Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot 08-01-2021

Ready for Emancipation!

Though there won’t be the usual celebration in the National Park for Emancipation this year, that didn’t stop local vendors from lining the avenue on Main Street as usual to sell clothing, accessories and other items in honour of the annual commemoration (Delano Williams photo)

Sunday August 1, 2021

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 1, 2021

Emancipation and the modern Afro-Guyanese

Vendors on the pavement on Main Street preparing for Emancipation celebrations (Delano Williams photos)

By Dillon Goring OVER the years, the African Cultural &Development Association (ACDA) has kept African culture alive with events to commemorate the annual observance of Emancipation. This year will be approximately 28 years since ACDA officially began observing Emancipation Day through its annual festival. The Pepperpot Magazine spoke with Penda Guyan of ACDA, who explained the importance of cultural

Penda Guyan

identity among persons of African descent. “What is important is that culture is everything to us, in that our culture dictates our behaviour, the way we think, the way we react, because culture is not just putting on our African clothing, it is very holistic. It is how we are taught, how we deal with each other as human beings. It is what we are taught, and therefore our cultural identity is extremely important because it defines who we are,” Guyan told the Pepperpot

Magazine. Emancipation and the entrepreneur Cultural identity has a major role to play in the lives of young people today as well and also contributes to their self-awareness and their performance in various aspects of life. Kojo Mc Pherson is a young professional and film-maker who hails from Georgetown. In honour of Emancipation, Kojo reSEE PAGE XXXIII

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 1, 2021

Helping to pass on the African culture and traditions One young professional’s passion to remain community-focused

AISHA Haynes has been doing her best over the past 20 years to pass on the African culture to younger generations, focusing heavily on literacy and mentoring and using her weekends strictly to help others. Now an executive member and volunteer Emancipation festival coordinator, Aisha sits on the Education Committee of the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA), along with its Emancipation, Business Development, and Social Welfare Committees. “I help out where needed; primarily, my focus has

been on youth, entrepreneurship and innovation,” she told Pepperpot Magazine recently. ACDA has been running Saturday youth programmes with youth from areas across the country between the ages of two and 18. From history lessons to free dance, drumming, and storytelling, Aisha and others would work hard to pass on the culture and traditions. Cooking classes, field trips, sewing, arts and craft are also on the list. Furthermore, Aisha offers free after-school reading lessons for children between the ages of four and 10 and she helps to run specific

ACDA has been working over the years to pass on the African culture and traditions

Aisha has devoted most of her life so far to helping youths on a voluntary basis

programmes through the Association of Young Africans (AYA), which is the youth arm of ACDA. “I have been doing my part by giving my time and trying my best to share from my own experiences and knowledge. In every programme we run, it is from a cultural perspective and putting on the festival and creating content that speaks

to the context of our experience,” Aisha related. She reflected on how her volunteering efforts have been embedded in how she was raised. “I was raised to be community-focused...and the examples I had growing up...weekends were spent contributing and working with individuals of your community that needed it the most. There were no car-

toons on Saturday morning, but that time was for thinking of others and how you can help make their lives and experiences better by sharing what you had.” Aisha’s efforts continue to pay off as she can see the impact that her work and the work of ACDA have been having on youths. “The impact is seen in the movements emerging from our

young people being proud to be in their skin and comfortable to wear African pieces and embracing the culture through music and innovation,” she said. Over the past 30 yearsand pre-COVID-the Saturday programmes ACDA has hosted focused heavily on African culture and SEE PAGE XI

ACDA 2: Saturday morning youth programmes have been on with youths from areas across the country between the ages of two and 18 years old

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Overcoming self-doubts through theatre

Frederick Minty

TO those doing the teasing, it seems like nothing. Calling someone a name that perhaps suits their physical appearance seems harmless and fun, but the effects on the person being teased can be dramatically

With other entertainers

different. Teacher and entertainer Frederick Minty knows this all too well. Growing up in Linden, people gave him the nickname ‘Fat Boy’ and being the naturally timid person he was, this only added to him

remaining in his shell for a longer time. “When it came to being out in public I was more reserved. I wouldn’t raise my hands for anything; I wouldn’t want to be the per-

Receiving an award for Best Performing Cast and Director of ‘Next Door Neighbour’

son to actively participate,” Frederick recalled, adding, “I always felt like I was being judged, even though this may not have been the case. I just had this feeling because I was a fat child.”

Though it was not an easy situation to navigate, Frederick believes that it is theatre that helped him to become more confident and outgoing. “I always had this liking for television and

A performance in the National Drama Festival

performance; at home, I was always the very dramatic one, always putting on a show for everyone.” SEE PAGE XXVII

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 1, 2021

Back to Beautiful Buxton

By Francis Quamina Farrier

A FEW months ago, I wrote an article which had the headline, “From Buxton to Buxton” which juxtaposed the town of Buxton in England and the village of Buxton here in Guyana. Since writing that article, I have done a two-hour walkabout in the Guyana Buxton. During that exercise in which my 83-year-old feet did admirably well, I saw and experienced much of modern-day Buxton in Region Four. I have to say I was impressed, especially with the people with whom I had verbal communica-

few of my personal experiences, before I say something about Buxton. One Saturday afternoon some years ago, I decided to take a walk along James Street in Albouystown, Georgetown. At that time, I was a regular feature on the VCT Evening News, reporting from all corners of Guyana and also from many locations overseas, including Argentina, Britain, Canada, Ghana, Grenada, Jamaica and Trinidad. So, with my expensive video camera, I commenced walking from the La Penitence Public Road by the municipal market, eastward along James Street. I was videorecording whatever I

my way of doing my public video recordings. At one point of that walk along James Street, one young man hailed me out, asking that I promote the legalisation of marijuana. Without a doubt, Buxton being among the lowest altitude sections on the East Coast of Demerara, has a drainage challenge. At about nine feet below sea level at high tide, farmers face the many floods which besiege the village, including the farms in the backlands. Nonetheless, Buxtonian farmers have continued to till the land which produces bountifully. There is always fresh farm produce available in all of the munici-

Buxtonian Mosa Mathilda Telford is an educator, playwright, actress and journalist (Photo by Francis Quamina Farrier)

served as Minister of Education. There was also the brilliant and talented Haslyn Parris, who at one time and at a rather young age, headed the Bauxite Company at Linden;he was also a talented trumpet player. And of course, there was the genius legal mind, Barrister-at-Law Fred Wills. The soft-spoken Eusi Kwayana, educator, politician, songwriter, poet, playwright and community leader, is one of the outstanding sons of Buxton. He is known and respected by generations of Guyanese, many of whose lives he has touched positively. I recall his play “The Promised Land” which won Best Production at the 1965 National Drama Festival in the Junior category. Singer/songwriter Hilton Hemerding was in that play. This article will now

throw the spotlight on another Buxton-born Guyanese, Aubrey A. Stephenson, AA. He is the President and CEO of Federal Management Systems, Inc., which is established on two continents - North and South America. Federal Management Systems employs many dozens here in Guyana and many more in Washington DC, USA. The company provides the following services; Accounting and Financial Management; Facilities Management; Information Technology and Security Solutions among others. Other extra-curricular activities of this organisation headed by a Buxtonian, include giving scholarships and grants to deserving students to further their higher education. It is obvious that this article, written for August

1 2021, is just like one sentence of the story of Buxton village, which the former enslaved Africans bought in British Guiana; and what is not generally known, is that the purchase price for the land was greatly inflated. Nonetheless, back in the day, the African people came out in their numbers celebrating their freedom with dancing and singing. Among the songs was one which stated, “First of August come again. Hurray meh gingah.” And as Guyana’s own Singer/songwriter Eddie Hooper states in his song Pass it on, “Get on board, time to move on...stop complaining, quit your stalling. Get up keep moving on.” Happy First of August 2021 to all Guyanese.

Buxtonian Aubrey A. Stephenson, AA,(at left) is the President and CEO of Federal Management Systems. Inc. with operations in Georgetown and Washington, DC. Bishop Seath Abbey of Ghana at right (Photo by Francis Q. Farrier)

tion. The Buxtonians with whom I spoke during that walk were like the famous Buxton Spice mangoes oh, so sweet. Since it is no secret that there are some Guyanese who go out of their way to demonise some communities such as Albouystown and Tiger Bay in Georgetown and other communities around the country, including Linden and Bartica, I will share a

fancied - and that was almost everything. However, I applied my professional and moral rules. Whenever the footage included a person or persons, I would ask permission - which was not necessary, since anything or person in the public domain can be photographed. Well, with a few exceptions such as military installations. For me, it was just a matter of good manners to ask. That is

pal markets in Guyana, and our farmers, including the Buxtonian farmers, must be recognised. In another way, Buxton has produced some of the greatest and highest-achieving Guyanese, among them educators Eusi Kwayana and Winifred Gaskin. Both of them served as ministers of government. There are the Buxtonian twins - Malcolm and Michael Parris; Malcolm

The Buxton municipal market, June 2021 (Photo by Francis Q. Farrier)

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Soesdyke Village (Carl Croker photos)

The bustling village of Soesdyke By Michel Outridge

THIS week the Pepperpot Magazine visited the busy hotspot village of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, which serves as a central point for those accessing the interior, the highway, Linden and other parts of the country. This large and busy village is between Madewini and Caledonia and it is home to about 6,000 Guyanese of mixed ethnicities and even some Spanish newcomers. Soesdyke is home to the Bounty Farms Hatchery; lots of general and hardware stores; roadside bars; eating houses; fast-food joints; pool halls; discos; shops; dog food stands; poultry farms; mechanic workshops; Chinese supermarkets; restaurants and many other small businesses that line both sides of the public road. The village has a secondary school; two nursery schools; two primary schools,; a health centre and a post office. At Madewini there is the Police Outpost and the Soesdyke/Te Huist Te/ Coverden Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) building which also houses the GECOM office. It is a thickly populated village which has more than 40 internal streets and, being the gateway to the interior, the airport, the highway and many other places, it is a bustling and vibrant village which has developed significantly over the years. The people of this community are self-employed via their many small businesses, skilled craftsmen, office staffers, employees of both the private and public sectors and other professionals. Most of the locals take pride in keeping their surroundSEE PAGE XXVI ings clean and have lovely plants, flowers and vegetable

Focus on the Village

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The people of Soesdyke Small-business owners whose establishments have withstood the test of time By Michel Outridge FEROZE Khan is a resident of Soesdyke Back Street, East Bank Demerara and he is an easy-go-

peace that is most welcome for him; he needs that quietness so he can hear the sounds of nature such as birds chirping, the wind howling or the raindrops on

ing and doing household chores, because these days I don’t work, so I have the time to do other things,” he said. Back in the days, he was

Barber/IT Technician Dellon Griffith grooming a customer

Dellon Griffith’s place of business and home

ing kind of guy, who goes about his daily life in a very respectful manner and he enjoys cooking and

the roof. Khan is a pensioner and has a small poultry business in his backyard, rearing

a large-scale poultry farmer but quit that business a long time ago as he progressed in age. “This is a place where people go to work, return and live peacefully; we have no real issues and like you see the place is clean and we grow most of our own foods,” he said. The shop-owner Meanwhile, Lovina Madhu, has a roadside shop where greens, fruits, local snacks, ground provisions, bread and other essentials can be purchased at Soesdyke Public Road, East Bank Demerara. The small business was

