Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 08-12-2024

Wooden Words

Looking at what Christmas means for families and businesses

Sunday, December 08, 2024

Artist, Stephen McKenzie is a familiar face along Main Street (Samuel Maughn Photo)

Plant-based products for hair and beard debuts at Favour’s Hair Therapy

Spreading joy at Christmas and beyond

WHEN Falana Fraser established Favour’s Hair Therapy, it was out of love due to her son’s hair condition. Today, it has become a thriving small business empowering her to realise her true potential with her own haircare and beard products.

Growing up, Mark Murray experienced hardship, especially during Christmas, when he often had no toys and very little to celebrate. As he grew older, he became determined to change that for today’s children.

The products include hair oil, hair pomade, beard oil, beard wash and conditioner, edge balm, shampoo and conditioner, hair mist, beard and hair tools.

Three years ago, Murray founded the OnAir Media and Friends Annual Christmas Toy and Book Drive, bringing smiles to children’s faces. The support he received was overwhelming.

According to her selfnamed business, Favour’s Hair Therapy, “promote(s) healthy and strong growth for all hair types”. It is a small business that started in the kitchen, and it had a trial period before the products were launched.

Murray, a native of Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), told Pepperpot Magazine that the drive began as part of his corporate social responsibility in 2021 when he registered his small business, OnAir Media Consultancy.

Fraser is originally from Uitvlugt but resides at Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara. She is married and has a three-year-old son.

She explained that after the birth of her child, she noticed that he had issues with hair growth, and parts of his head were very patchy with no hair, and she wanted to change that.

He explained that, following the pandemic, he wanted to do something for children in underprivileged communities. Initially prepared to fund the initiative himself, he pitched the idea to friends and colleagues, who embraced it wholeheartedly.

The first year was a success, and every year since, Murray and his team have expanded the initiative. Initially catering to 400 children, the demand has grown significantly.

Fraser led herself into detailed research, and after gaining knowledge, she experimented with some ingredients and made a hair oil from aloe, coconut oil and onion.

Murray added that friends, both local and over-

the home-made oil into her son’s hair/scalp, and within a short time, she noticed a difference: his bald spots were replaced with new hair growth, and soon he had a full head of hair which could be held in a ponytail.

her son’s once-patchy hair was replaced by full hair growth within three to four months, and today, his hair remains healthy and full.

Magazine that the positive results in her child’s hair process motivated her to make more of the plantbased hair oil and she began sharing it among family members.

within her family tree, and one day, her father encour aged her to utilise her new found skill to establish a small business to bring in an income to her home.

launched her products in which the hair oil infused

products and went about to become a registered busi

then vetted as safe for use by the relevant authorities, certified and has its own

seas, have contributed their time, resources, and funds to ensure the success of the drive. Companies such as Digicel Guyana, Ansa McAl, and the Office of the First Lady have also supported the

initiative with toy donations.

The team travels to various regions, including Regions Four, Six, Three, and 10, to personally distribute toys. Each child gets to select a toy, along with a goodie

bag, books, and food items. Murray recalled moments of heartbreak upon witnessing the living conditions of some children. These experiences only strengthened their resolve to continue raising funds and collecting donations to make the toy drive a reality each year.

of distributing 500 toys this year.

“For me, this time of year is about giving back,” Murray said. “Growing up with so little gave me the drive to work hard and achieve my dreams. Now that I’m in a position to help others, why not?”

faces. I want to spread joy this Christmas and every Christmas,” he said. Despite challenges, Murray remains dedicated to making a difference. Last year, the Toy and Book Drive even included a party for

registered with the author ities is an avenue for networking and marketing the products, and it is beneficial to have all your prod -

In the past three years, Murray and his team have distributed 15,000 toys across the country.

Although Murray is not in Guyana this year, his friends have ensured that the 2024 Toy and Book Drive will take place. So far, donations have been trickling in, but he remains optimistic about reaching their goal

afloat. She added that her vision is to produce top-quality, effective products and she would like to become num-

Murray added that giving back has always been part of his life. Though he sometimes faces challenges and is even taken advantage of, he remains undeterred in his mission to spread joy.

“Children are impressionable and innocent. They’re born into situations they can’t control, and I want to bring smiles to their

ucts certified, labelled, and well-packaged.

ed that she is constantly inspired by customers and their reviews and testimo nials of the products, and being a small business isn’t ‘all bed of roses’. It requires hard work, dedication, consistency and money to stay

She reported that scores of people were genuinely interested in the products and even encouraged her to produce more. She was also complimented on her attractive packaging.

children living with HIV/ AIDS, spreading joy to those in need.

The OnAir Media and Friends Annual Christmas Toy and Book Drive aims to bring the magic of Christmas to children. Donations of gently used or new toys and books are welcome until December 15, 2024.

Fraser stated that although all the manufacturing takes place at her home, she would someday like to have a separate facility for that purpose, along with a store to sell and display her products.

ing as a motivating factor to keep going,” she said.

“I advertise my small business via social media, display.

with rosemary oil became the best seller. She branded her

is used in the production West Coast Demerara.

Falana Fraser and her products.

A family after receiving toys

Mark Murray

The Gift of Giving

How The Young Pioneers are working to bring Christmas joy to vulnerable families

AS Christmas approaches, the festive lights and joyous celebrations highlight the warmth of the season. Yet, for many families across Guyana, the holidays are marked by hardship rather than celebration. In these moments, the Young Pioneers step in, delivering the spirit of Christmas to underserved communities and offering hope where it’s needed most.

Guyana is home to a number of non-profit organisations, each with a different goal at heart. But the Young Pioneers stand out. With just a handful of people behind the venture, the Young Pioneers have goals much bigger than donations. The team has been helping rebuild communities for more than 11 years. Founded in 2013, the non-profit organisation has dedicated over a decade to uplifting vulnerable communities. Its various efforts include everything from toy drives and educational workshops to humanitarian aid and women’s empowerment initiatives. One of the core values of the Young Pioneers is that most of its projects are entirely self-funded, with the rest being supported by inkind donations.

The woman behind the Young Pioneers is mother and broadcaster Shivanie Rampersaud. Speaking to the Pepperpot Magazine, she shared that, for her, the work of the Young Pioneers is deeply personal. The seeds of the NGO were planted by her grandparents, who, many years ago, supported local families in need. “My grandparents had a very similar thing going on. It wasn’t like an organisation, but they used to assist families whenever they could,” she shared. Inspired by that legacy, the group started with community efforts in Regions Three and Four before expanding to other parts of Guyana.

The scope of their work has grown significantly over the last 11 years, reaching more people in more regions with more skilled people on board. As Shivanie shared, “We do training, have counsellors on board, work on humanitarian projects, and conduct school initiatives and workshops.” Shivanie

further added, “We go into communities to assess the specific needs of an area or school—whether it’s issues with children or general challenges.” The counsellors of the Young Pioneers then work with the community, talking and addressing the issues that are unique to that community.

This December, the Young Pioneers are busier than ever, preparing for their annual Christmas activities. As Shivanie told the Pepperpot Magazine, the organisation has its eyes set on two of Region Three’s biggest communities. “For 2024, we have quite a lot happening. We usually do annual parties for children in two areas: Windsor Forest, which has been running for 11 years, and Stewartville, which is in its sixth year.”

The aim of these events is clear—bringing joy to children who might otherwise miss out on the magic of Christmas. “Our goal is

to ensure that children have a chance to experience that joy,” Shivanie stated. “Many of them don’t wake up to

a present or have someone coming into their area to give them something because their families can’t afford it.”

The organisation accepts toy donations, both new and used, as well as items like clothing to distribute during their events.

The team’s efforts extend beyond the festivities, offering long-term support to families in need. “We’ve been able to assist families during visits with medical cases, school funding, and even supplies like walkers and wheelchairs,” Shivanie noted.

Some of the areas that are particularly close to the group’s heart are smaller, lesser-known communities that may be underprivileged. “We look forward to working in these squatting areas simply because of the joy the kids get from it. We’ve been able to assist families and children with medical and educational support during our visits,” Shivanie said.

