and the onus is on them to find that talent and explore the possibilities.
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Life is quiet in Friendship Village Residents enjoy the simple life of their community By Michel Outridge WHEN he had nowhere to go after a tiff with family members, Paul Ferdinand decided to leave home and start a small business to enhance his life. Today, Ferdinand has a
band would cut the bark of various trees that has healing properties and he would also market those. “I wanted to be by myself, so I left home after a quarrel with my family and decided to start my own business and made this
Paul Ferdinand
small roadside shop at the Friendship Public Road, East Bank Demerara, where he has erected tiny wooden living quarters and is utilising the land behind him to plant. The 33-year-old related that he has been at the location for the past four years and his small business is growing and he has a lot to be thankful for. Although he has a plot of land in the village itself, he is not ready to build a house just yet, but is saving up for that purpose solely. The father of one reported that the fruits and vegetables he harvests from his garden he would sell at his stand and his sister’s hus-
stand out here and I am good because I am earning in an honest way,” he said.
move away from his family and he is pleased about that, since he can live on his own terms and conditions. He would plant when he has some spare time and would pick birdseeds to sell as well, along with the various barks of trees such as capadulla, granny backbone, tea bush, monkey ladder, and panty borer, sasparilla among others that are used to make tea to cleanse and heal the body of various illnesses. Ferdinand has some dried and water coconuts, soursop, ochro, corilla, boulanger, banana, plantains and other fruits and vegetables he got from his kitchen garden, just behind his makeshift cottage. The only issue for this small-business owner is whenever it rains his entire cottage would leak and the place would be wet, but he is Sluice Attendant Ramchand Sukhai (Carl Croker photos)
Ferdinand stated that it is also because of other situations that he chose to
Appru Street, Friendship, where Ramchand Sukhai’s house sits at the corner
trying his best to cope since it would not rain every day. “I take this girl and we
Paul Ferdinand’s roadside stand at Friendship Village
living together and we try to be happy because that is something you have to do for yourself and it is working out well so far,” he said. Ferdinand’s business is supported by passers-by and people traversing that East Bank Demerara corridor daily. The Sluice Attendant The Pepperpot Magazine also met another resident, Ramchand Sukhai, a pensioner who works as a Sluice Attendant at Cuffy Sluice, in Friendship Vil-
lage. The 67-year-old reported that he has lived all his life in that community and he has a quiet, peaceful life. He explained that a part of the village was owned by his family and they have since sold sections of land and it was an estate back in the days. Sukhai stated that he is up to date with the news in terms of weather patterns, since he takes his job seriously to open and close the sluice when he is supposed to prevent flooding.
He monitors the weather and knows when he has to open or close the sluice. Sukhai’s wife passed away three years ago and his son, his son’s wife and a grandchild are residing with him along with several dogs. Sukhai related one issue is that he is afraid of the traffic situation on the Friendship Public Road and his advice to motorists is to slow down and arrive alive, because of the endless road accidents and fatalities.
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Navigating internet school and the case of schools reopening INTERNET school, thus far, has been one of the more tedious educational journeys I’ve navigated and though the pandemic is still a dangerous one, I understand why decisions are being made to gradually reopen schools. During a conversation with a colleague, I explained to her that even while I was studying in Trinidad, not sure where solid meals would come from, I did not feel as overwhelmed and plainly frustrated as I do nowadays. I was able to attend my classes, get the attention I need to understand concepts and problems in my tutorials, and stay in the library at all weird hours (until they made me go home at 06:00hrs). My workload has increased significantly and since I am a visual learner, it means that I have to take the extra time to read my textbooks and make notes more than I usually would. There are inherent challenges in an online school system which make it all the more frustrating. On Monday night, for example, after I got home from work, I decided I would stay awake for most of the night to work on my assignments. There was a power outage in my area then, so I opted to sleep early with the intention of getting up early to work on them. And so I slept, and I woke up ready to do my assignments, and poof, another power outage. When the power goes, my internet connection, which already isn’t the strongest for video lectures, goes as well. For further context, my semester began in September,
which means that I am at the height of my mid-term assessment period, which continues right into the final examinations period in about four weeks. Any disruption, therefore, frustrates me and sets my schedule back. And there is little I can do to control that. Now, I consider myself to be privileged when I talk about education. I am part of a very small segment of Guyana’s population able to pursue tertiary education, and more so, tertiary education at an institution abroad. I have a laptop, a tablet, and a mobile phone -- each capable of assisting me with my virtual learning. I have not lost my job because of the pandemic. So, in many ways, I am privileged and I am grateful for that. Being privileged does not preclude me from the frustrations of internet school, though. And clearly, it hasn’t. Being privileged, however, makes me woefully aware of the stark technological disparities in Guyana -- for myself, yes, but more importantly, for those who are not as privileged as I am. I think about the teacher in Lethem who messages me on WhatsApp to tell me about the challenges she has See page XV
CHRONICLEPEPPERPOT PEPPERPOT――Sunday, Sunday,November October 4,08,2020 CHRONICLE 2020
XIII XXV
Clean up your mental health (pun intended) SO this column serves a few purposes. I have been getting emails from people asking me to discuss personal hygiene as their family members are not taking care of it as much because they are not leaving home as often. Also, I would like to lower the serious expectations of change when it comes to improving mental health; reHello everyone Everyone,that there are ple can get things physicalthatif they minding simple will make a positive difference. find out they have been I was really irritated yesterday, for no reason in parhope betrayed ticular- it wasthis justweek one has of those days. So I took to my bedroom and looked around and saw what a mess it was. treated you well. - End of a marriage/ reNow, I’m definitely messy- I’m not embarrassed to say it simply because there is arehugelationship difference between messy I recently and dirty. Messy is being able to see clothes on the floor ceivedbeda and request - Broken relationships or an unmade still continue with your day. In my opinion, to dirty is classified as being able to see old plates of discuss adultery with children and other famfood around or not washing dishes for a few days. So, I’m and saying its effects comfortable that Ion am messy. Anyway, back to the ily members story- after I took to my room and saw how messy it was, well-being. - Financial stress bed. Imental became even more agitated and took to my unmade However, something told me to get- Medical up and clean the mess A woman had written consequences so I did. I honestly cannot explain how fast my mood lifted about her husband’s infidelias acquiring a sexually when I had cleared the clutter such and my personal space was no longer messy. This got me thinking – a simple way to ty and the anguish it brought transmitted disease (STD) improve mental health- stay clean and uncluttered! look at cleaning as a chore(themselves and always her. I thinkMany it is ofanusimportant - Pregnancy try to get others to do the work. But have we