Lovina Madhu

taking care of his teenage grandson. When the team met him he was on his way to go to the Soesdyke Junction to purchase fish he intended to fry to go with boulanger and rice. The 69-year-old reported that he is a local of the village and was residing in another section of the community, but relocated and built his house in 1974. The father of four added that the village is a good place to reside and it is the

some meat birds as a source of income. He explained that he is taking things light because he never recovered fully after his wife passed away in 2018 just after his daughter who had cancer and who succumbed to the disease in 2017. A grandson is living in the lower flat of his house with his family and he occupies the top flat with his 14-year-old grandson. “I enjoy doing the simpler things in life like cook-

owned and operated by her late husband, Puran Madhu, who passed away last year owing to his diabetic condition. He was a well-known shop-owner in the village and he used to be at the shop most times, where he always entertained friends and customers with his friendly banter. Madhu stated that her husband established the small business 25 years ago and when he died she had to step up and take control of the business, because it is her only source of income. She is originally from St. Cuthbert’s Mission (Pakuri) along the highway, but

relocated when she married Puran in 1995. Madhu has her business on the roadside but lives down in a small street in the village, where there are many houses and she is wellknown among locals. She has good relations with the people and they support her small business, because she provides a reliable business which is opened every day. The Village Barber/IT Technician Dellon Griffith is the local barber and IT technician who specialises in both hardware and software and started his small business

from scratch when he got married and started a family. The 33-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that he established his small barbershop in 2010 and over time was able to extend the building into an IT section at the rear. “When is [sic] started this shop I had some old DVDS selling because I was now starting out with nothing, and some days I remember I didn’t even had [sic] money to buy a bread, but today it is something,” he said. He explained that he was gainfully employed SEE PAGE XI

Focus on the Village

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Looking back on his working days retired businessman reflects on entrepreneurial ventures

By Michel Outridge EMERSON Fernandes is a spritely, energetic gentleman who doesn’t look his age of 72 years and knows his way in the kitchen and was once a motor-racing champion, a hotelier and a restaurateur, who is now enjoying his retirement with family and friends. He is a resident of Soesdyke Back Street, where there is a small road leading to his house and a few others, and in front of it there is a large plot of fenced land just before the public road. Fernandes was at the time frying some fish,while preparing breakfast for his wife, who went to work since 03:00hrs that morning and got his daughter to drop off the meal for her. He has lived all his life Emerson Fernandes (Carl Croker photos) in Soesdyke Village and is well-known because he had when he could no longer pay he came from humble begina restaurant called “Emmers his staffers and bills because nings and he started off as a Hot Snacks,” just by the of how things ended with vendor at the airport selling Cheddi Jagan Internation- his first love, the restaurant from a basket in 1985, and al Airport (CJIA) but was in which he had invested all back then the airport police forced to leave that thriving his life savings. used to lock him up a lot for business when the authori“Speaking to you now illegal vending. ties threatened to demolish about it has brought back a He was fed up with the his building. lot of sad memories because hassle and decided to get That very building is I did not want to be embar- a van and started cooking still standing and has been rassed when I was served a and selling food to airport renamed Kamo’s Bar, a pop- notice to move, so I packed staffers and visitors. ular ‘watering hole’ for pool up and sold the building for However, just as his players and just about any- ‘little to nothing’ and left, small food business was body who is up for a cold a place I built from scratch taking off, he was kicked beer or beverage. so it is hard talking about off the airport property by His hotel was Quems how my businesses folded,” the authorities. Apartments at Timehri, and he said. So he was left scratchthat business was closed Fernandes explained that ing his head and then had

Emerson Fernandes’ home in Soesdyke

a ‘light bulb’ moment when he spotted a spot just north of the perimeter fence of the airport which was vacant and overgrown by thick bushes. He decided to prepare and clear that land and constructed a restaurant,out of

which he operated his food business and provided employment for 23 employees, all of whom he had to send home. “I knew it was squatting land but I took a chance to make an honest living and look what happened to me, I lost it all,” he said. However, he explained that that building was never destroyed and is still there today, but it is a hangout spot, a bar with a pool table. He stated that his hotel also did catering for airport and Berbice customers, but when the Berbice River Bridge was built, his business took a downward spiral and he suffered financially and could not sustain that business. With his heart in his hands, Fernandes was again faced with a difficult decision and had to sell that apartment building and cut his losses. As a guy who likes entertaining and cooking, he has constructed a small bar in his yard, a place where he would have friends over in a bar setting and prepare cutters to go with their drinks. He would also have

cook-outs and invite neighbours for a game of dominoes. “Cooking and restaurant business is etched in my veins and is something I cannot part with, it is a part of me and I would still do small catering for some people and when I have friends over, I do the same,” he said. Looking back to those days when his food business was thriving, it brought back a flood of memories and he wished things had ended differently, but it is what it is. Fernandes added that food and hospitality business were his life, but these days it makes no sense crying over spilt milk, so he is enjoying what is left of his golden years as a pensioner. He is well-known as “Emmers” and that name still stands and he has a lot of stories to tell his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Fernandes was also a champion car racer, who won many races among his peers in his younger days at the South Dakota Racing Circuit in the 1980s and was also featured in the Guyana Chronicle.

Focus on the Village

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 1, 2021

Investing in their village Soesdyke family determined not to give up

By Michel Outridge ALMOST three years ago, Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara businesswoman Indra Sullivan and her husband, Christopher Sullivan left their home and a fully stocked business place-a bar, pool hall, hardware and grocery shop-in care of relatives to go overseas and came back to empty premises, with everything gone. According to the Sullivans, they had a binding contract agreement with relatives to operate and record sales following an inventory of all stocks, but when they returned to Guyana, they found the place empty. This couple did a lot for the community by building a road in their street, contributing when there is a death in the community by cooking food and donating to children and orphans through feeding programmes and kids’ parties. So when they came home to find nothing, they were shocked and it was beyond belief what had happened to their once-flourishing business. Sullivan told the Pepperpot Magazine that they have an empty plot of land in the same street, so they have some things they brought in a container to fix up the place and make it to their standard. The 58-year-old stated that they will have to start from scratch again to rebuild their business and it will take time; her husband is so upset how things went under he started his own trucking company and is working on a barge. She resides at the Soesdyke Back Road and co-owns Chris’ Bar 1759 and has invested a lot of time and money to beautify the area in front of their home by planting shady trees and constructed concrete benches along the roadside, which provides seating accommodation for locals and visitors. Sullivan stated that the business was the place to be and they used to host a ‘happy hour’ session every nine months and that was a favourite pastime for many who frequented the bar. “We have to start over to fix up this place which was left in a bad condition and re-stock the shelves and start over if we want to continue doing this kind of business,” she said. Sullivan explained that she will never stop doing what is necessary to contribute to society and will still host her thanksgiving event annually for children. “It is indeed a blessing to give back and I will not stop

doing that, because it is what I want to Indra Sullivan at her do as a good citizen once-thriving business and a villager,” she place. said. Sullivan would ensure they hire clowns and have lots of treats and goodies for the children in the village every year, when she would organise and fund a thanksgiving party. She disclosed that the villagers would support her business and they have good relations and generally the people are very cooperative and he upgraded the road nothing was done to maintain it. willing to lend a The road is in a bad state with huge potholes and helping hand whenever they have community-enhancement needs to be upgraded and otherwise things are fairly events to clean up the place. The Soesdyke resident reported that the community is good in the community where everybody is friendly and her home village and it is where she wants to be, at home live in harmony. and whatever it takes she will stay and try to revive her dying business. Meanwhile, Christopher Sullivan told the Pepperpot Magazine that he is very disappointed the way his business went down, but he has to think about things as is. He stated that the village is a good place to live and he tries to upkeep his surroundings, which is evident, with the brightly painted concrete benches and trees which he will outfit with lights, but since

Focus on the Village

Chris’ Bar 1759 at Back Road, Soesdyke.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 1, 2021

Soesdyke Neighbourhood Democratic Council and the Post Office serving the community adequately

From left to right: NDC Overseer Fazeela Manna, Chairman Bhupendra Deokie, Vice-chairman Kalawatee Persaud and Works Council Chairman Raghuandan Singh poses for a photo (Carl Croker photos)

By Michel Outridge THE Soesdyke/Te Huist Te/Coverden Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) is working for the villages it covers along the East Bank Demerara corridor by having outreaches, meeting with villagers, and executing its mandate

of providing services for the community. Chairman Bhupendra Deokie heads this NDC and they are responsible for maintaining three villages. He told the Pepperpot Magazine that on Mondays, they visit the office to do paperwork, sign cheques and have a meeting with

staffers and they also have an open-door policy whereby anybody can visit and talk to the staff and air their concerns. Deokie disclosed that there are two ongoing regional projects where two roads are being upgraded: Grant Sand Road and Kallicharran Road, Soesdyke.

infrastructural works. He explained that they would dredge drainage canals and other major waterways in the community and when the flash floods happened this year, Soesdyke wasn’t flooded because they execute ongoing drainage works. Deokie added that they do continuous drainage works and upgrades, so when it rains heavily and they have high tides, Soesdyke would only get pockets of water and no major flooding. “This is a hotspot because it is a well-travelled place where a lot of people pass through to go to the interior, the airport, the highway and other parts and it is a business hub and a busy place,” he said. Deokie reported that a lot of people have their own small businesses and some have poultry farms and just up the road they have Bounty Farms outlet and Hatchery and some locals are employed there.

upgrade the koker and its doors and other drainage canals, trenches and drains within the community. “We have been doing our utmost as a collective effort with the general upkeep of Soesdyke Village and so far, some businesses and private landowners have partnered with the NDC to beautify the environment and clean the place,” he said. M e a n w h i l e , Wo r k s Council Chairman Raghunandan Singh told the Pepperpot Magazine that in 2019 they recorded a fair collection of revenues, but for the past two years the payment of rates and taxes by residents has been slow. He however reported that regarding businesses that are in arrears, they have worked out a payment plan with them to pay up their rates and taxes, so they do “flex” with defaulters to ensure that fairness is exercised. He disclosed that the lands are privately owned and it is a residential com-

He disclosed that through the NDIA, central government and the Ministry of Agriculture, they would constantly monitor/

munity, and with the revenues and budget they have, they try to develop the vilSEE PAGE XIV

Postmaster Ronell Sam.

While the CIIP workers do the maintenance of parapets and cleaning of drains, the NDC would partner with central government and other agencies to boost

Focus on the Village

Post Master Ronell Sam with postal employees

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The people of ...

A customer making a purchase

Feroze Khan (Carl Croker photos)

FROM PAGE VII with the Ministry of Education and after marriage he started to get children and his salary wasn’t enough to offset bills and living expenses, so he decided to quit. Griffith stated that he has a tiny shop with one wooden bar stool and his customers used to complain about how their backs were hurting from sitting in the chair to cut their hair and get groomed. He would always tell them to bear up, better days were ahead, and he worked towards getting proper barber chairs for his shop when

he visited the United States of America and shipped in a few to upgrade his barbershop. The father of three added that his business went from nothing to something, and he is grateful that the locals support his small business, which isn’t a money-making place, but a simple place where grooming services are affordable and there are many ‘regulars.’ He has in his employ another barber, but is now running the place alone because his employee is on vacation overseas. Griffith resides in the same yard with his business place and it is convenient for

FROM PAGE VII

him to be there, because he keeps an eye on the children while his wife is away at work in the city. He is a local and lived all his life in Soesdyke and likes the place because it is a very close-knit community where people are familiar with each other. “Once you move in here, you don’t leave, this place nice and it is a good place to raise a family,” he said. Griffith pointed out that for any small business to grow one must invest and operate the business as if they are working for someone to see the rewards of being self-employed. Lovina Madhu in her shop

Helping to pass on ...