The Christmas season serves as a focal point for the Young Pioneers, but their work doesn’t stop there. Shivanie emphasised that the holiday initiatives are also an opportunity to connect with the communities they serve. “When we go out during

this time, we meet people, find out about their needs, and go back later to address them. Christmas is about giving, but it’s also about interacting and learning about their needs,” Shivanie said.

Over the past years, the Young Pioneers have organised and executed a number of activities, including toy drives, book drives, outreaches, food and clothing distributions, funds for medical assistance, health and social campaigns, hamper drives, educational workshops, public assistance, and visits to old age homes and orphanages, among others. They also plan to relaunch their junior club with a focus on literacy in 2025.

Public support for the venture has grown significantly, and as the Young Pioneers continue with their plans throughout the rest of the month, their impact remains profound. At its core, the Young Pioneers embody the true spirit of Christmas—compassion, generosity, and hope. As Shivanie and her team work to bring joy to Guyana’s underserved children, they remind us that the season’s magic lies not in material wealth but in the act of giving.

Founder of The Young Pioneers, Shivanie Rampersaud and her daugther who is also part of young pioneer.

A Lifetime of Steel Pan Music

-Celebrated pannist still entertaining in his golden years

By Michel Outridge

TERRENCE Benjamin has been immersed in music since his boyhood days. He had a deep yearning to become an icon; a name people would remember. And, as he matured, he worked tirelessly towards achieving that goal.

Today, the 75-year-old is a gifted musician and a solo steel pannist, performing at social events and other functions where his melodious music soothes the soul, and provides therapeutic comfort.

Known as “Sir Benjamin”, he is well-regarded among his peers, and cherished by the students he taught as a certified music teacher at five different secondary schools. His unconventional style of teaching music has made him a favourite among teenagers and youths, catering to all types of learners.

The musician told Pepperpot Magazine that his journey with the steel pan began in 1968 in Albouystown, Georgetown, with the Fascinators Steel Band, which

comprised 15 members.

He recounted that the group was often hired to perform, and at the time, steelpan music was highly sought after. He loved every aspect of being a pannist.

With more than 56 years as a pannist, Benjamin says it feels like it was just yesterday that he began.

As a solo pannist, he operates his own small business, Sound of Music (SOM) Entertainment, which he established in 2014. His setup includes a laptop loaded with karaoke tracks, which he uses

to play the double tenor steel pan, and also record music at intervals.

The idea for SOM Entertainment came to him while watching television. He saw a similar concept and thought, “Why not?” He soon gathered the equipment he needed to start his one-person band, and from then on, there was no stopping him.

Benjamin, a resident of Eccles, East Bank Demerara, shared that his laptop holds a wide variety of music, though he has been unable to source Indian tracks locally

despite his best efforts.

A certified music teacher, Benjamin can both write and play music. He taught music at Bishop’s High School for 15 years, and was a member of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Steel Band for 10 years. Music, he says, is his life, and everything revolves around it.

Although retired from formal teaching, Benjamin continues self-teaching during his practice sessions at home.

Reflecting on his boyhood dream of becoming a solo pannist, he expressed

immense happiness at its realisation. “As a pannist, one can only get better; there’s no such thing as worse,” he said. He enjoys being in demand at social events, and takes great pride in setting the tone for special occasions. “Playing music for people to enjoy, to lighten the mood, and set the tone for the occasion is what I look forward to,” Benjamin told Pepperpot Magazine.

His next performance will be at a 50th Birthday celebration, where he anticipates requests for soft, soothing music.

THE CULTURAL LEGACY OF STEELPAN

Steel pan music, which originated in Trinidad and Tobago in the late 1930s, is played on the steel pan, a percussion instrument initially crafted from household items like buckets and old oil drums. By 1945, the first chromatic 14-note steel pan was developed. This versatile instrument is central to genres of music such as Calypso and Soca, but also features in Classical and Pop music covers. Celebrated through annual competitions like Panorama since the 1960s, the steel pan and its players, known as pannists, gained further recognition when the United Nations declared August 11 as World Steelpan Day in 2023, and Trinidad and Tobago officially designated it their national instrument in 2024. (Source: Wikipedia)

Terrence Benjamin doing what he loves best, playing steelpan

Wooden Words

Looking at what Christmas means for families and businesses

By Shaniya Harding.

Every Guyanese is familiar with the hustle and bustle of Main Street. This year, the celebrations have started a bit earlier, with businesses already set and prepared for the season. Among the many eye-catching and unique businesses, the arts always seem to be a bestseller in the festive season.

Wooden Words by Stephen McKenzie is one of Main Street’s oldest craft businesses. The man behind the venture says that although Christmas means a lot to him as a businessman, it means more as a family man.

For 15 years, Stephen has been carving words, symbols, and ideas into wood, giving them form and meaning. His craft goes beyond art—it’s a calling, one that sustains both his family and his passion.

“Art is my passion; I totally love what I do,” he told the Pepperpot Magazine while talking at Main Street’s new Christmas Village.

Stephen, a full-time artist, began his journey at the Burrowes School of Art, where he studied art before advancing his education at the University of Guyana. Although he taught art at institutions like the Burrowes School and the School of the Nations, he eventually decided to forge his own path. Starting his own business was a leap of faith, but it was one he has not regretted. “This, my art and carvings, pays the bills and feeds my family,” Stephen explained. “Some artists in Guyana end up teaching or leaving the profession altogether. But for me, this is my bread and butter,” he shared.

Wooden Words started as a labour of love when he began making small carvings out of wood. Today, it’s a family effort that’s still growing, with more unique, specialised, and captivating pieces in a variety of designs and languages. Speaking about the growth of the business, Stephen shared, “Soon, we might have to change it to Wooden Words Plus because my wife does crocheting.” Her crochet creations, such as beautiful hats, complement his woodworking business, offering customers even more authentic and handcrafted charm.

Operating from their home in Sophia, Stephen and

his wife sell their creations at Georgetown’s Main Street Avenue from Tuesdays to Saturdays. Their offerings include cutting boards, posters, and unique words or signs tailored for various themes and occasions. Each piece is custom-designed to reflect a client’s personal style, religious beliefs, or values.

get a receipt, and return for collection.” Prices vary based on the size and type of word, ensuring that each order is as unique as the person who commissions it.

Stephen’s commitment to his craft is unwavering. When asked about what it has been like being a full-time artist in Guyana, he shared

As the Christmas season approaches, Wooden Words, like so many other small businesses, enters its busiest time of the year. “Christmas is our busiest time because many people like to decorate their homes or buy gifts,” Stephen shared. A family man at heart, Stephen noted that the holidays are

“I create things for everyone, from different religious backgrounds to non-religious themes,” Stephen explained. “I do work for Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Rastafarians, Hebrews, and Jews. I believe in everybody—we’re all one human race.”

Some of his most popular creations include the word “Namaste,” a Hindi greeting; “Bismillah,” cherished in Islamic faith; and “Shalom,” a Hebrew word for peace. Other notable designs are the Egyptian ankh, the phrase “Amazing Grace,” and the ever-relevant message of “One Love.” According to Stephen, customers are drawn to Wooden Words not just for the art but for the meaning he instils in every creation. Words like “relentless” make for thoughtful gifts, celebrating the qualities people admire in one another.

The process of creating each piece is meticulous and requires extraordinary patience. As Stephen shared, “The time to complete a piece depends on its complexity. For example, a word like Shalom takes about a week from the day of order. Customers pay in advance,

that consistency is key in the field of art: “You have to stay in it—you can’t just show up one day and expect success,” he emphasised. His dedication has earned him a loyal customer base, many of whom return year after year for his work, each time with new and interesting ideas and themes.

important to the McKenzie household. “My wife loves Christmas; she’s very festive and enjoys decorating and preparing food,” he said.

This time of year is special for Stephen, not just as a businessman but as a family man. He sees the holidays as an opportunity to connect with others, offering hand-

made gifts that carry deeper

meaning. He hopes that more people will discover and support local artisans like himself. “I encourage everyone to come and support local craft vendors at Main Street’s Christmas Village,” he urged.

Despite the challenges of sustaining a creative

career in Guyana, Stephen remains optimistic and inspired. His work reflects his belief that art has the power to unite people across cultures and backgrounds. In a country as diverse as Guyana and at a time as festive as Christmas, unity is as essential as ever.