stopped to topic how to discuss, it is sobenefit or theus-outside person) and think it may as actually both physically mentally? prominent throughout our People who live in clutter or ‘unfinished projects’ society. know very irritated, are moreI myself likely to be stressed, aggravated Now, what does and overall fatigued. A messy or dirty environment can cause few relationships areproductivity cheating do to theand distraction and low that focus, and efficiency therefore may which make routine overwhelming on monogamousmeans tasks seem victim? a whole. to beWhen married or to be in ais messy It causes extreme hurt, yourtoenvironment or cluttered, it doesn’t seem restful; it will always seem like there is something sexual relationship with just low self-esteem and selfelse to get done- because there is! It causes anxiety that we not even aware of. It isdoubt. even Itpossible develop one are partner. ruins theto trust for additional mental illnesses such as depression or bipolar We’re going to talk about not only the current, but also disorder. Onunfaithful the other hand, seeing and a clean environbeing in general forbeing futureinrelationships. This ment boosts our mood and optimism. Basically, there is as onlyandmarried people can organisation. peace positivity behind is called projecting, when We know it helps our immune system as cleaning often commit any adultery, but oryoubacteria the that victims more often removes pollutants may are cause anything from do notallergies have totobeinfections. married than not afraid, insecure There have even been studies conducted in the in order States to be devastated by drastic and untrusting new United to show the benefitsinoftheir a clean environment. One particular study followed over 900 that betrayal. relationships. This can lead Americans between the ages of 49-65. Those who made an effort live in a cleaner ate depression healthier, For thetoreligious, adul- environment to high anxiety, were more physically active and were even less likely terydevelop is a sin;heart the word from than andthose even suicide. to disease who had untidy
I
its Latin heritage ‘adulterare’ means to corrupt. It is one of the major causes of breakups/divorce worldwide. However, its effects on both individuals are widespread. Unfaithfulness/cheating causes many problems with both the cheater and the victim, ranging from
Cheating will also affect the children if the family is split apart. Typically, trust issues are also passed on to them, affecting both their future friendships and intimate relationships. I know many people who have never been cheated on (to their knowledge), but are terrified of it because one of
surroundings. Apparently, people even sleep better in a clean environment. A separate study conducted by the National Sleep Foundation determined that those who made their bed in the morning and kept a clean bedroom were 19% more likely to have better sleep. 75 of those people also reported better sleep when orpercent not; there are bed people they washed their sheets more. Yes, the studies that people take the time do huh? But, we do benefit from who cheat and peopletowho it if we listen.
do not. It’s simply a personal choice. There will always be other problems to ‘blame’ the cheating on, but despite temptation, we as humans have the capability to choose whether we hurt someone deeply or not. The main reason always cited to me is a lack of attention. The partner has felt ignored by their significant other which has lowered their self-esteem and selfworth. Therefore, they seek attention elsewhere. There are many ways to give attention to your spouse. Some examples are constant communication of the problem—not talking, ignoring and holding a grudge solves nothing. Other examples are being physically and mentally present and affectionate, compassionate, patient, empathetic and sexually active. Human beings long for these types of connections. Basically, cheating is an external reaction to an internal problem. Participating in the above examples are internal solutions. What happens after you have found out? Well, there is a big deci-
Basically, when our surroundings look good, we begin to feel good. This means our energy levels, self-esteem, self-confidence and self-worth all increase- simply by a clean environment. You also want the people around you to positively grow and feel this way- a way that you cannot feel in a clustered or chaotic environment. It can also improve our relationships. How many of us have had fights with our partners See page XX because of a messed that
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Taking home a piece of the ocean - Young entrepreneur wows with her unique sea glass accessories
By Telesha Ramnarine
Z
OYA Samaroo is a devout environmentalist who believes in utilising natural resources to create environmentally friendly products such as from washed up shells, wood and glass that she finds on the beach. The 21-year-old is a fulltime University of Guyana student in her final year pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Biology. From a young age, Zoya had been very fascinated by colours and the way that they blend to make new creations, leading her mother to often describe her as a quiet and crafty child who typically found her ‘own corner’ Zoya with crayons and paper. Samaroo But as she got older, her fascination for arts and craft only increased and this motivated her to pursue Visual Arts at the CSEC level (Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate). It was there that she learned valuable skills and gained exposure. Zoya’s love for the beach also played a large part in her artistic journey as she would often collect the washed-up materials while picking up garbage, seeing like no one else the beauty in them. Zoya’s accessories range from necklaces, earrings and bracelets to key chains, picture frames and wind chimes
She loves to spend time at the beach and even lends herself to cleaning it whenever she could, as her mother’s upbringing always impressed upon her how wrong it was to litter. “After collecting a substantial amount of glass, I realised that their beauty seemed pretty wasted in a glass jar so I decided to do some research on how best to use my new jewels,” she reflected. “I discovered basic wire wrapping and began experi-
Each piece of jewellery is unique Zoya utilizes sea glass and driftwoo
menting. I have since honed my skills and began sharing my creations with the world. Being able to upcycle discarded materials often considered garbage, into unique and beautiful pieces makes me feel accomplished and I hope to encourage others to become more sustainable in their day to day habits,” she further expressed. Zoya’s business entails handcrafted jewellery and accessories ranging from necklaces, earrings and bracelets to key chains, picture frames and wind chimes. She utilises sea glass and driftwood collected from beaches to create unique, wire wrapped trinkets. “I stumbled upon the inspiration to create unique jewellery using washed up sea glass from broken bottles littered on the beach about one year ago, and have since developed my skills in designing pieces that will promote a sustainable earth while leaving customers with a feeling of satisfaction in contributing to a cleaner, greener environment,” she said. Zoya found that she had quite a lot of the materials piled up and nothing to do with them, so she began making jewellery as gifts for her family and friends. But people then started suggesting that it would be a good idea for her to start a business since it was so very unique. So she started within her friends’ group, and people later began making special orders. “Each piece is very unique; it’s like a little piece of the ocean that you get to take home with you. I try to use less plastic because, in my career path, I want to try and reduce as much plastic use as possible, especially in the small scale business industry because I know plastic is the cheaper alternative. But I try my best to stay away from those kinds of things,” Zoya said. A lover of the environment, nature, animals and wildlife, Zoya tries to ensure that whatever she does is sustainable. “I would use less plastic and I try my best to get the people around me to do the same; to think about the impacts their small actions would have on the much larger community.” Her Instagram page is called ‘Coriolis.’
