’
54th
Guyana s
Independence Anniversary
This photograph was taken in 1966 and shows the Duke of Kent handing over the formal instruments of Independence to British Guiana’s Prime Minister Forbes Burnham (Photo from britishempire.co.uk)
Sunday, MAY 24, 2020
II
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― May 24, 2020
Chronicling the life of Guyana’s Supercentenarian ‘Aunt Ina’ By Wendella Davidson
A
T the stroke of the clock at midnight on May 20, 2020, Ina Beryl Holder, once again etched her name in this country’s history books as Guyana’s oldest supercentenarian, having reached 112-yearsold. She is also the oldest living member of the Anglican Diocese. Fondly called ‘Aunt Ina,’ she had also in 2008 created history as being the oldest secretary when at the age of 100 years, she retired from the position of secretary/ librarian at the Anglican Diocese Centre, located in Kingston. Days before Aunt Ina reached this new milestone,
an elated Virginia-based Suzanne Davidson Plummer began chronicling aspects of her life as a tribute to her and rightly so, having lived some 40 years of her life under the same roof with Aunt Ina. According to the mother of three, it was in 1951, at age seven years that she went to live with her adoptive mother, Iris Irma Moe Craig. Aunt Ina was a good friend of Craig and had been living there for a while before she arrived. And, even at the death of her adoptive mother on October 19, 1993, Suzanne said that Aunt Ina remained with her. Suzanne likened Aunt Ina as a woman who began her day by `saying prayers on her knees’ and exercising, a disciplinarian who
set high standards for herself and others, even she, Suzanne. She said Aunt Ina loved her as if she were her own `flesh and blood.’ “She is not a bitter person but rather a jolly soul… at about 100 years, she always bought makeup and jewellery… she never counted herself ‘out of the game of life.’ She would quickly get into conversation with a visitor about their hairstyle, dress, shoes or makeup, or would enquire about things that would look good on her. She closely examined people’s clothes, if they let her, to ascertain whether she could make ithem. She had loved to sew and had several paper dress patterns she kept and used when sewing any one of her stylish dresses.
Another of her fantasies was engaging women in conversation about nail polish and about the virtues of the different types of nail polish remover or other fanciful things that she loved. Suzanne said she thoroughly enjoyed those moments, as it gave her time to be not coiled up and with her head buried in a newspaper or a book.
and also crochet, made paper beads and strung them to make window blinds and did book-binding as well. I remember her painting her bedroom and the fence surrounding our house. She went out of her comfort zone and even made a bra or two for herself,” said Suzanne. She also recalled that the first long pants she wore were made by Aunt Ina.
Aunt Ina Beryl Holder, Guyana’s supercentenarian, then 104-years-old, clutching a laminated photo of Mahadeo Shivraj on whom she had a crush. She also admired Heavyweight Boxing Champion, the late Mohamed Ali (Photos courtesy of Suzanne Davidson Plummer)
Aunt Ina and Suzanne Davidson Plummer, who spent over 40 years of life living with Aunt Ina
MANY SKILLS “Aunt Ina was competent in book-keeping, shorthand and typing. She sewed not just her clothes, but was always making some gift for someone with her fancy sewing machine, which allowed her to make lots of designs. She did embroidery
Suzanne recalled that Aunt Ina excelled in covering umbrellas, which she called parasols and that made more money doing this than any of the other jobs she did. She also knew how to to repair them. She even experimented with covering shoes, but was
not so good at it, while her cooking needed some work, Suzanne said. PET PEEVES Aunt Ina believed in class’ and would say things such as, “child don’t eat or drink while walking on the road”, as she did not see that as proper. Also, she viewed as a matter of disrespect, a young man slowly riding a bicycle alongside a woman who was walking. In addition, she hated to see men wearing caps with the peak at the back, and the absolute worst was to see men wearing their pants with no belt and their pants hanging almost off of their butts, actually showing their underwear. She noted that Aunt Ina also hated to see women with a large splash of white powder very visible on their chests, with no effort made to rub it off or make it blend in. Aunt Ina would say “they don’t even have to open their mouth for you to find out who they are, that powder right there, is a sure giveaway.” Additionally, Aunt Ina was not easily drawn to people who did not speak properly, even though she understood their circumstances. It was even harder for someone to get into her inner circle if they didn’t speak properly, she recalled. Suzanne recalled the mantra of Aunt Ina, who was never married and had no children: if you didn’t occupy your time wisely “you would just waste your time on earth.” In her prime, she was prudent with spending her finances, loved fruits and had a liking for soup, wanting to put almost everything inside, including what she referred to as the golden bones or bone marrow. She loved marmite, Weetabix, and also indulged in ice cream which she called “ cream and cake.” Milk was a favourite drink, particularly fresh cows’ milk. As age 102, Aunt Ina was still able to read the newspapers without spectacles. She is also very organised and had a special drawer where clothes, toiletries and money, could have easily been found if and when needed. Aunt Ina, who is the aunt of Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder, now spends her days either sleeping and when she’s alert, can be seen sitting in her wheelchair, taking in the roadside scenery.
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― May 24, 2020
III
Independence, elections and By Francis Quamina Farrier
W
HAT different and unusual circumstances under which Guyanese are celebrating Guyana’s 54th Independence Anniversary! This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic which has reached our shores, Guyanese will be officially celebrating independence virtually. For those old enough, their minds are already flashing back to May 26, 1966, when the Golden Arrowhead was first raised officially at the National Park in Georgetown by a very young Col. Desmond Roberts of the Guyana Defence Force
export of the first shipment of oil. For many, “The Good Life” was just beyond the New Year fireworks and the ringing of bells and jollification. Even before the year 2020 actually dawned, there were notable visual improvements in many areas around the country. As someone who has been traversing every crook and cranny of this diverse country for over 75 years, I am well experienced to identify improvements and relapses wherever they may be. Citizens and visitors to the capital were speaking about the great physical clean-up of Georgetown after years of being classified as the “Garbage City.” The many resurfaced streets and roads in other parts of
had just days before returned from New York. No one had thought of that health predicament visiting Guyana and the rest of the world on New Year’s Day 2020. On January 1, 2020, Guyanese were looking primarily to the country’s General and Regional Elections; to the Republic Jubilee celebrations, and later, to the 54th Independence Anniversary-- and most certainly to our oil and gas bonanza, lifting Guyana out of the low financial status of being regarded as poor as Haiti. The nation is expecting the return of many overseas-based Guyanese. Citizens are also told that many of their CARICOM cousins who treated them so shabbily in
COVID-19
and happy future from Guyanese-ALL Guyanese. So General and Regional Elections were held on March 2, 2020. Today, May 24, a recount is still ongoing. Does that qualify to be included in the Guinness Book of World Records? Meanwhile, Guyanese are being lectured to by some observers whose countries openly lack a display of genuine democracy. No one or nation is perfect, but it could be helpful if there is a longing and striving for a- Utopia. In that mythical perfect state, every citizen is treated with dignity and justice. No citizen of a Utopia -- especially when that country is endowed with so many natural resources -- should be
sleeping on the pavements. Since a Utopia has perfect democracy, it proposes that no media commentator is imprisoned or gunned down for expressing his views. On New Year’s Day 2020, who would have thought that Guyana would celebrate the 2020 Independence Celebrations virtually? Who would have thought that social distancing would be a lifestyle? Despite all we have gone through in 2020 so far, and still going through right now, it may yet be a special year with some extra positive things occurring. While January, February, March, April and most of May 2020 are gone forever, there is still the rest of the year to re-direct
the ‘Guyana Ship of State’ out of the stormy waters of conflict and depression. Therefore, with 20-20 vision by the Guyanese leaders, the rest of this year 2020 could yet be happy for citizens. It only takes the leaders to understand that the less negative division, and more 20-20 positive vision. Guyana will “Climb every Mountain” of challenges as high as the Pakaraima and Kanuku mountain ranges, and find our “Place in the Sun.” And so, I wish you, my fellow Guyanese, HAPPY INDEPENDENCE! ONE PEOPLE, ONE NATION, ONE DESTINY’. God bless beautiful Guyana. At 54, we fight no more.
The $20 million Jubilee Independence Arch which is located at Agricola was donated to the nation by BANKS DIH Ltd (Photo by Francis Q. Farrier)
(GDF). Col. Desmond Roberts is still alive and well. There is also the memory of that golden iconic moment when two leaders, Forbes Burnham and Cheddi Jagan, hugged each other as the crowd roared its approval. When this year dawned on January 1, 2020, who would have thought that this beautiful land of Guyana would have been in such a political and health predicament during this year’s independence celebration? When Guyanese rang in the new year, most expected a great year. After all, it is “2020,” a number which represents the best of sight -- “foresight.” It is accepted that with foresight, life for an individual, group or nation, can be so much more productive and happy. Will Guyana use 20-20 foresight to avoid failures and predicaments during the rest of 2020 and beyond? With oil and gas already being extracted and shipped from Guyana to foreign destinations, the country’s financial future is expected to be bright. People are ecstatic about that. There was even a big celebration for the
the country such as the East Bank Berbice Public Road, which was in a terrible state of disrepair for long periods, was resurfaced and is now perfect. There was the completion of the extension and upgrading of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, to international standards -- a massive project which was planned and commenced under the previous government. In fact, that particular terminal building was constructed over 45 years ago shortly after independence. The upgrading of the Ogle Airport was done and given the name “Eugene Correia International Airport” to the memory of that well-known businessman and parliamentarian of the 1960s. Indeed, who would have thought that news about oil-andgas extraction would have been less reported than the fallout from the March 2 General and Regional Elections? Then just after the republic celebrations, reports of the first Guyanese to have died of the COVID-19 were received. They were based in New York City. The first Guyanese to have died of the coronavirus here in Guyana,
the more recent past, especially at their airports, would also make Guyana their home. Guyanese are told that at last they would be respected as a people; that Barbados would withdraw that infamous “Guyana Bench” at the Grantley Adams International Airport; that the bench may even be donated to Guyana for permanent display at the National Museum. But how would that become reality if Guyanese are at each other’s throats to the point where they destroy each other? There are many decent, law-abiding Guyanese citizens, but they hardly make the news. For the better part, they are so often never the “Face of the Nation.” The country is fortunate at this time, to have some of the most pleasant and professional immigration officers - the first face of the nation for visitors. Unfortunately, many foreign critics tend to make assessments of Guyana based on the faces within the corridors of power. The voices of the ordinary law-abiding, decent Guyanese are hardly ever heard or listened to. The current situation, if not resolved quickly and peacefully, will only steal a bright
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― May 24, 2020
IV
Sharing craft with the world One of Kraftia’s hand-crafted creations
Owner of Kraftia’s Designs, Marlloyd Kyte, with her handmade crochet wedding dress
One of Kraftia’s hand-crafted copper creations
By Jared Liddell
M
ANY people use craft as a way of expressing them-
selves, from making bags and clothing to making necklaces and earrings, the moulding of materials into art has a way of allowing
the artist to engage their audience on another level, and this is no different for the artist behind ‘Kraftia’s Designs.’
