Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot E-Paper 03-12-2023

‘United we stand’

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

The ‘One Guyana’ sign in Anna Regina stands tall as Guyanese rally in unity against Venezuela’s unlawful claim of Guyana’s territory (Yaphet Savory photo)

Sunday, December 3, 2023

I

II

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

Creative hands The self-taught ceramist

WHEN Yogini Prabhu discovered she was pregnant while working at the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Ministry of Housing, she decided to quit as a public servant and embark on her favourite pastime of making craft; a childhood dream.

She wanted to embrace motherhood as a stay-at-home mom, and she then had the time, unlike before, to let her creativity take control. It was then she mastered the art of polymer clay baking, and started to create unique pieces in the form of earrings, personalised décor and portraits.

Parbhu told the Pepperpot Magazine that while pregnant she had some time and she was browsing through Pinterest and saw some pieces made from polymer clay, and it piqued her interest

business venture. She recalled her first try was some earrings, and it came out very well. Today, she still wears them, and the pair is one of her signature pieces and a reminder SEE PAGE V of what can be achieved if you

Yogini Prabhu

Family portrait

enough to do some research.

The mother of one related that growing up, she always liked craft, and did a bit of sewing but was new to the world of ceramics using polymer clay, so she invested three months after buying some materials sourced from overseas to begin her new craft journey as a ceramist.

She explained that the baking aspect of making jewels, personalised décor and portraits had to be just right, and she got herself a toaster oven specially for that purpose.

Parbhu added that after extensive research of polymer clay, she began experimenting and made some handmade jewels, earrings and it turned out well. She was even surprised at the outcome. That motivated her even more to experiment with more intricate, time-consuming process.

Parbhu also invested time to hone her craft by looking at YouTube videos and tutorials before she even embarked on her

Christmas themed-earrings

SEE PAGE III

III

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

High-quality agro-products are here to stay thanks to one family

By Michel Outridge

WITH determination and a good support system from her family as a single parent of two children, Radhika Basdeo felt like establishing her own small business was the right way to go since being unemployed wasn’t an option for her.

In March 2021, Basdeo was fully motivated by her father, a farmer who works at Guynaz at Bourda Market as a supplier of fresh fruits and vegetables, to step up to the challenge of establishing her own small business as an agro-processor.

At that time, Basdeo was working with her parents.

They had a snackette at Stabroek Market, and she felt she was made for more; to venture out on her own in business.

After they sold the snackette in 2000, it was time for Basdeo to make her mark as an agro-processor. She was making peppersauce and mango achar, retailing it at Guynaz and a few other places. During the pandemic, her father’s farm had an abundance of mangoes going to waste, and he encouraged her to utilise it to make some achar to sell.

Basdeo consulted with her elders, who gave her the (secret) family recipe for the mango achar. She followed it step-by-step until it was just right, and she began her small business. She recalled making two-gallon buckets of mango achar and using plastic bottles to market the product, which was sold in

Radhika Basdeo of Basdeo’s Dynasty

small quantities.

Basdeo was advised to approach the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) to have a proper label, a better package, get licensed, market her products, and be trained.

It was the best thing she did for her business, which took off from there. She reported that GMC supported her fully, and her product was outfitted with seals, labelling, nutrition facts, packaging, samples, bar code and all the relevant licences.

“In 2021, I went to GMC and managed to get my small business licensed, and I received training as well to market my product, which paved the way for my small business as an agro-proces-

sor,” she said.

Basdeo added that she took the steps necessary for her small business to take off, and it was the way forward for her because she has since been invited to participate in local and overseas expos.

Further, the agro-processor approached the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department to become certified, and went to the Guyana National Bureau of Standards to receive her ‘Made in Guyana’ label and standards.

Basdeo explained that she wanted her product to be of quality and attain all the requirements for a top-quality product that is wholesome and of high standard.

She disclosed that when

Mango and tamarind achars (Michel Outridge Photos)

she started, it was from her kitchen at home with herself, her niece and nephew and her father. Today, she has established Basdeo’s Dynasty as an agro processor who has her own facility at her residence, and has in her employ two staffers.

From just peppersauce

and mango achar, Basdeo’s Dynasty has evolved into much more, offering other products such as ground garam masala, ground jeera, whole jeera, nutmeg, turmeric, split peas powder, plantain flour, saltfish, and recently started tamarind achar and packaged red beans which is also grown locally. Even though her processing facility, which is located behind her residence, is adequate, Basdeo is looking to expand to keep her factory updated with all stainless-steel equipment.

“Working for yourself, with yourself, is quite empowering. It takes real determination and endurance to be successful, and once you have the support system (people to keep you motivated), it can happen. You just need to make a start, no matter how small. Look at me. Today, my small business is growing quite nicely and I am overwhelmed by the feedback, the support and the way things have turned out for me,” Basdeo said.

She revealed that she was once very introverted, and she signed up for a course in public speaking and gained

Salted fish

the confidence she needed to interact with people better.

This year has also been quite eventful for Basdeo.

She won the micro agro-processing national overall quality award from Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS). She also participated in the Agri Expo and the Xmas Village in 2022 and in 2023, she attended the AgroFest in Barbados, Everything Vincy in St. Vincent, this year’s Agri Investment Forum and Expo and GuyExpo.

She related that at most expos, the slated fish and the achars are usually in demand and being there to get feedback from customers is good.

As a female-owned agro-processor, Basdeo said the reviews have been good, and she would like to have her products on the shelves of all supermarkets, shops and stores in Guyana.

“Use whatever resources you have at your disposal to elevate yourself, make a start, and don’t wait until you have everything.

Things will fall into place eventually, go out, be seen and heard. You will come to profitability eventually,” Basdeo said.

IV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

Persevering against all odds

SHAZAAM Ali is the owner and co-founder of Sally Seafood Restaurant.

Though he is a successful entrepreneur who started his business venture without having to initially pursue tertiary education, Ali knew that this was a necessary step for his overall professional development.

The Pepperpot Magazine sat down with businessman Ali and he shared his journey into the business and working world. Ali told the Pepperpot Magazine that after leaving high school,

he immediately pursued his business dream.

“After finishing school, I didn’t go straight to university. Instead, I jumped into working. I started my own business and worked in IT for a large company for a short time. I tried many business ideas; some worked, but many didn’t.

These experiences over more than two decades taught me a lot,” Ali told the Pepperpot Magazine.

The businessman recalled that he enjoyed his social life, got married, and

had learnt to wade through all the financial and entrepreneurial challenges during his career after successive tries at various business ideas and ventures.

Ali said that during this period of his life, he met his wife, got his children, and is now enjoying life.

“During this time, I also enjoyed a long-spirited social life. I met my wife on one of my ventures. She’s a university graduate, and I’m proud of her. We’re lucky to have three beautiful children, with one more on the

Shazaam Ali

way,” he shared.

According to him, it is not only academics that matter, but resilience is also equally important. Now, after two years of hard study, Ali moved a step beyond his Bachelor’s Degree and earned his Master’s in Business Administration, specialising in Information Technology.

“I’m not sharing this to brag, but to show what I’ve achieved for me and my family. I’m really proud of it, and hope it can inspire others. I don’t have huge political ambitions. As a proud Guyanese, my goal is simply to make a positive impact while I’m here,” said.

ADVICE AND INSPIRATION Ali mentioned that his path wasn’t easy and it’s not over. He failed more than he succeeded. But every failure was just a step towards success, he said. Life is full of ups and downs, and nobody’s jour-

ney is perfect. He hopes that his story encourages you to keep going, no matter how tough it gets. Every step forward is worth celebrating.

According to Ali, the main thing that drives him in his business journey is his passion, and wanting to make a difference, especially in Guyana.

“Every business I start teaches me something, whether it succeeds or not.

I love the challenge and learning from it. It keeps me excited about being an entrepreneur. What really keeps me going is wanting to create things that help people,” he said. “For me, it’s more than just making a business work; it’s about doing good things for others, and showing my kids that they can do anything if they keep trying and learning.”

ADVICE TO YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS Ali encourages young people who are in business

and want to give up they should keep going, even when it’s hard. He reminded them that failing is part of learning. Be open to changing your plans, and don’t be shy about asking for help.

The most important thing is to not give up, he says. The journey might be long, but it’s worth it.

He opined that his faith also helps him make good choices in his business. According to him, “It gives me strength when things are tough and guides me to be honest and fair to everyone.

It reminds me that my work should not only make money but also do good for others.”