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Enjoying a fulfilling career
Nerissa Pearson
Radio Journalist reflects on 16 years of service By Dillon Goring LOCAL radio journalist, Nerissa Pearson is celebrating 16 years in the profession. Nerissa started her career in broadcasting on November 1, 2004, just after she left high school. “I was the first radio announcer that was hired that did not come from G.B.C or any other radio station and did not have any experience,” Pearson told Pepperpot Magazine. She attributes her first success in broadcasting after joining the National Communication Network (NCN) to people whom she looked up to that made a significant impact on her development as a new person in the field of broadcasting. Radio personalities such as Franklin Langhorne, Margaret Lawrence, Stan Gouveia and Wanita Huburn certainly paved the way for her growth and development over the years, she said. “ My very first major broadcast that I was going to be on and that I was a part of the team, this was for independence,this was in 2004, I think, but it was
held at the National Park. Abraham Poole, Franklin Langhorne, and Rosemary Benjamin Noble were the team, and I was there as the junior announcer. I had learnt the importance of research, so I did my research, so I was ready,” Nerissa recalled. Nerissa said that after she completed her broadcast, the team congratulated her on her great performance. According to Nerissa, she never thought that she could have done the job so excellently. She was under the impression that she would have to work for years to earn the respect of such an esteemed panel. Nerissa disclosed that following her impressive performance at that event, this gave rise to her involvement and participation in every flag-raising ceremony coverage for NCN so far in her career in 16 yrs. She told the Pepperpot Magazine that she has also been given the opportunity to do coverage for international networks. “Being a Correspondent for Starr Com Network and for the CDC, but always having to go and train
as part of my Public Media Alliance Fellowship, I was able to spend two weeks training at CDC and Starr Com, which give rise to a wonderful relationship that I have with both companies to share information about Guyana,” she said. Nerissa assures that although there is no privacy in her career, she certainly believes that her fans see her ability to speak as a gift. “I have touched the lives of many people. I have made a lot of friends. All of my friends they connect with me, not the personality and there are a lot of people who find a lot of hope when they listen to me and this is a challenge for me to be able to touch their lives to make them happy,” she said. Nerissa’s encouragement to young people is that God has put you on the planet for a purpose and many people may never know or know later in our lives what their purpose is, but due to the simple fact that they were made with a purpose they shouldn’t give up. “ Despite what you face, do not become discouraged. The world is your stage and everyone else is just a play;
don’t let people‘s opinion of you define who you should be,” she encouraged. Nerissa attributes the motivation to thrust forward in times of discouragement to her friends and family who are her support base. Her Faith in God is also great support, she admitted. Radio’s future in Guyana When asked where she sees broadcasting in Guyana in years to come, she stated: “ I believe that broadcasting will transform from traditional media to new or social media in the future. In this time where we are heavily dependent on technology for communication, work,
education and even consumer goods, it is imperative for us all to hone skills to compete in a virtual age,” she said. “I believe broadcasting in Guyana will join the trend of podcasts, radio streaming shows and video streaming within the next few years. This will force those of us utilising mainstream media to adapt and surpass the norm to create new trends and stay relevant in/for the industry in Guyana.” She remains optimistic about the future of broadcasting, stating, “ I believe radio still has a future because the radio can tap into the many
Navigating internet school and... been encountering daily. With the students spread across fairly distant communities, without stable (if any) internet connections, she printed worksheets and circulated them among her students. For those who did have some amount of internet connectivity-- largely data plans on their phones -- she would engage them in a WhatsApp group chat because limited data plans are not conducive for Zoom classes. Teaching for her has been asynchronous and reliant on students’ discipline as well. I think about my mother and 10-year-old sister; my mother receives my sister’s work via WhatsApp and has to work along with my sister to get it done, and afterwards check it for mistakes when the class teacher sends answers. Static communication does not allow my sister to ask questions or seek clarifications readily. And for me, that’s not real learning.
The Ministry of Education began printing worksheets and distributing them to students, so that even if they don’t have internet access, at least they have these worksheets to work on. My sister received a set of worksheets and that was a move I appreciated. The ministry has also been using broadcast media to assist. Beyond that, schools for the students set to write examinations next year with the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), and those who require facilities for technical learning will be returning to schools tomorrow November 9. Does that mean that schools are 100 percent ready to reopen? Even with the best sanitisation and preparation, I don’t think so. There are still so many ways the coronavirus can be spread, such as while students are travelling to school for example. Yet, what is the better, more feasible solution to allow students sitting these examinations to
options technology gives us, but more so in the breakdown of technology persons will turn to the traditional medium of radio to receive information especially of national importance. Moreover, we must be realistic; everyone in Guyana is not technologically literate and some refuse to ever be. Therefore, there will always be a need for radio broadcasting. But what is essential is [that] radio must be able to stay relevant and meet the demands and basic services it was envisioned to offer, while still being able to compete with similar media.”