Owner of the business, Marlloyd Kyte, in an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, expressed that she always had a love for creative arts, and it was that love that led her to follow up what she described as a calling in her to open a craft business. Kraftia’s has gone up to represent Guyana on the regional level in the recently concluded 2020 Caribbean Craft Exhibition, but her journey was a long one. “Well craft has always been a passion of mine, and I always wanted to have my own business where I’d be able to share my craft with the world; so in 2002 I decided to launch my business Kraftia’s Design, and I started small with floral arrangements. The business was operational but not where I wanted it, so in 2009 I moved to Barbados and launched my business there,” she said. “I had a number of good years there where I first started making jewellery. Although my business was good there I still felt compelled to do my business here, in my home country, so in 2016 I made my way back to Guyana and re-launched my company here. Since then I’ve watched my company grow to a level that makes me proud.”
One of the most attractive pieces of creation at Kraftia’s Designs is the handcrafted metal jewellery, which are mostly made from copper. Kyte stated that she wanted to move away from the normal materials that persons are using for craft and so she did a significant amount of research where she saw it being said that copper has healing properties. “I was looking for materials that weren’t the normal thing that is used, and I ended up seeing copper and I was a bit skeptical at first, but I continued doing research and I stumbled on the information that it holds some significant healing properties, and I felt drawn to it. I knew now that I would be able to make my jewellery and help to ease any pain my customers may be feeling,” said Kyte. The intricate designs which Kyte comes up with in her mind make for breathtaking pieces and they are all done by hand with a pair of pliers. She stated that this somehow offers her moments of calm as she bends the material to create the vision she has in her mind. The copper jewellery
are not the only pieces of craft that are produced. Kyte also makes crochet clothing. She said that she began with smaller items such as bras and skirts and has significantly perfected her craft, making an entire crochet wedding dress, which was the featured piece at the 2020 Republic Jubilee Fashion Show. When asked what advice she would give to other creatives wanting to establish their businesses, she said, “Be persistent, be innovative, never let anything bother you; despite what is going on, use the opportunity. As the saying goes: if you have lemons make lemonade. This is your passion and you might get resistance, but don’t let that affect you, push through, once it’s coming from your heart you will achieve everything you want to.” In addition to the copper earrings, necklaces rings and crochet clothing, Kyte also creates other pieces such as vases and now in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, she has moved to produce eye-catching face masks as a way of ensuring that persons are protected in this season.
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― May 24, 2020
V
Facing the world despite discrimination
By Naomi Parris
of how his parents will react.
O
N May 17, the world celebrated International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia and efforts were once again made to raise awareness of LGBTQ rights violations with the aim of ending discrimination against this community around the world. “Coming out” is an important process for everyone in the LGBTQ community, as it gives those individuals a sense of empowerment to live their truth. However, on this journey of self-discovery, not many have great experiences, especially teens living in Guyana and other Caribbean countries, since there is grave stigmatisation that comes with being a part of the queer community. Eighteen-year-old Chandradatt Jagdeo, sharing his story with the Pepperpot Magazine, said that he “came out” to some members of his family and friends while in secondary school, and stated that while his journey was not as challenging since he had family to lean on, he did face some hurdles. Jagdeo said that it was his aunt and uncle he stood beside during his journey as they were more accepting, “ The first persons of the family I actually “came out” to were my aunt and uncle from my dad’s side and it was super easy to talk to them, since my aunt had a brother who was gay. So, that made it more comfortable to speak to them and this was in February 2016.” The young man who is a Biology student at the University of Guyana admitted that he has not yet built the courage to be straight forward with his immediate family, since he is still very much worried
Eighteen-year-old Chandradatt Jagdeo
BULLYING The young man noted that the most difficult period of his “coming out” journey was the hate and discrimination he received from the very persons he thought would stand by him -- his friends. “With my peers, that was another difficult aspect I had to deal with. When I “came out” the night before online, the next day I was confronted by many of them and I was asked a lot of questions and I was also faced with horrendous comments [on social media],” he stated. In recalling his experiences, Jagdeo told the Pepperpot Magazine that almost all his friends had turned against him, adding that he had lost all of his male friends and even a few female ones too, and was labelled an outcast in school. “In the morning when we had assembly or lunchtime at the canteen, we needed to be in lines, but the males kept six feet apart…and that really burned my heart,” he said. He disclosed that there were times he was physically assaulted, and on many days had to run from the school gates to a vehicle or walk beside a teacher to enter or exit the school. RELGION Jagdeo, who is a Hindu, revealed that while Hinduism stands neutrally on homosexuality, he has still suffered discrimination from his fellow brethren as well. “It was clear that Hinduism does not condemn gay people, but some Hindus who are not aware of these aspects fall into discriminating against people,” he stated. Jagdeo noted that he had an even more difficult time while attending school, since many of the students who attended the same school were Christians and seeing that the Christian community condemns homosexuality, he endured much discrimination during his days at school. He added that the school had even gone so so far as to invite a guidance counsellor to help “cure” him of his “issue,” however, the young man stood his ground and remained true to himself. “When it comes to the religious comm u n i t y, it was one of
the most painful and toxic periods I had to deal with; the religious community, on the whole, was incredibly toxic,” he admitted. A SILVER LINING He noted that while there is still much more needed to be done in Guyana to protect queer men and women, the times are changing and there are a few persons who are aware of what their discrimination and bullying can do to a person. Jagdeo added since attending the university, he has not faced the same challenges that he once faced at high school; however, he still has to deal with toxic masculinity and has somehow grown accustomed to it. Nevertheless, with time, he believes that things will change, and people will eventually learn to respect people of the queer community and stop spewing hate.
VI
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― May 24, 2020
54
years
as an independent nation
O
N Tuesd a y, m y country celebrates another milestone. Guyana will have commemorated 54 years as a sovereign nation, and I contend that this provides us all with the perfect opportunity to think about where our country is right now. Some things are indicative of our independent status. We have our symbols of nationhood, and well, we do govern ourselves. Importantly, over the past few months the fact that we are a sovereign nation has been voiced many, many times over, particularly vis-a-vis foreign interference. Stemming from that conversation on sovereignty and foreign interference, came another conversation: neocolonialism, that would cause little Vishani to think more about this concept of sovereignty. Essentially, neocolonialism is a contemporary way of ‘influencing’ countries through the use of economic, political, cultural, or other pressures. Of course, in the globalised world in which we live, replete with the global powerhouses who have a significant influence. And in the context of neocolonialism, the contravention for me was, on one hand, we were continuously asserting our sovereignty and our capability of managing our affairs; but on the other hand, we are dependent upon the economic aid that lies in the ambit of these powerhouses, to contend with the COVID-19 epidemic. It is no secret that Guyana’s political history has been heavily influenced by foreign powers. I mean,
do we need to revisit our country’s journey in becoming independent? But at the same time, is it a case of convenient sovereignty? I’m not sure how this works, you know. While I was putting together my thoughts for this week’s column, I also remembered an encoun-
ter I h a d earlier this year. In February, I interviewed a Grenadian friend as part of an article I was putting together for UWI’s newspaper on the independence celebrations of Grenada and St. Lucia, and the Republic anniversary of Guyana, which are all celebrated in February. More than anything else he said to me, what resonated with me was his asseveration: “I personally don’t think that Grenadians have even really scratched the surface of what it really means to be independent.” This was a complete shock to me. On my UWI campus, Grenadians are among the most vibrantly patriotic and proud regional students. And underpinning much of their pride and patriotism, from what I’ve seen, is their cognisance of the post-independence Grenadian revolution and the effect that had on the Grenadian society. Back then, while we had our conversation on the bench, I didn’t think too much about this statement. Admittedly, I was focused on finishing my interview and wrapping my piece for the newspaper. It is only until now, months after when I’m trying to find ways of understanding the dynamics of what is happening in Guyana, that I find my mind resurrecting these thoughts and sentiments.
So now, the question to myself is: “Has Guyana scratched the surface of what it means to really be independent?” And my instant answer to that is a resounding: “Not necessarily.” Guyana being a sovereign nation means that Guyanese manage the affairs of Guyana. But in my humble opinion, at no point in time has Guyana been governed by a government that did not leave a large portion of the population (about half or so) feeling disillusioned, even if the government intended to work towards the best interest of all Guyanese. The events of the past few months -- at least for me -- have spotlighted the need for Guyana to reconsider our “winner- -takes-all electoral system for our governance model, and to continue our efforts on the devolution of decision-making to the local communities (you know, let’s continue with the strides in local governance!) The current reality with which we have to contend is that independent Guyana consists of distinct ethnic groups, sharing the same geographic space; but intrinsically, those “six peoples” aren’t always the united “One Guyanese.” And perhaps, every five years or so, we remind ourselves why our independent Guyana has much more talking and understanding, and healing and reconciling to do among ourselves before we can realise the vision underpinning our national motto. This past week, I was pleased to see President Granger himself tout the idea of an inclusionary governance model. His sentiments complement those being floated by the newer, smaller political parties, and if we take a look at history, his rival PPP/C party had once proposed a “National Patriotic Front Government.” This means that there has been recognition, at some point or the other, that this system we’ve been using may not be the best one. So that is some food for thought. It’s been about two and a half years now since I’ve been writing this column, and this year illustrates a marked difference from my previous columns in observance of our independence anniversary. I’m ending this week’s column a bit more dreary than I intended it to be, but I didn’t want to be facetious or even buoyant in any way. I want us to recognise that we can make our country a better place for us all.
Happy Independence
Guyana!