He encouraged that to build strong businesses in Guyana, there needs to be easier ways to access financing and support for new businesses. Training for entrepreneurs would also help a lot, he asid and there needs to be greater encouragement for people to be creative and brave in starting new businesses.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

‘Corriverton is developing’

V

- Mayor optimistic about ongoing enhancement works

WITH a sense of great pride and gratitude, the Mayor of Corriverton Town Council, Imran Amin, says enhancement projects and developmental works are happening in all eight township constituencies due to this administration’s commitment to the people. In an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, Mayor Amin disclosed the expansive works being undertaken in the municipality

Mayor Imran Amin

towards the betterment of the lives of the people.

He disclosed that the #76 Village Housing Scheme will soon benefit from a new concrete access bridge and construction is currently underway.

Amin stated that new road projects are also in the making, and soon, all the major roads in the township will be upgraded. He reported that the #77 Village access bridge was also completed about two months ago. The mayor disclosed that contracts have since been awarded for nine new roads to be completed within Corriverton and the project will commence in a week’s time. He pointed out that 80 major roads from #75 Village to #82 Village have seen its fair share of development in infrastructural works, upgraded roads and installation of street lights.

Creative...

put your all into it.

Parbhu always loved DoIt-Yourself (DIY) projects at home, and made quite a bit of every little thing to brighten up her environment. She also began combining clay and canvas to make 3D personalised effects of wall décor.

She related that her craft journey has been challenging yet rewarding, because she is amazed at what she can achieve when she sees the final product of her polymer clay pieces.

Parbhu stated that all her materials are sourced overseas, and that adds up with shipping, but she believes that prices are still reasonable.

“I spend a lot of time with polymer clay and handmade earrings and whatever else as an experimental process to see what I can do, and after mastering the baking process, I realised there is so much I can do with polymer clay which is very durable,” she explained.

This year, she will be making a few personalised ornaments, since it was a sell-out last year at this time. The response for Prabhu’s polymer clay products has been excellent, and she has repeat customers who purchase her products.

Prabhu established her small business one-and-a-half years ago, and today it is growing. She still works from home but rents a shelf at Collage, which is located at 50 Section 1, Sheriff Street, Georgetown where her products are displayed and sold.

She would restock the shelf when needed, and drop off orders for pick-up and it has been going well so far rather than having a store at her own home.

Prabhu is from Wallers Delight, West Coast Demerara, and her brand is Handcrafted by Yogini, which are some unique, beautiful pieces that will last a lifetime with proper care, since her earrings are one-of-a-kind and gold-plated.

FROM PAGE II

He reported that the recreational park commissioned by First Lady Arya Ali, is a hit at #79 Village, Corriverton, and it has become a safe place, a ‘green space’ for all to gather. He stated that the Mayor and City Council of Corriverton does regular garbage collection at the #79 Recreation Park, which is outfitted with adequate seating area.

In addition, for safety, they have on-staff park rangers on a three-shift system. They were drawn from the part-time workers from the Community Policing Group (CPG), Upper Corentyne.

His reality of a 24-hour drive-through market is in the works. A proposal is yet to be approved by the government in which a new tarmac will be constructed. “It is one of my visions for this township to be realised and I hope it can materialise,” Amin said.

Amin told the Pepperpot Magzine that garbage collection within the township is ongoing and they have a makeshift landfill site at Line Path Village.

He said the Mayor and City Council of Corriverton have been successful in upgrading the x-ray/ultrasound room at the Skeldon Hospital; the room was fully sealed and the storage area for drugs, as well.

Amin added that the National Library at Corriverton Civic Centre which is located next door to Town Hall, received a much-needed facelift on Tuesday.

He pointed out that the project was made possible through the contribution of the Mayor and City Council, American Loyalty Imports and F & I Customs Brokerage joint partnership.

Corriverton was upgraded to township status on September 7, 1970, under the Municipal District Act 28:01 and it was divided into eight wards. It is a border town and its population is just about 30,000.

Amin’s area of responsibility is from #75 Village to #82 Village, Corriverton and it encompasses a large area from #75 to Crabwood Creek.

VI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

‘United we stand’

VII

Anna Regina’s mission of togetherness

APART from the sea breeze, peaceful roaming cattle and the all-together captivating atmosphere, there is one thing that makes a visit to the Essequibo Coast unique. Around every corner, at every shop and at many different houses, people can be seen together. No matter the time of day, the people of the coast are always together, having fun and showing the rest of the world what it means to be a community. Regardless of colour, class or creed, places like Anna Regina have a sense of togetherness unlike anywhere else.

Kaydar Persaud lives a mere two miles outside of the town of Anna Regina, but the lines and boundaries of communities are blurred when the people are as close-knit as they are in Essequibo. Kaydar hails from the community of Lima, a village resting between Anna Regina and Charity. Kaydar grew up in the village, just as his father and grandfather before him had.

“I lived here all my life. My mother, father, and grandfather are all from the same area. And this year will be my 50th anniversary.”

The 76-year-old has spent several years aimed at community building. “I have done a lot of community work. Not only in Lima but all along the coast,” he stated. Growing up in and around the town of Anna Regina was an interesting experience, he shared.

“Growing up here as a young boy was very nice. All my friends Resident and community elder, Kaydar were from this area. At that time, we attended Anglican School Persaud which is a British school.”

Among the most memorable aspects of his youth was the unique unity community like Anna Regina fostered within its people. And he explained, growing up, there was always brotherly love among the townspeople. He stated: “There were old people that would give us advice. We all grew up together. As East Indians and Negros and we all grew together. We had a multicultural community,” he said.

And they still do. Within a community of over 40,000 residents, people from all walks of life could be found. No longer A few of Anna Regina’s council members and longtime residents

Resident of Anna Regina Mohamed Khan (Japheth Savory photos)

are particular places coined as being an African community or an Indian village. “Indeed, Anna Regina is multicultural. We have everyone living here. And Anna Regina is a developing township,” he said.

Mohamed Khan is a resident and religious leader who lives just outside of Anna Regina. Like Kaydar, he too was born and raised in the in and around Anna Regina. “Some times growing up here were good. Some times were not so good,” Mohamed stated. He explained that life was generally good despite the hardships and he has seen development in certain areas Anna Regina and the region are quickly gaining recognition for its major educational strides. Mohamed explained that this is a new area for the town and region and he is happy to see the development that has taken place. He stated

that, “We do love Essequibo. And we have grown up as we can say we have enough of a good life; in every aspect. Especially educational has improved from my time to now.” He further expressed that, “Now this coast you can safely say is an educated coast. We understand more about the value of education.

It takes you out of poverty, and it can bring transformation.”

Education and growth have worked well in developing cultural unity in places like Anna Regina. Anna Regina, with its continued growth in population, has seen more people come to call the town home. This, Mohamed says, has fostered strong cultural bonds among people, a bind he feels Anna Regina and the coast is lucky to have. “We are able to live peacefully. We are able to exchange gifts, whether it is Christmas or Eid or Phagwah.We all come together. Our story is Essequibo, region two. It is not about race or religion or race,” Mohamed stated.

A page on cultural unity could be taken from places like the town of Anna Regina. Mohamed believes setting a good example is the way to go about this. “Our parents would have done good work. The young people never see the race as something different and the religious community has done a good job,” he stated.

As a religious leader, he explained that the governing principles among the religious community are love, unity, and equality. “One of the things, one of the ideals, is that of love. That is seeing your fellow human beings and your own self. And we always encourage people to love their neighbour. And to be selfless. Selflessness is the foundation of growth,” he said. The understanding that growth can only be achieved through cooperation is known, but the town of Anna Regina and the coast exercises that belief.

Because divided, we may fall, but united, we can stand, grow and flourish.

VIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

The capital of the Coast Anna Regina’s new council has big plans for its town

By Shaniya Harding THIS week, Pepperpot Magazine shifted gears and visited what is considered by many to be the capital of the Essequibo Coast, the illustrious township of Anna Regina which divides the coast at its halfway mark.

The town of Anna Regina has seen massive development and changes recently and the town leaders are dedicated to seeing the town continue on its road to prosperity.

When 28 -year-old Devin Mohan took up the post of Mayor in August of last year, both he and his council had a trifling task at hand. But with the support, building of trust, as well as increased inclusivity and progressive type of governance, they were determined to do all in their power to develop the community. Beginning as a Dutch plantation during the early 1800s, Anna Regina was given township status in 1970.

The town was given its name after an Englishman who owned it for a period of time. That Englishman had two daughters, Anna and Regina; hence, the community

they see Anna Regina going.