From page XII
adequately prepare? I don’t know, honestly. At the press conference announcing that schools for these students would reopen on November 9, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand said, “We remain sure, however, that nothing we do will match the effectiveness or the value of a teacher in front of a classroom in face-to-face engagements.” I don’t like the idea of students heading back to school, for safety reasons, but I can’t help but agree with her. If my university reopened, I would try to get back there as soon as possible, too. If you would like to discuss this column or any of my previous writings, please feel free to contact me via email: vish14ragobeer@gmail.com
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BOYZ TO MEN, AGAIN! PAY ATTENTION... I RUN an independent operation called RESCU. We don’t have all the resident equipment necessary, so there is juggling for ‘Free services’ from friends and sympathisers of the group. What we have is the knowledge base, mostly from experience and street-wise connections, to deliver on the subject matter we target, revolving around drug use and social culture pressures and lures towards delinquency. In 2018/19 we were invited by a headmistress of a school in Charlestown to talk to students. The headmistress insisted that we focus the presentation on her male students and provided some insights that I was familiar with. Elton McCray, who was the tech man recording the session, and I arrived at the school. I divided the students into two gender groups and proceeded to address them. But before we reached the presentation, we did a little reconnaissance before any engagement by appearing on the location early, while preparations such as moving of desks and benches are going on and reached out to the children, since we were not dressed formally. We are most times interpreted as workmen until session time. By then we’ve got some targets on the ball, this time was no different. There was one group of young males, with a prime talker
who identified his ambition to be a songwriter; another wanted to own a store, etc. So when the session began I identified this group to come up front as the conduit group to deflect by identifying others when the session conversation currents rise and fall. The sum of the engagement was that the school has a library. In questioning the wannabe musician, he knew nothing about the history of music from a Guyana perspective, even to the 70s-80s. He didn’t know about the ‘String Bands’ nor of local singers whose talents persisted even without legal and institutional support, even though from the late 80s onward the boom box-music sets had eclipsed the talent-driven bands, except for Jazz groups that performed at the ‘Side Walk Cafe’ and a few other places. With every foreign act imported here, they brought their ‘Bands’ but mediocrity overwhelmed our scene, especially since local drug cartels had taken over local and imported public entertainment, eclipsing the success of over 100 years of string band entertainment and excellence. This music-ambitious youth was in deep trouble. I didn’t want to direct deflection that sufficed a blamegame shift to the school’s official limitations; the aim was to deal with the enthusiasm of the individual student as peer inspiration. This is
where the problem began: there was hesitation and resistance from this youth and his ‘posse’ with respect to a relationship with the library. His body language -- glances to approving males across the multitude -- expressed his response to my insistence on visiting and exploring the library. “ No sir, I don’t go in the library,”he said. Obviously, the library was now “Sissy territory.” In my school days, you had to be tough for the Friday afternoon grudge fight, and you also had to not fall below seventh space in a 20-something class population at term exams, to be cool. So our ‘Student’s companion, the First Aid in English’ and the library were musts. I also had ‘class artist’ on my side, to the irritation of my teachers, because most of the Valentine hearts and other tasks looked familiar. None of the males responded affirmatively when
I asked for career choices, so I turned to the young ladies for comparative help. To my surprise, the group who were positioned upfront wanted to be Lawyers, Civil Engineers, a novelist, etc. The young male who wanted to open his business was reluctant to discuss how he would finance the initial stage of his business. I emphasised the necessity of research, using the need to understand what a ‘Power of Attorney’ is and can mean if you inherit or own a house, need to be out of Guyana and place the wrong expression of this document into the hands of someone you trust, but should not. If the school library does not have this information, then the school librarian will advise you to a library that does. I urged the male students to choose a constructive career and break away from stupid and unproductive advice, or they’ll be
working for the young ladies in the front bench in less than the next 10 years. To follow the dreams and passions you have to you’ll need to, or naturally lose some friends in doing the right thing. I discussed the complexities of that engagement at home (which was never published on the RESCU Facebook page because McCray never got the video-computer-collaboration fixed). While doing this article, I was wondering if the crossover of females into once-considered male domains was the cause for some male sub-culture reaction based on passed social norms, but where would these youths get that phobia from? As a young man, women were already breaking those norms. My daughter had a more practical interpretation. At her school those cross-over discussions never generated gender-based inclusiveness. She also suggested that unless
a school has a robust, functional industrial composite, inclusive of an IT hub, a feeling of being disadvantaged would creep into the mindset, because also, the costs of higher education in those areas are prohibitive, though in-school experience would be a definite step on the threshold. My wife did indicate that though cooking is perceived as a female domain, the options for professionals of the field (Chefs) are predominantly male. Wherever the interpretations lead, there need to be interceptions, and the Headmistress understands this. A generation of men was told that men will always get by; they will always find something to do. That era is gone. Semi-literate muscle labour is a thing of the past, as facilitating multitude employment to support current livelihoods, this is our reality, whether we act on it or not.
Children should not be burdened with adult responsibilities LIKE many creatives my age, some of my work is inspired by the modern world around me. The world is inclusive of social media. I recently came across a Facebook post that read, “Kids are not responsible for 1. Caring for siblings 2. Being emotional support for adults 3. Finding money to pay bills 4. Creating rules, structure, and order because the adults can’t or won’t 5. Taking care of their parents’ emotionally 6. Managing fights between parents 7. Protecting themselves from adults 8. Figuring things out on their own” If there wasn’t a time when I was happy to be on social media, the moment I found that post served as one. Quite frankly, many children are forced to grow up before they’re even adults. Many children are forced to play the role of “parents” for themselves. My childhood may be filled with dolls and playtime, but there are probably hundreds who can’t say the same.