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― May 24, 2020
VII
Limlair Village,
a place of small businesses and enterprising people By Michel Outridge
T
HIS week the Pepperpot Magazine visited the agricultural community of Limlair, Lower Corentyne, Berbice in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). The village is bordered between adventure and Friendship communities and it is home to about 500 residents, some of whom are cattle, poultry, cash crops and rice farmers. The village has a few small businesses and it is said to be the place of ‘teasum’ plants (a bush which is used to make tea and noted for its nutritional and health benefits). This plant is grown widely in Limlair and can
be found s t r e e t ners and side of r o a d abundance. Vi l lagers v e r y sourceh a v e g a r plants, a n d their kitch-
a t corthe the i n
a r e r e ful and their dens of flowers
en gardens. In almost every yard there are plentiful fruit trees and vegetables and the people are environmentally-friendly and promote clean surroundings. Limlair is a quiet community of friendly folk, who are always busy in their gardens and farms. Residents would shop at Bush Lot where there is a market and many other businesses while others would make the journey to New Amsterdam. The village is home of Odwin Tudor, who is in the army and is an athlete. Limlair is also home to many men and women of the Disciplined Services. SMALL BUSINESSES During the walkabout in the village, the Pepperpot Magazine met a resident, Clifford Leitch and his common-law wife, Neliearmal ‘Devi’ Pushpa. They reside in a property on the Public Road which is a good place to have a business. The couple, who returned home after living in Suriname for the past
11 years has a small bi- house. cycle repair shop, a DVD/ He has a yard full of CD business and a clothing vegetables, fruits and flowshop which also sells cold e r plants and he beverages and confectionstated eries. The 52-year-old man stated that he has applied for jobs given he is highly qualified but hasn’t landed a job yet so he has decided to start his own small business from his house. He returned to Guyana in February this year and is hoping Clifford Leitch in his garden to make e n d s m e e t with his newfound venture. Leitch reported that he is from Tain Village and at age 37, he came to Limlair Village and is now residing in his deceased father ’s
Focus
that in his spare time he would cultivate crops in the yard which would be sold or used in the kitchen. Although he is not too pleased about staying indoors he has to get used
Clifford Leitch and his wife
on the Village
Limlair Village (Carl Croker photos)
to the working from home idea, at least until after the pandemic is over. On the other hand, his wife has a clothing shop and she also sells some cold drinks and confectionaries from their front yard and bridge. She would buy clothes to sell and
the village r s would s u p port her business. Pushpa is originally from Black Bush Polder and has found a comfortable home in Limlair Village where she has a few friends. When the Pepperpot Magazine visited, Clifford was overseeing the business from a hammock under his house while his wife was in the kitchen preparing a meal and it was evident they are getting along well.
VIII
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― May 24, 2020
The working women of
Limlair Village
By Michel Outridge
T
HE current curfew isn’t a bother for Limlair resident, Alicia Richardson since she hardly ventures out of her yard.
Her back yard has a striving vegetable and fruit garden which she uses for the home. Like most residents of Limlair, she doesn’t buy greens and fruits, since they grow their own. The housewife told the
shallot, boulanger and a variety of fruit trees, as well. Richardson would often buy plants and re-plant it in her yard and when it grows she would sell and repeat the process. It is her small business, working from home and she
would sell a palm tree for just $1000 while plants are $500 each. Richardson believes in cleanliness and her yard is very well-kept, she would ensure the place is weed-free and clean at all times. “Life here is good, you
House of Alicia Richardson
Focus on the Village
She is accustomed to being home, where there is a lot to do around the house and yard. The mother of two is originally from Kildonan Village, also located in Corentyne, Berbice but relocated after marriage. Her husband is a carpenter and he is from Limlair Village. The village has been her home for the past 10 years and she likes the tranquillity of the place. Richardson related that the people are friendly but not nosy and it suits her just fine since she doesn’t have the time to idle. She is a plant lover and one can tell because her entire front yard is covered in plants of varying colours and sizes.
have to do things to earn such as your own small business and [there are others who] do what they have to and stay home,” she said. CHICKEN REARING The Pepperpot Magazine also met Royette Grammond who assists her aunt in their chicken rearing business. The 20-year-old said it is something to do until she gets a permanent job, she would like to join the Guyana Police Force (GPF). “When this COVID-19 passes I will go and see if I can enrol at the Police Training College because I would like to contribute more to the house and I have things to do, so I have to get a stable job,” she said. Presently, Grammond has more than 125 chickens and they would sell them to wholesale buyers since they do not do any plucking. She explained that maybe later, they will make the business into a large scale one where they will acquire plucking machines to make the job easier. Grammond resides with
her aunt and expressed the desire to enhance her life and is hoping for a breakthrough. “I would like to re-fence the place and make life better for me and my aunt, Wemis Humphrey but I have to wait a bit longer and I know things will get better for us,” she said. Grammond added that she tried her hands at many jobs even working in a factory and is optimistic she will get a good one in the near future. When the Pepperpot Magazine met Grammond, she was by a relative’s house where a birthday party was happening and was on hand to assist. “In the country, if somebody got something to do, we would come together and help and this is no different where, we are here to make merry,” she said. Grammond disclosed that there is no known case of the novel coronavirus on the Corentyne but they are safeguarding themselves by wearing their masks when going out and practising good hygiene.
Pepperpot Magazine that being a full-time mother it takes a bit of multi-tasking and planning to cater to her plants. FOR THE LOVE OF PLANTS When the Pepperpot Magazine visited she had just finished trimmings and taking care of the blooming plants, some of which she sells right from her house. Richardson has a wide array of crotons, sugar cane flowers, and fence plants among others and whenever she talks about the flowers her face would light up because it is a hobby she spends a lot of time with. In the back yard, she has peppers, both sweet and spicy, calaloo, bora, thyme, broadleaf, married man pork,
Alicia Richardson’s plants
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― May 24, 2020 By Michel Outridge
D
ENISE Sharpe has the gift of empowering young people and she is doing her bit to ensure they have something meaningful to occupy their time. A resident of Limlair Village, Sharpe is a full-time librarian at the Kildonan Community Centre but operates a car wash business at her house which is managed by her sibling. Another brother has a barbershop in front of their mother’s premises. However, on weekends she would prepare fish, chips and barbeque to sell at her roadside food stand. In her spare time, she teaches gospel and interpretative dancing at her home, free of cost and is the founder of the Natural Beauty Pageant 2020 which was held for the very first time this year. Gospel and interpretative dancing Sharpe would host the dance classes at her house for the girls in the village. Classes are held twice weekly for girls from age eight to 13 years and although she did not receive any formal training in dancing she does it to the best of her ability. “I am not perfect but I am self-taught, I would sleep and when I get up I would say this is how this dance should be done and not just some nonsense,” she said. She pointed out that dancing for her portrays a message and when she was involved in the Miss Berbice Pageant she coordinated the dance segment. That segment carried a strong message of the struggles of being a
IX
Focus on the Village
Empowering youth through
mother because at times some women go into labour and don’t make it and that’s why we should always show love and appreciation for mothers.
Natural Beauty Pageant
“For me growing up life wasn’t easy and I know what’s it like to struggle and that encouraged me to want to reach out to others especially children and youths and I thought of ways in which I can achieve that goal, ” she explained. Sharpe related that in Limlair Village the youths don’t have much to do except farming or cattle-rearing as such, they are drawn to being idle and the young ladies are having babies at a very tender age. Wi t h t h a t t r a i n o f thought, she established the Natural Beauty 2020 Pageant three years ago to encourage young ladies to be comfortable in their own skin. “I want them to feel good with themselves rather than hide behind makeup and what better way to embrace your natural beauty than being in such a pageant,” she said. In that pageant, she added that all six young ladies are from the city and they did well with being their true selves without makeup and with their own hair. “I used to look down on myself and then I realised no one can love me better than me and I snapped out of being d e -
dancing, pageantry and community work
pressed because I t h o u g h t I w a s n ’t g o o d enough and today I gained the respect of others by doing little things to promote others, ” she said. The young ladies who competed in the Natural Beauty Pageant are between the ages of 18 and 25 and they were so excited for it to became an annual event for the past couple of years. This year the Natural Beauty Pageant was held at Kildonan Community Centre on Febru-
ary 8 where one of the contestant’s message portrayed COVID-19 awareness. Sharpe is also the Coordinator of the National Emancipation Show which is held annually at Number 53 Community Centre Ground in observance of Emancipation.
Other passions
The 33-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that her real passion is cooking and
she said.
Car Wash
“I have a lot of vision, things I want to do to boost the lives of others because growing up I know about struggle and how life can get at times and with that in mind I have the enthusiasm to do things to empower others,” she said. She noted that when her building is completed she would like to cater for events and she can manage to give her business card to customers. “I like putting food in people’s mouth, to feed them
The D and D Car Wash is done in front of Sharpe’s mother ’s house and the small business was conceptualised about two years ago. This business is managed by her brother and is a joint venture between Sharpe and her husband. She stated that on the Corentyne they have a lot of car washes and they have to know how to keep their customers by offering a good, reliable service. Even though there are
because hunger is not a good feeling and whenever I can I would cook and offer to the people, at any time you can come here and get something to eat,” she explained. The mother of four related that whenever it’s a family member’s birthday she would cook and invite people and would even offer a meal to passers-by. “I would prepare seven-curry and just feed people randomly and that’s me because I want to do things not only for me but for others,”
challenges, she is still hanging on and with the novel coronavirus, business is not too bad. She told the Pepperpot Magazine, however, that while some days they don’t even get a car to wash, other days they have quite a few. Sharpe is the mother of four but is fostering two other children and is always trying to keep her hands busy by doing something for the children in the community.
D&D Car Wash
she is optimistic that one day she will be able to own her own restaurant. In fact, she has started construction Denise Sharpe and of a small her mother, June Sharpe building in (Carl Croker photos) the rear of the property and is hoping to have the edifice completed by this yearend.
X
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― May 24, 2020
Serving her community Limlair matriarch committed to community service
Focus on the Village
The walkway to Fraser’s house
Fraser in her front garden
Catherine Elizabeth Fraser in front of her house (Carl Croker photos)
By Michel Outridge
C
ATHERINE Elizabeth Fraser is retired and is at home tending to her plants, doing chores and rearing her own chickens from her back yard. She used to be an HIV/AIDS Tester and Counsellor and was an active community worker with St. Francis Community Developers under the watchful leadership of Alex Foster. In Limlair Village everybody knows ‘Mrs Liz Fraser’, as she is fondly known as and is regarded as the village elder and held in high esteem. COUNSELLING AND VOLUNTEER WORK Giving a family background in the community work, Fraser told the Pepperpot Magazine that she and her late sister, Bobesie Humphrey were community workers for many years. Fraser related that through Alex Foster, the founder of St. Francis Community Developers, she began working with single parents, youths and pensioners and performed the duties as a counsellor. She worked in the village and at Kildonan with her sister, who established a feeding programme for children twice weekly. Their work grew and over time, they got some land aback the village which is 10 acres and it was converted into a playground and integrated farm with a shade house and a chicken farm. Fraser added that her sibling moved on from that and established a play school in Limlair Village and was the host of many events such as Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Christmas parties for more than 300 children. “She was good at bringing people together and simply loved community work as a volunteer but I was on staff with Alex Foster and I learned a lot over the years,” she said.
Fraser stated that she later branched off and did volunteer work with USAID and was an HIV/AIDS Tester and Counsellor for many years. She explained that the experience was eye-opening and it broadened her scope because she got to travel and met a lot of people at workshops and other training events. “I like volunteer work because you are serving the community in a way and it makes you feel good about yourself and one thing I admired about Alex Foster is he didn’t look at qualifications, he, however, watched your character and behaviour and gave you an opportunity to learn,” she said. Fraser revealed that she never went to High School but was able to apply herself with guidance from Alex Foster and he encouraged her to get into counselling. “Alex used to tell me you can make yourself into anyone you want to become, to search yourself and know what you want to be and I was able to transform myself into a person who everyone felt comfortable around and my door was always open,” she said. Fraser related that she travelled around the country as a counsellor and experienced the different cultures and met some nice people and noted that Guyana is a good place to explore. “Meeting people and talking- I was very shy and withdrawn but it helped me to come out of my shell and today I can talk to anyone and I can say exactly what I want to without fear or being embarrassed or intimated,” she said. The 70-year-old added that often she had to do some public speaking, something she dreaded but was confident after years of counselling people and it became easy. “If you get up to talk, let it flow, be you and don’t force nothing,” she said. Fraser stated that she used to do general and domestic counselling in the community and encountered a lot of troubled youths, as well.