FROM PAGE III

young people between the ages of two and 18, through sharing knowledge and creating content on their social media outlets and using mediums such as the Emancipation Festival which they’ve successfully lobbied for 27 years ago to be an official holiday that falls on August 1. Meanwhile, according to its website, ACDA was founded on December 17, 1992, by Afro-centric Guyanese who were dedicated to the cause of nurturing African culture and creating an economically viable and prosperous African community. The organisation is open to membership to anyone who is of African descent, regardless of religious or political affiliation. ACDA embraces the idea of both tradition and change as necessary elements in sustaining a vibrant African culFrom history lessons to free dance, drumming, and storytelling, Aisha and others would work hard to pass on the ture in Guyana. culture and traditions

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AN AFRICAN BEAUTY NAMED ‘ANJALIE’

BRYAN sat on the seawall watching the smooth,rolling waves of the Atlantic Ocean as the sun set in the west, its magnificence beyond compare, a perfect conclusion to the day. The water lapping gently against the rocks seemed somehow to speak to him and sometimes he would smile and answer quietly, “What are you saying to me? Have you brought tidings from Mother Africa?” Far, far beyond the horizon, ships had sailed centuries ago with human cargo and the young man of African descent mused, “A long way, we have come, now stranger to you, dear Mother, but within your bosom lies our true identity.” Bryan’s mind was always searching for something to connect, to find something unique. He couldn’t be sure what he was looking for, but often when he sat by the ocean he could hear the pulsating beat of the drums, telling stories of hunting and harvesting. He saw the bonfire in the village square, the small huts and the women dressed in rich tribal wear. Today though, something was different. The beat of the drums changed to a slow tempo and from the dim shadows, she stepped out – a most beautiful girl, her body slowly moving in rhythm to the drum beats. It was the first time she had come into the picture of his mind and Bryan watched entranced by the soft passion in her eyes, as she danced, her smooth, ebony skin glistening from the glow of the small bonfire. “A real African beauty,” he whispered, “I wish I can meet someone like her.” “Who are you talking to, man?” Bryan looked up almost startled into the faces of his two best friends, Naren and Jason.

“Not speaking to anyone,” he said, jumping nimbly to his feet. “Why are you sitting here in this lonely spot?” Jason asked and pointed to farther down the seawall, “Look at the scene that way.” The afternoon lime was in full swing, with music and drink bars, food stalls, barbeque and games for children. “Just like a quiet moment sometimes,” Bryan said casually, “So, what’s up with you guys?” “Just come out for a lime,” Naren said, “Haven’t seen you in a little while.” “Busy at the workshop, studying, and a few other things,” Bryan said. “Okay, just forget that for now,” Jason said, playfully punching his friend on the arm, “Let’s go grab some beers.” The three friends settled down with a few cold “Banks,”

talking about their works and life just as they did as boys in high school on ambitions and careers. Jason and Naren had always been fun-loving and mischievous, and Bryan the cool, practical one. Now young men, he was not a part of everything in their outgoing lifestyles because of his strong religious background, but that did not affect their friendship. He went to a few Bollywood shows, Soca concerts and car-racing events, interacting and celebrating the different cultures with his many other friends, for not only did ships sail from Africa, but from the Asian continent and Portugal. So the beautiful tropical land became home to many different races. Bryan, tall and athletic, and quite good looking worked part-time in his father’s mechanic shop whilst pursing a degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Guyana. His mother, a woman of God, instilled good values in his mind from young on race and religion. Maybe it was her teachings that helped him to understand his African heritage and gave him a strong sense of belonging. Now he knew what the something special was that his mind had been searching for in that continent. “But would I find a girl like her?” he wondered. He knew not the answer then, and his dream stayed private within him, as he waited to find her. In the month of August, more than a year later, his mother fell ill and Bryan found his days tasked even more with work, studies and some church duties she requested him to fulfil for her. His social life seemed on hold and his dream it seemed drifting somewhere far. Then one morning at breakfast, he wondered aloud, “Do I have to go to Africa to find her?” “You’re going to Africa?” his five-year-old nephew questioned, fear in his big, brown eyes. “No, Ethan,” Bryan assured him, “It was just a thought.” “You can’t go there,” the little boy advised, “The rebel fighters will kill you.” “Where did you get that from?” Bryan asked with surprise. “The TV,” the child answered. “Before you go to Africa,” his sister interrupted with a teasing smile on her face, “Can you take the kids to the zoo

today?” “Why me?” “Because you’re their uncle.” “They have other aunts and uncles.” “I know but they like you because you’re more patient and fun to be with.” “Lord,” Bryan groaned, as he left for the workshop, “Where is my life?” He took the children to the zoo during his lunch break, much to their delight. They were standing by the lion’s cage watching the cubs play with their mother when he heard other children’s excited screaming and laughter and a patient voice trying to calm them down. He turned to look and saw her by the zebra’s cage, surrounded by a group of little children. She was slim and beautiful with her kinky hair falling to her shoulders. An incredible rush of a new feeling filled his heart as he looked at her and he whispered, “It’s her.” She turned, walking with the children towards the lion’s cage like a dream come to life. “Uncle Bryan,” the children were pulling at his arms, “We want to see the anacondas.” He walked the other way with the two kids, turning back to look at her, and at that same moment she turned and looked at him, with a hesistant little smile. “Yes!” he exulted, “And it begins with just a little smile.” He walked around with the kids who were now hungry, and as he was buying snacks for them, he saw her under the benab in the gardens sharing snacks to the children with her. It was the perfect time to talk to her and taking the kids with him, he asked her, “Can I help you?” She looked at him, hesistated a little and then smiled and handed him a tray, “Sure, thanks.” “Who are all these children?” he asked, noting how loving and attentive she was with them. “From my class.” “A teacher, that’s nice,” and he introduced the two kids with him, “My niece and nephew.” “She’s beautiful,” Ethan said. “She sure is,” Bryan agreed a little apologetically. She smiled warmly and turned as a child called for her attention, “Miss Anjalie.” A surprised look crossed Bryan’s face, “Anjalie?” She tried not to laugh at the look on his face, “What’s wrong?” “You have an indian name?” “It’s a funny thing really,” she said, “When my mother was pregnant with me she saw Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and liked the heroine’s name.” Bryan laughed a little, somehow thrilled at the uniqueness of an African beauty with an Indian name. He held out his hand to introduce himself, wondering now that if they something special he had been searching for, he had now found.

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 28, 2021

ON THE AWARENESS OF THEAND AESTHETIC EMANCIPATION THE AND THE ‘BEING’ OF OUR YOUNG NATION II INHERITED STRUGGLES OFPart ITS

AGE THAT LINGER TODAY

EMANCIPATION, the abolition of chattel slavery and the declaration of the liberties of manumitted Africans and their descendants must be explored from then, to give clarity today. We cannot indulge in the research of our history (with reference to Afro-and other Guyanese) without examining the parallel events that occurred in Europe around the same time, and the customs of colonisation that occurred with savage intensity in Europe before the age of Columbus; unless we do this, we will be narrowed to the amusement and manipulations of the very nations that we seek reparations from. What was the thinking then, of Britain towards the cause of the abolitionists and the decision to abolish

bought one Sunday dress and four everyday dresses, it would require 3,840 million yards of Manchester cotton, worth 16 million ?- and this did not include the cloth for winding sheets. A press campaign was orchestrated by Mackinnon and the public was bombarded with optimistic articles on the Congo”-see “ The Scramble For Africa” by Thomas Pakenham; what must be recognised with colonisation is that it cancelled local manufacturing and enforced dependency for supply on the imposed mother country. Thus, the industrial revolution could not succeed with slavery, it needed an independent earning population of subjects, capable of purchasing, for commerce to prosper, and the methods exalted by Sir

Emancipation and the challenges of counter seeds planted to disrupt this process, as another colleague (Raul Lucas ) inserted at a recent interview we were on, that “Emancipation did not include democracy” we were still British subjects. The following extract is significant on the scene of our Americas and telling of the mechanisms used to subvert Emancipation… “ Garvey who in the first quarter of this century sparked a mass movement based in America but international in scope and potential, was cast into federal prison then exiled to England; W.E.B. DuBois, one of the intellectual giants of the modern world, was silenced and isolated in America as viciously and effectively as the racist regime in South Africa had silenced and isolated such lead-

made Africa succumb, but the absence of the cannon, See Page the new Gatling machine gun XIX and self-reloading rifles, and an innate nurturing of history and philosophy of carnage and plunder, and the reality of an industrialised Europe. It was captured well in the deliberations of Sir Henry Morton Stanley in his disguised colonising policy slogan of” Christianity, Civilisation and Commerce” he estimated to his peers - “If every negro in the Congo

Morton Stanley had worked well with their own peasants and urban poor across Europe, including the usage of Christianity, with an adopted Euro-Christ, that none dare question, also the Europeans were convinced that a new approach was needed after the terrible failures in the iconic 10-year revolution for ‘Haiti.’ But Emancipation in the English Caribbean ushered in a new age of conflict. The British are by leaps and bounds the most experienced colonisers, and doors were open for the creation of the ‘Colonial’ this was a cultural and educated, but not enlightened creature. But not exclusive to the post-emancipation era, it is a human phenomenon, but nature in her totality counters every deficiency in the evolution, whether physically or intellectually of any group within a specie. My friend and colleague Kimani Nehusi in 1990 in the History Gazette identified the failures of the then Middle class to think holistically and presents to us a recent treasured publication, “A PEOPLE’S POLITICAL HISTORY OF GUYANA 1838 1964” which would contribute to understanding the within challenges of Emancipation as a holistic liberation process, and much better the self-defeating caricature of the “COLONIAL” though he does not use this term. There must still be an exclusive narrative on

ers of the Black masses as Chief Albert Luthuli, or as the British in Kenya once silenced and isolated Jomo Kenyatta. After attempts to cast him into prison on trumped-up charges had failed, DuBois went into exile in Ghana and later renounced the bitter citizenship of the land of his birth. Paul Robeson was at the apex of an illustrious career. His crime was to speak out on behalf of the suffering masses he had ascended from. Through a coordinated and sustained effort, Robeson became the object of (media) character assassinations and economic boycotts; broken financially and heartbroken to see Black Uncle Toms-(colonials) working assiduously to destroy him and keep their own people down. Robeson’s spirit was crushed, his health subverted, and his career destroyed”; see-Soul on Ice by Eldridge Cleaver. The contributions towards global Emancipation for Africans and African descendants over the past century and a half must not be isolated from the greater understanding of the anatomy of Emancipation, take time to read and explore, as COVID-19 restricts us, that this is not just a holiday, it is the GENESIS OF MODERN GUYANA, and a field of conflict wherever the desire for our self-determination leads.

IN concluding this discussion, which is intended to raise questions within the reader and inspire responsible actions among those that acquire decision making positions or are already there, we cannot arrive at a sensible without considerations in retrospect. So in a brief flashback, we must recognise, what we have lost to our physical memory reference archive, and use this as inspiration, to be able to raise a natural alarm, a connection to the aesthetic sensitivity alerting us to the fact that we need to have a historical memory in respect to our surroundings, as buildings, landscapes and architecture are inherent of memories in both the conscious and subconscious awareness. We have to become other than people who occupy a geographic space on this planet, and relate to what is the necessary thinking that will enable us to address from the now onward what is significant to telling our stories, especially stories important to our timelines. When we became independent, the euphoria of self-governed nationhood intoxicated us, it had its grounds for intoxication alongside sober examination. We did not make the observation that all around us within the borders of countries we still held controlled admiration for, had retained the edifices of past times. Our own coloniser England never dismantled Hadrian’s Wall. In more ways than one, from previous colonisers and also from despised local leaders, they kept the memory for reflection, in our Caribbean, Christophe’s spectacular fortress of defence in Haiti will remain, regardless of his history. Europe with the obvious white supremacy that emerged with colonisation did not destroy the sculptures of Afro-European Knights, artworks and literature that spoke of, or alluded to the African presence in a much slavery, that was a continuation of abolishing ‘Slave older Europe, of course, they didn’t in-depththe celebrate Trade’ in 1808, buthid nottheir thenidentities the samewith for slaves within them either, and also new portraits theinCreole and movies.Culture? Was it singularly a moral issue ofWhere troubled emotions or a definite, we erred in Guyana was not more to usefar-reaching, the structures that became available with the decline of trademark services self-serving strategy? Naturally, it will be a combination like to build museums to that of our of the all Trains, considerations, but one dedicated proposition willpart triumph historical memory. and Whydeeper preserve the physical imagery the from a stronger look. Within 40 years of after past? our ancestors it, for the historian, the crethe Simple, subvention of labourlived to the plantocracy ( apprenative mind, the investigative journalist, the physical location 1838, 1878 the Berlin Conference isticeship) important. The in development of museums was amanifested continuous and the nations of Europe plotted and the peeve of the late Dr. Dennis Williams, who contrived had identified slicing up and Africa, the pivotalmuseum reason Five Museums to colonising be built, he of insisted that a marine was that had developed systemsaof ‘Feeding would have Africa been a must. I can now imagine display of the, ship’s kitchen on Ladyand Northcourt withtheir its cook, the portrait Housing, clothing sustaining health needs. ofHowever, indifference ‘John’, ‘keepand away from John’s in kitchen, and their interest development methods why?’ A caption should read abefore this rude faced cook of mass killing was not priority, unlike theship’s tribes of made of papier máché –“whose kitchen lay beneath a toilet, Europe; it was not lack of courage, tact or resilience that from which water dripped continuously, or so we were made

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Soesdyke Neighbourhood Democratic Council and ...

