Guyana Chronicle Pepperpot E-Paper 15-10-2023

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

Surviving Cancer Belinda Darkes (Delano Williams photos)

Sunday, October 15, 2023

I

II

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

Paneer-making at Singh’s Farm

Local farmer’s product is among one of the best sellers in leading supermarkets countrywide MOHAN Singh from Flora Garden, Mahaica Creek, is a paneer-maker of fried and regular paneer, which he supplies to most leading supermarkets across the

country. He is also a cattle and poultry farmer with a thriving small business from his home.

Singh is a down-to-earth kind of man who had a vision

Fried paneer

to expand his small business, which started by making paneer for homeuse, and then he began making even more due to the demand for the product.

The 51-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that Singh’s Farm “Grow with us, Eat with Us” has layer eggs, fried paneer, and regular paneer.

Singh’s farm is located at Flora Garden, Mahaica Creek, and can be accessed via De Hoop Branch Road, Mahaica.

He has about 95 cows, and more than 200layer birds, and collects his own eggs and fresh cow’s milk daily.

Singh is the father of two, and he, his wife and children manage the farm and the paneer-making small business.

He is a local from the riverine community, and has no intention of relocating, since he earns from his farm/home.

Paneeris a fresh acid-set

Mohan Singh and his family

cheese common in the cuisine of the Indian subcontinent, and is made from fullfat buffalo milk or cow milk.

It is a non-aged, non-melting soft cheese made by curdling milk with a fruit- or vegetable-derived acid, such as lemon juice or vinegar.

Both fried and regular paneer can be used for curries or general cooking, and it is available in most supermarkets at a retail price of $1,200 per pack.

Singh explained that paneer-making is a long process involving tedious planning and preparation for it to succeed.

He reported that when he started, he needed guidance, and approached the Ministry of Agriculture.

Singh,via the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), received the assistance he needed to get registered, licensed, labelled, packaged and compliant with the relevant authorities for a high-quality product of a particular standard which is wholesome.

He told the Pepperpot Magazine that he uses fresh cow’s milk from his own farm, and would also buy from local farmers in the community.

Regular paneer

Singh disclosed that from his own daily take of fresh cow’s milk, he decided to make paneer for his own homeuse. Then, people began asking for a bit more, and he decided to make more,basedon demand.

He related that his small business began making a larger batch of regular and fried paneer, and after he received the necessary standards such as package, label and licence his business took off.

Singh added that the GMC assisted him in marSEE PAGE XXII

III

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

Surviving Cancer

ALMOST eight years ago, Marcel Borne felt a lump in her breast one evening after a shower. It wasn’t painful and was perhaps something that some may have ignored, but Marcel didn’t. She went to a series of hospitals and was eventually diagnosed with stage two breast cancer.

Marcel and many women like her are grappling with the battle against cancer and the constant fear that remains even in the stages of recovery. People like Marcel, Belinda Darkes and Trudy Cummmings are prime examples of what not only what fighting Cancer looks like, butwinning that fight as well.

Cancer was nothing new to Marcel. She had lost her mother to cancer several years prior. This led to her being very conscious of any changes she noticed in her body. “Self-examination means alot. One evening after I came out of the bath, I couldn’t really say what spoke to me to examine my breast, but I followed that little voice, and I did it,” Marcel stated.

“I observed a lump in the left breast. It wasn’t painful, but I said it wasn’t supposed to be here,” She shared. This was the beginning of a series of tests, treatments and chemotherapy cycles that Mar-

cel called a nightmare.

“It was hard when I was first diagnosed and I cried but I told myself this is not the end of it.” And she was right.

Marcel went in to have surgery for her cancer.

“I did the surgery and I had eight cycles of chemotherapy. It wasn’t easy at all,” she stated. “I would vomit, all my hair dropped out. I prayed A lot. I got full support from my pastors and church members.” This support, Marcel stated, went a long way in her recovery. Today, she has recovered from cancer, although there are still minor treatments she does for side effects post-surgery. But Marcel urges women everywhere to practice self-examination and to never give up.

Belinda Darkes received her diagnosis three years ago. “In 2020, when I went to my doctor, she felt something was different and she told me to get an ultrasound. So I went to check, and he said,‘this doesn’t look right.’” Belinda said.

She further stated, “I had to do a biopsy and

Belinda Darkes

Marcel Borne (Delano Williams photos)

run all these tests. And it came back for cancer.” Belinda was then faced with a difficult decision. And she made a choice that not many women would have.

“We decided to go to surgery and we decided to remove one side breast, but I just decided to remove both. So I wouldn’t ever have to study about this again,” Belinda said.

“I started chemo. I just did four sessions. Chemo started smooth but then all my hair dropped off.”

She handled it well, stating further that losing her hair was difficult, yes. But if it meant that she lived, it was necessary and worth it.

“The first and second rounds of chemo were good, but by the third, I started to get all these reactions and allergies,” she stated. Despite this, she finished chemo. “Then I did the last set of chemotherapy and from then on I just started eating healthy. And keeping up with my regular checks and I am

at this point here.” Today, Belinda leads a healthy life.

And has what she considers very little side effects or remaining problems.

She stated that, “The most of the side effects is that because of the lymph nodes that were removed,I can’t really use my hand at will.” Belinda’s advice to other women struggling as she did is that beating cancer is possible. And that they should do it with a positive attitude and a smile. She stated that, “You have just got to manage yourself as best you can, eat well and don’t forget to be happy. Keep smiling.”

The month of October is dedicated to raising awareness, encouraging checkups and celebrating cancer survivors. The community of people from NGOs like Giving Hope Foundation and Recover Guyana welcome anyone going through the cancer journey.

Cancer doesn’t have a face, nor is one type of

cancer different from the other.

Tr u d y C u m mings was diagnosed with cervical cancer almost 10 years ago. “I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2013. It all started with menstrual problems and unbalanced hormones.

And it has been going on for a pretty long time,” Trudy stated.

Trudy explained that it was difficult to get a conclusive diagnosis at first. She said, “I visited my doctor and at first I was told it was just unbalanced hormones and I was treated for that. But it continued. I ended up seeing a specialist. I was sent to do the test, and then I found out I have cervical cancer.”

Trudy was, however, lucky as her cancer was still in its earliest stages.

“After I spoke to different doctors, it wasn’t that far gone that I couldn’t do surgery. So I had to make a decision to either do the surgery or continue with treatment.” And Trudy had the surgery.

“I did the surgery and every year I go and do the checkups. And the journey was really, really stressful.” As stressful as it was, Trudy is still very

thankful to have noticed and taken action when she had.

Today, Trudy still has instances when her health is not the best. But she is recovering, saying, “I can tell you yes, I have my days when I am not feeling that well, and I have it in the

back of my head that maybe it’s coming back.” Despite the fear that the cancer may reoccur, Trudy and so many other women like her are working towards a better, healthier life, leaving cancer in the past.

There is, however, one sentiment that is echoed by most cancer survivors. And that is that, the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the earlier it can be treated. As Trudy encourages, “My advice is early detection saves lives.”

Trudy Cummings

IV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

From the farm to the processing plant -Nicky’s Natural Fruit Juices

By Michel Outridge IT is often questionable when buying pure local fruit juices from just any producer. However, this is not the case with agro-processor/famer/ businessman, Damion Da Silva, whose fresh, natural, pure local fruit juices come directly from his own farm to his processing plant.

The local pure fresh fruit juices are not watered down and sugary - instead, they are of excellent quality with no additives, sugars or preservatives, always fresh to the taste.

Nicky’s Natural Fruit Juices, all juices made from pure filtered water and the fruits are from Da Silva’s 75-acre farm at Lookout Backdam, Parika, East Bank Essequibo.

Da Sliva told the Pepperpot Magazine that he lives in the city and his processing plant is located at Camp Street between Norton and Princes Streets, Georgetown and he employs six persons

Nicky’s Natural Fruit Juices

fresh fruit juices to sell.

He stated that over time, he would make for himself only six cups of pure, fresh local juice and then his busi-

Camp Streets.

On his farm, he has thousands of fruit trees and the juices are processed to make pure, natural fruit juices in

Sections of Damion Da Silva’s Farm

at the factory.

At his fruit farm, he employs six permanent workers and when it is time to pick cherries, he would employ seven to 10 single mothers for the job.