In a lot of domestic cases, she pointed out that one has to look at the root cause first before trying to settle the differences among all parties involved. “A house is not a home, you can have a mansion and still not happy, you have to make it your home, a place that is safe and comfortable,” she said. Fraser disclosed that the confidentiality aspect of counselling is most difficult because you cannot discuss what was said to you in private and at times you know the situation can lead to murder or suicide and you have to be the one to resolve that matter well. “Sometimes it goes both ways, a man should not take a woman who looks untidy and doesn’t keep her surroundings clean and take care of a house and children because he will find comfort with someone else and somewhere else,” she explained. Fraser added that if the man comes from a loving family and if the woman is from a rowdy family well it is a work in progress because the two are very different. She pointed out that reading and non-verbal communication are very essential in counselling and it is also effective. LIFE AS IS The mother of four stated that she used to visit police stations, health centres, hospitals and other public buildings to put up Information Racks where people can access information. Fraser disclosed that these days she would pass the time cooking, reading, or spending time in her garden because she doesn’t buy fruits and meat, she rears her own chickens. “Life is good you have to make it nice, what you can’t handle, let it go, move on, don’t worry about things you have no control over,” she said. Fraser is an elder in her church and these days she would attend services on Sundays and take things easy.
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― May 24, 2020
XI
A life of contentment goes y a w
June Sharpe (Carl Croker photos)
Focus
here,” she said. Sharpe recalled it was after some time, she met a young man who would later become h e r
By Michel Outridge
S
HE looks younger than her age and although she is accustomed to hard work, her young appearance could be due to her effervescent personality. June Sharpe is 61 years old and is the mother of 11 children. Today, she is blooming in her golden years and has many grandchildren from the children she nurtured over the years. She worked most of her youthful days at the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) Guesthouse where she was considered an all-rounder. There she cooked, did the house-keeping and basically ran the place she acquired culinary skills which she passed down to her children. Sharpe has seven daughters and four sons, some of whom are barbers, wash bay
operators, small business owners, soldiers and others reside overseas. History of humble beginnings She related that she grew up in Georgetown and later relocated to Wismar, Linden, where she had five children. Sharpe recalled she was single-handedly taking care of five children and that proved to be quite a task for her. It was based on her mother’s pleading that she journeyed with her five children to Limlair Village, a place where she admits she feels comfortable. Once in the village, she was supported by her parents and as a single mother, she tried her hands at many jobs. “My mom said to come to Limlair because the children will not go hungry since there is always something to eat from the garden and we had a stable life
g n o l a
husband who she is still with today. The 61-year-old reported she had six more children with her husband over the years making it a total of 11 children. “Both I and my husband are from town but we are here and it is still our home today and it is a nice place to reside,” had she said. It has been 24 years since she and her husband are together and it is a fulfilling union. Now, all her children are grown and have their own families. “I like this village but… my children are my closest friends,” she said. “As the years went by, life got better and we built a life, as we watched the children grow up and lead their own lives.” Sharpe added that she did have everything but she was contented with whatever they have and it’s a quality she instilled in the children and they are also leading contended lives.
on the Village
“I live this long because I have faith in God and I don’t allow nothing to bother me and people does want to know how I get by but it is contentment made it possible,” she said. Sharpe explained that with 11 children she used to cook two pints of rice with something to go with it be it stew or curry and still there would be leftovers because the child r e n weren’t
big eaters. She stated that whatever they had, they made do and never complained and they are still that way today. “When the children were small and of school age when they came home from school for lunch and if they saw the outdoor fireside didn’t have smoke, the elder boy would climb the coconut tree and let the oth-
ers drink the coconut water and ate the jelly and would go back to school just like the rest of children,” she said. She added that no one knew whether they had or didn’t have anything and that’s how they grew into adults and continue to live. Sharpe noted then her husband didn’t have a stable job and things weren’t easy so he used to dry paddy on the road and sell and at weekends they would get money. Sharpe revealed that of her 11 children, two daughters reside in the US; a son lives in Barbados and another in Trinidad and two daughters are in the armyone was in the Miss Big Deal Pageant and the other is a Medic “I feel the same way about all my children. I love everyone equally and I treat them that way, there
are no favourites and they are aware of this,” she said. Making fabric face masks Sharpe added that she is a seamstress and is making fabric face masks for sale at a reasonable price of just $200 per mask. “I made some for the children and when people come to the wash bay they wanted to buy so I started to make fabric face masks to sell,” she said. Sharpe reported it is her small business from home and sometimes she would make about 25 masks per day where she would sanitise it and place it in a sealed plastic before sale. She related that maki n g f a c e m a s k s f ro m scratch is a hobby and she would do it when she gets the time during the day because it is in demand from the locals.
XII
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― May 24, 2020
d n i M e t i The Wrby Jasmaine Payne We must keep Guyanese folklore alive
I
MUST admit that growing up, I was never really exposed to a fully “traditional Guyanese lifestyle.” Though my family’s roots are in Linden and Bartica, I grew up as a “town girl.” My paternal grandmother who lived with us for a few years before migrating would tell me stories from time to time, but my memory fails me as to the details and I don’t recall many of them being about Guyanese folklore. I believe that Guyanese folklore is a staple of the Guyanese experience, and while I became familiar with many of the stories by word of mouth over time, I can’t say that I truly knew the details of all the mystical, magical creatures that make up these tales. And so it was that when I recently decided to enter the 2020 Guyana Annual Short Story Competition, it was because I was attracted by this year’s theme of Guyanese folklore. I wanted to be able to immerse myself in the knowledge of these stories, find out their origins and the meanings behind these tales. I knew that this experience would leave me feeling more connected to my Guyanese culture. I welcomed the initiative by the Guyana Annual to promote local folklore among our culture. There is a seeming gap in the transmission of these stories to our younger generation. Added to the limited written sources that have immortalised these stories and the dwindling elderly population who still remember telling them, we risk widening this gap until these stories are totally forgotten if we do not continue to come up with ways of continuing these customs. So my entry into the competition was not to win, but instead to better acquaint myself with these stories and to be part of the continued contribution to our culture. Mind you, my own research was quite limited in the information I could access, but I enjoyed being able to come up with my version of one of these local tales and I look forward to seeing what other creations will come from this challenge as well. I do believe that beyond such initiatives, as well as the individual attempts to write folklore stories, we should do much more as a people to promote Guyanese culture through its folklore and mythology. In 1946, Venezuela established the Institute of Folklore connected to its Ministry of Education for the chief purpose of expressing Venezuelan culture for posterity. In other countries such as Panama, Eastern Europe and Russia, there are similar culture groups formed that promote folk art, dance, music, stories and other aspects of folk culture all year round. These groups host events packed with the sounds, costumes and literature of century-old stories that highlight the country’s roots. We have our Guyana Folk Festival which is hosted by our diaspora in the U.S. and the UK, but there is so much we can do right here at home to keep our Guyanese-ness alive. But while we await institutional intervention, I do believe that it can all begin with artists. We must harness the knowledge of our elders
to gather and record as many iterations of these stories as possible. We must jot them down, write stories, draw pictures, write songs, make costumes- whatever is required to ensure that this is brought up in our generation. We can mix modern aspects of our real world into these stories to appeal to our younger generation and encourage them to take an interest in later passing them on as well. Folklore is a rich, but dying medium through which beliefs, norms and experiences of our ancestors are transmitted over the generations and often form the basis for a country’s culture. Why, then, should we allow modernity to overshadow these practices in the name of forging into the future? There is a saying that goes: “In order to know your future, you must understand your past.” I believe there is much truth in this adage. Guyanese of today are struggling with the identity of Bravo Arts’ version who we really are, while continuously of the Ole Higue being caught up in the influences of (via guyanainc.biz) Western culture that infiltrate our minds through the internet and television. While nothing is wrong with these indulgences, we must ensure that we know where WE started. It is those intricacies that ground us, that mould us; that help us to stand up in confidence with a sense of who we are. Without those foundations, I am afraid that we will forever be like loose leaves in the wind. So start writing. Start drawing. Start singing more of our stories; more of our history; lest we lose them, and lose ourselves forever. Interested in contributing to this column on writing? Email me at thewritemind592@ gmail.com.
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― May 24, 2020
Change is inevitable but opposed by most “
IT is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent; it is the one most adaptable to change.” — Charles Darwin We are presently experiencing many changes in our lives and businesses. Many people are worried, stressed and very anxious and fearing the unknown in these changing times. The flipside change is forcing us to be innovative and creative. As we worry, we also have to realise that history repeating is itself with different formats and this too shall pass. It is okay to worry but excessive worry can lead to negative thinking and can be detrimental to our mind body and soul. What seems to be uncomfortable can become the norm in the future because we are adaptable creatures. We live in a noisy world and we are bombarded all day with news and other distractions. Socially media posts, email, WhatsApp and text messages. Sometimes it could be difficult but necessary to decide
which source should get our attention. When my mind is cluttered I am less productive and my body feels sluggish and I am sure I am not the only one. Recently I had a chance to declutter my mind during my trip to my hometown Bartica. A few days after my dad’s funeral, my mind was racing and I had to pause for a moment and walk through the front door into the open air. A beautiful big flower plant greeted me and the wind was so refreshing. A thought crossed my mind as I looked at the flowers in the wind and inhaled. Sometimes the wind blows but not strong and can cause so many flowers to fall and die. Sometimes the wind can be strong but fewer flowers fall. Sometimes because of the flowers that fell a new tree gets life. I believe sometimes our lives can be very similar and that is why we live life like every day is our last because one day it certainly will be. I went into my brother Chris’ Garden to pick cherries and lemongrass. I made lemongrass tea for mom and me and we sipped our tea and chatted for a while. For one week I went into that garden every morning after my prayers to pick either lemongrass, sweet sage, ‘teazum’ or lime left and relaxed while drinking my tea. I love his garden and it was like therapy for me. He has blessed hands and everything he puts into the soil grows and produces. We visited the NARI nursery for stock to extend the garden because you can lose with agriculture. I enjoyed the river with my relatives and sharing stories about our most memorable times at the river as a child. We even played ‘Sal Out’ on the beach and it was more than 30 years since I did that. Precious time with family and even cooking some days and from reports it was delicious. One night we sat in the yard until midnight talking about mostly the fun times growing up in the country and some of the people who are sadly no longer with us. I have
XIII
Beyond the Runway with Dr. Sonia Noel ... Inspiring lives through fashion not consumed such a large quantity of fruits daily in a while. Watching reruns of The Parkers with one of my favourite seniors in my hometown re-energised me and we chatted about local history after. I was honoured to receive a visit from Mr Scarder who has been a butcher in our town for four decades. He knew me from childhood and expressed how proud he is of my achievements. Catching up with Colette Reed who was my primary school good friend was special. We passed by our old school and the memories came flooding back of the times I thought them to make doll clothing out of paper. I decided to stroll down First and Second Avenue and saw people I haven’t seen in years like the newspaper vendor I knew for close to 40 years and teacher Lesyln who was my primary school teacher. I met with Dr Sagala and his team at the Bartica Hospital to commend them on the fantastic job they are doing with the prevention of COVID-19. I did a radio interview with Cianna Persaud for the local programme. I seldom looked at the news or anything that would have disturbed the peace I was experiencing. I saw many Lifetime movies and comedies for that week. It was a week I will never forget and I would love to repeat soon, because it will be for my mind, body and soul. We sometimes take things for granted and that sometimes is the reason we maintain our sanity. I am still processing some of the changes I have to make in my personal and professional life and I do plan to embrace them even if it may cause discomfort because to grow we can’t be mediocre. I was saying to someone a few days that mediocrity and success don’t occupy the same address. I recommend that we take regular, short breaks to feed our minds bodies and soul as we celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.