Stephen Mckenzie working one of his many custom pieces (Samuel Maughn Photo)

Stephen is a familiar face along Main Street (Samuel Maughn Photo)

along Main Street (Samuel Maughn Photo)

From Real Estate to Shipping Success

Guyanese Entrepreneur brings thriving business back home

By Michel Outridge

Llewellyn Collymore, better known as Lou, is a Guyanese entrepreneur who has successfully established a shipping company in the United States of America (USA) with a local office in Guyana.

As a real estate agent, Collymore, originally from Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara, got the break of his life when he migrated to the US with the help of his mother, a citizen.

Growing up, Collymore lived a comfortable but modest life and yearned for the opportunity to start his own small business.

His dream came true when he became an entrepreneur two years ago. After leaving his land of birth, he worked tirelessly to become independent.

Collymore relocated to the US in 2011 and worked as a real estate agent. However, this was not his true calling, as he had always aspired to start a shipping company.

With the rise of online shopping, Collymore recognised the frustrations many people face with shipping companies that charge exorbitant fees for international shipping. These experiences motivated him to create a better option for his customers.

Thus, Royal Caribbean Logistics was born—a shipping company that is

fast, reliable, and affordable. It caters to Caribbean shipping, online shopping with mailbox services, door-to-door/drop-off services, and cargo consolidation.

The company offers express delivery and is headquartered at 11205 103rd Avenue, South Richmond Hill, New York, with a local office at Lot 37 Croal and Camp Streets, Georgetown, Guyana.

Collymore told the Pepperpot Magazine that he plans to launch a storefront shipping office in December to expand his business. He has already secured a building for this purpose.

“This project has been in the works for some time, and executing it is part of my vision to expand the business and have a visible presence in a prime US location,” he said.

Collymore explained that he wanted to do everything the correct and legal way, so he registered his business while juggling his full-time job as a real estate agent.

He added that, with only one source of income, it was not easy to save funds to establish a second business. However, through hard work and dedication—often working long hours—he made it happen.

“Since establishing Royal Caribbean Logistics, I have been blessed with support from both Guyana and the US.

Loyal repeat customers have made the business financially viable and kept its doors open,” Collymore said.

He added that being self-employed is the best thing that has ever happened to him. It has allowed him to manage his small business while taking on serious financial responsibilities.

Collymore noted that managing a small business as a sole proprietor is not easy, but it has helped him grow as a person and taught him valuable lessons.

Despite challenges beyond his control, such as airline delays, bad weather, and other unforeseen events, Collymore told the Pepperpot Magazine that he has learned to accept what he cannot change and move forward.

“My shipping company offers a legal, safe,

and reliable service. Even though I cannot predict certain challenges related to shipping, I’ve learned to work with the disadvantages,” he said.

“I always envisioned building a successful business in shipping, and my goal is to grow the company to be even bigger than some established shipping firms. I’m working toward that goal.”

Collymore remains focused on his dream and draws constant motivation and inspiration from the moral support of his family.

He also provides shipping services to Guyana, the Caribbean, and within the US, offering express shipping options for fast delivery at pocket-friendly prices.

Collymore said he is proud of his Guyanese roots, traditions, and upbringing, which have shaped him into a well-grounded, ambitious individual. Taking chances and investing in his own small business has taught him resilience and determination.

The 40-year-old entrepreneur believes having a vision is pointless without following through on projects and dreams. He encourages taking leaps of faith into business ventures, trusting that they will succeed and yield profits to sustain personal investment.

Llewellyn Collymore

A Mission of Inclusivity

How one young man is determined to be a voice for persons living with disabilities

By Shaniya Harding.

EVERY year on December 3, Guyana joins the world in celebrating the International Day of People with Disabilities. This year, it is being observed under the theme, “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”. Someone who embodies this theme is Asif Khan. At just 28 years old, Asif defies expectations every day. Born visually impaired, he has transformed a potential barrier into a powerful purpose, dedicating his life to leadership, advocacy, and teaching others who learn just a bit differently from most.

A packed childhood

Coming from Region Seven, Asif was born with impaired vision, and would

carefree, and vibrant. Speaking to the Pepperpot Magazine, Asif shared, “My childhood was very interesting, very exciting. I participated in almost anything and everything that any other child could have basically been involved in— you know, from different sports to celebrating various holidays like Easter, flying kites, picking fruits from the trees, and making all sorts of trouble in school.” His family later moved to Georgetown. This is where Asif’s passion for education truly sparked, and with the right tools, he was soon excelling at his studies. “I attended St. Agnes Primary, and then I moved on to St. Rose’s High School.” He further added, “I would have also done my undergrad in international relations at the University of Guyana. So, moving to Cyril Potter College and complet-

later be determined as legally blind. In the face of this challenge, however, Asif describes his childhood as packed; never one to back down from a challenge, he made it his mission to do everything his peers did. With the support of his family, Asif’s childhood days were fun,

did academically, attending high school and later the University of Guyana, was largely owed to the tools and teachers tailored to his visual disability. Although it was not his initial aim for a job, Asif soon found himself in the teaching profession, and he has not looked back since, finding a passion for giving other children the same encouragement and patience he had.

“Being a teacher was never really my actual career goal. But like I said, teaching would have called me, and I wouldn’t say it was something that I decided or planned for, because my career path was otherwise. But I guess, being able to contribute and make an impact on the lives of students who are visually impaired, which I teach specifically, I guess it was part of what I had to do in terms of my contributions back to society.”

Asif says a day in his classroom is like any other, but with a few different resources and a little more patience. “Learning for students and learners with disabilities is always a challenge. Being visually impaired is no different. Our educational system in Guyana still has a lot of gaps. However, fortunately now, there is much more improvement in the system.” He further added, “What I do specifically is reinforce content. A day in my classroom as a teacher working with visually impaired students is like any other teacher’s day. I meet with my students, we have our work planned for whichever subject area, and I commence teaching using various methodologies.”

Being a voice for persons with disabilities

I intended to do in terms of advocacy will continue.”

He further added, “There is a lot being done presently. The government has been doing a lot in terms of some of the social policies. In terms of education, there’s quite a lot there.”

There are a number of ar eas and challenges Asif says persons living with disabil ities struggle with. Among them are the more complex, lesser-known issues such as accessibility, specialised housing, and accommodative transportation. As he shared, “For persons with disabili ties, a typical day for us isn’t easy. We have to travel, trans portation is a challenge, some persons have medical expens es, etc. So there’s quite a few things more.” Asif added that he is optimistic, given the strides the country has made and the changes that we con tinue to see. “I’m optimistic that much, much more will be done in the future by the respective ministries. And we look forward to that,” he said.

Battling misconceptions

Throughout his ca reer, Asif has had to face a number of challenges, with everyday life presenting hurdles. One of his biggest battles continues to be the misconceptions of others.

and analyse,” he shared.

ing my associate degree was challenging; but I was prepared to deal with it, to face the challenges, and to cross whatever hurdles.”

Joining the teaching profession

One of the reasons Asif was able to do as well as he

Asif has been an activist for persons with disabilities since he was young, championing the opinions and rights of his peers. He says that activism is important, and although Guyana has come a long way in crafting policies and developing accessibility, there is still more that could be done. As he stated, “Since basically from the age of, I would say, 12, I’ve been a part of a number of organisations for persons with disabilities. I started then, and now, even recently, I have founded my own organisation. And this is where the work of what

As an activist, Asif champions the sentiment of not judging a book by its cover.

“First of all, for persons with disabilities, others may think or feel that because we have a disability, we are not smart. That’s wrong. Because a person has a dis-

As a teacher, Asif emphasises that people are more than their disabilities, having passions, goals, and lives outside of their imperfections.

“There are persons with disabilities who have families, who have husbands, wives, and children. So those are the three I would mention.”

Now, as an educator, Asif says that the thing that is important to children

ant for all children: education. “My advice would be to try your best to ensure that you take your education seriously. It doesn’t matter what you have to do to ensure that you study. There are resources now; there are better opportunities.” He further added, “Don’t limit yourself, and don’t see your disability as a barrier.”