The father of four reported that he has been farming for the past 25 years and his crops include all fresh locally-grown fruits, including citrus used for his juice-making business.

Da Silva added that the brand, Nicky’s was named after his eldest niece and his small business grew in recent times from a small grocery shop where he used to make six cups of pure

ness began to flourish when customers began demanding more of the juices.

Da Silva told the Pepperpot Magazine that his juice-making business started 28 years ago from six cups of pure fruit juice per day.

He reported that customers kept demanding more and he was forced to think big and expand his small business from his small grocery shop attached to his home to a processing facility.

The owner of Nicky’s Natural Fruit Juices pointed out that he has a juice outlet at City Mall on Regent and

mango, papaya, soursop, coconut water, cherries, oranges, lime, lemons, and guava among others.

Da Silva disclosed that he is hoping his business will expand into ice cream making from fruit flavoured, and it is in the making.

He reported that he also supplies juice machines and juice dispensers for all events, including buffet and other functions which caters for large gatherings.

Da Silva disclosed that when he started in the natural fruit juices business, he depended on vendors to supply them with var-

Damion Da Silva at his papaya tree on his farm

ious fresh fruits for their products.

But, they soon found that most of the local vendors on whom they depended were unreliable, and this was threatening the viability of the small business.

So,some years ago, he decided to cultivate their own fruits for their business at Lot 7 Camp Street, Werken-Rust.

Da Silva acquired some farm lands, and he began cultivating all local fruits for his juice business, and it is been going well since.

“We grow our own soursop, oranges, guavas, cherries, passion fruit, tanger-

Nicky’s brand of products

ines, pineapples, papaws, carambola, mangoes, limes, golden apples, and sugar cane, just to name a few because we have thousands of fruit trees. So, our business is really like a movement of fresh fruits from our farm at the back of Parika, to our business in Georgetown, where they are processed to make fruit juices and fruit-flavoured ice-cream,” DaSilva disclosed.

He said all his products are made from local fruits, one hundred percent pure, natural, properly processed, refreshing and nutritious.

V

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

A look at cake artistry

NICHOLA Warren is a master of her craft when it comes to cake artistry. The art has been advantageous to her customers, primarily because of her culinary skills and creativity in the field.

A dictionary defines cake artistry asa form of sugar art that uses materials such as icing, fondant, and other edible decorations.

The Pepperpot Magazine sat down with Nichola when she put her delicious and tasty cakes for sale at a recent event, as she told us her story when her business started some four years ago.

“My journey with cake artistry started in 2019, it was started through my daughter baking a cake for me. She made the cake from scratch. She was a teenager at the time going to school.

I saw the talent in her and I pushed her to start doing cakes. Eventually, because she did not have the patience, I took over and I can say undoubtedly that cake artistry is here to stay,”Warren excitedly told Pepperpot Magazine.

Born and raised in a family of chefs, Nichola preservedand nurtured her gift as she looked at various YouTube

Nichola Warren

videosand became very creativeand ingenious in the process when baking a cake for someone or some occasion.

“Actually, my dad was a chef in the army, and my mom graduated from the Carnegie School of Home

Economics. My Aunt, Brenda Warren used to do cakes, but when she used to do cakes, I never took an interest in cakes, but then I learned as life went along,” Warren shared.

Warren shared with the

magazine that she believes that her skill set and creativity are responsible for where she is today.

“I do not like the stick-on kind of thing. I create some of the characters by hand because I have an artistic background. I did architecture in school,” Warren shared.

Additionally, she says that she keeps herself up to date and keeps up with the learning practice daily as her craft develops with new techniques and methodologies.

She gets and loves her freedom to be creative in her caking-making, and she says that she particularly tells her customers, that she does do replicas.

Warren shared, however, that even if she is given a photograph of what is needed for the job, she would still add her own touch.

Warren says she intends to go nationwide, based on the fact that she has persons who would contact from all parts of the country, wanting to have their cake done.

“I would have customers who would call me from the way in the interior, overseas wanting a cake for their families, so I intend for this to go far and wide,“Warren shared.

Nichola says her premier cake artistry studio transforms ordinary occasions into extraordinary memories through the magic of cakes.

A cake baked by Nichola Warren

She notes that with her exceptional craftsmanship and artistic flair, we create edible masterpieces that leave a lasting impression

on your taste buds and your heart. Join us on a journey of flavour and creativity, where every slice is a work of art.

VI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

The Deep Preservation of Our Culture Throughout the years

GUYANA has a diverse and rich culture, one that was heavily influenced by past colonial masters during the slave and indentureship periods.

Many have come and added a great deal to our country’s history. This ranges from our Guyanese Creolese language, spoken differently in every part of Guyana, brought to us by our ancestors, or the architectural designs, some of which still exist in some parts of rural and central Guyana.

Our culture is still being influenced today, not by colonials, but by the trends set in other places. We are yet to completely own our cultural heritage and proud of it, the way we push for and support others.

Many men like Michael Khan, also known as ‘Old Man Pappy’, and the late Allan Fenty have spent many years trying to preserve our culture and pass on the traditions from many years ago to the youth of today.

Folklore stories such as the story of Old Kai, Kanaima, the story of El Dorado, the Massacooraman, bush dai-dai, and the moon-gazer among others could be lost if not treasured and told.

Another local folklorist was the late Wordsworth McAndrew, who was also a poet, radio broadcaster, and a creative artist who once said, “In my view, the folklore of a people is at the root of their being, and to cast it aside is to set oneself adrift culturally -an act which one performs at one’s peril.”

Today, we have Dion Glasgow- Douglas, a dynamic and phenomenal woman who, against all, is trying to preserve our culture through her page, ‘AWE Story Gat Melody’ on Facebook.

She is pushing to preserve our culture and strives to highlight the Guyanese culture in its entirety by ensuring that it is as embraced as anything else. She actively loves Guyanese folklore

and Guyanese proverbs and shares these sayings on her page.

In an interview with this publication, she said that because she lives between the United States and Guyana, she has noticed that when she returned to Guyana, there were certain threads of realities faced by Guyanese. She said, “For instance, people that send barrel will know that when the barrel arrives in Guyana, there’s a fight over the barrel. Or sometimes when you send money for your relatives, remittance, they would still behave as if you haven’t done anything, or people might be ungrateful.”

Douglas said that she had been thinking about these stories and the fact that there weren’t any storytellers and people were not telling our story. “Especially our stories in Creolese, and it really weighed on my heart. And I truly believed that when something weighs on your spirit, you have to pick up

the mantle and do that work,” she said.

She said further that she would love to work along with government agencies to preserve these national treasures. “I really want to have a cultural space where our stories can be told. I think that is important because the thing with our stories, they are not polarizing. They do not cause us to go on one side or the other side. Your experience is my experience,” she said.

Douglas stated that it is not a case where we can argue about the reality of our experiences. She said that politics and religion are topics we heavily debate, but with our cultural experiences, there is not much to argue about.

She highlighted that her aim is for us (Guyanese) to recognize who we are. She stated that as an Afro-Guyanese, she knows that Creolese was born in the plantations where her ancestors were enslaved and could not speak their native tongue.

“They took a little bit from the English they heard, their native languages; then the East Indians came and they add to it,” She shared, adding that Creolese is rooted in the Afro-Guyanese

experience. She expressed that while she does not wish for a world where everyone is speaking Creolese, she wishes for a world where everyone can understand that it is okay to speak standard English, but the need to have the ability to codeswitch to this language, which lives in us.

She describes it as a reservoir of our culture andall of our proverbs and proverbs.

Douglas noted that she just wanted Creolese to have a seat at the table with Standard English. She cautioned that she is not always telling persons to speak that way but to embrace Creolese as a language on its own.

Additionally, Douglas said she usually speaks ‘basilect creole’, the lowest form. This is done because it is the one that is closest to the ones spoken by her ancestors.

Furthermore, Douglas hosts live storytelling events, when she is here.

The activities she plans for these events include storytelling of folklore stories such as the most popular, Anansi; they also make toys using the most basic household items (corks, newspapers just to list a few). She

said she has done these at events before where she called it, “When all we had was paper”. From there, she would guide them on what the newspaper was used for (wallpapers, curlers, shelf paper, used it to clean lampshades and windows).