XIV
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― May 24, 2020
Where there’s Smoke…
F
OR a lot of persons, 2020 promised to be a year of endless opportunities. Local artist Dominique Hunter was working towards five exhibitions this year, one locally and four abroad. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, everything has been postponed indefinitely. As an artist, she depends heavily on exhibitions abroad as it is by this means she can sustain a full-time art career. Despite the current situation she continues to work; she is also preparing for her second solo exhibition slated for 2022. A few weeks ago, I came across one of her pieces on Instagram which piqued my interest. The mixed-media collage is entitled, “Where there’s Smoke…” Dominique explained that the art piece is part of a series titled Cusp that began in 2017, where she examines issues of migration. Focusing on the concept of “here” and “there” she takes a binary opposition approach (a system used to explore differences between different groups of individuals and what can result from those perceived differences). She further explained that within the Caribbean context, there is a distorted perception that stems from how the region’s residents are trained to consider their own local space. (i.e. anywhere else
is better than “here”). Her work examines how we navigate those spaces (“here” and “there”); what we take with us;
what gets left behind; the artificial systems designed to control our individual and collective movements; and the emotional responses trig-
“Where there’s smoke…” a mixed-media collage by Dominique Hunter
gered as a result of these. Dominique’s work is inspired by surrealism, abstraction and other elements that are not art related. As I look at the art piece,
I’m intrigued by the composition. The combination of colours and the grayscale attracts one’s attention. In the centre, the figure appears to be in a fantasy. She is on
the outside looking in and appears completely oblivious to danger. There is smoke behind her and just to the right, a figure lurking in the shadows waiting to strike. There is a phrase that says, “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” in my opinion, Dominique uses the smoke as an analogy for the anxiety that precedes migration. The vines symbolise the process of uprooting. In this process, some parts of us remain connected to the space and the things we leave behind. It is only natural that after occupying a particular space we grow roots. The question is, what drives one from their homeland, as well as what keeps one psychically tethered to it? “Where there’s smoke…” causes me to ponder on [sic] the predicament of persons stranded in another country during this pandemic. Their heart desires to return home. I can only imagine the anxiety they are feeling about the safety of their homes, the well-being of their pets, unfinished business, financial security, separation from loved ones, and so much more... I am so grateful to be home in this season. Unlike the notion within the Caribbean that anywhere else is better than “here,” I dare say, “there is no place like home.” In closing, Dominique states that she uses many recurring elements. These elements function as metaphors and are deliberately used to suggest multiple meanings. She hopes this would allow the work to be read several ways so that there’s not one fixed meaning or interpretation.
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― May 24, 2020
XV
When heads turn away and prefer not to know, monsters grow
T
- The true events of the death of Veeran Veerapen
HIS true sequence of events began with an unrelated conversation with my brother Patrick Mentore in 1999, who had given up with the Laurie Lewis GPF administration and was then working at the U.S. Embassy. I had given Patrick the copy of a researched photographic book supported by text on the impact of drugs on the Guyanese society, to see if I could attract some funding support to publish. A colleague at UNICEF had tried with the government of the day, but they were not interested. I wasn’t successful with the Americans either, but Patrick told me his boss at the embassy was surprised. He didn’t know that “people who would do work like this existed in Guyana.” I was angry and responded to my buddy “Why’s he so contemptuous of us?” Patrick smiled and shook his head, as mystified as I was. I had negotiated a contract with the Chronicle in 1984. Ulric Captain who conducted the negotiation was a progressive mind, and he engaged my perspective and grand ideas and the contract came to life. But by 1992-3 with the change of government, most of
characters at Enmore, humorous, but not really humorous as much of it revolved around alcohol and its input into family conflicts. I took no serious note of this new printer, even when he told me that an important foreign ‘white man’ was involved, he seemed to be one of the investors. Then on Wednesday, January 6, 1999, the Chronicle carried a story “U.S. VISA Racket busted, Three held”. By 1999, a shroud of criminality had crept over Guyana. Extra-judicial killings, drug yards protected by police had expanded, the ‘Black Clothes’ were above the law, and this police group was mentioned in every criminal activity. We had begun to see our first drug addicts, people were eager to leave Guyana and the ‘backtrack’ was one way. The book business ‘Doctored Passports’ were common. What was not common, was when “Pen” asked me to visit his home, which I did and he quietly with his hands shaking slightly asked me if I could help him to buy a gun. This was extremely out of character; even if he was given a gun, “Pen” would more likely have shot himself by mistake. This was not the time to pry and I suspected that even if I did, I would have been given
Vieira. I had promised to give them a statement the following day at CID Headquarters. I then went to the Chronicle where I met other mutual friends, Robert, Roderick, Dan, Marcus and others. I shared with them what I knew. I saw Sharif Khan the editor, stopped him to assure him that “Pen” had not been not involved with these people, but he was adamant that “Pen” was involved and he didn’t want to hear anything else. I proceeded to Bourda Market and rode up Lime Street to tell my colleague that there was no need for him to locate the weapon “Pen” had requested, and then he bothered me about payment because of some commitment pact he had made. I related the story of “Pen.” He then called another youth who had seen something pertaining to that incident. What he saw was frightening and at that time confusing; what he had witnessed was “Pen’s” kidnapping; “Pen” had been pulled into a car by a popular character; I couldn’t put the pieces all together, though I was previously told that this character and his confederates served a “backtrack” connection up the East Bank.
those lofty projections which I had begun to realise, were derailed. I had begun to understand in a way, how the Ethiopian people felt when the Italians occupied their territory. However, before that, from 1984, I was the commercial artist attached to the Advertising Department in the Chronicle. I also wrote and illustrated stories that I licensed to the Chronicle. Editors Claudette Earle and Godfrey Wray insisted that I was too intense and should create a light, social-commentary cartoon strip. I developed ‘Times of Vincent’ and ‘Bugs’ and they were great therapy. But changes were happening worldwide that would begin a change of doing things which included the Chronicle and the printing industry across Guyana, with loss of jobs. Computers were a new technology that were viewed back then with apprehension, distrust and as an intrusion into our normalcy. I had developed an advertising agency method of doing ads the paste-up way, methods which by 1995 had almost faded out. Veeran Veerapen was in the compo-graphic department, which had graduated to computers. ‘Pen’ - as we called Veerapen- and I developed a more solid working relationship. I would design my ads on hard copy and he would compose them on the computer, whether at home or at th- Chronicle and place it on the then state-of-the art zip disc, and we had agreed on a monthly fee. The only interference came when he had to do the Hindu paper for then Minister and Hindu pandit, Reepu Daman Persaud. As a dedicated Hindu, this was time out. I knew his wife and children and brother-in-law who also worked at the Chronicle and I was welcome at that home. Then “Pen” told me that a printing operation was in development at Enmore Estate Village on the East Coast. He was contracted to put the computer and software act together and this didn’t interfere with our arrangement as he would do it on the weekends. Over the weeks we would sit on his landing and discuss the peculiar
a pre-packed scenario that was not the truth. So I promised and left. I returned two days later and lied about a promise for the gun, and he told me that it had to do with the men who were arrested at Enmore for the “backtrack” operation. They knew that he was employed at the Chronicle and assumed that he was responsible for smashing their operation. At that point, I became afraid for “Pen.” He didn’t belong to that world. I left the advertising work I had brought. I sincerely wanted to help him; I was just not sure how. I could not have imagined that It would be the last time I would see “Pen” alive. The men were supposed to be in jail. I had, however, asked a friend through Lime Street who traversed between Georgetown and Cayenne and was steeped in unlawful stuff to see about a weapon. I knew that he was in over his head, and didn’t know anything about that life except that he was aware of danger. I returned two days later to “Pen’s” home, as usual in the afternoon. There were lots of people there, the atmosphere was pensive. His wife called me aside and explained what “Pen” had already told me; also, that the men were on the road and had visited the home, threatening them. She also related that “Pen” had left the day before to pay his phone bill on Brickdam next to the Ministry of Education and had not returned. She said her brother was coming home from England, then she explained that they had visited the Pandit (Reepu Daman Persaud) who had informed her through a ‘read’ that “Pen” was low. They found his body the following day. I was there when the investigation team came. I knew two of them, Harold Hopkinson (Hoppy) who would explore “Pen’s” computer and would find the Hindu paper, my Advertising artwork and related stuff, nothing incriminating. The other member was Sgt Brian Cummings, my old serious sparring partner on police extra-judicial killings, and his “squaddie,” a detective named
I visited Eve Leary the following day and gave a factual statement on the character of “Pen.” Brian assured me of protection if I knew anything else. I laughed, then off the record, I told Brian what I had learned. There was no way my brethren from Lime Street were going to talk to Brian. He obviously would know Brian from his days on 2775, and 9181. We looked at each other, there was nothing more to say about the incident. I told Brian about the obvious toll his drinking was having on him; he shook his head and replied, “I can’t sleep”. Brian would not be the last victim of policemen who were made into killers, who had rationalised that they were killing hungry, low-level, law-breaking victims while being applauded by the real criminals. Brian (now deceased) would not have kept what I had told him to himself. Vieira, I was told, left the police force after he had shot himself in the foot-- that took a stretch of the imagination to swallow, but who knows? The U.S. Embassy “backtrack” matter with Thomas Carroll broke, the conversation with Mentore and “Pen’s” death, all fell into place. The idea that Veerapen had a secret life is ludicrous. “Pen” was collateral damage in a massively corrupt and callous system. The disdain and swiftness of the administration he supported let his name and character sink into the ashes and raised questions on how deep had the fangs of Thomas Carroll sunk into that administration through its rising nouveau riche support business community. “Pen’s” brother-in-Law, a pandit himself, wasted no time to take his sister, niece and nephew away from the Guyana of 1999. I, on behalf of all who knew “Pen,” owe him this clarification in 2020. Especially with the present need to once again clarify the obvious, compromising conduct of some foreign diplomats.