Resident and Deputy Mayor of Anna Regina Lorna Fitzallen, described the town as thriving with its more than 40,000. “The township begins from Walton Hall on the north and three friends on the southern side. And then from the foreshores to the mainstay

Councillor and Chairman of the Social Development Council Parasram Singh

lake area is the boundary of Anna Regina.” She went on further to say that, “We haven’t approximately 48,000 inhabitants that make up the township. We have banks, administrative buildings,

Mayor of the town of Anna Regina

was given its name. Today, the town’s boundaries have grown and so has its population. The mayor and a few council members were happy to tell of the town’s challenges and changes and where

supermarkets and we have two supermarkets within the township.”

Parasram Singh is a councillor and chairman of the Social Development Council.

As a resident, he lives just a

few minutes’ drive outside of Anna Regina and he says, Anna Regina has more than sights to see, but it calls people from all around because of the availability of services in the town. “Anna Regina is the mid way of the Essequibo Coast and it forms the core of a lot of activities, like where the banks and other service activities are located. Apart from being a township, other people would come just for the services,” the councillor shared.

The council of the town is relatively new, but they have big plans since being sworn in in August of this year. Among them, delivering on promises is their biggest priority. In his first term as one of the country’s youngest mayors, Mayor Mohan stated that the council’s biggest issue was rebuilding community trust. He explained that forging a relationship with the residents of the town was at first a big task at hand, but reaching out, listening, setting goals and delivering on those goals helped in their goal.

“We had a lot of challenges. But we have managed to overcome them.

People had the notion that the pressure council where inactive and not up to their game. We had to convince people that, as a new body, we are working in the best interest of all. We have new blood in the system. That is one of the challenges,” the mayor explained.

The inclusion of young people and the implementation of newer processes are things that the mayor is passionate about. He believes that a diverse town requires diverse leadership.

He told the Pepperpot Magazine that, “The people are very receptive. They work along collaboratively with the council Because this new body is inclusive. We serve regardless of your political affiliation, religion, culture or creed,” he said, and that is reflected in the council,

A few children in the neighbouring village of Aurora as the school day begins (Japheth Savory photos)

which is made up of a younger and multi-cultural batch of people.

In the time that they have been in operation, the council has managed to make phenomenal strides in the

living up to its name as the business hub of the Essequibo Coast. “Anna Regina is a business hub. We have a speciality hospital and a few hospitals. Prior to that, we had a lot of hotels going up

Deputy Mayor of Anna Regina Lorna Fitzallen

development of the town.

Similar to the government of the country, the council has placed heavy emphasis on infrastructure. With work done on new roads, the cleaning of the town, and plans for expansions, Anna Regina is

in the tourism industry. And we have a stadium. The transformation is evident in this township,” said the mayor.

One’s love and admiration of their community and country is unique and rare and goes a long way as

a citizen. When asked what motivates them, the team had their own motives towards serving their community.

Council Singh stated that, “By providing essential services to the people and the ultimate satisfaction by them wearing a smile; that is what motivates me to go on.”

As a community leader, Deputy Mayor Fitzallen shared that the desire to advise and inspire is her motivating factor. She stated that, “Helping someone and giving advice to someone; that is what gives me great pleasure.” The mayor shares similar sentiments.

He explained that, not only is cooperation his motivation, but it is also the reason he believes Anna Regina will continue to surpass expectations. He said that, “What motivates me is service maximisation. When we can go out to the people.

And meet with them, relate with them and help them.

And help to transform their lives.”

The Anna Regina Fire Station

IX

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

The big impact small jobs can have

The One Guyana Sign Anna Regina

A clean-up campaign in Anna Regina aims to preserve the pristine beauty of the town.

By Shaniya Harding MORE than two years ago, the government implemented the Country Implementation Plan (CIP))to provide people with jobs for about ten days a month.

The work done is predominantly that of clean-up campaigns and environmental work. And of the people employed, the majority are older persons.

Head of the CIP workers at Anna Regina says that the work done by the CIP workers is of great importance to the community and to the workers themselves.

Being seen as a new initiative, the programme may be the first step in a number of other developments.

Latchman Mattai is the Head of CIP workers in Anna Regina. Latchman is a Guyanese national but has retained a strong Trinidadian accent from his time in the country.

Hailing from Lima Sands, within Anna Regina, Latchman has dedicated much of his life to the service of other people.

The 37-year-old still calls the village of Limasands home. “I grew up with my parents at 53 Lima Sands.

Lima Sands is the path to go into lake mainstay,” Latchman stated. He describes his home as beautiful and captivating, living a stone’s throw away from a place people come to visit.

Latchman has spent his life working in either the armed forces or with the various ministries of Guyana.

Having been a police officer for more than thirteen years and working with the government of Guyana for more than 20 years. Latchman has always had the heart to serve others. “I was a police officer for more than 13 years. And after that I went over to Trinidad two times. And I came back to Guyana and worked

Head of CIP team in Anna Regina, Latchman Mattai (Japheth Savory photos)

with the ministry,” he said.

Although having spent time overseas, Latchman deeply appreciates and admires this country. He loves Anna Regina for its multicultural make-up and finds its diversity to be a unique quality of the town. “Our village is a mix of cultures.

We have Amerindians and a lot of mix people living here in Anna Regina.” Latchman stated.

In the years he has lived in and out of Guyana, he says that he has seen Anna Regina and the surrounding areas develop. His home for instance, was just a community with trails for roads and no electricity when he was growing up. He stated that, “When we first moved to Lima Sands, we did not have any roads.

It was a trail. And presently we have new roads. We have twenty-four-hour water. The area was a new scheme, and it is now developing.”

Latchman works for the local government ministry, which works in cooperation with the town council.

Latchman is responsible for a team of 56 CIP labourers and two supervisors. The labour was employed by the ministry within the township.

As Latchman shares, “My responsibilities are basically preparing the time and pay

sheets. “ Among his other responsibilities, and perhaps the most significant, is ensuring the town of Anna Regina is kept spotless. Anna Regina and the Essequibo Coast are among the cleanest and most picturesque places in Guyana. “I visit the supervisors and ensure the work is done.

I also have to ensure the workers are performing their duties of garage and drain cleaning,” Latchman shares.

The programme has been met with stellar receptionists for the public. The community has been very receptive to the workers and their role.

They help maintain the pristine environment of the town and the rest of the coast. The programme, Latchman says, has also grown since it was launched. “Everything is good with the programme so far. The programme started off with just 33 workers and has grown from 2021.”

The workers are a task force for environmental health. They try their best to reach all corners of the town.

“We assist in every department. Whether it is health, or schools. We assist the residents. We make an impact by cleaning up the areas and the drains. We make sure that the people have clean drains and any complaints of garbage

we get we deal with it as urgent as possible.” Latchman shared.

Latchman does believe that there will be an increase in more people joining the programme. As more community members begin to see the programme as more of a cause, the better the environment will be maintained. “If we get more people on the job, the environment will

be cleaner. We will have the human resources to get to the areas,” Latchman stated.

Interestingly, the most prominent demographic among the CIP team is older than one may assume. “The majority of the workers are middle-aged people and older people,” Latchman stated. Currently, Latchman and his team are working on the full en-

hancement of the environment of Anna Regina for the Christmas season. He firmly believes that moving forward, more initiatives like this one will be put in place, and he is urging Guyanese to care for the surroundings, to preserve the beauty of Guyana in any way possible because small jobs can cause significant change.

X

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

The cost of living on the coast How unstable prices are owed to weather changes

By Shaniya Harding THE complaints about the cost of living are a constant in people’s minds everywhere. Within the last few months, many notions and narratives have been dispersed regarding

zine ventured to the town and farming community of Anna Regina. There, the team spoke to a few vendors, and one in particular shared her opinion on why the prices are raised and why she believes this would not always be the case.

A stall at the Anna Regina market

Vendor at the Anna Regina market Gaitree Sukul

the increased cost of living.

And one of the biggest complaints is the cost of greens in the market with rising prices for a bundle of bora and a slice of pumpkin being somewhat thinner than it used to be.

The Pepperpot Maga-

Oftentimes, a community revolves around its marketplace and the town of Anna Regina is no different. The Anna Regina market is one of the largest and most popular on the Essequibo Coast.

Resting at the central point of the town, it is surrounded

by all the necessary services the town has to offer. The township covers an estimated 78.5 square kilometres and the marketplace takes up a large percentage of that.