In closing, she said, “One kiss, nah break jawbone.”

She explained that in life, rain and sunshine will come.

Speaking in metaphors, she said that sometimes the water from our rain clouds will get so high that it floods your life, and you will think that everything is finished. She explained, “Don’t let one experience. One single experience colours the way you see the world.” She encouraged people to get up, rub their jawbone and keep moving.

“We came from people who refused to give up. When they couldn’t speak their own language, they made a language. They made Creolese,” she said.

Persons interested in knowing more about Dion’s work can visit AWE Story Gat Melody on Facebook, and look out for her videos and upcoming live events.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

Let’s value the contributions of our elders

OCTOBER is observed as “The Month of the Elderly” and in this article, we will discuss a bit about growing older and still enjoying life to the best of our mental and physical ability. First, let me remind you of the headline of one of my previous articles, which focused on elders, and which had the statement, “This Elderly Gentleman welcomes age Eighty.” That was a personal declaration.

Some five years later, here I am, still writing my weekly articles in the Chronicle PepperpotMagazine and seeing the continuing developments and trials and tribulations, not only here in our beautiful Guyana but in other countries around our wonderful world. At this time, there is deadly conflict in the Middle East. The Jews and Muslims, sadly, are at it again. Somehow, one wonders how it is that over in neighbouring Suriname, a Muslim mosque and a Jewish temple have been co-existing peacefully for many decades. No doubt, the Faithful hear each other at prayers, yet that is no reason for physical conflict. Jews and Muslims were living together in peace and harmony for A section of The Palms, on Brickdam, Georgetown, Guyana. Home for a number of Elderly citizens(Photo by decades and decades.

Francis Quamina Farrier) Unfortunately, the BBC, CNN and other powerful and influential media houses have never During that time, I interviewed Elders in all the ten Regions heard of that wonderful reality in Suriname. Or, could it be of Guyana. that they do know about it but feel that such peaceful relationIn one instance, the person was an Indigenous Guyanese ships are not newsworthy? That is certainly a lesson for their woman who was residing in the deep South Rupununi. She brothers and sisters in the Middle East. The elderly, with their did not speak English, only her own Indigenous language. many years of life and living - in somany instances, through As such, the interview was conducted with the assistance of some rather times - can attest to the fact that “LOVE” for an interpreter. I also interviewed elders in the majority of the others is paramount. Guyana’s own National Motto states in Caribbeanislands and beyond. Interviews were done in the part, “To Love my Fellow Citizens.”

United States and Canada, as well as the United Kingdom, Over the years, I have had very close contact and rela- NewZealand and Australia. I also did a few interviews in Ghations with the elderly here in Guyana as well as abroad. My na. While the stories varied somewhat, there wasone universal history-making Radio Programme series, THE EIGHTY element: the joy of those elders who were being interviewed PLUS CLUB, was on the air for a duration of fifteen years. and of them being given the opportunity to relate the sto-

VII

ries of their younger years. Many were the occasions when an aspect or more evoked laughter. For example, there was the gentleman in Berbice who related a romance he had with a girl in his church. “We never got physically close.” He informed me. That, of course, prompted me to ask him how did they speak to each other, since that was decades before the invention of the cell phone. “We spoke with our eyes” he explained, with a boyish smile on his mature face. His eyes seemed to reflect happy events from his youthful, innocent past.

There were some occasions when there were tears in the eyes of those who I interviewed. Both tears of joy and tears of sorrow. There were also occasions when the information which was shared with me, was being heard for the very first time by relatives. A retired school teacher, who was 92 years old at the time I was interviewing her, spoke of the period of her life when she was a pupil teacher, and how she was a victim of the headmaster of theschool. Her voice became soft as she related her experiences of seventy years ago. It was as though it was just a month ago. Her eyes seemed to have gone back in time, reliving the sights and actions of a bully.

And the recallingof events in her life when she had nowhere to turn and no one to go to for support and salvation. She was entrapped.As she spoke in a matter-of-fact way, tears were just cascading down her wrinkled cheeks; there was no sound from her. The others in the home at the time seemed to have paused in shock at what they were hearing from the Matriarchic of the family for the very first time. “Well, Mr. Farrier, you make her talk things she never told us!”

A familymember mentioned to me as I was leaving. It is always good to engage elders in conversations about family history, community, and national history. There is a saying, “A book comes to an end, when an Elder dies.” So, read a human book whenever you can. Have a chat with an elderly person every now and then.

VIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

La Harmonie Village

By Shaniya Harding

LA HARMONIE Village on the West Bank of Demerara could be best described as a place where the sound of birds still awakens the people of the village.

The village is neighboured by areas like Sarah Lodge and Catherina Sophia, which most villagers refer to as ‘Calabash Alley’.

“I have been living here for the past 68 years. I was born and grew up here,” says Reuben Nelson. He explained that while areas surrounding La Harmonie may have their names, the majority is referred to as La Harmonie. The neighbourhoods are so connected that there is one school for several miles which is located in the centre of La Harmonie. And it’s even one of the main ways of getting into the village.

Reuben shared that, “Even where I am living is not directly La Harmonie.

But the whole district goes as La Harmonie. I am living at Sarah’s Hope, which is a little further up. “ The village of La Harmonie, like several other places in Guyana, has blurred lines differentiating one village Reuben Nelson (Shaneice Banfield photos)

from another. “There are many small districts or villages that make up La Harmonie.” Reuben stated.

The ethnic makeup of the value of La Harmonie is reflective of Guyana, being an ethnically diverse place. “La Harmonie is mixed. We have negros, Indians and Amerindians.” Reuben explained.

The village is one of those places where the majority of the population was born, raised and remain.

This has crafted a unique culture of pride and love for their community. Reuben is a prime example of this, who says that growing up anywhere else wouldn’t have been the same.

“It was wonderful.” Reuben shared. “When I remember my youthful days to the days that the youths have now, those days were the good ol’ days.”

The days described by him and a few of his fellow villagers are filled with fishing, framing and spending time with the people around. “ Because of technology, everything kind of changed.

I can’t complain about my young days,” Reuben stated. In what was called the good old days, the villagers’

The La Harmonie stelling

time was largely spent doing things like hunting, fishing and a significant amount of farming.

“It is predominantly a farming area,” said Reuben.

And evidence of that could be seen all around the village.

La Harmonie lies in a unique place, along the furthest edges of the West Bank of the Demerara River.

The village houses an extensive system of canals

which take farmers in boats in the backlands used for farming. La Harmonie has been quite known for farming and its natural diversity.

And although there are still a large number of people who still retain a sustainable way of life, there are a few who seek opportunities outside of their village. And that number seems to be on the rise.

“There are folks who work outside, like workers and you have the younger folks,” Reuben stated.

“Like my son and my two daughters work outside. But most of the older folks do farming.”

Although his children

travel beyond the bounds of the village, Reuben is one of the La Harmonie villagers who still farm. He stated that, “I am a farmer as well. I do a mixture of farming crops and livestock, etcetera.” And better roads are among other things Reuben and others would like to see developed.

La Harmonie is a village like any other, and it has its challenges. Because it is a village surrounded by the river, drainage and subsequent flooding are issues they are battling. “But I noticed there is some work being done in the main canal on the dam,” Reuben said.

The village, despite seeming remote in nature, is just a bit further beyond its more well known popular counterparts on the West Bank like Good Intent, Wales and Patentia.

La Harmonie has had farming ingrained in its past.

According to the villagers,

La Harmonie’s main road.

the community was once home to a Dutch cocoa plantation.”For my school days we were taught that it was owned by the Dutch and it was a cocoa estate. And that was many, many years ago,” Reuben explained.

The years that followed after the plantation, the lands were shared and made way for the birth of villages like La Harmonie. “But after that, folks occupied lands and everybody had their own piece of land, private property.

And then way down at the back, we have the reserves,” Reuben stated.

La Harmonie lies in a special place and is crafted by a unique history. Reuben stated what he finds captivating about his little village is that, “It’s quiet, no noise. The only noise we get here is the sound of nature. The birds wake you up in the morning.”

IX

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

Life in La Harmonie

By Shaniya Harding SURUJDAI Seenarine is originally from the village of Vriesland but has come to make the village of La Harmonie, located some miles away, her home.

Surujdai came to live in the village some 29 years ago when she was only 18 years old. It was a time she described as hard.