The innocence that childhood brings is ripped away by those closest to some children. As an adult, at times certain life events can be quite troubling for me. I often reminisce about my peaceful childhood for comfort. I think back to a time when life was simpler. If we strip children of that simplistic component that childhood brings, we are asking them to always remember life through its complexities. I’ve had my fair share of being asked to “grow up” as a child. I was always academically inclined to excel and my parents and teachers encouraged me to keep pushing forward. While my example of See Page XIX
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ISOME USES OF PEPPERMINT OIL
n colonial times, the Guyana Economy rested on the tripod of sugar, rice and bauxite and if all three of these industries functioned well and were profitable, then the country was in prosperity. If two functioned, the economy broke even. After Independence, all three of these industries suffered a loss of markets, negative political interference and poor management and the country quickly drifted into economic decline. OME months ago, this column carried an Now it seems that Agriculture Month 2020 which was article on mint. The article treated mint as a observed in October, had a strong indication that Agriculture folk medicine, but did make some reference to would be on the upward rise. This optimism is engendered peppermint oil. by the knowledgeable and enthusiastic management of the In this offering, will be dealing withof Ministry of Agriculture and the we beginning of the revival Agricultural industries such riceofand sugar and oil the and hope approximately 20 asuses peppermint that fairly some oilarerevenues invested in a although theshortly uses identified different,will the be treatment tends which had alwayshowever been awaiting investment tosector be similar. We would not tryadequate to consolidate, but to fructify into prosperity. Quite appropriately the theme of would deal with every use and its treatment individually. thisPeppermint Agriculture Month 2020 was “Investing in Agriculture is derived from a species of herb, mint, which for Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development”. has over 20 varieties, but the two varieties most known are There are two reasons among others why focus Agriculpeppermint and spearmint. The main component of these mint tural Development is necessary. First the “Dutch disease” species menthol. or “OilisCurse” would be avoided. Peppermint oil,resource which has than spearmint, Oil is a finite andmore willmenthol be exhausted in 30 years iswhile extracted from the peppermint plant. Agriculture is self-renewing and self-generating and would continueoil to was bolster when oil would have Peppermint usedtheforeconomy thousands of years and was
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known among the Greeks, Romans, Chinese and Indians. Indeed, it is still an important item in modern Chinese pharmacopeia. Two Chinese produced peppermint-based products, Shiling Oil and Tiger Balm, are well known and widely used in Guyana. Although peppermint oil was known and used in the 19th century by Western countries (even in producing other medicines), it was only in the last few generations that intensive research on it had been done. Such research found that peppermint oil could bring relief to several kinds of ailments including digestive problems, bacterial infection, inflammation, fatigue, muscular soreness, congestion, allergies, headaches and halitosis. Below we list a number of ailments and their peppermint o i l treatment. (These were taken from a reputable La Penitence Market. Photo Guyanacation Tourism Authority publion alternative medicine.)
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REFLECTION ON AGRICULTURE MONTH 2020 MANY POSITIVE VISTAS PRESENTED
ceased to be a revenue earner. If a country becomes too dependent on Oil, it will be engulfed in poverty when the oil runs out. And second, there is a Caribbean food market of US$6 billion which can be supplied by Guyana. In Agriculture Month 2020, the Ministry of Agriculture laid out a road map of development: The sugar industry would be resuscitated; rice would be expanded and production increased; fishing, both in fish farms and deep-sea fishing would be expanded; the coconut industry would be developed; livestock development would be revived; fruit farming, bananas, plantains and ground provision farming would be stimulated; scientific research would be widened at NAREI; drainage would be seriously addressed, and infrastructural development would continue so that farmers could easier get to their fields and bring out their products to the market. In the past, similar road maps were adumbrated but have never been achieved. The plans of 2020 would be achieved because there are adequate budgetary allocations and above all, the Ministry is led by a Minister who seems to be fired with an enthusiasm which would accept nothing else but success and the highest standards. The Sugar industry which was consciously destroyed by the factories being vandalized and neglected and squatters occupying large areas of prime cane lands and destroying hundreds of millions of dollars of priceless scientific research has taken on this daunting challenge and has seriously begun the resuscitation of the Industry.
A FEW EXCERPTS FROM MY ... From page VI
greeted him with handshakes and warm hugs, expressing how tall and handsome he had grown.
Arvind was enjoying each day more than he thought he could have, and what was new for him was hanging out at the local bars,
BOOSTING OF ENERGY: To improve mental and physical energy and clarity level, inhale peppermint oil throughout the day. This may be done via the use of an inhaler or merely by sprinkling a few drops on a kerchief. GETTING RID OF DANDRUFF: Peppermint oil possesses anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties, which allows it to combat dandruff effectively. Relieves muscular pain: The menthol in peppermint oil has significant antispasmodic and anti-painkilling effects and a few drops mixed in coconut oil and massaged or rubbed on the affected muscle would bring relief.
The Stabroek Market
entertained by the musical mix of Bollywood, Chutney and Soca music. He took bravely in stride, the introduction to the gold-
en El Dorado rum and Banks beer. ----He was staying again at the Pegasus Hotel and Samantha met him for lunch at the Aroma Café. They went for a walk on the seawall after lunch, strolling casually, side by side, as old friends do. They stopped to buy snow cone with its sweet fruity syrup topped with sweetened condensed milk and sat on one of the beaches to watch the rolling waves of the Atlantic Ocean. The cool wind, the serenity, sitting there together, enjoying those little moments. ----The next few days they went on walks around the city, with its rich history of Colonial architecture. Arvind was captivated by the gothic
The same trend is evidenced in the other agricultural industries and if the same level of investment and commitment to success continue for the next four to five years, Guyana would experience its Agricultural Revolution. It should be mentioned that the activities planned for Agriculture Month were mostly held virtually and this has brought the farming community and others into the modern world of IT and the more expert use of the computer. World Food Day 2020 fell within Agri-month and enrichens it. World Food Day provides a global platform to raise awareness of issues of hunger and poverty and its theme this year “Grow, Nourish, Sustain. Together, Our Actions are our Future” synthesised with the aspiration of food security. As part of his comment on World Food Day, the Minister of Agriculture pointed out that much of the investment on Food Security derived from private farmers, traders, agri-businesses and others engaged in production and distribution of food but that the entire sector is fragmented and unorganized. The Ministry will establish a “Farmers’ Registration” whereby aid in the delivery of better services to farmers and help in accessioning incentives and other benefits offered by Government would be easier acquired. World Food Day 2020 marked the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and allowed the Minister not only to congratulate FAO but to thank the various bilateral and multilateral agencies for their technical and financial support.