FROM PAGE X

Soesdyke Post Office The NDC building

lages they oversee. Singh explained that as time went by, people upgraded their vehicles and have heavier and more vehicles traversing, so the roads have deteriorated and many streets that were once mud dams have since been upgraded. He pointed out that they will be embarking on a massive road- upgrading project in Soesdyke shortly, and they have since acquired 700 tonnes of road crush and run, bricks and tar to re-pave the internal streets

within the village. Singh explained that monies were set aside for this project from the subvention of the 2020/2021 budget, and they have had 28 solar-powered street lights installed at various points in the village. He stated that the feedback was good and residents have requested more street lights, so that they have some money from the 2021 budget to purchase more. “We meet the public often and the ministers and

other officials would visit and host public outreaches to listen to locals and they would try to meet their needs through the NDC,” he said. Singh disclosed that the Ministry of Home Affairs will soon re-establish the Community Policing Group in Soesdyke to partner with the police to safeguard the community, but recorded a low crime rate with no major crimes. The Soesdyke Post Office

The Soesdyke Post Office is located on the public road. The facility has been upgraded and is headed by Post Master Ronell Sam, and many services are provided for the community. They also have Swift Shipping for parcels, which is done online and Laparkan same-day money transfers. Sam stated that they sell stamps,and payments for all utility bills are done there; payout of salaries for some agencies; pension payments; mail services; rental of P.O boxes and bags.

The Soesdyke Post Office is open from Mondays to Fridays from 07:00hrs to 13:00hrs with a lunch break between 11:30hrs to 12:30hrs. Sam related that about 100 persons would visit to access the pension payouts on the first day of the month or month’s end, when they would have their biggest crowd and they try to ensure that pensioners are served expeditiously. He stated that on other days during pension payments, about 300 persons would show up and depending on what services they

need, they would provide services for 150 to 90 persons on weekdays. Sam added that they have four postal workers that deliver mails house to house from Soesdyke to Land of Canaan and they try to provide a good, reliable and efficient service to the community. The Soesdyke Post Office has adequate seating accommodation in the front of the building and all COVID-19 protocols are in place. Only three persons are allowed inside the building at any given time.

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Public Participation in Environmental Management

ENVIRONMENTAL management entails an understanding of how the earth functions and how humans interact with these functions. It is a multifaceted approach to identifying environmental changes and maximising the benefits of the environment, while seeking to avoid or reduce degradation. Environmental management systems are set up to protect the environment and human health by active measures such as control, mitigation, planning and implementation. The goal is to improve the quality of life, while ensuring that the quality of the environment is not compromised. Effective environmental management is integral to the mandate of the EPA. Public participation can contribute to better decisions! Public participation seeks to involve stakeholders and/ or ‘the public’ in problem-solving or decision-making and utilises those inputs to aid in the decision-making process. Decision-makers have more access to information during their interactions with the public; people who know the area can share additional facts, values, and perspectives critical to implementation of the project. Public input can have a heavy bearing on the decision-making process. It allows stakeholders (those with an interest, such as individuals, interest groups, communities etc.) to influence decisions that affect them or the natural environment. They can then incorporate the best information and expertise from stakeholders involved to ensure the most feasible decisions are made regarding the project. Public Participation Involves You! Public participation is integral to the operations of the Environmental Protection Agency. The Environmental Protection Act 1996 (hereafter, “the Act”) requires the agency: To promote participation of members of the public in the process of integrating environmental concerns in planning for development on a sustainable basis. (Section 4 (1) (b) of the Act) To promote and encourage a better understanding and appreciation of the natural environment and its role in social and economic development. (Section 4 (1) (j) of the Act) Additionally, for projects requiring Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), public participation at all stages of the project is extremely important to the project’s success. Moreover, during the conduct of the EIA, the engagement of appropriate and adequate stakeholders should not be undermined. Further, the Act requires the developer and person carrying out the EIA to: Consult members of the public, interested bodies and organisations. (Section 11 (9) (a) of the Act); and Provide to members of the public on request, copies of information for the EIA. (Section 11 (9) (b) of the Act) Public participation should not be seen as a single event, but as a process. It consists of a series of activities and actions. Moreover, the agency has established guidelines for projects requiring EIAs and will continue to work with developers to ensure adequate stakeholder engagement in developmental projects.

Public participation might take different approaches This really is dependent on several factors, including the legal and institutional system requirements; the capacity of the relevant actors, socio-cultural factors, economic factors; scope of the project, risks the project may pose, etc. The approaches to public participation include information sharing, written submissions, scoping meetings, consultations, disclosure meetings, active participation etc. Working together with the public to identify alternatives and the preferred solutions to potential adverse impacts can also empower the community to take ownership of the project. According to the International Development Bank in its “Meaningful-Stakeholder-Consultation” publication, Public Participation is not limited to the use of one tool only, a variety of tools and techniques can be used to inform the public, generate public participation, collect inputs and ensure some level of consensus is reached. Why is public participation important? Public participation is not simply a prudent but is also a necessary course of action; it actually results in better outcomes and better governance of projects. The agency has always recognised the need for public participation, and has been working on the strengthening of our stakeholder-engagement policies.

When executed in a meaningful way, public participation will benefit not only the agency, but also the project developer and /or company. Here are some of the benefits: 1. Saves costs 2. Avoids damage to reputation 3. Identifies potential hazards and reduce risks 4. Provides a more holistic view of the project; 5. Identifies available skills; 6. Early warning, better, understanding, more perspectives; and 7. Aids in acquiring baseline data. Public participation allows for more informed decision-making that reflects public interests and values. The EPA publishes public notices for written submissions on projects in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Protection Act 1996. Additionally, public meetings and consultations are held in collaboration with the developer for various projects. Be sure to follow the agency’s social media pages, visit our website, listen to our media programmes and participate in the public meetings/consultations on projects in your area. You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@ gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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Unvaccinated, unprotected and certainly, missing out XXVII XX Aye or no for A year of parliamentary decorum? COVID-19 CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, February 28, 2021