She came into the village after she got married and had her first child only a few months later. “At first, it was hard. Making the children and raising them up,” she said. Today, Surujdai is a mother to five children, three of whom still attend school.

But she forged on. Surujdai admitted that getting married at such a tender age was not easy. Despite that, she came to live in the village of La Harmonie, and she said she learned the way of life of the people.

The distance is what baffles many people. The village is so close yet seem-

The Pepperpot Magazine asked Surujdai to explain exactly how far the village of La Harmonie was located.

She couldn’t say for sure, but she knew that it was close enough to be a part of Wales Estate. And it was even walking distance. She stated, “When the place was dry, we used to walk and go to Wales Estate.”

Traversing the village is in itself a tiring task.

The homes are sparsely spread apart. With neighbours sometimes sharing a distance of five to ten house lots between them.

Despite this, everyone in the community knows each other and maintains a good relationship. Surujdai is the proprietor of a shop that is perhaps two miles from the La Harmonie stelling and primary school.

The village of La Harmonie has long been thought to be under a population crisis.

The community houses approximately 200 people in La Harmonie and the following three villages. This comes

Surujdai stated that there were far fewer people in her early time in the village. And it was just recently that she noticed a few more families settling down in the village of La Harmonie.

“It was hard. To me, it has fewer people. In those times, people have moved out,” Surujdai said. “It’s only now people are coming back and making houses.”

Surujdai and her husband are farmers. More so her husband, she stated. She explained that, like most people at the time, her family started off by the cultivation of sugar cane. But the family later moved to planting citrus crops, which they still do today.

Surujdai explained that, “This was the last part of Wales estate. My husband used to plant cane here. But after two or three years the cane finished and we started planting citrus and we still plant that today.” Surujdai expressed.

Because it becomes im-

as a bit of a shock when Vriesland, just a few miles away, has a population of 2,500 residents.

possible to traverse the road during rainy periods so most people don’t leave the village on a regular basis. Suruj-

The La Harmonie Primary school

ingly remote compared to its counterparts and surrounding villages.

Surujdai Seenarine(Shaneice Banfield photos)

dai, for example, leaves the village of Harmonie once a week.

She does this when it is absolutely necessary. She leaves to acquire what she can’t get in the village and when her children need something. Surujdai stated that, “I leave once a week to go to Georgetown.”

On these trips to the capital city, Surujdai tries to make as few stops as possible to return home as soon as possible. She shared that, “I don’t stop anywhere. Anytime I leave, it’s straight to town to get my seasonings, my greens, my meat and anything else my children need to get to school.”

Only two of Surujdai’s children still attend school in the village, while another attends school on the East Bank. The children that attend the La Harmonie Primary School find getting to school every day as a difficult one for both them and their mother.

“The two smaller children I carry them every morning and bring them back to school,” Surujdai said.”The next one goes over the river with the boat. And her brother carries and brings her in the boat.”

The travelling and the difficulties involved with getting in and out of the village are among the only things

that Surujdai considers issues with the community. The village doesn’t have water, but they do utilise solar energy which the villagers express are of great help to them.

Surujdai explained that, “The travelling is hard.

If you have to travel from here to Wales it might take two to three hours with a vehicle.” When asked if she believed she would ever leave the village of La Harmonie, Surujdai explained that it was where she had spent the greater part of her life. It was where her children were born and raised and was what she proudly called home today.

X

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

Living with the tide

By Shaniya Harding

GROWING up can be challenging enough as it is. But with the extra pressures of walking a considerable distance to and from school.

Along with only having the opportunity to leave the village when necessary. As well as the main means of transportation being boats, it can add extra pressure.

But Ishmeal Narine believes that although the community faces its issues, the people have learned to live with the tide.

Ishmeal was born and raised in the village of La Harmonie. He says his youth drastically differed from what today’s youth experience. And Even different from life just Ishmeal Narine(Shaneice Banfield photos) being beyond the river. like school so much. But I regret it a little bit now. Because “We didn’t have much to grow with. In terms of the exposure to the fast-paced life education is important with ExxonMobil and everything in on the road side. We were always just country boys, playing Guyana.”

He is, however, doing plenty to survive and take off his cricket and football in the street.” Ishmeal stated.

Although his upbringing was that of humble beginnings, family as a contractor. Ishmeal stated that, “I am still doing Ishmeal believes that it was these very situations that made reasonably. I am a small contractor. I build houses on my him into the man he is today. And he is thankful for those own.” Still, he now has a profound appreciation for education times, saying, “It wasn’t that bad. It was humble, not like the and ensures his children attend school.

Ishmeal shared that as hard as it is today, the older generfast life that a lot of young people are going on with right now. ation also went through their period of hardAnd I am thankful for that.”

Ishmeal’s unique childhood experiences and value for hard ships. “What my grandparents told me about work were perhaps influenced by the fact that his grandparents before was that they grew up in farming. It raised him. “I grew up quietly and a lot of what I learned, I was sheer hard work and hard labour. But it learned from my grandparents. Because my mother and father wasn’t so hard for them because that was what were working and I grew up with my grandparents,” he said. they grew up doing. They were accustomed His grandparents, coming from an older generation, taught to it.”

Ishmeal believes that as time progresses, him particular values and things he shares with his children today. “Most of my childhood was grandmother and grandfather as with all things, change will occur. And all that is needed is faith, stating that, “I know because mommy and daddy were always working.”

In his youth, Ishmeal admits that school was not among about hard life. It is not easy to survive. But the things he was interested in or even liked. Saying, “I didn’t I won’t give up.”

Although when he came to know his village was all cane fields, there was a time when the village looked a bit different.

Ishmeal explained that his grandfather told him how after the famed cocoa plantation closed down, the people did what they knew with what they had. They became farmers.

But not everyone indulges in farming. As Ishmeal explained, there are a few people who work in wildlife. He said, “There are some people who do wildlife. But that is only for certain times of the year…Most likely parrots, some anteaters and porcupines. Right in the village, in the jungle parts, you would find monkeys.” But those who depend on the village or themselves depend on the river and the East Bank as a means of survival.

Ishmeal’s main objective and reason for working is his children. And they are perhaps one of the biggest reasons why he doesn’t believe he will leave the village of La Harmonie.

“My children are going to school right now. I have a nineyear-old and a six-year-old. So I don’t think I would leave here. Because we went to secondary school right here, we used the river.”

Travelling to school in La Harmonie is more technical than in other places. The children from an early age have to learn the way the tide works. And how to tie and place their boats.

Ishmeal expressed that, “It is a little tough for us. The children find it more hard than the adults be because of the weather and the tide.” He went on further, saying, “You have to work with the tide. Keep your boat in or keep your both out so you can be on time.

In what he thinks is the most unique thing about La Harmonie, Ishmeal believes it is not the river or the wildlife but rather the people. Because they are who make the village what it is. He shared that, “It is a quiet area.

Friendly people, I know for sure. And a lot of hard-working people.”

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

Wildlife

- A way of life in La Harmonie village

By Shaniya Harding

A short boat ride required to venture into the village of La Harmonie may feel like entering an entirely new world.

A visit to the village of La Harmonie would take one on

A home in La Harmonie

an interesting journey as it offers a unique flare of exoticism and natural diversity.

The village’s native people are an ethnic mix. The fascinating fact about this,however is that they all share a genuine relationship and a similar way of life. “All of us born and grew up here, in this area,” says Roy Narine.

Roy was an estate farmer and then a farmer and has always been intune with nature. He stated that, “I used to work at the estate. I used a cut cane and did a little bit of farming.”

How the little-known village of La Harmonie came to be is a story that most of the villagers seem to know.

“This tree section was cocoa and tangerine mixed up in there,” says Roy. This was, of course, a very long time ago.

But Roy remembers how the little village has far less people than its estimated 200 people today.

He stated that there were fields of cocoa trees. Roy pointed out an area near his home where he says cocoa pods were once harvested and placed to dry.

La Harmonie’s proximity to some of Guyana’s most untapped wildlife has crafted villagers who live in one with their surroundings. The community has one main road and crossing that singular road would place someone in fields of thick trees and surrounded by some interesting animals. In the village of La Harmonie people have more birds and pets than they do dogs or cats. The area is rich in wildlife and biodiversity.