For Asif tecahing is done one on one, with special attention being paid to each student (Samuel Maughn

Teacher and disability rights activist, Asif Khan (Samuel Maughn Photo)

Asif who was born visually impaired has been a teacher for more than 8 years (Samuel Maughn Photo)

Photo)

BLACK CROWS FLYING

FROM SOMEWHERE, A SONG OF LOVE

A new day dawned, a special day filled with love and a little song in his mind.

Jarred looked at himself in the mirror and smiled at his reflection.

SHE stood at the water’s edge, her torn dress swirling around her legs, a lone figure shrouded in the shadows of the night. A foreboding silence hung over the beach as the tamed wind gently lifted the dark tresses of hair falling over her face. A pretty face it was, streaked with sand and dry tears.

Today he was sixteen!

God.

How, then, did evil interrupt her life?

No one had an answer.

in the air—but not for the destitute and homeless, who lived off the crumbs of the streets. Darkness and cardboard boxes were their city, their world; no neon lights or velvet carpets.

ly grieving family, who just couldn’t process the fact that she was no more in their lives.

She stopped but didn’t turn back.

A young girl in pain, alone, at the beach in the dead of the night.

A day worthy of love, gifts, best wishes, and thanks to the Lord and his family.

What happened to her?

The deep, haunting look in her eyes, the ashen face and colourless lips told a story of something cold.

From infancy, they had given him everything a child could ever want. But deep inside, as he grew, there was a little emptiness—a feeling knotted in his heart that he couldn’t understand. Broken verses of a song played continuously in his head.

Hushed were the wind and water as something bad unfolded the night before on the sandy beach. No one heard her cries, her pleas on the deserted beach and when they were gone, a young body was left on the sand, helpless and broken.

On his fifteenth birthday, his mother had presented him with a book chronicling the life of a young woman, detailing her successes and failures. As he read it, he realised that the empty feeling inside him was for his real mother, who had never been part of his life—not from infancy to now.

She turned and walked back to the mangrove trees, no footprints in the sand, for late that night the pain had ebbed away like the tide, and one last tear trickled from her eyes as she took her last breath.

“How did this happen?” she cried, “They were my friends, whom I trusted to take me home.”

Her heart beat no more, and the coal-black eyes shed no more tears, but she was not going into the light, not now. It was not her time. She did not have to die, not that way. Not for someone who revered God and had good values. She was a classical dancer and a teacher, recognised for her talent and as an educator, it was all wrong, her death.

The young woman in the story had been a college student, studying hard as she pursued her dream of becoming a lawyer. But a mishap occurred when she became pregnant by her boyfriend. He had promised to stay, but two months before the baby was born, he walked away. The heartbreak and stress almost drove her over the edge, saved only by the pills she became addicted to, and her world spiralled out of control. Unable to care for her baby boy, she wrapped him in a blanket—a precious little bundle—and left him at a church door. She couldn’t hear his cries as he lay in the cold; her mind was numb, a young broken woman, lost and confused.

All the media houses carried the story, and shock rippled through her community and the nation. The boys who had given her a ride home were held for questioning, but they all stated that they knew nothing.

Their story was that she had received a phone call on the

One dusk, twelve days before Christmas, when his feet were tired and his body worn, he heard a soft humming. It was divine music to his ears, the same tune that had played in his mind since childhood.

He followed the sound to a small church, partially hidden by overgrown bougainvillea. Quietly, he approached the stairs, where she was lying, her head resting on a little blanket. He looked at her in her pitiful state, bedraggled and lost, and his heart grieved for the woman who had brought him into the world close to Christmas. She raised her head and looked at him for a long time, knowing in her heart that it was her son. In a weak, trembling voice, she spoke:

“Wh-wh-what are you doing here?”

“I’m looking for a beautiful woman who has been missing from my life.”

She looked around and shook her head.

“No one’s here. Move on.”

“I know what happened to you, and I want to help you.”

She lowered her head, silent for a long moment, before looking at him. Trying to mask the pain in her eyes, she asked hoarsely, “Are you having a good life?”

“Yes,” he answered.

“Is there love and comfort?”

“Yes.”

“Then you should not be looking for me.”

Jarred had put down the book at the end of her story, wiping tears from his eyes. The book was unfinished because the story had a continuation: the story of the baby, now grown into a handsome and smart young man, who that day began a search for his missing mother.

For months, he searched, a prayer in his mind: “Please God, give her some help to find her way.”

He looked through alleys and shelters, abandoned buildings, and old churches, but he couldn’t find her. Christmas was

She was supposed to have ridden home with her two friends, Aruna and Preity, that night after the cultural programme, but a late change of plans by them to go out with their boyfriends caused her to ride home instead with two male friends she knew very well. The other two boys she had met only once at a wedding reception, but they seemed like nice guys. On the way home, she had a bottle of fruit drink, and a slight drowsiness overcame her, which she thought was tiredness, but it must have been something else. She became dazed and did not notice the detour on the lonely road to the beach that would be deserted at that hour.

Betrayed by those who masqueraded as friends.

“Why? Where is my wrong?” were her soundless, ago

way home and asked them to stop for someone else to pick her up.

“No love and comfort can fill the emptiness inside me— only you can. Let me help you.”

She raised her head slowly and stood up, looking at the heavens, a burning passion of pain and anger in her voice, “I will not come home, not until I have destroyed the monsters who took my honour and my life.”

She shook her head, a pained cry escaping her parched lips.

“It’s too late, too late.”

“No, it’s not,” he pleaded.

She stretched her arms out, and from the abyss of death and darkness, she screamed, unleashing fury and agony.

As she turned to walk away, he said, “Don’t you want to see your own son? You still remember the baby you left here, don’t you?”

“I call on dark forces to lend me the evil power to destroy those spawned from evil, and for that, I will give you my soul.”

The sky rumbled, the water became restless, and the wind howled as she waited under

“Go back home. I’m no one, and I can’t give you anything,” she said, before walking out of the churchyard, leaving him on the steps once again.

On the day of her funeral, she went back home in her spiritual form to comfort her family and to confront her killers. They would be in attendance, she knew, amongst the huge turnout of mourners.

He sat there for a long while, unwilling to lose her and unsure what to do, when the church door opened and the old pastor beckoned him inside.

All her friends were there, those who were true, who had regrets. She saw their tears, heard their shocked whispers as prayers and songs eulogized her life. She stood amongst her family, holding her mother’s and father’s hands, hugging her brother and sister, wiping their tears.

“We need to pray,” the pastor told him. “Pray for an angel to touch her life, to bring her back from that dark road into the light.”

But they were not aware of her presence. Her mother, though, seemed to sense something and whispered, “Aryana?”

A year passed, and Jarred returned home to his family and the life he knew. His mother seemed to have vanished; he never saw her again. But he prayed every day, morning and night, heeding the pastor’s words.

The family turned to look at her mother, and she broke down crying, “She’s here with us. My baby is here.”

On the eve of his sixteenth birthday, he received a note from his mother saying she wanted to see him on his birthday at the church. That’s why he was so happy, why the day felt so special.

The father hugged her, helping her to stay strong as the highly emotional services paid tribute to their young daughter’s life and honouring her departed soul to guide her on her final journey.

That evening, he arrived elated and excited, but she wasn’t there. The church was closed. Jarred’s heart sank, and fear clouded his mind.

A cynical smile played on Aryana’s lips as the viewing began, and she whispered, “It’s showtime.”

Why wasn’t she there? Did something bad happen to her?

He stood there, helpless and scared, when he heard the humming of that sweet, divine tune. Turning around, he saw her standing at the church doors, the baby’s blanket in her hands. She was a new woman, radiant and beautiful, with light dancing in her eyes.

Aruna and Preity just couldn’t stop crying. Such were their regrets for leaving her that night, but the fury burning in Aryana could not forgive them, so she threw out the fresh roses they brought for her. There were loud gasps from those close enough to see what happened, and the two friends stepped back, scared. Her killers were also approaching her coffin bearing red roses, and she called upon her emissaries of the dark world, “It’s time.”

It was truly a miracle—his prayers had been answered. Her life had been touched by an angel.

Jarred laughed, tears of joy streaming down his face.

“Thank you, dear Lord,” he whispered.