styled St. George’s Cathedral, one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world that was opened in 1892 and he showed keen interest in the Walter Rodney Museum of Anthropology with artefacts from Guyana’s Indigenous people. He was intrigued with all he saw on the mini-tour and especially the Botanical Gardens where he felt relaxed in the ambience of the fresh and brilliant tropical plants, birds and the famous kissing bridge. ----Arvind went back to the Corentyne for a couple of days and on his return, Samantha wanting him to have a real Caribbean feel of the city, took him to the Stabroek market with its famous historic clock tower built by the Dutch in 1880. The inside of the market housed many striving, pop-
ular businesses and the outside was a hectic scene with smaller businesses and local vibes all around. But what fascinated Arvind more were the stalls stacked with an astounding variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. In another part of the city, was the Bourda market built in 1902 by the famous colonial Joseph Bourda. It was also busy with many different businesses, various types of herbs, fruits and vegetables, and the cool delicious coconut water Arvind couldn’t have enough of. “It’s quite picturesque,” he said, “So easy to fall in love with all of this.” And it was from that feeling of love for the country, he made the decision to refurbish the manor he had inherited to make it his holiday home, so he could visit often this beautiful rich land.
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CELEBRATING OTHERS
CELEBRATE when good things happen for people even if I don’t know them. I celebrate even more when I know them. I have been working with Wendy Hermonstine on the publishing of her first book and I am ecstatic. Intentional is one of the words I know to describe her. I invited her to join a Virtual Writers’ Retreat a few months ago and this was her experience. “ This powerful workshop was compact, interactive, empowering, impactful and my game changer. Unbelievable, before the conclusion, I was able to share not only my ideas, but aspects of my intention.” Some people attend seminars and workshops and feel super inspired for a few days. She was intentional about turning one of her dreams into reality. Her first book will be launched on Amazon on November 13 and I am encouraging you to support her. Many of us receive daily empowering reminders from Wendy on WhatsApp. She gives a brief synopsis of the book: “I was motivated to make my first book inspirational and so my Daily Reminders came into focus. These reminders are intended to encourage readers to trust and have faith in Almighty God, desist from wrongdoings, to think positive [sic], set goals, follow dreams and visions, build self-confidence and self-worth, to be humble, read the Holy Bible and other religious books, knowing that anything can be achieved with determination and God, who strengthens. Heavenly Father, I am grateful that you have brought me on this journey; it has really changed my modus-operandi. Hopefully, your attitude to life can be enhanced too.” I have a feeling this book will cause a lot of shifting in mindsets, God’s willing. In March, we celebrated women, in October, we celebrated girls and November 19 will be International Men’s Day. It is an honour to endorse a book by a purpose-driven young man. Maverick Davidson; the 18-year-old author of the Awakening Soul. It is a book that will surely change your life, the way that you used to think about this world will change, and you will be transformed into a new individual, for it will refresh your soul and clean your eyes, allowing you to see the truth and understand this world from a different perspective; your soul will be awakened and you will spread the knowledge to all. The Awakened Soul speaks about the way of life; it goes in-depth about the trials we face every day and it talks about humanity and the changes those humans have undergone; it
shines a light on the things that some have forgotten and it gives a clear word to all. I met this young man through his parents last year when they asked me to assist in the publishing of his first book and the book is now available on Amazon and here in Guyana.
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“growing up” too early might not be generally perceived as a negative one, it did have negative effects on me. I’m sure the adults in my life thought what they were doing was best for me at the time. To be honest, sometimes I simply needed some time to relax and play instead of studying. It worked out for me and my example but sadly enough, this is not the case for many others. There are other drastic and horrifying instances of children being forced to take on more than what their little minds and hearts can bear. I haven’t figured out life and haven’t cracked open many codes at the age of 20. Even as a writer, social work student and entrepreneur I haven’t fully figured out much of life’s secrets and what it takes to be an adult. Sometimes I can even hear my 50-year-old father mumbling the same words. Can we then imagine what it’s like to be fully forced into ‘adulthood’ as a child? I’ve seen older siblings being
asked to step in as babysitters. I’ve seen children having to dismiss their own emotions to cuddle that of their parents.’ I’ve seen children being neglected to face the scary world on their own. I’ve seen children being forced to be mediators between parents and their battles. I’ve also seen ‘hurt children’ grow up to be ‘hurt adults.’ Yes, parents and guardians aren’t perfect. They’re humans after all, but the least we can do is allow children to be children. It is important to foster and encourage good mental health and emotional well-being from an early age. We need to acknowledge that these very children will grow up one day to become adults of the future. Children should not be used to fill voids. Children should not be used as tools to live a life their parents missed out on. The brief season of childhood is a time to strengthen our children. That post on Facebook was an enlightenment to myself and the way I’ve viewed parenting styles/skills. I hope these words can do the same for you as well.