“We have monkeys and so on further in the bush. All kinds of wildlife are around. We have anteaters around and macaws,” explained Roy. On the way to the village, a number of monkeys, toucans, opossums, labbas, armadillos and even an anteater were spotted among the trees.

La Harmonie was established as and will probably remain

A few pet birds in La Harmonie(Shaneice Banfield photos)

as a farming community in some aspects. There, however, does seem to be a shift in the number of people in the village. But the people who still work in the village have simple jobs. As Roy stated, “Some of them are working as contractors and there are some people who are planting coconuts. “ However, there seems to be a shift in the way of life and the number of people residing in the community. Roy emphasised that many people have Left the village of La Harmonie to make elsewhere SEE PAGE XXIII

The stelling at Land of Canan used to get to the village of La Harmonie.

XI

XII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

Disappointed about the lacklustre World Mental Health Day celebrations TUESDAY, October 10 was observed as World Mental Health Day and I must say that I’m disappointed about the lack of activities and events held across the country. A few NGOs did host small events to commemorate the occasion.

However, I’ve seen most simply sharing flyers or useful information online.

I understand that the work is not only done on a single day, but it would’ve been nice to see more sensitisation and informational sharing sessions for members of the public on mental

health, the importance of speaking with professionals and resources available to help persons with mental challenges. The World Health Organization commemorates World Mental Health Day to raise awareness of mental health issues worldwide. The theme was “mental health is a universal right”.

This year’s theme is essential for Guyana’s way forward because of the state of our society. We must acknowledge the barriers people face regarding accessing mental health ser-

vices. While mental health is a universal right, not every Guyanese have fair access to treatment. Think about the Indigenous population and how they get to access mental health care. In some communities, it is nonexistent; in others, the care is limited and of poor standard. How about poor families without the money or ability to have advanced treatment care for their loved ones? The treatment for mental health is not particularly specialised.

Without the Mental Health Unit or the Psychiatric Hospital, most families won’t be

able to access these services to begin with. They can’t afford second opinions from other private professionals because health care on a whole can be very out of pocket for some families.

Unfortunately, our culture influences our decisions regarding how we access mental health services. There’s a grave stigma attached to the places of work associated with mental health. Some people are offended if you even suggest they seek help from certain places because that’s for “mad people” only. Our inability as a society to see through these issues and implement better solutions is what makes us one step behind in our efforts to improve the services offered.

It is a universal right, just

as physical health care and should be implemented alongside all of the country’s physical health care policy plans.

This is why I was upset to see only one and two events about the observation about Mental Health Day. It was a missed opportunity, especially since the theme was one that directly affects us and our people. I expected better, especially from some of the biggest names working on mental health and its services in Guyana. It could’ve been a great opportunity to inform people on their options and listen to suggestions on the way forward. As the old people say, “You gotta beat the iron while it’s hot”. Unfortunately, mental health is

more prevalent than we’d like to think or believe.

In the United States, it is estimated that 1 in 5 persons live with a mental illness of some sort. I’m sure Guyana’s numbers are just as staggering as this. I hope that every day something is improved in the service delivery for mental health. We’re already decades behind on the services and we can’t afford to always stay behind because as the world progresses—we’ll be left behind. As I’ve mentioned in previous column pieces, it makes no sense we aspire to be the next Dubai when we’ll simply be a rich country with rich people but with poor mental health. We’re focusing on the wrong riches.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

XIII

The dangerous climax…

When old habits meet new, ‘uncensored translations’

GROWING up, there were always adults and peers you tried to avoid, from witnessing you do anything that could amount to a bold adventure, like picking somebody’s fruit without permission. I mean, not raiding the fruit tree with a basket to sell; that was ‘thiefin’ outside of our consciousness. Even walking home with a female schoolmate; no touching, that was forbidden. It was just smiles and awkward, unrehearsed chatter. Or punching tunes with fellow conspirators at a punch box at some ‘pickney-not-allowed’ licensed liquor shop, while the shopowner was busy trying to scamp a half-drunk customer, we absorbed the melody and learnt the forbidden lyrics of a tune that was banned from the radio, until his attention zooms in at the punch box and sees our school uniforms, and shouts, “Wuh dese lil bwoy doing deh?” And we were gone. Yes, not every song made it to the morning wake-up programme, but we knew them anyhow.

In comparison to back then, what is different today is that there were censorship rules and codes of conduct. Based on nurturing awareness and sensitivity, they didn’t seek perfection. Perfection is a tremendous task, like the lyrics of the song from the movie, ‘The Man from La Mancha’- ‘To fight the unbeatable foe’. They sought to develop a sense of inner judgment to enable us, hopefully, in the majority, to positively balance our social senses, with a responsible influence on our impulses.

Today, there are no punch boxes. There is worse: Legions of drugs, smartphones, social media predators, a loss of empathy, obsessions driven by conspicuous consumption, and too many victims. Because the social media universe is new, luring and exciting, also parallel to the positives, an accommodating legion of negatives will exist in Guyana, open to the 18% who have phones and computers, and the rest informed by born gossipers, the latter an aged and perfected vice of misinformation and betrayal of confidences.

Thus, people who have been damaged by misplaced trust, or coerced into broken creeds may need comfort zones to heal.

FINDING ONE’S COMFORT ZONE A comfort zone is not a permanent place; it’s dangerous if you cannot attribute blame to beginnings, meaning one’s own environment and actions towards the betrayal of trust by another.

Now, if social media is a common place for you to hang your heart out, and the betrayer of your trust boasts of the actions that have affected you, then you may attract ‘the worse’, engaging you in a sympathetic tone, empathising, feigning discreet camaraderie, to which you bare your soul, seeking sympathetic understanding that turns out to be all about the violation of that comfort zone into an expansion of a further episode serial of that betrayed trust, for the popularity of a callous gossip predator. That can lead to further deterioration, even suicide or violence.

There are popular social media characters who seek attention through social gossip, based on someone’s misery through the betrayal of trust towards creating a gossip, and they are not to be confused with journalists, social activists, or columnists.

Their agenda is different. It is not about healing; bringing clarity that appeals to the public or official conscience. It is about the inflated ego, and lies must be told, and people must be destroyed for the ‘Inflated Ego’ to be fed.

Some years ago, at a wake, there was a debate about a person who was suspected to have committed suicide. What appeared to have happened was that the person was coerced into a course of defining actions that could be described as ‘soul-changing conduct’. The person afterwards retreated from the ‘crew and the course of the actions’, and returned confused to their former domicile. It was there, it was presumed, that the person had committed suicide. At the wake, the debate was that the suicide was forced. I held my ground, and maintained that as a big brother, father and grandfather, the most difficult

thing I have experienced was to get a child to swallow a tablet that the child did not want to swallow, much less the multiple tablets involved in that incident, with no evidence of force.

No side gave quarter; no one conceded, but a life was lost.

In closing, society is a complex organism; it has to be managed. It cannot be left on its own to repair and gain sustenance.

Like all forces of life, society has to be watered, fertilised, pruned and protected for its best-sustaining fruit to evolve above nature’s balance of predators.

XIV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

WILD FLOWERS ON AN OCTOBER MORNING CHRIS parked the Range Rover at the side of the main road on the East Coast and stepped out, pulling his cap down low so as not to be recognised. He stood there for a little while, looking at the place he had come to visit. It was a quiet, secluded area and taking a deep breath, he walked a little way to a narrow dam that the villagers called the old road. It led through a small village where he had lived as a little boy.

“This road I can never forget,” he voiced to himself, “My footprints are probably embedded in the dirt.”

It was a road he had walked as a little boy going to school with worn boots and wrinkled uniforms, a road where he had to hold his drunken father’s hand to guide him home.

“The suffering of those days,” he expressed, a wry smile on his face.

He walked further and saw the old house he had lived in standing still but in a neglected state. Nothing much had changed in the little village, nestled between silk cotton, tamarind and genip trees, a place time seemed to have forgotten.

He left when he was fourteen to join a cricket academy in the city, sponsored by an overseas sports organisation. He had been spotted at school competitions for his batting talent and that opportunity reshaped his life. He had visited home for short periods until his first call-up at the national level and from then on, he had never looked back. But he had promised one person to return one day after becoming successful and established, and he never forgot that promise.

It was a kind old villager, Aunty Sheila.