XVI
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― May 24, 2020
Binge eating I RECEIVED an email from someone asking me to discuss a behaviour pattern they are conducting but don’t even understand. I am happy to do this as eating disorders are some of the most common and dangerous ones that there are. There are three major eating disorders – Anorexia, which is basically self-starvation, Bulimia which occurs when one has a binge episode (overeats) and purposely rids it from the body such as vomiting or laxatives and finally there is Binge Eating Disorder (BED) characterised by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food (often very quickly and to the point of discomfort). All three are severe and life-threatening, but treatable. Binge Eating Disorder (BED) feels like a loss of control over your eating. You eat when you’re sad, bored, excited – pretty much any emotion, but there are a few emotions that come right back around – shame and guilt. Now, many of us overeat at times, especially during hol-
idays or special occasions, but when does it become BED? When should you be worried? It may be BED if : - There are recurrent episodes of binge eating. This means eating in a discrete period (e.g., within any two hours), an amount of food that is larger than what most people would eat in a similar period under similar circumstances. - Often eating rapidly and being uncomfortably full - Eating large amounts of food, even when not physically hungry - There is a lack of self-control during the eating binge – control over what or how much you are eating. - Eating alone due to an embarrassment of the amount or content of food. - Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty afterwards. - The binge eating occurs, on average, at least once a week for threE months. You can begin to tell if one has Binge Eating Disorder by a few behavioural and emotional warning signs
and symptoms. These include being uncomfortable eating around other people, fear of eating in public, hoarding food in strange places just for you, withdraws from usual friends and activities, visible weight gain, obsession about weight and obvious low self-esteem. One should treat BED as it leads to some physical health issues such as clinical obesity and health issues which may follow such as high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. There are a few causes of BED, with the most prevalent being genetic and environmental factors. These can mean parents who have had psychological issues to traumatic events in one’s life. One of the main reasons is also low self-esteem and depression. There is also the huge social pressures of being thin and therefore ‘beautiful.’ There are also biological risk factors such as biological abnormalities can contribute to binge eating. For example, the hypothalamus (the part of your brain that controls appetite) may not be sending correct
messages about hunger and fullness. So, how does one go about treating BED? Of course, there is counselling from a mental health professional. This will help you find the route of your binge eating and make a plan on how to stop. The first thing to do is to develop a healthier relationship with food; you’re not on a diet but a part of a healthy, completely new lifestyle. You have to do this as there is no substitute for food; you can’t wean your way off of food. There are many ways you can do this. Identify your triggers-- what causes you to binge? Boredom? Sadness? Anger? Once you know this, it is easier to regain control. Listen to your body. Eat regular, healthy meals when you are hungry, not bored or upset. It’s key to manage your emotions during this time as negative emotions tend to result in more consumption. Develop and maintain a food schedule. This means,
planning your meals each week and trying your best to eat them at the same time every day. Keep a food journal. This is a very effective way of cutting out unnecessary foods, as it’s written right there in front of you. Remember that everyone slips up and takes a slice of cake, but don’t have an all-ornothing attitude which looks like, “well I’ve already had cake so I might as well have ice cream and chocolate too. Keep only healthy food and snacks within the home. It’s much easier to resist if you know you’d have to leave the home to binge. Pick up a hobby that makes you feel good. This is vital as people binge when they feel low with nothing else to do. Finally, remember that you’re only human and bound to have slip-ups – it doesn’t mean you give up- try and try again. Thank you for reading and please continue to send your requests to caitlinvieira@ gmail.com If you would like to book
a personal counselling session with me, please WhatsApp +592 623 0433
‘comforts of your own home’ feeling, I try to improvise and adapt. I try to find a space in my house that is calm and work-friendly. For me, that space is in my hammock outside in my yard. It does not have to be an office set-up. Find a place where you’re comfortable. From your verandah to your dining table, to your stairways. Label it as your workspace and go there when you need to get work and school tasks done. It is a simple mind trick I did to myself and it makes me feel better. I try not to compromise the rest of my house, just so that when I have to do regular ‘home’ activities, it still feels like home. Organising your time for work life and home life is also crucial. Routine checks in the morning always help me to plan ahead of my day to get tasks finished. These times are challenging. Some of us are overwhelmed, frustrated and even hopeless. You have to find a constant motivation
and will to keep moving forward with work. Like, in the middle of an epidemic, we still have to work and attend school. Absurd, right? Yes. Your feelings and mine are completely valid. As of now, we have to create spaces that allow our mind to be free. Work is home and home is work, but it does not have to be in your mind. On that note, I also hope that employers, lecturers, teachers and supervisors who are reading this take heed of the many challenges working from home has. I hope this article serves as a cause for you to compromise and show leniency. I am also hopeful that those persons who work from home remember to slow down, take a step back and take it easy. Do not overwork yourself beyond your minds and bodies’ will. Most importantly, I hope you all be sure to, ‘leave work at work’ and leave ‘home at home’, despite these circumstances.
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) * Pica * Rumination Disorder Unspecified Feeding or Eating DisorderSometimes it feels like the urge to binge hits without warning. But even when you’re in the * Rumination Disorder * Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorder * Laxative Abuse * Compulsive Exercise o Risk Factors o Health Consequences o Co-Occurring Disorders & Special Issues o Busting the Myths About Eating Disorders o Stages of Recovery * Warning Signs and Symptoms * Identity & Eating Disorders * Body Image * Prevention * Statistics & Research on Eating DisordersTreatment.
‘Leaving work at work’ during COVID-19 IN my field of social work, we are told to leave work at work and vice versa with your home/house. The same can be said for most professions. We ought to leave our client/customer issues behind the doors of our offices; we also have to keep our personal life out of work-related affairs. At least, that’s what was expected of us, before COVID-19. On a personal note, I was relieved and more expressive when my work and home spaces were separate. I was most of the time in control of my environment. I found comfort in my home when work was difficult and I also found comfort in my work and school when my home life was difficult. Currently, due to the COVID-19 epidemic in Guyana, most of us are asked to work from home. I also attend the University of Guyana. There, we have been utilising online classes in the comfort of our own homes. For the
remainder of the semester, we are asked to not return to classroom settings and lecturers have to find creative ways and means to turn practical assignments into virtual ones. All sounds well, for a week or month. For the remainder of the semester? Not that comforting, if you’d ask me.
Hear me out. That comfort I found by separating those two aspects of my life is no longer there. I literally have to bring work to the place I once deemed sacred; to the place where I leave the outside world to tend to itself until I gained enough energy to head out back again—to
my home. What must I- or we- do if we have to allow such a clash? Keeping in mind, every home is not stable; every home is not physically spacious enough and every home does not have the necessary equipment/tools to work effectively. To find some sense of that
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― May 24, 2020
XVII
INDEPENDENCE GRANTED TO GUYANA
(Excerpt from ‘The Guyana Story- From Earliest Times to Independence by Dr. Odeen Ishmael’)
T
HROUGHOUT the early part of 1966, preparations for Guyana’s independence celebrations went in full swing. A special committee appointed by the Government designed the new coat of arms and selected the Canje pheasant as the national bird. The design and colours of the new flag, appropriately called “The Golden Arrowhead”, had already been chosen during the period of the PPP Government from entries submitted through an international competition. The winning five-coloured design was submitted by an American, Whitney Smith. The name chosen for the independent nation - Guyana - was also chosen since 1962 by a select committee appointed by the House of Assembly. The flag of Guyana, was designed with a golden arrowhead along its middle to signify Guyana’s journey into the future. The golden arrowhead, with narrow white and black strips along its sides, was set on a green and red background with narrow white and black strips along the sides of the arrowhead. The five colours were also seen as symbolic to the country various assets: green for the agriculture and forests; gold representing the country’s mineral wealth; red for the zeal of nation-building; black border, depicting the people’s endurance; and white symbolising the natural water potential of the country. A nation-wide competition, sponsored by the National History and Arts Council, also helped to select the words of the new National Anthem. The winning entry, “Green Land of Guyana”, was written by Reverend Archibald Luker, and the words were set to music by Cyril G. Potter, a prominent Guyanese educator and musician. Guyana became an independent nation on Thursday, 26 May 1966, but the independence celebrations began four days before and continued until 29 May. Public buildings and business places were brightly decorated with streamers and buntings bearing the colours of the Guyana flag. On the evening of 25 May, a grand cultural performance took place at the Queen Elizabeth Park (later to be renamed the National Park). Dignitaries in the audience of thousands included the Duke and Duchess of Kent, representing Queen Elizabeth, and representatives of foreign governments. Then at midnight, the Union Jack, the symbol of British colonial rule for 163 years, was lowered and the new flag of Guyana, the Golden Arrowhead, was raised to the top of the mast. Just before the flag raising ceremony before a huge crowd, Prime Minister Forbes Burnham and Opposition Leader Cheddi Jagan publicly embraced each other, indicating their satisfaction that Guyana had finally won its political independence.
With the raising of the new flag, fireworks burst across the sky in various parts of the country. Then around mid-morning, the State opening of the Parliament of Guyana took place. It was preceded by a military parade accompanied by much pomp and pageantry. Significantly, for this occasion, a portrait of Sir Walter Raleigh decorating the wall of the Parliament chamber was removed and replaced with a portrait of Prime Minister Burnham. The meeting of Parliament was chaired by the Speaker, Aubrey Alleyne. The Duke of Kent read a throne speech on behalf of the Queen, after which on behalf of the sovereign, Queen Elizabeth, he handed over to Prime Minister Burnham the constitutional instruments designating Guyana an independent nation. Immediately after, there were speeches by Prime Minister Forbes Burnham and Leader of the Opposition Cheddi Jagan. Burnham, in an appeal to Guyanese nationalism, declared: “The days ahead are going to be difficult. Tomorrow, no doubt, we as Guyanese will indulge in the usual political conflicts and differences in ideology. But today, to my mind, is above such petty matters. For today Guyana is free.” In welcoming independence, Dr. Jagan seized the opportunity to point out that the Burnham Government was abusing its powers through the extension of the state of emergency beyond the date of independence. This, he said, was generating fear throughout the country and was detrimental to the struggle for peace and security. He also highlighted the view that his party was “the victim of repeated constitutional manipulations designed to keep it out of office.” He added, “We are confident that despite these manipulations the People’s Progressive Party can be triumphant at future elections if these are fairly held.” Later that afternoon, Sir Richard Luyt was sworn in by the Duke of Kent as Guyana’s first Governor General at a ceremony in the ballroom of Guyana House, the official residence of the Governor General. During the period of the independence celebrations, many public events were also held. These included carnival-style parties, exhibitions, float parades and public rallies addressed by Burnham and his Ministers. On achieving independence, Guyana became the 23rd member of the British Commonwealth. The new state received instant recognition internationally. However, in its note of recognition signed by Foreign Minister Iribarren Borges, the Venezuelan Government stated that it “recognises as territory of the new State the one which is located on the east of the right bank of the Essequibo River”. The Venezuelan note claimed that the boundary between Guy-
ana and Venezuela ran “through the middle line of the Essequibo River, beginning from its source and on to its mouth in the Atlantic Ocean”. In a response to the Venezuelan Government (sent on 18 August 1966), Burnham rejected this
assertion and expressly stated that the “Guyana constitution stipulates that the territory of Guyana embraces all that area, which immediately before the 26th May, 1966, comprised the old Colony of British Guiana, together
with the area which by Act of Parliament may be declared as part of the territory of Guyana.” He added: “The territory which extends between the middle line of the Essequibo on the east and the boundary of the old Colony of British
Guiana all along the rivers Cuyuni and Wanamo on the west, was already included on the 26th May, 1966, judicially and administratively, within the old Colony of British Guiana and forms part of the State of Guyana.”