I can remember how I felt about my first book in my 40s, so I asked him to share his experience. “Well, all I can say is that I have never experienced something like this before. The words just came to me and I had to let it out; all the words flowed out from my mind and into my pen. God used me to share this knowledge to make the world a better place. So as a word of encouragement, all I will tell you is to keep walking in faith, without God, man is nothing; without a heart, we won’t feel. Reality is harsh, some persons’ words are ugly but with God, you can always find a way to your destiny.” He is already on book number two! I love it when people decide to do something, no matter what. I am smiling as I write because I know how he felt turning the pages of his first book and the experience Wendy will have. I am currently working on 365 Invaluable Life Experiences which is a collaborative book with people from all over the world. Everyday stories are coming in and it adds to my day to have moments in the lives of others. I would like to encourage anyone who has the desire to do things but limiting beliefs constantly show up and cousin fear turns up uninvited. I know how paralysing that can be and that is why I constantly share with people how I can deal with that now. I encourage you to dare yourself to do a few things to get closer to your goals, even though it petrifies you. Keep on keeping on as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 08, 2020
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GIS
“THE world is getting smaller”; this statement holds true, with technological advancement, we are now able to chat with our families and friends in real-time across continents. More so, we can use Google Earth to take a virtual tour of any country on the Earth without having to leave the comforts of our living rooms. The advancement in technology is making the world more connected and more accessible. One such technology is the Geographic Information System (GIS); this technology can do numerous things such as help citizens predict areas of flooding and map soil quality to ensure efficient land use. But what exactly is GIS? A Geographic Information System is a framework for gathering, managing, and analyzing data. Rooted in the science of geography, GIS integrates many types of data. It analyses spatial location and organises layers of information into visualizations using maps and 3D scenes. With this unique capability, GIS reveals deeper insights into data, such as patterns, relationships, and situations – helping users make smarter decisions. Further, GIS allows for people to view data as maps, rather than columns of numbers; making it easier to read and understand.
How Is GIS Data Collected? * Digitising (the process of tracing GIS data directly on the screen) * LiDAR (images) * Drones * Global Positioning System (EPA primarily utilizes this format) * Satellites (remote sensing) Why Is GIS Important? * Informs decision-making * Provides accurate data location * Increase efficiencies * Can reduce the cost of services * Coherent management of resources * Improves communication * Vital for accurate record-keeping Types Of Datasets Captured Through GIS Technology
* Land cover * Climate * Ecosystems * Energy * Infrastructure * Marine resources * Biodiversity * Research * Health * Demographics * Manufacturing/Industries * Education GIS in environment and natural resources management GIS helps in identifying the impact of human behaviour on natural resources and leads to the more effective utilisation of the same. Data about natural resources could be collected through remote sensing, aerial photography or satellite imagery and then they are mapped using GIS technology. The major application of GIS in natural resource management is in confronting environmental issues such as floods, landslides, soil erosions, droughts, earthquakes, etc. It also addresses the current problems of climate change, habitat loss, population growth, pollution etc. and provides
information about land area change between periods. The information obtained from GIS helps to study specific areas and monitoring can be done in and around those areas. It provides relevant information about the environmental condition and policy, including conservation programmes. Maps in GIS provide information about location and current resources. Along with the aforementioned applications, GIS can effectively aid in wastewater management, oil spilling, sewage treatment etc. Hundreds of thousands of organisa-
tions in virtually every field are using GIS to make maps that communicate, perform analyses, share information, and solve complex problems around the world. This is changing the way the world works. At the EPA we place a high value on evidence-based decision-making and use GIS as one of the tools in the process. Our officers in the GIS Unit collect and analyse data that include, but are not limited to: * Complaints hotspot mapping; * Environmental inspections; * Biodiversity research conducted; * Water-sampling locations; * Disease outbreaks; * Oil wells and drill sites; * Identifying potential and suitable landfill sites; and * Mapping coastal changes and trends. GIS Day – Discovering the world through GIS The third Wednesday of November each year is designated internationally as “GIS Day.” On this day, users of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) celebrate the technology and its multiple applications in the real world. The recognition of this day was initiated on November 1 9, 1999, by the combined efforts of the National Geographic Society, Association of American Geographers (AAG) and Esri, one of the leading GIS service providers. If you’re interested in learning more about GIS Day, then check out this website https://www.gisday.com/en-us/resources HAPPY WORLD GIS DAY IN ADVANCE FROM THE MANAGEMENT AND STAFF OF EPA! You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications Department, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Clean up your mental... was created? My guess is almost every single one of us. Let’s avoid this one now. It’s important to note that the loss of motivation to keep a clean environment may be a warning sign of a mental illness such as depression or anxiety. When we feel this way, we barely want to get out of bed- let alone make it. However, if a clean environment can have this sort of change, imagine how important it is for our bodies to be clean! There are ways to become a cleaner person if you aren’t already. Make a list of goals to do every day or week- to ensure that the environment is always healthy and clean. You can split them with others or do it yourself! When you start feeling the benefits of a clean environment, your motivation to keep cleaning will build. Then maybe you’ll be comfortable having more people over to the house. Maybe set certain days and times to do certain things so it becomes routine rather than an annoyance. If you feel like your house just can’t get clean, it means you have too much clutter- which I know can be super hard to rid. Maybe we feel that we may one day need all of it but we won’t. Try donating things that you haven’t used in 6
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or more months. Sometimes, having less is actually more. If your whole house is a mess, don’t feel overwhelmed as you can’t tackle it in one day. Take it one room at a time or heck, one corner at a time- you can do it. Start by simply making your bed every morning or washing each dish after you’ve used it so they don’t pile up. Finally, please keep in mind, that for the lucky of us, our home is our haven- a safe space in a stressful world. It’s important to respect it. For those who sadly do not feel the same way, just try the cleanliness route- I really hope it makes a difference. There is a famous quote- “Your body is your temple and your home is where it resides.”- so keep them both clean. Thank you for reading and please send in any topics to caitlinvieira@gmail.com. If you would like personal counselling, please WhatsApp or call +592 623 0433 Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!