She had a small fireside under the tamarind tree, not far from her house and every morning she cooked delicious local

food for customers in and out of the village. Chris had to pass her every morning on his way to school and since there was always insufficient food at his home, his stomach would

rumble from the aroma of Aunty Sheila’s food. A few times he had paused, wanting something to eat but didn’t ask. Then one morning, she called him and asked, “Yuh hungry beta?”

He had nodded.

“Yuh doan get enough food at home?”

He had shaken his head and the old lady had clicked her tongue sympathetically, “Yuh need good food tuh grow and become a big bai.”

She told him to sit on one of the tree stumps, wrapped fried bora with shrimps, potato and tomatoes in a roti, and gave him a tin cup of lime tea.

Food, for Chris, had never tasted that good, like that morning.

It stayed etched in his memory and more so on that morning, wild flowers were in riotous bloom all around, making it a good day.

From that day on, she gave him food regularly, improving his strength and agility to get him selected for cricket matches and not be ignored for poor performances.

It was all through the kind act of an old lady that helped him to perfect his game and that talent opened doors of opportunities for him.

Today, that poor boy had become rich and popular, but the one person he wanted to thank was not there. The fireside from under the tamarind tree was gone and her house had gotten old and was in dire need of repairs.

“What happened here?”

He was sort of puzzled because he had been sending money regularly to take care of her health and her house, letting her know she was always in his thoughts. He stood there, trying to figure out what may have gone wrong, when a lady passed by pushing a fish cart. He stopped her, “Excuse me, aunty. Do you know the old lady that used to sell food under the tamarind tree?”

“Oh yeah,” she answered without hesitation, “She gone.”

“Gone where?”

“Don’t know, she jus gone.”

“Damn,” Chris muttered under his breath and called his mother.

“There’s something I need to know.”

“What is it?”

“I am at our old home in the village.”

“Wah yuh doing there?”

“I came to see the old lady who used to give me food when I was literally starving but she’s not here.”

His mother was silent for SEE PAGE XXVIII awhile then she said, “Ah don’t

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

XV

More mental health focus THERE is probably an infinite number of situations or occurrences that impact one’s mental health. Though awareness of mental health has increased over the past few years - moving from something I never heard about to something that, at the very least, people are talking about openly. I don’t believe there is enough emphasis on our mental health. I certainly don’t believe I place enough emphasis on my mental health.

It has been much easier for me to respond to any traditional (for lack of a better word) ailment. If I have a fever, I eat, ingest some medicine, and go to bed. If I spend all day in the field working and my body gets weary, I rest before my body shuts down on me. But I recognise that sometimes, I don’t respond as readily to things that impact my mental health. Earlier this year, when I travelled to Mahdia, for example, I saw horrific scenes and cried more than at any other point of my life. I recognised that my mental health took a toll then, but I forced myself to push my feelings aside and continue working. In retrospect, there was much more I could’ve done for my mental health because of the trauma I was exposed to. There are other days when my working hours are longer and more strenuous than expected. And I often find myself just able to get home, shower, and sleep.

It is on those days that I worry the most about burning out.

Now, I know much better, though every day is still a chance to learn much more.

Now that I am a bit more keen on boosting my mental health, I do quite a few things that seem to help. I am not a mental health professional, but I believe watching or playing sports (the Guyana Amazon Warriors winning the title this year certainly lifted my spirits!), spending time with friends and exercising help me regulate my emotions better and, overall, help improve my mental health. I also recently rediscovered my love for video games, which has helped me unwind after long days at work, though I will admit, I do get very frustrated when there is a ‘boss’ level I can’t seem to get past after days.

Therapy is also important. For a long time, I avoided therapy because I worried about ‘what people would think of me’ and other thoughts like that. Therapy is important because it helps you understand how your mind works and can help you determine how to better respond to challenges to your mental health whether that is the trauma you might be exposed to in your line of work, or other occurrences that impact you.

Beyond what I can say here, the Ministry of Health, in a statement released on World Mental Health Day, said it is pursuing several initiatives to help improve people’s mental well-being. Those initiatives include activities targeting

students so that they can benefit from counselling and guidance. It was also noted that several awareness programmes will be held throughout this month.

Aside from these initiatives, the statement noted that Guyana has been making some legislative strides.

“The Parliament passed two modern mental health legislations to provide protection, care, and treatment to individuals with mental illnesses based on a human-rights framework. The outdated Mental Hospital Ordinance of 1930, which was replaced by the Mental Health Protection and Promotion Legislation, and the Suicide Prevention Legislation, have decriminalised suicide in Guyana. The new laws aim to replace the institutionalisation of patients with a more community-based psychiatry approach. The decentralisation principle has led to the provision of specialised psychiatric services in various regions, and Tele-Psychiatry Services are now available in specific communities. The Ministry of Health’s Mental Health Unit is currently providing training to doctors and nurses using

the WHO Mental Health Gap (mhGap) program, which equips primary healthcare providers with the skills necessary for early diagnosis and management of mental health illnesses,” it noted.

I think these initiatives are important and I hope that our known human resources challenges can be resolved sooner so that more trained, well-compensated professionals are available to help people boost their mental well-being.

If you would like to discuss this column, please feel free to contact me via email: vish14ragobeer@gmail.com

XVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

Seven Spiritual Laws of Success cont’d…

I MENTIONED last week that I was working on a number of growth events in October in partnership with Tower Suites and Richard Young. Richard Young and I are two passionate Caribbean creatives who are intentional about transforming the lives of creative entrepreneurs regionally. We bring a wealth of knowledge to creating an enabling space for other creatives to thrive.

Against this backdrop, we are channelling our energies in October to add value to service industry professionals, and pursue excellence in service deliverables in the burgeoning Guyanese professional landscape.

Our combined experience and honed expertise afford

them the privilege of industry-specific wisdom that can impact the individual lives of attendees to their workshops, seminars and symposia. You can email living withintention11@ gmail.com or use the ‘info’ on the flyer below if interested.

I will encourage you again to do the things daily that will assist you to live a purpose-driven life.

Last week we started the discussion on the Seven Spiritual Laws of Success; seven laws for seven days. We now move on to our four days.

THURSDAY The Law of Intention and Desire Inherent in every intention and desire is the mechanics for its fulfillment. Intention and desire in the field of pure potentiality have infinite organising power. And when we introduce an intention in the fertile ground of pure potentiality, we put this infinite organising power to work for us.

I will put the Law of Intention and Desire into effect by committing to take the following steps: 1. I will make a list of all SEE PAGE XXV my desires; I will carry this list

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

XVII

XVIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

XIX

XX

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

XXI

Celebrating World Food Day: Advancing the SDGs in Guyana through Agriculture GREETINGS, young ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to our special Sunday edition.

Today, we will explore the interconnected topics of World Food Day, Agriculture, and the Sustainable Development Goals. Let’s delve into how these topics are closely linked.

October 16th, a special day on the global calendar, is marked as World Food Day. A day dedicated to raising awareness about food security, nutrition, and agriculture’s vital role in our lives. This celebration takes on a unique significance in Guyana, where agriculture takes centre stage, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and coinciding with Agriculture Month.

Guyana’s Agricultural Potential: A Key to Sustainable Development In recent years, Guyana has been increasingly recognised as a nation with immense agricultural potential. Its fertile lands, abundant water resources, and favourable climate conditions make it a prime candidate for agricultural growth. This potential means economic prosperity and contributes significantly to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Let’s get into the Role of Agriculture in the SDGs Agriculture and food security are closely linked to several SDGs, including: 1. No Poverty (SDG 1): A robust agricultural sector can provide employment opportunities and alleviate poverty in rural areas, where poverty rates are often the highest.

2. Zero Hunger (SDG 2): Enhancing agricultural productivity ensures an ample supply of food for the nation, which is crucial for achieving zero hunger.

3. Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3): Access to nutritious food is essential for overall health and well-being. Sustainable agricultural practices ensure healthier food options.

4. Quality Education (SDG 4): Agriculture education programs can help in building a skilled workforce for the sector, thereby improving the quality of education.

5. Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6): Sustainable agriculture practices minimise water wastage and contamination, contributing to clean water availability.

6. Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8): The agricultural sector generates jobs and stimulates economic growth, especially in developing SEE PAGE XXIII nations.