XVIII
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― May 24, 2020
#SupportCreativity
By Subraj Singh
Getting Into Anime Again Through ‘My Hero Academia’
ANIME is a specific kind of Japanese animation than hindered by its animation. The story is set in a that has been around and has been exponenworld where over 80 percent of the human poputially growing in popularity, for a very long lation are born with ‘quirks’ or special abilities. time. Many teenagers and young people Several of these people undergo training and today are responsible for the growth and then eventually become superheroes, consistency in the prevalence of anime in using their quirks to fend off villains who pop culture, but the fan base is made up create havoc in society. The anime focuses of older viewers as well. Even in Guyana, on a teenager named Midoriya who is born anime has a strong following, as there is a without a quirk but yearns to become a committed body of people who watch angreat superhero. He is given his chance ime, as well as read manga (the Japanese one day when his favourite superhero recomics on which the anime are based). The veals that he has a quirk that can be passed references can be found both on social mefrom one generation to the next and, of dia and in any random high school in the course, Midoriya, bullied all his life for country, probably. being quirkless, is finally given his chance I can recall that when I was in high to become a hero with superpowers. school, I was obsessed with “Avatar: The The beautifully rendered action seLast Airbender” (even though this is techniquences (being a show about superhecally not an anime, since it is not Japanese), roes, after all) might be the initial draw and that was the reason one of my very for everyone who sets out to watch this close friends introduced me to anime that anime, but in the end, everyone stays for she thought I would like. The first one that the complex characters and the emotional I watched was “Bleach,” which focused on storylines. The world of “My Hero Aca young man who is given special powers ademia” is one in which the villain can and allowed to be a Soul Reaper in order to have motivations that are almost strong defend the world against spirits, and the secenough to win you over, one where the ond anime was “Attack on Titan,” which was hero’s successes are juxtaposed with an about an elite squad of people who have been equal amount of failure and uncertainty, trained to fight the giant monsters that live one where the best intentions don’t always outside the city walls. Both of these were very lead to a happy ending. It is a place filled good, but, for whatever reason (probably the with entertaining and outlandish superhero fact that I had to study for my CSEC exams), abilities, from a girl who can shoot acid I stopped watching anime. from her hands, to a villain who can steal Therefore, I find it rather interesting quirks and give them to other people. that I should make my way to anime again, There is a hero who can turn into a dragon 10 years after graduating from high school, and one who has all of the abilities that a through a conversation that I had with a frog has. There are common superhero batch of students who are currently in high powers, such as levitation and the ability school. It is a strange, full-circle moment, to generate fire, but there are newer, and that, to me, emphasises three things: 1) that sometimes funnier, powers too, such as pop culture will remain relevant to each new the ability to absorb blows and bullets or generation, 2) that young people will always the ability to engorge one’s fist. The whole be at the forefront of whatever is current and thing makes me feel as though I’m in high trending in art and media, and 3) that anime school again, but the stakes always seem is undoubtedly here to stay. higher in this anime and it certainly made “My Hero Academia, 2016 to present, Studio Bones - Image source: IMDB” The students recommended that I watch me cry a whole lot more than “Bleach” or a critically acclaimed anime, “My Hero Aca“Attack on Titan” ever did. Maybe this is demia” and of course there was a part of me only natural, as the challenges facing the that was initially skeptical. I asked myself, youth of today have only increased since “Why would any adult with a life and responI was their age. It makes sense that the responses, even when there is the distancing of the audience sibilities allocate time for a cartoon?” But content deals with heavier themes and is with coronavirus shutting down most sources of entertainment through the use of animation itself, as opposed to a situation laced with more emotions. and social gatherings, I had very little to lose, so I shut down like live-action where at least the audience can see ‘real’ peoIn the end, I have found my way back to anime again Netflix, dropped the book I was reading, and began watching ple and elements on the screen. I suppose this makes anime a and I could not be happier. I have a long list of them “My Hero Academia” in Japanese with subtitles, and, honestly, particularly difficult craft, where the animation (whether hand- that I plan to get to during the summer. There are the after watching the entire series, I feel like my life has been drawn or computer-animated) is super important, but so is the mainstream ones, like “Naruto,” “Cowboy Bebop” and changed, my mind has been blown, and my heart has exploded writing aspect -- the captions and dialogue -- that serve to push “One Piece” that I may get to eventually, but first, I plan the narrative along, while emphasising that emotional core. due to the sheer unbridled amazingness that is this anime. to watch the ones that seem to be closer to what I am into, “My Hero Academia,” is certainly an emotional jugger- such as “Demon Slayer,” “Anohana,” “Assassination “My Hero Academia” alone has been enough to remind me about how animation can be used to trigger emotional naut with fantastic action scenes that are accentuated rather Classroom,” “Yuri on Ice,” and “Kakushigoto.”
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― May 24, 2020
T
XIX
Failures of fillings
HE price that one would pay to have a single filling done by nearly one hundred private dentists in Guyana is approximately 15 percent of a month’s salary of the average worker. Therefore, the average person would undoubtedly find it grievous if after such an investment the filling fails to live up to expectations. The situation is indeed calamitous if one considers that there is no guarantee for dental work done. So I will explore two major failures of fillings. The persistence of toothache after a filling has been done and the problem of a filling falling out soon after its completion are the two most common delinquent factors encountered in restorative dentistry. It is relatively common and unfortunately wrong to be incited to have a simple filling done because of a toothache. Whenever a toothache drives someone to the dentist that person starts off at a disadvantage, implying that the successful outcome of treatment is not certain. This is because pain,
especially severe pain, represents a signal that the pulp ( vascular nervous package) may be endangered. Unless a patient is below 16 years of age, in which case the dental pulp exhibits a remarkable capacity to combat and overcome virtually any form of aggression, pulpitis (infection of the pulp) generally results in irreversible degeneration of the pulp. Incidentally, root canal therapy then becomes the required treatment. Needless to say, this is probably the most expensive of all routine dental procedures. It, therefore, follows that a filling should be done in a tooth before any form of pain steps in. That is why it is so important that persons should have regular dental checks so that the dental practitioner may detect a carie in its incipient stage. In so doing, not only would the condition have the best chance of success, but the patient would be relatively certain to get the desired results from the treatment received. Fillings sometimes become loose and fall out.
There are basically two reasons why this happens. First, the filling material was not retained in the cavity simply because the cavity was not adequately constructed to hold the material in. In other words, the cavity was expulsive instead of retentive. A retentive cavity is just like the unique aperture in a cardboard puzzle in which the correct piece (filling material) fits exactly into the aperture and cannot be longitudinally retracted when hardened. It is the dentist’s responsibility to configure (drill) the cavity into a retentive shape (wide at the bottom, narrow at the opening) so that the hardened material cannot fall out. Second, on occasions fillings fall out because the area of the tooth adjacent to the filling material becomes soft due to decay. Such decay is referred to as secondary caries, micro-leakage, seepage, or infiltration, and results in the cavity effectively becoming bigger than the block of filling material inside it. Usually, these failures occur more than three days after the procedure.
Persons need to understand that the tooth/ material junction is generally incapable of totally prohibiting the penetration of bacteria and saliva
into what is really a deep crack. So in theory, if one brushes a tooth’s crown which has intact enamel, once, then one must brush a crown with a filling 10
times as thorough as those without a filling. Is it not natural for a mother to take more care of a sick child than one that is healthy?
XX
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― May 24, 2020
EUROPE DAY CELEBRATES EUROPEAN UNITY AND REMINDS US OF EUROPE’S UNIQUE WORLD CONTRIBUTIONS
O
N May 9, Europe Day was commemorated in Guyana and over the world. Though the event was accorded some media notice, the COVID-19 problems and the overarching political impasse tended to absorb most media attention and Europe Day was not given the emphasis it deserved. Europe had been fighting its civil wars for centuries but such wars were among armies and did not much affect the civilian populations as happened from the end of the 19th century and especially in the 20th century. From the turn of the 19th century, nations over the continent began cultivating narrow nationalisms and the states, using the modern advances of information technology and appropriate changes in the education system stimulated the growth of adversarial attitudes and feelings of difference among the nations of the continent. These narrow
nationalisms manifested themselves in World Wars I and II where the combatant nations aimed to annihilate each other since wars had now become total wars. These two World Wars almost destroyed European civilisation and Europe lost its Empires and the continent’s social and economic life was almost annihilated. The massive desolation and loss of life and the widespread suffering over the continent led Europeans to be again conscious of their common identity and from being implacable enemies, they began to slowly empathise with the plight of each other and so on May 9, 1950, when Robert Schuman, Foreign Minister of France, proposed the establishment of an independent coal and steel authority to control the coal and steel resources of France and Germany, this became an acceptable proposal. This Authority was designed to prevent wars between the two countries
and this aim was accepted as realisable. Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxemburg (BENELUX) agreed to join the Authority and the Treaty establishing it was signed in the next year,1951. Since May 9 was the date of Robert Schuman’s proposal, that date is commemorated as the birth anniversary of the European Union. The five states- France. Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg formed the European Community. The Community began to accept other European states as joining members, especially the Eastern European states which were able to join when the Soviet Union disintegrated. At the same time, the Community evolved into a more tightly knit union by a series of treaties until today we have the European Union which consists of 29 countries. The European Union has always had a close relationship with the Guianas and West Indian islands since,
in a broad historical sense, they were once colonies of Europe. After independence, these former colonies kept close relations with their mother countries which continued to assist them. The European Union, as a supranational entity, also gave economic and social assistance to the Caribbean states. In the case of Guyana, the EU Ambassador, His Excellency Fernando Ponz Canto has been particularly warm and generous and Guyanese people are pleased that such an able and accomplished representative has been accredited to their country. Of recent years, The EU has granted Guyana sizable and helpful social and economic assistance: A project to provide protective services for persons at risk of suicide; and a project to protect the rights of Indige-
nous communities. The EU also provided $2.4 billion to improve sea and river defences and $5.5 billion to help the sugar industry to improve its competitiveness and to diversify. They have also launched a project to train and equip inter-agency units to identify, search and interdict all forms of illicit maritime trafficking. Most recently, the EU has granted the Caribbean nine million Euros to help in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The EU’s generous help to Guyana has been significant and sizable and when Guyana celebrated Europe Day, it was the celebration of the birth anniversary of a valued friend. The Caribbean was among the first colonies of Europe after Columbus discovered the Americas and they grew with Europe; and over the cen-
turies when peoples from Africa, Asia and all parts of Europe made the Caribbean their home, they also identified themselves with Europe and empathised with the great achievements of the continent. Europe’s massive contributions to the Arts and Sciences and its creation of a more humane and internationally connected world has been a unique contribution to human history. Having achieved the pinnacle of material civilisation, Europe is now enriching and strengthening its civilisation by exploring the life of the spirit. When we celebrate Europe Day, we are not only celebrating the birth of the EU, but are also celebrating the incomparable contribution Europe has made and is still making to the world.