She hugged him on the steps where she had left him as a baby sixteen years ago. Hand in hand, mother and son walked into the brightly lit church to celebrate a special birthday. The choir sang, and from above, the angels smiled.

The sight of the black crows, their loud cawing and wild fluttering wings, created a frightening scene as they flew circles around her coffin, then among the mourners who scattered to avoid the vicious birds. The birds were gone as fast as they came, but left in their wake were fear and shock. Never had anything of that nature happened at a funeral service. What could have triggered something so ominous was the burning question.

It was a blessed reunion.

Aryana watched her killers hurriedly leave and smiled, cold fury in her eyes, “It’s just the beginning.”

To be continued…

In this age where the means exist to seek clarification or interpretation for most of what we need to know… there’s no excuse!

MOST fathers and mothers face the predicament of dealing with the burden of so-called ‘social adjustments’ that our children encounter. Much of what I’m referring to are cultural impositions carrying creeds contrary to what we collectively know has worked for us and what we have held sacrosanct as core values. These adjustments often conflict with our preferences, challenging what we know is right in favour of what will help us fit in with the group on the corner.

An elder who knew my family well once shared a phrase with me repeatedly: “The hecklers of misguidance shout the longest and the loudest.” He would often relate this to the Biblical hecklers, paid by the priests, whose heckling ultimately led to the crucifixion of Christ. In today’s world, choices often revolve around group accommodation, which might seem beneficial for material gains but may cause the loss of treasured individuality. This individuality can be replaced without immediately recognising the vague, untrustworthy persona that emerges—an identity enveloped in the whispers of doubt, replacing once-solid character traits and interactive tattoos of proven personality.

We believe in lineage, yet it is not always accurately recorded. A father may have been a hero to family members but could fail to address the interests of his own offspring, leaving a void. In such instances, the most popular peers in the community become influential voices. What do these peers, themselves survivors of a society paying only partial attention, teach? Often, they impart survival mechanisms. These mechanisms are not always criminal but are rarely altruistic and frequently self-serving. This dynamic permeates all levels of society, making it crucial that dialogues

appealing to the conscience of children begin at home.

The tough conversations many of us had were not always guided by religious figures but by survivors of life’s battles. These individuals, often friends of the family, believed that being a friend’s child entitled you to the talk. Interestingly, their advice frequently drew upon both scripture and classical literature. These were tradespeople, not academics, yet they read novels, hardcover books, and magazines. I remember buying illustrated classics from Latchman Singh on Camp Street. I passed this method of engaging with books to my children. Even in today’s age of unimaginable platforms of influence, we must navigate through the liberties they offer, many of which are disguised entrapments preying on our

years ago, I heard a piece of wisdom from a gambler known as ‘Tum-bay’ or ‘Sparrow’ from Lodge. Sparrow said, “A gambler doesn’t win money; he only wins back part of what he lost.” I recall one Old Year’s Night on Punch Trench Road, Bar Street, watching a gambling duel between Loui and the late Acka Tiger. My attention, however, was on the beautiful sister of a Roots businessman, patiently waiting for Loui to win so they could attend the dance. It never happened—Loui lost. As the old folks say, “Sometimes, you’ve got to learn from other people’s mistakes.”

The age we live in raises more challenges, but references from the past still hold valuable lessons. Examine the road you travel. Explore every strange suggestion that

choices.

One such mirage today is the overwhelming temptation of gambling. Beware: what seems like today’s needs may expand due to poor decisions. Gambling is not an investment. Many

promises overwhelming rewards, especially when the cost seems to be just “a little thing.” Don’t envy how quickly you think your neighbour benefits. You might learn the true story the hard way.

International Mountain Day

INTERNATIONAL Mountain Day is observed annually on 11th December. It highlights the importance of mountains in sustaining ecological balance and supporting human communities. The theme for 2024, “Mountain Solutions for a Sustainable Future – Innovation, Adaptation, and Youth,” underscores the need for innovative strategies, adaptive measures, and the active involvement of youth in addressing the unique challenges faced by mountain communities worldwide.

In Guyana, the Kanuku Mountains stand as a symbol of the nation’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. Situated in Region Nine, the Kanuku Mountains Protected Area (KMPA) spans approximately 611,000 hectares, representing about 2.8% of Guyana’s total land area. The name “Kanuku,” derived from the Wapishana language, means “forest,” reflecting the area’s lush landscapes. The region is home to over 1,400 vertebrate species, including 53% of Guyana’s known bird species, such as the Green-Tailed Jacamar, and about 70% of its mammalian population, including the giant otter, harpy eagle, and arapaima. The Kanuku Mountains also house 11 of Guyana’s 12 mammal species listed in the IUCN Red Data Book and boast the world’s highest bat diversity, with 89 documented species.

Recognising the ecological importance of the Kanuku Mountains, the Government of Guyana designated the area as a National Protected Area in 2011. This status aims to preserve the region’s unique ecosystems while supporting the livelihoods of the indigenous Macushi and Wapishana communities, who depend on the mountains’ resources for subsistence.

In line with the 2024 International Mountain Day theme, Guyana has launched the “Securing a Living Amazon through Landscape Connectivity in Southern Guyana” project under the Amazon Sustainable Landscapes (ASL) Programme. Initiated in April 2024, this five-year project, funded by the Global

Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), focuses on enhancing landscape connectivity and improving the management of protected areas in Guyana’s southern forests.

Led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in partnership with the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) and the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), the project aims to strengthen the man-

agement of the KMPA and the North Rupununi Wetlands, covering a combined area of over 1.5 million hectares. It emphasises sustainable land and water management, community engagement, and gender-sensitive development, directly benefiting indigenous communities and promoting environmental stewardship.

Through the ASL project, Guyana actively contributes to the global objectives of International Mountain Day 2024, ensuring that its mountainous regions continue to thrive for generations to come.

We Want to Hear from You!

Share your ideas and questions by sending letters to:

“Our Earth, Our Environment,” c/o Communications Department, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown.

You can also email us at communications@epaguyana.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay updated on the EPA’s efforts.

Financial abuse needs more awareness

The importance of inviting young people to the decision-making tables

AS the columnist of Youth Perspective for over six years, I believe it is time to pay homage to the title of the column itself—Youth Perspective. The concept of a youth perspective remains as relevant to today’s youth as it was years ago. Older adults often disregard the conversations or experiences young people face, associating their experiences or ideas with “inexperience” and dismissing them in favour of those from “more experienced” individuals. When I started this column, this was a dilemma many young people across Guyana, including myself, faced. Given my social work background, I used this platform to raise awareness of issues affecting young people that are often overlooked. Unfortunately, some still associate youth with inexperience or ignorance. However, I am writing this column to remind everyone that young people add value and substance to issues and events all around.

Have you ever watched the Youth Parliament Debates in Guyana to see how young secondary school students passionately argue their points on an issue? Or have you noticed the

WHEN you are defining the term “abuse”, do you ever consider financial abuse in those definitions? Often, when I listen to people discuss abuse, I rarely ever hear them mention the category of financial abuse. That can be for a lot of different reasons. Perhaps people are unfamiliar that a person can be financially abused, or they simply do not accept this as a type of abuse. Whatever the reason may be, there are many studies and statistics to prove that people all across the world are being financially abused. For me, the first thing that comes to mind is when the elderly have their money or assets taken away from them without their consent. As with most cases of abuse, financial abuse also entails a struggle or imbalance of power.

Financial abuse can be overt or very unnoticeable. It is a form of family violence. Universally, I do not think enough people speak about the damaging effects financial abuse has on the victims. This is quite a powerful method that is used to “trap” victims by making them stay in an abusive relationship. Studies have shown that in 99% of the domestic violence cases that occur, financial abuse is also present. Contrary to the belief that only impoverished people can be victims of financial abuse, this form of abuse does not only affect a specific target population. In most cases, financial abuse occurs in romantic relationships where an abusive partner restricts and limits their partner’s access or ability to spend money. The “allowances” will be fewer and fewer as months go by, and the victim is often forbidden from being employed.