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, March 7, 2021

OVER the past few weeks unvaccinated people. For there has been an evident example, Education Minister shift in the public posture Priya Manickchand said that on vaccination. Not be- the resumption of physical cause we have been able classes come September is to acquire more doses of contingent upon widespread the Sputnik V second dose, vaccination. that we ran short of, but Importantly, too, the lobecause stricter COVID-19 cal private sector has been guidelines for unvaccinated advocating stricter measures DURING this edition of ‘In National people especially, seempast im- week’s for those people whothe remain ON March 11Parliamentarians last year, COVID-19 became a stark real- tracing, and treat patients to get ahead of the pandemic. But, the need forrepresenting the face masks, so cluster spreading Assembly,’ debated the 2021 National training of Parliamentarians so that a semblance of decorum standing Are theyofadequately us and our best interests minent. ityBudget, in Guyana. Though it had already begun spreading that was not unusual; all countries across the globe had to was very possible. We owe our gratitude to all the frontline which presented earlier in the month by Se- could be maintained in the some magic “jab” that currently being inely believe that we should National Assembly. It iswill envi- house at all lots times? Byacross the time you was read the globe a few months before, this novel coronaquickly and contend with the pandemic. Whatfrom was distributed. workers who were atrying to keep nation safeItthen, and nior Minister in theasOffice of the President with responsi- adapt prevent individuals Though fervent getthe vaccinated. shouldn’t sioned that such training sessions would also help to guide this column, if all goes virus became a great concern for Guyana and many of unique about Guyana was its unfolding elections quagmire. who continue to do so even now. bility for finance, Dr. Ashni Singh. The debate, however, becoming infected and repeladvocate for vaccination take the allure of cricket or the officials on proper parliamentary procedures. I hope we can do better. planned, ICaribbean should be countries recovthe only during From the It is not unreasonable to assume--because there is no Aside from the political occurrences, however, it is wellspotlighted a lack of decorum in the March. Parliament. But also, these events should force us to reconsider what ling the ‘COVID’ outright, myself, I believe, however, any other sporting/ social ering from screaming at the very It beginning, Guyana was and exposed to thefor stark empirical evidence--that the protracted elections’ peknown that the pandemic also impacted every other sector. is bothfor understandable acceptable the reality different real we expect and accept frombut ourIencompassed--distracted elected officials all of that you like tostymied, discuss this or any of am saying that--they we Ifhave towould intensify event or column thewere stress andand extop ofbecause my lungs hours the first person the local health authorities disriod-and all of the shenanigans Business productivity wasour schools closed sides of the house -- the government and opposition sides -- them-- while they discharge their responsibilities mytourism previous please feelhit free to contact metests via areWhile proven topandemic be abletowards toraged stopus. efforts gearedsector atwritings, dismantling pense ofwith getting weekly duringcovered the T20 international was infected, died. Guyanese from this pandemic. the the took the hardest the closure of to havebetween opposingWest views on the budget. After all, the national Are they articulating our collective email: vish14ragobeer@gmail.com values when they make people ending up in the of the and con-to leisure to convince youThe to closure get vaccricket match Guyana’s story ofthe thegovernment’s pandemic, at least in the beginning, during the first few months, and from we were embroiled in some borders and myths the constraints activities. budget illustrates vision, priority areas, onracist, sexist, homophobic, and other derogatory statements? COVID hospital, fighting for cerns that stymie vaccine cinated if you are without Indiesis(#rally) and Pakistan, a truly unique one. direction, Certainly, the country wastowards not as prenot uncommon for there to of schools eventually prompted a shift to virtual learning— a and general policy it points what our post-elections drama, it was dear life on a ventilator and a acceptance and work to instill valid reasonwith to getchallenges the “jabs.” at the pared National Stadium on been to since as it should have conduct testing, do contact be large gatherings and we had not yet developed an under‘Zoom school’—which has been fraught policies, programmes and plans the government intends to tube down one’s throat. a due sense of trust in GuyaneseandSo please, get vaccinated, Saturday. Cricket, as we well to inherent inequalities disparities. use Guyana’s money to fund. As I wind down, I read a aboutSocial these services, vaccines.too, I perlet’s protect ourselves. know, has the ability to bring haveand been constrained, which It would be strange for each member to agree on very controversial statement sonally prefer engagement If you like to conhas been particularly worrisome sincewould the pandemic us together to celebrate our every single thing, since various individuals have difrecently where a public of- and dialogue nectthe with me to groups discuss has painstaking disproportionately impacted vulnerable victoriesferent or express our frusunvaccinated employees will ficial stated that people who to more seriously coercive this column or any of my priorities and views and perhaps different sides in our society. With the slowdown in business directly tration atofthe men in maroon. unvaccinated. One existthe house have different plans, projects, or policies have to produce this test re- do not take the COVID-19 actions. contributing to a reduction previous or loss ofworks, income,feel social free During ing suggestion, proposed that these wouldmatches, guide Guyana’s developments; and, to that sult is at the beginning of each safety netsscores were necessary Moreover, vaccines available to them Unlike of otherto support to emailpersons. me at vish14ragohowever, what will bring us none other than President completely fine. week before they are able to should not be eligible for the countries, it has been that the pandemic— perhaps due to we found have vaccines beer@gmail.com together-after have spent Dr. Irfaan himself, is resume their duties. It isweneither understandable nor Ali remotely acceptable, the ‘stay-at-home’ focus— has contributed to a rise in education cash grants and readily available and I genuso muchhowever, time social distancthat unvaccinated employees for elected officials, sworn in as Members of Now, in all fairness, I abuse and domestic violence. These present even greater ing and Parliament all-is the simple should produce negative re- and (MPs),fact to openly hurl insultsa at each other recognise that taking a vacconcerns over the construction of social services. As time that some us are fully sult from a polymerase makeofracist, sexist, homophobic remarks. It is not chain acceptable cine-no matter how life-savand the pandemic progressed, however, efforts would be vaccinated and protected reaction (PCR) test, the gold for this level of disrespect to be entertained in the National ing it can be-is still a personal made to ensure that these disproportionate effects were from the more severe and standard COVID-19 tests,to choice and, at least as of Assembly. mitigated, on all fronts. life-threatening symptoms ofbe allowed into work- reThe normalisation racist, sexist, andtheir homophobic now, that choice is accepted To a large extent, nevertheless, we’re still navigating associated with thecommon, deadly social places and other The and respected. Yet, when we marks in our spaces mightentities. be a conversation the complexities of this pandemic and trying to manage disease,for COVID-19. cost for testsis will be think about the sheer devastaanother day, but for crying out those loud, this our National ourselves better. Now, however, we’re also contending That’s right. If you borne by as theitemployee. Assembly! Or,didn’t our Parliament, is more commonly with the emergence of newer, modified forms of the virus tions (infections, deaths, and know, only those people who at theFor bit of context on restrictions) caused over the called. It is not touting busapark! -- the variants, or strains as they are commonly called. The are fully vaccinated this, one a PCR testexperience, costs be-years Imagine thewould astonishment would scientific and medical communities expected these variants past 16 months or so, during be able from to attend games $15,000 to $25,000now, the if they were tween to revisit the hansards. Instead the of time of the COVID-19 would arrive at some point or the other, since viruses do and witness the return of thorough depending on which only well-articulated, analyses of theprivate $383.1 bilmutate. pandemic, getting vaccinated international cricketthat to was Guyentityfor you Teststhere fromwould lion budget presented thevisit. year 2021, The variants that have emerged so far — the United seems to be a no-brainer. ana after years. homophobia be nearly remarkstwo signalling or thinly veiled insults the Ministry of Health are of For me, taking a vacKingdom(UK), Brazil, and South African variants — all an that MP’smeans reproductive And yes, that if capabilities. free, but are accessible only cine amounts to protecting have the ability to infect more persons. If we’re not careful, be fair, however, there few salient presentayou aren’t To fully vaccinated if youwere showa signs and symptheir increased transmissibility could lead to a sharp rise in yourself and your loved ones On theyou firstare day oftoms the debate, it is a point against tions. COVID-19, our cases, additional deaths, and an overwhelmed healthof COVID-19. And of so,pride and really, if that alone is two women -- MPsit is Susan Amanza care system. Guyana has not been able to identify whether certainlythat missing out on seequiteRodrigues evident thatand unvacnot enough to convince any Walton-Desir who are also new Parliamentarians we do any of these variants without our borders. We have ing our country boy Shimron cinated people will chalk -upmade person to be vaccinated, then presentations one would expect at this forum. been sending a few COVID-19 samples to the Caribbean Hetmyergood in action against thethatquite the bill getting these I don’t know how else to this absencetests of weekly. decorum from many of the Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for testing, but those few world-classThough Babar Azam. underscore the importance of samples were not variants. That is not enough to rule out MPs,is the localOfcontext, Beyond justperhaps, missingnot outa new occurrence Already, in Giftland these vaccines. the possibility that we have variants. it begs us toare askother ourselves: what valuable contributions on cricket, there ficeMax has issued a press are Just to be clear, I am not On the other hand, we’ve been able to secure a ourconsiderations elected officials at this forum? emerging formaking statement indicating that saying that the vaccines are number of the COVID-19 vaccines and we have been One would hope that the leaders elected by the people vaccinating our frontline healthcare workers. Soon, of Guyana, whether in government or opposition, would other frontline workers, the elderly, and persons with maintain a certain level of decorum in the house. In discomorbidities (underlying and undetected health concharging their duties towards the people of the nation, at the ditions, such as diabetes) will be vaccinated too. The very least, it is expected that they would engage in critical importance of vaccines is that they allow the body to analyses of the budget. The budget debate should attempt to create an immune response to the virus, thereby fighting pinpoint deficiencies in allocations, or indicate what other off infection. And Guyana, incredibly, has been able to areas of priority should be focused on. secure several vaccines in a short period amid global This is how you operate in a democracy, where transconcerns of vaccine nationalism, where larger, wealthier parency and accountability are underpinning tenets. This is countries are hoarding these vaccines for themselves. how you respect the sanctity of Parliament. And above all But, even so, vaccines are not necessarily the ‘magic else, is this how you adequately represent the people of the bullet’ for the population and there are, understandably, nation you committed to serve? Parliamentary affairs -- evmany concerns. Due to the perceived short period during ery single aspect-- should be geared towards enhancing the which the vaccines were developed and granted emergendevelopment of the nation and its citizenry. cy-use authorisation, concerns about the long-term benefits Admittedly, clever innuendos and witty remarks have and impact of the vaccines linger. Additionally, the efficacy long been part of parliamentary presentations, not only in of the vaccines on the variants is still evolving. In Guyana, Guyana, but around the world. The addition of clever satire these concerns may contribute to the vaccine-acceptance has its usefulness in communication, no doubt. Much of rates unless greater efforts are made (or continued) to prowhat we saw last week, however, appeared to be a common mote greater education, communication, and trust. bottom house or rumshop debacle, replete with “props” and Despite this, we are still unsure when this pandemic may all, that left much to be desired. be over. Reasonable estimates project that we should return Last December, Clerk of the National Assembly, to a greater sense of normalcy by 2023 when all countries Sherlock Isaacs, told the Guyana Chronicle that the are finally expected to receive their vaccines and immunise Parliament Office would arrange and conduct training their populations. We don’t yet know for certain, so this sessions for MPs. Training, the clerk said, is essential means that as we approach our ‘COVID anniversary’ we

sharing their journeys XX

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 1, 2021

g seven amazing women from the Women Anthologies. st of Watch Radio NY requested an interasked him if it was okay for me to invite oin me. I am sharing some excerpts from

van Phillips -- born in St Lucia, living in

owards being a Midwife of Purpose came being broken, displaced, and ough this journey, I experienced a divorce, e and got displaced education administrator’s position. Coupled were two major eclipses One week later I completed y life. An eclipse happens when you can my assignment with CTO calling becomes greater than your current and was now ready to move hrough this process, you can transcend to a on to my next career move. hinking where you can connect with your I called Monique to let her ourself as one with nature. know I was available as we lett – born in Guyana and living in NY agreed and she was so hapegan to have the real experience of dreampy to have me start my first my dream world alive. I was immediately and I am inviting you to join 50th and you surpassed the aspect. I DEMAND A RECOUNT! courageous. We give our- his first book on his birthday the livestream to receive your number of books you have temporary assignment with nterview with the agency where they tested Just kidding. I have been speed. selves permission live ourMy and DeutschetoBank. firstI am thrilled to share blessings. You will receive on Amazon because it is now n using Microsoft Office and typing Benefits looking forward to joining best lives and not be afraid his cover. I am also sending from some of the spiritual 10, but no husband yet. Lol the 50s club and I am a few to fail because we know greetings to two more Leos: leaders who have impacted Then she said, “maybe you The internship will prodays away. There are three there are many lessons to Stanley Ming and Clinton my life, including Pastor concentrated more on the vide exposure to the fashion things that are stately in learn. “A lion doesn’t lose Urling, who are also two Claude Brooks. This is a books.” We had a good laugh. and personal development their strides, four that move sleep over the opinion of visionaries. significant milestone and I I will not be celebrating in industries. with stately bearing: a lion, sheep.” I saw this online August 1 is here and the am intentional about making the South of France, but I The internship allows acmighty among beasts, who and smiled and my fellow real celebration is about to it memorable. I had to adjust can assure you I will still be cess to the behind-the-scenes retreats before. Proverbs Leos will understand why. begin at 4pm this evening. some of the ideas I had five with some good friends and experience in the business of 30 : 29-30. The lion is menSending plenty love to Many of you may be tired of years ago for my 50th. I al- family minus the husband. writing and publishing books tioned so many times in the all the Leos celebrating their me mentioning how grateful ways had in mind to include I am super excited about all bible and I feel blessed to be birthdays in this season. A I am for the guidancelasted of God I knew that A I would When I projects was six years assignment two weeks, the celebration plans. few be inRequirements some philanthropic a natural lion. Sometimes special greeting to my daugh- in my lifecovering and without him Ivacation. big and trouble I told my dada teachable spirit and an started school in Mesa, someone’s are private I amifinviting as part old of Ithe celebration a Leo’s confidence can be ter Shonta and buddy Rich- am nothing. be theethicand had me happened. a I began Due To to God my work andthatArizona, intentional ambition you allwhat to join for theIt was was no so surprise to staying mistaken for arrogance ard. He is celebrating in a Glory Celebration secret: the with my mom desire to gowill the set extra mile, a passion for creativity my friends with whom I others. I believe in passing because we are strong and special way by launching the tone for the entire month kind and thatwe could mea yearning to learn husband routineI landed another assignment on knowledge willgetand was havingand thisher discussion. into big ly.them It was like going in the same departmentWhat for got be launching an trouble. internshipI didn’ta foundation of computer excited then from knowfor how much trouble, but heaven to hell. It was six months, then another programme fashion and skills is for because I told them that a horror I wasn’t willing to story that’s yet to be writthree months, which finally we are celebrating in the personal development. We a chance. “Shhhh... While grandma’s led to my permanent posiOutcomes are Iinvitingtake people between south often. France on at a yacht anyone.” filled Iwith tion, allowing me to live theofagesDon’t of 16tell to 46 to learn withamywas husband. also the told love it’s the trauma ofThere are many advana grandma andbooks Jesus daily. dream. from our Maybe purpose-driven them I would have five my experience, but for some other hand, my geographic Dr. Safeeya Mohamed – On the location on Amazon. In January, one atteam; reason I still cannot mother’s house, I was filled Trinidad of them called to say we will not be a problem becauseremem- SEE PAGE XXXII how Rockfrom ‘N your Roll, drugs We received the updates we will ber be hosting a virtual are not with far away often it happened, when that the accident was horrific and inappropriate, wild sex and that the victim was stuck parties. Ultimately, from it started, or even when it such an environment you can ended in the car. The vehicle had to be cut imagine the kinds of abuse Penny Phakahi –South open to get to the victim. It that mom’s house provided. never occurred to me that When I was 11 years old, Africa I have had my share of grandma Shirley died and my my brother could be remotely in- stepdad left. My mom had turmoil and I strongly believe volved. The next thing I an emotional breakdown, so that it is these stints of turremember, I was looking at I ran away! I couldn’t take moil that brought me this far in my life. I was any more. the body of my brother Andrea Edwards – born and perhaps is still in my covered in blood in a hearse. The strident, agonis- in Guyana, living in Florida refinery process. As a young girl, I grew As I sat in the back of ing scream of my mother in my dad’s Nissan Bluebird, I up with one main ambition, the A&E that early morning has not peered through the windows wanting to get away, far away from the system of escaped my mind almost 17 at the images on thinking or the box that the fence of the Guyyears later as she howled ana Botanical Gardens and we often find ourselves in. “my son died, my son died, nobody’s help- Zoological Park. The radio Apart from understanding myself I always dared to ing us!” But nobody could, blasted the popular be different, which was a calypso song “1985” by as his spirit departed at the a then-popular calypsonian. constant struggle when surpoint of impact. Up to this day, I would have just celebrated rounded by my situations. I grew up under a strict I ponder where the strength my sixth Christian family with my birthday, quite oblivious came from to navigate that to the concept of time, but grandfather and step granny, night. that song would not allow as my mother lost her mom Shanon Paar – Arizona me to forget SEE PAGE XXV that it was 1985.