With everything from food and clothes to mechanics and jewellers, the Anna Regina Market is a source of livelihood for many people.

Among those who come out to ply their trade daily is Gaitree Sukul. Gaitree and her husband have been vendors at the Anna Regina market for more than four decades. “Me and my husband have been selling here for nearly 40 years. It has been a long time we are selling here.

It has been a very long time,” Gaitree stated. “At first, we sold things like slippers. At first, we did not have any-

The Anna Regina market

thing to depend on. But it is not every day that people will buy footwear because people do not need footwear every day. So, we started selling vegetables.”

But they have also faced their fair share of issues in selling greens. Like any other field of work, Gaitree and her husband have strategies in their work. She explained that what is sold is largely dependent on what is being bought. “We work with the season,” she said, “When it is Christmas, we sell Christmas things. We sell apples and grapes. When Easter comes, we sell kites, and when Diwali comes, we sell diyas,” Gaitree explained.

Business is a constantly shifting field and requires business owners to adapt to the changes. In the early years of Gaitree’s business, sales and customers seemed far more stable. “Business used to go a lot. But nowadays, business is really slow,” Gaitree stated. She attributed this change to the rising

prices of greens, which has driven customers away from the market.

“The greens have gotten expensive and I find that people are not buying as much,” she stated. As the nation searches for answers as to why the price of vegetables has been on the rise, Gaitree and fellow vendors like her, who bring foods from the farm to be placed on our table, say that the price of greens is owed to climate change. As Gaitree explained, the change in weather has and the farming of particular crops difficult. As a result, farmers are forced to exhaust resources to get crops that grew far easier some twenty or even thirty years ago.

“Greens have gotten so expensive because of the weather. A lot of farmers are not getting enough water,” Gaitree stated. And the added cost farming requires in recent times is also reflected in crop prices by the time they reach market vendors. “Like with the dry weather, the

farmers had to pump water, and they had to pay for the gas and so on,” Gaitree said.

This factor has caused Gaitree and her husband to stop farming. Instead, they have turned to simply buying and reselling. This, too however, has its own host of issues and competition.

“Sometimes you may find a little bit of greens being sold expensive and some people sell it cheap. We are buying to sell it back. And we have to make at least a profit,” Gaitree explained.

In taking a walk around the Anna Regina market, there are certain sentiments that all the vendors share.

Gaitree and numerous other people admit that there are bad days and good days. As they go out everyday, it is impossible to say whether or not they will have customers or not. But they are also determined to continue, regardless of the issues faced in the daily struggle to provide goods for their customers.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

A little knowledge could be a dangerous thing

Dear Editor, GHK Lall speaks with a forked tongue, in Stabroek News when he says “I may not be of or for the PPP, but the words of President Maduro struck a sharp chord…there is Guyana’s enemy. There is the man and his company who want to wrestle from us the greatest part of our inheritance. Therefore, he should be Bharrat Jagdeo’s enemy and target for any verbal fusillades that he has in mind.”

GHK waxes patriotic lyrics in urging robust defence of Guyana’s territory and pride, but, on the same day, writing his daily column in Kaieteur News, GHK goes overboard with encouragement and advice to Maduro on how to possibly capture and hold the Essequibo! Unbelievable!

GHK begins: “I put myself in Senor Maduro’s shoes; …First, all comparisons favour Venezuela, and unquestionably so. Manpower. Money. Military. Means. All are there to Guyana’s huge disadvantage”.

GHK continues: “Second, the international community is sure to be adversarial, but the bell would have already been rung, the deed done... All of this takes time to unravel, and chaos keeps company in the ensuing unsettled circumstances.”

GHK is not done, he further urges Maduro: “All things considered, it may have been concluded by him [Maduro] that it is better to seize the moment, and deliver what has eluded all other Venezuelan leaders for many lifetimes... In other words, take a chance, and deal with the consequences later.”

I believe GHK’s column has moved into the territory of betrayal, treason, and collaboration; but before exploring handcuffs, Guyanese would do well to understand, that we are not quite the pushover GHK Lall thinks we are, nor, are his premises correct; allow me to elaborate.

In 1982, Venezuela became belligerent on the border controversy, they were at that time, swimming in oil money and prosperity, but the CIA report on their military capability, however, was revealing: “Plans to improve the military in the East will encounter major maintenance and logistical problems. Even with a large portion of the military budget allocated to maintenance, Venezuela is hard-pressed to keep its equipment functioning.

High-ranking officers acknowledge that the army could sustain operations outside of the country for only a few days, not weeks. These problems suggest that a sustained operation outside of Venezuela by a large force would be extremely difficult at present.”

CIA Report: Implications of the Falklands conflict on territorial disputes in Latin America, Annex-3. (https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIARDP85T00176R001300020043-4.pdf) Fast-forward to 2023, Venezuela is a failed state, its economy in ruins, its population migrating to all points of the compass, its military leaders operate fiefdoms; engaged in businesses such as the narco-trade, human trafficking, and, running the oil refineries.

To get the generals moving, Maduro has to do more than give an order, he has to provide financial incentives and we know the cupboard is bare. Venezuela’s major military

XI

equipment (what’s left) is kept moving by cannibalization, the F-16s have long been grounded and the submarines no longer float or dive; they wallow in their berths. GHK Lall’s fantasy of Venezuela’s great military prowess is proof that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

Guyana has also experienced a drastic change in fortune and circumstance from the days when Burnham pushed his “Defence Bonds” onto a Heavily Indebted Poor Country with no useful allegiances.

Today, Guyana is the one swimming to the top of the oil-rich. It is consequently inundated with friends and allies; shared interests make for shared beds. Guyana has a small, well-trained army that will be fighting (if needed) on equalizing terrain; it is reminiscent of conditions of the Battle of Thermopylae.

GHK Lall may quiver at the thought of a Maduro invasion, but the rest of us are working to make sure our enemies, inside and out, including Maduro, understand clearly it would be a costly misadventure; Molon Labe, Senor…

Sincerely, Robin Singh

XII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

WHEN LOVE WALKED INTO HER LIFE II

RACHEL’S lunch routine at the café continued on her business days, and always when she reflected on that moment when she met him, it brought a smile to her lips.

“How crazy is that?”

That feeling of exhilaration, though, that had pulsed through her being when she looked at him, left her wondering how that had happened and why.

“I am an older woman with two young children,” she said silently, “How does a young man fit into our lives?”

She couldn’t be sure of the answers, nor if she would see him again, so she tried not to let it linger in her thoughts. But her friends were happy that she had met someone, knowing the lonely life she had been living, and they encouraged her to accept him as a friend and see where it went.

She sighed and said, “Well, we will see.”

Two weeks later, as she neared the café, a little later than usual, she saw him sitting at the same table they had that day.

“Hey,” he stood up, greeting her with a warm smile, “I was hoping you would come here today.”

She smiled, feeling a sudden rush of joy on seeing him, but said calmly, “I wasn’t sure I would see you again.”

“Well, I made it my duty to stop by just in case there are any unleashed dogs around.”

She laughed lightly, “You’re funny.”

He pulled a chair for her to sit and offered, “I’d like to buy lunch for you today.”

“That’s nice, thank you.”

After ordering lunch, he said to her, “I couldn’t seem to get you out of my mind nor my shirt.”

“Your shirt?” she looked a little puzzled.

He smiled and said, “When you grabbed me that day, the scent of your cologne was left on my shirt, a fresh, floral scent that somehow captivated my senses.”

“Oh,” she exclaimed softly, not sure what to say, intrigued by the look in his eyes, a look that spoke of deep attraction.

Lunch arrived, much to her relief and she took a quick, deep breath to regain her composure.

The conversation gradually returned to normal and he told her he was a civil engineer and had been visiting a few project sites.

“So that means you travel a lot?”

“Regularly, to lend my expertise on projects.”

“Interesting job.”

“Yep, and quite challenging.”

At that point, he glanced around the café and asked her in a low tone.

“Is there a husband in the picture? Don’t want anyone coming up to me angrily, swinging something.”

She laughed and responded, “No, there’s not. I’m divorced with two kids.”

He heaved a sigh of relief in a funny way that made her laugh again.

“I like that,” he said.

“What?”

“The sound of your laughter.”

“Oh,” she blushed, realising that since they met, he had been making her laugh and she admitted, “I don’t do that much.”

“You need that in your life so there can be a glow on your face from the happiness within.”

She looked at him and smiled, for she was starting to feel that joy, and she said, “You’re amazing.”

It was time for her to go back to her shop and he asked, “Can I see you again?”