XXII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

Paneer-making at Singh’s...

FROM PAGE II

keting his home-made product, and he makes a batch from 25 gallons of fresh cow’s milk weekly for distribution to supermarkets.

He reported that he would do his distribution on Thursdays weekly, and his small business has been in operation for the past two years.

The farmer related that before he started his small business of paneer-making, he used to get a lot of milk, since the customers who once bought could no longerdo so.

And before it went to waste, he decided to make use of it by making paneer for his own kitchen, and then it turned into his small business from which he and his family earn today.

Singh explained that he cannot afford to employ people, so he, his wife, daughter and son collectively manage everything from their home, and so far, it is going well.

“I never imagined that my simple home-made recipe of paneer would be on the shelves of more than 15 leading supermarkets in the country and as far as Essequibo, and I am happy that it turned into a small business from which I can earn with support from my family and the Ministry of Agriculture, it was possible,” he said.

Singh disclosed that so far, he has had good feedback on his product, and maintains that his paneer is of excellent quality, hygienic and has met all of the required standards.

The local farmer added that from his layer birds farm, he would collect 200 trays of eggs daily, and although it is a lot of work, he manages with the help of his wife and two children.

Singh stated that when the area was flooded, he managed to take his cows to higher ground, and that’s how he kept his cattle alive, and was able to recover and restart his farm following the devastating natural disaster that struck more than once.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

Celebrating World Food Day: ...

XXIII

FROM PAGE XXI 7. Climate Action (SDG 13): Sustainable agriculture can help mitigate the effects of climate change through responsible land use and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

8. Life on Land (SDG 15): Agriculture is intrinsically linked to biodiversity and ecosystem conservation, which is crucial for life on land.

The Role of the EPA The Environmental Protection Agency of Guyana plays a pivotal role in overseeing and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Their responsibilities include monitoring and regulating the use of pesticides and fertilisers, ensuring soil conservation, and preserving the environment in the face of expanding agricultural activities.

EPA encourages farmers to adopt more sustainable methods, such as crop rotation, organic farming, and efficient irrigation techniques. By offering guidance and incentives for environmentally friendly practices, they aim to balance agricultural growth with ecological conservation.

A Call to Action On World Food Day, Guyana is celebrating its agricultural achievements and calling for continued action.

The nation recognises that there is still work to be done to ensure food security and sustainable agriculture for all.

By aligning with the SDGs, Guyana is taking steps toward a brighter and more prosperous future for its people and the planet.

Guyana’s World Food Day and Agriculture Month celebration underscores its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. By focusing on sustainable agriculture and food security, the nation is making strides toward a better and more sustainable future for all its citizens while contributing to global efforts to address critical poverty,

Wildlife..

FROM PAGE XI their home. George Sarjo is another man living in the village and he has been so since birth. George is 82 years old and in his eight decades, he says he has seen very little change in the village.

George is one of the villagers who went beyond the bounds of the village seeking work. As he shared, “Mostly we used to do farming and I did some contracting in Region 3 until I called it off.” On the matter of the past, George says that the village was not just a cocoa plantation but it was home to some of the village’s first people.

It is safe to assume that the village and its plantation were once home to a set of indentured immigrants. “Just where you walked was logies long ago,” George said. “That was nearly 60 or 70years ago. Since then we have lived here.” And they state that they will remain. The people of La Harmonie have adapted to living in the village over the years. Although there is what is considered a main stelling at the la Harmonie primary school, the village is lined with numerous smaller places for mooring boats.

“Everybody has to have a boat,” George said. “Right now, there are probably three or four boats at the landing.” La Harmonie village is a quaint little village that is a world apart from the bustling life in the capital city. La Harmonie village is one of the few places that you can get to in just a few hours from Georgetown. But it will offer an unforgettable experience. With the trees, the animals and beautiful people of the village.

hunger, and environmental conservation issues. World Food Day reminds us that we all play a crucial role in building a sustainable and hunger-free world.

That concludes our discussion for now. Please tune in next week for another exciting edition.

Happy World Food Day Guyana!

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.

XXIV

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

Seven Spiritual Laws of Success ...

FROM PAGE XV

with me wherever I go. I will look at this list before I go into my silence and meditation. I will look at it before I go to sleep at night. I will look at it when I wake up in the morning.

2. I will release this list of my desires, and surrender it to the womb of creation, trusting that when things don’t seem to go my way, there is a reason, and that the cosmic plan has designs for me much grander than even those I have conceived.

3. I will remind myself to practice present-moment awareness in all my actions. I will refuse to allow obstacles to consume and dissipate the quality of my attention in the present moment. I will accept the present as it is, and manifest the future through my deepest, most cherished intentions and desires.

FRIDAY The Law of Detachment In detachment lies the wisdom of uncertainty. In the wisdom of uncertainty lies the freedom from our past; from the known, which is the prison of past conditioning. And in our willingness to step into the unknown, the field of all possibilities, we surrender ourselves to the creative mind that orchestrates the dance of the universe.

I will put the Law of Detachment into effect by committing to take the following steps: 1. Today, I will commit myself to detachment. I will allow myself and those around me the freedom to be as they are; I will not rigidly impose my idea of how things should be. I will not force solutions on problems, thereby creating new problems. I will participate in everything with detached involvement.

2. Today I will factor in uncertainty as an essential ingredient of my experience. In my willingness to accept uncertainty, solutions will spontaneously emerge out of the problem, out of the confusion, disorder, and chaos. The more uncertain things seem to be, the more secure I will feel, because uncertainty is my path to freedom. Through the wisdom of uncertainty, I will find my security.

3. I will step into the field of all possibilities and anticipate the excitement that can occur when I remain open to infinite choices. When I step into the field of all possibilities, I will experience all the fun, adventure, magic, and mystery of life.

The Law of Dharma or Purpose in Life Everyone has a purpose in life. A unique gift or special talent to give to others. And when we blend this unique talent with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and exultation of our own spirit, which is the ultimate goal.

I will put the Law of Dharma into effect by committing to take the following steps: 1. Today I will lovingly nurture the god or goddess in embryo that lies deep within my soul. I will pay attention to the spirit within me that animates both my body and my mind.

I will awaken myself to this deep stillness within my heart. I will carry the consciousness of timeless, eternal Being in the midst of time-bound experience.

2. I will make a list of my unique talents. Then I will list all the things that I love to do while expressing my unique talents. When I express my unique talents and use them in the service of humanity, I lose track of time and create abundance in my life as well as in the lives of others.

XXV

XXVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

XXVII

XXVIII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

WILD FLOWERS ON AN....

FROM PAGE XIV

know wah happen to she.”

“Oh yes you do,” Chris said, a stern tone in his voice.

“You did not give her the money I sent nor did you visit to see how she was doing. You lied to me!”

“Chris, please, listen---” “How could you do something like that?”

He cut off the call and sat under the tamarind tree, a distressed feeling in his heart. The wild flowers blooming all around gave him a little good feeling and getting up to go, he said quietly by firmly, “I will talk to the relevant authorities to get some work done to uplift the village and I’ll do my part as well.”

As he walked down the old road, he spotted a lady coming from church he recognised as Aunty Sheila’s neighbour and spoke to her.

She told him that Aunty Sheila had become sick and was taken to a home because no relative wanted to care for her.

“Which home?”

“Ah don’t know, son.”

Chris checked all the homes in the city, but she was nowhere and the next morning he drove to Berbice to the Dharamshala but she was not there either nor in the Corentyne.

“Where are you?” he whispered with growing desperation.

He would soon have to leave for a tour of Australia and his heart’s desire was to see her and spend some time with her before he left again. He sent out messages to friends for information on elderly homes and received three addresses but no luck until he reached the third one.

A long bridge across a canal took him to a white colonial-type house on a sprawling garden.

“This seems like a nice place, I hope she’s here.”

He spoke to the supervisor who summoned the young doctor who had opened that home just a year ago.

“Do you have a Sheila Singh here? I’ve been searching for her.”

The doctor smiled and said, “I’m happy you’re here. She has been hoping to see you too.”

Chris breathed a deep sigh of relief that he had finally found her. He was taken to a section of the living room that overlooked the garden and he saw her laying on a recliner.

The distressed feeling in his heart dissipated and happiness surged through his being as he knelt down and took her hand.