50 is the new AWESOME

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EMANCIPATION DAY REFLECTIONS

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ―― Sunday, CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT Sunday,February January 28, 10, 2021 2021

EAWALLS EVER!

THE GUYANA/ NTROVERSY SOON EFORE THE ICJ TODAY 1st August, Emancipation Day, is celebrated throughout the Caribbean, including Guyana. In 1833 the Emancipation Act was passed by the British Parliament freeing all slaves in the British Empire. But real freedom did not come until August 1, 1838, since the Emancipation Act specified a number of hours per day over several years which each slave had to serve before full freedom was finally accorded. This period between 1833 and 1838 is known as the Apprenticeship (System) and accordingly, full freedom came only on August 1, 1838 at the end of Apprenticeship.

On August 1, 1838, a wave of joyous celebrations swept over the country. African drums were played all night and there was much dancing and feasting on the many African foods, recipes for which had been brought from Africa. As time marched on , new customs came to be added to the celebrations such as for example, young people would go from house to house at daybreak

ly and discussions where factual bases invariably become J). blurred. ve In thisisoffering, we will depart this with normseashells and try to anese today rather muddy was oncefrom covered and od questions have been asking theup arelyanswer theretwo would alwaysthat be many children exploring and since picking ed of theoftwo Guyanese fishing boats inthey Guyana’s territ wasseizure seashells different colours; sometimes may find large or conch shells. ts sixtorial waters by a Venezuelan navy ship. The first question ooded The foreshore or continental shelf gradually rises and falls e first every 20 years and today, the foreshore land between Camp rence Street and the Pegasus Hotel has almost risen to the height of con- the wall and coconut trees and other vegetation grow on it.

rk for from o until al tenof the walls.

Likewise, the sea has reclaimed the land along the Kitty Seawall where houses once stood. Indeed, a substantial building is still standing close to the wall near the Kitty Pump Station, but the sea is under it. Old fishermen who set their nets on the foreshore sea could vividly describe the cyclical rise and fall of the beach. The Seawalls provided a favourite place for health en-

the sun had risen. singing Emancipation songs and awakening sleepers to join is, why is the Venezuelan public sowere the celebrations or, in addition toconvinced rum,always new drinksathat such asthey On moonlit nights the Seawalls crowde jamoon wine, rice wine, ginger beer and sorrel came to beand have a valid claim to two-thirds ofmenus. Guyana’s territory promenade. Many went socialise with friends, but all wen added to the to Emancipation As the years passed on, the descendants of the freedwhy their politicians are so bellicose and aggressive about to enjoy the beauty of the moon rising from the sea and th men came to be the most educated people in the colony and this claim? moonlight Andsupplied the second question is, why did President the schools with teachers and, as academics, blue-green which wastheir brighter, since there wer began to research and even write on slavery and its various Maduro of Venezuela choose this time to seize the boats no road lights toaspects. diluteTheyit.exploded Others would enjoy that theEmanvariou the myth, for instance, when he would the Guyanese phasesheofknew the New Moon alienate with the background of population purple skie and cause embellished the international community to condemn or with thousands of stars which appea disapprove brighter of his action, Venezuela intersince leaving there were no cityisolated lights. Other nationally on the issue. would go to the Seawalls in the late afternoons t The answer to the sunsets first question began during theinto Cold admire gradually transforming th light ofof dusk. War: At theblue beginning the 1960s Britain had decided to joysthe of colony the Seawalls were th withdraw fromAnother Guyana of andthe grant independence, earlylikely evening concerts givenof bythe the newly Militi but it was very thatSunday the Prime Minister the Police at the Bandstand whic independentBand stateand would be DrBand Cheddi Jagan, an avowed attracted of people. Their repertoire con Marxist. U.S. Cold hundreds War interests tried to persuade Britain sisted ofindependence, light classical music Strauss’ an to delay Guyana’s but allsuch that as Britain could was ballet solely due to the benevolence colonial waltzes, music such Delibes’ pizzicat promise wasother thatcipation she would hand over power toof athenon-Comauthorities and uncovered the truth that there was always a andMinister. Sylvia, least English patriotic suc munist Prime American Intelligence felt that struggle, at both covertone and overt, against slavery andsong that itthis was these struggles such as the Berbice Slave Rebellion, the “This royal throne ofand Kings” an British offerasneeded further insurance andand so Guyanese they devised Demerara Slave Rebellion Damon’s rebellion in EssequCaribbean folk songs. TheEmancipation. concerts arrange ibo which helped to Venezuela precipitate Such writings a plan whereby their client wouldwere threaten to became a necessary part of the Emancipation celebrations and for early evening so that children could attend this article itself is an example of such. In the writings Emancipation its aftermath, not thei many Guyanese in on later life haveandadmitted that enough emphasis has been accorded the creative contribufirst exposure to freedmen classical music wasdescendants from thes tions made by the and their immediate to the building of Guyanese society and there are three such Bandstand concerts. areas we would like to mention in this offering: the Village OnMovement; EastertheMonday thousands kite-flyer supply of personnel to man theof lower levels of the colonial administration and of the police force and the turnedpioneering out from the morning. Kite of thefive gold o’clock and diamondin industries. After Emancipation, many of the decided to were all hand-made and were infreedmen a variety of shape remain on the plantations, but when they realised that the such as boxes, birds and snakes, but wages offered were below a living wage and thatthe therepredom were many vestiges of slavery which still remained on the plantainant tions, shape was the Guyanese octagon and in they decided to leave the plantations and set themselves up as village communities. were able a to kite purchase variety offree colours. SingingThey engines, whic a number of abandoned sugar estates which they converted made a loud droning sound, wastheyone thepurchases most popula into villages. The money used of for such came from savings they had made from the small stipends Kite-flying was always combined with picnicking. Thethey Easte received as apprentices and from their Sunday Markets. In kite-flying todayconstructing is a palethese reminiscence of the heyday. new village communities, they had to overcome challenges of various kinds such as legal, financial, As mentionedengineering, above, leadership the political tensions criminalit and dealing with anand unsympathetic colonial administration. Such legal problems were the th kept people away from the Seawalls in the 1960s.of By nature of landwas transfers andpossibility division of land or engineering invade Guyana if there any of a Marxist 1990s life had become more stable and people again began t as the creation of an infrastructure and building hundreds of government being installed in Guyana. SEE PAGE XXXV frequent the Seawalls, but the ambience had changed. Ther The 1899 Arbitral Award had settled the boundaries of

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The bustling village...

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 1, 2021

Soesdyke Village (Carl Croker photos)

FROM PAGE VI gardens in their yards. Soesdyke Village has brightly coloured buildings, both large and small, and all the lands are privately owned. The community has a lot of outdoor, open spaces and it is a safe place to start a family and a business. Locals say it is a place where you visit and never leave because everything is there

and it is a lively village that is always buzzing with activities. It has a nice, open, airy feel to it and it is indeed a nice community in which to settle. Most of the villagers have lived all their lives in the village and there are some newcomers, but they don’t mind, since the community is big enough for them all to have space. The village has all basic

infrastructure with potable water, electricity, cable, internet, landline and cellphone services and has many government-owned facilities. The commercial banks and other businesses are a few villages away at Grove, a central hub for businesses as well, so there is no need to journey to the city, only when necessary.

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Overcoming self-doubts through... FROM PAGE IV B u t t h a t ’s w h e r e i t stopped because from the time he had to deal with the public, he’d go back into his reserved zone. “I was very timid and lacked self-confidence, but I had to overcome it and not allow what society thought of me to affect me.” And getting into theatre helped him do just that. “I really got into it in secondary school. I used to get away from home to go to Lichas Theatre that was located in Mackenzie High School and some days, instead of going home, I would stay and peek in at whatever

was going on.” “I found theatre as the avenue where I could just be me and be free and open and live and be accepted,” Frederick reflected as he became actively involved in not just theatre, but also in the lives of other youths. Now a member of the Theatre Guild and the National Drama Company, Frederick is doing what he loves in addition to helping his students at the West Ruimveldt Secondary School to prepare for CSEC. He learnt how to deal with the teasing and has allowed himself to move from getting himself down. “Even today, people call me that, even though I threw off all

that weight. But I embrace it now and am comfortable while I try to work out and take care of myself.” In fact, Frederick is the opposite of what he was while growing up. “Frederick Minty is the most jovial, crazy, exciting person that you’ll ever meet, but don’t get him on his nerves because he’s going to give you a piece of his mind. But after that, he’s going to be back to his jolly, happy self,” he described. The self-confidence that Frederick has acquired through theatre has helped him to extend himself to various aspects of entertainment. He has been able

to move on from just being on stage to being in films. Currently, he’s working to turn some stage plays into short films, is doing advertisements, and assisting with the production of a television programme that will start soon. “I really put myself into everything I do. Some people come to theatre, but they don’t want to put in the work. But theatre is a lot of work, a lot of time, energy

and commitment. I know I have that commitment. I see things to the end,” he related. This has helped him to complete writing his first play. “So now I am not only an actor, director and stage manager, but I can also consider myself a writer.” Due to his experiences growing up, Frederick feels that he has a lot to offer youths today. “I find that a lot of young people are suffering with mental health

issues, but I want to encourage them never to give up on anything that they want to do. Try and try again and don’t ever sit back and wait for someone to give you something. Working hard is something we must do.” He added: “Eventually, we’ll get to where we want to be. Life is very short, but it’s very sweet. It’s how we live it that makes it great.”