She hesitated a little, then answered, “I’m not sure.”

“I would like to see you again, though,” he said, a sincere look in his eyes.

“I umm, I—” she wasn’t sure what to say, her friends’ voices echoing in her head, “Don’t let him go…”

He noticed her uncertainty and, taking her hand, he kissed it.

“Call me so we can talk some more.”

He left his card on the table, smiled with just that little charm, and left. She picked up the card and kept it in her purse but did not call all week until Friday night. He answered on the first ring, as though, waiting for that call.

“Hi.” “Hey, great hearing from you.”

“I was kinda busy.”

“That’s understandable, I was busy myself.”

“So how far away are you working right now?

She asked.

“Nowhere is too far away for me to see you again.”

“That’s a nice thing to

say.”

“Yeah, and I’m missing the smile that goes with that.”

They spoke briefly, and she told him about her little antique shop in town.

“It’s great having such a deep love and passion for something,” he told her.

It was kind of pleasing to her that he always seemed to say the right things in a nice, sometimes funny way, so when he asked her out for dinner on Saturday night, she accepted though, still somewhat uncertain, having him as a close friend.

For the first time in six years, she took her time to find a new dress and had a complete makeover for a fabulous outlook.

She met him at the most exclusive restaurant in the little town, and he greeted her, looking stunned.

“Absolutely amazing.”

Dinner was a beautiful affair, the Italian cuisine, the wine and soft music, something she had missed from her life, and to that he toasted, “To our first date, hoping there will be many more.”

It’s what she wanted too: looking at him, listening to his smooth, deep voice, and seeing his charming smile filled her heart with a new, unique feeling, yet she still felt uncertain and knew then, she had to talk to him about it.

After dinner, they went for a stroll, enjoying the cool ambience of the night and getting a park bench, she said to him, “There’s something I have to ask you.”

“I know.”

“You do?”

“Yes, I sensed something is bothering you.”

She sighed and asked, “How old are you?”

“Does it matter?”

“Yes.” He answered her after a short moment, “I’m twenty-eight.”

She felt a bit deflated knowing he was that young and told him, “I’m forty-two.”

That changed nothing on his expression and he shook his head a little.

“That’s why you were so uncertain about seeing me again?”

“Yes.” He took her hand in his and said, “I felt an instant attraction to you, the first time I saw you. I love your simplicity, your smile, the sound of your laughter, so age, I did not see.”

She knew she felt that same attraction to him, but she told him, “I have two young children and I’m not sure dating someone fourteen years younger could be a good thing to do.”

“You do know, life begins at forty.”

“So I was told.”

“So you’re going to let it pass you by without living your life a little, find love, embrace your desires?”

“I don’t know, I don’t think I can do this.”

“What does your heart tell you?”

She didn’t answer, not looking at him, and putting his finger gently under his chin, he lifted her head and so she was looking in his eyes.

“Tell me,” he urged her softly.

She couldn’t say what was in her heart, but she didn’t have to, for he could see it in her eyes.

“Sometimes words are not needed,” he whispered.

She closed her eyes, “I can’t…” and got up to leave, “Can we please go?”

He took her home and at the door, she said, “Thank you for a wonderful evening and I’m sorry--” “It’s okay,” he interrupted her, putting a finger to her lips.

“I understand and I’ll be waiting for you, when you’re ready to live your life.”

He kissed her softly, “Good night.”

To be continued…

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

XIII

Authentic Marketing: Winning Customer Trust

I met Susie Carder in 2016 at a motivation event with Lisa Nichols in Atlanta. She was one of the persons that charted Lisa’s course. Lisa is one of the top transformational coaches in the world. I was trying to find a picture I took with both of them to share with you. Dr. Susie Carder doesn’t just break conventional boundaries; she shatters them. The entrepreneurial prowess brewing inside her was clear from the beginning as she turned her modest salon and health spa into one of the nation’s most successful businesses. But that was just the tip of the iceberg as she founded and sold three additional profitable companies, including an awe-inspiring eight-figure acquisition by

Cengage.

I believe Susie is a brilliant coach, and I will be able to afford her soon. I continue to consume her content, and recently, I read her article on authentic marketing and was very impressed. I decided to share this week.

What is Authentic Marketing?

If you’re keeping your finger on the pulse of the marketing world, you’ve likely heard about ‘Authentic Marketing’. What is it and why is it suddenly so important?

Authentic marketing is all about being real, being you, and telling your true story. This is in contrast to traditional marketing approaches that focus on pushing a product or a service. Instead of hard sell, it’s about connection, trust, building relationships, and creating a community around your brand.

In the digital age, people see so many ads and promotions.

It has changed their behaviour. Consumers tune out marketing messages and instead crave genuine engagements and authentic messages.

An audience can sense when a brand is genuine, and they reward that authenticity with their trust and loyalty. Let’s dive deeper and explore how embracing authenticity can truly transform your marketing game.

The Unmatched Impact of Authentic Marketing Entrepreneurs, let’s dive into the unmatched power of authenticity in marketing. Discover how being genuine can make a significant impact.

Authentic Marketing Resonates with Consumers First off, remember that today’s consumers are savvy – they can differentiate between genuine messages and exaggerated hype. Authentic marketing resonates because it speaks to their hearts.

Sharing your brand’s true story, values, and mission creates a powerful connection. Consumers appreciate this honesty and transparency. Your customers will feel acknowledged, listened to, and appreciated. This connection is not only about selling but also about creating a meaningful relationship that will keep them coming back.

Fostering Relationships with Authentic Marketing What authentic marketing does so beautifully is foster relationships. By being consistently genuine in your messaging

and interactions, you’re not just another company trying to make a quick buck. You become a trusted friend, a reliable source of solutions.

Authentic marketing is about nurturing these relationships over time, valuing long-term customer engagement over short-term transactions. Your audience will genuinely feel a part of your brand’s journey, fostering a sense of belonging and community.

Driving Customer Loyalty with Authentic Marketing Lastly, let’s address customer loyalty, the holy grail of business success. Authentic marketing plays a pivotal role in driving this loyalty. When you’re true to your brand and to your customers, they will SEE PAGE XVIII reciprocate that honesty with

XIV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

Understanding the mystery of sleep --To ignore it can be frightening SLEEP is considered something we do when we are tired or bored, or the alternative realm to which we retreat from our immediate harassing and stressful thoughts. Sleep is essential for old people, or so I thought as a young man, and I did mention some experiences that I have had that took some of my then youthful fantasy opinions and dumped them into the stupid bin, which I will repeat briefly in this article.

Some years ago, I decided that if I bought a car, all of it would be on my strained economy, because nothing concerning vehicles is manufactured in Guyana. The alternative, then, was that it

must be to fulfil a business necessity. I’m on the road daily; I’m basically self-employed and pioneering the unusual niche of illustrated storytelling through mainly self-publishing in our small world.

This venture has met with reasonable successes but with great obstacles. Hiring motor services is cheaper than paying the bill of ownership right now.

So, where does sleep come in? People are dying on our roads: Young people;

some young at heart. The ally is accelerating. I had an experience. I was a young man in a Jeep driven by a colleague

coming from Linden. This was in the early 1970s; we were talking, and I didn’t remember stopping talking.

However, I opened my eyes and realised that I had fallen asleep and that the Jeep was in the middle of the road.

I shook my colleague. He was asleep, too. He barked at me accusingly, “You’re supposed to talk and keep me awake!” “I fell asleep; I can’t remember how!” I responded.

The following day, I approached the medic. My contention was that I was young and fit, so I shouldn’t fall asleep like that. The medic laughed, weighing the hours awake on the job, and informed me of the power of sleep. She also used what I then classified as a ‘big-word’. ‘Sleep deprivation’ she called it.

She informed me that, “If the body needs sleep, it will take it. Depending on the circumstances, your body demands sleep; that’s how accidents happen and people die.” I have often reflected that these factors should be incorporated and explained to drivers in training on the limitations of the body.

THE SCIENCE OF SLEEP Looking at the science, sleep defines a biological and behavioural state in

which we are quiet and relatively unresponsive to external stimuli. Most people spend about one-third of their lives in the state of consciousness that is sleep. Sleep is essential to our culture of awareness and being alive.

However, how does sleep help the brain? Researchers have found that the sleeping brain appears to repeat a pattern of neuron firing that occurred while the subject was recently awake as if in sleep, the brain was trying to commit to long-term memory what it had learned that day.

When we do not get enough sleep, we may feel less alert and vigorous or confused and fatigued.