The abuser may use manipulation, fear tactics or even physical abuse to force these ideologies onto the victim if they do not comply. Some cases are often so extreme that even access to purchase food or visit a doctor is affected. Most times, victims are unable to leave these abusive relationships because of their lack of finances, assets or even education on financial independence and literacy. Most times, when victims leave their homes they’re either forced into a shelter or they return to their abusive partner where homelessness is not a concern. This is a key issue that needs further attention on all levels. Money gives one a sense of security and stability. Abusers use it as a tactic to control victims. If victims don’t abide by or obey them, they lose that sense of security or stability by receiving limited or no money.

achievements of the youth arms of established organisations when supported by mentors? If you’ve answered yes to either, you’re already halfway to seeing the bigger picture. In essence, young people deserve a seat at the decision-making tables. They deserve to have a say in the issues that affect them and to share their perspectives on how these issues might be addressed. In a recent debate I had with older adults, “Gen Z” was labelled the genera-

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This creates an unhealthy dependency. Financial abuse may also come in the form of leaving people in debt unknowingly, stealing the victim’s property, false insurance claims, evading child support or refusing to pay bills. It is not black and white. There are many ways that people can become victims of financial abuse. As such, I am pleading with you all to consider spreading awareness of what financial abuse is and let victims realise that they are indeed victims. Money is used as a powerful tool of control and oppression, and I hope that financial abuse in all of its forms is addressed effectively and efficiently at all levels.

Molecules in a cup

PEOPLE and their choices drive the world each day. Strangely, we interact with one another much like molecules in a cup of water; we collide, adhere, and constantly form new bonds. However, the nature of our interactions changes dramatically when the world itself changes. For instance, when you freeze a cup of water, the molecules within it almost stop moving entirely and rarely collide. When you boil the same cup of water, the molecules speed up and collide so frequently that water escapes the cup as vapour. Human behaviour, especially how we interact with one another, is a heavily examined and debated topic. Yet, this simple comparison to a cup of water offers insight into why we act the way we do. The truth is, humans interact differently when the world around them changes.

As young people, we are given the responsibility of caring for the world as soon as we are old enough to understand some parts of it. If we fail in this responsibility, we create a poor home for future generations. But what does it truly mean to create a better world? What does it mean to shape the planet for future generations? For a young student who has barely completed their education; a child still in school, or a young adult who has yet to understand the meaning of their own life, the idea of creating a better world can seem incomprehensible and unrealistic.

After all, we are merely little molecules within a cup; we cannot control the temperature that mobilises these particles. All we can do is respond to the changes and try not to push each other out of the cup.

Nevertheless, we do hold some power. The age-old argument of whether Man shapes society or society shapes Man has become archaic. While it is true that the world influences how we behave, it is equally true that we can collectively change the way the world exists. Perhaps, the easiest way to start changing the world is to recognise the means by which we can influence it.

Changing the world can be as simple as saying “no”, as Rosa Parks did. It can be as simple as demonstrating peace, as Mahatma Gandhi did. It can be as simple as embracing individuality in a crowd that promotes conformity, as Winnie Harlow exemplifies.

The idea of changing the world becomes unrealistic only when we forget that we are little molecules in a cup. Being small and easily influenced is an advantage, because we are not only influenced, but also capable of influencing others. Though we cannot transform the world or create a new society in a single day, we can make choices that inspire others to work towards a common goal.

History has shown that when a generation is given motivation and direction, it can spark a revolution. To find motivation and direction, we must embrace causes that extend beyond the boundaries of our own lives. We must view ourselves as part of a larger population that shares our struggles rather than as individuals isolated in our victories and defeats. Start by recognising what you want to change in the world, and believe that you can change it. Believe in your ability to shape the world; believe in your capacity for change.

REVISITING THE TOPIC OF MANGROVES

The Guyanese retail trade is under unprecedented challenge

THIS column will again touch on Mangroves because of its importance historically, socially and economically.

WHENEVER a small oil-producing country emerges in the world, a large number of predatory carpetbaggers congregate on the horizon, awaiting the opportunity to pounce on the new economy and exploit it.

When the Dutch colonisers first visited Guyana in the 17th century, they observed that Mangroves were growing along the entire coast, in some parts so thick that they could be considered mangrove forests.

Through well-practised techniques, they quickly edge out the local population from lucrative sectors, making the promise of a rapidly rising standard of living for the native population a mere pipe dream. Guyana, as a new oil-producing country, faced the same fate, but managed, in the nick of time, to protect Guyanese citizens through the Local Content Act, which reserves certain types of investment and employment for Guyanese, with the potential for expansion when needed.

The Dutch first settled on the coast and utilised the mangrove as a convenient and easy source of wood for house building, fires for cooking, and even for making boats and rafts. Only when they had cut down large stretches of mangrove and the sea had begun to come up on the land did they understand the importance of mangroves as an effective defence against the sea and flooding. They held up to their mangrove depletion, and to avoid the threat of constant flood-

One area of investment and employment escaped the protection of the Local Content Act. Through this loophole, a steady stream of East Asians, almost all Chinese, have been flooding into the country with the intention of displacing and taking over the local retail trade. This movement has been quick and organised, almost as if centrally directed. Local retailers and a growing body of consumers have been complaining about this apparent unfair exploitation.

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), one of the Caribbean’s oldest and most respected trade organisations, has spoken out against this unfair onslaught on local retail businesses. Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, as Vice-President and General Secretary of the PPP, the party in government, has also publicly acknowledged the problem. Local businesspersons, while accepting the entry of new players in the retail trade, believe the playing field is not level, with unfair competition presenting the real challenge.

The elements of this unfair competition can be attributed to lapses by government departments responsible for enforcing laws and regulations governing retail trade. Key officers in these departments appear to take a relaxed attitude when it comes to enforcing laws and regulations on East Asian retailers. This administrative inefficiency needs to be exposed and addressed by the relevant ministers. Below are some of these lapses that require immediate attention:

1:

INCOME TAXES

Careful assessment of income taxes for each retailer is essential. Some East Asian entities evade income taxes, and even in cases where attempts are made to collect them, they resist payment. Recently, it was reported in the media that a large hardware store was assessed for $10 million in taxes. After initially agreeing to pay, it suddenly reversed its position and took the matter to court.

2: NATIONAL INSURANCE (NIS) CONTRIBUTIONS

National Insurance contributions are ignored by many East Asian businesses. Local businesses dutifully pay these contributions, especially the larger ones. If East Asian businesses complied, NIS finances would significantly improve, helping to establish a level playing field between local and East Asian retailers.

3:

CUSTOMS DUTIES

ing, they began to move their settlements to the river banks towards the end of the 18th century. In 1815, when Essequibo, Demerara, and Berbice finally ceded to Britain, they were united in 1831 to form the colony of British Guiana.

Though this motto identifies the most important function of mangroves, that is to guard against the flooding by the sea and tidal waves and make the soil less fertile when it would have been impregnated with salt; other positives emanate

The invoices of stock should be carefully examined. It is suspected that elements within the Customs Department allow goods to be corruptly admitted at undervalued rates or duty-free by attaching them to imports by several Chinese entities that qualify for duty exemptions. Local

Mangroves provide a home for bees as well as feeding grounds since a large number of flowering plants grow among the mangroves. When hives are established in the vicinity, they provide bountiful honey supplies. Consumers much

Mangroves are a carbon sink and enhance Guyana’s efforts against climate change. They provide a livelihood for many coastal communities, one food resource being the varieties of fish that live among the mangroves. They are an ecotourism attraction with the rich biodiversity that mangrove forests offer, and the Guyana Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Agriculture are cooperating in this development. Mangrove restoration and preservation support several sustainable development goals (SDGs), to the degree that Guyana is seriously

At the recent function of unveiling the plaque at the Kingston Seawall Esplanade in commemoration of International Mangrove Day 2024, the Minister of Agriculture summarised the importance and impact of Mangroves: “Mangroves are our coastal guardians, vital to Guyana’s environmental and economic health”, he said, “they act as natural barriers against coastal erosion and surges, protecting our communities and infrastructure. With over 23,000 hectares of Mangroves, they support fisheries, livelihoods, and food security and provide habitats for diverse wildlife… Mangroves are important in sequestering carbon, enhancing efforts against climate change as outlined in Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy

The State has developed a 10-year National Mangrove Action Plan and an Inter-Agency Committee dedicated to promoting sustainable Mangrove management, and over 500 hectares of mangrove have been restored. Since 2010, over $1.9 billion has been invested in mangrove preservation and restoration, and regular injections of money are expected to be made as required. For example, $275 million has been allocated this year to rehabilitation

The Guyanese retail trade is ...