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CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ―CHRONICLE Sunday, February 28, 2021 PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, August 1, 2021

Pay attention to ADHD

o not always know what I’m looking y phone is such a normal part of my my hand that I cannot count the numhed for it, while it was actually in my o when I get up in the morning and going to sleep is check my phone. I healthy and something must be done. and found that women were more d to their phones simply because men ocial media apps. Also, older people e addicted. I believe this is because use smartphones (My father actually

y colleagues and friends how bad

losing your phone would be on a scale of 1-10. 98 percent said 10 and 2 percent said 9. They all claimed that it would be the worst material possession that they could ever lose. I’D LIKE to write about a disorder that I’ve recently seen They continued to say that feelings of anxiety, irritation to be misunderstood and wrongfully diagnosed inand Guyana. I’d like to talk about Attention deficit hyperactivity disoroverwhelming sadness would be felt ifwhich theyis awere lose their der (ADHD), cluster ofto behavioural symptoms such as hyperactivity or over excitement, inattentiveness phone today. and impulsiveness. Inattention means that interest is lost quickly while doing It seems harmless, right? sotends much a taskCaring and the individual to move onabout to somethingaelse. Hyperactivity refers to physical activity such as running, phone? Well, this week I’ve been really paying attention jumping and an overall inability to sit still. Impulsivity conof reckless and impatient behaviour. These canto alsoa cause to the importance that I andsists others around me give additional issues such as high anxiety, depression levels and lack of sleep. phone, rather than what’s actually going on around them. It is usually first noticed and diagnosed very young- usually between the ages of six 12 years old.people, One can develop Our phones -- whether we are speaking toto other ADHD as an adult, but that is quite rare. The disorder is more using social media or playing games -- can addictive common in boys than girls andbe can occur in those of any academic ability. However, it is more common among those as they alter our moods, beliefs and trigger enjoyable with learning difficulties/disabilities. ADHD is a lifelong condition. However, children may and unenjoyable feelings. Apart from obviously being my main source of communication, my phone is my newspaper, watch, alarm, map, recorder, day planner, calendar, camera, music player, calculator, a weapon (sometimes) and my friend when I’m bored or lonely- basically everything. However, it is also my constant interrupter and distractor. I (I imagine much like most of you out there) have a deep desire to know everything that is going on. I believe that is human nature. But when does it become too much? Well, I believe it’s too much when it has a name. ‘Nomophobia’ is the term coined to describe the fear of being without a mobile phone. Seriously, what have we come to? It becomes an addiction when the object begins to control your life and interferes with your daily activities, work, and grow out of the majority of the symptoms, especially hyperactivity. If the inattention and lack of focus are severe, it tends relationships. I read somewhere that “The biggest obstacle to remain throughout adulthood. Diagnosing ADHD can be difficult as it is quite normal to productivity is connectivity,” butto beoveruse canrestless, affect a for children physically excited, imaginative, even disobedient. So how would you know if lot more than our productivity.inattentive The and truth is, overuse of our your child has a problem? Symptoms of ADHD will fall under two categories. These are inattentiveness and hyperactivity phones can harm us psychologically, socially and physically. and impulsiveness. It is important to note this because some have issues with one and not the With regard to affecting ourindividuals socialmayskills, how many ofother. us For example, a child would have serious problems with inattentiveness and learningas while at school, but ison not overactive miss out on a joke or good conversation we were our or excited at all. phones? How many times have we good will friend Thoseannoyed who suffer fromour inattentiveness experience difficulty paying attention to one task for long periods of time, or family member because wegetwere posting on social media easily distracted, often forget and lose things, make careless mistakes, have difficulty following rules and instructions how much fun we are having with It truly affects our and have them? an overall, short attention span. SEE PAGE XXIX

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Pay attention ... FROM PAGE XXVIII

Those who suffer from hyperactivity and impulsiveness find it hard to sit still and are almost constantly fidgeting. They are unable to concentrate on the task at hand,are impatient, have difficulty socialising and playing group activities, talk excessively, have little or no sense of danger, and tend to suffer from lack of sleep. Other signs may be delays in speech and motor development, poor handwriting and language skills, low mood, poor self-image, mood swings, and irritability. These symptoms must be present for more than six months at a time. Adults who have ADHD will also experience the above as well as drug use/abuse, issues with the law and personal relationships, as well as trouble seeking/ keeping employment. Adults with ADHD can also suffer from other disorders simultaneously, such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder and various personality disorders. What can cause ADHD? It is unfortunate that the exact cause of ADHD has still not been identified, but like any other disorder, there are many factors that have been associated with it. Numerous causes have to do with the family and pregnancy/ birthing process. For example, those with a family history of diagnosed ADHD are more likely to develop it. Infections as well as alcohol, tobacco or illicit drugs during pregnancy are also causal factors. The child is more at risk if there is a premature birth or being underweight at birth, early infections such as measles, or brain trauma/injury. Extreme neglect and abuse can also increase the risk of developing ADHD. How do you treat ADHD? If you feel that your child (or you) might be suffering from ADHD, it is important to do your research. You should compare their behaviour to the symptoms list yes, but also visit their school/ teachers as well as parents of homes they have visited to find out what their behaviour is like in other settings. If this results in a higher possibility of the disorder, then take them to your nearest mental health clinic and share your concerns. Although there is no cure for ADHD, the disorder is managed with counselling, independently for the child as well as family sessions, social skills training, educational support and medication (when extreme and necessary). Regular physical exercise is also an effective add-on treatment. Finally, diet can play a role in worsening symptoms -- consuming a lot of refined sugar for example. Due to its prominence, I would recommend that all parents, nannies, teachers, social workers – anyone who works predominately with children get educated on identifying, diagnosing and treating symptoms of ADHD. I would like to add that ADHD has been commonly used as an excuse for challenging and unruly behaviour. This should not be so. It is important to know the difference – does

your child need professional help or does he/she just need manners? Thank you for reading and please send in any topics to caitlinvieira@ gmail.com.

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Cine Guyana Inc is here to stay

By Dillon Goring IN November 2010, following an approach by a team of film-makers (including Birchmore Simon and the late Denis Ward) to the President of Guyana, His Excellency Dr. Bharat Jagdeo, the president created a small grant of $10 million to stimulate a film-making industry in Guyana. Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, who was at the time Director of the Centre for Communication Studies at the University of Guyana, and is now the university’s Vice-chancellor, managed the project which was named “The President’s Film Endowment Project 2011.” The project gained support from USAID, Ohio University, the University of Guyana, The Theatre Guild of

Guyana and several other private organisations. Over four months, approximately 188 persons were trained in all aspects of film-making by US Director Brian Zahn and eight short films were shot & produced in Regions Four, Five, Six, and 10. These films premiered in Guyana and were shown in festivals in the UK, USA and The Caribbean. CineGuyana Inc. is officially incorporated under the “Companies Act of Guyana.” Following the initial eight films, three additional short films and one full-length have been produced “We have been strengthening our voice and emphasising the importance of making Guyana an important and lucrative film-making country. The opportunities for tourism, employment for youths and the Creative Arts are

endless!” the company said. “The Board of Directors-headed up by Burchmore Simon- is in the process of engaging the government to include in the national budget, funds towards this objective. We urge them to continue the vision supported by President Bharat Jagdeo in 2010; our membership drive continues as we continue to be the leading voice and company in the Guyana film industry.” The Pepperpot Magazine sat down with Interim President of CineGuyana and Secretary to the Board of Directors, Denise Harris, to get a better perspective of the future of Cine Guyana and its vision. According to Harris, the film industry can SEE PAGE XXXI

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Cine Guyana Inc is ... FROM PAGE XXX serve as an industry to create jobs. “The vision of our now President Burchmore Simon and the team-the rest of the Board of Directors-our vision is to be a force or a voice in our country to promote film in a serious way, where somebody from Hollywood has a movie to make and would consider Guyana as a destination,” Harris told Pepperpot Magazine. Harris boasted that Guyana has excellent film-makers and storytellers that can do better than African moods. Advocacy for more money for the film industry Harris could not help but stress the need for money for the film industry. So assistance is being sought from the Government of Guyana for assistance in the form of more money, the annual grant specifically for film-making and also the management of the film industry. “I look around and I see a lot of budding film thing bubbling up all over and I rather suspect 2010 re-emerging of films had something to do with that, because let us not fool ourselves, films were being [made] long before 2010,because you had things like ‘If wishes were horses’ and a lot was going on. But the problem was sustainability, and I believe why CineGuyana is still floating, is because we have energy, and we love what we do,” Harris pointed out. Copyright Laws a critical element for the film industry The urgency of the copyright law being a legislation passed in the National Assembly could not be stressed more by Harris, as she detailed the fact that the quality of films shown by television stations could be significantly improved. She stressed that there is disorder in the working of the media versus the creatives.

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“I will acknowledge the crossover is rough but [it is] necessary to do that crossover, and when we do that crossover, it lends to us earning revenue,” Harris told Pepperpot. According to her, if proper copyright laws are put in place, then TV stations will be forced to show local content. Sustainability is paramount To achieve sustainability of the film industry, Cine Guyana is hosting several workshops and arousing children’s curiosity to become interested in the industry. “We can earn on an international level, because Hollywood, they outsource animation, colour correction [and] editing; therefore much [sic] hours needs [sic] to be spent in order to achieve quality production. It therefore means that financial resources need to be provided to achieve this goal.” With this goal in mind, she stated that they are ready for the international market and that requests and letters have been sent out to have engagements with the top brains in the industry.

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50 is the new ... FROM PAGE XX

tages to be achieved during the exciting and empowering journey of this unique internship, leading to true self-discovery * Identifying your unlimited potential * Prospects of writing your own book * Alternative creative employment opportunities.

We will be hosting the Emerging entrepreneur Fireside chat for young people with start-ups or who are about to venture out. One male and one female from the participants will be selected for financial assistance and mentorship. We will be launching the Virtual Love, so we are hosting a tagline completion. All my courses

will be 50% off for seven days and the books 25 - 50% off. We will be launching dinner and a story for underprivileged families for 50 weeks. I will cook sometimes and go over with dinner and have storytelling with them. Sometimes we will dine out. This is an extension of the Sonia Noel Foundation Bread Basket project in collaboration with the World Care Organization in NY and Create

Compelling Stories Club. A blood drive in collaboration with the blood bank will be Georgetown and my hometown Bartica. I have hosted blood drives before but this one is significant because it is a part of my golden celebration. We are aiming for lots of units to be donated, especially the negative blood type such as mine. “The negative thing about me is my blood type, ‘I often joke about my ‘B’ negative blood.’ An exhibition in collaboration with Giftland and Urban Life will give exposure to 50 small businesses and start-up businesses. I should mention not only

women businesses and there is no cost to participate. My friend Christine Neblett will be sponsoring 50 hampers that will be distributed in my hometown. We are encouraging young men and women in Bartica to join for developing the best fireside chat. I am looking forward to catching up with some school friends, including Radine Robinson, Cyril Scarder, Christopher Shewram, Joanne Begamin, Emily Ramdass, Cecily Worrel and some others. Looking out for this unique takeaway tea party and the 50 is the new, awesome brunch. Only 50 women can attend and each

individual with bringing a gift containing personal-care items. The gifts will be given to 50 women who are in need of these items. This is just a snippet of why I give God the Glory for the great things he has done and continues to do in my life. If you are interested in celebrating with me in any of the events or programmes please WhatsApp or call 592 684 8129 or email beyondtherunway1@ gmail.com as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey call Life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

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Emancipation and the modern ...

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FROM PAGE II

achieve,” Mc Pherson said. McPherson opined that some of the notable achievements of black races is an indication that we have marched forward in the advancement of Afro Guyanese. Meanwhile, another professional, Ruth Howard, who has worked in the mining industry, indicated through an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine that Afro-Guyanese, particularly young professionals, have been making inroads into excellence through their entrepreneurial ventures. According to Howard, Afro-Guyanese have also en-

Kojo McPherson

FROM PAGE II flected on the meaning of the commemoration and some core influences that Emancipation has had on him as a young Afro-Guyanese professional. “To me, Emancipation means self-determination, it means total control over your body, your physical energy, your mental energy, your spiritual energy and being able to take those energies and exploit those energies to your personal benefit and the benefit of those who come after you,” Mc Pherson noted in his remarks. Mc Pherson mentioned that in light of this significance, he has noticed that people of African descent, particularly young people, have incredible energy, mental focus and they are hard-working. According to Mc Pherson, the young Black people of today are very focused physically and mentally, energetic, very positive, very ambitious and for him, that is a celebratory achievement. “When I look at them, I feel very proud; I feel we have something to celebrate. I think that something that needs to be addressed and understood is [how to] identify yourself as a part of the African diaspora. However, it doesn’t mean that you are totally anti- the other races, but this should not prevent you from expressing your Africanisms as a Guyanese,” Kojo posited. According to him, “blackness” is one of the attributes of the Guyanese community that should be celebrated. Kojo also commented on the fact that Emancipation is about culture, identity and maintaining a dignity about oneself. “When I wake up on August 1, it will be a commemoration, it will be a recognition of what has gone before me, not just the suffering, but the struggles of the people that came before me. Remember, we weren’t just given Emancipation, and it is something that we worked hard for… “When I think about Emancipation, I think about it as a journey we are still on. It is a goal to achieve, and it is almost like the term ‘enlightenment.’ “Emancipation is in stages, we may achieve an aspect of Emancipation, but there are others aspects of Emancipation we have to

gaged themselves in excelling into the area of academia for the main purpose of future development in their relevant job areas. Emancipation celebrations have always been of great importance to the Afro-Caribbean Guyanese population. According to a quote from playwright and writer, Al Creighton, who has written several articles on Emancipation over the years, the commemoration is more than just SEE PAGE XXXIV

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Emancipation and the modern ... FROM PAGE XXXIII

a calendar event. “Marking the anniversary also holds significance because of the meaning it has for the people of the Region, as the end of the institution of slavery and what it stood for in the colonies. It closed an era of dehumanisation, retro-

gressive socialisation, and cultural erosion. On the other hand, Emancipation Day has meaning as the outcome of struggle, resistance and sacrifice; s t a n d i n g f o r f re e d o m , liberation and the resilience of a people. It means the triumph of

the African spirit and created the opportunity for development of the Village Movement which was responsible for the communities and village structure within which the majority of Guyanese live in the modern society.”