Lack of sleep not only affects energy levels but mental and social functioning as well. Sleep deprivation over prolonged periods has been recognised to cause hallucinations, delusions and psychosis in normal persons.

Going long periods without sleep is so well acknowledged as disorienting that forced sleep deprivation is a widely used brainwashing technique. See-MAYOCLINIC; NGM-May 2010.

The incident that influenced this article and research occurred earlier this year with a young taxi driver who was taking me back home from an exhibition around 12:30am when, after his second nod, I touched

and instructed him to pull over and take a five. He did.

It almost reached an hour. I touched him again, and began a conversation. He’s a public servant with a young family who bought a car. Bank payments pushed him to hit the road from around 6pm to around 1am or earlier as a taxi driver to fill in the extra income. The old proverb dictated that I quietly remind him that “Yuh can’t burn candle at both ends; de light gon run out.” The car is necessary for the family, thus, it has to be paid for, a logical situation, but with potentially dire consequences. How many of the accidents and road-rage incidents we witness daily can be attributed to factors mentioned here? We can only speculate. I don’t know if any institution can pay direct interactive attention to this factor. This is a little beyond just the Traffic Police.

It’s a multi-social medical reality. I’ve asked some drivers if when receiving instructions as a driving student, they had the discussion about the relationship between driving and mental fatigue. Of the few I’ve asked, the answers more or less revolved around having a solid meal card for the job, so I conclude not these fellows, the topic has not resonated with this 1.1% and their listening, smiling buddies.

XV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

DEVELOPING AND INCREASING MEAT AND DAIRY PRODUCTION

THE Guyana state’s general Economic Planning and, in particular, the Ministry of Agriculture under the leadership of Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, have been acutely aware of the danger of the onset of the Dutch Disease, also known as the ‘Resource Curse’: They are aware that small, underdeveloped economies which are unexpectedly blessed with ample oil resources almost deterministically focus on the lucrative oil

insemination, embryo transplantation, and cross-breeding and practically by integrating Brahaman bulls into the local herds. In this regard, the ministry in July/ August imported 63 Brahaman bulls from Texas in the USA and in the words of the minister while addressing farmers, “If you form yourselves into groups I can give you proper breeding bulls so you can develop your stock.”

The sheep breeds are also being improved in col-

million yearly in feedstock, but with the developments already embarked upon, self-sufficiency will be attained by the end of 2025.

Over 3,000 acres in the Tacama savannahs have been cultivated with corn and soya and three 3,000-tonne silos have been constructed at the Tacama Landing, so that barges and ships could easily load their soya and corn cargoes. Supportive of the ministry’s efforts and also as a profitable investment, seven private firms

industry and the industries which had kept their economies afloat before the oil boom are allowed to drift into oblivious neglect.

When this era of oil prosperity begins to come to its end by the exhaustion of the oil resources, or when fluctuations in price reduce revenues, economic distress sets in, resulting in the Dutch Disease.

Before the oil discoveries, agriculture was the mainstay of Guyana’s economy and there is a determination to keep developing and expanding it. There are several facets of agricultural development, and in this offering, we shall consider the facet of increasing meat and dairy production, which encompasses several activities. The first of these is the improvement in the breeds of the animals so that they would be able to produce more meat. This is done both scientifically by genetic

laboration with Barbados, which has supplied Guyana with over 1000 Blackbelly sheep. In this programme, the ewes outnumber the rams manyfold, as, for example, in the shipment in August last year, there were 112 ewes as against 20 rams.

This sheep project will not only satisfy local needs but also work towards building a regional Caribbean brand of sheep that will decrease the import of lamb and mutton products into the region.

Pasturing is essential in any breeding programme and pastures are being developed in Regions Two, Four, Five, Six And 10 and farmers will be utilising them, since their own holdings would not be big enough to accommodate expanding herds. Another essential in the development of an expanding meat and dairy industry is self-sufficiency in feedstock. At present, Guyana imports US$6

have formed a consortium to expand the corn and soya production. These companies are Guyana Stockfeeds, Royal Chicken, Edun Farms, SBM Wood, Dubulay Ranch and Bounty Farm with the Brazilian company, NF Agriculture.

In the development of the meat industry, clean, modern abattoirs are an essential feature and a stateof-the-art abattoir is being constructed in Region Five.

The Georgetown abattoir has been going through steady improvement. With regard to milk production, the ministry expects to have three milk parlours by the end of the year.

One element that could have been included in the ministry’s programme is goat production. A few decades ago, the government was interested in goat production and the main expert in the field, a Malaysian, was invited to advise the

Ministry of Agriculture. The project was very viable and popular among farmers, but unfortunately , it never materialised.

Most economists and agriculturists are confident that Guyana’s agriculture would grow in step with the oil industry and would in a

few years be able to satisfy the US$6 million Caribbean food market and fear of the Dutch Disease would have disappeared.

XVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

Depression THIS is the second instalment of my three-part series of common mental health disorders in Guyana, providing a general understanding of what they are. For those who missed it, please check online for last month’s piece on addiction, an often overlooked one.

Today, I’m going to dive into depression, the most common mental health disorder worldwide, with over 280 million people afflicted.

Despite its commonality, it is often misunderstood. When people think of depression, they often think of an individual lying in bed, crying all day, when in actuality, this is a very small percentage of depression as the majority walk among us, completely unnoticed.

When I ask people to define depression, they often say it’s the same as being sad and they are 50 percent right. Being sad is a normal emotion and not a mental health issue. The symptoms are low mood, isolation, physiological responses such as crying, and behavioural responses such as over and undereating. The symptoms of depression are not much different, but to differentiate between sadness, there are two things to keep in mind – duration and severity of feelings/ symptoms.

If you are feeling sad based on a specific circumstance and your mood, eating and sleeping patterns are off for a few days, that’s completely normal. If the symptoms worsen and last for over weeks at a time, it is a sign of a potential mental health illness- which could have been underlying and is now triggered or awakened.

Depression is a hidden illness where most people seem to be living a normal and even happy lives, but struggling alone on the inside. If you are not certain whether you are suffering from depression, some common symptoms include changes in mood, eating and sleeping patterns, difficulty with everyday functioning such as memory, concentration, motivation and productivity, irritability, feelings of helplessness and hopelessness and physical symptoms such as low energy, head and body aches.

Mental Illness is never our fault, and this becomes very apparent when you learn the risk factors such as genetics, hormones and trauma.

There are also different types of depression and knowing some of the most common also helps you to better understand your own thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

The most common is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), which has all the traditional symptoms and disrupts your day-to-day life with significant impairment. You do not feel like you can do what others can accomplish in a day, which of course, makes you feel even worse.

There is Manic depression, SEE PAGE XXIV which confuses a lot of people because there are bursts of

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

XVII

Guyana’s story, not a controversy

AS Guyana continues to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity on all fronts, there has been a substantial increase in public awareness activities about the Guyana/ Venezuela border controversy. Heightened public awareness was a craving of many, including myself, for quite some time and I am very happy to see it now.

As I’m sure anyone can imagine, Venezuela’s December 3 referendum -- that’s today -- makes many people, especially those living in border communities, uneasy. Many people, not just border community residents, believe the Bolivarian Republic could use that referendum to justify annexing two-thirds of Guyana’s territory -- the entire Essequibo region. This was part of Guyana’s recent argument before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), when it objected to the questions in Venezuela’s referendum.

But let’s talk about the controversy for a second.

I am currently in Dubai covering COP28, and it has been interesting engaging my Caribbean colleagues after they asked me about the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy. For many of them, this is the very first time they are hearing about the controversy, and for many of them, it is super alarming to hear about Venezuela’s claim to two-thirds of our territory. I take their curiosity and inquisitiveness now as a positive sign that our awareness efforts are reaching beyond our borders and into the workplaces and homes of our Caribbean family. That is important, now more than ever.

For us, the controversy is real and, at times, concerning.

The Spanish-speaking nation claims Guyana’s entire Essequibo region even though the border was established more than 100 years ago by the 1899 Arbitral Award. Venezuela accepted the border for decades. As Guyana approached its 1966 independence from Great Britain, Venezuela was heightening its claim to the Essequibo region. So in that year, we got the 1966 Geneva Agreement, which did not replace the 1899 Arbitral Award (and I must mention this because many seem to believe that it did; it did not) but established a framework, more or less, to resolve the controversy. And Guyana has been following that framework for years, engaging in robust bilateral talks and the Good Officer process. Eventually, the United Nations (UN) Secretary General referred the controversy to the ICJ. Guyana welcomed this and has taken its case to the World Court for a full, final and binding affirmation of that award, so that Venezuela’s claims can end once and for all.