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4: EXPIRED GOODS

businesses are not afforded such privileges and must always pay customs duties.

East Asian shops are known to sell expired or near-expired goods to unsuspecting customers at cheaper prices. These goods are acquired by the retailers at giveaway rates. Instances of altered expiry dates have also been reported.

5: LICENCES FOR DISTRIBUTION

The distribution of certain goods requires the distributor to be licensed. For example, selling specific types of drugs requires employing a qualified pharmacist and obtaining a special licence, as does selling alcoholic drinks. Local retailers comply with these laws, but East Asian retailers often violate them with impunity.

6: RECEIPTS AND WARRANTIES

East Asian retailers rarely issue receipts unless requested, making it difficult for customers to return or exchange unsatisfactory purchases. Additionally, warranties on consumer durables are minimal, often one to three months. In contrast, local retailers, while charging slightly higher prices, offer longer warranties and repair faulty purchases.

7: LABOUR LAWS

East Asian retailers disregard labour laws by forcing staff to work more than the standard eight-hour day and operating shops outside of normal working hours. Local retailers who violate these laws are swiftly dealt with by unions or the Labour Department.

8: TRAFFIC AND PARKING

Many East Asian retail entities are established in busy areas without provisions for customer parking, causing traffic jams and accidents. In contrast, local businesses like DDL and Survival Supermarkets have incurred the expense of providing customer parking.

9: VAT COMPLIANCE

These East Asian retailers often do not pay VAT, allowing them to undercut local retailers on price.

The foregoing issues demonstrate a lack of a level playing field, giving East Asian retailers an unfair advantage over local retailers. The State of Guyana has a responsibility, capability, and obligation to rectify this situation. Protecting Guyanese retailers aligns with the practical and philosophical principles of the Local Content Act.

The Road to Publication: Editing Your Manuscript

In his book On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, Stephen King quips (perhaps seriously) that “to write is human, to edit is divine.” It’s a witty reworking of the adage about forgiveness, but it also highlights just how crucial editing is to the craft of writing.

As an editor myself, I can say without bias that editing is perhaps the most intimate—and essential—part of writing. In my younger days, particularly while dabbling in poetry, I naively believed that whatever flowed onto the page was the purest form of art, not to be touched afterwards. This mindset quickly changed, and for good reason. While I could occasionally get away with that approach in poetry, prose is an entirely different beast. Every story needs sculpting—polishing the rough stone until it gleams. Editing is the only way to achieve this transformation.

Why editing matters

The editing stage is critical for several reasons. First, understand that your first draft is never the version you’ll publish. For those pursuing traditional publishing, editing is typically part of the publisher’s process, aimed at refining your work to meet market standards. Even if you self-edit before landing a publishing deal, the final manuscript will still undergo professional editing before hitting the shelves.

For self-published authors, the responsibility of editing falls entirely on your shoulders. While many writers attempt to handle this themselves, hiring a professional editor is strongly advised. This is also where understanding the different types of editing becomes invaluable.

Types of Editing: choosing the right fit

Good editing isn’t cheap, so knowing your options helps you choose what’s best for your manuscript and budget. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of editing:

• Developmental Editing – Big-picture editing that focuses on content, structure, and overall flow.

• Substantive Editing – Polishes prose and ensures ideas are presented effectively.

• Structural Editing – Organises and refines the layout and structure of your content.

• Editorial Assessment – Evaluates elements like plot, characterisation, and style.

• Line Editing – Sharpens sentence structure, tone, and clarity.

• Copy Editing – Ensures accuracy, grammar, and readability, preparing your work for publication.

• Proofreading – The final pass to catch lingering errors before publication.

• Fact-Checking – Verifies the accuracy of technical or factual information.

For my novel Leech, I opted for Developmental Editing, Copy Editing, and Proofreading. After 11 years of writing, I knew the manuscript had inconsistencies that required expert attention.

My editing experience

I found my incredible editor, Stephanie Wilson, on Fiverr. She initially conducted an editorial assessment while I was halfway through Leech. Once I completed the manuscript, she provided a thorough critique, highlighting inconsistencies and offering actionable insights.

If you’re unsure of what a developmental edit looks like, I’ll share a brief section of Stephanie’s work plan she outlined in her brief for Leech:

“As I dive into the developmental edit, I’ll be focusing on ways to sharpen the narrative,

The Road to Publication...

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deepen the characters, and ensure the story flows seamlessly while maintaining its unique voice. I’ll go over key areas, including the balance between introspection and action, character motivations, pacing, stakes, and more. The goal is to refine the manuscript into something even more dynamic and emotionally engaging while staying true to your vision.”

A good sign that you’ve hired a good editor is when they take the time to explain to you their process and what you should expect. Stephanie spent four weeks analysing my manuscript using the approach mentioned above. Her feedback, delivered in a ten-page editor’s brief and annotated manuscript, covered everything from overarching issues to chapter-by-chapter recommendations. We even scheduled a call to brainstorm solutions and plan the next steps.

Receiving feedback can be nerve-wracking, but I’ve learned to embrace it. Early in my writing journey, I struggled with critiques because I sought input from the wrong people. I was happy to learn that you need to find genre-specific experts whose guidance will help your work in the right way.

What comes next?

With Stephanie’s feedback in hand, the rewriting phase begins! This involves brainstorming, mapping out ideas, filling narrative gaps, and weaving the changes into a cohesive whole. It’s daunting but also thrilling—proof that my book is evolving. My advice? Take a short break before diving into revisions. A clear mind is essential for this phase. Once rewrites are complete, I’ll likely reconnect with Stephanie to ensure I’ve addressed all the major issues. After her approval, it’ll be time for the next round of editing.

Finding the right editor

For writers in regions with limited publishing infrastructure, finding specialised editors can be challenging. Most local resources often focus on copyediting and proofreading which cover broader bodies of work. However, platforms like Fiverr and other freelancing sites make it easier to connect with editors in the above specialisations and more worldwide. Always vet their credentials and reviews before hiring. Both Stephanie and Jim Parsons (my writing coach)—came from online searches, and their expertise has been invaluable.

Looking ahead

In my next column, I’ll delve into the world of traditional publishing and the steps I’m taking to navigate it. It is uncharted territory for me, but like every aspect of this journey, I’m approaching it with patience, research, and a determination so see Leech come to life.

If you’re curious about writing, publishing, or editing—or if you’d like advice—feel free to reach out at thewritemind@gmail.com.

The importance of inviting...

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tion of TikTokers, disregarding everything else. Classifying an entire generation based on an app exemplifies the root of the disconnect we face today—misconceptions.

In every generation, young people have been positively associated with the word “innovation.” This is because of the “fresh,” new, or unique perspectives they bring to discussions when given the opportunity. Instead of labelling Gen Z as “TikTokers” or “Tablet Babies,” why not ask how their uniqueness can help solve real-world issues? Or consider how they can address their own issues using skills they are comfortable with, such as content creation. In an ever-changing world, there must be evolving thought processes and perspectives. While authenticity is essential, it’s equally vital to embrace change, such as Gen Z’s use of technology to improve climate conditions or raise awareness of current social issues.

Young people often know what can help them—all they need is guidance and patience. I was part of various youth groups in my early life, and I must say that the ones I found most nurturing were those that allowed me to grow independently, with support. I dislike youth groups that stifle or intimidate young people. In my most successful groups, I enjoyed choosing the topics I wanted to advocate for, developing solutions independently, creating campaigns for the causes, and determining how to accomplish my goals. In my church’s youth group, we collectively decided on activities like a hot dog sale for fundraising or a suicide awareness march. Meanwhile, our mentors ensured we were guided through our tasks and learned valuable lessons about the impacts of our decisions.

In my experience with community engagement and work, the future belongs to the youth. While this may be an overused phrase, it is so because of its significance. To create a sustainable and equitable community for all, young people must understand their value and how they can become change agents for their communities and country. If the presidents of today do not inspire the presidents of tomorrow, who then will lead our future? In a sense, this is a form of inheritance—the decisions we make today will impact future generations, whether we are here to witness them or not.