Ruth Howard

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EMANCIPATION DAY ... FROM PAGE XXII houses. They overcame these and successfully confronted the challenges of creating an economy in which the villages could survive. This economy consisted of farming and the supply of tradesmen such as carpenters, plumbers, furniture makers and so on, both to their village and the surrounding areas and for the towns, Georgetown and New Amsterdam. This achievement of having the discipline of saving and the creation of successful new communities is of the highest order and one of which all Guyanese are proud and especially our African Guyanese segment. Since the freedmen and their offspring took to education with dedication, a very large proportion became literate in a short time and were able to supply personnel for the lower ranks of the government administration and the police. The colonial government would not have been possible except for the service of this group. It should be mentioned that service in the police was somewhat of a sacrifice, since police work,

all over the world and in Guyana was among the lowest paid; this engagement in the police force by offspring of the freedmen allowed the youths of other communities to work in the better remunerated private sector. The gold and diamond industries were pioneered by “pork-knockers” from this segment of the community. This meant venturing into deep forests with dangerous falls and rivers infested with wild animals and without the help and guidance of equipment as compasses or maps in the quest and exploration for the gold and diamond deposits. The main gold and diamond fields were discovered by these pioneers and many were able to become fairly successful miners. It is these same gold and diamond fields which the recently established foreign companies with their modern equipment have been able to very profitably exploit. From about the 1950s, the great creativity and enterprise shown by the freedmen and their offspring began to decline, to the great loss of Guyanese society and all Guyanese have been seeking ways of resuscitating this spirit of creativity. In this quest, we may mention a little booklet by Dr Accabre Nkofi titled, ‘Rebirth of the Blackman’ which may be obtained at the National Library or the Library of the University of Guyana. There are also other useful writings on the subject and Guyanese as a whole are confident that this dull phase would pass away. We therefore celebrate this Emancipation Day with the usual joyousness and optimism.

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August 1, 2021 THOUGHT FOR TODAY The only reward of virtue is virtue; the only way to have a friend is to be one. RALPH WALDO EMERSON (1803-1882) Ess ays, vi. Friendship

STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Welcome, dear friend. Let us spread some more light upon discussion, a learning activity involving study partners. Reference last week’s closing item. Discussion is a disciplined learning technique. A group can join in discussion, but learning depends upon the individuals. It is really a process combining several functions such as test-

ing knowledge and understanding, bringing you new knowledge and insights, and facilitating active recording of the material on hand. Use it as an interesting way to remain focused. Love you. THE PASSAGE Reading the printed word again and again NOTE: In the passage below, partly amended, you should notice that to explore the qualities and characteristics of the topic in hand, the co-authors have used a combination of expository types. They begin by explaining how forests tend to inhibit avalanches, and then discuss what happens when areas are deforested for building or heating purposes. Reforestation that prevents avalanches is then touched on. Read: In many cases, the villagers made the avalanche worse. Before settlement, dense forests covered many of the slopes above the valleys. The forests inhibited large avalanches, since catastrophic avalanches do not originate in a heavy forest, and avalanches travelling into such a forest will often slow as the snow encounters the trees. A forest tends to diminish the speed of the snow and break up the avalanche. However, villagers systematically cut down the forests that covered the steep slopes on both sides for building and heating purposes. In many areas the trees never grew back, leaving the slopes bare and smooth – a perfect track for the run of a snow avalanche. A prime example of deforestation is in the valley of Ursental in central Switzerland above the town of Andermatt and others. As the story is told, the inhabitants of the valley almost too late realised their mistake: they saw that on the bare, treeless slopes, huge avalanches began descending to the valley floor, making travel extremely dangerous between towns. All tree-cutting was stopped and reforestation, the systematic planting of trees began. It continues today to thicken the wedges that were periodically thinned by avalanches. (Betsy Armstrong &

Knox Williams, “The Avalanche”) What to Do 1. Say what you understand by the following ELEVEN terms: avalanche, settlement, catastrophic, originate, encounters, diminish, systematically cut down, slopes, run, deforestation, periodically thinned. 2. Let your study partners and you read the passage carefully before hand. At the planned discussion meeting, facilitate by presenting the list of points you have gathered personally. Invite the group to discuss each point from many angles and note legitimate responses. 3. Write a letter to a partner study group at another school about what caught the group’s interest in the avalanche problem. 4. Read texts to pursue an interest about people’s interaction with nature. Then, when you think you have caught up with a phenomenon you think a lot of, prepare an exposition for your school’s Writing Club. Embellish it with worthwhile pictures, tables, graphs, and the like for reader attraction. GRAMMAR Revision: Parts of Speech – the verb and other elements A: Verb and Noun 1. a) There are nine parts of speech that can be used to make up the English sentence. We are looking at two of these today – the verb and the noun. b) Each part of speech helps to build the sentence. c) The verb expresses condition or state of being or action. d) The noun can be anything you can think about: idea, emotion, person, animal, place. Nouns are the basic building blocks of a sentence. 2. The verb is that part of the sentence that tells what the subject performs. The verb does these things: a) makes a statement; b) asks a question; or c) gives a command. 3. The verb may consist of a word or combination of words. Here are some examples of the verb and noun. More will be met in the new page. Examples: The noun and verb used

in sentences: Hansard is the manager of the bookshop. Samuel will play the harp for Mother Martin. The squirrel is eating the store of nuts. The trophy could have been mine, John. Megan screamed when John fell off the balcony. Simone did her best for the team from the start. Can Janice tell what the guards are doing now? Come quickly, John. Something to Do Look at the following paragraph and underline each verb and its accompanying noun (noun plus its verb). There are almost all categories of nouns presented here. Remember that the given examples of verb phrases above do not have the word ‘to’ in them. The Harvest Festival possessed something of the spirit that prompted the peasants to lend working-days to one another for the clearing of ground and the planting of crops and also for the time of heavy reaping. The only difference was that the church was the centre of the festival, and it was for the benefit of the resident minister - all the people bringing their gifts together into the church to make a glorious love offering. It seemed fitting that the Harvest Festival should come in the early year after the heavy gathering and sale of grain, mainly coffee and cocoa, and the time of full fruit. The Banana Bottom Harvest Festival was akin to an agricultural show except that no prizes were given for the exhibitions. Yet how keen was the rivalry between the village folk to give of the best of their first fruits. Write a Learning Log: A learning log is useful in your English, History, or Mathematics class. It can be kept going for a week before its entries are read. Check them for their usefulness in understanding classwork then write an entry evaluating your week’s experience. For this exercise to be very effective, complete entries week by week along with the evaluation of your experiences. Make special note of puzzling ideas.

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How babies get their oral bacteria IN the 19th century, progressive medical surgeons begged peers to wash their hands thoroughly in order to prevent the spread of infection. Today, I beg patients to clean their mouths and their toothbrushes to control the spread of tooth and gum disease among family members. Today we have become more aware of the delicate balance that exists between the bacteria that help and protect us and the bacteria that cause infection. Overuse of antibiotics showed us that if protective bacteria were removed, overgrowth by harmful ones often followed, and the same reactions can be seen when we look at oral bacteria. Surprising as it may seem, many people are unaware that dental disease is just like any other infection caused by bacteria. It is a disease that can be spread easily, is transferred from person to person, and worst of all, can grow on things such as toothbrushes. Once you realise that dental disease is this kind of infection, you understand how very simple steps can be used to control it. Bacteria that live on teeth can grow only when attached to a hard, non-shedding surface. Some kinds of tooth bacteria are harmful, whereas others are good for our health. In fact, it appears that teeth need a barrier of healthy protective bacteria to stop harmful ones from damaging the tooth surface. The balance between good and bad bacteria is important for dental health, and it is also important to know that this balance can change. People are often surprised to learn that they can lose healthy bacteria following an abrasive dental cleaning, after taking a course of antibiotics, or when the mouth becomes dry or acidic for long periods of time. During times of change, it is possible for a new type of bacteria to infect your mouth and suddenly cause damage to your teeth and dental health. Tooth bacteria rarely exist in a baby’s mouth before the presence of a tooth. Therefore, the origin of these bacteria is necessarily someone else’s tooth. DNA studies have illustrated that a parent, usually the mother, is most often the person who passes tooth bacteria from her mouth to the baby’s mouth when his or her first tooth erupts. Most people imagine a genetic link or something in the mother’s milk that passes on dental disease. The truth is that the dental disease is transferred directly to a child’s new tooth, often during a loving cuddle or kiss. Most often, parents and caregivers share their mouth germs with their children (vertical transmission), but it is also possible for mouth germs to spread between siblings or from spouse to spouse (horizontal transmission). Parents should also be aware that children born by caesarean section appear to be infected by mouth germs earlier – possibly because they lack some kind of protection – than do vaginally delivered infants. Bacteria travel to the new baby tooth most often in a droplet of saliva. The bacteria can be transferred during a kiss, from a drop of saliva on spoons or pacifiers, or from food shared with a baby. I would never, suggest that parents stop kissing their baby or worry about sharing food. Think about this: if the bacteria do not come from your mouth, they will be transferred from the mouth of someone else who comes into contact with your child. Since this bacteria transfer cannot be stopped, it makes more sense to control the kind of bacteria passed to children. Obviously, you want a baby to be infected with healthy, dentally, protective bacteria rather than aggressive, cavity-forming ones. The fact is, that once a particular kind of bacteria reaches a baby’s first tooth, this bacteria will then colonise or spread to the other baby teeth as they erupt. It has also been shown that whenever there are many harmful bacteria in a parent’s mouth, the chances that they will transfer to the child are greater. It has also been shown that the first kind of bacteria to infect the biting surfaces of molar teeth, usually become the dominant strain in the mouth because the grooves of these teeth become reservoirs of bacteria for the mouth. Changing the kind of bacteria in a child’s mouth after molar teeth have erupted becomes more difficult. This fact can also be used to a parent’s advantage. To give children the best advantage, make sure that health bacteria are established in their mouths before the molar teeth erupt. This simple charge can provide your child with many years of dental protection. Research during the 1980s illustrated how bacteria were

transferred between family members and from mouth to mouth. A simple and successful method of controlling this transmission was found just a few years later. For 20 years we have known how to reduce both the inheritance of bad tooth bacteria, and the chance of a parent infecting their child with the bacteria that cause cavities. Parents with bad teeth can get rid of aggressive and harmful bacteria from their mouths, and even without traditional treatment. You may be shocked to discover that it is possible to remove harmful bacteria, even if you still have cavities or cannot go to the dentist, for whatever

reason. When the bad bacteria are gone from your mouth, protective ones will take their place. Preventing the passage of harmful germs to the next generation may be the most promising method of preventing cavities in children’s teeth. If this is the first time you heard about this kind of bacterial transfer, it will be natural for you to wonder why there has been no media attention and no national education on the topic.

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