Aside from the judicial process, Guyana has been engaging its partners around the world, be it friendly states or organisations. There has been widespread support for Guyana and for the process before the ICJ, especially from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Commonwealth.

All that is good, well, and ongoing, but I’m sure we can all appreciate people’s concerns. So, in a necessary move, I believe, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali went to the border communities in Regions One and Seven and sought to address people directly.

I also visited those communities and saw him listen to their concerns, answer their questions, and give them assurances that Guyana has widespread international support, is strengthening security capacity, and is engaging in the judicial process unfolding at the ICJ. Though there have been press conferences, briefings, and some awareness activities, for some, this direct engagement was the first time they had heard of the comprehensive efforts on the government’s part to guarantee that our territorial integrity and sovereignty remained intact.

As I reported on the engagement, I saw firsthand how important that sort of engagement is. It is a need that cannot be satisfied with songs and brochures, no matter how important those are otherwise. Such engagements are continuing, and even though I am away for a little while, it is clear to me that there is a huge focus on engaging people so that they know more about the controversy and what Guyana is doing.

If you would like to connect with me about this column or any of my previous work, feel free to email me at vish14ragobeer@gmail.com

XVIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

Authentic Marketing: Winning ...

FROM PAGE XIII

loyalty. They’ll stick with you through thick and thin, become advocates for your brand, and contribute to your growth.

This authentic relationship you’ve cultivated won’t just weather a single transaction; it will last a lifetime.

Authenticity in marketing is your secret weapon. Embrace it, champion it, and watch how it empowers your business.

Unveiling the Power of Authentic Content Marketing

I cannot overstate the significance of authenticity in content creation. Create authentic, relatable content that reflects your brand’s values and mission instead of just making sales pitches.

Authentic content is the fuel that powers engagement, drives conversions, and builds a loyal customer base.

The influence of authenticity on the audience is profound. Authentic content resonates with the audience personally, triggering a sense of connection and empathy. It provides them with a realistic portrayal of your brand, free from fluff and

exaggeration.

This transparency builds trust and credibility, which are crucial foundations for any brand’s success. When your audience trusts you, they listen to you, engage with you, and ultimately choose to support your brand.

In contrast, content lacking authenticity can feel contrived and may alienate your audience, diluting your brand’s impact.

What is the authenticity strategy in marketing?

The authenticity strategy in marketing is a consum-

er-centric approach that prioritises genuine, transparent, and honest communication with customers. This strategy fundamentally understands and respects the intelligence of the consumers and does not seek to manipulate them with misleading or false claims.

Instead, it presents the products or services in their true light, emphasising gen-

uine value and benefits. Authentic marketing seeks to build a strong, trusting relationship with customers, establishing a brand as reliable and transparent. This strategy is increasingly important as consumers become more discerning and demand honesty and integrity from the brands they support.

I have learned a great deal from this article.

I mentioned some things in my Moscow presentation a few days ago for the BRICS Fashion Summit.

I did say Moscow - one of the most beautiful cities I have experienced. In my next column, I may give you some details of my trip as we celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

XIX

XX

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

INTERNATIONAL JAGUAR DAY

THE jaguar is a majestic animal that plays an important role in our environment. Being an apex predator, jaguars help control prey populations within their natural ecosystem. This ensures that they contribute positively toward environmental services such as the provision of clean water, materials for food and medicine, and climate control.

Sadly, jaguars face numerous threats that jeopardise their existence. In Guyana, jaguars are mostly killed out of fear or in retaliation for killing a domestic animal. In fact, every 9-13 days, a jaguar is killed in Guyana as it comes into contact with cattle farmers, gold miners, or someone engaged in similar economic activity. In these situations, people hardly take a step back to think through alternatives to killing wild cats or to study the circumstances that may have led to conflict in the first place. In most cases, people either lack the necessary know-how or tools to ensure humans and jaguars can co-exist in the same space.

To ensure mutual co-existence between humans and jaguars, the following actions can be taken:

 Reduce hunting for prey species of the jaguar  Keep livestock and pets in enclosed areas (pens/corrals)  Avoid walking alone once you are aware of a jaguar’s presence in your area  Keep your surroundings clean and avoid having overgrown bushes  Keep your surroundings well lit To r a i s e f u r t h e r awareness on this issue, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is partnering with the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission (GWCMC) and Dr. Anthony Cummings, professor of the University of Texas at Dallas to host a Jaguarthon under the theme “Think Like a Jaguar”. This will comprise a series of runs and post-run conversations that will emphasise the importance of wild cats, including jaguars, pumas, and other wildlife, to the well-being of humans. Beyond human wildlife interactions, the runs will also engage entities and agencies in Guyana involved in tackling challenges related to human health, including domestic violence, alcohol and drug abuse, and safeguarding the welfare of women and chilSEE PAGE XXIV dren. The Jaguarthon runs to

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

XXI

It feels great to witness nationwide National Pride in Guyana GUYANESE have been raising their flags for the significance of national pride or patriotism across Guyana and the world. We are showing our love and devotion for our country. Most Guyanese have always been patriotic, and we love our country, flaws and all. That national pride allows us to feel a sense of belonging, and being Guyanese makes up most of our identity. Many of us, based on our cultures, may have various experiences of what it means to be a Guyanese, but at the end of the day, many people collectively share a feeling of love and gratitude for our country. We hold onto that flag every square mile in all three of our counties and 10 administrative regions because it means something to use.

Guyanese have always been raising their flag or showing their national pride everywhere. Even down in Queens, New York, in the deepest parts of the hinterland, or the Capital City—wherever we are, our flag and love for country follows.

We also see it during cricket matches, flags placed in front gates, or national events such as Mashramani parades. Witnessing the nationwide demonstrations of unity and solidarity among Guyanese from all walks of life feels reassuring. Yes, we may never forget our past and the many differences we share as people from different cultures and backgrounds.

However, can we simply take a minute to appreciate the beauty in national unity and pride?

When I say “Unity” and “Pride”, I mean the acknowledgement of the word beyond social media posts for likes. I meant the beauty of how the taxi drivers are reassuring their passengers that if it comes to it, they’ll fight for their country.

I meant the beauty in how we aren’t afraid to showcase our flag, even during this challenging time. I meant the beauty in how two aunties can hold up a cashier line by talking about how much they love their country. I meant the beauty in radio hosts now adding more local music to their playlists. Those are the examples I’ve witnessed in the past few days.

We aren’t afraid of what’s to come. Our love for the country is showcased in everything we do. I believe this trial has given many of us an opportunity to reflect on who we are as a nation, while trying to think of ways to improve our national pride and unity. I am proud of us as a people and hope we continue to showcase our love and admiration for the land that birthed, healed, and gave us life. Our ancestors fought long and hard for our freedom and I believe this is only the beginning of what we are capable of as a nation. This isn’t a you or me thing—it’s an US thing. We have accomplished so much, even as a divided nation. Can you imagine the wonders we can do if we finally hold hands and work together?

Cricketers from the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club showcasing their flags for their social media campaign on National Pride

XXII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

XXIII

XXIV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

INTERNATIONAL JAGUAR ....

FROM PAGE XX

make the point that wildlife health and well-being are dependent on that of humans across Guyana.

Runs will be held in Annai on Thursday, December 14, and in Georgetown on Sunday, December 17 from 07:00 hrs.

For more information on this event log on to https:// jaguarthon.com/.

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications Department, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@ gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Depression... energy where you genuinely feel a high level of euphoria for some time. People with mania typically live on a high-low scale, where there are really low or really high moods and it can become very confusing and defeating as when you feel the bursts of happiness, you feel like the depression has lifted and become greatly disappointed when it returns.

Another very common mental illness is situational depression. As the name suggests, this is triggered by a specific traumatic situation, such as a death in the family, a romantic breakup, losing employment or developing a chronic physical illness. However, it is important to keep in mind that due to the neurotransmitter change in the brain that causes depression, the depressive symptoms may not leave even when the situation has improved.

Depressive symptoms stem from a lack of positive chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine. This can happen due to a traumatic event or a natural chemical imbalance you may have. The brain tends to adapt to what it perceives as the “normal” amount of chemicals, so it may not naturally produce these positive chemicals as it used to.

This is why it is important to take immediate action on doing anything that increases these positive chemicals for you; this may be exercise, spending time with loved ones, music, prayer- anything that brings you joy and comfort.