The challenges young people face grow daily, including mental health issues, the changing landscape of work and education after the COVID-19 pandemic, and environmental changes caused by global warming. The solutions being drafted or implemented today will affect young people as they grow into older adults and begin their own families. Similarly, solutions (or the lack thereof) implemented decades ago are now affecting the present generation.

It is time to open up the “round table,” add a few more chairs and engage in meaningful conversations with young people. Misconceptions and misinformation should not guide decisions. Finally, to my fellow young people: if the tables are not welcoming, I hope this column inspires you to create your own tables for discussion and reflection. Our voices, thoughts, and solutions must be heard because our collective future depends on it.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Hell hath no limits nor is circum- scrib’d

In one self-place, where we are is CHRISTOPHERHell.MARLOWE (1564- 1593) Doctor Faustus (1604), II i.120

STUDY SUCCESS

Dear Student,

Welcome dear reading friend. Mastering context clues is essential to good reading. This important vocabulary skill can help with good text understanding, and speedy and correct responses to examination questions. Clues are hints that authors give to help define an unfamiliar word whether used in poetry or prose. They may appear within, before, or after the sentence, paragraph or pas-

DECEMBER 08, 2024

sage as the word to which they refer. Clues include brief definitions, restatements, examples, antonyms and synonyms, or descriptions. Be wise.

Love you.

IMPROVING READING

1. Reading for comprehension

Note: Here are some essential skills needed for reading comprehension: decoding, fluency, vocabulary, sentence construction and cohesion, reasoning, visualising the events or ideas in the text and connecting background knowledge, and a working memory and attention.

Instruction: Read the following passage carefully, and then answer all the questions that follow.

When Paul had resolved the threatening conflict in his stomach, he stood up and placed his ear against the door. All sounds seemed to be coming from the front of the house. He inched the door open gingerly and seeing that nobody....

Bright-eyed young people spun and writhed before Paul in a confusion of movements and colour, while the older, more sedate couples glided effortlessly between the gyrating figures, lost in the smoothness of their rhythm. Then, suddenly, grey streaks like heavy rain shot across his vision. Then, the whole room began to turn around and around. His head seemed to be revolving with rapidly increasing momentum through a narrow tunnel of sound in ever tightening spirals – faster, faster, faster. Where to? He fought down the mounting pangs of nausea and pushed his head back hard against the wall, fixing his eyes on the illuminated text opposite him: God is the Head of this House. It was as if he was standing in a constantly shaken kaleidoscope. And then slowly, it gained control over his own internal movement, and he was able to separate the stationary objects from the dancers who continued to move, swaying and twisting.

(a) What was bothering Paul according to the words “When he had resolved the threatening conflict in his stomach”?

(b) The writer did some contrasting in the first sentence in the second paragraph. How was the contrast done?

(c) Do you think that Paul’s earlier problem was resolved? Use specific evidence from the passage.

(d) What caused Paul, to be standing in a “constantly shaken kaleidoscope” when he was watching the opposite wall?

(e) When do writers use repe-

tition? What effect does it have in the midpart of the text?

2. Reading for comprehension

Dr. Levy called me into his office early in the morning. He had lately moved his administrative throne. You walked up the stairs and entered a tremendous anteroom guarded by a trio of glum typists and the doctor’s secretary. Three small desks with battered manual typewriters were moored in an ocean of pastel tile, and the tang of barely cured concrete and freshly applied whitewash immediately tickled your nose.

The typists usually had little to type, and the secretary, with no phone to answer, usually read magazines. Her ill-fitting dentures that stretched her lips into an ugly overbite, created the grimace of a seasoned battle-axe, sour and bad-tempered; but in truth, she was a soft-spoken and sweet-natured woman whose only quirk was a Christian aversion to blasphemy and bad words.

I had scarcely settled in the straight-backed chair before his desk when the doctor, looking officious and abnormally solemn, broke the news. The girls would not be able to sit for the A level examination.

(From Anthony Winkler, “Going Home to Teach”)

(a) Write what is meant by each of the following words and phrases: administrative throne, anteroom, battered manual typewriters, seasoned battle-axe, looking officious and abnormally solemn.

(b) What opinion does the author want you to have of Dr. Levy with the use of “throne” in the second sentence?

(c) How many members of staff did Dr. Levy have in his office?

(d) Identify TWO words used metaphorically in sentence 4.

(e) How would you summarise the author’s feelings about Dr. Levy’s office?

(f) Why do you think that the personality of the secretary appears to be the opposite of what it really was?

(g) What is the occupation of Dr. Levy?

3. Reading for comprehension

Your neighbour, an elderly adult, stays locked in her house all day, afraid to open the door to anyone. Too many hours of watching local TV news, you think. But it’s not just older people who are living in fear. Parents, women, gays, and minorities are all looking over their shoulders.

Some parents who walked to school when they were children wouldn’t think of letting their kids do that. What about child molesters and kidnappers? A young woman at a party guards her drink all night – afraid that someone might put a drug in it. She’s afraid of being raped. The gay person who goes to his old neighbourhood to visit his grandmother feels uneasy. Is it his imagination, or are people looking at him in a threatening way? An African American man walking down the road hears a racial slur. Should he ignore it, or stop and say something?

1. Give the categories of people the writer says are aware of violent others? Which other violent others do you know?

2. Do you think it is a bad pastime if the elderly neighbour spends too many hours watching the TV news? Suggest three other channels she could be watching to allay or inform her fears.

3. According to the passage, parents who walked to school are now ...

(A) putting their children in harm’s way.

(B) afraid to put their children in harm’s way.

(C) allowing them to walk to school.

(D) sending them to school by bus.

Misuse of medications

Most common and prescribed medications are readily available from non-compliant pharmacies and traders. Incidentally, some doctors unnecessarily prescribe drugs for patients. People indiscriminately consume antibiotics to treat themselves, unaware of the inherent dangers. These acts can easily lead to patients developing tendencies or potential for misuse.

When we hear the term “drug abuse,” we typically think of the excessive use of alcohol, cocaine, or marijuana. However, the problem significantly includes the misuse of antibiotics, analgesics, sedatives, and even vitamin supplements. The difference between abuse and addiction is that it is far easier to overcome drug abuse than addiction.

The availability of common medications from recalcitrant drugstore owners and traders exacerbates the problem. Unnecessary prescriptions by some doctors add to the issue. When people indiscriminately consume antibiotics without understanding their risks, the tendency for misuse increases.

Perhaps even more dangerous is the fact that both the patient and the target pathogen can become immune to the effects of many drugs. This phenomenon often requires a change in medication or higher doses to achieve the desired result.

Acute infections caused by decayed teeth—characterised by facial swelling, pain, fever, and difficulty opening the mouth—should be treated with penicillin G injections twice daily during the initial days of onset. Oral antibiotics (capsules and tablets) are inadequate for acute dental abscesses or facial cellulitis because they generally do not kill bacteria but merely prevent their multiplication.

Additionally, the strength of capsules and tablets diminishes after being metabolised by the liver. Recommended practice includes localising the abscess with heat packs and draining it alongside penicillin injections. Antibiotics in the bloodstream alone cannot penetrate the core of the abscess to kill bacteria. If the abscess is not drained, the affected area may harden due to fibrosis, or worse, the infection could spread, leading to septicaemia.

For chronic infections such as gum boils or fistulas (small openings that constantly ooze pus), treatment should focus on removing the cause, which is invariably a diseased tooth, rather than relying on antibiotic therapy.

Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs often substitute for each other. They work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which cause pain. Ibuprofen, in doses of 400 mg every eight hours, is among the best for severe pain. Aspirin remains one of the most widely used and dependable analgesics for mild to moderate pain. However, its commonplace status often leads patients to underestimate its effectiveness.

Codeine, like morphine, modifies the patient’s perception of pain and induces sedation, offering an unrealistic freedom from fear of dental procedures. While this may seem ideal for patients in severe pain, codeine is ten times more dangerous than marijuana and should be avoided if possible. Since all drugs have harmful effects, professional guidance should always be sought before their use.