“I’m sorry I took so long to return and sorry my mother did not take care of you like I asked her to.”

Happiness shone in the old lady’s eyes and she touched his hand, her arms now frail and feeble.

“Is okay, son, yuh follow yuh dream and ah suh happy fuh yuh.”

“She watched the CPL final,” the doctor told Chris, “And cheered every boundary you hit.”

“What?” Chris looked at her, surprised.

“You did great, son,” she said, touching his head and giving him her blessing.

He embraced her, tears in his eyes and stayed, talking with her until she fell asleep.

“How did she get here?” Chris asked the doctor, “And who’s paying for her stay?”

“I was at a mandir in Strasphey and a colleague’s friend told me of her story. That same friend created a fund for persons to pay for her treatment and comfort.”

“She had helped many and that good has come back to her. I will be making payment from now on for her.”

He visited her every day until it was time for him to leave on the tour and he said to her, “When I come back, we’ll go visit your old village and rebuild your house.”

She watched him go and whispered weakly, “Goodbye, son.”

Two weeks later, the doctor called Chris, “I’m sorry sir, she passed away.”

He brought her ashes to her old home and walked with them under the tamarind tree and among the wildflowers before scattering them in the sea, for he had promised to bring her home to visit her old village.

She had helped a poor boy to follow his dreams and his bat will now always speak her name.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

XXIX

XXX

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

XXXI

XXXII

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

XXXIII

XXXIV

THOUGHT FOR I wasted time, and

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

TODAY

now doth time was te me.

WILLIAM SHAK ESPEARE (15641616) Richard II

October 15, 2023 STUDY SUCCESS Dear Student, Welcome dear friend.

There are helpful strategies that really boost your read-

ing comprehension skills, namely: activating background knowledge, questioning, analyzing text structure, creating mental images, and summarizing. Think beyond the story and relate to your experiences concerning its contents; maybe do some journalling or produce a non-verbal response like a diagram or map. Explore books of mystery and worlds new to you. Skim or scan accordingly as each is very important to going through the text. Be wise.

Love you.

GRAMMAR Numbers We use numbers to communicate specific information – quantities, dollar amounts, percentages, measurements, dates. Their importance is very critical in our messages. Begin then, to refresh your memory when to write numbers in words and when to write them in figures.

Numbers written words.

In business correspondence particular numbers are used. But there are occasions when numbers are written in words.

1) Numbers from 1 through 10.

When used in isolated instances, the numbers from 1 through 10 should be written in words.

Each of the five scholars has two years to work for the government.

Of the twelve proposals that were submitted to the panel, only six were accepted.

2) Numbers that begin sentences. Write in words any number that begins a sentence. Rephrase the sentence if the number is too awkward to express in words.

Fifteen coastal districts have reported that vagabonds are smashing new streetlights.

One hundred twenty-nine thousand two hundred fifty-three dollars were paid to two sanitary workers as compensation for injury on the job. (Awkward.)

Two sanitary workers have together been compensated with $129,253 for their injury on the job. (Rephrased sentence is not awkward.)

When spelling out large numbers (numbers over 1000), use the shortest possible form possible.

Thirteen hundred orders were received for our school meals in the first week of this term. (Not one thousand three hundred.)

Twenty-seven hundred samples have been distributed to qualified buyers throughout the town. (Not two thousand seven hundred.)

Remember: Rephrasing a sentence that begins with a number is the best way to eliminate awkwardness.

3) Fractions standing alone. Write in words a fraction that stands alone without a whole number.

Nearly one-half of the complaints concerned the lateness of dismissal on Sundays. (Not ½.)

4) Ages. Ages are spelled out unless they are considered significant statistics or technical measurements.

Barbara began working for Ms. Megan at the age of twenty-one. (A general reference to age.)

Employees over the age of 30 are eligible to join this pension plan. (A significant statistic.)

5) Periods of time. General periods of time are usually written in words.

This new female hair product had virtually no competition for the first twenty years it was on the market.

Most of the school’s ancillary staff have been with the school for thirty-two years or more.

Something to Do Find and correct any errors in the following sentences. Write O.K. if there are no errors.

1. The average discount on the used table-model sewing machines is ½ off.

2. Yes. He’ll be able to meet with us to discuss this problem at 15:30.

3. One thousand eight hundred copies of the children’s page will be distributed to our Sunday school groups.

4. If you would like 5 or 6 more copies of the pages, just call the secretary.

5. A change in company policy now prohibits working past the age of seventy.

6. 26 people have applied for this gardening position in just one day.

7. Katty, who has been my friend for about ten years, will most likely become my new travel partner.

8. Of course, we realise that there is more than 1 way to solve the problem of staying away from afternoon classes.

THE PASSAGE In this exercise read to understand relations between parts of the given texts. And to rebuild the passages whose different parts are given out of order, you need to study the time adverbs, the systems reference and the chronology of events which help to make the two texts coherent.

Here are two very short stories. Read and then reorder the sentences so as to get two meaningful stories. Write them out. a) His friend was upset and told him to hurry up. b) “When I make out my report it will be easier to write ‘King Street’ as the place of occurrence.” c) “Whatever you are doing that for?” asked a bystander. d) Two burglars broke into a bank. e) He replied: “Don’t worry. It will take a bit longer, but we’ll drive the fingerprint department crazy.” f) The policeman replied with a knowing look: g) One went up to the safe, took off his shoes and socks and started moving the combinations with his toes. h) A horse had dropped dead in a street named Nebuchadnezzar Street and a policeman was laboriously dragging it round the corner into the next street.

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023

XXXV

Being the ideal patient SUCCESSFUL treatment in the healing arts is not attributed exclusively to administering an appropriate remedy. Once there is person-to-person interaction, a certain degree of understanding must prevail. In the case of the dentist-patient relationship, the concept of success after treatment should be balanced when both parties have systematically analysed the result.

Discussing the dentist-patient relationship must begin with one singular but critical observation. There is an unfortunate tendency in the dental literature to assume that there is only one kind of dentist-patient relationship. Such a conceptualisation has limited the kinds of research carried out and compromised or limited the relevance of the findings which have been reported.

There are three types of relationships, which vary according to the relative amounts of responsibility required of the dentist and patient. The importance of being aware of these explains the doubts about whether there is any guarantee of dental work done by the dentist.

In one model, the dentist assumes complete responsibility for caring for the patient. In its most extreme form, the patient is incapable of reacting, that is, he/she is unconscious or in a coma, etc. The second type of relationship is that of the guidance co-operation model. The dentist gives advice, direction or instructions and the patient is expected to carry them out. This type of relationship is probably the most traditional and most familiar one. The third type of relationship is that of mutual participation. In this model, both the dentist and patient share equally. The patient is expected to take responsibility for his welfare and promote his health. Only here can he engage in preventative and health-promoting behaviours or in adherence to prescribed regimens for controlling chronic disease.

Studies have described the “good patient” as obedient, conforming and willing to assume the role of the patient.

According to researcher E.F. Borgotta, the degree to which the patient poses little risk of threat to the professional and the extent to which he readily conforms defines the patient positively. In addition, individuals characterised as “good patients” are described as agreeable, likeable, warm and attractive according to T.A.Wills writing in the Psychological Bulletin (1999).

The psychiatric and social work literature has demonstrated that the professional’s first impression of the patient in terms of the dimensions discussed above significantly affects the outcome of treatment. Patients who are co-operative and behave well tend to get the better of the dentist. In fact, studies show that the professional image of the patient on the first visit is significantly related to treatment outcome.

The findings of Horning and Massagli (2001) indicate that as professionals become more specialised, there appears to be an increased emphasis on the negative characteristics of the patient and the tendency to label them as the negative persons who exaggerate small ailments and who are headstrong. It is conceivable that patients who challenge professional integrity tend to receive labels that place them outside of the professional’s area of expertise or define them as untreatable.

A recent survey in the USA reported that for dentists, the ideal patient was females between ages 25-55 years old, well educated and at the upper end of the social scale. This aspect further proved the physical appearance dimension in relation to treatment. Also, almost half the dentists surveyed had lost patients due to poor interpersonal relationships. On the other hand, patients believe that critical factors of a good dentist include his/ her personality, ability to reduce fear and anxiety, and technical ability.

XXXVI

CHRONICLE PEPPERPOT ― Sunday, October 15, 2023