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― May 24, 2020
DO YOU PRACTISE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP? N V I R O N M E NTA L s t e w a r d ship refers to the responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices. There are three types of Environmental Stewards: * Doers- these are the ones who go out and help the cause by taking action. * Donors- these are persons who help the cause financially. * Practitioners- they work on a day-to-day basis to steer government agencies, scientist,
E
stakeholder groups, etc. towards a stewardship outcome. WHY SHOULD YOU BE A STEWARD OF THE ENVIRONMENT? Human activities have impacted the environment since the first toolmakers learned to make fire. As our population grew the impact on the environment increased. Climate change, decimation of fish populations and the ever-decreasing range for wild ecosystems are the most obvious impacts. To combat this impact and to take climate action, becoming a Steward of the Environment is the best choice for you. HOW CAN YOU BECOME AN ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARD? Starting with these few tips will make you a good example as an Environmental Steward. Now let’s start! 1. Reduce the Carbon Footprint of Your Food The production of some
XXI
Our responsibility as stewards of the environment
foods takes twice as much energy as others, for example, frozen foods will use more energy to prepare for cooking as compared to using fresh foods. Many practices and processes used in the production of food are harmful to both people and the environment. Thus, we must be
informed about the sources of the food we eat and how it is produced. ` 2. Reduce your Meat Consumption Regular consumption of meat is harmful to our health. A lot of environmental pollution is caused during improper agricultural practices, particularly from livestock-rearing. Pesticides are sprayed on food that livestock are fed and the water they drink is contaminated with chemicals from fertiliser washed in the waterways. 3. Compost your Natural Waste Our environment is full of waste that is both natural and artificial. Refuse from vegetables and fruits can be added to the farm or kitchen garden, which will form compost that enriches the soil, thus providing nutrients to the crops. As environmental stewards, we must ensure that we have information on the various ways to make a compost pit using natural waste.
4. Change Your Mode of Transportation In order to be a better environmental steward in 2020, other forms of transport should be deployed to offset the use of motor vehicles such as cars. For instance, the use of bicycles has proven to be effective
since it does not require the consumption fossil-fuel for energy and thus, does not emit carbon. The cost of purchasing bicycles is way cheaper and guarantees that one is physically fit. There are also other ways of cutting back on the use of cars such as car-sharing and the use of big buses. Again, for short distances, walking is encouraged. 5. Cut Down On the use of Single-Use Plastics and Microplastics Purchasing reusable water bottles, food containers and cotton bags as substitutes would aid the reduction of plastic in the environment. With tons of plastic in the earth, the purchase of plastic items should be avoided as much as possible, especially the single-use plastics such as water bottles and plastic bags that form the bulk of the items in the landfill. Over the years, there have been tons of plastic converging in our waste bodies both inland and oceans. This has not augured well within the marine environment, which has seen the death of fishes and other marine animals due to suffocation and or ingesting the microplastics in water. Remember, Say No To Single-Use Plastic. 6. Become an Environmental Volunteer The time to act is now. You can volunteer right in your neighbourhood or community
with a designated volunteer group or just with friends and family. Assist in an educational session, create a green space or help clean up some parapets. You are guaranteed to have a fulfilling experience as you become an agent of change. “Good Stewardship of the environment is not just
a personal responsibility; it is a public value. Our duty is to use the land well, and sometimes not to use it at all. This is our responsibility as citizens, but more than that, it is our calling as stewards of earth” - George W. Bush You can share your
ideas and questions by sending letters to The Environmental Protection Agency, C/O Communications Department, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at eit. epaguyana@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
XXII
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― May 24, 2020
MAY - 24 - 2020
English STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student,
W
HEN your personal range of experiences cannot provide for good writing, get into quick action. Borrow from the experiences of others. Read novels by good authors, and books across the curriculum; concepts abound in them. Record peculiar circumstances, incredible events, and mysterious happenings; whatever appeals to you. Use your cache to its advantage; juggle and mix ideas. This technique creates credible writing with a flavour that binds what the story offers. Try it for good results. Be wise. Love you. WRITING IMPROVEMENT Descriptive writing The rabbits were unusually spry. They kept starting up and about us and dashing off down the draw as if they were playing a game of some kind. But the little buzzing things that lived in the grass were dead all but one. While we were lying there against the warm bank, a little insect of the palest, frailest green hopped painfully out of the buffalo grass and tried to leap into a bunch of bluestem. He missed it, fell back, and sat with its head sunk between his long legs, his antennae quivering, as if he were waiting for something to come and finish him. Tony made a warm nest for him in her hands; talked to him gaily and indulgently in Bohemian. He began to sing for us – a thin rusty little chirp. She held him close to her ear and laughed, but afterward I saw tears in her eyes…. When the bank on the other side of the draw began to throw a narrow shelf of shadow, we knew we ought to be starting homeward; the chill came on quickly when the sun got low. What were we to do with the frail little creature we had lured back to life by false pretenses? I offered my pockets, but Tony shook her head and carefully put the green insect in her hair, tying her big handkerchief down loosely over her curls. (Willa Carter, “My Antonia”)
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Our God and soldiers we alike adore Ev’n at the brink of danger; not before: After deliverance, both alike requited, Our God forgotten, and our soldiers slighted. FRANCIS QUARLES (1592-1644) Epigram What to Do 1. Read the excerpt once more and examine it for what it is teaching you particularly. See how the writer uses the two human characters to make the insect come alive in the reader’s mind. Note how the rabbits were played against the buzzing things. Note how Tony is moved to tears and wants to be its sole caretaker. 2. Write a descriptive composition in which you describe an animal or some other living thing in its habitat. Choose either an adult or a young one. The animal can be real or imaginary. Allow your nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs to work well for you. Let your language flow. Share the finished product within your study group and point out your achievements. GRAMMAR Uses of quotation marks (Continued) Quotation marks indicate that credit is given to the original speaker, or writer of the line(s) enclosed within the quotation marks, and that the exact words are being reproduced. Direct quotations or direct speech are always enclosed by double quotation marks; the first set marks the beginning of the quoted material; the second set marks the end. But these marks can either be single (‘’) or double (“”). We stress the American usage that favours the use of the double lifted commas. [The UK English generally prefers the use of the single lifted commas.] Quotation marks also indicate the titles of works. They are also used to draw focus to a particular word or phrase in a sentence. 1. Look carefully at this: If you use double quotation marks, then you should use the single ones to mark a quotation within a quotation. Examples: “If Joan’s mother says, ‘Do not touch my daughter,’ she means what she says,” said her resolute father. He said to Jennifer, “I heard Manny shout, ‘Put that cake batter down!’” 2. Other points to note about punctuation using quotation marks: i) Commas and periods always go inside quotation
marks. ii) Dashes, colons, and semi-colons almost always go outside the quotation mark. iii) Question marks and exclamation marks sometimes go inside, sometimes stay outside. iv) The comma is used before quotation marks only when the quotation marks indicate direct speech. Two of the examples above, and two of these below show this comma use. The third one shows the comma within the directly quoted words. Simon John said, “I am a French citizen by birth.” Farmer Brently said joyfully, “I think your prayer is answered!” “This is my prayer,” said Farmer Henry. 3. If the direct quotation is broken by explanatory words, then an extra set of quotations must be used. For example: “Why,” she asked vehemently, “didn’t you tell your story to somebody?” (one quoted sentence broken by explanatory words) “They have seen the fireworks in action,” said the tour guide. “Why don’t you come along on the next trip?” (two quoted sentences with explanatory words between them) 4. If the direct quotation consists of more than one paragraph, place quotation marks before each paragraph but at the end of the last only. Example: Quote in block quotation formatting regardless of how many lines are in the text. Use indentation for the subsequent paragraphs to indicate the start of new paragraphs: “Money was flowing yesterday into four bank accounts set up especially for two penniless East German families who fled to West Germany clinging to a home-made hot-air balloon. “The two married couples and their four children had to leave all their personal belongings behind in the East to lighten the load on the half-hour flight across the heavily-defended border into northern Bavaria. “With hours of their landing near the Bavarian town of Naila they had homes, the offer of well-paying jobs in the area and the local fire brigade had collected more than £100 for them.”
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― May 24, 2020
Cheese Pie
Ingredients ֎ 1 1/4 cup flour
sharp cheddar cheese
֎ 1/4 cup butter, cold
֎ 1 scallion, green parts only finely chopped
֎ 1/4 cup shortening ֎ 3 tbsp ice cold water
Filling ֎ 1 cup evaporated milk ֎ 1 egg
֎ 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes ֎ 1/4 tsp black pepper ֎ 1/2 tsp garlic powder ֎ 1/2 tsp salt
֎ 2 tbsp flour ֎ 1 1/4- 1 1/2 cup
֎ Cayenne pepper to sprinkle of top (optional)
Method
• Mix flour and salt together in a bowl. • Using a fork or pastry cutter, cut butter and short-
ening into flour until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Add 3 tbsp of water and mix until well combined. Wrap in cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 mins before using. Preheat oven to 350. In a bowl, mix flour with egg, mix until well combined and smooth. Whisk in milk, then add all other ingredients, except cayenne pepper and stir. Set aside. On a lightly floured surface, roll pastry to 1/8 inch thickness, in other words, pretty thin. Line muffin pan with pastry, lightly press. If the pastry becomes too soft, making it difficult to roll, place it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes to chill. Bake crust for 5 mins, then remove from oven and spoon filling into the crust. Return to oven and bake for an additional 15-20 mins. The tops should puff up when they are done. Remove from oven and allow to cool before eating.
• • • • • • • • • • • •
jehancancook.com
XXIII
XXIV
CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― May 24, 2020