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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 08, 2020
THOUGHT FOR TO
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Not I, not I, but th blows througehwmind that e! D.H. LAWRENC 1930) Song of a E (1885man who has come thro ugh
November 08, 2020 Dear Student, Welcome, dear friend. Your memory can be improved if you practise efficient understanding of your subjects under study. It comes with the habits of attentiveness, keeping good
notes, using repetition, being confident yet calm in speech, and completing and submitting assignments. Improved memory also comes with appropriate teacher-student relations, good study-group participation, supportive parents and siblings, kind well-wishers, nightly study, and daily prayer. Dear friend, efficient learning is essential to study success. Be wise. Love you. READING Understanding Facts in Reading Passage One Read this short passage carefully. As they watched the sun rise across the lake, Mahroud’s father said to him and Sahram, “Come, my children, let us retrace our steps homeward.” As they journeyed silently, they watched their long shadows stretched out before them like three unequal minarets. Something to Do Answer the following questions with keen understanding. 1. Was it morning or evening? 2. On which shore of the lake, east or west, were they standing? 3. Which was the way home: to the east or to the west? Passage Two When leaving the treetop, the heron did not fly directly to the water’s edge. He alighted some six to seven yards away from it, and stood perfectly still for a few minutes. Then with quiet, stealthy tread, he glided into the shallow water without making a ripple, and stood with his bill ready to strike at any living thing. Something to Do Answer the following questions with keen understanding of facts. 1. What was the heron waiting for in the water? 2. Tell the meaning in the passage of each word and phrase used: alighted, yards, shallow water, glided, bill. 3. These words tell what the heron did with stealth, while in the water. Choose the correct order: A. Walking, standing;
B. Leaving, alighting; C. Standing, walking; D. Standing, alighting. 4. Explain and demonstrate to your study partner the actions in the following statement: “Then with quiet, stealthy tread, he glided into the shallow water.” 5. Why did the heron alight on the ground and not in the water’s edge? A. The ground was solid. B. He did not want to frighten any living thing. C. He was afraid of the water. D. He wanted to make some noise. READING Drawing conclusions for understanding a text Conclusions: As we read, we draw conclusions. It is an important skill for understanding a text. In drawing a conclusion, the reader behaves very much like a detective who digs deep to examine clues and find solutions within a mystery. His depth of digging depends upon how deep authors imply their themes and ideas rather than stating them outright as the text plays on. Good reader, you are the detective who makes conclusions as you consider aspects of your own life experiences which coincide with actual details or facts within stories. We all draw conclusions daily as we live. Passage A Read the passage to arrive at conclusions. I breakfasted this morning at nine, and after glancing through the morning paper, I proceeded to let my mind wander in the hope that I might chance upon some subject for my pencil. The room, though door and windows were open, was
oppressively hot, and I had just made up my mind that the coolest and most comfortable place in the neighbourhood would be the deep end of the public swimming pool when the idea came. I began to draw. So intent was I on my work that I left my lunch untouched, only stopping work when the clock struck four. Something to Do Based on the passage, what conclusions can you draw as each line is read and the story develops. Hint: Delve into the weather effects, narrator’s disposition, narrator’s object. Tell them to your study group. Passage B Read the passage to arrive at conclusions. It was the man I had been drawing whose portrait lay in my pocket. He sat there, huge, the sweat pouring from his scalp, which he wiped with a red silk handkerchief. But though the face was the same, the expression was absolutely different. He greeted me smiling, as if we were friends, and shook my hand. I apologised for my intrusion. “Everything is hot and glary outside,” I said. “This seems to be an oasis in the wilderness.” “I don’t know about the oasis,” he replied, “but it certainly is hot. Take a seat, sir!” Something to Do 1. Link the two passages. How much deeper can your assumptions develop about aspects you have already dealt with? 2. How will the next logical conversation piece look like between the two who just met face to face?
WRITING IMPROVEMENT The Writer’s use of dialogue
Writers use strategies to capture reader interest and to further chosen aspects of their story. The story moves on with the use of dialogue. Look how dialogue makes reading quite an interesting event by opening our experience. All it would take is a few terse lines at times. He would tell them nothing about Nyambura. “Nyambura has nothing to do with this. If I love her, I love her. If you have nothing else to tell me, I will go” “Remember the oath!” “The oath!” “You took it.” “It did not forbid me to love people.” “It forbids you to betray the tribe, to reveal its secrets, or to do anything unclean that might ruin us.” (“The River Between” by Ngugi Wa Thiong’O)
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, November 08, 2020
Vitamin E and oral cancer
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HIS being Cancer Awareness Month, the importance of diet should be emphasised. What does a diet rich in Vitamin E foods such as nuts, and whole grains (whole wheat) and soybean oil have in common? They can all help to lower the risk of lung and oral cancer among smokers by about 20 percent, a new study says. In the study of more than 29,000 male smokers in Finland, researchers found that those who had high blood vessels of alpha-tocopherol, the main form
of Vitamin E, reduced their incidence of lung cancer by 1 9percent to 23 percent. The benefits were most dramatic, the study found, among men under age 60 and among light smokers who had been using cigarettes for less than 40 percent to 50 percent. But despite the encouraging finding, the most beneficial health action smokers can take is still the same: Stop smoking. I have to emphasise that not only for lung cancer but for oral cancers, pancreas cancer, kidney cancer and a bunch of other cancers, stopping smoking is crucial. In the study, which lasted for almost eight years, researchers took periodic blood samples to measure the levels of alpha-tocopherol, the most active form of vitamin E in humans. The levels of alpha-tocopherol were then linked to health outcomes among men in the study. There were 1,144 cases of lung cancer diagnosed in the group during the study. The lung cancer rate reduced among men with the highest levels of alpha-tocopherol and the cancer protection was most pronounced among men with the shortest history of smoking who also had high Vitamin E levels. Although the new study involved only smokers and lung cancer, earlier studies have shown that the healthy levels of Vitamin E give some protection against disease, stroke and some other types of cancer, such as prostate cancer.
The proven benefits came only from a balanced diet that included foods rich in Vitamin E, he said. The researchers concluded the effect of vitamin pills taken by some of the men in the study. In effect, the proven benefits of Vitamin E come from eating the right foods, not from popping vitamin pills. Clearly, there is a need for more studies to compare supplements with natural-diet sources of vitamin E. There are still uncertainties about the comparative value of vitamin pills vs nutrients absorbed naturally from foods. For
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instance, some studies have shown that beta-carotene, an antioxidant found in foods such as carrots, can help prevent some forms of cancer. Yet, when beta-carotene pills were given to the group of Finnish smokers, the rate of drug cancer actually increased by 16 percent. Vitamin E-rich foods include soybean oil and other seed oils; nuts, particularly almonds, fibres, hazelnuts and walnuts, sunflower seeds and whole grains, including wheat germ.
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