Depression doesn’t always have a good reason, and that comes with a lack of empathy. To other people, your life may look ideal, but so many uncontrollable factors can make you feel hopeless and helpless on the inside. Everyone should know that it is rare that how a person feels on the inside coincides with how they look on the outside; sometimes, those people barely even know each other.

With sadness, you can still bring yourself to do things you previously enjoyed because it makes you feel better.

Depression, on the other hand, can be all-consuming and doesn’t allow us to pick and choose what parts of our lives are impacted, when and for how long. Your low mood no longer feels like a choice.

The good news is depression is treatable and you do not have to feel this way. Please speak to someone you trust or go to your nearest health centre to find available resources.

FROM PAGE XVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

FROM PAGE XXIV

XXV

XXVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

XXVII

XXVIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

XXIX

XXX

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

XXXI

XXXII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

XXXIII

XXXIV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

XXXV

XXXVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

XXXVII

XXXVIII

THOUGHT FOR

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

TODAY

Good heavens! have been speaking For more than 40 years I prose without know ing MOLIÉRE (J.-B. PO QUÉLIN) (1620-it.

1673) Le Bourgeo is Gentilhomme (1 670), II.iv.

December 03 2023 STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Welcome dear friend.

You can read short stories to see how authors present their punchlines. Note that a punchline or epiphany is the

climax of a short story that makes the reader laugh. This humorous reveal may be delivered in nothing other than a short line. It comes up to explain the meaning of whatever has happened previously or makes the happening funny. Often it serves to readjust your understanding of characters, relations, situations, or events. Be wise.

Love you.

IMPROVING WRITING The Narrative Note: The story follows a narrative structure, form, or pattern.

Narrative structure incorporates storyline and plotline (story and plot), which organises and frames the story. Yes. Narrative structure is the content of a story and the form used to tell the story. When you create a story, its structure generally illustrates the order and manner of a narrative.

Stories have a beginning, a middle, and an end. Look at this -- adventure tales, mysteries, science fiction, and animal fables are just a few of the varied types of short stories – all are structured in the order and manner of a narrative.

They share certain elements such as conflict, plot, setting, characters, theme even though they are unique in themselves.

To jerk you a bit: Do you know if you have already written narratives?

Think upon all those compositions you wrote in the first person. They are narratives. Remember “What Happened at My 12th birthday gathering”? That was a narrative. A novel written from the point of view of the main character is a narrative also.

We now go into two narrative elements today: conflict and plot.

Conflict. This is a struggle between two opposing forces. Your story can have an internal conflict which takes place in the mind of a character. [Have you ever had a conflict of thoughts in your mind?]

OR Your story can have an external conflict in which one of your characters struggles with an outside force or another person. Maybe he has a struggle with stipulated rules of his dormitory (outside force) or the youth pastor (another person).

It is wise to go back to some stories or novels you have studied and try to identify the elements of conflict in them.

PLOT. This conveys the sequence of events in a short story. It is normally divided into five parts: ● EXPOSITION introduces the setting - the time and place of the story, the characters, and the situation basically introduced. In other words, it is the background information on the characters and setting

(time and place) explained at the beginning of the story.

Sometimes the exposition will have information about events that happened before the story began. It is often the very first part of the PLOT. ● RISING ACTION introduces the conflict, or problem. ● CLIMAX is the turning point of a story. It is the highest or most intense level in the narrative where the tension, excitement, or stakes meet.

The story’s main conflict is often concluded here, and the writer sets the reader up for either a successful resolution or an unsatisfying ending.

Look at this culmination: John’s career reached its climax when he was elected foundry manager. ● FALLING ACTION is the part of the story when the conflict lessens. It is falling action and not rising action. It occurs immediately after the big climax has taken place and the action shifts towards resolution instead of escalation. The reader is now being taken onwards to the end of the journey. ● RESOLUTION. This is the story’s conclusion by the resolving of conflicts between characters. The resolution is the final literary stage in a story’s plot structure.

SUBPLOT. This is a secondary story line which adds depth (intensity/ weight) to the main plot.

THE PASSAGE It happened at 1:03 P.M. on June 6. The bell had just rung to signal the change of classes when the fire alarm suddenly went off. Although it seemed a strange time for a fire drill, students began to move in an orderly way toward the exit doors.

Within moments it became clear that this was not a fire drill but a real fire, for smoke began pouring from the gymnasium at the far end of the main hall. Outside the building, students, teachers, and parents watched the smoke as it billowed forth from the windows of the classrooms near the gym, blackening the bricks beside the windows.

By 1:09 P.M. the sirens of the firetrucks were heard and by 1:15 p.m. the fire was out.

After about 20 minutes, students were admitted back into the school. Outside the gym door, the foam rubber mats in which the fire had begun lay charred and tattered. Most of the nearby rooms smelled of smoke, while a few windows were broken and books on the lower shelves of bookcases were waterlogged.

Fortunately, no one was hurt and, considering what could have happened, the building was in good condition. So, the $15,000 damage was considered relatively light.

Something to Do Sometimes it is useful to combine time and place details. Whenever you do that, it is important to use signal words and phrases to show how the details are related.

1. Write down which signal words and phrases show how the details in the story are related in time order.

Mention the details.

2. Write down which signal words and phrases show how the details are related in place order. Note the details.

3. What is the meaning of each of these words and phrases which appear in order in the story? signal the change of classes; strange time for a fire drill; billowed forth; foam rubber mats; waterlogged; relatively slight.

4. Write a story about what happened when you were in a theatre when a fire broke out, and now you are among the crowd of people watching the scene from outside the theatre. Give your story a title.

5. Why do you think it is useful to combine time and place details?

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023

XXXIX

Medical issues and oral health THE health and life expectancy in Guyana have been improving over the years. More people are surviving with chronic illness, many are on long-term medication, and there are proportionally many more old people today than a few decades ago. But despite this, oral health care has not always been forthcoming for the patient with medical problems, and oral diseases are not always recognised. Indeed, it is quite common that patients who visit the dentist also suffer from medical conditions for which due consideration must be given, but this is not usually the case.

No patient should suffer any deterioration of health as a consequence of dental treatment. It is, therefore, essential to consider the presence and significance of medical problems likely to affect oral care within the practical limitations of dental practice.

The prevalence of medical disorders that might affect dental treatment is higher in certain groups, particularly the elderly, the handicapped and the hospitalised. However, the presence of certain basic ailments should be investigated routinely.

Anaemia is the first to be considered. The blood’s haemoglobin (red pigment) is lacking in this state. The haemoglobin, responsible for taking oxygen to the body’s cells, is measured in grams; the normal adult generally has 10-15. One pint of blood contains just over one gram of haemoglobin. Whenever there is anaemia, the main danger exists if general anaesthesia is given. Symptoms include debility, weakness, pallor, breathlessness and swelling of the ankles.

Prolonged bleeding after a dental extraction is usually of local cause, but it is also one of the common signs of a bleeding disorder. The condition is usually caused by platelet disorders (a type of blood cell) or the clotting mechanism (such as haemophilia or patients on anticoagulants for stroke). Platelet defects give rise to purpura, characterised by superficial (capillary) bleeding in the skin or mucosa, which is observed as one or more reddish spots. Coagulation disorders cause severe bleeding deep in the tissues and extensive haematoma formation after slight injury. Bleeding after surgery or trauma can also be prolonged and severe as to be a potential killer.

A bleeding disorder in a close relative strongly suggests a blood clotting defect. When occurring congenitally, most become apparent in childhood. However, some haemophiliacs escape recognition until adulthood if they avoid injury.

Patients who have had dental extractions without trouble are most unlikely to have severe congenital bleeding disorders.

Many diseases can result in prolonged bleeding after an extraction. Among the main ones are high blood pressure, liver disease including cirrhosis, severe anaemia, malnutrition and HIV infection. A patient must never forget to tell the dentist if they have a bleeding problem since their well-being may be endangered by failing to disclose any disorder.

Cardiovascular diseases, particularly high blood pressure and ischaemic heart disease, are the most common causes of death in many countries. There are millions of ambulant dental patients who have heart disease, treated or untreated. Drugs, procedures or just anxiety can aggravate heart disease or possibly even provoke cardiac arrest, whereby the patient dies instantly. So even when one is under medication from one’s doctor for any condition, even a simple cold, and the dentist should be informed so that contra-indicated drug therapy or procedures can be avoided.

XL

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, December 03, 2023